JP5879941B2 - Goods transport equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an article conveying facility including a plurality of conveying devices that are operated by electric power and a control unit that controls the operation of the conveying devices.

  Such an article transporting facility is capable of traveling on a work path provided along the left-right direction of an article storage shelf having a plurality of storage units arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions as a transport device, and from the storage unit. Equipped with a stacker crane that can transport articles to and from the loading / unloading port for loading / unloading, a loading / unloading conveyor that can transport the goods between the loading / unloading port and the loading / unloading port, sorting carts, and loading / unloading conveyors. Configured.

  These stacker cranes, loading / unloading conveyors, loading / unloading conveyors, sorting carts, etc. are configured to operate by electric motors and actuators driven by electric power. Electric power for operation is supplied, and electric power is supplied to each transport device from a distribution board provided in the distribution board. Power is supplied to the switchboard from the grid power line that normally supplies power from the power company (system power), but if the power supply cannot be received from the power company for some reason, such as a power outage, In order to prevent the entire function of the transfer facility from being stopped, the power generated by the private power generator provided in the article transfer facility may be configured to be supplied to the switchboard.

In such an article transport facility, sufficient power is supplied from an electric power company to operate all transport devices provided in the facility at the same time. However, for example, when power is not supplied to the article transport facility due to a power failure or the like, it is necessary to generate and supply power for operating the transport device by using a private power generator. At this time, if it is intended to supply power equivalent to that normally supplied by the private power generator, it is necessary to deploy a private power generator with a large power (output) that can be generated. Equipment costs high and requires a large installation space due to its large size, so that all the transportation equipment provided in the article transportation facility can be operated simultaneously in order to reduce costs and installation space. In many cases, a self-power generation device that can output power smaller than that required for power generation is controlled, and during a power failure, the operation of the transport device is controlled so that it is within the power generated by the self-power generation device. In such a case, sufficient power cannot be supplied to simultaneously operate all the conveying devices provided in the article conveying facility.
In addition, there is a case where the power company is required to reduce the power used (power saving) because the power supply from the power company is insufficient for the power demand. Sufficient power cannot be supplied to simultaneously operate all the transport devices provided in the facility.

Therefore, conventionally, when all the transport equipment provided in the article transport facility cannot be operated at the rated power with usable power, the stacker crane as the transport equipment should be operated with the power consumption smaller than the rated power. An article conveyance facility configured to control the apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In the article transport facility described in Patent Document 1, the control means is rated with respect to the traveling electric motor and the lifting electric motor provided in the stacker crane in order to operate the stacker crane in a state of allowing the operation with the rated power. Set the traveling speed pattern so that the sum of the normal mode for controlling power supply and the driving current of the electric motor for traveling and the driving current of the lifting electric motor is less than the rated current of the private power generator, It is configured to be switchable to a power saving mode for controlling the stacker crane to operate according to the traveling speed pattern.
Thus, in the said patent document 1, the electric power consumed by a stacker crane is suppressed by operating a stacker crane at low speed as a power saving mode.

JP 2009-126643 A

However, although the power consumption can be suppressed by operating the stacker cranes in the power saving mode in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a plurality of stacker cranes are provided in the article transport facility, these stacker cranes are used. Therefore, in order to continue the operation of the facility by operating a plurality of stacker cranes in the power saving mode, it is necessary to deploy a private power generator with a large output.
In addition, if the goods transport equipment is equipped with transport equipment other than a stacker crane (for example, a conveyor or a sorting transport cart) and the transport function of the goods transport equipment is realized, these equipment can be operated continuously. It is also necessary to supply electric power for operating the transporting device, and it is necessary to deploy a power generator with a larger output.
Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, when power supplied from an electric power company or the like is limited as a power saving measure, when a large number of transport devices are operated in the power saving mode, a plurality of transport devices are used. The power for operating the system cannot be secured, and the operation of the facility cannot be continued.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to continue operation of equipment even when a plurality of transfer devices are provided when usable power is limited. The object is to provide an article transport facility capable of performing the above.

A first characteristic configuration of an article conveying facility according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a plurality of conveying devices that are operated by electric power, and a control unit that controls the operation of the conveying device, The control means is a normal power operation mode that does not limit a transfer device to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices, and a simultaneous use power value of the plurality of transfer devices is equal to or lower than a limit upper limit power value. The left and right sides of the article storage shelf are configured to be switchable to an operation mode at the time of power limitation that targets only the transfer equipment selected in (1), and includes a plurality of storage units arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions as the transfer equipment. One or a plurality of stacker cranes capable of traveling along a work path provided along a direction and transporting articles from the storage unit to a delivery outlet for delivery of goods, and the stacker crane at the delivery outlet. One or a plurality of shipping transport devices capable of transporting an article received from a car crane to a shipping port for shipping to the outside, wherein the control means is configured to place the article in the article storage shelf in the power limited operation mode. In other words, it is configured to select a transfer device to be actuated in a state of being sequentially switched from the article storage shelf side to the shipping port side so that it can be transferred from the shipping port to the shipping port .

In other words, when a plurality of transfer devices can be operated at rated power, the operation mode is a normal power operation mode that does not restrict the transfer devices to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices. It can be in a state where it can be operated. Therefore, for example, when the article transport facility is provided in an article storage facility having an automatic warehouse, it is possible to enter or leave between the automatic warehouse and the outside using all selectable transport routes. .
In addition, when there is a limit to the power that can be used, for example, power supply cannot be received due to a power failure, only power generated by the private power generator can be used, and power that can be generated by the private power generator is not available. If it is not sufficient to operate all the transport devices at the same time, only some transport devices selected so that the simultaneous power use value is less than or equal to the upper limit power value at the time of restriction among multiple transport devices are targeted for operation. For example, when there is a limit to the power that can be used by selecting a transport device that is required to continue the operation of the facility as the transport device to be operated. However, it is possible to maintain the function of the transport facility.
Further, in the operation mode at the time of power limitation, in order to be able to transport the article from the article storage shelf to the shipping port, the transport device to be operated is selected in a state of being sequentially switched from the article storage shelf side to the shipping port side. From the above, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the transport device in a state where only the device that transports the product is the target product, and when the usable power is limited, there are a plurality of transport devices. Even if it is provided, it is possible to continue the operation of the equipment and appropriately convey and ship the item to be shipped from the item storage shelf to the target shipping port.
For example, a stacker crane is provided that can freely transport articles from the storage unit to the exit port for exiting articles, and is used as a shipping transport device that transports articles received from the stacker crane toward the shipping port. When a delivery conveyor, sorting cart, and receipt / shipment conveyor are provided, the stacker crane is the most upstream side, and the receipt / shipment conveyor is the most downstream side. Operate one or more stacker cranes in the state, then operate one or more entry / exit conveyors in a state that does not operate any transfer equipment other than the entry / exit conveyor, and then turn on the transfer equipment other than the sorting carriage Actuate one or more sorting carts in a non-actuated state, and then actuate transport equipment other than the incoming and outgoing conveyors In a state where one or more receipt / shipment conveyors are operated in a state in which they are not operated, articles are conveyed by sequentially switching the transfer device to be operated from the most upstream stacker crane toward the most downstream receipt / shipment conveyor. The transport equipment adjacent to the transport equipment in the upstream and downstream directions does not consume power, or even if power is consumed, the power consumption of the entire equipment can be reduced as the value is small.
In short, according to the first characteristic configuration, it is possible to provide an article transport facility capable of continuing the operation of the facility even when a plurality of transport devices are provided when usable power is limited. .
In addition, according to the first characteristic configuration, even if there is a limit to the power that can be used, the equipment is kept operating by partially operating the transport device, and the goods to be shipped are stored. It is possible to transport and ship from the shelf toward the target shipping port.

The second characteristic configuration of the article conveying facility according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a plurality of conveying devices that are operated by electric power, and a control unit that controls the operation of the conveying device, The control means is a normal power operation mode that does not limit a transfer device to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices, and a simultaneous use power value of the plurality of transfer devices is equal to or lower than a limit upper limit power value. The left and right sides of the article storage shelf are configured to be switchable to an operation mode at the time of power limitation that targets only the transfer equipment selected in (1), and includes a plurality of storage units arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions as the transfer equipment. A plurality of stacker cranes are provided which can travel along a work path provided along a direction and can transport articles from the storage unit to a delivery outlet for delivery of goods, and the stacker crane is provided at the delivery outlet. -It has one or a plurality of shipping transport devices capable of transporting the articles received from the crane to the shipping port for shipping to the outside, and the control means is stored in the storage section in the power limited operation mode. The present invention is configured to select the stacker crane on the carry-out path for conveying the shipment target article to the target shipping port and the shipping transport device as the transport device to be operated.
In other words, when a plurality of transfer devices can be operated at rated power, the operation mode is a normal power operation mode that does not restrict the transfer devices to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices. It can be in a state where it can be operated. Therefore, for example, when the article transport facility is provided in an article storage facility having an automatic warehouse, it is possible to enter or leave between the automatic warehouse and the outside using all selectable transport routes. .
  In addition, when there is a limit to the power that can be used, for example, power supply cannot be received due to a power failure, only power generated by the private power generator can be used, and power that can be generated by the private power generator is not available. If it is not sufficient to operate all the transport devices at the same time, only some transport devices selected so that the simultaneous power use value is less than or equal to the upper limit power value at the time of restriction among multiple transport devices are targeted for operation. For example, when there is a limit to the power that can be used by selecting a transport device that is required to continue the operation of the facility as the transport device to be operated. However, it is possible to maintain the function of the transport facility.
Further, in the power limited operation mode, a transport device on the carry-out path for transporting the article to be shipped stored in the storage unit to the target shipping port so that the article can be transported from the article storage shelf to the shipping port. Since it is selected as the transport device to be operated, the power consumption of the transport device can be reduced and only the power that can be used is limited, with only the transport device on the specific transport path as the operation target article. In such a case, even if a plurality of transfer devices are provided, the operation of the facility is continued, and the goods to be shipped are appropriately transported from the article storage shelf to the target shipping port and shipped. Is possible.
  To add explanation, for example, a plurality of stacker cranes that are capable of transporting articles from a storage unit to an exit port for article delivery are provided, and as a shipping transport device that transports articles received from the stacker crane toward the shipping port, In the case where one or a plurality of loading / unloading conveyors, sorting carts, and loading / unloading conveyors are provided, the stacker crane is the most upstream side and the loading / unloading conveyor is the most downstream side. Among them, by operating only the transport equipment on the transport path consisting of the stacker crane, the loading / unloading conveyor, the sorting transport cart, and the receiving / shipping conveyor that constitute the transport path that can transport the goods to be shipped, The transport equipment other than the transport equipment to be configured does not consume power, or even if power is consumed, the entire equipment is assumed to have a small value. It is possible to reduce power consumption.
  In short, according to the second feature configuration, it is possible to provide an article transport facility capable of continuing the operation of the facility even when a plurality of transport devices are provided when usable power is limited. .
  In addition, according to the second feature configuration, even when there is a limit to the power that can be used, the operation of the equipment is continued by partially operating the transport device, and the goods to be shipped are stored. It is possible to transport and ship from the shelf toward the target shipping port.

In addition to the first or second feature configuration, the third feature configuration of the present invention is an artificial mode switching in which switching between the normal power mode operation mode and the power limit mode operation mode can be commanded manually. Command means is provided, and the control means is configured to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode based on command information commanded by the mode switching command means. is there.

That is, when the usable power is limited, it is possible to switch from the normal power mode operation mode to the power limit mode operation mode by the artificial mode switching command means.
Thus, for example, when it is foreseen that the power supply from the power company will be insufficient and the available power is limited, or when the power that can be generated by the private power generator is not sufficient to operate all the transport equipment In a situation where only the electric power generated by the private power generator can be used, all the transport devices are switched from the normal power operation mode to the power limit operation mode based on the operator's command. It becomes possible to appropriately convey the article to be conveyed in a state where the necessary conveying device is operated.

Thus, according to the third feature configuration, a preferred embodiment of the first or second feature configuration can be provided.

According to a fourth feature configuration of the present invention, in addition to the first or second feature configuration, an upper limit power value acquisition unit that acquires the upper limit power value at the time of limitation is provided, and the control unit includes the upper limit power value acquisition unit. Is configured to switch between the normal power operating mode and the power limited operating mode based on the limited upper limit power value information.

That is, based on the limited upper limit power value information acquired by the upper limit power value acquisition means, it is possible to switch between the normal power operating mode and the power limited operating mode.
Here, the upper limit power value information at the time of restriction acquired by the upper limit power value acquisition means includes, for example, power supply status information such as a power outage or supply power restriction start information transmitted from the power company through the telecommunication line. can do.
Since the control means switches between the normal power operation mode and the power restriction operation mode based on the upper limit power value information acquired as described above, the operator determines the power supply status. Therefore, it is not necessary to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode by human operation, and it is possible to switch to the power limit operation mode at an appropriate timing.

According to a fifth feature configuration of the present invention, in addition to the second feature configuration, a transfer device to be operated in the power limit operation mode is preset in correspondence with the limit upper limit power value. It is in.

  That is, in the operation mode at the time of power limitation, since the conveyance device set in advance corresponding to the upper limit power value at the time of limitation is set as the operation target, the transfer equipment of the plurality of transfer devices as the operation target transfer device By selecting and setting in advance the equipment required to continue the operation of the machine, it is not necessary to select the transfer equipment to be operated every time the operation mode is switched to the power limited operation mode. It is possible to provide an article transport facility that can be switched from the operation mode to the operation mode when power is limited.

According to a sixth feature of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fourth features described above, the control means has a simultaneous power consumption value that is the upper limit power value at the time of restriction in the power restriction operation mode. It is the point which is comprised so that one or several conveyance apparatus selected so that a simultaneous electric power value may become below the said upper limit electric power value at the time of limitation from the said some conveyance apparatus exceeding it is made into operation | movement object.

That is, in the power restriction operation mode, the simultaneous use power value is equal to or less than the limit upper limit power value from a plurality of transfer devices in which the simultaneous use power value exceeds the limit upper limit power value, for example, all the transfer devices in the article transfer facility. A part (one or a plurality) of the selected transport devices can be the target of operation.
That is, when the operation mode is switched to the power limit operation mode, a part of the transport devices necessary for transporting the article is selected from all the transport devices in the article transport facility, and the selected transport device is selected as the operation target. By operating as a transport device, the transport device can be selected so that the transport of a specific article is properly completed.

In addition, assuming that a pre-selected transport device is an operation target transport device, the selected transport target transport device actually needs transport when switched to the power limit operation mode. There is a possibility that it is not a transport device capable of transporting articles.
For example, in the case where the article transport facility is configured with a plurality of automatic warehouses composed of stacker cranes and article storage shelves, it corresponds to an article storage shelf that is different from the article storage shelves that store articles to be transported. Assuming that the automatic warehouse is an automatic warehouse that stores articles of main varieties, when the stacker crane in the automatic warehouse is selected and set as a transfer device to be operated, even if it is desired to issue an article that is not the main varieties, Since the stacker crane corresponding to the article storage shelf in which the article to be conveyed in which the article is stored is stored cannot be operated, the article cannot be transferred.

On the other hand, according to the sixth feature configuration, the transfer device selected from all the transfer devices in the article transfer facility is selected to be a transfer device necessary for transferring the article to be transferred. Therefore, if necessary, an article to be conveyed can be conveyed by selecting a conveying apparatus corresponding to the article that needs to be conveyed as the conveying apparatus to be operated.

Schematic configuration diagram of goods transport equipment The schematic block diagram which shows the electric power feeding system with respect to the article conveyance equipment in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the control structure of article conveyance equipment Diagram showing power usage in normal power operation mode Diagram showing power consumption in power limit operation mode The figure showing the selection state of the conveyance apparatus of the operation target in 1st and 2nd embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the electric power feeding system with respect to the article conveyance equipment in 2nd Embodiment The figure showing the selection state of the conveyance apparatus of the operation target in 3rd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of an article storage facility provided with an article conveying facility according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the article storage facility includes an automatic warehouse J composed of an article storage shelf 2 and a stacker crane 51, a loading / unloading conveyor 52 that delivers the article B between the stacker crane 51, and the article B An incoming / outgoing conveyor 53 for delivery from the outside, and a sorting and transporting carriage 54 that can travel along the traveling rail 4 and that carries articles between the incoming / outgoing conveyor 52 and the incoming / outgoing conveyor 53; , And is configured.

  The article storage shelf 2 includes a plurality of storage units that store articles in the vertical and horizontal directions. Although not shown, the stacker crane 51 includes a traveling carriage that can travel on a traveling path 3 provided on the front side of the article storage shelf 2, a pair of front and rear columns that are erected on the traveling carriage, and a pair of front and rear An upper frame that connects the upper ends of the columns is provided, and a lifting platform that is guided by a pair of front and rear columns and is movable up and down is provided. Further, the lifting platform is provided with a transfer device configured to transfer the article B between the storage unit and itself.

As shown in FIG. 1, the stacker crane 51 is configured to be able to transfer articles to both of a pair of article storage shelves 2 that face each other, and three stacker cranes 51 a for a total of six article storage shelves 2. , 51b, 51c are provided.
Although not shown, the stacker crane 51 includes a traveling electric motor for driving traveling wheels for traveling and traveling along the traveling path 3, a lifting electric motor for moving the lifting platform up and down, and a transfer device. The driving electric motor, the lifting electric motor, and the electric actuator are driven by electric power supplied from a switchboard Dh described later.
In the stacker crane 51, in addition to the above, the crane controller H2 that controls the operation of the stacker crane, the sensors that detect the operation state of the stacker crane 51, and the like are driven by the electric power supplied from the switchboard Dh.

As shown in FIG. 1, the loading / unloading conveyor 52 is configured as a pair of one loading / unloading conveyor and one loading / unloading conveyor, and corresponds to each of the stacker cranes 51. Three sets of conveyors 52a, 52b, and 52c (6 units in total) are provided.
The loading / unloading conveyor 52 is provided with a conveyor electric motor that drives a conveyor roller or a conveyor belt to place and convey articles. The conveyor electric motor is powered by electric power supplied from a distribution board Dh described later. Driven.
In the loading / unloading conveyor 52, in addition to the above, the loading / unloading conveyor controller H3 that controls the operation of the loading / unloading conveyor 52, sensors that detect the operating state of the loading / unloading conveyor 52, and the like are provided by the power supplied from the switchboard Dh. Driven.

As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving / shipping conveyor 53 is configured as a pair of one receiving conveyor and one shipping conveyor, and is provided at the loading / unloading floor 58 with receiving / shipping conveyors 53 a, 53 b. 2 sets (4 units in total) are provided.
The receipt / shipment conveyor 53 is provided with an electric motor for a conveyor that drives a conveyor roller or a conveyor belt to place and convey articles. The electric motor for the conveyor is driven by electric power supplied from a distribution board Dh described later. Driven.
In the receipt / shipment conveyor 53, in addition to the above, the receipt / shipment conveyor controller H4 for controlling the operation thereof, sensors for detecting the operation state of the receipt / shipment conveyor 53, and the like are provided by the power supplied from the switchboard Dh. Driven.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting transport cart 54 is provided on the annular traveling rail 4 so that three sorting transport carts 54 a, 54 b and 54 c travel.
The sorting carriage 54 includes a traveling electric motor for driving traveling wheels for traveling on the traveling rail 4 and an electric actuator for driving the transfer device. The electric motor and the electric actuator are driven by electric power supplied from a switchboard Dh described later.
In the sorting transport cart 54, in addition to the above, the sorting transport controller H5 that controls the operation thereof, sensors that detect the operating state of the sorting transport cart 50, and the like are driven by the power supplied from the switchboard Dh. The
That is, the article transport facility is provided with a plurality of transport devices that are operated by electric power, and as the transport device, along the left-right direction of the shelf of the article storage shelf 2 provided with a plurality of storage units that store articles B in the vertical and horizontal directions. A plurality of stacker cranes 51 that can travel on the travel route 3 that is provided and that can transport articles from the storage unit to a delivery outlet for delivery of articles, and an article B that is received from the stacker crane 51 at the delivery outlet is directed outward. Incoming and outgoing conveyors 53 and sorting conveyor carts 54 are provided as a plurality of shipping transfer devices that can be transferred to a shipping port.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the article storage facility of the present invention is provided with a distribution board Dh as a power distribution facility. A power line L1 from the power company G1 is connected to the switchboard Dh via a transformer T1. Moreover, the power line L2 from the private power generation device G2 is connected to the switchboard Dh via the transformer T2. A power receiving system from the electric power company G1 and a power receiving system from the private power generator G2 are configured to be switchable by a system switch Ds. In order to switch the power receiving system, it is necessary to adjust the AC frequency in addition to the voltage adjustment by the transformers T1 and T2. However, since these methods are known, the description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition, the distribution board Db included in the distribution board Dh, and the working power supply line through which the stacker crane 51, the loading / unloading conveyor 52, the loading / unloading conveyor 53, and the sorting transport carriage 54 supply the working power. And the stacker crane 51, the loading / unloading conveyor 52, the loading / unloading conveyor 53, and the sorting transport carriage 54 are each configured to be supplied with electric power via the operating power supply line. .

  In addition, since the private power generation device G2 has a higher equipment cost as the power generated (output) is larger, the equipment cost increases, and the power generation apparatus G2 increases in size. In-house power generators are deployed that are smaller than the grid power supplied to make it possible.

Next, the structure of a control means is demonstrated based on FIG.
The control means H includes a host controller H1, a crane controller H2, a loading / unloading conveyor controller H3, a loading / unloading conveyor controller H4, and a sorting transport cart controller H5.
Note that the crane controller H2, the loading / unloading conveyor controller H3, the loading / unloading conveyor controller H4, and the sorting / transporting carriage controller H5 may be particularly referred to as equipment controllers.
The host controller H1 manages a schedule for the conveyance of the article B, and transmits command data for instructing the conveyance of the article B to the device controller. Specifically, the work command data includes identification information (article ID) of the article B to be conveyed, an initial conveyance position (From data) of the article B, a conveyance target position (To data) of the article B, and the like. The

  In addition, the host controller H1 operates the maximum value of the electric power used by the individual stacker cranes 51 in the operating state among the plurality of stacker cranes 51, and operates the individual loading / unloading conveyors 52 among the plurality of loading / unloading conveyors 52. The maximum value of power used in the state, the maximum value of power used by the individual receiving / shipping conveyors 53 among the plurality of receiving / shipping conveyors 53, and the individual values of the plurality of sorting transport carts 54 The sorting conveyance carriage 54 is configured to manage the maximum value of electric power used in the operating state. In the above, the maximum power used by the host controller H1 includes the power used by each device controller and sensors.

Further, the host controller H1 includes the above three stacker cranes 51 as a plurality of transfer devices, three sets (six units) of loading / unloading conveyors 52, two sets (four units) of transfer conveyors 53, and three The normal power operation mode that does not limit the transport devices to be operated among the sorting transport carts 54 and the simultaneous power consumption value that is necessary when it is assumed that the transport devices are used at the same time among the plurality of transport devices. Is set to an operation mode at the time of power limitation that targets only the transport device selected so as to be equal to or lower than the upper limit power value at the time of limitation (the power value indicated by PL in FIG. 5) that is the upper limit value of usable power. It is configured to be switchable.
That is, the control means H is configured to control the operation of the transport device.

  The host controller H1 is provided with a mode switch S1 (an example of mode switching command means) that can be manually commanded to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode. However, it is configured to switch between the normal power mode operation mode and the power limit mode operation mode based on the command information commanded by the mode switch S1. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible for the operator to command switching between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode by human operation.

The normal power operation mode and the power limitation operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is a graph schematically showing the power value P on the vertical axis and the elapsed time t on the horizontal axis, and the height of the graph represents the total power used by the transport device in the normal power operation mode. (The power actually used by the transport device varies during the transport operation of the transport device, but in this figure, the transport device uses the maximum power during the transport operation. Assuming it will continue to do).
In the present embodiment, in order to convey the articles from the loading / unloading yard 58 to the article storage shelf 2 or in the opposite direction, the host controller H1 includes the loading / unloading conveyor 53, the sorting and conveying cart 54, and the loading / unloading. The command data is transmitted to the device controller in order of the conveyor 52 and the stacker crane 51, or in reverse order, so that the devices are sequentially activated (“command 1” to “command 4” in FIG. 4). As a result of the operation of the conveying device based on these command data, the power required for the operation of the plurality of conveying devices (the height of the graph for each time in FIG. 4) changes as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the conveyance based on the command data of “command 1” is performed by transferring the article B unloaded to the loading / unloading place 58 into the loading / unloading conveyor 53a, the sorting and conveying carriage 54a, the loading / unloading conveyor 52a, and the stacker crane. 51a is sequentially operated and stored in the article storage shelf 2, and the conveyance based on the command data of "command 3" is performed by transferring the article B stored in the article storage shelf 2 into a stacker crane 51b and a loading / unloading conveyor 52b. The sorting transport cart 54a and the receiving / shipping conveyor 53b are sequentially operated and transported to the loading / unloading place 58 to be shipped to the outside.

  In the case of the normal power operation mode, the power receiving facility is configured to be able to supply power (rated power) that may be used by the entire transport device included in the article transport facility. It is possible to supply electric power even when all the transporting devices provided are operated simultaneously. Therefore, the host controller H1 transmits the work command data to the device controller without considering the electric power used by the transport device when the article B needs to be transported, and determines the target transport device. Will be activated.

  FIG. 5A shows the stacker crane 51, the loading / unloading conveyor 52, the loading / unloading conveyor 53, and the sorting when selecting the transfer device so that the total amount of power used is equal to or lower than the upper limit power value PL at the time of restriction. A state is shown in which one transport carriage 54 is selected. FIG. 5B is a graph schematically showing the power value P on the vertical axis and the elapsed time t on the horizontal axis in the same manner as in FIG. 4, and the transport device selected in the case of the power limit operation mode. And the power used by the selected transport device.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), in the power limit operation mode, the transport device to be operated is selected so that the simultaneous power use value does not exceed the limit upper limit power value PL. Even if it makes it, the sum total of the electric power which a conveyance apparatus uses does not exceed upper limit electric power value PL at the time of a restriction | limiting. Therefore, during the execution of conveyance based on certain command data, when a transport device that needs to be operated in the command data command to be executed next becomes operable, it is based on the command of the previous command data. Even if the conveyance is not completed, the conveyance based on the command of the next command data can be started (in FIG. 5B, the “command 2” in the state where the conveyance based on the “command 1” is not completed. Based on transport).

  That is, in the operation mode at the time of power limitation, as shown by being surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6, the transport device on the carry-out path for transporting the product B to be shipped stored in the storage unit to the target shipping port is the target of operation. To provide an article storage facility capable of appropriately shipping an article to be shipped even when the usable power is limited to a limit upper limit power value PL or less by selecting it as a transport device. Can do.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the switching method between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode. Description of common parts is omitted.
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit power value information at the time of restriction as power saving cooperation request information is transmitted from the power company G1 via a public telephone network, the Internet, etc. Is provided with upper limit power value acquisition means S2 for acquiring the transmitted upper limit power value information at the time of restriction. The host controller H1 is configured to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode based on the upper limit power value information acquired by the upper limit power value acquisition unit S2.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is not necessary for an operator to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limitation operation mode by manual operation after judging the power supply / demand situation, and the power limitation is performed at an appropriate timing. It is possible to switch to the hour operating mode.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first or second embodiment only in the method of selecting a transport device to be operated in the operation mode at the time of power limitation. Therefore, description of common parts is omitted.
In the third embodiment, the upper controller H1 has a plurality of transfer devices whose simultaneous use power value exceeds the limit upper limit power value PL in the power limit operation mode, specifically, all the transfer devices provided in the article storage facility. From the above, it is configured so that one or a plurality of conveying devices selected so that the simultaneous power use value is equal to or less than the upper limit power value at the time of restriction PL are to be operated.

  In addition, in the third embodiment, among all the transport devices provided in the article storage facility, the host controller H1 does not set in advance the transport device to be operated in the power limited operation mode, It is configured to select a transport device that is operated so that the power consumption value is equal to or less than the upper limit power value at the time of restriction as needed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, all of the plurality of stacker cranes 51 are selected as the operation targets, and the article B stored in any article storage shelf 2 can be taken out (dotted line in FIG. 8). I)), and subsequently, it is possible to convey the article B to be delivered to the sorting conveyance carriage 54 with any of the plurality of loading / unloading conveyors 52 as an operation target (block indicated by a dotted line II). The article B can be transported to be delivered to the receipt / shipment conveyor 53 with any of the plurality of sorting carriages 54 as an operation target (block indicated by the dotted line III), and then the plurality of receipt / shipment conveyors 53 Any one of them is configured to be able to transport the article B received from the sorting transport cart 54 to the loading / unloading yard 58 as an operation target (block indicated by a dotted line IV). ).

  In other words, in order to enable the host controller H1 to transport the article B from the article storage shelf 2 to the shipping port in the power limited operation mode, the transfer device to be operated is sequentially moved from the article storage shelf 2 side to the shipping port side. It is comprised so that it may select in the state to switch.

[Another embodiment]
(1) In the first embodiment, the transport device to be operated in the power limit operation mode is configured to be set in advance corresponding to one limit upper limit power value PL. For example, a plurality of limit upper limit power values PL are set, and a plurality of combinations of transport devices to be actuated are set corresponding to the plurality of limit upper limit power values PL. You may comprise.

(2) In the first embodiment, the mode changeover switch S1 is provided as the artificial mode changeover command means. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, from the keyboard provided in the host controller H1. Or may be configured to instruct switching by selecting an icon on the display screen of the host controller H1. Further, switching may be instructed from an operator's handy terminal (wireless LAN terminal, PHS, mobile phone, etc.).

(3) In the second embodiment described above, the upper limit power value information at the time of restriction as power saving cooperation request information is transmitted from the power company G1 via the public telephone network or the Internet, and the upper controller H1 receives the upper limit power value acquisition unit S2. Exemplifies a configuration for switching between the normal power operation mode and the power limitation operation mode based on the acquired upper limit power value information, but is not limited to such a configuration. The power value PL may be manually input, and may be configured to switch to the power limit operation mode when receiving information requesting power saving or information notifying that power supply is limited.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, although the structure from which the information from electric power company G1 is transmitted via a public telephone network, the internet, etc. was illustrated, it is not limited to such a structure, for example, electric power company G1 and The host controller H1 may be connected via another line such as a dedicated line. In addition, for example, the upper limit power value acquisition means S2 is based on broadcasts (including data broadcasts and text broadcasts) such as television broadcasts and radio broadcasts, and power outage information posted on a website. And the normal power operation mode and the power limitation operation mode may be switched based on the upper limit power value information.

( 4 ) In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where an article to be shipped is shipped in the operation mode when power is limited has been described as an example. However, when an article is received (unloaded to the loading / unloading place 58) The configuration of the present invention may be applied to a case in which the loading / unloading conveyor 53, the sorting and conveying cart 54, the loading / unloading conveyor 52, and the stacker crane 51 are operated in order to store the received articles in the article storage shelf 2.
Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the warehousing conveyor and the warehousing conveyor and the receiving conveyor and the shipping conveyor were comprised by respectively different conveyors, for example, warehousing and warehousing are the same conveyor (conveying conveyor for both warehousing and loading) ). Similarly, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which receiving and shipping are performed by the same conveyor (conveying and shipping conveyor).

2 Goods storage rack 50 Sorting cart 51 Stacker crane 52 Loading / unloading conveyor 53 Loading / unloading conveyor 54 Sorting cart B Goods G1 Electric power company G2 Private power generator H Control means PL Upper limit power value S1 Mode changeover switch S2 Upper limit power Value acquisition means

Claims (6)

An article conveying facility comprising a plurality of conveying devices operated by electric power, and a control means for controlling the operation of the conveying device,
The control means is a normal power operation mode that does not limit a transfer device to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices, and a simultaneous use power value of the plurality of transfer devices is equal to or lower than a limit upper limit power value. It is configured to be switchable to the operation mode at the time of power limitation that targets only the transport equipment selected in
As the conveying device, the article can travel on a work path provided along the left-right direction of the shelf of the article storage shelf provided with a plurality of storage parts arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the goods from the storage part to the goods delivery outlet. One or a plurality of stacker cranes that can be transported, and one or a plurality of shipping conveyors that can transport the goods received from the stacker crane to the shipping port for shipping outwards at the shipping port,
In order for the control means to be able to transport articles from the article storage shelf to the shipping port in the power limited operation mode, the transfer device to be operated is sequentially moved from the article storage shelf side to the shipping port side. An article transport facility configured to select in a switching state. An article conveying facility comprising a plurality of conveying devices operated by electric power, and a control means for controlling the operation of the conveying device,
The control means is a normal power operation mode that does not limit a transfer device to be operated among the plurality of transfer devices, and a simultaneous use power value of the plurality of transfer devices is equal to or lower than a limit upper limit power value. It is configured to be switchable to the operation mode at the time of power limitation that targets only the transport equipment selected in
As the conveying device, the article can travel on a work path provided along the left-right direction of the shelf of the article storage shelf provided with a plurality of storage parts arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the goods from the storage part to the goods delivery outlet. Is provided with a plurality of stacker cranes that can freely transport, and includes one or a plurality of shipping transport devices that can transport the articles received from the stacker crane to the shipping port for shipping to the outside at the shipping port,
The control means operates the stacker crane and the shipping transport device on a carry-out path for transporting an object to be shipped stored in the storage unit to the target shipping port in the power limited operation mode. An article transport facility configured to be selected as a target transport device. Artificial mode switching command means capable of commanding switching between the normal power mode operation mode and the power limit mode operation mode by manual operation is provided,
3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode based on command information instructed by the mode switching command means. Transport equipment. Upper limit power value acquisition means for acquiring the upper limit power value at the time of restriction is provided,
The control unit is configured to switch between the normal power operation mode and the power limit operation mode based on the upper limit power value information acquired by the upper limit power value acquisition unit. Item conveying equipment of 2. The article conveyance facility according to claim 2 , wherein a conveyance device to be operated in the power restriction time operation mode is set in advance corresponding to the restriction upper limit power value.   The control means selects, in the power limit operation mode, the simultaneous power use value that is equal to or lower than the limit upper limit power value from the plurality of transport devices whose simultaneous power use value exceeds the limit upper limit power value. The article conveyance facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article conveyance apparatus is configured to operate on one or a plurality of conveyance devices.

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