JPH04260507A - Automatic warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable secure carry-in and carry-out work and the predetermined operation even at the time of maintenance and failure providing a take-in and take-out controller, a cord reader which is connected to it, and a tile storage device for the reader, and providing a manual operation device which is connected to the controller. CONSTITUTION:A manual operation device 27 is provided with a work mode setting switch 28, a ten key switch 29, a clear switch 30, a set switch 31, a screen setting switch 32 which is set at the time of conversation with a liquid crystal display device 26, a switch for moving cursor 33, an operation switch for shift 34, a key switch which selects mode 35, and an emergency stop switch 37. When a file for work 70 cannot be used due to failure of a cord reader 52 or maintenance and inspection of the reader 62 is done, it is possible to input instruction into a controller on the ground side 24 and perform the predetermined carry-in and carry-out work. At this time, data of a target cargo 4 is input based on numerical value 84.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic warehouse installed indoors, for example, for storing and storing goods, and for loading and unloading goods as needed.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic warehouse of this type has a structure disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 1-169511.

That is, conventionally, a shelf having a plurality of cargo storage spaces, a cargo handling device disposed outside the end of the shelf, and an input device that can freely run on a traveling path along the front surface of the shelf and the cargo handling device. It has a traveling crane for unloading, and a safety enclosure disposed at a position on the side of the cargo handling device and facing the traveling path, and the safety enclosure is provided with a crane operation panel and an opening/closing door.

According to this conventional type, cargo can be transferred between the target cargo storage space and the cargo handling device by operating the loading/unloading traveling crane under control from the crane operating panel. In addition, maintenance and maintenance of shelves and traveling cranes for loading and unloading
Inspections were carried out by workers opening the door and entering the passageway with the moving crane for loading and unloading stopped.

[0005] Instructions are input to the crane operation panel using a mode switch that switches between the storage mode and the storage mode.
This is done by operating a completion switch that is operated when the work is completed, and by using a shelf number card for each cargo storage space on which the shelf number is printed with a bar code.

[0006] That is, the worker searches for a shelf number card corresponding to a shelf number on the warehouse entry/dispatch list, puts the searched shelf number card on a barcode reader, inputs the shelf number into the control device, and performs warehouse entry/retrieval. ing. Also, instructions for loading and unloading are given by checking the loading/unloading slip. Inventory management was performed by entering product names and quantities in a management table attached to the shelf number card.

[0007] At this time, the shelf number cards prepared one by one for each cargo storage space are stored side by side in a card storage case placed near the automated warehouse. Then, the worker takes out the desired shelf number card, uses it, performs the intended work, and then returns it to the predetermined location in the card storage case.

[0008]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] According to the above-mentioned conventional format, mistakes tend to occur when taking out only the desired shelf number card from among the group of shelf number cards stored side by side in the card storage case, and When returning the number card to the designated place in the card storage case, mistakes were made or sometimes the number card was forgotten to be returned.

[0009] When using shelf number cards, various tasks are troublesome, such as setting work having to be done in a separate location and management table management, and moreover, it is difficult to perform maintenance and maintenance. In the event of a breakdown, the automated warehouse could not be operated, resulting in problems with workability.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic warehouse that can always perform reliable loading and unloading operations and can also operate as expected even during maintenance or failure.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the automatic warehouse of the present invention includes a shelf having a plurality of cargo storage spaces, a cargo handling area disposed outside an end of the shelf, and a shelf having a plurality of cargo storage spaces. a loading/unloading device that is capable of traveling along a fixed path along the front surface of the cargo handling area and has a loading/unloading device that can be moved up and down and in the lateral direction; , a control device for the loading/unloading device, a code reader connected to the control device, a file storage device for the code reader, and a manual operation device connected to the control device.

0012

[Operation] According to the configuration of the present invention, the movement of the loading/unloading device, the vertical movement of the loading/unloading tool, and the lateral movement of the loading/unloading tool are performed in combination with each other under the control of the control device, thereby achieving the desired cargo storage. Loads can be delivered between the space and the cargo handling area.

[0013] In order to input instructions to the control device, the operator takes out the file from the storage device, spreads it out, and then uses a code reader to attach the code for each task, numerical code, product name, etc. to the file. This can be done by reading the code corresponding to the product number.

[0014] After performing the expected loading and unloading work in this manner, the operator returns the code reader and stores the used file in the storage device. In addition, in the event of maintenance/inspection or failure of the code reader, instructions can be input to the control device via the manual operation device, allowing the desired loading and unloading operations to be carried out.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 5, numeral 1 denotes shelves arranged side by side across a passage 2, which have a large number of cargo storage spaces 3 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and can store cargo 4 directly or via pallets or buckets. Reference numeral 5 denotes a cargo handling area disposed outside one end of the shelf 1, where a cargo receiving stand 6 for supporting the cargo 4 from below is arranged.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a loading/unloading device which is disposed in the passageway 2 and can run freely on a fixed path 11 along the front surface of the shelves 1 and the material handling area 5, and is supported and guided by the floor rails 12 via wheels. A fuselage body 13, a pair of front and rear posts 14 erected on this traveling machine body 13, a lifting platform 15 guided by these posts 14, and a multi-stage fork disposed on this lifting platform 15 that can move in and out in the lateral direction. It is comprised of a type of loading/unloading tool 16, a traveling-side control device 17 that is attached to the traveling body 13, and controls travel and operation of the loading/unloading tool 16.

In FIGS. 1 to 5, a safety fence 20 having a U-shape in plan view is provided at a position outside the cargo handling area 5 and facing the fixed path 11. In other words, the safety fence 20 is
Side fences 21 located on both sides of the fixed path 11, unit frames 22 connected to the outer ends of these side fences 21, and a front frame 23 connecting the lower parts of these unit frames 22 and having an upwardly rising portion. It consists of A ground-side control device 24 is disposed near one side of the front frame 23 to provide a control signal to the running-side control device 17 of the loading/unloading device 10 by, for example, a signal exchange method using optical transmission.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the operation panel 25 of the ground-side control device 24 includes a liquid crystal display device 26, which is a screen display means for displaying status such as work mode, failure, etc. , a manual operation device 27 used in a manual mode in which a code reader is not used, which will be described later.

Here, the manual operation device 27 is used for warehousing, warehousing,
Work mode setting switch 2 for picking, restocking, etc.
8. Numeric keypad switch 29, clear switch 30, set switch 31, and screen setting switches (function call switch, page turning switch, etc.) that are input means for setting screen display means to be set when interacting with liquid crystal display device 26.
32, a cursor movement switch 33, and an operation switch 34 for starting, stopping the cycle, canceling an abnormality, and shifting.
A key switch 35 selects a remote mode set using the operation panel 25, an online mode set by a setting signal from a higher-level controller (not shown), and an off mode that does not use the automated warehouse, and a key switch 35 for selecting the operation mode.
An indicator light 36 is provided to indicate an abnormality. Further, an emergency stop switch 37 is provided below the operation panel 25, and these devices are connected to the control device 24 as shown in FIG.
It is connected to the.

Next, the ground side control device 24 will be explained according to the block diagram of FIG. The control unit 40 has a plurality of work modes and loads 4 preset in the setting data storage unit 41.
Work data consisting of item name or number, quantity of cargo 4, etc. is taken out in order and inputted immediately when the online mode is selected by the key switch 35, or inputted via the input unit 42 when the remote mode is selected. In response to the operation signals of the switches 34 and 37, the state detection data inputted from the loading/unloading device 10 via the input/output section 57 and the optical transmission device 43 or from the loading/unloading platform 6 side via the input/output section 44 {for example, the state detection data of the loading/unloading device 10 Based on the state detection data, the presence/absence (inventory) data of the cargo 4 on the receiving platform 6, and the work completion data of the completion switch that is operated every time the receiving platform work is completed, which is input from the operator unit,
The loading/unloading device 10 is controlled via the input/output section 44 and the optical transmission device 43, and the load receiving platform 6 side is controlled via the input/output section 45.

At the same time, the indicator light 36 is controlled via the output section 46, and furthermore, when in the warehousing mode, the input load 4 is
Outputs the quantity of the cargo 4 for each product name or product number to the inventory management section 47, searches for the stored quantity of the cargo 4 based on the input product name or product number of the cargo 4 when in shipping mode, and performs this search when the shipping work is completed. Delete the quantity of cargo 4.

Further, when the online mode is selected by the key switch 35, the setting section 48 sequentially stores work data from a host computer (not shown) in the setting data storage section 41 via the data transmission section 49. In addition, when the remote mode is selected by the key switch 35, the switches 28 to 3 are input via the input sections 42 and 50.
The work data is stored in the setting data storage section 41 in response to the operation signal of 1 or the signal of the barcode reader.

Furthermore, a screen display section (display control means) 51
is instructed by the work mode signal and screen setting signal inputted from the operation panel 25 via the input unit 42, and outputs mode screen data, function call menu data, and the like according to a predetermined Japanese format stored in advance. The inventory management data stored in the inventory management section 47 is edited and output to the liquid crystal display device 26 for display.

With the above configuration, the ground side control device 24
The loading/unloading device 10 is controlled via the loading table 6 side and the optical transmission device 43 in response to work data from the host computer, operation signals from the switches 28 to 35, 37, and input signals from the barcode reader. The vehicle enters and exits the warehouse, and the display devices 26 and 36 display information. In addition, if the emergency stop switch 37 is operated during loading/unloading work,
Alternatively, if a failure occurs on the cargo receiving platform 6 side or the loading/unloading device 10, the ground side control device 24 stops all operations, and if a failure occurs, the contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 26 when the failure is restored. Display until

Further, a door body 56 is provided at a position near the other side of the front frame 23 and can be opened and closed in the front and rear directions using a hinge 55 with the ground side control device 24 side as a fulcrum. A manual locking device 57 is provided on the opposite side to maintain the posture.

The door body 56 has a flat plate shape, and an elongated table 60 that projects toward the shelf 1 is connected to the upper part of the door body 56. An installation part 61 is formed on the table 60 at a position near the ground-side control device 24, and a handy-type code reader 62 connected to the ground-side control device 24 can be freely installed in this installation portion 61. The installation portion 61 is recessed along the shape of the code reader 62, and is installed by fitting. The code reader 62 is connected to the ground side control device 24 via a cord 63,
In this case, it may be of a type that can be freely connected to and separated from the ground-side control device 24.

A file storage device 65 is provided on the side of the table 60 that is remote from the ground-side control device 24. That is, a wide L recess 66 is formed in the left-right direction in the table 60, and the recess 66 is formed at the bottom of the recess 66.
An elongated slit-shaped insertion hole 67 with a width l narrower than that of 6 is formed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a box-shaped storage section 68 whose upper end opening 68A communicates with the insertion hole 67 is fixed to the door body 56 via a connecting member 69.

The file that can be stored in the storage section 68 through the insertion hole 67 is, for example, a system notebook 70, and the system notebook 70 can store a plurality of books (two in the embodiment) in the storage section 68. When stored, the top surface of the system notebook 70 is positioned below the table surface 60A, and the upper end of the system notebook 70 is positioned within the recess 66.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the system notebook 70 includes an item sheet 7 for controlling warehousing, warehousing, etc.
1, an operating manual 72 for automatic warehouse equipment, an index sheet 73, a memo sheet 74, and a bag-shaped sheet 75 are filed and configured.

On one of the open pages of the item sheet 71, an entry field 80 for each item name and part number is printed in the upper part, in which the product name and part number of the cargo 4 can be written, and in the lower part of the entry field 80, The product barcode label 81 can be peeled off from the code sheet and attached by the user for each product name and product number. In addition, on the other page, there is a work barcode 82 for each work that sets the work contents such as warehousing and warehousing.
Numerical barcode 83 for setting the quantity of cargo 4 to be handled, etc.
is printed.

[0031] In the entry field 80 for each load 4, the name of the load 4 to be stored in the automated warehouse equipment (in Fig. 10, radio, calculator, etc.) is entered.
The product barcode label 81 is written by the user using a pen, and is created by pasting the product barcode label 81 with adhesive on the back surface of the code sheet that has been peeled off from the code sheet as described above. The ground side control device 24 specifies the cargo 4 by inputting the barcode of the product barcode label 81, and allocates and stores the cargo storage space 3 of the shelf 1 for each cargo 4. The barcodes on each product barcode label 81 are different, and different numerical values 84 are printed on the product barcode label 81 to correspond to different barcodes in order to identify the load 4 during manual operation. . Furthermore, the items to be entered in the entry field 80 are not limited to the item name, but may be any item that specifies the item 4, such as the type of item 4 or the item number.

Next, the operation of this automatic warehouse will be explained. By transmitting and receiving control signals between the ground-side control device 24 and the travel-side control device 17, the loading/unloading device 10 can perform traveling motion on the fixed route 11, vertical movement of the loading/unloading tool 16, and lateral movement. By performing the combination operation of
You can receive and receive.

Instructions are basically input to the ground-side control device 24 via the code reader 62. That is, to input instructions, the operator first stands in front of the door 56 and takes out the system notebook 70 from the storage device 65. This removal can be performed by positioning the operator's hand in the recess 66. Next, the system notebook 70 is placed on the table surface 60A, and the desired page is unfolded. Then, the worker takes out the code reader 62 placed in the installation section 61 and prints the work barcodes 82 groups, numeric barcodes 83 groups, and 1 for each task of the target load 4 on the open page.
This can be done by reading a group of product barcodes 81 for each product name and product number using the code reader 62.

[0034] In this way, the expected loading/unloading work can be carried out, and the operator returns the code reader 62 to the installation section 61 and stores the used system notebook 70 in the storage device 65.

When stored in this manner, the top surface of the system organizer 70 is located below the table surface 60A, and the upper end of the system organizer 70 is located within the recess 66, and the code reader 62 is placed above the ground. Since it is stored in the installation part 61 located near the side control device 24, the table surface 60A can be used for placing other items, and it is also possible to take out one of the system notebooks 70. It can be easily spread out on the table surface 60A.

When maintaining and inspecting the shelf 1 and the loading/unloading device 10, the operator should remove the locking device 57, open the door body 56, and follow the fixed path 11 with the loading/unloading device 10 stopped.
This can be done by going inside. At that time, the code reader 62
Since it is fitted into the installation part 61, which is recessed near the opening/closing fulcrum and near the ground-side control device 24, it will not fall due to vibrations during opening/closing.

For example, when the system organizer 70 cannot be used due to a malfunction of the code reader 62, or during maintenance/inspection of the code reader 62, the ground side control device 24 is activated by operating each of the switches 28 to 35, 37 of the manual operation device 27. You can enter instructions into the system and carry out the expected loading and unloading operations. At that time, the target load 4 is input based on the numerical value 84.

[0038]

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the combined operation of the running action of the loading/unloading device, the vertical movement of the loading/unloading tool, and the lateral movement of the loading/unloading tool is performed under the control of the control device. Loads can be delivered between the load storage space and the load handling area.

In order to input instructions to the control device, the operator takes out the file from the storage device, spreads it out, and then uses a code reader to attach the code for each task, numerical code, product name, etc. to the file. This can be done by reading the code corresponding to the product number.

[0040] Therefore, it is possible to prevent operational errors and forgotten operations, as well as to prevent people from forgetting to carry their items with them.Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the need for troublesome setting work at another location, unlike when using a card. Enables reliable loading and unloading work.

[0041] After performing the expected loading and unloading work in this manner, the operator can return the code reader and store the used file in the storage device. In addition, in the event of maintenance/inspection or failure of the code reader, instructions can be input to the control device via the manual operation device, allowing the scheduled loading and unloading work to be performed and the automated warehouse to operate. can improve work efficiency.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a safety fence portion.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the safety fence section.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side view of the installation section.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional side view of the storage device section.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the automated warehouse.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the operation panel of the ground-side control device.

FIG. 7 is a control configuration diagram of the ground-side control device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the system notebook.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the system organizer in an open state.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of one side of the item sheet of the system planner.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the other side of the item sheet of the system organizer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Shelf 3 Cargo storage space 4 Cargo 5 Cargo handling area 10 Loading/unloading device 11 Fixed path 16 Loading/unloading device 17 Travel side control device 20 Safety fence 21 Side frame 23 Front frame 24 Ground side control device 26 Liquid crystal display device 27 Manual operation device 28 Work Mode setting switch 29 Numeric key switch 35 Key switch 55 Hinge 56 Door body 60 Table 60A Table surface 61 Installation section 62 Code reader 63 Code 65 Storage device 66 Recess 67 Insertion hole 68 Storage section 68A Top opening 70 System notebook (file) 80 Entry field 81 Product barcode 82 Work barcode 83 Numerical barcode

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A shelf having a plurality of cargo storage spaces, a cargo handling area disposed outside the end of the shelf, and a shelf capable of moving up and down and moving along a fixed path along the front surface of the shelf and the cargo handling area. A loading/unloading device having a loading/unloading tool that can be moved in and out in the horizontal direction, and a control device for the loading/unloading device and a code reader connected to the control device, located outside the cargo handling area and facing a fixed path. and a file storage device for the code reader, and a manual operation device connected to the control device.