JPH053443Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Field of industrial application) The invention is a picking device that takes out products from a group of shelves storing products, and is not intended for large-scale logistics systems that pick out products in pallets or cartons. This invention relates to a picking device suitable for a distribution system that moves bulk items or items in small units.

(Conventional technology) In the distribution industry, to accommodate the diversification of users,
There is a growing trend towards high-mix, low-volume distribution, forcing manual distribution.

If it is a large or medium-sized warehouse where goods can be handled in pallets or cartons, it is possible to rationalize using equipment that meets the demands of these markets, but this also applies to small-lot collection and delivery for retail stores. The number of specific products handled is small, and the number of types of products is large and small quantities are handled. Conventionally, such work was often done manually. Furthermore, as this type of picking device, an article carrying device having a structure in which a spiral chute is installed upright on a traveling vehicle and a receiving chute is provided in the spiral chute to communicate with the shelf frontage is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 48-73975. Disclosed.

(Problem that the invention aims to solve) In the past, this kind of work was often done manually, and during peak pick-up and delivery times, the work became extremely busy and mistakes were made. In addition, in logistics operations, the first condition is to get goods in and out of the warehouse first, but if this is done manually, there is a problem that the reliability of this process cannot be guaranteed. Further, in the article delivery device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 48-73975, since the delivery chute from the spiral chute to the shelf opening is provided in a branch-like manner, it is necessary to increase the distance between the opposing shelf openings.

(Means for solving the problem) The present invention aims to provide a picking device that solves the problem and is suitable for handling large variety and small quantities of bulk products and small-scale unit products. In a three-dimensional shelf where shelves for storing products are arranged in multiple rows and stages and products are discharged from the shelf openings, a traveling vehicle that runs along the surface of the shelf openings is installed, and the traveling vehicle moves the products from above to below. A picking machine characterized by having a chute erected in a spiral shape for discharging products, and further comprising a retractable chute for delivering products to the spiral chute at each shelf opening, which is tilted downward toward the chute. It's in the device.

(Function) In this device, when a command is issued for the delivery of a large variety of products in small quantities, a traveling vehicle with a spiral chute erected on the upstream shelf row of a group of shelves arranged in multiple stages and rows is stopped, and the The required number of ordered products is discharged into the spiral chute from the shelf openings of each stage by the product delivery means. The products discharged into the spiral chute slide down the chute surface while rotating and are transferred to a conveyor, container, etc. waiting below. After all of the commanded products in this row have been discharged into the spiral chute, the vehicle is moved to the next row, and the required number of commanded products are similarly discharged from the shelf opening of that row into the spiral chute. By repeating this process, the ordered product is removed from the shelf group. The movement order of the traveling vehicles, the order of discharging the products, etc. are selected as appropriate.

In this way, since products are discharged from each shelf of the spiral chute to the chute in parallel, the time required to take out the products can be shortened, and the number of moving parts for picking can be extremely reduced, simplifying the structure. Therefore, production costs can be reduced.

(Embodiment) The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 employs a telescopic chute attached to each shelf opening as a product delivery means, and the shelf is formed by a belt conveyor, and the product is transferred by the drive of the belt conveyor. A conveyor is provided parallel to the travel path of the vehicle for discharging the products from the necessary individual shelf openings to the chute and receiving and conveying the products discharged from the bottom of the spiral chute.

In the figure, A is a shelf that is a belt conveyor, B is a traveling vehicle, C is a spiral chute with a U-shaped cross section, and D
E is a product delivery means which is a retractable chute, and E is a conveyor.

1 is the running rail of the traveling vehicle B, 2 is the same guide rail, 3 is the mast, 4 is the discharge port of the spiral chute C, 5 is the telescopic chute body with a U-shaped cross section, 6
Reference numeral denotes an actuator for extending and retracting the telescopic chute body, 7 a sensor for confirming passage of a commanded quantity, 8 a guide roller, 9 a drive wheel of the traveling vehicle B, and 10 a sensor for confirming passage of a total quantity.

In order to change the sliding speed of the product of the spiral chute C of the present invention, the chute material is selected or a brake mechanism is appropriately installed. In addition, a hopper is installed on the traveling vehicle B in place of the unloading conveyor E,
Alternatively, the removed products may be temporarily stored in the hopper, and then moved to a delivery station at a certain time to discharge the products in the hopper.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously take out products from a plurality of shelf openings in the same row in a parallel process, so that picking work of products can be done quickly. Furthermore, since a spiral chute is used as the means for moving the picked-up product downward, the structure is extremely simple and can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, in this invention, by using a downwardly tilted telescopic chute to transfer the product from the shelf opening to the spiral chute, the space between the shelf openings can be narrowed, and the height from which the product falls can be reduced, reducing the impact of falling. can be weakened.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a layout of the embodiment as seen from a plane. A...Shelf, B...Traveling vehicle, C...Spiral chute, D...Product delivery means, E...Transportation conveyor, 1...Traveling rail, 2...Guide rail,
3...Mast, 4...Discharge port, 5...Telescopic chute body, 6...Operation actuator, 7...Command quantity passage confirmation sensor, 8...Guide roller, 9
... Drive wheel, 10 ... Total quantity passage confirmation sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] In a three-dimensional shelf in which shelves for storing products are arranged in multiple rows and stages and products are discharged from the shelf opening, a traveling vehicle is provided that runs along the surface of the shelf opening, and
A chute for discharging products from above to below is erected in a spiral shape on the same traveling vehicle, and a retractable chute for delivering products to the spiral chute for each shelf opening is tilted downward toward the chute. A picking device characterized by being provided in.