JPH09255114A - Conveyance route setting method and device in physical distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To meet a change in the configuration of a conveyance apparatus in a physical distribution system or the operation of the system. SOLUTION: A sorting conveyer 1 is disposed on the first end side of automated storage and retrieval systems 2a-2c, and aisle conveyers 8a-8c, 9a-9c, a conveyance system 3 provided with a rail carriage M, and carrying-out conveyers 4a-4c are disposed between the automatic storage and retrieval systems 2a-2c and carrying-out stations ST01-ST03. In the memory 16 of a conveyance control computer 13, conveyance route data for communicating a conveyance source and destination are stored. When the conveyance source and destination are inputted by an inputting device, the conveyance control computer 13 reads out the corresponding conveyance route data from the memory 16, excludes unserviceable conveyance routes, and then selects the conveyance route data to be implemented according to a prescribed condition. The conveyance control computer 13 outputs a work instruction signal to a controller for controlling a conveyance apparatus which meets the conveyance route data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transportation route setting method and apparatus in a physical distribution system having a plurality of automated warehouses and having a plurality of transportation routes for connecting a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a physical distribution system using an automated warehouse, there is one shown in FIG. 6, for example. In this distribution system, the loading station STI and the unloading station STO1
A sorting conveyor 51, a plurality (for example, three) of automatic warehouses 52a to 52c, aisle conveyors 53a and 53b, a transfer system 54 equipped with a track guided vehicle M, and a delivery conveyor 55 are provided between STO3 and STO3. It is arranged. Each of the automated warehouses 52a to 52c is equipped with a stacker crane 57 that carries in and out the storage section 56.

Sorting conveyor 51, aisle conveyor 53
a, 53b and the delivery conveyor 55 are conveyor control boards 58
Thus, the stacker crane 57 is controlled by the crane controller 59, and the transfer system 54 is controlled by the guided vehicle controller 60. The conveyor control panel 58, the crane controller 59, and the track guided vehicle controller 60 serving as a control device for each transport device control the corresponding transport device based on the instruction data from the transport management computer 61.

There are the following three types of main cargo transport operations in this physical distribution system. (1) Storage of a load carried from the carry-in station STI to the storage unit 56 via the sorting conveyor 51 and the stacker crane 57.

(2) Unloading stations STO1 to STO through the stacker crane 57, the aisle conveyor 53a, the transfer system 54 and the delivery conveyor 55 for the load of the storage section 56.
Delivery of cargo to be transported to 3.

(3) The load carried in from the carry-in station STI is sorted by the conveyor 51, the stacker crane 57,
Direct delivery of cargo to be carried out to the unloading stations STO1 to STO3 via the aisle conveyor 53a, the transportation system 54 and the delivery conveyor 55.

Then, the transport management computer 61 creates work instruction data for carrying out desired warehousing, warehousing or direct work based on the operation of the worker, and
The work instruction data is output to the conveyor control panel 58, the crane controller 59, and the track guided vehicle controller 60. Then, the conveyor control panel 58, the crane controller 59, and the guided vehicle controller 60 each of the conveyors 51, 53a, 53b, 5 based on the work instruction data.
5, the stacker crane 57, the guided vehicle M, and other various transporting devices are controlled to carry the load in this physical distribution system.

The transport management computer 61 does not output the work instruction data at one time, but outputs the work instruction data to each control device in the order of the transport route when outputting the load transport instruction to the control device of each transport device. It was configured to do. For example, the unloading station STO from the automated warehouse 52a
When unloading to Crane 3, first crane controller 59
And outputs an instruction to convey the load W from the predetermined storage section 56 to the aisle conveyor 53a of the automatic warehouse 52a. After receiving the transfer completion signal from the crane controller 59 after the stacker crane 57 has finished transferring the load, the transfer management computer 61 causes the track guided vehicle controller 60 to transfer the load W on the aisle conveyor 53a to the unloading conveyor 55 corresponding to the unloading station STO3. Outputs an instruction to carry the sheet up.
Then, when the transportation completion signal from the guided vehicle controller 60 is received after the transportation of the load W by the guided vehicle M is completed,
The transfer management computer 61 deletes the shipping work instruction data, considering that the shipping is completed.

Further, in the case of direct transport from the loading station STI to the unloading station STO1, since there are three stacker cranes 57 that connect the sorting conveyor 51 and the transport system 54, each crane controller 59 has a predetermined order. Outputs the transfer work instruction data. Then, after the work of the stacker crane 57 is completed, the work instruction data to the guided vehicle controller 60 is output.

[0010]

In the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, when the transport management computer 61 outputs work instruction data (work instruction signal), it sends work instruction signals to the control device of each transport device in a preset order. In addition to outputting the signal, the control device outputs a work instruction signal to the next control device after receiving a signal indicating that the work is completed or the work is impossible. That is, from the carry-in station STI to the carry-out station STO1
Even when there are a plurality of load routes such as direct transport to ~ STO3, the transport management computer 61 works on the control device of each transport device in a predetermined order without judging the condition of each transport route in advance. Output an instruction signal. Therefore,
The work instruction signal is output to the control device corresponding to the transport device that is out of order and cannot be used, and it takes time for the work instruction signal to be output to the control device of the transport device on the empty transport path. There is a problem that the overall transport efficiency is reduced.

In addition, when a carrier device constituting the system is changed, for example, by disconnecting a part of the carrier device constituting the system or newly incorporating another carrier device into the system, a carrier management computer is required. It is necessary to change the control program of 61, and there is a problem that it is not possible to flexibly cope with the configuration change of the carrier device of the system. Further, when the output order of the work instruction signals from the transfer management computer 61 to each control device is changed, the control program needs to be changed, and it is not possible to flexibly deal with the system operation change.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to be able to flexibly cope with a configuration change of a carrier device of a system or an operation change of the system, and a structure of the carrier device is different. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for setting a transport route in a physical distribution system that can perform the same control for sending work instruction data to a control unit that controls a transport device in the physical distribution system.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a plurality of automatic warehouses and a plurality of transfer routes for connecting a transfer source and a transfer destination of a load. In the physical distribution system, all necessary transportation routes are stored in advance in the storage means, and transportation to be used in accordance with predetermined conditions from the transportation routes stored in the storage means based on the designated transportation source and transportation destination. I tried to select the route.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a physical distribution system having a plurality of automatic warehouses and having a plurality of transportation paths for connecting a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load, at least all transportations used in the transportation system. Based on the storage means in which the route data is stored, the input means for inputting the transportation source and the transportation destination data of the load, and the transportation source and the transportation destination data of the load input by the input means, the storage means is stored in the storage means. And selecting means for selecting a transport route to be used from all of the transport route data according to a predetermined condition.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the transport route data is an identification unit indicating that a transport route passing through the transport route cannot be used when a part of the transport devices constituting the transport route is unavailable. And selecting the transport route by excluding the transport route data having the identifying unit from the selection target.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the transport route data is prioritized for each transport route data that connects the same transport source and the same transport destination. Is set, and the selecting means selects in descending order of priority.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the storage means is configured to be able to update the transport route data. According to the first aspect of the invention, all the necessary transportation routes for connecting the transportation source and the transportation destination of the goods in the physical distribution system having a plurality of automated warehouses are stored in advance in the storage means. Then, when carrying a load, a carrying route to be used is selected from the carrying routes stored in the storage means based on a designated carrying source and carrying destination according to a predetermined condition.

In the inventions according to claims 2 to 5, all the necessary transportation routes for connecting the transportation source and the transportation destination of the cargo of the physical distribution system having a plurality of automated warehouses are stored in advance in the storage means. There is. When carrying a load, the input means inputs the source and destination data of the load. Then, based on the transport source and transport destination data, the transport means to be used is selected by the selecting means from all the transport path data stored in the storage means according to a predetermined condition.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a part of the transportation device forming the transportation route is unusable, identification information indicating that the transportation route passing through the device is unusable is added to the transportation route data. When selecting the transport route, the selecting unit selects the transport route by excluding the transport route data of the transport route having the unusable transport device from the selection target based on the identification information.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the priority order is set for each of the transport route data that connects the same transport source and the same transport destination. Then, the highest priority is selected in order.

According to the invention of claim 5, the transport route data in the storage means can be updated. Therefore, it is easy to change the transport route data in response to the addition or removal of the transport equipment that constitutes the system.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transportation system provided with a guided vehicle as a transportation device in addition to an automatic warehouse, and a physical distribution system having a conveyor.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this physical distribution system, the carry-in station STI and the carry-out station STO1 ...
Sorting conveyor 1 as carrier equipment between STO3
A plurality of automated warehouses 2a to 2c, a transport system 3 including a guided vehicle M as a transport device, and delivery conveyors 4a to 4c as a transport device are arranged. In each of the automated warehouses 2a to 2c, a pair of frame shelves 5 having a plurality of storages 5a is arranged, and stacker cranes 6a to 6c as transfer equipment are laid in a passage between the frame shelves 5 for running rails. It is equipped to run along 7. The guided vehicle M travels in a predetermined direction (arrow direction in FIG. 1) along a predetermined travel route 3a.

The sorting conveyor 1 has automatic warehouses 2a-2
At the position sandwiching the first end of the traveling rail 7 of c, the carry-in port 1
a to 1c and outlets 1d to 1f are branched. Further, the sorting conveyor 1 can carry out the load W from the end portion on the side opposite to the carry-in station STI. Between each of the automated warehouses 2a to 2c and the transport system 3, a carrying-in aisle conveyor 8a to 8c and a carrying-out aisle conveyor 9a to 9c as a transporting device are provided at a position sandwiching the second end of the traveling rail 7. Are arranged respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor control panel 10 and the crane controller 11a as the control means for the carrier equipment.
11c and the carriage controller 12 are connected to a transportation management computer 13 as transportation management means. The conveyor control panel 10 is connected to the sorting conveyor 1, the delivery conveyors 4a to 4c, the carry-in aisle conveyors 8a to 8c, and the carry-out aisle conveyors 9a to 9c, and based on the work instruction signal from the carry management computer 13, the conveyors 1 and 4a. 4c, 8a-8c, 9a-9c are controlled.
Each crane controller 11a-11c is an automated warehouse 2
a to 2c and connected to the stacker cranes 6a to 6c, respectively, and the transport management computer 1
Stacker cranes 6a to 6 based on the work instruction signal of No. 3
Control c respectively. The track guided vehicle controller 12 is connected to each track guided vehicle M, and the transport management computer 13 is connected.
The transport system 3 is controlled based on the work instruction signal of.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport management computer 13 has a CPU as a selection means, a judgment means and a control means.
(Central processing unit) 14 and read-only memory (ROM)
And a memory 16 serving as a storage unit including a readable and rewritable memory (RAM). The memory 16 is backed up by a power source (not shown). The CPU 14 is connected via an input / output interface 19 to an input device 17, which is an input means having a keyboard, and a display 18, which is a display means. Further, the CPU 14 is a conveyor control panel 10 and crane controllers 11a to 11c.
Also, data signals can be transmitted and received via the track guided vehicle controller 12, the input / output interface 19 and the network.

The memory 16 is a part of the storage area 20,
Conveyance route data 21 representing all the conveyance routes used in the physical distribution system is stored as a database for each route. As the transfer route data, for example, the transfer route data of the direct transfer from the carry-in station STI to the carry-out station STO1, the carry-in station STI to each automated warehouse 2
a to 2c transfer route data for warehousing, each automated warehouse 2a to
2c includes delivery route data for unloading from the unloading stations STO1 to STO3, transport route data for exchanging the load W between the automated warehouses 2a to 2c, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the transport route data 21 stored in a part of the storage area 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the transport route data 21 are assigned route numbers in order from 1, and the transport source display unit 21a, the transport destination display unit 21b, the route display unit 21c, the number display unit 21d, and the priority display unit 2 are displayed.
1e, the identification part 21f, and the abnormality identification part 21g are provided.
The route display unit 21c indicates the station number for delivering the load W on the transport route or the automatic warehouses 2a to 2c to which the frame shelves 5 belong, and the number display unit 21d indicates that the work instruction is currently issued to the transport route. Indicates the number of cases. As shown in FIG. 1, the station numbers of the respective transporting devices that transfer the load W are, as shown in FIG. ST1 to 9c and delivery conveyor 4
It is given as ST15.

The priority order indicates which one of the transportation routes is to be used when the transportation source and the transportation destination are the same but the routes are different. Normally, the priorities are given in ascending order of the distance of the transportation route. To For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the direct conveyance route from the carry-in station STI to the carry-out station STO1 is No. 1 (STI → ST1, ST1 → ST7, ST).
7 → ST13), No.2 (STI → ST3, ST3 → ST9, ST9
→ ST13), No.3 (STI → ST5, ST5 → ST11, ST1
1 → ST13), the priority is No. 1, No.
2 and No. 3 in that order.

The identifying unit 21f indicates whether or not the transport route is unusable. The identifying unit 21f stores a valid flag, and the transport device constituting the transport route is in the system due to a failure or the like. When it is disconnected from the route, the validity flag of the route is set to "NG", and otherwise it is set to "OK". When the carrier device is disconnected due to a failure, a signal indicating disconnection of the carrier device is output from the control means for controlling the carrier device to the CPU 14, and the CPU 14 changes the valid flag to “NG” based on the signal. Input device 17
Data for changing the valid flag to "NG" may be input with.

The abnormality identifying section 21g indicates whether or not an abnormal conveyance device exists in the conveyance path, and the abnormality means a failure which can be recovered due to a temporary defect. When an abnormality occurs in the carrier device, a signal notifying it is input from the control means or a detection device (not shown) equipped in the carrier device via the input / output interface 19, and the CP
U14 stores the presence / absence of abnormality in the abnormality identifying unit 21g based on the signal. If the valid flag is "NG", no data is stored in the abnormality identifying unit 21g.

The CPU 14 operates according to the program data stored in the program memory 15, and the input device 17
The transport route data 21 stored in the memory 16 based on the data indicating the transport source and the transport destination of the load input by
The transport route to be used is selected from among the following according to a predetermined condition. When there are a plurality of transport routes corresponding to the same transport source and transport destination, the CPU 14 first excludes the unusable transport route from the selection targets, and selects from the transport routes configured by only valid transport devices.

When the CPU 14 selects the transport route,
(1) Whether or not there is an abnormal transporting device in the middle of each transport route to be selected, (2) The number of transport instructions at that time for that transport route, and (3) Based on three items of priority To select the transport route to be used. Of these, the item (1) is first determined, and the priority of the transport route in which the device in which the abnormality is present is placed later. Which of the items (2) and (3) is emphasized depends on the system configuration, and if there is no great difference in the transport time depending on the route, (2)
Is prioritized, and the transport route with the smallest number of transport instructions at that time for that transport route is prioritized. When the transport time greatly changes depending on the route, the item (3) is emphasized, and the transport route having the short transport time is prioritized. Which is prioritized can be set in advance by the input device 17.

When there is no valid route when selecting the transport route, that is, when the valid flags of the transport route connecting the transport source and the transport destination input by the input device 17 are all “NG”, the CPU 14 displays the display 18. An error message indicating that processing cannot be performed is displayed. Further, when there is only a route having an abnormal transport device on the way as a transport route for connecting the transport source and the transport destination, the route is allocated (selected) again after a fixed time.

The CPU 14 uses the selected transport route data 21.
Based on, the conveyance instruction data is output to the corresponding control means. Further, the CPU 14 can update the transport path data 21 in the memory 16 based on the input data from the input device 17.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described. In this physical distribution system, the transfer source and the transfer destination are input to the transfer management computer 13 by the input device 17 without making a distinction such as warehousing, warehousing, direct delivery, and shelf replacement. For example, in the case of warehousing to the first automated warehouse 2a, the carry-in station STI is input as the transport source, and the address of the storage section 5a of the framework shelf 5 of the automated warehouse 2a is input as the transport destination. In the case of storage in the second automated warehouse 2b or the third automated warehouse 2c as well, the transport source is the loading station STI,
The transfer destination is the address of the storage section 5a of the frame rack 5 of the corresponding automated warehouse 2b, 2c.

A unloading station from the first automated warehouse 2a
In the case of delivery to STO1 to STO3, the address of the storage section 5a of the framework shelf 5 of the automated warehouse 2a is input as the transfer source, and the corresponding stations ST13 to 15 are input as the transfer destinations. Also, in the case of issuing from the second automated warehouse 2b or the third automated warehouse 2c, similarly, the transport source becomes the address of the storage section 5a of the frame shelf 5 of the corresponding automated warehouse 2b, 2c, and the transport destination corresponds. It will be stations ST13 to ST15.

In the case of going straight from the carry-in station STI to the first carry-out station STO1, the carry-in station STI is inputted as the carrier and the station ST13 is inputted as the carrier. In the case of going straight from the carry-in station STI to the second carry-out station STO2 or the third carry-out station STO3, the carrier is the carry-in station STI and the carrier is the corresponding station ST1.
It becomes 4,15.

Further, in the case of shelving exchange from the first automated warehouse 2a to the second automated warehouse 2b, the address of the storage section 5a of the frame shelf 5 of the automated warehouse 2a as the transport source and the second destination as the transport destination. The address of the storage section 5a of the frame shelf 5 of the automated warehouse 2b is input respectively. In addition, the first automated warehouse 2a to the third automated warehouse 2c, the second automated warehouse 2b to the third automated warehouse 2
In the case of shelving replacement to c or the like, the transfer source becomes the address of the storage section 5a of the corresponding frame warehouse 5a of the automated warehouses 2a and 2b, and the transfer destination becomes the address of the storage section 5a of the frame shelf 5 of the automatic warehouse 2c. .

When there is an unusable carrier device due to a failure or the like, the valid flag of the carrier route data 21 in which the carrier device exists is set to "NG" prior to the operation of the physical distribution system. For example, when the unloading aisle conveyor 9b of the second automated warehouse 2b is out of order due to a failure, as shown in FIG. 4, the transportation route using the station ST9, that is, the routes No. 2, No. 8, etc. The valid flag is set to "NG". Further, which of the priority flag and the number of conveyance instructions appearing on the conveyance route is more important when the conveyance route is selected is set.

The transfer management computer 13 has an input device 17
The work instruction data for each control means is created based on the data of the transport source and the transport destination input by. For example, in order to carry out orthogonal transport, the input device 17 is used as the transport source and the transport station STI is used as the transport destination.
When 3 is input, the CPU 14 searches the database for the transport route data 21 having the corresponding transport source and transport destination. Then, the corresponding transport route data 2
It is determined whether the valid flag of 1 is “NG” or “OK”, and the transport route data 21 with the valid flag of “NG” is excluded from the selection target. The transport route data 21 corresponding to the input data is routes No. 1 to No. 3, but route No. 2 is excluded from the selection target because the valid flag is "NG", and route N.
The transport path data 21 of o.1 and No. 3 are selected.

Next, the CPU 14 determines whether or not there is an abnormal conveyance device in the conveyance path to be selected based on the data of the abnormality identification section, and preferentially selects the conveyance path having no abnormality.
In this case, since there is no abnormality in both routes, the CPU 14 next compares the currently designated numbers. Since the route No. 1 has the current number of instructions 1 and the route No. 3 has the current number of instructions 0, the CPU 14 determines the route N.
Select o.3 as the transport route. If the route No. 1 is also the current number of instructions 0, the CPU 14 next compares the priorities and selects the route No. 1 having the earlier priority as the transport route.

After selecting the transport route, the CPU 14 creates work instruction data for the control means of the transport equipment used on the transport route and sequentially outputs it to each control means. Route No.
When 3 is selected as the transport path, the CPU 14 outputs work instruction data for controlling the sorting conveyor 1, the unloading aisle conveyor 9c, and the delivery conveyor 4a to the conveyor control panel 10. Further, the CPU 14 outputs work instruction data for controlling the stacker crane 6c to the crane controller 11c and work instruction data for controlling the guided vehicle M to the guided vehicle controller 12, respectively.

The conveyor control panel 10, the crane controller 11c, and the guided vehicle controller 12 control the sorting conveyor 1, the unloading aisle conveyor 9c, the delivery conveyor 4a, the stacker crane 6c, and the guided vehicle M based on the work instruction data. To do. Further, the conveyor control panel 10, the crane controller 11c, and the guided vehicle controller 12 output a signal to that effect to the transport management computer 13 at each break of the control operation or when the control operation is completed. The transport management computer 13 manages the progress of work according to the signal.

In the case of warehousing, warehousing, and shelving replacement work, the addresses of the storage sections 5a of the frame shelves 5 of the automated warehouses 2a to 2c are also input when the transfer source and the transfer destination are input, but the transfer route is selected. At this time, the selection is made without considering the address of the storage portion 5a. The CPU 14 is the crane controller 11a
The storage unit 5 is used when creating work instruction data for
The address of a is added to the work instruction data.

When there is only one transport route and the transport source and transport destination when the valid flag of the transport route data 21 is "NG" are input by the input device 17, for example, the route No. 8 in FIG. When the delivery to the station ST13 from the second automated warehouse 2b corresponding to is designated, an error message indicating that the process cannot be performed is displayed on the display 18.

If there is only a path having an abnormal device on the way as a transfer path for connecting the specified transfer source and transfer destination, the CPU 14 does not allocate or select the transfer path at that time, and returns again after a certain time. Is determined and whether or not is resolved, and selection is performed when the abnormality is resolved. If the abnormality is not resolved even after the number of times of repetition reaches the predetermined number, the fact is displayed on the display 18.

When the operation of the system is changed, for example, when only a part of the possible travel route is used, or when some of the transport devices are stopped even if the transport device is not broken, the transport route of the database is used. The data 21 is updated. For example, when the use of the third automated warehouse 2c is temporarily stopped and the physical distribution system is configured only by the first and second automated warehouses 2a and 2b, the stacker crane 6c, the carry-in aisle conveyor 8c, and the carry-out aisle conveyor. The input device 17 rewrites the valid flags of the identification units 21f of all the transport route data 21 including 9c to "NG".

In the first stage of operation of the physical distribution system, the operation was carried out only by warehousing, warehousing and direct delivery,
That is, in the case where the transfer route data such as the route Nos. 10 and 11 in FIG. 4 which does not have the transfer route data for the shelving change is changed to also perform the shelving change process, the input device 17 newly inputs the transfer route data necessary for the shelving change process. To do.

When disconnecting a carrier device that is temporarily unusable due to a failure from the system, the valid flag of the carrier path data 21 including the route passing through the carrier device is rewritten to "NG", and the failure occurs. When the carrier device is restored to the system after being repaired, it is dealt with by rewriting the valid flag to “OK”.

Further, when changing the type or number of the carrier devices that make up the physical distribution system, the carrier route data 21 corresponding to the changed system is added and a part of the existing carrier route data 21 is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, while partially changing the traveling route 3a of the transport system 3 including the guided vehicle M, the loading aisle conveyor 8c of the third automated warehouse 2c and the new loading station STI2 are provided. When the unmanned guided vehicle 22 to be communicated is provided as the carrying device and the unmanned guided vehicle controller 23 is provided as the control means for controlling the unmanned guided vehicle 22, the carrying route data 21 for warehousing from the carry-in station STI2 is newly added. To be done. Further, a part of the transport route data 21 is changed in accordance with the fact that the delivery of the load between the guided vehicle M of the transport system 3 and the carry-in aisle conveyor 8c becomes impossible.

This embodiment has the following effects. (A) By designating the transportation source and the transportation destination of the load W, an appropriate transportation route is selected from the pre-stored transportation routes, and it is possible to flexibly deal with the configuration change of the system transport device and the system operation change. be able to.

(B) The transport route data 21 has an identifying section 21f which indicates whether or not a part of the transporting equipment constituting the transport route is unusable, and the CPU 14 recognizes the identifying section 21f when there are a plurality of transport routes. The transport route is selected by excluding the transport route data 21 having the unusable transport device from the selection target based on the data of 1. Therefore, the time until the work instruction signal is output to the control means of the usable carrier device is shortened, and the reduction of the carrier efficiency of the entire system is prevented when there is the carrier device that cannot be used.

(C) Since the transport path data 21 has the identification section 21f which indicates whether or not a part of the transport equipment constituting the transport path is unusable, a part of the transport equipment is disconnected from the system and returned. Can be easily performed by changing the data of the identification unit 21f, for example, rewriting “NG” and “OK”.

(D) When there are a plurality of transport routes connecting the same transport source and the same transport destination, the transport route to be executed is selected in accordance with a predetermined condition set in advance, so that it is appropriate according to the situation. It is possible to carry a load through various transport routes.

(E) When there are a plurality of transport routes that connect the same transport source and the same transport destination, the priority is set for each transport route data, and the priority is selected in order from the highest priority. Therefore, it is possible to carry the load through the optimum carrying route according to the situation.

(F) Transport route data 21 of the memory 16
Can be updated. Therefore, in response to the addition or removal of the transport equipment that constitutes the system, transport route data 2
It becomes easy to change 1.

(G) Since the transport route data 21 corresponding to the transport source and the transport destination input by the input device 17 are displayed on the display 18, the operator can confirm the condition of the transport route, and the subsequent transport instruction can be issued. Can be helpful.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be embodied as follows, for example. (1) Not only the required transportation routes but also all the transportation routes by the transportation devices that configure the physical distribution system are stored in the storage unit in advance, and the valid flag of the identification unit 21f of the transportation route data 21 other than the required transportation routes is stored. Is set to "NG". In this case, unless a new transport device is added to the transport devices that make up the physical distribution system, the necessary transport route can be set simply by rewriting the valid flag of the identification unit 21f.

For example, as the delivery route from the first automated warehouse 2a to the unloading station STO1, the route No. shown in FIG.
In addition to the frame shelves 5 → ST7, ST7 → ST13 of the automatic warehouse 2a of 7, the frame shelves 5 → the carry-out port 1d and the carry-in port 1b of the automated warehouse 2a
→ ST9, ST9 → ST13, framed shelves 5 → outlet 1d, inlet 1c → ST11, ST11 → ST13 of the automated warehouse 2a are also conceivable. Therefore, these two routes are also registered as preliminary routes for the delivery from the first automatic warehouse 2a to the unloading station STO1. Then, normally, the validity flag of the backup route is set to "NG", and when the removal aisle conveyor 8a is disconnected from the system due to a failure, the validity flag of the backup route is rewritten to "OK". The same applies to the delivery from the other carry-out stations STO2, STO3 or the second and third automated warehouses 2b, 2c from the first automated warehouse 2a.

(2) When there are a plurality of transport routes corresponding to the same transport source and transport destination, instead of the configuration in which the CPU 14 selects the transport route to be used, the transport route data 21 corresponding to the display 18 is displayed. The operator may select from the transport route data 21. Further, normally, the CPU 14 selects the transport path, and the input device 17
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the operator can temporarily select the transport route at the desired time by inputting. In this case, the desired transport route can be executed regardless of the preset priority order.

(3) The combination of the transporting devices constituting the physical distribution system is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, instead of the sorting conveyor 1, the transporting system 3 including the track guided vehicle M is provided and the carry-in port 1a is provided. ~ 1c and outlet 1d
It is assumed that an aisle conveyor is provided at a position corresponding to 1f. Moreover, the loading station is set to the unloading station ST without providing a transport device on the first end side of the automated warehouses 2a to 2c.
Similar to O1 to STO3, they may be provided on the side of the transport system 3 corresponding to the travel route 3a. Then, the entire transportation route constituted by the transportation devices constituting the physical distribution system or the required transportation route is stored in the memory 16 in advance. In this case also, based on the transport source and the transport destination input by the input device 17, the transport route is selected from the transport routes stored in the memory 16 according to a predetermined condition, and an appropriate transport route is selected (set). It

(4) The number of automated warehouses 2a to 2c is not limited to three and may be two or four or more. (5) A configuration in which the valid flag of the identification unit 21f of the transport route data 21 is automatically rewritten to “NG” based on the output signal based on the power shutdown when the power supply of the transport device forming the transport route is cut off. And In this case, when the carrier device is separated from the system, the operator does not need to operate the input device 17 to rewrite the data in the identification unit 21f.

(6) The crane controller 11 sends a work instruction signal for warehousing, warehousing, or shelf replacement from the CPU 14.
When outputting to a-11c, the corresponding automated warehouses 2a-2
Instead of outputting the data indicating the storage portion 5a of the frame shelf 5 of c together, the product number data of the load W is output. Then, the crane controllers 11a to 11c are connected to the automated warehouses 2a to
Storage section 5a for storing the load W from the inventory management data of 2c
Alternatively, the storage section 5a for carrying out the load W may be determined and the stacker cranes 6a to 6c may be controlled. In this case, the load on the CPU 14 is reduced.

(7) Instead of the memory 16, a storage unit, such as a floppy disk or an IC card, which is detachably attached to the transport management computer 13, may be used.

Inventions other than those described in the claims that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below along with their effects. (1) In the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 5, all the transportation routes by the transportation devices that constitute the physical distribution system are stored in the storage unit in advance, and the transportation routes other than those required for the transportation route data are stored. An identification unit for identifying whether or not the route data is to be selected is provided, and the data of the identification unit is rewritten to select the required transport route data as the selection target. In this case, unless a new transport device is added to the transport devices that make up the physical distribution system, the necessary transport route can be set simply by rewriting the data in the identification unit.

(2) In the inventions according to claims 3 to 5, when the power supply of the carrier device forming the carrier route is cut off, the carrier route data corresponding to the carrier route passing through the carrier device is identified. The data of the department is automatically rewritten to indicate that it is in an unusable state.
In this case, if the faulty transport device is disconnected from the system, the data in the corresponding identification unit will be reliably rewritten,
There is no need for the operator to rewrite with the input means.

(3) The transport route selection device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 is equipped with a display for displaying the transport route data corresponding to the transport source and the transport destination input by the input means. In this case, the worker can confirm the status of the transport route and can refer to the transport instruction to be given thereafter.

(4) In a physical distribution system having a plurality of automatic warehouses and having a plurality of transportation routes for connecting a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load, the transportation route according to any one of claims 2 to 5 A setting device, a carrier device control unit that controls each carrier device that constitutes the carrier route, and a carrier management unit that outputs work instruction data to the carrier device controller that constitutes the carrier route selected by the selecting unit. A transportation control device in a provided physical distribution system. This transfer control device can flexibly cope with a change in the configuration of the transfer device that constitutes the system and a change in the operation of the system. Further, even in a physical distribution system in which the configuration of the carrier device is different, the control for sending the work instruction data to the control means for controlling the carrier device can be the same.

[0070]

As described in detail above, claims 1 to 5 are provided.
According to the invention described in (1), in a distribution system having a plurality of automated warehouses and having a plurality of transportation routes that connect a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load, it is flexible to change the configuration of the transportation device of the system or the operation change of the system. Can correspond to. Further, even in a physical distribution system in which the configuration of the carrier device is different, the control for sending the work instruction data to the control means for controlling the carrier device can be the same.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the time until the work instruction signal is output to the control means of the usable carrier device is shortened, and the entire system in the case where the carrier device cannot be used is present. A decrease in transport efficiency is prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of transfer routes that connect the same transfer source and the same transfer destination, the load can be transferred on the optimum transfer route according to the situation. it can.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the transport route data in the storage means can be updated, it is possible to easily change the transport route data in response to the addition or removal of the transport equipment constituting the system. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a physical distribution system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a relationship between a transport management computer and each control unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a transportation management computer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing conveyance route data stored in a storage area.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a physical distribution system in which a part of the transportation device is changed.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional physical distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sorting conveyor as a conveyance device, 2a-2c ... Automatic warehouse, 4a-4c ... Outgoing conveyor as a conveyance device,
6a to 6c ... Similarly stacker cranes, 8a to 8c ... Similarly carry-in aisle conveyors, 9a-9c ... Same as carry-out aisle conveyors, 10 ... Conveyor control panel as control means, 11a-11c ... Same crane controller, 1
Reference numeral 2 is also a guided vehicle controller, 13 is a transport management computer as transport management means, 14 is CPU as selection means, judgment means and control means, 16 is memory as storage means, 17 is input device as input means, 21
... conveyance route data, 21f ... identification unit, 22 ... unmanned conveyance vehicle as a conveyance device, 23 ... unmanned conveyance vehicle controller as a control means, M ... a guided vehicle as a conveyance device.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. In a physical distribution system having a plurality of automatic warehouses and having a plurality of transportation routes for connecting a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load, all necessary transportation routes are stored in advance in a storage means,
A transport route setting method in a physical distribution system, which selects a transport route to be used according to a predetermined condition from the transport routes stored in the storage means based on a designated transport source and transport destination. 2. In a physical distribution system having a plurality of automatic warehouses and having a plurality of transportation routes for connecting a transportation source and a transportation destination of a load, at least all transportation route data used in the transportation system are stored. Means, input means for inputting the transportation source and destination data of the cargo, and all transportation route data stored in the storage means based on the transportation source and transportation destination data of the cargo input by the input means. A transport route setting device in a physical distribution system, comprising: a selecting unit that selects a transport route to be used according to a predetermined condition. 3. The transport route data includes an identification unit indicating that a transport route passing through the transport route is unusable when a part of the transport route configuring the transport route is unavailable. The transport route setting device in the physical distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the transport route data having the identifying unit is excluded from selection targets to select the transport route. 4. The transportation route data is set with a priority order for each transportation route data that connects the same transportation source and the same transportation destination, and the selecting means selects in descending order of priority. The transport route setting device in the physical distribution system according to claim 2 or claim 3. 5. The transport route setting device in the physical distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit is configured to be able to update the transport route data.