JP4081460B2 - Order matching system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an order matching system, and in particular, in a picking area in a product picking facility, a transport container in which an article is picked according to an order is transported to an inspection packing area having a plurality of inspection packing chute lines for inspection and packaging. The present invention relates to an order matching system applied to a case.

  An example of this type of commodity picking equipment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product picking facility and an inspection packing area associated therewith, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a transport container, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the transport device.

  First, the basic configuration of the product picking facility will be described with reference to FIG. This commodity picking equipment is roughly divided into a slip input area A, a picking area B, and an inspection packing area D. A slip insertion line La is disposed in the slip insertion area A, a main transport line Lb is disposed in the picking area B, and an inspection packaging line Ld is disposed in the inspection packaging area D. A return line Lr is disposed between the inspection packing line Ld and the slip input line La. The slip insertion line La, the main transport line Lb, the inspection packing line Ld, and the return line Lr are connected in series so that a large number of transport containers can circulate.

  The slip insertion area A includes a plurality of, for example, four slip insertion stations a1, a2, a3, and a4. Each of the slip insertion stations a1 to a4 is a place where a slip issued for each order is put into an empty transport container and is inserted into the slip input line La to be started.

  The picking area B is the most important place for ordering goods. When products are classified according to ABC classification (shipment tendency by item), products with high shipping frequency are called A rank products, B rank products are medium shipping frequencies, and C rank products are products with low shipping frequencies. . The specific product means a product, a pamphlet, a free gift, an advertising product, etc. with a large shipment amount that are provided to most customers although there are few varieties.

  The picking area B includes a large number of product picking islands P1 and a small number of specific product picking islands P2. The number of the commodity picking islands P1 is arbitrary, but it is provided from several places to several tens places. This product picking island P1 is divided into a very large variety of mail-order products, for example, a group of products from A rank products to C rank products so that each product picking island P1 can be evenly placed. This is provided for the purpose of storing products belonging to the product group and picking only the products in the product group.

  Picking at each product picking island P1 is performed by stopping a transport container at each product picking island P1 on a product picking line that branches from the main transport line Lb and joins again. The number of specific commodity picking islands P2 is also arbitrary, and is provided from one to several places. In this specific product picking island P2, products common to many orders, such as A rank products and specific products, etc. are few, but products with a large quantity of goods that are provided to many customers are put into the transport container. It is a place to do. The picking at the specific product picking island P2 is also performed by stopping the transport container at the specific product picking island P2 on the specific product picking line provided in parallel with the main transport line Lb.

  The inspection packing area D is a place where collection containers for one-order products are collected, the products are taken out from each of the transfer containers, inspected, and packed, and a number of packing stations d1, d2,. And an inspection packing chute line branched from the packing line Ld to each of the packing stations d1 to d10. When the product is taken out from the transport container 1 at each packing station d1,..., The empty transport container 1 is returned to the internal return line Lr that circulates each packing station d1,. It proceeds to the slip input line La through an external return line Lr connected to.

  The feature of the product picking equipment having the above basic configuration is that a transport container described later freely branches from the main transport line Lb to an arbitrary product picking island P1,. It is possible to join, and it is also possible to freely pass without stopping at the other product picking island P1 and the specific product picking island P2. Since there are various orders from customers, the products and specific products to be put into each transport container are also different. On the other hand, in each transport container, a picked product is dropped into a different product picking island P1,... And a specific product picking island P2, and another product picking island P1,. Will pass. As a result, each transport container accommodates almost freely picked goods and transports them to the inspection packing area D without waiting for the traveling or picking operation of another transport container.

  As described above, the present embodiment is characterized in that order picking is possible by picking by moving each transport container at random, and the shipping lead time can be shortened.

  Next, the transport container 1 suitable for order picking as described above will be described. In the transport container 1 shown in FIG. 6, an order slip is inserted while traveling on the slip insertion line La, and a product picked based on the order slip and a specific product are stored while traveling on the main transport line Lb. It conveys to the line Ld.

  Based on FIG. 6, the specific structure of the conveyance container 1 is demonstrated. The transport container 1 is a suspended container composed of a box-shaped container 1a, a hanger 1b, and a hook 1c. The container 1a is a vertically long synthetic resin box, is rigid, and has an upper surface and an upper front surface opened. Due to the large opening, even a very large product or a specific product can be put into the container 1a. Further, a pocket 1d for holding the order slip S is provided on the upper part of the inner wall at a position that is easily accessible from the opening.

  The hanger 1b is connected to the container 1a by an arbitrary hinge 1e so as to be swingable. For this reason, the container 1a can be tilted, and it is possible to easily put in and take out products and specific products. The hook 1c is erected at the center of the hanger 1b, and its upper end is curved in a hemispherical shape. The hook 1c is transverse to the transport direction, and engages with a transport means described later so that the transport container 1 is transported.

  An ID tag 2 is attached to the upper surface on one side of the hanger 1b. The ID tag 2 can record transport information associated with the order such as ordered product information, presence / absence of product input, branch command signal, etc., in addition to the unique transport container number. On the other hand, an ID tag reader / writer 3 is installed at a necessary place of each of the transport lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr, and necessary control information is read / written with respect to the ID tag 2 by these. Control such as branching or joining of the transport container 1 is performed at various points. As described above, as a result of the combination of the ID tag 2 and the ID tag reader / writer 3, the transport container 1 is not only a container for storing picked goods but also a medium having control information.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a transfer device for the transfer container 1. This transport apparatus constitutes a slip input line La, a main transport line Lb, a packing line Ld, and a return line Lr shown in FIG. The product picking line, the specific product picking line, the inspection packing chute line, etc. branching from each of the lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr are optional, such as a rail that allows the hook 1c to slide freely or a combination of this with a conveyor. The conveying means can be used.

  In the transport device of FIG. 7, a rail 5 as a guide member that defines a transport path including the lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr is fixed to a building structure 100, and a traveling wheel 6 is attached to the rail 5. Are arranged at equal intervals. A series of chains 7 are attached to each traveling wheel 6. The chain 7 is supplied with traveling power by a motor or the like (not shown) and acts as a conveying member, and circulates around the lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr. A catch (hooking portion) 8 is attached to the chain 7 at a constant pitch. The catch 8 has a claw-like latch that allows the transport container 1 to be freely attached and detached. When the hook 1c of the transport container 1 is hooked on the catch 8, the transport container 1 is transported in a suspended state.

  As described above, the conveying device constitutes each of the lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr. The branching operation and the merging operation to the shoot line and the branching line branched from these have arbitrary configurations. This is performed using a merging device and a branching device. For this reason, the transport container 1 can freely move around the transport lines La, Lb, Ld, and Lr, enter the branch lines, and merge from the branch lines (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  By the way, in this type of order matching system, products generated by order picking are stored in one transport container. However, depending on the contents of one order (quantity and individual product size), they cannot be stored in one transport container. In some cases, there are patterns that must be stored in a plurality of transport containers (hereinafter referred to as a multi-unit transport container) of two or more in some cases. When such a pattern occurs, the inspection packing operation in the inspection packing area D is an operation for refilling the products stored in the multi-unit transport containers into one box. It is desirable to continuously supply the same packing station in the inspection packing area D.

  However, the multi-conveyor containers are often separated while moving in the picking area B. This is because once the transport container is full, it does not enter the picking island, while the subsequent transport container enters the picking island and additional picking is performed. In this case, the plurality of transport containers of the multi unit are not continuously supplied to the same packing station at substantially the same time. In other words, a full transport container is supplied to a previously designated packing station, and a subsequent transport container with additional picking arrives at the specified packing station after a certain period of time (irregular). Become.

  In the conventional order matching system, for example, when one of two transport containers of a multi-unit is assigned to a designated packing station, a new order is transported until the transport container of the subsequent multi-unit reaches the packing station. Since the container cannot be specified, the packing operation cannot be started.

  The following methods can be considered as a method for solving such problems. In other words, in the picking area B, an empty transport container is prepared immediately behind the full transport container so that two or more transport containers of the multi-unit are always transported in series, and a full transport container is picked. This is a technique that allows the island to pass. However, in this method, the picking work efficiency decreases as the number of full transport containers increases.

JP 2001-253515 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an order matching system which can efficiently and continuously supply a plurality of multi-order transport containers to the same packing station when a multi-order transport container is generated.

  The present invention is an order matching system in which a transport container in which picking of an article according to an order is performed in a picking area is transported to an inspection packing area having a plurality of inspection packing chute lines to perform inspection and packaging, The inspection packing area is divided into a single inspection packing area for a single order with one transport container per order and a multi-inspection packing area for a multi-order with two or more transport containers per order. The packing area includes a plurality of single inspection packing chute lines that can be branched from a main conveyance line connected to the picking area, and the multi-inspection packing area is a large loop that can be branched from the main conveyance line. It is possible to branch from the buffer transfer line and the large loop buffer transfer line. It comprises a small loop buffer conveyor line, and a plurality of multi-inspection packing chute lines made possible branches from the small loop buffer conveyor line.

  In the order matching system according to the present invention, the transport container includes transport information including at least delivery destination information, single order and multi-order, and identification information for indicating relevance of the same order in the case of multi-order. Is attached to the tag, and reading means for reading the identification information of the tag is arranged on the upstream side of the branch point in the main transfer line, the large loop buffer transfer line, and the small loop buffer transfer line. . The order matching system according to the present invention is also configured such that a single-order transport container is guided to any single inspection / packing chute line in the single inspection / packaging area based on reading information from a plurality of reading units, and a multi-order transport container. Is provided with a control device for performing conveyance control leading to any one of the multi-inspection packing chute lines in the multi-inspection packing area.

  The control device further branches the same order of transport containers into the small loop buffer transport line after all of the transport containers of the same order have entered the large loop buffer transport line for a plurality of transport containers of multi-order, Subsequently, after all the transport containers of the same order enter the small loop buffer transport line, the transport containers of the same order are guided to the same multi-inspection packing chute line.

  The order matching system according to the present invention is also provided with a large loop reject chute line in the large loop buffer transport line, and the control device has already been in the multi-order until the same order transport containers are aligned with the large loop buffer transport line. The transport container of the same order entering the large loop buffer transport line circulates the large loop buffer transport line, and the first one of the transport containers of the same order enters the large loop buffer transport line and then the first If the same-order transport container does not align with the large-loop buffer transport line even after the predetermined time elapses, the same-order transport container in circulation is guided to the large-loop reject chute line. .

  The order matching system according to the present invention further includes a small loop reject chute line in the small loop buffer transport line, and the control device has already been in the multi-order until the same order transport containers are aligned with the small loop buffer transport line. The transport containers of the same order entering the small loop buffer transport line circulate around the small loop buffer transport line, and the second one after the first one of the transport containers of the same order enters the small loop buffer transport line. If the same-order transport container does not align with the small-loop buffer transport line even after the predetermined time elapses, the same-order transport container in circulation is guided to the small-loop reject chute line. .

  The order matching system according to the present invention may further include a return transfer line for returning the transfer container from the single inspection packing area to the picking area, and the main transfer line from the multi-inspection packing area to the return transfer line. A converging conveyance line for merging the conveyance containers is provided, and in the single inspection packing area and the multi-inspection packing area, the inspection containers are emptied and the transfer containers are emptied after the transfer information is deleted. It is returned to the picking area side by a transfer line.

  The order matching system according to the present invention is further configured such that the transport container is transported in a suspended state by suspension means that can travel along a rail that defines the transport line, and the large loop buffer transport line is It is preferable to be provided near the ceiling.

  The order matching system according to the present invention may be configured such that the main transport line is a main transport conveyor and the small loop buffer transport line is a revolving conveyor. In this case, the large loop buffer transport line is connected to the main transport conveyor. At least one combination of a branching conveyor that is allowed to branch, a merging conveyor that is allowed to join the circulating conveyor, and an automatic warehouse facility installed between the branching conveyor and the merging conveyor It is prepared for.

  According to the present invention, an operator in a multi-inspection packing chute line in a multi-inspection packing area can perform multi-inspection packing work without being conscious of arranging a plurality of multi-order transport containers. And since multiple multi-order transport containers can be supplied to the same multi-inspection packing chute line without causing much time lag, the waiting time in multi-inspection packing work is reduced and the work efficiency of inspection packing work is improved. Can be made.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a first embodiment when the present invention is applied to an inspection packing area in a commodity picking facility as described with reference to FIG. 5 will be described. In FIG. 1, the slip input area and the picking area shown in FIG. 5 are not shown. That is, also in the present embodiment, a transport container in which a product is picked according to an order in a picking area (not shown) is transported to an inspection packing area having a plurality of inspection packing chute lines for inspection and packaging. Of course, this equipment is built in the building.

  In particular, in the first embodiment, the inspection packing area is a single inspection packing area SA1 for a single order with one transport container for one order, and a multi-inspection for a multi-order with two or more transport containers for one order. It is divided into a packing area MA1. The single inspection packing area SA1 includes a plurality of single inspection packing chute lines SL1 that can be branched from the main transport line M1 connected to the picking area. On the other hand, the multi-inspection packing area MA1 includes a large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 that can be branched from the main transfer line M1, a small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 that can be branched from the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1, and the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1. And a plurality of multi-inspection packing chute lines ML1 that can be branched from the loop buffer transport line SBL1. The main transport line M1 is not only a line that guides transport containers sent from the picking area to the single inspection packing area SA1, but also transports containers that are empty after inspection packing is completed in the single inspection packing area SA1. Strictly speaking, the return transfer line M1-1 for sending back to the slip input area and the transfer container that could not branch to the single inspection packing chute line SL1 are sent back to the picking area side and transferred again to the single inspection packing chute line SL1. Or a return transfer line M1-1 ′ for continuing picking.

  The branch from the main transfer line M1 and the merge to the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 are performed by a plurality of branch / merging devices 11. The large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 forms a closed loop, and has a buffer function, that is, an area for collecting transfer containers waiting to arrive for a plurality of multi-unit transfer containers. The branch from the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 and the merge to the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 are performed by a plurality of branch / merging devices 12. A branching device 13 is installed to enable branching from the main transport line M1 to each single inspection packing chute line SL1, and to enable branching from the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 to each multi-inspection packing chute line ML1. A branching device 14 is installed in the main body. In FIG. 1, two branching / merging devices 11 are installed on the upstream side of the single inspection packing area SA1, and the branching / merging device 12 is placed at a position near the entrance and exit of the meandering region in the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1. Although it installs one by one, the installation location of the branching / merging device is not limited to the illustrated form. Since a well-known thing is used for a branching / merging apparatus and a branching apparatus, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Although the same thing as the conveyance container 1 demonstrated in FIG. 6 is used for a conveyance container, the information provided to ID tag 2 differs. In this embodiment, conveyance information including customer information, product picking information, medium type information, conveyance control information, bag information, and the like is assigned to the ID tag 2. The customer information is delivery destination information indicating a delivery destination, for example, the customer number of the customer who is the delivery destination, and the product picking information is flag information indicating completion / non-completion of picking for each product to be stored in the transport container. . That is, when a flag is set for a certain product, picking is completed, and when it is not set, picking is not completed. The medium type information is information for indicating the types of papers such as pamphlets and catalogs that are enclosed in the inspection packing area separately from the products. The transport control information is information for indicating a picking area transport destination. The bag information is identification information for indicating whether the transport container 1 is for single order or multi-order. For example, in the case of single order, 1/1, in the case of 3 multi-order, In order to show the relationship of the same order, the first is 1/3, the second is 2/3, and the third is 3/3.

  Transport to the ID tag 2 of the transport container 1 that is about to pass upstream of the branch points BA, BD, BB, BC in the main transport line M1, the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, and the small loop buffer transport line SBL1. Among the information, the ID tag reader / writer 3 (not shown in FIG. 1) described with reference to FIG. 6 for reading product picking information and bag information is arranged.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the control system of the order matching system according to the first embodiment. This control system receives the conveyance information read by the ID tag reader / writer arranged at each branch point, and in particular for each branch / merging device based on the product picking information and bag information (identification information) therein. It has the control part 20 which outputs a branch and merge command. In addition to the control unit 20, the product picking facility is provided with another control system for the slip insertion area A and the picking area B described with reference to FIG. As described above, this other control system issues a slip for each order at the slip insertion station A, writes product picking information in the picking area B, that is, writes flag information indicating completion of picking and a branch / join command. Is output.

  The feature of this embodiment is the configuration of the inspection packing area in the range of FIG. 1 and the control operation, and the operations described in FIG. 5 are executed for the slip input area A and the picking area B. The other control systems for the slip input area A and the picking area B are not shown or described. In the following, control of the large loop buffer transfer line, small loop buffer transfer line, single inspection packing area, and multi inspection packing area Only the operation will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of control operations in the large loop buffer transport line, small loop buffer transport line, single inspection packing area, and multi inspection packing area.

  In FIG. 3, when the transport container 1 is sent from the picking area B through the main transport line M1, the transport information for the ID tag 2 is read by the ID tag reader / writer 3 installed at the branch point BA (step 31). The read data is sent to the control unit 20. In step 32, the control unit 20 determines whether the transport container 1 is single-order or multi-order based on the bag information in the read information from the ID tag reader / writer 3, and picks based on the product picking information. It is determined whether it is complete or incomplete, that is, whether or not all products to be stored are stored. The control unit 20 advances the main transport line M1 straight for the single-order transport container 1 or the transport container 1 with unfinished goods (step 33).

  The transport container 1 that has traveled straight on the main transport line M1 is then read the transport information for the ID tag 2 by the ID tag reader / writer 3 installed at each branch point BD in the single inspection packing area SA1 (step 34). The read data is sent to the control unit 20. In step 35, the control unit 20 determines whether the order is single order and picking is completed or incomplete based on the bag information and the product picking information in the read information from the ID tag reader / writer 3. If the transport container 1 is not picked yet, or the data is erased or multi-order, the control unit 20 does not branch the transport container 1 at any branch point BD. As a result, the transport container 1 is returned to the picking area side through the return transport line M1-1 ′ (step 36).

  On the other hand, the picking-completed single-order transfer container 1 is branched to the single inspection packing chute line SL1 at any branch point BD in the main transfer line M1 (step 37). The branch point is determined according to the availability of the single inspection packing chute line. That is, the control unit 20 always knows how many transport containers 1 are currently waiting in each single inspection packing chute line SL1. Then, every time the ID tag 2 is read at each branch point BD, the corresponding single inspection packing chute line SL1 is determined, and if there is an empty single inspection packing chute line SL1, the branch device 13 there is operated. The transfer container 1 is branched. Based on the number of the branched transfer containers 1 and the number of pushbutton signals indicating the end input by the operator every time inspection packing ends, the control unit 20 currently transfers the number of transfer containers 1 to each single inspection packing chute line SL1. Knowing whether there is a container 1.

  Each single inspection packing chute line SL1 and multi-inspection packing chute line ML1 are also provided with ID tag readers / writers, a plurality of lamps indicating a medium shelf for storing a plurality of media and a plurality of lamps indicating the medium to be enclosed. It is installed corresponding to the medium. The operator reads the conveyance information from the ID tag of the conveyance container 1 to be inspected and packed. This conveyance information is sent to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 turns on the lamp indicating the medium to be enclosed from the medium type information in the transport information that has been sent. When the operator finishes reading the conveyance information, the operator deletes the information in the ID tag.

  In the single inspection packing chute line SL1 where the transport container 1 is branched, inspection and packing operations are performed on the products in the transport container 1 by an operator disposed there. In the single inspection packing chute line SL1, inspection and packing operations are performed while referring to various types of information entered in the slip put in the transport container 1 that has been transported. As for the medium type information, when there is a brochure, catalog, or the like to be enclosed, a corresponding lamp is turned on. Then, the empty transport container 1 is placed on the return transport line M1-1 after the transport information in the ID tag 2 is erased. It should be noted that display means for displaying conveyance information may be installed on the single inspection packing chute line SL1, and inspection and packing operations may be performed while referring to the conveyance information displayed on the display means.

  Next, the control operation when it is determined in step 32 that the transport container 1 is multi-order and picking is completed will be described. In this case, the control unit 20 operates the branching / merging device 11 at the branch point BA to branch the transport container 1 and join the large loop buffer transport line LBL1 (step 41). At this time, as described above, the conveyance information read by the ID tag reader / writer 3 at the branch point BA is sent to the control unit 20. When the multi-order transport container 1 enters the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, the control unit 20 performs large loop information management described below based on customer information and bag information in the transport information (step 42).

  For example, it is assumed that the multi-order is due to two transport containers 1. In this case, the control unit 20 is the first of the two multi-order transport containers 1, that is, the transport container 1 indicating that the bag information is 1/2 (or 2/2) (hereinafter referred to as the first transport container 1). ) Enters the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1, the transfer container 1 having the same customer information and the bag information indicating 2/2 (or 1/2) (hereinafter referred to as the subsequent transfer container 1 ′) is large. Until entering the loop buffer transfer line LBL1, the first transfer container 1 is circulated in the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 (step 43). In other words, when the first transport container 1 enters the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, the control unit 20 determines whether the subsequent transport containers 1 'are complete, that is, whether the same multi-order transport containers are complete. Is performed every time branching / merging occurs in step 41 (step 44). When the control unit 20 determines that the first transfer container 1 and the subsequent transfer container 1 ′ are aligned in the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1, branch control of these transfer containers 1 to the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 is performed. (Step 45).

  After moving to step 45, the control unit 20 first transfers the transport container 1 or the subsequent transport container 1 ′ identified from the ID tag reader / writer 3 at the branch point BB, or the subsequent transport container 1 ′ or the transport identified first. When the reading information having the bag information of the container 1 is sent (step 46), the branching / merging device 12 is operated, and the first transfer container 1 and the subsequent transfer container 1 'are moved to the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1. Are branched to the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 (step 47). It is clear that the above control operation is applied in exactly the same way even when there are three or more multi-order transport containers.

  Here, even if the first transport container 1 and the subsequent transport container 1 ′ are in different locations in the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, these transport containers 1, 1 ′ are connected to the small loop buffer transport line SBL1. There is little misalignment timing. This is because, as described above, one branching / merging device 12 is installed at each of the locations near the entrance and exit of the meandering region in the large loop buffer transport line LBL1.

  In the following, it is assumed that the first transport container 1 has entered the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 first. When the first multi-order transport container 1 enters the small loop buffer transport line SBL1, the control unit 20 performs small loop information management described below based on the customer information and bag information in the transport information (step 48). ).

  When the first transport container 1 enters the small loop buffer transport line SBL1, the control unit 20 moves the first transport container 1 to the small loop buffer transport line until the subsequent transport container 1 ′ enters the small loop buffer transport line SBL1. Circulate around SBL1 (step 49). That is, when the first transport container 1 enters the small loop buffer transport line SBL1, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the subsequent transport container 1 'is ready (step 50). When the control unit 20 determines that the first transport container 1 and the subsequent transport container 1 ′ are aligned in the small loop buffer transport line SBL1, the transport container 1, 1 ′ is placed in the same multi-inspection packing chute line ML1. Control proceeds to branching to (step 51). When the control unit 20 proceeds to step 51, when read information having the transport information of the first transport container 1 or the subsequent transport container 1 ′ is sent from the ID tag reader / writer 3 at the branch point BC (step 52). ), The branching device 14 there is operated to branch the first transport container 1 or the subsequent transport container 1 ′ to the multi-inspection packing chute line ML1. When the first transport container 1 (or the subsequent transport container 1 ′) first enters the multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1, the control unit 20 continues from the ID tag reader / writer 3 in the branch device 14 to the subsequent transport container. 1 '(or the first transport container 1) is waited until the read information having the transport information is sent, and when this read information is sent, the branching device 14 is operated and the subsequent transport container 1' (Or the first transport container 1) is branched to the same multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1 (step 53). It is obvious that the above control operation is applied in the same manner even when there are three or more multi-order transport containers.

  As described above, the same multi-order transport container 1 can be continuously supplied to the same multi-inspection packing chute line ML1. Since the time required for one round in the multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1 is short, the first transport container is supplied to the multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1 until the same order of transport containers is aligned with the same multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1. The time is short.

  Note that the conveyance information of the ID tag 2 is erased in the conveyance container 1 that has been emptied after the inspection packaging is performed in the multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1, and the conveyance information of the ID tag 2 is erased, as in the single inspection packaging line SL1, and merges with the main conveyance line M1. It is placed on a possible merge return line M1-2. The merger to the merge return line M1-2 is performed by an operator.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 is provided with a large loop reject chute line LRL1, and the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 is provided with a small loop reject chute line SRL1. For this reason, a branch device 15 is provided at a branch point BE from the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 to the large loop reject chute line LRL1, and an ID tag reader / writer 3 (not shown) similar to that described above is provided. On the other hand, a branching device 16 is provided at a branch point BF from the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 to the small loop reject chute line SRL1, and an ID tag reader / writer 3 (not shown) similar to that described above is provided. The large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 and the small loop reject chute line SRL1 can be merged with the merge return line M1-2. Joining to the join return line M1-2 is also performed by the operator.

  The large loop reject shoot line LBL1 is used as follows. As described above, the control unit 20 determines that the same multi-order transport container that is already in the large loop buffer transport line LBL1 until the same multi-order transport container is aligned with the large loop buffer transport line LBL1 is the large loop buffer transport line. Rotate LBL1. However, even if the first predetermined time T1 elapses after the first one of the same multi-order transport containers enters the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, the same multi-order transport containers do not align with the large loop buffer transport line LBL1. In this case, the same multi-order transport container in circulation is branched to the large loop reject chute line LRL1. That is, when the read information of the same multi-order transport container that has not been aligned in the large loop buffer transport line LBL1 is not sent to the control unit 20 within the first predetermined time T1, the control unit 20 15 is activated to branch the transfer container to the large loop reject chute line LRL1.

  Similarly, the small loop reject shoot line SBL1 is used as follows. As described above, the control unit 20 determines that the same multi-order transport container already in the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 until the same multi-order transport container is aligned with the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 is the small loop buffer transport line. Rotate SBL1. However, even if the second predetermined time T2 elapses after the first one of the same multi-order transport containers enters the large loop buffer transport line LBL1, the same multi-order transport containers do not align with the small loop buffer transport line SBL1. In this case, the same multi-order transport container in circulation is branched to the small loop reject chute line SRL1. That is, when the reading information of the same multi-order transport container that has not been arranged in the small loop buffer transport line SBL1 during the circulation is not sent to the control unit 20 within the second predetermined time T2, the control unit 20 16 is activated to branch the transport container to the small loop reject chute line SRL1. Although the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 are different, the setting can be arbitrarily changed.

  The reason for the above is that the number of transfer container buffers in the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 and the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 is limited, and the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 and the small loop buffer transfer line SBL1 are all included. This is to prevent it from being used exclusively by transport containers that are not.

  The transport container from the merge return line M1-2 passes through the branch point BD of the main transport line M1 in the single inspection packing area SA1. Here, in the case of the transport container from the multi-inspection packaging chute line ML1, the transport information of the transport container has already been erased, indicating that it is an empty container. On the other hand, in the case of the transport containers from the large loop reject chute line LRL1 and the small loop reject chute line SRL1, the transport information held by the transport container is multi-order. Thereby, the conveyance container from the merging / returning line M1-2 is not branched to the single inspection packing chute line SL1 by the branching device 13.

  Note that the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 only circulates the transfer container 1, and therefore does not need to be at a height position that can be reached by an operator. Therefore, by installing a rail that defines the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 at a height near the ceiling of the building, installation space for the large loop buffer transfer line LBL1 on the building floor is eliminated, and a new work area or It can be used effectively as a facility installation space.

  As described above, according to the order matching system according to the first embodiment, a plurality of multi-order transport containers can be supplied to the same multi-inspection packing line without causing much time shift. Each operator in the packing line does not have to wait for a long time until a plurality of multi-order transport containers are aligned, and the efficiency of inspection packing work can be improved.

  Note that the multi-inspection packing area MA1 does not need to be dedicated to multi-inspection packing, and if it is predicted that the multi-order will be small by grasping the daily order characteristics in advance, the multi-inspection packing area MA1 By correcting (setting) the pull-in amount of the bag (conveying container) such that MAX buffer amount = multi-bag amount + single bag amount, it can also function as a single inspection packing area.

  FIG. 4 shows an order matching system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment described above, the transfer container is transported in a suspended manner, but in the second embodiment, it is realized by a conveyor or the like. For this reason, a box-shaped container that is transported on a conveyor is used as the transport container, and an ID tag is attached to the side surface of the box-shaped container.

  In short, in the second embodiment, the inspection packing area is a single inspection packing area SA1 ′ for a single order with one transport container for one order, and a multi-pack with two or more transport containers for one order. It is divided into a multi-inspection packing area MA1 ′ for orders. The main transfer line and the return transfer line are constituted by the main transfer conveyor MC1, and a transfer conveyor 60 that can be branched from the main transfer line of the main transfer conveyor MC1 is installed in the single inspection packing area SA1 ′. The transport conveyor 60 is provided with a plurality of single inspection packing chute lines SL1 ′ that can be branched.

  On the other hand, the small loop buffer transport line is constituted by a circular conveyor CB1. A plurality of multi-inspection packing chute lines ML1 ′ are provided on the circumferential conveyor CB1 so as to be diverged. The large loop buffer transfer line includes a branching conveyor 61 that can be branched from the main transfer conveyor MC1, a merging conveyor 62 that can be merged with the revolving conveyor CB1, a branching conveyor 61, and a merging conveyor 62. Are provided with at least one set, in this case two sets, with the automatic warehouse facility 63 installed between the two. Automatic warehouse equipment is a warehouse equipped with multiple layers of multi-tiered storage shelves as shelves for storing transport containers, and automatically loading and unloading transport containers to and from each shelf. Since this type of automatic warehouse itself is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Also, in FIG. 4, the ID tag reader / writer 3 for the ID tag attached to the transport container is near the branch point of the branch conveyor 61 in the main transport line of the main transport conveyor MC1, near the branch point of the transport conveyor 60, Only what is arranged near the branch point to the revolving conveyor CB1 in the branching conveyor 62 is shown. However, as in the first embodiment, the ID tag reader / writer is close to the branch point to each single inspection packing chute line SL1 ′, near the branch point to the multi-inspection packing chute line ML1 ′, and further to the reject chute. Needless to say, it is also installed near the branch point of the line MLX ′.

  The usage method of the automatic warehouse facility 63 in this embodiment is as follows. After determining that all the transport containers of the same order by the multi-order have been introduced into the automatic warehouse facility 63, the control device discharges the transport containers of the same order to the sequential branching conveyor 62 and joins them to the circulating conveyor CB1. Subsequently, after determining that the transport containers of the same order are aligned with the revolving conveyor CB1, the transport containers of the same order are branched to the same multi-inspection packing chute line ML1 ′.

  The control apparatus also stores in the automatic warehouse facility 63 from the time when the first one of the transport containers of the same order by multi-order is introduced into the automatic warehouse facility 63 until the same order of transport containers is introduced into the automatic warehouse facility 63. The transport containers of the same order that are being kept continue to be stored. When the first one of the same-order transport containers is introduced into the automatic warehouse facility 63 and the first predetermined time T1 elapses, the same-order transport containers are not aligned in the automatic warehouse facility 63. The control device discharges the same-ordered transport container being stored from the reject chute line (conveyor) 64 to the outside of the multi-inspection packing area MA1 ′ and sends it to the return transport line in the main transport conveyor MC1.

  On the other hand, the reciprocating conveyor CB1 is also provided with a reject chute line (conveyor) MLX ', and the control device is already mounted on the revolving conveyor CB1 until the transport container of the same order by multi-order enters the revolving conveyor CB1. The transport containers of the same order circulate around the circular conveyor CB1. If the same order of transport containers does not enter the revolving conveyor CB1 after the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the first one of the transport containers of the same order has entered the revolving conveyor CB1. The control device discharges the same order of transport containers in circulation from the reject chute line MLX ′ to the outside of the multi-inspection packing area MA1 ′ and sends it to the return transport line in the main transport conveyor MC1.

  As apparent from the above description, the second embodiment is that the transfer means is realized by a conveyor, and the large loop buffer transfer line is realized by the branching conveyors 61 and 62 and the automatic warehouse facility 63. Except for this, the function and effect are almost the same as in the first embodiment.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the ID tag attached to the transport container can be a wirelessly readable / writable tag or a barcode. When a bar code is used, a bar code reader is combined.

  The order matching system according to the present invention is widely applicable to general logistics systems that perform order picking in picking work and inspection packing work, for example, various industries such as food, daily goods, and mail order.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the order matching system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the control system of the order matching system shown by FIG. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating control operation of the order matching system shown by FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the goods picking equipment by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the conventional goods picking equipment and inspection packing area. It is a figure for demonstrating the suspension type conveyance container used in the order matching system of FIG. 1, and the goods picking equipment of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the conveying apparatus which conveys the suspension type conveyance container shown by FIG.

Explanation of symbols

SA1, SA1 ′ Single inspection packing area MA1, MA1 ′ Multi inspection packing area M1 Main transfer line M1-1 Return transfer line M1-2 Merge return line LBL1 Large loop buffer transfer line SBL1 Small loop buffer transfer line BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF Branching point 11, 12 Branching / merging device 13, 14 Branching device MC1 Main transfer conveyor 60 Transfer conveyor 61 Branching conveyor 62 Merger conveyor 63 Automatic warehouse facility 64, MLX 'reject chute line CB1 Circulating conveyor

Claims (7)

In an order matching system in which a transport container in which picking of an article according to an order is performed in a picking area is transported to an inspection packing area having a plurality of inspection packing chute lines to perform inspection and packaging.
The inspection packing area is divided into a single inspection packing area for a single order with one transport container for one order and a multi-inspection packing area for a multi-order with two or more transport containers for one order,
The single inspection packing area includes a plurality of single inspection packing chute lines that can be branched from a main conveyance line connected to the picking area,
The multi-inspection packing area includes a large loop buffer transfer line that can be branched from the main transfer line, a small loop buffer transfer line that can be branched from the large loop buffer transfer line, and the small loop buffer transfer line. A plurality of multi-inspection packing chute lines made possible to branch,
The transport container is provided with a tag to which transport information including at least delivery destination information, single order and multi-order, and identification information for indicating the relevance of the same order in the case of multi-order, is attached. On the other hand, reading means for reading the identification information of the tag is arranged on the upstream side of the branch point in the main transfer line, the large loop buffer transfer line, and the small loop buffer transfer line,
A single-order transport container is guided to any single inspection / packing chute line in the single inspection / packaging area based on reading information from the reading means at a plurality of locations, and a multi-order transport container is any of the multi-inspection / packaging areas in the multi-inspection / packaging area. An order matching system comprising a control device for performing conveyance control leading to a multi-inspection packaging chute line.   The control device further branches the same-order transport containers sequentially into the small-loop buffer transport line after all the transport containers of the same order enter the large-loop buffer transport line for a plurality of transport containers of multi-order, 2. The order according to claim 1, wherein all the transport containers of the same order enter the small loop buffer transport line and then guide the transport containers of the same order to the same multi-inspection packaging chute line. Matching system.   The large loop buffer transfer line is provided with a large loop reject chute line, and the control device has already entered the large loop buffer transfer line until the same-order transfer containers of multiple orders are aligned with the large loop buffer transfer line. The transport containers of the same order circulate around the large loop buffer transport line, and the first one of the transport containers of the same order enters the large loop buffer transport line even if a first predetermined time elapses. 3. The order matching system according to claim 2, wherein when the same-order transport containers are not aligned with the large-loop buffer transport line, the same-order transport containers in circulation are guided to the large-loop reject chute line. .   The small loop buffer transfer line is provided with a small loop reject chute line, and the control device has already entered the small loop buffer transfer line until the same order of transfer containers are aligned with the small loop buffer transfer line. The transport containers of the same order circulate around the small loop buffer transport line, and the first one of the transport containers of the same order enters the small loop buffer transport line even if a second predetermined time elapses. 4. The order according to claim 2, wherein when the transport containers of the same order are not aligned with the small loop buffer transport line, the transport containers of the same order in circulation are guided to the small loop reject chute line. 5. Matching system.   The main transfer line includes a return transfer line for returning a transfer container from the single inspection packing area to the picking area, and a merging transfer for merging the transfer container from the multi-inspection packing area to the return transfer line. A line is provided, and the transport containers that have been emptied after being inspected and packed in the single inspection packing area and the multi-inspection packing area are returned to the picking area side by the return transport line after deleting the transport information. The order matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the order matching system is provided.   The transport container is transported in a suspended state by suspension means that can travel along a rail that defines a transport line, and the large loop buffer transport line is provided near the ceiling of the building. The order matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The main transport line is composed of a main transport conveyor, the small loop buffer transport line is composed of a revolving conveyor, and the large loop buffer transport line is divided into a branching conveyor and a revolving conveyor that can be branched from the main transport conveyor. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one combination of a merging conveyor that can be merged, an automatic warehouse facility installed between the branching conveyor and the merging conveyor. The order matching system according to 2.

Images