JP3596409B2 - distribution center - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a logistics center that simplifies the configuration of equipment units and secures entry / exit operations for abnormalities in various types of equipment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 6, the conventional distribution center is provided with an entrance station 52 and an exit station 53 at a predetermined distance on one side of a transfer facility 51 formed in a loop shape. On the side, a stacker crane 54 and a plurality of automatic warehouses having a storage table 55-storage shelf 56a and a delivery table 57-storage shelf 56b on both sides of the crane 54 are arranged.
[0003]
The automatic warehouse of this distribution center is one unit unit including one stacker crane 54, a pair of storage shelves 56a and 56b on both sides thereof, and a transfer facility 51 attached thereto. In addition, as the transfer equipment 51, a transfer conveyor or a transfer cart is used. Reference numeral 58 denotes an article that is put in or taken out of the warehouse.
[0004]
On the other hand, the control system system of the distribution center manages inventory by the central control computer 61, and prepares receipt / shipment planning data such as product type, quantity, shelf area data, etc. related to the receipt / shipment of articles, and stores the receipt / shipment transport equipment. It is sent to the computer 62 and the automatic warehouse computer 63. The receipt / shipment transport facility computer 62 stores the received receipt / shipment plan data, and sends, to the transport facility controller 64, a transport operation instruction for transporting, for example, the article to a position corresponding to the shelf area in accordance with the receipt / shipment plan data. . Here, the transport equipment controller 64 issues a transport control instruction based on the transport operation instruction, operates the transport equipment 51, and transports, for example, the articles placed in the storage station 52 to the position of the shelf area, Set to 55
On the other hand, the automatic warehouse computer 63 creates, in accordance with the receipt / shipment plan data, for example, from the shelf area data, the entry / exit operation data for determining whether to enter / exit using any of the stacker crane controllers (hereinafter, referred to as SC controllers) 65, It is sent to the corresponding SC controller 65. The selected SC controller 65 transmits an entry / exit control instruction created based on the entry / exit operation data to the predetermined stacker crane 54 by wireless or optical communication. The stacker crane 54 fetches, for example, an article on the storage table 55 and stores it in the corresponding shelf area in accordance with the storage and retrieval control instruction. Therefore, one SC controller 65,... And one stacker crane 54,... Have a one-to-one relationship, and the SC controller 65 is provided for each unit.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the above-mentioned distribution center can automatically enter required articles into corresponding shelves of an automatic warehouse based on receipt / shipment planning data of the central control computer 61. The following problems have been pointed out.
[0006]
(1) An automatic warehouse, which is a typical facility having a storage function, considers one stacker crane 54, storage shelves 56a and 56b on both sides thereof, and the transport equipment 51 attached thereto as one unit, and corresponds to it. Thus, since one SC controller 65 is assigned, there is a problem that the entire center equipment becomes large.
[0007]
In particular, since the number of articles stored in the distribution center and the entry / exit processing capacity differ for each plan, the configuration of the control system and the entry / exit operation also differ for each plan. Since the operations such as the restoration method are different, it takes time to adjust the units, and there is a problem that the equipment cost rises and the construction period is prolonged.
[0008]
(2) The transport equipment 51, SC controller 65, etc. are provided for each unit. However, if a trouble occurs in any of these equipment or a part of the control system including the sensing system, the entire center will stop. There is a problem.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Another object of the present invention is to provide a logistics center that secures a part of entry and exit operations even if a trouble occurs in a part of a center facility or a part of a control system including sensing.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) To solve the above problems, The distribution center according to the present invention manages a single unit including a plurality of automatic warehouses including stacker cranes and storage shelves and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses, and first inventory data, and manages the inventory data. A distribution center computer that creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan using the first inventory data and a second inventory data having the same contents as the first inventory data; In advance Computer for the distribution center Until a predetermined time Receipt / shipment planning data Receiving A unit operation computer that creates and outputs the delivery operation data and, when the second inventory data is updated, transmits the updated information to the distribution center computer to prompt the update of the first inventory data; , An entry / exit control instruction including at least crane identification data based on the entry / exit operation data of the unit operation computer. Send Crane controller and It has a transmission / reception function and a self-identification function, and upon receiving an entry / exit control instruction including data for crane identification from the crane controller, judges that the entry / exit by itself is performed by the self-identification function and enters / exits to the corresponding automatic warehouse. With the stacker crane performing the control It is a configuration provided with.
[0014]
According to the present invention, with the above configuration, the distribution center computer and the unit operation computer mutually unify the inventory while mutually updating the inventory, and input data from the distribution center computer for a predetermined time. If the shipment plan is passed to the unit operation computer, when one of the two computers becomes abnormal, the other computer acts on behalf of the computer that becomes abnormal, and takes in and out of the storage / shipment plan data and the inventory data. Operation data can be created and transmitted to the crane controller wirelessly or via a bus line.
[0015]
(2) In addition, the distribution center according to the present invention includes a plurality of automatic warehouses each including a stacker crane and a storage shelf, and moves articles into and out of these automatic warehouses. for Multiple split carriers Using A plurality of units in which units including transport equipment formed in a closed loop are arranged adjacently, a transport error sensor that is installed for each of the divided transport bodies and detects a transport error, and a receipt / shipment plan for each unit is created. A computer for the distribution center to be output, and manages the inventory data for each unit created based on the receipt / shipment plan data, and also stores in / out plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center. If a plurality of unit operation computers are provided for storing and preparing entry / exit operation data based on their own unit side entry / exit plan data and transmitting them to one crane controller and one transfer equipment controller, The unit operation computer corresponds to a specific divided carrier constituting its own unit-side transport facility When a transport error is received from the transport error sensor, new entry / exit operation data including transport control for rotating the normal divided / transported body forward and reverse is created, and the entry / exit operation data is generated according to the new entry / exit operation data. Can be continued in accordance with the above.
[0016]
(3) Further, the distribution center according to the present invention is a plurality of automatic warehouses consisting of stacker cranes and storage shelves, and transport equipment formed in a closed loop using a plurality of divided transporters for loading and unloading articles into and from these automatic warehouses. A plurality of units arranged adjacent to each other, a transport abnormality sensor installed for each divided transport body and detecting a transport abnormality, a distribution center computer for creating and outputting a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and It manages the inventory data for each unit created based on the filled-in shipment plan data, stores the entry / exit plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center, and stores the data for each unit. Entry and exit operation data is created based on the exit planning data, and one crane controller and one transport facility control A plurality of unit operation computers for transmitting data to each other, wherein each of the unit operation computers exchanges the inventory data and the receipt / shipment operation data that change from time to time with each other; Means for requesting entry / exit to another adjacent unit operation computer when an entire conveyance abnormality is received, and entry / exit plan data of a unit determined to be the conveyance abnormal side in the other unit operation computer receiving the entry / exit request And the other unit operation data creating means for creating the interrupting entry / exit operation data based on the above, and continuing the entry / exit.
[0017]
In this case, when one transfer facility as a whole is stopped, it is possible to use the healthy transfer facility to create the entry / exit operation data based on another receipt / shipment plan and continue the entry / exit.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a distribution center according to the present invention including equipment and a control system related to one unit.
[0020]
This distribution center is composed of an article transport system for storing and unloading required articles, an automatic warehouse for storing articles, and a control system.
[0021]
In the article transport system, a transport facility 1 formed in a closed loop shape is installed. In general, a transport conveyor is used. However, for example, a configuration in which one or a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a transport rail is also used. Good.
[0022]
The automatic warehouse is a storage facility for storing articles (types) in a quantity corresponding to the storage processing capacity, 1 A plurality of automatic warehouses 2a, 2b, 2c are arranged on one side with a predetermined positional relationship, and these automatic warehouses 2a, 2b, 2c and transport equipment associated therewith are arranged. 1st class And one unit.
[0023]
Each of the automatic warehouses 2a, 2b, and 2c includes a stacker crane 3 for transporting articles to and from the warehouse, and a pair of storage shelves 4a and 4b arranged on both sides of the crane so as to face each other. Each stacker crane 3 always stops at the home position at the time of entry or exit, performs delivery of articles between the entry table 5 and the exit table 6 arranged at a position facing the stop position, and The storage shelves 4a and 4b have a function of performing a series of loading and unloading operations. The stacker crane 3 holds a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a signal by optical communication or wireless communication, self-identification data or shelf area data of storage shelves 4a and 4b under its control, and stores received contents and self-identification data or shelf area data. And a control unit 7 having a function of determining that the loading / unloading operation is performed by the user and a function of controlling the own stacker crane 3 based on the received content.
[0024]
The control system system creates a logistics center computer 11 having a role of a higher-level control device that controls the entire logistics center, and prepares a warehouse entry / exit operation data in response to receipt / shipment planning data of the distribution center computer 11. A unit operation computer 12 and one transport facility controller 13 and SC controller 14 for transmitting a transport control instruction and an entrance / exit control instruction based on the entry / exit operation data created by the unit operation computer 12 are provided. I have.
[0025]
The distribution center computer 11 has functions of managing the order data, managing the inventory data shown in FIG. 2, and creating receipt / shipment plan data as shown in FIG. 3 from the order data and the inventory data. The distribution center computer 11 has input devices 15 such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting order data for realizing the above functions and for inputting data for creating a receipt / shipment plan as shown in FIG. A database 16 having an area for storing ordering data management, inventory data management, and prepared shipment / shipment plan data and other necessary data, and displays management data stored in the database 16 and prepared entry / exit planning data, etc. An enabling display 17 is provided.
[0026]
The distribution center computer 11 stores, for example, inventory data as shown in FIG. 2 in an inventory data area of a database 16 and based on inventory change information sequentially transmitted from the unit operation computer 12 as goods are moved in and out. It has a function to update inventory data. This means that when an abnormality occurs in the lower unit operation computer 12, the distribution center computer 11 creates the entry / exit operation data from the inventory data and the receipt / shipment plan data instead of the unit operation computer 12, It is possible to have a function of transmitting data directly to the SC controller 14 or the like via a line.
[0027]
The unit operation computer 12 is provided with a unit data storage unit 18 for storing inventory management data and storage and retrieval operation data. The unit operation computer 12 creates entry / exit operation data on which warehouse No./shelf area to carry in / out of articles based on the type and quantity based on the receipt / shipment plan of the distribution center computer 11, and This is transmitted to the controller 13 and the SC controller 14.
[0028]
When the unit operation computer 12 receives, for example, one day's receipt / shipment plan data from the distribution center computer 11 in advance, the unit operation computer 12 replaces the distribution center computer 11 when a trouble occurs in the distribution center computer 11. It is possible to create in / out operation data from the receipt / shipment plan data and the inventory data, and to transmit the data to the transport equipment controller 13 and the SC controller 14.
[0029]
The transport equipment controller 13 determines which automatic warehouse to enter, or from which automatic warehouse, based on the entry / exit operation data created by the automatic warehouse computer 12, and transports the transport equipment 1 Has control functions.
[0030]
The SC controller 14 has a function of transmitting crane identification data, shelf area data of the storage shelves 4a and 4b, and signals such as a product type to the automatic warehouse side by wireless or optical communication based on the warehouse operation data of the unit operation computer 12. I have.
[0031]
19 is a storage station, and 20 is a storage station.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the distribution center as described above will be described according to the work procedure shown in FIG.
[0033]
First, the distribution center computer 11 prepares half-day or one-day receipt / shipment plan data from the order data in advance (S1) and stores it in the corresponding area of the database 16 (see FIG. 3).
[0034]
In the above state, when the time reaches a predetermined time before the arrival / shipping time described in the receipt / shipment planning data, for example, the arrival planning data corresponding to the arrival / shipment time is read out, and the unit operation computer 12 (S2). Note that the entire receipt / shipment plan data may be transmitted to the computer 12 in advance.
[0035]
Here, when the unit operation computer 12 receives the arrival plan data, based on the data such as the type and quantity, the unit operation computer 12 determines from the inventory data which warehouse No. and which item of a specific type is to be put in and taken out of the shelf area. Operation data is created (S3) and transmitted to the transport equipment controller 13 and the SC controller 14 (S4).
[0036]
By the way, when a trouble occurs in the unit operation computer 12 as described above, an interrupt signal or the like is input from the unit operation computer 12 to the distribution center computer 11, so that the distribution center computer 11 replaces the unit operation computer 12. , And prepares incoming / outgoing operation data using the incoming / outgoing plan data and the stock data, and transmits the data to the transport equipment controller 13 and the SC controller 14 via the bus line. In addition, distribution center for Computer 11, Unit operation The computer 12 and each of the controllers 13 and 14 generally transmit the entry and exit operation data via a bus line, but may transmit the data by wireless.
[0037]
The transfer equipment controller 13 includes: Unit operation After judging which automatic warehouse to enter into the warehouse based on the work instruction data from the computer 12, for example, the transportation control of the transportation equipment 1 at a predetermined speed in the clockwise direction is performed, and 19 The above article is transported to the position of the corresponding automatic warehouse (S5), and delivered to the storage table 5.
[0038]
On the other hand, the SC controller 14 determines the contents of the work instruction data, and wirelessly or optically transmits data necessary for performing the work in the crane, such as crane identification data corresponding to at least the warehouse number, data including the shelf area and the type, by radio or optical communication. The data is transmitted to the automatic warehouse (S6).
[0039]
Here, the control unit 7 of each of the stacker cranes 3,... Receives the data transmitted from the SC controller 14, compares the self-identification data or the shelf area data with the self-identification data owned by itself, and determines the same. In the case of (1), if it is determined that the loading and unloading is performed by itself, the stacker crane 3 is controlled, and the articles on the loading table 5 are transported to and stored in the corresponding shelf area of the storage shelf 4a or 4b (S7). Then, after storing the required articles, it returns to the home position and stops.
[0040]
When the control unit 7 of the stacker crane 3 returns to the home position and stops, when it transmits an article completion signal, the SC controller 14 detects it and notifies the unit operation computer 12. Here, when the inventory data is updated or when the above-mentioned entry / exit operation data is transmitted, the inventory data is updated, and the inventory change is transmitted to the distribution center computer 11. The distribution center computer 11 changes the inventory data in the database 16 in response to the inventory change data, thereby ensuring the same as the inventory content on the unit operation computer 12 side.
[0041]
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of automatic warehouses each including the stacker crane 3 and the storage shelves 4a and 4b on both sides thereof, and the transport equipment 1 associated therewith, constitute one unit, and this unit has one SC. Since the controller 14 is assigned, a distribution center can be constructed using simple equipment and a control system.
[0042]
In addition, the distribution center computer 11 has inventory data and receipt / shipment planning data, and changes inventory data in response to inventory changes from the unit operation computer 12. Entry / exit operation data can be created from the receipt / shipment plan data and transmitted to the SC controller 14 or the like, and entry / exit operation of articles can be secured. In addition, if the distribution center computer 11 transmits, for example, one day's receipt / shipment plan data to the unit operation computer 12, the unit operation computer 12 receives the receipt / shipment plan data and inventory data when a trouble occurs in the distribution center computer 11. By using the computer, the distribution center computer 11 can be acted on behalf of the distribution center computer to keep the goods in and out.
[0043]
Further, when a trouble occurs in any of the stacker cranes 3, the unit operation computer 12 searches the inventory data, selects a sound stacker crane 3 and creates the entry / exit operation data, and can continue the entry / exit operation of articles.
[0044]
In the above-described embodiment, the transport equipment 1 for an endless belt-shaped conveyor is assumed. For example, the transport equipment 1 is formed in a closed loop using a plurality of divided transport bodies, and each of the divided transport bodies is used for forward / reverse rotation driving. Is provided, even if a trouble occurs in one of the divided transport members, the other divided transport member can be used for the normal rotation operation and the reverse rotation operation to secure the required article entry / exit. It is possible.
[0045]
Next, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the distribution center according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0046]
This embodiment is an example in which a plurality of automatic warehouses each including a stacker crane and storage shelves and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses are provided as one unit, and a plurality of units are provided. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case of two units will be described as an example.
[0047]
First, as the transport facility 1, two unit transport facilities 1 formed in a closed loop shape are used. ₁ , 1 ₂ Are installed adjacent to each other, and ₁ , 1 ₂ For example, a plurality of transfer carriers 1 ₃ Is provided. Each of these unit transport equipment 1 ₁ , 1 ₂ Is composed of a plurality of divided transporters as shown by dotted lines in the drawing, taking into account the loading and unloading of articles. A possible rotary drive source is provided. Further, these transfer carriers 1 ₃ , A conveyance abnormality sensor 21 is provided for each divided conveyance body, and the sensor output is output to each unit operation computer 12. ₁ , 12 ₂ Is transmitted to The output of the transport abnormality sensors 21,... May be, for example, a rotation presence / absence signal of a rotary drive source.
[0048]
The configuration of the center automatic warehouse is configured to correspond to two units, and one unit-side automatic warehouse has, for example, three stacker cranes 3 as shown in the figure. ₁ , ... and storage shelves 4a corresponding to the respective cranes ₁ , 4b ₁ , And the other unit-side automatic warehouse has, for example, three stacker cranes 3 as shown in the figure. ₂ ,... And storage shelves 4a corresponding to the respective cranes. ₂ , 4b ₂ , ... are provided. In general, the same type of articles are often stored in the automatic warehouses of both units.
[0049]
On the other hand, in the control system system, the computer 11 for the distribution center which manages the order data and prepares the entry / exit plan data for each unit, and the unit-based receipt / shipment plan data from the computer 11 for the distribution center. 1st unit operation computer 12 corresponding to each unit which creates the entry / exit operation data of the unit itself ₁ And second unit operation computer 12 ₂ And these first unit operation computers 12 ₁ , Second unit operation computer 12 ₂ Equipment controller 13 connected to each ₁ , SC controller 14 ₁ And transport equipment controller 13 ₂ , SC controller 14 ₂ And is constituted by.
[0050]
Each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Are the first unit inventory data, the second unit inventory data, and the first unit, second unit receipt / shipment plan data or daily receipt / shipment plan data for each entry / exit time sent from the distribution center computer 11. Unit data storage unit 18 for storing ₁ And unit data storage unit 18 ₂ Are provided individually. Each of these unit operation computers 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Creates inventory data at the time of creation / reception operation data based on the receipt / shipment plan data, or at the time of completion of storage / delivery based on the created receipt / delivery operation data, respectively, and stores the corresponding data storage units 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ And when the inventory data changes, the change data is transmitted to the other unit operation computers, and both computers 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ The aim is to ensure the sameness of the inventory data managed by.
[0051]
In addition, each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Changes its own entry / exit operation data according to its trouble when a trouble occurs in its own unit side component material, and sends trouble data and the changed entry / exit operation data to the partner unit operation computer as necessary Then, a process of requesting a change of the entry / exit operation data is performed. Note that the trouble detection data of the stacker crane and the like is sent via the corresponding SC controller.
[0052]
Each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Has the function of changing the entry / exit operation data based on the trouble data and the changed entry / exit operation data because it already has the inventory management data and the entry / exit plan data of the other units.
[0053]
Next, the operation of the above-described distribution center will be described.
[0054]
The center-side operator creates, for example, daily receipt / shipment data for each unit on the distribution center computer 11 based on the ordering data, ₁ , 12 ₂ Send to , Each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Fetches the receipt / shipment plan data of both units and stores the data in its own data storage units 18. ₁ , 18 ₂ To memorize. Therefore, each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Is similar to that of FIG. 1 in that the entry / exit operation data is created based on its own receipt / shipment plan data. During normal operation of each facility, the same operation as in FIG. ₁ , 14 ₁ ), (13) ₂ , 14 ₂ ) To issue a receipt / shipment control instruction and a transport control instruction, and to perform a receipt / shipment control.
[0055]
By the way, now, for example, the transport equipment 1 ₁ , 1 ₂ In the second unit-side automatic warehouse, for example, the automatic warehouse 2b at the intermediate position when the goods are stored and unloaded. ₂ When a trouble occurs in the divided transport body corresponding to the second unit operation computer 12 ₂ Is determined to be normal from the output of the other transport abnormality sensor 16 of the corresponding unit, and is determined by another automatic warehouse such as 2a ₂ Investigation of inventory data and when there is a type and quantity in the receipt / shipment planning data, the loading / unloading operation including forward and reverse transport operations for other divided carriers excluding abnormally divided carriers according to receipt or exit Create the data and make each controller 13 ₂ , 14 ₂ To send to. Therefore, the controller 13 ₂ Performs the necessary forward and reverse operation of the divided transport body in accordance with the incoming / outgoing operation data including the forward / reverse transport operation. ₂ Issues an entry / exit control instruction for entering / exiting using a stacker crane other than the stacker crane at the intermediate position automatic warehouse in accordance with the entry / exit operation data, and continues entry / exit of articles. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to continue loading and unloading articles in the same unit.
[0056]
On the other hand, the second unit-side transfer facility 1 ₂ If a trouble occurs in the whole and the operation is stopped, the second unit operation computer 12 ₂ Is the first unit operation computer 12 ₁ To that effect and request entry / exit.
[0057]
Since the same kind of articles as those of the second unit-side automatic warehouse are stored in the first unit-side automatic warehouse, the first unit operation computer 12 receiving the entry / exit request is stored. ₁ Creates such entry / exit operation data and sends the second unit-related entry / exit operation data in the form of an interrupt to each controller 13. ₁ , 14 ₁ To secure entry and exit operations.
[0058]
Note that both computers 11, 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ And the trouble of the stacker crane are as described in FIG.
[0059]
Therefore, according to the above embodiment, each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ Manages each unit inventory data and each unit receipt / shipment plan data, and transports each unit in a closed loop by a plurality of divided transporters. ₁ , 1 ₂ Are disposed, and a transport abnormality sensor 21,... Is provided for each of the divided transport bodies, and when a transport abnormality occurs, the sensor output is output to a unit operation computer of a corresponding unit, for example, 12 units. ₂ To the computer 12 ₂ Creates receipt / shipment operation data using the other divided carrier and the stacker crane except for the abnormally divided carrier and the corresponding stacker crane, so that the receipt / shipment operation can be continued using the same unit.
[0060]
Also, when an abnormality occurs in one of the unit-side transfer facilities, the corresponding unit operation computer notifies the other unit operation computer to that effect and requests entry / exit. Creates new entry / exit operation data and sends it to its own transport equipment controller and SC controller, so that entry / exit operations can be continued similarly.
[0061]
In addition, the transfer carrier is connected to the loading / unloading station (19 ₁ , 20 ₁ ) Or (19) ₂ , 20 ₂ When a trouble occurs in (1), the transfer carrier is driven to deliver the article to the adjacent transport facility, and the article can be received / shipped from the normal receiving / shipping station.
[0062]
In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention as described above, The distribution center computer and the lower unit operation computer aim at the same inventory data, and the unit operation computer From the computer for the distribution center in advance Long-term receipt / shipment planning Receive By retaining the information, when a trouble occurs in one of the two computers, the other computer can take over and continue the operation.
[0065]
Further, the present invention allows a unit operation computer that manages and manages a plurality of units to manage inventory data and receipt / shipment planning data of other units, and constructs a closed-loop transfer facility using a split transfer body, By detecting the transport state of the divided transport body, even if a trouble occurs in a part or all of the transport equipment, it is possible to continue the article loading / unloading operation using itself or another unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a distribution center according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of receipt / shipment plan data.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the distribution center according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the distribution center according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional distribution center.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1 ₁ , 1 ₂ … Transport equipment
2a, 2b, 2c, 2a ₁ , 2a ₂ , 2b ₁ , 2b ₂ , 2c ₁ , 2c ₂ …Automatic warehouse
3,3 ₁ , 3 ₂ … Stacker crane
4a, 4b, 4a ₁ , 4b ₁ , 4a ₂ , 4b ₂ … Storage shelf
5,5 ₁ , 5 ₂ … Reception table
6,6 ₁ , 6 ₂ … Outgoing table
7,7 ₁ , 7 ₂ … Control unit
11 Computer for distribution center
12,12 ₁ , 12 ₂ … Unit operation computer
13,13 ₁ , 13 ₂ … Transport equipment controller
14,14 ₁ , 14 ₂ … SC controller
19 ... Reception station
20 ... Delivery station
21 ... Transport abnormality sensor

Claims (3)

A single unit including a plurality of automatic warehouses including stacker cranes and storage shelves and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses;
A computer for a distribution center that manages the first inventory data and creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan using the inventory data;
It manages second inventory data having the same contents as the first inventory data , receives in advance shipment / delivery plan data from the computer for the distribution center up to a predetermined time ahead , and creates and outputs inventory operation / delivery operation data at the time of receipt / shipment. And a unit operation computer that, when the second inventory data is updated, transmits the updated information to the computer for the distribution center to prompt the update of the first inventory data;
A crane controller that transmits an entry / exit control instruction including at least crane identification data based on the entry / exit operation data of the unit operation computer;
It has a transmission / reception function and a self-identification function, and upon receiving an entry / exit control instruction including data for crane identification from the crane controller, judges that the entry / exit by itself is performed by the self-identification function and enters / exits to the corresponding automatic warehouse. And the stacker crane that performs control ,
When one of the two computers becomes abnormal, the other computer acts on behalf of the computer that has become abnormal, creates in / out operation data from the in / out plan data and the inventory data, and sends a signal to the crane controller by radio or bus. Distribution center characterized by transmitting via a line. A plurality of more becomes unit and transport facility which is formed in a closed loop with a plurality of divided carrier is disposed adjacent to goods movements articles to a plurality of automatic warehouses with these automated warehouse comprising a stacker crane and the storage shelves Units, a transport abnormality sensor installed for each of the divided transport bodies to detect a transport abnormality, a distribution center computer that creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and a computer created based on the receipt / shipment plan data. It manages inventory data for each unit, stores the entry / exit plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center, and stores the entry / exit operation data based on its own unit-side entry / exit plan data. And a plurality of unit operation controllers for transmitting to one crane controller and one transfer equipment controller. And a Yuta,
When the unit operation computer receives a transport abnormality from the transport abnormality sensor corresponding to a specific divided transport body that constitutes its own unit-side transport facility, the unit operation computer performs transport control for normal rotation and reverse rotation of the normal divided transport body. A logistics center comprising means for creating new entry / exit operation data including the entry / exit operation according to the new entry / exit operation data. A plurality of automatic warehouses consisting of stacker cranes and storage shelves, and a plurality of units consisting of transport equipment formed in a closed loop using a plurality of divided transporters to move articles into and out of these automatic warehouses A unit, a transport abnormality sensor installed for each of the divided transport bodies to detect a transport abnormality, a distribution center computer that creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and a distribution center computer created based on the receipt / shipment plan data. It manages inventory data for each unit, stores the entry / exit plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center, and stores the entry / exit operation data based on its own unit-side entry / exit plan data. And a plurality of unit operation controllers for transmitting to one crane controller and one transfer equipment controller. And a Yuta,
Each of the unit operation computers is a unit that exchanges inventory data and receipt / shipment operation data that change as needed with each other, and when receiving a transfer abnormality of the entire unit-side transfer equipment from the transfer abnormality sensor, another unit adjacent thereto. Means for making an entry / exit request to the operation computer; and interrupt entry / exit operation data based on the entry / exit plan data of the unit determined to be the conveyance abnormal side in another unit operation computer which has received the entry / exit request, and A logistics center provided with another unit operation data creating means for continuing to leave the warehouse.

Images