Picking system

Abstract

The picking system (1) of the present application has a transport trolley (13), a plurality of lift conveyors (23), a picking station (25), and a controller (3). The controller (3) manages a plurality of articles included in one or more orders as one transport group, and controls the transport trolley (13) to transport the articles included in one transport group to a preparation area (21). The controller (3) controls the lift conveyors (23) to transport the articles included in one transport group prepared in the preparation area (21) to the picking station (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a picking system. Background Technology

[0002] The conventional method is as follows: items of the types specified in the order are retrieved from warehouses with separate bins for each type of item; items of the types and quantities required by the order are then retrieved from the retrieved bins and collected into delivery boxes (this operation is also known as sorting or picking). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse that can efficiently retrieve items from an order during such a sorting operation.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-94210 Invention Summary The problem that the invention aims to solve However, to ensure items are shipped out in order of orders, it is sometimes necessary to keep conveyor systems holding items on standby midway. In this case, the conveying efficiency of items leaving the automated warehouse decreases. Furthermore, items leaving the automated warehouse may not arrive at the picking station in the order of orders. In this situation, it is necessary to wait for later-arriving items to proceed with the sorting operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a picking system that can improve the conveying efficiency of items when they leave an automated warehouse and ensure that items leaving the automated warehouse arrive at the picking station in the order of orders.

[0005] Methods for solving problems (1) A picking system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a shelf for holding items; a conveyor trolley for transferring items to the shelf; a plurality of lifting conveyors configured to deliver items via a preparation area formed in part of the shelf and to transport a plurality of items; a picking station configured to deliver a plurality of items to the plurality of lifting conveyors respectively; and a controller for managing the transport of items; the controller manages a plurality of items contained in one or more orders as a transport group, controls the conveyor trolley to transport the items contained in a transport group to the preparation area, and controls the lifting conveyors to transport the items contained in a transport group that are ready in the preparation area to the picking station.

[0006] In this picking system, the conveyor trolleys do not remain stationary after moving items from the shelf to the preparation area, allowing for continued order-based item transport. This improves the efficiency of item transport when items leave the automated warehouse. Furthermore, when all items in a conveyor group are ready, the lifting conveyor transports them to the picking station. This ensures that items leaving the automated warehouse arrive at the picking station in order of their orders.

[0007] (2) In the picking system described in (1) above, multiple lifting conveyors may each have: a lifting platform for carrying multiple items, and a lifting platform drive unit for moving the lifting platform in the vertical direction. The preparation area is formed by one layer of a multi-layer rack arranged in the conveying direction of the lifting conveyor, and is configured to carry multiple items along the travel path of the conveyor trolley. The controller controls the conveyor trolley to transport the items contained in a conveyor group to the preparation area formed by the one layer, and controls the lifting conveyor to transport the items contained in a conveyor group prepared in the preparation area of ​​the one layer to the picking station. In this structure, items transferred together from a preparation area formed on the one layer can be continuously transported to the picking station. As a result, the number of stops of the lifting conveyor for transferring items from the preparation area is reduced, thus further improving the conveying efficiency.

[0008] (3) In the picking system described in (1) or (2) above, each of the multiple lifting conveyors may have: multiple transfer machines and a transfer machine drive unit that drives the multiple transfer machines. In this structure, it is possible to inexpensively construct a structure for transferring items between the lifting conveyor and the preparation area, and between the lifting device and the picking station.

[0009] (4) In any of the picking systems described in (1) to (3) above, the picking system may also include an external connecting conveyor, which is located on the opposite side of the shelf across one of a plurality of lifting conveyors and is configured to transfer items relative to one of the lifting conveyors. In this configuration, for example, new items can be put into the automated warehouse via the external connecting conveyor and the lifting conveyor, or empty boxes of items in the picking station can be discharged via the lifting conveyor and the external connecting conveyor.

[0010] (5) In any of the picking systems described in (1) to (4) above, the picking system may also include a temporary placement section located on the opposite side of the shelf, separated from one of the multiple lifting conveyors, and configured to allow for the exchange of items with respect to one lifting conveyor. In this configuration, items used in close proximity are moved to the temporary placement section instead of returning to the automated warehouse. As a result, rapid supply to the picking station can be achieved regardless of the order sequence.

[0011] Invention Effects According to one aspect of the invention, the conveying efficiency of items when they leave an automated warehouse can be improved, and the items leaving the automated warehouse can arrive at the picking station in the order of the order. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the general structure of a sorting system according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the picking system observed along line II-II is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the functional structure of the picking system.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the picking system involved in Variation Example 1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the general structure of the picking system involved in Variation Example 2.

[0017] Figure 6 From Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the picking system observed along the VI-VI line is shown.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the picking system in variation 3.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the picking system in variation 4.

[0020] Figure 9 It means Figure 8 A top-down view of the area near the picking station. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, a sorting system 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to label the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0022] like Figures 1-3As shown, the picking system 1 supplies item boxes (items) B1 containing items to be picked from multiple automated warehouses 10 stored according to item type to the picking station 25. At the picking station 25, operator P retrieves items from item boxes B1 that match the type and quantity of the order for the destination, gathers them, and stores them in an empty delivery box B2. The picking system 1 is a system that supports such picking operations. The order for the destination can be, for example, an online order placed by a buyer for the items and the quantity thereof. Alternatively, the order for the destination can be an order from a physical store or a parts fulfillment request from a manufacturing plant.

[0023] The picking system 1 has multiple automated warehouses 10, automated warehouse conveying devices 18, lifting conveying devices 23, picking stations 25 and controllers 3.

[0024] Multiple automated warehouses 10 respectively store multiple item boxes B1 containing different types of items, and issue item boxes B1 out based on orders. Furthermore, each of the multiple automated warehouses 10 is capable of storing returned item boxes B1 again. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this example, multiple automated warehouses 10 are arranged along one horizontal direction. The number of automated warehouses 10 in the picking system 1 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the type and size (number of items stored in bins B1) of the automated warehouses 10 are not particularly limited, and the types and sizes of the multiple automated warehouses 10 can also differ. Each of the multiple automated warehouses 10 has a pair of shelves 11A and 11B, a conveyor trolley 13, an outbound lifting device 14, an inbound lifting device 15, an outbound conveyor 16, and an inbound conveyor 17.

[0025] A pair of shelves 11A and 11B are shelves for storing item boxes B1. The pair of shelves 11A and 11B stores multiple item boxes B1 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The pair of shelves 11A and 11B are arranged opposite each other across a conveyor trolley 13. The conveyor trolley 13 is located on each shelf of the pair of shelves 11A and 11B. The conveyor trolley 13 travels horizontally. When retrieving item boxes B1 from the automated warehouse 10, the conveyor trolley 13 receives item boxes B1 from one of the shelves 11A and 11B and hands them over to the outbound lifting device 14. When storing item boxes B1 into the automated warehouse 10, the conveyor trolley 13 receives item boxes B1 from the inbound lifting device 15 and hands them over to one of the shelves 11A and 11B.

[0026] The outbound lifting device 14 transports the item box B1 received from the conveyor trolley 13 vertically to the outbound conveyor 16. The inbound lifting device 15 transports the item box B1 received from the inbound conveyor 17 vertically to the conveyor trolley 13. The outbound lifting device 14 and the inbound lifting device 15 are, for example, lifting devices in which the lifting part carrying the item box B1 moves vertically.

[0027] The outbound conveyor 16 transports the item box B1 received from the outbound lifting device 14 horizontally to the automated warehouse conveyor 18. The inbound conveyor 17 transports the item box B1 received from the automated warehouse conveyor 18 horizontally to the inbound lifting device 15. The outbound conveyor 16 and the inbound conveyor 17 are, for example, belt conveyors or roller conveyors.

[0028] An automated warehouse conveyor 18 transports item boxes B1 between automated warehouses 10 and 10. The automated warehouse conveyor 18 receives item boxes B1 from the outbound conveyor 16 of one automated warehouse 10 and transfers item boxes B1 to the inbound conveyor 17 of the other automated warehouse 10. The automated warehouse conveyor 18 is, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor.

[0029] In a plurality of automated warehouses 10 arranged in one direction, the shelves 11B at one end of the automated warehouse 10 are provided with a preparation area 21 for receiving and transferring item boxes B1 relative to the lifting conveyor 23. The preparation area 21 can hold multiple item boxes B1 along the travel path of the conveyor trolley and is provided on each layer of a shelf that forms multiple layers in the vertical direction. The preparation area 21 may also be provided on one or more shelves in the shelf 11B that form multiple layers in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the preparation area 21 is formed on all multiple layers of shelves, and is described in two locations in the horizontal direction (the conveying direction of the conveyor trolley 13). That is, it can be said that the preparation area 21 has two rows on each layer when viewed from the arrangement direction of the automated warehouse 10.

[0030] The lifting conveyor 23 transports multiple item boxes B1. The lifting conveyor 23 is configured to transfer item boxes B1 to the shelf 11B via the preparation area 21. The lifting conveyor 23 has a pair of guides 23A, 23A, a lifting platform 23B, a lifting platform drive unit 23C, multiple transfer machines 23D, and a transfer machine drive unit 23E.

[0031] A pair of guide sections 23A, 23A extend vertically, guiding both ends of the lifting platform 23B. The lifting platform 23B is configured to hold multiple (e.g., five) item boxes B1. The lifting platform 23B is mounted on a driven component such as a chain or belt arranged along the guide sections 23A. The driven component is driven by the lifting platform drive section 23C to be rolled up, unrolled, rotated, etc. That is, the lifting platform 23B connected to the driven component can be moved vertically by the drive of the lifting platform drive section 23C. Multiple transfer mechanisms 23D are provided on the lifting platform 23B.

[0032] Multiple transfer machines 23D are arranged in a manner corresponding to the number of item boxes B1 that can be placed on the lifting platform 23B. The transfer machines 23D are, for example, sliding forks that hold the item boxes B1 on both sides and transfer them between the preparation area 21 and the lifting platform 23B, and between the picking station 25 and the lifting platform 23B. A transfer machine drive unit 23E drives the multiple transfer machines 23D placed on the lifting platform 23B. That is, one transfer machine drive unit 23E drives multiple transfer machines 23D together.

[0033] Picking station 25 is configured to handle multiple item boxes B1 relative to the lifting conveyor 23. Picking station 25 is located within workspace S. Workspace S is the space where operator P retrieves items of the type and quantity required for orders matching the shipping destination from item boxes B1 and collects them into empty delivery boxes B2. Workspace S includes picking station 25, moving shelves 31, delivery shelves 33, and terminal device 27. Picking station 25 supplies item boxes B1 to operator P performing the sorting operation.

[0034] Picking station 25 has an inbound section 25A, a sorting section 25B, an outbound section 25C, and a conveying section 25D. The inbound section 25A is where item boxes B1 are transferred from the lifting conveyor 23. The sorting section 25B is where the operator performs sorting operations. The outbound section 25C is where item boxes B1 are transferred to the lifting conveyor 23. The conveying section 25D transports item boxes B1 in the order of inbound section 25A, sorting section 25B, and outbound section 25C. Picking station 25 can hold 5 item boxes B1 in each of the inbound section 25A, sorting section 25B, and outbound section 25C. That is, picking station 25 can temporarily hold 15 item boxes B1.

[0035] The movable shelf 31 holds empty item boxes B1. Equipped with wheels, the movable shelf 31 is moved by operator P and transported to the workspace S. The delivery shelf 33 holds delivery boxes B3 containing items sorted and stored by operator P. Equipped with wheels, the delivery shelf 33 is moved by operator P and transported to the shipping space (not shown) when delivery boxes B3 are full. The terminal device 27 includes a display showing the type (item name) and quantity of items to be added from item box B1 to delivery box B2, and a completion button for inputting work completion information. Operator P adds items to delivery box B2 based on the information displayed on the terminal device 27 and presses the completion button. Here, items included in an order are added to one delivery box B2. If the completion button is pressed, the type and quantity of items to be added to delivery box B2 next are displayed on the display.

[0036] Controller 3 manages the transport of item boxes B1 in picking system 1. In this embodiment, controller 3 manages one or more item boxes B1 containing items included in one or more orders as a transport group. That is, if an order contains multiple items, controller 3 manages one order as a transport group and multiple item boxes B1 containing those items as a transport group; or if an order contains only one item, controller 3 manages multiple orders as a transport group and multiple item boxes B1 containing that item as a transport group.

[0037] Controller 3 controls conveyor trolley 13 to transport item box B1 containing items from a conveyor group to preparation area 21. Multiple types of items can also be included in a single order. Furthermore, if a conveyor group consisting of multiple orders contains common items, the item box B1 containing these common items is used in all orders. That is, items are retrieved from item box B1 based on the quantity of each of the multiple orders. Additionally, the number of orders in a group can be set to less than the number of item boxes B1 simultaneously transferred from lifting conveyor 23 to picking station 25.

[0038] The controller 3 can control the conveyor trolley 13 in a manner that conveys the items contained in a conveyor group to the preparation area 21 on the first floor, or in a manner that conveys the items contained in a conveyor group across the multi-level preparation areas 21 arranged vertically and capable of being transferred by the same lifting conveyor.

[0039] Controller 3 controls the lifting conveyor 23 to transport items contained in a conveyor group prepared in preparation area 21 to picking station 25. When items contained in a conveyor group are transported to preparation area 21 on the first floor, controller 3 controls the lifting conveyor 23 to receive items contained in the conveyor group from the corresponding preparation area 21 and transport them to picking station 25. Thus, when all (e.g., five) item boxes B1 contained in a conveyor group are prepared in preparation area 21 on the first floor, all item boxes B1 are transferred from preparation area 21 to the lifting conveyor 23 and transported.

[0040] When items contained in a conveyor group are transported across multiple preparation areas 21, the controller 3 controls the lifting conveyor 23 to receive items contained in the conveyor group from the respective preparation areas 21 and transport them to the picking station 25. Thus, when all (e.g., five) item boxes B1 contained in a conveyor group are ready in multiple (e.g., two) preparation areas 21, the item boxes B1 are sequentially handed over to the lifting conveyor 23 from each of the multiple preparation areas 21 and transported.

[0041] The effects of the picking system 1 described in the above embodiment will be explained. In the picking system 1 of the above embodiment, the conveyor trolley 13, which has transferred items to the preparation area 21 based on an order, does not stop there and can continue to transport items based on the order. As a result, the conveying efficiency of items leaving the automated warehouse 10 can be improved. In addition, when the lifting conveyor 23 has all the items in a conveying group ready, it is transported to the picking station 25. As a result, items leaving the automated warehouse 10 can arrive at the picking station 25 in the order of the orders.

[0042] In the picking system 1 of the above embodiment, the controller 3 controls the conveyor trolley 13 to transport items contained in a conveyor group to a preparation area 21 formed by a single layer, and controls the lifting conveyor 23 to transport items contained in a conveyor group that are prepared in the preparation area 21 of a single layer to the picking station 25. Thus, items transferred together from a preparation area 21 formed by a single layer can be continuously transported to the picking station 25. This reduces the number of stops of the lifting conveyor 23 used for transferring items from the preparation area 21, thereby further improving conveying efficiency.

[0043] In the picking system 1 of the above embodiment, the lifting conveyor 23 has a plurality of transfer machines 23D and a transfer machine drive unit 23E that drives the plurality of transfer machines 23D. As a result, it is possible to construct a structure for transferring the item box B1 between the lifting conveyor 23 and the preparation area 21, and between the lifting conveyor 23 and the picking station 25, at low cost.

[0044] The above description describes one embodiment, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0045] (Variation Example 1) The picking station 25 of the above embodiments, which includes an infeed section 25A, a sorting section 25B, an outfeed section 25C, and a conveying section 25D, has been described as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the picking system 1 of Modified Example 1, such as Figure 4 As shown, instead of the picking station 25 described in the above embodiment, a picking station 26 can be provided as a support platform capable of centrally receiving and transferring multiple item boxes B1 transported by the lifting conveyor 23. The picking station 26 supports the item boxes B1 from below. The operator P takes the items included in the order from the item boxes B1 placed in the picking station 26 and puts them into the delivery box B2. Even the picking system 1 involved in the variation 1 of the picking station 26 with such a structure can achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0046] (Variation Example 2) In addition to the structure of the picking system 1 of the above-described embodiment or the picking system 1 of the above-described variation 1, the picking system 1 of variation 2 also includes the following features: Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an external connecting conveyor 51 is also included, which is disposed on the opposite side of the shelf 11B across the lifting conveyor 23 and is configured to transfer the item box B1 relative to the lifting conveyor 23. The external connecting conveyor 51 may also be disposed above the picking station 25. The controller 3 may also control the lifting conveyor 23 to transfer items relative to the external connecting conveyor 51. The external connecting conveyor 51 branches off from the main external connecting conveyor 50 to reach the opposite side of the shelf 11B across the lifting conveyor 23. Alternatively, the main external connecting conveyor 50 may also be configured to reach the opposite side of the shelf 11B across the lifting conveyor 23.

[0047] An externally connected conveyor 51 transports at least one of a box B1 containing items and an empty box B1 without items. A lifting conveyor 23 receives the box B1 transported by the externally connected conveyor 51 and transfers it to the picking station 25. In this modified example 2 of the picking system 1, newly arrived items can be directly delivered to the picking station 25.

[0048] Additionally, the external connecting conveyor 51 can also transport delivery boxes B3 containing items that have been picked in the picking station 25 in other areas, and supply them to the picking station 25 via the lifting conveyor 23. Then, in the picking station 25 where the delivery boxes B3 have been supplied, newly picked items can be added to the delivery boxes B3 (additional loading is possible).

[0049] Furthermore, for example, the lifting conveyor 23 receives the item box B1 containing items transported from the externally connected conveyor 51 and transfers it to the conveyor trolley 13 via the preparation area 21. The conveyor trolley 13 can also transport the transferred item box B1 to a designated position on the shelf 11A or shelf 11B and transfer it, or transport it to other automated warehouses 10 via the automated warehouse inter-warehouse conveyor 18. In the picking system 1 with such a structure, the item box B1 containing items is brought into the warehouse from the outside via the externally connected conveyor 51 and the lifting conveyor 23, thereby replenishing items that are out of stock in the automated warehouse 10, or storing new items that have not been stored in the automated warehouse 10.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the external connecting conveyor 51 receives and transports empty item boxes B1 (without any items) from the lifting conveyor 23. In this picking system 1 structure, empty item boxes B1 that have become empty after sorting operations can be discharged to the outside of the picking system 1 via the lifting conveyor 23 and the external connecting conveyor 51.

[0051] (Variation Example 3) like Figure 7 As shown, the picking system 1 of Modification 3, in addition to the structure of the picking system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the picking system 1 of Modification 1, or the structure of Modification 2, may also include a temporary placement section 61. This temporary placement section 61 is positioned on the opposite side of the shelf 11B separated by the lifting conveyor 23 and is configured to allow the transfer of item boxes B1 relative to the lifting conveyor 23. The temporary placement section 61 may also be positioned above the picking station 25. The temporary placement section 61 is a support platform that supports the item boxes B1 from below. The controller 3 may also control the lifting conveyor 23 to transfer items to the temporary placement section 61. In this configuration, item boxes B1 supplied to the picking station 25 that are to be used in a near-term arrangement are prevented from returning to the automated warehouse 10 and instead are moved to the temporary placement section 61. This allows for rapid supply to the picking station 25 regardless of the order sequence.

[0052] (Variation Example 4) The picking system 1 involved in Modification 4 makes partial changes to the structure of the lifting conveyor 23 and the picking station 25 in the picking system 1 involved in the above embodiments, the picking system 1 involved in Modification 1, the structure involved in Modification 2, or the structure involved in Modification 3, and also includes a delivery box conveyor 70.

[0053] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the lifting conveyor 23 differs from the lifting conveyor 23 of the above embodiment in that it has a right lifting section 23Ba and a left lifting section 23Bb. The right lifting section 23Ba is configured to move vertically along the guide section 23Aa disposed on the right side. The left lifting section 23Bb is configured to move vertically along the guide section 23Ab disposed on the left side. The structure of the right lifting section 23Ba being able to move along the guide section 23Aa and the structure of the left lifting section 23Bb being able to move along the guide section 23Ab are based on the lifting conveyor 23 of the above embodiment. The right lifting section 23Ba and the left lifting section 23Bb can rise and fall synchronously or independently.

[0054] The picking station 25 differs from the picking station 25 of the above embodiment, having a right-side portion (inbound section 25A, sorting section 25B, outbound section 25C, and conveying section 25D) and a left-side portion (inbound section 25A, sorting section 25B, outbound section 25C, and conveying section 25D). A gap is formed between the right-side and left-side portions for arranging the empty box inbound section 71 and the delivery box outbound section 72, which will be described in detail later.

[0055] The delivery box conveyor 70 moves delivery box B2 into the workspace S and moves delivery box B3 containing items out. The delivery box conveyor 70 includes an empty box conveyor 73, a delivery box conveyor 74, an empty box infeed 71, and a delivery box outfeed 72. The empty box conveyor 73 conveys empty boxes of delivery box B2. Empty boxes are supplied upstream of the empty box conveyor 73. The empty box infeed 71 supplies empty boxes from the empty box conveyor 73 to the workspace S. The delivery box outfeed 72 removes delivery box B3 containing items placed in it by operator P in the workspace S. The delivery box conveyor 74 transports delivery box B3 removed from the delivery box outfeed 72 to a shipping space (not shown).

[0056] In the picking system 1 described in this variation 4, empty delivery boxes B2 are transported to the workspace S. Therefore, compared to the case where operator P transports the moving shelf 31 loaded with delivery boxes B2 to the workspace S, the workload of operator P can be reduced. Furthermore, in the picking system 1 described in this variation 4, since delivery boxes B3 containing items are transported from the workspace S, the workload of operator P can be reduced compared to the case where operator P transports the delivery shelf 33 loaded with delivery boxes B3 to the shipping space.

[0057] (Other variations) In the picking system 1 described in the above embodiments and variations, examples have been given of transferring item boxes B1 from the preparation area 21 to the lifting platform 23B and from the lifting platform 23B to the picking station 25 by multiple transfer machines 23D installed on the lifting conveyor 23, but this is not a limitation. For example, a drive conveyor for exchanging item boxes B1 between the preparation area 21 and the lifting conveyor 23 may also be provided. In addition, the preparation area 21 may be equipped with a push-pull type transfer machine or a side-arm type transfer machine. Thus, item boxes B1 can be exchanged between the preparation area 21 and the lifting conveyor 23.

[0058] Alternatively, for example, a drive conveyor for exchanging item boxes B1 between the picking station 25 and the lifting conveyor 23 can be installed in the loading section 25A or picking station 26 of the picking station 25. Alternatively, instead of installing a transfer machine on the lifting conveyor 23, a push-pull type transfer machine or a side-arm type transfer machine can be provided in the loading section 25A or picking station 26 of the picking station 25. This allows for the exchange of item boxes B1 between the preparation area 21 and the lifting conveyor 23.

[0059] In the picking system 1 described in the above embodiments and variations, an example has been given of a lifting conveyor 23 equipped with a lifting platform 23B capable of carrying multiple item boxes B1 and conveying multiple item boxes B1 together, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to make a structure in which multiple (e.g., 5) conveying devices that move independently between the preparation area 21 and the picking station 25 are provided (in other words, a structure in which one item box B1 is carried on one lifting platform).

[0060] In the picking system 1 described in the above embodiments and variations, examples of at least a conveyor trolley 13 are given for distributing item boxes B1 from shelves 11A and a portion of shelves 11B in the automated warehouse 10 to the preparation area 21, but this is not a limitation. For example, the conveyor trolley 13 may be a trolley with both a lifting function that moves vertically along shelves 11A and 11B and a traveling function that moves horizontally along shelves 11A and 11B. Furthermore, the conveyor trolley 13 may replace the lifting and traveling functions, or, in addition to the lifting and traveling functions, also have a traversing function that moves across shelves 11A and 11B. In this case, the configuration of all or part of the outbound lifting device 14, the inbound lifting device 15, the outbound conveyor 16, the inbound conveyor 17, and the automated warehouse inter-container conveyor 18 can be omitted.

[0061] In the picking system 1 described in the above embodiments and variations, an example was given in which all the item boxes B1 contained in a conveyor group are placed on a single lifting platform 23B. That is, an example was given in which the item boxes B1 contained in a conveyor group are conveyed by a single movement from top to bottom via the lifting platform 23B, but this is not a limitation. For example, if the number of item boxes B1 contained in a conveyor group is too large to be completely placed on a single lifting platform 23B, the item boxes B1 belonging to the same group can be placed on the lifting platform 23B continuously for conveying.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1…Picking system, 3…Controller, 10…Automated warehouse, 11A, 11B…Shelves, 13…Conveyor trolley, 14…Outbound lifting device, 15…Inbound lifting device, 16…Outbound conveyor, 17…Inbound conveyor, 18…Automated warehouse inter-container conveyor, 21…Preparation area, 23…Lifting conveyor, 25, 26…Picking station, 27…Terminal device, 31…Moving shelf, 33…Distribution shelf, 51…External connection conveyor, 61…Temporary storage area, 70…Distribution box conveyor, 71…Empty box loading area, 72…Distribution box unloading area, 73…Empty box conveyor, 74…Distribution box conveyor, B1…Item box, B2…Distribution box, B3…Distribution box, P…Operator, S…Workspace.

Claims

1. A picking system, characterized in that, have: Shelves, used to hold goods; A conveyor trolley that transfers the items to the shelf; Multiple lifting conveyors are configured to transfer the items via a preparation area formed in part of the shelf, and to transport multiple items. A picking station is configured to handle multiple items to the multiple lifting conveyors respectively; as well as A controller that manages the transport of the items; The controller manages multiple items contained in one or more orders as a transport group, controls the transport trolley to transport the items contained in the transport group to the preparation area, and controls the lifting conveyor to transport the items contained in the transport group that are ready in the preparation area to the picking station.

2. The picking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of lifting and conveying devices each have: a lifting platform for carrying the plurality of said items, and a lifting platform drive unit for moving the lifting platform in the vertical direction. The preparation area is formed by one layer of a multi-layered shelf arranged in the conveying direction of the lifting conveyor, and is configured to hold multiple items along the travel path of the conveyor trolley. The controller controls the conveyor trolley to transport the items contained in one of the conveyor groups to the preparation area formed by one layer, and controls the lifting conveyor to transport the items contained in the one conveyor group that are ready in the preparation area of ​​the one layer to the picking station.

3. The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of lifting and conveying devices each have: a plurality of transfer machines, and a transfer machine drive unit that drives the plurality of transfer machines.

4. The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The picking system includes an external connecting conveyor, which is located on the opposite side of the shelf across one of the plurality of lifting conveyors and is configured to transfer the items relative to the lifting conveyor.

5. The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The picking system includes a temporary placement section located on the opposite side of the shelf, separated from one of the plurality of lifting conveyors, and configured to allow for the transfer of items relative to the lifting conveyor.

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