Picking system

Abstract

To provide a picking system that can improve efficiency of a picking work.SOLUTION: A control system executes batch generation processing that aggregates a set number of order information In, and treats a picking work corresponding to the aggregated order information In as one batch work. The control system aggregates order information In so as to make the number of target batch works to be a delivery possible total number or less when the number of target batch works can be made to be the delivery possible total number or less in the batch generation processing, and executes delivery possible total number increase processing for increasing the delivery possible total number when the number of target batch works cannot be made to be the delivery possible total number or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a picking system comprising: an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of items, a plurality of work areas in which picking work is performed to remove, from the mounting bodies released from the automated warehouse, items of the type and number specified by order information based on order information specifying the type and number of items required for each shipping destination, a transport system that transports the mounting bodies between the automated warehouse and the plurality of work areas, and a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a picking system used in a logistics center or the like, a carrier carrying an item of a type specified in order information is transported from an automated warehouse to a work area. Then, in the work area, a picking operation is performed to pick out the item of a type and number specified in the order information. A plurality of picking operations occurring as tasks in the picking system are assigned to each of a plurality of work areas. An example of such a picking system is disclosed in JP 2015-199562 A. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-199562 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there are various types of goods stored in the automated warehouse of the picking system, and different types of goods have different needs (e.g., shipping frequency and number of goods shipped). Inventory management in the automated warehouse is usually performed according to needs, but needs for goods can change according to changes in the market environment. For example, if needs arise that exceed what was originally expected, the supply of goods from the automated warehouse to the work area may be delayed, and picking work may not be able to be carried out smoothly in the work area.

[0005] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a picking system that can improve the efficiency of picking work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the object required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas, Each of the plurality of types is defined as a target type, the object on which the item of the target type is placed is defined as a target object, the total number of the target objects that can be removed from the automated warehouse is defined as a total number that can be removed, and the number of the batch operations in which the item of the target type is included as a target of the picking operation is defined as a number of target batch operations, The control system, in the batch production process, When the number of target batch operations can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, the order information is aggregated so that the number of target batch operations is made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; If the number of target batch operations cannot be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, a total number that can be shipped increase process is executed to increase the total number that can be shipped.

[0007] According to this configuration, in the batch generation process, when the number of target batch operations, which is the number of batch operations in which the target of the picking operation includes the target type of item, can be set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped, order information including the target type of item is aggregated so that the number of target batch operations is set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped. This makes it possible to avoid a shortage of the number of target objects relative to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of waiting for the target objects required for the picking operation in the work area. Also, according to this configuration, in the batch generation process, when the number of target batch operations, which is the number of batch operations in which the target of the picking operation includes the target type of item, cannot be set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped, a total number of items that can be shipped is increased to increase the total number of items that can be shipped. This makes it possible to increase the total number of items that can be shipped according to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed, so it is possible to avoid a shortage of the number of target objects relative to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed. Therefore, even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of waiting for the operation. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the picking operation.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view of the picking system [Diagram 2] Picking system control block diagram [Diagram 3] Illustration of picking work [Figure 4] Batch work illustration [Diagram 5] A diagram showing an example of the number of orders for each type of item. [Figure 6] Explains the calculation of the overlap risk index [Figure 7] Illustration of the process for increasing the total number of items that can be shipped DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a picking system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the picking system 100 includes an automated warehouse 1 that stores multiple mounting objects 5, each with a multiple number of items W placed on them, multiple work areas 2 in which picking work is performed to remove items W of the type and number specified by order information In from the mounting objects 5 released from the automated warehouse 1 based on order information In specifying the type and number of items W required for each shipping destination, a transport system T that transports the mounting objects 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and the multiple work areas 2, and a control system 3 that controls the automated warehouse 1 and the transport system T.

[0012] The goods W include industrial products, daily necessities, food, etc. They may also include finished products and semi-finished products. The goods W are stored in the automated warehouse 1 while being placed on the placement body 5, and are transported to various locations by the transport system T.

[0013] The mounting body 5 includes containers and pallets. Moreover, containers include folding containers and cardboard boxes. In this embodiment, the mounting body 5 is configured using a storage container for storing items in the automated warehouse 1 (see FIG. 3). In this example, a single type of item W is placed on the mounting body 5. However, multiple types of items W may be placed on the mounting body 5.

[0014] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the automated warehouse 1 includes a storage shelf for storing the objects 5, and an in-shelf transport device for transporting the objects 5 within the automated warehouse 1. Examples of the in-shelf transport device include a stacker crane, a lifter, a transport cart arranged on each level of the storage shelf, and a conveyor. The in-shelf transport device constitutes a part of the transport system T. In this embodiment, the picking system 100 includes a plurality of such automated warehouses 1. Note that, when the automated warehouse 1 includes a conveyor as the in-shelf transport device, the automated warehouse 1 may be configured to store the objects 5 on the conveyor. In this case, the automated warehouse 1 may be configured not to include a stacker crane or a transport cart.

[0015] In this embodiment, the transport system T includes a conveyor Ta. The transport path of the mounting object 5 by the conveyor Ta is formed so as to connect a plurality of automated warehouses 1 and a plurality of work areas 2. The mounting object 5 taken out from any one of the plurality of automated warehouses 1 is transported to any one of the plurality of work areas 2 through the transport path of the conveyor Ta. The mounting object 5 from which the necessary item W has been taken out by the picking operation in the work area 2 is transported to any one of the plurality of automated warehouses 1 through the transport path of the conveyor Ta and stored. The transport system T may include other types of transport devices such as an automated guided vehicle instead of or in addition to the conveyor Ta. As described above, the transport system T includes an intra-shelf transport device that transports the mounting object 5 in the automated warehouse 1.

[0016] In this embodiment, the conveying system T has a first conveying path T1 for conveying the object 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and a plurality of work areas 2, and in addition to the first conveying path T1, has a second conveying path T2 for conveying the object 5 between the plurality of work areas 2.

[0017] The second transport route T2 is a route that does not connect to each automated warehouse 1. In this example, the second transport route T2 is a route that connects only a plurality of work areas 2. As described below, the second transport route T2 is a route used in a direct transport process that does not go through the automated warehouse 1.

[0018] 2, the control system 3 is configured to control the automated warehouse 1, the work area 2, and the transport system T based on the order information In. The control system 3 also controls the work instruction output devices (monitors, etc.) and picking robots arranged in the work area 2.

[0019] The order information In is information that specifies the type and number of goods W required for each shipping destination. The order information In is information that is generated based on customer needs, and is stored in the server 4. The control system 3 obtains the order information In from the server 4.

[0020] The control system 3 is configured to perform inventory management of the items W in the automated warehouse 1. The control system 3 is configured to manage at least the type and number of the items W placed on each of the placement bodies 5 stored in the automated warehouse 1.

[0021] The control system 3 selects multiple or a single object 5 required for the picking operation in each work area 2 based on the order information In, and transports the selected object 5 to each work area 2 using the transport system T. The transport of the object 5 from the automated warehouse 1 to the work area 2 is performed using the above-mentioned first transport path T1.

[0022] The control system 3 can be configured using multiple pieces of hardware and multiple pieces of software. The control system 3 includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, and peripheral circuits such as a memory. Each function is realized by cooperation between the hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer.

[0023] Next, the picking work performed in work area 2 will be described.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the picking work is performed based on the order information In. In the picking work, multiple or a single item W specified in the order information In is collected. For example, the order information In is generated for each shipping destination. Therefore, the picking work can be said to be a task of collecting the items W requested for each shipping destination.

[0025] Multiple or a single mounting body 5 carrying items W of the type and number specified in the order information In is transported to a specific work area 2, and in the picking operation, the items W related to the order information In are removed and collected in a shipping container 6.

[0026] When all the articles W placed on the mounting body 5 are removed by the picking operation, the mounting body 5 becomes empty. In this embodiment, the work area 2 is provided with an empty mounting body holding section 20 that holds empty mounting bodies 5 generated by the picking operation. This allows the empty mounting bodies 5 to be stored in the work area 2. When the mounting body 5 is configured using a folding container, stacking a plurality of mounting bodies 5 in a folded state can improve space efficiency. As will be described later, in this example, the empty mounting bodies 5 stored in the work area 2 are used in a mounting body division operation.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order information In specifies three items W of type A (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item A"), two items W of type B (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item B"), and one item W of type C (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "item C"). In this example, each of the mounting bodies 5 is configured to mount a single type of item W, and a mounting body 5 for mounting at least three or more items A, a mounting body 5 for mounting at least two or more items B, and a mounting body 5 for mounting at least one or more items C are transported to the work area 2. Then, in the picking work in the work area 2, three items A, two items B, and one item C are collected in a shipping container 6. The picking work may be performed by a worker, or may be performed unmanned by a picking robot or the like. Alternatively, it may be performed by both a worker and a picking robot.

[0028] 3, the same number of items C (one item C in the illustrated example) as the number specified in the order information In is placed on the placement body 5 that transports the items C. Therefore, when a picking operation is performed on this placement body 5, the placement body 5 becomes empty and is held by the empty placement body holding unit 20.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the control system 3 (see FIG. 2) is configured to execute a batch generation process that aggregates a set number of order information In and treats picking work corresponding to the aggregated order information In as one batch work, a work assignment process that assigns each of the multiple batch works generated by the batch generation process to one of multiple work areas 2, and a transport process that transports a mounting body 5 required for the batch work assigned by the work assignment process to each of the multiple work areas 2.

[0030] The batch work includes a set number of picking operations related to the order information In. That is, the batch work includes a set number of picking operations. In this embodiment, this "set number" is the maximum number of picking operations that can be included in one batch work. In this example, the set number is set to 4. That is, in this case, the number of picking operations that can be included in one batch work is 1 to 4. However, the set number may be other than "4", for example, it may be "1". Thus, in this embodiment, the set number is a fixed value, but it may be a value that changes depending on the situation.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 4, four batch operations are illustrated. Each of the four batch operations includes four picking operations. Each of the four batch operations is assigned to one of the four work areas 2 by the operation allocation process. However, as described above, the number of picking operations included in one batch operation does not have to exceed a set number, and in this example, it may be 1 to 3.

[0032] Here, the types of goods W stored in the automated warehouse 1 of the picking system 100 are various, and the needs vary depending on the type of goods W.

[0033] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, assume that the types of item W range from A to Z. The right column of the table shows the number of orders Na for each type of item W. The number of orders Na indicates the number of times a specific type of item W is involved in order information In to be processed within a unit period. In the example shown, type A is included in each of the 200 pieces of order information In. In other words, item W of type A is requested in the picking work related to each of the 200 pieces of order information In. The number of orders Na for types X, Y, and Z is relatively small, with the number of orders Na being "6," "5," and "4," respectively.

[0034] The picking system 100 performs inventory management in the automated warehouse 1. In this inventory management, the inventory quantity of items W of high demand types that tend to have a relatively large number of order numbers Na (i.e., the number of items W stored in the automated warehouse 1) is increased, and the inventory quantity of items W of low demand types that tend to have a relatively small number of order numbers Na is decreased. This makes it easier to improve the storage efficiency of items W in the automated warehouse 1.

[0035] Here, each of the multiple types is referred to as a target type, a mounting body 5 on which an item W of the target type is placed is referred to as a target mounting body 5, the total number of target mounting bodies 5 that can be shipped from the automated warehouse 1 is referred to as a total number that can be shipped Nb, and the number of batch jobs in which the target type of item W is included in the picking job is referred to as a target batch job number Nc. The total number that can be shipped Nb is, for example, the total number of target mounting bodies 5 currently stored in the automated warehouse 1. The target batch job number Nc is, for example, the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders in which the target type of item W is specified. Note that the "target type" refers to some or all of the types handled by the picking system 100 that are subject to the batch generation process and the total number that can be shipped increase process described later.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows the total number Nb that can be shipped, the number of target batch jobs Nc, and the duplication risk index Nd (described later) for each type of item W, particularly for types X, Y, and Z with a relatively small number of orders Na. In this embodiment, since the set number is "4", one batch job includes four picking jobs (order information In). The number of target batch jobs Nc is a value obtained by dividing the number of orders Na by the set number ("4" in this example). If the divided value includes a decimal point, the divided value is rounded up to the nearest whole number in order to ensure the number of batch jobs required to handle all orders that specify the target type of item W. In a configuration in which one batch job is performed in one work area 2, the above-mentioned number of target batch jobs Nc can be rephrased as the number of work areas 2 in which the batch jobs are performed.

[0037] As described above, the inventory of low-demand types of goods W, which tend to have relatively low order counts Na, is small. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 6, the total number Nb of goods that can be taken out of the target mount 5 on which goods W of type X are placed is "2", the total number Nb of goods that can be taken out of the target mount 5 on which goods W of type Y are placed is "1", and the total number Nb of goods that can be taken out of the target mount 5 on which goods W of type Z are placed is "1".

[0038] The number of orders Na for which items W of type X are specified is "6". The number of target batch jobs Nc, i.e., the number of batch jobs required to handle six orders, is "2", calculated by dividing the number of orders Na "6" by the set number "4" (1.5), and rounding up to the nearest whole number. That is, in this embodiment where the set number is "4", two work areas 2 are required to handle six orders at the same time. Since the total number Nb that can be taken out for items W of type X is "2", it is possible to provide a placement body 5 on which items W of type X are placed in each of the two work areas 2.

[0039] The number of orders Na in which the item W of type Y is specified is "5". The number of target batch jobs Nc, i.e., the number of batch jobs required to handle five orders, is "2" obtained by dividing the number of orders Na "5" by the set number "4" (1.25) and rounding up the decimal point. That is, in this embodiment in which the set number is "4", two work areas 2 are required to handle five orders at the same time. Since the total number Nb that can be shipped is "1" for the item W of type Y, it is not possible to provide a mounting body 5 on which the item W of type Y is placed in each of the two work areas 2. Therefore, a waiting time occurs in one of the two work areas 2, where a target mounting body 5 required for the picking work (here, a mounting body 5 on which the item W of type Y is placed) is waiting.

[0040] The number of orders Na for which items W of type Z are specified is "4". The number of target batch jobs Nc, i.e., the number of batch jobs required to handle four orders, is "1", which is the order number Na "4" divided by the set number "4". That is, in this embodiment where the set number is "4", one work area 2 is required to handle four orders at the same time. Since the total number Nb that can be output for items W of type Z is "1", one work area 2 can be provided with a mounting body 5 on which items W of type Z are placed.

[0041] As described above, in this example, for the item W of type Y, the number of target placement objects 5 is insufficient relative to the number of work areas 2 in which the picking work for the item W is performed (a state in which waiting for work may occur).

[0042] The control system 3 is configured to increase or decrease the number of target batch jobs Nc by changing the number of order information In to be aggregated (hereinafter referred to as the "aggregated order number") within a range not exceeding a set number. The number of target batch jobs Nc is calculated by dividing the number of orders Na by the aggregated order number, as shown in the following formula (1). Number of target batch operations Nc = number of orders Na / number of aggregated orders (1) *Order aggregation number is less than or equal to the set number Therefore, the larger the order aggregation number, the smaller the target batch work number Nc becomes, and vice versa. The control system 3 can set an appropriate target batch work number Nc for the total number of possible deliveries Nb by controlling the increase or decrease in the target batch work number Nc.

[0043] In the batch generation process, if the number of target batch operations Nc can be reduced to the total number that can be shipped Nb or less, the control system 3 aggregates the order information In so that the number of target batch operations Nc is reduced to the total number that can be shipped Nb or less. In other words, the control system 3 sets the order aggregation number so that the number of target batch operations Nc is reduced to the total number that can be shipped Nb or less. This makes it possible to prevent waiting for work in the work area 2. Note that the case where the number of target batch operations Nc can be reduced to the total number that can be shipped Nb refers to the case where the number of target batch operations Nc can be reduced to the total number that can be shipped Nb or less by increasing the order aggregation number up to the limit of the set number and reducing the number of target batch operations Nc.

[0044] In the batch generation process, when the target batch work number Nc cannot be made equal to or less than the total number Nb that can be shipped, the control system 3 executes a process of increasing the total number that can be shipped to increase the total number Nb. That is, even if the target batch work number Nc is minimized by setting the order aggregation number to a set number that is the maximum number that can aggregate the order information In, if the target batch work number Nc exceeds the total number that can be shipped Nb, the control system 3 executes a process of increasing the total number that can be shipped. For example, in this example, for the item W of type Y, the target batch work number Nc that can be minimized for the number of orders of 5 is "2", which is greater than the total number that can be shipped Nb (here, "1"). In such a case, as described above, the number of target placement bodies 5 that can be provided is insufficient for the number of work areas 2 where the picking work of the item W of type Y is performed, and work waiting occurs.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control system 3 executes an index calculation process to calculate, for all types, an overlap risk index Nd, which indicates the likelihood that the number of target objects 5 will be insufficient for the number of work areas 2 in which the picking operation of the target type of item W is performed. Then, a type for which the overlap risk index Nd is less than a predetermined judgment threshold value is determined to be an overlap risk type, and the control system 3 executes a batch generation process for the order information In specifying the overlap risk type, and executes a total number increase process that can be shipped for the target object 5 on which the overlap risk type of item W is placed.

[0046] The duplication risk index Nd is calculated by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped Nb by the number of target batch operations Nc. In this example, the judgment threshold is set to "1.0".

[0047] 6, the overlap risk index Nd for type Y is "0.5", which is less than the judgment threshold. Therefore, type Y is determined to be a overlap risk type. The control system 3 executes the process of increasing the total number of items that can be shipped for the target object 5 on which the item W of the overlap risk type is placed, thereby providing an appropriate number of target objects 5 for the target batch work count Nc.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, when the target batch work quantity Nc cannot be reduced to the total number of available shipments Nb or less in the batch generation process, the control system 3 aggregates the order information In so as to minimize the target batch work quantity Nc, and then executes the total number of available shipments increase process. This makes it possible to keep the degree of increase in the total number of available shipments Nb small even when the total number of available shipments increase process is executed.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the process of increasing the total number of items that can be shipped includes a load body division task, which is a task of dividing multiple items W of the target type placed on one target load body 5 and placing them across multiple load bodies 5.

[0050] In this embodiment, the placement body division work is performed in one of a plurality of work areas 2. The control system 3 designates one of the plurality of work areas 2, and issues instructions to a worker or a picking robot working in the designated work area 2. For example, the control system 3 issues instructions to a worker using a work instruction output device (such as a monitor) provided in the work area 2. For the picking robot, an instruction signal is sent to a control device that controls the picking robot.

[0051] As described above, in the target work area 2, empty mounts 5 generated by the picking work are held by the empty mount holder 20. In the mount division work, multiple items W of the target type placed on the target mount 5 are distributed to the empty mounts 5 held by the empty mount holder 20.

[0052] In the example shown in Fig. 7, in addition to the target work area 2 where picking work for item W of type Y, which is a duplication risk type, is performed, there is another work area 2 where picking work for item W of type Y should be performed. In the target work area 2 where a target mounting body 5 for placing item W of type Y is provided, a mounting body division work is performed, and some of the multiple items W placed on the target mounting body 5 are transferred to an empty mounting body 5 that was held in the target work area 2. As a result, the number of mounting bodies 5 for placing items W of type Y, whose total number Nb that can be taken out was "1", increases to two.

[0053] In this embodiment, after the placement body division work is completed in the target work area 2, the control system 3 controls the conveying system T to convey at least one of the placement bodies 5 on which the target type of item W is placed, using the second conveying path T2, to a work area 2 other than the target work area 2 where a batch work in which the target type of item W is included in the target of the picking work is performed. The control system 3 executes a direct conveying process for conveying the placement body 5 between different work areas 2 without passing through the automated warehouse 1, thereby conveying the placement body 5 generated by the placement body division work along the second conveying path T2.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 7, one of two receivers 5 carrying an item W of type Y is transported from the target work area 2 to another work area 2 via the second transport path T2.

[0055] In this embodiment, in the placement body division work, a required number of articles W of a target type in another work area 2 other than the target work area 2 are transferred to the placement body 5.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 7, in another work area 2 other than the target work area 2 where the picking work for the item W of type Y is performed, two items W of type Y are specified by the order information In. That is, the required number of items W of type Y in the other work area 2 is "2". Therefore, in the placement body division work performed in the target work area 2, two items W are transferred from the target placement body 5 on which 10 items W of type Y are placed to an empty placement body 5. The placement body 5 on which the two items W of type Y are placed is transported from the target work area 2 to the other work area 2 through the second transport path T2. With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously perform the picking work for the item W of type Y in both the target work area 2 and the other work area 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, after the placement body division work is performed in the target work area 2, a picking work is performed on the target type of items W. In the example shown in Fig. 7, a picking work is performed in the target work area 2 using eight items W placed on the target placement body 5 after the placement body division work. This allows the target type of items W to be provided to another work area 2 quickly.

[0058] In the picking system 100 according to the present disclosure, multiple pieces of order information In that specify at least an item W of a duplicate risk type are aggregated into one batch using the algorithm described above. Order information In that specifies an item W of a type other than the duplicate risk type may be aggregated into one batch using a different algorithm according to, for example, shipping frequency.

[0059] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0060] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an empty mount object 5 held by the empty mount object holder 20 in the target work area 2 where the mount object division work is performed is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the empty mount object 5 used in the mount object division work may be transported to the target work area 2 from a location other than the target work area 2 (e.g., an empty space in the automated warehouse 1, etc.). In this case, the control system 3 controls the automated warehouse 1 and the transport system T to transport the target mount object 5 and a mount object 5 on which no object W is placed to the target work area 2 in order to perform the mount object division work in the target work area 2, which is one of the work areas 2 in which batch work is performed in which the target of the picking work includes the target type of object W.

[0061] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the total number Nb that can be taken out is increased by dividing the object. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the total number Nb that can be taken out may be increased by replenishing the target object 5 on which the target type of item W is placed from a location other than the automated warehouse 1 (e.g., an auxiliary warehouse) to the automated warehouse 1.

[0062] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, in the mounting body division work performed in the target work area 2, some of the multiple items W placed on the target mounting body 5 are transferred to an empty mounting body 5 that has been held in the target work area 2. However, without being limited to this example, the mounting body division work may be performed by distributing and transferring all of the items W placed on the target mounting body W to multiple empty mounting bodies 5.

[0063] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the placement object division work is performed in one of the multiple work areas 2. However, without being limited to such an example, the placement object division work may be performed in an area dedicated to the placement object division work, separate from the work area 2 in which the picking work is performed.

[0064] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which picking work is performed on the target type of items W after the placement body division work is performed in the target work area 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the placement body division work may be performed using the remaining number of items W after the picking work is performed.

[0065] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 3 transports the mount object 5 generated by the mount object division work along the second transport path T2 by executing a direct transport process for transporting the mount object 5 between different work areas 2 without passing through the automated warehouse 1. However, without being limited to this example, the control system 3 may transport the mount object 5 generated by the mount object division work along the first transport path T1 so as to relay through the automated warehouse 1, and transport it to another work area 2.

[0066] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the judgment threshold value of the overlap risk index Nd is set to "1.0". However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the judgment threshold value may be set to less than "1.0". In this case, since the number of target batch operations Nc exceeds the total number of possible shipments Nb, all the target batch operations cannot be performed at the same time, but all the target batch operations can be completed by performing these target batch operations at different times. However, even in this case, the judgment threshold value is set to "0.5", or preferably a value larger than that, so that the time required to complete all the target batch operations is not significantly extended. This makes it possible to minimize the degree of insufficiency of the total number of possible shipments Nb relative to the number of target batch operations Nc, and makes it easy to minimize the time required to complete all the target batch operations.

[0067] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0069] an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the object required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas, Each of the plurality of types is defined as a target type, the object on which the item of the target type is placed is defined as a target object, the total number of the target objects that can be removed from the automated warehouse is defined as a total number that can be removed, and the number of the batch operations in which the item of the target type is included as a target of the picking operation is defined as a number of target batch operations, The control system, in the batch production process, When the number of target batch operations can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, the order information is aggregated so that the number of target batch operations is made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; If the number of target batch operations cannot be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, a total number that can be shipped increase process is executed to increase the total number that can be shipped.

[0070] According to this configuration, in the batch generation process, when the number of target batch operations, which is the number of batch operations in which the target of the picking operation includes the target type of item, can be set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped, order information including the target type of item is aggregated so that the number of target batch operations is set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped. This makes it possible to avoid a shortage of the number of target objects relative to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of waiting for the target objects required for the picking operation in the work area. Also, according to this configuration, in the batch generation process, when the number of target batch operations, which is the number of batch operations in which the target of the picking operation includes the target type of item, cannot be set to less than or equal to the total number of items that can be shipped, a total number of items that can be shipped is increased to increase the total number of items that can be shipped. This makes it possible to increase the total number of items that can be shipped according to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed, so it is possible to avoid a shortage of the number of target objects relative to the number of work areas in which the picking operation for the target items is performed. Therefore, even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of waiting for the operation. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the picking operation.

[0071] It is preferable that, in the batch generation process, if the number of target batch operations cannot be reduced to less than or equal to the total number that can be shipped, the control system consolidates the order information so as to minimize the number of target batch operations, and then executes the total number that can be shipped increasing process.

[0072] According to this configuration, order information is aggregated in the batch generation process so as to minimize the number of target batch operations, so that even when the total number of items that can be shipped is increased, the degree of increase in the total number of items that can be shipped can be kept small.

[0073] The process of increasing the total number of items that can be taken out includes a work of dividing a plurality of the items of the target type that are placed on one of the target placement bodies, and placing the divided items on a plurality of the placement bodies, It is preferable that the control system controls the automated warehouse and the transport system to transport the target object and the object on which the item is not placed to a target work area, which is one of the work areas where the batch work is performed and where the item of the target type is included in the target of the picking work, in order to perform the object division work in the target work area.

[0074] According to this configuration, the number of objects placed on the object can be increased by performing the object dividing operation and distributing the target objects to a plurality of objects. Therefore, even if no new object objects are added to the automated warehouse, the total number of objects that can be removed from the warehouse can be increased. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the object dividing operation can be performed by utilizing the work area where the object objects are picked, which reduces the need to transport the object objects only for the object dividing operation and reduces the need to add new work areas and facilities.

[0075] The transport system includes a first transport path for transporting the object between the automated warehouse and the plurality of work areas, and a second transport path for transporting the object between the plurality of work areas, It is preferable that, after the object division work is completed in the target work area, the control system controls the conveying system to transport at least one of the objects on which the target type of items is placed, using the second conveying path, to a work area other than the target work area where the batch work is performed and where the items of the target type are included in the picking work.

[0076] According to this configuration, after the separation work is completed, the object-carrying object can be transported to another work area where the object is needed without returning the object-carrying object to the automated warehouse. This improves the transport efficiency of the object and also reduces waiting times in other work areas.

[0077] In the mounting body division work, it is preferable that a required number of the items of the target type in another work area other than the target work area are transferred onto the mounting body.

[0078] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the generation of fractional objects after work in a work area other than the target work area is completed. This can reduce the capacity of the automated warehouse and can easily eliminate the need for work such as bundling the objects.

[0079] The control system executes an index calculation process to calculate, for all of the types, a duplication risk index indicating a likelihood that the number of target objects will be insufficient for the number of work areas in which the picking operation of the items of the target type is performed; The type in which the overlap risk index is less than a predetermined judgment threshold is determined as an overlap risk type; It is preferable that the control system executes the batch generation process on the order information that specifies the overlap risk type, and executes the total number of items that can be shipped increase process on the target load object on which the items of the overlap risk type are placed.

[0080] According to this configuration, by aggregating order information specifying overlap risk types, the number of work areas where picking work is performed for items of overlap risk types, which have a small total number of items that can be shipped relative to the number of orders, can be set to less than or equal to the total number that can be shipped. Even if it is not possible to set the number of work areas to less than or equal to the total number that can be shipped, the total number that can be shipped can be increased by executing a process to increase the total number that can be shipped. This reduces the possibility of waiting for work occurring in work areas where picking work is performed for items of overlap risk types. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a picking system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100: Picking system 1: Automated warehouse 2:Work area 3: Control system T:Transportation system T1: First transport route T2: Second transport route 5: Placement body W:Goods In :Order Information Nb: Total number of items available for shipment Nc: Number of target batch operations Nd: overlap risk index

Claims

1. an automated warehouse that stores a plurality of mounting bodies, each mounting a plurality of articles; a plurality of work areas in which a picking operation is performed to pick out the items of the type and number designated by order information from the storage objects delivered from the automated warehouse based on order information designating the type and number of the items required for each shipping destination; A transport system that transports the object between the automated warehouse and a plurality of the work areas; A picking system including a control system that controls the automated warehouse and the conveying system, The control system includes: a batch generation process for aggregating a set number of pieces of order information and forming the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information into one batch operation; a task allocation process for allocating each of the plurality of batch tasks generated by the batch generation process to any of the plurality of task areas; a transport process for transporting the object required for the batch work assigned by the work allocation process to each of the plurality of work areas, Each of the plurality of types is defined as a target type, the object on which the item of the target type is placed is defined as a target object, the total number of the target objects that can be removed from the automated warehouse is defined as a total number that can be removed, and the number of the batch operations in which the item of the target type is included as a target of the picking operation is defined as a number of target batch operations, The control system, in the batch production process, When the number of target batch operations can be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, the order information is aggregated so that the number of target batch operations is made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped; When the number of target batch operations cannot be made equal to or less than the total number that can be shipped, a picking system executes a total number that can be shipped increase process for increasing the total number that can be shipped.

2. 2. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein, when the number of target batch operations cannot be reduced to less than or equal to the total number that can be shipped in the batch generation process, the control system consolidates the order information so as to minimize the number of target batch operations, and then executes the total number that can be shipped increasing process.

3. The process of increasing the total number of items that can be taken out includes a work of dividing a plurality of the items of the target type that are placed on one of the target placement bodies, and placing the divided items on a plurality of the placement bodies, The picking system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system controls the automated warehouse and the transport system to transport the target object and the object on which the item is not placed to a target work area, which is one of the work areas where the batch work is performed and where the item of the target type is included in the target of the picking work, in order to perform the object division work in the target work area.

4. The transport system includes a first transport path for transporting the object between the automated warehouse and the plurality of work areas, and a second transport path for transporting the object between the plurality of work areas, The picking system described in claim 3, wherein the control system controls the conveying system to transport at least one of the objects on which the target type of items is placed, using the second conveying path, to a work area other than the target work area where the batch work is performed and where the items of the target type are included in the targets of the picking work, after the object division work is completed in the target work area.

5. The picking system according to claim 3 , wherein in the mounting body division work, a required number of the articles of the target type in another work area other than the target work area are transferred onto the mounting body.

6. The control system executes an index calculation process to calculate, for all of the types, a duplication risk index indicating a likelihood that the number of the target objects will be insufficient for the number of the work areas in which the picking operation of the items of the target type is performed; The type in which the overlap risk index is less than a predetermined judgment threshold is determined as an overlap risk type; The picking system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system executes the batch generation process on the order information that specifies the duplication risk type, and executes the total number increase process that can be shipped on the target object on which the items of the duplication risk type are placed.

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