Work shelf management system, work shelf management method and pallet work shelf

Abstract

To provide a work shelf management system suitable for reducing the travel distance to a shipping port for pallets that hold varieties classified as high rank through ABC analysis.SOLUTION: The varieties of cargo are classified into multiple ranks through ABC analysis. The multiple ranks are categorized into high-rank varieties and low-rank varieties. A shipment device 6 retrieves pallets from a pallet work shelf. A discharge device 7 ejects pallets from which all cargo shipment work has been completed. In a high-rank shipping section 15, high-rank pallets taken from a high-rank section 11 are returned after shipping operations, and / or high-rank pallets are replenished from a high-rank stock section 17 without undergoing shipping operations. A storage device 5 replenishes high-rank pallets from a pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work shelf management system, a work shelf management method, and a pallet work shelf, and in particular to a work shelf management system in which an out-of-stock device takes out a pallet from a pallet work shelf and out-of-stocks it to an out-of-stock port. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, it is known to rank items of goods scheduled for shipment using priority analysis (also known as Pareto analysis, ABC analysis, etc.). Priority analysis is an analytical framework based on the Pareto principle, which ranks indicators (sales, cost, inventory, etc.) in descending order to determine and manage priorities.

[0003] FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of a conventional work shelf management system 51 for managing pallet work shelves.

[0004] The work shelf management system 51 includes a pallet storage 52, a pallet work shelf 53, an exit port 54, a storage device 55, and an exit device 56.

[0005] The pallet storage 52 stores the pallets. The storage device 55 moves the pallets from the pallet storage 52 to the pallet work shelf 53.

[0006] The varieties to be shipped are ranked by priority analysis. In this example, the varieties are ranked A, B, C, D, and E by priority analysis based on the final shipment number of each variety.

[0007] The pallet work shelves 53 are assigned product types of rank A, B, C, D, and E in order of proximity to the exit 54. Pallets holding cargo of each product type are stored in one or more specific positions in the area assigned to the rank to which that product type belongs.

[0008] Figure 11 shows an example of the arrangement of each rank on a conventional pallet work shelf. The pallet work shelf in Figure 11 stores pallets in 8 rows and 10 columns. On the pallet work shelf in Figure 11, the bottom left is closest to the exit. Starting from the bottom left, A, B, C, D, and E ranks are assigned to each product type.

[0009] Rank A includes varieties A, B, C, and D, which have a greater final shipment volume than other ranks. Pallets holding varieties A, B, C, and D are located in four, three, three, and three locations, respectively.

[0010] Rank B includes varieties O, Ka, Ki, Ku, and Ke, which have fewer final shipments than rank A, but more final shipments than ranks C, D, and E. There are three pallets each holding varieties O, Ka, Ki, Ku, and Ke.

[0011] C rank has varieties Ko, Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So, and Ta, which have fewer final shipments than A and B ranks, but more final shipments than D and E ranks. There are three pallets each holding varieties Ko, Sa, Shi, Su, Se, and So, and two pallets holding variety Ta.

[0012] Rank D includes varieties Chi, Tsu, Te, To, Na, Ni, Nu, and Ne, which have fewer final shipments than ranks A, B, and C, but more final shipments than rank E. Pallets holding varieties Chi, Tsu, Te, To, Na, Ni, and Nu exist in two locations, and a pallet holding variety Ne exists in one location.

[0013] E rank includes varieties No, Ha, Hi, Fu, He, Ho, Ma, Mi, Mu, Me, Mo, Ya, Yu, Yo, Ra, Ri, and Ru, which have fewer final shipments than other ranks. There is one pallet for each of the varieties No, Ha, Hi, Fu, He, Ho, Ma, Mi, Mu, Me, Mo, Ya, Yu, Yo, Ra, Ri, and Ru.

[0014] The delivery device 56 takes out the pallet from the pallet work shelf 53 and delivers it to the delivery port 54. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-81432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] However, in Figure 11, even for pallets holding products with a rank that has a large final shipment quantity, the distance from the exit was sometimes the same as that of pallets holding products with a rank that has a small final shipment quantity, which reduced work efficiency.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a work shelf management system, etc., that is suitable for reducing the travel distance required for pallets holding products that are classified as high-ranking products through priority analysis to be shipped to an exit port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] A first aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management system comprising an outgoing device that removes pallets from a pallet work shelf and delivers them to an outgoing port, the pallet work shelf comprising a high rank section and a low rank section, the high rank section comprising a high rank outgoing section and a high rank stock section, the types of goods held by the pallets are classified into high rank types and low rank types, the high rank section stores high rank pallets holding high rank types, and the low rank section stores low rank pallets holding low rank types, the work shelf management system comprising a discharge device and a storage device, the outgoing device removes one or more high rank pallets from the high rank section The high rank pallets removed from the high rank delivery section by the delivery device are returned to the high rank delivery section after shipping operations have been performed, and / or high rank pallets are replenished from the high rank stock section without shipping operations being performed, the discharge device discharges the high rank pallets that have been removed by the delivery device and from which all of the cargo held therein has been shipped, the delivery device removes at least one high rank pallet from the high rank delivery section out of one or more high rank pallets removed from the high rank section, and the storage device replenishes the high rank stock section with high rank pallets from the pallet storage.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention is the work shelf management system of the first aspect, wherein in the high rank section, the high rank outgoing section has storage space for at least one high rank pallet for each high rank product type, and the high rank pallet taken out of the high rank section by the outgoing device at the time the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned to the storage space for the first high rank pallet after shipping work has been performed, the high rank pallet taken out of the high rank section by the outgoing device after the time the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned after shipping work has been performed, or the high rank pallet is replenished from the high rank stock section without shipping work being performed.

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention is the work shelf management system of the first or second aspect, wherein the high-rank delivery section is closer to the delivery port than the high-rank stock section and the low-rank section.

[0021] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cargo types are divided into a plurality of ranks in descending order of the number of times that pallets holding each type are removed from the pallet work shelf per unit time, and the ranks of the types included in the high-ranked types are removed from the pallet work shelf more times per unit time than the ranks of the types included in the low-ranked types.

[0022] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein shipping operations are carried out for some or all of the cargo held on the pallet removed by the retrieval device, and when all of the cargo held on the pallet has been shipped, the discharge device discharges the pallet, and if there is any cargo remaining on the pallet that has not been shipped, the retrieval device returns the pallet to the pallet work shelf.

[0023] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management method in a work shelf management system equipped with an outgoing device that removes pallets from a pallet work shelf and delivers them to an outgoing port, the pallet work shelf having a high rank section and a low rank section, the high rank section having a high rank outgoing section and a high rank stock section, the types of goods held by the pallets are classified into high rank types and low rank types, the high rank section stores high rank pallets holding high rank types, and the low rank section stores low rank pallets holding low rank types, the work shelf management system having an ejection device and a storage device, and a second step in which the high rank pallets removed from the high rank section by the removal device are returned to the high rank removal section after shipping operations, and / or high rank pallets are replenished from the high rank stock section without shipping operations being performed, wherein the ejection device ejects high rank pallets that have been removed by the removal device and after all of the cargo they held has been shipped, and in the first step, the removal device removes at least one high rank pallet from the high rank removal section out of one or more high rank pallets removed from the high rank section, and in the second step, the storage device replenishes the high rank stock section with high rank pallets from the pallet storage.

[0024] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the work shelf management method of the sixth aspect, wherein in the high rank section, the high rank outgoing section has at least one storage space for the high rank pallet for each high rank product type, and the high rank pallet taken out of the high rank section by the outgoing device at the time the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned to the storage space for the first high rank pallet after shipping, the high rank pallet taken out of the high rank section by the outgoing device after the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned after shipping, or the high rank pallet taken out of the high rank stock section by the outgoing device after the time the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned after shipping, or the high rank pallet is replenished from the high rank stock section without shipping.

[0025] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the work shelf management method of the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the high-rank delivery section is closer to the delivery port than the high-rank stock section and the low-rank section.

[0026] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management method according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the cargo types are divided into a plurality of ranks in descending order of the number of times that pallets holding each type are removed from the pallet work shelf per unit time, and the ranks of the types included in the high-ranked types are removed from the pallet work shelf more times per unit time than the ranks of the types included in the low-ranked types.

[0027] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a work shelf management method according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein shipping operations are performed on some or all of the cargo held on the pallet removed by the retrieval device, and when all of the cargo held on the pallet has been shipped, the discharge device discharges the pallet, and if there is any cargo remaining on the pallet that has not been shipped, the retrieval device returns the pallet to the pallet work shelf.

[0028] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a pallet work shelf for storing pallets to be issued to an output port, the pallet work shelf comprising a high-rank section and a low-rank section, the high-rank section comprising a high-rank output section and a high-rank stock section, the types of cargo held by the pallets being classified into high-rank types and low-rank types, the high-rank section stores high-rank pallets holding high-rank types, and the low-rank section stores low-rank pallets holding low-rank types, and when one or more high-rank pallets are removed from the high-rank section, at least one high-rank pallet is removed from the high-rank output section, and the high-rank pallet removed from the high-rank section is returned to the high-rank output section from which the high-rank pallet was removed after shipping, and / or high-rank pallets are replenished from the high-rank stock section without shipping, and the high-rank stock section is replenished with high-rank pallets from a pallet storage.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the pallet work shelf of the eleventh aspect, wherein in the high rank section, the high rank delivery section has storage space for at least one high rank pallet for each high rank product type, and the high rank pallet taken out from the high rank section is returned to the storage space for a first high rank pallet taken out from the high rank delivery section at the same time as the first high rank pallet is taken out and after shipping, or the high rank pallet taken out from the high rank stock section after the first high rank pallet is taken out is returned to the storage space for the first high rank pallet after shipping, or the high rank pallet is replenished from the high rank stock section without shipping being carried out.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the pallet work shelf of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the high-rank delivery section is closer to the delivery port than the high-rank stock section and the low-rank section.

[0031] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a pallet work shelf according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the cargo types are divided into a plurality of ranks in descending order of the number of times that pallets holding each type are removed from the pallet work shelf per unit time, and the ranks of the types included in the high-ranked types are removed from the pallet work shelf more times per unit time than the ranks of the types included in the low-ranked types. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to each aspect of the present invention, in addition to ranking cargo types based on a priority analysis, the ranked types are further classified into high-ranked and low-ranked types, which allows some of the high-ranked pallets holding high-ranked items to be gathered near the exit, thereby improving work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work shelf management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a high-rank delivery section, a high-rank stock section, and a low-rank section on a pallet work shelf. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which the storage device 5 stores pallets from the pallet storage 2 onto the pallet work shelf 3. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a process in which the storage device 5 stores pallets from the pallet stocker 2 onto the pallet work shelf 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for removing a pallet from a pallet work shelf 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the delivery device 6 delivers a pallet from the pallet work shelf 3 to the delivery port, and the delivery device 6 and the discharge device 7 return and discharge the pallet. [Figure 7] 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the replenishing device 8 replenishes pallets from the high rank stock section 17 to the high rank shipping section 15. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the storage device 5 replenishes pallets from the pallet storage 2 to the high rank stock section 17 and the low rank section 13. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the work shelf management system 1 of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work shelf management system 51 for managing a conventional pallet work shelf. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of ranks in a conventional pallet work shelf. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. [Example]

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a work shelf management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The work shelf management system 1 comprises a pallet storage 2, a pallet work shelf 3, an exit gate 4, a storage device 5, an exit device 6, a discharge device 7, and a replenishment device 8. The pallet work shelf 3 comprises a high rank section 11 and a low rank section 13. The high rank section 11 comprises a high rank exit section 15 and a high rank stock section 17. Note that the storage device 5, the retrieval device 6, the discharge device 7, and the replenishment device 8 may be realized in part or in whole by the same device.

[0037] The pallet storehouse 2 stores pallets that hold cargo.

[0038] The types of cargo held on pallets are ranked using priority analysis. Priority analysis is an analytical framework based on the Pareto principle that ranks indicators (sales, cost, inventory, etc.) in descending order and determines and manages priorities. In this example, the types are divided into multiple ranks based on the number of times per unit time a pallet holding each type is removed from pallet work shelf 3 using priority analysis. Furthermore, of the multiple ranks, some types that are removed from pallet work shelf 3 more frequently per unit time are classified as "high-ranked types," while other types that are removed from pallet work shelf 3 less frequently per unit time than the high-ranked types are classified as "low-ranked types."

[0039] In the pallet work shelf 3, the high rank section 11 is located closer to the delivery opening 4 than the low rank section 13. In the high rank section 11, the high rank delivery section 15 is located closer to the delivery opening 4 than the high rank stock section 17.

[0040] The storage device 5 moves the pallet to be retrieved from the pallet storage 2 to the high rank section 11 and the low rank section 13 of the pallet work shelf 3.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an example of the layout of a high-rank delivery section, a high-rank stock section, and a low-rank section on a pallet work shelf. The pallet work shelf has storage spaces corresponding to each stored pallet.

[0042] In this example, the storage devices are ranked by type based on a priority analysis, and are ranked A, B, C, D, and E in descending order of rank. Types ranked A, B, and C are considered high-ranking types, while types ranked D and E are considered low-ranking types.

[0043] Rank A includes varieties A, B, C, and D, which are taken out from the pallet work shelf more frequently than other ranks. On the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, pallets holding varieties A, B, C, and D are located in four, three, three, and three locations, respectively.

[0044] Rank B includes varieties O, Ka, Gi, Ku, and Ke, which are taken out less frequently from the pallet work shelf than rank A, but more frequently from the pallet work shelf than ranks C, D, and E. On the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, there are three pallets each holding varieties O, Ka, Gi, Ku, and Ke.

[0045] Rank C includes varieties Ko, Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So, and Ta, which are taken out less frequently from the pallet work shelf than ranks A and B, and more frequently from the pallet work shelf than ranks D and E. In the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, there are three pallets each holding varieties Ko, Sa, Shi, Su, Se, and So, and two pallets holding variety Ta.

[0046] Rank D includes varieties Chi, Tsu, Te, To, Na, Ni, Nu, and Ne, which are taken out less frequently from the pallet work shelf than ranks A, B, and C, and more frequently from the pallet work shelf than rank E. In the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, there are two locations for pallets holding varieties Chi, Tsu, Te, To, Na, Ni, and Nu, and one location for pallets holding variety Ne.

[0047] Rank E includes varieties No, Ha, Hi, Fu, He, Ho, Ma, Mi, Mu, Me, Mo, Ya, Yu, Yo, Ra, Ri, and Ru, which are taken out less frequently from the pallet work shelf than other ranks.On the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, there is one pallet each holding varieties No, Ha, Hi, Fu, He, Ho, Ma, Mi, Mu, Me, Mo, Ya, Yu, Yo, Ra, Ri, and Ru.

[0048] The pallet work shelf in Figure 2 stores pallets arranged in 8 rows and 10 columns. In the pallet work shelf in Figure 2, the bottom left is closest to the exit. The high-rank section is located in 6 rows and 8 columns from the bottom left. The low-rank section is located outside the high-rank section.

[0049] In the high rank section, the high rank delivery section is located in 4 rows and 4 columns from the bottom left. The high rank stock section is located outside the high rank delivery section.

[0050] In the high-rank delivery area, pallets of high-rank products are located, one for each product type. Specifically, four pallets holding four A-rank products are located in two rows and two columns from the bottom left. Outside the A-rank pallets, five pallets holding five B-rank products are located. Outside the B-rank pallets, seven pallets holding seven C-rank products are located.

[0051] The high-rank stock section contains pallets of high-rank products excluding those stored in the high-rank delivery section. Nine pallets holding four A-rank products are located outside the high-rank delivery section. Ten pallets holding five B-rank products are located outside the A-rank pallets in the high-rank delivery section and high-rank stock section. Thirteen pallets holding seven C-rank products are located outside the A-rank and B-rank pallets in the high-rank delivery section and high-rank stock section. Note that, for example, if there are sufficient cargoes on the high-rank pallets in the high-rank delivery section for a certain high-rank product, there is no need to replenish high-rank pallets from the pallet storage, and the high-rank pallet does not need to be in the high-rank stock section. Therefore, it is acceptable for some high-rank products not to be stored in the high-rank stock section.

[0052] The low-rank section contains pallets of low-rank varieties. Specifically, in the low-rank section, 15 pallets holding 8 D-rank varieties are located outside the high-rank section. Outside the D-rank pallets, 17 pallets holding 17 E-rank varieties are located.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, based on the number of times per unit time each type of pallet is taken out from the pallet work shelf 3, pallets holding high-ranked types that are taken out more frequently are called "high-ranked pallets," and pallets holding low-ranked types that are taken out less frequently per unit time than the high-ranked pallet types are called "low-ranked pallets."

[0054] There are multiple high-rank pallets and one or more low-rank pallets on the pallet work shelf 3. The high-rank pallets are stored in the high-rank section 11. One high-rank pallet per type is stored in the high-rank delivery section 15, and the rest are stored in the high-rank stock section 17. The low-rank pallets are stored in the low-rank section 13. Note that the present invention may also be such that the high-rank delivery section 15 has storage space for storing at least one high-rank pallet for each high-rank type.

[0055] In the pallet work shelf 3, the high-rank output section 15 is closest to the output opening 4. The high-rank stock section 17 is farther from the output opening 4 than the high-rank output section 15 and closer to the output opening 4 than the low-rank section 13. The low-rank section 13 is farther from the output opening 4 than the high-rank section 11.

[0056] Furthermore, high-rank product types are also ranked (grouped) based on the number of times per unit time they are removed from the pallet work shelf 3. In the high-rank delivery section 15, pallets holding the product type with the highest number of times are located near the delivery exit 4, while pallets holding the product type with the lowest number of times are located far from the delivery exit 4. Similarly, in the high-rank stock section 17, pallets holding the product type with the highest number of times are located near the high-rank delivery section 15, while pallets holding the product type with the lowest number of times are located far from the high-rank delivery section 15.

[0057] Similarly, low-rank product types held on low-rank pallets are ranked (grouped) based on the number of times per unit time they are taken out from the pallet work shelf 3. In the low-rank section 13, pallets holding the product type with the highest number of times are located near the exit 4, and pallets holding the product type with the lowest number of times are located far from the exit 4.

[0058] The retrieval device 6 retrieves the pallets stored on the pallet work shelf 3 and retrieves them from the retrieval port 4. The retrieved pallets undergo shipping work for some or all of the cargo.

[0059] The ejection device 7 determines whether or not there are any packages that have not been shipped on a pallet where shipping work has been performed for some or all of the packages. If there are any packages that have not been shipped, the retrieval device 6 returns the pallet to the pallet work shelf 3. If shipping work has been performed for all the packages (if there are no packages that have not been shipped), the ejection device 7 ejects the pallet as an empty pallet.

[0060] When the discharge device 7 discharges a high rank pallet as an empty pallet, the replenishing device 8 replenishing a high rank pallet holding the same type as the discharged high rank pallet from the high rank stock section 17 to the high rank delivery section 15 as necessary.

[0061] When the discharge device 7 discharges an empty pallet, the storage device 5 replenishes the pallet from the pallet storage 2 to the pallet work shelf 3. Specifically, if the empty pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 is a high-rank pallet, the storage device 5 replenishes a pallet holding the same product type as the discharged high-rank pallet from the pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17. If the empty pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 is a low-rank pallet, the storage device 5 replenishes a pallet holding the same product type as the discharged low-rank pallet from the pallet storage 2 to the low-rank section 13.

[0062] An example of the process in which the storage device 5 stores pallets from the pallet stocker 2 onto the pallet work shelf 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] The product type and quantity to be shipped to each destination are given to the storage device 5 and the shipping device 6 as destination data.

[0064] The storage device 5 divides varieties into multiple ranks based on a priority analysis of destination data. Varieties with one or more ranks from the highest are classified as high-rank varieties. Varieties with one or more ranks located on the lowest side are classified as low-rank varieties. The storage device 5 holds storage position data that specifies the varieties stored at each position on the pallet work shelf 3. The replenishment device 8 holds high-rank storage position data that specifies the varieties stored at each position in the high-rank section 11. The retrieval device 6 holds retrieval position data that specifies the varieties stored at each position in the high-rank retrieval section 15 and the low-rank section 13.

[0065] The ranking, classification of high-rank and low-rank varieties, and determination of the storage position of each variety on the pallet work shelf 3 (generation of storage position data, high-rank storage position data, and retrieval position data) may all be performed automatically by the storage device 5, or may be created in advance by an operator, or the operator may assist or correct the processing by the storage device 5 as necessary.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 5 takes out pallets from the pallet storage 2 and stores them in the high rank delivery section 15, the high rank stock section 17 and the low rank section 13 of the pallet work shelf 3.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the storage device 5 stores pallets from the pallet stocker 2 onto the pallet work shelf 3.

[0068] The storage device 5 holds stored position data that corresponds to the storage position data and manages whether a pallet has been stored at each position on the pallet work shelf 3. The initial value of the stored position data is a state in which no pallet exists at any position. The storage device 5 can identify positions where no pallets are stored by comparing the storage position data with the stored position data.

[0069] The storage device 5 identifies one of the positions on the pallet work shelf 3 where no pallet is stored, and specifies that position as the position where the pallet will be stored next (step STA1).

[0070] The storage device 5 next determines whether the product type corresponding to the position where the pallet will be stored is a high-rank product type (step STA2).

[0071] If the type corresponding to the location where the next pallet will be stored is not a high-rank type, the storage device 5 removes a low-rank pallet of the type corresponding to the location where the next pallet will be stored from the pallet storage 2 and stores it in the low-rank section 13 (step STA3), and then proceeds to step STA7.

[0072] If the product type corresponding to the next location to store the pallet is a high-rank product type, storage device 5 determines whether the next location to store the pallet is within high-rank delivery section 15 (step STA4). If it is within high-rank delivery section 15, a high-rank pallet of the product type corresponding to the next location to store the pallet is removed from pallet storage 2 and stored in the next location to store the pallet within high-rank delivery section 15 (step STA5), and then proceeds to step STA7. If it is not within high-rank delivery section 15, a high-rank pallet of the product type corresponding to the next location to store the pallet is removed from pallet storage 2 and stored in high-rank stock section 17 (step STA6), and then proceeds to step STA7.

[0073] In step STA7, the storage device 5 updates the stored position data to specify that a pallet has been stored in the position where the pallet was stored. The storage device 5 references the stored position data to determine whether pallets have been stored in all positions. If pallets have been stored in all positions, the process ends. If there is a position where a pallet is not stored, the process returns to step STA1.

[0074] An example of a process for unloading a pallet from the pallet work shelf 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery device 6 delivers pallets in the high rank section 11 and the low rank section 13 to the delivery port 4 with reference to the destination data.

[0076] The ejection device 7 ejects pallets after all of the cargo held on them has been shipped. The delivery device 6 returns pallets on which some of the cargo held on them has been shipped but some cargo still remains to be shipped to the pallet work shelf 3.

[0077] When the discharge device 7 discharges a high-rank pallet, if the discharge device 7 discharges all of the high-rank pallets taken out by the delivery device 6, the replenishing device 8 replenishes pallets that hold the same product type as the discharged high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank delivery section 15. If there are high-rank pallets taken out by the delivery device 6 that the discharge device 7 does not discharge, the delivery device 6 returns the high-rank pallets that the discharge device 7 did not discharge to the high-rank delivery section 15.

[0078] The storage device 5 replenishes pallets of the same type as the pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storehouse 2 to the high rank stock section 17 and the low rank section 13.

[0079] For example, a case will be described in which the outgoing device 6 outgoes two high-rank pallets when one high-rank pallet of a certain high-rank product type is present in the high-rank outgoing section 15. In this case, the outgoing device 6 outgoes one high-rank pallet from the high-rank outgoing section 15 and one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17.

[0080] The reason why the delivery device 6 takes out two high-rank pallets is to perform shipping work for the goods on at least one high-rank pallet. Therefore, the ejection device 7 ejects two or one high-rank pallet. If no high-rank pallet is ejected, the delivery device 6 only needs to take out one high-rank pallet.

[0081] If the discharge device 7 discharges two high-rank pallets, the replenishment device 8 replenishes one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank outgoing section 15. Here, instead of replenishment by the replenishment device 8, the outgoing device 6 may take another high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 and return it to the high-rank outgoing section 15 after the shipping operation, thereby replenishing the high-rank pallet to the high-rank outgoing section 15. The storage device 5 replenishes two high-rank pallets that hold the same product type as the high-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17.

[0082] If the discharge device 7 discharges one high-rank pallet, the delivery device 6 returns the one high-rank pallet to the high-rank delivery section 15. The storage device 5 replenishes one high-rank pallet that holds the same product type as the high-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17.

[0083] Next, a case will be described in which, for example, when two high-rank pallets of a certain high-rank product type are present in the high-rank outgoing section 15, the outgoing device 6 outgoes three high-rank pallets. In this case, the outgoing device 6 outgoes two high-rank pallets from the high-rank outgoing section 15 and one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17.

[0084] The reason why the delivery device 6 takes out three high-rank pallets is to perform shipping operations for the packages on at least two high-rank pallets. Therefore, the ejection device 7 ejects three or two high-rank pallets. If no high-rank pallets or one high-rank pallet is ejected, the delivery device 6 only needs to eject two high-rank pallets.

[0085] If the discharge device 7 discharges three high-rank pallets, the replenishment device 8 replenishes two high-rank pallets from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank outgoing section 15. Here, instead of replenishment by the replenishment device 8, the outgoing device 6 may take two high-rank pallets from the high-rank stock section 17 and return them to the high-rank outgoing section 15 after the shipping operation, thereby replenishing two high-rank pallets to the high-rank outgoing section 15. Alternatively, the replenishment device 8 may replenish one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank outgoing section 15, and the outgoing device 6 may take one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 and return it to the high-rank outgoing section 15 after the shipping operation, thereby replenishing two high-rank pallets to the high-rank outgoing section 15. The storage device 5 replenishes three high-rank pallets of the same type as the high-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17.

[0086] If the discharge device 7 discharges two high-rank pallets, the delivery device 6 returns one high-rank pallet to the high-rank delivery section 15, and the replenishment device 8 replenishes one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank delivery section 15. Here, instead of using the replenishment device 8, the delivery device 6 may take one high-rank pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 and return it to the high-rank delivery section 15 after shipping, thereby replenishing one high-rank pallet to the high-rank delivery section 15. The storage device 5 replenishes two high-rank pallets that hold the same product type as the high-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the high-rank stock section 17.

[0087] In this manner, when the discharging device 6 retrieves a first high-rank pallet from the high-rank retrieval section 15, the retrieval device 6 or the replenishment device 8 stores the high-rank pallet in the storage space corresponding to the first high-rank pallet. Here, the stored high-rank pallet may be a high-rank pallet retrieved by the discharging device 6 from the high-rank section 11 (the high-rank retrieval section 15 and the high-rank stock section 17) at the time the first high-rank pallet is retrieved and returned after the shipping operation. For example, the first high-rank pallet may be returned, or, when the first high-rank pallet is discharged, other high-rank pallets retrieved at the same time but not discharged may be returned. Furthermore, the stored high-rank pallet may be a pallet retrieved by the discharging device 6 from the high-rank section 11 after the first high-rank pallet is retrieved. For example, by the discharging device 6 retrieving a pallet from the high-rank stock section 17 and returning it to the high-rank retrieval section 15 after the shipping operation, replenishment by the replenishment device 8 is not necessary. Furthermore, the stored high-rank pallet may be a pallet replenished by the replenishment device 8 from the high-rank stock section. The high rank pallets replenished by the replenishment device 8 are taken out from the high rank stock section 17 and replenished to the high rank delivery section 15 without undergoing shipping work.

[0088] It should be noted that for high-rank product types that are not stored in the high-rank stock section 17, there is no need to replenish high-rank pallets, and therefore even if the discharge device 7 discharges a high-rank pallet for that high-rank product type, the storage device 5 does not need to replenish the high-rank pallet to the high-rank stock section 17. In this way, the storage device 5 replenishes the high-rank stock section 17 as needed.

[0089] For example, when the retrieval device 6 retrieves a low-rank pallet, if the discharge device 7 discharges all of the low-rank pallets, the storage device 5 replenishes low-rank pallets of the same type as the low-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the low-rank section 13. If the discharge device 7 discharges some of the low-rank pallets, the retrieval device 6 returns the low-rank pallets that are not discharged to the low-rank section 13, and the storage device 5 replenishes the same number of low-rank pallets of the same type as the low-rank pallet discharged by the discharge device 7 from the pallet storage 2 to the low-rank section 13. If the discharge device 7 does not discharge a low-rank pallet, the retrieval device 6 returns the low-rank pallet to the low-rank section 13. Note that if there are no subsequent shipments planned and there is no need to store low-rank pallets on the pallet work shelf 3, the storage device 5 does not need to replenish the low-rank section 13 at the time of discharge; it only needs to be replenished by the time shipment is scheduled.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the delivery device 6 delivers a pallet from the pallet work shelf 3 to the delivery opening 4, and the delivery device 6 and the discharge device 7 return and discharge the pallet.

[0091] The delivery device 6 refers to the destination data and identifies the product type to be taken out next (step STB1).

[0092] The outgoing device 6 determines whether the next product type to be removed is a high-rank product type (step STB2). If it is a high-rank product type, it determines whether all high-rank pallets should be removed from the high-rank outgoing section 15 (step STB3). For example, if the number of high-rank pallets to be removed is equal to or less than the number present in the high-rank outgoing section 15, all high-rank pallets can be removed from the high-rank outgoing section 15. In this case, the high-rank pallets of that product type are removed from the high-rank outgoing section 15 (step STB4), and the process proceeds to step STB7. On the other hand, if the number of high-rank pallets to be removed is greater than the number present in the high-rank outgoing section 15, it is not possible to remove all high-rank pallets from the high-rank outgoing section 15. Therefore, all high-rank pallets present in the high-rank outgoing section 15 are removed from the high-rank outgoing section 15, and the remaining pallets are removed from the high-rank stock section 17 (step STB5), and the process proceeds to step STB7. If it is not a high-ranked product, the pallet for that product type is taken out from the low-ranked section 13 (step STB6), and the process proceeds to step STB7.

[0093] In step STB7, the delivery device 6 delivers the removed pallet to the delivery port 4.

[0094] The removed pallet is then shipped. The ejection device 7 determines whether or not any items that have not yet been shipped remain on the pallet after the shipping process has been performed (step STB8). If any items that have not yet been shipped remain on the removed pallet, the shipping device 6 returns the pallet to the position from which it was removed on the pallet work shelf 3 (step STB9), and proceeds to step STB11. If no items remain on the removed pallet, the ejection device 7 ejects the pallet (step STB10), and proceeds to step STB11.

[0095] In step STB11, the delivery device 6 determines whether the work has been completed. If the work has been completed, the process ends. If the work has not been completed, the process returns to step STB1.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the replenishing device 8 replenishes pallets from the high rank stock section 17 to the high rank shipping section 15.

[0097] The replenishing device 8 determines whether the discharge device 7 has discharged a high-rank pallet (step STC1). The replenishing device 8 waits until the discharge device 7 has discharged a high-rank pallet, and if so, proceeds to step STC2.

[0098] In step STC2, the replenishment device 8 determines whether pallets need to be replenished in the high-rank delivery section 15. For example, if the number of high-rank pallets returned when the removed high-rank pallets are returned to the high-rank delivery section 15 is equal to the number that the high-rank delivery section 15 should store, then replenishment is not necessary. If replenishment is not necessary, the replenishment device 8 returns to step STC1. On the other hand, if the number of high-rank pallets returned when the removed high-rank pallets are returned to the high-rank delivery section 15 is less than the number that the high-rank delivery section 15 should store, then replenishment is necessary. Similarly, if the removed high-rank pallet is not returned to the high-rank delivery section 15, then replenishment is necessary. If replenishment is necessary, the replenishment device 8 proceeds to step STC3.

[0099] In step STC3, the replenishing device 8 replenishes pallets holding the same product type as the high-rank pallet discharged by the discharging device 7 from the high-rank stock section 17 to the high-rank delivery section 15.

[0100] The replenishing device 8 determines whether the work has been completed (step STC4). If the work has been completed, the process ends. If the work has not been completed, the process returns to step STC1.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process in which the storage device 5 replenishes pallets from the pallet storage 2 to the high rank stock section 17 and the low rank section 13.

[0102] The storage device 5 determines whether the discharge device 7 has discharged the pallet (step STD1). The storage device 5 waits until the discharge device 7 has discharged the pallet, and if discharged, proceeds to step STD2.

[0103] In step STD2, the storage device 5 determines whether the discharged pallet is a high-rank pallet. If it is a high-rank pallet, a pallet holding the same product type as the discharged high-rank pallet is removed from the pallet storage 2 and stored in the high-rank stock section 17 (step STD3), and the process proceeds to step STD5. If it is not a high-rank pallet, a pallet holding the same product type as the discharged low-rank pallet is removed from the pallet storage 2 and stored in the low-rank section 13 (step STD4), and the process proceeds to step STD5.

[0104] In step STD5, the storage device 5 determines whether the work has been completed. If the work has been completed, the processing ends. If the work has not been completed, the processing returns to step STD1.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the work shelf management system 1 of FIG.

[0106] In this example, an in-warehouse transport device 25 (an example of a storage device 5, a retrieval device 6, and a replenishment device 8) exists between article storage warehouses 21 and 23 (an example of a pallet work shelf 3).

[0107] The conveying path 29 conveys pallets from upstream (such as a truck yard, an example of the pallet storage warehouse 2) to the item storage warehouses 21 and 23. The in-storage conveying device 25 moves between the item storage warehouses 21 and 23 to store and replenish pallets in the item storage warehouses 21 and 23.

[0108] In-warehouse conveying device 25 unloads pallets from item storage warehouses 21 and 23 to unloading gate 27. Conveying path 31 transports the unloaded pallets to sorting worker 33, who then performs shipping work. Conveying path 35 is a shipping line that transports sorted items to the shipping area.

[0109] Conveying path 37 (an example of discharge device 7) transports empty pallets (pallets from which all cargo has been shipped) upstream. Conveying path 39 transports pallets that are not empty (pallets on which cargo remains after shipping operations have been performed) to conveying path 29. When conveying path 29 transports the pallet received from conveying path 39 to item storage warehouses 21 and 23, in-storage conveying device 25 stores the pallet in item storage warehouses 21 and 23.

[0110] In the pallet work shelf 3 of Figure 1, the high-rank delivery section 15 may be closer to the delivery entrance 4 than the high-rank stock section 17 and the low-rank section 13. For example, the high-rank delivery section 15 and the high-rank stock section 17 may be located close to each other, and some or all of the low-rank pallets in the low-rank section 13 may be closer to the delivery entrance 4 than the high-rank stock section 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Work shelf management system 2 Pallet storage 3 Pallet Work Shelves 4 Exit exit 5 Enclosure 6 Unloading device 7 Discharge device 8 Replenishment device 11 High Ranking Division 13 Low Rank Division 15 High Rank Delivery Department 17 High Rank Stock Section 21 Goods storage 23 Goods storage 25 In-warehouse transport device 27 Exit exit 29 Transport Path 31 Transport path 33 Sorter 35 Transport path 37 Transport path 39 Transport Path 51 Work Shelf Management System 52 Pallet Storage 53 Pallet Work Shelf 54 Exit exit 55 Enclosure 56 Unloading device

Claims

1. A work shelf management system including an outgoing device that takes out pallets from a pallet work shelf and delivers them to an outgoing port, The pallet work shelf has a high-rank section and a low-rank section, The high-rank section includes a high-rank delivery section and a high-rank stock section, The types of cargo held by the pallet are classified into high-ranking types and low-ranking types, The high-rank section stores high-rank pallets holding high-rank varieties, the low-rank section stores low-rank pallets holding low-rank varieties; The work shelf management system includes a discharge device and a storage device, The delivery device takes out one or more high-rank pallets from the high-rank section, The high-rank pallets taken out from the high-rank section by the delivery device are returned to the high-rank delivery section from which the high-rank pallets have been taken out after shipping work, and / or the high-rank pallets are replenished from the high-rank stock section without shipping work being carried out, the ejection device ejects the high-rank pallet after all of the cargo held therein has been removed by the delivery device and shipped; the retrieval device retrieves at least one high-rank pallet from the high-rank retrieval section out of the one or more high-rank pallets retrieved from the high-rank section, The storage device is a work shelf management system that replenishes high-rank pallets from a pallet storage to the high-rank stock section.

2. In the high-rank section, the high-rank delivery section has at least one storage space for the high-rank pallet for each high-rank product type, 2. The work shelf management system of claim 1, wherein the storage space for a first high-rank pallet removed from the high-rank removal section by the delivery device is returned after shipping work has been performed to the storage space for the first high-rank pallet removed from the high-rank removal section by the delivery device at the time the first high-rank pallet is removed, or the high-rank pallet removed from the high-rank stock section by the delivery device after the time the first high-rank pallet is removed is returned after shipping work has been performed, or the high-rank pallet is replenished from the high-rank stock section without shipping work being performed.

3. The work shelf management system according to claim 1 , wherein the high-rank delivery section is closer to the delivery entrance than the high-rank stock section and the low-rank section.

4. The types of cargo are divided into a plurality of ranks in descending order of the number of times that pallets holding the respective types are taken out from the pallet work shelf per unit time, 2. The work shelf management system according to claim 1, wherein a rank of a product type included in the high-rank product type is removed from the pallet work shelf more times per unit time than a rank of a product type included in the low-rank product type.

5. A shipping operation is performed on some or all of the goods held on the pallet removed by the retrieval device, When all the packages held on the pallet have been shipped, the ejection device ejects the pallet, 2. The work shelf management system according to claim 1, wherein said retrieval device returns said pallet to said pallet work shelf if there is any unshipped cargo remaining on said pallet.

6. A work shelf management method in a work shelf management system equipped with an outgoing device that removes pallets from a pallet work shelf and delivers them to an outgoing port, The pallet work shelf has a high-rank section and a low-rank section, The high-rank section includes a high-rank delivery section and a high-rank stock section, The types of cargo held by the pallet are classified into high-ranking types and low-ranking types, The high-rank section stores high-rank pallets holding high-rank varieties, the low-rank section stores low-rank pallets holding low-rank varieties; The work shelf management system includes a discharge device and a storage device, a first step in which the retrieval device retrieves one or more high-rank pallets from the high-rank section; a second step in which the high-rank pallets removed from the high-rank section by the delivery device are returned to the high-rank delivery section after shipping work has been performed, and / or high-rank pallets are replenished from the high-rank stock section without being shipped, the ejection device ejects the high-rank pallet after all of the cargo held therein has been removed by the delivery device and shipped; In the first step, the outgoing device takes out at least one high-rank pallet from the high-rank outgoing section out of one or more high-rank pallets taken out from the high-rank section, In the second step, the storage device replenishes high-rank pallets from a pallet warehouse to the high-rank stock section.

7. A pallet work shelf for storing pallets to be delivered to the delivery port, The pallet work shelf has a high-rank section and a low-rank section, The high-rank section includes a high-rank delivery section and a high-rank stock section, The types of cargo held by the pallet are classified into high-ranking types and low-ranking types, The high-rank section stores high-rank pallets holding high-rank varieties, the low-rank section stores low-rank pallets holding low-rank varieties; When one or more high-rank pallets are removed from the high-rank section, at least one high-rank pallet is removed from the high-rank delivery section; The high-rank pallets taken out from the high-rank section are returned to the high-rank delivery section from which the high-rank pallets have been taken out after shipping work, and / or the high-rank pallets are replenished from the high-rank stock section without being shipped out, The high-rank stock section is a pallet work shelf where high-rank pallets are replenished from a pallet storehouse.

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