Automated warehouse system

Abstract

To improve the overall operational efficiency of the automated warehouse system. [Solution] The automated warehouse system 100 comprises an automated warehouse 10, a transport device 2 for transporting goods T to the automated warehouse 10, a notification unit 4, and a controller 3 for controlling notifications in the notification unit 4. When the quantity of goods on the transport device 2 exceeds a first threshold, the controller 3 uses the notification unit 4 to start an overload notification to inform the system that there are too many goods on the transport device 2, and cancels the overload notification when the quantity of goods falls below a second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated warehouse system for storing luggage.

Background Art

[0002] There is an automated warehouse system including an automated warehouse for storing luggage. In such an automated warehouse system, luggage is transported to the automated warehouse by a transport device such as a conveyor, and the luggage is stored in the automated warehouse. An automated warehouse system including a transport device for transporting luggage to such an automated warehouse is described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described automated warehouse system, an operator puts luggage into a transport device, and the transport device transports the loaded luggage to the automated warehouse. In order for the operator to put luggage into the transport device, the luggage must be stored in the automated warehouse and there must be an empty space on the transport device (a state in which the transport device can accept luggage). For example, it is conceivable that the operator puts luggage every time an empty space appears on the transport device. However, after the operator puts luggage into the transport device, the operator has to wait in front of the transport device until the next empty space appears. Therefore, the efficiency of the entire automated warehouse system deteriorates.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure describes an automated warehouse system that can improve the overall operational efficiency of the automated warehouse system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated warehouse system relating to this disclosure is [1] an automated warehouse for storing goods, a transport device for transporting the goods to the automated warehouse, a notification unit, and a controller for controlling notifications in the notification unit according to the transport status of the goods in the transport device, wherein the controller starts an overload notification using the notification unit when the quantity of goods on the transport device exceeds a first threshold, and cancels the overload notification by the notification unit when the quantity of goods falls below a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold.

[0007] In this automated warehouse system, when an operator loads goods into a conveyor system, an overload notification is activated if the number of goods on the conveyor system exceeds a first threshold. When an overload notification is issued, the operator can stop loading goods into the conveyor system and perform other tasks. This overload notification is then canceled when the number of goods on the conveyor system falls below a second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold. In other words, the overload notification is not canceled immediately when the number of goods on the conveyor system falls below the first threshold, but only when it falls below the second threshold. This allows operators to perform other tasks while the overload notification is active, even if the number of goods on the conveyor system falls below the first threshold. In other words, operators can understand that they cannot load goods into the conveyor system and decide to perform other tasks. In this way, the automated warehouse system can improve the overall work efficiency of the automated warehouse system by enabling operators to perform other tasks through the overload notification.

[0008] The automated warehouse system described above may also be [2] "the automated warehouse system described in [1] above, wherein the conveying device includes a first conveying device and a second conveying device having a different conveying method from the first conveying device, and the controller uses the total quantity of goods on the first conveying device and the second conveying device as the quantity of goods." In this way, even when a first conveying device and a second conveying device are provided, the automated warehouse system initiates and cancels overload notifications based on the quantity of goods on the first conveying device and the second conveying device. This allows the automated warehouse system to more appropriately ensure that workers loading goods into the conveying device have time to perform other tasks.

[0009] The automated warehouse system described above may also be [3] "the automated warehouse system described in [1] or [2] above, wherein a plurality of automated warehouses are provided, and the conveying device conveys the goods to be stored in each of the plurality of automated warehouses." In this case, the automated warehouse system counts the quantity of goods on the conveying device before the goods are brought into the plurality of automated warehouses and starts an over-notification. As a result, even in a large warehouse equipped with multiple automated warehouses, the automated warehouse system can more appropriately start and cancel over-notifications, thereby improving overall work efficiency.

[0010] The automated warehouse system described above may also be [4] "the automated warehouse system described in any of [1] to [3] above, wherein the controller, upon commencement of the overload notification, uses the notification unit to issue work instructions for preparatory work, which is a preliminary step to the loading operation of loading the goods into the conveying device." In this case, since work instructions for preparatory work are issued upon commencement of the overload notification, the worker can easily understand what work to perform next.

[0011] The automated warehouse system described above may also be [5] "the automated warehouse system according to any of [1] to [4] above, wherein the controller adds the quantity of goods when goods are loaded into the cargo inlet of the conveying device and subtracts the quantity of goods when goods are unloaded from the cargo outlet of the conveying device." In this case, the automated warehouse system can count the quantity of goods on the conveying device more accurately.

[0012] The automated warehouse system described above may also be [6] "the automated warehouse system described in [5] above, wherein the controller checks whether the goods placed into the goods inlet are eligible for storage in the automated warehouse, and if the goods are eligible for storage, adds up the quantity of the goods." In this way, the automated warehouse system can prevent mistakenly counting goods that are not to be stored in the automated warehouse by performing a check before counting the quantity of goods.

[0013] The automated warehouse system described above may also be the automated warehouse system described in any of [1] to [4] above, wherein the controller subtracts the quantity of goods when the storage location of the goods on the conveying device within the automated warehouse is determined. In this way, the automated warehouse system can subtract the quantity of goods before the goods are transported to the automated warehouse and arrive at the goods exit of the conveying device, by subtracting the quantity of goods after confirming that they will be reliably stored in the automated warehouse.

[0014] The automated warehouse system described above may also be the automated warehouse system described in any of [1] to [7] above, wherein the controller provides a warning notification using the notification unit to indicate that the overload notification will be issued when the quantity of goods on the conveying device is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, which is equal to or greater than the third threshold. In this case, the worker can be aware in advance that the overload notification will be issued soon and can prepare for other tasks to be performed when the overload notification is issued.

[0015] The above automatic warehouse system may also be "[9] After performing the over - notification, the controller predicts the time until the over - notification is canceled based on the current number of packages, and notifies the predicted time through the notification unit. After performing the over - notification, the current number of packages is notified through the notification unit, or after performing the over - notification, the difference between the current number of packages and the second threshold value is notified through the notification unit. The automatic warehouse system according to any one of [1] to [8] above." In this case, the operator can grasp the timing when the over - notification is canceled and can prepare to return to the work of loading packages into the conveying device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the working efficiency of the entire automatic warehouse system can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic warehouse system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic warehouse system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration around the controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process of over - notification performed in the controller.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automated warehouse system 100 stores the goods T. The automated warehouse system 100 is provided, for example, inside the warehouse building W. The automated warehouse system 100 includes an automated warehouse unit 1, a conveying device 2, a controller 3 (see FIG. 3), and a notification unit 4 (see FIG. 2). Note that the controller 3 is not limited to being provided inside the warehouse building W and may be provided at a location outside the warehouse building W. Hereinafter, a configuration for storing the goods T that have arrived at the warehouse building W in the automated warehouse unit 1 will be mainly described.

[0020] The automated warehouse unit 1 includes a plurality of automated warehouses 10. The automated warehouse 10 may be, for example, a pallet-type automated warehouse (a stacker crane-type automated warehouse). In addition to this, the automated warehouse 10 may be, for example, a case-type automated warehouse or a shuttle trolley-type automated warehouse. As the automated warehouse 10, automated warehouses with various configurations can be used. The automated warehouse 10 conveys the incoming goods T to a predetermined position on the shelf for storage based on an instruction from the controller 3. The automated warehouse 10 ships the stored goods T based on an instruction from the controller 3. The automated warehouse 10 is, for example, a large warehouse provided over multiple floors of the warehouse building W. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is provided from the first floor to the second floor of the warehouse building W (see FIG. 2).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the loading port 1a for loading the goods T into the automated warehouse unit 1 is provided, for example, on the middle second floor (M2F) of the warehouse building W. The goods T loaded into the loading port 1a are conveyed to a predetermined automated warehouse 10 within the automated warehouse unit 1 and then conveyed to a predetermined shelf in the automated warehouse 10 for storage. The unloading port for unloading the goods T from the automated warehouse unit 1 may be provided on the middle second floor of the warehouse building W or on the first floor. However, the positions where the loading port 1a and the unloading port are provided are not particularly limited.

[0022] The conveying device 2 transports goods to the automated warehouse unit 1 (automated warehouse 10). The conveying device 2 transports goods T to be stored in each of the multiple automated warehouses 10. Here, on the first floor (1F) of the warehouse building W, there is a parking space Y for trucks V that bring goods T into the warehouse building W. When truck V arrives at the parking space Y, worker H unloads the goods T from truck V. The conveying device 2 transports the goods T that have been unloaded from truck V and are located on the first floor (1F) to the entrance 1a of the automated warehouse unit 1 located on the mezzanine floor (M2F). In this embodiment, the conveying device 2 includes, as an example, a vertical conveying device (first conveying device) 20 and a conveyor (second conveying device) 21. The vertical conveying device 20 and the conveyor 21 have different conveying methods.

[0023] The vertical conveying device 20 transports goods T from the first floor (1F) to the mezzanine (M2F) of the warehouse building W. The vertical conveying device 20 transports goods T from the first floor (1F) to the mezzanine (M2F) by, for example, raising a lifting platform on which the goods T are placed. The entrance 20a of the vertical conveying device 20 is located near the floor surface of the first floor (1F). The exit 20b of the vertical conveying device 20 is located on the mezzanine (M2F). The entrance 20a of the vertical conveying device 20 becomes the goods entrance P1 of the entire conveying device 2. The exit 20b of the vertical conveying device 20 is connected to the entrance 21a, which is one end of the conveyor 21. The other end of the conveyor 21, the exit 21b, is connected to the inlet 1a of the automated warehouse unit 1. The exit 21b of the conveyor 21 becomes the goods exit P2 of the entire conveying device 2. The conveyor 21 transports the cargo T from the loading entrance 21a to the loading exit 21b. The conveyor 21 may be, for example, a chain conveyor. In addition, the conveyor 21 may be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. Furthermore, the vertical transport device 20 may be, for example, a system that moves a lifting platform up and down back and forth, or a system that rotates a lifting platform up and down.

[0024] Worker H places the cargo T, unloaded from truck V, into cargo entrance P1. The vertical conveyor 20 transports cargo T from the first floor (1F) (cargo entrance P1 of conveyor 2) to the mezzanine floor M2F (outlet 20b of vertical conveyor 20). The conveyor 21 receives the cargo T from the vertical conveyor 20 when it reaches the mezzanine floor M2F. The conveyor 21 transports the received cargo T to cargo exit P2 and hands over the cargo T to the automated warehouse unit 1 via the inlet 1a. Multiple cargo T are placed on the vertical conveyor 20 and conveyor 21. The vertical conveyor 20 and conveyor 21 transport the multiple cargo T sequentially to the automated warehouse unit 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the cargo T is placed on a pallet Ta. The cargo T is transported while placed on the pallet Ta within the automated warehouse unit 1 and on the conveying device 2, and is stored within the automated warehouse unit 1 while placed on the pallet Ta. Therefore, in this embodiment, transporting and storing the cargo T means transporting and storing the cargo T and the pallet Ta on which the cargo T is placed as a single unit. For example, worker H unloads the cargo T from the truck V and loads the cargo T onto the pallet Ta.

[0026] Furthermore, pallet Ta is affixed with an identification label R. This identification label R contains identification information. This identification information is associated with the information of the cargo T placed on pallet Ta. In other words, the identification information attached to the identification label R can be used as identification information to identify the cargo T placed on pallet Ta. However, the identification label R may also be attached directly to the cargo T.

[0027] An entrance label reader 22 is provided at the cargo entrance P1 of the conveying device 2. The entrance label reader 22 reads the identification label R attached to the pallet Ta of the cargo T that has been placed into the cargo entrance P1 by the worker H. An exit label reader 23 is provided at the cargo exit P2 of the conveying device 2. The exit label reader 23 reads the identification label R attached to the pallet Ta of the cargo T that has arrived at the cargo exit P2. The method of reading the identification information on the identification label R and on the entrance label reader 22 and exit label reader 23 is not limited. For example, the entrance label reader 22 and exit label reader 23 may optically read the barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the identification label R, or they may read the identification information using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

[0028] The controller 3 shown in Figure 3 controls the operation of each part of the automated warehouse unit 1. The controller 3 is an electronic control unit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The controller 3 realizes various functions, for example, by loading a program recorded in ROM into RAM and executing the program loaded into RAM with the CPU. The controller 3 may be composed of multiple electronic control units.

[0029] Specifically, Controller 3 controls the storage and retrieval of goods T in the automated warehouse unit 1. Controller 3 controls the transport of goods T to the automated warehouse unit 1 by the transport device 2. Controller 3 provides notifications to the worker H by controlling the notification unit 4. Controller 3 controls the notifications in the notification unit 4 according to the transport status of goods T in the transport device 2. The following explanation will focus on the control of the notification unit 4 performed by Controller 3 when goods T arrive at the warehouse building W and are stored in the automated warehouse unit 1.

[0030] The notification unit 4 notifies the worker H who is loading the cargo T into the cargo inlet P1 of the conveying device 2. For this reason, the notification unit 4 is installed, for example, near the cargo inlet P1 of the conveying device 2. The notification unit 4 may be a display capable of displaying various information, a lamp, a speaker capable of outputting sound or music, or a combination of these. The notification unit 4 only needs to be able to notify the worker H visually or audibly.

[0031] The controller 3 uses the notification unit 4 to provide an overload notification when the quantity of packages T on the conveying device 2 (vertical conveying device 20 and conveyor 21) is excessive. The conveying device 2 has a defined limit on the number of packages T (i.e., the number of pallets Ta) that it can simultaneously transport. The number of packages T that the conveying device 2 can simultaneously transport may be determined based on physical (mechanical) constraints of the vertical conveying device 20 and the conveyor 21, such as the number of lifting mechanisms in the vertical conveying device 20 or the availability of empty space on the transport surface of the conveyor 21. The overload notification provided by the controller 3 is used to inform the worker H that the quantity of packages T on the conveying device 2 has reached or is approaching the maximum quantity that the conveying device 2 can simultaneously transport.

[0032] The controller 3 initiates an overload notification using the notification unit 4 when the quantity of packages T on the conveying device 2 exceeds a first threshold. This first threshold may be the maximum conveying quantity of the conveying device 2, or it may be a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the maximum conveying quantity. For example, the first threshold may be a value between 20 and 30.

[0033] For example, if the notification unit 4 is a display, the controller 3 may provide an overload notification by displaying characters or pictures indicating an overload notification. For example, the controller 3 may display the characters "Rack Full" on the display as an overload notification. For example, if the notification unit 4 is a lamp, the controller 3 may provide an overload notification by lighting or flashing a lamp of a predetermined color (such as red or yellow) that is set to light up when there are many packages T. For example, if the notification unit 4 is a speaker, the controller 3 may provide an overload notification by outputting music, voice, or buzzer sound that is set to be output when there are many packages. For example, the controller 3 may output music from the notification unit 4 that is different from the normal music as an overload notification.

[0034] After the controller 3 starts an overload notification, if the number of packages falls below the second threshold, the controller 3 cancels the overload notification by the notification unit 4. In other words, the controller 3 starts an overload notification when the number of packages on the conveying device 2 exceeds the first threshold, and continues the overload notification until the number of packages on the conveying device 2 falls below the second threshold. This second threshold is set to a value smaller than the first threshold. It is also preferable that the second threshold be set to a value at least 2 smaller than the first threshold. For example, a value between 10 and 15 may be used for the second threshold.

[0035] An overload notification means that worker H stops loading packages T into the package inlet P1 of the conveyor 2. Therefore, when an overload notification is issued, worker H stops loading packages T into the package inlet P1 of the conveyor 2. Worker H does not load packages T until the overload notification is canceled. While worker H stops loading packages T, the conveyor 2 continues to transport packages T to the automated warehouse unit 1. As a result, the number of packages on the conveyor 2 decreases. When the packages T on the conveyor 2 are sent to the automated warehouse unit 1 and the number of packages on the conveyor 2 falls below the second threshold, the controller 3 cancels the overload notification. As a result, worker H resumes loading packages T into the package inlet P1 of the conveyor 2.

[0036] Thus, while the overload notification is active, worker H does not perform the task of loading cargo T into the cargo inlet P1 of the conveying device 2. Therefore, while the overload notification is active, worker H can perform other tasks besides loading cargo. The controller 3 may also use the notification unit 4 to issue work instructions for preparatory work at the same time as the overload notification begins. Preparatory work refers to the work performed before loading cargo T into the cargo inlet P1 of the conveying device 2. Preparatory work may include, for example, unloading cargo T from the truck V or loading cargo T onto the pallet Ta. Worker H can perform preparatory work based on the work instructions for preparatory work issued along with the overload notification.

[0037] The controller 3 uses the total quantity of luggage T on the vertical conveying device 20 and luggage T on the conveyor 21 as the quantity of luggage on the conveying device 2. Luggage T on the vertical conveying device 20 refers to luggage T currently being transported by the vertical conveying device 20. Luggage T on the conveyor 21 refers to luggage T currently being transported by the conveyor 21.

[0038] When the controller 3 counts the number of packages on the conveying device 2, it adds to the package quantity when a package T is placed into the package inlet P1 of the conveying device 2. Adding to the package quantity means adding 1 to the package quantity. Alternatively, the controller 3 may determine whether a package T has been placed into the package inlet P1 based on whether the identification label R has been read by the inlet label reader 22. In this case, the controller 3 adds to the package quantity when the identification label R has been read by the inlet label reader 22.

[0039] Here, the controller 3 can manage information about the goods T to be stored in the automated warehouse unit 1. For example, the controller 3 has pre-stored information about the goods T to be stored in the automated warehouse unit 1. In such a case, the controller 3 compares the identification information of the identification label R read by the entrance label reader 22 (i.e., the information about the goods T associated with the identification information of the identification label R) with the pre-stored information about the goods T to be stored. If the goods T whose identification label R has been read by the entrance label reader 22 is the goods T to be stored in the automated warehouse unit 1, the controller 3 adds the quantity of goods.

[0040] In this way, the controller 3 checks, based on the reading result of the entrance label reader 22, whether the package T that has been placed into the package entrance P1 of the conveying device 2 is eligible for storage in the automated warehouse unit 1 (automated warehouse 10). If the checked package T is eligible for storage, the controller 3 adds to the package quantity. If the package T is not eligible for storage in the automated warehouse unit 1, for example, the controller 3 may notify the worker H that it is not eligible for storage using the notification unit 4. Alternatively, the controller 3 may transport the package T that is not eligible for storage to a location other than the automated warehouse unit 1 by controlling the conveying device 2.

[0041] When the controller 3 counts the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2, it subtracts the quantity of goods when goods T are delivered from the goods outlet P2 of the conveying device 2 to the automated warehouse unit 1. Subtracting the quantity of goods means subtracting 1 from the quantity of goods.

[0042] Furthermore, the controller 3 is not limited to subtracting the quantity of goods when goods T are transported from the goods outlet P2 of the conveying device 2 to the automated warehouse unit 1. For example, the controller 3 may subtract the quantity of goods when the storage location of the goods T in the automated warehouse 10 is determined for the goods T on the conveying device 2. For example, after goods T are loaded into the goods inlet P1 of the conveying device 2, the controller 3 decides where in the automated warehouse 10 to store the goods T. For example, the controller 3 can determine the storage location of goods T based on various conditions such as the distribution and quantity of goods T in the automated warehouse 10, the type of goods T, and the state of the conveying device that transports the goods T within the automated warehouse 10. The controller 3 can determine the storage location of goods T in the automated warehouse 10 while transporting the goods T to the automated warehouse unit 1 on the conveying device 2. Goods T whose storage location has been determined can be said to be goods T that are confirmed to be stored in the automated warehouse unit 1. For this reason, the controller 3 may subtract the quantity of goods when the storage location of goods T is determined.

[0043] Furthermore, if the number of packages on the conveying device 2 increases, the controller 3 may use the notification unit 4 to issue a warning notification before initiating the overload notification. The controller 3 issues a warning notification when the number of packages on the conveying device 2 is less than the first threshold for initiating the overload notification, and greater than the second threshold for canceling the overload notification, which is a third threshold. In other words, the third threshold is the value between the first threshold for initiating the overload notification and the second threshold for canceling the overload notification. The controller 3 can issue a warning notification using the notification unit 4, similar to the overload notification. This allows the worker H to understand that the timing for the overload notification is approaching through the warning notification.

[0044] Furthermore, the third threshold may be changed based on the rate of change in the quantity of cargo on the conveying device 2. In this case, the controller 3 may set the third threshold to a larger value when the rate of decrease in the quantity of cargo on the conveying device 2 is large, compared to when the rate of decrease in the quantity of cargo on the conveying device 2 is small. This allows the controller 3 to provide advance notification at an earlier timing when the rate of decrease in the quantity of cargo is large. By providing advance notification at an earlier timing, the worker H can prepare to load cargo T into the cargo inlet P1 of the conveying device 2 at an earlier timing.

[0045] Furthermore, worker H may want to know when the overload notification will be canceled after it has been initiated. For this reason, after issuing the overload notification, controller 3 predicts the time until the overload notification is canceled based on the current quantity of packages on the conveying device 2. Controller 3 may then notify the controller of the predicted time using the notification unit 4. For example, controller 3 can predict the time until the quantity of packages falls below the second threshold (i.e., the time until the overload notification is canceled) based on the rate of decrease in the quantity of packages within the most recent predetermined period and the current quantity of packages. Alternatively, after initiating the overload notification, controller 3 may notify the controller of the current quantity of packages on the conveying device 2 using the notification unit 4 (sequential notification). The smaller the current quantity of packages, the shorter the time until the overload notification is canceled. Alternatively, after initiating the overload notification, controller 3 may notify the controller of the difference between the current quantity of packages and the second threshold using the notification unit 4 (sequential notification). In other words, the difference between the current quantity of goods and the second threshold is the number of goods T that will be transported from the conveying device 2 to the automated warehouse unit 1 before the overload notification is canceled. The smaller this difference, the shorter the time until the overload notification is canceled.

[0046] Next, the flow of the overload notification process performed by the controller 3 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. Note that the process shown in Figure 4 starts execution, for example, when the automated warehouse system 100 starts operation (starts work). Also, if this process reaches its end, it will start again from the beginning after a predetermined time. As shown in Figure 4, the controller 3 counts the quantity of packages T on the conveying device 2 (S101).

[0047] Next, controller 3 determines whether the counted number of packages is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S102). If the number of packages is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (S102: NO), the process proceeds to the end. If the number of packages is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S102: YES), controller 3 starts the overload notification (S102). Note that controller 3 may issue a preliminary notification as described above before issuing the overload notification. Controller 3 may also issue work instructions for the preparatory work described above along with the overload notification.

[0048] After initiating the overload notification, the controller 3 counts the number of packages on the conveying device 2 (S104). The controller 3 determines whether the counted number of packages is below the second threshold (S105). If the number of packages is not below the second threshold (S105: NO), the controller 3 returns to the process in S103. If the number of packages is below the second threshold (S105: YES), the controller 3 cancels the overload notification (S106). In other words, after initiating the overload notification, the controller 3 continues the overload notification until the number of packages falls below the second threshold. In addition, in S106, if a work instruction for preparatory work has been issued along with the overload notification, the controller 3 also cancels this instruction.

[0049] As described above, in the automated warehouse system 100, when worker H loads goods T into the conveyor 2 and the quantity of goods on the conveyor 2 exceeds the first threshold, an overload notification is initiated. When an overload notification is issued, worker H can stop loading goods T into the goods inlet P1 of the conveyor 2 and perform other tasks. This overload notification is then canceled when the quantity of goods on the conveyor 2 falls below the second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold. In other words, the overload notification is not canceled immediately when the quantity of goods on the conveyor 2 falls below the first threshold, but rather when it falls below the second threshold. This allows worker H to perform other tasks while the overload notification is active, even if the quantity of goods on the conveyor 2 falls below the first threshold. In other words, worker H can understand that loading goods into the conveyor 2 is not possible and decide to perform other tasks. In this way, by providing excessive notifications in the automated warehouse system 100, worker H can perform other tasks, thereby improving the overall work efficiency of the automated warehouse system 100.

[0050] The conveying device 2 includes a vertical conveying device 20 and a conveyor 21. The controller 3 uses the total quantity of goods T on the vertical conveying device 20 and goods T on the conveyor 21 as the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2. In this case, even when the vertical conveying device 20 and the conveyor 21 are provided, the automated warehouse system 100 starts and cancels the overload notification based on the quantity of goods on the vertical conveying device 20 and the conveyor 21. This allows the automated warehouse system 100 to more appropriately ensure that the worker H who loads goods into the conveying device 2 has time to perform other tasks.

[0051] The automated warehouse unit 1 is equipped with multiple automated warehouses 10. The conveying device 2 conveys the goods T to be stored in each of the multiple automated warehouses 10. In this case, the automated warehouse system 100 counts the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2 before the goods T are loaded into the multiple automated warehouses 10 and starts an overload notification. As a result, the automated warehouse system 100 can more appropriately start and cancel overload notifications, even in large warehouses equipped with multiple automated warehouses 10, thereby improving overall work efficiency.

[0052] When the overload notification starts, the controller 3 uses the notification unit 4 to issue work instructions for the preparatory work, which is the work performed before loading the cargo T. In this case, since the worker H receives work instructions for the preparatory work at the same time as the overload notification starts, they can easily understand what work to do next.

[0053] The controller 3 adds to the quantity of goods when goods T are loaded into the goods inlet P1 of the conveying device 2, and subtracts from the quantity of goods when goods T are unloaded from the goods outlet P2 of the conveying device 2. In this case, the automated warehouse system 100 can count the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2 more accurately.

[0054] The controller 3 checks whether the package T placed into the package inlet P1 of the conveying device 2 is eligible for storage in the automated warehouse unit 1, and if the package T is eligible for storage, it adds to the package quantity. In this way, the automated warehouse system 100 can prevent mistakenly counting packages T that are not intended for storage in the automated warehouse unit 1 by performing a check before counting the package quantity.

[0055] Furthermore, the controller 3 may subtract the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2 once the storage location of the goods T within the automated warehouse 10 of the automated warehouse unit 1 has been determined. In this case, the automated warehouse system 100 can subtract the quantity of goods by confirming that the goods will be reliably stored in the automated warehouse unit 1 before the goods T are transported toward the automated warehouse unit 1 and arrive at the goods exit P2 of the conveying device 2.

[0056] Controller 3 issues a warning notification in advance when the quantity of goods on the conveying device 2 exceeds the third threshold, indicating that an overload notification will be issued. In this case, worker H can be aware in advance that an overload notification will be issued soon and can prepare for other tasks to be performed when the overload notification is issued.

[0057] Controller 3 can predict the time until the overload warning is canceled after issuing an overload warning, and can notify the predicted time. Controller 3 can also notify the current quantity of packages after issuing an overload warning. Alternatively, Controller 3 can notify the difference between the current quantity of packages and the second threshold after issuing an overload warning. These notifications allow worker H to understand when the overload warning will be canceled and prepare to return to loading packages T into the conveying device 2.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the conveying device 2 is not limited to comprising a vertical conveying device 20 and a conveyor 21. The conveying device 2 may comprise one type of conveying device, or it may comprise three or more types of conveying devices. For example, in addition to the vertical conveying device 20 and conveyor 21 described above, the conveying device 2 may also include conveying devices such as tracked trolleys and automated guided vehicles. Furthermore, the floors in the warehouse building W where the automated warehouse unit 1, vertical conveying device 20, and conveyor 21 are provided are merely examples and are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. Also, the shape of the conveying path of the conveyor 21 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The controller 3 may count only the quantity of goods on the conveyor 21 (second conveying device) and provide an overload notification.

[0059] The second threshold may be set by a person responsible for configuring the automated warehouse system 100, such as the administrator. The second threshold can be changed by the person responsible for configuring the system. For example, the person responsible for configuring the system can change the second threshold according to the transport status of the cargo T in the transport device 2, the work status of worker H, etc. Alternatively, the second threshold may be changed automatically according to the transport status of the cargo T in the transport device 2, the work status of worker H, etc. Or, the second threshold may be changed automatically depending on the time of day. By changing the second threshold, the time interval from when the overload notification is started until the overload notification is canceled can be adjusted. In other words, in the automated warehouse system 100, by changing the second threshold, the time interval during which worker H performs tasks other than the loading operation of loading cargo T into the transport device 2 can be adjusted. As a result, the automated warehouse system 100 can further improve the overall work efficiency of the automated warehouse system 100 by changing the second threshold according to various situations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 2...Conveying device, 3...Controller, 4...Notification unit, 10...Automated warehouse, 20...Vertical conveying device (first conveying device), 21...Conveyor (second conveying device), 100...Automated warehouse system, H...Worker, P1...Cargo entrance, P2...Cargo exit, T...Cargo.

Claims

1. An automated warehouse for storing goods, A conveying device for transporting the goods to the automated warehouse, The news department and, A controller that controls the notification in the notification unit according to the transport status of the cargo in the transport device, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, When the quantity of packages on the conveying device exceeds a first threshold, the notification unit initiates an overload notification to indicate that the quantity of packages on the conveying device is excessive. An automated warehouse system that cancels the overload notification by the notification unit when the quantity of goods falls below a second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold.

2. The conveying device includes a first conveying device and a second conveying device having a different conveying method from the first conveying device. The automated warehouse system according to claim 1, wherein the controller uses the total quantity of the goods on the first conveying device and the goods on the second conveying device as the quantity of goods.

3. Multiple automated warehouses are provided. The automated warehouse system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device conveys the goods that are to be stored in each of the plurality of automated warehouses.

4. The automated warehouse system according to claim 1, wherein the controller, upon commencement of the overload notification, uses the notification unit to issue work instructions for preparatory work, which is a preliminary step to the loading operation of loading the goods into the transport device.

5. The automated warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller adds the quantity of goods when goods are loaded into the goods inlet of the conveying device and subtracts the quantity of goods when goods are discharged from the goods outlet of the conveying device.

6. The automated warehouse system according to claim 5, wherein the controller checks whether the goods placed into the goods entrance are to be stored in the automated warehouse, and if the goods are to be stored, adds the quantity of goods.

7. The automated warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller subtracts the quantity of goods when the storage location of the goods on the conveying device within the automated warehouse is determined.

8. The automated warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller provides a warning notification using the notification unit to indicate that the excess notification will be made when the quantity of goods on the conveying device becomes less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, which is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

9. The aforementioned controller, After issuing the aforementioned overload notification, the system predicts the time until the overload notification is canceled based on the current quantity of packages, and the notification unit announces the predicted time. After the aforementioned overload notification is made, the current quantity of packages is notified by the notification unit. Alternatively, the automated warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, after the overload notification is made, the notification unit notifies the difference between the current quantity of goods and the second threshold.

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