Sorting operation support method, program, transport control system, and transport system

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of improving the efficiency of sorting work for sorting goods into a plurality of delivery destinations. This sorting work assistance method includes first to third transport processes. In the first transport process, an object (3) to be transported is transported from a storage area (A1) to a sorting area (A3). In the second transport process, the object (3) to be transported is transported so as to move between two or more take-out areas (A21) to (A26) in a lateral movement area (A2). The two or more take-out areas (A21) to (A26) correspond to two or more destination-specific temporary storage areas (A41) to (A46) corresponding to the delivery destinations of goods (B1) contained in the object (3) being transported, among the two or more destination-specific temporary storage areas (A41) to (A46). In the third transport process, after the goods (B1) are sorted, the object (3) to be transported is transported from the lateral movement area (A2) to the storage area (A1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sorting operation support method, a program, a transport control system, and a transport system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sorting operation support method, a program, a transport control system, and a transport system that support a sorting operation of sorting articles to multiple delivery destinations. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an order picking system. In this order picking system, a warehouse is provided with a plurality of storage shelves in which items are stored. A transport vehicle transports the specified storage shelf to a work station in accordance with instructions from an order management device. At the work station, a worker retrieves the item corresponding to the order from the storage shelf transported by the transport vehicle and places the retrieved item into an opening of a sorting shelf installed at the work station. The sorting shelf has a plurality of openings, and each opening is associated with a delivery destination. As a result, the item to be delivered is placed into the opening corresponding to the delivery destination in accordance with instructions from the order management device.

[0003] In the above order picking system, when the same type of items are delivered to multiple delivery destinations, if the conveying device moves the storage shelf from the warehouse to the work station and then returns the storage shelf to the warehouse every time an item is inserted into an opening corresponding to each of the multiple delivery destinations, the number of times the conveying device moves the storage shelf between the warehouse and the work station increases. If the number of times the conveying device moves the storage shelf between the warehouse and the work station increases, there is a problem that the efficiency of the sorting work of sorting items to multiple delivery destinations decreases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 147335 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of sorting work in which articles are sorted to multiple delivery destinations.

[0006] A sorting operation support method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first conveying process, a second conveying process, and a third conveying process. In the first conveying process, the object to be conveyed is conveyed from a storage area in which the object to be conveyed is stored to a sorting area. The object to be conveyed contains a plurality of items. The sorting area is an area in which a sorting operation is performed to sort the items into a plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second conveying process, the object to be conveyed is conveyed in a lateral movement area so as to move between two or more take-out areas. The lateral movement area includes the sorting area and at least a part of an intermediate area between the storage area and the sorting area, and is an area in which the object to be conveyed can be conveyed along the arrangement direction. The two or more take-out areas correspond to two or more temporary storage areas for delivery destinations that correspond to the delivery destinations of the items contained in the object to be conveyed, among the plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations. In the third conveyance process, after a sorting operation for sorting the items is performed in the two or more take-out areas, the items to be conveyed are conveyed from the lateral movement area to the storage area. In the third transfer process, the transfer target is transferred from the lateral transfer area to the storage area through a second location different from a first location through which the transfer target passes when entering the lateral transfer area from the storage area. There are two first locations and two second locations.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the sorting operation support method.

[0008] A transport control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that controls a transport device that transports a transport target that contains a plurality of items. The control unit causes the transport device to execute a first transport process, a second transport process, and a third transport process. In the first transport process, the transport target is transported from a storage area in which the transport target is stored to a sorting area. The sorting area is an area in which a sorting operation is performed to sort the items into a plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second transport process, the transport target is transported so as to move between two or more take-out areas in a lateral movement area. The lateral movement area includes the sorting area and at least a part of an intermediate area between the storage area and the sorting area, and is an area in which the transport target can be transported along the arrangement direction. The two or more take-out areas correspond to two or more temporary storage areas for delivery destinations that correspond to the delivery destinations of the items contained in the transport target during transport, among the plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations. In the third conveyance process, after a sorting operation for sorting the items is performed in the two or more take-out areas, the items to be conveyed are conveyed from the lateral movement area to the storage area. In the third transfer process, the transfer target is transferred from the lateral transfer area to the storage area through a second location different from a first location through which the transfer target passes when entering the lateral transfer area from the storage area. There are two first locations and two second locations.

[0009] A transport system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the transport control system and the transport device that transports the object to be transported. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of use of a sorting operation support method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2A to 2D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of use of the sorting work support method. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a transport system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of using the sorting work support method. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of using the sorting work support method. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of using the sorting work support method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the sorting work support method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Overview Each drawing described in the following embodiments is a schematic drawing, and the size and thickness ratios of each component in each drawing do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of use of the sorting work support method of this embodiment. The sorting work support method of this embodiment includes a first conveying process, a second conveying process, and a third conveying process. In the first conveying process, the conveying object 3 is conveyed from a storage area A1 in which the conveying object 3 is stored to a sorting area A3. The conveying object 3 contains a plurality of items B1. The sorting area A3 is an area in which a sorting work is performed to sort the items B1 into a plurality of temporary storage areas A41 to A46 for each delivery destination that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction DR1 corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second conveying process, the conveying object 3 is conveyed in the lateral movement area A2 so as to move between two or more take-out areas A21 to A26. The lateral movement area A2 includes the sorting area A3 and at least a part of an intermediate area between the storage area A1 and the sorting area A3. The lateral movement area A2 is an area in which the conveying object 3 can be conveyed along the arrangement direction DR1. The two or more take-out areas A21-A26 correspond to the two or more temporary storage areas A41-A46 for different delivery destinations, among the multiple temporary storage areas A41-A46 for different delivery destinations, which correspond to the delivery destinations of the items B1 contained in the transport target 3 being transported. In the third transport process, after a sorting operation for sorting the items B1 is performed in the two or more take-out areas A21-A26, the transport target 3 is transported from the lateral movement area A2 to the storage area A1.

[0013] Here, the item B1 includes, for example, a product manufactured in a factory or the like, and in this embodiment, includes, for example, a food such as Western confectionery, or a box containing multiple foods. Note that the item B1 is not limited to Western confectionery, and may be a food other than Western confectionery, or a product other than food. The transport target 3 is, for example, a multi-tiered shelf that stores multiple items B1, but the transport target 3 may be a box that stores multiple items B1. Also, in this embodiment, one transport target 3 stores one type of item B1, but one transport target 3 may store multiple types of items B1. The transport target 3 is a multi-tiered shelf that stores multiple items B1, and in this embodiment, the transport target 3 is transported by the transport device 1. The delivery destination of the item B1 is, for example, a store (retail store, convenience store, supermarket, etc.) that has requested the delivery of the item B1. Note that, if the item B1 is a semi-finished product, the delivery destination may be a factory that manufactures a final product using the semi-finished product as a material or part, or a manufacturing site of the next process in the factory. The delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46 may be areas partitioned for each delivery destination within a temporary storage area adjacent to the sorting area A3, or may be transport equipment 4 for transport to the delivery destinations placed in the temporary storage area. In other words, by placing transport equipment 4 for transport to the delivery destinations in the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46, the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46 become areas corresponding to the delivery destinations of the transport equipment 4. Note that the number of delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46 and the number of removal areas A21-A26 corresponding to the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46 can be changed as appropriate depending on the number of delivery destinations, etc.

[0014] As described above, in the second conveyance process, the conveyance target 3 is conveyed to two or more take-out areas A21 to A26 corresponding to the delivery destinations of the items B1 contained in the conveyance target 3 being conveyed, so that the sorting work of the items B1 can be performed in each of the two or more take-out areas A21 to A26. Therefore, when sorting the items B1 into each of the multiple delivery destination temporary storage areas A41 to A46, it is not necessary to convey the conveyance target 3 from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3 each time, and then convey it from the sorting area A3 to the storage area A1 after sorting. Therefore, when sorting the items B1 contained in the conveyance target 3 into two or more delivery destination temporary storage areas A41 to A46, it is possible to reduce the number of times that the conveyance target 3 is moved from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3 and the number of times that the conveyance target 3 is moved from the sorting area A3 to the storage area A1. Therefore, the sorting work support method of this embodiment can improve the efficiency of the sorting work of sorting the items B1 to multiple delivery destinations.

[0015] This sorting operation support method can be realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors. That is, the program according to this embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the sorting operation support method. Also, this item management method is realized, for example, by a transport control system 7 (see FIG. 7).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the conveyance control system 7 of this embodiment includes a control unit 72 that controls a conveyance device (first conveyance device 1) that conveys a conveyance target 3 that contains multiple items B1. The control unit 72 causes the conveyance device (first conveyance device 1) to execute a first conveyance process, a second conveyance process, and a third conveyance process. In the first conveyance process, the conveyance target 3 is conveyed from a storage area A1 that stores the conveyance target 3 that contains multiple items B1 to a sorting area A3. The sorting area A3 is an area where a sorting operation is performed to sort the items B1 into a plurality of temporary storage areas A41 to A46 for each delivery destination that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction DR1 corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second conveyance process, the conveyance target 3 is conveyed so as to move between two or more take-out areas A21 to A26 in the horizontal movement area A2. The lateral movement area A2 includes the sorting area A3 and at least a part of the intermediate area between the storage area A1 and the sorting area A3, and is an area in which the transport object 3 can be transported along the arrangement direction DR1. The two or more take-out areas A21-A26 correspond to the two or more delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46, among the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46, which correspond to the delivery destinations of the item B1 contained in the transport object 3 being transported. In the third transport process, after a sorting operation to sort the item B1 is performed in the two or more take-out areas A21-A26, the transport object 3 is transported from the lateral movement area A2 to the storage area A1.

[0017] In the transport control system 7 of this embodiment, the control unit 72 executes the above-mentioned sorting operation support method, so that the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the article B1 to a plurality of delivery destinations can be improved.

[0018] Moreover, a transport system 10 is realized by the transport control system 7 and one or more transport devices (first transport devices 1) controlled by the transport control system 7. In other words, the transport system 10 includes the transport control system 7 and a transport device (first transport device 1) that transports the object 3 to be transported.

[0019] The conveyance system 10 includes the above-mentioned conveyance control system 7 and a conveyance device (first conveyance device 1), and can improve the efficiency of a sorting operation for sorting the articles B1 to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0020] (2)Details The transfer control system 7 and the transfer system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] 1 to 2D, the sorting work support method according to this embodiment is a method used when shipping items B1 stored in a facility 100 from the facility 100. More specifically, the sorting work support method according to this embodiment is used when sorting and loading items B1 stored in a storage area A1 in the facility 100 onto transportation equipment 4 to be transported to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. Then, the items B1 loaded onto the transport target 3 are delivered together with the transportation equipment 4 to the delivery destination store or the like.

[0022] A "facility" in this disclosure is a facility where an item B1 (see FIG. 2A) is placed. The facility 100 may be, for example, a warehouse, a logistics center (including a distribution center), a factory, a construction site, a store, an office, a park, a house, a school, a hospital, a station, an airport, or a parking lot. Furthermore, for example, when the item B1 contained in a moving body such as a ship, an airplane, or a train is shipped from the moving body, the moving body becomes the facility 100. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described where the facility 100 is a food factory that produces food such as Western-style confectionery.

[0023] In the present disclosure, an "item" refers to an item that can be contained in the transport target 3, and is, for example, various objects such as delivery items, industrial products (including parts), building materials, food and drink, clothing, daily necessities, books, recording media, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the item B1 is a delivery item (including a box) in which food (e.g., Western-style confectionery) produced in a food factory is contained in a box, but the item B1 may also be the food itself.

[0024] The transport equipment 4 is equipment (tool) for carrying the item B1 out of the facility 100, such as a roll box pallet (cage cart), flat pallet, box pallet, container, chest, tray, cooler box, or cart. That is, the transport equipment 4 may be any equipment (tool) capable of carrying the item B1 and capable of being loaded onto a means of transport such as a truck 6 (see FIG. 1), and is not particularly limited in size, shape, function, and the like. In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the transport equipment 4 is a roll box pallet (cage cart) will be described.

[0025] (2.1) Transport system First, the overall configuration of a transport system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the transport system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a transport control system 7 and a first transport device 1 (see FIG. 2A). In the present embodiment, the transport system 10 further includes a picking device 2 (see FIG. 2B) and a second transport device 5 (see FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D) in addition to the first transport device 1 and the transport control system 7. The transport system 10 also includes a plurality of first transport devices 1 and second transport devices 5. The transport system 10 also includes a plurality of picking devices 2 (for example, three in FIG. 1). In the following description, when distinguishing between the three picking devices 2, they will be referred to as picking devices 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0027] The transport control system 7 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the first transport device 1, the second transport device 5, and the picking device 2. In the present disclosure, "communicable" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. That is, the transport control system 7 and each of the first transport device 1, the second transport device 5, and the picking device 2 can exchange information with each other. In this embodiment, the transport control system 7 and each of the first transport device 1, the second transport device 5, and the picking device 2 can communicate with each other bidirectionally. Therefore, both the transmission of information from the transport control system 7 to each of the first transport device 1, the second transport device 5, and the picking device 2, and the transmission of information from each of the first transport device 1, the second transport device 5, and the picking device 2 to the transport control system 7 are possible.

[0028] The transport control system 7 includes a communication unit 71, a control unit 72, and a storage unit 73. In this embodiment, the transport control system 7 is mainly configured as a computer system including a memory and a processor. That is, the functions of the transport control system 7 are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0029] The communication unit 71 communicates with each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2 directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater. As a communication method between the communication unit 71 and each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. As an example in this embodiment, the communication unit 71 adopts wireless communication using radio waves as a communication medium in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or low-power radio that does not require a license (specific low-power radio).

[0030] Further, the communication unit 71 is configured to be able to communicate with a host system 200 installed outside the facility 100 via a network such as the Internet. In this case, for example, the transport control system 7 can transmit information to the host system 200 and receive information from the host system 200. As an example, the transport control system 7 receives shipping instruction information instructing the shipping of the item B1 from the host system 200. The host system 200 is realized by a server or the like. In this embodiment, the host system 200 is not included in the components of the transport system 10, but the host system 200 may be included in the components of the transport system 10.

[0031] The control unit 72 executes various processes such as control or status monitoring of each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2. Specifically, the control unit 72 performs control for moving the first conveying device 1 by outputting information such as an electronic map and control instructions to the first conveying device 1. At this time, the control unit 72 estimates at least the current position of the first conveying device 1 from the detection result of the detection unit provided in the first conveying device 1, and determines the movement route of the first conveying device 1 to the target point (target node) (route plan). The control unit 72 controls the first conveying device 1 so that the first conveying device 1 moves along this movement route. This realizes remote control of the first conveying device 1. Similarly, the control unit 72 performs remote control on the second conveying device 5 and the picking device 2.

[0032] The storage unit 73 stores at least information, such as an electronic map, required for controlling or monitoring the status of each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2. Furthermore, the storage unit 73 stores information (such as addresses) for identifying each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2. The storage unit 73 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0033] The transport control system 7 further includes a user interface. The user interface is a device for receiving operations by a user (worker) and presenting information to the user. In this embodiment, the user can directly give shipping instructions to the transport control system 7 by operating the user interface.

[0034] Both the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 are automated guided vehicles (AGVs). That is, each of the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 autonomously travels on a flat moving surface such as the floor surface of the facility 100. Here, as an example, both the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 are provided with a storage battery and operate using electrical energy stored in the storage battery.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first conveying device 1 travels on the moving surface while being connected to the object 3 to be conveyed, as shown in FIG. 2A. As a result, the first conveying device 1 can convey the object 3 placed at a certain place in the facility 100 to another place in the facility 100. In the present disclosure, "connected" means that an object is mechanically connected to the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5. In a state in which the first conveying device 1 is connected to the object 3 to be conveyed, when the first conveying device 1 moves, the object 3 to be conveyed moves together with the first conveying device 1. In addition, in a state in which the second conveying device 5 is connected to the conveying device 4, when the second conveying device 5 moves, the conveying device 4 moves together with the second conveying device 5. Here, the manner of connection between the first conveying device 1 and the object 3 to be conveyed includes, for example, a manner in which the first conveying device 1 slips under the object 3 to hold the object 3 to be conveyed, a manner in which the first conveying device 1 tows the object 3 to be conveyed, and a manner in which the first conveying device 1 pushes the object 3 to be conveyed (from behind). The manner of connection between the second conveying device 5 and the transport equipment 4 is similar to the manner of connection between the first conveying device 1 and the object to be conveyed 3. The "connection" manner also includes a manner in which the first conveying device 1 or the second conveying device 5 lifts the object to be conveyed 3 or the transport equipment 4 with a robot arm, a crane, or the like.

[0036] 2C, the second conveyance device 5 travels on a moving surface of the facility 100 while being coupled to the transport equipment 4. This allows the second conveyance device 5 to convey, for example, the transport equipment 4 placed at a certain location in the facility 100 to another location in the facility 100.

[0037] The configurations of the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 will be described in detail in the sections "(2.3) First conveying device" and "(2.4) Second conveying device."

[0038] The picking device 2 is a device that performs sorting work in the sorting area A3 to sort and load the items B1 contained in the transport target 3 onto the transport equipment 4 placed in the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A46. In this embodiment, the picking device 2 is a stationary device installed in the sorting area A3 of the facility 100. The picking device 2 performs work to remove the items B1 from the transport target 3 in the sorting area A3. In other words, the picking device 2 does not move around the facility 100, but performs work to remove the items B1 from the transport target 3 transported to the sorting area A3 by the first transport device 1, and load the items B1 onto the transport equipment 4 placed in the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A46.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2B, the picking device 2 has a base 20 and an articulated arm unit 21. The base 20 of the picking device 2 is fixed at a fixed position in the sorting area A3, and the tip portion of the arm unit 21 moves as the arm unit 21 operates. The picking device 2 loads the item B1 onto the transport target 3 by moving the tip portion of the arm unit 21 while holding the item B1 at the tip portion of the arm unit 21. This realizes a task of removing the item B1 from the transport target 3 and loading it onto the transport equipment 4. Here, the holding of the item B1 at the tip portion of the arm unit 21 is realized by an appropriate means such as suction (air or magnetic force), gripping, or adhesion.

[0040] As described above, each of the first conveying device 1, the second conveying device 5, and the picking device 2 is capable of communicating with the conveying control system 7, and operates upon receiving control instructions from the conveying control system 7.

[0041] In other words, the conveying system 10 according to this embodiment is a system used when moving a conveying target 3 containing an item B1 to a sorting area A3, and sorting and loading the item B1 onto a plurality of conveying machines 4 to be delivered to a plurality of destinations in the sorting area A3. The conveying system 10 includes a first conveying device 1 and a conveying control system 7 that controls the first conveying device 1. Such a conveying system 10 can realize a method for supporting sorting work of the item B1.

[0042] (2.2) Transport objects and transport equipment Next, the configuration of the object 3 to be transferred by the first transfer device 1 and the transport device 4 to be transferred by the second transfer device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2A, the transport target 3 has a shelf body 30 and one or more (four in this example) shelf boards 31.

[0044] The shelf body 30 is formed as a whole in a shape in which the height is greater than the width and depth, that is, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction. The shelf body 30 is formed in a box shape with five sides surrounded by plates and one side (the front side) open. In this embodiment, as an example, the shelf body 30 is substantially square in plan view. In addition, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) legs 32 protrude from the four corners of the bottom surface of the shelf body 30. The internal space of the shelf body 30 serves as a storage space for the item B1.

[0045] Particularly, in this embodiment, the internal space of the shelf body 30 has a shape in which the height is greater than the width and depth, that is, a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction. Therefore, in order to efficiently store the item B1 in such an internal space, one or more (four in this case) shelf boards 31 form a plurality of storage spaces for the item B1 in the vertical direction. In other words, the one or more (four in this case) shelf boards 31 divide the internal space of the shelf body 30 into a plurality of (four in this case) spaces in the vertical direction, and each divided space can store the item B1.

[0046] The transport object 3 thus configured is not fixed to structures such as pillars or walls in the facility 100, and is used in a state of being placed on the moving surface of the facility 100. For example, a plurality of transport objects 3 are arranged in a storage area A1 (see FIG. 1) of the facility 100. This allows a plurality of objects B1 to be stored for a plurality of transport objects 3, and the space of the storage area A1 can be used effectively. In addition, since the lower surface of the transport object 3 is raised above the moving surface by the plurality of legs 32, a space of a certain height is secured between the lower surface of the transport object 3 (shelf body 30) and the moving surface. Note that, in this embodiment, a case is assumed in which a plurality of the same type of objects B1 are stored in one transport object 3, but a plurality of two or more types of objects B1 (for example, sponge cakes, roll cakes, cream puffs, and cookies, etc.) may be stored in one transport object 3.

[0047] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the transport equipment 4 is, as an example, a roll box pallet (cage cart). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2C, the transport equipment 4 has a cage body 41 and a plurality of casters 42 (four in this embodiment).

[0048] The car body 41 is generally formed in a shape in which the height is greater than the width and depth, that is, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction. Three sides of the outer periphery of the car body 41 in a plan view are surrounded by fences, and one side is open. In the present embodiment, as an example, the car body 41 is substantially square in a plan view.

[0049] The plurality of casters 42 are attached to the underside of the car body 41. The plurality of casters 42 are arranged at the four corners of the underside of the car body 41. Each of the plurality of casters 42 is made of a swivel wheel whose rotation axis direction in a plan view is variable.

[0050] The transport equipment 4 configured in this manner can travel on a moving surface, such as the floor surface of the facility 100, while rotating the casters 42, with the article B1 loaded on the car body 41. A plurality of articles B1 can be loaded on the car body 41. In addition, since the car body 41 is suspended above the moving surface by the plurality of casters 42, a space of a certain height is secured between the bottom surface of the transport equipment 4 (car body 41) and the moving surface.

[0051] (2.3) First conveying device Next, the conveying device (first conveying device 1) used in the sorting operation support method according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2A. In this embodiment, the conveying system 10 includes a plurality of first conveying devices 1, but the following description focuses on any one of the first conveying devices 1 unless otherwise specified. The following description can be applied to all the remaining first conveying devices 1 in the same manner.

[0052] As described above, the first conveying device 1 is an unmanned transport vehicle that autonomously travels on the moving surface of the facility 100. Furthermore, the first conveying device 1 is connected to the object to be conveyed 3 that is composed of a movable shelf as described above, and has a function of conveying the object to be conveyed 3.

[0053] The first conveyance device 1 includes a vehicle body 11 and a plurality of wheels 12. Some of the plurality of wheels 12 are drive wheels, such as omni-wheels, and the rest are driven wheels. The first conveyance device 1 can move in a desired direction by rotating the drive wheels in a desired direction at a desired rotational speed.

[0054] The vehicle body 11 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is square in plan view. The vehicle body 11 is capable of traveling on a moving surface. The vehicle body 11 is provided with a lifting section. The lifting section covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the vehicle body 11 and is configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the vehicle body 11. The lifting section receives power from a power source (motor, etc.) and rises and falls relative to the vehicle body 11. The first conveying device 1 enters below the shelf body 30 of the object to be conveyed 3 and is connected to the object to be conveyed 3 by raising the lifting section to lift the shelf body 30.

[0055] Furthermore, the first conveyance device 1 detects the behavior of the vehicle body unit 11 and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle body unit 11. The "behavior" here means the movement and state, etc. In other words, the behavior of the vehicle body unit 11 includes the operating state of the vehicle body unit 11 indicating whether the vehicle body unit 11 is running or stopped, the speed (and speed change) of the vehicle body unit 11, the acceleration acting on the vehicle body unit 11, the attitude of the vehicle body unit 11, etc.

[0056] Specifically, the detection unit includes sensors such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor, and detects the behavior of the vehicle body unit 11 using these sensors. The detection unit also includes sensors such as an image sensor (camera), a sonar sensor, a radar, and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and detects the surrounding conditions of the vehicle body unit 11 using these sensors. The surrounding conditions of the first conveying device 1 include, for example, the presence or absence of an object (obstacle, etc.) present in front of the first conveying device 1 in the traveling direction, and the position (distance and direction) of the object, etc. The obstacles include other first conveying devices 1, conveying targets 3, and people. The detection unit further includes a plurality of step sensors and a plurality of bumper sensors. The step sensor is, for example, an optical distance sensor that detects steps on the moving surface by shining light on the moving surface. The bumper sensor detects that the vehicle body unit 11 has come into contact with an obstacle while moving.

[0057] The detection unit also has a position identifying unit that identifies the position of the vehicle body unit 11, i.e., the current position of the first conveyance device 1. The position identifying unit includes, as an example, a receiver that receives beacon signals transmitted by radio waves from a plurality of transmitters. The plurality of transmitters are arranged at a plurality of locations within the range in which the first conveyance device 1 moves. The position identifying unit measures the position of the vehicle body unit 11 based on the positions of the plurality of transmitters and the received radio wave intensity of the beacon signal at the receiver. The position identifying unit may be realized using a satellite positioning system such as a Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0058] The detection unit also measures the number of rotations of the wheels 12 (e.g., drive wheels) and estimates the position of the vehicle body 11 based on information such as the measured number of rotations of the wheels 12. That is, in this embodiment, the position of the vehicle body 11 is estimated mainly based on an electronic map acquired in advance, the detection results of the various sensors described above, and so-called dead-reckoning (DR).

[0059] The vehicle body 11 moves autonomously on the moving surface by individually driving a plurality of drive wheels based on the detection result of the detection unit. The first conveyance device 1 determines the moving route of the vehicle body 11 to the destination based on at least the current position of the vehicle body 11 (route planning), and operates the vehicle body 11 so that the vehicle body 11 moves along this moving route. This realizes the autonomous traveling of the first conveyance device 1.

[0060] The first conveying device 1 also includes other components as appropriate, such as a communication circuit, a charging circuit for a storage battery, and a user interface.

[0061] (2.4) Second conveying device Next, the configuration of the second conveying device 5 used in the sorting operation support method according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the conveying system 10 includes a plurality of second conveying devices 5, but the following description will focus on one of the second conveying devices 5 unless otherwise specified. The following description can be applied to all the remaining second conveying devices 5 in the same manner.

[0062] As described above, the second conveyance device 5 is an unmanned conveyance vehicle that autonomously travels on the moving surface of the facility 100. Furthermore, the second conveyance device 5 is connected to the conveyance device 4 as described above, and has a function of conveying the conveyance device 4.

[0063] The second conveying device 5 includes a main body 51 and a plurality of wheels. The main body 51 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in a plan view. The plurality of wheels support the main body 51. Some of the plurality of wheels are driving wheels, and the main body 51 can run on the moving surface by rotating the driving wheels. The driving wheels of the second conveying device 5 are omnidirectional wheels such as omni-wheels. The second conveying device 5 runs on the moving surface by rotating the driving wheels in a desired direction at a desired speed. The main body 51 is provided with a lifting section. The lifting section covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the main body 51 and is configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the main body 51. The lifting section receives power from a power source (motor, etc.) and rises and falls relative to the main body 51. The second conveying device 5 enters under the car body 41 of the conveying equipment 4, and is connected to the conveying equipment 4 by raising the lifting section to lift the car body 41.

[0064] The main body 51 has the same function as the detection unit of the first conveyance device 1. The detection unit detects the behavior of the main body 51, the surrounding conditions of the main body 51, the position of the main body 51 (the current position of the second conveyance device 5), and the like. The main body 51 moves autonomously on the moving surface by driving the drive wheels based on the detection results of the detection unit. The second conveyance device 5 determines the moving route of the main body 51 to the destination based on at least the current position of the main body 51 (route planning), and operates the main body 51 so that the main body 51 moves along this moving route. This realizes the autonomous traveling of the second conveyance device 5.

[0065] Furthermore, the second conveying device 5 is appropriately equipped with components other than those described above, such as a communication circuit, a charging circuit for the storage battery, and a user interface.

[0066] 2A and 2C, the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 have different structures. That is, the first conveying device 1 is a device for conveying the object 3, and therefore has a structure suited to the object 3, whereas the second conveying device 5 is a device for conveying the transport equipment 4, and therefore has a structure suited to the transport equipment 4. It is not essential that the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 have different structures, and the first conveying device 1 and the second conveying device 5 may have the same structure.

[0067] (3) Operation Hereinafter, the operation of the conveying system 10 according to the present embodiment, that is, the sorting operation support method according to the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a facility 100. FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of a scene in which the first conveying device 1 conveys the object 3 to be conveyed from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of a scene in which the picking device 2 performs sorting work in the sorting area A3. FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram of a scene in which the second conveying device 5 conveys the conveying device 4 from the sorting area A3 to the shipping area A5. FIG. 2D is an explanatory diagram of a scene in which the second conveying device 5 loads the conveying device 4 onto a truck 6 in the shipping area A5. Note that each arrow in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4-6 merely indicates the direction in which an object (e.g., the object 3 to be conveyed) moves, and does not have any substance.

[0068] (3.1) Premise The conveying system 10 according to the present embodiment starts a series of operations, for example, when the conveying control system 7 receives shipping instruction information from the upper system 200. The shipping instruction information is information instructing the shipment of the item B1, and includes item information for identifying the item B1 and delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of the item B1. The "item information" in this disclosure is information for identifying the item B1, and is, for example, an identification code such as the JAN (Japanese Article Number) code used in Japan. In addition to the JAN code, this type of identification code includes the EPC (Electronic Product Code), the EAN (European Article Number) code used in Europe, and the UPC (Universal Product Code) used in the United States. In addition, the item information is not limited to information for identifying the type (kind) of the item B1, and may include information such as lot information and serial information for individually identifying the same item B1. As a result, even if there are multiple items B1 of the same type, each of the multiple items B1 of the same type can be identified by the item information.

[0069] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of areas are set in the facility 100, including at least a storage area A1, a lateral movement area A2, a sorting area A3, a temporary storage area A4 (including temporary storage areas A41 to A46 by delivery destination), and a shipping area A5. The storage area A1, the lateral movement area A2, the sorting area A3, the temporary storage area A4, and the shipping area A5 are arranged in this order. The picking device 2 provided in the sorting area A3 can access both the transport target 3 present in the lateral movement area A2 and the transport equipment 4 present in the temporary storage area A4. Therefore, the picking device 2 can perform a sorting operation of taking out the item B1 from the transport target 3 present in the lateral movement area A2 and transferring it to the transport equipment 4 present in the temporary storage area A4.

[0070] In the storage area A1, a transport target 3 (for example, a movable shelf) that accommodates the item B1 is stored. In the temporary storage area A4, a plurality of (for example, six in FIG. 1) temporary storage areas A41-A46 for delivery destinations are set, in which a plurality of transport devices 4 corresponding to a plurality of delivery destinations are placed one by one. The plurality of temporary storage areas A41-A46 for delivery destinations are set to be aligned along the arrangement direction DR1. The lateral movement area A2 includes the sorting area A3 and at least a part of the intermediate area between the sorting area A3 and the storage area A1, and in this embodiment, the lateral movement area A2 is set to include a part of the sorting area A3. The lateral movement area A2 may be set to include an intermediate area between the sorting area A3 and the storage area A1 (the area between the sorting area A3 and the storage area A1 in the facility 100). The lateral movement area A2 extends along the arrangement direction DR1, and in the lateral movement area A2, the transport target 3 can move along the arrangement direction DR1. The shipping area A5 is an area for carrying the goods B1 together with the transport equipment 4 loaded with the goods B1 out of the facility 100, and is an area for loading the goods B1 onto a transport means for carrying the goods B1 from the facility 100 to another facility. The "transport means" in this disclosure refers to a transportation facility capable of carrying the goods B1 from the facility 100 to another facility, and includes automobiles such as trucks 6, wagons, or buses, railways (including freight trains), ships, or aircraft. The "other facility" in this disclosure refers to a facility other than the facility 100, and may be, for example, a destination of the goods B1 shipped from the facility 100, and may be, for example, a store selling the goods B1 or a distribution center for the goods B1. The goods B1 may be transferred to multiple transport means while the goods B1 is being carried from the facility 100 to another facility.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that all processes (first conveying process, second conveying process, and third conveying process) included in the sorting work support method are executed by the devices (first conveying device 1, picking device 2, and second conveying device 5). This makes it possible to automate all the steps of the sorting work support method. In other words, with the sorting work support method according to this embodiment, even if the facility 100 is unmanned, it is possible to ship the item B1 from the facility 100. However, this is not intended to be limited to an unmanned facility 100, and the sorting work support method according to this embodiment can be adopted even in a manned facility 100. In this embodiment, the sorting work is performed by a device (picking device 2), but the sorting work may be performed by a person.

[0072] Furthermore, the devices for implementing the sorting operation support method (the first conveying device 1, the picking device 2, and the second conveying device 5) are collectively controlled by the conveying control system 7. This allows the conveying control system 7 to collectively control the devices for implementing the sorting operation support method (the first conveying device 1, the picking device 2, and the second conveying device 5), allowing each device to operate efficiently.

[0073] In the following, as shown in Figs. 1 to 2D, a scene is assumed in which shipping instruction information instructs shipping of items B1 to be shipped for each delivery destination from among multiple types of items B1 stored in storage area A1, and the items B1 to be shipped are sorted for two or more delivery destinations. Then, when the task of loading one or more items B1 to be shipped for each delivery destination onto a transport device 4 is completed, the transport device 4 is loaded onto a truck 6 parked in shipping area A5 (truck berth), and the transport device 4 is transported from facility 100 to another facility by the truck 6. In this manner, the multiple items B1 specified by the shipping instruction information are shipped from facility 100.

[0074] (3.2) Specific examples As described above, the sorting operation support method according to the present embodiment includes the first conveying process, the second conveying process, and the third conveying process.

[0075] The sorting operation support method according to this embodiment further includes a sorting process and a shipping process. The sorting process is a process in which a plurality of items B1 contained in a transport target 3 are sorted and loaded onto transport equipment 4 provided for each delivery destination in the sorting area A3. The shipping process is a process in which the transport equipment 4 is loaded onto a transport means (truck 6) by a second transport device 5 in the shipping area A5.

[0076] First, when the transport control system 7 receives shipping instruction information from the host system 200, the transport control system 7 identifies the location of the item B1 identified by the shipping instruction information. The shipping instruction information is output from the host system 200, triggered, for example, by the arrival or approach of a truck 6 at the shipping area A5 (truck berth). The shipping instruction information may be output from the host system 200 in accordance with the delivery time of the item B1, based on delivery request information (information such as the type, quantity, and delivery time of the item 1 to be delivered) received by the host system 200 from multiple delivery destinations. The item B1 to be shipped is stored in one or more of the multiple transport objects 3 (mobile shelves) arranged in the storage area A1. Therefore, the transport control system 7 selects the transport object 3 in which the item B1 to be shipped is stored from the multiple transport objects 3.

[0077] 2A, in the first conveyance process, the first conveyance device 1 moves the conveyance target 3 (movable shelf) containing the item B1 to be shipped from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3. That is, since a plurality of conveyance targets 3 are arranged in the storage area A1, the conveyance control system 7 conveys the conveyance target 3 selected from the plurality of conveyance targets 3, that is, the conveyance target 3 containing the item B1 to be shipped, to the sorting area A3 by the first conveyance device 1.

[0078] Specifically, the conveyance control system 7 transmits a control instruction including the position information of the selected object 3 to be conveyed (or the identification information of the object 3) to any one of the first conveyance devices 1 among the multiple first conveyance devices 1. As a result, the first conveyance device 1 that has received the control instruction is first coupled to the object 3 to be conveyed, in which the item B1 to be shipped is accommodated, in the storage area A1. At this time, the first conveyance device 1 slips under the movable shelf that is the object 3 to be conveyed, and lifts the object 3 to a position where the legs 32 of the object 3 to be conveyed are completely separated from the moving surface, thereby being coupled to the object 3 to be conveyed (see FIG. 2A). Then, while coupled to the object 3, the first conveyance device 1 conveys the object 3 to be conveyed, in which the item B1 is accommodated, from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3.

[0079] Here, based on FIG. 4, the description will be given with attention to the four delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A44 set in the temporary storage area A4. As shown in FIG. 4, when the goods B1 contained in the transport target 3 are delivered to, for example, four delivery destinations (stores), the goods B1 are sorted and loaded into the transport devices 4A-4D corresponding to the four delivery destinations in the sorting area A3. The four transport devices 4A-4D are temporarily stored in the four delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A44 corresponding to the four delivery destinations in the temporary storage area A4. The sorting area A3 has a plurality of picking devices 2 that are the work subjects that perform the sorting work. In the example of FIG. 4, in the sorting area A3, a picking device 2A is placed between the take-out areas A21 and A22, and a picking device 2B is placed between the take-out areas A23 and A24. Therefore, the sorting work of the transport objects 3 placed in the take-out areas A21 and A22 to the transport equipment 4A and 4B is performed by the picking device 2A, and the sorting work of the transport objects 3 placed in the take-out areas A23 and A24 to the transport equipment 4C and 4D is performed by the picking device 2B.

[0080] When the picking devices 2A and 2B perform a sorting operation to sort the items B1 contained in the transport target 3 into the four transport devices 4A to 4D, the transport target 3 is moved into the lateral movement area A2 by the first transport device 1. In the lateral movement area A2, four take-out areas A21 to A24 are set corresponding to the four delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A44, respectively. The take-out areas A21 to A24 are set in the lateral movement area A2 at locations relatively close to the corresponding delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A44. In the example of FIG. 4, two picking devices 2A and 2B are arranged, and in the second transport process, the transport target 3 is transported so that the transport target 3 moves between the multiple take-out areas A21 to A24 where multiple work entities (two picking devices 2A and 2B) perform sorting operations. As a result, by moving one transport object 3 between the multiple take-out areas A21-A24, the sorting work of the article B1 can be performed in each of the multiple take-out areas A21-A24. Therefore, when sorting work is performed in each of the multiple take-out areas A21-A24, the number of transport objects 3 moving within the lateral movement area A2 can be reduced, and congestion of multiple transport objects 3 within the lateral movement area A2 can be suppressed.

[0081] Specifically, the transport control system 7 performs a sorting operation of loading the item B1 from the transport target 3 onto the transport device 4A by the picking device 2A while the first transport device 1 has moved the transport target 3 to the take-out area A21 at one end of the arrangement direction DR1 in the lateral movement area A2. When the loading of the item B1 onto the transport device 4A is completed, the transport control system 7 performs a sorting operation of loading the item B1 from the transport target 3 onto the transport device 4B by the picking device 2A while the first transport device 1 has moved the transport target 3 to the take-out area A22 next to the take-out area A21. When the loading of the item B1 onto the transport device 4B is completed, the transport control system 7 performs a sorting operation of loading the item B1 from the transport target 3 onto the transport device 4C by the picking device 2B while the first transport device 1 has moved the transport target 3 to the take-out area A23 next to the take-out area A22. Once loading of item B1 onto the transport equipment 4C is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the first transport device 1 to move the object 3 to be transported to the removal area A24 adjacent to the removal area A23, and then performs sorting work to load item B1 from the object 3 to the transport equipment 4D using the picking device 2B.

[0082] Then, when loading of the item B1 onto the transport equipment 4D is completed, the transport control system 7 performs a third transport process in which the first transport device 1 transports the object 3 from the lateral movement area A2 to the storage area A1. When the object 3 arrives at a predetermined position within the storage area A1, the first transport device 1 unloads the object 3, thereby releasing the connection with the object 3, and stores the object 3 in the storage area A1.

[0083] In this way, in the second transfer process, the transfer control system 7 moves the transfer target 3 in one direction along the arrangement direction DR1 within the lateral movement area A2. If multiple transfer targets 3 move in multiple directions within the lateral movement area A2, there is a possibility that the multiple transfer targets 3 may interfere with each other, but by moving the multiple transfer targets 3 in one direction along the arrangement direction DR1, the multiple transfer targets 3 can be moved smoothly.

[0084] Furthermore, in the third transfer process, the transfer control system 7 moves the object 3 to be transferred to the storage area A1 from a second location (exit) G2 different from the first location (entrance) G1 where the object 3 to be transferred enters the lateral movement area A2 from the storage area A1 (see FIG. 4). In this way, the first location G1 where the object 3 to be transferred enters the lateral movement area A2 and the second location G2 where the object 3 to be transferred exits the lateral movement area A2 are separated, so that congestion at the entrance and exit can be suppressed and the object 3 to be transferred can be moved smoothly.

[0085] In addition, when loading multiple types of items B1 onto the transport equipment 4, the transport control system 7 moves multiple transport targets 3, each containing multiple types of items B1, one by one to the sorting area A3 by the first transport device 1 based on shipping instruction information from the upper system 200. That is, the transport control system 7 performs the above-mentioned first transport process and second transport process for each of the multiple transport targets 3 to perform sorting work by the picking device 2, and then performs the third transport process to move the transport targets 3 to the storage area A1. Then, when loading of the items B1 onto the transport equipment 4 is completed, the transport control system 7 transports the transport equipment 4 on which the loading of the items B1 has been completed to the shipping area A5 by the second transport device 5, and performs shipping processing to load the transport equipment 4 onto a truck 6.

[0086] Here, in order to sort the goods B1 from one transport target 3 to the multiple transport devices 4 in the temporary storage area A4, multiple transport devices 4 that sort the same type of goods B1 at the same time must be placed in the temporary storage area A4. Therefore, the transport control system 7 determines the arrangement of two or more transport devices 4 so that the transport devices 4 for two or more delivery destinations to which the same type of goods B1 are delivered are located as close as possible in the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41-A46 based on, for example, shipping instruction information acquired from the upper system 200. As shown in FIG. 4, if the transport devices 4A-4D for four delivery destinations to which the same type of goods B1 are delivered are arranged adjacent to each other, the transport target 3 containing the goods B1 can be moved in order to the four take-out areas A21-A24, and the sorting work can be performed in each of the take-out areas A21-A24. It is unlikely that the types of items B1 to be delivered to one delivery destination are all the same, and the transport control system 7 may stop the transport target 3 only at the take-out area corresponding to the delivery destination of the items B1 contained in the transport target 3 and perform the take-out operation. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when the items B1 contained in the transport target 3 are loaded onto the transport devices 4A, 4B, and 4D arranged in the delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41, A43, and A44, the transport target 3 may be moved in order to the take-out areas A21, A23, and A24 to perform the sorting operation.

[0087] In this embodiment, there are multiple types of items B1 stored in the storage area A1. The transport control system 7 sets a combination of multiple delivery destinations corresponding to multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A46 based on information on the matching of the types of items B1 to be sorted (i.e., items B1 to be delivered to multiple delivery destinations). Here, the information on the matching of the types of items B1 to be sorted may include information on the number of types of items B1 that are the same type as the multiple types of items B1 to be delivered to a delivery destination, among the multiple types of items B1 to be delivered to a delivery destination. In addition, the information on the matching of the types of items B1 to be sorted may include information on the ratio (matching rate) of the number of types of items B1 that are the same type as the items B1 to be delivered to another delivery destination to the number of types of items B1 to be delivered to a delivery destination. In other words, the information on the matching of the types of items B1 to be sorted may include at least one of the number of matches and the matching rate, but the following will explain the case where the information on the matching of the types of items B1 to be sorted is the number of matches.

[0088] For example, when 40 types of goods B1 are sorted into the transport device 4A, if 20 of the 40 types of goods B1 sorted into the transport device 4A are common to the goods B1 sorted into the transport device 4B, the number of matching types of goods B1 between the destination of the transport device 4A and the destination of the transport device 4B is 20. In this case, 20 of the 40 transport targets 3 transported to the sorting area A3 to load the goods B1 onto the transport device 4A are moved to the take-out area A22 within the lateral movement area A2, and loaded onto the transport device 4B. Here, when four destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A44 are set in the temporary storage area A4, it is preferable to set the combination of the transport devices 4 to be placed in the four destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A44 based on information regarding the matching of the types of goods B1 to be sorted. The transport control system 7 selects any four destinations from among the multiple destinations, and acquires information regarding the matching of the types of goods B1 to be sorted between each of the selected four destinations. Then, the number of matching items is calculated for any two of the four selected delivery destinations, and the transport equipment 4 for the four delivery destinations with the largest total sum is placed in the four delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas A41 to A44. This makes it possible to determine the transport equipment 4 to be placed in the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas, i.e., multiple delivery destinations corresponding to the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas, so as to minimize the lateral movement distance in the lateral movement area A2.

[0089] The transport control system 7 may determine the placement of the transport equipment 4 in a plurality of temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations such that the transport equipment 4 for a delivery destination with a higher number of matching items B1 is placed in the closer temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations A41-A44. The transport control system 7 may also determine a combination of the transport equipment 4 to be placed in the plurality of temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations (i.e., a combination of delivery destinations) such that the matching rate of the items B1 is higher in the plurality of temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations. The transport control system 7 may also determine the transport equipment 4 to be placed in the plurality of temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations by further considering the frequency of delivery to each delivery destination, the frequency and quantity of the items B1 delivered to each delivery destination, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, in the second transport process, the transport control system 7 determines the order of movement between two or more pick-up areas A21-A24 based on information about the item B1 contained in the transport target 3. That is, the transport control system 7 may determine the order of movement so that the item B1 contained in the transport target 3 moves in order through the pick-up areas corresponding to the delivery destinations of the item B1. For example, in the lateral movement area A2, the transport control system 7 may move the transport target 3 only to the pick-up area corresponding to the delivery destination of the item B1, rather than moving the transport target 3 to all pick-up areas.

[0091] Furthermore, when the number of shipments of the same type of item B1 is large, multiple transport objects 3 containing the same type of item B1 may be moved to the sorting area A3 at the same time, and multiple picking devices 2 may simultaneously sort the multiple transport objects 3 into the transport equipment 4 at the delivery destination. Here, moving multiple transport objects 3 to the sorting area A3 at the same time is not limited to moving them to the sorting area A3 at the same time. Moving multiple transport objects 3 to the sorting area A3 at the same time may include, for example, moving multiple transport objects 3 to the sorting area A3 so that multiple transport objects 3 are present in the sorting area A3 at a certain time.

[0092] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, two objects 3 to be transported may be moved to the sorting area A3 at the same time, and two picking devices 2A and 2B may simultaneously perform sorting work from the two objects 3 to the transport equipment 4 at the delivery destination. For example, the transport control system 7 causes two first transport devices 1 to move the two objects 3 to two take-out areas A21 and A23, respectively, and causes the picking devices 2A and 2B to perform work to sort the items B1 from the two objects 3 to the transport equipment 4A and 4C. When the sorting work to the transport equipment 4A is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the first transport device 1 to move the object 3 to the take-out area A22, and causes the picking device 2A to perform work to sort the items B1 from the object 3 to the transport equipment 4B. Then, when the sorting work to the transport equipment 4B is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the first transport device 1 to move the object 3 to the storage area A1. Furthermore, when the sorting work for the transport equipment 4C is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the first transport device 1 to move the transport target 3 to the take-out area A24, and causes the picking device 2B to sort the items B1 from the transport target 3 to the transport equipment 4D. Then, when the sorting work for the transport equipment 4D is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the first transport device 1 to move the transport target 3 to the storage area A1.

[0093] In this way, when there are a large number of the same type of goods B1 to be delivered to the multiple transport devices 4A-4D, the sorting work of the goods B1 may be shared among multiple transport targets 3 that contain the same type of goods B1, thereby shortening the time required to sort the same type of goods B1 into the multiple transport devices 4A-4D.

[0094] In other words, in this embodiment, the transport mode of the transport target 3 by the transport control system 7 includes a first transport mode and a second transport mode. The first transport mode is a transport mode in which one transport target 3 containing an item B1 is moved to two or more take-out areas A21 to A26 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The second transport mode is a transport mode in which each of the multiple transport targets 3 containing the item B1 is moved to the destinations of two or more take-out areas A21 to A26 shared by the multiple transport targets 3 as shown in FIG. 6. Then, at least in the first transport mode, the second transport process is performed. In this way, by performing the second transport process in the first transport mode in which one transport target 3 is moved to two or more take-out areas A21 to A26, the number of times the transport target 3 is moved back and forth between the storage area A1 and the sorting area A3 is reduced, which has the advantage of improving the efficiency of the sorting work. In addition, even in the second transport mode, the second transport process may be performed when at least one of the multiple transport objects 3 is moved to two or more destinations shared by the transport object 3, thereby reducing the number of times the transport object 3 is moved back and forth between the storage area A1 and the sorting area A3.

[0095] Here, the transport control system 7 may switch the transport mode of the object 3 to either the first transport mode or the second transport mode based on information about the item B1 contained in the object 3.

[0096] For example, if the number of items B1 to be delivered to the transport device 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the transport control system 7 sets the transport mode of the transport target 3 that contains the items B1 to the first transport mode, moves one transport target 3 to the multiple take-out areas A21 to A26, and has the transport control system 7 perform the sorting work. On the other hand, if the number of items B1 to be delivered to the transport device 4 is greater than the predetermined reference value, the transport control system 7 sets the transport mode of the transport target 3 that contains the items B1 to the second transport mode. The transport control system 7 assigns one or more take-out areas to each of the multiple transport targets 3 that contain the items B1, and shares the multiple take-out areas A21 to A26 among the multiple transport targets 3. Then, the transport control system 7 shares the multiple transport targets 3 and moves them to the multiple take-out areas A21 to A26, thereby efficiently sorting the items B1 into the multiple transport devices 4.

[0097] In addition, when multiple transport objects 3 containing the same type of items B1 are moved to the sorting area A3 and the items B1 contained in the multiple transport objects 3 are sorted onto multiple transport devices 4, some of the multiple transport objects 3 may be used to sort the items B1 onto only one transport device 4.

[0098] As described above, in the sorting work support method according to this embodiment, the first conveying process, the second conveying process, the third conveying process, the sorting process, and the shipping process are executed to realize the shipping of the item B1 from the facility 100. As a result, the item B1 stored in the storage area A1 of the facility 100 is shipped together with the transport equipment 4 from the facility 100 to another facility.

[0099] (3.3) Flowchart The operation of the above-mentioned conveyance system 10, that is, the sorting operation support method, is represented by the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0100] When the transport control system 7 receives, for example, shipping instruction information for the day from the host system 200 (S1), the second transport device 5 moves the transport equipment 4 corresponding to multiple delivery destinations to the delivery destination-specific temporary placement areas A41 to A46 based on the shipping instruction information.

[0101] The transport control system 7 also determines the order of movement of the transport objects 3 containing the items B1 to be shipped based on the shipping instruction information (S2). The transport control system 7 determines the take-out area to which the transport objects 3 are to be moved from among the multiple take-out areas A21 to A26, and further determines the order of movement of the transport objects 3.

[0102] The transport control system 7 performs a first transport process in which the first transport device 1 moves the transport target 3 containing the item B1 to be delivered from the storage area A1 to the sorting area A3 (S3). When the transport target 3 arrives at the pick-up area, the transport control system 7 causes the picking device 2 to perform a sorting operation in which the item B1 is removed from the transport target 3 in the sorting area A3 and loaded onto the transport equipment 4 (S4).

[0103] The transport control system 7 determines whether or not the sorting operation for the article B1 to all of the delivery destinations has been completed (S5).

[0104] If sorting of item B1 to all delivery destinations has not been completed (S5: No), the transport control system 7 performs a second transport process to move the transport target 3 in the lateral movement area A2 to the next removal area (S6), and causes the picking device 2 to load the item B1 onto the transport equipment 4.

[0105] When the sorting work for all delivery destinations of the item B1 is completed (S5: Yes), the transport control system 7 performs a third transport process to move the object 3 to be transported from the sorting area A3 to the storage area A1 (S7), and stores the object 3 in the storage area A1. The object 3 to be transported that has been returned to the storage area A1 is appropriately replenished with the item B1.

[0106] Furthermore, when loading of all the items B1 onto the transport equipment 4 is completed, the transport control system 7 causes the second transport device 5 to move the transport equipment 4 to the shipping area A5, and loads the transport equipment 4 onto the truck 6. When loading of the transport equipment 4 is completed, the truck 6 transports the transport equipment 4 to the destination.

[0107] It should be noted that the flowchart in FIG. 7 is merely one example of the sorting operation support method, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or any of the processes may be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] (4) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, a function similar to that of the conveying control system 7 may be embodied in a sorting operation support method, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc. The sorting operation support method according to one aspect includes the above-mentioned first conveying process, second conveying process, and third conveying process. The (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned sorting operation support method (the first conveying process, the second conveying process, and the third conveying process).

[0109] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0110] The transport control system 7, the first transport device (transport device) 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 in the present disclosure include a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the functions of the transport control system 7, the first transport device 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of an LSI, or a logic device that allows reconfiguration of the connection relationship within the LSI or reconfiguration of the circuit partition within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0111] Furthermore, it is not essential for the transport control system 7, the first transport device 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 that multiple functions of the transport control system 7, the first transport device 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 are integrated into one housing, and the components of the transport control system 7, the first transport device 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the transport control system 7, the first transport device 1, the picking device 2, and the second transport device 5 may be realized by cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the object 3 to be transported is a movable shelf that stores multiple items B1, but the object 3 to be transported may be a self-propelled shelf that stores multiple items B1. In other words, the object 3 to be transported may have the function of a transport device that transports the items B1.

[0113] (summary) As described above, the sorting operation support method of the first aspect includes a first conveying process, a second conveying process, and a third conveying process. In the first conveying process, the object (3) is conveyed from a storage area (A1) in which the object (3) is stored to a sorting area (A3). The object (3) contains a plurality of items (B1). The sorting area (A3) is an area in which a sorting operation is performed to sort the items (B1) into a plurality of temporary storage areas (A41 to A46) for each delivery destination that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction (DR1) corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second conveying process, the object (3) is conveyed in the lateral movement area (A2) so as to move between two or more take-out areas (A21 to A26). The lateral movement area (A2) includes the sorting area (A3) and at least a part of the intermediate area between the storage area (A1) and the sorting area (A3), and is an area in which the transport object (3) can be transported along the arrangement direction (DR1). The two or more take-out areas (A21-A26) correspond to the two or more temporary storage areas (A41-A46) for different delivery destinations, among the multiple temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations (A41-A46), which correspond to the delivery destinations of the items (B1) contained in the transport object (3) being transported. In the third transport process, after a sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) is performed in the two or more take-out areas (A21-A26), the transport object (3) is transported from the lateral movement area (A2) to the storage area (A1).

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0115] In the sorting operation support method of the second aspect, there are a plurality of workers (2) performing the sorting operation in the first aspect. In the second transport process, the transport object (3) is transported so that the transport object (3) moves between a plurality of take-out areas (A21 to A26) where the plurality of workers (2) perform the sorting operation.

[0116] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0117] In the sorting operation support method of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, in the second conveyance process, the conveyance target (3) is moved in one direction along the arrangement direction (DR1) in the lateral movement area (A2).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0119] In the sorting work support method of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, in the third transfer process, the object to be transferred (3) is transferred from the lateral movement area (A2) to the storage area (A1) through a second location (G2) different from the first location (G1). The first location (G1) is a location through which the object to be transferred (3) passes when entering the lateral movement area (A2) from the storage area (A1).

[0120] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0121] In the sorting operation support method of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, there are multiple types of items (B1). The combinations of multiple delivery destinations corresponding to the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas (A41 to A46) are set based on information regarding the matching of the types of items (B1) sorted into the multiple delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas (A41 to A46).

[0122] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0123] In the sorting operation support method of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, there are multiple types of items (B1). In the second conveyance process, the order of movement between two or more take-out areas (A21 to A26) is determined based on information about the items (B1) contained in the conveyance target (3).

[0124] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0125] In the sorting operation support method of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the transport modes of the transport object (3) include a first transport mode and a second transport mode. The first transport mode is a transport mode in which one transport object (3) containing an item (B1) is moved to two or more take-out areas (A21 to A26). The second transport mode is a transport mode in which each of the multiple transport objects (3) containing the item (B1) is moved to a destination of two or more take-out areas (A21 to A26) shared by the multiple transport objects (3). At least in the first transport mode, a second transport process is performed.

[0126] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0127] In the sorting work support method of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the transport mode of the object to be transported (3) is switched to either the first transport mode or the second transport mode based on information regarding the item (B1) contained in the object to be transported (3).

[0128] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0129] In the sorting operation support method of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the transport object (3) is transported by the transport device (1).

[0130] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0131] A program according to a tenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the sorting operation support method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0132] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0133] The conveyance control system (7) of the eleventh aspect includes a control unit (72) that controls a conveyance device (1) that conveys a conveyance target (3) that contains a plurality of items (B1). The control unit (72) causes the conveyance device (1) to execute a first conveyance process, a second conveyance process, and a third conveyance process. In the first conveyance process, the conveyance target (3) is conveyed from a storage area (A1) that stores the conveyance target (3) to a sorting area (A3). The sorting area (A3) is an area where a sorting operation is performed to sort the items (B1) into a plurality of temporary storage areas (A41 to A46) for each delivery destination that are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction (DR1) corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations. In the second conveyance process, the conveyance target (3) is conveyed in the lateral movement area (A2) so as to move between two or more take-out areas (A21 to A26). The lateral movement area (A2) includes the sorting area (A3) and at least a part of the intermediate area between the storage area (A1) and the sorting area (A3), and is an area in which the transport object (3) can be transported along the arrangement direction (DR1). The two or more take-out areas (A21-A26) correspond to the two or more temporary storage areas (A41-A46) for different delivery destinations, among the multiple temporary storage areas for different delivery destinations (A41-A46), which correspond to the delivery destinations of the items (B1) contained in the transport object (3) being transported. In the third transport process, after a sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) is performed in the two or more take-out areas (A21-A26), the transport object (3) is transported from the lateral movement area (A2) to the storage area (A1).

[0134] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0135] A transfer system (10) of a twelfth aspect includes the transfer control system (7) of the eleventh aspect and a transfer device (1) that transfers an object (3) to be transferred.

[0136] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the sorting operation for sorting the items (B1) to a plurality of delivery destinations.

[0137] Without being limited to the above-mentioned aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the conveying control system (7) according to the above-mentioned embodiment can be embodied as a sorting operation support method performed by the conveying control system (7), a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium having a program recorded thereon, etc.

[0138] The configurations according to the second to ninth aspects are not essential to the sorting operation support method and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 First conveying device (conveying device) 2. Picking device (main operator) 3. Transport target 7. Transport control system 10. Transport System A1 Storage Area A2 Lateral movement area A3 Sorting Area A4 temporary storage area A21~A26 Removal area A41~A46 Temporary storage area by delivery destination B1 Goods DR1 Array Direction G1 1st place G2 2nd place

Claims

1. a first conveying process for conveying the conveying object from a storage area for storing the conveying object containing a plurality of items to a sorting area for sorting the items into a plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations; a second transport process for transporting the transport object so as to move between two or more removal areas corresponding to two or more temporary storage areas for specific delivery destinations corresponding to the delivery destinations of the items contained in the transport object during transport, among the plurality of temporary storage areas for specific delivery destinations, in a lateral movement area including at least a portion of the sorting area and an intermediate area between the storage area and the sorting area and capable of transporting the transport object along the arrangement direction; a third conveying process of conveying the conveying object from the lateral movement area to the storage area after a sorting operation of sorting the object in the two or more take-out areas is performed; In the third transfer process, the transfer object is transferred from the lateral transfer area to the storage area through a second location different from a first location through which the transfer object passes when entering the lateral transfer area from the storage area, There are two of the first locations and two of the second locations; Methods for assisting sorting operations.

2. There are a plurality of workers performing the sorting work, In the second transport process, the transport object is transported such that the transport object moves between the two or more take-out areas where the plurality of workers perform the sorting work. The sorting operation support method according to claim 1 .

3. In the second transport process, the transport object is moved in one direction along the arrangement direction in the lateral movement area. The sorting operation support method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. There are multiple types of the article, A combination of a plurality of delivery destinations corresponding to the plurality of delivery destination-specific temporary storage areas is set based on information regarding a match of the types of the items to be sorted. The sorting operation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. There are multiple types of the article, In the second transport process, a moving order of the items to be transported between the two or more take-out areas is determined based on information about the items contained in the transport target. The sorting operation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The transport mode of the transport object is: a first transport mode in which one of the transport objects storing the article is moved to the two or more take-out areas; a second transport mode in which each of the plurality of transport targets that respectively accommodate the items is moved to a destination in which the two or more take-out areas are shared by the plurality of transport targets; The second transport process is performed at least in the first transport mode. The sorting operation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Switching the transport mode of the transport object to either the first transport mode or the second transport mode based on information about the item contained in the transport object. The sorting operation support method according to claim 6.

8. The object to be transported is transported by a transport device. The sorting operation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the sorting work support method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control unit for controlling a conveying device that conveys a conveying target that accommodates a plurality of items, The control unit is a first conveying process for conveying the object from a storage area for storing the object to a sorting area for sorting the object into a plurality of temporary storage areas for delivery destinations arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery destinations; a second transport process for transporting the transport object so as to move between two or more removal areas corresponding to two or more temporary storage areas for specific delivery destinations corresponding to the delivery destinations of the items contained in the transport object during transport, among the plurality of temporary storage areas for specific delivery destinations, in a lateral movement area including at least a portion of the sorting area and an intermediate area between the storage area and the sorting area and capable of transporting the transport object along the arrangement direction; a third conveyance process for conveying the object to be conveyed from the lateral movement area to the storage area after a sorting operation for sorting the object in the two or more take-out areas is performed by the conveyance device; In the third transfer process, the transfer target is transferred from the lateral transfer area to the storage area through a second location different from a first location through which the transfer target passes when entering the lateral transfer area from the storage area, There are two of the first locations and two of the second locations; Transport control system.

11. The transport control system according to claim 10, The transport device transports the object to be transported. Conveying system.

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