JP6637346B2 - Logistics system and temporary storage system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a physical distribution system and a temporary storage system, and more particularly, to a physical distribution system and a temporary storage system for loading a delivery.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a distribution system and a temporary storage system for loading a delivery are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Literature 1 discloses an automatic stacking device that stacks deliveries moving on a transport path provided in a sorting area on a roll box pallet (RPB, a pallet with a cage-shaped caster). In this automatic stowage device, information on a delivery item is acquired before the delivery item reaches the sorting area, and based on the acquired information on the delivery item, the delivery item is loaded on the RPB among the delivery items moving on the transport path. The delivery to be delivered is configured to be sequentially stacked on the RPB. Further, in the automatic stacking device of Patent Document 1, a mounting table is provided between the transport path and the RPB. The mounting table is provided to change the stacking order by mounting the previously conveyed goods on the mounting table and stacking the subsequently conveyed goods on the RPB first.

JP-A-2015-174736

  However, in the automatic stacking device described in Patent Document 1, even if a mounting table is provided, the order of the two front and rear deliveries is only changed, so it is difficult to significantly change the stacking order. , RPB are considered to be substantially loaded in the order of transport along the transport path. For this reason, for example, when a large delivery is conveyed toward the end of the loading order, the delivery cannot be arranged in a gap between the already loaded deliveries. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently load the RPB on the RPB. In particular, if the delivery volume is larger than the RPB such as a truck and the delivery items are stacked on a delivery medium that accommodates many delivery items at once, it is considered that efficient loading of the delivery items becomes more difficult. .

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to suppress the difficulty in efficiently packing a delivery on a delivery medium. It is to provide a possible logistics system and a temporary storage system.

In order to achieve the above object, a distribution system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a temporary storage area in which a plurality of deliveries delivered by a predetermined delivery medium are temporarily stored collectively; A temporary storage and transfer mechanism disposed at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage, a temporary storage or an information acquisition unit for acquiring information on a delivery item on the upstream side of the temporary storage, and an information acquisition unit. On the basis of the information on the deliverables stored in the temporary storage area, a loading plan creating unit that creates a loading plan for loading a plurality of deliveries on a predetermined delivery medium, in an order based on the loading plan, A stowage control unit that controls a temporary storage and transfer mechanism so as to transport a plurality of deliveries arranged in a temporary storage area to a delivery position for stowage work, and a stowage plan under the control of the stowage control unit based on the delivery item conveyed to the transfer position It includes a stowage device attached stacked to look put position, the.

  In the physical distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the information acquisition unit that acquires the information on the delivery item at the temporary storage place or the upstream side of the temporary storage place, and the plurality of pieces of information delivered by the predetermined delivery medium. And a temporary storage area for temporarily storing the delivered items collectively. With this, it is possible to acquire all the information of the delivery items collectively stored in the temporary storage while the plurality of delivery items delivered by the predetermined delivery medium are collectively arranged in the temporary storage. Therefore, it is possible to create a stowage plan that can be efficiently stowed based on all information of the delivery items collectively stored in the temporary storage place. As a result, in the distribution system, it is possible to suppress the difficulty in efficiently stacking the delivery items on the delivery medium. In addition, by providing a temporary storage and transfer mechanism for distributing the goods at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage area in the physical distribution system, the temporary storage area of the temporary storage area for temporarily storing the goods in a batch is provided. Delivery can be automatically arranged.

  In the physical distribution system according to the first aspect, the temporary storage place is preferably provided on an upper floor or a lower floor of a shipping floor where shipment of a delivery item to a predetermined delivery medium is performed. With this configuration, unlike the case where the temporary storage is provided on the same floor as the shipping floor, the shipping floor can be effectively used. For example, the shipping floor can be used as a space for temporarily storing deliveries separately from the temporary storage area, or as a passage for workers to pass without interfering with deliveries temporarily stored (temporarily stored). Can be used. In other words, it is possible to provide a temporary storage place for temporarily storing the delivery items collectively while maintaining the function of the conventional shipping position (shipping floor).

  In the physical distribution system according to the first aspect, preferably, the temporary storage and transfer mechanism unit is configured to arrange the delivery at a predetermined temporary storage position based on the information on the delivery. According to this structure, the delivery can be automatically arranged in the temporary storage based on the information on the delivery so that efficient packing is possible.

  In the physical distribution system according to the first aspect, preferably, the temporary storage and transfer mechanism unit stores a plurality of deliveries having the same delivery destination in one temporary storage area based on the information on the delivery destination of the deliverables. It is configured to be placed in the storage area. With this configuration, a plurality of deliveries with the same delivery destination can be arranged close to each other in the temporary storage, so that the deliveries with the same delivery destination are grouped in the same area of a predetermined delivery medium. When stacking, it is possible to stack efficiently.

  In the logistics system according to the first aspect, preferably, the stowage device is configured to stow the goods directly to the stowage position in the delivery vehicle as a predetermined delivery medium based on the stowage plan. I have. With this configuration, the delivery device can automatically load the delivery on the delivery vehicle, so that the number of workers for loading the delivery is reduced as compared with the case where the delivery is loaded manually on the delivery vehicle. be able to.

  In the logistics system according to the first aspect, preferably, the stowage device stows the delivery item at a stowage position on the pallet based on the stowage plan and a plurality of the delivery items stowed on the pallet. Are collectively loaded on a delivery vehicle as a predetermined delivery medium. With this configuration, the delivery device can automatically load the delivery on the pallet, so that the number of personnel for loading the delivery is reduced as compared with the case where the delivery is manually loaded on the delivery vehicle. Can be. Further, since the items to be delivered can be pre-loaded on the pallet before the delivery vehicle arrives, the time required to load the items to be delivered to the delivery vehicle can be effectively reduced.

  In the physical distribution system according to the first aspect, preferably, the stowage device is configured to directly stow the goods stored in the temporary storage at the stowage position in the order of stowage of the goods based on the stowage plan. Have been. According to this structure, it is not necessary to provide a loading and transporting unit for transporting the delivery from the temporary storage to the loading position, so that the equipment used in the distribution system can be reduced.

A temporary storage system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a temporary storage in which a plurality of deliveries delivered by a predetermined delivery medium are temporarily stored collectively and a temporary storage in the temporary storage in a temporary storage. Temporary storage and transfer mechanism located at the storage position, temporary storage or an information acquisition unit that obtains information on the delivery items upstream of the temporary storage, and a temporary storage that was obtained by the information acquisition unit A stowage plan creation unit that creates a stowage plan for stowing a plurality of deliveries on a predetermined delivery medium based on information of the deliverables; and a stowage storage unit arranged in a temporary storage area in an order based on the stowage plan. And a stowage control unit that controls the temporary storage and transfer mechanism to convey a plurality of deliveries to the delivery position of the stowage operation .

  In the temporary storage system according to the second aspect of the present invention, similarly to the physical distribution system according to the first aspect, in a physical distribution system including the temporary storage system, it becomes difficult to efficiently load delivery items onto a delivery medium. Can be suppressed. Further, by providing the temporary storage system with the temporary storage and transfer mechanism, the delivery can be automatically arranged at the temporary storage position in the temporary storage place.

  According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a physical distribution system and a temporary storage system capable of suppressing a difficulty in efficiently stacking a delivery on a delivery medium.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a physical distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram in the physical distribution system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the vicinity of a shipping place of the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a shipping place of the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the table | surface which matched the individual identification code of the delivery in the physical distribution system by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the plane coordinate of a temporary storage position. 6 is a table in which the order of stacking the delivery items in the physical distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the individual identification code of the delivery items, and the three-dimensional coordinates of the loading position. It is a stowage image in the physical distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating a loading step in the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating a loading step in the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the vicinity of a shipping place of a distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical side view showing the packing process in the physical distribution system by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical side view showing the packing process in the physical distribution system by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, a configuration of a physical distribution system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Schematic configuration of distribution system)
As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment is a system for sorting received goods P and shipping them to a delivery destination, and is provided in a distribution facility (distribution warehouse) 100a. .

  The distribution facility 100a is provided with a receiving berth 1, a receiving place 2, a pass-type sorting area 3, a storage-type sorting area 4, a measuring area 5, a shipping place 6, and a shipping berth 7. . Note that the same number of measurement areas 5 and shipping places 6 are provided, respectively, and the distribution system 100 is configured so that the delivery items P of different delivery destinations can be transported. In the first embodiment, “upstream side” means the receiving side in the transport path on which the delivery P is transported, and “downstream side” means the shipping side in the transport path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the distribution system 100 further includes a distribution system management control unit 8a and a stowage control unit 8b that control the transport of the delivery P, and an output unit 8c. The distribution system management control unit 8a is connected to an external external overall management control unit M. Further, the distribution system management control unit 8a and the stowage control unit 8b are configured to be able to transmit and receive information on the delivery P with the connected equipment. The specific control of the distribution system management control unit 8a and the stowage control unit 8b will be described later. The output unit 8c is connected to the stowage control unit 8b, and is provided to output a form (see FIG. 6) and a stowage image (see FIG. 7) described later. Specifically, the output unit 8c has a function of printing the form and the stowed image on paper and displaying the image and the image on a predetermined monitor. The output unit 8c may be configured to perform only one of printing and image display. The stowage control unit 8b is an example of the “stowage plan creation unit” in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the arrival berth 1 is an area where the arrival vehicle C1 is parked. In the receiving berth 1, the delivery P is received from the receiving vehicle C1 into the distribution facility 100a. The receiving berth 1 is provided with a plurality of receiving openings 11. In the receiving berth 1, the receiving vehicle C1 is parked such that the rear end of the receiving vehicle C1 is in contact with the receiving opening 11, and the delivery P is carried in from the receiving vehicle C1.

  In the receiving place 2, the deliveries P received from the receiving berth 1 are sorted so as to be transported to the pass-type sorting area 3 or the storage-type sorting area 4. The receiving place 2 is provided with a receiving conveyor 21, a barcode reader 22, and a direction switching unit 23, which constitute the distribution system 100. The receiving conveyor 21 transports the delivery P received from the receiving berth 1. The barcode reader 22 has a function of reading a barcode attached to the delivery P conveyed on the receiving conveyor 21. The direction switching unit 23 switches the destination of the delivery P transported to the receiving conveyor 21 to the pass-type sorting area 3 or the storage-type sorting area 4. The barcode reader 22 and the direction switching unit 23 are connected to the distribution system management control unit 8a as shown in FIG.

  The pass-through sorting area 3 is provided on the first floor of the distribution facility 100a. In the passing-type sorting area 3, among the received deliveries P, deliveries P that are shipped as they are without being stored in an automatic warehouse 45 described later are transported. In the pass-through sorting area 3, a central conveyor 31 and a plurality of branch conveyors 32 constituting the distribution system 100 are provided. The central conveyor 31 conveys the deliveries P sorted so as to be conveyed to the pass-type sorting area 3 by the direction switching unit 23. The plurality of branch conveyors 32 are branched from the central conveyor 31, respectively, and transport the delivery P to the corresponding measurement area 5.

  Further, a direction switching unit 33 configuring the distribution system 100 is provided at a connection position of the central conveyor 31 with the branch conveyor 32. The direction switching unit 33 has a function of guiding the delivery P conveyed on the central conveyor 31 to the corresponding branch conveyor 32. The direction switching unit 33 is connected to the physical distribution system management control unit 8a as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the storage type sorting area 4 is provided on the second floor of the distribution facility 100a. In the storage type sorting area 4, among the received deliveries P, the deliveries P waiting to be shipped are sorted and transported. The storage type sorting area 4 is provided with a central conveyor 41 and a plurality of branch conveyors 42, which constitute the distribution system 100. The central conveyor 41 transports the deliveries P sorted by the direction switching unit 23 to be transported to the storage-type sorting area 4. The plurality of branch conveyors 42 are branched from the central conveyor 41, respectively, and transport the delivery P to the corresponding measurement area 5.

  Further, a direction switching unit 43 configuring the distribution system 100 is provided at a connection position of the central conveyor 41 with the branch conveyor 42. The direction switching unit 43 has a function of guiding a predetermined delivery P conveyed on the central conveyor 41 to a corresponding branch conveyor 42. The direction switching unit 43 is connected to the physical distribution system management control unit 8a as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the central conveyor 41 is provided with a barcode reader 44 constituting the physical distribution system 100. The bar code reader 44 has a function of reading a bar code attached to a delivery P conveyed on the central conveyor 41. The barcode reader 44 is connected to the physical distribution system management controller 8a as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage type sorting area 4 is further provided with an automatic warehouse 45 constituting the distribution system 100. The automatic warehouse 45 has a function of storing the delivered goods P until there is a shipping instruction. The automatic warehouse 45 is connected to the physical distribution system management control unit 8a as shown in FIG.

  Here, since the configuration of each of the plurality of measurement areas 5 and the plurality of shipping locations 6 is the same, hereinafter, only one measurement area 5 and one shipping location 6 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the measurement area 5 is provided with a transport conveyor 51, a shape measurement unit 52, and a weight measurement unit 53, which constitute the distribution system 100. The transport conveyor 51 is connected to the corresponding branch conveyors 32 and 42, and transports the delivery P. The shape measuring unit 52 and the weight measuring unit 53 are examples of the “information acquiring unit” in the claims.

  The shape measuring unit 52 is provided on the transport conveyor 51 and has a function of measuring the size of the delivery P passing therethrough. Specifically, the shape measuring unit 52 measures an outer dimension including the width, length, and height of the delivery P. Further, the shape measuring unit 52 includes an optical sensor or a camera. The weight measuring section 53 is provided on the transport conveyor 51 and has a function of measuring the weight of the passing delivery P. The shape measuring unit 52 and the weight measuring unit 53 are connected to the distribution system management control unit 8a as shown in FIG.

  Further, the measurement area 5 is provided with an input section 54 that allows a worker (not shown) to input special items of the transported goods P that constitute the distribution system 100. For example, the delivery P is not a general cardboard packaging but a fragile packaging made of a paper bag, on which another delivery P cannot be stacked, or is easily broken such as glass. In this case, the special items (the upper surface cannot be stacked) of the delivery P are input to the input unit 54 by the operator. The input unit 54 is connected to the physical distribution system management control unit 8a. The input unit 54 is an example of the “information acquisition unit” in the claims.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shipping place 6 is provided with a stocking lift 61, a temporary storage space 62, a gripping mechanism 63, and a stocking lift 64, which constitute the distribution system 100. The temporary storage 62 is provided on the mezzanine floor above the shipping floor (first floor) where the shipping vehicle C2 such as a truck is parked. The storage lift 61 and the holding mechanism 63 are both examples of the “temporary storage and transfer mechanism” in the claims.

  The stocking lift 61 is connected to the transport conveyor 51, and delivers the goods P transported by the transport conveyor 51 provided on the first floor to a position substantially at the same level as the temporary storage place 62 on the mezzanine floor. It has a function of transporting the object P. In addition, the storage lift 61 is provided with a positioning table 61a having a function of aligning the direction of the delivery P transported to the transport conveyor 51.

  The temporary storage 62 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above in a plan view, and has a flat surface shape. The temporary storage 62 is provided downstream of the barcode readers 22 and 44, the shape measuring unit 52, the weight measuring unit 53, and the input unit 54. In addition, the temporary storage 62 is configured to temporarily store the delivery P in a flat state without being stacked.

  The gripping mechanism 63 is a so-called gantry type (gate type), and is provided above the temporary storage 62 (Z1 side). The gripping mechanism 63 includes a pair of fixed rails 63a extending in the Y direction, a pair of movable rails 63b extending in the X direction, a robot support 63c, and an orthogonal robot 63d supported by the robot support 63c. I have.

  The pair of fixed rails 63a are provided outside both ends of the temporary storage 62 in the X direction. Specifically, the fixed rail 63a on the X2 side is provided on the X2 side of the warehouse lift 61, and the fixed rail 63a on the X1 side is provided on the X1 side of the warehouse lift 64. In addition, the pair of fixed rails 63a extend beyond both ends in the Y direction of the temporary storage 62. The pair of movable rails 63b are attached to the pair of fixed rails 63a so as to be movable in the Y direction in which the pair of fixed rails 63a extend. In addition, the pair of movable rails 63b extend outside both ends of the temporary storage 62 in the X direction. Specifically, the ends on the X1 side of the pair of movable rails 63b are located on the X1 side of the storage lift 61. Further, the ends of the pair of movable rails 63b on the X2 side are located on the X2 side of the unloading lift 64. The robot support 63c is attached to the pair of movable rails 63b so as to be movable in the X direction in which the pair of movable rails 63b extends.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the orthogonal robot 63d has a shaft portion 63e movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a grip portion 63f attached to an end of the shaft portion 63e on the Z2 side. . The grip portion 63f is attached to the shaft portion 63e so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. Further, the grip 63f has a function of holding the delivery P by sandwiching it between two plates. The grip 63f may be configured to grip the delivery P by vacuum suction. In FIG. 4, the temporary storage 62 is indicated by a double-dashed line for easy understanding.

  As a result, the gripping mechanism 63 can move the gripping portion 63f in four directions of the X direction and the Y direction (horizontal plane), the Z direction (vertical direction), and the rotation direction around the rotation axis. It is configured as follows. Accordingly, the gripping mechanism 63 grips the delivery P on the storage lift 61 and lifts it in the Z1 direction under the control of the stowage controller 8b, moves in the horizontal plane, and temporarily holds the gripped delivery P. The delivery P can be unloaded in the Z2 direction so as to be placed at a predetermined temporary storage position in the storage 62. Further, the gripping mechanism 63 grips the delivery P arranged at the predetermined temporary storage position, lifts the delivery P in the Z1 direction, moves in the horizontal plane, and places the gripped delivery P on the retrieval lift 64. Thus, it is possible to drop the delivery P in the Z2 direction. Here, since the positioning table 61a is provided in the storage lift 61, the gripping mechanism 63 can easily and accurately grip the delivery P on the storage lift 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the delivery P is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area 62 by the stowage control section 8b, the shape measurement section 52, the weight measurement section 53, the input section 54, the temporary storage area 62, and the gripping mechanism section 63. A temporary storage system 100b for temporarily storing is configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the delivery lift 64 has a function of transporting the delivery P by lowering the delivery P transported from the temporary storage place 62 by the gripping mechanism 63 from the mezzanine floor to the first floor. Have.

  The shipping site 6 is further provided with a transport roller 65, a positioning table 66, and a stacking device 67, which constitute the distribution system 100. The transport roller 65, the positioning table 66, and the stacking device 67 are integrally configured to be movable in the X direction between the shipping place 6 and the loading platform B of the shipping vehicle C2 parked at the shipping berth 7. Have been.

  The transport roller 65 transports the delivery P transported from the delivery lift 64 to the positioning table 66. The positioning table 66, like the positioning table 61a, aligns the direction of the delivery P transported by the transport rollers 65.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the stacking device 67 includes a carriage 67a, a movable rail 67b extending in the Y direction and attached to the carriage 67a so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a movable rail 67b in the Y direction. It has a robot support 67c movably mounted and an orthogonal robot 67d mounted on the robot support 67c. The orthogonal robot 67d includes a shaft 67e that is movable in the X direction, and a grip 67f attached to an end of the shaft 67e on the X1 side. The holding portion 67f is attached to the shaft portion 67e so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the X direction. Further, similarly to the grip portion 63f, the grip portion 67f has a function of sandwiching and gripping the delivery P.

  As a result, under the control of the stowage control section 8b, the stowage device 67 moves the gripping section 67f in four directions of the Y direction and the Z direction (horizontal plane), the X direction (vertical direction), and the rotation direction around the rotation axis. It is configured to be able to move in the axial direction (five axial directions including the movement of the carriage 67a in the X direction). Thereby, the stacking device 67 holds the delivery P on the positioning table 66, moves the delivery P held in the horizontal plane and in the vertical direction, and moves the held delivery P to the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2. Can be arranged in a predetermined stacking position.

  In the shipping area 6, a manual shipping area 68 is provided on the shipping floor (first floor) below the temporary storage area 62. The human-powered shipping area 68 is an area where the delivery items P are stacked by a worker (not shown). In the human-powered shipping area 68, at the time of collection of the human-powered shipping area 68, the deliveries P on the transport conveyor 51 are transported to a predetermined temporary storage position by an operator and temporarily stored therein. Is loaded in the shipping vehicle C2 by the worker. Note that FIG. 4 does not show the delivery P arranged in the manual shipping area 68 for easy understanding.

  The shipping berth 7 is an area where the shipping vehicle C2 is parked. At the shipping berth 7, the delivery P is loaded from the distribution facility 100a onto the shipping vehicle C2 and shipped. The shipping berth 7 is provided with a plurality of shipping openings 71. At the shipping berth 7, the shipping vehicle C2 is parked so that the rear end of the loading platform B of the shipping vehicle C2 on the X2 side is in contact with the shipping opening 71, and the delivery P is loaded and shipped on the loading platform B of the shipping vehicle C2. . The shipping vehicle C2 is an example of the “delivery medium” and the “delivery vehicle” in the claims.

  In the distribution facility 100a, one set of the measurement area 5 and the shipping place 6 are provided for each of the three shipping openings 71. Further, the unloading lift 64, the transport roller 65, the positioning table 66, and the stacking device 67 are integrally configured to be movable in the Y direction. Thereby, the delivery lift 64, the transport roller 65, the positioning table 66, and the stacking device 67 are moved to the position corresponding to the shipping opening 71 where the corresponding shipping vehicle C2 is parked, and the delivery P is delivered to the shipping vehicle C2. It is possible to stow.

(Transportation of deliveries in the distribution system)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, a description will be given of the transport of the delivery P in the distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the distribution system 100, the delivery of the delivery P is configured to be controlled by the distribution system management control unit 8a and the stowage control unit 8b (see FIG. 2). Further, in the first embodiment, one shipping vehicle C2 is provided with one of four delivery destinations (a first delivery destination, a second delivery destination, a third delivery destination, and a fourth delivery destination). It is assumed that a plurality of deliveries P to be delivered are collectively stacked.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the delivery P received from the receiving berth 1 is placed on the receiving conveyor 21 in the receiving place 2. Then, the barcode attached to the delivery P is read by the barcode reader 22 while the delivery P is being conveyed on the receiving conveyor 21. The read barcode is transmitted from the barcode reader 22 to the physical distribution system management controller 8a.

  The distribution system management control unit 8a associates the barcode attached to the delivery P with the individual identification code including the delivery code of the delivery P. Then, the distribution system management control unit 8a is based on a shipping instruction (a delivery code, a quantity of the delivery P corresponding to the delivery code, and a delivery destination code) from an external external overall management control unit M (see FIG. 2). Information on the delivery P or information that the delivery P is temporarily stored is acquired as information on the delivery P.

  Then, the distribution system management control unit 8a determines the transport destination of the delivery P to the pass-through sorting area 3 or the storage-type sorting area 4 based on the acquired information on the delivery P. The distribution system management control unit 8a passes the delivery P through the direction switching unit 23 to transport the delivery P to the destination area (the pass-type sorting area 3 or the storage-type sorting area 4). By driving the direction switching unit 23 at the timing, the delivery P is guided to the corresponding destination area.

  In addition, the distribution system management control unit 8a transports the delivery P based on the delivery destination information (delivery destination code) of the delivery P to the delivery P transported to the pass-through sorting area 3. The measurement area 5 and the shipping place 6 are determined, and information on the measuring area 5 and the shipping place 6 is transmitted to the stowage control unit 8b. Further, the distribution system management control unit 8a associates the determined measurement area 5 and shipping place 6 with the individual identification code of the delivery P.

  Then, the distribution system management controller 8a moves the delivery P in a predetermined direction to transport the delivery P to the branch conveyor 32 connected to the measurement area 5 and the shipping place 6 corresponding to the delivery destination of the delivery P. By driving the direction switching unit 33 at the timing of passing through the switching unit 33, the delivery P conveyed on the central conveyor 31 is guided to the corresponding branch conveyor 32.

  In addition, the distribution system management control unit 8a transports the delivery P transported to the storage type sorting area 4 to the automatic warehouse 45 based on the information that the delivery P is temporarily stored, and associates the delivery P with the barcode. Based on the individual identification code, the inventory management of the automatic warehouse 45 (such as grasping the quantity of the delivery P in the automatic warehouse 45) is performed. In the automatic warehouse 45, information on the temporary storage location (baggage room address) of the delivery P is stored in association with the individual identification code of the delivery P.

  When the distribution system management control unit 8a receives the delivery instruction of the predetermined delivery P in the automatic warehouse 45 and the delivery destination of the delivery P from the external general management control unit M, the distribution control The delivery of the delivery P is instructed. The automatic warehouse 45 takes out a predetermined delivery P based on the stored luggage room address.

  The barcode is read by the barcode reader 44 while the delivery P delivered from the automatic warehouse 45 is transported on the central conveyor 41. The read barcode is transmitted from the barcode reader 44 to the physical distribution system management controller 8a. Further, the distribution system management control unit 8a associates the delivery destination of the delivery P received together with the delivery instruction from the external external overall management control unit M with the individual identification code based on the barcode. Further, the distribution system management control unit 8a associates the determined measurement area 5 and shipping place 6 with the individual identification code of the delivery P.

  Then, the distribution system management control unit 8a determines the timing at which the delivery P passes through the predetermined direction switching unit 43 in order to transport the delivery P to the branch conveyor 42 connected to the determined measurement area 5 and shipping place 6. By driving the direction switching unit 43, the delivery P conveyed through the central conveyor 41 is guided to the corresponding branch conveyor 42.

  The delivery P transported from the pass-through sorting area 3 or the storage-type sorting area 4 to the measurement area 5 is transported to the transport conveyor 51 as shown in FIGS. The weight and the weight measuring unit 53 measure the size and weight of the delivery P, respectively. The measured information of the size of the delivery P and the information of the weight of the delivery P are transmitted from the shape measurement unit 52 and the weight measurement unit 53 to the stowage control unit 8b, respectively. Then, the stowage control unit 8b associates the information of the size and weight of the delivery P with the individual recognition code of the delivery P as the information of the delivery P. In addition, when special information of the delivery P is input to the input unit 54 (see FIG. 2) by the operator, information of the special information is transmitted from the input unit 54 to the stowage control unit 8b. Then, the stowage control unit 8b associates the information of the special items of the delivery P with the individual recognition code of the delivery P as the information of the delivery P.

  In addition, the delivery P transported to the transport conveyor 51 is transported to the storage lift 61 and lifted to the same height position as the temporary storage 62. After that, the delivery P is positioned by the positioning table 61a.

<Control for temporary storage>
Here, in the first embodiment, the stowage control unit 8b, when collecting the temporary storage 62 (at the time of temporary storage), based on the information of the delivery P, the delivery P lifted by the storage lift 61. The temporary storage location in the temporary storage 62 is determined. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the stowage control unit 8b divides the temporary storage area 62 into four temporary storage locations 62 in the Y direction in order to sort the plurality of deliverables P for each delivery destination of the deliverables P. It is virtually divided into storage areas E1, E2, E3 and E4. Then, the stowage control unit 8b stores the delivery P delivered to the first delivery destination in the temporary storage area E1 on the Y1 side and the delivery P delivered to the second delivery destination in the temporary storage area E2. Then, the delivery P delivered to the third delivery destination is assigned to the temporary storage area E3, and the delivery P delivered to the fourth delivery destination is assigned to the temporary storage area E4 on the Y2 side. Then, the stowage control unit 8b determines the temporary storage position of the delivery P based on the information on the delivery destination of the delivery P as the information of the delivery P, and stores the temporary storage position of the delivery P in any one of the temporary storage areas E1 to E4. The temporary storage position is determined. Thereby, a plurality of deliveries P having the same delivery destination are arranged in any of the temporary storage areas E1 to E4 of the temporary storage area 62.

  In addition, the stowage control unit 8b sets the temporary storage area 62 in the X-direction to have three temporary storage areas in order to sort the delivery items P by the destination in addition to sorting the delivery items P by the weight. It is virtually divided into F1, F2 and F3. Then, the stowage control unit 8b determines that the weight of the delivery P is greater than or equal to the first weight threshold in the temporary storage area F1 on the X1 side and the weight of the delivery P is greater than or equal to the second weight threshold. A delivery P having a weight less than 1 weight threshold is allocated to the temporary storage area F2, and a delivery P having a weight less than the second weight threshold is allocated to the temporary storage area F3 on the X2 side. Then, the stowage control unit 8b determines the temporary storage position of the delivery P in any of the temporary storage areas F1 to F3 based on the information on the weight of the delivery P as the information on the delivery P. . As a result, the stowage control unit 8b stores the temporary storage of each delivery P in any of the temporary storage areas divided into 12 (for example, the temporary storage area E1 and the temporary storage area of the temporary storage area F2). Determine the storage location.

  In addition, the stowage control unit 8b uses the information on the size (floor projected area) of the delivery P as information on the delivery P in order to prevent the delivery P from coming into contact with another delivery P. Then, the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the center position of the delivery P in the temporary storage 62 are calculated so that the delivery P is arranged at a predetermined gap from the other delivery P, and FIG. As shown in (1), information on the calculated plane coordinates (X, Y) is stored as the temporary storage position of the delivery P. That is, the stowage control unit 8b stores the individual identification code of the delivery P in association with the calculated plane coordinates (X, Y). Then, the stowage control unit 8b transmits the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the delivery P to the gripping mechanism unit 63. As shown in FIG. 8A, the gripping mechanism 63 is based on the received information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the delivery P and the originally stored information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the storage lift 61. Then, the delivery P on the storage lift 61 is transferred to the temporary storage position of the temporary storage 62 (transported and arranged). In the distribution system 100 of the first embodiment, the calculation of the temporary storage position and the arrangement of the delivery P to the temporary storage position are performed in such a manner that all the delivery P delivered to the shipping vehicle C2 is located in the temporary storage 62. Continue until

<Control for stowage>
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the stowage control unit 8b determines that all of the deliverables P delivered to the shipping vehicle C2 are located in the temporary storage 62. Based on the information of the size, weight, delivery destination, and special notes of the delivery P, the loading plan of the delivery P in the shipping vehicle C2 is created. At this time, the stowage control unit 8b creates a stowage plan so that the delivery P can be stowed efficiently according to the space shape in the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2. Also, the stowage control unit 8b collects the delivery items P with the same delivery destination (delivery destination condition), and places the delivery items P on the delivery items P with special instructions that the upper surface cannot be stacked. Are stacked according to special instructions such as not being placed (special conditions), the heavy goods P are arranged below (weight conditions), and the large goods P are arranged below ( Based on the four loading conditions (size condition), a loading plan for the delivery P in the shipping vehicle C2 is created. The priority order of the four stacking conditions is the order of the delivery destination condition, the special condition condition, the weight condition, and the size condition.

  Here, in the barcode readers 22 and 44, the shape measuring unit 52, the weight measuring unit 53, and the input unit 54 provided on the upstream side of the temporary storage 62, the delivery destination, size, weight, and The stowage control unit 8b prepares a stowage plan for the delivery P in a state where the information of the special notes is acquired, so that the stowage control unit 8b loads the delivery P so that the delivery P is optimally arranged. It is possible to create an attachment plan. Also, since all of the deliverables P are temporarily stored in the temporary storage area 62, unlike the case where the deliverables P are loaded on the shipping vehicle C2 in the order in which they are transported, the transported products P are optimally loaded. The delivery P can be stacked on the shipping vehicle C2.

  At this time, the stowage control unit 8b determines the size (floor projected area) of the delivery P as information on the delivery P in order to prevent the delivery P from contacting another delivery P. Based on the information, the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) of the center position of the delivery P in the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 so that the delivery P is arranged at a predetermined gap from the other delivery P. ) Is calculated to create a packing plan for the delivery P. In the loading plan of the delivery P, as shown in FIG. 6, the loading order of the delivery P, the individual identification code of the delivery P, and the loading position of the delivery P (calculated solid coordinates) (X, y, z)).

  Then, the stowage control unit 8b sets the plane coordinates (X, Y) as the temporary storage position of the temporary storage 62 corresponding to the delivery P in the order of loading of the delivery P determined based on the created loading plan. Is transmitted to the gripping mechanism 63, and information on the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) of the position at which the delivery P is stacked is transmitted to the stacking device 67.

  Further, the stowage control unit 8b transmits the created stowage plan to the output unit 8c as information of a form in which the stowage order shown in FIG. 6 is described and stowage images shown in FIG. Then, the form and the stowed image are output by the output unit 8c. That is, the form and the stowed image are printed and passed to the driver of the shipping vehicle C2, etc., and are used as a part of the slip, and are used when the driver unloads the delivery P. The form and the stowed image are displayed on a monitor (not shown) provided at the terminal of the shipping vehicle C2, the shipping place 6, and the driver (delivery person).

  When the temporary storage 62 is stowed, the stowage control unit 8b moves the unloading lift 64, the transport roller 65, the positioning table 66 to a position corresponding to the shipping opening 71 where the corresponding shipping vehicle C2 is parked. Then, the loading device 67 is moved. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the stowage control unit 8b moves the transport roller 65, the positioning table 66, and the stowage device 67 in the X1 direction (in the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, the gripping mechanism 63 loads the delivery P arranged at the temporary storage position based on the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) transmitted in the loading order. It is transported to the delivery lift 64 in order. The deliveries P are transported by the delivery lift 64 and the transport rollers 65 to the positioning table 66 in the order of stacking. The stowage device 67 directly transfers the delivery P to the stowage position in the loading bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 based on the information of the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) transmitted in the stowage order. Stow. In addition, the delivery P is piled up from the lower side of the carrier B to the upper side. In addition, the delivery items P are stacked in order from the back side (X1 side) of the loading bed B toward the opening side (X2 side) in a state of being grouped for each delivery destination. At this time, the delivery destination where the delivery of the delivery P is the last is stacked on the back side, and the delivery destination where the delivery of the delivery P is the earliest is stacked on the opening side.

  When the loading device 67 completes the loading of the delivery P to the shipping vehicle C2 by the loading device 67, as shown in FIG. 9D, the transporting roller 65, the positioning table 66, and the The attachment device 67 is moved in the X2 direction. Finally, the shipping vehicle C2 in which the loading of the delivery P is completed departs from the shipping berth 7.

  Note that, at the time of collection (temporary storage) of the temporary storage area 62, as shown in FIG. 3, a worker can perform a stacking operation in the manual shipping area 68. In other words, in the manual shipping area 68, it is possible to load the delivery P on the shipping vehicle C2 different from the shipping vehicle C2 loaded on the temporary storage 62. When the temporary storage area 62 is loaded, the worker can perform a collection operation (temporary storage operation) in the human-powered shipping area 68. That is, in the manual shipping area 68, the delivery P conveyed by the transport conveyor 51 can be temporarily stored in the manual shipping area 68. Thus, when one of the temporary storage area 62 or the manual shipping area 68 is performing the collection operation, the other can perform the stacking operation, and the temporary storage area 62 or the manual shipping area 68 is used for the stacking operation. While the work is being performed, the other can perform the collection work. As a result, in the distribution system 100, it is possible to perform the shipping operation of the delivery P in parallel so that at least a part of the cycle time obtained by adding the collection time and the loading time overlaps. It is possible to increase the number of shipping vehicles C2 that can be loaded in one shipping place 6.

(Effects of First Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the distribution system 100 includes a shape measurement unit 52, a weight measurement unit 53, and an input unit 54 that acquire information on the delivery P on the upstream side of the temporary storage 62, A temporary storage 62 is provided for temporarily storing a plurality of deliveries P delivered by the shipping vehicle C2 collectively. Thereby, all the information of the deliverables P that are collectively stored in the temporary storage 62 while the plurality of deliveries P delivered by the predetermined shipping vehicle C2 are collectively arranged in the temporary storage 62 is displayed. Since it is possible to acquire, it is possible to create a loading plan that can be efficiently loaded based on all information of the delivery P that is collectively stored in the temporary storage 62. As a result, in the distribution system 100, it is possible to suppress a difficulty in efficiently stacking the delivery P on the shipping vehicle C2. Therefore, in the distribution system 100, it is possible to shorten the stacking time and improve the stacking quality such as prevention of damage to the delivery P.

  Also, by providing the distribution system 100 with a loading lift 61 and a gripping mechanism 63 for disposing the delivery P at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage 62, temporary storage for temporarily storing the delivery P collectively. The delivery P can be automatically arranged at the temporary storage position of the place 62.

  In the first embodiment, the logistics system 100 is provided with the stacking device 67 that automatically stacks the cargo in the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2, thereby effectively reducing the number of workers for stacking the delivery P. can do.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the provisional storage place 62 is provided on the mezzanine floor, which is the upper floor of the delivery floor where the predetermined shipping vehicle C2 is disposed, so that the provisional storage place 62 is the same as the delivery floor. Unlike the case where the delivery floor is provided on the floor, the shipping floor (the first floor) can be effectively used as a space (manpower supply area 68) for temporarily storing the delivery P separately from the temporary storage place 62. Thereby, the temporary storage 62 for temporarily storing the delivery P collectively can be provided in the distribution facility 100a while maintaining the function of the conventional shipping position (shipping floor).

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the gripping mechanism 63 is configured to arrange the delivery P at a predetermined temporary storage position based on the information of the delivery P, so that the delivery P The delivery P can be arranged in the temporary storage 62 so that efficient packing can be performed on the basis of the information.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the gripping mechanism 63 is configured to transfer a plurality of delivery items P having the same delivery destination based on the delivery destination information of the delivery item P as information of the delivery item P. The temporary storage area 62 is arranged in any one of the temporary storage areas E1 to E4. Thereby, a plurality of deliveries P having the same delivery destination can be arranged close to each other in the temporary storage 62, so that the deliveries P having the same delivery destination are located in the same area of the predetermined shipping vehicle C2. When they are piled together, they can be efficiently packed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the gripping mechanism 63 provided above the temporary storage 62 (on the Z1 side) is moved vertically by gripping the delivery P transported to the temporary storage 62. It is configured to be lifted in the (Z1 direction), moved in the horizontal plane, and lowered in the vertical direction (Z2 direction) to a predetermined temporary storage position. Accordingly, the delivery P can be moved in the horizontal plane while being gripped and lifted by the gripping mechanism 63. Therefore, when the delivery P is placed in the temporary storage position, the delivery P is stored in the temporary storage place 62. It is possible to prevent another delivery P from becoming an obstacle. As a result, the delivery P can be easily arranged at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage 62.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the gripping mechanism 63 grips the delivery P transported to the temporary storage 62 by the storage lift 61, lifts the delivery P in the vertical direction (Z1 direction), and moves in the horizontal plane. At the same time, it is configured so as to be lowered to a predetermined temporary storage position in the vertical direction (Z2 direction). Thus, the delivery P can be easily transferred to the temporary storage 62 provided on a different floor using the storage lift 61 and the gripping mechanism 63.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the stacking device 67 is configured to stack the deliveries P sequentially conveyed by the unloading lift 64 and the conveyance rollers 65 at the stacking position based on the stacking plan. Constitute. Thereby, the deliveries P sequentially transported in the loading order can be reliably loaded at the loading position based on the loading plan.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a configuration of a physical distribution system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 10, and 11. In the distribution system 200 according to the second embodiment, unlike the distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment, an example in which the delivery P is stacked on a pallet 268 will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Schematic configuration of distribution system)
The distribution system 200 according to the second embodiment includes the receiving berth 1, the receiving place 2, the passing sorting area 3, the storage sorting area 4, the measurement area 5, and the shipping berth of the distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. It has the same configuration as the berth 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the distribution system 200 is provided with a shipping place 206 instead of the shipping place 6 of the first embodiment. The shipping area 206 is divided into a temporary storage section 206a provided with a temporary storage area 262 and a pallet stacking section 206b provided on the X1 side of the temporary storage section 206a. The temporary storage area 262 is provided in the temporary storage section 206a, and is provided on the mezzanine floor above the shipping floor (first floor). Note that the shipping place 206 is not provided with a loading lift, a loading lift, a transport roller, and a positioning table.

  The temporary storage space 262 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above in a plan view and in a flat surface shape. The temporary storage 262 is provided downstream of the barcode readers 22 and 44 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the shape measuring unit 52, the weight measuring unit 53, and the input unit 54. The temporary storage 262 is configured to temporarily store the delivery P in a flat state without being stacked.

  Further, a gripping mechanism 263 is provided in the temporary storage part 206a of the shipping place 206. The gripping mechanism 263 is of a so-called gantry type, and is provided above the temporary storage 262. The gripping mechanism 263 includes a pair of fixed rails 263a extending in the X direction, a pair of movable rails 263b extending in the Y direction, a robot support 263c, and an orthogonal robot 63d supported by the robot support 263c. I have. The gripping mechanism 263 is an example of the “temporary storage and transfer mechanism” in the claims.

  The pair of fixed rails 263a are provided outside both ends of the temporary storage 262 in the Y direction. The ends of the pair of fixed rails 263a on the X1 side are located on the X2 side of the transport conveyor 51. The pair of movable rails 263b are attached to the pair of fixed rails 263a so as to be movable in the X direction in which the pair of fixed rails 263a extend. In addition, the pair of movable rails 263b extend outside both ends of the temporary storage 262 in the Y direction. The robot support 263c is attached to the pair of movable rails 263b so as to be movable in the Y direction in which the pair of movable rails 263b extends. The orthogonal robot 63d has a shaft portion 63e and a grip portion 63f.

  As a result, the gripping mechanism unit 263 can move the gripper 63f in four axial directions of the X direction and the Y direction (horizontal plane), the Z direction (vertical direction), and the rotation direction around the rotation axis. It is configured as follows. Accordingly, the gripping mechanism 263 grips the delivery P on the transport conveyor 51, lifts the delivery P in the Z1 direction, moves in the horizontal plane, and moves the gripped delivery P to a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage area 262. , It is possible to unload the delivery P in the Z2 direction. In addition, the gripping mechanism 263 lifts the delivery P arranged at the predetermined temporary storage position in the Z1 direction, moves in the horizontal plane, and moves the gripped delivery P to a gripping area G (described later) of the temporary storage 262. It is possible to unload the delivery P in the Z2 direction so as to arrange it above.

  In addition, a gantry type stacking device 267, a pallet 268, and a pallet moving mechanism 269 are provided in the pallet stacking portion 206b of the shipping place 206.

  The pallet 268 is formed of a single rectangular plate member that is long in the X direction. Note that the planar size as viewed from above the pallet 268 is slightly smaller than the planar size as viewed from above within the carrier B of the shipping vehicle C2. Thereby, the pallet 268 can be moved into the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2. The pallet 268 may be composed of a plurality of pallets.

  The pallet moving mechanism 269 includes a plurality of (four) rails 269a that extend in the Y direction and to which the stacking device 267 and the pallet 268 are movably mounted. The pallet moving mechanism 269 can move the stacking device 267 and the pallet 268 to a position corresponding to the shipping opening 71 where the shipping vehicle C2 is parked. The pallet moving mechanism 269 is configured to move the pallet 268 in the X direction, and as a result, moves the pallet 268 between the inside of the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 and the pallet stacking portion 206b. It is possible to do.

  The stacking device 267 has the same configuration as the gripping mechanism 263. Specifically, the stacking device 267 includes a pair of fixed rails 267a extending in the X direction, a pair of movable rails 267b extending in the Y direction, a robot support 267c, and an orthogonal robot supported by the robot support 267c. 267d.

  The pair of fixed rails 267a are provided outside both ends of the pallet 268 in the Y direction. Further, the X2 side ends of the pair of fixed rails 267a extend to the X2 side from the grip area G of the temporary storage 262. The pair of movable rails 267b are attached to the pair of fixed rails 267a so as to be movable in the X direction in which the pair of fixed rails 267a extend. In addition, the pair of movable rails 267b extend outside both ends of the temporary storage 262 in the Y direction. The robot support 267c is attached to the pair of movable rails 267b so as to be movable in the Y direction in which the pair of movable rails 267b extends.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the orthogonal robot 267d includes a shaft 267e that can move in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a grip 267f attached to an end of the shaft 267e on the Z2 side. The grip 267f is attached to the shaft 267e so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. In addition, the grip 267f has a function of sandwiching and gripping the delivery P with two plates.

  As a result, the stacking device 267 can move the grip portion 267f in four axial directions of the X direction and the Y direction (horizontal plane), the Z direction (vertical direction), and the rotation direction around the rotation axis. It is configured as follows. Thereby, the stacking device 267 holds the delivery P in the holding area G in the temporary storage 262, lifts the delivery P in the Z1 direction, moves in the horizontal plane, and moves the delivery P held on the pallet 268 to a predetermined position. It is possible to unload the delivery P in the Z2 direction so as to arrange it at the loading position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the distribution system 200 includes a stowage control unit 208b instead of the stowage control unit 8b of the first embodiment. The stowage control unit 208b is configured to be able to transmit and receive information on the delivery P and the connected equipment. In addition, a temporary storage system that temporarily stores the delivery P in the temporary storage area 262 by the stowage control section 208b, the shape measurement section 52, the weight measurement section 53, the input section 54, the temporary storage area 262, and the gripping mechanism section 263. 200b is configured. The stowage control unit 208b is an example of the “stowage plan creation unit” in the claims.

(Transportation of deliveries in the distribution system)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, conveyance of the delivery P in the distribution system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the distribution system 200, the delivery of the delivery P is configured to be controlled by the distribution system management control unit 8a and the stowage control unit 208b (see FIG. 2). Further, in the physical distribution system 200 according to the second embodiment, the steps up to the measurement of the size and weight of the delivery P in the measurement area 5 and the input of special instructions are the same as those of the physical distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. I do.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the delivery P on which the measurement of the size and weight of the delivery P and the input of the special instructions have been completed is stopped at the stop position at the end of the transport conveyor 51.

<Control for temporary storage>
Then, similarly to the stowage control unit 8b of the first embodiment, the stowage control unit 208b determines the temporary storage position in the temporary storage 262 of the delivery P stopped at the stop position based on the information of the delivery P. Is configured to determine.

  Also, the stowage control unit 208b calculates the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the center position of the delivery P in the temporary storage 262 as in the stowage control unit 8b of the first embodiment, and the gripping mechanism unit 263. Send to As shown in FIG. 11A, the gripping mechanism unit 263 is based on the received information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the delivery P and the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the originally stopped position. Then, the delivery P stopped at the stop position is transferred to the temporary storage 262. In the physical distribution system 200 of the second embodiment, the calculation of the temporary storage position and the arrangement of the deliveries P to the temporary storage position are performed in such a manner that all the deliveries P delivered to the shipping vehicle C2 are located in the temporary storage place 262. Continue until

<Control for stowage>
Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), the stowage control unit 208b determines that all of the deliverables P delivered to the shipping vehicle C2 are located in the temporary storage 262. Based on the information on the size, weight, delivery destination, and special notes of the delivery P of the delivery P on the pallet 268 for loading the delivery P on the delivery vehicle C2 at once. Create In addition, at this time, the stowage control unit 208b determines the size of the delivery P (projected floor area) as information of the delivery P and places the delivery P in a predetermined gap with another delivery P. By calculating the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) (see FIG. 7) of the center position of the delivery P on the pallet 268 so as to be spaced apart, a stowage plan of the delivery P is created. Then, the stowage control unit 208b sets the plane as the temporary storage position of the temporary storage 262 corresponding to the delivery P in the order of loading of the delivery P determined based on the created loading plan (see FIG. 6). The information of the coordinates (X, Y) is transmitted to the gripping mechanism unit 263, and the information of the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) on the pallet 268 (within the cargo bed B of the virtual shipping vehicle C2) is stacked. Send to

  In addition, the stowage control unit 208b transmits the created stowage plan to the output unit 8c as information on the form in which the stowage order illustrated in FIG. 6 is described and the stowage image illustrated in FIG. 7. The form and the stowed image are printed by the output unit 8c and displayed on a monitor (not shown).

  Then, the stowage control unit 208b causes the pallet moving mechanism unit 269 to move the stowage device 267 and the pallet 268 to a position corresponding to the shipping opening 71 where the corresponding shipping vehicle C2 is parked.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 12C, the gripping mechanism unit 263 transmits the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) transmitted in the stacking order and the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the gripping area G originally possessed. , The delivery items P arranged in the temporary storage position are transported to the holding area G in the order of stacking. The stacking device 267 is arranged in the grip area G based on the information of the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) transmitted in the stacking order and the information of the plane coordinates (X, Y) of the grip area G originally possessed. The delivered items P are stacked in the stacking position on the pallet 268 in the order of stacking. Note that the delivery items P are stacked from the lower side of the pallet 268 to the upper side.

  Then, when the loading of the delivery P on the pallet 268 by the loading device 267 is completed and the corresponding shipping vehicle C2 is parked in the shipping opening 71, the loading control unit 208b returns to FIG. As shown in D), the pallet 268 is moved into the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 by the pallet moving mechanism 269. Thereby, the plurality of deliveries P are collectively loaded in the loading bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 while being stacked on the pallet 268. Note that the pallet 268 may be placed as it is in the loading platform B of the shipping vehicle C2, or the pallet 268 may be pulled out so as to leave the stacked plurality of deliverables P in the loading platform B of the shipping vehicle C2. 268 may be returned to the palletizing portion 206b.

  In addition, when the loading device 267 completes the loading of the delivery P on the pallet 268 by the loading device 267, if the corresponding shipping vehicle C2 is not parked in the shipping opening 71, the loading vehicle C2 Waits until is parked at the shipping opening 71. Then, when the shipping vehicle C2 is parked at the shipping opening 71, the pallet 268 is moved into the bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 by the pallet moving mechanism 269 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the plurality of deliveries P are collectively loaded in the loading bed B of the shipping vehicle C2 while being stacked on the pallet 268.

(Effect of Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the distribution system 200 includes a shape measurement unit 52, a weight measurement unit 53, and an input unit 54 that acquire information on the delivery P on the upstream side of the temporary storage 262, A temporary storage 262 is provided for temporarily storing a plurality of deliveries P delivered by the shipping vehicle C2 collectively. Thereby, similarly to the first embodiment, in the distribution system 200, it is possible to suppress the difficulty in efficiently stacking the delivery P on the shipping vehicle C2. Further, by providing the gripping mechanism 263 in the distribution system 200, the delivery P can be automatically arranged at the temporary storage position of the temporary storage place 262.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the delivery device P is loaded at the loading position on the pallet 268 and the delivery device P is loaded on the pallet 268 based on the loading plan. A plurality of deliverables P are collectively loaded on a predetermined shipping vehicle C2. Thereby, the delivery P can be automatically loaded on the pallet 268 by the loading device 267, so that the number of personnel for loading the delivery P is reduced as compared with the case where the delivery P is loaded manually on the shipping vehicle C2. be able to. Further, since the delivery P can be previously stacked on the pallet 268 before the arrival of the delivery vehicle C2, the time required for loading the delivery P on the delivery vehicle C2 can be effectively reduced.

  Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the loading device 267 directly loads the deliveries P stored in the temporary storage 262 to the loading position in the order of loading the deliveries P based on the loading plan. It is configured to attach. Thus, there is no need to provide a stacking and transporting unit for transporting the delivery P from the temporary storage site 262 to the stacking position, so that the equipment used in the distribution system 200 can be reduced. The other effects of the distribution system 200 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the distribution system 100 of the first embodiment.

[Modification]
The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the shape measurement unit 52, the weight measurement unit 53, and the input unit 54, which are examples of the "information acquisition unit" in the claims, are located closer to the temporary storage 62 (262). Although the example provided on the upstream side is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the information acquisition unit may be provided in the temporary storage. Even in this case, by obtaining the information on the deliverables in the temporary storage area, the stowage can be efficiently loaded based on all the information of the deliveries collectively stored in the temporary storage area. It is possible to create a plan. If it is possible to acquire the information of the delivery, another member (for example, the delivery destination written on the delivery is read and the shape is measured instead of the shape measurement unit, the weight measurement unit, and the input unit) Or the like, which can perform such operations.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the temporary storage 62 (262) is provided on the middle floor of the upper floor of the shipping floor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the temporary storage place may be provided on the lower floor of the shipping floor. Further, a temporary storage place may be provided on the shipping floor.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the stowage control unit 8b virtually divides the temporary storage area 62 into four temporary storage areas E1 to E4 for each of the four delivery destinations of the delivery P is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit virtually divides the temporary storage area into a plurality of (for example, three) temporary storage areas according to the number of delivery destinations (for example, three).

  Further, in the first embodiment, the example in which the temporary storage area 62 is virtually divided into three temporary storage areas F1 to F3 by the weight of the delivery P by the stowage control unit 8b has been described. The invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the control unit may virtually divide the temporary storage area into a plurality of temporary storage areas for each size of the delivery.

  In the first and second embodiments, the gripping mechanism 63 (263) as an example of the “temporary storage and transfer mechanism” in the claims is configured by a so-called gantry type, and the temporary storage 62 Although the example provided above (262) is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a temporary storage and transfer mechanism other than the gantry type may be provided in the distribution system as long as the delivery can be arranged at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage, or the temporary storage and transfer mechanism may be provided. It is not necessary to provide above the temporary storage area.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the delivery P is temporarily stored in the temporary storage 62 (262) in a flat state without being stacked is described. Not limited to this. In the present invention, the delivery items may be stacked in a temporary storage place. In addition, it is preferable to temporarily store the deliverables in a flat position because the gripper mechanism can quickly move the deliveries from the temporary storage position.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example is described in which the shipping vehicle C2 such as a truck is used as an example of the “delivery medium” in the claims, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a container or the like moved by a vehicle or a ship may be used as the delivery medium.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, in the distribution system 100 (200), the stowage control unit 8b (208b) (stowage plan creation unit) that creates a stowage plan has a specific temporary storage position plane. An example is shown in which the coordinates and the solid coordinates of the stacking position are calculated, and only the plane coordinates and the solid coordinates are transmitted to the gripping mechanism 63 (263) and the stacking device 67 (267), respectively. Not limited to In the present invention, the stow plan creation unit may be configured to perform only control for creating a stow plan. In this case, the stowage plan created by the stowage plan creation unit is transmitted to the temporary storage and transfer mechanism unit and the stowage device, respectively, and the temporary storage and transfer mechanism unit and the stowage device perform plane coordinates and stacking of the temporary storage position. The physical distribution system may be configured so that the three-dimensional coordinates of the attachment position are calculated. Further, for example, the function of a stacking plan creating unit may be provided to the stacking device.

  Further, in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the manual shipping area 68 in which the delivery P is loaded by human power or the like is provided on the shipping floor (first floor) below the temporary storage place 62. The invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the shipping floor (first floor) below the temporary storage may be used as a passage. Thus, the worker can pass through the shipping place without being disturbed by the temporarily stored (temporarily stored) delivery. Further, a temporary storage site similar to the mezzanine floor and a temporary storage and transfer mechanism corresponding to the temporary storage site may be provided on the shipping floor (first floor) below the temporary storage site. As a result, it is possible to more efficiently stack the delivery items on the delivery medium.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example is described in which information on the size, weight, and special notes of the delivery P is acquired in the distribution facility 100a, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, any one of the information of the size, weight, and special instructions of the delivery may be acquired in advance by the control unit or the like outside the distribution facility.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the distribution system 100 (200) is configured by providing the stacking device 67 (267) in addition to the temporary storage system 100b (200b) has been described. Is not limited to this. In the present invention, only the temporary storage system may be provided without providing the stacking device. At this time, the delivery is loaded on the delivery medium by an operator or the like based on the created loading plan. Even in this case, based on a loading plan that allows efficient loading, even a worker with little loading experience can efficiently load the delivery on the delivery medium.

  In the first and second embodiments, the priority of the stowage conditions when creating the stowage plan for the delivery P is the order of the delivery destination condition, the special condition, the weight condition, and the size condition. Although an example is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the number and priority order of the loading conditions when creating a delivery loading plan are not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily set.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the bar code is attached to the delivery P is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, an individual identification tag other than a barcode may be attached to a delivery as long as individual identification of the delivery is possible. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) and an IC chip may be attached to the delivery.

8b, 208b Stowage control unit (stowage planning unit)
52 Shape measurement unit (information acquisition unit)
53 Weight measurement unit (information acquisition unit)
54 Input unit (information acquisition unit)
61 Warehousing lift (temporary storage and transfer mechanism)
62, 262 Temporary storage area 63, 263 Grasping mechanism (temporary storage and transfer mechanism)
67, 267 Stowage device 100, 200 Logistics system 100b, 200b Temporary storage system 268 Pallet C2 Shipping vehicle (delivery medium, delivery vehicle)
E1, E2, E3, E4 Temporary storage area P Delivery

Claims (8)

A temporary storage area where a plurality of deliveries delivered by a predetermined delivery medium are temporarily stored collectively;
A temporary storage and transfer mechanism for arranging the delivery at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage,
An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the delivery on the upstream side of the temporary storage place or the temporary storage place,
Stowage plan creation for creating a stowage plan for stowing the plurality of deliveries on the predetermined delivery medium based on the information on the deliveries stored in the temporary storage area acquired by the information acquisition unit Department and
A stowage control unit that controls the tentative storage and transfer mechanism unit to convey the plurality of deliveries arranged in the tentative storage place to a delivery position of a stowage operation in an order based on the stowage plan,
A logistics system comprising , under control of the stowage control unit, a stowage device that stows the delivery conveyed to the delivery position at the stowage position based on the stowage plan.   The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the temporary storage place is provided on an upper floor or a lower floor of a shipping floor where the delivery is shipped to the predetermined delivery medium.   The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the temporary storage and transfer mechanism is configured to arrange the delivery at the predetermined temporary storage position based on the information on the delivery.   The temporary storage and transfer mechanism is configured to arrange the plurality of deliveries having the same delivery destination in one temporary storage area of the temporary storage place based on information on a delivery destination of the delivery. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein   5. The loading device according to claim 1, wherein the loading device is configured to directly load the delivery at the loading position in a delivery vehicle as the predetermined delivery medium based on the loading plan. 6. The logistics system according to any one of the preceding claims.   The stowage device, based on the stowage plan, stows the deliverables at the stowage position on a pallet, and collectively loads the plurality of deliveries stuck on the pallet into the predetermined The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution system is configured to be loaded on a delivery vehicle as a delivery medium.   The said loading apparatus is comprised so that the said delivery goods stored in the said temporary storage place may be directly loaded in the said loading position in the loading order of the said delivery goods based on the said loading plan. 7. The physical distribution system according to any one of items 6 to 6. A temporary storage area where a plurality of deliveries delivered by a predetermined delivery medium are temporarily stored collectively;
A temporary storage and transfer mechanism for arranging the delivery at a predetermined temporary storage position in the temporary storage,
An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the delivery on the upstream side of the temporary storage place or the temporary storage place,
Stowage plan creation for creating a stowage plan for stowing the plurality of deliveries on the predetermined delivery medium based on the information on the deliveries stored in the temporary storage area acquired by the information acquisition unit Department and
A stowage control unit that controls the tentative storage and transfer mechanism unit to convey the plurality of deliveries arranged in the tentative storage place to a delivery position of a stowage operation in an order based on the stowage plan, , A temporary storage system.

Images