JP4046053B2 - Picking equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking facility that enables picking of articles by collection, for example, for each store.

  In conventional picking equipment, collection containers (for example, buckets) by collection (for example, by user or store) are moved on the free conveyor of the collection line, and storage racks ( The worker transfers the articles from each article storage section of the picking shelf) according to the display of the picking indicator provided for each article storage section (displayed by the order of the collection destination such as the quantity of goods delivered). As a result, collection of articles by collection is performed.

In addition, picking work areas (zones) are set for each of the plurality of article storage units along the picking line, and picking workers in charge of picking are arranged for each zone, and the picked goods that have been moved to each zone A transfer operation (picking operation) of the article is performed on the container (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-233418 A

  However, in the conventional picking equipment, the picking operator performs “pickup of articles from the article storage section”, “injection of articles into the collection container”, “movement of collection containers” for each picking operation from one article storage section. ”Is being executed, and the number of man-hours for picking work is large, which is not efficient. There is also a picking facility in which a temporary table for articles taken out from the article storage unit is arranged along the free conveyor of the collection line, and the articles to be transferred to the collection container can be collected in advance on the temporary table. However, in such a facility, the picking operator performs “pickup of articles from the article storage section”, “temporary placement of articles on a temporary placement table”, “temporary placement of articles from the single article storage section. There was a problem that the operation of “loading into the collection container” and “movement of the collection container” was performed, and the number of man-hours for picking work was increased, which was not efficient.

  In addition, since the amount (picking work amount) of transferring articles to each collection container differs for each zone, when the picking work amount is small, the time to wait for the collection container to be moved from the upstream next time Occurred and was not efficient.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a picking facility that can improve efficiency by reducing the number of steps for each picking operation and that can effectively use a waiting time.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of picking work areas including a plurality of article storage units in which articles are stored, A picking facility that sequentially collects articles picked from the article storage section of each picking work area in this picking container while moving a fixed path along a plurality of picking work areas by a moving means,
Wherein along each picking operation region each of the given path for each, the current product container is assigned to the article for collecting goods, moving along the predetermined path, with respect to the allocated collecting goods container , a plurality of input means for automatically introducing said article is provided, wherein each corresponding to each dosing means, provided an instruction means for instructing the transfer of the article to the dosing means from said storage compartment, said The picking work area range can be changed, and when the picking work area range is changed, the allocation of the collection container to each input means is changed according to the picking work area. is there.

According to the above configuration, the operator transfers the article to be loaded into the collection container from the article storage unit to the loading unit instructed by the instruction unit, and the target collection container is moved by the moving unit. When the article comes, the article is automatically loaded into the collection container from the loading means. In this way, the instruction means instructs the input means to transfer the article, so that the operator can avoid the risk of erroneously transferring the article to the input means, and the article is transferred to each input means in advance. It is possible to reduce the waiting time. Furthermore, since the collection container is moved by the moving means, it is not necessary for the operator to move the collection container as in the prior art, and the number of picking operations can be reduced.
In addition, by adopting a configuration that can change the range of the picking work area, it is possible to make changes such as matching the two picking work areas when the amount of picking work in the picking work area is small, and to effectively utilize the worker's ability Can do. At this time, the allocation of the collection container to each input means is changed according to the picking work area.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein each indication means is provided with a quantity display means for displaying the quantity of articles to be transferred to the input means, and each picking operation is performed. In the area, an instruction to transfer the article by the instructing unit is given to one input unit, and the instructed input unit transfers the article from the article storage unit according to the amount of the article displayed on the amount display unit. The article is confirmed.

  According to the above configuration, in each picking work area, an instruction to transfer the article by the instruction means is given to one input means, and in each picking work area, the article is transferred for each input means. At this time, confirmation of the transferred article is performed based on the quantity of the article displayed on the quantity display means.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the collection container to each input means arranged from upstream to downstream along the fixed path for each picking work area. The allocation is repeatedly performed in the order of the collection containers from the downstream to the upstream moving along the fixed path.

  According to the above-described configuration, the input units execute the input of the articles without overlapping each other, and therefore, the time for transferring the articles to the input unit is equally allocated for the next assigned collection container. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the transfer means is stopped due to the delay of the transfer of the article to the input means.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of the input means are allocated so as to input articles to one of the collection containers. Is.

In each picking work area, the number of articles to be collected in one collection container is large, and there are times when articles cannot be placed on one input means.
According to the above configuration, by assigning one collection container to a plurality of input means, it is possible to put articles to be input into one collection container divided into a plurality of input means, and to collect one collection container. However, automatic loading is possible even if the number of articles to be collected is large.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the collection container is continuously provided downstream of a fixed path provided with the charging means. On the other hand, there is provided a picking work area in which an operator manually inputs an article taken out from the article storage unit.

When an article is put into the collection container from the throwing means, there is a risk of damage depending on the article.
According to the above-described configuration, the picking work of a fragile article (for example, an egg) is not performed in the picking work area provided with the loading means, and the collection container after being automatically loaded is arranged downstream thereof. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the fragile article from being damaged by performing it in the picking work area where the operator manually inputs the article.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a detour that detours the fixed path is provided for each of the picking work areas. The plurality of input means are arranged in a detour.

  According to the above configuration, in each picking work area, the picking container is guided to the detour only when picking work is performed, and picking is performed using the input means arranged in the detour, and there is no picking work Is moved to a downstream picking work area along a certain route without detouring to a detour. Therefore, work efficiency is improved.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6 , wherein the collection containers are respectively disposed along the fixed path upstream of a branching point that branches from the fixed path to the detours. A detection means for detecting information to be specified is provided, and it is determined whether or not the collection container is bypassed by the detour based on information for specifying the collection container detected by each of the detection means. To do.

  According to the above configuration, it is determined whether to bypass the collection container by the detour based on the information specifying the collection container detected by the detection means provided upstream of each branch point. Therefore, it is possible to guide only a collection container with picking work to a detour, and in the case of a collection container without picking work, it is possible to go to a downstream picking work area along a certain route without detouring to the detour. Moved.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the moving means moves the collection container at a predetermined speed to perform each picking operation. In the region, when the articles to be put into the collection container from the article storage section are transferred to the respective input means, and the collection container into which the articles are put into the position of the input means has been moved, When the transfer of the article to be loaded into the collection container to the loading means has not been completed, the moving means stops the movement of the collection container.

  According to the above configuration, an article to be thrown into the collection container by the operator is transferred to the loading means, and when the target collection container is moved by the moving means, the loading means automatically loads the collection container. However, when the transfer of the article to be loaded into the collection container cannot be delayed, the moving means is stopped, the movement of the collection container is stopped, and when the transfer of the article is completed, the moving means is again Driven at a constant speed, the movement of the collection container is resumed.

  According to the picking equipment of the present invention, the operator can avoid the risk that the article is mistakenly transferred to the loading means by the instruction means that instructs the loading means to transfer the article, and the collection container is moved by the moving means. Since it is moved, it has the effect that the number of man-hours for picking work can be reduced. Further, when the target collection container is moved by the moving means, the article is automatically put into the collection container by the loading means, so that the waiting time can be reduced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a picking facility according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The picking equipment is picked up for each storage line A in which articles to be collected are stored and for each store where the articles are ordered (an example for each collection). A collection line B for transporting a collection container for collecting collected articles, a label attaching operation (details will be described later) to an empty collection container upstream of the collection line B, and set in advance. A collection container input area C to be supplied to the collection line B at regular intervals in order is provided, and a manual picking area D is provided downstream of the collection line B.
"Storage line A"
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage line A is composed of a picking shelf 1 formed from a fluidized shelf, and has a plurality of (three in the figure) racks 3 inclined forward. Each has a plurality (three rows in the figure) of article storage sections 6 for storing the storage containers 5 for the articles 4, and a free roller conveyor 7 is provided for each of the article storage sections 6. A stopper 8 is provided at the front end. With this configuration, a necessary article 4 is taken out from the storage container 5 locked by the stopper 8, and when the storage container 5 becomes empty, the storage container 5 is removed, so that the next storage container 5 comes to the front. come. In addition, a plurality of picking zones (an example of a picking work area) Z in which a specific worker is in charge of picking work is provided for each of a plurality (three rows in nine rows) of the article storage units 6. In the present embodiment, three picking zones Z are provided, which are referred to as No. 1 picking zone Z, No. 2 picking zone Z, and No. 3 picking zone Z from the upstream side of the collection line B.

A picking indicator 11 is provided on the front surface of each article storage unit 6 of the picking shelf 1. Each picking indicator 11 is formed by a three-digit digital indicator 12 indicating the quantity of articles 4 to be picked, and a display / completion button 13 which also functions as a lamp and a button switch for indicating that there is a picking operation.
"Collection line B"
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collection line B is arranged along a picking shelf 1 that forms a picking zone Z, and is driven by a roller that forms a constant path i that conveys the collection container 20 at a constant speed. A conveyor (an example of a moving means) 21 is provided, and the articles 4 are moved along the conveyor 21 to the inside (on the side of the picking shelf 1) for the collection container 20 that is moving for each picking zone Z. A plurality (five in the figure) of input devices (an example of input means) 22 for automatic input are provided at regular intervals. Further, in order to reduce the impact when the article 4 is thrown into the collection container 20, the conveyor 21 is formed to be inclined so that the collection container 20 can be conveyed in an inclined state parallel to the loading direction of the article 4. At the same time, there is a wall body 23 that prevents the collection container 20 from dropping along the outside of the conveyor 21 (the side opposite to the picking shelf 1) and prevents the articles 4 thrown out from the feeding device 22 from jumping out. Is provided. The collection container 20 is formed from a container, for example.

  Further, for each picking zone Z, a barcode reader 24 for reading a barcode (an example of information for identifying the collection container 20) previously attached to the collection container 20 is provided at the most upstream position of the conveyor 21.

  A first zone changeover switch 25 is provided between the No. 1 picking zone Z and the No. 2 picking zone Z, and the second zone between the No. 2 picking zone Z and the No. 3 picking zone Z is provided. A changeover switch 26 is provided. The first zone changeover switch 25 is operated when the No. 1 picking zone Z and the No. 2 picking zone Z are integrated into one picking zone, and the second zone changeover switch 26 is operated for No. 2 picking. It is operated when the zone Z and the No. 3 picking zone Z are integrated into one picking zone.

"Feeding device 22"
As shown in FIG. 2, the charging device 22 is fixed to the conveyor 21 in an obliquely inclined posture, the top surface is opened, and the side surface on the conveyor 21 side is formed as a lid 31 that can be opened and closed. The main body 32, a pneumatic cylinder device 33 that opens and closes the lid 31 of the main body 32 and is disposed on one side surface (the side surface perpendicular to the conveying direction of the collection container 20) of the main body 32, and on the bottom surface of the main body 32 (internal ) Disposed resin roller 34 and an air circuit (not shown) of the pneumatic cylinder device 33. The upper end of the lid 31 is rotatably supported by the upper ends of the conveyor 32 on both sides of the main body 32, and the tip of the rod of the cylinder device 33 is fixed to the lid 31, and the rod of the cylinder device 33 extends. It is configured to open upward and close when the rod contracts. Further, the charging device 22 is arranged so that the position of the lid 31 is located above the collection container 20 being conveyed by the conveyor 21, and the main body 32 is configured so that the inclination thereof can be adjusted. Yes.

  With this configuration, when the lid 31 is closed, the article 4 is temporarily stored (held) in the main body 32, and is held in the main body 32 when the lid 31 is opened by the action of the cylinder device 33. The article 4 is slid down from the main body 32 by the action of its own weight and the resin roller 34 with bearing, and is put into the collecting container 20 being moved by the conveyor 21. The lid 31 is closed after a certain time.

In correspondence with each loading device 22, a loading indicator (an example of an instruction unit) 37 is provided above the loading device 22 toward the picking shelf 1. Each loading indicator 37 includes a two-digit digital indicator (an example of the amount display means) 38 indicating the total number (amount) of articles 4 to be loaded into the loading device 22, a lamp for indicating that the loading is performed, and a loading completion button. It is formed from a display / completion button 39 that also serves as a switch.
"Collection container input area C"
In the collection container input area C, as shown in FIG. 1, a label printer 41 for issuing a label (not shown) to be attached to an empty collection container 20 is provided. On the label 41, a store name and a barcode for identifying the store are printed. The operator attaches labels sequentially issued from the label printer 41 to the empty collection container 20 and places them at regular intervals (upstream of the picking zone Z) on the upstream side of the roller drive conveyor 21 of the collection line B, that is, the most upstream picking zone Z. At the interval).
"Manual picking area D"
The manual picking area D is an area where the articles 4 are put into the collection container 20 in accordance with a list of articles 4 designated in advance for each store, and the collection containers 20 that are automatically picked and sent upstream. The store name on the label is confirmed, and an operator manually carefully inserts a fragile article (eg, egg).

As shown in FIG. 3, the roller drive conveyor 21, label printer 41, first zone changeover switch 25, second zone changeover switch 26, bar code reader 24 for each picking zone Z, cylinder for each input device 22 The device 33 and the loading indicator 37, and the picking indicator 11 of each article storage unit 6 are connected to each other, and the collection of the articles 4 (picking) is performed on the collection container 20 for each store by controlling these devices. A picking controller 51 is provided. A management computer 52 for managing the entire upper picking equipment is connected to the picking controller 51, and the order data for each store {data consisting of the product name and (order) quantity of the article 4) and a picking start command are sent from the computer 52. And picking end command is input.
"Picking controller 51"
As shown in FIG. 4, the picking controller 51 includes an overall control unit 53, a zone control unit 54 for each picking zone Z, a loading drive unit 55 for each loading device 22, and each picking indicator 11. The display driving unit 56 is formed.

"General Control Department 53"
The overall control unit 53 is connected to the roller drive conveyor 21, the label printer 41, the first zone change switch 25, the second zone change switch 26, and the management computer 52, and the zone control unit 54 for each picking zone Z is connected. ing. In addition, the overall control unit 53 includes a product name and a product code as information for specifying the article storage unit 6 of the picking shelf 1 that forms each picking zone Z and data for specifying the article 4 stored in each item storage unit 6. Is preset.

  The operation of the overall control unit 53 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that both the first zone change switch 25 and the second zone change switch 26 are off, that is, the picking operation is executed for each picking zone Z.

  When the order data for each store is input from the management computer 52 (step-1), as shown in FIG. 6, a barcode unique to each store is assigned in order to form label data (step-2). Subsequently, for each bar code (store), the order quantity is allocated to the article storage unit 6 in the picking zone Z in which the products of the order data are stored to form sorting data (step-3).

  Next, a store (collection container 20) for collecting the articles 4 is allocated to the input device 22 in each picking zone Z, and allocation data is formed (step -4). As shown in FIG. 7, the allocation of the collection containers 20 to the input devices 22 arranged from the upstream to the downstream along the conveyor 21 is moved by every five conveyors 21 for each picking work area. It repeats in order of the collection container 20 from the downstream to the upstream. In FIG. 7, “No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4, No.5 input device 22 lined up from the upstream to the downstream” Collection containers 20 of “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1”, “E1”, followed by collection containers 20 of “A2”, “B2”, “C2”, “D2”, “E2” Is assigned.

  Subsequently, for each store assigned to each input device 22, the data of the articles 4 and the quantity to be collected (picked) in the picking zone Z where the input device 22 is arranged are obtained. That is, picking data is formed for each loading device 22 shown in FIG. 8 based on the allocation data and the sorting data (step-5). The picking data is formed for each store from the quantity of articles 4 picked from each article storage unit 6 and the total quantity obtained by adding these quantities. Subsequently, the picking data is collected for each picking zone Z and output to each zone controller 54 (step-6). FIG. 8 shows the picking data of the most upstream first picking zone Z.

  When a picking start command is input from the management computer 52 (step -7), a start signal is output to each zone controller 54 (step -8), and after a predetermined time, the roller drive conveyor 51 is driven (step -9). Subsequently, the label data is output to the label printer 41, and the label with the store name and the barcode displayed thereon is sequentially issued by the label printer 41 (step -10).

  When a picking end signal (described later) is input from each zone controller 54 (step-11), the roller drive conveyor 51 is stopped (step-12) and the process ends. If a picking end command is input from the management computer 52 before inputting the picking end signal from each zone control unit 54 (step -13), a stop signal is output to each zone control unit 54 (step -14), and the roller The driving conveyor 51 is stopped and finished.

  By such operation of the overall control unit 53, picking data for each picking zone Z is formed, the picking work start or stop of each picking zone Z is instructed, and the collection container 20 is loaded from the label printer 41 in the order of loading. A label is issued, and driving / stopping of the roller drive conveyor 21 is executed.

  When a movement stop command signal (described later) is input via the zone control unit 54, the roller drive conveyor 51 is stopped, and when a movement resumption command signal (described later) is input, the roller drive conveyor 51 is driven.

`` Zone control unit 54 ''
Each zone control unit 54 is a control unit that controls the picking zone Z in charge, and controls the overall control unit 53, the input indicator 37 and the input drive unit 55 for each input device 22 of the picking zone Z to be controlled, Each picking indicator 11 of the picking zone Z to be connected is connected.

  When the zone control unit 54 inputs the picking data from the overall control unit 53, the zone control unit 54 stores the picking data, and then inputs a start signal, and then stores the bar code of the store set in each input device 22 of the stored picking data, Output to the input drive unit 55 corresponding to each input device 22, and for each input device 22, the following operations are performed in the order of input device No. 1 → No. 2 → No. 3 → No. 4 → No. Execute.

  1. When the previously performed picking operation of the charging device 22 is completed and the loading preparation completion signal (described later) of the loading device 22 is reset, the picking data (store bar) The code and the picking quantity of each article storage unit 6 are taken out, and the picking quantity is not zero, that is, the picking quantity of the picking data is output to the picking display 11 of each article storage part 6 that performs the picking work. At the same time, the total amount is displayed on the digital display 38 of the input device 22, and the lamp of the display / complete button 39 is turned on.

  2. Subsequently, when the operation signal of the display / completion button 13 is input from each picking display 11 instructing the picking work, it is confirmed whether the signal is from the picking display 11 instructing the picking work, and then all of the instructions instructing the picking work are given. When the signal from the picking indicator 11 is confirmed, the lamp of the display / completion button 39 of the input device 22 blinks.

  3. Subsequently, when an operation signal for the display / completion button 39 of the input device 22 is input, it is determined that the picking operation to the input device 22 is completed, and the input preparation including the barcode information of the store assigned to the input device 22 is completed. The signal is set and output to the making drive unit 55, and then the operation of the next making device 22 is started.

4). When a closing end signal (to be described later) is input from the closing drive unit 55 that has output the closing preparation completion signal, the closing preparation completion signal is reset.
5. When the picking operation based on all picking data and the driving of the loading device 22 are confirmed, a picking end signal is output to the overall control unit 53.

When a movement stop command signal or a movement resumption command signal (both will be described later) is input from the making drive unit 55, it is transferred to the overall control unit 53.
As described above, when the picking operation of the input device 22 that has been performed previously is completed, the zone control unit 54 has reset the input preparation completion signal by the input end signal of the input drive unit 55. Picking operations are sequentially executed on the input device 22 in a state where the article 4 is not present. Therefore, it is possible to transfer the article 4 to each input device 22 in advance. Further, as described above, when picking is started, the picking work is executed in the order of input devices No. 1 → No. 2 → No. 3 → No. 4 → No.

`` Input drive unit 55 ''
A bar code reader 24 and an air circuit of the cylinder device 33 of the making device 22 are connected to each making drive unit 55.

Each input driving unit 55 performs the following operation.
1. The store bar code set in advance by the zone controller 54 is stored, the bar code read by the bar code reader 24 is monitored, and the collection container 20 that matches the set bar code of the store is stored. When confirmed, the timer is driven.

  2. By this timer, the conveyor 21 includes the barcode information of the matching store until the time it takes to move from the collection container 20 to the loading device 22 position from the barcode reader 24 installation position is counted up. It is confirmed whether a preparation completion signal is input from the zone controller 54.

  3. After confirming the input of the input preparation completion signal, the conveyor 21 counts up the time it takes to move from the collection container 20 from the installation position of the barcode reader 24 to the input device 22 position (by the timer), for a certain time ( The time for the rod to extend) outputs an open command to the air circuit of the cylinder device 33, and then outputs the close command to the air circuit for the cylinder device 33 for a certain time (time for the rod to contract). With this output, the cylinder device 33 is driven for a certain period of time, and the lid 31 is opened and closed. A closing end signal is output to the zone controller 54.

  4). When the input of the input preparation completion signal cannot be confirmed by the timer until the time taken from the collection container 20 to the input device 22 position by the conveyor 21 from the installation position of the barcode reader 24 is counted up, A movement stop command signal is output to the control unit 54, and the conveyor 21 is stopped. Then, it waits until the input preparation completion signal is confirmed. When the input is confirmed, an open command is output to the air circuit of the cylinder device 33 for a certain period of time (the time when the rod extends), and then the rod is Time to shrink) A close command is output to the air circuit of the cylinder device 33. With this output, the cylinder device 33 is driven for a certain period of time, and the lid 31 is opened and closed. Then, a closing end signal is output to the zone controller 54, and then a movement resumption command signal is output to the zone controller 54. As a result, the conveyor 21 is stopped when preparation for charging into the charging device 22 is not completed, the movement of the collection container 20 is stopped, and when the preparation for charging is completed, the loading of the articles 4 is executed, and the conveyor 21 moves. Is resumed.

The operation of the picking controller 51 having such a configuration will be described together with the operation of the entire picking facility.
1. When order data is input from the management computer 52 to the overall control unit 53 of the picking controller 51, the overall control unit 53 assigns a barcode to the store and forms label data to be output to the label printer 41. Picking data (FIG. 7) for each picking zone Z is formed and set in each zone control unit 54.

  2. Then, when the overall control unit 53 inputs a picking start command from the management computer 52, the overall control unit 53 outputs a start command to the zone control unit 54, and each zone control unit 54, according to the set picking data, upstream the input device 22 The picking work of the article 4 is executed in order.

  3. Then, the overall control unit 53 outputs the label data to the label printer 41 at the timing when the loading of the article 4 picked by the five loading devices 22 in the first picking zone Z is completed, and the collection container 20 A label to be attached is issued, and the roller drive conveyor 21 is driven after a certain time.

  4). When the roller drive conveyor 21 starts to move, the worker in the collection container input area C applies labels to the collection container 20 in the order output from the label printer 41, and inputs the labels to the conveyor 21 at intervals of the input device 22. To do.

5. When the collection container 20 is actually transported, the picking operation by the zone controller 54 is performed in the picking zone Z as follows.
I. For example, when the picking data shown in FIG. 8 is set, the store A1 is initially assigned to the No. 1 input device 22, and the article 4 to be input into the collection container 20 of this store A1 is No. 1. To the input device 22. That is, of the 27 article storage units 6 in the picking zone Z, the picking quantity for the digital display 12 of the picking display 11 of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. (5) (2) (1) ... is displayed, the display / completion button 13 is lit, and at the same time, the total amount is displayed on the digital display 38 of the input display 37 and the lamp of the display / completion button 39 is lit. .

  B. The quantity of articles 4 displayed on the digital display 12 is taken out by the operator from the article storage section 6 in which the display / completion button 13 is lit, and the display / completion button 13 is operated and put into the loading device 22. .

  C. When the operation signal of the display / completion button 13 is input, the zone control unit 54 confirms that the picking in the article storage unit 6 is completed. When the picking work from all the article storage units 6 is completed, the lamp of the display / completion button 39 of the input device 22 is blinked.

  D. When the operator confirms that the lamp of the display / completion button 39 of the input device 22 is blinking, the operator confirms the quantity of the articles 4 being input by displaying the total amount of the digital display 38 and operates the display / completion button 39. To do.

  E. When the zone control unit 54 confirms the operation signal of the display / completion button 39, the zone control unit 54 confirms that the loading of the article 4 into the loading device 22 is completed, sets a loading preparation signal, and prepares the loading drive unit 55 for loading. Output a signal.

  F. The input drive unit 55 monitors the bar code read by the bar code reader 24 and confirms the bar code of the store assigned in advance, until the collection container 20 of this store passes below the input device 22 When the input of the store preparation signal is confirmed, the cylinder device 33 is opened and closed for a certain time at that timing, and the transferred article 4 is put into the collection container 20. When the charging is completed, a charging end signal is output to the zone control unit 54. If the input of the store preparation signal cannot be confirmed by the above timing, the conveyor 21 is stopped to stop the collection container 20 from moving, wait until the input preparation signal is input, and if the input is confirmed, the article 4 is collected. The product is put into the product container 20, the drive of the conveyor 21 is restarted, and the movement of the product collection container 20 is started again.

  G. The zone control unit 54, upon receiving this input end signal, assigns the next picking data to the input device 22 and starts the picking operation for the input device 22 (returns to the above-mentioned procedure a).

  By such control of the picking controller 51, when the collection container 20 of the store assigned to each input device 22 passes, the article 4 previously transferred to the input device 22 is input and the picking zone Z Every collection is done. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the collection container 20 of the stores A1, A2, A3... Passes below the No. 1 input device 22, the transfer of the article 4 from the input device 22 is executed. Is done. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 9, when the articles 4 are put into the collection container 20, the input devices 22 are driven one by one as the collection container 20 moves.

  Then, the transfer of the article 4 by the next picking data is started with respect to the charging device 22 whose loading has been completed. As shown in FIG. 9, there is a time margin after the article 4 from the collection container 20 in the store A1 passes until the collection container 20 in the store A2 into which the next article 4 is put.

6). Then, the articles 4 are put into the collection containers 20 of the respective stores in the three picking zones Z, collected, and sent to the downstream manual picking area D.
7). In the manual picking area D, according to the list of the articles 4 instructed in advance for each store, the worker collects fragile articles (for example, eggs) with respect to the collection container 20 that has been automatically picked and sent upstream. Manually and carefully.

In this way, the ordered article 4 is collected in the collection container 20 for each store.
Next, the operation of the overall control unit 53 when the first zone change switch 25 and the second zone change switch 26 are operated will be described.

  When the operation control signal of the first zone changeover switch 25 is input, the overall control unit 53 assigns the first picking zone Z and the second picking zone Z as one picking zone. In other words, the allocation of the first picking zone Z and the second picking zone Z to the ten charging devices 22 is performed in the order in which the conveyor 21 is moved from the upstream to the downstream along the conveyor 21. It repeats in order of the collection container 20 from to upstream. In FIG. 10 (a), No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8, No.9, No. .10 “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1”, “E1”, “A2”, “B2”, from the downstream to the upstream moving the conveyor 21 Allocate collection containers 20 of “C2,” “D2,” and “E2.” Then, picking data of the allocated store (collection container 20) is formed. There is no change in the allocation to the third picking zone Z. At this time, in the zone composed of the first picking zone Z and the second picking zone Z, the picking operation is executed only for one of the ten loading devices 22.

  When the operation control signal of the second zone changeover switch 26 is input, the overall control unit 53 assigns the second picking zone Z and the third picking zone Z as one picking zone. In other words, the allocation of the second picking zone Z and the third picking zone Z to the ten charging devices 22 is performed in the order in which the conveyor 21 is moved from the upstream to the downstream along the conveyor 21. It repeats in order of the collection container 20 from to upstream. In FIG. 10 (b), No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8, No.9, No. .10 “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1”, “E1”, “A2”, “B2”, from the downstream to the upstream moving the conveyor 21 Allocate collection containers 20 of “C2,” “D2,” and “E2.” Then, picking data of the allocated store (collection container 20) is formed. There is no change in the assignment to the first picking zone Z. At this time, in the zone composed of the second picking zone Z and the third picking zone Z, picking work is executed only for one of the ten loading devices 22.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operator transfers the article 4 to be loaded into the collection container 20 from the article storage unit 6 to the loading device 22 instructed by the loading indicator 37. When the target collection container 20 is moved by the roller drive conveyor 21, the article 4 is erroneously input by the instruction of the input indicator 37 by automatically being input from the input device 22 to the collection container 20. The possibility of transferring to the container 22 can be avoided, and the operator does not have to move the collection container 20 as in the conventional case, and the number of picking operations can be reduced. In addition, the articles 4 can be transferred in advance to each input device 22, and the waiting time can be reduced.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, in each picking zone Z, an instruction to transfer the article 4 by the loading indicator 37 is given to only one loading device 22, and the digital indicator 38 of the loading indicator 37 is used. The number of articles 4 transferred can be confirmed based on the total number (quantity) of articles 4 displayed in (1), and picking mistakes can be reduced.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, for each picking zone Z, the allocation of the collection containers 20 to the input devices 20 arranged from the upstream to the downstream along the fixed path i is moved along the fixed path i. By repeatedly performing the collection containers 20 from the downstream to the upstream, each input device 20 performs the input of the articles 4 without overlapping each other, and for the next allocated collection container 20 Since the time for transferring the article 4 to the feeding device 22 is evenly allocated, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the transfer of the article 4 to the feeding device 22 is delayed and the roller driving conveyor 21 is stopped. Become.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the picking work amount in the picking zone Z is small, it is possible to match the two picking zones Z by operating the first zone changeover switch 25 or 26, and the operator's ability is effectively improved. It can be used for. At this time, the allocation of the collection containers 20 to the input devices 22 is changed according to the picking zone Z.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the manual picking area D is arranged downstream of the picking work of a fragile article (for example, an egg) without performing the picking work in the picking zone Z provided with the input device 22; It is possible to prevent the fragile article 4 from being damaged by performing it in the picking zone Z in which the operator manually inputs the article 4 to the collection container 20 after being automatically inserted.

Further, according to the first embodiment, when the article 4 to be put into the collection container 20 by the operator is transferred to the loading device 22, and the target collection container 20 is moved by the roller drive conveyor 21. The loading device 22 is automatically loaded into the collection container 20, but when the transfer of the article 4 to be loaded into the collection container 20 is delayed and cannot be loaded, the roller drive conveyor 21 is stopped, It can be avoided that the movement of the product container 20 is stopped and the picking operation is not performed. When the transfer of the article 4 is completed, the roller drive conveyor 21 is again driven at a constant speed, and the movement of the collection container 20 is resumed.
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 11 is a schematic layout diagram of the picking equipment according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the structure in the said Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the feeding device 22 is arranged along the roller drive conveyor 21 that forms the fixed path i to form the picking zone Z. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. For each picking zone Z, a detour route 61 that bypasses the fixed route i is provided, and a plurality of (five in the figure) input devices 22 are arranged in each detour route 61.

  Further, for each picking zone Z, a branching device 62 is provided at the upstream portion (branch point) of the fixed path i on the roller drive conveyor 21, and a merging device 63 is provided at the downstream portion (merging point) of the fixed path i. Is formed from a U-shaped conveyor (with lifter) 67 comprising a roller driving conveyor 64 for loading, a roller driving conveyor 65 with a lifter, and a roller driving conveyor 66 for unloading. The collection container 20 is carried out from the carry-out roller drive conveyor 66 to the fixed path i by the junction device 63. Further, five feeding devices 22 are provided along a moving roller drive conveyor 65 with a lifter, and a loading indicator 37 is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a barcode (collection container is specified) on the label of the collection container 20 along the fixed path i upstream of the branch point where the fixed path i branches to the detours 61. Bar code reader (an example of detection means) 71 is provided, and the collection container 20 is placed in the detour 61 based on the barcode data of the collection container 20 detected by each barcode reader 71. Judging whether to bypass.

  Further, a barcode reader (an example of detection means) that detects a barcode (information specifying the collection container) of the collection container 20 that has been carried in upstream of the carry-on roller drive conveyor 64 of each bypass path 61. 72 is provided, and the collection container 20 that has been detoured to the detour 61 is confirmed based on the barcode data of the collection container 20 detected by each of the barcode readers 72.

  For each picking zone Z, a picking shelf 1 ′ formed from a general shelf (fixed shelf) where the storage container 5 does not move is provided instead of the fluidized shelf of the first embodiment. Further, the orientation of the plurality of article storage units 6 on the general shelf is perpendicular to the detour 61 and does not face each other. Further, between the picking shelf 1 ′ and the U-shaped conveyor 67, an aggregate delivery temporary storage table 75, a collective display 76 that displays a transfer list including the product names and quantities of articles 4 to be input to the input device 22, A printer 77 for issuing a picking list for collecting the articles 4 in advance is provided on the collective delivery temporary storage table 75.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in place of the barcode reader 24 and the picking indicator 11 for each picking zone Z in the first embodiment, a barcode reader 72, a collective indicator 76, a printer 77, a branching device 62, and a merging device 63 and the conveyor controller 81 of the U-shaped conveyor 67 are connected. The conveyor controller 81 is connected to a bar code reader 72, a carry-in roller drive conveyor 64, a moving roller drive conveyor 65, and a carry-out roller drive conveyor 66.

The conveyor controller 81 performs the following operation.
1. When a drive start signal, which will be described later, is input from the zone control unit 54, the carry-in roller drive conveyor 64 forming the U-shaped conveyor (with lifter) 67, the transfer roller drive conveyor 65 with lifter, and the carry-out roller drive conveyor 66 are driven. To do. Further, when a drive stop signal described later is input from the zone control unit 54, the conveyors 64, 65, 66 of the U-shaped conveyor (with lifter) 67 are stopped.

  2. When the bar code reader 72 confirms the delivery of the article 4, the upstream lifter of the moving roller driving conveyor 65 is driven to transfer the article 4 to the moving roller driving conveyor 65, and the collection container 20 is moved to the moving roller driving conveyor 65. At the timing when it reaches the end of 65, the downstream lifter is driven to transfer the collection container 20 to the carry-out roller drive conveyor 66, and a carry-out command is output to the junction device 63.

  3. When a movement stop command signal or a movement restart command signal is input from the zone control unit 54, the U-shaped conveyor (with lifter) 67 is stopped or restarted according to these signals, and when a drive stop command is input, this signal In response to this, the U-shaped conveyor (with lifter) 67 is stopped.

  Further, the merging device 63 is driven in response to the carry-out command of the conveyor controller 81 to merge the articles 4 into the fixed path i. At this time, the article 4 moved by the roller-driven conveyor 21 is blocked by a stopper or the like, and when the merging is completed, the movement of the blocked article 4 is resumed after a certain time to avoid collision between the articles 4 and the article. An interval is provided between the four.

  A bar code reader 71 is connected to the branching device 62, and it is memorized when a “passing command consisting of bar code data of a store” to be described later is input from the zone control unit 54, and is detected by the bar code reader 71. If the barcode and the data stored as the passage command match, this collection container 20 is passed, and if it does not match, it is branched to the detour 61 and "branch execution signal including barcode data of the collection container 20" Is output to the zone controller 54.

  The operation of each zone control unit 54 of the picking controller 51 in the second embodiment will be described below. The operations of the overall control unit 53 and the input drive unit 55 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  1. When picking data and a start signal are input from the overall control unit 53, it is confirmed whether or not to perform picking work on the collection container 20 of each store in each picking zone Z by using the picking data. Then, a passage command composed of the bar code data of the store is formed and outputted to the branching device 62.

  2. Next, picking data excluding picking data of the collection container 20 that passes through is formed, and the number of articles 4 picked from each article storage unit 6 and the quantity thereof are totaled by these picking data. Picking data consisting of “number of storage unit 6−product name−total counting amount” is formed, output to the printer 77 to issue a picking list, and then a drive start signal is output to the conveyor controller 81. The conveyor 67 is driven.

  3. Next, when a branch execution signal including the barcode data of the collection container 20 is input from the branch device 62, the picking data of the store of the barcode data is assigned in order from the input device 22 located upstream, and the five downstream devices When assigned to the first charging device 22, it is repeatedly allocated to the most upstream charging device 22.

  4). Then, when a loading end signal based on the previous picking data is input from the loading driving unit 55 of the allocated loading device 22, data including the product name and quantity of the article 4 of the allocated picking data is output to the collective display 76, The total amount is displayed on the digital display 38 of the input display 37 of the input device 22, and the lamp of the display / complete button 39 is turned on.

  5. Then, when the operation signal of the display / complete button 39 of the input indicator 37 of the assigned input device 22 is input, it is confirmed that the input of the article 4 to the input device 22 is completed, and an input preparation signal is set and input An input preparation signal is output to the drive unit 55, and then the operation of the next input device 22 is started.

6). When a closing end signal (to be described later) is input from the closing drive unit 55 that has output the closing preparation completion signal, the closing preparation completion signal is reset.
7). When the picking operation based on all picking data and the driving of the loading device 22 are confirmed, a drive stop command is output to the conveyor controller 81, and a picking end signal is output to the overall control unit 53.

8). Further, when a movement stop command signal or a movement resumption command signal is input from the making drive unit 55, it is transferred to the conveyor controller 81.
In this manner, the zone control unit 54 forms a passage command composed of the bar code data of the store, and forms picking data composed of “the number of the product storage unit 6−the product name−the total count” for each product 4. When the picking list is issued and the previously performed picking operation of the loading device 22 is completed, the loading preparation completion signal is reset by the loading end signal of the loading drive unit 55, that is, the loading device 22 has no article 4 The picking device 22 is made to execute the picking device 22 in order. Therefore, it is possible to transfer the article 4 to each input device 22 in advance. At the start of picking, picking operations are performed in the order of input device No. 1 → No. 2 → No. 3 → No. 4 → No.

The operation of the picking controller 51 configured as described above will be described together with the overall operation.
1. When order data is input from the management computer 52 to the overall control unit 53 of the picking controller 51, the overall control unit 53 assigns a barcode to the store and forms label data to be output to the label printer 41. Picking data (FIG. 7) for each picking zone Z is formed and set in each zone control unit 54.

  2. When the general control unit 53 receives a picking start command from the management computer 52, the general control unit 53 outputs a start command to the zone control unit 54, and each zone control unit 54 includes the bar code data of the store according to the picking data. A passage command is formed and output to the branching device 62.

  3. Each zone control unit 54 obtains the total number of articles 4 to be picked for each article storage unit 6 according to the picking data, outputs the total to the printer 77 as list data, and issues a picking list. The operator collects the articles 4 in advance on the collective delivery temporary storage table 75 using the picking list.

  4). Then, the overall control unit 53 outputs the label data to the label printer 41 at the timing when the articles 4 are collected on the collective delivery temporary storage table 75 in each picking zone Z, and issues a label to be attached to the collection container 20. The roller drive conveyor 21 is driven after a certain time. The zone controller 54 outputs a drive start command to the conveyor controller 81, and the conveyor controller 81 starts driving the U-shaped conveyor 67 with a lifter.

  5. When the roller drive conveyor 21 starts to move, the worker in the collection container input area C applies labels to the collection container 20 in the order output from the label printer 41, and inputs the labels to the conveyor 21 at intervals of the input device 22. To do.

  6). When the collection container 20 is actually conveyed by the conveyor 21, the branching device 62 determines whether or not the collection container 20 is branched or passed in the picking zone Z, and the branched collection container 20 is conveyed by the U-shaped conveyor 67. The picking work by the zone control unit 54 is performed as follows.

  I. Based on the picking data assigned to the input device 22 for which the previous input operation has been completed, the picking data is displayed on the collective display 76, and the total amount is displayed on the digital display 38 of the input indicator 37 of the input device 22 to be input. Display and turn on the lamp of the display / completion button 39.

  B. The operator inputs the goods displayed on the collective display 76 and the quantity of articles 4 into the input device 22 from the collective delivery temporary storage table 75, and the quantity of the input articles 4 is determined by the total amount of the digital display 37 of the input apparatus 22. Confirm and operate the display / completion button 39.

  C. When the zone control unit 54 confirms the operation signal of the display / completion button 39, the zone control unit 54 confirms that the loading of the article 4 into the loading device 22 is completed, sets a loading preparation signal, and prepares the loading drive unit 55 for loading. Output a signal.

  D. The loading drive unit 55 monitors the barcode read by the barcode reader 72 and confirms the barcode assigned to the store in advance, until the collection container 20 of this store passes below the loading device 22. When the input of the store preparation signal is confirmed, the cylinder device 33 is opened and closed for a certain time at that timing, and the transferred article 4 is put into the collection container 20. When the charging is completed, a charging end signal is output to the zone control unit 54. If the input of the store preparation signal cannot be confirmed by the timing, the U-shaped conveyor 67 is stopped, waits until the input preparation signal is input, and when the input is confirmed, the article 4 is put into the collection container 20, When the loading is completed, a loading completion signal is output to the zone controller 54, and the drive of the U-shaped conveyor 67 is resumed.

  E. When the zone control unit 54 inputs the loading end signal, the zone controller 54 assigns the next picking data to the loading device 22 based on the barcode data of the collection container 20 input from the branching device 62. The picking operation is started (return to the procedure a).

  By such control of the picking controller 51, when the collection container 20 of the store assigned to each input device 22 passes, the article 4 previously transferred to the input device 22 is input and the picking zone Z Every collection is done. In addition, when the article 4 is thrown into the collection container 20, the input device 22 is driven one by one as the collection container 20 moves.

Then, the transfer of the article 4 of the next picking data is started to the input device 22 whose input has been completed.
7). The collection container 20 that is directly branched without being branched by the branching device 62 is conveyed to the downstream picking zone Z by the roller drive conveyor 21.

8). Then, the articles 4 are put into the collection containers 20 of the respective stores in the three picking zones Z, collected, and sent to the downstream manual picking area D.
9. In the manual picking area D, according to the list of the articles 4 instructed in advance for each store, the worker collects fragile articles (for example, eggs) with respect to the collection container 20 that has been automatically picked and sent upstream. Manually and carefully.

In this way, the ordered article 4 is collected in the collection container 20 for each store.
As described above, according to the second embodiment, in each picking zone Z, the detour is based on the information identifying the collection container 20 detected by the barcode reader 71 provided upstream of each branch point. When it is determined whether or not the collection container 20 is to be detoured by 61, only the collection container 20 having the picking work is guided to the detour 61, and picking is performed using the input device 22 arranged in the detour 61. In the case of the collection container 20 that performs the work and does not have the picking work, it is moved to the downstream picking zone Z along the fixed route i without making a detour to the detour 61. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the article 4 to be thrown into the collection container 20 by the operator is transferred to the loading device 22, and the target collection container 20 is moved by the U-shaped conveyor 67. When the article 4 to be loaded into the collection container 20 cannot be loaded due to delay, the U-shaped conveyor 67 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the movement of the collection container 20 being stopped and moving without performing the picking operation. When the transfer of the article 4 is completed, the U-shaped conveyor 67 is driven again at a constant speed, and the movement of the collection container 20 is resumed.

  In the first or second embodiment, the input device 22 is assigned to one collection container 20, but a plurality of input devices 22 may input the article 4 to one collection container 20. Can also be assigned. According to this configuration, when there are a large number of articles to be collected in one collection container 20 in each picking zone Z and the articles 4 cannot be placed on one input device 22, a plurality of input By assigning one collection container 20 to the apparatus 22, it is possible to place the articles 4 to be put into one collection container 20 divided into a plurality of input apparatuses 22. Automatic loading is possible even if the number of articles 4 to be collected is large.

  In the first or second embodiment, the barcode reader 24 (Embodiment 1) or 72 (Embodiment 2) is arranged at the entrance of each picking zone Z or the entrance of each detour 61, and the collection container The barcode on the label of 20 is read, the store of the collection container 20 is confirmed, and the passage of the collection container 20 is confirmed. Instead of the barcode reader 24 or 72, at the entrance of each picking zone Z, respectively. By providing a photoelectric switch that detects that the collection container 20 has moved, and counting the number of collection containers 20 detected by this photoelectric switch, the collection container 20 at the entrance of the picking zone Z can be used in a store. You may make it confirm passage.

  In the first or second embodiment, the input indicator 37 serving as the instruction means includes a digital indicator 38 indicating the total number (amount) of articles 4 to be input to the input device 22, a lamp indicating that the input is to be performed, and an input The display / completion button 39 that also serves as a completion button switch is formed. However, it is also possible to form only a means for indicating that it is the input destination, for example, a flag that indicates that it is the input destination. . At this time, although the quantity of the articles 4 cannot be confirmed, transfer of the articles 4 to the loading device 22 can be instructed.

Further, in the first or second embodiment, sorting (collection) is performed for each store, but it may be performed collectively at a plurality of stores, or by each direction, each item, or each transport truck.
In the first or second embodiment, the roller drive conveyor 7 is used as the fixed path i. However, a moving means that can move the collection container 20 such as a belt conveyor or a slat conveyor may be used.

  In the first or second embodiment, a container is used as the collection container 20, but a bucket, a case, a cardboard, or the like, or a container with a lid (that can be sealed) may be used. .

  In the first embodiment, when the amount of picking work in the picking zone Z is small, the two picking zones Z are matched by operating the first zone changeover switch 25 or 26. Instead, the range of the picking zone Z may be changed by assigning the number of input devices 22. At this time, the allocation of the collection containers 20 to the input devices 22 is changed according to the picking zone Z. Further, the picking zone Z is integrated by operating the first zone changeover switch 25 or 26 by the operator. However, the picking controller 51 is determined based on the order data to integrate the picking zone Z. Is also possible.

It is a schematic arrangement drawing of the picking equipment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a principal part side view of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a block diagram of the controller for picking of the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the overall control part of the controller for picking of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the order data, label data, and sorting data of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the allocation data of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the picking data of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the input drive operation | movement of the input device in the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the allocation data at the time of the zone changeover switch operation of the picking equipment. It is a schematic layout of the picking equipment in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a block diagram of the controller for picking of the picking equipment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1 'picking shelf 4 goods 5 storage container 6 goods storage part
11 Picking indicator
15 Zone display / Done button
20 Collection container
21 Roller drive conveyor
22 Input device
24, 71, 72 Barcode reader
25, 26 Zone selector switch
31 lid
32 Dosing device
33 Cylinder unit
37 Input indicator
41 Label printer
51 Picking controller
52 Management computer
61 Detour
62 Branching device
63 Merger
67 U-shaped conveyor
75 Centralized temporary storage stand A Storage line B Collection line C Collection container input area D Manual picking area Z Picking zone i Fixed route

Claims (8)

A plurality of picking work areas comprising a plurality of article storage units in which articles are stored,
Collection of articles picked from the article storage unit in each picking work area while moving a collection container for each collection by a moving means along a fixed path along the plurality of picking work areas Picking equipment that performs
Wherein along each picking operation region each of the given path for each, the current product container is assigned to the article for collecting goods, moving along the predetermined path, with respect to the allocated collecting goods container A plurality of input means for automatically inputting the article,
Corresponding to each of the input means, provided with instruction means for instructing transfer of the article from the article storage unit to the input means,
A configuration in which the range of the picking work area can be changed, and when the range of the picking work area is changed, the allocation of the collection container to each input means is changed according to the picking work area. Characteristic picking equipment. Each indication means is provided with a quantity display means for displaying the quantity of articles transferred to the input means,
In each of the picking work areas, an instruction to transfer the article by the instruction unit is given to one input unit, and the instructed input unit determines from the article storage unit according to the amount of the article displayed on the quantity display unit. 2. The picking equipment according to claim 1, wherein the transferred article is confirmed. For each picking work area, the allocation of the collection containers to the input means arranged from upstream to downstream along the fixed path is performed in the order of the collection containers from downstream to upstream moving along the fixed path. The picking equipment according to claim 1, wherein the picking equipment is repeatedly performed. 4. The picking facility according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the input means are assigned so as to input articles to one of the collection containers. A picking work area in which an operator manually inputs an article taken out from the article storage unit to the collection container is provided continuously downstream of a fixed path provided with the input unit. The picking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The detour according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a detour that bypasses the fixed route is provided for each of the picking work areas, and the plurality of input units are arranged in each detour . Item 1. Picking equipment according to item 1. Detection means for detecting information for identifying the collection container is provided along the fixed path upstream of a branch point where the fixed path branches to the detours, and the collection detected by the detection means. The picking equipment according to claim 6 , wherein it is determined whether or not the collection container is caused to detour on the detour based on information specifying the container . The moving means moves the collection container at a predetermined speed,
In each of the picking work areas, transfer of articles to be input from the article storage unit to the collection container is performed to the input means.
At the time when the collection container for loading articles has been moved to the position of the loading means, when the transfer of the articles to be loaded into the collection container to the loading means has not been completed, the moving means includes the The picking facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement of the collection container is stopped .

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