JP7554466B2 - Egg delivery support system, automated warehouse equipped with egg delivery support system, egg delivery method, and method for producing egg products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an egg delivery support system, an automated warehouse equipped with an egg delivery support system, an egg delivery method, and a method for producing egg products.

Eggs are sent directly to egg grading equipment installed at GP centers etc. from a raw egg conveyor connected to the chicken coop, or eggs collected from the chicken coop are packed into containers etc. for temporary storage and then the eggs are sent from those containers. Raw eggs sent to the egg grading equipment are sorted by size and packaged. The packaged products are shipped on the same day for delivery to supermarkets etc. Eggs sorted by the egg grading equipment are collected as products according to orders from supermarkets etc.

Each order varies in size and shipping time. Therefore, deciding which lots of raw eggs to send and in what order is important in the GP Center's production plan to ensure smooth shipping without delays.

Conventionally, production planning support systems have been proposed as devices for supporting such production planning, for example, as described in JP 2020-140542 A and JP 2020-140543 A. This production planning support system was applied to an egg sorting device in which a packaging device was directly connected downstream.

Meanwhile, a sorting and packaging system that has an "automated warehouse" between the egg sorting device and the packaging device is described in, for example, JP 2017-109821 A. This sorting and packaging system includes a sorting system (egg sorting device) that sorts raw eggs by "variety," an "automated warehouse" that temporarily stores the sorted eggs by "variety," and a packaging system (packaging device) that removes the eggs stored in the automatic warehouse and packs them into individual egg "products."

In the "automated warehouse," inventory and shipping management was based on information about the egg "variety" (for example, white, size M from ●● farm). In the packaging system that packages the eggs that were shipped out, for example, the overlaying machine that attaches labels to the lids was set to "product" so that an egg "product" label such as "●〇 egg" would be attached. In other words, two types of setting work were performed: the "variety" was set for shipping from the automated warehouse, and the "product" was set for the packaging device. Shipping from the "automated warehouse" was performed by specifying the "variety" that corresponded to the "product," so this work was performed by veteran workers who relied on their experience and intuition.

JP 2020-140542 A JP 2020-140543 A JP 2017-109821 A

Previously, to obtain egg products based on an order, workers had to specify the "product" in the packaging system and the "variety" that corresponds to the "product" in the automated warehouse.

There is a lot of information on egg product names and varieties, and the process of shipping from an automated warehouse, which involves selecting a specific variety from among many varieties that corresponds to the product to be shipped, is complex and requires skill. Therefore, a computer system like the production planning support system mentioned above is desirable, but such a shipping operation support system does not yet exist.

The present invention aims to provide an automated warehouse retrieval support system that improves the efficiency of retrieval work by allowing anyone to easily retrieve specified eggs from an automated warehouse by specifying the "egg product name" of an order in the packaging system, rather than the traditional skilled work of specifying the "variety" required of experienced workers.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following: That is, the present invention is an egg retrieval work support system that enables eggs to be used for making packaged egg products to be retrieved from an automated warehouse having a storage unit in which eggs are stored by variety and a transfer device that retrieves eggs from the storage unit, with a setting for the egg product, and includes an input unit for setting the egg product, an inventory data storage unit that links the number of eggs in stock stored in the automated warehouse with a sorting date and stores them for each variety, a product data storage unit that stores the variety in association with the egg product, a calculation unit that uses information from the product data storage unit and the inventory data storage unit to determine eggs to be retrieved from the automated warehouse with the setting of the egg product, and an output unit that outputs to control the transfer device based on the result of the calculation unit.

The automated warehouse of the present invention is equipped with the egg delivery work support system described above. The egg delivery method for delivering eggs from the automated warehouse of the present invention is carried out using the egg delivery work support system described above. The method for producing egg products from eggs delivered from the automated warehouse of the present invention is carried out using the egg delivery work support system described above.

The egg shipping support system of the present invention allows unskilled workers to efficiently carry out the same shipping work that was previously performed by skilled workers.

1 is a plan view of an egg shipping operation support system showing a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the automated warehouse of FIG. 1 . A configuration diagram of an automated warehouse control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the shipping operation support system. The "product type" data display screen displayed on the inventory terminal. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data (information) stored in an inventory data storage unit. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data stored in a product data storage unit. FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first display screen of the display unit of the delivery terminal. An explanatory diagram of a second display screen of the display unit of the delivery terminal. 4 is a flowchart of a delivery process by the control device. 12 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data contents of an order data storage unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the setting contents of each device.

The "egg retrieval work support system" according to an embodiment of the present invention allows eggs to be used to make packaged egg products to be retrieval by setting the "product" name from an automated warehouse 1 having a storage section 12 in which eggs are stored by "variety" and a transfer device 14 that retrieves eggs from this storage section 12. In other words, the system assists in storing eggs into the automated warehouse 1 by "variety" and retrieving eggs from the automated warehouse 1 by "product."

Figure 1 is a plan view of an automated warehouse 1 incorporating the egg delivery support system according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a side view of the same. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the control device 16 of the automated warehouse 1, and Figure 4 is a block diagram of the delivery support system.

In FIG. 1, a sorting system 2 is arranged upstream of an automated warehouse 1, and a packaging system 3 is arranged downstream of the automated warehouse 1, forming a sorting and packaging system. This sorting and packaging system is installed at a GP center and is almost the same as the one described in the aforementioned "Patent Document 3," so a detailed description is omitted, but the present invention is not limited to application to the automated warehouse described in Patent Document 3.

At the GP Center, raw eggs E are brought in from the center's own farm or farms around the country, or raw eggs E are transported from neighboring farms via a raw egg conveyor to the sorting system 2. These raw eggs E are then sorted by grade for each lot by the sorting system 2 and stored in the automated warehouse 1 by "variety (e.g. white, size M from ●● farm)" for inventory management. In response to orders from supermarkets and other locations, eggs are shipped out of the automated warehouse 1, packed into packaging containers by the packaging system 3, and shipped and managed as "egg products (●〇 eggs)."

The sorting system 2 includes a sorting device 4 that sorts eggs E primarily based on weight, and a stacking device 5 that stacks trays (temporary containers) T filled with sorted eggs E.

The sorting device 4 includes a first conveying section 6 that conveys eggs E in, for example, six rows, a second conveying section 7 that is connected downstream of the first conveying section 6 and conveys eggs E in one row, and a plurality of third conveying sections 8 that are connected downstream of the second conveying section 7 and convey the eggs E received from the second conveying section 7 in a tray T.

The first conveying section 6 is equipped with a weight measuring section (not shown) that measures the weight of the eggs E. Based on the measurement results of this weight measuring section, the eggs E are sorted into six types (equal classes), for example, LL size, L size, M size, MS size, S size, and SS size.

The second conveying section 7 conveys the weighed eggs E to the third conveying section 8. The third conveying section 8 is set up according to the sorting conditions, i.e., the rank, of the eggs E. From the upstream side where the eggs E are transported, it is equipped with six distribution lines corresponding to sizes LL to SS. In each distribution line of the third conveying section 8, 30 eggs E are loaded onto one tray T.

The stacking device 5 receives trays T filled with eggs E from the third transport section 8, and stacks the trays T filled with eggs E one by one vertically to form a group of eggs G. The group of eggs G is moved to the automated warehouse 1 connected downstream of the stacking device 5, and is stored there.

The packaging system 3 connected downstream of the automated warehouse 1 has a tray unpacking device 9 that unpacks stacked egg groups G delivered from the automated warehouse 1 into individual trays T, and a packaging device 10 arranged downstream of the tray unpacking device 9.

The packaging device 10 transfers eggs E, which are loaded onto a tray T, into egg packs P and wraps the eggs E in the packs P. The packed eggs E are affixed with a "product" label, such as "XX eggs," packed into containers such as cardboard boxes, and shipped to the market.

As shown in Figure 2, the automated warehouse 1 has an exterior wall and is equipped with air conditioning means for maintaining the internal space at specified conditions. It has an input station 11 where eggs E classified into equal classes upstream are stored as egg groups G for each "variety," a storage section 12 for storing the input egg groups G, and an output station 13 for outputting the stored egg groups G in response to an output request. It also has a transfer device 14 that moves between the input station 11, the storage section 12, and the output station 13 and transfers eggs E from the input station 11 to the storage section 12 and from the storage section 12 to the output station 13.

The storage section 12 is equipped with multiple item storage shelves 15 that store the received egg groups G by "variety." The transfer device 14 is composed of a stacker crane that transfers the egg groups G from the receiving station 11 to the item storage shelves 15, and from the item storage shelves 15 to the shipping station 13.

As shown in FIG. 3, the automated warehouse 1 has a control device 16. This control device 16 controls the transfer device 14. An entry terminal 17 is provided at the entry station 11, and an exit terminal 18 is provided at the exit station 13. A sensor 19 is provided to detect when a group of eggs G has been entered at the entry station 11. The entry terminal 17, the exit terminal 18, and the sensor 19 are connected to the control device 16. This control device 16 constitutes an egg exit work support system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the egg delivery work support system includes an input unit 20 for setting egg products, an inventory data storage unit 21 for storing the number of eggs E stored in the automated warehouse 1 by variety, a product data storage unit 22 for storing the varieties of eggs E stored in the automated warehouse 1 in association with egg products, a calculation unit 23 for determining eggs E to be delivered from the automated warehouse 1 using information from the product data storage unit 22 and the inventory data storage unit 21 in setting the egg products, and an output unit 24 for outputting to control the transfer device 14 based on the results of the calculation unit 23. Note that the input unit 20 and the output unit 24 are shown in the figure as "input/output units" within the control device 16.

The shipping support system is a computer system, with the storage unit being configured as a memory and the calculation unit being configured as a CPU.

The receiving terminal 17 is provided with an input/output unit 25 and a display unit 26. The leaving terminal 18 is also provided with an input/output unit 27 and a display unit 28. The sensor 19 provided in the receiving station 11 is also provided with an input/output unit 29. The transfer device 14 is provided with a control unit 30. These external terminals are connected to the input/output units 20, 24 of the control device 16 via an interface.

In the receiving terminal 17, "variety" data is input. FIG. 5 shows a specific example of "variety" data displayed on the receiving terminal 17. "Variety" is information (data) such as "variety: ●●●●, size: M, color: white, production farm: ●● farm, egg collection date: 2020/09/29, sorting date: 2020/09/30, etc." Note that the "production farm" is an example for identifying the "lot," and chicken house number, etc. may be used instead. Each sorted egg E is identified by "variety." The egg group G that has been sorted by the sorting system 2 and reached the receiving station 11 of the automated warehouse 1 is detected by the sensor 19 of the receiving station 11 and placed on the item storage shelf 15 by the stacker crane. Note that if there are multiple receiving stations 11, the receiving terminal 17 may be provided at each receiving station 11, or may be centrally managed in one place other than the receiving station 11 (such as a control room).

The "product type" data is input from the input/output unit 25 of the storage terminal 17, and the "product type" is displayed on the display unit 26 of the storage terminal 17. The input data is also input to the input unit 20 of the control device 16, which constructs data in the inventory data storage unit 21.

Figure 6 shows the data (information) stored in the inventory data storage unit 21. The variety information in the inventory data storage unit 21 includes the variety, size, color, production farm or chicken house number, lot number, egg collection date, sorting date, inventory number, etc. Of course, the storage location, such as the shelf number in the storage unit 12, is also stored.

Figures 7 and 8 show examples of data stored in the product data storage unit 22.

In this embodiment, the product data storage unit 22 has substitutable varieties of a specific variety used in one egg product. The calculation unit 23 is configured to determine the variety to be shipped using eggs of a substitutable variety when the stock of the specific variety is insufficient.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, four types of eggs, "●●●●, ●×●×, ×●×●, XXX", are associated with the product name "XX egg" in order of priority. The variety "●●●●" with priority 1 is a "specific variety of egg" that corresponds to the product name "XX egg", and varieties with priority 2 and above are "varieties that can be substituted for the specific variety".

As shown in FIG. 8, the product data storage unit 22 stores weighting data for the varieties in FIG. 6. This weighting data is data related to feed, rearing methods, management methods, etc., and serves as a weight for determining the priority order.

Figure 9 shows an explanatory diagram of how to specify a product name and release a specific group of eggs G from the automated warehouse 1.

A list of products handled by this GP center (XX eggs, △△ eggs, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 28 of the shipping terminal 18. From the list, the product to be shipped now (XX eggs) is selected and input into the input/output unit 27. If the display unit 28 is a touch panel, the product can be input by touching it in the list. When "XX eggs" is displayed on the display unit 28, the number of eggs to be shipped today is input into the shipping quantity field via the input/output unit 27.

The input data from the delivery terminal 18 is sent to the calculation unit 23 via the input unit 20 of the control device 16. The calculation unit 23 uses information from the product data storage unit 22 and the inventory data storage unit 21 to determine the variety of eggs E to be delivered from the automated warehouse 1.

The calculation unit 23 determines whether there is a sufficient stock of a specific variety of the set product. If there is a sufficient stock, an output is sent to the output unit 24 to send that variety out. If there is a shortage, the variety to be sent out is determined using eggs of an alternative variety.

Figure 10 shows the screen that is displayed on the display unit 28 of the shipping terminal 18 when there is a shortage of stock of a specified item.

Because there is a shortage of the specified variety "●●●●" for the "XX egg" in the shipping setting, varieties with priority order 2 and above are displayed. The person in charge at the GP center judges whether or not it is OK to ship this substitute variety, and ships it after giving permission. In other words, the display unit 28 of the shipping terminal 18 constitutes the display unit of the present invention, which displays information about the egg varieties that can be substituted determined by the calculation unit 23. The person in charge checks the contents of this display unit 28 before shipping.

The eggs E removed from the automated warehouse 1 are packed into the specified packaging P by the packaging system 3 and shipped to the customer as a "XX egg" product.

As explained above, the "egg delivery work support system" according to an embodiment of the present invention allows eggs E to be used to make egg products packed in packaging containers P to be delivered by setting the name of a "product" from an automated warehouse 1 having a storage section 12 in which eggs E are stored by "variety" and a transfer device 14 that delivers eggs E from this storage section 12. Then, egg products are produced from the eggs delivered from the automated warehouse 1 using a packaging system (an example of which will be described later) connected downstream of the automated warehouse 1.

Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts of the shipping process of the control device 16. This flowchart also shows a method for shipping eggs from the automated warehouse 1 using the shipping operation support system.

As shown in the figure, the "product" and "quantity" are specified on the shipping terminal 18 (step S1). The operation of this step is shown in Figure 9, and "XX egg" corresponds to the egg "product" to be shipped.

Next, the "types" that can be used for the "product" are extracted (step S2). The "types" are marked "A to C" in the figure, and "A" corresponds to "●●●●" in Figure 10.

The number of eggs A in stock, which has a high priority, is checked (step S3). Eggs A are a specific variety used for one egg product. Then, it is determined whether the product can be produced using eggs A alone (step S4). This determination is made based on whether the number of eggs A in stock is sufficient for the number of eggs used for the product.

If the answer is "Yes" in step S4, the process proceeds to step S7, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in step S4, the inventory of egg B, which has the second highest priority after egg A, is checked (step S5). Then, it is determined whether the product can be produced by using egg B as well (step S6).

If the determination in step S6 is "Yes", the eggs to be used for production (eggs to be shipped) are displayed (step S7). This display is shown in Figure 10.

The display contents of step S7 are confirmed on the delivery terminal 18 (step S8). This step is performed by the operator in charge.

If the confirmation in step S8 is "Yes," an operation signal is sent to the control unit 30 of the transfer device 14 (step S9). The transfer device 14 transfers the eggs A and B to be shipped from the storage unit 12 to the shipping station 13, and the process ends.

If the answer is "No" in step S8, a message is displayed indicating that production is not possible with the current stock (step S10), and the process ends.

If the answer is "No" in step S6, the flow goes to the flow shown in FIG. 12. That is, the number of eggs in stock is checked in order of priority until all the eggs registered for the product are used up (step S11). Then, it is determined whether the registered eggs can be produced (step S12).

If the answer is "Yes" in step S12, the eggs to be used for production (eggs to be shipped) are displayed (step S13). Once the displayed content is confirmed on the shipping terminal 18 (step S14), an operation signal is sent to the control unit 30 of the transfer device 14 (step S15). The transfer device 14 transfers eggs A and B to be shipped from the storage unit 12 to the shipping station 13, and the process ends.

If the answer is "No" in step S12, a message is displayed indicating that production is not possible with the current stock (step S16), and the process ends.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

The egg delivery work support system according to this embodiment has an order data storage unit 31 that stores orders as information on egg products, and the calculation unit 23 is configured to plan the egg products to be delivered from the information in the data storage units 21, 22 and output the planned egg products to the output unit 24. Of course, in this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, the calculation unit 23 is configured to determine the variety to be delivered using substitutable egg varieties when there is a shortage of stock of a specific variety.

Figure 14 is an example of order data in the order data storage unit 31.

Looking at this order data, normally the order of delivery of egg products would be decided based on shipping time, but because packaging system 3 requires different settings for each product, it would be more efficient to deliver "XX eggs" from supermarket A and "XX eggs" from supermarket B consecutively.

However, if Supermarket B continues to send out its "XX eggs," they may not be able to make the shipping time for Supermarket A's "XX eggs."

In this embodiment, the order data storage unit 31, inventory data storage unit 21, and product data storage unit 22 are used to determine the shipping order of products that minimizes the need to change the settings of the packaging system 2 equipment. Eggs are shipped based on the products determined.

Furthermore, the decision on which products to ship is made taking into account interchangeable eggs from the order data processed in a day. In other words, since "eggs of one variety can be used for multiple products" and "one product can be made from multiple eggs," it is necessary to keep track of the overall order and inventory situation. For example, if the variety with priority 1 is ○○○○ to make the first product and the next variety with priority 2, △△△△, is used, then there will not be enough eggs of variety △△△△ with priority 1 to make the second product that is to be shipped on the same day. The calculation unit 23 makes a plan to prevent such a situation.

Third Embodiment
15 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the sorting system 2 is separated from the automated warehouse 1. Egg groups G sorted by the sorting system 2 are transported by truck or the like and stored at the receiving station 11 of the automated warehouse 1, but the rest of the configuration is the same.

Fourth Embodiment
16 and 17 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the setting of the packaging system 3 is performed simultaneously with the setting of the delivery from the automated warehouse 1.
That is, the settings of the packaging system 3 connected downstream of the automated warehouse 1 are performed from the control device 16 of the unloading operation support system.

The packaging system 3 is composed of a packaging device 10 arranged downstream of the automated warehouse 1, an inspection device 32 arranged downstream of the packaging device 10, a label shooter 33, a bean sealer 34, an overlaying machine 35, a case packer 36, a case destacker 37, a case palletizer 38, a roll packer 39, etc.

The packaging device 10 transfers egg groups G on trays T delivered from the delivery station 13 of the automated warehouse 1 into packaging containers for distribution, such as packs P. After being transferred to the containers, the egg-containing packs P are transported by the conveying section 40 to each downstream device.

The inspection device 32 inspects the egg-containing packs P being transported by the transport unit 40 from the packaging device 10. The inspection device 32 inspects the condition of the eggs (e.g., cracks, stains, missing or leaking contents, and the presence or absence of eggs).

The label shooter 33 puts a label (a label with the product name "XXXX Egg") into the pack P being transported by the transport unit 40. The label shooter 33 may put the label between the eggs E, or may put the label onto the lid. The label shooter 33 may have the function of printing on the label, or may send out a pre-printed label. Examples of the content to be printed include the expiration date and production date.

The bean sealing machine 34 attaches small sticker-like labels (bean seals) to the top surface of the eggs E. The bean sealing machine 34 has a function for printing on the bean seals. Examples of information that can be printed include the expiration date and production date.

The top-applier 35 applies a label (a label with the product name "XX egg") to the lid of the pack P being transported by the transport unit 40.

The case packer 36 packs a predetermined number of egg packs P with closed lids into cases. The case packer 36 is configured, for example, using a conventional articulated robot whose head unit can be operated arbitrarily. The head unit has a holding unit for temporarily holding and transferring the egg packs P. The cases are transported by a conveyor for cases that is different from the conveyor that transports the egg packs P. The cases may be plastic containers or cardboard boxes.

The case destacker 37 is an example of a case supply section of the case packer 36, and transfers stacked containers one by one onto a case conveyor. The case destacker 37 is configured, for example, using a conventional articulated robot whose head section can be operated arbitrarily. The head section has a holding section for temporarily holding and transferring containers.

The case palletizer 38 is an example of a case assembly unit, and assembles containers filled with egg cartons P. The case palletizer 38 loads multiple containers onto a pallet or cart. The case palletizer 38 is configured, for example, using a conventional articulated robot whose head unit can be operated arbitrarily. The head unit has a holding unit for temporarily holding and transferring the containers.

The roll packer 39 packs a predetermined number of egg packs P with closed lids into a rack. The roll packer 39 is configured, for example, using a conventional articulated robot whose head unit can be operated arbitrarily. The head unit has a holding unit for temporarily holding and transferring the egg packs P. The racks are transported by a rack conveyor that is different from the conveyor that transports the egg packs P. One example of a rack is a cart such as an egg pack rack that is used for both transportation to the store and displaying the egg packs in the store.

Each component device of the packaging system 3 and the automated warehouse 1 are connected to the control device 16.

As shown in FIG. 17, the control device 16 includes a calculation unit 23 and a setting information transmission unit 41. The calculation unit 23 sets the egg products to be shipped from the automated warehouse 1, and may be any of the units shown in the above embodiments.

The egg products set by the calculation unit 23 are transmitted to each component device of the packaging system 3 and the transfer device 14 of the automated warehouse 1 via the setting information transmission unit 41.

The transfer device 14 of the automated warehouse 1 and each device of the packaging system 3 are provided with a reception control unit 42. The reception control unit 42 has a setting reception unit 43 and a setting change control unit 44. The setting reception unit 43 receives information from the setting information transmission unit 41 of the control device 16. The setting change control unit 44 sets the equipment based on the information received by the setting reception unit 43.

That is, the reception control unit 42 provided in each device receives transmissions from the setting information transmission unit 41 of the control device 16 and changes the settings of each device.

Figure 18 is a table showing the setting contents of each device, and is a list of the setting contents transmitted from the setting information transmission unit 41. Note that the setting items shown below are examples, and there may be other setting items, or some setting items may not be provided.

The setting for the transfer device 14 of the automated warehouse 1 is a "product" such as "XX eggs." With this product setting, eggs of a specific variety are shipped out. The setting for the packaging system 3 is also a "product." However, with this product setting, the settings for each device are as shown in FIG. 18. That is, the setting for the packaging device 10 is the type of container (pack P) and the number of products to be produced. The setting for the inspection device 32 is the inspection function ON or OFF and the judgment level. The settings for the label shooter 33 are label insertion ON or OFF, printing function ON or OFF, printing content pattern, printing comparison function ON or OFF, and the number of labels. The settings for the bean sealing machine 34 are sticker attachment ON or OFF, printing function ON or OFF, printing content pattern, printing comparison function ON or OFF, and the number of bean seals. The settings for the top applicator 35 are label input ON or OFF, printing function ON or OFF, print content pattern, print comparison function ON or OFF, and number of labels.

The settings for the case destacker 37 are the supply function ON or OFF, the case type pattern, and the number of cases. The settings for the case packer 36 are the packing function ON or OFF, the arrangement pattern, and the number of cases. The settings for the case palletizer 38 are the transfer function ON or OFF, the arrangement pattern, and the number of cases. The settings for the roll packer 39 are the loading function ON or OFF, the arrangement pattern, and the number of rolls.

The setting information of each of the above devices is stored in the storage device of the control device 16, and is transmitted to each device by the setting information transmission unit 41 in response to instructions from the calculation unit 23. The information is received by the reception control unit 42 of each device, and the settings of each device are simultaneously changed by the setting change control unit 44.

According to the fourth embodiment, the complex settings of the automated warehouse 1 and packaging system 3 are performed in a centralized manner, making shipping operations more efficient.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

For example, the display unit 28 that displays information about interchangeable egg varieties determined by the calculation unit 23 is not limited to being provided in the shipping terminal 18, but may also be provided in the receiving terminal 17, a terminal installed in an office in the GP center, a portable terminal, etc.

The input/output units 25, 27 of the entrance terminal 17 and exit terminal 18 are not limited to touch panel type that inputs data from the display units 26, 28, but also include cases where data is input from a keyboard and transmitted as data from the terminal.

The "product type" data may be transmitted from a control device (not shown) of the sorting system 2 to the storage terminal 17 or the sensor 19. This control device and the control device 16 of the automated warehouse 1 may be installed together.

The information regarding interchangeable egg varieties obtained by the calculation unit is not limited to being displayed on the display unit 28 as a confirmation screen. The present invention may also be one that does not require confirmation.

In the fourth embodiment, the devices in the packaging system are not limited to those shown in the examples. It is not necessary for one packaging line to be equipped with all of the devices shown in the examples. The arrangement and order of the devices are not limited to those shown in the figures. The settings of the devices are also not limited to those shown in the examples.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and includes all modifications that are equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Automated warehouse 2 Sorting system 3 Packaging system 4 Sorting device 5 Stacking device 6 First conveying section 7 Second conveying section 8 Third conveying section 9 De-staging device 10 Packaging device 11 Storage station 12 Storage section 13 Outgoing station 14 Transfer device 15 Goods storage shelf 16 Control device 17 Incoming terminal 18 Outgoing terminal 19 Sensor 20 Input section 21 Stock data storage section 22 Product data storage section 23 Calculation section 24 Output section 25 Input/output section (incoming terminal)
26 Display unit (warehouse terminal)
27 Input/Output Unit (Delivery Terminal)
28 Display unit (delivery terminal)
29 Input/Output Unit (Sensor)
Reference Signs List 30 Control unit 31 Order data storage unit 32 Inspection device 33 Label shooter 34 Bean sealer 35 Top paster 36 Case packer 37 Case destacker 38 Case palletizer 39 Roll packer 40 Conveyor unit 41 Setting information transmission unit 42 Reception control unit 43 Setting reception unit 44 Setting change control unit

Claims (8)

An egg delivery operation support system that enables eggs to be used for making a packaged egg product to be delivered from an automated warehouse having a storage section in which eggs are stored by variety and a transfer device for delivering the eggs from the storage section, by setting the egg product, comprising:
An input unit for setting the egg product;
an inventory data storage unit that stores the number of eggs stored in the automated warehouse for each variety in association with a sorting date ;
a product data storage unit that stores the variety and the egg product in association with each other;
a calculation unit that uses information from the product data storage unit and the inventory data storage unit to determine eggs to be shipped from the automated warehouse in accordance with the setting of the egg product;
and an output unit that outputs the result of the calculation unit to control the transfer device. The automated warehouse has an input station that receives eggs classified into classes as egg groups for each class, and a shipping station that ships out the egg groups stored in the storage unit in response to a shipping request,
2. The egg shipping operation support system according to claim 1, wherein the shipping station is provided with a shipping terminal, and egg products are input to the input section from the shipping terminal. The product data storage unit has substitutable varieties of a given variety used in one egg product,
3. The egg shipping operation support system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit determines the variety to be shipped using the substitutable variety of eggs when the stock of a predetermined variety is insufficient. The egg shipping support system according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays information about the interchangeable egg varieties determined by the calculation unit. The egg delivery support system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, in which a packaging system is connected downstream of the automated warehouse and the settings of the packaging system are configured based on egg products from the input unit. An automated warehouse equipped with an egg delivery support system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. An egg shipping method for shipping eggs from an automated warehouse using the egg shipping work support system described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. A method for producing egg products using eggs delivered from an automated warehouse, using the egg delivery work support system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Images