JP2002240954A - Tote box and managing system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately use tote boxes circulatingly within the range not losing a function. SOLUTION: An indication part 2 for indicating, so as to be changed, the information on at least the use state of a box body 10 on a re-usable box body 10. The data on at least the number of use times in the past is included in the information. When the number of use times of the tote box expires with the number of use times considered as the degree of progress of deterioration, the tote box is scrapped consistently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a returnable box that saves materials and improves the efficiency of delivery operations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, conventionally, when goods are delivered from a warehouse to a wholesaler or a retail store, the distribution direction of the cardboard boxes for packing the goods is always one direction from the shipping source to the shipping destination. It is customary to be disposed of.

[0003]

However, in such a logistics form, it takes time and cost to disassemble and dispose of the cardboard box at the shipping destination, and furthermore, wastes resources. Not desirable from a protection point of view.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a returnable box that can contribute to the saving of materials and at the same time can improve the efficiency of delivery operations.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

[0006] That is, the returnable box of the present invention is provided with a re-usable box body provided with a display unit for displaying at least information on the use state of the box body in a changeable manner. It is characterized in that it includes contents related to the number of past uses and treats the number of uses as the degree of progress of deterioration uniformly.

In such a case, when the returnable box is reused, the past use status can be grasped through the display unit, so that the returnable box can be effectively reused without impairing the function as the packing means. be able to. In particular, the box deteriorates as the number of times of use increases, but the information includes at least contents related to the number of times of use in the past. Therefore, it is not necessary to inspect the state of the box one by one, and it is possible to effectively take measures such as withdrawing the box from the distribution process before the function is damaged.

[0008] In order to enable such handling everywhere, it is desirable that the display unit also displays information on the number of times the box body can be used. Of course,
The display unit may display product information such as a product number and a delivery destination in addition to the number of times of use and the number of times of use.

Such a configuration is effective particularly when the box body is made of paper, which has a high degree of deterioration, and has a structure that can be assembled and disassembled.

[0010] In order to easily change the display on the display unit, it is preferable that the display unit is renewably attached with a label describing information on the use state of the box body.

In order to automatically manage the usage status,
It is desirable that the display unit displays information in a form readable by physical reading means such as a barcode.

In this case, a mutually identifiable ID is provided on the box body.
It is effective that the numbers are assigned in a form readable by physical means in association with the contents of the display unit.

For automation of the entire physical distribution, it is preferable that the displayed information includes information necessary for inventory management and automatic picking in a warehouse.

As a system suitable for appropriately managing the above-mentioned returnable box by using a computer system, an information updating means for updating the information on the use status of the returnable box every time it is reused; Output means for outputting the usage status updated by the means in a form that can be displayed as a display unit.

[0015] In addition, in order to efficiently sort the returnable boxes, a returnable box that does not reach the predetermined number of uses is automatically selected for collection by using the display on the display unit as a clue. It is preferable to provide a means and a sorting means for automatically extracting a returnable box that has reached the end of the number of uses for display as a clue for discarding.

[0016]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the returnable box of the present invention is applied to an inter-base logistics where cargo is repeatedly and continuously transferred between two bases N1 and N2. .

As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the return box 1
It is composed mainly of a box body 10 having a structure and a material, such as cardboard, which can be disassembled and incinerated without harming the environment, and as shown in FIG. After finishing, fold and collect,
It is possible to reuse what remains as a box for reuse.

For this purpose, the returnable number N0 of the returnable box 1 is determined in advance in consideration of strength and durability and in consideration of the purpose of use. The display unit 2 is provided with an ID number that can be used, and includes information on the number of times N in the past as the use status together with the number of times of use N0 and the ID number of the return box. Display 2
Is a bar code display, and FIG. 4 is a map showing information stored in the bar code. As is apparent from this map, the display unit 2 promotes the efficiency of the entire logistics, such as the above-mentioned ID number, the number of times of use N, the number of times of use N0, and the automatic picking for inventory management and shipping in a warehouse. The useful information above is included.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, in order to manage the use state of the returnable box 1 and the like, the computer system 3 is managed before the returnable returnable box 1 shown in FIG. 3 is put on a new packing line. Like that.

The computer system 3 is installed at least on the source N1 of the distribution base, and includes a CPU 31a and a memory 3 as shown in FIGS.
1b, a general-purpose computer main body 31 having an interface 31c and the like, a barcode scanner 32 and a printer 33. In the memory 32 of the computer main body 31, in addition to the program for managing the return box 1,
Stores programs for warehouse management and delivery, etc., and sorts reusable returnable boxes 1 according to those programs, and displays a display unit 2 including information on use status, contents, and delivery destination. It is newly updated and attached.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the role played by the computer system 3 in the management system. That is, this computer system 3
Is a reading means A for reading the barcode by driving the barcode scanner 32, a number of times N of the returnable box extracted from the read data and a predetermined number of times of use N0.
Means B for comparing the number of times of use with
Updating means C for updating data such as data, label output means D for driving the printer 33 based on the updated information to generate a label L, and sorting the returnable boxes 1 which have reached the service life N0 for disposal. A sorting means E is provided functionally.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a returnable box management program executed by the computer system 3. Hereinafter, the role of the present system will be described with reference to this flowchart.

In step 41, first, the display unit 2 of the returnable box 1 collected from the shipping destination is scanned by the barcode reading means A, and the past number N of use and the returnable
Read the data related to the number of use times N0 set in. The service life N0 may not be included in the barcode information, and may be managed by the computer system. And step 42
Then, it is determined whether or not the number of times of use N read in the step has reached a predetermined number of times of use N0 (for example, five times). In the case of NO, the process proceeds to step 43, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step 44.
In step 43, the information updating means C rewrites the data on the number of times of use to N = N + 1, and in step 45, the label output means D outputs the information on the usage status after the update and the product number, delivery destination, etc. for the next shipment. A new label L consisting of a barcode display containing information is output. Label L is
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a pocket P or the like is provided in the returnable box 1 in advance, and can be held so as to be able to be taken in and out of the pocket P. When an old label is inserted, In place of this, a newly inserted unused returnable box is newly inserted into the pocket. This operation is preferably performed mechanically, but may be performed manually. If the information can be updated,
The display unit can be configured by a method other than the label. On the other hand, YES is determined in step 42 and step 4
In the case of moving to 4, the returnable box 1 has been used up to the end of its useful life, so it is automatically sorted and sent to the disposal route.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the reusable box body 10 is provided with the display unit 2 for displaying at least information on the use state of the box body 10 in a changeable manner.

Thus, when the return box 1 is reused,
The past use status can be grasped through the display unit 2, and the returnable box 1 can be reused within a range that does not impair the function as a packing means.
As a result, effective use of limited resources can be achieved.

In this case, since the information includes the contents related to the past number of uses N and the product information such as the product number and the delivery destination, the deterioration state of the returnable box 1 can be treated numerically. Also, it is possible to promote the efficiency of the delivery operation. In particular, since the number of times of use N is regarded as the degree of progress of deterioration and is uniformly sent to the disposal route,
It is possible to efficiently perform the operation of lifting the box 1 out of the distribution process before the functional damage occurs, without checking the state of the box 1 one by one.

Further, since the display unit 2 also includes information on the number of uses N0 of the box body 10, the number of uses N and the number of uses N0 can be compared and determined everywhere.
The recycling of the box 1 can be optimized everywhere in the distribution process.

Therefore, when the box body 10 is made of a material having a particularly rapid progress of deterioration, for example, a material made in consideration of the convenience of transportation and recovery, or a material made of paper such as cardboard, It will be extremely effective.

Further, in this embodiment, the label L describing information on the use condition of the box body 10 is printed and inserted into the pocket P provided in the box body 10, so that the number of times of use is increased. In this case, the trouble of changing the display of the display unit 2 can be simplified. Of course, the number of times of use may be updated by successively overwriting.

In particular, since the display unit 2 of this embodiment displays barcode information that can be physically read by the barcode scanner 32, it is possible to automatically manage the use status automatically. Become.

In this case, the box body 10 is provided with an ID number that can be identified from each other so as to be readable by the scanner 32 in association with the information on the use status in the display unit 2. Even if necessary, it is possible to appropriately manage the box 10 at any time.

In particular, since the display unit 2 also includes information such as a product number and a delivery destination, by referring to only the display unit 2, inventory management and automatic picking in a warehouse, and physical distribution can be performed. Overall automation and efficiency can be promoted.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as a system for managing the returnable box 1, the present embodiment updates the information on the use status of the returnable box 1 every time it is reused. Since the apparatus is provided with the label output means D for outputting the used status in a form that can be displayed as a display unit, the returnable box 1 can be properly managed even if it is used casually.

In particular, the reusable service life N0 is determined in advance in the returnable box 1, and the display on the display unit 2 is used as a clue to collect the returnable box 1 that does not reach the service life N0. In order to discard the returnable boxes 1 that have reached the maximum, the sorting means E for automatically selecting the returnable boxes 1 are provided, so that the returnable boxes 1 can be efficiently sorted.

The specific configuration of each section is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, a case where a returnable box is used for logistics between bases has been described. However, even if the returnable box is used for shipping to another shipping destination without being returned from the shipping destination to the shipping source, each shipping base may be used. By installing a computer system similar to that described above, the returnable box 1 can be effectively managed and recycled.

Further, as the information on the use status, in addition to the number of times of use, information for limiting the use for each content to be stored, information on the degree of contamination or damage, etc. can be handled.

Other configurations can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0039]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above and has the following effects.

That is, the returnable box according to the present invention is such that a reusable box body is provided with a display section for displaying at least information on the use state of the box body in a changeable manner.

For this reason, the state of the returnable box can be accurately grasped, and the returnable box can be reused effectively, thereby reducing costs in distribution and protecting the environment by recycling. .

Since the information includes at least contents relating to the number of times of use in the past, and the deterioration state of the returnable box is assumed to be in proportion to the number of uses and is uniformly processed, the returnable box is uniformly processed. Data can be processed mechanically, and it is possible to suitably balance the function of the returnable box and the promotion of recycling without troublesome management.

Therefore, the present invention is particularly effective when the box body is made of paper, which has a rapid progress of deterioration, and has a structure which can be assembled and disassembled.

In addition to such a configuration, if the information on the use status of the box body is displayed in an updatable form, the trouble of rewriting the display on the display unit every time the number of times of use is repeated is simplified. It is possible to increase the efficiency of the system.

In particular, if the display section is made readable by physical reading means, it will be effective in promoting automation of management of the use state.

In this case, a mutually identifiable ID is provided on the box body.
If the number is made readable in association with the information on the use status in the display unit, it becomes possible to perform appropriate management of the box at any time, even if the box body is circulated.

In particular, if the display unit includes information such as the product number and the delivery destination, it is possible to effectively promote automation and efficiency of the entire distribution, including inventory management and automatic picking in a warehouse. Becomes possible.

Furthermore, if the box main body has a structure that can be assembled and disassembled, disassembly and knockdown can be performed, so that it is possible to more easily reuse and improve efficiency.

On the other hand, as a system for managing the returnable box, an information updating means for updating information on the use state of the returnable box every time it is reused, and a use state updated by the information update means is displayed on a display unit. By providing a label output unit that outputs in a form that can be performed, it is possible to simply construct a hardware structure, and it is possible to accurately manage a returnable box even if it is used casually.

In particular, the number of usable times that can be reused is determined in advance in the returnable box, and the display on the display unit is used as a clue to collect returnable boxes that have not reached the number of uses, or to return the returnable boxes that have reached the number of uses. If sorting means for automatically sorting are provided for disposal, it is possible to uniformly handle the return and return of returnable boxes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a mode of using a return box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the return box.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a management system of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a map showing contents of information included in a display unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary functional block diagram showing a computer main body according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a specific configuration diagram corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary functional block diagram showing the computer system of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... return box 2 ... display unit 10 ... box body C ... information updating means D ... output means E ... sorting means

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A reusable box main body is provided with a display unit for displaying at least information on the use status of the box main body in a changeable manner. A returnable box characterized in that the number of uses is regarded as the degree of deterioration and handled uniformly. 2. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit also displays information on the number of times the box body can be used.
The return box described. 3. The returnable box according to claim 1, wherein the box body is made of paper. 4. The returnable box according to claim 1, wherein the box main body has a structure that can be assembled and disassembled. 5. The returnable box according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is attached with a label describing at least information on the use status of the box main body in an updatable manner. 6. The return box according to claim 1, wherein the display section displays information in a form readable by physical reading means such as a bar code. . 7. A returnable box according to claim 6, wherein the box body is provided with mutually identifiable ID numbers in a form readable by physical means in association with the contents of the display section. . 8. The return box according to claim 7, wherein the displayed information includes information necessary for inventory management and automatic picking in a warehouse. 9. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.
The return box described above is managed using a computer system, and the information on the use state of the return box is updated each time it is reused. An output unit that outputs in a form that can be displayed as a display unit, and a sorting unit that automatically sorts a returnable box that does not reach a predetermined number of uses for collection automatically by using the display of the display unit as a clue. To return box management system. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the returnable box is managed by using a computer system, and information relating to a use state of the returnable box is regenerated. An information updating means for updating each use, an output means for outputting the usage status updated by the information updating means in a form that can be displayed as a display unit, and a returnable box which has reached a predetermined number of times of use is displayed on the display unit And a sorting means for automatically sorting for disposal by using the information as a clue.