JP2004189430A - Cargo handling instruction distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cargo handling instruction distribution device capable of efficiently operating a plurality of cargo handling means. <P>SOLUTION: The distribution device 1 comprises a plurality of operator terminal units 3 provided corresponding to a plurality of cargo handling means 2, and a host device 5 connected to the plurality of operator terminal units 3 via a radio communication network 4. The host device 5 comprises a cargo information input means 6 wherein information that cargoes for entry/exit are inspected is inputted, a cargo information storage unit 7 occupying one storage area of a hard disk or the like, a standard information storage unit 8 occupying other storage areas, an instruction signal input means 9 wherein an instruction for entry/exit is inputted an information processing unit 10 as a CPU, and a distribution means 11 as a wireless modem or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cargo handling command distribution device that instructs an operator of a cargo handling vehicle to enter and leave a package.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a plurality of cargo handling means such as a cargo handling vehicle or a loading platform are kept on standby in a premises such as a warehouse, and the loading / unloading of cargo or transfer of the cargo to an appropriate place is performed on these cargo handling means. It is well known that a command signal related to a cargo handling operation is distributed via a wireless LAN (local area network). On the other hand, the operator terminal is mounted on each cargo-handling vehicle, or is carried by a worker who uses a hand carrier or the like, or is placed in a place where the worker can always see the operator terminal. That is, one operator terminal corresponds to one cargo handling means.
[0003]
The host device delivers the above command signal to all operator terminals simultaneously.
Further, the host device specifies the cargo handling means located closest to the cargo handling location of the baggage or the cargo handling means that performs the work less frequently, and gives the operator of the identified cargo handling means or the like to perform the cargo handling work with priority. Instructions can be delivered in conjunction with the instruction signal. The operator or the like confirms the cargo handling location and the like of the cargo subject to cargo handling based on the content of the command signal displayed on the display of the operator terminal.
[0004]
The above-mentioned cargo handling work can be broadly divided into a pallet work in which a package placed on the pallet is handled as it is, and a picking work in which small articles are taken out of the luggage placed on the pallet. These operations can be divided into low-place work performed exclusively near the floor and high-place work that loads and unloads luggage to high steps such as shelves. In addition, the picking operation may rely on only manual operation without using a cargo-handling vehicle.
[0005]
As exemplified above, the cargo handling work can be roughly classified into five types such as a low place / high place pallet work, a low place / high place picking work, and a manual picking work. A cargo handling means such as a cargo handling vehicle or a hand truck is suitable for the above cargo handling work depending on its specifications, and all the cargo handling work cannot be performed by a cargo handling means of one specification.
[0006]
For example, a counter-type or reach-type forklift is suitable for low-altitude pallet work. In addition, a three-way stacker forklift is suitable for high-altitude or low-altitude pallet work such as entering a narrow path between the rows of shelves arranged in parallel and loading and unloading the goods in these rows of shelves. In addition, a picking lift provided with a lifting platform on which an operator or the like can board is suitable for picking at a high place. This is used by an operator or the like who ascends together with the elevator to manually take out small items stored on a high level such as a shelf.
[0007]
As a matter of fact, the individual operator, etc. who has confirmed the cargo to be unloaded based on the display of the operator terminal described above, checks whether the specifications of the cargo handling means that he or she is driving are suitable for handling the luggage. Judge by itself. Then, an operator or the like operating a cargo handling means suitable for handling the cargo spontaneously carries out a cargo handling operation of the cargo displayed on the operator terminal. Such a technique is disclosed in the following document.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-62-247456 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-63-27970 [0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for example, the operator or the like of the above-described three-way stacker forklift operates while riding on the undercarriage, and thus cannot perform the picking operation by ascending to the height of the luggage like the above-described picking lift. For this reason, when the operator of the three-way stacker forklift, which has recognized the luggage by the radio signal, is about to carry out the cargo handling operation and finds for the first time that the luggage is the one to be picked, the operator of the picking lift is renewed. Etc. must alternately perform the same work.
[0010]
Alternatively, if the above-mentioned picking operation can be performed at the height of the height of the operator or the like, it is sufficient to prepare the loading platform from the beginning. There is a problem that such waste and chores cannot be avoided in advance with the techniques described above.
[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a cargo handling command distribution device that can efficiently operate a plurality of cargo handling means.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A distribution apparatus for a cargo handling command according to the present invention includes an operator terminal provided corresponding to a plurality of cargo handling means, and a host device connected to the operator terminal via a communication network. . It is characterized in that the host device is a cargo handling means for carrying the cargo out of the plurality of cargo handling means on the basis of information on at least one of a cargo handling location, a packing style, a weight, and a number of the cargo. And delivering a command signal for unloading the package to the operator terminal corresponding to the unloading means.
[0013]
Further, in the delivery device of the cargo handling command according to the present invention, the host device stores the standard code specifying the cargo handling means, the loading location where the cargo handling means handles, the packing form, and the standard information including the maximum loading weight. A standard information storage unit, a package code for specifying the package, a cargo handling location of the package, a package information inputting unit for inputting package information including a weight, a packing style, and a number; and the standard information corresponding to the standard code. An information processing unit that selects cargo handling means for handling the package from the plurality of cargo handling means by comparing the package information corresponding to the package code, and a cargo handling unit selected by the information processing unit And a distribution means for distributing a command signal for unloading the package to the operator terminal corresponding to the above.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
As shown in FIG. 1, a distribution apparatus 1 for a cargo handling command according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of operator terminals 3 provided corresponding to a plurality of cargo handling means 2, and a plurality of the operator terminals 3. It comprises a host device 5 connected to a terminal 3 via a wireless communication network 4.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operator terminal 3 includes a display 30 having a so-called touch panel function that can input desired information by touching a screen provided on a front surface thereof. Although not shown, a bar code reader capable of inputting luggage information described later is provided.
[0016]
The host device 5 includes a baggage information input unit 6 into which information on inspection of a baggage (not shown) to be entered and exited, a baggage information storage unit 7 occupying one storage area of a RAM or a ROM using a hard disk or the like as a medium. A standard information storage unit 8 occupying another storage area such as the RAM, a command signal input unit 9 for inputting information for comprehensively controlling the entry and exit, an information processing unit 10 as a CPU, a wireless modem, and the like. Distribution means 11.
[0017]
The baggage information input means 6 is for inputting baggage information including a baggage code for specifying a baggage, a cargo handling location, a packing style, a weight, and a number. As the package information input means 6, a bar code reader, a keyboard, a so-called touch panel, or the like can be applied. Since the baggage information input from these is transferred to the host device 5, the baggage information input means 6 may be installed anywhere. Preferably, the baggage information input means 6 is located near the host device 5 and for each operator terminal 3. Respectively.
[0018]
The above-mentioned baggage code is a barcode or a number written on a tag or a slip attached to the baggage. The loading / unloading location of a package is a code indicating a location where the package is to be loaded and unloaded when, for example, the package is loaded or unloaded in a section or shelf defined in the premises of a warehouse or the like. The weight is the unit weight or the total weight of the package. These pieces of luggage information are stored in the luggage information storage unit 7 of the host device 5, and each time a new luggage is received, the person responsible for the acceptance of the luggage operates the luggage information input means 6 sequentially. Added, changed, or updated.
[0019]
The standard information storage unit 8 stores a standard code for specifying the cargo handling means 2, a cargo handling place where the cargo handling means 2 can carry, a packing form, and standard information including a maximum loading weight to form a database. These pieces of luggage information are unique to each cargo handling means 2, and are added or changed only when the number of cargo handling means 2 is increased or decreased, or a modification related to the standard of the cargo handling means 2 is performed. Or updated.
[0020]
For example, in the case of a counter-type forklift, a cargo handling place where the cargo handling means 2 can carry out cargo handling includes loading and unloading luggage such as a section having a fixed floor or a shelf having a height of about 3 m or less from the floor. Can be a code that represents such a low point. Alternatively, if a three-way stacker forklift is used, it is possible to load and unload luggage on shelves or the like whose height from the floor is about 3 m or more, and this code indicates such a high place.
[0021]
The above-mentioned packing form is the state of the baggage when the cargo handling means 2 carries out the cargo handling. There are a packing form placed on a pallet and a single form (small item) taken out from a group of loads placed on the pallet. It is stored as a code to determine. For example, if the cargo handling means 2 is a picking lift, the code of the packaging style included in the standard information means that the cargo is handled as a single item. The maximum loading weight is the total weight of luggage that can be loaded at one time by the loading / unloading means 2. For example, it is set to 3000 kg or less for a counter-type forklift and 10 kg or less for a hand cart.
[0022]
The command signal input unit 9 is a keyboard or a so-called touch panel that is mainly operated by an administrator who manages entry / exit of the warehouse. This is because when the newly delivered luggage is received or the luggage is released in response to a request for shipping or the like, the above manager inputs a luggage code and a command signal for instructing luggage storage / removal. Is what you do.
[0023]
The information processing section 10 can handle the package from the plurality of cargo handling means 2 by comparing the standard information corresponding to the standard code with the package information corresponding to the package code through the steps described below. Alternatively, a cargo handling means 2 suitable for cargo handling is selected.
[0024]
The distribution unit 11 distributes a command signal for unloading a package to the operator terminal 3 corresponding to the unloading unit 2 selected by the information processing unit 10. For example, when a well-known wireless modem is applied as the distribution unit 11, this wireless modem is provided in each of the host device 5 and the operator terminal 3 so that mutual data communication can be performed. In addition, if a unique domain is assigned to each operator terminal 3, each operator terminal 3 can be identified, so that the distribution unit 11 can determine whether the operator terminal 3 corresponds to the cargo handling unit 2 selected by the information processing unit 10. It is possible to distribute only to the device 3.
[0025]
Next, a method of delivering a cargo handling command according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, the English characters added to the beginning of the sentence are indices that delimit the information processing or operation steps of the distribution device 1. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that various information is exchanged between the operator terminal 3 and the host device 5 in a timely manner.
[0026]
A: The standard information including the standard code specifying the cargo handling means 2, the cargo handling place where the cargo handling means 2 handles, the weight, and the number are stored in the standard information storage unit 8. This step is the initial setting of the distribution device 1 or its update.
[0027]
B: When a new package is received, the package is first inspected. That is, baggage information including the baggage code for specifying the baggage, the cargo handling location, the packing style, the weight, and the number of the baggage is input to the baggage information input means 6 and stored in the baggage information storage unit 7.
[0028]
The above step B is repeated each time a new package is stored. If it is necessary to store the newly delivered luggage or to leave the luggage in response to a request for shipping or the like, for example, the above-mentioned manager specifies the luggage to be loaded / removed. A code and a command signal for instructing entry / exit of the package are input to the instruction signal input unit 9.
[0029]
C: Based on the command signal input to the command signal input means 9, the information processing unit 10 calls the package information corresponding to the package code of the package from the package information storage unit 7, and reads all the package information from the standard information storage unit 8. The standard information corresponding to the standard code of the cargo handling means 2 is called.
[0030]
D: The information processing unit 10 compares the baggage information corresponding to the baggage code and the standard information corresponding to the standard codes of all the cargo handling units 2 as follows, and From among them, the cargo handling means 2 capable of handling or carrying the cargo to be loaded / unloaded is selected.
[0031]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether the package is individual (single item) or the package is on a pallet based on the information of the “packing style” included in the package information. Further, based on the information of "place" which means the cargo handling place, it is determined whether the baggage is to be taken in and out of a height higher than a predetermined height or in a low place such as a fixed section of a floor. You.
[0032]
For example, a picking lift is selected as the cargo handling means 2 when loading and unloading luggage at a high place. Alternatively, when the baggage is moved in and out of a low place according to the information on the “place”, if the “weight” and “number” of the baggage are less than a predetermined value, a worker may carry the baggage as a cargo handling means 2 in addition to a hand cart. Can also be selected.
[0033]
A plurality of cargo handling means 2 selected as described above may be provided. In this case, the host device 5 selects, from the selected plurality of cargo handling means 2, the cargo handling means 2 closest to the cargo handling location of the cargo or the cargo handling means 2 with less frequent work as in the related art. May be preferentially selected.
[0034]
E: The distribution means 11 distributes a command signal for loading / unloading (loading) a package and information about the package to the operator terminal 3 corresponding to the cargo handling means 2 selected in the step D.
[0035]
In this case, the command signal and the package information are displayed only on the display 30 corresponding to the selected cargo handling means 2, and are not displayed on the displays 30 corresponding to the other cargo handling means 2. Alternatively, the command signal and the baggage information are indiscriminately displayed on the display 30 corresponding to all the cargo handling means 2, and a symbol such as "priority" is displayed only on the selected cargo handling means 2 to select the cargo information. The operator of the cargo handling means 2 may be urged to execute the cargo handling work prior to the other cargo handling means 2.
[0036]
It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in various modified, modified, and modified embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit thereof.
[0037]
For example, the operator or the like who has completed the cargo handling based on the command signal and the cargo information in the step E reads a bar code or the like written on a tag or a slip attached to the cargo with a bar code reader or the like, and reads this information into the cargo handling. By collating with the baggage information of the baggage according to the command, the operator or the like may be able to confirm whether or not the cargo handling has been completed as instructed.
[0038]
In this case, if a symbol such as "not completed" or "completed" is displayed on the display 30, the operator or the like can perform the above confirmation at a glance by himself. On the other hand, the host device 5 can immediately update the storage contents of the baggage information storage unit 7 by being notified from the operator terminal 3 that the cargo handling is completed. Further, the luggage information is not limited to the contents described above, and the number of stocks of cargo handling, scheduled shipment / reception, storage temperature, expiration date, items, or the like may be added as necessary.
[0039]
Further, in the above description, wireless communication is performed between all the operator terminals 3 and the host device 5, but a part or all of the operator terminals 3 and the host device 5 are connected by wire. You may.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the cargo handling command distribution device according to the present invention, by comparing the baggage information with the case information, a cargo handling means (forklift or hand cart) for carrying the cargo is selected from the plurality of cargo handling means, and the operator selects the cargo handling means. Since the command signal is distributed only to the operator or the like, the operator or the like who has received the command signal does not need to judge by itself which cargo handling means can be used for cargo handling.
[0041]
Therefore, it is possible to avoid a chore and a waste at the time of the cargo handling work caused by the failure of the assumption of the operator or the communication of the intention as in the related art.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a distribution apparatus for a cargo handling command according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the operator terminal applied to the distribution apparatus of the cargo handling command according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a method of delivering a cargo handling command according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Distribution device 1
2: cargo handling means 3: operator terminal 4: communication network 5: host device 6: package information input means 7: package information storage unit 8: standard information storage unit 9: command signal input unit 10: information processing unit 11: Delivery method

Claims (2)

A cargo handling command distribution device comprising: an operator terminal provided corresponding to a plurality of cargo handling means; and a host device connected to the operator terminal via a communication network,
The host device selects a cargo handling means for handling the package from the plurality of cargo handling means based on information obtained by inspecting at least one of a cargo handling location, a packing form, a weight, and a number of the cargo, and A command signal for unloading the package to the operator terminal corresponding to (1). The host device, a standard code specifying the cargo handling means, a cargo handling location where the cargo handling means, a packing form, and a standard information storage unit that stores standard information including a maximum loading weight,
A baggage information input unit for inputting baggage information including a baggage code for specifying the baggage, a loading place, a weight, a packing style, and a number of the baggage,
An information processing unit that selects cargo handling means for handling the package from among the plurality of cargo handling means by comparing the standard information corresponding to the standard code with the package information corresponding to the package code;
2. The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution unit configured to distribute a command signal for unloading the package to the operator terminal corresponding to the unloading unit selected by the information processing unit. 3.

Images