JP2006017466A - Platform scale, gauge system, and inventory management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a platform scale of a simple structure capable of gauging an article in a laid state, and to provide a gauge system and an inventory management method capable of efficiently managing inventory through the use of the platform scale. <P>SOLUTION: The platform scale (pallet) 1 is provided with insertion parts 2 for the insertion of arm parts of a fork lift truck. The bottom part 1a of the platform scale (pallet) 1 is provided with load cells 13 for scaling the weight of an article laid on the pallet 1. The pallet 1 transmits scale data to a data processor, which is provided with both a processing means for processing scale data and a display means for displaying the scale data, by a radio communication means provided in the control part 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a weighing table for placing an article and weighing the weight thereof, a weighing system using the weighing table, and an inventory management method.

Conventionally, when an article such as a luggage is stored in a warehouse, the article is placed on a loading platform such as a pallet, and the loading platform is transported together with the article by a forklift. On the other hand, in order to perform inventory management of the articles stored in the warehouse, it is necessary to measure the weight of the articles loaded on the loading platform. This weighing is performed by replacing the article loaded on the loading platform with a scale or the like, or as described in Patent Document 1, the forklift that carries the loading platform is provided with a weighing mechanism to carry the article. We were weighing.
Utility Model Registration No. 2507806

  However, when a scale is used for weighing, a large scale or a large number of scales is required when there are a large number of articles. For this reason, there is a problem that a large installation area for the scale is required in the warehouse, and the installation location of the loading platform is restricted, and the layout in the warehouse is fixed. Further, when weighing, it is necessary to transfer the article from the loading platform to the balance, and there is a problem that the work is troublesome. On the other hand, a forklift provided with a weighing mechanism has a problem that its structure is complicated and expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a weighing table that can be transported in a state where an article is placed with a simple structure, and a weighing that can be efficiently managed using the weighing table. A system and an inventory management method are provided.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present application is provided with a placement portion for placing an article on the upper surface, and further provided with an insertion portion for inserting an arm portion of a forklift on the side, and measures the weight of the placed article. There is a weighing platform characterized in that a weighing mechanism is provided.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is characterized in that, in the weighing table according to claim 1, the weighing mechanism includes a load cell installed at the bottom of the weighing table.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the weighing platform according to the first or second aspect, the weighing mechanism is disposed at a position where it does not come into contact with the arm portion of the forklift when the forklift arm portion is inserted into the insertion portion. It is characterized by.

  The invention described in claim 4 includes the weighing table according to claim 1, 2 or 3, at least processing means for processing the weighing data output from the weighing table, and display means for displaying the weighing data. A weighing system comprising a data processing device and wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving weighing data between the weighing table and the data processing device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the weighing system according to the fourth aspect, the weighing table transmits the weighing data by the weighing mechanism to the data processing device, and when the weighing data changes, the weighing after the change is performed. Data is transmitted to a data processing device.

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present application is the weighing system according to claim 5, wherein the data processing device receives measurement data before change and measurement data after change transmitted from the weighing table, and changes A change amount of the measurement data before and after the change is calculated, and the change amount is displayed on the display means.

  The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is the weighing system according to claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein the weighing table is assigned unique identification information that can be distinguished from other weighing tables, and the data processing device is A command requesting to transmit the unique identification information of the weighing table and the weighing data to the weighing table is transmitted. The weighing table receives the command and the weighing data by the weighing mechanism when the command is received. And the unique identification information of the weighing table are transmitted to the data processing device.

  The invention according to claim 8 of the present application measures the article placed on the weighing table by the weighing table according to any one of claims 4 to 7 stored in a warehouse, and measures the weighing data. The data processing device transmits the data to the data processing device capable of wireless communication, receives the weighing data, calculates the number of articles based on the weighing data, and places the weighing table on the weighing table when the weighing table leaves the warehouse. The number of articles in stock is reduced by the number corresponding to the number of articles that have been set, and when the weighing table is re-entered in the warehouse, the weighing data of the weighing table is received and the number of articles in stock based on the weighing data is updated. In the inventory management method.

  According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, since the insertion portion into which the arm portion of the forklift is inserted is provided on the side portion of the weighing table for weighing the article, the weighing table is placed in a state where the article is placed. It can be transported with a forklift. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the article from the loading platform to the scale or the like during the weighing, and the efficiency of inventory management is improved. Further, since the weighing platform can be moved freely, the weighing mechanism is not a fixed facility, and the layout in the warehouse can be widened.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the weighing mechanism includes the load cell installed at the bottom of the weighing table, it is possible to provide a weighing table capable of weighing articles with a weighing mechanism having a simple configuration. In addition, since weighing can be performed by placing the weighing table on the installation surface, the weighing operation of the articles is simplified and the efficiency of inventory management is improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 of the present application, since the weighing mechanism is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the arm portion of the forklift when the arm portion of the forklift is inserted into the insertion portion, the weighing platform is moved using the forklift. Since there is no possibility that the arm part of the forklift and the measuring mechanism come into contact with each other during transportation, the work can be performed without worrying about the measuring mechanism, and the efficiency of the transportation work is improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the weighing table according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the processing means for processing the weighing data output from at least the weighing table, and the display means for displaying the weighing data. Since it comprises a data processing device provided and a wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving weighing data between the weighing table and the data processing device, the article placed on the weighing table is weighed at a location away from the weighing table. Therefore, inventory management can be performed, and the efficiency of inventory management is improved. In addition, since the weighing platform can be disposed at any position in the warehouse without using a communication cable or the like, the layout in the warehouse can be widened.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the weighing platform transmits the weighing data from the weighing mechanism to the data processing device, and transmits the changed weighing data to the data processing device when the weighing data changes. Therefore, even when the weight of the article placed on the weighing table changes, the latest weighing data can always be sent to the data processing device. Therefore, inventory management becomes easy and the efficiency is improved.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the data processing device receives the measurement data before the change and the measurement data after the change transmitted from the weighing table, and changes in the measurement data before and after the change. Since the amount is calculated and the amount of change is displayed on the display means, the amount of change in the weight of the article can be grasped even when the weight of the article placed on the weighing table changes. Therefore, inventory management becomes easy and the efficiency is improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 7 of the present application, the weighing table is assigned with unique identification information that can be distinguished from other weighing tables, and the data processing device has the uniqueness of the weighing table to the weighing table. A command requesting transmission of identification information and weighing data is transmitted, and the weighing platform receives the command, and the weighing data by the weighing mechanism when the command is received and the unique identification information of the weighing platform. Since it is transmitted to the data processing device, even when there are a plurality of weighing tables capable of transmitting weighing data to the data processing device, the data processing device can identify each weighing table and request the necessary weighing data. Since the weighing data of each weighing platform can be received, the inventory management can be performed very efficiently even when managing a large amount of articles.

  According to the invention described in claim 8 of the present application, the article placed on the weighing table is weighed by the weighing table according to any one of claims 4 to 7 stored in a warehouse, and the weighing is performed. The data is transmitted to a data processing device capable of wireless communication with the weighing table, and the data processing device receives the weighing data, calculates the number of articles in stock based on the weighing data, and when the weighing table leaves the warehouse, the weighing table The number of articles in stock is reduced by the number corresponding to the number of articles placed on the instrument, and when the weighing table is re-entered in the warehouse, the weighing table receives the weighing data and updates the number of articles on the basis of the weighing data. Therefore, even if the number of articles on the weighing table changes, it can always be accurately grasped and managed, and inventory management can be performed very efficiently. In addition, even if the weighing platform on which the article is placed leaves or enters the warehouse, it is possible to grasp the change in the inventory quantity, so the inventory quantity can always be accurately grasped, Inventory management becomes very easy.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing a pallet (hereinafter referred to as “pallet”) having a weighing mechanism, which is an embodiment of a weighing table according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view of the pallet 1, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a bottom view, and FIG. 4C is a bottom view of another pallet 1. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The pallet 1 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and a frame member 11 is attached to the outer peripheral portion (each side) of the lower surface of the flat plate-like placement portion 10 on which articles are placed, and the center of each frame member 11 facing each other. The frame members 12 are attached in a cross shape by connecting the parts. And the accommodation recessed part 3 (3-1 to 3-4) is provided in the center part vicinity of the lower surface (bottom part) of each frame member 11, and the four load cells 13 (13-1 to 13-4) are provided in the inside. It is attached. Each of the load cells 13 is configured as a set of four, and measures the weight of an article placed on the pallet 1.

  FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing details of a configuration example of the load cell 13 and a configuration example of the mounting portion thereof. Each of the load cells 13-1 to 13-4 is fixed in the housing recesses 3-1 to 3-4 via a bracket 14 on the fulcrum side, and a support leg 16 is attached to the load point side via a leaf spring 15 to support the load cells 13-1 to 13-4. The lower end 16 a of the leg 16 protrudes downward from the storage recess 3. Therefore, when the pallet 1 is placed on the installation surface 17, the load is supported by the support legs 16. Since the difference in height δ between the lower surface 1a of the pallet 1 and the tip 16a of the support leg 16 is slight, even if a plurality of pallets 1 are stored, the installation state Does not become unstable. Further, the difference δ is set to be zero when a load slightly exceeding the maximum weighing is received.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing a configuration example of a flat load cell. FIG. 4A is a plan view and FIG. 4B is a side view. As shown in the figure, the flat load cell 13 is provided with a rectangular hole 13b at a substantially central portion of a rectangular plate 13a made of metal (high strength aluminum or the like) to form two beams 13c and 13d. ing. Two strain-generating portions (arc-shaped concave portions) 13c-1 and 13c-2 are provided on the back surface of the beam 13c, and two strain-generating portions (arc-shaped concave portions) 13d-1 and 13d-2 are provided on the surface of the beam 13d. Is provided. Then, strain cages Z1 and Z2 are provided on the surface of the portion of the beam 13c opposite to the strain generating portions 13c-1 and 13c-2, that is, on the surface, and on the opposite side of the strain generating portions 13d-1 and 13d-2 of the beam 13d. The strain cages Z3 and Z4 are provided on the surface of the portion that hits, that is, the back surface. 3 is positioned in the rectangular hole 13b of the load cell 13 and protrudes from the upper surface of the load cell 13 by a predetermined amount.

  When the load cell 13 configured as described above supports the fulcrum side S and applies a load to the load point side M, a compressive force is applied to the strain gauges Z1 and Z4, and a tensile force is applied to the strain cages Z2 and Z3. By incorporating Z4 into the Wheatstone bridge circuit as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to measure the load applied to the load cell 13. In this case, since one beam 13c is provided with two strain cages Z1 and Z2 on the front surface and the other beam 13d is provided with two strain gauges Z3 and Z4 on the back surface, the error of the strain gauges Z1 and Z2 is reduced. The strain gauges Z3 and Z4 are in the plus direction, and the errors in the strain gauges Z3 and Z4 are in the minus direction. Both errors cancel each other, improving the accuracy of the load cell. As shown in FIG. 5, the strain gauges Z <b> 1 to Z <b> 4 of the load cells 13-1 to 13-4 are incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and four Wheatstone bridge circuits are OR-connected to obtain the output of the load cell 13.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the wiring (not shown) attached to the load cell 13 is connected to the control unit 30 installed at the lower center of the pallet 1 through the inside of the frame members 11 and 12. A power switch, a communication lamp for displaying the communication status of the pallet 1, and a zero reset operation key for updating the zero point described below (none of which are shown) can be installed on the side 1b of the pallet 1 or the like.

  The control unit 30 includes an A / D conversion unit 31, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a board unit (not shown) on which a wireless communication unit 33 (see FIG. 7) and the like are mounted, a rechargeable battery A power supply unit (not shown) is provided, and the substrate unit and the power supply unit are accommodated in the storage container 30a and attached to the center of the lower surface 1a of the pallet 1. The board part does not necessarily need to be composed of a single board, and each component such as the A / D conversion part 31, the CPU 32, and the wireless communication part 33 may be divided into a plurality of boards. The load cell 13 and the control unit 30 constitute a weighing mechanism 5 (see FIG. 7) for weighing the article placed on the pallet 1.

  On the other hand, the insertion part 2 is formed in the frame member 11 and the frame member 12 as shown in FIG. The insertion portion 2 is a hole formed so that the arm portion (not shown) of the forklift can be inserted from the side portion 1b of the frame member 11, and penetrates to the side portion 1b of the opposite frame member 11 on the opposite side. It is configured. The insertion portion 2 is provided so as to penetrate from any side portion 1b of the pallet 1 to the opposite side portion 1b, and fork lift arms can be inserted from the four side portions 1b of the pallet 1. It is. However, the insertion part 2 does not necessarily have to be opened to all four side parts 1b of the pallet, and may be opened to any two of them, for example. Moreover, it is not restricted to the case where it has penetrated to the opposing side part 1b, You may be provided in the middle. Furthermore, the insertion part 2 does not necessarily have a hole shape as long as the arm part of the forklift can be inserted. For example, the insertion part 2 may be formed as a concave groove on the lower surface of the placement part 10 of the pallet 1. Good.

  The pallet 1 can be transported by inserting the arm portion of the forklift into the insertion portion 2. The forklift here is not limited to a so-called cargo truck equipped with a load receiving arm that can be moved up and down by hydraulic pressure at the front of the car, but can manually lift and lower the load receiving arm. And what is called a hand fork etc. which can carry the pallet 1 by pulling by hand is also contained.

  In the pallet 1, the load cell 13 constituting the weighing mechanism 5 is installed on the frame member 11, the control unit 30 is installed on the frame member 12, and wirings and switches (not shown) are installed on the side and inside of the frame members 11 and 12. Has been. Thus, since the measuring mechanism 5 is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the insertion portion 2, that is, when the arm portion of the forklift is inserted into the insertion portion 2, the arm portion of the forklift is inserted. When inserting into the part 2, it can prevent that this arm part and the measurement mechanism 5 contact and are damaged. Therefore, when carrying the pallet 1 with a forklift, it is possible to work without worrying about the arm portion coming into contact with the measuring mechanism 5, so that the handling of the pallet 1 is improved and the work efficiency is improved.

  FIG. 1B shows a case where the load cells 13-1 to 13-4 are installed at the lower center of each frame member 11 of the pallet 1, but the position where the load cell 13 is attached is not limited to this, and the insertion portion 2 and The pallet 1 may be installed anywhere as long as it is a place where the pallet 1 can be placed in a stable state when placed on the installation surface 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the pallet 1 may be installed at the four corners of the lower surface 1 a, that is, at the end of each frame member 11.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the weighing mechanism 5. The weighing mechanism 5 includes a load cell 13, an A / D conversion unit 31 that digitally converts weighing data from the load cell 13, a CPU (central processing unit) 32 that controls each unit of the weighing mechanism 5, a wireless communication unit 33, A ROM 34 for storing programs and the like, and a RAM 35 for temporarily storing data are provided. The wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication unit that conforms to a general-purpose short-range wireless communication standard (for example, Bluetooth), and performs wireless data transmission / reception with the data processing device 50 described below. Note that the wireless communication means is not limited to the short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth, and may be one that performs communication by wireless LAN, infrared communication, or the like, and the communication method is not limited. In addition, an ID (pallet ID) that is unique identification information that can be distinguished from other pallets is assigned to the pallet 1, and this pallet ID is stored in the RAM 35 of the pallet 1. The ROM 34 stores an operation program for the CPU 32.

  FIG. 7 shows a RAM map of the RAM 35. The RAM 35 has a flag register 41, a zero point register 42 for storing a count value when nothing is placed on the pallet 1, and the current (latest), previous and previous counts output from the A / D converter 31. A current count value register 43 for storing values, a previous count value register 44, a count value register 45 for the last time, a measurement data register 46 for storing measurement data, a communication status register 47 for storing whether or not communication is possible, and the like. Stored. In the communication status register 47, 0 is non-communication and 1 is communication.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram in which data communication is performed between the pallet 1 having the above-described configuration and the data processing device 50. The wireless communication unit 33 of the pallet 1 and the wireless communication unit 55 of the data processing device 50 are installed in a state where data can be transmitted and received between them. Normally, one or a plurality of pallets 1 are in a state where data communication is possible with respect to one data processing device 50.

  The configuration of the data processing device 50 will be described with reference to the block configuration diagram shown in FIG. For example, a data processing device 50 having hardware and software equivalent to those of a PC terminal or the like is used. Here, an operation unit (input unit) 51 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a CPU (central processing unit) 52 are used. , A RAM 53, a ROM 54, a wireless communication unit 55, and a display unit 56 such as a display. The data processing device 50 is not limited to a PC terminal, and may be another data processing terminal, a portable terminal, or a display that displays measurement data output from the pallet 1. Alternatively, a printer (label printer) or the like may be connected to the PC terminal.

  The CPU 52 controls each part of the data processing device 50. The wireless communication unit 55 is configured as a pair using a short-range wireless communication standard (for example, Bluetooth) common to the wireless communication unit 33 of the measuring mechanism 5, and performs wireless data transmission / reception. The RAM 53 is a temporary data storage area for storing the pallet ID of the counterpart pallet 1 to be communicated in advance. When there are a plurality of counterpart pallets 1 for communication, the pallet IDs of all the pallets 1 are stored. It also stores an ID unique to its own data processing device. In addition, a communication status register indicating a communication status with each pallet 1 is also stored. As a result, it is possible to grasp which pallet 1 is in communication with that point. The ROM 54 stores a program for operating the CPU 52.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication format. FIG. 10A shows a communication format 60 when a command is sent from the data processing device 50 to the palette 1. FIG. 10B shows a communication format 60 from the palette 1 to the data processing device 50. This is a communication format 65 when sending weighing data. The data processing device 50 transmits its own data processing device ID 61, a pallet ID 62 of the counterpart pallet 1, and a transmission command 63 from the wireless communication unit 55 to the pallet 1. The pallet 1 that has received the data processing device ID 61, the pallet ID 62, and the transmission command 63 converts the weighing data 68 written in the weighing data register 46 of the RAM 35 at that time into the data processing device ID 66 of the transmission destination and its own pallet ID 67. Send with. The data processing device IDs 61 and 66 are for identifying a plurality of data processing devices 50, and can be omitted when there is only one data processing device 50.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the measurement data management file 70 stored in the RAM 53 of the data processing device 50. As shown in the figure, the data processing device 50 stores a name 72 of articles to be placed, a total weight 73 of articles, a unit weight 74, a number 75, and the like for each pallet ID 71. The number of articles 75 is calculated using the total weight 73 and the unit weight 74 as described below.

  Here, operation | movement of the measurement mechanism 5 of the pallet 1 is demonstrated using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the weighing mechanism 5 is turned on, the CPU 32 clears the data stored in the RAM 35 (step ST1). Next, the load cell 13 performs weighing in a state where no article is placed on the pallet 1, and the A / D converter 31 outputs a count value from the measured value. The CPU 32 writes the count value in the zero point register 42 (step ST2), and the count value in the no-load state is determined. Subsequently, the count value output from the A / D converter 31 is sequentially written from the current count value register 43. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the count value written in the current count value register 43 is written in the previous count value register 44 and the latest count value is written in the current count value register 43. When the time further passes, the register written in the previous count value register 44 is written in the count value register 45 the previous time, and the count value written in the current count value register 43 is written in the previous count value register 44 to obtain the latest count. The value is written in the current count value register 43. In this way, the register of each count value is updated every predetermined time (step ST3).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the data processing apparatus 50 is not in communication (step ST4). This determination is made by the communication status register 47 in the RAM 35. In the case of non-communication, a communication start command is transmitted to the data processing device 50 corresponding to the data processing device ID 66 stored in advance in a predetermined area of the RAM 35 (step ST5). On the other hand, if already communicating, the process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST10, it is determined whether or not a rezero command is received from the data processing device 50 in the communication state in step ST4. If not received, the process proceeds to step ST8. If received, the process proceeds to step ST9.

  If a communication start command is transmitted in step ST5, it is then determined whether a communication enable signal indicating that communication is possible is received from the data processing device 50 (step ST6). If not received, the process returns to step ST5 and continues to transmit a communication start command for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when a communicable signal is received from the data processing device 50, a communication lamp (not shown) on the side 1b of the pallet 1 is turned on and the communication status register 47 in the RAM 35 is communicated from non-communication 0. Is changed to 1 and stored (step ST7). Then, the re-zero command is received from the data processing device 50, and the zero point register 42 is updated (step ST8).

  Thereafter, whether or not the article has been moved is determined based on whether or not the count values written in the current count value register 43, the previous count value register 44, and the count value register 45 are changed (step ST9). When there is no change in each count value, it is determined that the weighing is not performed or the same article is placed on the pallet 1 for a long time, and the process returns to step ST3.

  On the other hand, when there is a change in each count value, this is a case where an article is newly placed on the pallet 1 or an article placed on the pallet 1 is removed, so the count written in the count value register 43 this time The weighing data is calculated from the value and the count value written in the zero point register 42 (step ST11), and the weighing data register 46 in the RAM 35 is rewritten. Then, the weighing data 68, its own pallet ID 67, and data processing device ID 66 are transmitted to the data processing device 50 (step ST12).

  Next, the operation of the data processing device 50 corresponding to the operation of the pallet 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a communication start command is received from palette 1 corresponding to palette ID 62 stored in advance in RAM 53 (step ST20). Then, the communication status register 47 of the corresponding pallet 1 in the RAM 53 is changed from non-communication 0 to 1 and stored, and a communicable signal is transmitted to the pallet 1 (step ST21). Thereafter, the weighing data 68 is received from the pallet 1 (step ST22). At this time, the weighing data 68 transmitted from the pallet 1 is received as a set with the data processing device ID 66 and the pallet ID 67.

  Then, the total weight 73 of the corresponding pallet ID 71 in the weighing data management file 70 (FIG. 11) stored in the RAM 53 of the data processing device 50 is replaced (step ST23). Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, if the same type of product is placed on the same pallet 1, the unit weight 74 is stored in advance, so that the total weight 73 is divided by the unit weight 74. The number of articles placed on the pallet 1 can be calculated and managed. Next, the rewritten measurement data is displayed on the display unit 56 (step ST24). The display form may be any of the article name and total weight, or the article name and number, the article name, total weight, and number.

  In the above, a communication start command is transmitted from the pallet 1 to the data processing device 50, and communication is started after receiving a communicable signal on the pallet 1, and the weighing data 68 is transmitted to the data processing device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and communication may be started when a communication start command is transmitted from the data processing device 50 to the pallet 1. Then, by appropriately transmitting the transmission command 63 from the data processing device 50 to the specific pallet 1, the pallet 1 that has received the transmission command 63 stores the weighing data 68 stored in the weighing data register 46 of the RAM 35 in its own. The data is transmitted to the data processing device 50 together with the palette ID 67. The data processing apparatus 50 that has received the weighing data 68 and the palette ID 67 overwrites the total weight 73 of the weighing data management file 70 of FIG. Thus, the data processing device 50 can receive the weighing data 68 of the specific pallet 1 at a desired timing.

  Next, an inventory management method for managing inventory in the warehouse using the pallet 1 and the data processing device 50 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the pallet 1 is stored in the warehouse 80. A data processing device 50 is also installed in the warehouse 80.

(1) When leaving the warehouse When the pallet 1 in communication in the warehouse 80 is delivered from the warehouse 80 and communication between the pallet 1 and the data processing device 50 is interrupted for a predetermined time, the data processing device 50 is stored in the RAM 53. The communication status register of the corresponding palette ID 62 is changed from communication 1 to non-communication 0. Then, the number 75 of corresponding pallet IDs 71 in the measurement data management file 70 is set to zero. The pallet 1 repeatedly transmits a communication start signal for a predetermined time until the weighing mechanism 5 is turned off, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the communication status register 47 in the RAM 35 is set to 1 for communication. From 0 to non-communication. And the communication lamp (not shown) in the pallet 1 side part 1b is light-extinguished.

(2) When entering the warehouse When the pallet ID 62 is stored in the data processing device 50 in advance, for example, when a product is manufactured and packed at the factory and then transported to the warehouse 80, before being delivered to the warehouse 80. Then, the power of the pallet 1 is turned on in advance, and the article is placed and carried into the warehouse 80 with the zero point register 42 being updated. When a predetermined time elapses after the pallet 1 is placed in the warehouse 80, a pallet ID 62 is transmitted from the pallet 1 to the data processing device 50 together with a communication start command. When the data processing device 50 receives the communication start command, the data processing device 50 changes the communication status register of the corresponding palette ID 62 in the RAM 53 from non-communication 0 to communication 1 and stores the communication enable signal to the palette 1. Send.

  In the palette 1 that has received the communicable signal, the communication status register 47 of the RAM 35 is rewritten from non-communication 0 to communication 1 and stored, the communication lamp is turned on, and the weighing data 68 together with the palette ID 67 is sent to the data processing device 50. Send. The data processing device 50 divides the received weighing data 68 by a preset unit weight 74 to calculate the number 75 of articles placed on the pallet 1 and updates the weighing data management file 70. In addition, data is displayed on the display unit 56 as necessary.

  As described above, when the pallet 1 is delivered from the warehouse 80, the number 75 corresponding to the number of articles placed on the pallet 1 is decreased, and when the pallet 1 enters the warehouse 80, the pallet 1 is placed on the pallet 1. The weighing data can be updated by adding 75, which corresponds to the number of articles in stock. Then, after the pallet 1 is carried into the warehouse 80, only the articles placed on the pallet 1 are carried out, or new articles are placed on the pallet 1, and the weighing data of the corresponding pallet 1 is transferred. Every time a change occurs in 68, the changed weighing data 68 is transmitted, so that the accurate inventory quantity at that time can always be grasped and managed.

  Since the pallet 1 includes the weighing mechanism 5, when managing the inventory of articles in the warehouse 80, inventory management can be performed with the articles placed on the pallet 1. Further, since the pallet 1 can be freely moved in the warehouse 80, the degree of freedom of layout in the warehouse 80 is increased. Although FIG. 14 shows the case where the data processing device 50 is installed in the warehouse 80, it can also be installed outside the warehouse 80. As a result, even when a sufficient space cannot be secured in the warehouse 80, inventory management can be performed. In addition, since inventory can be managed even at a location away from the warehouse 80, the efficiency of inventory management work is improved.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Is possible. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the effects and advantages of the present invention are achieved. For example, as long as the pallet 1 can place an article on its upper surface and can be transported using a forklift, there is no limitation on the material, shape, etc., and shapes other than those shown in the above embodiment are used. Etc. Further, the number of pallets 1 and the number of installed data processing devices 50 are not limited to the embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the measurement stand (pallet) concerning one Embodiment of this invention, The figure (a) is a top view, The figure (b) is a bottom view. FIG. 4C is a bottom view of another pallet. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the AA part of FIG.1 (b). It is the elements on larger scale which show the detail of a load cell and its attaching part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a flat load cell, The figure (a) is a top view, The figure (b) is a side view. It is a figure which shows the circuit structural example of a load cell. It is a figure which shows the block structure of a measurement mechanism. It is a figure which shows the RAM map of RAM35. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of a data processor. It is a conceptual diagram which performs data communication between a pallet and a data processing device. It is a figure which shows a communication format. It is a figure which shows the measurement data management file memorize | stored in the data processor. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of operation | movement of the measurement mechanism. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the operation of the data processing device 50. It is a figure which shows the state in which the pallet is stored in the warehouse.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pallet 2 Insertion part 3 Storage recessed part 5 Measuring mechanism 10 Mounting part 11 Frame member 12 Frame member 13 Load cell 14 Bracket 15 Leaf spring 16 Support leg 17 Installation surface 20 Nut 30 Control part 30a Storage container 31 A / D conversion part 32 CPU (Central processing unit)
33 Wireless communication unit 34 ROM
35 RAM
41 Flag register 42 Zero point register 43 Current count value register 44 Previous count value register 45 Previous count value register 46 Weighing data register 47 Communication status register 50 Data processing device 51 Operation unit (input unit)
52 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
53 RAM
54 ROM
55 Wireless Communication Unit 56 Display Unit 60 Communication Format 61 Data Processing Device ID
62 Pallet ID
63 Send command 65 Communication format 66 Data processing device ID
67 Pallet ID
68 Weighing data 70 Weighing data management file 71 Pallet ID
72 Product name 73 Gross weight 74 Unit weight 75 Quantity

Claims (8)

  A weighing unit comprising a loading unit for placing an article on an upper surface, and an insertion part into which a forklift arm is inserted on a side part, and a weighing mechanism for weighing the placed article. Stand. The weighing platform according to claim 1,
The weighing platform comprises a load cell installed at the bottom of the weighing platform. In the weighing platform according to claim 1 or 2,
The weighing platform is characterized in that the weighing mechanism is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the arm portion of the forklift when the arm portion of the forklift is inserted into the insertion portion. A weighing platform according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
A data processing device comprising at least processing means for processing the weighing data output from the weighing table and display means for displaying the weighing data;
A weighing system comprising: wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the weighing data between the weighing table and the data processing device. The weighing system according to claim 4,
The weighing system transmits weighing data by the weighing mechanism to the data processing device, and transmits the changed weighing data to the data processing device when the weighing data changes. . The weighing system according to claim 5,
The data processing device receives the measurement data before the change and the measurement data after the change transmitted from the weighing table, calculates a change amount of the measurement data before and after the change, A measuring system for displaying a change amount on the display means. The weighing system according to claim 4, 5 or 6,
The weighing table is assigned unique identification information that can be distinguished from other weighing tables,
The data processing device transmits a command requesting the weighing table to transmit the unique identification information of the weighing table and the weighing data;
The weighing system receives the command and transmits weighing data by the weighing mechanism and unique identification information of the weighing table when the command is received to the data processing device. 8. The data that can weigh an article placed on the weighing table by the weighing table according to any one of claims 4 to 7 stored in a warehouse and wirelessly communicate the weighing data with the weighing table. Sent to the processing unit,
When the weighing data is received by the data processing device and the number of articles in stock is calculated based on the weighing data, and the weighing platform is delivered from the warehouse, the number corresponds to the number of articles placed on the weighing platform. The number of stocks of the article is reduced by the number to be received, and when the weighing table is re-entered into the warehouse, the weighing data of the weighing table is received and the number of stocks of the article based on the weighing data is updated. Inventory control method to be.

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