JP2009256044A - Cart for picking work - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cart for picking work capable of reducing power consumption of a power supplying device mounted in the cart with a simple mechanism, and eliminating an error in the picking work. <P>SOLUTION: In this cart A for the picking work, indicators 6, 10 receiving information on an article and instruction data for picking from a management device, and displaying the instruction data, and a power supplying means 11 supplying the power to peripheral equipment including a weighing device 3 measuring the article and the indicators 6, 10 are mounted in a carrier 1 picking the article to be picked, and travelling and moving. The cart is provided with a judging means judging whether the cart for the picking work is travelling and moving or not based on a measurement signal from the weighing device 3, and a power supply controlling means stopping the power supply to the peripheral equipment from the power supply means when the cart is judged to be travelling and moving, and supplying power when the cart is judged not to be travelling and moving based on a judgement result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking work cart used for picking work of articles carried out in the physical distribution field, and more particularly to a technique for improving the efficiency of picking work and controlling the power consumption of the picking work cart.

  Conventional picking work carts (collection or distribution work vehicles) used for picking work (collecting or distributing work) performed in a warehouse, a distribution center, a factory, or the like display an instruction for picking goods to the worker. And a reading means (scanner) for reading code information attached to an article to be collected or distributed based on an instruction displayed on the display, or a printing means (for printing a label or a list based on the result of the picking operation) Equipped with a battery (rechargeable battery) that supplies power to each device (peripheral device) such as a printer and keeps the device ready for use at any time. Yes.

  With the above configuration, the worker can perform the picking work while continuously moving. However, if the worker makes a picking mistake, the picking work for the wrong article will be performed again, and it is installed. There was a problem of consuming excess battery power.

  Therefore, in order to reduce battery power consumption, mistakes in picking work (article selection mistakes, quantity mistakes, mistakes in putting articles into each sorting destination, etc.) are eliminated, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption due to re-operation of terminals and reprinting. It is conceivable to eliminate consumption, and a picking cart has been proposed in which a photoelectric sensor is provided at the front of each sorting destination bucket, and the photoelectric sensor detects whether or not an article has been put into a specified sorting bucket. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, when a picking operation error is detected by the photoelectric sensor, the operator is notified of the fact. By reducing this work error, the power consumption of the battery is reduced.
However, during the movement of the picking cart, power is always supplied even though the display, the reading means (scanner), and the devices (peripherals) such as the printing means (printer) are not used. Therefore, the effect of significantly reducing the power consumption of the battery cannot be obtained, and there is a problem that the worker cannot perform the picking work for a long time using the picking cart.

Also, in the method of reducing battery power consumption by eliminating picking work mistakes, instruction data indicating how many articles are picked to which sorter is displayed on the display unit provided in the picking cart, and the operator After the code information attached to the article is read by the quantity picked using the reading means (scanner), the article is put into the sorting bucket that should not be put in using the photoelectric sensor when the article is put into the sorting bucket. A system is adopted in which the photoelectric sensor reacts when the battery is inserted, and an operation error is eliminated by notifying a sound or a warning sound.
However, the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor shifts during work (when the photoelectric sensor's transmitter / receiver cannot maintain a straight line due to impact or the like, and cannot function as a transmitter / receiver), or the sensitivity of the photoelectric sensor When it becomes dull, it may not be possible to detect an error in putting articles into the sorting bucket, and a warning may not be notified to the worker. When the trouble occurs, the picking operation that has already been completed is performed again. Therefore, although the work to be performed again should reduce the power consumption of the battery, it also results in further consumption of the battery power, and also results in a further burden on the operator. there were.

JP 2002-362715 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and its object is to reduce the power consumption of the power supply means mounted on the picking cart with a simple mechanism, It is an object of the present invention to provide a picking work cart that can eliminate picking work mistakes.

In order to achieve the above object, the picking work cart of the present invention receives the article information of the article and the instruction data instructing the picking from the management device to the cart that picks up the article to be picked and travels, In a picking work cart equipped with a display for displaying received instruction data, a scale device for weighing articles based on the displayed instruction data, and a power supply means for supplying power to peripheral devices including the display Determining means for determining whether or not the picking work cart is traveling based on a weighing signal from the scale device; and based on a determination result of the determining means, the picking work cart is traveled and moved When the power supply means determines that the power supply means stops supplying power to the peripheral device, the picking work cart travels and moves. It said power supply means when it is judged that there is no and a power supply control means for supplying power to the peripheral device (claim 1).
“Picking work” as used in the present invention means that a required number of articles are taken out from a storage shelf based on an order for goods (shipment instruction) while moving a picking work cart for each store (customer). Based on the work method of collecting in a container (sorting case) and specific goods, the required number is taken out from the storage shelf, placed in the picking work cart in advance, and the goods for each customer while moving the picking work cart. This includes both work methods in which the number of items is taken out from the picking work cart based on the number of orders (the number of shipping instructions) and distributed to a car (transport cart) for each customer.
Peripheral devices mounted on the picking cart include a display, a scale device, a printing means (printer), a reading means (scanner) for reading the code information of the article, etc. The number is not limited to one and may be plural.
The scale device counts the number of articles from the unit weight of each article included in the article information and the total weight of articles picked and placed on the scale apparatus, or based on an article order for a specific article When the necessary number is taken out from the storage shelf and placed on the cart for picking work in advance, the weight of the article distributed and reduced to the car (transport cart) for each customer from the total weight of the article placed is reduced. Divide by the unit weight of the article to count the remaining number, or subtract the weight of the currently placed article from the previous total weight to calculate the weight of the distributed article, and the unit of the article It means a scale device that divides by weight and counts the number of articles distributed. The article is placed on the scale device by placing a container on the scale device and storing it in the container.

According to the above means, it is determined whether the picking work cart is traveling or stopped and picking work using the signal output from the weighing device mounted on the picking work cart. If the determination means determines that the vehicle is moving, the power supply control means (CPU) stops the power supply from the power supply means (rechargeable battery) to the peripheral devices (display, printing means, scale device). . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power consumption of the power supply means from being wasted.
In addition, since power supply / stop by the power supply means is performed by using a counting scale device mounted on the picking work cart, a simple configuration without attaching a new member (photoelectric sensor or the like). Power control can be performed with

One weighing device may be provided, but a plurality of weighing devices may be provided, and the determination unit may determine based on weighing signals from the plurality of weighing devices (claim 2).
In the case where a plurality of weighing devices are provided, the weighing signals of all the weighing devices may be determined, but the weighing signals of some weighing devices may be determined. For example, when four scale devices are equipped, the determination is made based on the measurement signals of two or three of them. For scale devices that are not subject to determination, power supply may be stopped during traveling.
According to the above means, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the picking work cart is traveling and moving by making a determination based on weighing signals from a plurality of weighing devices.

As a determination method based on the weighing signal of the scale device, for example, upper and lower limit range setting means for setting a first upper and lower limit range and a second upper and lower limit range for identifying the cycle of the weighing signal from the scale device. The picking work cart is provided when the determination means has a cycle in which the cycle of the weighing signal from the scale device spans both the first upper and lower limit range and the second upper and lower limit range. It is determined that the vehicle is traveling and moving, and it is determined that the picking cart is not traveling when the cycle is within the range between the first upper limit range and the first lower limit range. ).
The first upper and lower limit range and the second upper and lower limit range are set according to the environment (floor surface condition, etc.) in which the picking work cart is used.

  According to the above means, an upper and lower limit region for identifying the cycle of the weighing signal of the scale device is set in advance, and it is determined whether or not the picking work cart is traveling based on the set upper and lower limit region. Therefore, it can be easily determined. And by changing the setting of the first upper and lower limit area and the second upper and lower limit area according to the usage environment (floor surface condition etc.) of the picking work cart, it is not affected by unevenness of the floor surface, It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the picking work cart is traveling and moving. Thereby, it is possible to reliably supply / stop power from the power supply means to the peripheral device.

  Further, when it is determined by the determination means that the picking work cart is traveling, the count value based on the measured value of the article by the weighing device before the power supply control means stops the supply of power. And the operation completion determination means for determining whether or not the instruction number indicated by the instruction data matches, and the operation completion determination means determines that the operation has not been completed. Displaying on the display that the count value is insufficient, and when it is determined that the work is completed, a notification means for displaying instruction data including the next work location on the display, and the notification means When notified, the selection means for selecting whether or not the instruction data for which the current count value is insufficient is to be put on hold, and the power of the power supply control means when the selection means selects “do not hold” Supply When the instruction data having the count value is displayed on the display unit and selecting “hold”, the instruction holding means for storing the instruction data having the count value and the calling code are stored; An instruction hold printing unit that prints the stored hold instruction data on a list or a label may be provided (claim 4).

According to the above means, before moving the picking work cart, it is determined whether or not the current work is completed, and if it is determined that the work is not completed, the work is finished. Since it is informed that the picking work cart should not be moved, it is possible to eliminate missing parts and forgetting work due to carelessness of the operator. In addition, in response to an inquiry (selection) as to whether or not to hold instruction data that has not been completed, instruction data that is currently being worked can be stored on hold. As a result, in the case of an article waiting for replenishment due to a shortage of inventory, the next operation can be performed without waiting until it is replenished. In addition, the instruction data that has been put on hold is stored on hold, including a call code, so that it can be called later, and a list or label is printed and issued so that another person in charge can continue working. , Can work efficiently.
In addition, when the work is completed, the instruction data including the next work place is displayed on the display, so that the worker can move the picking work cart to the next work place without mistake, It can be performed. Further, after the next instruction data is displayed, the supply of power to the peripheral devices that are not used is stopped, so that effective power saving can be realized.
This eliminates mistakes and forgetting work by the operator, so there is no need to redo the picking work or uselessly increase the work time, resulting in wasted power from the power supply means (rechargeable battery). It is possible to prevent exhaustion.

Further, the instruction data is instruction data for each identification information, and the instruction data is associated with the weighing apparatus, the next picking instruction data displayed on the display, and the weighing apparatus. And a notifying means for notifying the display device of an error when the weighing apparatus on which the article is placed is not the weighing apparatus associated by the associating means based on the weighing signal. Good (Claim 5).
According to the above means, when an article is placed on a scale device that is not tied (put into a container) when the operator places the article on the scale device based on the instruction data, the article is placed. Is determined to be an error and is notified to the operator. Therefore, when the operator is notified of the error, the picking work mistake can be avoided by taking out the article from the weighing apparatus and placing it on the regular weighing apparatus linked.

  Further, reading means for reading the code information of the instructed article based on the instruction data displayed on the display, and a coefficient from the scale device based on the code information of the article read by the reading means and the measured value of the article A record storage means for storing the record as a record, a printing means for printing the stored record, and whether to supply power to each of the display, the printing means and the reading means by the power supply control means. The power supply control setting means and the power supply control means perform power supply control from the power supply means to the peripheral device based on the power supply control setting means, and each power supply controlled peripheral device A control history storage means for storing a control history and its power supply amount; a control history for each peripheral device stored in the control history storage means; a power supply amount thereof; A control history printing means for printing the remaining power means by said printing means may be configured to include (claim 6).

  According to the above means, power is supplied to peripheral devices that are not used during the traveling movement of the picking work cart for the display, the printing means (printer), and the reading means (scanner) provided in the picking work cart. Whether or not to control can be individually set. Then, the power consumption of each peripheral device can be known by printing the stored control history for each peripheral device whose power supply is controlled based on the set information. Also, by printing the amount of power supplied for each controlled peripheral device, its history, and the current power remaining amount data of the power supply means, the operator can control the peripheral devices and power that are the loads that must be controlled. The power remaining amount of the supply means can be known relatively, and wasteful consumption can be prevented by setting and controlling the power supply based on the history of the peripheral device serving as a load.

Furthermore, the power supply means includes a plurality of chain-coupled or separable connecting means, stops all power supply to the peripheral devices when connected by the connecting means, and connects all the power connected to one power supply port. You may comprise so that an electric power supply means may be charged (Claim 7).
The connecting means is composed of a cord connecting portion provided in the power supply means and a connecting cord, and connects the cord connecting portions of the power supplying means of each cart with the connecting cord.

  According to the above means, when the power supply means of the plurality of picking work carts are connected by the connecting means, and the cord connected to the power supply means of the leading picking work cart is inserted into the power supply port (power outlet), each picking work After all the power supply to the peripheral equipment on which the work cart is mounted is stopped, the power supply means of all connected picking work carts starts to be charged. But you can charge it with confidence. Moreover, since a plurality of picking work carts can be charged simultaneously from one power supply port, it is not necessary to provide as many power supply ports as the number of picking work carts.

In the picking cart according to the present invention, the picking cart is running or stopped by using a signal output from the weighing device mounted on the picking cart according to the configuration of claim 1. If the determination means determines that the vehicle is moving, the power supply control means (CPU) from the power supply means (rechargeable battery) to the peripheral device (display, printing means, Stop power supply to the scale device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power consumption of the power supply means from being wasted.
In addition, since power supply / stop by the power supply means is performed using a counting device for counting that is provided in the picking cart, power control is performed with a simple configuration without newly attaching members. be able to.
Further, according to the configuration of the second aspect, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the picking work cart is traveling.

Further, according to the configuration of claim 3, the first upper and lower limit areas and the second upper and lower limit areas are changed according to the usage environment (floor surface condition, etc.) of the picking work cart. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the picking work cart is traveling. Thereby, it is possible to reliably supply / stop power from the power supply means to the peripheral device.
According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operator does not make a mistake or forget to work, so that the picking work is not performed again and the working time is not lengthened. As a result, the power supply means (rechargeable) Battery) can be prevented from being wasted.
When it is determined that the picking cart is not moving, power is supplied to the display by the power supply control means, and then the next picking work instruction data is automatically displayed on the display. The person can work without making a mistake based on the displayed instruction data. As a result, there is no work mistake and the picking work that has already been completed is not re-executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of the power of the power supply means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when an article is placed on a scale device that is not tied (put into a picking box), the placement of the article is determined to be an error, and the operator is notified. Therefore, when the operator is notified of the error, the picking work mistake can be avoided by taking out the article from the weighing apparatus and placing it on the regular weighing apparatus linked.
Further, according to the configuration described in claim 6, the operator can relatively know the remaining power of the peripheral device that is a load to be controlled and the power supply means. It is possible to prevent wasteful consumption by setting and controlling the power supply based on the history.
Further, according to the configuration of the seventh aspect, even if the power switch of the peripheral device is forgotten to be turned off, it can be charged safely. In addition, since a plurality of picking work carts can be charged simultaneously from one power supply port, it is convenient that there is no need to provide as many power supply ports as the number of picking work carts.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a picking work cart according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a picking system using a picking work cart according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, A is a picking work cart provided with a wireless communication unit. Wireless LAN connection is made, and instruction data and data relating to picking work (article information, store or customer data, etc.) are received, and performance data based on the instruction data is transmitted to the upper management apparatus C after the picking work is completed. Then, the upper management apparatus C prints a shipping slip (delivery note) or the like based on the result data, and the printed shipping slip or the like is delivered to the store (customer) together with the picked and collected goods. The host management device C is connected to an external management device D via the Internet or an intranet so that information can be exchanged.

As shown in FIG. 2, the picking cart A has a multi-stage shelf 2 (two stages in the drawing) formed on a cart 1 that has a wheel attached to the lower side of a frame formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Two weighing devices 3 are arranged in parallel on the upper surface of the two upper and lower shelves, and a pusher 4 for moving the carriage 1 is attached to one side of the upper shelf 2.
A mounting frame 5 is formed upright on the upper shelf 2, and a first display 6, a fixed reading device 7, and a portable reading device (handy scanner) 8 are arranged on the mounting frame 5. A printing means 9 and a second display 10 are attached to the lower side surface, and a power supply means (rechargeable battery) 11 is placed and fixed on the upper surface of the lower shelf 2. The power supply means 11, the scale device 3, the first display 6, the fixed reading device 7, the printing means 9, the second display 10, and the portable reader (handy scanner) 8 charging device (not shown) It is configured to be electrically connected and function. Then, a container (sorting case) 12 is placed on the scale device 3, and the picked article is accommodated and weighed to perform the picking operation.

  The four weighing devices 3 provided in the picking cart A are the well-known counting balances configured with load cells, and measure the total weight of articles placed on the weighing device 3, and the total weight and the unit of the articles. The number of articles is calculated from the weight and displayed on the first display 6 and the second display 10.

The first display 6 and the second display 10 are constituted by liquid crystal touch panels, and the first display is arranged so that it can be seen while pushing the pusher 4 and moving the picking work cart A. On the other hand, the display surface of the second display 10 is arranged in parallel to the side surface of the carriage 1 so that it is easy to confirm the work contents during picking work, and the display surface is inclined upward.
Further, the first display 6 is configured to turn off the screen display in the energy saving mode when left for a few minutes (for example, 5 minutes) without touching the operation panel, and to return to the original display when the screen is touched. .

The fixed reader 7 is arranged so that a picked article is temporarily placed on the shelf 2 and the barcode displayed on the article can be read by holding the article over the reader 7.
A portable reader (handy scanner) 8 reads information such as a bar code displayed on a container label issued from the printing means 9, and stores information (cart bar code) of four containers 12 loaded on the cart. Reads and reads information such as a barcode displayed on the picked article, and performs a reading operation by approaching the object to be held by hand.

  The printing means 9 is a well-known printer today equipped with a roll-wrapped label paper, a print head for printing predetermined items on the label paper, and a paper transport mechanism for supplying the label paper to the print head. 10A), a hold label (see FIG. 10B), work history, power supply history, power supply control history data, etc. are printed and issued.

  The power supply means 11 is a rechargeable battery, and the peripheral devices (first and second displays 6, 10 and fixed reading device 7) mounted on the picking cart A including the scale device 3 via the power supply control means. , The mobile reading device 8, the printing means, the charging device, etc.). The power supply means 11 can be charged for each cart or by electrically connecting the power supply means 11 of each cart.

  The weighing device 3 always outputs a weighing signal, and the weighing signal is a period (amplitude) of the weighing signal when the cart A for picking work is moving and when it is stopped (during picking work). ) Is different, among the peripheral devices mounted on the picking cart A, the power supply to the peripheral devices that may have stopped supplying power when traveling between picking areas Control (stop) the supply.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the picking cart A. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 that controls each unit mounted on the picking cart A has a ROM 110, a RAM 111, a display unit [1] (first display 6) 112, and a display unit [2] via a bus 100 ′. (Second display 10) 113, weighing unit [1] (weighing device 3) 114 to weighing unit [4] (weighing device 3) 117, scanner unit [1] (fixed reading device 7) 118, scanner unit [2 (Portable reading device 8) 119, input unit 120, printing unit (printing means 9) 121, communication unit 122, speaker 123, and power supply control unit 124 are connected. The power supply control unit 124 is connected with a power supply unit (rechargeable battery) 11, thereby controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 11 to the respective units.

The CPU 100 controls each unit by performing processing using the work area of the RAM 111 according to the control program of the ROM 110.
The ROM 110 stores a predetermined control program executed by the CPU 100.
The RAM 111 has a plurality of storage areas, and data read from each file is temporarily stored. The data stored in the RAM 111 includes article data (see FIG. 4) received from the host management device C, store (customer) data (see FIG. 5), work instruction data (see FIG. 6), power supply control setting data (see FIG. 6). 7), and upper and lower limit range setting data (see FIG. 8) of the weighing signal (cycle) of the weighing device 3 as a reference for determining movement / stop of the picking work cart.
The display unit [1] 112 and the display unit [2] 113 are configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, and the instruction data received from the higher-level management apparatus C via the wireless LAN connection and the data relating to the picking work (article information, store or customer data) In addition, the status of picking work, error messages, and the like are displayed, and the display content is switched by touching the display screen, enabling data input, selection, and the like.

  The weighing unit [1] 114 to the weighing unit [4] 117 are counting balances equipped with load cells, weigh the total weight of articles put into the container, and based on the weighed weight value and the unit weight of the article. The number of articles is calculated.

  The scanner unit [1] (fixed reading device 7) 118 and the scanner unit [2] (portable reading device 8) 119 are issued from a bar code displayed on the article or a printing unit (printing means 9) 121. It is used to read the code information printed on the container label and the weighing unit identification information (code information) attached to the weighing unit. The scanner units [1] and [2] are properly used according to the content of the reading operation.

The input unit 120 corresponds to a numeric keypad and various operation buttons displayed by switching the functions of the touch panel of the display units [1] and [2].
The printing unit 121 is a well-known label printer today composed of a roll-wrapped label paper, a head member, a paper feed mechanism for transporting the label paper, etc. In this embodiment, a container label, a holding label, etc. are printed. Issue.

The communication unit 122 transmits / receives data to / from the higher-level management apparatus C through a wireless LAN. The communication unit may be a wireless communication means adapted to a general-purpose short-range wireless communication standard (for example, Bluetooth) or infrared communication, and the communication method is not limited.
The speaker 123 is used to notify the worker by issuing an alarm sound when the work result is an error different from the work instruction data, and is built in the display unit [1] (first display 6) 112.
The power supply control unit 124 supplies power to peripheral devices (first and second displays 6 and 10, fixed reading device 7, moving reading device 8, printing unit, charging device, etc.) mounted on the picking work cart. When it is determined that the cart for picking work is traveling based on the weighing signal of the scale device, the peripheral device to be subjected to power supply control is controlled based on the power supply control setting data.

Next, the outline of the picking work by the picking work cart according to the present invention and the control of the supply / stop of electric power to the peripheral devices mounted on the picking work cart will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. .
S300: It is determined whether the power is on (ON) or not (OFF). When the power is on (
If YES, the process proceeds to S301. If the power is not turned on (NO), the process proceeds to S305.
Only charging mode. And whether it is connected to a power outlet at the same time
Judgment is also made.
S301: Read “power supply control setting data” (see FIG. 7) stored in the RAM 111.
Include.
S302: “Upper / lower limit setting data” (see FIG. 8) stored in the RAM 111 is read.
.
S303: The power supply means 11 mounted on each picking cart is connected.
Determine whether or not. If connected (NO), go to S304 and connected
If not (YES), the process proceeds to S306.
S304: Stop power supply to all peripheral devices mounted on picking cart
To do. (Set when power supply is controlled by any of the weighing unit [1] to the weighing unit [4].
All including the weighing section that was made).
S305: The power supply means 11 is charged.
S306: Determination of whether or not to receive work instruction data (see FIG. 6) from the upper management apparatus C.
Press the “Start” button located on the screen of display [1] (first display 6)
Branches to (NO) and S307, and if the work instruction data has already been received (YES), the process proceeds to S309.

S307: Work instruction data is received from the upper management apparatus C, and the process proceeds to S308.
S308: The work instruction data is stored and saved in the RAM 111, and the process proceeds to S309.
S309: Before performing work with the received work instruction data, the instruction data and picking work
Weighing unit [1] (weighing device 3) 114 to weighing unit [4] (
It is determined whether or not the scale device 3) 117 is linked. Operating instructions
The determination is made by checking whether the scale identification information is stored in the data. “0” is set
If (NO) is not set, the process proceeds to S310, and something other than “0”
Is set (YES), it is already set, and the process proceeds to S311.
S310: The instruction data and the weighing unit are linked. Press the “Start work” button to
Container labels 13 for the number of weighing units mounted on the cart
(See FIG. 10A) is issued from the printing unit (printing means 9) 121. This computer
The tena label 13 is printed with code information that codes the delivery destination number and delivery information.
This code information and the weighing unit affixed to the weighing units [1] to [4]
The identification information (code information) displayed is sequentially associated with the identification label 14, and the scanner
Part [2] (portable reading device 8) 119
K). Specifically, weigh and identify each delivery destination (store) of instruction data
Information is allocated. When the linking is completed, the process proceeds to S311.

S311: Based on the “upper / lower limit setting data” stored in the RAM 111, the weighing unit [1] to
The weighing signal (period) from [4] is in both the first upper and lower limit range and the second upper and lower limit range.
It is determined whether or not the cycle spans the enclosure (see FIG. 9). 1st upper and lower limits and 2nd
If the cycle does not extend over both upper and lower limits (NO) (during measurement), S32
If it is a cycle that branches to 4 and spans both ranges (YES), the process proceeds to S312.
.
The “upper / lower limit setting data” stored in the RAM 111 is a picking work card.
The setting can be changed according to the condition of the floor surface on which the robot steers.
S312: Based on the “upper / lower limit setting data” stored in the RAM 111, the weighing unit [1] to
The weighing signal (period) from [4] falls within the range of the first upper limit range and the first lower limit range
It is determined whether or not it is a cycle (see FIG. 9). Range of first upper limit and first lower limit
If it is not within the range (NO) (moving), branch to S314 and within the range
If it is the period to enter (YES), the process proceeds to S313.
S313: When power supply is stopped, power is supplied to peripheral devices and is temporarily being supplied.
If there is, the current power supply is maintained and the process proceeds to S324.
S314: Since it is determined that the picking work cart is “moving”, the current instruction data is used.
It is determined whether or not the work being performed is completed.
Completion flag “1” is set in the instruction data for which work has been completed.
If yes (YES), the process branches to S317. “0” is set to the completion flag of the instruction data.
If it is set (NO), the work completion button has not been pressed or automatic determination
In step S315, the determination is made.

S315: The number of instructions in the instruction data associated with each weighing unit [1] to [4] and each weighing unit [1]
~ [4] to determine whether there is a difference in the count value (work completion determination means), the difference
If there is a minute (NO), the process branches to S320, and if there is no difference (YES), S3.
Proceed to 16.
S316: The completion flag “0” is set and stored in the target work instruction data, and the process proceeds to S317.
S317: Work instruction data stored in the RAM 111 and work to be instructed to the worker next time
Check if there is instruction data, and if there is instruction data to be displayed, display
A work instruction including the next work place is displayed (notification means).
S318: The power supply control setting data stored in the RAM 111 is determined based on the determination during traveling.
Based on this, the power supply to the peripheral device is stopped after the set time (seconds), and S3
Proceed to 19.
S319: Power to the peripheral device based on the power supply control setting data stored in the RAM 111
Supply control history (such as the controlled equipment and the amount of power supplied while power was being supplied)
) Is stored in the RAM 111 and the process returns to S309.
S320: The weighing unit with a small count value, the count value and instruction data, etc. are further alerted.
On the display unit (error notification), and the process proceeds to S321.
Display screen color, font size, thickness, color, sound to alert (speaker 12
3) The operator is alerted by means such as (notification means).
S321: The work instruction data of the weighing unit that is currently insufficient and the count value at which the work was performed are put on hold.
It is selected whether or not to perform (selection means). When “Hold” is selected (
NO) branches to S322, and when “DO NOT HOLD” is selected (YES)
Proceed to S324.

S322: The work instruction data of the weighing unit which is currently insufficient and the count value at which the work has been performed are stored in RAM1.
The instruction data stored in 11 is stored together with the hold flag, and the process proceeds to S323.
(Instruction hold means).
S323: Work place and instruction data performed by a measuring unit that is insufficient for later work.
Data and count values to the hold label 15 (see FIG. 10B) (or list)
Printout is performed, and the process proceeds to S317 (instruction hold printing means).
S324: It is determined whether or not an article is placed on the weighing unit, and if placed (YES)
The process proceeds to S325, and if the article is not placed (NO), the worker places the article
In order to wait for the placement, the process returns to S324 and waits for the placement of the article.
S325: Based on the unit weight of the currently instructed article and the measured value of the article placed on the weighing unit.
Then, it is counted, displayed on the display unit, and proceeds to S326.
S326: It is determined whether the weighing is completed. Subtract the count value from the work instruction data,
Completed when there is no difference, but when the count value is insufficient or the count value is large
Cannot complete, return to S324. To complete the work, the worker
Automatically completes when there is no difference between the instruction data and the count value when the "End" button is pressed
In this example, the operator manually presses the “Finish” button.
The method is adopted. When the “Finish” button is pressed, the process proceeds to S327.

S327: The actual number is stored in the instruction data for which weighing has been completed based on the work instruction data.
Proceed to 28.
S328: The remaining power of the power supply means (rechargeable battery) is acquired, and the process proceeds to S329.
S329: Minimum electric energy required to operate the picking cart, or in advance
Decrease the amount of power for judgment set in order to display the set power shortage alert.
It is determined whether or not it is not, and if it is determined that it is below (NO), S3
If it branches to 30 and is not below (YES), it proceeds to S331.
S330: A power shortage has occurred in the power supply means mounted on the picking cart.
And proceed to S331.
S331: It is determined whether or not a button for instructing printing has been pressed.
If the print button is pressed (YES), go to S332, if not pressed
(NO) returns to S303.

S332: Printing of work history (work based on instruction data) or mark of power supply control history
Select whether to perform printing. When printing the work history (YES), S333
If the power supply control history is printed (NO), the process branches to S335.
S333: The instruction data stored in the RAM 111 is read, and the scale identification information (measurement unit number) is
Extract only the target data to RAM111 for the set data, and save it temporarily.
I remember. When the extraction to the RAM 111 is completed, the process proceeds to S334.
S334: Print on label or list based on data temporarily stored in RAM111
Do.
S335: The power supply history data is read from the RAM 111 and temporarily stored, and the process proceeds to S336.
.
S336: The temporarily stored power supply history data is printed on a label or list, and S303.
Return to.

The picking work cart of the present invention displays, on the display, instruction data for instructing an operator to pick (collect or distribute) an article based on the instruction data received from the host management apparatus as described above. Based on the picking instruction of the article displayed on the display unit, the reading means reads the code information attached to the article to be collected or distributed, and the operator picks the article for the number of instructions, places it on the scale device, The weighing device counts based on the measured value of the placed article and the unit weight of the article, and displays the number of articles currently placed on the display. The number of picking (number of ordered shipments) can be determined based on the numerical value. Then, the detailed label or list is printed by the printing means based on the determined picking number (ordered shipment number), and is pasted or put into the container (sorting case).
While moving the picking cart, always supply power to each mounted peripheral device so that it can collect or distribute items based on the instruction data. Power supply means (rechargeable battery) is mounted so that continuous picking work of articles can be performed.

Then, the weighing device that counts based on the measured value has a role of a signal generating means for determining whether or not the picking work cart is traveling and moving, and based on the weighing signal from the weighing device. It is determined whether the picking work cart is traveling, the power supply to peripheral devices that are not in use is stopped during traveling, and the power supply is stopped when it is determined that the cart is not traveling. Since control is performed so as to supply power to peripheral devices, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of the power of the power supply means (rechargeable battery) that is installed. The picking work can be performed for a longer time compared to the conventional picking work cart that supplies power to the peripheral devices.
Furthermore, the determination of travel / stop of the picking work cart can be made more accurately by determining based on the weighing signals of a plurality of weighing devices mounted on the picking work cart. Unnecessary consumption can be prevented.
In addition, the weighing signal (period) of the scale device that is the basis for determining the traveling movement / stop of the picking work cart varies depending on the situation (flatness, unevenness, etc.) of the floor on which the picking work cart travels. Therefore, by changing the criteria for identifying the cycle of the measurement signal according to the usage environment using the upper and lower limit range setting means, it is possible to accurately determine without depending on the usage environment, and to properly supply power Can be controlled.

The picking work cart of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and can be changed without changing the gist of the invention.
(1) In this embodiment, when it is determined that the picking work cart is not moving, the next instruction data for instructing the worker is automatically called. However, the selection screen is displayed on the display. It is also possible to use a method of displaying and calling the operator by selecting instruction data to be displayed next. Thereby, picking work can be performed by preferentially calling an article near the worker.
(2) In this embodiment, when it is determined that the picking work cart is traveling, power supply to all unused peripheral devices is stopped. In this case, the power supply of the peripheral device having a large load may be stopped, and the power supply of the peripheral device having a small load may not be stopped.
(3) When the display device is provided on the front surface (position facing the worker pushing the picking work cart) and the side surface of the picking work cart as in the present embodiment, Electric power is always supplied, and the electric power supply to the indicator provided on the side of the cart used for work may be controlled based on the determination of whether or not the vehicle is traveling. Thereby, even when the cart is moving, the next work place and the instruction data to be worked next can be confirmed, so that work efficiency is improved.
(4) In this embodiment, power is always supplied to a plurality of (four) weighing units (weighing devices). For example, half of the loaded weighing units (in four units) 2 units) perform power supply control, and half (2 out of 4 units) always maintain power supply, and may be a weighing device for determining whether the picking cart is moving and moving. Alternatively, the positional relationship of the scale device to be controlled may be appropriately selected.

The system block diagram of the cart for picking work which concerns on this invention. The external view which shows an example of implementation of the picking work cart which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the cart for picking work. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of article | item data. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of shop (customer) data. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of instruction data. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of electric power supply control setting data. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the upper / lower limit area setting data for determining the measurement signal of a scale apparatus. The conceptual diagram of determination of traveling / stopping of the picking work cart using the weighing signal (cycle) of the scale device. An example of the label which a printing means issues is shown, (a) is a container label, (b) is a holding label. The flowchart figure which shows the flow of the supply control of the picking work by the cart for picking work, and the electric power to the peripheral device mounted (the first half). The flowchart figure which shows the flow of supply control of the picking work by the cart for picking work, and the electric power to the peripheral device mounted (second half).

Explanation of symbols

A ... Picking cart B ... Wireless router C ... Upper management device D ... External management device 1 ... Dolly 3 ... Weighing device 6 ... Display 7 ... Reading device (scanner unit)
8: Reading device (scanner unit) 9 ... Printing means (label printer)
10 ... Display 11 ... Power supply means (rechargeable battery)
12 ... Container 13 ... Container label 14 ... Weighing unit identification label 15 ... Reserved label

Claims (7)

A carriage that picks up an article to be picked and travels and receives the article information of the article and instruction data for instructing the picking from the management device, and a display for displaying the received instruction data, and the displayed instruction In a picking work cart equipped with a weighing device for weighing articles based on data, and a power supply means for supplying power to peripheral devices including the indicator,
Determining means for determining whether or not the picking work cart is traveling based on a weighing signal from the weighing device;
When it is determined that the picking work cart is traveling and moving based on the determination result of the determining means, the supply of power from the power supply means to the peripheral device is stopped, and the picking work cart is moved and moved. Power supply control means for supplying power to the peripheral device when it is determined that the power supply means is not,
Picking work cart characterized by comprising:   The plurality of weighing devices are provided, and the determination means determines whether or not the picking work cart is traveling based on weighing signals from the plurality of weighing devices. The picking work cart described. An upper / lower limit range setting means for setting a first upper / lower limit range and a second upper / lower limit range for identifying a cycle of a weighing signal from the scale device;
The picking work cart travels when the period of the weighing signal from the weighing device is a period that spans both the first upper and lower limit range and the second upper and lower limit range. It is determined that the picking work cart is not traveling and moving when the cycle is within the range between the first upper limit range and the first lower limit range.
The picking work cart according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that When it is determined by the determination means that the picking work cart is traveling and moving, before the power supply control means stops the power supply, the count value based on the measured value of the article by the scale device, Work completion determination means for determining whether or not the number of instructions indicated by the instruction data matches;
When it is determined that the work is not completed by the work completion determination means, a warning to the effect that the count value based on the instruction data is insufficient is displayed on the display, and it is determined that the work is completed. In the case, informing means for displaying the instruction data including the next work place on the display,
A selection means for selecting whether or not to hold the instruction data for which the current count value is insufficient when notified by the notification means;
When “not hold” is selected by the selection means, the power supply control means supplies power, displays the instruction data whose count value is insufficient, and displays “hold”. , Instruction holding means for storing instruction data and a call code for which the count value is insufficient,
Instruction hold printing means for printing the stored hold instruction data on a list or label;
The picking work cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The instruction data is instruction data for each identification information, and the instruction data is associated with the weighing device,
Based on the next picking instruction data displayed on the indicator and the weighing signal from the weighing device, when the weighing device on which the article is placed is not the weighing device associated by the linking means, An informing means for informing the display of an error;
The picking work cart according to claim 4, further comprising: Reading means for reading the code information of the instructed article based on the instruction data displayed on the display;
A record storage means for storing, as a record, a coefficient from a scale device based on the code information of the article read by the reading means and the measured value of the article;
Printing means for printing the stored results;
Power supply control setting means for setting whether or not to supply power to each of the display, the printing means and the reading means by the power supply control means;
The power supply control means controls the power supply from the power supply means to the peripheral device based on the power supply control setting means, and the control history and the power supply amount for each peripheral device for which the power supply is controlled. Control history storage means for storing
Control history printing means for printing the control history for each peripheral device stored in the control history storage means, the power supply amount thereof, and the remaining power of the power supply means by the printing means;
The picking cart according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:   The power supply means comprises a plurality of chain connection or separable connection means, all power supply means connected to one power supply port by stopping all power supply to the peripheral devices when connected by the connection means The picking work cart according to claim 1, wherein the picking work cart is charged.

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