JP2009263018A - Picking system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picking system capable of reducing a loss time as much as possible when a commodity collection vehicle is moved to a commodity collection information provision position. <P>SOLUTION: The picking system S for order-received commodity is provided with a commodity storage part 307 arranged along a conveying passage R; the plurality of commodity collection vehicles 2 moved on the conveying passage; a computer 5 for giving information to a worker operating the commodity collection vehicle; and a monitor 231 mounted on the commodity collection vehicle informing the worker of the information from the computer. The worker is moved to the commodity storage part stored with the order-received commodity with the commodity collection vehicle based on the information from the computer, the worker takes out the order-received commodity from them and collects it to the commodity collection vehicle. In order to display the commodity collection information required for commodity collection per round on a monitor and display the commodity collection information for a subsequent round on a new monitor fitting to the round completion of the commodity collection work on the conveying passage, the commodity collection information provision points capable of providing the commodity collection information to the article collection vehicle are scattered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking system, and more particularly to a picking system that collects ordered products for each shipment destination.

  In a merchandise distribution center for merchandise for chain stores such as convenience stores, a collection operation is performed to collect a required number of various merchandise in response to a request from each store. As a collection method, a picking system and a sorting system are well known.

  The picking system transports a collection box with a collection car, heads to a product storage section provided along the transport path, and an operator picks up the ordered products from the product storage section according to the required number. It is a collection method that collects goods in a car.

  In addition, the sorting system uses a conveyor to convey products for each item, and puts the required number of products for each destination into the product storage unit for each destination provided along the conveyance path. It is a way to collect.

Since the present invention relates to a picking system, the picking system will be described.
In the picking system, various instructions are given to a worker who operates the collection vehicle from a host computer provided in the commodity distribution center, and the worker performs a collection work based on the instructions.

  The host computer performs order data registration processing, delivery slip processing, inventory management, and the like. In this case, the terminal device and the host computer installed at the work site of the merchandise distribution center are connected by a cable or a wireless LAN, and the order data is called online from the host computer by operating the terminal device.

  The collection vehicle is provided with a personal computer having a monitor. The monitor displays various information necessary for the worker to execute the collection work based on the order data.

  Based on the information displayed on the monitor, the worker proceeds with the collection work. Examples of the various information displayed on the monitor include the order data such as the order quantity for each ordered product, and information such as which product has been collected. When the products for the destination are collected for each order item for each order item, the collection operation for each time is completed. This is called one round. Ending the collection work for one round is called ending the round.

  By the way, the number of items in the distribution center of goods for chain stores such as convenience stores is about 3000 to 6000 items, and the number of items ordered by each chain store from among them is about 100 items.

  On the other hand, it is one of the retail-type non-store sales such as mail-order sales (hereinafter referred to as mail order), which displays products using media rather than stores, and consumers who access the media by facsimile or Internet It is said that the number of items handled at the merchandise distribution center is about tens of thousands of items in a retail business where an order is received by other communication means and the merchandise is sold.

  In addition, there are many individuals and small businesses that use mail order. For this reason, the number of items ordered for mail order is about several to ten or so items, and the number of items ordered at one time is about several to several tens. The chain store places an order from the product distribution center. It is extremely small compared to the number of items and ordered products. As described above, since there are many tens of thousands of items handled at the merchandise distribution center for mail order, the area for storing the merchandise (hereinafter referred to as a merchandise storage section) in the merchandise distribution center is very wide.

  Therefore, the work of collecting only a few items to about a dozen items out of tens of thousands of items stored in the product storage unit of a very wide product distribution center is performed very efficiently. There is a need. Otherwise it takes a considerable amount of time from receiving the order to shipping.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a conventional picking system, and shows a product storage unit 307 of a product distribution center for mail order.

  In the commodity storage unit 307, a host computer (not shown) is connected to a work management device (terminal device) 306 installed at the start point St of the collection vehicle 302 in the transport path R.

  The work management apparatus 306 installed at the start point St receives order data for each shipping destination for one round from the host computer. The work management apparatus 306 is provided with a wireless antenna (not shown). Via this wireless antenna and a wireless antenna (not shown) of an in-vehicle computer mounted on the collection vehicle 302, various data such as orders received and the number of items are received between the work management device 306 and the in-vehicle computer. Wireless communication. Therefore, the start point St can be said to be a point where collection information is provided to the collection vehicle 302 (hereinafter referred to as a collection information provision point).

  Then, information sent from the host computer is displayed on the monitor of the collection vehicle 302 via the personal computer. Based on the displayed information, the worker departs from the start point St, performs collection work, and returns to the goal point G after the work is completed. Such a series of operations is executed under centralized management by the host computer. The start point St and the goal point G are adjacent to each other. Therefore, it can be said that both points are substantially the same.

  By the way, although the product storage unit 307 of mail order that handles tens of thousands of items is wide as described above, there is only one start point St and goal point G on the transport path R. Therefore, the collection work always starts from the start point St having only one place, and is always finished after reaching the goal point G having only one place after the collection work ends.

However, if the system returns to the starting point St (goal point G) that has only one place after the collection work is completed in this way, the collection vehicle that has finished the collection work is not loaded at all. Even in the state, it is necessary to return to the start point St (goal point G) which has only one place. For this reason, the moving time until the collection vehicle returns to the goal point G in the empty state is a complete loss time. Therefore, it takes time to start the next round.
JP 2000-95312 A

The present invention has been invented in view of the above circumstances. The problem to be solved is to provide a picking system capable of minimizing the loss time when the collection vehicle moves to the collection information provision point.

In order to achieve the above object, the picking system of the present invention employs the following means.
(1) That is, the picking system of the present invention includes a conveyance path provided in a commodity distribution center, a commodity storage unit arranged along the conveyance path, a plurality of collection vehicles moving on the conveyance path, A host computer that gives information to a worker who operates the collection vehicle; and a collection vehicle terminal that is mounted on the collection vehicle and includes a monitor that informs the worker of information from the host computer. Based on various information from the computer, the worker moves with the collection vehicle to the product storage unit in which the received order product is stored among the products stored in the product storage unit, In this picking system, an operator takes out ordered products and collects them in the collection vehicle.

  In the area on the transport path or in the vicinity thereof, the collection information necessary for collection per round is displayed on the monitor, and the collection work performed based on the collection information ends. At the same time, in order to newly display the collection information for the next round on the monitor, the collection information provision points that can provide the collection information to the collection vehicle are scattered on the transport path or in the vicinity thereof. It is characterized by that.

  Therefore, according to the picking system of the present invention, the collection information providing points are interspersed on the transport path. Therefore, when the collection information for the next round is obtained after the round is over, the nearest collection information providing point is set. I can move. Therefore, compared with the conventional picking system in which there is only one collection information provision point, the distance to move to the collection information provision point is relatively short, and the loss time can be reduced.

(2) A collection that detects a collection vehicle that is closest to the collection information provision point among the plurality of collection vehicles and that has just finished the last collection for the ordered product related to the most recent round. A collection information providing means for the next round for providing collection information for the next round at the nearest collection information providing point for the collection vehicle detected by the collection vehicle detecting means; It can also be made to have.

  The collection information for the next round can be provided to the collection vehicle that is closest to the collection information provision point and has just completed the last collection of the ordered product for the most recent round. The goods car has no play time before receiving collection information for the next round. As a result, the loss time can be further reduced.

(3) In place of the collection vehicle immediately after the last collection for the ordered product, the order for the most recent round that is closest to the collection information provision point among the plurality of collection vehicles. The collection vehicle that closes the last collection of the product is detected by the collection vehicle detection means, and the collection vehicle detected by the collection vehicle detection means is detected by the collection information providing means for the next round. The collection information for the next round may be provided at the nearest collection information provision point.

  Also in this case, the collection vehicle has no play time after receiving the collection information for the next round after the last collection. As a result, the loss time can be further reduced.

(4) A collection vehicle that acquires collection information for the next round acquires collection information related to the ordered product with the shortest total collection time when collecting for one round with the collection vehicle. In addition, when the collection information providing means for the next round provides collection information for the next round to the collection vehicle, the collection information related to the ordered product with the minimum total collection time is displayed as a number of collection information. It is desirable to have collection information selection means for selecting from the above.
The collection time can be further shortened by selecting the collection information with the minimum total collection time by the collection information selection means.

(5) The collection information selection means includes a collection information provision point located closest to the next round when the last collection for one round is completed among the plurality of collection information provision points. Collection information including the smallest order received product, and the total distance between each of the storage positions in the product storage unit and the nearest collection information providing point for the collection information related to the collection information for , And when the selection is made, it may be determined that the collection information related to the ordered product having the smallest total collection time is selected.

  In this way, the time it takes for the collection vehicle that has completed the last collection for one round to arrive at the collection information provision point and the collection vehicle that has arrived at the collection information provision point are collected. Since the time from arrival at the information provision point to arrival at the product storage unit for collecting the ordered products can be minimized, the total collection time can be shortened.

(6) The collection information displayed on the monitor includes a collection schedule indicating the order of collection, and this collection schedule has a direction opposite to the conveyance direction when collecting for the most recent round. A case of traveling in the direction may be included. By doing in this way, the moving direction of the collection vehicle is not limited to one direction. Therefore, the collection schedule can be diversified. As a result, the possibility of further shortening the collection time can be increased.

(7) When the collection information selection means proceeds in the reverse direction and collects, each of the storage positions in the product storage unit and the collection information provision point of all the ordered products related to the collection information for the round When the total distance between the items is collection information including the smallest order product, the collection information is selected, and based on the selection, the host computer displays the collection schedule on the monitor. .

(8) Conveying means for unloading the goods collected by the collection vehicle from the collection vehicle to each of the collection information providing points, and transporting the collected products to a shipping place where the goods are packed and shipped. Are provided respectively. An example of the conveying means is a belt conveyor.

  If there is only one belt conveyor in the entire system, if there are many orders received from the collection vehicle to the belt conveyor, the transport box may be congested on the belt conveyor, which may hinder the smooth flow of products. obtain. However, if a belt conveyor is provided at each collection information provision point, the conveyor capacity of the belt conveyor can be afforded, and congestion of the transport box can be avoided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the loss time at the time of moving a collection vehicle to a collection information provision point can be made as small as possible.

  The best mode of a picking system S according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be exemplarily described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present system.
As shown in the figure, the host computer has a database (DB) and is connected to a wireless LAN station via a network.

  Order information on a large number of products is randomly transmitted from nationwide to product distribution centers such as mail orders that employ a picking system.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the product storage unit 307 in the product delivery center.
A plurality of product shelves 1 (see FIG. 2) are arranged in the product storage unit 307. Then, cart collection using a cart 2 (see FIG. 3), which is a collection vehicle, is performed along the rows of the product shelves 1. Between each merchandise shelf 1, the conveyance path R in which sufficient space was taken to prevent interference between carts is formed. The entire picking system S is managed and operated by the host computer 5 (see FIG. 4) as a server.

The merchandise shelf 1 stores the merchandise classified by type.
As shown in FIG. 2, the product shelf 1 is a combination of a large number of racks 11 in the front-rear, left-right, and upper-lower direction. In the front-rear direction, it is divided into a first row 150 on the front side and a second row 151 on the far side, and in the left-right direction, it is divided into a first series 160 to a sixth series 165 in order from the left. It is divided into a stage 180 to a third stage 182. In the left-right direction, each ream is further divided into two faces, a first face 170 located on the left and a second face 171 located on the right.

  Therefore, by using these “row”, “ream”, “stage”, and “face”, the product shelf 1 can display each rack 11 in a matrix. Since the rack 11 stores the products by type, the products stored in the rack 11 can be displayed using the matrix display of the rack 11.

  For example, the position 190 in FIG. 2 can be addressed as “first column indicated by reference numeral 150−fourth series indicated by reference numeral 163−first stage indicated by reference numeral 180−second face indicated by reference numeral 171”. In the order of “-continuous-stage-face”, only those numbers are taken and expressed as “01-04-01-02”. If the eraser is stored at the position 190 having the shelf number, the eraser can be identified by the number “01-04-01-02”. In other words, the number is not only the shelf number of the product shelf but also the product number.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a large number of product shelves 1 are installed in the product storage unit 307. For this reason, the code | symbol is attached | subjected for every goods shelf 1 so that the goods shelf 1 can be specified. In this embodiment, each merchandise shelf is specified using alphabets.

  For example, if the product shelf is referred to as “A zone”, the shelf number (product number) related to the eraser is expressed as “A-01-04-01-02” in the order of “zone-column-continuous-stage-face”. can do. When there is an order for a product stored in each rack 11 of the product storage unit 307 having such a shelf number, the product will be described in detail next to the product name, the number of orders, and other information related to collection. It is displayed on a monitor provided in the cart 2 to be described. The information relating to these collections displayed on the monitor is hereinafter referred to as collection information. According to the display, the worker collects products from the designated rack 11 in the designated product shelf (see FIG. 5). In addition, the goods which are insufficient in the goods shelf 1 are replenished from the back stock 13 (refer FIG. 1).

The cart 2 is a wheelbarrow that is operated by an operator and moves on the conveyance path R. Each cart is assigned a number for identifying the cart (hereinafter referred to as a cart number). Workers are assigned their own carts every day. The worker is also assigned an ID number, and the host computer 5 manages which cart is responsible for which worker that day (see FIG. 6). The worker ID number is written in a barcode on an ID card that the worker wears during work, for example.

  The cart 2 advances while the rear wheels are being steered by an operator. The cart 2 is loaded with a plurality (four in this embodiment) of collection boxes 20 that open upward. In addition, the cart 2 has a panel computer 23 as a collection vehicle terminal including a monitor 231 that allows the operator to check the screen while steering, and the panel computer 23 performs bidirectional communication with the host computer 5 that is a server. A wireless antenna 33 (see FIG. 4) is mounted. In addition, the cart 2 is equipped with a battery (not shown) that supplies current to the panel computer 23. A bar code reader 24 is connected to the panel computer 23.

  The collection box 20 is configured to store the ordered products collected by the operator. The collection box 20 is detachable from the cart 2. Further, one collection box 20 is configured to store a product for one order for each shipping destination (customer). The collection box 20 loaded on the cart 2 is also given a number (hereinafter referred to as a collection box number) so that the worker can know which collection box 20 should receive the ordered products collected by the worker. The collection box number is displayed on the monitor 231.

  The panel computer 23 has a built-in computer main body 38 composed of, for example, a general-purpose personal computer. The panel computer 23 has a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a bus (BUS), and reads a program stored in a hard disk device (HD) or flash memory via a main memory (MM). The functions described below are realized by executing processing.

The computer main body 38 has input means such as a key input unit 232 in addition to the barcode reader 24.
Moreover, the screen itself is mounted as a touch panel, and direct input from the screen is also possible. By the operator's operation, the barcode reader 24 reads a barcode attached to the ordered product and a barcode attached to an instruction document (described later) that describes the contents of instructions from the host computer 5 to the worker. The key input unit 232 is for the operator to manually input necessary information to the panel computer 23 as necessary. Various data are input to the computer main body 38 by the operator operating these input means. The computer main body 38 has a built-in memory 40 for storing various data.

  The operator reads the ID number and the barcode attached to the instruction sheet with the barcode reader 24 before the collection. For the products collected during the collection work, the operator reads the barcode attached to the products with the barcode reader 24. The information read by the bar code reader 24 is displayed on the monitor 231 of the cart 2, and necessary processing corresponding to the reading is performed by the computer main body 38.

The process corresponding to the reading is, for example, as follows.
Before collecting items, the collection number schedule for the worker to collect carts every round, starting with the cart number, and precautions when placing collected items in the collection box 20 In addition, displaying various information transmitted from the host computer 5 on the monitor 231 can be mentioned.

Moreover, the following cases can be illustrated as a process according to the reading after collection.
When the bar code of the collected product is read by the bar code reader 24, the panel computer 23 determines that the product has been collected, and the panel computer 23 communicates with the host computer 5 by radio. I do. As a result, the host computer 5 recognizes that the collection of the product has been completed, and performs wireless communication with the panel computer 23. Then, the fact that the collection of the product whose barcode has been read has been completed is displayed on the monitor 231 of the cart 2.

  Further, for example, whether the collected order product is delivered in a cardboard box or in a bag, or delivered in the collection box 20 as the precautions. This is a notice for the worker. For example, if the worker who received the precautions is delivered in a bag, it may cause damage to the ordered product during transportation compared to other shipping forms. Work different depending on the delivery form, such as using a lot of packing. In this way, the worker performs the given work based on the information displayed on the monitor 231.

  FIG. 5 is an example of information displayed on the monitor 231. In FIG. 5, a schedule indicating which products are collected in which order (hereinafter, a collection schedule) is displayed.

  In the collection schedule, collection information is arranged in order in the vertical direction. In FIG. 5, there are six ordered products. As information about the ordered products, for example, in order from the left, the shelf number indicating the position of the rack 11 where the ordered products are stored, the product code, and the products to be collected. And the quantity is displayed.

  The worker collects products to be collected on the monitor 231 in accordance with the order of collection in the collection schedule displayed on the monitor 231. In the collection, the worker moves with the cart 2 aiming at the shelf number of the product shelf 1 in which the ordered product is stored. Then, the ordered product is taken out from the rack 11 of the corresponding shelf number and sorted into the collection box 20 of the cart 2. The order of collection in the collection schedule is also handled as collection information.

  For this sorting, the barcode attached to the product is read for each ordered product by the barcode reader 24. By this reading, an instruction to put the collected goods in the collection box 20 of which number is instructed on the display screen of the monitor 231 of the panel computer 23. In accordance with this instruction, the worker puts the ordered product into the collection box 20 with the number designated as instructed.

  Further, if the number of products actually read by the barcode reader 24 is different from the number of orders, the monitor 231 gives a warning to the operator. When the collection is correctly performed, the operator can know that the collection has been completed on the monitor 231. For example, among the collection information displayed in the collection schedule on the monitor 231, the display color is changed for the collection end.

  In this way, for all products displayed in the collection schedule, the display color changes when the barcodes attached to those products are read by the barcode reader 24, and all the collections for one round have been completed. The thing and the panel computer 23 are regarded. At the same time, the panel computer 23 performs wireless communication with the host computer 23, and the host computer 23 also determines that the collection has been completed.

  The weight per order product is known in advance. Therefore, the panel computer 23 can calculate the total weight of the ordered product from the ordered number. The cart 2 is provided with a weighing scale for each collection box 20.

  In this way, if the total weight of the collected products calculated from the number of products read by the barcode reader 24 differs from the total weight measured by the weigh scale, the wrong products are collected. The panel computer 23 may be able to determine that the product has been put in the product box 20, and a warning directed to the operator may be given on the monitor 231.

Next, the conveyance path R along which the cart 2 moves will be described.
In the area on the transport path R or in the vicinity thereof, the collection information providing points Ps are scattered. The collection information provision point Ps is a point for providing collection information to the cart 2.

A work management device 6 connected to the host computer 5 is installed at the collection information provision point Ps.
The work management apparatus 6 includes a wireless antenna 7 (see FIG. 4), and the wireless antenna 7 and the wireless antenna 33 of the panel computer 23 can communicate with each other. Therefore, the host computer 5 and the panel computer 23 communicate various data via the work management device 6. Such wireless communication can be realized by a general-purpose wireless LANN system.

  Order data for one round of the worker is transmitted from the host computer 5 to the work management device 6. The transmitted data is printed as an instruction given to the worker by a printer (not shown) included in the work management apparatus 6. The number of instructions printed is the number corresponding to the number of collection boxes 20. In this embodiment, since four collection boxes 20 are loaded on the cart 2, four instructions are printed.

  In these instructions, collection information for collecting work for one round is described in a barcode. Each worker receives an instruction assigned to him / herself (actually, he / she receives the instruction by himself / herself in the work management apparatus 6), and reads the barcode described in the instruction by the barcode reader 24 of the cart 2. The read data is displayed on the monitor 231 as a collection schedule and other collection information (see FIG. 5).

  Furthermore, a belt conveyor 50 as a conveying means is installed at each collection information providing point Ps where the work management device 6 is installed. In the drawing, only the belt conveyor 50 at some collection information providing points Ps is shown (see FIG. 1).

  In addition, the collected goods are dropped from the cart 2 by the worker at the collection information provision point Ps. The lowered commodity is then transported by a belt conveyor 50 to a shipping place (not shown). At the shipping site, after the products are packed, they are loaded onto a truck and delivered to each shipping destination.

Next, the host computer 5 will be described.
The host computer 5 is also a general-purpose network server and has a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a bus (BUS), and a program stored in a hard disk device (HD) is transferred via a main memory (MM). It can function as a host computer by reading and executing.

  As described above, the host computer 5 exchanges various data when the data is updated or new data is input with the panel computer 23 via the work management apparatus 6. Based on the exchanged data, the monitor 51 of the host computer 5 (see FIG. 6) designates the collection worker's nomination (or ID number), the cart number of the cart 2 handled by the worker, Current position, work start time, current work content, work progress, whether or not data required for collection work has been provided from the work management device 6 to the worker, and other things necessary to fulfill the collection schedule Information is displayed.

Next, an operation example of this picking system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Step 1: The worker turns on an operation switch (not shown) of the allocated cart on the day of work, and then reads his / her ID number with the bar code reader 24 of the panel computer 23. The read ID number is stored in the memory 40 of the panel computer 23.

  When the bar code reader 24 reads the ID number, the monitor 231 of the panel computer 23 displays the cart number and the ID number, and also displays the collection information provision point Ps that one should head for the day. The displayed collection information providing point Ps is a starting point for starting collection work for each round.

  Step 2: The worker moves to the collection information provision point Ps designated in Step 1.

  Step 3: The worker receives an instruction printed from the printer of the work management device 6 at the collection information provision point Ps.

  Step 4: The operator reads the barcode of the instruction sheet with the barcode reader 24. With this reading, the collection schedule and other collection information for one round are displayed on the monitor 231 of the cart 2.

  Step 5: The worker transports the cart 2 to the product shelf 1 having the target shelf number in order to digest the collection in order based on the collection information for one round displayed on the monitor 231. Move on Road R.

  Step 6: When the worker arrives at the product shelf 1 having the target shelf number, the worker collects the number of the ordered products received from the corresponding rack. Then, the barcode attached to each product is read by the barcode reader 24.

  Step 7: When the barcode of the product is read, a collection box number is displayed on the monitor 231 to indicate in which collection box 20 of the cart 2 the product should be stored so that the collection box in which the product should be stored can be known. It has become. Thereafter, the worker puts the corresponding product in the designated collection box 20.

In this way, barcodes are read for all of the first ordered products out of the collection information for one round displayed on the monitor 231, and when the ordered products are put into the collection box 20, the received order is received. The collection work for the product ends.
When the collection work is completed, the collection information related to the completion and the collection information related to the collection that has not been completed can be identified, and the display color displayed on the monitor 231 is reversed. change.

  Step 8: In order to perform the collection work of other ordered products for which the collection work has not yet been completed, the worker moves toward another shelf number based on the next collection information.

  When the collection work for one round is sequentially digested in this way, the fact is instantly transmitted from the panel computer 23 to the host computer 5 by radio. When all the collection work for one round is completed, it is transmitted from the host computer 5 to the panel computer 23 by radio, and a command (collection schedule) for the next round is displayed on the monitor 231 of the cart 2.

Steps 1 to 8 are performed in the same manner for all carts 2 operating on the transport path R. The host computer 5 manages the work status of each worker in charge assigned to all the carts 2 and the current position of the cart 2. Note that the current position of the cart 2 can be grasped because the shelf number is specified by the operator reading the barcode of the ordered product for which the collection work has been performed with the barcode reader 24.

  When the bar code attached to the other product for the cart 2 to collect other products is read by the barcode reader 24, the host computer 5 changes the position of the cart 2 each time. Judge. In this way, the current position of the cart 2 is stored in a memory (not shown) of the host computer 5. Therefore, it can be said that the memory is a storage unit that stores the current position of the cart 2. The host computer 5 detects the current position of the cart 2 based on the information stored in this memory.

  If the current position of the cart 2 is known, the host computer 5 is programmed so that it can instantly grasp how far the cart 2 is from each collection information provision point Ps. Therefore, a substantial distance from each collection information provision point Ps to each rack 11 of each product shelf 1 is measured, and the measured value is stored in the memory of the host computer 5.

  While the collection work is being executed, a large number of orders are randomly received from the whole country at the commodity storage center, and information related to the orders is entered in the host computer 5. Then, the host computer 5 continuously calculates which order product is assigned to which worker and which can be processed in the shortest time from the current position of the cart 2 and the average traveling speed of the cart (worker handling the cart). . Then, it is compared with respect to all the carts 2 to which workers can allocate the ordered goods (instructions) most efficiently, and a collection schedule for the next round is established.

Next, an example of how to set a collection schedule for the next round will be described.
The host computer 5 is the cart 2 immediately after finishing the last collection related to the latest round (in the above case, one round), and is the cart 2 closest to the collection information provision point Ps. It is programmed to detect the current position. Therefore, it can be said that the host computer 5 has a collection vehicle position detection function for detecting the current position of the cart 2 after the last collection. Therefore, the host computer 5 having the collection vehicle position detection function can be said to be a collection vehicle detection means.

  Further, the host computer 5 sends the collection information for the next round to the nearest collection information provision point Ps for the cart 2 that has completed the last collection detected by the host computer 5 having the collection vehicle position detection function. Is programmed to provide in That is, it can be said that the host computer 5 also has a collection information providing function for the next round. Accordingly, the host computer 5 having the collection information providing function is a collection information providing means for the next round.

  In addition, the host computer 5 provides the collection information related to the ordered product with the shortest total collection time when the collection is performed by the cart 2 to the cart 2 that receives the collection information for the next round. Then, the host computer 5 is programmed to select collection information related to the ordered product having the smallest total collection time from among collection information. That is, it can be said that the host computer 5 has a collection information selection function. Therefore, the host computer 5 having the collection information selection function can be said to be collection information selection means.

  The total collection time refers to the collection information provision point Ps where the cart 2 starts from the collection information provision point Ps, ends the last collection, and the collection information for the next round is provided. This is the time it takes to arrive.

When the host computer 5 as the collection information selection means selects the next two, the host computer 5 determines that the collection information related to the ordered product having the minimum total collection time has been selected.
(1) A collection information provision point Ps that is closest to the end of the last collection for one round among a plurality of collection information provision points Ps.
(2) Orders with the smallest total of the distances between the storage positions in the product storage unit 307 of all ordered products related to the collection information for the next round and the collection information provision point Ps at the closest position Collection information including products.

Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged plan view of the product storage unit 307.

  In the merchandise shelf 1 in each of the zones A to T in the merchandise storage unit 307, the products ordered from ten customers of the orderers (a) to (ko) are stored in a distributed state. Further, it is assumed that the cart 2 is instructed by the host computer 5 to start from the collection information provision point Ps at the point I among the plurality of collection information provision points Ps.

  Moreover, the point II is shown as an installation point of another collection information provision point Ps. Furthermore, the point III and the point IV are shown as installation points of other collection information providing points Ps. The cart 2 starts when an instruction is issued from the host computer 5 from the point II, the point III, and the point IV.

  The collection information provision point Ps at the point I is located in the upper left of the zone A in FIG. 8, and similarly, the collection information provision point Ps at the point II is located at the lower right of the zone S and is the collection point at the point III. The product information provision point Ps is located immediately below the zone F, and the product collection information provision point Ps at the point IV is located directly above the zone E.

  Since the cart 2 starts from the collection information provision point Ps at the point I, the order item related to the orderer (ki) whose order products are stored in the product shelf 1 in the zone A closest to the point I. Pay attention. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the ordered product of the orderer (ki) is stored in zones J and O in addition to zone A. In order to collect all of the ordered products from the orderer (ki), the worker needs to move from the zone A to the zone O via the zone J together with the cart 2.

  In addition, since the four collection boxes 20 are installed in the cart 2, it is necessary to put the ordered products of the three orderers in addition to the orderer (ki) into the collection box 20.

  FIG. 9 is a data table showing the travel distance of the cart 2 from each point, and is stored in the memory 40 of the host computer 5. The data table includes the orderer on the vertical axis and the product shelf 1 in zones A to T on the horizontal axis.

  8 and 9, it can be seen that the product shelf located closest to the collection information provision point Ps at point I is zone A, and the product shelf located farthest is zone T. Similarly, it can be seen that the product shelf located closest to the collection information provision point Ps at point II is zone T, and the product shelf located farthest is zone A.

When the worker performs collection work for one round, the worker receives an instruction from the collection information provision point Ps of the point I, and collects based on the contents described in the instruction. Is assumed. In order to put the ordered products into the four collection boxes of the cart 2 by orderer, the movement time of the cart 2 is the shortest among the ten customers of the orderers (a) to (ko). This is a case where all of the products ordered from a person orderer are stored in the product shelf 1 of the zone A. On the other hand, the movement time of the cart 2 is the longest when the products received from the four orderers are all stored in the product shelf 1 of the zone T.

Next, it is assumed that the worker receives an instruction from the collection information provision point Ps of the point II and collects the goods based on the contents described in the instruction. In collecting goods, the cart 2 travel time is the shortest when the products ordered from the four orderers are all stored in the product shelf 1 of the zone T, and the cart 2 travel time is the longest. This is a case where all the products ordered from the four orderers are stored in the product shelf 1 of the zone A.
Note that the amount of travel time is proportional to the distance from the points I and II to the product shelf 1, and the time for the operator to collect items from the product shelf 1 is not taken into consideration.

  By the way, the case where all the orders received from the four orderers collected in the cart 2 are stored only in the merchandise shelf 1 of the zone A or the zone T is extremely low.

  Actually, in most cases, data is collected by moving in the range of zones A to T (or T to A). For this reason, how to reduce the movement range when collecting goods is indispensable for efficient work.

  As described above, when the worker starts from the collection information providing point Ps at the point I and collects all the ordered products from the orderer (ki), the range in which the worker moves is the zones A to O. It is. In the range in which the worker moves in the zones A to O, if all the remaining three orders received are stored in the product shelf 1 arranged in the range, the worker collects one round. It is possible to move efficiently when performing product work. However, in reality, the remaining three orders received by the three zones A to O are not always stored. For this reason, in such a case, it is necessary to change the movement range.

This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
In the movement range of zones A to O, the orderer who is other than the orderer (ki) and includes all the orders received by the other orderer is included in the movement range. It can be seen that This is because the ordered product of the orderer (a) is in the product shelf 1 of the zone B and the product shelf 1 of the zone B, and the ordered product of the orderer (ka) is the product shelf 1 of the zone D and the product shelf of the zone I. This is because the product shelves 1 in the zone 1 and the zone N and the product shelves 1 in the other zones do not have the ordered products of the orderers (a) and (ka).

  However, in the above example, there are three (3), (3), (4), (3), and (3) orderers related to the ordered products to be collected in the movement range, and are placed in the cart 2. Considering that the number of collection boxes 20 is four, even if collection is possible in three of the collection boxes 20 while moving in the zones A to O, the remaining one collection box 20 remains. Will not be collected.

  For this reason, it is necessary to change the moving range of the cart 2 steered by the operator so that all the collection boxes 20 can be collected in one round. In other words, the orderer is focused on other orderers other than (ki), (a), and (ka) so that the movement range is wider than the zones A to O. In the case of this embodiment, attention is paid to the orderer (u) in which the ordered product is stored in the product shelf 1 in the range from the zone A to the zone P that is one zone away from the zone O. (See FIG. 9).

In this case, the range from which the collection information provision point Ps of the point I starts and from which the operator moves to collect all the ordered products from the orderer (zones) is the zones AP. In order to be able to collect orders from other orderers (ki), (a) and (ka) in the movement range of the zones A to P, all four of the items placed in the cart 2 are available. Collecting can be performed on the collecting box 20.

  If collection is not possible for all four collection boxes 20 even when paying attention to the orderer (う), the range of movement is changed with a focus on other orderers. Thus, the movement range change process is determined by the host computer 5 with reference to the data table of FIG.

  Note that the host computer 5 selects the collection information related to the ordered product with the shortest total collection time from among the various collection information, and the products of all the ordered products related to the collection information for the round A case is calculated where the total distance between each storage position in the storage unit and the selected collection information providing point is the smallest.

  As a result of the calculation, the host computer 5 selects the collection information related to the ordered product having the minimum total collection time from among a large number of collection information, and thus functions as a collection information selection unit. In addition, since the total of the distance between each of the storage positions in the product storage unit of all the ordered products related to the collection information for the round and the selected collection information provision point is calculated, the calculation is performed. The host computer 5 also functions as a calculation means.

  When all the collections in the four collection boxes 20 are completed, the first round is completed, and the worker enters the second round, which is the next round. When the collection of the four collection boxes 20 is completed, the host computer 5 that is the collection vehicle detection means detects the position of the cart 2 immediately after the end of the round, and the cart 2 Is directed to the operator on the monitor 231 so as to move to the collection information provision point Ps at the nearest location. In this case, the collection information provision point Ps located closest to the cart 2 is the collection information provision point Ps located at the point II.

  The worker who has received the instruction moves to the collection information provision point Ps at the point II together with the cart 2 and receives an instruction from the work management device 6 at the collection information provision point Ps. The instruction sheet includes collection information for the cart 2 to collect the second round, which is the next round. In other words, the next round collection information providing means, the host computer 5 provides the cart 2 with the collection information for the next round at the collection information provision point Ps of the point II.

  In the second round, since the cart 2 starts from the collection information provision point Ps at the point II, as in the case of the point I, the ordered products are stored in the product shelf 1 in the zone T closest to the point II. First, pay attention to the orderer.

  Looking at another order of the orderer (e) in FIG. 8, in addition to the zone T, the ordered products are stored in the zones G and B. That is, in order to collect all the ordered products from the orderer (e), the operator needs to move in the range of zones T to B. However, this time, unlike the forward direction, the zone T is advanced in the reverse direction with the next round as the starting point. The reason why the goods are collected in the reverse direction starting from the zone T is that the moving distance of the cart 2 is the shortest.

  In other words, the host computer 5 advances the cart 2 in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction when collecting items for the last round that has already been completed. When the total of the distance between each storage position in the product storage unit of all the ordered products related to product information and the collection information provision point for the next round is the smallest, Judge that the total collection time is the shortest. Then, the cart 2 is advanced in the opposite direction to the case of collecting items for the latest round.

In addition, since the four collection boxes 20 are installed in the cart 2 as described above, it is necessary to put the ordered products of the three orderers in addition to the orderer (e) into the collection box 20, respectively. There is.
Therefore, since the movement range necessary for the operator to collect all the ordered products of the orderer (e) is the zones T to B, it can be collected within the movement range of the zones T to B. Collect items ordered from other clients.

  However, in this case, there are five other orderers other than the orderer (e), the orderers (i), (o), (ku), (ke) and (ko). Including (e), a total of six collection boxes 20 are required. However, since there are only four collection boxes 20, it is not possible to collect two orderers out of the orderers (i), (o), (ku), (ke) and (ko). .

  For this reason, it is necessary to change the moving range of the cart 2 so that all the collection boxes 20 can be collected in one round as described above. In other words, the orderer is focused on other orderers other than (e). In the case of this embodiment, attention is paid to the orderer who is stored in the product shelf 1 of the zone P, which is one place away from the collection information providing point Ps of the point I from the zone O. .

  In this case, the range in which the worker moves from the collection information provision point Ps of the point II to collect all the ordered products from the orderer (ke) is zones T to F (see FIG. 9). Therefore, since orders received from other orderers (ko), (ke), (ku), and (o) can be collected together in the movement range of the zones T to F, they are loaded on the cart 2. Collecting can be performed for all four collecting boxes 20.

  When the collection into the four collection boxes 20 is completed, the second round is completed, and the operator enters the third round, which is the next round. Note that, at the end of the second round, the ordered products of the orderers (i) and (e) are in an uncollected state.

  When the collection of the four collection boxes 20 is completed, the host computer 5 moves the monitor 231 so as to move to the collection information provision point Ps located closest to the cart 2 immediately after the round is completed. A command for the worker is given above. In this embodiment, the collection information provision point Ps located closest to the cart 2 is the collection information provision point Ps located at the point III.

  The worker who has received the instruction moves to the collection information provision point Ps at the point III together with the cart 2 and receives an instruction from the work management device 6 at the collection information provision point Ps. The instruction sheet includes collection information for the cart 2 to collect the third round, which is the next round.

  In the third round, since the cart 2 starts from the collection information provision point Ps at the point III, as in the case of the points I and II, the ordered product is placed in the product shelf 1 of the zone F that is the closest to the point III. First, pay attention to the stored orderer. However, since the collection of the ordered products of the orderer (ke) has been completed in the second round, the ordered products of the orderers (i) and (e) that were not the targets of the first and second rounds. It becomes the target of collection.

  The next round is a relative one, and the second round is not always the next round as in the above-described embodiment. For example, if the second round is the latest round, the next round will be the third round.

By the way, a plurality of carts 2 circulate in the product storage unit 307, and the ordered products of the orderers (i) and (e) are collected by the cart 2 that collects at the point III and starts from the point III. Rather than, for example, if there is another cart 2 that rounds starting from point IV or point II in FIG. 8, if the person who collects with the other cart 2 can shorten the total collection time, It is more efficient to collect the ordered products of the orderers (i) and (e) with the other cart 2a.

  In addition, it may be more efficient to collect the ordered products of the orderers (ii) and (e) by using different carts 2 having different round starting points. Therefore, if the host computer 5 makes such a determination, the cart 2 collects orders received from other orderers (for example, orderers not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) other than the orderers (i) and (e). Or take a break.

  In addition, the host computer 5 as the collection information selection means collects while proceeding in the reverse direction of the conveyance path as compared with the conveyance direction when the collection for the latest round is performed by the cart 2. However, if it is determined that the total collection time is small, information for transporting a plurality of collection vehicles moving on the conveyance path in the reverse direction is selected from a number of collection information, and as a collection schedule, You may make it show on the monitor 231 of the said cart 2 by the host computer 5 which is a collection information provision means for the next round.

  8 and 9 are described with the product shelf 1 as a unit for convenience of explanation. However, the product shelf 1 has a shelf number for each rack 11, and the distance from the collection information provision point Ps differs for each rack 11 even for the same product shelf 1.

  Also, in reality, the workers are changed by breaks or shifts, and the carts differ depending on the skills of the workers, men and women, etc., and the weight on the cart 2 of the orders received on the cart 2. The load on the operator who operates 2 also affects workability.

  Accordingly, actually, the host computer 5 comprehensively grasps these differences, and sets a collection schedule as to which worker can allocate the ordered product most efficiently.

Next, the function and effect of such a picking system S will be described.
According to the picking system S, since the collection information provision points Ps are scattered on the transport path R, when the collection operation is completed for one round, the collection information for the next round is provided. It can move to the point Ps. Therefore, compared with the conventional picking system which has only one collection information provision point, the distance to move to the collection information provision point becomes relatively short. Therefore, loss time can be reduced. For this reason, the time from receiving an order to shipping can be shortened.

The cart 2 detected by the host computer 5 having the collection vehicle position detection function is the position closest to the collection information provision point Ps among the plurality of carts 2 that are moved on the conveyance path R while being operated by the operator. This is the cart 2 immediately after finishing the last collection of ordered products related to the latest round.
Therefore, the collection vehicle has no play time until it receives collection information for the next round. As a result, the loss time can be further reduced.

  Collecting information with the shortest total collection time required for the cart 2 to collect all the ordered products related to the collecting information for the next round is collected by the host computer 5 which is the collecting information selection means. By selecting from the information, the collection time by the cart 2 can be shortened.

The host computer 5 having the collection information selection function, when the last collection for one round is completed among the plurality of collection information provision points Ps, the collection information provision point Ps that is closest to the round. And the total of the distances between the storage positions in the product storage unit 307 of all the ordered products related to the collection information for the next round and the collection information providing point Ps at the closest position is the smallest ordered product. If the selection information is selected and the selection is made, it is determined that the collection information related to the ordered product with the smallest total collection time is selected, and the collection time is further shortened. Can do.

  When the host computer 5 determines that the total collection time is less when traveling in the direction opposite to the direction of conveyance when collecting for the latest round, a plurality of carts moving on the conveyance path R Since the host computer 5 displays information that causes the cart 2 to travel in the reverse direction on the monitor 231 of the cart 2, the moving direction of the cart 2 is not limited to one direction. As a result, since the collection schedule can be diversified, the collection time is likely to be further shortened.

  Each of the collection information providing points Ps is provided with a belt conveyor 50 that unloads the products collected by the cart 2 from the cart 2, and packs and loads the lowered products to a shipping place. Therefore, the conveyor capacity of the belt conveyor can be afforded, and the congestion of the collection box 20 can be avoided.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples described above, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cart 2 in which the last collection of T is completed for the ordered product related to the latest round is targeted, but the cart 2 in which the last collected product for the ordered product related to the latest round is about to end. It may be a target.

That is, the collection vehicle detection for detecting the cart 2 that is closest to the collection information provision point Ps among the plurality of carts 2 and closes the last collection of the ordered products related to the latest round. And a collection information provision means for the next round for providing collection information for the next round at the nearest collection information provision point Ps to the cart 2 detected by the collection vehicle detection means. A picking system may be used.
The collection vehicle detection means and the next round collection information providing means are realized by the host computer 5.

  The position of the last collection by the cart 2 during collection is naturally understood from the collection schedule. If the last collection position is known, it is also obvious from which collection information provision point Ps the collection information for the next round is provided. In this case, there is no play time until the collection information for the next round is received. Therefore, loss time can be reduced.

It is a top view of the goods storage part in a goods delivery center. It is a perspective view of a goods shelf. It is a perspective view of a cart. It is a block diagram of a host computer and a cart panel computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the collection schedule displayed on the monitor of the panel computer of a cart. It is a figure which shows the management screen displayed on the monitor of a host computer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of a picking system. It is a partially expanded plan view of a product storage unit. It is a data table which shows the movement distance of a cart from a plurality of collection information provision points, an orderer is taken on the vertical axis, and a product shelf is taken on the horizontal axis. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

1 product shelf 2 cart (collection car)
5 Host computer (collection vehicle detection means, collection information provision means for the next round, collection information selection means)
6 Work management device 7 Wireless antenna 11 Rack (storage position)
13 Back stock 20 Collection box 23 Panel computer 231 Monitor 232 Key input unit 24 Bar code reader 33 Wireless antenna 38 Computer main body 40 Memory 50 Belt conveyor (conveying means)
51 Host computer monitor Ps Collection information provision point R Conveyance path St Start point I Point II Point S Picking system 302 Collection vehicle 306 Work management device 307 Goods storage part G Goal point

Claims (8)

A conveyance path provided in the merchandise delivery center;
A product storage unit arranged along the conveyance path;
A plurality of collection vehicles moving on the conveyance path;
A host computer that provides information to the operator operating the collection vehicle;
A collection vehicle terminal equipped with a monitor that is mounted on the collection vehicle and informs an operator of information from the host computer;
Based on various information from the host computer, move the worker together with the collection vehicle to the product storage unit that stores the ordered product among the products stored in the product storage unit,
A picking system for taking out the ordered product from the product storage unit by an operator and collecting it in the collection vehicle,
In the area on or near the transport path,
In order to display the collection information necessary for collection per round on the monitor,
In order to newly display the collection information for the next round on the monitor in accordance with the end of the round of the collection work performed based on the collection information,
A picking system characterized in that collection information providing points capable of providing collection information to the collection vehicle are scattered on or near the conveyance path. A collection vehicle detection means for detecting a collection vehicle immediately after the last collection of the ordered product related to the most recent round is completed and located closest to the collection information providing point among the plurality of collection vehicles When,
A collection information providing means for the next round for providing collection information for the next round to the collection vehicle detected by the collection vehicle detecting means at a nearest collection information providing point. The picking system according to claim 1. A collection vehicle detection means for detecting a collection vehicle that is closest to the collection information provision point among the plurality of collection vehicles and closes the last collection of the ordered product related to the latest round. When,
A collection information providing means for the next round for providing collection information for the next round to the collection vehicle detected by the collection vehicle detecting means at the nearest collection information providing point. The picking system according to claim 1. A collection vehicle that acquires collection information for the next round
Collecting information related to the ordered product with the least total collection time when collecting for one round with the collection vehicle,
When the collection information providing means for the next round provides collection information for the next round to the collection vehicle, the collection information related to the ordered product having the least total collection time is obtained by using a number of collection information. The picking system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising collection information selection means for selecting from among. The collection information selection means includes:
Among the plurality of collection information provision points, when the last collection for one round is finished, the collection information provision point at the nearest position;
The total of the distance between each of the storage positions in the product storage unit of all the ordered products related to the collection information for the next round and the collection information providing point at the closest position includes the collection product including the smallest ordered product. Select product information and
5. The picking system according to claim 4, wherein when the selection is made, it is determined that the collection information related to the ordered product having the smallest total collection time is selected. The collection information displayed on the monitor includes a collection schedule indicating the order of collection,
In this collection schedule,
6. The picking system according to claim 5, wherein the picking system includes a case of traveling in a direction opposite to a conveyance direction in the case of collecting goods for the latest round. When the collection information selection means collects by proceeding in the reverse direction, the distance between each of the storage positions in the product storage unit and the collection information provision point of all the ordered products related to the collection information for round If the total is the collection information that includes the fewest ordered products, select the collection information,
7. The picking system according to claim 6, wherein the host computer displays the collection schedule on the monitor based on the selection.   In each of the collection information provision points, a transport means for unloading the products collected by the collection vehicle from the collection vehicle, packing the unloaded products, and transporting the products to a shipping place for shipping, The picking system according to claim 1, wherein each of the picking systems is provided.

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