JP2015030612A - Sorting facility, reading means in sorting facility, article sorting method in sorting facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting facility, reading means, and an article sorting method which can perform sorting operation with high reliability, and in which an operator can reliably sort an ordered article for each user destination.SOLUTION: A picking facility 1 that sorts an article 2 according to an order from a user, comprises: a frontage display 19 for displaying information regarding the sorting operation of the article 2; a general controller 51 for instructing control for the frontage display 19; a zone controller 55 for controlling the frontage display 19 according to the instruction of the general controller 51; a shelf-side tag 65 for storing the information regarding the sorting operation of the article 2; and a tag reader 60 for reading the information stored in the shelf-side tag 65 in a non-contact manner. The tag reader 60 has an information reading function of reading the information from the shelf-side tag 65 and an information transmission function of transmitting the information read from the shelf-side tag 65 to the zone controller 55 by wireless communication. The zone controller 55 is configured to control the frontage display 19 according to the information transmitted from the tag reader 60.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting facility for sorting articles according to an order from a user, a reading unit in the sorting facility, and a method for sorting articles in a sorting facility.

  The conventional sorting equipment is provided with various display means such as a quantity display, picking display, input display, or temporary display that displays the order quantity of the ordered items. Sorting work while visually observing. For this reason, in such a sorting facility, there are cases where the number of articles different from the number displayed on the display is sorted, or the articles that have not been ordered are sorted. There was a risk of occurrence.

Therefore, a sorting facility has been proposed that enables an operator to reliably sort ordered articles for each user destination based on objective judgment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In Patent Document 1, an ID tag storing data related to the sorting destination of articles stored in the article storage unit is provided in the vicinity of the picking indicator in each article storage unit of the picking shelf, while the wrist of the operator And a tag reader that reads the data stored in the ID tag when the worker approaches the ID tag and picks the article from the article storage unit. If the sorting destination stored in the tag reader does not exist in the data read from the ID tag, the tag reader notifies the picking error, prevents the wrong article from being taken out, and increases the reliability of the picking work. Yes. That is, in the sorting facility of Patent Document 1, picking of ordered items is confirmed by reading data from an ID tag by a tag reader and pressing a picking completion button.

JP 2006-232510 A

  However, in the sorting facility of Patent Document 1, the data reading from the ID tag by the tag reader and the pressing of the picking completion button are not linked on the system. For example, when a sorting error occurs by an operator The tag reader gives an alarm sound, but one of the picking completion buttons can be pressed, and even though a sorting error has occurred, the sorting of the ordered items has been completed correctly (on the tag reader) Since a sorting error has occurred, the sorting of ordered items can be completed on the picking completion button (display), so that there is a problem of reducing the reliability of sorting work.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a sorting facility that can execute a sorting operation with high reliability, and enables an operator to reliably sort ordered articles for each user destination, a reading unit in the sorting facility, and a method for sorting articles in the sorting facility. The purpose is to provide.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

That is, the sorting facility according to claim 1 of the present invention is a sorting facility that sorts articles according to an order from a user, and includes a display unit that displays information related to the sorting operation of the articles, Control instruction means for instructing operation control, display control means for controlling the operation of the display means based on an instruction from the control instruction means, storage means for storing information relating to the sorting operation of the articles, and the storage Reading means for reading information stored in the means in a non-contact manner, the reading means for reading information from the storage means, and the display control for wirelessly reading information read from the storage means An information transmission function for transmitting to the means, and the display control means is capable of controlling the operation of the display means based on information transmitted from the reading means. That.
In the above configuration, the information read from the storage unit by the reading unit is wirelessly transmitted to the display control unit, whereby the display control unit is transmitted from the reading unit without passing through the control instruction unit. Based on the information, the operation of the display means is controlled.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sorting facility according to the first aspect, the display unit and the storage unit are provided in an article storage unit for storing the article, and the reading unit is the article. The reading unit reads information from the storage unit when the worker performs sorting operation in the article storage unit, and the reading unit reads the information from the storage unit. The display control unit controls the display unit based on information transmitted from the reading unit.
In the above configuration, when an operator performs a sorting operation in the article storage unit, the reading unit attached to the operator reads information from the storage unit provided in the article storage unit, and Information read from the storage means is transmitted to the display control means by radio. The display control unit controls the operation of the display unit provided in the article storage unit based on information transmitted from the reading unit without using the control instruction unit.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is the sorting equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display means and the storage means correspond to a sorting container for sorting articles for each sorting destination. The reading means is attached to an operator who performs a sorting operation on the sorting container, and when the worker performs a sorting operation on the sorting container, the reading means is stored in the storage means. And reading the read information to the display control means, and the display control means controls the display means based on the information sent from the reading means.
In the above configuration, when an operator performs a sorting operation on the sorting container, the reading unit attached to the worker reads information from the storage unit provided corresponding to the sorting container. At the same time, the information read from the storage means is transmitted to the display control means by radio. Then, the display control means controls the operation of the display means provided corresponding to the sorting container based on the information transmitted from the reading means without going through the control instruction means.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the articles to be sorted in a sorting container for sorting articles for each sorting destination. An operator having a temporary placement unit for sorting and temporarily placing the display unit, the storage unit being provided in the temporary placement unit, and the reading unit performing sorting work on the sorting container When the worker performs a sorting operation on the temporary placement unit, the reading unit reads information from the storage unit, and transmits the read information to the display control unit. The means controls the display means based on the information transmitted from the reading means.
In the above configuration, when a sorting operation (temporary placing operation) is performed in which an article to be sorted by an operator is preliminarily sorted and temporarily placed in a temporary placement unit, the reading unit attached to the worker performs the temporary placement. The information is read from the storage means provided in the unit, and the information read from the storage means is wirelessly transmitted to the display control means. The display control unit controls the operation of the display unit provided in the temporary placement unit based on information transmitted from the reading unit without using the control instruction unit.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the storage means can read information in the storage means by the reading means. The readable area of the storage means provided in the article storage section is adjusted according to the positional relationship of a plurality of other storage means provided in the article storage section.
In the above configuration, the readable area of the storage unit provided in the article storage unit does not interfere with the readable area of a plurality of other storage units provided in the article storage unit.

Furthermore, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sorting facility according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the storage unit can read information in the storage unit by the reading unit. Storage means provided corresponding to the sorting container, or the readable area of the storage means provided in the temporary placement section is a readable area of the storage means provided in the article storage section. It is adjusted to correspond to.
In the above configuration, the storage unit provided in correspondence with the sorting container or the storage unit provided in the temporary storage unit does not cause interference in the readable area of the storage unit in the article storage unit. Information can be read.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 7 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the storage means is the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit. On the other hand, the position can be freely changed.
In the above configuration, the storage unit can be attached to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit at a different position.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the storage means is the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit. Is supported by a detachable support member.
In the above configuration, the storage unit can be detachably attached to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit.

Still further, the invention according to claim 9 is the sorting facility according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the storage means provided in the article storage unit is in the storage means by the reading means. The direction of the readable area where the information can be read is directed to the worker who performs the sorting work downstream from the worker who performs the sorting work in the article storage unit provided with the storage means. Is.
In the above configuration, not only the worker who performs the sorting work in the article storage unit provided with the storage means, but also the worker who performs the sorting work on the downstream side thereof, reads the information in the storage means with certainty. be able to.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 10 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the storage means provided corresponding to the sorting container is used to input the article into the sorting container. It comprises a storage means for detecting whether or not it has been placed, and a storage means for detecting the position for detecting the position of the sorting container.
With the above configuration, it is possible to accurately detect the input status of articles into the sorting container and the position of the sorting container.

Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 11, in the sorting facility according to any one of claims 3 to 10, an informing means for notifying an erroneous operation in the sorting operation corresponds to the sorting container. The display control means is provided for controlling the operation of the notification means based on information transmitted from a reading means provided corresponding to the sorting container.
In the above configuration, when an erroneous operation occurs in the sorting operation, the display control unit is provided corresponding to the sorting container based on the information transmitted from the reading unit without using the control instruction unit. The operation of the notification means is controlled.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 12 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the completion operating means that is manually operated by the operator when the sorting work is completed is the article. It is provided corresponding to a storage unit, a sorting container, or the temporary placement unit, and is connected to the display control unit so as to be interlocked. The display control unit is configured to perform sorting work based on information transmitted from the reading unit. An automatic completion determination function for determining whether or not the sorting operation has been completed based on information transmitted from the completion operation means, and The automatic completion determination function and the manual completion determination function can be switched by the display control means.
In the above-described configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the sorting operation is completed based on information transmitted from the reading unit or information transmitted from the completion operation unit.

Furthermore, according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sorting facility according to the twelfth aspect, the display control unit performs switching between the automatic completion determination function and the manual completion determination function for each display unit. Is.
In the above configuration, a method for determining whether or not the sorting operation has been completed can be set for each display unit.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 14 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the completion operation means that is manually operated by the operator when the sorting work is completed is the article. It is provided corresponding to a storage unit, a sorting container, or the temporary placement unit, and is connected to the display control unit so as to be interlocked. The display control unit is configured to perform sorting work based on information transmitted from the reading unit. An automatic completion determination function for determining whether or not the sorting operation has been completed based on information transmitted from the completion operation means, and Based on the information transmitted from the reading unit and the information transmitted from the completion operation unit, it is determined whether or not the sorting operation has been completed.
In the above configuration, whether or not the sorting operation is completed is determined based on both information transmitted from the reading unit and information transmitted from the completion operation unit.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 15 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the display control means sorts the display means during the sorting operation. Control is performed so that the quantity of articles to be displayed is displayed, and when the sorting operation is completed, the display means is controlled to display the quantity of articles that have been sorted.
In the above configuration, the quantity of articles is displayed on the display means not only at the time of sorting work but also at the time of completion of sorting work.

Furthermore, the reading means in the sorting equipment according to claim 16 is a reading means in the sorting equipment that reads the information in a non-contact manner from a storage means for storing information relating to the sorting work of the articles sorted according to the order from the user. The operation of the display means is controlled based on the instruction of the information reading function for reading information from the storage means and the control instruction means for instructing the control of the operation of the display means for displaying information relating to the sorting operation of the articles. The display control means that has the information transmission function for wirelessly transmitting the information read from the storage means.
In the above configuration, the reading unit not only reads the information from the storage unit, but also wirelessly transmits the read information to the display control unit that controls the operation of the display unit.

Furthermore, the article sorting method in the sorting facility according to claim 17 is an article sorting method in the sorting facility for sorting articles according to an order from a user, and displays information relating to the sorting operation of the articles. Means, control instruction means for instructing control of the operation of the display means, display control means for controlling the operation of the display means, storage means for storing information relating to the sorting operation of the articles, and storage in the storage means A non-contact reading unit, and the reading unit reads the information from the storage unit and transmits the information read from the storage unit to the display control unit wirelessly, The control means controls the operation of the display means based on an instruction from the control instruction means, and transmits the data from the reading means by radio. Based on the information stored in said storage means which is a method of controlling the operation of said display means.
In the above method, the display control means can control the operation of the display means based on an instruction from the control instruction means, and also controls the operation of the display means based on information transmitted from the reading means. it can.

  According to the sorting equipment of the present invention, since the reading unit and the display unit can be linked, the operation of the reading unit and the operation of the display unit at the time of the sorting error can be reliably associated. Therefore, a highly reliable sorting operation can be performed, and the worker can reliably sort the ordered items for each user destination. Further, since the display control means can control the operation of the display means based on the information transmitted from the reading means without using the control instruction means, the reading means and the display means can be linked at a higher speed. .

It is the whole picking equipment block diagram which is an example of the sorting equipment concerning the present invention. It is a side block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a principal part plane block diagram of the picking equipment. It is the schematic which shows the control structure of the picking equipment. It is a perspective view at the time of an operator performing picking work. It is a perspective view at the time of an operator performing input operation | work of goods. It is a flowchart explaining the 1st mode of operation at the time of the picking work in the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining the 2nd mode of operation at the time of the picking work in the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining the 3rd mode of operation at the time of the picking work in the picking equipment. It is a side lineblock diagram of a picking equipment which has a temporary storage shelf which is an example of a sorting equipment concerning the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the 2nd mode of operation at the time of temporary placement picking work in the picking equipment which has the temporary placement shelf. It is a flow chart explaining the 2nd mode of operation at the time of temporary placement loading work in the picking equipment which has the temporary placement shelf.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the picking equipment 1 which is an example of the sorting equipment according to the present invention will be described.
[Picking equipment 1]
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the picking facility 1 is configured so that an item 2 received an order (order, shipment plan, etc.) from an individual pre-registered user (consumer, middleman, etc.) This is a facility that collects and distributes the collected collection containers 10 (an example of a sorting container).
The picking facility 1 includes a storage line A for storing a storage box 12 in which articles 2 to be collected are stored, a container transport line B for transporting a collection container 10 for storing (inputting) the picked articles 2 , Each of the input indicators 26 for indicating that the collection container 10 is an input target to which the article 2 is input is moved along the container transport line B in accordance with the input (display) target collection container 10. When the collection is completed, the display unit is composed of a display moving line C for circulating and transporting the product back to the upstream of the container transport line B.

(Storage line A)
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage line A is composed of a flow rack 15 (an example of an article storage unit). The flow rack 15 is configured by arranging a plurality of stages 17 of shelves 17 having a plurality of rows of front doors 16 on which storage boxes 12 storing one type (one item) of articles 2 are placed (stored). . As shown in FIG. 3, the storage line A is set with a picking zone P for executing the operation of taking out the articles 2 to be collected into the collection container 10 for each of the plurality of frontage openings 16. One worker H who performs the picking work is arranged one by one. Each worker H performs a picking operation while carrying a tag reader 60 (an example of a reading unit) described later.

  In addition, on the front surface of each frontage 16 of each shelf 17 of the flow rack 15, a digital display 19A that displays the quantity (the number of picked-up items) 2 of the articles 2 to be picked, and a lamp and button switch that indicate that there is a picking operation. A display / completion button 19B (an example of a completion operation unit) that also serves as a frontage display 19 (an example of a display unit) is provided. In addition, a shelf-side tag 65 (an example of a storage unit) including a passive tag described later is attached to the front upper portion of each frontage 16. Further, the flow rack 15 has a plurality of lamps 20A each displaying the number of stages of the shelves 17 where the frontage 16 in which the articles 2 (storage boxes 12) to be picked are stored is located at the upstream position for each picking zone P. Are arranged in the vertical direction.

(Container conveyance line B)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container transport line B is disposed on the opposite side of the storage line A (flow rack 15) with the worker H in between, and transports the collection container 10 along the flow rack 15. It comprises a roller drive conveyor device 21. The container transport line B is not limited to the case where the container transport line B is disposed on the opposite side of the storage line A (flow rack 15) with the worker H interposed therebetween. It may be arranged so as to be offset to the same side as the rack 15).
Corresponding to each picking zone P, the container transport line B is set with a loading zone Z for sorting a plurality of collection containers 10 to be loaded with articles 2 taken out in the picking zone P.
Further, on the side of the roller-driven conveyor device 21, a loading completion tape switch 23 (an example of a completion operation unit) and a first LED lamp 24 </ b> A (an example of a notification unit) are provided for each loading zone Z. For each Z, a second LED lamp 24B (an example of notification means) is provided.
The loading completion tape switch 23 is a switch that is pressed when the worker H completes loading of the article 2 into the collection container 10. Further, the insertion completion tape switch 23 is integrally provided with an attached indicator 27 having a completion button 28 (an example of display means and completion operation means). The completion button 28 is a switch that blinks when all the articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10 have been put in, and is pressed when the worker H has finished putting the articles 2 into the collection container 10. is there.
The LED lamps 24A and 24B are turned on or blinked in the installed charging zone Z, for example, when there is a mistake in putting the article 2 into the collection container 10 (an example of an erroneous operation) or the like. Is notified.
Further, a detection reader 58 that detects that the collection container 10 has moved to the input zone Z is provided for each input zone Z on the side of the roller drive conveyor device 21. The detection reader 58 is provided at the upstream end of each input zone Z, and when the collection container 10 has moved to its own input zone Z, a container position tag 67 (see FIG. 6) provided in the collection container 10. Read an example of reference and storage means for position detection.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the collection container 10 conveyed on the container conveyance line B (roller drive conveyor device 21) has an attachment 25 having a protrusion that can be locked to the collection container 10. A loading indicator 26 is attached via
The input indicator 26 is connected to the attachment 25, and is conveyed by the indicator movement line C that is movable along the container conveyance line B in accordance with one collection container 10 to be displayed. The input display 26 includes a vertically long box-shaped display body 30, a first lamp unit 31 that is an upstream zone display means arranged in order on the surface of the display body 30 in the long axis direction, and a digital display screen. It includes a display 32 and a second lamp unit 33 that is a self-zone display means. In addition, the display body 30 of the input display 26 incorporates a display controller (not shown) and a radio with a built-in antenna (not shown). Further, a container-side tag 66 (an example of a storage means for input detection) composed of a passive tag described later is attached to the display body 30 of the input display 26.

(Display unit moving line C)
As shown in FIG. 1, the indicator movement line C is upstream (right side in FIG. 1) upstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B and on the rear surface (side surface in the short axis direction) of the collection container 10. In addition, the attachment 25 to which the loading indicator 26 is attached closes along the side of the storage line A opposite to the worker H so that the projection of the attachment 25 is locked to the back of the collection container 10. It is configured. The indicator movement line C is downstream (left side in FIG. 1) of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B, and the attachment 25 to which the input indicator 26 is attached is detached from the collection container 10. It is configured as follows. Specifically, the indicator moving line C is synchronized with the width-adjusting (tilting) conveyor 41 that moves the attachment 25 to which the input indicator 26 is attached to the collection container 10, and the input indicator 26 is synchronized with the collection container 10. A forward conveyor 42 for conveying the sheet, a width-adjusting (detaching) conveyor 43 for detaching the attachment 25 attached with the input indicator 26 from the collection container 10, and a return path for conveying the attachment 25 detached from the collection container 10. A conveyor loop 44 is formed in a circulation loop shape.

Next, a control configuration of the picking facility 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, as a control unit of the picking facility 1, an overall controller 51 (an example of a control instruction unit), a communication controller 52, and a zone controller 55 (an example of a display control unit) provided for each picking zone P , Is provided.
Further, in the picking facility 1, the worker H carries the tag reader 60 and associates the flow rack 15 with the worker H and the zones (the picking zone P and the input zone Z) in which the worker H performs the sorting work. Is provided with a shelf-side tag 65, and the collection container 10 (loading indicator 26) is provided with a container-side tag 66.
Furthermore, in the picking facility 1, in order to detect the position of the collection container 10, the collection container 10 is provided with a container position tag 67 (FIG. 6).

(General controller 51)
A communication controller 52, a zone controller 55 for each picking zone P, and a roller drive conveyor device 21 (FIG. 1) are connected to the overall controller 51 via a hub 56. The general controller 51 starts and stops the roller drive conveyor device 21. When an order from each user is input, the picking data of the storage line A is formed, and the zone controller 55 of each picking zone P is formed. And an order number is assigned to the collection container 10.

(Communication controller 52)
The communication controller 52 is connected to a transmission / reception device 54 to which an antenna 53 is connected, and performs transmission / reception of data with the radio of each input indicator 26 via the antenna 53 and the transmission / reception device 54.

(Zone controller 55)
The zone controller 55 is connected to a frontage display 19 for a picking zone (hereinafter referred to as a self-picking zone) P in charge and a data receiver 57 for receiving data from the tag reader 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the zone controller 55 is loaded with a bay indicator 20 and a loading zone (corresponding loading zone, hereinafter referred to as a self-loading zone) Z arranged in front of the own picking zone P. Completion tape switch 23 and attached indicator 27 (completion button 28), insertion completion tape switch 23 and attached indicator 27 (completion button 28) in the upstream introduction zone Z adjacent to the upstream of the own introduction zone Z, LED lamp 24A, 24B, a detection reader 58 provided at the upstream end of the upstream charging zone Z, a detection reader 58 provided at the upstream end of the self-charging zone Z, and a downstream charging zone Z adjacent to the self-charging zone Z downstream. Is connected to a detection reader 58 provided at the upstream end.
In addition, the zone controller 55 is preset with a number that identifies the self-picking zone P and the self-insertion zone Z, and further, the arrangement of the frontage 16 of the self-picking zone P and the articles 2 stored in the frontage 16. Data is set. Furthermore, the order number assigned to the user and picking data specified by each order number are input to the zone controller 55 from the overall controller 51.

(Tag reader 60)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the tag reader 60 includes a reader terminal 61, an antenna 62, and a battery 63, and is carried by an operator H.
The reader terminal 61 constitutes the main body of the tag reader 60 and is a part that controls the entire tag reader 60. The reader terminal 61 includes an information reading function for reading information from the shelf-side tag 65 and the container-side tag 66, an information transmission function for transmitting information to the data receiver 57, and an LED lamp, for example. And an information display function for displaying such information. The reader terminal 61 is attached to the chest of the worker H, for example.
The antenna 62 is an antenna for reading information from the shelf-side tag 65 and the container-side tag 66, and is connected to the reader terminal 61 by wire such as a cable. The antenna 62 is formed in a flat plate shape, and is attached to the arm of the worker H, for example. The antenna 62 is not limited to being connected to the reader terminal 61 by wire, but may be wireless. In addition, the antenna 62 is not limited to a flat plate shape, but may be any shape as long as information can be read from the shelf side tag 65 and the container side tag 66.
The battery 63 is a power source for the tag reader 60 and is connected to the reader terminal 61 by a wire such as a cable. The battery 63 is attached to the waist of the worker H, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the operator H picks the article 2 from the storage box 12 of the flow rack 15, when the operator H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 into the frontage 16, the tag reader 60 Information is read in a non-contact manner from a shelf-side tag 65 provided above 12 (upper part of the frontage 16).
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the worker H puts the article 2 picked from the flow rack 15 into the collection container 10, the worker H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 into the collection container 10. The tag reader 60 reads information in a non-contact manner from a container-side tag 66 attached to the side surface of the input indicator 26 provided on the upper front side of the collection container 10.
Further, the tag reader 60 has an information reading range (information communication range) for reading information from the shelf side tag 65 and the container side tag 66 in a non-contact manner. Specifically, it is a communication range formed radially from the antenna 62, and can be set within a predetermined range. The information reading range of the tag reader 60 is set according to the readable area of a shelf-side tag 65 described later, and the information reading range does not change and is held within a certain range during the sorting operation.

(Shelf side tag 65)
As shown in FIG. 5, the shelf-side tag 65 stores information relating to the sorting operation of the article 2 such as the position information of each frontage 16 (position information of the flow rack 15), and the front upper portion of each frontage 16 of the flow rack 15. Provided. When the shelf-side tag 65 is read by the tag reader 60, the worker H detects whether or not the instructed article 2 is picked from the storage box 12 placed in the instructed frontage 16. Can do.
Further, the shelf-side tag 65 is supported on the flow rack 15 by a support member (not shown) that can be attached to and detached from the flow rack 15. The support member that supports the shelf-side tag 65 is formed of, for example, a magnet, and is formed of a fixing member (not shown) that fixes the shelf-side tag 65 to the flow rack 15 and, for example, a sponge. A buffer member (not shown) for buffering between the tag 65 and the fixing member. Since the shelf-side tag 65 is detachably supported by the flow rack 15 by the support member, it can be attached to any position of the flow rack 15 in a changeable manner. Specifically, for example, when the insertion position of the arm of the worker H with respect to the frontage 16 is biased to the right side, the attachment position of the shelf side tag 65 is changed to the upper right side of the frontage 16. Further, for example, when the worker H who picks in the picking zone P downstream of the picking zone P where the shelf-side tag 65 is provided performs picking across the own picking zone P, the shelf-side tag 65 Is changed to the upper part on the downstream side of the frontage 16.

Further, the shelf-side tag 65 has a readable area (communication range) in which the tag reader 60 can read information in the shelf-side tag 65 without contact. The readable area of the shelf tag 65 can be adjusted by the size (installation area) of the shelf tag 65. Specifically, the readable area becomes wider by increasing the size of the shelf-side tag 65, and becomes narrower by decreasing the size.
Further, the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 is adjusted according to the positional relationship between a plurality of other shelf-side tags 65 provided in the flow rack 15. As described above, since the shelf-side tags 65 are provided in each frontage 16, when the distance between the shelf-side tags 65 provided in adjacent frontage 16 is close, the readable areas may interfere with each other. is there. Therefore, the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 is adjusted according to the size and installation position of the shelf-side tag 65 so as not to interfere with the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 provided in the adjacent frontage 16.
Furthermore, the direction of the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 is set so that the worker H who is performing the picking work downstream from the worker H who is performing the picking work in the flow rack 15 in which the shelf-side tag 65 is provided. It is also possible to adjust towards. As described above, when the worker H who picks in the picking zone P downstream of the picking zone P where the shelf-side tag 65 is provided performs picking across the own picking zone P, the shelf-side tag The direction of the 65 readable area is adjusted toward the downstream side of the frontage 16.

(Container side tag 66)
As shown in FIG. 6, the container-side tag 66 stores information relating to the sorting operation of the article 2 such as the position information of the collection container 10 and is provided on the front side surface of the display body 30 of the loading display 26. . By reading the container-side tag 66 by the tag reader 60, the worker H can detect whether or not the designated article 2 is put in the designated collection container 10. That is, the container-side tag 66 is a storage means for detecting whether or not the article 2 has been input into the collection container 10.
The container-side tag 66 has a readable area (communication range) in which the tag reader 60 can read information in the container-side tag 66 without contact. The readable area of the container side tag 66 can be adjusted by the size (installation area) of the container side tag 66.
As described above, the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 is adjusted narrower than the readable area of the container-side tag 66 so as not to interfere with the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 provided in the adjacent frontage 16. Is done. The information reading range of the tag reader 60 is set according to the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65, and the information reading range does not change and is held within a certain range during the sorting operation. Therefore, the readable area of the container-side tag 66 is adjusted in correspondence with the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 provided in the flow rack 15 so that the tag reader 60 set as described above can read. . Specifically, by increasing the size of the container-side tag 66 so as not to interfere with the readable region of another adjacent container-side tag 66, the readable region is widened.

(Container position tag 67)
As shown in FIG. 6, the container position tag 67 stores information related to the sorting operation of the article 2 such as the order number assigned to the user, and is provided on the side surface of the collection container 10. By reading the container position tag 67 by the detection reader 58, it is possible to detect the collection container 10 that has moved to its own input zone Z. That is, the container position tag 67 is a storage unit for position detection that detects the position of the collection container 10. In the picking equipment 1, the container position tag 67 is provided in the collection container 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided in the input indicator 26, for example. In this case, the detection reader 58 is provided on the input indicator 26 side (display device movement line C side).

(Preparation before picking work)
Next, preparation before picking work will be described.
As described above, the worker H performs the picking work in each picking zone P with the tag reader 60 mounted. Therefore, it is necessary to associate the tag reader 60 carried by the worker H with the picking zone P where the worker H performs the picking work. Therefore, in the picking facility 1, before the picking work is started, the tag reader 60 carried by the worker H and the data receiver 57 provided in the picking zone P where the worker H performs the picking work are associated with each other. Specifically, before the picking work is started, the worker H reads an association tag (not shown) made of, for example, a passive tag with the antenna 62 of the tag reader 60 attached to the arm. This association tag is provided for each picking zone P, and stores information on the position of the picking zone P, information on the data receiver 57 provided in the picking zone P, and the like.
When the worker H reads the association tag with the tag reader 60, the antenna 62 of the tag reader 60 attached to the arm is further inserted into an arbitrary shelf 17 of the flow rack 15 to read an arbitrary shelf-side tag 65. Thus, if the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 corresponding to the read shelf-side tag 65 blinks (or lights up), the tag reader 60 and the data receiver 57 are associated with each other.

(Operation during picking work)
Next, operation at the time of picking work in the picking facility 1 will be described.
The picking facility 1 can be operated in the following three modes depending on whether or not the tag reader 60 is used.
First, in the first mode, the worker H performs the picking work without using the tag reader 60. That is, it is a conventional method.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the zone controller 55 confirms the arrival of a new collection container 10 by the detection reader 58 (S1-Yes), each indicator is displayed and lit (S2). Specifically, on the picking zone P side, the quantity of the article 2 is displayed on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19, and the display / completion button 19B is lit in yellow, for example, and the lamp of the bay display 20 20A is turned on. On the insertion zone Z side, the lamp of the insertion completion tape switch 23 and the second lamp portion 33 of the insertion indicator 26 are lit in yellow, for example.
In S2, when each display device is displayed and turned on, the worker H supplies the quantity of articles 2 instructed from the frontage 16 (storage box 12) in which the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display device 19 is lit. And the picked article 2 is put into the collection container 10 where the second lamp portion 33 of the loading indicator 26 is lit (S3). In S3, when the picking of the article 2 is completed, the worker H presses the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 (S4). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the picking operation for the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12) has been completed, and turns off the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19. At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 with the quantity display of the article 2 remaining on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19.

On the other hand, when all the articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10 are put in S3, the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 provided in the filling completion tape switch 23 blinks (S5). By the blinking of the completion button 28, the worker H presses the loading completion tape switch 23 or the completion button 28 (S6). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that all the articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10 have been put in, and turns off the respective indicators (S7). Specifically, on the picking zone P side, the quantity of articles 2 in the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19 is turned off. On the insertion zone Z side, the attached indicator 27 (completion button 28) provided in the insertion completion tape switch 23 is turned off. The second lamp portion 33 of the loading indicator 26 is lit in another color (for example, white when it is normally lit yellow), but is turned off when the collection container 10 moves to the downstream loading zone Z. Is done.
As described above, in the first mode, the zone controller 55 picks up information based on information (signals) from the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 and the input completion tape switch 23 or the completion button 28 of the attached display 27. It is determined whether or not the work and the input work have been completed (an example of means completion determination function of the display control means).

Next, the second mode will be described. In the second mode, the worker H performs a picking operation by using the tag reader 60 in combination with the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19, the completion tape 28 and the completion button 28 of the attached display 27. It is.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the zone controller 55 confirms the arrival of a new collection container 10 by the detection reader 58 (S11-Yes), each indicator is displayed and turned on (S12). Specifically, it is the same as S2.
In S12, when each display is displayed and turned on, the worker H supplies the quantity of articles 2 instructed from the frontage 16 (storage box 12) in which the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 is turned on. The picked article 2 is put into the collection container 10 in which the second lamp portion 33 of the loading indicator 26 is lit (S13). In S13, the worker H picks the article 2 and at the same time, the tag reader 60 reads information from the shelf-side tag 65 provided in the designated frontage 16 (S14), and the read information is sent to the data receiver 57. To the zone controller 55 (S15). When the zone controller 55 receives the information (signal) from the tag reader 60 in S15, the zone controller 55 does not go through the overall controller 51, but “the worker H is instructed by the frontage 16 (storage box 12). Whether or not the instructed article 2 and quantity are picked is determined (S16). In S16, when the zone controller 55 determines that “the designated article 2 or quantity is not picked in the frontage 16 (storage box 12) designated by the worker H” (S16—No), the zone controller 55 is determined. Causes the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 to blink in another color (for example, white when it is normally lit yellow) for a predetermined time (S17). At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 so that the display / completion button 19B cannot be turned off even if the operator H presses the display / completion button 19B. The operator H visually picks up the article 2 by visually observing the blinking of the display / completion button 19B (S13). On the other hand, in S16, when the zone controller 55 determines that "the worker H is picking the instructed article 2 and the quantity at the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12)" (S16-Yes), The zone controller 55 blinks the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 (S18). Accordingly, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 so that the operator H can press the display / completion button 19B to turn off the display / completion button 19B. When the display / completion button 19B is blinked by S18, the worker H presses the display / completion button 19B (S19). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the picking operation for the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12) has been completed, and turns off the display / completion button 19B. At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 with the quantity display of the article 2 remaining on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19.

On the other hand, in S13, the tag reader 60 reads information from the container-side tag 66 provided for the designated collection container 10 at the same time when the worker 2 picks up the article 2 picked by the worker H into the collection container 10 ( S20) The read information is transmitted to the zone controller 55 via the data receiver 57 (S21). When the zone controller 55 receives the information (signal) from the tag reader 60 in S21, the zone controller 55 does not go through the overall controller 51, but “the worker H is instructed to the designated collection container 10”. It is determined whether or not the article 2 and the quantity are input (S22). In S22, when the zone controller 55 determines that "the worker H has not put the instructed article 2 and quantity into the instructed collection container 10" (S22-No), the zone controller 55 The first LED lamp 24A (second LED lamp 24B in the case of preceding picking) is turned on (S23). At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the loading completion tape switch 23 so that the lamp of the loading completion tape switch 23 cannot be turned off even if the operator H presses the loading completion tape switch 23. The worker H visually checks the lighting of the first LED lamp 24A to redo the article 2 (S13). On the other hand, when the zone controller 55 determines in S22 that "the worker H has put the designated article 2 and quantity into the designated collection container 10" (S22-Yes), the zone controller 55 is determined. Causes the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 provided in the insertion completion tape switch 23 to blink (S24). As a result, the zone controller 55 allows the operator H to press the input completion tape switch 23 or the completion button 28 to turn off the completion button 28 of the auxiliary indicator 27, thereby completing the insertion completion tape switch 23 and the auxiliary indicator 27 (completed). Control button 28). When the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 is blinked by S24, the worker H presses the loading completion tape switch 23 or the completion button 28 (S25). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the loading of the article 2 into the designated collection container 10 is completed, and turns off the completion button 28 of the attached display 27. Note that the other indicators are also turned off as in the first mode.
As described above, in the second mode, the zone controller 55 transmits the information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60, the display / completion button 19 </ b> B of the frontage display 19, the insertion completion tape switch 23 and the attached display 27. Based on the information (signal) from the completion button 28, it is determined whether or not the picking operation and the input operation are completed.

Next, the third mode will be described. In the third mode, the worker H performs the picking work using only the tag reader 60. Hereinafter, in the third mode, S31 to S37 and S40 to S43 are the same as S11 to S17 and S20 to S23 of the second mode, and thus description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, in S36, the zone controller 55 determines that "the worker H is picking the instructed item 2 and quantity at the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12)" ( S36-Yes), the zone controller 55 determines that the picking operation for the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12) has been completed, and turns off the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 (S38). At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 with the quantity display of the article 2 remaining on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19.
On the other hand, when the zone controller 55 determines in S42 that "the worker H has put the designated article 2 and quantity into the designated collection container 10" (S42-Yes), the zone controller. 55 determines that the loading of the article 2 into the designated collection container 10 has been completed, and turns off the attached indicator 27 (completion button 28) provided on the loading completion tape switch 23 (S44). Note that the other indicators are also turned off as in the first mode.
As described above, in the third mode, the zone controller 55 determines whether the picking work and the loading work are completed based on the information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60 (determination of automatic completion of the display control means). Example of function).

  Further, the zone controller 55 performs the first to third modes in units of each frontage 16 (frontage display 19) of each shelf 17, or each input zone Z (input completion tape switch 23, attached display 27 (completed). Buttons 28)) can be switched in units.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, an assortment facility that is an example of a sorting facility according to the present invention will be described.
[Assortment equipment]
In the first embodiment, the picking facility 1 is described as an example of a sorting facility, but the present invention can also be applied to an assortment facility. That is, a user who has placed an order is assigned to each flow rack 15, and instead of the collection container 10, the article container in which the article 2 is stored is conveyed by the roller drive conveyor device 21, and the article 2 flows from the article container. The equipment is classified into racks 15.
Although the configuration of the assortment equipment is the same as that of the picking equipment 1, the flow rack 15 functions as a shelf into which articles 2 to be subjected to assortment work are placed, and the frontage display 19 is loaded as an assortment display. The input indicator 26 functions as an assort indicator, and functions as an indicator that displays the total amount of articles 2 to be taken out from the article container.
Further, when the worker H puts the article 2 into the storage box 12 of the flow rack 15, when the worker H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 into the frontage 16, the tag reader 60 is positioned above the storage box 12 ( Information is read in a non-contact manner from a shelf-side tag 65 provided at the upper part of the frontage 16. Then, the zone controller 55 determines whether or not the loading operation to the flow rack 15 is completed based on the information read from the shelf side tag 65 without using the overall controller 51.
Further, when the worker H takes out the article 2 to be put into the storage box 12 of the flow rack 15 from the article container, when the worker H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 attached into the article container, the tag reader 60 Information is read in a non-contact manner from a container-side tag 66 attached to the side surface of the input indicator 26 provided above the front side of the article container. Then, the zone controller 55 determines whether or not the operation for taking out the article 2 from the article container is completed based on the information read from the container-side tag 66 without using the overall controller 51.

[Embodiment 3]
First, a picking facility 70 having a temporary storage shelf 71 as an example of a sorting facility according to the present invention will be described. In addition, about the structure same as the picking equipment 1 of Embodiment 1, the code | symbol is made the same and description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Picking equipment 70 having temporary shelf 71]
(Temporary shelf 71)
As shown in FIG. 10, the container transport line B is provided with a temporary storage shelf 71 (an example of a temporary storage unit) for each input zone Z along the roller drive conveyor device 21 along the flow rack 15. . The temporary storage shelf 71 is open to the worker H side, and includes a plurality of temporary storage tables 72, 72,... Arranged in order in the conveying direction of the collection container 10 by the roller drive conveyor device 21. When there is no picking operation in the self-loading zone Z and the upstream loading zone Z (see FIG. 3), the articles 2 for the collection container 10 further upstream from the upstream loading zone Z are temporarily placed on the temporary placement table 72.
In addition, each temporary table 72 is provided with a temporary display 73 (an example of a display unit) toward the worker H. The temporary indicator 73 includes a quantity indicator 73A for displaying the quantity (total number) or order number of the articles 2 to be temporarily placed, and a completion push button switch 73B having a lamp portion that can be displayed by changing the color (of the completion operation means). Example).

(Temporary table tag 68)
Furthermore, a temporary table-side tag 68 (an example of a storage unit) including a passive tag is provided on the upper side of each temporary table 72. The temporary placement table side tag 68 stores information related to sorting work (temporary placement work) of the article 2 such as position information of each temporary placement table 72 (position information of the temporary placement shelf 71). It is provided on a tag support member 74 extending along the conveyor device 21. By reading the temporary placement table side tag 68 by the tag reader 60, the worker H can detect whether or not the article 2 is temporarily placed on the designated temporary placement table 72. Further, the temporary placement table side tag 68 is supported by the tag support member 74 by a support member (not shown) that is detachable from the tag support member 74. Further, the temporary table tag 68 has a readable area (communication range) in which the tag reader 60 can read information in the temporary table tag 68 without contact, and the readable area is the flow rack 15. Is adjusted to correspond to the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 provided in.

In addition, the collection container 10 is provided with a loading indicator 26 for displaying that the collection container 10 is a loading target 10 into which the article 2 taken out from the opening 16 of the picking zone P (see FIG. 3) is loaded. It is attached by. The jig 40 is formed in a U shape in a side view, and a part of the jig 40 is hooked on the side surface of the collection container 10. A container-side tag 66 is provided on the side surface of the loading indicator 26.
Further, a detection reader 58 that detects that the collection container 10 has moved to the input zone Z is provided for each input zone Z on the side of the roller drive conveyor device 21 on the temporary storage shelf 71 side. The detection reader 58 is provided at the upstream end of each charging zone Z, and reads the container position tag 67 provided in the collecting container 10 when the collecting container 10 has moved to its own charging zone Z.
Further, on the jig 23A suspended along the roller drive conveyor device 21 to the height of the collection container 10, a loading completion tape switch 23 and an attached display 27 (completion button 28) (not shown) are provided. . Furthermore, LED lamps 24A and 24B are provided on the side surface of the jig 23A.

Next, a control configuration of the picking facility 70 will be described.
As the control means of the picking equipment 70, as in the picking equipment 1, an overall controller 51, a communication controller 52, and a zone controller 55 provided for each picking zone P are provided.

(Zone controller 55)
The zone controller 55 includes a frontage display 19 of its own picking zone P, a data receiver 57 that receives data from the tag reader 60, a bay display 20, the input completion tape switch 23 of the own input zone Z, and an attached display. Device 27 (completion button 28), the introduction completion tape switch 23 and the attached indicator 27 (completion button 28) in the upstream introduction zone Z adjacent to the upstream of the own introduction zone Z, LED lamps 24A and 24B, and the upstream injection The detection reader 58 provided at the upstream end of the zone Z, the detection reader 58 provided at the upstream end of the self-charging zone Z, and the upstream edge of the downstream charging zone Z adjacent to the self-charging zone Z downstream. The detection reader 58 and the temporary display 73 in the self-insertion zone Z are connected.

Next, operation at the time of temporary placement picking work in the picking facility 70 will be described. The picking facility 70 can be operated in three modes depending on whether or not the tag reader 60 is used, similar to the operation at the time of picking work of the picking facility 1.
In the first mode, the worker H performs the temporary picking work without using the tag reader 60 (an example of a manual completion determination function of the display control means), and in the second mode, the worker H is connected to the tag reader 60. In the third mode, the operator H performs only the tag reader 60 by using the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 and the completion push button switch 73B of the temporary display 73 in combination. It is used to perform temporary placement picking work (an example of an automatic completion determination function of the display control means).
Further, the zone controller 55 can switch the first to third modes in units of each frontage 16 (frontage display device 19) of each shelf 17 or in units of each temporary placement table 72 (temporary display device 73). .
Hereinafter, the second mode will be described. The first mode is the operation of the conventional temporary placement picking work, and the third mode is the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 and the completion pushbutton of the temporary display 73 in the second mode. Since the operation is to automatically determine the completion of the temporary placement picking work based on the information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60 without pressing the switch 73B, the description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the zone controller 55 determines that there is unworked collection data (S51-Yes), each display device is displayed and lit (S52). Specifically, on the picking zone P side, the quantity of the article 2 is displayed on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19, and the display / completion button 19B is lit in yellow, for example, and the lamp of the bay display 20 20A is turned on. On the loading zone Z side, the quantity (total number) of articles 2 to be temporarily placed is displayed on the quantity indicator 73A of the temporary indicator 73, and the completion push button switch 73B is lit in yellow, for example.
In S52, when each display is displayed and lit, the worker H has the quantity of articles 2 instructed from the frontage 16 (storage box 12) in which the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 is lit. Is picked, and the picked article 2 is temporarily placed on the temporary table 72 where the completion push button switch 73B of the temporary indicator 73 is lit (S53). In S53, the worker H picks the article 2 and at the same time, the tag reader 60 reads information from the shelf side tag 65 provided in the designated frontage 16 (S54), and the read information is sent to the data receiver 57. To the zone controller 55 (S55). When the zone controller 55 receives the information (signal) from the tag reader 60 in S55, the zone controller 55 does not go through the overall controller 51, but “the worker H is instructed at the frontage 16 (the storage box 12). It is determined whether or not the instructed article 2 and quantity have been picked (S56). In S56, when the zone controller 55 determines that "the worker H has not picked the instructed article 2 and quantity at the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12)" (S56-No), the zone controller 55 blinks the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 with another color (for example, white when it is normally lit yellow) for a predetermined time (S57). The operator H visually picks up the article 2 by visually observing the blinking of the display / completion button 19B of the frontage indicator 19 (S53). On the other hand, when the zone controller 55 determines in S56 that "the worker H is picking the instructed article 2 and the quantity at the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12)" (S56-Yes), The zone controller 55 causes the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 to blink (S58). By the blinking of the display / completion button 19B, the worker H presses the display / completion button 19B (S59). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the picking operation for the instructed frontage 16 (storage box 12) has been completed, and turns off the display / completion button 19B. At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the frontage display 19 with the quantity display of the article 2 remaining on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19.

  On the other hand, in S53, the tag reader 60 reads information from the temporary placement table side tag 68 provided for the designated temporary placement table 72 at the same time that the article 2 picked by the worker H is temporarily placed on the temporary placement table 72 ( (S60) The read information is transmitted to the zone controller 55 via the data receiver 57 (S61). When the zone controller 55 receives the information (signal) from the tag reader 60 in S61, the zone controller 55 does not go through the overall controller 51, but “the worker H sends the designated temporary table 72 to the designated article. 2 and whether the quantity is temporarily placed "is determined (S62). When the zone controller 55 determines in S62 that "the worker H has not temporarily placed the instructed article 2 and quantity on the instructed temporary placement table 72" (S62-No), the zone controller 55 The lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B of the temporary display 73 is blinked in another color (for example, white when it is normally lit yellow) (S63). At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the temporary display 73 so that the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B cannot be turned off even if the operator H presses the completion push button switch 73B. The worker H looks at the blinking of the completion pushbutton switch 73B to redo the temporary placement of the article 2 (S63). On the other hand, if the zone controller 55 determines in S62 that "the worker H is temporarily placing the instructed article 2 and quantity on the instructed temporary placement table 72" (S62-Yes), the zone controller 55 is determined. Causes the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B of the temporary display 73 to blink (S64). By the blinking of the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B, the worker H pushes the completion push button switch 73B (S65). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the temporary placement of the article 2 on the instructed temporary placement base 72 is completed, and turns off the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B. At the same time, the zone controller 55 turns off the display of the quantity of the article 2 on the digital display 19A of the frontage display 19.

Next, the operation at the time of temporary placement work in the picking facility 70 will be described. The operation at the time of temporary placement work can be operated in three modes depending on whether the tag reader 60 is used or not, similarly to the operation at the time of temporary placement picking work.
In the first mode, the worker H performs a temporary placement operation without using the tag reader 60 (an example of a manual completion determination function of the display control means), and in the second mode, the worker H is connected to the tag reader 60. The temporary push-in switch 73B of the temporary display 73, the completion complete tape switch 23, and the completion button 28 of the attached display 27 are used together to perform temporary placement work. In the third mode, the worker H The temporary placement operation is performed using only the tag reader 60 (an example of an automatic completion determination function of the display control means).
Further, the zone controller 55 changes the first to third modes in units of each temporary placement table 72 (temporary display 73) or each input zone Z (input completion tape switch 23, attached display 27 (completion button 28). )) Can be switched in units.
Hereinafter, the second mode will be described. The first mode is the operation of the conventional temporary placement operation, and the third mode is the completion push button switch 73B of the temporary display device 73, the insertion completion tape switch 23, and the attached display in the second mode. Since the operation is to automatically determine the completion of the temporary placement operation based on the information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60 without pressing the completion button 28 of the device 27, the description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the zone controller 55 confirms the arrival of the collection container 10 to be temporarily placed by the detection reader 58 (S71—Yes), the zone controller 55 completes the push button switch 73B of the temporary display 73. The lamp part of is blinked (S72).
In S72, when the lamp part of the completion push button switch 73B blinks, the worker H takes out the article 2 from the temporary table 72 where the lamp part of the completion push button switch 73B blinks, and takes out the article 2 taken out of the insertion indicator 26. The second lamp unit 33 is put into the collection container 10 that is lit (S73). In S73, the worker H takes out the article 2 from the temporary table 72, and at the same time, the tag reader 60 reads information from the temporary table side tag 68 provided for the designated temporary table 72 (S74). The information is transmitted to the zone controller 55 through the data receiver 57 (S75). When the zone controller 55 receives the information from the tag reader 60 in S75, the zone controller 55 determines “whether the worker 2 has taken out the article 2 from the temporary placement table 72 instructed by the operator H” without using the overall controller 51. (S76). In S76, when the zone controller 55 determines that "the article 2 has not been taken out from the temporary placement table 72 instructed by the worker H" (S76-No), the zone controller 55 completes the pushbutton switch of the temporary placement display 73. The lamp part 73B is blinked in another color (for example, white when it is normally lit yellow) for a predetermined time (S77). At this time, the zone controller 55 controls the temporary display 73 so that the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B cannot be turned off even if the operator H presses the completion push button switch 73B. The worker H takes out the article 2 again by visually observing the blinking of the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B (S73). On the other hand, in S76, when the zone controller 55 determines that “the article 2 is being taken out from the temporary placement table 72 instructed by the worker H” (S76-Yes), the zone controller 55 completes the temporary placement display 73. The lamp portion of the push button switch 73B is blinked (S78). With the blinking of the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B, the worker H pushes the completion push button switch 73B (S79). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the removal operation of the article 2 with respect to the instructed temporary table 72 is completed, and turns off the lamp portion of the completion push button switch 73B.

  On the other hand, in S 73, the tag reader 60 moves from the container-side tag 66 provided for the designated collection container 10 at the same time that the worker H puts the article 2 taken out from the temporary placement table 72 into the collection container 10. The information is read (S80), and the read information is transmitted to the zone controller 55 via the data receiver 57 (S81). When the zone controller 55 receives the information (signal) from the tag reader 60 in S81, the zone controller 55 does not go through the overall controller 51, but “the worker H is instructed to the designated collection container 10”. It is determined whether or not the article 2 and quantity have been input (S82). In S82, when the zone controller 55 determines that "the worker H has not put the designated article 2 or quantity into the designated collection container 10" (S82-No), the zone controller 55 The first LED lamp 24A is turned on (S83). At this time, the zone controller 55 prevents the completion button 28 of the attached display 27 from being turned off even if the operator H presses the completion button 28 of the attachment completion tape switch 23 or the attached display 27. The attached display 27 (complete button 28) is controlled. The worker H visually checks the lighting of the first LED lamp 24A to redo the article 2 (S73). On the other hand, when the zone controller 55 determines in S82 that "the worker H has put the designated article 2 and quantity into the designated collection container 10" (S82-Yes), the zone controller 55 is determined. Causes the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 provided in the insertion completion tape switch 23 to blink (S84). The operator H presses the insertion completion tape switch 23 or the completion button 28 by the blinking of the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 provided in the insertion completion tape switch 23 (S85). Thereby, the zone controller 55 determines that the loading of the article 2 into the designated collection container 10 is completed, and turns off the completion button 28 of the attached display 27.

As described above, according to the picking equipment 1, the picking equipment 70, and the assorting equipment according to the above embodiment, the tag reader 60 and the various display means (the frontage display 19 and the attached display 27 provided on the loading completion tape switch 23) Since the completion button 28 and the temporary display 73) can be linked, the operation of the tag reader 60 and the operation of various display means at the time of a sorting error can be reliably associated. Therefore, a highly reliable sorting operation can be performed, and the worker can reliably sort the ordered items for each user destination.
Further, since the zone controller 55 can control the operation of various display means based on information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60 without using the overall controller 51, the tag reader 60 and various display means can be linked at a higher speed. Can be made.
In addition, since the tag reader 60 attached to the worker H and the frontage indicator 19 provided in the flow rack 15 can be interlocked, the operation of the tag reader 60 when a picking (assorting) error occurs in the flow rack 15. Can be reliably associated with the operation of the frontage display 19. Therefore, the picking (assorting) work with high reliability can be executed in the picking (assorting) work in the flow rack 15.
Furthermore, since the tag reader 60 attached to the worker H and the completion button 28 of the attached indicator 27 provided on the loading completion tape switch 23 corresponding to the collection container 10 can be interlocked, the collection container The operation of the tag reader 60 at the time of the insertion error with respect to 10 can be reliably associated with the operation of the completion button 28 of the insertion completion tape switch 23 and the attached display 27. Therefore, a highly reliable charging operation can be performed in the charging operation for the collection container 10.
Furthermore, since the tag reader 60 attached to the worker H and the temporary display 73 provided on the temporary table 72 can be interlocked, the operation of the tag reader 60 at the time of temporary placement error in the temporary table 72. And the operation of the temporary display 73 can be reliably associated. Therefore, the temporary placement work with high reliability can be executed in the temporary placement work on the temporary placement table 72.
Furthermore, since the readable area of the shelf-side tag 65 does not interfere with the readable areas of the plurality of other shelf-side tags 65 provided in the flow rack 15, the tag reader 60 attached to the worker H is placed on the shelf side. Information can be reliably read from the tag 65.
Furthermore, since the information can be reliably read also in the container side tag 66 and the temporary placement table side tag 68 without causing the interference of the readable area of the shelf side tag 65, the tag reader attached to the worker H. The information of various storage means (the shelf side tag 65, the container side tag 66, and the temporary table side tag 68) can be read by the same tag reader 60 without changing the setting conditions of 60.
Furthermore, the attachment positions of the various storage means are detachably changed according to the state of the flow rack 15, the collection container 10 or the temporary table 72, the working state of the worker H, or the state read by the worker H by the tag reader 60. Therefore, information can be read from various storage means more reliably and efficiently.
Furthermore, by providing the container side tag 66 and the container position tag 67 with respect to the collection container 10, the article 2 can be put in advance, and the work efficiency of the loading work is improved.
Furthermore, since the zone controller 55 can control the operation of the LED lamps 24A and 24B without using the overall controller 51, a waiting time due to a display delay with respect to the worker H when an erroneous operation occurs in the sorting operation. Not give.
Further, whether or not the sorting work is completed is determined by information (signal) transmitted from the tag reader 60 or various completion operation means (display / complete button 19B, insertion completion tape switch 23, completion button 28, completion push button. Since it can be performed based on information (signal) transmitted from the switch 73B), it can be appropriately switched as a countermeasure when a problem occurs in the tag reader 60 or various completion operation means or when a failure occurs.
Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not the sorting work has been completed based on both information (signals) transmitted from the tag reader 60 and information (signals) transmitted from various completion operation means. Therefore, it can be reliably determined whether or not the sorting operation is completed.
Furthermore, since the quantity of the articles 2 is displayed on the various display means not only at the time of the sorting work but also at the time of the completion of the sorting work, even after operating (pressing) the various completion operating means again The quantity of the articles 2 can be confirmed, and sorting errors can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the storage means is provided on the flow rack 15 (picking work, assorting work) side and on the roller drive conveyor device 21 (temporary shelf 71) (loading work, temporary placing work) side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided only on the flow rack 15 (picking work, assorting work) side, for example.
In the present embodiment, the container-side tag 66 is provided on the input indicator 26, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the container-side tag 66 may be provided on the attachment 25 or the collection container 10.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shelf-side tag 65 is provided so that its position can be changed by a detachable support member, but the container-side tag 66 and the temporary placement table-side tag 68 may be provided similarly. Furthermore, although the said supporting member is comprised from the fixing member and the buffer member, it is not limited to this, You may comprise only from a fixing member.
Furthermore, the mounting position of the tag reader 60 with respect to the worker H is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any mounting position that can reliably read information in various storage means.
Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the picking equipment 1 having the indicator movement line C that conveys the input indicator 26, and may be a picking equipment that does not have the indicator movement line C. In this case, the input indicator 26 is conveyed integrally with the collection container 10.
Furthermore, the present invention is configured to collect the articles 2 on the collection container 10 conveyed by the roller drive conveyor device 21 of the container conveyance line B. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the collection container 10 may be loaded on a picking cart pushed by hand and the article 2 may be collected from the collection container 10 while the worker H moves the picking cart.

1,70 Picking equipment (sorting equipment)
2 Goods 10 Collection container (sorting container)
15 Flow rack (goods storage)
19 Frontage display (display means)
19B Display / completion button (completion operation means)
23 Input completion tape switch (complete operation means)
24A 1st LED lamp (notification means)
24B Second LED lamp (notification means)
28 Completion switch (display means, completion operation means)
51 General controller (control instruction means)
55 Zone controller (display control means)
60 Tag reader (reading means)
65 Shelf side tag (storage means)
66 Container-side tag (storage means for detection of input)
67 Container position tag (storage means for position detection)
68 Temporary table tag (storage means)
71 Temporary shelf (temporary storage)
73 Temporary display (display means)
73B Completion push button switch (completion operation means)

Claims (17)

A sorting facility that sorts items according to orders from users,
Display means for displaying information relating to the sorting operation of the article;
Control instruction means for instructing control of the operation of the display means;
Display control means for controlling the operation of the display means based on an instruction from the control instruction means;
Storage means for storing information relating to the sorting operation of the articles;
Reading means for reading the information stored in the storage means in a non-contact manner;
Comprising
The reading means has an information reading function for reading information from the storage means, and an information transmission function for wirelessly transmitting information read from the storage means to the display control means,
The sorting equipment, wherein the display control means can control the operation of the display means based on information transmitted from the reading means. The display unit and the storage unit are provided in an article storage unit that stores the article, and the reading unit is attached to an operator who performs a sorting operation in the article storage unit,
When the worker performs a sorting operation in the article storage unit, the reading unit reads information from the storage unit, transmits the read information to the display control unit, and the display control unit receives information from the reading unit. The sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled based on the transmitted information. The display means and the storage means are provided corresponding to a sorting container for sorting articles for each sorting destination, and the reading means is attached to an operator who performs sorting work on the sorting container. ,
When the operator performs a sorting operation on the sorting container, the reading unit reads information from the storage unit, transmits the read information to the display control unit, and the display control unit includes the reading unit. The sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled based on information transmitted from the device. An article to be sorted into a sorting container for sorting articles for each sorting destination;
The display unit and the storage unit are provided in the temporary placement unit, and the reading unit is attached to an operator who performs a sorting operation on the sorting container,
When the worker performs a sorting operation on the temporary storage unit, the reading unit reads information from the storage unit, transmits the read information to the display control unit, and the display control unit reads the reading unit. The sorting facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit is controlled based on information transmitted from the unit. The storage means has a readable area in which information in the storage means can be read by the reading means,
The readable area of the storage unit provided in the article storage unit is adjusted according to a positional relationship among a plurality of other storage units provided in the article storage unit. The sorting equipment according to any one of the above. The storage means has a readable area in which information in the storage means can be read by the reading means,
The readable area of the storage means provided corresponding to the sorting container or the storage means provided in the temporary storage section is adjusted in correspondence with the readable area of the storage means provided in the article storage section. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein:   The sorting according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the storage means is provided so that its position can be changed with respect to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit. Facility.   8. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit is supported by a support member that is detachable with respect to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit. 9. Sorting equipment.   The storage means provided in the article storage unit performs sorting work in the direction of the readable area where the information in the storage means can be read by the reading means in the article storage part in which the storage means is provided. The sorting facility according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the sorting facility is directed to a worker who performs a sorting operation downstream from the worker. Storage means provided corresponding to the sorting container,
A storage means for detecting whether or not an article has been input into the sorting container;
Storage means for detecting the position of the sorting container;
The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the sorting equipment is configured as follows. An informing means for notifying an erroneous operation in the sorting operation is provided corresponding to the sorting container,
The sorting facility according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the display control unit controls the operation of the notification unit based on information transmitted from the reading unit. When the sorting operation is completed, a completion operation means that is manually operated by an operator is provided corresponding to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit, and is connected to be interlocked with the display control unit,
The display control means includes
An automatic completion determination function for determining whether or not the sorting operation is completed based on the information transmitted from the reading unit;
A manual completion determination function for determining whether the sorting operation is completed based on the information transmitted from the completion operation means;
Have
The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the automatic completion determination function and the manual completion determination function can be switched by the display control means.   13. The sorting facility according to claim 12, wherein the display control unit performs switching between the automatic completion determination function and the manual completion determination function for each display unit. When the sorting operation is completed, a completion operation means that is manually operated by an operator is provided corresponding to the article storage unit, the sorting container, or the temporary storage unit, and is connected to be interlocked with the display control unit,
The display control means includes
An automatic completion determination function for determining whether or not the sorting operation is completed based on the information transmitted from the reading unit;
A manual completion determination function for determining whether the sorting operation is completed based on the information transmitted from the completion operation means;
Have
14. The method according to claim 3, wherein whether or not the sorting operation is completed is determined based on the information transmitted from the reading unit and the information transmitted from the completion operation unit. Sorting equipment as described in the paragraph. The display control means includes
At the time of sorting work, the display means is controlled to display the quantity of articles to be sorted,
The sorting facility according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when the sorting operation is completed, the display unit is controlled to display the quantity of articles that have been sorted. Reading means in a sorting facility that reads the information in a non-contact manner from a storage means that stores information relating to the sorting work of articles sorted according to an order from a user,
An information reading function for reading information from the storage means;
The information read from the storage means is wirelessly transmitted to the display control means for controlling the operation of the display means based on the instruction of the control instruction means for instructing the control of the operation of the display means for displaying information relating to the sorting operation of the article. An information transmission function to transmit;
A reading means in a sorting facility characterized by comprising: A method for sorting articles in a sorting facility for sorting articles according to an order from a user,
Display means for displaying information relating to the sorting operation of the article;
Control instruction means for instructing control of the operation of the display means;
Display control means for controlling the operation of the display means;
Storage means for storing information relating to the sorting operation of the articles;
Reading means for reading the information stored in the storage means in a non-contact manner;
Provided,
The reading means is
While reading information from the storage means,
The information read from the storage means is transmitted to the display control means by radio,
The display control means is
Based on an instruction from the control instruction means, the operation of the display means is controlled,
The method for sorting articles in a sorting facility, wherein the operation of the display means is controlled based on information stored in the storage means transmitted by radio from the reading means.

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