JP2606513B2 - Instruction method of cargo handling work - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of instructing a cargo handling operation in which a management section for managing the entire cargo handling operation instructs each work content to each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles using communication means. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a physical distribution system using a cargo handling vehicle, a host computer or the like is provided in a management unit for managing the entire cargo handling work. Then, when the host computer receives a request for a work instruction from each cargo handling vehicle, the content of the work is appropriately selected and an instruction is given to the cargo handling vehicle that has made the request. In this case, as a method of exchanging work requests and work instructions between the cargo handling vehicle and the management unit, for example, a wireless LAN (local area network) is adopted. For example, a wireless device and a data terminal are mounted on a forklift as a cargo handling vehicle, and the wireless device connected to the host computer of the management unit is arranged at an appropriate position in the premises. When the data of the work instruction request is sent from the forklift to the host computer, the data of the work instruction request is output from the data terminal of the forklift to the wireless device and transmitted via a radio wave. In the host computer,
When the work request data is received and the work content data is sent to the forklift, the work content data to be transmitted is output from the host computer to the wireless device and transmitted via radio waves.

Here, as a method of instructing a plurality of forklifts from the host computer to individual work contents, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, work relating to all work contents registered in the memory storage area 30A of the host computer is performed. As shown in FIG. 12, in the content table 31, the number of the forklift in charge for each "type" of the load to be worked is predetermined as the type table 32 and registered in the memory storage area 30B. Then, when a work instruction is requested from the forklift, the host computer refers to the type table 32 for the type of load to be handled by the forklift. Next, the host computer selects a work content instruction for the “type” referred to in the type table 32 from the work content table 31 shown in FIG. And the host computer
The data of the selected work content is transmitted via the wireless device,
The request is sent to the data terminal of the forklift.

[0004] Alternatively, in a host computer, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, the number of the forklift in charge is predetermined as the storage location table 33 and registered in the memory storage area 30C in the work content table 31 shown in FIG. When a request for a work instruction is received from each forklift, the work content is instructed to the requested forklift in a procedure similar to the above.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the "type" and "place" of the load to be worked out of all the work contents are different depending on the day, only the specific forklift is used. The work may be concentrated, and the busyness of the work may vary from one forklift to another. Also, for each "type" and "place"
If a part of the assigned forklift breaks down due to a breakdown, only the work corresponding to the assigned forklift remains. Therefore, on the day when some of the forklifts are removed, the contents of the work instructions for the remaining forklifts may be added or changed as soon as possible, or the remaining work contents may be postponed, and finally the remaining forklifts may be used artificially with the remaining forklifts. It had to be shared. Also, since some of the work contents are postponed, only the work contents are processed with a considerable delay, which has been a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to prevent work from being concentrated only on a specific cargo handling vehicle. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of instructing a cargo handling operation capable of automatically coping with a case where a vehicle comes off and preventing a left behind operation. A second object of the present invention is to provide, in addition to the first object, a cargo handling system capable of preventing only a part of the work contents from being processed with a considerable delay even if some of the cargo handling vehicles come off. It is to provide a work instruction method.

[0007]

In order to achieve the first object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a management section for managing the entire cargo handling work communicates individual work contents to each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles. In the method of instructing the cargo handling work to selectively instruct using the means, in the management unit, the storage locations of the loads related to the whole cargo handling work are classified into a plurality of cargo handling zones and determined in advance. The priorities of the cargo handling zones to be in charge of each cargo handling vehicle are determined for all cargo handling zones in advance, and the management section determines all work contents according to the difference in the location of the cargo subject to the work. When the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each of the cargo handling vehicles, the management unit receives a request for a work instruction among the work sets that are not empty sets. Most priority for cargo vehicles From the work set corresponding to the high cargo handling zone, select a work content that has not been executed yet, and the management unit instructs the selected work content to the cargo handling vehicle that requested the work instruction using the communication means. I am trying to do it.

In order to achieve the second object, in the second invention, individual work contents are selected from a management unit for managing the whole cargo handling work to each of the plurality of cargo handling vehicles by using communication means. In the method of instructing cargo handling work,
The management section classifies the storage locations of the cargoes related to the whole cargo handling work into a plurality of cargo handling zones and determines them in advance.The management section also assigns the priority of the cargo handling zones to be assigned to each cargo handling vehicle. The cargo handling zone is determined in advance, and the management unit controls the entire work content only in a predetermined range at a predetermined time according to the difference in the location of the load to be processed. Each work set is classified as a plurality of work sets, and when the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each cargo handling vehicle, the cargo handling vehicle for which a work instruction is requested among the work sets that are not empty sets. The management unit selects a work content that has not been executed yet from the work set corresponding to the cargo handling zone with the highest priority, and the management unit uses the communication means to send a request for a work instruction. Cargo handling vehicle So that instruct.

In order to achieve the second object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, an individual work content is selected from a management unit for managing the entire cargo handling work to each of the plurality of cargo handling vehicles by using communication means. In the method of instructing cargo handling work,
The management section classifies the storage locations of the cargoes related to the whole cargo handling work into a plurality of cargo handling zones and determines them in advance.The management section also assigns the priority of the cargo handling zones to be assigned to each cargo handling vehicle. The cargo handling zone is determined in advance, and the management unit performs multiple tasks for each cargo handling zone according to the difference in the location of the cargo subject to the work only for a predetermined range at an arbitrary timing. When the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each cargo handling vehicle, the management unit assigns the highest priority to the cargo handling vehicle that has requested the work instruction among the work sets that are not empty sets. From the work set corresponding to the high cargo handling zone, select a work content that has not been executed yet, and the management unit instructs the selected work content to the cargo handling vehicle that has requested the work instruction using the communication means. I will do it It has to.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the management unit receives a work instruction request from each cargo handling vehicle, the management unit has the highest priority for the requested cargo handling vehicle among the work sets that are not empty. The work content is selected from the work set corresponding to the higher-ordered cargo handling zone, and the selected work content is instructed to the requested cargo handling vehicle.

Therefore, each cargo handling vehicle receives an instruction sequentially from the work content corresponding to the cargo handling zone having a higher priority to the work content corresponding to the cargo handling zone having a lower priority. The work contents belonging to each cargo handling zone are sequentially processed by the cooperation of the individual cargo handling vehicles assigned with high priority, and the cargo handling zones with a large work content are also processed by other cargo handling vehicles. . Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of some of the cargo handling vehicles, all the work contents are automatically and sequentially processed by each cargo handling vehicle.

[0012] According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, in the management unit, all the work contents are set as a plurality of work sets for each cargo handling zone only in a predetermined range at a predetermined time. being classified. Then, when the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each cargo handling vehicle, the work set corresponding to the cargo handling zone having the highest priority for the requested cargo handling vehicle among the work sets that are not empty sets. Is selected, and the selected work content is instructed to the requested cargo handling vehicle.

Therefore, in each of the cargo handling vehicles, only the work content corresponding to the time zone classified at each time is changed from the work content corresponding to the high priority cargo handling zone to the work content corresponding to the low priority cargo handling zone. Will be sequentially instructed. The contents of work in a predetermined range belonging to each cargo handling zone are sequentially processed by the cooperation of the individual cargo handling vehicles assigned with high priority. Will also be processed. Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of a part of the cargo handling vehicle, the work content within a predetermined range of the total work content is automatically and sequentially processed by each cargo handling vehicle at each time, and the entirety of the work content is automatically processed with time. Work content is processed.

Further, according to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the management section classifies all work contents as a plurality of work sets for each cargo handling zone only in a predetermined range at an arbitrary timing. Then, when the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each cargo handling vehicle, the work set corresponding to the cargo handling zone having the highest priority for the requested cargo handling vehicle among the work sets that are not empty sets. Is selected, and the selected work content is instructed to the requested cargo handling vehicle.

Therefore, in each of the cargo handling vehicles, only the work content in the range classified at an arbitrary timing is changed from the work content corresponding to the high priority cargo handling zone to the work content corresponding to the low priority cargo handling zone. Will be sequentially instructed. The contents of work in a predetermined range belonging to each cargo handling zone are sequentially processed by individual cargo handling vehicles assigned with high priority, and the cooperation of other cargo handling vehicles is performed at an arbitrary timing for a cargo handling zone having a large content of work. It will also be processed by work. Therefore,
Regardless of the presence or absence of some cargo handling vehicles, the work content within a predetermined range of the total work content is automatically and sequentially processed by each cargo handling vehicle at any time, and all the work is performed over time. The content is processed.

[0016]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment in which the method for instructing cargo handling according to the first invention is embodied in a forklift distribution system using a wireless LAN.
It will be described in detail based on.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a forklift distribution system using a wireless LAN. A plurality of (in this case, four) manned forklifts 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D as cargo handling vehicles are operated on the premises.

Each of the forklifts 1A to 1D is equipped with a wireless device 2, a data terminal 3, and a printer 4 as communication means constituting a mobile station as shown in FIG.
The mobile station-side wireless device 2 is a device that transmits and receives radio waves including desired data, and performs modulation and demodulation of signals for the transmission and reception. The wireless device 2 is connected to a data terminal 3 via a coaxial cable 5, and data is exchanged between the two. The data terminal 3 has an input / output interface for inputting / outputting various signals, and a central processing unit (C) for executing a predetermined operation / control based on the input signals.
PU), and a microcomputer including various memories for storing calculation results and the like in the CPU. The data terminal 3 includes a keyboard 6 for inputting data by an operator and a display 7 for displaying data. Further, the data terminal 3 has a control function for controlling the operation of the wireless device 2. At the same time, the data terminal 3 is connected to the printer 4 via a coaxial cable 8 so that the data input to the data terminal 3 can be output and printed by the printer 4.

On the other hand, in FIG. 1, radio devices 9A, 9B, and 9C as communication means constituting a plurality of (in this case, three) fixed stations are distributed and arranged at appropriate positions near the ceiling in the premises. I have. Here, the fixed-station-side wireless device 9A
9C perform transmission and reception of radio waves including desired data, and also modulate and demodulate signals for the transmission and reception.
Also, radio waves to be transmitted from each of the wireless devices 9A to 9C are limited to weak radio waves in accordance with the provisions of the Radio Law.
In order to enable communication between the fixed station side and the mobile station side over the entire area of the wide premises, the radio equipment 9A to 9A at each fixed station side
The communicable range of C is superimposed on each other and is extended throughout the campus.

The wireless devices 9A to 9C on the fixed station side are connected to a wireless controller 11 via a coaxial cable 10,
The wireless controller 11 is connected via a coaxial cable 12,
It is connected to a host computer 14 installed in a command office 13. The wireless controller 11 and the host computer 14 include an input / output interface for inputting / outputting various signals, a CPU for executing predetermined arithmetic and control based on the input signals, and a C
It is constituted by a microcomputer provided with various memories for storing calculation results and the like in the PU. The wireless controller 11 and the host computer 14 constitute a management unit. The host computer 14 manages desired data to be sent to the data terminals 3 of the forklifts 1A to 1D, and the wireless controller 11 transmits the data by radio waves. The operation of the wireless devices 9A to 9C on each fixed station side is controlled in order to make the transmission via the wireless LAN.

In this embodiment, the host computer 14 manages the entire cargo handling work performed by each of the forklifts 1A to 1D on the premises. The host computer 14 sends the individual work contents to the data terminal 3 of each of the forklifts 1A to 1D,
Instructions are selectively given using radio waves exchanged between A to 9C and the wireless device 2.

In this embodiment, the numbers ("A-01 to A-99", "B-01 to B-99", "B-01 to B-99") indicating the "places" of the loads related to the whole cargo handling work to be performed on the premises.
“C-01 to C-99”) are plural (3 in this embodiment).
) Are previously classified into the cargo handling zones A, B, and C). These numbers are registered in advance in the memory storage area 15A of the host computer 14 as the cargo handling zone table 16 as shown in FIG. Further, in this embodiment, the priority order of the cargo handling zones A to C to be in charge of each of the forklifts 1A to 1D, that is, "first priority", "second priority" and "third priority" are all the cargo handling zones A. To C are predetermined. And their priority is
As shown in FIG. 4, the priority order table 17 is registered in the memory storage area 15B of the host computer 14 in advance.

Further, in this embodiment, data of all work contents of the day to be performed in the premises is inputted to the host computer 14 by the floppy disk 18 as shown in FIG. Here, the data of all the work contents input to the host computer 14 are stored in the memory storage area 15 of the host computer 14 as shown in FIG.
C is registered as a work content table 19. In the work content table 19, each work content is classified by “work number”, and “type”, “quantity”, “place”, and “destination” of the load are provided for each “work number”. It is organized. Then, based on the data of the work content table 19, the host computer 14 converts all the work contents into a plurality of pieces for each of the above-mentioned cargo handling zones A to C according to the difference of the “place” of the load to be worked. 6 and are registered in the memory storage area 15D as zone-specific work content tables 20A, 20B, and 20C, as shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to request a work instruction from each of the forklifts 1A to 1D to the host computer 14 in the office 13, the operator operates the keyboard 6 of the data terminal 3 by a key. ing. When a key operation for requesting a work instruction is performed, the data terminal 3 drives the wireless device 2 to output a signal indicating a request for a work instruction, and transmits the signal to the fixed station side wireless devices 9A to 9A.
Send to C.

In response to this, the fixed-station-side wireless devices 9A to 9C output the signal to the host computer 14 via the wireless controller 11. Then, the host computer 14 receives the work instruction request signal and executes a processing operation for instructing the forklifts 1A to 1D that have requested the cargo handling operation.

When work contents to be instructed are sent from the host computer 14 to the data terminals 3 of the forklifts 1A to 1D and input, the data terminals 3 display the data of the work contents on the display 7. Is displayed. Alternatively, when the key operation of the keyboard 6 is performed as needed, the data of the work content is output and printed on the printer 4.

Next, the processing operation of the cargo handling work instruction method executed by the host computer 14 in the distribution system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

Here, the data of all the work contents of the day to be performed in the premises have already been input to the host computer 14 and registered in the memory storage area 15C as the work contents table 19 as shown in FIG. And or,
Based on the data of the work content table 19, it is assumed that all the work contents are registered in the memory storage area 15D as zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C as shown in FIG.

When the processing shifts to the routine of this flowchart, first, in step 101, a request for a work instruction comes from each of the forklifts 1A to 1D based on signals received by each of the wireless devices 9A to 9C on the fixed station side. Wait for. And when there is a request for the work instruction,
In step 102, the "first priority" cargo handling zones A to C for the requested forklifts 1A to 1D are referenced from the priority order table 17 shown in FIG. Subsequently, in step 103, "work numbers" corresponding to the "first priority" cargo handling zones A to C are selected in ascending order from the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C shown in FIG.

Then, in step 104, it is determined whether or not "work number" has been selected. In other words, it is determined whether or not the “work number” to be selected is selected in each of the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C instead of the empty set.

If the "work number" can be selected in step 104, the work content corresponding to the selected "work number" is stored in the work content table 19 shown in FIG. Refer to and confirm. That is, the “type”, “quantity”, “place”, and “destination” of the load corresponding to the “work number” are confirmed. Then, in the subsequent step 106, the confirmed work contents are transmitted to the requested forklifts 1A to 1D by driving the wireless devices 9A to 9C, and the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

On the other hand, if the "work number" cannot be selected in step 104, then in step 107, the "second priority" cargo handling for the forklifts 1A to 1D requested from the priority order table 17 shown in FIG. Reference is made to zones AC. Subsequently, in step 108, the work content table 20A for each zone shown in FIG.
20C, “work numbers” corresponding to the “second priority” loading zones A to C are selected in ascending order.

Next, in step 109, it is determined whether or not "work number" has been selected. If "work number" can be selected here, the process proceeds to step 105 in the same manner as described above.
By executing the processing of No. 6, the work content corresponding to the selected "work number" is transmitted to the forklifts 1A to 1D that have requested, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

If the "work number" cannot be selected in step 109, then in step 110, the "third priority" cargo handling for the requested forklifts 1A to 1D from the priority table 17 shown in FIG. Reference is made to zones AC. Subsequently, in step 111, the work content table 20A for each zone shown in FIG.
20C, the “work numbers” corresponding to the “third priority” loading zones A to C are selected in ascending order.

Then, in step 112, it is determined whether or not "work number" has been selected. If "work number" can be selected here, the process proceeds to step 105 in the same manner as described above, and steps 105 and 106 are performed.
By executing the process of "selected work number"
The work corresponding to the forklift 1 requested
A to 1D, and the subsequent processing ends once.

On the other hand, if the "work number" cannot be selected in step 112, it is determined that the "work number" corresponding to the cargo handling zones A to C does not remain in each zone-specific work content table 20A to 20C, ie, The process proceeds to step 113 assuming that each zone-specific work content table 20A to 20C is an empty set. And step 11
In step 3, the data of "no work to be instructed" is transmitted to the requested forklifts 1A to 1D by driving the wireless devices 9A to 9C, and the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

As described above, the host computer 14 executes the processing operation of the instruction method of the cargo handling work. In each of the forklifts 1A to 1D, the wireless device 2
Receives the signal including the data of the work content transmitted from each of the wireless devices 9A to 9C and outputs the signal to the data terminal 3. In response to the signal, the data terminal 3 outputs the data of the work content on the display 7 to inform the operator of the data of the work content to be instructed. Therefore, when the operator drives the own vehicle based on the data of the work content, the cargo handling work related to the specified work content is performed.

As described above, according to the method of instructing the cargo handling work in this embodiment, when the host computer 14 in the office 13 receives the work instruction request from each of the forklifts 1A to 1D, each of the non-empty sets is set. Of the “work numbers” in the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C, the cargo handling zones A to C having the highest priority for the forklifts 1A to 1D that have requested, that is, the cargo handling zones A to C corresponding to “first priority”. "Work number" in order from C
Is selected. Further, the work content corresponding to the selected “work number” is referred to from the work content table 19.
Then, the data of the referenced work content is transmitted as the work content to be instructed to the requested forklifts 1A to 1D through the wireless devices 9A to 9C on the fixed station side and the wireless device 2 on the mobile station side.

Therefore, each of the forklifts 1A to 1D
Then, the "first priority" cargo handling zones A to C with high priority
"3rd priority" with lower priority from the work content corresponding to
Are sequentially received to work contents corresponding to the cargo handling zones A to C. The work contents belonging to each of the cargo handling zones A to C are sequentially processed by the individual forklifts 1A to 1D assigned with “first priority”. For this reason, for the cargo handling zones A to C with many work contents,
In addition to the forklifts 1A to 1D assigned by "first priority", the processing is also performed by cooperation of other forklifts 1A to 1D assigned by "second priority" or "third priority".

Therefore, all the work contents are made by each forklift 1
A to 1D automatically share and are sequentially processed by cooperation of the forklifts 1A to 1D. Then, depending on the day, the “type” of the load that is the target of the work for all the work contents and the “place” of the load that is the target of the work
Even if they are different, all the work content is
Since the processes are sequentially performed by the cooperation of A to 1D, it is possible to prevent the work from being concentrated only on the specific forklifts 1A to 1D, and to eliminate the variation in the busyness of the work among the forklifts 1A to 1D. be able to.

Further, even if a part of each of the forklifts 1A to 1D breaks down and comes off, the work contents corresponding to the failed forklifts 1A to 1D are automatically allocated to the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D and shared. And are sequentially processed by their cooperation. Therefore,
Unnecessary addition of the contents of the work instruction to the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D without any emergency change can prevent the remaining work. Alternatively, the leftover work can be postponed, and the remaining work can be prevented without being artificially allocated and shared by the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D. In other words, some forklifts 1
Even if A to 1D is missed, it is possible to automatically cope with that and prevent the work from being left behind.

Further, even if some of the forklifts 1A to 1D fall out, all the work contents can be automatically allocated to the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D and sequentially processed. The number can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment in which the method for instructing cargo handling in the second invention is embodied in a forklift distribution system using a wireless LAN. The configuration of each embodiment described below is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. Only the different points of the method of instructing the cargo handling in the above will be described.

In this embodiment, a processing operation of a method of instructing a cargo handling operation is performed in the same manner as in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 described in the first embodiment. That is, when the host computer 14 in the office 13 receives a request for a work instruction from each of the forklifts 1A to 1D, the host computer 14 in the "work number" in each of the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C that is not an empty set has a request. Forklift 1A-1D
The “work numbers” are selected in order from the cargo handling zones A to C having the highest priority for the user, that is, the cargo handling zones A to C corresponding to “first priority”. Further, the work content corresponding to the selected “work number” is referred to from the work content table 19. Then, the data of the referenced work content is transmitted to the forklifts 1A to 1A through the wireless devices 9A to 9C on the fixed station side and the wireless device 2 on the mobile station side.
It is sent to 1D as the work content to be instructed.

In addition, in this embodiment, data of all work contents of the day to be performed in the premises is stored in the host computer 1.
4 is different from that of the first embodiment in the way of registration when input is made.

That is, the data of all the work contents input to the host computer 14 are registered as a work contents table 21 in the memory storage area 15C of the host computer 14, as shown in FIG. In the work content table 21, each work content is "work number".
The “type”, “quantity”, “place”, “destination” and “time” of the load are arranged for each “work number”. Here, the “time” means that all the work contents are to be carried out within a predetermined range at the timing of each “time” according to the difference in “place” of the load to be subjected to the work. This is for classifying a plurality of “work numbers” for each C into work sets, that is, the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C. Then, each time the “time” arrives, the “time”
Only the “work number” in the range defined by “1” is classified as the zone-specific work content tables 20A, 20B, and 20C and registered in the memory storage area 15D.

Therefore, the individual forklifts 1A to 1D
In the above, only the work contents in the range classified for each “time” described above are changed from the work contents corresponding to the “first-priority” cargo handling zones A to C to the “third-priority” cargo handling zones A to C.
Are sequentially instructed to work contents corresponding to. And each cargo handling zone A ~ classified by each "time"
The work content in a predetermined range belonging to C is sequentially processed by the individual forklifts 1A to 1D assigned with "first priority". Therefore, the cargo handling zones A to C, which have a lot of work content at each "time", are also processed by the cooperation of the other forklifts 1A to 1D shared by the "second priority" and the "third priority". become.

Accordingly, at each "time", the work contents in a predetermined range of the total work contents are changed to the forklifts 1A to 1D.
Automatically divided by the forklifts 1A-1
Processing is performed sequentially by the cooperation of D. Then, all work contents are processed as time elapses.

As a result, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the pointing method in the first embodiment. In other words, even when a part of each of the forklifts 1A to 1D breaks down and comes off, the work contents corresponding to the failed forklifts 1A to 1D are sequentially processed by cooperation of the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D. . In this case, the work content table 20A for each zone
Since the work contents corresponding to the “work numbers” classified into ２０20C are sequentially processed for each “time”, in each of the cargo handling zones A to C, a small amount of work contents are obtained for each “time”. Will be processed. Therefore, on that day, there is less variation in the processing progress of the work contents among the individual cargo handling zones A to C. Therefore, some forklifts 1A
It is possible to prevent the processing of the work contents of some of the cargo handling zones A to C from being greatly delayed due to the loss of the information 1D.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment in which the cargo handling instruction method according to the third aspect of the present invention is embodied in a forklift distribution system using a wireless LAN.

In this embodiment, basically, the processing operation of the method for instructing the cargo handling operation is performed in the same manner as in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 described in the first embodiment. in addition,
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the way of registration when the data of all the work contents to be performed on the premises is input to the host computer 14.

That is, the data of all the work contents inputted to the host computer 14 are registered as a work contents table 22 in the memory storage area 15C of the host computer 14, as shown in FIG. In the work content table 22, individual work contents are classified by "work number", and the "type", "quantity", "place", the "destination", and the "Groups" are organized. Here, the “group” means that all the contents of the work are to be carried out in a predetermined range at an arbitrary timing for each of the “groups”, in accordance with a difference in the “place” of the load to be subjected to the work. A work set of a plurality of “work numbers” for each of A to C,
That is, the job contents are classified into the zone-specific work content tables 20A to 20C. For example, the “group” can be made to correspond to the “vehicle number” of a truck that loads cargo from outside into each of the cargo handling zones A to C. By operating keys on the keyboard of the host computer 14 at the timing when the tracks belonging to each "group" arrive, only the "work numbers" within the range defined by the "group" are stored in the zone-specific work content table 20.
A, 20B, and 20C are classified into memory storage areas 1
5D is registered.

Therefore, the individual forklifts 1A to 1D
At the timing of the arrival of the trucks belonging to each of the aforementioned “groups”, only the work contents within the range belonging to the “group” are handled in the “first priority” loading zones A to C.
From the work content corresponding to “3rd priority”, loading zone A
... C are sequentially instructed. The work content in a predetermined range corresponding to each of the cargo handling zones A to C classified by each "group" is sequentially processed by the individual forklifts 1A to 1D assigned by "first priority". Therefore, the cargo handling zones A to C having a lot of work content for each “group” are also processed by the cooperation of the other forklifts 1A to 1D shared by “second priority” and “third priority”. become.

Therefore, for each “group”, the work content within a predetermined range of the total work content is determined by each of the forklifts 1A to 1A.
D for each forklift 1A ~
It will be processed sequentially by the cooperation of 1D. Then, all work contents are processed as time elapses.

As a result, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the pointing method in the first embodiment. In other words, even when a part of each of the forklifts 1A to 1D breaks down and comes off, the work contents corresponding to the failed forklifts 1A to 1D are sequentially processed by cooperation of the remaining forklifts 1A to 1D. . In this case, the work content table 20A for each zone
Since the work contents corresponding to the “work numbers” classified into ２０20C are sequentially processed for each “group”, in each of the cargo handling zones A to C, a small amount of work contents are obtained for each “group”. Will be processed. Therefore, on that day, there is less variation in the processing progress of the work contents among the individual cargo handling zones A to C. Therefore, when some of the forklifts 1A to 1D are removed, some of the loading zones A to C
It is possible to prevent the processing of the work content from being greatly delayed.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be carried out as follows by appropriately changing a part of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. (1) In each of the above embodiments, the case where four forklifts 1A to 1D are used as the distribution system has been embodied. However, the number of forklifts can be appropriately changed in advance.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the storage location of the cargo related to the whole cargo handling operation is divided into three cargo handling zones A to C, but the number of the cargo handling zones may be changed as appropriate. Good. However, when the number of the cargo handling zones is changed, the number of the priority of the cargo handling zones to be assigned to each forklift increases or decreases accordingly.

(3) In each of the embodiments described above, the logistics system using the manned forklifts 1A to 1D as the cargo handling vehicles has been embodied. However, the logistics using the automatically operated unmanned forklift or the unmanned carrier is used. It may be embodied in a system.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the work instructions are sent one by one in response to one work instruction request from each of the forklifts 1A to 1D. Alternatively, two or more work instructions may be sent.

[0060]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the work content corresponding to each cargo handling zone is processed in cooperation with each cargo handling vehicle. It is possible to prevent the user from concentrating, and to automatically cope with a case in which some of the cargo-handling vehicles have come off, thereby preventing the remaining work from occurring.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, work contents corresponding to each cargo handling zone are sequentially processed with the passage of time by cooperation of the cargo handling vehicles, so that the work is performed only on a specific cargo handling vehicle. Concentration can be prevented, and even if some of the cargo handling vehicles have fallen out, work can be automatically dealt with to prevent the rest of the work beforehand, and at the same time, some of the cargo handling vehicles have come off Even in such a case, an excellent effect that it is possible to prevent beforehand that only a part of the work content is processed with a great delay can be exhibited. Further, according to the third aspect, the work content corresponding to each cargo handling zone is sequentially processed with the passage of time by the cooperation of each cargo handling vehicle, so that the work is concentrated only on a specific cargo handling vehicle. Can be prevented, and even if some cargo-handling vehicles come off, it is possible to automatically deal with it and prevent leftover work beforehand. An excellent effect is obtained that it is possible to prevent a situation in which only the work contents of the section are processed with a great delay.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the first invention.
1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a forklift distribution system using a wireless LAN.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data terminal, a wireless device, a printer, and the like mounted on each forklift in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cargo handling zone table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a priority table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a work content table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a work content table for each zone registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a method of instructing a cargo operation performed by a host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of a processing operation of a method of instructing a cargo operation performed by the host computer in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment embodying the second invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a work content table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a work content table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a work content table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in a conventional example.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a type table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a storage location table registered in a memory storage area of a host computer in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A to 1D: Forklift as cargo handling vehicle, 2, 9
A to 9C: wireless devices constituting communication means, 11: wireless controller, 14: host computer (11 and 14 constitute a management unit), 17 ... priority table, 1
9, 21, 22, ... work contents table, 20A to 20C ...
Zone-specific work content tables, A to C ... cargo handling zones.

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cargo handling instruction method for selectively instructing each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles to each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles by using a communication unit from a management unit that manages the entire cargo handling work. In the same manner, in the management unit, the priority of the cargo handling zone to be assigned to each cargo handling vehicle is determined by the entire cargo handling area. Zones are determined in advance, and the management unit classifies all work contents as a plurality of work sets for each of the cargo handling zones according to a difference in a place where a load to be processed is placed. The unit, when receiving a request for a work instruction from each of the cargo handling vehicles, corresponds to a cargo handling zone having the highest priority for a cargo handling vehicle that has requested the work instruction among the work sets that are not empty sets. Do Selecting a work content that has not yet been executed from the industry set, and the management unit instructs the selected work content to the cargo handling vehicle that has requested the work instruction using the communication means. How to instruct cargo handling work. 2. A cargo handling instruction method for selectively instructing each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles to each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles by using a communication means from a management unit for managing the entire cargo handling work. In the same manner, in the management unit, the priority of the cargo handling zone to be assigned to each cargo handling vehicle is determined by the entire cargo handling area. The zone is determined in advance, and the management unit performs the above-mentioned operations for each of the loading and unloading only for a predetermined range at a predetermined time according to a difference in a location of a load to be processed. When the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each of the cargo handling vehicles, the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each of the cargo handling vehicles. There was The work unit that has not been executed yet is selected from the work set corresponding to the cargo handling zone having the highest priority for the working vehicle, and the management unit uses the communication unit to perform the work using the selected work content. An instruction method of cargo handling work in which instructions are given to a cargo handling vehicle for which an instruction has been requested. 3. A cargo handling instruction method for selectively instructing each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles to each of a plurality of cargo handling vehicles using a communication means from a management unit that manages the entire cargo handling work. In the same manner, in the management unit, the priority of the cargo handling zone to be assigned to each cargo handling vehicle is determined by the entire cargo handling area. Zones are determined in advance, and in the management unit, all of the work contents are performed only in a predetermined range at an arbitrary timing, and a plurality of work areas for each of the cargo handling zones are set in accordance with a difference in a location of a load to be subjected to the work. When the management unit receives a request for a work instruction from each of the cargo handling vehicles, the management unit receives a request for the work instruction from each of the work sets that are not an empty set. To The work unit that has not yet been executed is selected from the work set corresponding to the highest priority cargo handling zone, and the management unit transmits the selected work content to the work instruction using the communication unit. An instruction method of cargo handling work in which instructions are given to the requested cargo handling vehicle.