JP3911981B2 - Picking equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a picking facility that enables picking of articles.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional picking facility, a plurality of picking shelves having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles are arranged in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction, and a collection container for storing the picked articles is moved along each picking shelf. In addition, there is a facility for providing a conveyor device that communicates between the picking shelves and picking work by moving the collection container using the conveyor device.
[0003]
In this facility, the worker collects the articles for each sorting destination by taking out the instructed articles from the compartment storage space of the picking shelf while moving the collection containers and storing them in the collection containers. The collection container is moved between picking shelves by a conveyor device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional picking facility, the collection container is also moved to a picking shelf that does not perform the picking operation, and the worker must move the collection container that does not perform the picking operation, so the work efficiency is reduced. There was a problem to do.
[0005]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a picking facility capable of preventing a reduction in work efficiency of an operator by moving a collection container to a picking shelf or a group that does not perform picking work.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention moves the collection container along a line for performing the picking operation to the collection container for collecting the articles to be picked. A code for identifying whether to collect or not move is attached, and when the collected article exceeds a certain volume or the weight of the collected article exceeds a predetermined weight in the collection container A lid that is closed to the rest and opened otherwise is provided, and the appearance and blocking of the code can be switched by opening and closing the lid .
[0007]
According to the above configuration, whether or not to move the collection container along the line is determined based on the identification code attached to the collection container. The collected container lid is closed when the collected article exceeds a certain volume or when the collected article weight exceeds a predetermined weight. Otherwise, the lid is left open. The identification code attached to the collection container is switched between appearance and shielding by opening and closing the lid.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1 , wherein the code is shielded by the lid when the lid is opened, and the code appears when the lid is closed. It is characterized by this.
[0009]
According to the above configuration, the identification code attached to the collection container is shielded when the lid is opened, and appears when the lid is closed.
[0011]
The invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a picking shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, and the line is formed along the picking shelf. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
According to the above configuration, the collection container is moved along a line formed along the picking shelf.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a transport means for transporting the collection container across a plurality of lines, and an attachment to the collection container. When it is confirmed that the collected container is moved, the branching means for branching the collected container to the line from the conveying means is provided.
[0013]
According to the above configuration, the collection container is transported across the line formed along the picking shelf. At this time, when the identification code is read and it is confirmed that the collection container is moved, the collection container is Branches to the line from the conveying means.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4 , characterized in that the collection container is configured such that the code attached to the collection container cannot be read by the branching means. To do.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, when the identification code attached to the collection container cannot be read by the branching unit, the collection container is transported by the transport unit without being branched.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The picking equipment according to the present invention allows an operator to move along a picking shelf while pushing the moving vehicle, take out an article instructed by a terminal provided on the moving vehicle from the compartment storage space of the picking shelf, and Collecting containers by moving them on the line along the picking shelves and the “moving vehicle picking work area” where goods are collected for each sorting destination by storing them in the collecting containers. In addition, a `` digital picking work area '' that collects articles by taking out and storing articles from the compartment storage space of the picking shelf from each compartment storage space of the picking shelf according to a picking indicator provided in this space; The collection containers are transported from these mobile vehicle picking work areas to the digital picking work area, and the collection containers are further shipped or sorted. And a "conveyor system" for transporting to.
[Moving vehicle picking work area]
First, the mobile vehicle picking work area will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a moving vehicle picking work area of a picking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017]
In the moving vehicle picking work area A, a plurality of work zones 4 composed of a plurality of picking shelves 3 facing each other with the travel route 2 of the mobile vehicle 1 in between are arranged in parallel. The travel route 2 is set so that the direction X of moving the moving vehicle 1 in the adjacent work zone 4 is reversed, and the moving vehicle 1 can move continuously in each work zone 4 in the shortest time. . Further, a unique path number M (1, 2, 3,...) Is assigned to the traveling route 2 in order from the picking start position Y to the picking end position Z for each of the three picking shelves in the work zone 4. The work zone 4 is also assigned zone numbers 1, 2,... 8 in order from the picking start position Y.
[0018]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the picking shelf 3 is composed of a fluidized shelf inclined toward the traveling route 2, and each picking shelf 3 is provided with a plurality of compartment storage spaces 5 in which articles are stored. In the compartment storage space 5, a label 6 on which a unique shelf number N and a barcode representing the data (product name, type, etc.) of the stored article are printed is attached.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of wireless communication devices (an example of information transmission means) 7 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the mobile vehicle 1 are installed on the ceiling of the mobile vehicle picking work area A. Yes.
[0020]
Further, the conveyor device C is disposed on one side of the work zone 4, and stations 8 of the plurality of moving vehicles 1 are provided along the conveyor device C on the work zone side. Each station 8 is provided with a terminal device 9 and a label printer (an example of printing means and second printing means) 10 connected to the terminal device 9. The label printer 10 issues a shipping label, which will be described later, and a detailed label of the collected goods.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile vehicle 1 is composed of a carriage 12 supported by a plurality of wheels 11. Two collection containers 14 are placed on the carriage 12 in the vertical direction. A loading unit 15 is provided, and a loading number indicator 16 for displaying the number of articles loaded in the collecting container 14 is provided at four locations on both sides corresponding to the loading positions of the collecting containers 14. Is provided. Further, the carriage 12 is provided with a handle 17 that is gripped when an operator pushes the moving vehicle 1, and a panel 18 is provided on the upper surface of the handle 17, and a picking terminal (an example of an instruction means) is provided on the panel 18. 19 and a fixed bar code reader 20 connected to the picking terminal 19, and a handy bar code coder 21 connected to the picking terminal 19 are provided. Each loading number indicator 16 is assigned a barcode corresponding to the address number (1), (2), (3) and (4) of the mounting position. The numbers {circle around (1)} {2} {3} {4} shown in FIG. 3 indicate address numbers. Note that the mobile vehicle 1 that collects only one sorting destination (for example, a store) is a single-order type mobile vehicle (first moving vehicle), and the mobile vehicle 1 that collects a plurality of sorting destinations is a multi-order type. It is classified as a moving vehicle (second moving vehicle).
[0022]
The picking terminal 19 includes a liquid crystal display 22 (FIG. 4), a touch panel 23 (FIG. 4) disposed on the liquid crystal display 22, and a wireless communication device (an example of information transmission means) 24 (FIG. 13). And a controller 25 (FIG. 13) to which the liquid crystal display 22, the touch panel 23, the wireless communication device 24, the fixed bar code reader 20, the handy bar code coder 21, and the input number display 16 are connected. Has been. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 26 denotes an antenna of the wireless communication device 24.
[0023]
FIG. 4 shows a picking work screen displayed on the picking terminal 16. The number of the work zone 4 to be picked, the passage number M, and the shelf number N are displayed, the address of the collection container 14 into which the picked article is put is displayed, the name of the picked article (product name), the product code, and the number of picking (The number of instructions), the number of articles put into the collection container 14 (the number of shipments) is displayed, and the barcode of the label 6 in the compartment storage space 5 is read by the barcode 21 as the switch position (display) of the touch panel 23. "Inspection" switch for displaying picking start by operation or touch (touch), "All completed" switch for unconditionally completing screen picking work, and lack of articles in the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 , The “out of stock” switch to be operated when the number of articles indicated in the indicated number could not be picked, and the collection container 14 being picked is full A “full” switch (an example of a full transmission means) that is operated when the next article cannot be put in due to the cup (the capacity of the article is a predetermined capacity or more or the weight of the article is a certain weight or more) is displayed.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 5, the collection container 14 is composed of a box 30 with a lid 14A made of a foldable container. The collection container 14 is disposed at a side position of the box 30 that is shielded when the lid 14A is opened. A branch non-permitted label 31 (an example of an identification code) printed with a bar code for preventing the product container 14 from being branched by a branching device described later is attached. As described above, the collection container 14 is configured to be switched between appearance and shielding of the branch non-permitted label 31 by opening and closing the lid 14A.
[0025]
A shipping label (an example of a sorting destination display means) 32 is attached to the side surface position of the box 30 that is not shielded by the lid 14A when the picking operation is started. As shown in FIG. 6, the shipping label 32 has a name and code of a sorting destination (customer such as a store), a package number (order number; a number unique to the collection container attached in order from 1, and the same in the facility. The collection container 14 for the shipment number is not present), and a bar code representing this information is printed.
[0026]
A conveyor device (an example of a conveying means for forming a line) C conveys a collection container 14 put in from a moving vehicle picking work area A. As shown in FIGS. Conveyor 41, branch conveyor 43 for conveying collection containers 14 branched from main conveyor 41 by branching device (an example of branching means) 42 to each picking shelf group 51 in digital picking work area B, and picking shelf group 51 Further, it is composed of a confluence conveyor 44 that conveys the collection container 14 and joins it to the main conveyor 41. Further, a barcode reader 45 that reads the barcode of the branch non-permitted label 31 affixed to the collection container 14 is provided upstream of each branching device 42. The branching device 42 is provided by the barcode reader 45. Whether or not the collection container 14 is to be branched is determined based on whether or not the barcode of the branch non-permitted label 31 has been read. If the barcode is read, the collection container 14 is passed through without being branched. Therefore, if the non-permitted label 31 is shielded by the lid 14A of the collection container 14, the barcode is not read, so the branching device 42 branches the collection container 14 to the branch conveyor 43. In addition, when the branch non-permitted label 31 cannot be read due to a failure of the barcode reader 45 (when it is no lead), the branching device 42 branches the collection container 14 to the branch conveyor 43, so that the picking shelf where the worker is present It is separated to the group 51 side, so that it is possible to avoid being transported to the shipping or sorting area without performing the necessary picking work.
[Digital picking work area]
As shown in FIG. 7, the digital picking work area B is composed of a plurality of picking shelf groups 51, and the picking shelf groups 51 are connected to each other by the main conveyor 41 as described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the main conveyor 41 has a function of delivering a collection container 14 between each picking shelf group 51 in the digital picking work area B.
[0027]
Each picking shelf group 51 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, each picking shelf group 51 has a merging conveyor on both sides of the merging conveyor (an example of a conveying means for conveying a collection container along a line along the picking ledge) 44. Free roller conveyors (an example of a free conveying means; a conveying means that forms a line along a picking shelf and does not have a driving means that automatically conveys articles) are disposed along 44. One of the free roller conveyors 52 is carried into the collection container 14 from the branch conveyor 43 to the upstream end of the one free roller conveyor 52, and the collection container 14 is moved on the free roller conveyor 52 by an operator, and the other free roller conveyor 53 from the downstream end thereof. (Upstream end) and then moved to the downstream end (conveyor C side) by the worker. In addition, the collection container 14 that has finished collection is put into the merge conveyor 44 and merged into the main conveyor 41.
[0028]
Further, a picking shelf 55 is disposed on the side of each of the free roller conveyors 52 and 53 with a work passage 54 (FIG. 9) for the worker H interposed therebetween. The empty collection containers 14 are stored in a folded state in the gaps under the free roller conveyors 52 and 53.
[0029]
In the picking shelf 55, a sorting area (block) S composed of a plurality of sections processed by one or two workers H (FIG. 9) who perform the picking work is set. This sorting area S is set in the same range with the merging conveyor 44 in between, and a station 57 is arranged in the center of each facing sorting area S. "Picking shelf 55"
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the picking shelf 55 includes a plurality of (three in the figure) racks 61 that are formed from a fluidized shelf and are inclined toward the work passage 54. Each of the compartment storage spaces 64 is formed with a plurality of compartment storage spaces 64 for storing the containers 63 containing the articles 62, and a roller conveyor 65 is provided for each compartment storage space 64, and the containers 63 are inclined at the front end of the lowermost roller conveyor 65. A support 66 is provided to support in a forward position, and a stopper 67 is provided at the front end of the other roller conveyor 65. With this configuration, the necessary article 62 is taken out from the container 63 locked by the support 66 or the stopper 67, and when the container 63 becomes empty, the container 63 is removed, so that the next container 63 comes to the front. come. The roller conveyor 65 changes the roller pitch for each rack 61 as shown in FIG.
[0030]
In the lower compartment storage space 64, the opening of the container 63 is raised and the long side of the container 63 is arranged as the front surface. In the middle compartment storage space 64, the opening of the container 63 is turned sideways and the long side of the container 63 is placed downward. In the upper compartment storage space 64, the opening of the container 63 is placed sideways, and the short side of the container 63 is placed downward. One container in the lower stage, one container in the middle stage, and two containers in the upper stage are arranged. The bay V is formed so as to be aligned vertically.
[0031]
Each compartment storage space 64 is provided with a picking indicator 68 as picking display means, and each bay V is provided with a bay indicator lamp (lamp) 69.
As shown in FIG. 11 (d), the picking display 68 is a three-digit digital display 70 that indicates the quantity of articles 63 to be picked, and a display / completion that indicates that there is a picking operation that also functions as a display lamp and a button switch The button 71 is formed.
"Sorting area S"
At the upstream position of each sorting area S, as shown in FIG. 10, a work instruction indicator 72 composed of a five-digit digital display, which is a display means for displaying a worker's work instructions on a picking shelf 55, and a work An indicator lamp 73 is provided, and a handy bar code coder 74 (FIG. 9) for reading the bar code of the shipping label 32 attached to the collection container 14 is provided on the free roller conveyors 52 and 53. As shown in FIG. 11 (e), the work indicator lamp 73 is composed of signal indicator lamps composed of three color lamps arranged at the top and bottom, and is sorted according to the color of each lamp and the characters described on each lamp. The work instruction for area S is displayed.
[0032]
Further, at the downstream position of each sorting area S, as shown in FIG. 10, a block completion button 76 serving as a display lamp and a button switch for displaying the completion of the picking work in the sorting area S is provided on the picking shelf 55. .
"Station 57"
As shown in FIG. 9, the station 57 is provided with a station display 78 and a label printer (an example of a printing unit) 79 for each sorting area S.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 11B, the station display 78 is full of a 5-digit digital display 80 and the collection container 14 being picked (the capacity of the article is greater than a predetermined capacity or the weight of the article is greater than a certain weight). ), A station switch (full operation means) 81 that is operated when the next article cannot be put in.
[0034]
The label printer 79 issues a shipping label 52 and a detailed label of the collected goods.
"Presence / absence of picking data and work instructions"
The presence / absence of picking data and work instructions displayed on the work instruction display 71 and the digital display 80 of the station display 78 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0035]
1. Presence / absence of picking data Presence / absence of picking data depends on whether or not the last three digits of the shipping number data of the shipping label 32 (collection container 14) read by the handy barcode coder 73 is displayed on the digital display 80. Instructed.
[0036]
The last three digits of the shipment number are displayed ... Picking data is present. The last three digits of the shipment number are not displayed ... No picking data. The work instruction is indicated by displaying a code in the last digit of the digital display 80.
[0037]
a. Code “n”... Next (NEXT) Next work After the picking work in the sorting area S or when there is no picking work, the collection container 14 is sent to the next sorting area S.
[0038]
b. Code “P”... PASS (pass) in-line work end This indicates that the work in the picking shelf group 51 has been completed, and after the picking work, the collection container 14 is put into the merging conveyor 44.
[0039]
c. Code “E”: indicates that there is no picking data after the end of the END operation, and after the picking operation, the worker displays the detailed label issued from the label printer 79 of the station 57 in the collection container 14 The lid 14A is closed and the converging conveyor 44 is charged.
[0040]
At the same time when the work instruction is displayed on the work instruction display 71 and the digital display 80 of the station display 78, the lamp corresponding to the same “next”, “pass”, and “end” is turned on. .
[0041]
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show control block diagrams of the above configuration.
[Control block]
91 is a collection request for goods of a sorting destination (for example, a store) from a host computer (not shown), “store data + a plurality of“ item data to be picked (information such as product name) ”and picking for each store. It is a control computer to which work data consisting of “the number of articles (hereinafter abbreviated as the number of picks)” is input. The work data is formed by an order from a store, a shipping forecast, or a combination thereof.
[0042]
The control computer 91 stores in advance data on articles stored in the moving vehicle picking work area A and data on articles stored in the digital picking work area B, and the work data is input. For each store, this work data is divided into "area A data" consisting of articles picked in the mobile vehicle picking work area A and the number of picks thereof, and "areas" consisting of articles picked in the digital picking work area B and the number of picks thereof. “Store data + area A data” for each store is formed and output to the mobile vehicle picking controller 93, which will be described later, and “store data + area B data” is formed for each store. Output to the picking controller 94.
[0043]
A bus 92 is connected to the control computer 91, and to this bus 92, a mobile vehicle picking controller (an example of management means) 93 that controls the picking work in the mobile vehicle picking work area A, and a digital picking work area B Digital picking controller 94 for controlling picking work, terminal devices 9 and three wireless communication devices 7 at three stations 8 in mobile vehicle picking work area A, main conveyor 41 of conveyor device C, and each picking shelf group A branch conveyor 43 and a merging conveyor 44 provided for each 51 are connected.
[0044]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the digital picking controller 94 is provided with a picking display 68 for each partition storage space 64 provided in each sorting area S via a high-speed interface 95 and a signal line 96, and for each bay V. A bay indicator light 69, a work instruction indicator 71, a work indicator light 72, a barcode reader 73, a station indicator 78, a label printer 79, and a block completion button 76 are connected. In addition, power is supplied from the high-speed interface 95 to the indicators and the like via a signal line 96.
[Mobile car picking controller 93]
In the mobile vehicle picking controller 93, the arrangement data of the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 in the mobile vehicle picking work area A, the data of articles stored in each compartment storage space 5 (including the type of the article), and the store Data for selecting whether to use a first mobile vehicle of a single order type or a second mobile vehicle of a multi-order type, a first mobile vehicle or a second mobile vehicle depending on a unique number assigned to the mobile vehicle 1 The data for identifying is stored.
[0045]
The operation of the moving vehicle picking controller 93 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, when work data consisting of “store data + area A data” is input from the control computer 91 for each store (step −1), the work data is used as the single order type work for the first mobile vehicle based on the store data. The data is divided into multi-order type work data for the second mobile vehicle (step-2).
[0046]
Next, for each store, the number of collection containers 14 required for collection is determined by a combination of area A data of work data, that is, article data (including article types) and the number of picks (quantity of articles) (step) -3). It should be noted that the number of collection containers 14 required for collection can be obtained only from the data (type) of the article or only from the number of picks (quantity of the article).
[0047]
Next, a shipment number (single order types 1, 2, 3,...; Multi-order types 101, 102, 103...; See FIG. 16) is assigned to the work data for each box of the collection container 14 (step-4). Note that the load number for the first mobile vehicle of the single order type is 1 to 100, and the load number for the first mobile vehicle of the multi-order type is 101 to 200.
[0048]
Next, work data is assigned to each mobile vehicle 1 in accordance with the number of collection containers 14 (step-5). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the work data of the store X picked by the first mobile vehicle of the single order type is 6 boxes in the collection container 14, 4 boxes are allocated to the mobile vehicle I, and the remaining 2 A box portion is assigned to the mobile vehicle II, and when there are three boxes of work data for the store Y, these three boxes are assigned to the mobile vehicle III. In addition, the work data (work data for one box) of the stores A, B, C, D, E, F... Picked by the second mobile vehicle of the multi-order type goes to the moving cars A, B, C. assign.
[0049]
Next, the work data of each cargo number assigned to each mobile vehicle 1 (each collection container 14) is converted into picking data along the travel route 2 (step -6). In other words, the data are rearranged in order from the smallest passage number M, that is, from the side closer to the picking start position Y, according to the data (product name) of the article to be picked and the arrangement of the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 in which the article is stored. The picking data of each article is store code-zone number-passage number M-shelf number N (number of the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3) -product name-product code-number of instructions (number of picks).
[0050]
Then, when the picking data request including the unique number of the moving vehicle assigned to the moving vehicle 1 is input from the terminal device 9 of the station 8 at the start of picking by the moving vehicle 1 executing the picking (step -7). Then, it is determined whether the moving vehicle 1 is the first moving vehicle type or the second moving vehicle type based on the unique number of the moving vehicle 1. If the moving vehicle 1 is the first moving vehicle type, the moving vehicle I (data) is obtained from the single order type work data. In the case of the second moving vehicle type, the moving vehicle A (data) is allocated from the multi-order type work data (step -8).
[0051]
Next, the shipping label data consisting of “store + shipping number” of the collection container 14 minutes allocated to the moving vehicle I or the moving vehicle A is output to the terminal device 9 of the input station 8 and connected to the terminal device 9. The shipped label printer 10 is made to issue a shipping label 32 consisting of the shipping label data for 14 minutes (step-9), and then the picking data assigned to the moving vehicle I or the moving vehicle A is transmitted to the wireless communication device 7. Then, the picking data request is transmitted to the mobile vehicle 1 that has input (step -10). As a result, the picking data assigned to the moving vehicle I or the moving vehicle A is transferred to the controller 25 of the picking terminal 19 of the moving vehicle 1.
[0052]
Steps -7, 8, 9, and 10 are executed each time a picking data request is input, and data assigned to the next mobile vehicle II, III, ..., or B, C, ... is output.
[0053]
When all the work data is transferred to the mobile vehicle 1 (step -11), the process ends.
In addition, the mobile vehicle 1 cannot store the goods in the scheduled collection container 14 and stores the data assigned to the store allocated to the collection container 14 and the collected articles (for uncollected articles). When full data (which will be described later in detail) is input via the wireless communication device 7 (step -12), as shown in FIG. 17, the next output of multi-order type work data is output. The picking data consisting of the data of the full data store and the uncollected goods is interrupted with a new load number at the top with priority given by shifting the load number of the car data by one (step -13). The new shipment number is a number peculiar to an interrupt, for example, a number after the 200th. As a result, picking data of a store that has not been collected is transferred to the mobile vehicle 1 that next requested the picking data. In Step-13, the new load number is put at the beginning (first) of the load number of the mobile vehicle data to be output next, but it may be the second, third or fourth. As long as it is included in the mobile vehicle data to be output.
[0054]
Next, for the collection container 14 that is full, the data of the details (store name + collected article) to be put into the collection container 14 that is full to the terminal device 9 of the station 8 arranged at the picking end position Z (Name and number of picks) are output, and the label printer 10 connected to the terminal device 9 issues a detailed label made up of the detailed data (step -14).
[Moving vehicle controller 25]
The operation of the controller 25 of the picking terminal 19 of the mobile vehicle 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0055]
When picking data (for the collection container 14) is input from the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 via the wireless communication device 7 (step-1), the picking data is stored (step-2).
[0056]
Subsequently, when the store and shipment code of the shipping label 32 of the collection container 14 read by the handy barcode reader 21 and the address number where the collection container 14 is placed are input (step-3). ), Storing the address, the store, and the cargo number as a pair, and recognizing which store and the collection container 14 of the cargo number are placed at which address (step -4).
[0057]
Hereinafter, picking data of articles close to the picking start position Y, that is, picking data having a smaller zone number, passage number, and shelf number are sequentially extracted from the picking data.
[0058]
Picking data of the first article is taken out (Step-5), and from which store code of the picking data the address of the picked article into the collection container 14 is confirmed (Step-6), and this address is included. The picking data screen (FIG. 4) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 (step -7).
[0059]
Subsequently, when the label 6 in the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 is read by the handy barcode reader 21 and the data and shelf number of the article for which the picking operation has been performed are input (step -8), the picked article The shelf number is confirmed as being displayed on the screen and stored as collected article data, the “inspection” switch is displayed (step -9), and the number of shipments each time information on this article is input. To increase the number of articles to be displayed on the input number display 16 at the address where the articles are input, and display it on the input number display 16 (step--). 11).
[0060]
When the number of shipments and the number of instructions match, that is, when the work of the first picking data is finished (Step-12), the presence / absence of the next picking data is confirmed (Step-13). indicate. This is performed until all picking data is completed.
[0061]
When the operation signal of the “out of stock” switch is confirmed during the picking operation (step -14), the number of picks is obtained by subtracting the current number of picks from the number of shipments. The missing item data consisting of the store and the cargo number obtained from the picking data is formed (step -15), and is output to the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 via the wireless communication device 7 (step -16), and step -13 is executed. To do.
[0062]
When the operation signal of the “full” switch is confirmed during the picking operation (step -17), the picking data being executed (the picking data of the collecting container 14 at the position corresponding to the address) is assigned to the collecting container 14. Full data including collected store and package number and collected article data (or uncollected article data) before operating the “full” switch (step -18); It outputs to the moving vehicle picking controller 93 via the wireless communication device 7 (step-19), and executes step-13.
[0063]
If the operation signal of the “all completed” switch is confirmed during the picking operation (step−20), step−13 is executed.
The operation of the worker in the mobile vehicle picking work area A having the above configuration will be described. 1. Moving to the nearest station 8, the unique number assigned to the moving vehicle 1 and the picking data request are input to the terminal device 9. As a result, the shipping label 32 corresponding to the collection container 14 is issued from the label printer 10 of the station 8, and picking data is transferred to the picking terminal 19 of the mobile vehicle 1.
2. A shipping label 32 is affixed to each empty collection container 14 and placed on the moving vehicle 1 (set).
3. Next, the barcode (store and package number) of the shipping label 32 of the collection container 14 set in the mobile vehicle 1 and the barcode (address) of the input number display 16 on which the collection container 14 is placed are paired. Then, it is read by a handy bar code reader 21. Accordingly, the picking terminal 19 recognizes the store of the collection container 14, the cargo number, and the address of the mobile vehicle 1.
4). Subsequently, according to the picking work data displayed on the display 22 of the picking terminal 16 as shown in FIG. 4, the number of instructions (from the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 of the designated work zone-passage-shelf number ( The number of picks) is taken out, the bar code attached to the label 6 of the taken out compartment storage space 5 is read by the handy bar code reader 21 and put into the collection container 14 at the designated address. Each time the barcode is read, the number of shipments increases and the number of picks can be confirmed. The picking operation is continued while moving along the travel route 2.
[0064]
In addition, the total number of articles put on each loading number display 16 is displayed.
5. When the collection container 14 is full during picking (the capacity of the article is more than a predetermined capacity or the weight of the article is more than a constant weight) and the next article cannot be put in, the “full” switch on the screen is operated.
[0065]
As a result, from the picking data being executed, the store and package number assigned to the collection container 14 and the collected article data before operating the “full” switch (the data of the uncollected article) Data may be output to the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 via the wireless communication device 7, and the mobile vehicle 1 that requested the picking data next by the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 will receive Picking data is transferred and collected in another mobile vehicle 1.
6). During picking, when the number of articles (the number of picks) in the compartment storage space 5 of the picking shelf 3 is no longer in stock (when there is a shortage), the “out of stock” switch on the screen is operated. Then, the number of missing items is obtained by subtracting the current number of picks from the number of shipments, the missing item data consisting of the number of missing items and the number of missing items and the picking data being executed is formed, This is output to the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 via the wireless communication device 7. The next picking data is displayed on the screen.
7). When the “all completed” switch on the screen is operated during picking, the next picking data is displayed on the screen.
8). When there is a full collection container 14, the worker puts the detailed label issued by the label printer 10 in the station 8 into the collection container 14, closes the lid 14 </ b> A, and puts it into the main conveyor 41. To do. As a result, the branch non-permitted label 31 appears and is conveyed to the shipping or sorting area without branching thereafter. Further, the collection container 14 which is not full is put into the main conveyor 41 with the lid 14A opened, and the picking operation is completed.
[0066]
In this way, when the picking operation is performed using the mobile vehicle 1, even if the collection container 14 is full, it is not necessary to go to the main conveyor 41 for wholesale, and an additional (empty) collection container. Since there is no need to go to 14, it is possible to greatly improve the work efficiency of workers. In addition, the walking distances of the workers during the picking work are almost equal, and it is possible to prevent the worker's burden from varying.
[Digital picking controller 94]
A control block of the digital picking controller 94 is shown in FIG.
[0067]
The digital picking controller 94 includes arrangement data of the compartment storage spaces 64 of the picking shelves 55 in the digital picking area B, data of the articles 62 stored in each compartment storage space 64, and picking shelves of the picking shelves 55 by the compartment storage spaces 64. The group 51, sorting area S and bay V setting data are stored in advance, and the controller 94 includes a general control unit 101, a picking data storage unit 102 for storing a picking data list to be described later, and a sorting area S. Sorting area control unit 103 provided, connected to sorting area control unit 103, bay control unit 104 provided for each bay of sorting area S, connected to bay control unit 104, and picking each compartment storage space 64 A pickup control unit 105 is provided for each display 68.
[0068]
The function of the overall control unit 101 will be described.
1. When the control computer 91 inputs “store data + area B data” in the digital picking work area B, that is, “store data + multiple (data of picked goods and the number of picks thereof)” for each shop, For each data, the compartment storage space 64 storing this article is searched, and the picking shelf group 51 and the sorting area S in which the compartment storage space 64 is arranged are searched. As shown in FIG. That is, a picking data list including store data-picking shelf group 51-sorting area S-partition storage space 64-article data (product name) -number of picks is formed.
[0069]
2. For each picking shelf group 51 based on the picking list, it is confirmed whether there is picking data in the next picking shelf group 51, and the most downstream picking shelf group 51 with data is obtained. A downstream sorting area S is obtained, and a code “E” is attached to the sorting area S. Next, in each of the picking shelf groups upstream from the most downstream picking shelf group, the most downstream sorting area S having picking data is obtained, and a code “P” is attached to the sorting area S. Further, a code “n” is assigned to each sorting area S except for the most downstream sorting area S in each upstream picking shelf group.
[0070]
The picking data list to which this code is attached is stored in the picking data storage unit 102.
3. After the picking data list is stored in the picking data storage unit 102, an execution command is output to each sorting area control unit 103.
[0071]
4). When the store and package number data (including the picking shelf group 51 and the sorting area S in charge of the sorting control unit 103) of the collection container 14 that performs the picking operation are input from the sorting control unit 103 to be described later, The cargo number data is registered in the corresponding sorting area S of the picking data list.
[0072]
5. Full data that informs that the collection container 14 being picked is full from the sorting control unit 103 to be described later (part number storage data of the collection container 14 and the compartment storage space in which the picking work is finished in the sorting area S) (Including 64 data), the picking data list is searched by the data of the cargo number, and the article data (product name) and pick stored in the upstream sorting area S in the collection container 14 of the same cargo number Further, the work data stored in the moving vehicle picking controller 93 is searched from the load number data, and the data (product name) stored in the collection container 14 of the same load number in the moving vehicle picking work area A is obtained. ) And the number of picks, add the data of the obtained article (product name) and the number of picks to the data of the cargo number, and output the full data to the sorting control unit 103 That.
[0073]
6). In response to the full data, the loading number data of a new empty collection container 14 for starting the picking operation is set and output to the sorting control unit 103 that has output the full data. Note that the cargo number is a number unique to the entire facility and assigned to the digital picking work area B, for example, a number after 300. Next, as shown in FIG. 20, in the picking data list, the cargo number data of the new collection container 14 from the next compartment storage space 64 from the compartment storage space 64 where the picking operation has been completed in the full data sorting area S is added. sign up.
[0074]
When the picking data in the bay V is input from the sorting area control unit 103 described later, the bay control unit 104 checks the presence or absence of the number of picks, and turns on the bay display lamp 69 when there is a number of picks. Next, when picking data is output to the pickup control unit 105 and a picking completion signal is input from all the pickup control units 105 in the bay V, the bay indicator light 69 is turned off and the picking completion signal in the bay is sent to the sorting area control unit. Output to 103. When the picking end search data in the bay V is input from the sorting area control unit 103 described later, the data of the pickup control unit 105 that has input the picking completion signal up to this point is output to the sorting area control unit 103.
[0075]
When the picking data is input from the bay control unit 104, the pick-up control unit 105 checks whether there is a pick number, lights up the display lamp 71 when there is a pick number, and displays the pick number of picking data on the digital display 70. When the operation signal of the completion button 71 operated upon completion of the picking operation is input, the display lamp 71 and the digital display 70 are turned off and a picking completion signal is output to the bay control unit 104.
[0076]
The operation of the sorting area control unit 103 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that execution has started in response to an execution command from the overall control unit 101. It is assumed that the picking shelf group number and the sorting area number are set in advance.
[0077]
First, when the data of the shipping label 32 of the collection container 14 read by the bar code reader 74, that is, the data of the store of the sorting destination and the data of the shipment number are input (step -1), the overall control unit 101 is input. Store the data of the collection container 14 for executing the sorting and the data of the cargo number (step-2), and then picking data storage unit based on the store data, the number of the picking shelf group set in advance and the number of the sorting area The picking data list of 102 is searched to obtain and store the work instruction code and picking data of the sorting area S (step-3).
[0078]
Next, the work indicator lamp 73 is selected and displayed by the obtained code (step-4), and it is confirmed whether there is at least one pick number in all picking data (step-5).
[0079]
When there is no number of picks, that is, when there is no picking work data in the sorting area S, as shown in FIG. 12, display data consisting of “---- {code}” is formed and the work instruction indicator 72 and The signal is output to the digital display 80 of the station display 78 and displayed (step-6), and a picking completion signal including the obtained store and cargo number is output to the overall control block 101 (step-7), and the process ends.
[0080]
When there is the number of picks, that is, when there is picking work data in the sorting area S, as shown in FIG. 12, it consists of “{the last three digits of the load number input from the barcode reader 74} − {code}”. Display data is formed and output to the work instruction display 72 and the digital display 80 of the station display 78 for display (step -8).
[0081]
Next, the stored picking data is output to the bay control unit 104 (step-9). A picking operation is executed based on the picking data.
Next, the completion signal of each bay control unit 104 is searched to confirm whether or not the picking operation has been completed in all the bays V (step -10). When confirmed, the display lamp of the block completion button 76 is turned on ( Step-11) When the operation signal of the completion switch of the block completion button 76 is confirmed (Step-12), the display of the work indicator 73, the work instruction indicator 72 and the digital indicator 80 of the station indicator 78 is turned off. (Step -13), Step -7 is executed (a picking completion signal including a store and a cargo number is output to the overall control block 101), and the process ends.
[0082]
When it is confirmed in step -10 that the picking operation has not been completed in all bays V, it is next confirmed whether or not an operation signal for the station switch 81 of the station display 78 is input (step -14). ).
[0083]
When it is confirmed by the operation signal of the station switch 81 that the collection container 14 is full, a picking end search command in the bay is output to each bay control unit 104, and each bay control unit 104 outputs The pickup control unit 105 that has input the picking completion signal until that time, that is, the data of the compartment storage space 63 is obtained, and the data of the articles for which picking has been completed in the sorting area S based on the data of the compartment storage space 63 for which the picking operation has been completed ( A list consisting of the product name) and the number of picks is formed (step -15), and then the full data including the package number data of the collection container 14 and the data of the compartment storage space 64 in the sorting area S where the picking operation has been completed. Is output to the overall control unit 101 (step -16).
[0084]
In response to this full data, the overall control unit 101 outputs the data (product name) and the number of picks of articles stored in the upstream sorting area S and the moving vehicle picking work area A to the collection container 14 of the load number. Then, the cargo number data of a new empty collection container 14 to start the picking operation next is output.
[0085]
When the data (product name) and the number of picks of articles stored in the upstream sorting area S and moving vehicle picking work area A are input to the collection container 14 of the load number from the overall control unit 101 (step -17) Then, these data are added to the list, and further, detailed data obtained by adding store and cargo number data to this list is formed and output to the label printer 79 to issue a detailed label (step -18).
[0086]
Subsequently, shipping data composed of the cargo number data of the new empty collection container 14 and the store data input from the overall control unit 101 is formed and output to the label printer 79 to issue the shipping label 32 (step -20). ).
[0087]
The operation of the worker H in the digital picking work area B configured as described above will be described.
1. When the collection container 14 is moved from the branch conveyor 43 or the upstream sorting area S into the assigned sorting area S by the free roller conveyor 52 or 53, the worker H takes the shipping label 32 of the collecting container 14 to the handy It is read by a bar code reader 74 of the type.
2. Then, the work picking code “n”, “P”, “E” is displayed on the work indicator lamp 73, work instruction indicator 72 and digital indicator 80 of the station indicator 78 by the digital picking controller 94. When there is a picking operation in the sorting area S on the digital display 80 of 72 and the station display 78, the last three digits of the load number written on the shipping label 32 of the collection container 14 are displayed (see FIG. 12). . The worker H confirms that the display of the lower three digits matches the lower three digits of the load number written on the shipping label 32.
[0088]
Further, when there is no picking work and the code is “n”, the worker H moves the collection container 14 to the downstream sorting area S, and when the code is “P”, the worker H moves the collection container 14 to the central junction conveyor. Input to 44.
3. When picking work is performed, the bay indicator light 69 of the bay V where picking work is performed is lit, the display lamp 71 of the picking display 68 is lit, and the number of picks is displayed on the digital display 70.
4). According to the display on the picking indicator 68, the worker H picks the picked article 62 from the compartment storage space 64 and presses the display / completion button 71 to store the picked article 62 in the collection container 14. . Then, the display lamp 71 and the digital display 70 of the picking display 68 are turned off, and when the picking operation in the bay V is completed, the bay display light 69 is turned off.
5. When the picking operation in the sorting area S is completed, the display lamp of the block completion button 76 is turned on, and when the code is “E”, a detailed label is issued by the label printer 79.
[0089]
When the worker H confirms that the display lamp of the block completion button 76 is turned on, the worker H confirms the code. When the code is “n”, the worker H moves the collection container 14 to the downstream sorting area S, and the code is “ When "P", the collection container 14 is put into the central merging conveyor 44. When the code is "E", the detailed label issued by the label printer 79 is put into the collection container 14 and the lid 14A is put on. It is fed into the central confluence conveyor 44. Then, the completion switch of the block completion button 76 is operated.
[0090]
Thereby, the collection to the collection container 14 in this sorting area S is completed.
6). When the collection container 14 becomes full during the picking operation, the worker H presses the station switch 81 of the station display 78. Then, the detail label and the shipping label 32 are issued by the label printer 79. The worker H puts the detailed label issued by the label printer 79 into the full collection container 14, puts the lid 14 </ b> A into the central junction conveyor 44, and then inserts the empty collection container 14. Remove from under free roller conveyor 52 or 53, attach shipping label 32 and continue picking. The collection container 14 with the lid 14A closed is transported to the shipping or sorting area without being branched by the branching device 42 thereafter.
[0091]
In this way, the code “P” or “E” is displayed on the work indicator lamp 73, the work instruction indicator 72, and the digital indicator 80 of the station indicator 78, so that there is no picking work in the downstream sorting area S. It is possible to prevent the collection container 14 from circulating and lowering the work efficiency.
[0092]
After the collection container 14 that has finished collection or the lid 14A of the collection container 14 that has become full is closed and the branch non-permitted label 31 appears, the merge conveyor 44 joins the main conveyor 41 and then the downstream By preventing branching to the picking shelf group 51, it is possible to prevent the work efficiency from being reduced by circulating through the other picking shelf group 51.
[0093]
In the present embodiment, the branch non-permitted label 31 is attached to a position shielded by the lid 14A opened on the side surface of the collection container 14, and the label 31 is not branched when read. At the back of the lid 14A, a branch “permit” label is attached to the position that appears when the lid 14A is opened, and when the label is read (when the lid 14A is open; the collection is not completed) The container 14 may be branched. Further, a branch “permission” label may be attached to the surface of the lid 14A so that the branch “permission” label is shielded by the lid 14A when the lid 14A is opened. The label is read from the upper surface of the collection container 14).
[0094]
In the present embodiment, in the moving vehicle picking work area A, a single-order type first moving vehicle and a multi-order type second moving vehicle are used separately, but only the first moving vehicle or only the second moving vehicle. You may make it perform picking work.
[0095]
Further, in this embodiment, when each collection container 14 is full in the mobile vehicle picking work area A, full data is transmitted from the mobile vehicle 1 to the mobile vehicle picking controller 93 each time. The data may be stored in the controller 25 of the mobile vehicle 1 and transmitted collectively when the picking end position Z is reached.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the sorting destination display means (shipping label 32) is formed by a label, but may be formed by a plate or a tag.
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a label printer 10 which is an example of a printing unit and a second printing unit is provided at the station 9 in the moving vehicle picking work area A. The label printer 10 may be provided. The label printer 10 issues a shipping label and a detailed label of the collected goods.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the label printer 79 is arranged at the center of the sorting area S. However, the label printer 79 may be provided at the downstream end of the sorting area S. Although the printer 79 is arranged, one label printer 79 can be shared by the two sorting areas S facing each other.
[0098]
Further, in the present embodiment, the label printers 10 and 79 are fixed, but may be a handy type. The label printers 10 and 79 issue detailed labels, but it is also possible to issue price tags printed with the amount of goods according to the order of the sorting destination at the same time. Further, the label printers 10 and 79 can be of an automatic pasting type in which labels are automatically and directly attached to the collection container 14.
[0099]
In the present embodiment, articles are collected in the collection container 14 for each store, but may be collected by direction, item, conveyance truck, or the like.
In this embodiment, the free roller conveyors 52 and 53 are used as free transport means for circulating the collection container 14 in the picking shelf group 51. However, the free roller conveyors 52 and 53 are used. Also good.
[0100]
In this embodiment, the empty collection container 14 is stored under the free roller conveyors 52 and 53. However, a drive conveyor device is disposed under the free roller conveyors 52 and 53 to provide an empty collection container. 14 may be supplied.
[0101]
In the present embodiment, a fluid shelf is used as the picking shelves 3 and 55. However, it is also possible to use a general shelf on which an article or a container storing the article does not move.
[0102]
In the present embodiment, a container is used as the collection container 14, but a cardboard, bucket, case, tray or the like with a lid (that can be sealed) may be used. Good. The lid 14A may be detachable.
[0103]
In this embodiment, push button switches are used for the picking display 68, the station display 78, and the block completion button 76. However, these switch functions are replaced with a switch or a foot switch that is turned on by pulling a string. You can also In addition, replenishment notification (input) means for notifying (inputting) that there are no articles or containers to be picked can be provided in the compartment storage spaces 5 and 64 of the picking shelves 3 and 55. Further, the picking indicator 68 may be provided with the function of the supplemental notification (input) means.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention , the collected container lid is closed when the collected article exceeds a certain volume or when the collected article weight exceeds a predetermined weight. Otherwise, the lid is left open, and the identification code attached to the collection container is switched between appearance and shielding by opening and closing the lid, so that the collection container is moved along the line or not moved. Therefore, there is a collection container in which the collected articles exceed a certain volume or the weight of the collected articles exceeds a predetermined weight, that is, a collection container that does not perform the picking operation. Moving along the line can be prevented and picking work efficiency can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a moving vehicle picking work area of a picking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of a moving vehicle picking work area of the picking equipment.
FIG. 3 is a front view and a side view of a mobile vehicle of the picking equipment.
FIG. 4 is a screen view of a picking terminal of a moving vehicle of the picking equipment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collection container of the picking equipment.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a shipping label attached to a collection container of the picking facility.
FIG. 7 is a schematic layout diagram of a digital picking work area of the picking equipment.
FIG. 8 is a layout diagram of a picking shelf group in a digital picking work area of the picking equipment.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a main part of a picking shelf group in a digital picking work area of the picking equipment.
FIG. 10 is a front view of a picking shelf in a digital picking work area of the picking equipment.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a work instruction indicator, a station indicator, a block completion button, a picking indicator, and a work indicator lamp of the picking equipment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a work instruction by a work instruction display and a station display of the picking equipment.
FIG. 13 is a control configuration diagram of the picking equipment.
FIG. 14 is a control configuration diagram of the picking equipment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mobile vehicle picking controller of the picking equipment.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of work data assignment in the mobile vehicle picking controller of the picking equipment.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of work data interruption in the mobile vehicle picking controller of the picking equipment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the controller of the mobile vehicle of the picking equipment.
FIG. 19 is a control block diagram of a digital picking controller of the picking equipment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram of a picking data list in the digital picking controller of the picking equipment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sorting control unit of the digital picking controller of the picking equipment.
[Explanation of symbols]
A Mobile vehicle picking work area B Digital picking work area C Conveyor device H Worker S Sorting area 1 Mobile vehicle 2 Traveling route 3,55 Picking shelf 4 Work zone 5, 64 Compartment storage space 7 Wireless communication device 8 Station 9 Terminal device
10 Label printer
14 Collection container
14A lid
19 Picking terminal
20, 21 Bar code reader
25 Mobile car controller
31 Branch not permitted label
32 Shipping label
41 Main conveyor
42 Branching device
43 Branch conveyor
44 Conveyor
45 Bar code reader
51 picking shelves
52, 53 Free roller conveyor
57 stations
68 Picking indicator
69 Bay indicator light
72 Work instruction display
73 Work indicator
74 Bar code reader
76 Block complete button
78 Station indicator
79 Label printer
91 Control computer
93 Mobile car picking controller
94 Digital Picking Controller

Claims (5)

A collection container that collects items to be picked is attached with a code that identifies whether the collection container is moved or not moved along the line in which the picking operation is performed ,
The collection container is a lid that is closed when a collected article exceeds a certain volume or when the collected article exceeds a predetermined weight, and is otherwise open. The picking equipment is characterized in that the appearance and blocking of the code are switched by opening and closing the lid . The picking equipment according to claim 1, wherein the code is shielded by the lid when the lid is opened, and the code appears when the lid is closed . A picking shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles;
The picking equipment according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the line is formed along a picking shelf . Conveying means for conveying the collection container across a plurality of lines;
Branch means for reading the code attached to the collection container and confirming that the collection container is moved, branching the collection container to the line from the transport means
Picking installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in <br/> that was provided. The picking equipment according to claim 4 , wherein the collection container is configured such that a code attached to the collection container cannot be read by the branching means .

Images