JP3918455B2 - Sorting equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sorting facility that enables sorting of articles.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The sorting equipment includes picking equipment and assorting (classification sorting) equipment. A conventional picking facility, which is one of the sorting facilities, is a facility that sorts articles stored in a sorting shelf according to sorting destinations (stores, etc.). In a picking facility, an operator can display articles (information such as the number of goods delivered) provided for each section storage space from each section storage space of a sorting shelf that stores articles, or a terminal (terminal) ) Mobile vehicles (carts, carts, etc.) that are taken out for each sorting destination (user, store, etc.) and moved by the operator according to the display (information such as compartment storage space to be delivered or product and quantity) ), Or by putting a line along the sorting shelf into the moving container, the collection (sorting) of articles for each sorting destination is performed. In addition, a frontage having a plurality of predetermined compartment storage spaces is set in the picking shelf, and a sorting area (zone) for processing by one or two workers is set by one or a plurality of frontages. Performs the sorting operation described above.
[0003]
Moreover, the conventional assortment facility which is one of the above-described sorting facilities is a facility which sorts, for example, articles that have arrived to a sorting destination (such as a store). In an assortment facility, an operator moves containers (buckets, containers, etc.) that contain incoming goods from a mobile vehicle (carts, carts, etc.) or a line conveyor device, For each compartment storage space of the storage shelf (sorting shelf), the display of the sorting indicator provided for each compartment storage space (information such as the quantity of goods received) or the display transmitted to the terminal (terminal) The goods are collected (sorted) for each sorting destination by the operator transferring the articles according to (information such as the compartment storage space and quantity to be received). Similarly to the picking shelf, the storage shelf has a frontage with a plurality of predetermined compartment storage spaces, and a sorting area (zone) to be processed by one or two workers is set by one or more frontage. In each zone, the worker performs the sorting operation described above.
[0004]
When the worker performs the sorting operation while moving the container, the sorting is performed along the order of the passages in a certain direction.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional sorting equipment described above, the expiration date of the articles to be sorted or the articles to be put in is not managed at all, and therefore, the one with the deadline older than the last expiration date of the articles delivered to the sorting destination is delivered. There was a complaint from the beginning.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sorting facility capable of delivering an article with a new expiration date to a sorting destination and further improving the efficiency of sorting work.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that the sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles and the sorting according to the collection request of the articles of the sorting destination. The quantity of the articles taken out from each compartment storage space of the shelf or the quantity of articles put into each compartment storage space is obtained, and the article taken out from the compartment storage space and the quantity taken out of this article for each compartment storage space, or A management means for forming sorting information including articles to be thrown in and quantities of the articles to be thrown,
Based on the sorting information formed in the management means, it is a sorting facility that performs a sorting operation to take out the articles from the compartment storage space by the amount to be taken out or to put the articles to the compartment storage space by the input quantity,
When the article is received, a label provided on the box for storing the article is printed with an identification code in which the article and the expiration date of the article are integrally formed based on the identification code for identifying the article and the expiration date of the article. A label issuing device for issuing a label, a reading means for reading an identification code of a label provided on the box, and a management means for storing the latest expiration date of each article when shipped to the sorting destination last time. When the identification code of the label is read by the reading means during the sorting operation of the article, the article and the expiration date of the article are determined based on the read identification code, and the determined expiration date of the article is stored in the stored article. This is characterized in that the notification is made when the latest expiration date is not reached.
[0008]
According to the above configuration, from the label provided on the box body to contain the article is read identification code to identify the expiration date of the article with the article, the expiration date of the read identification code by the article is determined and this determination The expiration date of the stored article is notified when it is outside the latest expiration date of the stored article. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the shipment of an article outside the latest expiration date.
The identification code is formed by a code in which the article and the expiration date of the article are integrally formed. Therefore, it can be read by a single operation by the reading means, and work efficiency is improved.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the management means stores the latest expiration date of the article when each article is shipped for each sorting destination, and the reading is performed. The expiration date of the article is determined based on the identification code read by the means, and notification is made when the determined expiration date of the article is outside the latest expiration date of the stored article of the sorting destination. Is.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, the expiration date of the article is determined based on the identification code read by the reading means, and the determined expiration date of the article is the latest expiration date when the article is shipped to the stored sorting destination. It is notified when it is out of the deadline. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the shipment of articles outside the latest expiration date of the sorting destination to the sorting destination, and as a result, there is no complaint from the sorting destination and the trust can be improved.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the management means stores the expiration date of the article determined from the identification code read by the reading means. When it is newer than the latest expiration date, the new item is updated to the expiration date.
[0012]
According to the above configuration, when the expiration date of the article determined from the identification code read by the reading unit is newer than the latest expiration date of the stored article, the expiration date of the new article is updated. Therefore, the latest expiration date of the article is maintained.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management means has a clock function and is determined from the identification code read by the reading means. Notification is made when the expiration date of the article has not passed the current date.
[0014]
According to the above configuration, the date and time of the expiration date of the article determined from the identification code read by the reading unit is notified when the current date and time has not passed, and it is possible to prevent the shipment of articles outside the expiration date. The
[0017]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the expiration dates of the articles stored in the box are the same. It is.
[0018]
According to the above configuration, since the expiration date of the articles stored in the box is the same, it is only necessary to provide one identification code on the box, and the box is stored in the box by reading this code. The article and its expiration date can be determined.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the expiration date of the article is different for each article.
According to the said structure, the expiration date of goods differs for every articles | goods to sort, and a different identification code | symbol is needed for every goods.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the management means manages the expiration date in units of dates.
[0021]
According to the above configuration, the expiration date of the article is managed in units of dates, and the determination of the expiration date of the articles determined from the identification code read by the reading unit is executed in units of dates.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the expiration date of the article is the expiration date of the article or a predetermined number of days from the date of manufacture of the article. It is characterized by an added deadline.
[0023]
According to the above configuration, the expiration date of the article is the expiration date of the article, or a period obtained by adding a predetermined number of days from the date of manufacture of the article, and the definition of the expiration date varies depending on the article.
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8 described above, wherein each partition storage space is separated from the partition storage space by the sorting information formed in the management means. A terminal device for instructing an article to be taken out and a quantity to be taken out of the article or an article to be put in and an input quantity of the article is provided, and a reading unit is provided in the terminal apparatus.
[0024]
According to the above configuration, the reading device is provided in the terminal device in which the articles and quantities to be sorted are instructed, and an integrated terminal device is formed.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a delivery facility (center) provided with a picking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
The delivery facility 1 is a delivery facility that receives, sorts, and ships the articles 2 shown in FIG. 2. The delivery / inspection site 3, a picking area (picking work facility) 4 equipped with picking equipment, and inspection / A shipping place (inspection / shipping equipment) 5 is provided. (1) Arrival and acceptance area 3
The configuration of the arrival / inspection site 3 will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the arrival / inspection field 3 is provided with an arrival terminal device 7 having a keyboard 7a and a display 7b. Further, the arrival terminal device 7 includes a barcode reader. 8 and the label issuing device 9 are connected. Further, the article 2 is carried into the arrival / inspection site 3 in a state of being stored in a case (an example of a box) 10 in units of balls (packs). As shown in FIG. 2 (b), one ball is a pack of a predetermined number of articles 2, and a bar code (an example of an identification code) 11 for identifying the articles 2 is provided for each ball. It has been. Further, the same barcode 11 as that attached to the ball is provided on the outer surface of each case 10.
[0027]
The label issuing device 9 performs labeling based on the information (article information) of the barcode 11 read by the barcode reader 8 and the expiration date (an example of an expiration date) of the article 2 input from the keyboard 7a. 12 is issued. As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the label 12 includes a bar code (an example of an identification code) 13 in which a bar code 13 a that identifies the product 2 and a bar code 13 b that indicates the expiration date of the product 2 are integrated. Is printed, and the label 12 is affixed to each case 10 received. The expiry date of the article 2 is printed on an arrival slip or the case 10, and the operator inputs the expiry date of the article 2 by using the keyboard 7a.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 7, the arrival terminal device 7 is connected to a control computer 15 via a controller 14, and exchanges signals with the control computer 15. The information on the barcode 11 (article information) read by the barcode reader 8, the expiration date information of the article 2 inputted from the keyboard 7a, and the quantity information of the case 10 that has arrived are the receipt terminal device 7. To the control computer 15 via the controller 14 and stored as inventory data in the control computer 15. Further, the control computer 15 accepts whether or not the case 10 (article 2) scheduled to be received has been received in a predetermined quantity. The controller 14 and the control computer 15 form management means. (2) Picking area 4
The configuration of the picking area 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the picking area 4 is formed with a plurality of divided Za to Zj zones, and each Za to Zj zone has a pair of picking shelves (an example of an area and sorting shelf) 17a, 17b is arranged.
[Picking shelf]
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the picking shelves 17a and 17b includes a plurality of article storage units (an example of a compartment storage space) for storing articles in the frontage direction Y (width direction) and in the step direction Z (vertical direction). ) 18 is formed. These article storage portions 18 are partitioned by a plurality of partition plates 19 provided in the frontage direction Y and a plurality of shelf plates 20 provided in the step direction Z. The case 10 is stored in the article storage unit 18.
[0029]
A shelf number (shelf number) is set for each of the picking shelves 17a and 17b. The shelf numbers are assigned to the row direction X numbers X1, X2,..., The frontage direction Y numbers Y1, Y2,..., The step direction Z numbers Z1 to Z3, and the frontage direction Y for each article storage unit 18. The storage position of the article 2 (case 10) is specified by the shelf number.
[0030]
Further, a display rail 23 comprising a power line 21 and a signal line 22 shown in FIG. 6A is laid on the front surface of each shelf board 20. Picking indicators 24a and 24b for receiving power from the rail 23 and transmitting and receiving signals are provided. Each of the picking indicators 24 a and 24 b is provided corresponding to each storage position (serial numbers 1 to 3) of the case 10 stored in the article storage unit 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, there is provided a display lamp 26 that is lit so as to be switchable between green and red. One picking indicator 24a corresponds to the left picking shelf 17a in each of the Za to Zj zones, and the other picking indicator 24b corresponds to the right picking shelf 17b in each of the Za to Zj zones.
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the zone indicator lights 29a and 29b, the zone barcode 30 for specifying the zone, and the “green” color are selected at the ends of the picking shelves 17a and 17b. A green barcode 31 and a red barcode 32 for selecting a “red” color are provided. Each of the zone indicator lamps 29a and 29b is composed of a tower indicator lamp having a green indicator lamp 33 lit in green at the upper portion and a red indicator lamp 34 lit in red at the lower portion. One zone indicator lamp 29a corresponds to the left picking shelf 17a in each of the Za to Zj zones, and the other zone indicator lamp 29b corresponds to the right picking shelf 17b in each of the Za to Zj zones.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the picking indicators 24a and 24b and the zone indicator lights are supplied to the controller 14 for each Za to Zj zone via the high-speed interface 35 and the signal line 22 of the indicator rail 23 as shown in FIG. 29a and 29b are connected. Further, power is supplied from the high-speed interface 35 to the picking indicators 24a and 24b and the zone indicator lights 29a and 29b through the power line 21 of the indicator rail 23.
[Car and handy terminal]
The picking area 4 is provided with a plurality of car carts 37 capable of storing and transporting the article 2 shown in FIG. These car wheels 37 are provided with an attachment 38, and the attachment 38 is detachably provided with a handy terminal 39 (an example of a terminal device / display terminal device) used for picking work and inspection work.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the handy terminal 39 reads the wireless communication device 41, the barcode 11 of the article 2, and the barcode 13 (13a, 13b) of the label 12 affixed to the case 10. Bar code reader 42 (an example of a reading unit), a memory 43 (an example of a storage unit) that stores article information such as picking data (an example of sorting information) and inspection data, which will be described later, and an article 2 that is picked or inspected From “0 to 9” for inputting (instructing) a touch panel display 44 (an example of display means), an execution key 45, and the quantity (number of balls) of the article 2 on which the name and required quantity are displayed (instructed) No. key 46 (an example of the quantity input means) and the bar code reader 42 read the bar code 11 or the bar code 13, and so on. An alarm sound output unit 47 outputs (an example of a notification unit / output unit), the control unit and a (terminal controller) 48. As described above, the barcode reader 42 is provided on the handy terminal 39 in which the article 2 to be picked and the quantity are instructed, and an integrated terminal device is formed.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless communication device 41 is connected to the controller 14, and is connected between the picking area 4 and the picking wireless communication devices 50 and 51 arranged in the inspection / shipping place 5. "Information", "Display color information", "Picking data", etc. (details will be described later) are communicated.
[0035]
Further, the screen displayed on the display 44 includes a work selection screen shown in FIG. 9A, a zone display screen shown in FIG. 9B, a picking instruction screen shown in FIG. 9D, and a picking completion shown in FIG. It can be switched to a display screen (details will be described later).
[0036]
In addition, a buzzer is used as the notification sound output device 47, and there are four types of notifications: a beep sound of "Pico", a beep sound of "Boo-boo", an alarm sound of "P-Peep", and an alarm sound of "Boo-boo-boo". It is configured to output sound.
[Control computer]
The function of the control computer 15 will be described.
1. When the control computer 15 inputs an order (order; an example of a collection request for the goods at the sorting destination) from each sorting destination store α, β, γ..., As shown in FIG. Forming shipment data composed of article (product) names A, B, etc. of each article 2 for each β, γ... and the shipment quantity (number of balls), and for a certain period (for example, one day on the previous day) In summary, the shipment data for today's shipment is output to the controller 14 at a predetermined time (for example, the time and date may be earlier than the time when the delivery facility 1 operates).
2. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the product (product) names A, B, etc. of the product 2 that has been shipped for each store α, β, γ, etc., and the final shipment date of the product 2, The expiration date management data including the expiration date of the article 2 on the shipping date is formed and managed. [Picking work]
The picking work by the operation of the controller 14 and the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 will be described according to the flowcharts of FIGS. It should be noted that the controller 14 preliminarily arranges the article storage units 18 of the picking shelves 17a and 17b in the picking area 4, and information on the articles 2 stored in the respective item storage units 18, that is, “the respective picking shelves 17a and 17b. The data of “shelf number (shelf No.) − Information of article 2 (code)” and zones Za to Zj to which the article storage units 18 belong are registered in advance. Further, it is assumed that the handy terminal 39 displays a work selection screen (initial screen) shown in FIG. 9A, that is, a screen for selecting a picking work or an inspection work. In each of the zones Za to Zj, it is assumed that picking work can be performed by two workers.
Step-1
When the shipping data shown in FIG. 10A is input, the controller 14 forms the picking data shown in FIG.
[0037]
That is, the shelf number of the article storage unit 18 that stores the article 2 is obtained from the information (code) of the article 2 in the shipment data, and the code (information) of the article 2 and the quantity of the shipment data are combined with this shelf number. . Further, the expiration date management data managed in the control computer 15 is searched from the store (item name) of the store and the item 2 in the shipping data, the expiration date of each item 2 is obtained, and the expiration date is stored in the shelf number. Combine. Accordingly, picking data including “shelf number−code of the item 2−quantity of the item 2 to be picked−expiration date” for each item storage unit 18 is formed for each store.
[0038]
“The worker who performs the picking work first selects the picking work on the work selection screen (touching“ Picking ”on the display 44 or inputting“ 1 ”with the numeric keypad 46 and pressing the execution key 46). ]
Step-2
In response to the operation selection operation signal, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 sends a code for identifying the handy terminal 39 and picking work selection information to the wireless communication device 41 of the handy terminal 39 and the wireless communication of the picking area 4. The data is transmitted to the controller 14 via the device 50.
Step-3
The controller 14 stores this selection information, recognizes that the handy terminal 39 of the input code is for picking work, assigns one of the sorting destinations (stores), and the quantity of articles 2 to be picked is determined by the picking data of this store. Zones Za to Zj that are not “0” (there is an article 2 to be picked) are obtained, and information on the list of the zones is transmitted to the handy terminal 39 via the wireless communication device 50.
Step-4
When the list of zones is transmitted, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 displays the zone display screen shown in FIG. 9B on the display 44, that is, a list of zones Za to Zj for performing picking.
[0039]
“The operator confirms the zones Za to Zj for executing picking displayed on the display 44 of the handy terminal 39, moves the car 37 while moving the car 37, and the zone Za to Zj is crowded. The zone Za to Zj is selected (no picking worker or one worker is working), and the zone barcode 30 of the zone Za to Zj is selected as the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 39. Then, select either the green barcode 31 or the red barcode 32 and read it with the barcode reader 42 (if there is a previous worker, select the one not selected by the previous worker) To do). ]
Step-5
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 responds to the read information of the bar code, the code for specifying the handy terminal 39 and the information for the zone for picking, the code for specifying the handy terminal 39, and the selected display color ( “Green” or “red”) is formed and transmitted to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 of the handy terminal 39 and the wireless communication device 50 of the picking area 4.
Step-6
When the controller 14 inputs the code for identifying the handy terminal 39 and zone information, the controller 14 obtains the picking data of the selected zone and transmits it to the handy terminal 39 via the wireless communication device 50. Subsequently, a shelf number whose quantity is not “0” in this picking data (there is an article 2 to be picked) is obtained, and it is determined whether these shelf numbers exist in the left picking shelf 17a or the right picking shelf 17b. Subsequently, when the green indicator lamp 33 or the red indicator lamp 34 of the zone indicator lamps 29a and 29b of the zone is selected based on the display color information, and the shelf number to be picked exists in the picking shelf 17a, the zone indicator lamp 29a is selected, and when the shelf number to be picked exists in the picking shelf 17b, the zone indicator lamp 29b is selected, and the green indicator lamp 33 or the red indicator lamp 34 is turned on. Subsequently, all the picking indicators 24a and 24b in the zone where the shelf number to be picked exists are turned on at a time with the selected display color.
[0040]
“The operator confirms the picking shelf 17a or 17b in which the zone indicator lamp 29a or 29b is lit with the selected color, and then confirms the picking indicator 24a or 24b that is lit in the selected color. The barcode 13 of the case 10 stored in the article storage section 18 of the container 24a or 24b is read by the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 39. ]
Step-7
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 that has input the reading information of the barcode 13 executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0041]
That is, when the reading information of the barcode 13 is input (step-a1), the reading information of the barcode 13, that is, the information of the article 2 from the information of the article 2 in the case 10 and its expiration date, the picking data The shelf number is searched, and it is confirmed whether or not the shelf number exists as a result of the search (step-a2). When the shelf number does not exist, the alarm sound output device 47 outputs an alarm sound indicating that the article has been picked up erroneously. When the shelf number is present, the quantity of the shelf number and the expiration date are obtained from the retrieved shelf number (step-a4). Subsequently, the expiration date of the information on the barcode 13, that is, the expiration date of the item 2 to be picked is compared with today's date by the clock function, and it is confirmed whether the expiration date has passed (out of expiration date) (step). -A5) When it is confirmed that the expiration date has not passed, the expiration date of the shelf number obtained from the picking data is compared with the expiration date of the item 2 to be picked, and the expiration date of the item 2 to be picked is obtained. The expiration date, i.e., the expiration date of the article 2 shipped to the last-sorted store is the same as or newer than the expiration date (newer than the expiration date of the store ) (step-a6). Further, the picking instruction screen shown in FIG. 9C for the information of the article 2 is displayed, that is, the shelf number, the information of the article 2 and the quantity (the number of picks) of the article 2 to be picked are displayed. To display to (step -a7). Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the item 2 to be picked is a single item, that is, whether the quantity is “1” (step-a8), and if it is confirmed, a single beep sound “pico” is output by the notification sound output device 47 (step— a9) When the item is not a single item (when the quantity is not “1”), a beep sound other than the single item “buboo” is output (step-a10). Next, information on the expiration date of the article 2 to be picked is transmitted to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 and the wireless communication device 50 in the picking area 4 (step-a11).
[0042]
When the expiration date of the article 2 has passed in the step-a5, or when the expiration date of the article 2 is older than the expiration date of the article 2 shipped last time (out of the expiration date) in the step-a6, The alarm sound output device 47 generates a rumbling sound with a poor expiration date of “boo boo boo” and stops picking (step-a12). Then, the information of the article 2 whose picking is stopped and its quantity is stored (step-a13), and it is confirmed whether the article 2 to be picked remains in the zone (step-a14). If not, the stored information of the article 2 whose picking has been stopped and its quantity is transmitted to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 and the wireless communication device 50 in the picking area 4 (step-a15). . The controller 14 uses this information as information on the articles 2 that need to be replenished at the time of shipment and the quantity thereof.
[0043]
“The operator confirms the quantity of the articles 2 to be picked by the notification sound of the notification sound output device 47 and the display 44, picks up the quantity of articles 2 from the case 10, and transfers it to the car 37. Then, the execution key 45 of the handy terminal 39 is pressed (operated). When the alarm sound is confirmed, the next picking operation is performed by moving to the article storage unit 18 where the picking indicators 24a and 24b are lit. ]
Step-8
The controller 14 stores the information on the expiration date of the article 2 to be picked that has been transmitted from the handy terminal 39 in the step-a11, and confirms that the execution key 45 of the handy terminal 39 has been pressed. A picking end signal including information on the shelf number retrieved from the data is transmitted to the handy terminal 39 via the wireless communication device 50. Then, the picking indicators 24 a and 24 b are turned off, and the expiration date of the article 2 transmitted from the handy terminal 39 is output to the control computer 15 together with the store and article 2 information. Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the article 2 to be picked remains on the left and right picking shelves 17a and 17b. When there is no article left, the zone indicator lamp 29a or 29b is turned off. Note that when the expiration date of the input item 2 is newer than the latest expiration date of the managed item 2 for each store, the control computer 15 sets the expiration date data to the expiration date of the new item 2 together with the shipping date. Update.
Step-9
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 updates the picking data stored according to the transmitted picking end signal (deletes the quantity corresponding to the shelf number to 0).
Step-10
Subsequently, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 confirms whether or not the article storage unit 18 to be picked remains in the zone based on the picking data of the zone. When it remains, wait as it is.
[0044]
“When the operator confirms that the picking indicators 24a and 24b are turned off, when the next picking indicators 24a and 24b are lit, the worker moves to the next article storage unit 18 to perform the next picking operation. ]
Step-11
When the article storage unit 18 to be picked does not remain in the zone, that is, when the picking operation in this zone is completed, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 picks in the other zones Za to Zj according to the list of zones to be picked. Check if work remains.
Step-12
When the picking operation remains, a list of other remaining zones Za to Zj is displayed on the zone display screen shown in FIG. 9B.
[0045]
“The operator confirms the display of this zone, moves to another zone Za to Zj, and executes the picking operation. ]
Step-13
When no other zones Za to Zj remain, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 displays the picking completion display screen shown in FIG. 9D, that is, the code of the store where the picking operation has been executed, and “Picking is completed. "Please move to the inspection / shipping place" message on the display 44. Then, the picking completion code including the picked store code and the picking work completion is transmitted to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 and the wireless communication device 50 in the picking area 4.
[0046]
“The operator makes a copy of the store code displayed on the handy terminal 39, pushes the car 37 to the inspection / shipping place 5 and moves it to the inspection / shipping place 5 operator along with the reserved store code. . Then, the execution key 45 of the handy terminal 39 is pressed. ]
Step-14
When the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 confirms the execution key 45, it displays an initial screen shown in FIG.
Step-15
When the picking completion information is transmitted, the controller 14 updates (deletes) the picking data of the store of this information.
[0047]
As described above, picking data (the article 2 to be taken out from each article storage unit 18 and the quantity to be taken out of the article 2) is instructed by the controller 14 to the handy terminal 39, and the barcode 13 provided in the case 10 is read. Thus, the picked-up quantity of the article 2 specified by the barcode 13 is obtained from the picking data and displayed (instructed) on the display 44, and the operator can perform the picking work according to the quantity displayed on the handy terminal 39. Execute. Further, by reading the barcode 13 of the case 10, when there is an article 2 to be picked, “Shelve number−Information about the article 2−Quantity of the article 2 to be picked” is displayed on the handy terminal 39. Therefore, even if the picking indicators 24a and 24b break down, the worker can continue picking work with the handy terminal 39 alone, and inputs the information of the article 2 to the handy terminal 39 in order to display the quantity. This saves time and effort and simplifies the operation, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing operational errors. Further, the worker can perform the picking work according to the information on the handy terminal 39, that is, “shelf number—the quantity of the article 2 to be picked” (without searching for the article 2) without being influenced by the experience of the operator. As a result, inexperienced workers are less likely to be stuck, the influence on the entire work caused by some workers is reduced, and the overall picking work efficiency can be improved. In addition, even an inexperienced worker can perform the sorting work without affecting the overall work, thereby reducing the time and expense spent on training human resources.
[0048]
In addition, by instructing the article storage unit 18 to be picked by the picking indicators 24a and 24b, the worker performs picking work by checking the handy terminal 39 for only one quantity without looking at the shelf number at the handy terminal 39. It is possible to improve the working efficiency by using the picking indicators 24a and 24b together.
[0049]
The picking data (sorting information) is formed separately for each zone Za to Zj, and according to the designation of the zones Za to Zj, the quantity of the articles 2 to be taken out from each article storage unit 18 of the designated zone is displayed on the handy terminal 39. By being instructed, the worker can perform the picking work from any zone Za to Zj, and can select a work zone Za to Zj that is not crowded. The impact on work can be reduced and work efficiency can be improved.
[0050]
Further, in the zones Za to Zj, the picking indicators 24a and 24b of all the article storage units 18 that perform the picking work are turned on at a time, so that the operator executes the picking work from any article storage unit 18. Work efficiency can be improved, and work can be performed without being affected by the pace of other workers.
[0051]
Further, in each of the zones Za to Zj, when the zones Za to Zj are designated by the operator, the zone indicator lights 29a and 29b are displayed, and when the zone is designated by two or more workers, the zone indicator lights 29a and 29b are displayed. 29b is displayed differently depending on the worker, and the picking indicators 24a and 24b provided for each article storage unit 18 are displayed differently, so that a plurality of workers can simultaneously perform in each zone Za to Zj. The picking work can be executed, so that the work efficiency can be improved, and each worker can execute the picking work without fear of mistake of the article storage unit 18 for picking the article 2.
[0052]
In addition, by improving work efficiency as described above, surplus power can be transferred to other work, and labor costs and working hours can be reduced, reducing the overall cost of equipment. Can do.
[0053]
Further, when the article 2 specified by the barcode 13 is determined to be inappropriate as the article 2 to be taken out, that is, when the wrong article 2 is to be taken out, the alarm sound of the notification sound output device 47 of the handy terminal 39 is notified. By doing so, it is possible to prevent wrong sorting of the articles 2.
[0054]
Further, the operator can carry the handy terminal 39 and can freely move and perform sorting work while looking at the display on the handy terminal 39.
Also, the article 2 and the barcode 13 that specifies the expiration date of the article 2 provided in the case 10 are read, and the expiration date (expiration date) of the article 2 is determined based on the barcode 13 that is read. When the expiration date of the article 2 is older than the latest expiration date of the article 2 when it was shipped to the store (sorting destination) last time, the article 2 outside the expiration date of the latest expiration date of the store is shipped. Can be avoided. In addition, when the expiration date of the article 2 is notified when the current date has not passed, it is possible to prevent the article 2 outside the expiration date from being shipped. Therefore, complaints from the store (sorting destination) are eliminated, and trust can be raised. Further, when the expiration date of the article 2 is newer than the latest expiration date of the managed article 2, the latest expiration date of the article 2 can be maintained by updating to the expiration date of the new article 2. The expiration date of the article 2 is managed in units of dates, and the expiration date of the article 2 determined from the barcode 13 read by the barcode reader 42 is determined on a date basis and for each article 2 to be picked. In addition, since the shelf life of the article 2 is different, a different barcode 13 is provided for each case 10 (article 2).
[0055]
Further, since the bar code 13 is formed by a code in which the information on the article 2 and the expiration date of the article are integrally formed, it can be read by the bar code reader 42 in one operation, and the work efficiency can be improved. .
[0056]
Further, since the shelf life of the articles 2 stored in the case 10 is the same, it is only necessary to provide one barcode 13 on the case 10, and the articles stored in the case 10 by reading this barcode 13. 2 and its expiration date can be determined.
(3) Inspection / shipping place 5
In the inspection / shipping place 5, when the car 37 loaded with the goods 2 picked up for each store in the picking area 4 is conveyed, the goods 2 loaded on the car 37 are definitely placed in the sorting destination store. Inspecting whether or not the item 2 is to be shipped is performed, and as shown in FIG. 4, the product is transferred to the shipping car 55 that has been carried into the inspection / shipping place 5. An operator who inspects and transfers at the inspection / shipping place 5 carries the handy terminal 39 (an example of a display terminal device) and uses it for inspection work.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 7, the handy terminal 39 used for this inspection is connected to the controller 14 and is connected to the inspection / shipment facility wireless communication device 51 arranged at the inspection / shipping place 5. "Data" and "Inspection data" are communicated. As shown in FIG. 15, the “inspection data” includes each product name (article name) and a required quantity (number of balls) corresponding to each product name. It is equivalent to.
[0058]
The screen displayed on the display 44 of the handy terminal 39 includes a work selection screen shown in FIG. 9A, an input instruction screen shown in FIG. 14A, and an inspection content display screen shown in FIG. 14B. (Details will be described later).
[0059]
The inspection work will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. An operation selection screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display 44 of the handy terminal 39 as an initial screen.
[0060]
“When inspecting the articles 2 collected in the car 37, first, the operator touches“ inspection ”on the operation selection screen (initial screen) shown in FIG. 2 ”and press the execution key 45) to select the inspection work. ]
In response to the selection of the inspection work, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 switches the screen of the display 44 to an input instruction screen shown in FIG. 14A, that is, a screen for inputting the code of the store to be inspected (Step-S1). ).
[0061]
“The operator views the input instruction screen, inputs the store code with the ten key 46 and presses the execution key 45. ]
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 transmits the code of the store to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 of the handy terminal 39 and the wireless communication device 51 for inspection / shipment work equipment, and the controller 14 uses the code of the store. The picking data shown in FIG. 13 is retrieved, the inspection data corresponding to the store is formed, and the inspection data is transmitted to the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 via the wireless communication device 51 and the wireless communication device 41. The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 stores the inspection data in the memory 43 (step S2). As a result, the inspection work can be performed.
[0062]
“After that, the operator takes out one ball of the appropriate article 2 from the car 37 and reads the barcode 11 of the removed article 2 with the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 39. ]
When the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 inputs the barcode 11 read by the barcode reader 42 (Step-S3), the displayed screen is erased (Step-S4), and the read barcode is read. 11, that is, the inspection data in the memory 43 is searched by the information specifying the article 2 to obtain the product name and the required quantity of the corresponding article 2 (step S5), and the inspection content display shown in FIG. A screen, that is, a product name and a required quantity of the article 2 are displayed, and a screen on which inspection defects can be input is displayed on the display 44 (step S6). For example, when the read barcode 11 corresponds to the B article 2, as shown in FIG. 14B, “product name: B article, required quantity: 3 balls” and “inspection defect” are displayed on the display 44. Is displayed.
[0063]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the obtained quantity is a single item, that is, the quantity is “1” (step S7). If it is not a single item, the beep sound “BOO” is output from the notification sound output device 47 (step S8). ).
[0064]
In the above case, since the required quantity ≠ 1, the beep sound “BOO” is output from the notification sound output device 47.
“By this beep sound, the worker recognizes by auditory that the required quantity of the B article 2 is not one ball but a plurality of balls, and displays the display content“ required quantity: 3 balls ”displayed on the display 44. As a result, it is confirmed whether there are 3 balls of the B article 2 that is actually shipped. If the B article 2 has three balls as indicated, the operator transfers the B article 2 to the three-ball car cart 55 for shipping, and presses the “3” numeric key 46 to input the quantity, and then executes Press the key 45. When the B article 2 is not in accordance with the display, the operator takes out the B article 2 and places it separately, and touches “Inspection defect” on the inspection content display screen. Thus, the inspection for the B article 2 is completed.
[0065]
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 confirms the input of the quantity using the numeric keypad 46 (Step-S9), and then confirms the input of the execution key 45 (Step-S10). The product name is stored in the memory 43 (step S11). When the input of the touch signal of “inspection defect” is confirmed (step-S12), the inspection defect is stored in the memory 43 together with the product name of the article 2 as the inspection result (step-S13).
[0066]
In step S7, when the article 2 is a single item, the beep sound "pico" is output from the notification sound output device 47 (step S14). For example, when the read barcode 11 corresponds to the A article 2, “product name: A article, required quantity: 1 ball” and “inspection defect” are displayed on the display 44, and the required quantity = 1. The beep sound “pico” is output from the notification sound output device 47.
[0067]
“Thus, the worker recognizes by auditory that the required quantity of the A article 2 is one ball without looking at the display 44. When the A article 2 has one ball, the A article 2 is transferred to the shipping car wheel 55 with one ball. At this time, it is not necessary to press the numeric keypad 46 and the execution button 45, and the inspection of the A article 2 is completed. When there are more articles 2 than 1 ball, the article A 2 is taken out and placed separately, and “inspection defect” on the inspection content display screen is touched. ]
The control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 confirms whether or not the touch signal of “inspection defect” is input for a certain time after the beep sound “pico” is output (step S15). -Jump to S11, store the inspection good as the inspection result together with the product name of the article 2 in the memory 43, and if the input of "inspection defect" is confirmed, jump to Step -S13 and check the inspection defect as the inspection result. It is stored in the memory 43 together with the product name of the article 2.
[0068]
Thereafter, the control unit 48 of the handy terminal 39 confirms whether or not there is an article 2 to be inspected other than the article 2 from which the barcode 11 has been read (step S16), and returns to step S3 when it remains. , And waits for the next barcode 11 to be input.
[0069]
“The operator similarly takes out one ball of the next article 2 and reads the barcode 11 of the removed article 2 with the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 39. At this time, for example, the previous display “product name: B article, required quantity: 3 balls” is erased from the display 44, and the product name and required quantity of the article 2 corresponding to the read barcode 11 are stored in the memory 43. And is displayed on the display 44.
[0070]
When no articles 2 to be inspected remain in step S16, that is, when inspection has been performed for all the articles 2 to be inspected, the quality of the inspection stored in the memory 43 is stored in the store data. At the same time, the data is transmitted to the controller 14 via the wireless communication device 41 and the wireless communication device 51 (step S17), and the process ends. The controller 14 forms information for replacing the article 2 at the time of shipment based on the information of the article 2 whose inspection is defective.
[0071]
In the inspection work as described above, when the required quantity is 1 ball as in the case of the article A 2, the operator can obtain the required quantity of 1 ball by the beep sound “pico” output from the notification sound output device 47. Since it can be recognized accurately and immediately by hearing, it is possible to save time and effort to read the contents by viewing the display 44 one by one. Further, when the required quantity is 1 ball, the operation of pressing the numeric keypad 46 and the execution button 45 is not required, and thus the inspection of the article 2 having the required quantity of 1 ball can be performed quickly, and the efficiency of the entire inspection work is improved. improves.
[0072]
The article 2 inspected as described above is transferred to the shipping car 55 or the like, and then the article 2 is corrected based on the inspection result and is loaded on a truck or the like for shipment.
[0073]
In addition, due to an operator's work mistake or the like, in step S16, although the article 2 to be inspected remains in the inspection data, the article 2 to be inspected actually remains in the car 37. If not, the bar code 11 of the article 2 cannot be read by the bar code reader 42 of the handy terminal 39 even if the process returns from step S16 to step S3. When such an unreadable state continues for a predetermined time, the remaining article 2 is processed as a missing item in the inspection data. The predetermined time is measured by a timer or the like.
[0074]
In the present embodiment, a picking facility is described as an example of a sorting facility, but the present invention can also be applied to an assorted (categorized sorting) facility.
[0075]
That is, the operator carries the case 10 in which the received articles 2 are stored by the car 37, and from the case 10 to the article storage sections 18 of the sorting racks (picking racks) 17a and 17b for the articles 2. On the other hand, according to the display transmitted to the handy terminal 39 (information such as storage bin number-sorting quantity) and the display of the sorting indicators (picking indicators) 24a, 24b provided for each article storage unit 18, By transferring the articles 2, the collection of the articles 2 for each sorting destination is performed. A sorting destination (such as a store) is set in each article storage unit 18.
[0076]
In addition, a label 12 printed with a barcode 13 for specifying an expiration date (expiration date, etc.) of the article 2 is attached to the case 10, and the barcode 13 is read at the time of sorting. The expiration date (expiration date) of 2 is determined, and this is notified when the determined expiration date of the item 2 is older than the latest expiration date of the item 2 when shipped to the store (sorting destination) last time.
[0077]
The sorting area (picking area) 4 is divided into a plurality of zones Za to Zj. In each zone Za to Zj, when the operator designates the zones Za to Zj, zone indicator lights 29a and 29b are displayed. When a zone is specified by more than one worker, the zone indicator lamps 29a and 29b are displayed differently according to the worker, and the picking indicators 24a and 24b provided for each article storage unit 18 display differently. It is said.
[0078]
With the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the picking equipment can be obtained in assortment (classification sorting) equipment.
Further, in the present embodiment, the expiration date (expiration date) of the article 2 is determined by the barcode 13 provided in the case 10, and the determined expiration date of the article 2 is that of the article 2 when shipped to the store last time. Although the notification is made when it is older than the latest expiration date, it may be notified when it is older than the latest expiration date of the article 2 shipped from the delivery facility 1 regardless of the store (sorting destination).
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the expiration date of the article 2 is used as the expiration date of the article 2, but it may be a deadline obtained by adding a predetermined number of days from the date of manufacture of the article 2. This time limit may be automatically calculated, or the predetermined number of days may be increased or decreased depending on the season. Further, the expiration date of the article 2 is managed in units of dates, but may be managed in units of hours. The definition of the expiration date differs depending on the item 2. Moreover, it can be arbitrarily set whether the judgment whether the goods 2 are within the expiration date is the same day or not.
[0080]
Further, in this embodiment, the sorting destination is classified by store, but the sorting destination may be classified by user, by direction, by item, by transport truck, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the bar code 13 in which the bar code 13 a for specifying the article 2 and the bar code 13 b indicating the expiration date of the article 2 are integrated is printed on the label 12. It is also possible to print a bar code only for the deadline. At this time, the worker who performs the picking work reads the bar code of the best-before date only by the bar code reader 42 of the handy terminal 39 at the time of the picking work, and also makes the bar code 11 on the outside of the case 10 or the article 2 handy. The barcode needs to be read by the barcode reader 42 of the terminal 39. Moreover, although the barcode is used as the identification code, it is not limited to the barcode, and may be any identification code that identifies the article and the expiration date (expiration date). For example, numerals, alphabets, or combinations thereof, Symbols, marks, IC chips, etc. can also be used. At this time, instead of the barcode reader, for example, a CCD camera and an identification device for identifying the identification code from an image photographed by the camera are used as the identification code reading means.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, the terminal device (handy terminal 39) is a handy type, but can also be a fixed type, and can be a wireless type, but can also be a wired type.
[0082]
In the present embodiment, the picking indicators 24a and 24b are wired, but a function of transmitting and receiving signals via radio waves is added, and an antenna connected to the controller 14 is provided for each zone Za to Zj. Signals may be transmitted / received via these antennas. With this configuration, the picking indicators 24a and 24b can be freely moved, and the picking area 4 can be easily changed. Further, since it is not necessary to lay the display rails 23 along the picking shelves 17a and 17b, it is possible to shorten the production work time and the delivery time.
[0083]
In the present embodiment, the label issuing device 9 issues the label 12, but it is also possible to perform automatic application using an auto labeler.
Further, in this embodiment, the case 10 is transported by the car 37, but a conveyor device may be arranged along or in the vicinity of the picking shelves 17a and 17b so that the case 10 is transported by the conveyor device. Good. At this time, the handy terminal 39 is carried by the operator.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, picking shelves 17a and 17b are used as an area provided with a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles or as a sorting shelf having the same compartment storage space. A plurality of compartment storage spaces may be provided by dividing predetermined places, and the article 2 may be placed (the article 2 may be placed flat). Moreover, although the fixed shelf to which the case 10 does not move is used as the picking shelves 17a and 17b, a fluidized shelf can be used.
[0085]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case 10 is used as a box for storing the article 2, but a bucket, a container, or the like, or a lid (thing that can be sealed) may be used.
[0086]
In the present embodiment, a predetermined number of articles 2 are handled in units of packed balls. However, the present invention is not limited to balls, and the articles 2 may be handled one by one. In this case, the barcode 11 is attached to each article 2. Normally, a single item is one item (product) 2. However, for example, when a dozen is the minimum unit for handling, a dozen items 2 are regarded as a single item.
[0087]
Further, in the present embodiment, the notification sound output device 47 is used to output a beep sound “Boobu” when the article 2 is a plurality of balls (other than a single item), and a beep sound “Pico” when the item 2 is a single item ball. Although it is output, the number of balls may be output by voice. In addition, two types of beep sound are made to correspond to the case of multiple balls and the case of single item ball, but the volume of one type of beep sound can be changed to correspond to the case of multiple balls and the case of single item balls. Good. For example, in the case of a plurality of balls, a beep sound “BOO” may be output at a high volume, and in the case of a single ball, a beep sound “BOO” may be output at a low volume.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the identification code for identifying the article and the expiration date of the article provided on the article or the box for storing the article is read, and the expiration date of the article is determined by the read identification code. Is notified, and the expiration date of the determined article is notified when it is outside the latest expiration date of the stored article, thereby avoiding shipment of an article outside the latest expiration date. can do. Further, since the identification code is formed by a code in which the article and the expiration date of the article are integrally formed, the identification code can be read by a single operation by the reading means, and work efficiency can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a layout view of a delivery facility provided with a picking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an arrival / inspection field of the delivery facility.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of a picking facility of the delivery facility.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an inspection / shipping place of the delivery facility.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a handy terminal used in the delivery facility.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a display device used in the picking equipment of the delivery facility.
FIG. 7 is a control configuration diagram of the delivery facility.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a handy terminal used in the delivery facility.
FIG. 9 is a screen view displayed on a handy terminal used in the delivery facility.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of shipping data and expiration date management data in the same delivery facility.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of picking work in the picking equipment of the delivery facility.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of picking work in the picking equipment of the delivery facility.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of picking data in the delivery facility.
FIG. 14 is a screen view displayed on the handy terminal during inspection work at the delivery facility.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of inspection work at an inspection / shipping place of the delivery facility.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Delivery facility 2 Goods 3 Arrival / inspection place 4 Picking area 5 Inspection / shipment place 7 Incoming terminal device 9 Label issuing device 10 Case 11, 13 Bar code 12 Label 14 Controller 15 Control computer 17a, 17b Picking shelf 18 Good storage 24a, 24b Picking indicators 29a, 29b Zone indicator lamp 30 Zone barcode 31 Green barcode 32 Red barcode 37 Car 39 Handy terminal 41, 50, 51 Wireless communication device 42 Bar code reader 43 Memory 44 Display 47 Notification sound output device 48 Control unit 55 Car for shipping

Claims (9)

A sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles;
In response to a collection request for the goods of the sorting destination, the quantity of the articles taken out from each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf or the amount of articles input into each compartment storage space is obtained, and this quantity is obtained for each compartment storage space. Management means for forming an article to be taken out from the compartment storage space and a quantity to be taken out of the article, or sorting information including an article to be put in and an input quantity of the article,
Based on the sorting information formed in the management means, it is a sorting facility that performs a sorting operation to take out the articles from the compartment storage space by the amount to be taken out or to put the articles to the compartment storage space by the input quantity,
When the article is received, a label provided on the box for storing the article is printed with an identification code in which the article and the expiration date of the article are integrally formed based on the identification code for identifying the article and the expiration date of the article. A label issuing device that issues
A reading means for reading the identification code of the label provided on the box is provided,
In the management means, the latest expiration date of each article when shipped to the last sorting destination is stored, and when the identification code of the label is read by the reading means during the sorting operation of the article, the read identification code A sorting facility for determining an article and an expiration date of the article, and notifying when the determined expiration date of the article is outside the latest expiration date of the stored article. The management means stores the latest expiration date of the article when each article is shipped for each sorting destination, determines the expiration date of the article based on the identification code read by the reading means, and determines the validity of the determined article. 2. The sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein a notification is made when the time limit is outside the latest expiration date of the stored goods of the sorting destination. The management means updates the expiration date of the new article when the expiration date of the article determined from the identification code read by the reading means is newer than the latest expiration date of the stored article. Or the sorting equipment of Claim 2. The management means has a clock function, and notifies when the date and time of the expiration date of the article determined from the identification code read by the reading means has not passed the current date and time. Item 4. The sorting facility according to any one of Items 3. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expiration date of the articles stored in the box is the same. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an expiration date of each article is different for each article. 7. The sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein the management unit manages the expiration date in units of dates. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the expiration date of the article is a shelf life of the article or a period obtained by adding a predetermined number of days from the date of manufacture of the article. According to the sorting information formed in the management means, for each compartment storage space, an article to be taken out from this compartment storage space and the number of articles to be taken out, or the terminal device to which the article to be put in and the quantity to be put in of this article are instructed are provided.
9. The sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein reading means is provided in the terminal device.

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