JP6766524B2 - Vanning / devanning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vanning / devanning device, and more particularly to a device that operates together with a worker's luggage loading and unloading operations.

Conventionally, the luggage in the container that arrives at the destination is taken out of the container and transshipped on a pallet. In order to enable this transshipment, a vanning / devanning device for unloading (devanning) luggage from the container is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Specifically, the tip of the conveyor of the above device is arranged in the container, and the worker puts the load on the conveyor in the container. The conveyor then transports the load out of the container, and finally another worker loads the load onto the pallet.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-180805

In a conventional device, a worker lifts a load and lowers it to another device at the end of a conveyor. At this time, if the information on the luggage (for example, the weight) is not known, the efficiency of the lifting work may be reduced or the worker may be injured.

An object of the present invention is to improve workability when a worker lifts a load from a conveyor in a vanning / devanning device.

Hereinafter, a plurality of aspects will be described as means for solving the problem. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as needed.

The vanning / devanning device according to the present invention includes a conveyor, a baggage information acquisition unit, and an information presentation device.
The conveyor extends from the luggage loading section to the luggage discharging section.
The baggage information acquisition unit acquires baggage information of the baggage to be put into the baggage loading section.
The information presenting device presents information for workers in a visible state in the vicinity of the baggage discharge portion based on the baggage information.
In this device, the worker can raise awareness of the work and prepare the work by presenting the information for the worker to the worker by the information presenting device. Therefore, the workability when the worker unloads the load from the conveyor is improved. The information presentation is, for example, a display, a lamp, or a sticker to be attached to luggage.

The package information may include weight information.
In this device, by transmitting the weight information of the luggage to the worker, the worker can take a working posture according to the weight. As a result, the safety of the operator is increased.

Luggage information may include size information.
With this device, the worker can prepare a packaging container or the like by transmitting the size information of the package to the worker. As a result, work efficiency is improved.

The package information may include package information.
With this device, the operator can prepare a trolley, a jig, etc. for transportation by transmitting the packing form information to the operator. As a result, work efficiency is improved. The package information is, for example, a fixed shape, an irregular shape, a loose shape, an unstable shape, and a necessary jig for transportation.

The vanning / devanning device may further include a controller.
The controller may reduce the transport speed of the package at least at the package discharge section based on the package information.
In this device, by slowing down the transport speed of heavy luggage or dangerously shaped luggage, the safety of the operator at the luggage discharge section is improved. Means for reducing the transport speed are, for example, lowering the conveyor speed or braking the chute.
The controller may reduce the transport speed of the package at least at the package discharge section when the package information includes the handling caution package information. The "handling caution baggage" is a baggage that preferably calls attention to the operator.
In this device, the safety of the operator is increased in the baggage discharge section.

In the vanning / devanning apparatus according to the present invention, workability is improved when a worker lifts a load from a conveyor.

The perspective view of the vanning / devanning apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side view of the vanning / devanning device. Top view of vanning and devanning. The block diagram which shows the control composition of a vanning / devanning apparatus. A flowchart showing the weight measurement control of luggage. A flowchart showing the display control of the weight information of the luggage. Schematic diagram of a display that displays baggage weight information. The flowchart which shows the display of the weight information of the baggage, and the low speed mode control in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the display which displays the size information of the baggage in 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the display | display which displays the packing style information of the baggage in 4th Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the lamp which displays the weight information of the baggage in 5th Embodiment.

1. 1. First Embodiment (1) Mechanical Configuration of Vanning Devanning Device The vanning / devanning device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “device 1”) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vanning / devanning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the vanning / devanning device. FIG. 3 is a top view of vanning / devanning.
The device 1 is used, for example, to unload the luggage W from the container (devanning) or, for example, load the luggage W into the container (vanning). As shown in FIG. 2, the worker S1 loads the luggage W into the device 1 from, for example, from inside the container. Then, the device 1 moves the luggage W by the conveyor 5 by a predetermined distance. After that, the worker S2 unloads the load from the conveyor 5. The worker S2 reloads the luggage W on another conveyor or stacks it on a pallet.

The device 1 has a traveling unit 3. The traveling unit 3 includes a traveling unit main body, traveling wheels, a traveling motor, and a power transmission unit. As a result, the traveling unit 3 can move forward, backward, and turn left and right. Further, the traveling unit 3 is capable of low-speed traveling and high-speed traveling.

The device 1 has a conveyor 5. The conveyor 5 is a device that conveys the load W from the load loading section to the load discharging section with the load W placed on the upper surface.
The conveyor 5 is composed of a plurality of conveyors that can operate independently. Specifically, the conveyor 5 includes a first conveyor 9, a second conveyor 11, a third conveyor 13, a fourth conveyor 15, and a fifth conveyor 17. The first to fourth conveyors 9, 11, 13, and 15 are driven by separate motors (see FIG. 4). The fifth conveyor 17 is a free roller. However, the fifth conveyor 17 may be driven by a motor.

The first conveyor 9 realizes a load loading section for the worker S1 to place the load W. In this embodiment, the first conveyor 9 is a belt conveyor. The first conveyor 9 is arranged inside, for example, a container or a truck when performing vanning or devanning.
The second conveyor 11 is continuous from the first conveyor 9 and has a relatively long configuration. In this embodiment, the second conveyor 11 is a belt conveyor.

The third conveyor 13 is continuous from the second conveyor 11 and has a relatively short configuration. In this embodiment, the third conveyor 13 is a roller conveyor.
The fourth conveyor 15 is continuous from the third conveyor 13 and has a relatively short configuration. In this embodiment, the fourth conveyor 15 is a roller conveyor. The fourth conveyor 15 may be longer depending on the container length or the standby position of the worker S2.
The fifth conveyor 17 is continuous from the third conveyor 13 and has a relatively short configuration. In this embodiment, the fifth conveyor 17 is a roller conveyor. A luggage discharging unit for the worker S2 to take out the luggage W is realized.

The device 1 has a workbench 7. The workbench 7 is for allowing the luggage W to be placed on the first conveyor 9 by placing the worker S1 on it. The workbench 7 is arranged below the first conveyor 9. The workbench 7 extends long in the left-right direction, so that when the first conveyor 9 is near the center position in the left-right direction of the workbench 7, the worker S1 can access the first conveyor 9 from both the left and right sides. is there.

The first conveyor 9 needs to be movable in the vertical direction according to the position of the load W when the worker S1 loads the load W on the conveyor 5. As a structure for that purpose, the base end of the second conveyor 11 is rotatably mounted on the traveling portion 3 around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. Further, a conveyor elevating part 8 for rotating the base end of the second conveyor 11 is provided. The conveyor elevating unit 8 includes an elevating motor, a rotation driving unit including a plurality of gears, and the like. As a result, the operator S1 can move the first conveyor 9 up and down to a desired position.

The first conveyor 9 needs to be movable in the left-right direction according to the position of the load W when the worker S1 loads the load W on the conveyor 5. As a structure for that purpose, the base end of the second conveyor 11 is rotatably mounted on the traveling portion 3 around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. More specifically, the various structures of the conveyor elevating portion 8 described above are rotatable with respect to the traveling portion 3. As a result, the operator S1 can manually move, for example, the first conveyor 9 to a desired position on the left and right.

The workbench 7 needs to be movable in the vertical direction according to the position of the first conveyor 9 when the worker S1 loads the load W on the conveyor 5. As a structure for that purpose, the workbench 7 is connected to the traveling portion 3 by the workbench elevating portion 10. The workbench elevating part 10 has a cylinder, a drive direction changing mechanism, and the like. As a result, the worker S1 can move the workbench 7 up and down to a desired position.

The device 1 has a load cell 19 (an example of a luggage information sensor). The load cell 19 is a sensor for measuring the weight of the load W mounted on the conveyor 5. In this embodiment, the load cell 19 is arranged under the belt of the first conveyor 9, and when the luggage W is placed on the first conveyor 9, its weight is measured. As a modification, the load cell 19 is provided in the vicinity of the first conveyor 9, and the load W may be placed on the first conveyor 9 after the worker S1 measures the weight.

The device 1 has a plurality of photoelectric sensors. The plurality of photoelectric sensors are sensors for detecting the position of the load W on the conveyor 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 includes a first photoelectric sensor 21, a second photoelectric sensor 23, a third photoelectric sensor 25, a fourth photoelectric sensor 27, and a fifth photoelectric sensor 29. have. The first photoelectric sensor 21 is arranged between the first conveyor 9 and the second conveyor 11. The second photoelectric sensor 23 is arranged between the second conveyor 11 and the third conveyor 13. The third photoelectric sensor 25 is arranged between the third conveyor 13 and the fourth conveyor 15. The fourth photoelectric sensor 27 is arranged between the fourth conveyor 15 and the fifth conveyor 17. The fifth photoelectric sensor 29 is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fifth conveyor 17.
From the above, it is possible to determine which conveyor the luggage W is on based on the detection results of the plurality of photoelectric sensors.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 1 has a display 41 (an example of an information presenting device). The display 41 is a device that presents information for the worker S2 in a visible state based on the weight information of the luggage W, and specifically, displays the weight information of the luggage W. The display 41 is a display such as a liquid crystal monitor. The display 41 is arranged in the vicinity of the fifth conveyor 17, and the operator S2 can check the contents while working. The weight information displayed here is information obtained by measuring with the load cell 19 described above.
In the device 1, by presenting the weight information to the worker S2 by the display 41, the worker S2 can raise the awareness of the work and prepare the work. Therefore, the workability when the worker S2 unloads the load from the conveyor 5 is improved. In particular, by transmitting the weight information of the luggage W to the worker S2, the worker S2 can take a working posture according to the weight.

(2) Control Configuration of Vanning / Devanning Device The control configuration of the device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the vanning / devanning device.
The device 1 has a control unit 31. The control unit 31 has a processor (for example, CPU), a storage device (for example, ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, etc.), and various interfaces (for example, A / D converter, D / A converter, communication interface, etc.). It is a computer system. The control unit 31 performs various control operations by executing a program stored in the storage unit (corresponding to a part or all of the storage area of the storage device).

The control unit 31 may be composed of a single processor, or may be composed of a plurality of independent processors for each control.
Some or all of the functions of each element of the control unit 31 may be realized as a program that can be executed by the computer system constituting the control unit. In addition, a part of the function of each element of the control unit 31 may be configured by a custom IC.

A load cell 19, a first photoelectric sensor 21, a second photoelectric sensor 23, a third photoelectric sensor 25, a fourth photoelectric sensor 27, and a fifth photoelectric sensor 29 are connected to the control unit 31. Further, although not shown, the control unit 31 is connected to a sensor and a switch for detecting the state of each device, and an information input device.

A display 41 is connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 transmits an image signal to the display 41.
The first motor 51, the second motor 53, the third motor 55, and the fourth motor 57 are connected to the control unit 31. Each motor is a device that drives each conveyor. A drive signal is transmitted to each motor to the control unit 31.
A conveyor elevating unit 8 and a workbench elevating unit 10 are connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 transmits a drive signal and a stop signal to the conveyor elevating unit 8 and the workbench elevating unit 10.

(3) Control operation of vanning device / devanning device The weight measurement and weight information display control operation of the device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the weight measurement control of the luggage. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the display control of the weight information of the luggage.
The control flowchart described below is an example, and each step can be omitted or replaced as necessary. Further, a plurality of steps may be executed at the same time, or some or all of them may be executed in an overlapping manner.
Further, each block of the control flowchart is not limited to a single control operation, and can be replaced with a plurality of control operations represented by a plurality of blocks.

The weight measurement control operation will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S1, it is determined whether or not the luggage W is placed on the first conveyor 9. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes the above determination based on the presence or absence of the detection signal from the load cell 19. If the baggage W is placed, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the weight information is acquired and stored in the storage unit of the control unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 31 executes the above operation based on the signal from the load cell 19. The process returns to step S1.
From the above, each time the luggage W is placed on the first conveyor 9, the weight of the luggage W is measured and the weight information is stored in the storage unit of the control unit 31.

The weight information display control operation will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S3, it is determined whether or not the luggage W has arrived at the fifth conveyor 17. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes the above determination based on the detection signal from the fourth photoelectric sensor 27. For example, when the fourth photoelectric sensor 27 is turned from OFF to ON and then turned OFF, the luggage W has arrived at the fifth conveyor 17.

In step S4, as shown in FIG. 7, the weight information is displayed on the display 41. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a display that displays the weight information of the luggage. Specifically, the control unit 31 takes out the weight information from the storage unit and transmits the information as display information to the display 41. As a result, when the luggage W reaches the fifth conveyor 17, the weight information of the luggage W is displayed on the display 41.
As a result, the worker S2 is prepared in advance for heavy objects and is therefore less likely to be injured. That is, the safety of the worker S2 is increased.
In step S5, it is determined whether or not the luggage W has been removed from the fifth conveyor 17. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes a determination based on the detection signal from the fifth photoelectric sensor 29. For example, if the fifth photoelectric sensor 29 does not turn on even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the worker S2 has lifted the luggage W.

In step S6, the display of the weight information of the display 41 is stopped. Specifically, the control unit 31 transmits a display stop signal to the display 41. As a result, when the luggage W disappears from the fifth conveyor 17, the weight information of the luggage W is erased from the display 41.
In step S7, the control unit 31 deletes the weight information and the position information from the storage unit. The process then returns to step S3.

The timing at which the package information is displayed on the display 41 is not limited to when the package reaches the fifth conveyor 17. For example, the timing may be when the fourth conveyor 15 is reached, or when the fourth conveyor 15 is separated from the fourth conveyor 15, or before the timing.
The weight information is not limited to the information displayed in kg. For example, it may be information such as "heavy object" or "light object". Moreover, both may be described together.

Further, as the worker information based on the weight information, information calling attention regarding the operation such as "Be careful of lifting!" And "Be careful of posture!" May be displayed.
The weight information does not have to be the information of one package. That is, the weight information of a plurality of packages may be displayed.

2. Second Embodiment The weight information display control operation of the apparatus 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the display of the weight information of the luggage and the low-speed mode control in the second embodiment.
In this embodiment, the fifth conveyor 17 is driven by a motor (not shown) (the same applies to the following embodiments).
In step S3 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the luggage W has arrived at the fifth conveyor 17. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes the above determination based on the detection signal from the fourth photoelectric sensor 27. For example, when the fourth photoelectric sensor 27 is turned from OFF to ON and then turned OFF, the luggage W has arrived at the fifth conveyor 17.

In step S4, as shown in FIG. 7, the weight information is displayed on the display 41. Specifically, the control unit 31 takes out the weight information from the storage unit and transmits the information as display information to the display 41. As a result, when the luggage W reaches the fifth conveyor 17, the weight information of the luggage W is displayed on the display 41.
In step S8, it is determined whether or not the baggage is a heavy object (an example of handling caution baggage information). Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether the weight is equal to or less than the threshold value. If it is a heavy object, the process proceeds to step S9, and if it is not a heavy object, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S9, the fifth conveyor 17 is changed to the low speed mode. Specifically, the control unit 31 transmits a drive signal to the fifth conveyor 17 in a low speed mode.
In step S10, it is determined whether or not the luggage W has been removed from the fifth conveyor 17. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes a determination based on the detection signal from the fifth photoelectric sensor 29. For example, if the fifth photoelectric sensor 29 does not turn on even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the worker S2 has lifted the luggage W.

In step S11, the fifth conveyor 17 is changed to the normal mode. Specifically, the control unit 31 transmits a drive signal to the fifth conveyor 17 as a normal mode. The process proceeds to step S6.
In step S5, it is determined whether or not the luggage W has been removed from the fifth conveyor 17. Specifically, the control unit 31 makes a determination based on the detection signal from the fifth photoelectric sensor 29. The process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the display of the weight information of the display 41 is stopped. Specifically, the control unit 31 transmits a display stop signal to the display 41. As a result, when the luggage W disappears from the fifth conveyor 17, the weight information of the luggage W is erased from the display 41.
In step S7, the control unit 31 deletes the weight information and the position information from the storage unit.

As described above, by slowing down the transport speed of the heavy load, the safety of the worker S2 in the load discharge section is ensured.
The timing at which the fifth conveyor 17 is switched to the low speed mode is not limited to when the load reaches the fifth conveyor 17. For example, the timing may be when the baggage W reaches the fourth conveyor 15 or when it is separated from the fourth conveyor 15, or may be before them.
The conveyor that can be switched to the low speed mode does not have to be the fifth conveyor 17. A part or all of the fourth conveyor 15, the third conveyor 13, the second conveyor 11, and the first conveyor 9 may be switched to the low speed mode.
The low speed mode may have a plurality of stages depending on the weight.
Further, as a modification, the fifth conveyor 17 may be an inclined conveyor (an example of a chute) utilizing the drop of the load by its own weight, and the transfer speed may be reduced by controlling the brake.

3. 3. Third Embodiment The baggage information displayed on the display is not limited to the weight information. A third embodiment for displaying size information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a display showing the display of luggage size information according to the third embodiment.

In FIG. 9, "large size" is displayed as size information on the display 41A. In addition, for example, "medium size", "small size", and "super large size" can be displayed.
In the device 1, the worker S2 can prepare a packaging container or the like by transmitting the size information of the package to the worker S2.
The size information may be input by the worker S1 using an information input device when the load is placed on the first conveyor 9. Alternatively, when the load is placed on the first conveyor 9, the size information may be acquired by photographing the load with a camera and further performing image processing on the captured data.
The size information may be displayed together with the weight information.
In the present embodiment, the handling caution baggage information that triggers the reduction of the transport speed of the fifth conveyor 17 is, for example, that the baggage is "ultra-large".

4. Fourth Embodiment The baggage information displayed on the display is not limited to the weight information. A third embodiment for displaying packaging information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a display showing the display of package information of the luggage according to the fourth embodiment.

In FIG. 10, "fixed form" is displayed as packing form information on the display 41B. In addition, for example, "indeterminate form", "loose", "unstable", and "required jig for transportation" can be displayed.
In the device 1, the worker S2 can prepare a trolley, a jig, and the like for transportation by transmitting the packing form information to the worker S2.
The packing form information may be input by the worker S1 using the information input device when the load is placed on the first conveyor 9. Alternatively, when the load is placed on the first conveyor 9, the package information may be acquired by photographing the load with a camera and further performing image processing on the captured data. It may be obtained by reading the package information such as a barcode and reading the package information from the recorded data.
The packaging information may be displayed together with the weight information and / or the size information.
In the present embodiment, the handling caution baggage information that triggers the reduction of the transport speed of the fifth conveyor 17 is, for example, that the baggage is "unstable" and "has sharp protrusions".

5. Fifth Embodiment The information presenting device is not limited to the display.
The lighting device 41C will be described as an information presenting device with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a lamp that displays the weight information of the luggage according to the fifth embodiment.
The lighting device 41C has a first lamp 43 representing a heavy object, a second lamp 45 representing a medium weight object, and a third lamp 47 representing a lightweight object. Each lamp lights up according to the weight information.
As a result, the worker S2 can intuitively determine the weight of the luggage.

6. Common Matters of the Embodiments The first to fifth embodiments have the following configurations and functions in common.

The vanning / devanning device (for example, the vanning / devanning device 1) according to the present invention includes a conveyor (for example, a conveyor 5), a luggage information acquisition unit (for example, a load cell 19), and an information presentation device (for example, a display 41, The display 41A, the display 41B, and the lighting device 41C) are provided.
The conveyor extends from the load loading section (eg, first conveyor 9) to the load discharging section (eg, fifth conveyor 17).
The baggage information acquisition unit acquires baggage information (for example, weight information, size information, package shape information) of the baggage (for example, baggage W) to be put into the baggage loading section.
The information presenting device presents information for workers in a visible state in the vicinity of the baggage discharge portion based on the baggage information.
In this device, the worker can raise awareness of the work and prepare the work by presenting the information for the worker to the worker by the information presenting device. Therefore, the workability when the worker unloads the load from the conveyor is improved.

7. Other Embodiments Although the plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and modifications described herein can be arbitrarily combined as needed.
The method of presenting information may be a sticker attached to the luggage or printing on the luggage. In this case, the worker can reliably determine the information of each package even if a plurality of packages are continuously transported.

Further, as a method of presenting information, for example, by attaching a two-dimensional code such as an AR code to the luggage, the operator may be able to virtually visually recognize the above-mentioned various information by the attached smart glasses.
The sensor that detects the position of the load on the conveyor is not limited to the photoelectric sensor. It may be an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor.

The present invention is widely applicable to vanning and devanning devices.

1: Vanning / devanning device 3: Running unit 5: Conveyor 7: Worktable 8: Conveyor elevating part 9: 1st conveyor 10: Worktable elevating part 11: 2nd conveyor 13: 3rd conveyor 15: 4th conveyor 17: Fifth conveyor 19: Load cell 21: First photoelectric sensor 23: Second photoelectric sensor 25: Third photoelectric sensor 27: Fourth photoelectric sensor 29: Fifth photoelectric sensor 31: Control unit 41: Display 41A: Display 41B: Display 41C: Lighting device 43: 1st lamp 45: 2nd lamp 47: 3rd lamp 51: 1st motor 53: 2nd motor 55: 3rd motor 57: 4th motor 59: 5th motor W: Luggage

Claims (4)

A conveyor that extends from the luggage loading section to the luggage discharging section,
A baggage information acquisition unit that acquires baggage information to be loaded into the baggage loading unit,
An information presentation device that presents information for workers in a visible state in the vicinity of the baggage discharge unit based on the baggage information.
Based on the baggage information, a controller that reduces the baggage transport speed at least in the baggage discharge section, and
A vanning / devanning device equipped with. The vanning / devanning device according to claim 1 , wherein the baggage information includes weight information. The vanning / devanning device according to claim 1 , wherein the baggage information includes size information. The vanning / devanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller reduces the transport speed of the baggage at least at the baggage discharge unit when the baggage information includes the handling caution baggage information.

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