JP7002741B2 - Picking system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a picking system capable of efficiently performing picking work even when the picking cart cannot be entered into a predetermined passage (region) for a predetermined reason during picking work.

When introducing a picking cart, it is necessary to have a passage through which the picking cart can pass and a passage width with a margin for the picking cart to pass.

In the case of an existing building that is not premised on the introduction of a picking cart, it may not be possible to secure a passage for passing the picking cart between storage shelves, flow racks, and the like. When trying to introduce a picking cart to such an existing building, it may be necessary to make a major layout change, and even if the layout is changed, it may not be possible to take a sufficient passage for the picking cart to pass through. These were the barriers to the introduction of picking carts. Therefore, there has been a demand for a picking system capable of efficiently picking with a picking cart even when the passage of the picking cart is relatively narrow and congestion in the passage is likely to occur.

In addition, even at sites where picking carts have already been introduced, work is concentrated on increasing orders for some items due to seasonal fluctuations in quantity, just before the shipping time, and batch processing of order data. Some locations and aisles will be congested, and if you choose to pick other items first to avoid congestion in the aisles, the work flow line will be extended, and as a result, the work man-hours will be extended. There were various business problems such as the huge number of items and the inability to meet the shipping time. In order to shorten the work flow line, for example, the picking cart is stopped in a congested location or a main aisle near the aisle, and only the worker moves alone to the congested aisle, picking and picking the article in the corresponding location. You can also think of a way to get it back to the cart. However, when working in this way, the items to be picked and their quantity depend on the memory of the worker, so there is a high possibility that the location will be forgotten or the items to be picked and the quantity will be mistaken. There was a risk that the work could not be redone (repeated).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-56423

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a picking system capable of efficiently performing picking work.

The present invention is a first work instruction for displaying a picking work instruction received from the picking management device in the picking cart in a picking system including a picking cart and a picking management device connected to the picking cart via communication. The first work instruction means has a means and a second work instruction means for giving a picking work instruction by voice , and the first work instruction means displays a location instruction screen indicating a product to be picked next, and the location instruction screen is displayed. On the other hand, when a predetermined operation is performed, an unprocessed product list screen that displays a list of products that have not been picked is displayed, and the second work instruction means voices the product selected on the unprocessed product list screen. It is characterized by giving a picking work instruction by .
As a result, the operator can pick away from the picking cart under predetermined conditions, for example, when the passage is crowded or the picking cart cannot enter (difficult to enter) in a place (passage). Even in such a case, the second work instruction means makes it possible to pick the article accurately and efficiently.

Further, in the present invention, the picking cart has a counting means, and the counting means has a measuring unit that also serves as a mounting unit, and is an article picked based on a picking work instruction by the second work instruction means. Is characterized in that the quantity is inspected by measuring with the measuring unit .
This makes it possible to reliably confirm the quantity of the goods for which the picking instruction has been instructed.

According to the present invention, even if the picking cart cannot (or is difficult to enter) into a predetermined passage (area) for a predetermined reason during the picking operation, the picking operation can be efficiently performed. can.

It is a system block diagram of the picking system 1. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of a cart 30. It is a block diagram of a cart 30. It is a block diagram of a management device 10. It is a figure which shows an example of a product file. It is an operation flow diagram which shows an example of the operation of a cart 30. It is a figure which shows an example of the location instruction screen G1. It is a figure which shows an example of the unprocessed product list screen G2. It is a figure which shows an example of the assist content selection screen G3. It is a figure which shows an example of the picking work instruction receipt 70 for the assist area. It is a crowd picking operation explanatory diagram which shows the picking operation by an operator when the assist function is used. It is a picking operation flow chart of a worker when the assist function is not used. It is a picking operation flow chart of a worker when the assist function by printing is used. It is a picking operation flow chart of a worker when the assist function by voice is used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a picking system 1 configured by using the picking cart 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the picking system 1 mounts a picking management device 10 that manages picking work of an article (hereinafter referred to as “goods”) and a mounting body (hereinafter referred to as “container”) for storing the goods. It is configured to include a plurality of picking carts 30 that move in a row. The picking management device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “management device”) 10 is connected to the host computer 20 above the picking management device 20. Then, for example, the management device 10 receives the order data of the product from the host computer 20. Further, the management device 10 communicates with each picking cart (hereinafter referred to as “cart”) 30, ..., Via the wireless router 25. For example, the management device 10 transmits information for identifying a product instructed to be taken out from a predetermined position and information such as the number of products to be taken out to the cart 30.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cart 30. As shown in the figure, the cart 30 has a frame member 31 having a shelf shape of two upper and lower stages and two mounting portions (hereinafter referred to as “measuring portions”) 33-1 installed on the upper stage side of the frame member 31. , 2, two mounting parts (hereinafter referred to as "weighing parts") 35-1 and 2 installed on the lower side of the frame member 31, and a pair of handles 37 installed on the front side of the upper part of the frame member 31. A display unit 39 and a first scanner unit 41 installed between the pair of handles 37, a second scanner unit 43 installed further in front of the handle 37, and the second scanner unit 43 are held. It is configured to include a holding portion 45, a printing portion 47 installed on one side of the upper stage of the frame member 31, and a battery 49 installed on the lower stage side of the frame member 31. Further, the cart 30 is provided with a voice assist unit 51 and a wearable scanner unit 53 connected to the cart 30 by wireless communication (see FIG. 3).

The frame member 31 has an upper stage portion 311 and a lower stage portion 313, a table portion 315 is provided on the front side of the upper stage portion 311 and a caster (not shown) for moving the cart 30 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower stage portion 313. Is provided.

The measuring portions 33-1 and 3 on the upper stage side each have the same substantially rectangular article placing portion 331 and are attached to each other. The measuring units 35-1 and 35 on the lower side also have the same substantially rectangular article placing portion 351 and are attached thereto.

A pair of handles 37 are installed on the left and right in order to push the cart 30 in the direction of arrow A. The display unit 39 is composed of a touch panel made of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 39 is a display unit that displays picking work instruction information and the like instructed about the picking work while the worker pushes the cart 30, and by touching the display unit 39, the result of a predetermined work or from the worker side. It is also an input unit for inputting various commands of. The first scanner unit 41 and the second scanner unit 43 read the barcode or the like of the product to be picked. The first scanner unit 41 is fixed to the frame member 31 on the side of the display unit 39, and the second scanner unit 43 is a portable terminal and is held by the holding unit 45 provided on the frame member 31. The second scanner unit 43 wirelessly transmits and receives to and from the cart 30.

The printing unit 47 is installed on the side of the frame member 31 and issues a shipping label or the like to be attached to a container for accommodating picked products. Further, since the printing unit 47 has many uses, it will be described below. do. At distribution centers, etc., if the quantity of any of the products displayed on the picking storage shelves or flow racks in the picking warehouse is low or gone, a replenishment instruction is requested from the management device 10. (An alert is generated on the screen of the management device 10, and the office staff gives a replenishment instruction to replenish the corresponding product from the storage to the picking warehouse, etc.), but the management device If there is no such mechanism in 10, the worker issues a replenishment label from the printing unit 47 (presses the replenishment request form button G18 shown in FIG. 7 below) and hands it to the person in charge of replenishing the product. , Attach it to the replenishment request box or the whiteboard at the site to encourage work, or attach the second sheet to the corresponding location to notify the subsequent picking workers that the replenishment has already been requested. It prevents duplication of instructions. Furthermore, the picking work of the product being replenished is temporarily suspended, and the hold label is issued and affixed to the container waiting for product replenishment from the printing unit 47, and temporarily placed in the container waiting place for replenishment. Place. When the product for which the replenishment instruction is instructed is ready, the picking shelf is replenished and the replenishment release operation is performed. In this operation, the product to be replenished counts the number of "replenishment instruction", "skip", "hold" operations, etc., and when the threshold value set by the system is exceeded, the work instruction including the corresponding product is sent to the cart 30. Will not be delivered to. In other words, this is because the number of pending work orders and containers is not increased. Here, if the instruction of the corresponding product is not stopped, the replenishment work to the container whose work has been suspended increases, which is not efficient. Then, when the replenishment instruction is canceled, the work instruction data including the instruction of the corresponding product is delivered again. By reading the identification information (work instruction number) of the hold label affixed to the container in the temporary storage area that has been put on hold, the empty cart 30 can be used to perform quantity inspection and check the input container. Complete.

If the product is actually out of stock due to damage or delay in arrival, the out-of-stock process is executed, the printing unit 47 issues a out-of-stock label, and the out-of-stock information is transmitted to the management device 10. At that time, it is also used for correction and issuance of issued delivery labels and statement labels, such as when a product put into a container is specified in advance.

Further, since the location of the product is printed on the replenishment label, it is not necessary to search for the location. However, for example, when returning the product to the picking shelf due to cancellation after the picking is completed, the location of the product is searched. The printing unit 47 can also be used to publish the result as a location label.

Alternatively, at a site where a delivery label output by a delivery label other than the printing unit 47 mounted on the cart 30 is used, the printing medium issued by the printing unit 47 should be switched from the label to the receipt, and the receipt according to each use should be issued. You can do it. In this way, the printing unit 47 is used for various purposes.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the cart 30. As shown in the figure, the cart 30 includes a CPU 57, a RAM 59, a ROM 61, a communication unit 63, a display unit 39, a measuring unit 33-1 and 2 on the upper side, and a measuring unit on the lower side. The 35-1 and 2, the first and second scanner units 41 and 43, the printing unit 47, and the speaker unit 65 are connected by a bus 67, and the voice assist unit 51 and the wearable scanner unit are further connected. It is equipped with 53.

The CPU 57 executes various determinations and calculations, and realizes various functions related to the cart 30. The RAM 59 stores data read by the CPU 57, work instruction information, product files, and the like. The ROM 61 stores, for example, various information such as various programs executed by the CPU 57 (this program includes a picking program that causes the CPU 57 to execute the process of FIG. 6 described below), and the CPU 57 stores various information. The operation of the cart 30 is controlled by executing the control program stored in the ROM 61. The communication unit 63 transmits / receives to / from the management device 10 via the wireless router 25. Further, the communication unit 63 transmits and receives various data between the voice assist unit 51 and the wearable scanner unit 53 described below. The speaker unit 65 is a notification unit that performs error notification or the like by sound or voice.

In this embodiment, the voice assist unit 51 is composed of a headset including a microphone with headphones worn on the head. The voice assist unit 51 receives voice information about the product to be picked up from the communication unit 63 and outputs the voice, and inputs the voice of the operator from the microphone to transmit the output to the communication unit 63. ..

The wearable scanner unit 53 is attached to, for example, an arm or a finger, and the reading unit is brought close to the barcode of the picked-up product to input the product identification information (JAN code or the like) into the communication unit 63. It has a function to send.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the management device 10. As shown in the figure, the management device 10 uses a bus 24 to connect the CPU 11, the RAM 13, the ROM 15, the HDD (hard disk, storage means) 17, the communication unit 19, the display unit 21, and the operation unit 23. It is connected and configured. The CPU 11 controls the operation of the management device 10 by executing the control program stored in the ROM 15. The ROM 15 stores various information such as various programs executed by the CPU 11, for example. The RAM 13 temporarily stores various information. The communication unit 19 transmits and receives to and from each cart 30 and transmits and receives to and from the host computer 20 via the wireless router 25.

The management device 10 manages product inventory, creates picking instruction data, manages the operating state of each cart 30, and the like. Further, the management device 10 stores a product file as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the product file has information such as the product name, unit mass value, location number, etc. for each JAN code (product identification information). The product identification information may be various product identification information other than the JAN code. The location number indicates the storage location of the product in the picking warehouse. The management device 10 receives order data from the host computer 20. The received order is transferred to the database (HDD17) of the management device 10, and the capacity is calculated for the delivery date, department, category, packing style, and shipping items in ball / loose units by the picking instruction data creation application or the like. Is executed to create so-called packing unit picking instruction data. On the other hand, the cart 30 receives data (picking instruction data) from the management device 10 which is a higher-level system by wireless communication, and performs work according to the instruction.

The picking system 1 is installed in, for example, a distribution center that handles daily necessities, cosmetics, stationery, miscellaneous goods, foods, and the like. At the distribution center, based on the order data received from retailers (mass retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.), products are shipped in designated sorting units after receiving specifications such as delivery date and delivery time (delivery service). The order data is transmitted to the management device 10 at the order closing time or at an arbitrary timing. In the management device 10, inventory allocation and the like can be performed, and picking instruction data can be created only for items that can be shipped. The created picking instruction data can be taken in by the cart 30. The picking instruction data is transmitted from the management device 10 to the cart 30 by receiving a work start request signal from the cart 30 or the like.

Next, an example of the operation of the picking system 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is an operation flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the picking system 1 in the cart 30 when picking is performed. That is, first, the display unit 39 of the cart 30 is displayed with the location instruction screen G1 as shown in FIG. 7, for example (step ST1-1). On the location instruction screen G1, a location column G11 for displaying the location of the product to be picked, a product name column G12 for displaying the product name, an instruction number column G13 for displaying the number of products to be picked, and a JAN code for the product are displayed. The column G14, the location column G15 of the product to be picked next after picking of this product, the instruction number column G16, the ten-key input field G17 used for manually inputting the JAN code, the storage shelf for picking, and the like. Move to the next location, such as the replenishment request form button G18 that is pressed when the quantity of products displayed on the flow rack is low or exhausted, the designated assist button G19 that is pressed when picking away from the cart 30. Next location button G20 to be pressed at the time, interruption button G41 to be pressed when the picking of the product is interrupted, hold button G42 to be pressed when the picking of the product is suspended, instructions to display various instructions in sentences, etc. The display column G43 and the like are displayed.

Then, during normal times (NO in step ST1-2) when the cart 30 can smoothly enter the location of the product to be picked up, the cart 30 is directly moved to that location, the product is picked up, and the JAN code of the picked up product is used. Is read by the first scanner unit 41 or the second scanner unit 43 (step ST1-3), and if the read JAN code is correct, then the product is one of the designated mounting units 33-1 and 2. , 35-1 and 2 are placed in a container (not shown), and the specified number is charged. Measure the mass (step ST1-4), and if the number of products loaded is correct from the measured value, step. Move to ST1-5, if there is the next product that needs to be picked up, return to step ST1-1 and repeat the above process. If not, finish the pickup work, return to the original standby position, and once. Complete the picking work.

Next, if the location (aisle) of the product to be picked up is congested (for example, another cart in front of the aisle that is going to go) during the picking work (including the beginning and the end, the same applies hereinafter). 30 or other obstacles) is picked by a second work instruction means different from the picking work instruction only by the location instruction screen G1 displayed on the display unit (first work instruction means) 39. Give work instructions. The second work instruction means includes a printing means by the printing unit 47 and the like and a voice instruction means by the voice assisting unit 51 and the like, and each of them will be described below.

[By printing means] (steps ST1-1, 2, 6-12, 5)
As described above, if the location (passage, etc.) in front of the shelf displaying the products to be picked up is congested during the pickup work, the location in front of the location where the cart 30 is congested. The operator presses the designated assist button G19 in the location instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 (YES in step ST1-2). As a result, the unprocessed product list screen G2 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 39 (step ST1-6).

The unprocessed product list screen G2 is a screen for displaying a list of products that need to be picked up in the future (products that have not been picked up yet). In this example, nine types of products are displayed as unprocessed products. On this unprocessed product list screen G2, a number column G21 displaying the original order of picking up, a product identification information column G22 displaying a JAN code, a product name column G23, and a location indicating the location of each product are displayed. Positions of the column G24, the indicated number column G25 indicating the quantity to be picked up, and the measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1, and 2 for loading the picked up products (four measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1). , 2 is indicated by A, B, C, D), a receipt issuing button G27 requesting that a list of unprocessed products be printed and issued on a receipt, and printing or voice of a desired unprocessed product. A designated assist button G28 or the like that requests assistance by instruction is displayed.

Next, by touching the unprocessed product list screen G2 from the unprocessed product list screen G2, the product (location) to be assisted by printing or voice instruction is specified (selected). (Step ST1-7). There are various methods for specifying, but for example, (1) when one product is touched and specified, only "1 product" is specified, and the required products are selected one by one, (2). ) By specifying the first location, the method of automatically setting from the first product to the last product in the corresponding location passage managed by the location master, (3) Touch the first product and the last product By doing so, there is a method in which all products within that range are automatically set. Further, when the designated assist button G19 in the location instruction screen G1 of FIG. 7 is pressed, the transition to the unprocessed product list screen G2 is not performed, and the location number at the end of the aisle range of the location is automatically set from the current location. May be used to set a picking-instructed product within the range. In short, any method may be used as long as it is a method of designating (selecting) a product (location) for which a work instruction is to be received by printing or assisted by voice instruction. Then, for example, in the case of this example, it is assumed that the products (locations) of the numbers "001" to "005" in the unprocessed product list screen G2 are specified.

Next, when the designated assist button G28 on the unprocessed product list screen G2 after the designation is pressed, the assist content selection screen G3 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. In the assist content selection screen G3, for example, "Confirmation message / Do you want to voice assist the instruction data of the location in the specified range?" Is displayed. Since the printing means is used this time, the NO button G32 is pressed (NO in step ST1-8). This pressing becomes a print instruction signal, and the printing unit 47 prints the assisted product, location, or the like (step ST1-9).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a picking work instruction receipt (hereinafter referred to as “picking work instruction receipt”) 70 for an assisted area printed by the printing unit 47. The picking work instruction receipt 70 is printed with a location number 71, a quantity to be picked 73, a product name 75, a check column 77, and the like. In some cases, the JAN code, the positions of the weighing units 33-1, 2, 35-1, and 2 of the container to be loaded may be printed. That is, the print format may be adapted according to the site.

Next, the worker holds the printed picking work instruction receipt 70 in his hand, moves the cart 30 alone to the instructed location while keeping the cart 30 in the current stop position, takes out the instructed product, and takes out the instructed product. The wearable scanner unit 53 reads the JAN code (or location barcode) of the product and collates it (step ST1-10). Instead of the wearable scanner unit 53, a JAN code or the like may be input by operating a key of a mobile device separately worn by the operator. If the collation is correct, the product is picked by the specified quantity. In the case of this example, five types of products at five locations are picked together, so this picking operation is repeated five times, and each product is picked by a predetermined quantity (steps ST1-10, 11). If the wearable scanner unit 53 or the like is not installed, or if the wearable scanner unit 53 or the like is installed but not used, the JAN code or the like may be read by using the second scanner unit 43 which is a mobile terminal.

When all the picking work in the crowded area is completed (YES in step ST1-11), the worker returns to the cart 30 and picks up the picked-up products in the designated measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1 respectively. , 2 Put them in the container, measure their mass (step ST1-12), and if the number of goods put in is correct from those measured values (YES in step ST1-12), the work in the congested area will be done. When the product is finished, the process proceeds to step ST1-5, and if there is a next product to be picked, the process returns to step ST1-1. If not, the pick-up work is finished and the product returns to the original standby position.

It is sufficient that all the picking work in the crowded area is completed by one round trip, but depending on the number (type), quantity and product capacity of the products, the worker may have to make multiple round trips. In such a case, steps ST1-10 to 12 will be repeated a plurality of times.
In addition, when a plurality of mounting units are provided, the identification information of each product, specifically, the barcode may be collated to indicate the mounting unit (container) to be loaded, and the quantity and loading may be checked. .. Of course, when multiple items are picked, they may be loaded into the container in the order of location, and at the actual site, rather than specifying the order of loading, the products are specified again and the order is different from the location order. In some cases, it is more efficient to put it in. If the temporary picking is completed with one product, the quantity and input may be checked without having to identify the product again. Further, one or a plurality of product types may be sequentially instructed on the display screen. In that case, an image of the article or the like may be displayed.
Further, in this case, if the check column 77 printed on the picking work instruction receipt 70 is utilized, the work can be performed while checking with a writing tool, and the work can be performed reliably. Further, as described above, the work can be performed without the wearable scanner unit 53.

Further, the method of designating the range of the congested area may be performed on the side of the management device 10, the cart 30, or the like instead of designating the range on the worker side as described above. For example, by pressing the designated assist button G19 based on the location instructed on the location instruction screen G1, the picking is performed from the picking location number and passage information managed by the location master of the management device 10, for example. It is also possible to automatically extract the congested area including the location to be picked and issue the picking work instruction receipt 70. In short, the product in the location of the area sandwiching the aisle set in advance by the location master or the like may be automatically printed on the picking work instruction receipt 70.

In addition, if work instruction distribution control is performed to perform efficient picking work due to work flow lines and location duplication, and if the configuration can also restrict the number of carts 30 entering each aisle, then Conventionally, work instructions to crowded locations are avoided, but the host system (management device 10 etc.) dares to deliver work instructions without control and at the stage of displaying work instructions at locations where congestion is expected. , The issuance of the picking work instruction receipt 70 may be automatically notified. In addition, it may be forcibly issued by setting the specifications, or it may be left to the judgment of the worker.

Further, as a method for grasping the congestion situation, an imaging process may be adopted. By grasping the congestion state of each location and passage by using a security camera or the like, it is also possible to notify the cart 30 having the location instruction in the area next. Further, if the position information of the cart 30 is used, more accurate instructions can be given.

Further, in the above example, the designated assist in a crowded area has been mainly described, but when the passage is narrow, the operator can enter at any timing in consideration of entering from the direction opposite to the traveling direction due to the following or detouring. Picking work instruction The picking may be performed by the receipt 70. According to this method, when the aisle width is narrow, luggage is placed in the aisle, or there is no help in the busy season, the worker walks to the product with the cart 30 stopped. You can also select the picking method.

In addition, the actual results may be updated when the picking work instruction receipt 70 is issued. This is because, on the premise that inventory is normally allocated to orders, there will be no shortage. This is because if there is an actual shortage, the actual results may be corrected using a higher-level system, a cart 30, or the like.

In addition, after the picking by the designated assist is completed, the cart 30 is normally operated, such as product collation by the first or second scanner units 41 and 43, quantity registration by 100% scanning or number input, or weighing unit 33-1. , 2, 35-1, and counting and weighing inspections, and erroneous input check by mass detection of multiple weighing units 33-1, 2, 35-1, 2 can be performed, so the actual results will be updated at that point. Is also good.

[By voice assist] (Steps ST1-1, 2, 6-8, 13-15, 12, 5)
The wearable scanner unit 53 used for voice assist serves as voice assist in normal work, such as operation guidance, operation error warning notification, work completion signal notification, next work guidance, and screen display received from a host system or the like. It is used to read out the work instructions that have been given.

If the location (passage, etc.) in front of the shelves displaying the products to be picked up is congested during the pick-up work, stop the cart 30 in front of the congested location. The operator presses the designated assist button G19 in the location instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 (YES in step ST1-2). As a result, the unprocessed product list screen G2 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 39 (step ST1-6).

Next, by touching the unprocessed product list screen G2 from the unprocessed product list screen G2, the product (location) to be assisted by printing or voice instruction is specified (selected). (Step ST1-7). The designation method is as described above.

Next, when the designated assist button G28 on the unprocessed product list screen G2 after the designation is pressed, the assist content selection screen G3 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Since voice assist is used this time, the YES button G31 is pressed (YES in step ST1-8). This pressing becomes a voice assist instruction signal, and the process proceeds to step ST1-13. The designated area picking instruction by the voice assist unit 51 is performed by converting the instruction data printed and output on the above-mentioned picking work instruction receipt 70 into voice. Work instructions by vocalization may be in ascending or descending order of location number 71, and if efficient work flow line information is calculated by coordinate management on the warehouse layout in the higher system, the order is according to the data. You may instruct the location to.

Next, when the worker independently moves to the instructed first location (with the cart 30 placed) and arrives by the voice picking instruction from the voice assist unit 51, the worker takes out the instructed product and said. The wearable scanner unit 53 reads the JAN code (or location barcode) of the product and collates it (step ST1-14). Instead of the wearable scanner unit 53, a JAN code or the like may be input by operating a key of a mobile device separately worn by the operator. Further, the JAN code or the like may be input by causing the microphone of the voice assist unit 51 to voice-recognize the JAN code or the like by the voice of the operator. If the collation is correct, the product is picked by the specified quantity (the product name to be picked and the quantity of picking may be voice-guided at this time).

When the picking of the first product in the crowded area is completed, it will be tentatively confirmed. If you can still afford to have the product, or if you have a basket for a crowded area, you can continue picking the next product as it is (the operator is free to decide at what stage to return to the cart 30 once). Can be executed). In that case, for example, the microphone of the voice assist unit 51 may be instructed to continuously pick by the voice of the operator (for example, "next product"), or the wearable scanner unit 53 or a separate operation may be performed. It may be instructed by pressing an operation button of a mobile device worn by a person. As a result, the process returns from step ST1-15 to step ST1-13, and the picking operation is repeated. In the case of this example, the picking work of five types of products at five locations is repeated collectively or divided into a plurality of times, and picking is performed in predetermined quantities. When processing multiple orders (work instructions) in parallel, such as in the case of a cart 30 with a plurality of measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1, and 2, the total number of orders (total amount) is guided, so-called. You may perform work called batch picking or total number picking. Further, the total number picking by temporary picking here, or the identification or confirmation by product collation may be expressed as the first confirmation means.

When all the picking work in the crowded area is completed (YES in step ST1-15), the worker returns to the cart 30 and specifies the products in the specified order or arbitrarily by designating the product identification information. Put the products in the designated measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1 and 2 and measure their masses (step ST1-12), and if the number of products put in is correct from those measured values (step). YES of ST1-12), this completes the work in the congested area. This may be expressed as a second definite means. Next, the process proceeds to step ST1-5, and if there is a product in the next location (area) to be continuously picked, the process returns to step ST1-1. If not, the pick-up work is completed and the product returns to the original standby position.

When the wearable scanner unit 53 is not installed, for example, picking a predetermined number of all (5 types) products is carried to the cart 30 and collectively by the first scanner unit 41 or the second scanner unit 43. You may put it in the container while reading and collating the JAN code.

By the way, when the next location button G20 is pressed on the location instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 7, it is instructed to avoid (skip) the currently congested area and pick up the product in the next location (area). However, since the picking work is not completed even if the congested area is avoided, it is necessary to return to the location again to perform the work, which may extend the work flow line and increase the work man-hours. That is, even if the picking work is performed while avoiding congestion, it is much more efficient to work using the present invention than to wait for the unclear cart congestion to be resolved.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a picking operation during congestion showing a picking operation during congestion using the assist function according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 12 is a picking operation flow diagram of the worker when the assist function is not used, FIG. 13 is a picking operation flow diagram of the worker when the assist function by printing is used, and FIG. 14 is a case where the assist function by voice is used. It is a picking operation flow chart of the worker of.

First, a case where the assist function is not used will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the cart 30A of the preceding worker S2 is stopped at the aisle to be picked and is blocking the aisle, the worker S1 arriving later is the self-owned worker S1. The cart 30 is placed behind the worker S2 and the cart 30A, and the location, quantity, and the like of the product (1) to be picked up next are confirmed and memorized on the location instruction screen G1 displayed on the display unit 39 of the cart 30. (Step ST2-1). Next, only the worker S1 moves to the location where the product (1) is located, leaving the cart 30 (step ST2-2), and picks up the designated quantity of the product (1) (step ST2-3). Next, the cart 30 is returned, the JAN code of the picked up product (1) is collated by the first or second scanner units 41 and 43 (step ST2-4), and the picked up product (1) is collated with any of the measuring units. It is placed in a container (not shown) placed in 33-1, 2, 35-1, and 3 to perform a weight inspection (step ST2-5). As a result, the display of the location instruction screen G1 is updated and the location of the product (2) is displayed. Therefore, the process returns to step ST2-1 to perform the same operation as described above for the product (2), and then the step. Returning to ST2-1, the same operation as described above is performed for the product (3). That is, the cart 30 and the same passage between the products (1), (2), and (3) are reciprocated three times, and the workability is not good. Further, since the user heads to the shelf after remembering the location and quantity displayed on the location instruction screen G1 displayed on the display unit 39 of the cart 30, there is a high possibility that a picking product error or quantity error will occur. If the product is mistaken, it will be known when the JAN code is collated in step ST2-4, so the product must be returned to the shelf. Also, if the quantity is wrong, it will be known when the weight is inspected in step ST2-5, so if the quantity is exceeded, the shelves must be returned in the same way, and if the quantity is insufficient, the product is moved to the shelf again. And additional picking work must be done. In addition, when returning the shelves, there is a risk that the shelves to be returned are mistaken.

Next, a case where the assist function by printing is used will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the cart 30A of the preceding worker S2 is stopped at the aisle to be picked and is blocking the aisle, the worker S1 arriving later is the self-owned worker S1. The cart 30 is placed behind the worker S2 and the cart 30A, and the designated assist button G19 is pressed on the location instruction screen G1 displayed on the display unit 39 of the cart 30 to display the unprocessed product list screen G2. After selecting one or more products to be assisted on the unprocessed product list screen G2, press the designated assist button G28, and further press the NO button G32 on the assist content selection screen G3, whereby the picking work instruction receipt 70 is issued. Therefore, receive this (steps ST3-1 and 2). Then, with this picking work instruction receipt 70, move to the location of the product (1) independently (step ST3-3, arrow H1), pick up the product (1) while checking the picking work instruction receipt 70, and wearable. The JAN code is collated by the scanner unit 53 or the like (step ST3-4), and if they match, the specified number of products are picked up (step ST3-5). Next, by checking the picking work instruction receipt 70, the product (1) is moved directly from the picked-up location to the location of the product (2) (step ST3-3, arrow H2), and in the case of the product (1). Similarly, while checking the picking work instruction receipt 70, the product (2) is picked up, the JAN code is collated, and the specified number of the products are picked up (steps ST3-4, 5). Next, by checking the picking work instruction receipt 70 again, the product (2) is moved directly from the picked-up location to the location of the product (3) (step ST3-3, arrow H3), and the product (1), As in the case of (2), the product (3) is picked up while checking the picking work instruction receipt 70, the JAN code is collated, and the specified number of the products are picked up (steps ST3-4, 5). After picking up all the products (1), (2), and (3) (NO in step ST3-6), the product returns to the cart 30 and the weight of each product is inspected (step ST3-7, arrow H4). If the wearable scanner unit 53 or the like does not collate the JAN code at the location of the product, both the collation and the weight inspection are performed for each product when returning to the cart 30. That is, when the assist function by printing is used, the passage between the cart 30 and each of the products (1), (2), and (3) is performed only once, and the workability is improved. Further, since the product can be picked up while checking the picking work instruction receipt 70, the product to be picked up and the quantity thereof are not mistaken, and the probability of returning to the shelf or additional picking can be significantly reduced.

Next, a case where the voice assist function is used will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the cart 30A of the preceding worker S2 is stopped at the passage to be picked and is blocking the passage, the worker S1 arriving later is the self-owned worker S1. The cart 30 is placed behind the worker S2 and the cart 30A, and the designated assist button G19 is pressed on the location instruction screen G1 displayed on the display unit 39 of the cart 30 to display the unprocessed product list screen G2. After selecting one or more products to be assisted on the unprocessed product list screen G2, press the designated assist button G28, and further press the YES button G31 on the assist content selection screen G3, whereby the voice guidance by the voice assist unit 51 is performed. Since the start is started and the location of the product (1) is voice-instructed (steps ST4-1 and 2), only the worker moves to the location of the product (1) according to the voice instruction (step ST4-3, arrow H1). ), The product (1) is picked up, the JAN code is collated by the wearable scanner unit 53, etc. (step ST4-4), and if they match, the product (1) is picked up by the specified number by voice instruction (step). ST4-5). Next, according to the voice instruction (steps ST4-6, 2), the product (1) is moved directly from the picked-up location to the location of the product (2) (step ST4-3, arrow H2), and the product (1) is described. As in the case, the product (2) is picked up, the JAN code is collated, and the specified number of the products are picked up (steps ST4-4, 5). Next, according to the voice instruction again, the product (2) is moved directly from the picked-up location to the product (3) location (step ST4-3, arrow H3), as in the case of the product (1) and (2). Then, according to the voice instruction, the product (3) is picked up, the JAN code is collated, and the specified number of the products are picked up (steps ST4-4, 5). After picking up all the products (1), (2), and (3) (NO in step ST4-6), the product returns to the cart 30 and the weight of each product is inspected (step ST4-7, arrow H4). If the wearable scanner unit 53 or the like does not collate the JAN code at the location of the product, both the collation and the weight inspection are performed for each product when returning to the cart 30. That is, even when the assist function by voice instruction is used, the aisle between the cart 30 and each of the products (1), (2), and (3) is performed only once, and the workability is improved. In addition, since the product can be picked up while confirming the next action by voice instruction, the product to be picked up and the quantity thereof are not mistaken, and the probability of returning to the shelf or additional picking can be greatly reduced.

Further, the program executed by the cart 30 or the management device 10 according to the above embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the ROM 61, the ROM 15, or the like in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the program can be installed or executed. The format file may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Further, the program executed by the cart 30 or the management device 10 of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program executed by the cart 30 or the management device 10 of the above embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network.

As described above, the picking system 1 includes a picking cart 30, a picking management device 10 connected to the picking cart 30 via communication, and a receiving means (communication unit) 63 for receiving picking work instructions. A first work instruction means (display unit, display means) 39 for displaying a picking work instruction (location instruction screen G1 or the like), and an extraction means for extracting picking work instructions for articles in a location range specified by predetermined conditions. (CPU 57 or the like that executes steps ST1-1, 2, 6, 7, and the like). Under predetermined conditions, a picking work instruction (CPU 57 or the like that executes steps ST9, 13 and the like) is given by a second work instruction means (printing or voice assist) different from the first work instruction means 39.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. It is possible. It should be noted that any configuration not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the action and effect of the present invention are exhibited. For example, in the above embodiment, as the picking cart, a general picking cart 30 having a plurality of measuring units 33-1, 2, 35-1, 2, 39, etc. integrally provided on the frame member 31 is used. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a simple type picking cart or the like in which a mobile terminal such as a tablet personal computer, a mobile printer, a portable rack, a cargo cart, or the like is provided with a partition plate or the like. .. For checking the product loading into the container (loading frontage), a "digital display" attached to the housing or a "wireless digital display" detachably fixed to the container with an attachment may be used.

Further, the picking cart may be used in combination with a follow-up cart (trolley or the like) capable of automatic operation. Further, the picking cart may be used as a self-propelled type like a follow-up cart. By making it self-propelled, picking work can be performed while tracking the worker. Since the expert knows the location, he will lead the follow-up cart. When the leading worker is separated to a distance that cannot be followed, an alert may be notified from the following cart side or a mobile terminal held by the worker may be notified. Further, the abnormality of the follow-up cart may be received by wireless communication or the like and notified by the mobile terminal, or the state of the follow-up cart may be inquired from the mobile terminal. The remaining battery level of the tracking cart may be automatically notified with a plurality of threshold values. In addition, if the location information is used, although it is a follow-up cart, it is possible to guide the location to a beginner or a worker who is unfamiliar with the location by a leading method. Of course, if the distance from the worker who is tracking or leading is far away by a sensor etc., it will be stopped and urged to approach (detection range) by voice notification etc., or a collision with another worker or obstacle by the detection means etc. You can also work while avoiding. Of course, in the case of picking to the designated area, it stops at the designated place, the worker gives an instruction to call the follow-up cart, the worker enters the sensor detection range of the follow-up cart again, and receives an instruction to restart tracking to start work. It is also possible to return.

Further, in the above embodiment, two measuring units are installed in the upper stage and two in the lower stage, but one may be installed one by one, three or more may be installed, and only the upper stage or the lower stage may be installed. Various forms are possible, such as good. That is, there are various types of carts, such as a type in which containers are arranged in parallel with the traveling direction, a type in which containers are arranged in the traveling direction, a type in which multiple container mounting portions are arranged, and a type in which multiple stages are provided. However, the present invention can be applied. Further, in the above embodiment, the measuring unit having a measuring function is used as the mounting unit, but the mounting unit may not have the measuring function. In this case, for example, when the products are put into the container, 100% of the products may be scanned.

By the way, in a picking cart provided with a plurality of mounting portions, generally, when picking a predetermined product, the total quantity of picking instructions of the plurality of mounting portions is picked (a method called total number picking or batch picking). .. Therefore, regardless of whether the PLU (product type) is one or more, when the product returns to the picking cart, it is necessary to instruct which container to put in by the product collation. In the case of one type of PLU, it is possible to give an input instruction without performing product collation again, so it is optional to perform product collation. When there are a plurality of types of PLU, there is a method of guiding the loading instruction from the picking cart side in the order of location or code, or a method of selecting a product to be arbitrarily loaded by the worker. In the latter case, product verification or product selection must be performed. In this case, if the number of PLUs is 2 or 3, the product can be selected from a list or product image, but barcode scanning is also possible. Is efficient. However, in the case of a product without a barcode, the shelf side will collate the product with the shelf number (location number), but there is no way to collate the product with the picking cart, so skip the product collation and It will be confirmed by the product name etc. It is also a good method to automatically switch to the mode of selecting from the above-mentioned product images and list. Furthermore, if the barcode is the same and the work instructions are separated between those with a prize and those without a prize, they may be identified and collated with a temporary barcode, a shelf number barcode, or the like.

In addition, the above description and the embodiments shown in each figure can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction in the purpose, configuration, and the like. Further, the above description and the description contents of each figure can be independent embodiments even if they are a part thereof, and the embodiment of the present invention is one embodiment in which the above description and each figure are combined. Not limited to.

Regarding the above explanation, the following sections are further disclosed.
(Appendix 1)
A placement section for placing picked items,
Receiving means for receiving picking work instructions and
A display means for displaying the picking work instruction and
In a picking cart equipped with
It has an extraction means for extracting picking work instructions for goods in a specified location range under predetermined conditions.
Under the predetermined conditions, the picking cart is characterized in that a picking work instruction is given by a work instruction means different from the display means.
(Appendix 2)
In a picking system including a picking cart and a picking management device connected to the picking cart via communication.
Receiving means for receiving picking work instructions and
A display means for displaying the picking work instruction and
An extraction means for extracting picking work instructions for goods in a location range specified by predetermined conditions, and
Under the predetermined conditions, a means for giving a picking work instruction by a work instruction means different from the display means,
A program characterized by functioning as.

1 Picking system 10 Picking management device (management device)
11 CPU 13 RAM
15 ROM
17 HDD (hard disk, storage means)
19 Communication unit 20 Host computer 21 Display unit 23 Operation unit 24 Bus 25 Wireless router 30, 30A Picking cart (cart)
31 Frame member 33-1, 2 Placement part (Weighing part)
35-1, 2 Placement part (Weighing part) 37 Handle 39 Display part (1st work instruction means, display means)
41 1st scanner unit 43 2nd scanner unit 45 Holding unit 47 Printing unit (second work instruction means)
49 Battery 51 Voice assist unit (second work instruction means)
53 Wearable scanner unit 57 CPU 59 RAM
61 ROM 63 Communication unit (receiving means)
65 Speaker section 67 Bus 70 Picking work instruction receipt for assisted area (picking work instruction receipt)
71 Location number 73 Picking quantity 75 Product name 77 Check column 311 Upper section 313 Lower section 315 Table section 331 Goods placement section 351 Goods placement section G1 Location instruction screen G2 Unprocessed product list screen G3 Assist content selection screen G11 Location column G12 Product name field G13 Instruction number field G14 JAN code field G15 Location field G16 Instruction number field G17 Tenkey input field G18 Replenishment request form button G19 Designation assist button G20 Next location button G21 Number field G22 Product identification information field G23 Product name field G24 Location field G25 Instruction number column G26 Scale position column G27 Receipt issuance button G28 Designation assist button G31 YES button G32 NO button G41 Interrupt button G42 Hold button G43 Instruction display column S1, S2 Worker

Claims (2)

In a picking system including a picking cart and a picking management device connected to the picking cart via communication.
A first work instruction means for displaying the picking work instruction received from the picking management device in the picking cart, and
A second work instruction means for giving voice picking work instructions ,
Have,
The first work instruction means displays a location instruction screen indicating a product to be picked next, and displays a list of products that have not been picked when a predetermined operation is performed on the location instruction screen. Display the list screen and
The second work instruction means is a picking system characterized in that a picking work instruction is given by voice for a product selected on the unprocessed product list screen . The picking cart has a counting means and has a counting means.
The counting means has a measuring unit that also serves as a mounting unit, and the measuring unit measures the picked articles based on the picking work instruction by the second work instruction means to perform quantity inspection. The picking system according to claim 1 .

Images