JP7391119B2 - sorting system - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a sorting system.

A baggage sorting system has a plurality of boxes arranged on a rack, and a worker puts the baggage into a designated box. As a result, the necessary cargo is sorted to the sorting destination associated with each box.

However, when the number of boxes installed on a rack increases, the worker must search for a designated box among a large number of boxes, move to the position of the designated box, and place the goods therein. In this case, work efficiency deteriorates and work time becomes longer. Moreover, the burden on the worker increases, and the working time also varies depending on the worker's ability.

Therefore, it is desired to develop a sorting system that can improve work efficiency and shorten work time.

The sorting system according to this embodiment includes a tray that can be loaded with cargo and is movable, a rack that is arranged along the range of movement of the tray and has a plurality of boxes that receive the cargo from the tray, and a tray controller that controls the operation of the tray. , receives order data including package information that specifies the package to be sorted and the number of packages, and sorting destination information indicating the destination of the package, and receives box position information and sorting destination of each of the plurality of boxes in the rack. a first system that generates task data by associating the tray with information, and the tray controller moves the tray to a first box associated with the sorting destination of the cargo according to the task data, and into the first box.

After loading the baggage into the first box, the tray returns to the original position where the baggage was loaded.

The rack includes a plurality of box columns in which a plurality of boxes are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and a plurality of box rows in which a plurality of boxes are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction.

The system further includes a storage unit disposed in the rack and storing an identifier for identifying the rack, and a reader disposed in the tray controller and reading out the identifier from the storage unit. One system generates task data based on the identifier and box location information.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sorter of the sorting system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a sorting system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the sorting system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of task data generation. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of task data generation. The figure which shows the example where the status of a task number became "processed."

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment does not limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the proportions of each part are not necessarily the same as in reality. In the specification and drawings, the same elements as those described above with respect to the existing drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sorter 1 of a sorting system according to this embodiment. The tray 10 is configured to be able to load cargo (not shown) and move in the transport area A11 of the transport frame 11 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the horizontal direction (Y direction). The transport frame 11 is made of metal or resin, for example, and has a transport area A11 within the frame as a space in which the tray 10 can move in the ZY direction. The tray 10 can move inside the transport frame 11. The tray 10 has a bottom plate on which cargo is placed and side plates surrounding the three sides of the bottom plate, and no side plate is provided on one side of the bottom plate. The tray 10 allows cargo to be thrown into a predetermined box by tilting one side of the bottom plate, which is not provided with a side plate, downward.

The racks 20a and 20b are arranged on both sides of the transport frame 11 with the transport area A11 in between, and are arranged along the YZ plane of the transport area A11. The racks 20a, 20b each have the same configuration and include a plurality of boxes 30a, 30b for receiving packages from the tray 10. For example, the rack 20a includes a plurality of box columns in which a plurality of boxes 30a are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and a plurality of box rows in which a plurality of boxes 30a are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. The rack 20b includes a plurality of box columns in which a plurality of boxes 30b are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and a plurality of box rows in which a plurality of boxes 30b are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction.

The racks 20a and 20b are removably arranged on one side and the other side of the transport frame 11 in the X direction, respectively. The racks 20a and 20b each have a unique identifier (hereinafter referred to as rack ID) and are configured to be distinguishable from each other. The rack ID is stored in the storage units 22a and 22b, such as an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code. The storage unit 22a is arranged in the rack 20a and stores a unique rack ID for identifying the rack 20a. The storage unit 22b is arranged in the rack 20b and stores a unique rack ID for identifying the rack 20b. On the other hand, readers 12a and 12b for reading rack IDs from storage units 22a and 22b are arranged in the transport frame 11. Thereby, the transport frame 11 can read the rack IDs from the racks 20a and 20b and identify the racks 20a and 20b.

In this way, the plurality of racks 20a and 20b are arranged on both sides of one transport frame 11 so as to be distinguishable. The tray 10 can move within the transport area A11 along the YZ plane, and can transport and put the cargo into any boxes 30a, 30b.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment. The sorting system 100 includes a sorter 1, a management system WMS, an execution system (first system) WES, a robot control system RCS, and a terminal ST.

The management system WMS generates order data regarding sorting of packages. The order data is, for example, a delivery instruction for a package from a client, and includes package information that specifies the package to be sorted and the number of packages, and sorting destination information that indicates the destination of the package. The order data indicates, for example, packages to be delivered to one delivery destination and the number of packages. When one box 30a, 30b is allocated to one delivery destination, one order data is information indicating the package to be placed in one box 30a, 30b and the number thereof. In this case, the sorting destinations to the boxes 30a and 30b correspond one-to-one with the delivery destinations. When a plurality of boxes 30a, 30b are allocated to one delivery destination, one order data becomes information indicating the packages to be placed in the plurality of boxes 30a, 30b and the number thereof. In this case, the sorting destinations of the plurality of boxes 30a and 30b correspond to one delivery destination.

The management system WMS generates a plurality of order data and sends it to the execution system WES. The management system WMS may be, for example, a computer with a CPU and memory.

The robot control system RCS as a tray controller is connected to the sorter 1 wirelessly via an access point AP or wired via a hub. Thereby, the robot control system RCS can receive the rack IDs read by the readers 12a, 12b of the racks 20a, 20b. The robot control system RCS sends the rack IDs of the racks 20a and 20b to the execution system WES. The robot control system RCS also receives task data, which will be described later, from the execution system WES, and controls the operation of the transport tray 10 of the sorter 1 according to the task data. The robot control system RCS may also be, for example, a computer with a CPU and memory.

In addition, the robot control system RCS generates rack information in which the rack IDs of the racks 20a and 20b are associated with the position information of the boxes 30a and 30b (position information of the input ports) arranged in the racks 20a and 20b, respectively. Stored in advance. When the robot control system RCS receives the rack ID from the transport frame 11, the robot control system RCS calculates the position information of the boxes 30a and 30b of the racks 20a and 20b attached to the transport frame 11 at that time (position information of the input port) based on the rack information. ). This allows the robot control system RCS to accurately grasp the positional information of the boxes 30a, 30b even if the numbers and placement positions of the boxes 30a, 30b differ for each rack 20a, 20b. Therefore, the robot control system RCS can generate shoot information that associates the racks 20a, 20b placed at that time with the position information of the boxes 30a, 30b of the racks 20a, 20b. The shoot information is stored in the robot control system RCS, and is also transmitted to the execution system WES and is also stored in the execution system WES. This synchronizes the execution system WES and the robot control system RCS. Note that the shoot information may be generated by the execution system WES and transmitted to the robot control system RCS.

The execution system WES generates task data by associating the package information and delivery destination information (sorting destination information) of the order data with either box 30a or 30b, based on the order data from the management system WMS and the chute information. . The association between the delivery destination and the boxes 30a, 30b can be achieved by arbitrarily associating the individual information of the delivery destination with the positional information of the boxes 30a, 30b (positional information of the input slot). At this time, the execution system WES may allocate the position information of one of the plurality of boxes 30a and 30b to the individual information of the delivery destination depending on the size and number of packages to be delivered. location information may be assigned. Alternatively, boxes 30a, 30b of various sizes may be arranged in advance on the racks 20a, 20b, and the execution system WES may associate the boxes 30a, 30b suitable for the size of the package to be delivered with the delivery destination. In this case, the order data may include the size information of the package, and the rack information may include the size information of the boxes 30a and 30b. Thereby, the execution system WES can allocate boxes 30a and 30b suitable for the size and number of packages to be delivered. For example, the execution system WES may allocate boxes 30a and 30b having a capacity equal to or greater than the size of the baggage times the number of pieces. The execution system WES may be, for example, a computer with a CPU and memory.

The terminal ST includes, for example, a barcode reader and a tablet terminal, and is operated by an operator. The terminal ST is wirelessly connected to the execution system WES via an access point AP. An identifier such as a barcode is affixed to the actual baggage to identify the baggage, and a worker scans the barcode using a barcode reader. The tablet terminal processes the read baggage information and sends it to the execution system WES. Thereby, the terminal ST can transmit information (scan information) about the baggage scanned by the barcode reader to the execution system WES. At this time, the terminal ST has a terminal ID that identifies itself, and transmits the terminal ID along with the scan information to the execution system WES. Thereby, the execution system WES can specify which worker at which terminal ST is processing which baggage. The execution system WES receives scan information and terminal ID from the terminal ST. Note that the terminal ST is not particularly limited, and may include a barcode reader and a PC (Personal Computer). The barcode may be a QR code or any other code that can identify the package.

The execution system WES displays order data and/or task data on the screen of the tablet terminal. The execution system WES may display all order data and/or task data, or only the order data and/or task data to be processed by the terminal ST. Thereby, the worker can scan the package according to the order data and/or task data with the barcode reader, and load the package onto the tray 10. Note that the load may be loaded onto the tray 10 using a robot arm, a conveyor, or the like.

Note that in this embodiment, one terminal ST is provided corresponding to one transport frame 11. A plurality of packages may be sorted simultaneously using a plurality of terminals ST and a plurality of transport frames 11 corresponding thereto.

The execution system WES receives scan information from the terminal ST and associates the scan information with task data. As a result, the boxes 30a and 30b into which the luggage should be placed are determined. Since the robot control system RCS is synchronized with the execution system WES, it knows which boxes 30a and 30b should be loaded.

When the boxes 30a and 30b into which the luggage should be deposited are determined, the execution system WES causes the terminal ST to display a notification saying "Preparation for sorting" and a button "Ready to depart". When the worker touches the "Ready to start" display on the tablet terminal, the robot control system RCS starts the operation of the tray 10. The robot control system RCS moves the tray 10 to the position of the box 30a, 30b into which the baggage is to be thrown, and throws (shoots) the baggage into the box 30a, 30b. In this manner, the robot control system RCS can move the tray 10 to the box associated with the destination of the cargo sorting among the plurality of boxes 30a and 30b, and place the cargo into the box, according to the task data. This completes one task.

After loading the baggage, the robot control system RCS returns the tray 10 to the original position where the baggage was loaded. This enables processing of the next task data.

According to the sorting system according to the present embodiment, the execution system WES generates task data by associating box position information into which packages are placed and sorting destination information based on order data including package information and sorting destination information. . The robot control system RCS moves the tray 10 according to the task data, moves it to a box into which a load is to be placed according to the box position information, and throws the load into the box. This allows the worker to execute one task by simply scanning the barcode of the product, loading the package onto the tray 10, and touching the "perform sorting" button on the tablet terminal. As a result, work efficiency can be improved and work time can be shortened. Further, it is possible to suppress sorting errors by the worker.

In this embodiment, one transport frame 11 and one terminal ST are provided. However, the plurality of transport frames 11 and the plurality of terminals ST may each be connected to the robot control system RCS or the execution system WES via an access point AP. In this case, the plurality of transport frames 11 and the plurality of terminals ST have a one-to-one correspondence, and may be distinguished by each rack ID and terminal ID. Thereby, the execution system WES is made common to the plurality of transport frames 11 and the plurality of terminals ST, and can control the plurality of transport frames 11 and the plurality of terminals ST.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the sorting system according to this embodiment.

First, the racks 20a and 20b are set on the transport frame 11 (S10).

Next, the robot control system RCS acquires the rack ID read by the readers 12a and 12b from the transport frame 11. The robot control system RCS generates chute information based on rack information in which a rack ID and box position information (input port position information) of the corresponding rack are associated with each other (S20). The chute information is information indicating the position information of the boxes 30a and 30b of the racks 20a and 20b set in the transport frame 11 (position information of the input port). The shoot information is transmitted from the robot control system RCS to the execution system WES, and the execution system WES and the robot control system RCS are synchronized (S30).

Next, the management system WMS transmits the order data to the execution system WES (S40). The order data is, for example, a delivery instruction from a client, and includes package information that specifies the type of package to be sorted and the number of packages, and sorting destination information that indicates the destination of the package.

The execution system WES generates task data by assigning package information and delivery destination information (sorting destination information) of the order data to either box 30a or 30b based on the order data and chute information (S50). The task data is information that associates the information on the package and its delivery destination specified in the order data with the position information of arbitrary boxes 30a and 30b.

The task data is sent to the robot control system RCS and shared by the execution system WES and the robot control system RCS (S60).

4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of task data generation. 4A and 4B may be screens displayed on the monitor of the execution system WES.

The task number is a number attached to each task data to distinguish the task. The order number is a number attached to each order data to distinguish the orders. An order may consist of multiple tasks. The status indicates the processing status of the task. Tasks for which package delivery has not yet been completed are displayed as "unprocessed." Tasks for which delivery of packages has been completed are displayed as "Processed." The package code indicates information (identifier) of the package to be delivered. The number indicates the number of packages to be delivered. The shoot number is a number that specifies shoot information corresponding to a task. In this way, the task data associates the package information of the order data with either box 30a or 30b for each task (for each delivery). Thereby, the sorter 1 delivers the packages to predetermined boxes 30a and 30b according to the task data. Note that since the order data also includes delivery destination information (sorting destination information), the task data substantially also includes delivery destination information (sorting destination information). Further, shoot numbers may be assigned in units of batches including a plurality of order data.

Before chute allocation, the order data includes information such as a task number, order number, status, package code, and quantity, but does not yet include a chute number, as shown in FIG. 4A. In order to generate task data from order data, the operator touches or clicks the "shoot allocation" button displayed on the monitor of the execution system WES in FIG. 4A. As a result, the execution system WES automatically assigns shoot information to each task of the order data, as shown in FIG. 4B. At this time, the execution system WES refers to the baggage information (for example, the type and size of the baggage) specified by the baggage code and the capacity of the chute information boxes 30a and 30b, so that the baggage of each task is placed in the box. It is sufficient to allocate the shoot information so that it can be accommodated in 30a and 30b. As a result, task data is generated.

Next, the worker scans the package with the terminal ST, and the execution system WES receives the scan information (S70). Based on the scan information and task data, the robot control system RCS instructs the sorter 1 and the execution system WES about the chute number corresponding to the box into which the cargo is to be placed (S80). As a result, the sorter 1 makes the tray 10 ready for departure and stands by (S90). The execution system WES displays a "departure ready" button on the terminal ST (S100).

The worker loads the scanned luggage onto the tray 10 and touches or clicks the "Ready to Depart" button on the terminal ST. At this time, the execution system WES receives the departure instruction and transmits the departure instruction to the robot control system RCS (S110).

The robot control system RCS transmits a departure instruction to the sorter 1 (S110). The sorter 1 starts the tray 10, moves it to the box position according to the task data, and inserts the cargo (S130).

Next, the sorter 1 returns the tray 10 to its original position (the position where the cargo is loaded) (S140). When the tray 10 returns to its original position, the robot control system RCS sends an arrival notification to the execution system WES (S150), and the execution system WES receives the arrival notification (S160).

Upon receiving the arrival notification, the execution system WES marks the task data as "processed" (S170). For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the status of task number WES002 becomes "processed". This completes one task. Each time each task is completed, the worker may be notified of the completion of the task via an alarm such as a patrol light.

Thereafter, other tasks are executed by repeatedly executing steps S70 to S170. As a result, when all tasks included in the order data are completed, the processing of the order is completed. Further, when all orders included in the batch are completed, processing of the batch is completed. The racks 20a and 20b are replaced in units of orders or batches. Therefore, when the processing of an order or batch is completed, the operator may be notified of the completion of the order or batch via an alarm.

When the racks 20a and 20b are replaced, the steps may be executed again from step S10.

According to the sorting system according to this embodiment, the worker only has to perform the work of loading the packages onto the tray 10 at a predetermined position and operating the terminal ST, and the task of sorting the packages itself is automated. Therefore, the time required for sorting the cargo is shortened, and sorting errors can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared to the case where a worker performs the sorting work, there is no variation in the time required for sorting the packages, and each task can be processed in a substantially uniform amount of time. Therefore, the sorting system according to this embodiment can substantially equalize the productivity of sorting work.

Further, in the sorter 1, boxes 30a and 30b are arranged vertically in the Z direction. Therefore, the installation area of the sorter 1 is relatively small, and the sorting system can be installed even in a small space.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

10 tray, 11 transport frame, 12a, 12b reader, 20a, 20b rack 22a, 22b storage unit, 30a, 30b box, 100 sorting system, 1 sorter, WMS management system, WES execution system, RCS robot control system, ST terminal

Claims (3)

A tray that can be loaded with luggage and moved,
a rack having a plurality of boxes arranged along a range of movement of the tray and receiving the cargo from the tray;
a tray controller that controls the operation of the tray;
a transport frame in which the tray is movable;
a storage unit disposed in the rack and storing an identifier for identifying the rack;
a reader disposed in the transport frame and reading the identifier from the storage unit;
Receive order data including package information that specifies the package to be sorted and the number of packages, and sorting destination information indicating the destination of the package, and receive the identifier and the box position of each of the plurality of boxes on the rack a first system that generates task data by associating the box position information and the sorting destination information based on the information;
The tray controller moves the tray to a first box associated with a sorting destination of the baggage among the plurality of boxes according to the task data, and puts the baggage into the first box. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the tray returns to the original position where the baggage was loaded after the baggage is placed in the first box. 3. The rack includes a plurality of box rows in which the plurality of boxes are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and a plurality of box rows in which the plurality of boxes are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. sorting system.