JPH08119419A - Intelligent picking dolly, its maneuvering method, and intelligent picking system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent misinput and misshipping by facilitate the picking operation of an operator, providing a guidance to give access to a rack on which the applicable item of products are stored, and allowing an at-dolly terminal unit to judge automatically in which shipping box the picked object is to be put. CONSTITUTION: The arrangement includes a host computer 1, at-site terminal unit 2, products rack 5, and dolly 3. The dolly 3 is fitted with an at-dolly terminal unit 7 which exchanges the information of the item to be handled with the host computer 1 and displays the information on a screen, ID tag antenna 6 to read address on the rack, a controller box 11 for ID tag, bar-code reader 8 to scan the bar-code on the picked object, area sensor 10 to make automatic indication of the box for transport of the object, signal tower 12 to display the instructional information of the host computer 1, and a buzzer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intelligent picking cart, an operating method thereof, and an intelligent picking system, which uses an ID tag attached to an article shelf in a physical distribution system to facilitate picking load handling and picking comparison. The present invention relates to an intelligent picking trolley capable of more accurately shipping small items, and an intelligent picking system including peripheral devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, terms used in this specification will be defined. “Picking” in the physical distribution system means selection and collection. "Intelligent" corresponds to an advanced information communication function that utilizes the high intelligence of a computer. Therefore, the "intelligent picking system" is a selective transfer system using a computer. Further, the ID is an identification (identity confirmation), and in the present invention, the address code of the article shelf is stored in the ID tag.

In a conventional picking system, a picking list is output from a host computer to a printer of a field terminal, and after confirming the picking product name and its quantity described in the picking list,
Put a picking list on a conventional hand truck,
It was transported to the position of the shelf for picking, relying on the intuition of the worker. Also, picked items (relatively small items) are placed on a conventional hand-carried cart, transported to a work table, and after picked items are transferred, the picked items are collectively scanned by a bar code reader. I put it in the shipping box.

[0004]

In such a conventional picking system, the operator must carry the picking object to the position of the object rack to be picked, and no one can easily carry the picking item. It was Further, since the picked articles are collectively scanned by the bar code reader, the picked articles may be mistakenly placed in the shipping box, which may cause erroneous shipping.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate picking work by an operator, and in particular, which article rack the target article is. In addition to playing an inductive role, the cart terminal controls the role of automatically determining which shipping box the picked item should be put in,
An object is to provide an intelligent picking cart capable of preventing erroneous shipment and an operating method thereof.

Further, another object of the present invention is to smoothly and surely manage the entry / exit management of the article shelf and the article shipment record management in cooperation with the peripheral equipment such as the host computer, the field terminal, the article shelf and the like. It is to provide an intelligent picking system.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an intelligent picking cart according to the present invention has a structure in which a host computer picks up an article and transports the article into and out of an article rack, at least on the cart. And a trolley terminal capable of communicating and displaying information on the handled goods on the screen, means for storing the shelf address of the article shelf, antenna means for reading the shelf address of the article shelf, and a signal for displaying instruction information of the host computer. It is equipped with a tower.

More specifically, in addition to the above configuration, a bar code reader for scanning a bar code of a picked article and a lighting means for automatically indicating a box to carry the article are provided. In addition, the signal tower displays the picking instruction information of the host computer, displays the picking completion, and also displays a warning when the picked article is put in the wrong box. It is equipped with a buzzer that emits a notification sound in synchronization.

Further, the means for storing the shelf address of the article shelf in the above configuration reads the shelf address stored in the ID tag of the article shelf by the antenna means and arranges the shelf address code before displaying it on the trolley terminal. It is a controller box for an ID tag that is temporarily stored as a trolley, and the trolley has a wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving with a host computer.

In order to achieve the above object, the configuration of the intelligent picking cart operation method according to the present invention is such that the intelligent picking cart is mounted on an article shelf by electromagnetic induction of antenna means based on picking instruction information received from a host computer. Shelf address code stored in an ID tag
The ID code is stored in the controller box for the ID tag, and a command is transmitted from the trolley terminal to search and select the shelf address code temporarily stored in the controller box for the ID tag. The picking instruction information is displayed on the screen of the cart terminal, and the picking instruction display by the signal tower and the buzzer are used to notify the worker of the leaving instruction.

Further, the bar code attached to the picked article is scanned by the bar code reader on the carriage, and picked to the designated shipping box based on the lamp instruction of the illuminated area sensor attached to the outer box of the shipping box. After turning on the shaded items, the picking instruction information is erased on the screen of the trolley terminal, the picking instruction display by the signal tower and the buzzer are used to notify the operator of the completion, and the picking receipt of the shipping result information of the items is received. The instruction information is transmitted in units of data to the host computer to complete the picking.

Further, in order to achieve the above second object, the configuration of the intelligent picking system according to the present invention comprises a host computer, a field terminal, and an article shelf, and operates the above intelligent picking cart. Then, at least the storage / receipt management of the article shelf and the shipping record management of the article are performed. Further, the above-mentioned operation is performed by an intelligent picking cart including a host computer, a field terminal, and an article shelf, and at least a terminal, a wireless communication means, an ID tag controller box, a bar code reader, and a signal tower. Is to do.

[0013]

The function of the above technical means is as follows. In the above intelligent picking trolley, the shelf address code stored in the ID tag attached to each article shelf is guided by the electromagnetic communication of the antenna means based on the picking instruction information received from the field terminal by the wireless communication means on the vehicle. Of the shelf that is temporarily stored in the controller box for the ID tag by sending a command from the terminal on the trolley, while temporarily storing the shelf address code in the controller box for the ID tag. After searching and selecting the address code, the picking instruction information is displayed on the screen of the trolley terminal, and the picking instruction display by the signal tower and the notification by the buzzer are possible.

More specifically, in the above intelligent picking cart, the bar code attached to the picked article is scanned by the bar code reader on the car to indicate the lamp of the illuminated area sensor attached to the outer box of the shipping box. Based on the above, after the picked article is shaded into the designated shipping box, the picking instruction information is erased on the screen of the cart terminal, and the operator is notified of the completion by the picking instruction display by the signal tower and the buzzer sounding means. Further, it becomes possible to transmit the shipping record information of the article from the wireless communication means on the trolley to the site terminal in a data unit in which the picking instruction information received earlier is collected.

Further, in the above intelligent picking cart, when a picked article is put in the wrong shipping box in a light-shielded manner, a warning can be issued by displaying a picking instruction display by a signal tower and sounding a buzzer.

In the above intelligent picking system, the intelligent picking dolly and the peripheral devices such as the host computer, the field terminal, and the article rack are comprehensively operated to manage the entry and exit of the article rack and the shipment record management of the article. It can be performed smoothly and with high reliability.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an intelligent picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a connection diagram of devices mounted on the trolley of FIG. 1, and FIG.
Is a perspective view showing an outer box of a shipping box mounted on the trolley of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a controller box for an ID tag mounted on the trolley of FIG. 1, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front side view, (c) is a rear side view, and D) is a longitudinal view. It is a direction front view.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a host computer, 2 is a field terminal, and 3 is an intelligent picking cart (hereinafter simply referred to as a cart) equipped with the devices described below, which are carts used when picking articles. . The host computer 1 and the field terminal 2 are
Host computer 1 of the trolley terminal, which will be described later, of the trolley 3.
The online data communication connection controls bidirectional data communication such as picking instruction information and shipping record information. 5 is an item shelf for storing items, 5
a indicates an ID tag attached to the article shelf 5, and this ID
The tag 5a stores the shelf address code of the shelf.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a wireless device mounted on the carriage 3 as a wireless communication means for transmitting / receiving data, and 6 denotes an ID tag antenna according to the antenna means mounted on the carriage 3.
Two D tag antennas 6 are mounted on both sides of the cart 3 in order to call the shelf address code stored in the ID tag 5a of the article shelf. Reference numeral 7 denotes a trolley terminal mounted on the trolley 3. The trolley terminal 7 is a terminal device (for example, a personal computer) that controls the screen display of the picking instruction information and the data of the picking instruction information.

Reference numeral 8 is a bar code reader mounted on the dolly 3. The bar code reader 8 is for scanning the bar code attached to the picked article and recording picking completion data in the host computer. is there. 9 is a flap holder for the shipping box,
Moreover, since the shipping box body is placed on the trolley 3, a plurality of (4 in the example of FIG. 1) outer boxes are mounted on the trolley 3. 10
Is an area sensor associated with a lighting means that is attached to each outer box 9 and automatically indicates a box in which an article should be transported. The area sensor 10 is a box loading completion data when the picked article is loaded into the shipping box. In order to store the data in the host computer, a set of a light transmitter and a light receiver is attached to both sides inside each outer box.

Reference numeral 11 denotes an ID tag controller box attached to the lower portion of the trolley 3. The ID tag controller box 11 uses a shelf address code stored in the ID tag 5a of the article shelf as an ID tag antenna. After reading in 6, the shelf address code is temporarily stored before handing it to the trolley terminal device 7, the shelf address code is organized and stored, and then the shelf address code is demanded by the trolley terminal device 7. It has a function of playing a relaying role for handing over to the machine 7.
Reference numeral 12 is a signal tower mounted on the trolley 3. The signal tower 12 is synchronized with the trolley terminal 7 and is capable of displaying red, yellow, green, and blue lighting based on the picking instruction information. is there.

Next, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 13 is a notification buzzer which sounds the sound section by lighting display of red, yellow, green and blue in synchronization with the signal tower. Reference numeral 14 is an expansion slot box for a personal computer. The expansion slot box 14 for a personal computer includes a radio 4, a bar code reader 8 and an I.
It serves as an interface function of a data converter that connects the D-tag controller box 11 and the trolley terminal 7. Reference numeral 15 denotes a personal computer power supply unit for driving the personal computer expansion slot box 14 and the trolley terminal 7 to receive power.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a radio converter for driving the radio 4 to convert the power source, and 17 (17
The generic name of a and 17b) is a battery for supplying power to various mounted devices on the carriage 3. A configuration in which the shelf address code stored in the ID tag 5a is read out via the trolley 3 equipped with various devices, the picked article is placed in the shipping box, and wirelessly transmitted to the host computer 1 side as necessary. Is.

In the device connection shown in FIG. 2, the batteries 17a and 17b provided in series supply power to the respective devices mounted on the carriage. The personal computer power supply unit 15 receives power from the batteries 17a and 17b and operates the trolley terminal 7 through the personal computer expansion slot box 14. The wireless device converter 16 receives power from the batteries 17a and 17b, controls the wireless device 4 on the trolley terminal 7, and transmits / receives data from the field terminal 2. Area sensor 10 and signal tower 12
Receives power directly from the batteries 17a and 17b,
A signal such as an error instruction is supplied to the signal tower 12 based on the trolley terminal 7 via the expansion slot box 14 for a personal computer.

At this time, the buzzer 13 is made to sound through the expansion slot box 14 for a personal computer while receiving an error instruction signal. The buzzer 13 receives power directly from the batteries 17a and 17b. The ID tag controller box 11 includes a battery 17a,
Upon receiving power from 17b, the bar code reader 8 and the ID tag antenna 6 are operated based on the trolley terminal 7 through the expansion slot box 14 for a personal computer.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the outer box 9 of the shipping box placed on the carriage 3. The area sensor 10 shown in FIG. 3 has a set of a light emitter and a light receiver mounted on both inner sides of each outer box, and the lower two outer boxes of the cart 3 shown in FIG. It has an opening and closing system with a magnet so that it can be taken out. Also, the outer box 9 of the shipping box placed on the trolley 3
Is a flap holder for the shipping box, and four shipping box bodies are mounted on the dolly in order to place the shipping box body on the dolly.

FIG. 4 shows the ID tag controller box 11 mounted on the lower portion of the carriage 3. The device configuration in the box shown in FIG. 4 is a circuit board integrated for controlling the barcode reader 8 and the ID tag antenna 6.

Next, the work in the intelligent picking system having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11 through the work procedure of the truck carrier operator. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial screen on the trolley terminal, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a shipping instruction screen on the trolley terminal, and FIG. 7 is a display example of a picking information screen on the trolley terminal. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a shipping box address input screen in the trolley terminal,
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for issuing a shipping instruction in the work procedure of the truck carrier, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a picking procedure in the work procedure of the truck carrier, and FIG. 11 is a truck carrying work. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of issuing a shipping label among the work procedures of a person.

When the power of the trolley terminal 7 is turned on, the trolley terminal 7 is activated and the initial screen (menu screen) shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
Is displayed. Next, when the shipping instruction is transmitted from the host computer 1 to the trolley terminal 7 by the wireless device 4 via the field terminal 2, the trolley terminal 7 displays the shipping instruction screen as shown in FIG.
It becomes like the example shown in. The displayed contents are a shipment number, a delivery date, a delivery time, and a distribution processing number. Further, the screen is such that shipping numbers can be sequentially selected and processed from the transmitted data.

Next, picking information for each shipping number is displayed based on the data selected from the shipping instruction screen of FIG. 6, and the displayed contents are No, serial number (serial number), and picking, as shown in FIG. The quantity and the shelf address. The shelf address is I attached to each shelf when the cart 3 is transported.
By matching with the shelf address code of the D tag 5a, it is a screen that plays a guiding role in which direction the picked article is. Next, FIG. 8 shows a screen for instructing which of the shipping boxes on the trolley 3 the picked article should be put in by entering a key by designating a box address in advance.

The work processing procedure of the truck carrier will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. 9 to 11
In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the worker, the trolley terminal 7 and the field terminal 2.
Taking the flow of the transit host computer 1, the vertical axis shows the flow of the delivery instruction (FIG. 9), picking information (FIG. 10), and shipping label issuance (FIG. 11). Here, FIG. 9 to FIG.
Although 1 is originally a continuous work procedure, it will be described separately for convenience of illustration and description. In the following description, main step numbers shown in the flowchart are indicated by ().

First, the procedure for issuing a shipping instruction will be described with reference to FIG. The operator selects the shipping instruction mode from the initial screen as shown in FIG. 5 (step S1), and the host computer 1 transmits the shipping instruction information. From the on-site terminal 2 via the host computer 1, the wireless terminal 4 receives the shipping instruction information at the trolley terminal 7, and the shipping instruction information as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the screen (step S2). After the operator selects the shipping number on the received shipping instruction screen (step S3) and sends it to the host computer 1 via the on-site terminal 2, the wireless device 4 receives the picking information and the trolley terminal 7 shows it in FIG. The picking information as described above is displayed on the screen (step S
4). The operator selects the shipping number to be picked from the received information (step S5) and displays the shipping box address input screen as shown in FIG. 8 (step S6). The box address instruction is keyed in (step S7), and the carriage transportation preparation is completed (step S8).

Therefore, the picking mode is automatically changed, and the procedure shown in FIG. 10 is carried out. The worker carries the cart 3 (step P1). At this time, based on the picking instruction information received from the host computer 1, by electromagnetic wave induction of the ID tag antenna 6,
In the ID tag controller box 11 by temporarily storing the shelf address code stored in the ID tag 5a attached to the article shelf in the ID tag controller box 11 and transmitting a command from the cart terminal 7. The shelf address code temporarily stored in is searched and selected. That is, the shelf address is checked (step P2). When the vehicle arrives at the selected article shelf, the cart 3 is temporarily stopped, and the operator is notified of the leaving instruction by the picking instruction display by the signal tower 12 and the buzzer 13 (step P3). At that time, the picking instruction information is displayed on the screen of the cart terminal 7 (step P4).

Looking at the picking information screen, the worker manually picks the required picking quantity from the article rack and picks it (step P6). The bar code attached to the picked article is scanned by the bar code reader 8 on the carriage (step P7). The area sensor 10 attached to the outer box 9 of the shipping box lights the input box automatic instruction lamp based on the box address instruction entered earlier (step P5). Based on this, the picking to the designated shipping box is performed. Put the goods by hand (Step P
8).

At this time, the light-shielded signal of the area sensor 10 is recorded as a picking completion signal from the trolley terminal 7 to the host computer 1 via the field terminal 2. The picking instruction information on the screen of the trolley terminal 7 is erased, that is, the shipping instruction data is checked (step P9), the picking instruction display by the signal tower 12 and the buzzer 13 are used to notify the operator of the completion, and the picking completion is confirmed. Input (step P10). Then, the shipping result information is transmitted to the host computer 1 in a data unit in which the picking instruction information is received (step P11), and the picking is completed.

Next, the procedure for issuing a shipping label will be described with reference to FIG. The worker flows the picking completed box on the conveyor (step L1). In the host computer 1, the shipping label information in the host computer 1 is automatically issued to the shipping label printer via the on-site terminal 2 based on the box address instruction key input earlier. The operator manually lowers the shipping box equipped with the cart 3 from the cart 3, attaches a shipping label to the shipping box (step L2) while the picked small articles are still in the shipping box, and collects the box tag. After the necessary measures are taken (step L3) and the shipping boxes are sealed (step L4), they are stacked in a waiting state for shipping (step L5).

According to this embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the trolley of the present embodiment, the shelf address code to be stored in association with the type of picked article can be read from the ID tag 5a attached to each component shelf 5,
In addition, the shelf address code can be read only by bringing the ID tag antenna 6 that emits electromagnetic waves and reads the reception into proximity to the article shelf, and the picked article can be read at any position on the article shelf. Is.

(2) In the trolley of this embodiment, the picked article is scanned by the bar code reader 8 on the vehicle,
By using the area sensor 10 instructing the lamp of the designated shipping box to shade the picked article,
It is possible to know which shipping box can be loaded and to automatically determine whether the picked article has been loaded. (3) In the trolley of the present embodiment, when a picked article is put in the wrong shipping box in a light-shielded manner by using the area sensor 10, the operator visually recognizes the picking instruction display by the signal tower 12 and the alarm by the buzzer 13. It is possible to know the mistake by hearing.

(4) In the intelligent picking system of this embodiment, the relationship between the picked article and the method of handling the picked article is transmitted and received from the cart terminal 7 to the host computer 1 via the field terminal 2 when necessary. When the trolley terminal 7 receives the data, after reading the memory written in the shelf-mounted ID tag 5a with the ID tag antenna 6 via the ID tag controller box 11 mounted on the trolley 3, It becomes easy to grasp the picked article, including management of which shipping box on the trolley 3 side the picked article has been placed.

In the above embodiment, an example of warehousing, picking, and shipping management of articles has been described. However, according to the intelligent picking cart and intelligent picking system of the present invention, a series of operations for warehousing management on a parts shelf can be performed. It goes without saying that it can be implemented.

[0041]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the picking work of the operator is facilitated, and in particular, the picking work is performed while the picking work is performed while the picking work is performed. It is possible to provide an intelligent picking trolley capable of preventing erroneous insertion and erroneous shipment by controlling the role of the trolley terminal to automatically determine which shipping box should be loaded with the product, and an operating method thereof. In addition, according to the present invention, an intelligent picking system that smoothly and reliably manages entry / exit management of goods shelves and management of shipment results of goods together with peripheral devices such as a host computer, a field terminal, and a goods shelf is provided. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an intelligent picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a connection diagram of devices mounted on the trolley of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer box of a shipping box mounted on the cart of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an ID tag controller box mounted on the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial screen on the trolley terminal.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a shipping instruction screen on the trolley terminal.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a picking information screen on a trolley terminal.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a shipping box address input screen in the trolley terminal.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for issuing a shipping instruction, out of the work procedure of a truck carrier operator.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a picking procedure in the work procedure of the truck carrier.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a shipping label issuance procedure out of the work procedures of the truck carrier operator.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host computer, 2 ... On-site terminal, 3 ... Cart, 4 ... Radio, 5 ... Article shelf, 5a ... ID tag, 6 ... I
D tag antenna, 7 ... dolly terminal, 8 ... bar code reader, 9 ... outer box, 10 ... area sensor, 11 ... ID
Controller box for tags, 12 ... Signal tower,
13 ... Buzzer, 14 ... Expansion slot box for PC, 15 ... Power supply unit for PC, 16 ... Converter for radio, 17 ... Battery.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Yamada 7-2-18 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo Stock company Hitachi Transport System Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A trolley for picking up an article and carrying it in and out of an article shelf, at least on the trolley, a trolley terminal capable of communicating information between a host computer and a handled article and displaying a screen, and a shelf address of the article shelf. An intelligent picking trolley comprising: a storage unit, an antenna unit for reading the shelf address of the article rack, and a signal tower for displaying instruction information of the host computer. 2. The intelligent picking according to claim 1, further comprising a bar code reader for scanning a bar code of a picked article and a lighting means for automatically indicating a box in which the article should be transported. Dolly. 3. The signal tower according to claim 1, wherein the signal tower displays the picking instruction information of the host computer, the picking completion, and the warning when the picked article is put in the wrong box. An intelligent picking trolley that is equipped with a buzzer that emits a notification sound in synchronization with the signal tower. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the means for storing the shelf address of the article shelf reads the shelf address stored in the ID tag of the article shelf with the antenna means and displays the shelf address on the trolley terminal. Intelligent picking cart that is a controller box for ID tags that organizes and temporarily stores address codes. 5. The intelligent picking cart according to claim 1, wherein the cart is provided with wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving to and from a host computer. 6. A shelf address code stored in an ID tag attached to an article shelf is stored in an ID tag controller box by electromagnetic wave induction of an antenna means based on picking instruction information received from a host computer. By temporarily storing and sending a command from the trolley terminal, the shelf address code temporarily stored in the ID tag controller box is searched and selected, and picking instruction information is sent to the terminal. A method for operating an intelligent picking trolley, which is characterized by displaying on a screen and displaying a picking instruction by a signal tower and a buzzer to notify an operator of a leaving instruction. 7. A lamp of a lit area sensor mounted on an outer box of a shipping box by scanning a bar code attached to a picked article to a bar code reader on a carriage. Based on the instruction, after the picked article is put into the designated shipping box in the dark, the picking instruction information is erased on the screen of the trolley terminal, and the operator is notified of the completion by the picking instruction display and buzzer by the signal tower, An operating method of an intelligent picking trolley, characterized in that the shipping record information of the article is transmitted to a host computer in a unit of data in which picking instruction information is collected to complete picking. 8. A host computer, an on-site terminal, and an article rack are provided, and the intelligent picking cart according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is operated to at least manage the entry and exit of the article rack and store the articles. An intelligent picking system that manages shipment results. 9. An intelligent picking cart equipped with a host computer, a field terminal, and an article rack, and equipped with at least a cart terminal, a wireless communication means, a controller box for ID tags, a bar code reader, and a signal tower. An intelligent picking system for performing the operations according to claims 6 and 7.