TW202404879A - Picking system - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to prevent erroneous picking when a worker performs picking work. A picking system 1, wherein: a picking cart 5 is provided with a cart body 11 to which are provided a plurality of accommodation parts 15 for respectively accommodating a plurality of boxes 17 into which a plurality of articles are respectively placed, and wheels 13 that support the cart body 11; the cart body 11 is provided with a reading device 33 that reads identification information pertaining to each of the articles, a lock device 25 that restricts retrieval of the boxes 17 accommodated in the accommodation parts 15, and a control device 31 that controls the operation of the lock device 25; the control device 31 compares identification information that is associated with a picking-candidate article and is read by the reading device 33 and comparison information relating to a preset article being picked; and, when comparison is completed in a normal manner, the lock device 25 that corresponds to the article being picked is set to an unlocked state that allows retrieval of the box 17 from the accommodation part 15.

Description

Picking system

The invention relates to a picking system using a picking trolley.

Conventionally, there has been known a system that includes an inspection device that attaches an ID tag recording information about the product to each product to be picked, and has a reading portion of the ID tag formed by an antenna. An inspection line is formed on the conveyance path, and the information of the ID tag is read through the antenna, and the information is compared with the inspection information registered in advance to perform inspection (see Patent Document 1). Prior technical literature patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-104632

The problem to be solved by the invention

According to the conventional technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in the inspection device, the product information obtained by reading the information of the ID tag is compared with the inspection information registered in advance, whereby each carton can be inspected. ) to determine whether scheduled picking has been carried out.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, even if the operator performs wrong picking (for example, when the product is put into the wrong shipping destination carton), it is impossible to pick the goods at that time (for example). That is, picking errors are corrected before cartons filled with all merchandise are inspected in the inspection line. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of picking operations, it is desirable to prevent erroneous picking when workers perform picking operations.

In view of the above background, the subject of the present invention is to provide a picking system that can prevent erroneous picking when workers perform picking operations. means to solve problems

In order to solve the above problems, a certain aspect of the present invention is configured as follows: a picking system using a picking trolley. The picking trolley includes: a trolley body provided with a plurality of accommodating portions; The storage part accommodates a plurality of boxes respectively, and the aforementioned plurality of boxes are used for placing a plurality of items respectively; and the wheels movably support the aforementioned trolley body. The aforementioned trolley body is provided with: a reading device that respectively reads the identification information attached to each of the aforementioned items; a plurality of locking devices that respectively restrict the removal of each of the aforementioned boxes that have been accommodated in each of the aforementioned accommodation parts; and a control device, Control the action of each locking device mentioned above, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Compare the aforementioned identification information of the aforementioned items attached to the picking candidates read by the aforementioned reading device with the comparison information related to the items of the picking objects set in advance; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to an unlocked state in which the box can be taken out from the accommodating portion.

According to this aspect, when the comparison between the identification information attached to the item to be picked and the comparison information related to the item to be picked has been completed normally, the item corresponding to the item to be picked is matched. The locking device is set to the unlocked state, so it becomes possible to prevent incorrect picking when workers perform picking operations.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the trolley body is further provided with a measuring device, and the measuring device separately measures the weight related to each of the aforementioned items, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Comparing the weight of the aforementioned picking candidate items measured by the aforementioned measuring device with the weight related to the aforementioned picking target items; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to the unlocked state.

According to this aspect, in addition to the comparison of the identification information attached to the picking candidate items, the comparison between the weight of the picking candidate items and the weight related to the picking target items is completed normally. , the locking device corresponding to the picking object is set to the unlocked state, so it becomes possible to more reliably prevent erroneous picking when the operator performs picking operations.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the comparison information includes information on the quantity of the items to be picked, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Compare the total number of items of the same type as the aforementioned picking candidates read by the aforementioned reading device with the aforementioned quantity of the aforementioned picking objects, that is, the aforementioned items of the same type; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to the unlocked state.

According to this aspect, when comparison between the total number of items of the same type as the picking candidates and the quantity of items of the same type as the picking target has been completed normally, the item corresponding to the picking target is locked. Since the device is in an unlocked state, even if a plurality of items of the same type are included in the picking candidates, erroneous picking can be more reliably prevented when workers perform picking operations.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the trolley body is further provided with lamps corresponding to each of the locking devices, and the locking device is in the unlocked state before the control device corresponds to the items to be picked. In this case, make the corresponding aforementioned lamp turn on, turn off, or flash.

According to this aspect, since the operator can easily identify the accommodating portion in which the locking device is in the unlocked state (that is, the box into which the picking candidates should be placed), the efficiency of the picking operation will be improved.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the trolley body is further provided with a display device, the display device displays information related to the items to be picked, and the display device displays information related to the items to be picked. Screen for picking with comparison information.

According to this aspect, since the operator can confirm the information related to the items to be picked through the picking screen, the efficiency of the picking operation will be improved.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the aforementioned control device determines whether the picking of all the aforementioned picking objects has been completed based on the aforementioned identification information read by the aforementioned reading device, and the aforementioned display device determines whether the aforementioned picking objects have been completed. When the picking of the picking object has been completed, information related to the completion of the picking operation is displayed on the aforementioned picking screen.

According to this aspect, the operator who performs the picking operation can confirm the completion of picking of all picking objects through the picking screen, so the efficiency of the picking operation will be improved. Invention effect

According to the above aspect, when workers perform picking operations, erroneous picking can be prevented. .

Form used to implement the invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For the convenience of explanation, the directions (up and down, front and back, left and right) are those appropriately indicated by arrows in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the picking system 1 includes a warehouse management device 3 (hereinafter, referred to as the management device 3 ) and a plurality of picking trolleys 5 . The picking system 1 is used, for example, for picking goods when the goods stored in a logistics warehouse (not shown) are shipped. The management device 3 and each picking trolley 5 can communicate with each other through a communication network 7 such as the Internet or LAN (Local Area Network). Furthermore, the management device 3 and each picking trolley 5 may communicate directly through short-range wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, or the like.

The management device 3 may be a computer including one or more processors, memory, storage, and a conventional hard disk including a communication device such as a network card. The one or more processors include a CPU. , MPU, GPU and DSP, etc., the aforementioned memory includes ROM and RAM, etc., and the aforementioned storage includes HDD, SSD, etc. In this embodiment, the management device 3 is composed of a server, and the server provides various information or programs necessary for the picking operation using the picking trolley 5 . Furthermore, the management device 3 cooperates with a terminal device 31 for picking operations described later (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 8 ). The management device 3 and the terminal device 31 may replace part of the function of one of them with the other and execute it.

The plurality of picking trolleys 5 are trolleys for separately transporting articles taken out from a storage place (for example, a shelf on which a plurality of articles are respectively placed at predetermined positions) set in a logistics warehouse or the like. The plurality of picking trolleys 5 have substantially the same configuration. In this embodiment, the items (an example of items to be picked) transported by each picking trolley 5 are products for sale that are transported to one or a plurality of stores. However, the items transported by each picking trolley 5 are not limited to products for sale, and may be parts for devices that can be assembled in a factory, for example.

Next, the details of the picking trolley 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the picking trolley 5 includes a trolley body 11 and a plurality of wheels 13 (here, four front, rear, and left) wheels 13 that movably support the trolley body 11 . Furthermore, the wheel 13 is not limited to a circular member that rotates around an axis, and may include any device that movably supports the trolley body 11 .

The trolley body 11 has a metal outer shell having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A plurality of accommodating portions 15 (four in this case) defining a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped accommodating space are provided inside the trolley body 11 .

Each accommodating part 15 can accommodate a plurality of boxes 17 for respectively placing a plurality of commodities (ie, picking objects) taken out from the storage place. Each box 17 has been previously associated with one or more products (or product groups) of the picking objects to be placed therein. The size of the storage space defined by each storage portion 15 (here formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape) is set to correspond to the size of each box 17 . In more detail, the size of these accommodation spaces is set so that there will not be excessive gaps between the outer surface of each box 17 and the wall defining the accommodation space, thereby not hindering the locking device 25 described later. Lock function.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , two accommodating portions 15 arranged in the front-rear direction are provided in two upper and lower layers in the trolley body 11 . However, it is not limited thereto, and the number or arrangement of the accommodating portions 15 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the trolley body 11 may also be provided with a plurality of accommodating parts 15 having accommodating spaces of different sizes.

Each accommodating portion 15 is formed with an opening 19 for inserting each box 17 in a predetermined insertion direction (here, the left direction as shown in FIG. 3 ). As shown in FIG. 2 , the opening 19 of each accommodating portion 15 is opened on the right wall 11D of the outer shell of the trolley body 11 .

Furthermore, the operator W can only insert the box 17 into the accommodation space of each accommodation part 15 through the opening 19 . In addition, the operator W can only take out the box 17 accommodated in the accommodation space of the accommodation part 15 through the opening 19 . However, as shown in FIG. 3 , other openings 21 each connected to the accommodating space of the adjacent accommodating part 15 may also be formed on the front wall 11A of the outer shell of the trolley body 11 (see FIG. 3 ). Although illustration is omitted, other openings may also be formed in the rear wall 11B and the left wall 11C of the outer shell of the trolley body 11 .

In this way, by providing other openings 21 connected to each accommodating part 15 in the trolley body 11 (that is, holes other than the opening 19 for the operator W to insert each box 17 into the accommodating space), the operator W can It becomes possible to easily confirm the state (posture, position, etc.) of the box 17 in each accommodating part 15.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , a pair of left and right handles 22 are provided on the upper part of the rear wall 11B of the trolley body 11 . The pair of left and right handles 22 can be used by the operator W to move (walk) the picking trolley 5 . time control.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of front and rear guide rails 24 are provided at the bottom of each accommodation portion 15 . The paired guide rails 24 extend toward the insertion direction of the box 17 inserted into the accommodating portion 15 (refer to the left-right direction shown in FIG. 3 ). When the box 17 is inserted into the accommodating portion 15, the front and rear bottoms (corners) of the box 17 are respectively supported by pairs of guide rails 24, which can guide the movement of the box 17 in the insertion direction. Each guide rail 24 can be composed of, for example, L-shaped angle steel.

In addition, a locking device 25 is provided at the bottom of each accommodating part 15 (below the accommodating space). The locking device 25 will respectively restrict the removal of each box 17 accommodated in each accommodating part 15 from each opening 19. . Each locking device 25 is provided with a lamp 26 that displays its operating status. Each lamp 26 also functions as a work completion button. For example, the work completion button can be pressed by the worker W when the product has been put into the box 17 accommodated in the corresponding accommodating portion 15 .

Furthermore, each accommodating part 15 is provided with an object detection sensor (not shown) for detecting that the corresponding box 17 has been set. As the object detection sensor, for example, a conventional proximity sensor can be used.

Each box 17 is composed of, for example, a corrugated cardboard box having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper part of each box 17 can also be opened. At this time, at least the upper part of each box 17 will be closed after the picking operation is completed. In addition, each box 17 is not limited to a corrugated cardboard box, and may be a resin box shell, for example. After the picking operation, each box 17 is used as a packaging container (container for transportation) for transportation (shipping) of the product.

Furthermore, a terminal device 31 (an example of a control device and a display device), a reading device 33, a measuring device 35, and a printing device 37 are provided on the upper wall 11E of the casing constituting the trolley body 11. However, these devices can also be installed at appropriate places other than the upper wall 11E of the trolley body 11 .

The terminal device 31 may be a computer including one or more processors, memory, storage, and conventional hard disks including communication devices such as network cards. The one or more processors include CPU, MPU, GPU and DSP, the aforementioned memory includes ROM, RAM, etc., and the aforementioned storage includes HDD, SSD, etc. In this embodiment, the terminal device 31 is constituted by a tablet terminal including a touch panel having a display screen. However, the terminal device 31 is not limited to a tablet computer, and may also be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone carried by the operator W. In addition, the terminal device 31 functions as a control device that controls each device mounted on the picking trolley 5 . However, the terminal device 31 may function only as a display device, and a control device (another computer) for controlling each device may be separately provided on the trolley body 11 .

The reading device 33 is a device for reading the identification information attached to the product. In this embodiment, a QR code including the identification information is attached to each product. In addition, the reading device 33 is a two-dimensional code reader that reads identification information from a two-dimensional code. However, the identification information of the product can also be kept outside the QR code. For example, an RFID tag containing the identification information may be attached to each product instead of the QR code. In this case, an RFID reader can be used as the reading device 33 .

The identification information of the product includes, for example, at least one of the following information: product name, product category, product number, circulation code (JAN code), storage location information (for example, the number of the shelf housing the product), and item weight. However, the product identification information is not limited to information as long as it is information that can at least identify the corresponding product (differentiate it from other products). The reading device 33 will send the read identification information to the terminal device 31 .

The measuring device 35 is a weight meter that measures the weight of the product. The measuring device 35 sends information on the measured weight of the product to the terminal device 31 . Alternatively, the operator W may input the measurement result (information related to the measured weight of the product) to the terminal device 31 .

The printing device 37 is a printer that prints the shipping label 41 (see FIG. 2 ) for each box 17. The printing device 37 can print the shipping label 41 based on the shipping information of each box 17 received from the terminal device 31 . The shipping label 41 is attached to the outer surface of the corresponding box 17 after the picking operation is completed. The shipping information includes information (such as an address or a telephone number) showing the delivery destination (for example, a store selling goods).

Furthermore, a battery 45 for supplying electric power that can be used by the picking trolley 5 is provided in the casing 43 attached to the lower wall 11F of the trolley body 11 . The battery 45 can supply necessary power to each device (here, the locking device 25, the terminal device 31, the reading device 33, the measuring device 35, the printing device 37, etc.) mounted on the picking trolley 5.

Furthermore, in FIGS. 2 to 4 , communication cables for mutual communication between the devices in the picking trolley 5 or power cables for receiving power supply from the battery 45 are omitted. However, each device in the picking trolley 5 can also communicate with each other wirelessly without using communication cables.

Next, the structure of the locking device 25 and the details of its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 , 6 and 7 .

The locking device 25 has a housing 46 installed on the outside of the bottom wall 15A (here, the lower surface of the bottom wall 15A). The bottom wall 15A defines at least a portion of the bottom surface of the corresponding accommodation portion 15 . The housing 46 is formed into a substantially concave shape with an upper side open (that is, a shape in which one side of a substantially hexahedron is open). The edge of the upper opening of the housing 46 is in contact with the lower surface of the bottom wall 15A.

The locking device 25 includes a locking member 49 displaceably displaceable in and out of a substantially rectangular opening 47 provided in the bottom wall 15A. As shown in FIG. 5 , the locking member 49 is displaced (here, rotated) upward to prevent the box 17 already accommodated in the corresponding accommodating part 15 from being inserted in the opposite direction (right in FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as "locked state"). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 , the locking member 49 is displaced downward, thereby allowing the movement of the box 17 accommodated in the corresponding accommodating portion 15 in the opposite direction of insertion (hereinafter referred to as "Unlocked status").

The locking member 49 has a substantially rectangular upper plate 51 (an example of a first plate) that defines a bottom surface (an example of a surface) of the accommodating portion 15 together with the bottom wall 15A in an unlocked state. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the upper plate 51 is in the unlocked state of the locking device 25 , the opening 47 of the bottom wall 15A will be substantially closed.

Furthermore, the locking member 49 has a right plate extending from the side edge 51A (an example of the second side edge) on the right side of the upper plate 51 (the immediate side in the insertion direction) toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 (in a substantially orthogonal direction). 53 (an example of plate 3). Moreover, the locking member 49 has a side edge 51B (an example of the first side edge) from the left side (that is, the back side in the insertion direction) of the upper plate 51 on the side where the box 17 is accommodated (here, the left side). ) is the left plate 54 (an example of the second plate) extending toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 . In addition, the locking member 49 has a front plate 55 extending from the front side edge of the upper plate 51 toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 (in a substantially orthogonal direction), and a front plate 55 extending from the rear side edge of the upper plate 51 toward the accommodating portion. A rear plate (not shown) extends from the outer side of 15 (in a substantially orthogonal direction).

The locking device 25 includes a rotary support member 57 (here a hinge) that rotatably supports the locking member 49 . The rotation support member 57 has a rotation shaft 61 extending in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the rotation support member 57 has the rotation pieces 62 and 63, and the rotation pieces 62 and 63 are supported by the rotation shaft 61 respectively arranged in the middle together, and are provided so as to be relatively rotatable. Furthermore, the rotation support member 57 has a spring 65 (here, a torsion coil spring). The spring 65 is attached to the rotation shaft 61 and imparts potential energy to the rotation pieces 62 and 63 in a direction away from each other. Furthermore, the rotation support member 57 is disposed at a portion of the right plate 53 where a part of the right plate 53 is cut off (here, the center portion in the front-rear direction).

The rotating piece 62 on one side is installed on the lower surface of the upper plate 51 . Furthermore, the other rotating piece 63 is attached to the left side of the right wall 46A of the housing 46 . Thereby, the locking member 49 is displaced around the rotation shaft 61 to switch between the locked state (refer to FIG. 5 ) and the unlocked state (refer to FIG. 6 ).

The locking device 25 has an actuator 67 that pushes the locking member 49 in the direction of sinking into the bottom wall 15A (that is, displaces it) against the force imparted with potential energy by the spring 65 . The actuator 67 has an actuator body 69 and a rod 70 that is extendable and retractable in the left and right directions from the actuator body 69 . The actuator body 69 is fixed to the lower wall 46B of the housing 46 by a plurality of fixing parts 69A protruding from the lower part thereof.

A pressing member 73 is attached to an upper portion of the actuator 67 so as to be relatively movable with respect to the actuator 67 . The pressing member 73 is driven by the rod 70 of the actuator 67 . The pressing member 73 has a horizontal piece 75 extending substantially parallel to the upper surface of the actuator 67 and a vertical piece 76 connected to the right edge of the horizontal piece 75 and connected to the right plate 53 of the locking member 49 and the housing. The right wall 46A of 46 extends generally parallel. The horizontal piece 75 is formed with a plurality of elongated holes 79 extending in the left-right direction. A pin 81 protruding from the upper part of the actuator body 69 is inserted into each elongated hole 79 . The relative movement of the pressing member 73 with respect to the actuator body 69 in the left-right direction is restricted by the engagement between the elongated hole 79 and the pin 81 .

The actuator 67 is electrically actuated according to the control of the terminal device 31 . The terminal device 31 can control on/off the power supply of the actuator 67 (power supply to the actuator 67).

When the power supply of the actuator 67 is turned OFF, as shown in FIG. 5 , the lever 70 enters the retreated state. At this time, the rotating pieces 62 and 63 are imparted with potential energy in directions away from each other by the force imparting potential energy by the spring 65 . Thereby, the locking member 49 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 5 about the rotation shaft 61, and the left side of the upper plate 51 is displaced upward. As a result, the left side of the locking member 49 (more specifically, the corner portion that is the connecting portion of the upper plate 51 and the left plate 54 ) protrudes above the bottom wall 15A of the accommodating portion 15 .

Furthermore, a locking piece 54A protruding toward the left is provided at the front end (lower end in this case) of the left plate 54 . The locking piece 54A is locked on the left edge of the opening 47 of the bottom wall 15A when the locking member 49 rotates, thereby restricting excessive rotation of the locking member 49 .

When the power of the actuator 67 is turned ON (that is, the actuator 67 is activated), as shown in FIG. 6 , the lever 70 will enter the forward state. At this time, the rod 70 presses the inner surface (left surface) of the vertical piece 76 of the pressing member 73 . Thereby, the pressing member 73 resists the force imparted with potential energy by the spring 65 and presses the right plate 53 of the locking member 49 in the right direction (the direction of the right wall 46A of the housing 46). In addition, the locking member 49 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6 about the rotation shaft 61, and the left side of the upper plate 51 is displaced downward. As a result, the locking member 49 is recessed into the bottom wall 15A of the accommodating portion 15 . At this time, the upper plate 51 is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 15A of the accommodating portion 15 .

In the picking trolley 5, even in the state where the power supply of the actuator 67 of the locking device 25 is OFF (that is, the state where the locking member 49 has protruded upward), as shown in FIGS. 7(A)-(C) ), the operator W can still set (insert) the box 17 (for example, the box 17 before the picking operation or the box 17 after the goods are put in) into the accommodating part 15 .

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(A) , when the operator W pushes the box 17 in the insertion direction (left direction) while sliding the box 17 on the bottom wall 15A of the accommodating part 15 , As shown in FIG. 7(B) , the box 17 is placed on the locking member 49 . Thereby, the load of the box 17 allows the locking member 49 to be displaced downward (in the sinking direction) against the force imparted with potential energy by the spring 65 . After that, when the operator W further pushes the box 17 to the insertion completion position, as shown in FIG. 7(C) , the locking member 49 is displaced upward again by the force imparted with potential energy by the spring 65 . At this time, the locking member 49 of the locking device 25 is in a state where the right bottom (the lower corner in the opposite direction of insertion) of the box 17 has been locked. Thereby, as long as the power supply of the actuator 67 is not turned ON, the operator W cannot take out the box 17 from the accommodating part 15 .

Next, the details of the functions of the terminal device 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

The terminal device 31 has a control unit 91 (an example of a control device), a display unit 92 (an example of a display device), a storage unit 93 and a communication unit 94.

The control unit 91 includes one or more processors and memories, and controls each part of the picking trolley 5 in an integrated manner. However, part of the functions of the control unit 91 may be executed by the management device 3 . The display unit 92 includes a touch panel and displays necessary information to the worker W. The memory unit 93 includes a memory and stores data or programs necessary for the processing of the control unit 91 . However, part of the necessary data or programs can also be stored in the memory of the management device 3 . The communication unit 94 includes a wireless module and communicates with other devices (such as the management device 3).

The control part 91 has a lock control part 95, a display control part 96, and a communication control part 97. The lock control unit 95 controls the operation of each lock device 25 . In more detail, the control unit 91 can switch the locked state and the unlocked state of the locking device 25 by controlling the power on/off of the actuator 67 in the locking device 25 . In addition, the lock control unit 95 controls the operation of the lamp 26 of the lock device 25 . In more detail, the control unit 91 can cause the corresponding lamp 26 to turn on, turn off, or flash when the locking device 25 is in an unlocked state.

The display control unit 96 controls the operation of the display unit 92 . The display control unit 96 can display a screen including information necessary for the worker W to perform the picking operation (hereinafter referred to as a “guidance screen”) on the display screen of the display unit 92 .

The communication control unit 97 controls the operation of the communication unit 94 . The communication control unit 97 can receive information to be displayed on the guidance screen for the worker W from the management device 3 (including, for example, information displayed on the picking screen P in FIG. 10 ). In addition, the communication control unit 97 may send information about the picking operation performed by the operator W (including information that the operator W has input into the terminal device 31) to the management device 3.

The functions of each unit in the control unit 91 can be realized by processing of one or more processors based on a predetermined control program. In addition, at least part of the functions of each unit of the control unit 91 may be realized by hardware such as LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

Next, the details of the picking process performed by the picking trolley 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , when the power supply of the picking trolley 5 is turned ON (that is, the power supply to each device from the battery 45 is started) (ST101), in the activated terminal device 31, The operator W inputs the information necessary for the picking operation (hereinafter referred to as "operation information") (ST102). This operation information includes, for example, the ID (identification number) of the operator W, or the number of the picking operation scheduled to be performed by the operator W, etc.

Then, after the input of the work information by the operator W is completed, the box 17 is set in each accommodating part 15 by the operator W in the picking trolley 5 (ST103).

Then, when the worker W completes the setting of the boxes 17 in each storage unit 15, the terminal device 31 displays the product that is the target of the picking operation as a guidance screen related to the picking operation for the worker W. Location information (for example, map information in the distribution warehouse) (ST104). At this time, in order to determine whether the picking operation has been performed correctly, the terminal device 31 receives the comparison information related to the goods to be picked from the management device 3 together with the information that should be displayed on the guidance screen. The comparison information includes, for example, information such as identification information, weight, and quantity (total total) of each product to be picked. In the guidance screen, at least part of the comparison information should be displayed.

The operator W can move the picking trolley 5 to the place where the picking operation is performed according to the location information of the product displayed on the terminal device 31 (that is, the information of the working place). Thereafter, when the worker W starts the picking operation, the terminal device 31 may display, for example, the picking screen P shown in FIG. 10 as a guidance screen. In addition, regardless of the execution of other processes, the display of step ST104 can be repeatedly executed at a necessary time point.

Next, the reading device 33 reads the identification information of the product taken out from the storage place (for example, a predetermined position of the shelf) by the worker W (ST105). At this time, the operator W brings the part (for example, the two-dimensional code) holding the identification information in the taken-out product close to the reading part of the reading device 33 .

Next, the measuring device 35 measures the weight of the product taken out by the worker W (ST106). At this time, the worker W places the taken-out product on the measurement tray of the measurement device 35 .

Thereafter, the terminal device 31 determines the product taken out by the worker W from the storage location (picking) based on the identification information read in step ST105 and the information related to the weight of the product measured in step ST106. (an example of a product candidate) is a product to be picked (that is, whether the picking operation has been performed correctly) (ST107).

Regarding the identification information in step ST107, the terminal device 31 can compare the identification information attached to the product read by the reading device 33 with the comparison information (identification information) related to the product to be picked, On the other hand, when the comparison is completed normally, it is determined (tentatively determined) that the product that has been taken out is the product to be picked.

Furthermore, regarding the weight of the product in step ST107, the terminal device 31 can compare the weight of the product measured by the measuring device 35 with the comparison information (weight) related to the product to be picked. When the comparison is completed normally (for example, when the difference in weight is within a predetermined range), it is determined (tentatively determined) that the taken-out product is a product to be picked.

The terminal device 31 can determine (determine) the product as the picking target when the comparison of the comparison information is completed normally and the comparison of the weight is completed normally. However, the terminal device 31 may also perform the determination of step ST107 based only on the identification information read in step ST105.

In addition, in step ST107, the terminal device 31 may also identify the number (total number) of the same type of merchandise taken out from the reading result in step ST105, and determine whether the merchandise is a picking target based on the total number of the merchandise. commodity. More specifically, the terminal device 31 can compare the total number of items of the same type read by the reading device 33 with the comparison information (the quantity related to the items of the same type to be picked), and perform the comparison based on the comparison. When it has been completed normally (for example, when their quantities are consistent), it is determined (tentatively determined) that it is a product to be picked.

If the terminal device 31 determines that the product taken out by the worker W is a product to be picked (YES in ST107), that is, only the accommodating portion 15 of the box 17 in which the product should be stored is stored. The locking device 25 is set to the unlocked state (ST108). At the same time, the terminal device 31 lights the lamp 26 of the lock device 25 (ST109). At this time, the lamps 26 of the locking devices 25 in the other accommodation portions 15 are in a light-off state.

After that, when the terminal device 31 reads the identification information of all the products to be put into one box 17 in at least one work place, it is determined that the picking operation for the box 17 has been completed ("Yes" in ST110 ”). For example, the storage location of goods to be picked up at a work site (usually equivalent to the parking position of the picking trolley 5) is within a predetermined area (or distance range) set in advance from the location of the work site. products within). At this time, the terminal device 31 returns the locking device 25 of the accommodating portion 15 corresponding to the corresponding box 17 to the locked state (ST111). However, in step ST110, when the operator W inputs the completion of the picking operation in the terminal device 31 (for example, presses the completion button displayed on the guidance screen), the terminal device 31 may be determined to be a picking operation. completed.

As another form, in step ST110, when the terminal device 31 reads all the identification information for the same type of products that should be put into the plurality of boxes 17, it may be determined that the same type of products are picked. The cargo operation has been completed.

In the picking trolley 5, the above-mentioned steps ST105-ST112 are repeatedly executed. Finally, when the terminal device 31 determines that the picking operation of all the picking objects that should be put into each box 17 of the picking trolley 5 has been completed (YES in ST112), that is, on the guidance screen This message is displayed and the operator is reminded to move to the next step.

After the operator W (picking trolley 5 ) moves to the place where the next step (for example, transportation of each box 17 by the conveyor) is performed (YES in ST113 ), the terminal device 31 That is, the locking devices 25 of all the accommodating parts 15 are put into the unlocked state. For example, a device that emits a predetermined wireless signal is disposed in the place where the next step is performed, and the terminal device 31 can set the locking devices 25 of all accommodating portions 15 to the unlocked state by receiving the signal. This allows the worker W to take out each box 17 from the picking trolley 5 in order to perform the next step.

Next, the details of the picking screen P will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

The picking screen P includes a store code 201 (the number of the store to which the product is shipped), a shipping store name 202, and an area number 203 (the number of the area corresponding to the storage location of the product to be picked). ), the staging number 204 (the place where the picked products are transported by the picking trolley 5), and the list 205 of the products targeted for picking, etc.

The product list 205 may include a product name (for example, a pillowcase), a JAN number, a product type (category), and a quantity (when products of the same type are gathered together and stored in a packaging container such as a box or bag) Information such as the quantity of goods (that is, the number of goods included in the product group), and the picking quantity (the quantity that is the target of the picking operation). When the products are stored individually, the picking quantity corresponds to the quantity of the products. On the other hand, when a plurality of products are gathered together and stored in packaging containers (in the case of product groups), the picking quantity Equivalent to the quantity of this product group.

In addition, in the picking screen P, information 205A related to the product that is the target of the current picking operation is highlighted. In the terminal device 31 , for example, the frame line of the area where the information on the product that is the target of the current picking operation is displayed may be displayed thicker or a color different from that of other areas may be added as such an emphasized display. In addition, in the picking screen P, the information 205B related to the products for which the picking operation has been completed is made inconspicuous (for example, gray out).

The operator W can print the label output button 209 by the printing device 37 after completing the picking operation for all the products to be put into one box 17 in the picking screen P. The shipping label 41 of this box 17 (refer to FIG. 2). After the picking operation for one box 17 is completed, the picking screen P is updated, and the product list 205 displays information on the products that should be placed in the next box 17 .

The present invention has been described above with respect to its preferred embodiments. However, as can be easily understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and may be Appropriate changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1: Picking system 3:Management device 5: Picking trolley 7: Communication network 11: Trolley body 11A:Front wall 11B:Rear wall 11C: Left wall 11D,46A:right wall 11E:Upper wall 11F,46B:Lower wall 13:wheels 15: Accommodation Department 15A: Bottom wall 17:Box 19,21,47:Open 22: handle 24: Guide rail 25: Locking device 26:Lamps 31:Terminal device 33: Reading device 35: Measuring device 37:Printing device 41: Shipping label 43,46: Shell 45:Battery 49: Locking components 51:On the board 51A, 51B: Side edge 53:Right panel 54:Left board 54A: blocking piece 55:Front panel 57: Rotating support member 61:Rotating shaft 62,63: Rotating piece 65:Spring 67: Actuator 69: Actuator body 69A: Fixed part 70: Rod 73:Push member 75: Horizontal slice 76: vertical film 79: long hole 81:pin 91:Control Department 92:Display part 93:Memory department 94:Ministry of Communications 95:Lock control department 96:Display control department 97:Communication Control Department 201: Store code 202: Shipping store name 203:Area number 204:Rack number 205:Product list 205A: Information related to the product that is the subject of the current picking operation 205B: Information related to products that have completed picking operations 209: Label output button P:Screen for picking goods ST101~ST114: steps W:worker

FIG. 1 is an overall structural diagram of the picking system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the picking trolley. Figure 3 is a front view of the picking trolley. Figure 4 is a top view of the picking trolley. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device showing the locking state. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device showing the unlocked state. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the inserting operation of the box in the picking trolley. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the terminal device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of picking processing performed by the picking trolley. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for picking.

1: Picking system

3: Warehouse management device

5: Picking trolley

7: Communication network

Claims (6)

A picking system is a picking system using a picking trolley. The aforementioned picking trolley has: The trolley body is provided with a plurality of accommodating parts, the aforesaid plurality of accommodating parts respectively accommodate a plurality of boxes, and the aforesaid plurality of boxes are for placing a plurality of items respectively; and Wheels movably support the aforementioned trolley body, The aforementioned trolley body is provided with: A reading device reads the identification information attached to each of the aforementioned items respectively; A plurality of locking devices respectively restrict the removal of each of the aforementioned boxes that have been accommodated in each of the aforementioned accommodation portions; and A control device to control the actions of each of the aforementioned locking devices, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Compare the aforementioned identification information of the aforementioned items attached to the picking candidates read by the aforementioned reading device with the comparison information related to the items of the picking objects set in advance; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to an unlocked state in which the box can be taken out from the accommodating portion. Such as the picking system of claim 1, wherein the aforementioned trolley body is further provided with a measuring device, and the aforementioned measuring device separately measures the weight related to each of the aforementioned items, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Comparing the weight of the aforementioned picking candidate items measured by the aforementioned measuring device with the weight related to the aforementioned picking target items; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to the unlocked state. For example, requesting the picking system of Item 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned comparison information includes information on the quantity of the aforementioned picking objects, The aforementioned control device performs the following steps: Compare the total number of items of the same type as the aforementioned picking candidates read by the aforementioned reading device with the aforementioned quantity of the aforementioned picking objects, that is, the aforementioned items of the same type; and When the comparison is completed normally, the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is set to the unlocked state. Such as the picking system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned trolley body is further provided with lamps corresponding to each of the aforementioned locking devices, When the locking device corresponding to the item to be picked is in the unlocked state, the control device causes the corresponding lamp to turn on, turn off, or flash. Such as requesting the picking system of item 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned trolley body is further provided with a display device, and the aforementioned display device displays information related to the aforementioned items of the picking object, The display device displays a picking screen including comparison information regarding the items to be picked. Such as the picking system of claim 5, wherein the aforementioned control device determines whether the picking of all the aforementioned picking objects has been completed based on the aforementioned identification information read by the aforementioned reading device, When the picking of all the picking objects has been completed, the display device displays information related to the completion of the picking operation on the picking screen.

Images