WO2024024204A1

WO2024024204A1 - Picking system

Info

Publication number: WO2024024204A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/017184
Authority: WO
Inventors: 剛國井
Original assignee: 株式会社Go-One
Priority date: 2022-07-27
Filing date: 2023-05-02
Publication date: 2024-02-01

Abstract

[Problem] To make it possible to prevent erroneous picking when a worker performs picking work. [Solution] 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 present invention relates to a picking system using a picking cart.

Conventionally, an ID tag recording information about the product is attached to each product to be picked, and an ID tag reading section using an antenna is installed on the conveyance route to form an inspection line. A system is known that includes an inspection device that reads information and compares it with pre-registered inspection information to perform an inspection (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-104632

According to the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, an inspection device compares product information obtained by reading ID tag information with pre-registered inspection information, thereby checking the quality of each carton. It is possible to determine whether predetermined picking has been performed.

On the other hand, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, even if the worker makes a mistake in picking (for example, placing the product in the wrong shipping destination carton), at that point (i.e., the carton with all the products packed is inspected) Picking errors cannot be corrected until they are inspected on the line. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of picking work, it is desirable to be able to prevent incorrect picking when a worker performs picking work.

In view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a picking system that can prevent incorrect picking when an operator performs picking work.

In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention is a picking system using a picking trolley, wherein the picking trolley is provided with a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a plurality of boxes each containing a plurality of articles. and wheels movably supporting the truck body, and the truck body includes a reading device that reads identification information attached to each of the articles, and a reading device that reads identification information attached to each of the articles, and a wheel that supports the truck body in a movable manner. A plurality of locking devices each restricting the removal of each of the boxes, and a control device controlling the operation of each of the locking devices, and the control device controls the picking candidate article read by the reading device. The identification information attached to the lock device is compared with preset verification information regarding the item to be picked, and if the verification is successfully completed, the lock device corresponds to the item to be picked among the plurality of lock devices. The locking device is configured to bring the box into an unlocked state in which the box can be taken out from the storage section.

According to this aspect, when the identification information attached to the item to be picked is successfully compared with the verification information regarding the item to be picked, the lock device corresponding to the item to be picked is placed in the unlocked state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect picking when a worker performs picking work.

In the above aspect, the trolley body is further provided with a measuring device that measures the weight of each of the articles, and the control device is configured to measure the weight of the picking candidate article measured by the measuring device and the picking candidate article. The weight of the target article may be compared with the weight of the target article, and if the comparison is successfully completed, the lock device corresponding to the target article among the plurality of lock devices may be brought into the unlocked state.

According to this aspect, in addition to checking the identification information attached to the picking candidate item, if the comparison between the weight of the picking candidate item and the weight of the picking target item is successfully completed, the picking target item is handled. Since the locking device is placed in an unlocked state, it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous picking when an operator performs picking work.

In the above aspect, the verification information includes information on the quantity of the articles to be picked, and the control device is configured to calculate the total number of articles of the same type as the picking candidates read by the reading device and the number of articles to be picked. comparing the quantity of the target article of the same type, and when the comparison is successfully completed, the locking device corresponding to the target article among the plurality of locking devices is set to the unlocked state; good.

According to this aspect, when the comparison between the total number of items of the same type as a picking candidate and the quantity of the same type of items as a picking target is successfully completed, the locking device corresponding to the picking target is brought into an unlocked state. Even when a plurality of articles of the same type are included in the picking candidate articles, it is possible to more reliably prevent incorrect picking when a worker performs picking work.

In the above aspect, the trolley body is further provided with a lamp disposed corresponding to each of the locking devices, and the control device is configured to control whether the locking device corresponding to the article to be picked is in the unlocked state. , the corresponding lamp may be turned on, turned off, or blinked.

According to this aspect, the worker can easily recognize the storage section in which the locking device is in the unlocked state (that is, the box in which the picking candidate is to be placed), thereby increasing the efficiency of the picking operation.

In the above aspect, the trolley body is further provided with a display device that displays information regarding the article to be picked, and the display device displays a picking screen including collation information regarding the article to be picked. good.

According to this aspect, the worker can check information regarding the item to be picked on the picking screen, thereby increasing the efficiency of the picking operation.

In the above aspect, the control device determines whether picking of all the picking targets is completed based on the identification information read by the reading device, and the display device determines whether picking of all the picking targets is completed. When picking is completed, information regarding the completion of the picking work may be displayed on the picking screen.

According to this aspect, the worker who performs the picking work can confirm on the picking screen that the picking of all the picking targets has been completed, thereby increasing the efficiency of the picking work.

According to the above aspect, when a worker performs picking work, it is possible to prevent incorrect picking.

Overall configuration diagram of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention Side view of picking trolley Front view of picking trolley Top view of picking trolley Cross-sectional view showing the locking device in the locked state Cross-sectional view showing the locking device in the unlocked state Explanatory diagram showing box insertion operation in a picking trolley Functional block diagram of terminal device Flow diagram showing the flow of picking processing using a picking trolley An explanatory diagram showing an example of a picking screen

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, directions (up and down, front and back, left and right) follow directions 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 carts 5. The picking system 1 is used, for example, to pick products stored in a distribution warehouse (not shown) at the time of shipping the products. The management device 3 and each picking trolley 5 can communicate with each other via a communication network 7 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the management device 3 and each picking trolley 5 may directly communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, or the like.

The management device 3 includes known hardware such as one or more processors including CPU, MPU, GPU, and DSP, memory including ROM and RAM, storage including HDD and SSD, and communication device including network card. A computer that may include software. In this embodiment, the management device 3 is configured by a server that provides various information and programs necessary for picking work using the picking cart 5. Note that the management device 3 cooperates with a terminal device 31 for picking work (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 8), which will be described later. The management device 3 and the terminal device 31 may perform some of the functions of one of them in place of the other.

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the picking cart 5 includes a cart main body 11 and a plurality of wheels 13 (here, four wheels, front, rear, left and right) that movably support the cart main body 11. Note that the wheels 13 are not limited to circular members that rotate around an axis, and may include any device that movably supports the truck body 11.

The truck body 11 has a metal outer shell having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. Inside the truck body 11, a plurality of (four in this case) housing portions 15 are provided that define a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing space.

Each storage unit 15 can accommodate a plurality of boxes 17 into which a plurality of products (i.e., items to be picked) taken out from the storage location are placed. Each box 17 is associated in advance with one or more products (or product group) that are to be picked and stored therein. The size of the storage space (here, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape) defined by each storage section 15 is set to correspond to the size of each box 17. More specifically, the size of these storage spaces is determined so that an excessive gap does not occur between the outer surface of each box 17 and the wall surface defining the storage space, and in turn, the locking function of the locking device 25 described below is determined. is set so as not to interfere with

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, two accommodating portions 15 arranged in the front-rear direction are provided in two stages, upper and lower, in the truck body 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number and arrangement of the accommodating portions 15 can be changed as appropriate. Note that the truck main body 11 may be provided with a plurality of accommodating portions 15 having accommodating spaces of mutually different sizes.

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

Note that the worker W can insert the box 17 into the storage space of each storage section 15 only from the opening 19. Furthermore, the worker W can take out the box 17 accommodated in the accommodation space of the accommodation section 15 only from the opening 19. However, as shown in FIG. 3, other openings 21 (see FIG. 3) may be formed in the front wall 11A constituting the outer shell of the trolley body 11, each communicating with the storage space of the adjacent storage section 15. good. Although not shown, other openings may be formed in the rear wall 11B and left wall 11C that constitute the outer shell of the truck body 11 as well.

In this way, by providing other openings 21 (that is, holes other than the openings 19 through which the worker W inserts each box 17 into the storage space) that communicate with each housing section 15 in the trolley body 11, The worker W can easily check the state (posture, position, etc.) of the box 17 in each storage section 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, which can be grasped by the operator W when moving (running) the picking trolley 5. .

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of front and rear guide rails 24 are provided at the bottom of each housing section 15. The pair of guide rails 24 extend in the insertion direction of the box 17 inserted into the housing portion 15 (see the left-right direction shown in FIG. 3). When the box 17 is inserted into the housing section 15, the front and rear bottoms (corners) of the box 17 are supported by a pair of guide rails 24, respectively, and the movement of the box 17 in the insertion direction is guided. Each guide rail 24 is configured by, for example, an L-shaped angle.

Furthermore, a locking device 25 is provided at the bottom of each accommodating portion 15 (below the accommodating space) to restrict removal of each box 17 accommodated in each accommodating portion 15 from each opening 19. Each locking device 25 is provided with a lamp 26 that indicates its operating state. Each lamp 26 also functions as a work completion button. For example, the work completion button is pressed by the worker W when a product is put into the box 17 stored in the corresponding storage section 15.

Note that each storage section 15 is provided with an object detection sensor (not shown) for detecting that the corresponding box 17 is set. As the object detection sensor, for example, a known proximity sensor can be used.

Each box 17 is made of, for example, a cardboard box having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The top of each box 17 may be open. In that case, the top of each box 17 is closed at least after the picking operation is completed. Moreover, each box 17 is not limited to cardboard, and may be a case made of resin, for example. After the picking operation, each box 17 is used as a packaging container (transport container) for transporting (shipping) the product.

Further, on the upper wall 11E that constitutes the outer shell of the truck body 11, 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 installed. However, these devices may be installed at appropriate locations other than the upper wall 11E of the truck body 11.

The terminal device 31 includes known hardware such as one or more processors including a CPU, MPU, GPU, and DSP, memory including a ROM and RAM, storage including an HDD and SSD, and communication devices including a network card. A computer that may include software. In this embodiment, the terminal device 31 is configured by a tablet terminal including a touch panel with a display screen. However, the terminal device 31 is not limited to a tablet, and may be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone carried by the worker W. Further, 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 installed in the trolley body 11.

The reading device 33 is a device for reading identification information attached to products. In this embodiment, a two-dimensional code containing identification information is attached to each product. Further, 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 may be held in other than the two-dimensional code. For example, instead of a two-dimensional code, each product may be attached with an RFID tag containing its identification information. In that case, an RFID reader is used as the reading device 33.

Product identification information includes, for example, product name, product type, product number, distribution code (JAN code), storage location information (for example, shelf number where the product is stored), and product weight information. At least one is included. However, the product identification information is not limited to such information as long as it is information that can at least identify the corresponding product (distinguish it from other products). The reading device 33 transmits the read identification information to the terminal device 31.

The measuring device 35 is a scale that measures the weight of the product. The measuring device 35 transmits information regarding the weight of the measured product to the terminal device 31. Alternatively, the worker W may input the measurement results (information regarding the weight of the measured product) into the terminal device 31.

The printing device 37 is a printer that prints a 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 (for example, address and telephone number) indicating the destination of transportation (for example, a store selling the product).

Furthermore, a battery 45 that supplies electric power used by the picking cart 5 is installed inside the casing 43 attached to the lower wall 11F of the cart main body 11. The battery 45 is capable of supplying necessary power to each device mounted on the picking cart 5 (here, the lock device 25, the terminal device 31, the reading device 33, the measuring device 35, the printing device 37, etc.). can.

Note that in FIGS. 2 to 4, communication cables for mutual communication between devices in the picking cart 5, power cables for receiving power supply from the battery 45, and the like are omitted. However, each device in the picking trolley 5 may perform wireless communication with each other without using a communication cable.

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

The locking device 25 has a casing 46 attached to the outside of the bottom wall 15A (here, the lower surface of the bottom wall 15A) that defines at least a portion of the bottom surface of the corresponding storage section 15. The housing 46 has a generally concave shape with an open top (that is, a substantially hexahedral shape with one side 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 has a locking member 49 that is movable 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 upward (in this case, rotated) to prevent the box 17 housed in the corresponding housing part 15 from being inserted in the anti-insertion direction (to the right in FIG. 3). It enters a state that prevents movement (hereinafter referred to as a "locked state"). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking member 49 is in a state (hereinafter referred to as an "unlocked state") in which the box 17 accommodated in the corresponding accommodation section 15 is allowed to move in the anti-insertion direction by being displaced downward. ).

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

Further, the locking member 49 extends from the right side edge 51A (an example of a second side edge) of the upper plate 51 (on the near side in the insertion direction) toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 (in a generally orthogonal direction). The right plate 53 (an example of a third plate) has a right plate 53 (an example of a third plate). The locking member 49 also has a side edge 51B (an example of a first side edge) on the left side (i.e., the back side in the insertion direction) of the upper plate 51 on the side where the housed box 17 is located (here, the left side). It has a left plate 54 (an example of a second plate) extending toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 from the inside. Furthermore, the locking member 49 is accommodated in a front plate 55 that extends from the front side edge of the upper plate 51 toward the outside of the accommodating portion 15 (in a generally perpendicular direction) and a front plate 55 that extends from the rear side edge of the upper plate 51. It has a rear plate (not shown) extending outwardly (in a generally perpendicular direction) of section 15 .

The lock device 25 includes a rotation support member 57 (here, a hinge) that rotatably supports the lock member 49. The rotation support member 57 has a rotation shaft 61 extending in the front-rear direction. Further, the rotation support member 57 has

rotation pieces

62 and 63 that are relatively rotatable by being supported by a rotation shaft 61 disposed in the middle. Further, the rotation support member 57 includes a spring 65 (here, a torsion coil spring) that is attached to the rotation shaft 61 and urges the

rotation pieces

62 and 63 in a direction to separate them from each other. Note that the rotation support member 57 is disposed at a portion where a portion of the right plate 53 is cut out (here, the central portion in the front-rear direction).

One rotating piece 62 is attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 51. Further, the other rotating piece 63 is attached to the left surface of the right wall 46A of the housing 46. Thereby, the locking member 49 is switched between a locked state (see FIG. 5) and an unlocked state (see FIG. 6) by being displaced about the rotation shaft 61.

The locking device 25 includes an actuator 67 that presses (that is, displaces) the locking member 49 in the direction of recessing it into the bottom wall 15A against the biasing force of the spring 65. The actuator 67 includes an actuator main body 69 and a rod 70 provided so as to be extendable and retractable in the left-right direction from the actuator main body 69. The actuator main 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 the upper part of the actuator 67 so as to be movable relative to the actuator 67. The pressing member 73 is driven by the rod 70 of the actuator 67. The pressing member 73 is connected to a horizontal piece 75 extending substantially parallel to the top surface of the actuator 67 and the right edge of this horizontal piece 75, and is substantially parallel to the right plate 53 of the locking member 49 and the right wall 46A of the housing 46. It has a vertical piece 76 extending to. A plurality of long holes 79 extending in the left-right direction are formed in the horizontal piece 75. A pin 81 protruding from the top of the actuator body 69 is inserted into each elongated hole 79 . Relative movement of the pressing member 73 in the left-right direction with respect to the actuator body 69 is regulated by engagement between the elongated hole 79 and the pin 81.

The actuator 67 is electrically operated under the control of the terminal device 31. The terminal device 31 can control ON/OFF of the power supply to the actuator 67 (power supply to the actuator 67).

When the power to the actuator 67 is turned off, the rod 70 is in a retracted state, as shown in FIG. At this time, the biasing force of the spring 65 biases the

rotating pieces

62 and 63 in a direction to separate them from each other. As a result, the lock member 49 rotates clockwise 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 where the upper plate 51 and the left plate 54 are connected) protrudes above the bottom wall 15A of the housing portion 15.

Note that a locking piece 54A that protrudes to the left is provided at the tip (here, the bottom end) of the left plate 54. The locking piece 54A restricts excessive rotation of the lock member 49 by being locked to the left edge of the opening 47 of the bottom wall 15A when the lock member 49 rotates.

When the power to the actuator 67 is turned on (that is, the actuator 67 is activated), the rod 70 enters the extended state, as shown in FIG. At this time, the rod 70 presses the inner surface (left surface) of the vertical piece 76 of the pressing member 73. As a result, the pressing member 73 presses the right plate 53 of the locking member 49 in the right direction (in the direction of the right wall 46A of the housing 46) against the biasing force of the spring 65. Furthermore, the lock member 49 rotates counterclockwise 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 housing portion 15. At this time, the upper plate 51 becomes substantially parallel to the bottom wall 15A of the accommodating portion 15.

In the picking cart 5, even when the power to the actuator 67 of the locking device 25 is OFF (that is, the locking member 49 is in an upwardly protruding state), as shown in FIGS. The person W can set (insert) the box 17 (for example, the box 17 before the picking operation or the box 17 after inserting the product) into the storage section 15.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(A), when the worker W slides the box 17 on the bottom wall 15A of the housing section 15 and pushes the box 17 in the insertion direction (to the left), As shown in FIG. 7(B), the box 17 is placed on the locking member 49. Thereby, the locking member 49 can be displaced downward (in the retracting direction) by the load of the box 17 against the biasing force of the spring 65. Thereafter, when the operator W further pushes the box 17 to the insertion completion position, the locking member 49 is again displaced upward by the biasing force of the spring 65, as shown in FIG. 7(C). At this time, the locking member 49 of the locking device 25 is in a state of locking the right bottom portion (lower corner in the anti-insertion direction) of the box 17. As a result, the worker W cannot take out the box 17 from the storage section 15 unless the power of the actuator 67 is turned on.

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

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

The control unit 91 includes one or more processors and memories, and centrally controls each part of the picking cart 5. However, the management device 3 may perform some of the functions of the control unit 91. The display unit 92 includes a touch panel and displays necessary information to the worker W. The storage unit 93 includes storage, and stores data and programs necessary for processing by the control unit 91. However, some of those necessary data and programs may be stored in the storage of the management device 3. The communication unit 94 includes a wireless module and communicates with other devices (for example, the management device 3).

The control section 91 includes a lock control section 95, a display control section 96, and a communication control section 97. The lock control unit 95 controls the operation of each lock device 25. More specifically, the control unit 91 can switch the locking device 25 between the locked state and the unlocked state by controlling the power ON/OFF of the actuator 67 in the locking device 25. Further, the lock control section 95 controls the operation of the lamp 26 of the lock device 25. More specifically, when the lock device 25 is in the unlocked state, the control unit 91 can turn on, turn off, or blink the corresponding lamp 26.

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

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 (including, for example, information displayed on the picking screen P in FIG. 10) from the management device 3. Further, the communication control unit 97 can transmit information regarding the picking work performed by the worker W (including information input by the worker W into the terminal device 31) to the management device 3.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9, when the power of the picking cart 5 is turned on (that is, power supply from the battery 45 to each device is started) (ST101), the worker W starts the picking operation using the activated terminal device 31. Necessary information (hereinafter referred to as "work information") is input (ST102). This work information includes, for example, the ID (identification number) of the worker W, the number related to the picking work that the worker W is scheduled to perform, and the like.

Then, when the input of the work information by the worker W is completed, the box 17 is subsequently set in each storage section 15 in the picking cart 5 by the worker W (ST103).

Therefore, when the worker W completes setting the boxes 17 in each storage section 15, the terminal device 31 displays the position information of the product to be picked (e.g. , map information within the distribution warehouse) is displayed (ST104). At this time, the terminal device 31 receives information to be displayed on the guide screen as well as verification information regarding the product to be picked from the management device 3 in order to determine whether or not the picking operation has been properly performed. The verification information includes, for example, information such as identification information, weight, and quantity (total number) of each product to be picked. It is preferable that at least a part of the verification information be displayed on the guide screen.

The worker W can move the picking cart 5 to the location where the picking work is to be performed according to the product position information (that is, the work location information) displayed on the terminal device 31. Thereafter, when the worker W starts the picking work, the terminal device 31 can display, for example, a picking screen P shown in FIG. 10 as a guide screen. Note that the display in step ST104 may be repeatedly executed at necessary timing, regardless of execution of other processes.

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

Subsequently, 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 removed product on the weighing pan of the measuring device 35.

Thereafter, the terminal device 31 determines the product (an example of a picking candidate) taken out from the storage location by the worker W based on the identification information read in step ST105 and the information regarding the weight of the product measured in step ST106. It is determined whether or not the item is a product to be picked (that is, whether or not the picking operation was performed properly) (ST107).

Regarding the identification information in step ST107, the terminal device 31 verifies the identification information attached to the product read by the reading device 33 and the verification information (identification information) regarding the product to be picked. If the process is completed normally, it can be determined (tentatively determined) that the removed product is the product to be picked.

Regarding the weight of the product in step ST107, the terminal device 31 compares the weight of the product measured by the measuring device 35 with the verification information (weight) regarding the product to be picked, so that the comparison is successful. When the picking is completed (for example, when the difference in weight is within a predetermined range), it can be determined (tentatively determined) that the removed product is the product to be picked.

The terminal device 31 can determine (confirm) that the product is a product to be picked when the verification of the verification information is successfully completed and the weight comparison is successfully completed. However, the terminal device 31 may perform the determination in step ST107 based only on the identification information read in step ST105.

Furthermore, in step ST107, the terminal device 31 recognizes the number (total number) of the same type of products taken out from the reading result in step ST105, and determines whether the product is a picking target product based on the total number of products. It is also possible to judge. More specifically, the terminal device 31 compares the total number of the same type of goods read by the reading device 33 and the verification information (the quantity of the same type of goods to be picked), and if the comparison is successfully completed. (For example, if the numbers match), it can be determined (tentatively determined) that the product is a picking target product.

When the terminal device 31 determines that the product taken out by the worker W is the product to be picked (Yes in ST107), it locks only the locking device 25 in the storage section 15 in which the box 17 in which the product is to be placed is stored. It is set to an unlocked state (ST108). At the same time, the terminal device 31 turns on the lamp 26 of the lock device 25 (ST109). At this time, the lamps 26 of the locking devices 25 in the other accommodating portions 15 that are in the locked state are in the off state.

Thereafter, when the identification information of all products to be put into one box 17 is read in at least one work location, the terminal device 31 determines that the picking work for the box 17 is completed (Yes in ST110). . For example, for products to be picked at one work place (usually corresponding to the stopping position of the picking cart 5), the storage position is within a predetermined area (or within a distance range) from the position of the work place. ) is the product. At this time, the terminal device 31 returns the locking device 25 of the housing section 15 corresponding to the corresponding box 17 to the locked state (ST111). However, in step ST110, when the worker W inputs the completion of the picking work on the terminal device 31 (for example, presses the completion button displayed on the guidance screen), the terminal device 31 indicates that the picking work is completed. You may judge.

As another form, in step ST110, the terminal device 31 determines that the picking work for the same type of product is completed when the identification information for all of the same type of products to be put into the plurality of boxes 17 is read. You may.

In the picking cart 5, steps ST105 to ST112 described above are repeatedly executed. Finally, when the terminal device 31 determines that the picking work for all the products to be picked that should be put into each box 17 set on the picking trolley 5 has been completed (Yes in ST112), a message to that effect is displayed on the guidance screen. and prompts worker W to move on to the next process.

When the worker W (picking trolley 5) moves to the location where the next process (for example, transportation of each box 17 by a conveyor) is carried out (Yes in ST113), the terminal device 31 moves all the storage sections. 15 lock devices 25 are brought into an unlocked state. For example, a device that emits a predetermined wireless signal is placed at the location where the next process is performed, and the terminal device 31 unlocks the lock devices 25 of all the housing sections 15 by receiving the signal. It can be a state. This allows the worker W to take out each box 17 from the picking cart 5 in order to carry out the next process.

Next, 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 where the product will be shipped), a shipping store name 202, an area number 203 (the number of the area corresponding to the storage location of the product to be picked), and a staging number 204 ( This includes information such as the location where the picked products are transported by the picking cart 5) and a list 205 of products to be picked.

The product list 205 includes the product name (for example, cushion cover), JAN number, product type, and quantity (products when similar products are stored together in a packaging container such as a box or bag). (i.e., the number of products included in the product group), and the number of picks (the number of items to be picked). The number of picks corresponds to the number of products when the products are stored individually, whereas the number of picks corresponds to the number of products when the products are stored together in a packaging container (in the case of product groups). corresponds to the number of

Furthermore, on the picking screen P, information 205A regarding the product currently being picked is highlighted. In the terminal device 31, such highlighting may be done by, for example, displaying the area where information about the product currently being picked is displayed with a thicker frame line, or giving it a different color from other areas. You can Furthermore, on the picking screen P, information 205B regarding products for which picking has already been completed is displayed in an inconspicuous manner (eg, grayed out).

After completing the picking work for all the products to be placed in one box 17 on the picking screen P, the worker W presses the label output button 209 to print the shipping label 41 for the box 17 using the printing device 37. (see FIG. 2) can be printed. The picking screen P is updated when the picking work for one box 17 is completed, and the product list 205 displays information regarding the product to be placed in the next box 17.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments, as will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and there may be no deviation from the spirit of the present invention. It can be changed as appropriate to the extent that it does not.

1: Picking system 3: Management device 5: Picking cart 7: Communication network 11: Cart body 11A: Front wall 11B: Rear wall 11C: Left wall 11D: Right wall 11E: Upper wall 11F: Lower wall 13: Wheels 15: Accommodation Part 15A: Bottom wall 17: Box 19: Opening 21: Opening 22: Handle 24: Guide rail 25: Locking device 26: Lamp 31: Terminal device 33: Reading device 35: Measuring device 37: Printing device 41: Shipping label 43: Housing 45: Battery 46: Housing 46A: Right wall 46B: Lower wall 47: Opening 49: Lock member 51: Upper plate 51A: Side edge 51B: Side edge 53: Right plate 54: Left plate 54A: Locking piece 55 : Front plate 57 : Rotating support member 61 : Rotating shaft 62 : Rotating piece 63 : Rotating piece 65 : Spring 67 : Actuator 69 : Actuator body 69A : Fixed part 70 : Rod 73 : Pressing member 75 : Horizontal piece 76 : Vertical piece 79 : Long hole 81 : Pin 91 : Control part 92 : Display part 93 : Storage part 94 : Communication part 95 : Lock control part 96 : Display control part 97 : Communication control part 201 : Store code 202 : Shipping store name 203: Area number 204: Staging number 205: Product list 209: Label output button P: Picking screen W: Operator

Claims

A picking system using a picking trolley,
The picking trolley is
a trolley body provided with a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a plurality of boxes each containing a plurality of articles;
Wheels that movably support the truck body,
The trolley body includes:
a reading device that reads identification information attached to each of the articles;
a plurality of locking devices that restrict removal of each of the boxes accommodated in each of the accommodating sections;
A control device that controls the operation of each of the lock devices,
The control device includes:
comparing the identification information attached to the article as a picking candidate read by the reading device with preset verification information regarding the article to be picked;
When the verification is successfully completed, the picking system sets a locking device corresponding to the item to be picked among the plurality of locking devices into an unlocked state in which the box can be taken out from the storage section.
The trolley body includes:
further provided with a measuring device for measuring the weight of each of the articles,
The control device includes:
Comparing the weight of the picking candidate article measured by the measuring device with the weight of the picking target article,
The picking system according to claim 1, wherein when the comparison is successfully completed, a locking device corresponding to the article to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is brought into the unlocked state.
The verification information includes information on the quantity of the item to be picked,
The control device includes:
Comparing the total number of the same kind of articles of the picking candidate read by the reading device and the quantity of the same kind of articles that are the picking targets,
3. The picking system according to claim 1, wherein when the comparison is successfully completed, a locking device corresponding to the article to be picked among the plurality of locking devices is brought into the unlocked state.
The truck body is further provided with lamps arranged corresponding to each of the locking devices,
The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device turns on, extinguishes, or blinks the corresponding lamp when the lock device corresponding to the article to be picked is in the unlocked state. .
The trolley body is further provided with a display device that displays information regarding the article to be picked,
The picking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device displays a picking screen that includes verification information regarding the article to be picked.
The control device determines whether picking of all the picking targets is completed based on the identification information read by the reading device,
6. The picking system according to claim 5, wherein the display device displays information regarding the completion of picking work on the picking screen when picking of all the picking objects is completed.