JPH04338004A - Work sorting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect the picking number and the throwing number of the goods automatically on the basis of a change of weight of a pocket, and prevent excess and shortage of the goods in a picking system for taking the required number of the goods from pockets of a work shelf for collection and in a sorting system for throwing the goods to pockets of classification per an item for collection. CONSTITUTION:A pocket is placed on each weighing device 9, and a display unit 10 is provided near each pocket to display the number of each good input by an operation control device 5 with the display 10. The number of goods is computed by a relay 12 on the basis of a change of a weight value to be caused by picking or the like, and the number reduced by that number is displayed in the display 10.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a product sorting system comprising a picking system and a sorting system used in the product distribution process.

0002

[Prior Art] At distribution centers for products for supermarkets and chain stores, collection work is carried out to stock the required number of various products in response to requests from each store. While transporting containers for each destination, a picking system picks out the requested number of products from shelves set up along the transport route and collects them in the container, and transports each product item by item. However, a sorting system is used in which products are placed for each destination into a collection shelf that is provided along the transport route and has a large number of pockets for each destination.

[0003] In that case, in the former picking system, products are arranged in a picking zone provided along a container transport route by a transport means for transporting containers for each sorting destination and a container transport route by the transport means, and products are sorted by item. A product shelf having a large number of pockets stored in the product shelf, and a number display means provided in each pocket for displaying the number of products to be picked are provided, and for each item of product, the above-mentioned information is displayed from each pocket of the product shelf. Only the number of pieces displayed by the number display means is taken out and put into the container. In addition, in the latter sorting system, a product transport means for transporting products by item and a sorting zone provided along the transport route of the products by the transport means are arranged to collect products for each destination. and a number display means for displaying the number of sorted products into each pocket of the products currently being transported by the transport means, and for each item of products, the transport means transporting these products. from each pocket of the collection shelf,
By sequentially introducing the products in the number displayed on the number display means, once the work on all items is completed,
Each pocket of the collection shelf is configured to collect the requested number of products for each destination. Therefore, by using such a picking system or sorting system, product collection work can be performed efficiently and accurately without requiring any skill.

[0004] Furthermore, the above-mentioned picking system and sorting system are computer-managed, and the picking system has a display A equipped with a picking instruction lamp B, a digital display C, and a completion key D as shown in FIG. By lighting the picking instruction lamp B, the operator is instructed that the pocket is to be picked, and the number of items to be picked is displayed on the digital display section C. After taking out the displayed number of products from the pocket, the operator presses the completion key D, thereby allowing the operator to know that the picking work for the item has been completed. Similarly, in the sorting system, by lighting up the lamp installed in the pocket,
Indicates that the pocket is the target of investment, and
By displaying the sorting number and having the worker press the completion key when the input is complete, the worker can know that the work for the pocket has been completed.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, in the operation by the operator inputting the completion key D, the operator checks the number of pieces to be picked and also checks the number of pieces to be sorted. Even if the worker takes more or less than the required number displayed, once the completion key D is pressed, the computer side will conclude the work, resulting in excess or shortage of products. Also, in a sorting system, even if the operator inserts more or fewer items than the required number, once the operator presses the completion key, the work is completed. Therefore, there is a problem that errors in the number of collected items are likely to occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a product sorting system that can automatically check the number of products to be picked and the number of products to be sorted, and can prevent mistakes.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problem] That is, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the first invention) provides a conveying means for conveying containers for each destination, and a container conveying means by the conveying means. A product sorting system includes a number of pockets arranged in picking zones provided along a route and storing products by item, and a number display means for displaying the number of products to be picked from each pocket. A measuring means for measuring the weight of the stored products in each pocket, and calculating the number of products picked from the pockets based on the change in the measured value by the measuring means and the pre-stored single item weight of the product. and a control means for determining whether or not a specified number of items have been picked.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention according to claim 2 (hereinafter referred to as the second
The present invention is characterized in that it includes a weighing means for weighing the products stored in a plurality of pockets, and a picking instruction means for indicating the pocket of the product to be picked.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 (hereinafter,
(referred to as the third invention) comprises a product transport means for transporting products by item, and a sorting zone provided along the transport route of the products by the transport means to collect the products for each destination. and a number display means for displaying the number of sorted products in each pocket of the products currently being transported by the transport means, the system weighs the weight of the stored products in each pocket. A measuring means is used to calculate the number of products put into the pocket from a change in the measured value by the measuring means and a pre-stored single item weight of the product, and it is determined whether a specified number of products have been put into the pocket. It is characterized by comprising a control means.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth
The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a weighing means for weighing the products stored in a plurality of sorting pockets, and a sorting instruction means for indicating the pocket of the product to be put into.

[0011]

[Operation] According to the above-mentioned first invention, in the picking system, the weight of the product stored in the pocket is measured by the measuring means, and the number of products in the pocket is ascertained, and the number of products in the pocket is determined based on the change in the weight of the product. The system automatically detects the number of products picked and determines whether or not the specified number of products were picked, so if there is an excess or deficiency in the number of products picked, the number displayed on the number display means is reduced and the number is displayed. If there is no excess or deficiency, a picking completion signal can be output.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the weights of the products stored in the plurality of pockets are measured by a common measuring means. In this case, since the picking instruction means can specify the pocket in which the product should be picked among the plurality of pockets, it is possible to manage a large number of pockets without making mistakes with a small number of measuring means.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the sorting system, the weight of the products placed in the pocket is measured by the measuring means to ascertain the number of products in the pocket, and the number of products in the pocket is determined based on the change in the product weight. It is possible to automatically detect the number of new products that have been added to the machine and determine whether or not the specified number of products have been added, so if there is an error in the number of products that have been added, the number displayed on the number display means will be displayed as a reduced number. This can be notified by
If there is no error, a completion signal can be output.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the weights of the products stored in the plurality of sorting pockets are measured by a common measuring means. In this case, the sorting instruction means can specify the pocket into which the product should be placed among the plurality of pockets, so that a large number of pockets can be managed without mistakes using a small number of measuring means.

[0015]

Embodiments Next, embodiments of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a picking system, which includes a conveyor 1 that transports a plurality of containers a to a in tact from a starting end 1a where containers a are placed and supplied to a terminal end 1b where they are discharged. A large number of picking zones 2 are provided on both sides thereof. In each of these picking zones 2, product shelves 4, 4 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor 1 with the central work space 3 in between. Further, a work control device 5 is installed at a container supply work position X near the start end 1a of the conveyor 1, and a label printer 6 is installed at a container discharge work position Y near the end end 1b of the conveyor 1. As shown in the figure, workers b to b are arranged in each picking zone 2 to 2, a container supply work position X, and a container discharge work position Y, respectively.

A large number of pockets 7 to 7 are provided in multiple stages on the product shelf 4 in the picking zones 2 to 2, and a container 8 for storing and storing products by item is placed in each pocket 7. In that case, each container 8-8 is placed on a weighing device 9 installed on the shelf board 4a, and the total weight of the products in the container is measured for each pocket by the weighing device 9. In addition, a number indicator 10 is provided corresponding to each pocket 7. This number display 10 has a display section 10a that can digitally display the number of pieces picked, and a picking instruction lamp 10b. For example, when a product in a certain pocket 7 is to be picked, the number display in that pocket 7 is displayed. The picking instruction lamp 10b is turned on, and the number of pieces is digitally displayed on the display section 10a. Further, when it is necessary to pick a case containing a plurality of products and a single product, the number of cases and the number of single products to be picked are displayed on the display section 10a.

In this embodiment, each pocket is provided with a number display 10, but one number display 10 is provided for a plurality of pockets 7 to 7, and each pocket 7 to 7 is provided with a picking instruction. It is also possible to provide only the lamp 10b and use these to display the number of items to be picked in the designated pocket.

Further, this picking system is provided with a control system as shown in FIG. This control system includes a controller 12 connected to a host computer 11, a data path 13 extending from the controller 12, the aforementioned work control device 5, and a large number of number indicators on the product shelves 4 in each picking zone 2-2. 10-1
0, a number of weighing devices 9 to 9 on which a container 8 is placed in each pocket 7, and the aforementioned label printer 6 are connected.

The host computer 11 stores various product information (for example, storage location for each product, product code, product name, processing unit, case or single item, etc.) and store information for each store that is the destination (for example, delivery distance to each store) and order data from each store (picked items and their quantities, etc.), and these are sent to the controller 12 in response to instructions from the work control device 5.
The information is sent to each of the number display units 10 to 10 and the label printer 6 via the . In addition, the label printer 6 issues a label to be attached to the container a for which collection has been completed in response to a command from the host computer 11. moreover,
Weighing devices 9 to 9 supporting the containers 8 on the product shelves 4 of each picking zone 2 to 2 measure the weight of each pocket 7 to 7, and transfer the weight to the controller 1.
Transmit to the 2nd side. In this case, the weight is the sum of the weight of the container itself and the weight of the products stored in the container, so a measured value minus the container weight is transmitted.

Next, the specific operation of the picking system according to this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

First, by operating the work control device 5 by the worker b at the container supply work position X in FIG.
When store order data is entered, the product items in the order data and the number of items ordered for each item are sent to the controller 12, and the picking instruction lamp 10b of the display 10 in the pocket 7 in which the specified item is stored is displayed. The light is turned on, and it is displayed to the worker b that the item in the pocket is to be picked, and the number of items to be picked is displayed on the display section 10a. In addition, each weighing device 9
9, the weight of each product for each item is transferred from the host computer 11 via the controller 12. On the other hand, in FIG. 1, the container a for store A is conveyed to a stop position in a predetermined picking zone by the operation of the conveyor 1 (steps S1 and S2).

Next, when the worker takes a product from the designated pocket 7, the number of products in the pocket decreases due to the picking operation, and the weight changes, so that the weighing device 9 of the pocket 7 weighs the product. The value changes (steps S3, S4).

Therefore, in the weighing device 9, the weight change (minus amount) is compared with the individual item weight of the item, and it is determined how many pieces of the product the weight change corresponds to. And when the weight change is less than one piece,
For example, if the number of products to be picked is four, the display on the display section 10a is reduced to three. Of course, if the weight change is 2, the number is reduced to 2 (steps S5, S6).

By repeating steps S3 to S6, if the picked number matches the displayed number, the picking instruction lamp 10b and the display section 10a
The display disappears, and at the same time, a picking completion signal is transferred to the controller 12 (step S7).

[0026] Next, the operator determines whether there are any other products ordered by store A (step S8).
. In some cases, picking is continued from other pockets whose picking instruction lamps 10b are lit, and the operations from steps S3 to S7 are repeated.

Furthermore, when the picking work in the first zone 2 for store A is completed, it is determined whether there is picking work for the next store, and, for example, order data for store B is input into the work control device 5. If so, container a for store A is transported to the next zone 2, and container a for store B is transported to the first zone 2, and then
Returning to step S2, similar processing is performed. In this way, picking processing for each store is performed simultaneously and in parallel (step S9).

As described above, the number of products taken out by the worker from the pocket 7 is automatically determined based on the weight.
As a result, the number of products displayed on the display section 10a is reduced, so if the worker works according to this display, it is possible to prevent the worker from taking too many products or leaving them behind due to assumptions. Further, since it is determined that the picking of the specified number of items has been completed and a picking completion signal is output to the controller 12, the conventional picking completion key and its operation are no longer necessary. Furthermore, with the system of the present invention, even if too much is removed or something is left behind, the display 10 displays the number of excess or deficiency at that point, and means for calling the operator's attention, for example, by emitting a buzzer sound. By providing this, it is possible to easily prevent the occurrence of excess or deficiency.

In the above embodiment, a weighing device 9 is provided for each pocket 7, but as shown in FIG. 7 containers 8 to 8 can be placed thereon, or the product shelf itself can be supported by one weighing device to detect the weight of multiple pockets. In that case, the controller 12 specifies the pocket 7 to be picked among the plurality of pockets 7 to 7 on one weighing device 9, and displays the indicator 10 of each pocket 7 one by one. When the picking of the pocket 7 is completed, the next pocket is specified and the display 10 thereof is displayed. According to this, even if a plurality of pockets 7 to 7 are weighed with one weighing device 9, the number of pockets to be picked can be displayed without making a mistake, and the number of weighing devices 9 can be reduced.

By the way, although the above embodiment has been described with respect to a picking system, the present invention can also be applied to a sorting system. In other words, the sorting system transports products item by item and places the products for each destination into collection shelves that have multiple pockets for each destination along the transportation route. Applying the explanation to FIG. 1, the conveyor 1 transports containers a containing products of each item, the picking zone 2 is a sorting zone, and the product shelf 4 is a collection shelf. The pockets 7 provided on the product shelf 4 serve as destination pockets, for example, for store A and store B, respectively. Further, in the display 10, the picking instruction lamp 10b serves as a sorting instruction lamp, and the display section 10a displays the number of items to be sorted. Therefore, the sorting system can be configured simply by detecting the number of items to be sorted based on the weight increase of the weighing device 9.

FIG. 6 shows a control system for the sorting system, which includes a host computer 111, a controller 112, and a data path 113, similar to the picking system.
, work control device 105, each sorting zone 102~
Display device 110 provided in each of the 102 pockets
-110 and measuring devices 109-109. In addition, a barcode reader 14 is provided for reading the items of merchandise being transported. Further, as in the case of the picking system, the host computer 111 stores various product information, store information, order data, individual weight of each product item, weight of each pocket, and the like.

Next, the specific operation of the sorting system using the above control system will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the order data of each store is inputted by the work control device 105, the product items of the order data and the number of items ordered for each item are sent to the controller 112 (step S11).

Next, sorting zones 102 to 102
By reading the products sent to the store with the barcode reader 14, the item of the product to be sorted is searched, and the individual weight of the item is sent to the weighing devices 109 to 109, and the item is stored in the pocket of the store where the item was ordered. Display 1
At step S10, the sorting instruction lamp is turned on and the number of products to be put in is displayed on the display section (steps S12 and S13).

[0035] When the worker puts the product into the designated pocket, the weight of the pocket changes due to this sorting operation, and the measured value of the weighing device 109 of the pocket increases (step S14,
S15).

Then, the weight increase is compared with the individual weight of the item currently being put in, and it is determined how many pieces of that product the weight change corresponds to. Then, the display section is displayed with a reduced number corresponding to that number (steps S16 and S17).

By repeating the above steps S14 to S17, when the number of pieces put into the pocket matches the required sorting number displayed at the beginning, the sorting instruction lamp and the display on the display section are turned off, and at the same time, a sorting completion signal is sent to the controller 112. transferred (step S
18).

[0038] As a result, for example, the sorting for store A is completed, and it is determined whether there is a store that needs the same product next. If there is store B, for example, step S1 is performed.
4 to S18 are performed (step S18).
19).

Furthermore, when the above-mentioned sorting of the items is completed, it is determined whether there is a next item to be sorted, and if there is, the process returns to step S12 and the same process is performed; is completed (step S20).

As described above, the number of products that the worker has put in his or her pocket is automatically determined based on their weight, and the number of products displayed on the display section is accordingly reduced. This will prevent over-input or under-input of products due to worker's assumptions. In addition, with the system of the present invention, even if overloading occurs, the amount of excess or shortage is displayed on the display at that point, and a means is provided to alert the operator, for example by sounding a buzzer. By providing
This makes it easy to prevent excesses and deficiencies.

Furthermore, since it is determined whether the specified number of items have been loaded and a completion signal is output to the controller 112, the conventional sorting completion key and its key operations are no longer necessary.

Further, in this sorting system as well, a plurality of pockets can be weighed by one weighing device, similar to the picking system shown in FIG. In that case, the control is to identify the multiple pockets to be sorted one by one, and each time the sorting operation for that pocket is completed, the next pocket is identified and the sorting operation is instructed. Even when weighing with a single weighing device, it is possible to display the subtracted number without making a mistake in the pocket being sorted.
Additionally, the number of weighing devices can be reduced.

[0043]

As is clear from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the picking system, the weight of the product stored in the pocket is measured by the measuring means, and the number of products in the pocket is calculated. In addition to automatically detecting the number of picked items based on the change in item weight, it automatically determines whether the specified number of items have been picked. is no longer necessary, and work efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, since the number of pieces picked is automatically detected, the number displayed on the number display means can be displayed as a reduced number, eliminating the need for the operator to check the number of pieces picked as in the past, and preventing the worker from picking too many pieces or too little.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the weights of the articles stored in the plurality of pockets are measured by a common measuring means. In this case, since the picking instruction means can specify the pocket in which the product should be picked among the plurality of pockets, the number of pockets can be displayed in a reduced number without making a mistake, and the number of weighing means can be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the sorting system, the system measures the weight of the product placed in the pocket by the measuring means to grasp the number of products in the pocket, and also calculates the weight of the product. It automatically detects the number of new items inserted into the pocket based on the change and automatically determines whether the specified number of items have been inserted, eliminating the need for the sorting completion key and its key operations that were previously required. , work efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the number of pieces to be put in can be automatically detected, the number displayed on the number display means can be displayed as a reduced number, eliminating the need for the operator to check the number of pieces to be sorted as in the past, and preventing the operator from making mistakes in feeding.

According to the fourth invention, the weights of the products stored in the plurality of sorting pockets are measured by a common measuring means. In this case, the sorting instruction means can specify the pocket into which the product should be placed among the plurality of pockets, so that the number of pockets can be displayed in a reduced number without making a mistake, and the number of weighing means can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the product shelf in the above system.

[Figure 3] Control system diagram of the above system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of the above system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the product shelf.

[Figure 6] Control system diagram of the sorting system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of the above system.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a display device used in a conventional system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 conveyor 2
Picking zone 5,105
Work control device 7 Pocket 9, 109
Measuring device 10, 110 Display device 11, 111 Host computer 12, 112
controller

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: A transport means for transporting containers for each destination, and a large number of picking zones provided along the container transport route by the transport means, in which products are stored by item. A product sorting system having pockets and a number display means for displaying the number of picked products to be taken out from each pocket, a weighing means for measuring the weight of stored products for each pocket;
A control means for calculating the number of products picked from the pocket based on a change in the measured value by the measuring means and a pre-stored single item weight of the designated product, and determining whether or not the specified number of products have been picked. A product sorting system characterized by: Claim 2: A transport means for transporting containers for each destination, and a large number of picking zones provided along the container transport route by the transport means, in which products are stored by item. A product sorting system comprising pockets and a number display means for displaying the number of products to be picked from each pocket, the system comprising a weighing means for weighing the products stored in the plurality of pockets and a number of products to be picked. A picking instruction means instructs the pocket, and the number of products picked from the pocket is calculated from the change in the measured value by the measuring means and the pre-stored single item weight of the instructed product, and the specified number of products are picked. A product sorting system characterized by comprising a control means for determining whether or not the product has been sold. 3. A product transport means for transporting products item by item, and a large number of product transport means disposed in a sorting zone provided along the product transport route by the transport means to collect products for each destination. A product sorting system comprising pockets and a number display means for displaying the number of sorted products into each pocket of the products currently being transported by the transport means, and a weighing device for weighing the weight of stored products for each pocket. and a control that calculates the number of products inserted into the pocket based on the change in the measured value by the measuring means and the pre-stored single item weight of the designated product, and determines whether or not the specified number of products have been inserted. A product sorting system characterized by comprising means. 4. A product transport means for transporting products item by item, and a large number of product transport means disposed in a sorting zone provided along the product transport route by the transport means to collect products for each destination. A product sorting system comprising pockets and a number display means for displaying the number of sorted products in each pocket of the products currently being transported by the transport means, the system weighing the weight of the products stored in the plurality of pockets. means, a sorting instruction means for instructing the pocket of the product to be put into, and calculating the number of products put into the pocket from the change in the measured value by the weighing means and the pre-stored single item weight of the designated product. A product sorting system comprising: a control means for determining whether a specified number of products have been inserted.