JP2842008B2 - Picking work support system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a picking work support system, and more particularly to a picking work support system that enables efficient picking of a part requested for delivery from a stock.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a conventional picking operation in an automobile manufacturing plant, and illustrates a bumper of an automobile as a part. The shape of an automobile bumper differs depending on the vehicle type, specifications, and the like, and generally has a plurality of types of colors and patterns even if the shape is the same.
FIG. 9 shows a bumper 1 having three different shapes and colors (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). These various types of bumpers 1 are loaded on a dedicated pallet 2 for each component shape capable of loading a plurality of bumpers of the same shape, and are stored in a component stock area 3 as shown in the figure. The parts supply worker A carries out the work of carrying the pallet 2a full of the bumpers 1 to the parts stock area 3 and carrying out the empty pallets 2b in the parts stock area 3 outside.
When a component delivery request from the bumper assembly process or the like is transmitted to the picking worker B via the component delivery instruction device 4,
The picking worker B searches for the bumper 1 of the requested type from the dedicated pallet 2 in the parts stocking area 3, picks it up (this operation is called picking), and loads it on the pallet 5 for delivery. Conventionally, component picking work has been performed in this manner.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional system, the picking worker B cannot accurately know where and what is in the parts inventory area 3, and the delivery request In each case, it is inevitable to go to the parts stock area 3 and pick the part that was found first. For this reason, the picking operation takes a long time, and it is not only possible to pick parts having different specifications, but also to pick parts from various pallets 2 at random, so that there are many pallets 2 in a toothless state. There is a problem that it is difficult to use the remaining parts stock area 3 efficiently.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and instructs a picking worker to a position of a target pallet with the highest work efficiency that satisfies a delivery request, thereby satisfying a delivery request. It is an object of the present invention to provide a picking work support system that enables efficient picking of parts from stock.

[0005]

The present invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above object, stored in the parts inventory area, and a dedicated pallet capable plurality loading one type of component of the plurality of types of components as appropriate, The dedicated path stored in the parts inventory area
A loading part information input means <br/> for inputting loading part information Rett, the component arrangement information and the loading part information of the dedicated pallet stored in the stock area and stock information
And inventory information storage means for storing Te, the loading component-information input
Storing the input information and the inventory information storage means from the means
Based on the information, the loading pallet storage position calculating means for calculating an optimum storage location for the dedicated pallet for efficient the parts inventory area makes it possible to picking operation, before
Indicates the calculation result of the loading pallet storage position calculation means as instruction information
Pallet storage position finger that informs the designated worker as
And shows means, the parts information to be picked is input
Come, the inventory information based on the stored information in the storage means, the most efficient object pallet storage positions for calculating a storage position of the special pallet are loaded with the picking components in the can without the picking operation parts inventory area Arithmetic
Output means and a calculation result of the target pallet storage position calculating means.
The target palette is to notify the result to the specified worker as instruction information.
Storage position indicating means .

[0006]

According to the present invention constructed as described above, a plurality of types
Kind of parts are given workers (for example, parts supply workers)
Is loaded on a dedicated pallet for each type as appropriate
After that, store the parts loading pallet in the stock area
As a result, it is supplied to the stock area. At this time,
When storing pallets in the inventory area, first load
Stored in parts inventory area by product information input means
Loaded part information of the dedicated pallet is input into the system.
Then, the input information is stored in the inventory information storage means.
Inventory information (specified in the parts inventory area)
Pallet placement information and loading parts information)
And efficient loading pallet storage position calculation means
To the parts inventory area that enables picking work
The optimum storage position of the dedicated pallet is calculated. This calculation
The result (optimum storage position) is the input pallet storage position indicator.
Depending on the stage, a predetermined worker (part supply operation
Contractor). The worker (parts supply)
Supply worker) according to the contents,
Store it at the designated position in the stock area. The dedicated
When the let is stored in the stock area, the stock information storage means
Updates the stored contents to the latest one. Then send
Information on parts to be picked upon request is input
And the target pallet storage position calculation means
Inventory information stored in the storage means (distribution of dedicated pallets)
Location information and loading parts information)
In the parts inventory area where the
Dedicated pallet loaded with picking parts (Pallet
) Is calculated. This calculation result (target
(Let storage position)
Therefore, a predetermined worker (for example, pick
Worker). Worker who received this instruction
(Picking worker) is instructed according to its contents.
Picking parts from the dedicated pallet
To lock. In other words, a dedicated pallet loaded with parts
Picking when storing in the parts inventory area
Optimum storage position of the dedicated pallet that enables work
Is calculated and given to a predetermined worker (parts supply worker).
Indicate the position specifically, that is, always efficient
Parts inventory status so that picking work can be performed
It ceased, the most efficient peak to the time of actual picking operation
Calculates the storage position of the target pallet that can be used for the packing work
The position of a given worker (picking worker)
Is specifically instructed, so that the worker as a whole
, A quick and efficient picking operation can be performed.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a picking work support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, similarly to the above-described conventional example, a description will be given by taking a bumper of an automobile as an example. Note that the same parts as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

This system has a dedicated pallet 2 on which a plurality of types of bumpers 1 of different types, specifications, colors, etc. can be loaded according to their shapes. The worker A appropriately loads each of the dedicated pallets 2 and stores them in the parts stock area 3. The external dimensions of these dedicated pallets 2 are all the same. In the work area of the parts supply operator A, various parts information ( stacking, such as the model, specification, color, and number of loaded bumpers 1 in the pallet 2a newly supplied in the parts inventory area 3) are stored.
The pallet 2a is stored on the basis of a data input device 6 composed of a touch panel or the like for inputting ( part information) and various data input by the data input device 6 and inventory data stored in an inventory management computer described later. The optimum storage position of the pallet 2a in the parts inventory area 3 is calculated, which position in the parts inventory area 3 is to be stored in which the picking work can be performed most efficiently. And a carry-in instructing device 7 including a terminal device for instructing. The parts supply operator A operates the data input device 6 to input bumper information in the carry-in pallet 2a, and stores the pallet 2a at a designated position in the parts stock area 3 according to the instruction of the carry-in instruction device 7. become. A limit switch (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the pallet 2 is provided in each section in the parts stock area 3.

The data input device 6 and the carry-in instruction device 7 are both based on data from these devices, and the pallet 2 on which and how many types of bumpers 1 are currently loaded.
Information) in the parts inventory area 3 (location
Information) is connected to an inventory management computer 8 that manages and stores inventory data. The inventory management computer 8 also performs various arithmetic functions as described later.

The work area b (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the picking worker B who actually performs the picking work includes:
Based on the stock data stored in the stock management computer 8, it is determined which pallet 2 in the parts stock area 3 the bumper 1 requested to deliver is currently loaded,
When there are a plurality of pallets 2, a storage position of a target pallet 2c in which the picking work can be most efficiently performed is calculated, and a target pallet instruction such as a touch panel for displaying and transmitting the storage position to the picking worker B is provided. An apparatus 9 is provided and connected to the inventory management computer 8.
The picking worker B moves the bumper 1 for which the delivery request has been made to the pallet 2c designated by the target pallet designating device 9.
Picking from the pallet and loading it on the pallet 10 for delivery.

The loading part information input means is provided by the data input device 6 and the stock information storage means is provided by the stock management computer 8 by the carry-in pallet storage position calculating means and the carry-in pallet.
The pallet storage position indicating means carried instructing device 7, the eye
Pallet storage position calculating means and target pallet storage position
The placement instruction means is formed by the target pallet instruction device 9.

Next, an example of the operation of the present system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 shows the initial setting of the system and the loading of the OK product bumper into the parts inventory area. Flowchart, FIG.
And FIG. 4 are flowcharts for picking operation, and FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine in FIG.

First, initial setting of the system and loading of the OK product bumper into the parts stock area are performed according to the flowchart of FIG. That is, when this system is operated for the first time, first, a layout diagram of the parts inventory area 3 and inventory management of the type, specification, color, and number of bumpers 1 in the pallet 2 stored in each section of the parts inventory area 3 are performed. The data is input to the computer 8 to perform an initial setting (S1). This initialization should only be done the first time the system is running.

In order to actually operate the system, the schedule of the bumper 1 to be used is input in advance in the memory of the inventory management computer 8 in the form of the planned gross number for each vehicle type, specification, and color (S2). ). Then, the inventory management computer 8 calculates the use frequency coefficients of the various bumpers 1 based on the schedule (S3). This use frequency coefficient is a ratio in the whole, and its calculation is performed in consideration of the current stock quantity. FIG. 6 shows an example of the calculation result of the usage frequency coefficient.

OK transferred from the bumper manufacturing process
The product bumper 1 is loaded on the dedicated pallet 2a for each shape by the component supply worker A (S4). Then, the component supply worker A operates the data input device 6 such as a touch panel to input component data such as the type, specification, color, and number of the bumpers 1 loaded on the pallet 2a (S5). These operations are repeated until the pallet 2a is fully loaded (S6).

The carry-in instruction device 7 calculates the use frequency value of the bumper in the pallet based on the bumper information in the pallet from the data input device 6 and the use frequency coefficient of the various bumpers 1 stored in the inventory management computer 8. (S7), it is determined whether or not the use frequency value is large (S8). When the use frequency value of the bumper in the pallet is large as a result of this determination, the carry-in instructing device 7 sets the empty section closer to the picking worker B from the empty section 3a (for example, the empty section (44) in FIG. 7). ) Is graphically indicated on the screen to the component supply operator A (S9). On the other hand, if the use frequency value of the bumper in the pallet is not large, the empty section farther to the picking operator B (for example, the empty section in FIG. 7). The section (28)) is graphically indicated on the screen to the component supply worker A (S10). Thus, so that the optimum storage position of the loading pallet 2a of makes it possible to efficiently picking operations to parts inventory area 3 is indicated in parts supply operator A. Then, the parts supply worker A places the OK product loading pallet 2a in the designated section in the parts inventory area 3.
Is carried in and arranged (S11).

The pallet 2a is controlled by a limit switch.
Is confirmed (S12), the inventory management computer 8 automatically updates the inventory layout diagram representing the inventory status of the bumpers in the pallets in the parts inventory area 3 to the latest one and stores it (S13).

Next, the actual picking operation is performed according to the flowcharts of FIGS. That is, first, when delivery instruction information such as assembly trim-in information is input to the target pallet indicating device 9 (S14), the target pallet indicating device 9 sets the vehicle type, specification,
The color is recognized (S15), and based on the inventory data stored in the inventory management computer 8, first, the pallet 2 on which the bumper 1 requested to be delivered is loaded and the number of loaded pallets is the least is determined. A search is performed (S16). If such a pallet 2 exists in a plurality of places, the second
Then, the pallet 2 closest to the picking worker B is searched therefrom (S17). If there are still a plurality of pallets, thirdly, the pallet 2 having the largest use frequency value is searched therefrom. (S18). Such S16
When the target pallet 2c capable of performing the picking operation most efficiently through steps S18 to S18 is selected, the target pallet indicating device 9 graphically indicates the storage position of the pallet 2c to the picking worker B on the screen (S18).
19). Then, the picking worker B picks the desired bumper 1 from the pallet 2c at the designated position and transfers it to the delivery pallet 10 (S20).

Along with this picking operation, the inventory management computer 8 updates the inventory data relating to the pallet 2c by an amount corresponding to the number of bumpers that have been reduced by one by picking (S21), and determines whether the pallet 2c is empty. Is determined (S22). If the pallet 2c is empty as a result of this determination, the inventory management computer 8 instructs the picking worker B to pay out the pallet 2c via the target pallet instruction device 9 (S23). Proceed to. When there is a pallet payout instruction in S23, the picking worker B performs the pallet 2c payout operation according to the instruction (S24). When the occupancy detection limit switch is turned off by dispensing the pallet 2c, the inventory management computer 8 sets the parts inventory area 3
Update the data on the pallet 2 present in the
25).

With the updating of the stock data, the stock management computer 8 calculates the use frequency value of each pallet 2 in the parts stock area 3 (S26), and calculates the necessity of changing the pallet layout (S27). The processing contents of the subroutine of S27 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. The inventory management computer 8 determines that the pallet E is empty as shown in FIG. When paid out, the pallet having the highest use frequency value among the remaining occupied pallets 2 is searched (S40). As a result, for example, if three pallets F, G, and H are selected (S41),
Subsequently, the inventory management computer 8 calculates the time required for picking all the bumpers in the pallets for each of the pallets F, G, and H from the walking distance and the walking speed of the picking worker B and the number of loaded bumpers 1. Then, the time required to transport each of the pallets F, G, H to the empty section (46) is calculated from the walking distance and the walking speed of the picking worker B (S43). Then, based on the two times calculated for each of the pallets F, G, and H in S42 and S43, it is calculated which pallet should be transported to the section (46) to minimize the time, and the like. The necessity is calculated (S44).

Thereafter, returning to the main flow, the inventory management computer 8 calculates the result of the calculation in S27 (for example, the pallet G
Is moved to the section (46), the time can be shortened most), and it is determined whether the pallet layout needs to be changed (S28). If the pallet layout needs to be changed as a result of this determination, Graphically instructing the picking worker B to change the layout on the screen via the target pallet indicating device 9 (S29), and if there is no need to change the pallet layout, the process proceeds to S35.

The picking worker B receiving the instruction to change the pallet layout in S29 determines whether or not to change the layout according to the instruction (S30). A signal is input and the process proceeds to S34. If the layout is to be changed as instructed, a "yes" signal is input from a touch panel or the like (S31), and the layout of the pallet G is changed (S32). The inventory management computer 8 detects the end of the layout change work by turning on / off the presence detection limit switch (S33).

Next, the inventory management computer 8 executes S2
The necessity of bumper replacement between pallets is calculated by the same calculation method as in 7 (S34), and it is determined based on the calculation result whether bumper replacement between pallets is necessary (S35). As a result of this determination, if there is no need to replace the bumper, the process returns to S14, but if it is necessary, the picking operator B is graphically instructed on the screen via the touch panel (S36). The picking worker B receiving this instruction determines whether or not to replace the bumper as instructed (S37). If the replacement of the bumper is not to be performed, a "NO" signal is input from the touch panel and the process returns to S14. When changing bumpers between pallets as instructed, "Yes" from the touch panel
Is input (S38), and a bumper replacement operation between pallets is performed (S39). When the inventory management computer 8 detects the end of this operation, the process returns to S14 and waits.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stock status of the parts (bumpers) 1 is managed so that the picking operation can always be efficiently performed based on the frequency of use of each pallet 2 in the parts stock area 3. In the meantime, when there is a request for delivery of a part, the position of a pallet capable of picking the target part most efficiently is calculated, and the picking worker B is instructed specifically to place the part to be picked. As a result, not only can the picking work be performed in a very short time, but even unskilled workers will not pick up parts with different specifications, and the parts inventory area will be used more efficiently. Is now available.

In this embodiment, the optimum storage position of the pallet 2a in the parts inventory area 3 is determined by the carry-in instruction device 7, and the position of the target pallet 2c on which the bumper to be picked is loaded is determined by the target pallet instruction device 9. Each calculation is performed, but it goes without saying that these calculations may be performed by the inventory management computer 8. In this case, the carry-in instruction device 7 and the target pallet instruction device 9 have a function of graphically displaying the calculation results of the inventory management computer 8 to the workers A and B.

[0026]

As described above, according to the present invention, always
Parts stock status so that picking work can be performed efficiently
The most efficiency during the actual picking operation
Storage location of target pallet that can perform picking work
Was calculated and given to specific workers.
Quick and efficient picking by workers as a whole
The picking work can be performed, and the time required for the picking work can be greatly reduced while preventing the picking work error by the operator, and the parts inventory area can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for initial setting of the system in FIG. 1 and for loading an OK part into a stock area.

FIG. 3 is a part of a flowchart at the time of a picking operation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram provided for explanation of a flowchart in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram provided for explanation of a flowchart in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram provided for explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a conventional picking operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Bumper (parts) 2 ... Dedicated pallet 3 ... Parts stock area 6 ... Data input device ( loading part information input means ) 7 ... Carry-in instruction device (carried pallet storage position calculating means , carry
Input pallet storage position indicating means ) 8 ... Inventory management computer (stock information storage means) 9 ... Target pallet indicating device ( Calculation of target pallet storage position)
Means, target pallet storage position indicating means )

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A stored parts in inventory area, and a dedicated pallet capable plurality loading one type of component of the plurality of types of components as appropriate, the product of the dedicated pallet stored in the parts inventory area
Loading part information inputting means for inputting mounting part information ; inventory information storing means for storing placement information of the dedicated pallet stored in the parts inventory area and the loading part information as inventory information ; based on the stored information of the input information and the inventory information storage means from the loading component-information input means, the makes it possible to efficiently picking operation the component optimum storage position of the <br/> dedicated pallet to stock area The input pallet storage position calculation means to be calculated and the calculation result of the input pallet storage position calculation means are instructed.
Pallet storage location to inform specified workers as information
An instruction unit, when the component information to be picked is entered, those in the on the basis of the information stored in the inventory information storage means, the most efficient the can without the picking operation parts inventory area
Instruction information and the target pallet storage position calculation means, the calculation result of the target pallet storage position calculating means for calculating a storage position of the special pallet are loaded with the picking part
Storage location of the target pallet to inform the specified worker as information
A picking work support system , comprising: an instruction unit .