JP2009155108A - Inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inspect cargoes by performing communication with all RFID tags affixed to the cargoes when conveying the cargoes by a forklift. <P>SOLUTION: A forklift 7 monitors the advancing degree of reading from the traveling position of the forklift 7 after advancing in a communication area of a reader and the number of RFID tags completing the reading, and when the advancing degree of reading is low, a command for changing the position of cargoes loaded on the forklift 7 is transmitted to the forklift 7. The forklift 7 moves a fork 20 in the vertical direction and the right and left direction according to the transmitted command so that the communication with the reader is possible by allowing the RFID tags to be escaped from a place of weak radio wave intensity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection system configured to perform inspection by communicating with an RFID tag included in a load while the load is transferred by a transfer unit such as a conveyor or a forklift.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a package is transported to a forklift and loaded on a truck at a distribution center or the like, there is an inspection system using an RFID tag that performs inspection by communicating with an RFID tag attached to each package (for example, a patent) Reference 1).
JP 2006-27773 A

  As described above, when an inspection is performed using an RFID tag in the middle of carrying a package with a transport vehicle, a UHF band RFID tag system having a long communication distance is used. The RFID tag system in the UHF band has a long communication distance, but radio waves reach far, so that the influence of reflected waves becomes large. Specifically, when the phase of the radio wave directly reaching from the antenna and the phase of the reflected wave are shifted by 180 degrees, a void area cannot be read because the radio wave is canceled at the position in the space. The frequency of the radio wave used in the UHF band RFID tag system is 960 MHz, and its wavelength is about 32 cm. Therefore, considering simple reflection, a radio wave void region is generated every 30 cm or so.

  The RFID tag in this void area cannot be read no matter how many times it is retried unless the environment changes. In such a case, reading can be performed by moving the RFID tag away from the void region. In the conveyance by the forklift, the forklift passes in front of the antenna of the reading device while traveling, and therefore, normally, the RFID tag always passes through the readable area and does not become unreadable. However, if the void area is large, the forklift will pass through during the communication time required to read the RFID tag write information, and the forklift will pass. The probability of being unreadable increases.

  The occurrence of such an unreadable state is not limited to the case of transporting by a forklift, but is a common problem that occurs when transporting by transporting means such as transporting by a conveyor or transporting by a carriage.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system capable of communicating with RFID tags of all packages loaded on a transport means.

  In claim 1, when inspecting a baggage with an RFID tag placed on the movable loading portion of the carriage, the notification means is provided when the number of RFID tags read by the reader and the number to be read in advance do not match. Since the discrepancy is notified, the movable loading unit is operated by operating the operation means of the carriage. As a result, the position of the load changes, so that even if there is a void area of the radio wave, the RFID tag is detached from the void area as the position of the load changes, and can be read by the reader.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when inspecting a package with an RFID tag placed on a conveyor, if the number of RFID tags read by the reader does not match the number to be read that has been notified in advance, the determination means determines the mismatch. Since the determination is made to operate the movable stacking portion of the conveyor, even if there is a void area of the radio wave, the RFID tag is detached from the void area in accordance with the change in the position of the load and can be read by the reader.

The movable stacking portion may be configured to include a table for placing a load, a vertical movement mechanism for moving the table up and down, and / or a rotation mechanism for rotating the table. it can.
The antenna of the reader can be arranged inside the tunnel-like body as in the fourth aspect.

As described in claim 5, the antenna can be configured to change the protruding height from the inner surface of the tunnel-like body.
When a plurality of packages are stored in a packaging container, as in claim 6, the packaging container is provided with a recording medium on which at least the number of packages accommodated in the packaging container is recorded, and the RFID tag of the package is read by a reader. Before reading, the number of packages recorded on the recording medium is read and notified to the reading device as the number to be read.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the inspection device monitors the progress of reading of the reading device after the transport vehicle enters the communication area of the reading device by the reading monitoring means, and the transport vehicle according to the progress of the reading. The command generation means generates a command for changing the position of the load loaded on the machine, transmits the generated command via the reader, and the transport vehicle is transmitted from the command generator via the reader. The command is received by the command receiving means, and the position of the load is changed by controlling the operation of the movable loading unit by the received command. Therefore, even if there is a void area of the radio wave, the RFID tag changes the position of the load. At the same time, it is detached from the void area and can be read by the reading device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the reading monitoring means monitors the progress of the traveling of the transport vehicle after the transport vehicle enters the communication area of the reading device by the transport monitoring means, and the progress of the transport vehicle and the reading device. Since the reading progress degree is determined by the reading progress degree determining means from the number of RFID tags communicated with each other, the reading progress degree can be detected more accurately.

  In claim 9, the conveyance monitoring means monitors at least the time from when the conveyance vehicle enters the communication area of the reading device in order to monitor the degree of travel of the conveyance vehicle, or conveyance Since the position detection means for detecting the position of the vehicle is provided, the degree of travel of the transport vehicle can be detected more accurately.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the command generation means includes storage means for storing a change pattern for changing the position of the load loaded on the transport vehicle according to the type of the load and the progress of the travel of the transport vehicle. Since the change pattern corresponding to the type of luggage to be transported and the travel progress degree of the transport vehicle acquired by the transport monitoring means is read from the storage means and the command is generated, the RFID tag can be more reliably detached from the void area. .

  The reading monitoring means further comprises a transfer number estimating means for estimating the number of loads loaded on the transfer vehicle from the type of the load, and the number of the loads estimated by the transfer number estimating means and the reading device. When the number of RFID tags read by the device matches, it is determined that the package information of all RFID tags has been read, so the transport vehicle passes through the readable area of the reading device with the RFID tags not being read. Can be prevented.

  In claim 12, since the transport number estimation means estimates the number of loads loaded on the transport vehicle from the number of rows arranged in a row, the number of columns arranged vertically and the number of stacked stages according to the type of the package, It can be estimated more accurately.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the transport vehicle includes a forklift having a movable loading portion as a fork, the movable loading portion can be moved up and down, back and forth, and right and left by effectively utilizing the original function of the forklift.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the movable stacking unit is configured by providing a rotary table on the fork of the forklift, the RFID tag can be more reliably communicated with the reader.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments.
<First Embodiment>
1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the type and number of packages to be transported are detected by wirelessly communicating with the RFID tag attached (attached) to the package while the package is being transported by the transport vehicle at a package delivery center or the like. (Inspection), and then it is loaded on a truck and delivered. An outline of this package flow is shown in FIG. That is, the product 1 is stored in the packaging container 3 to which the RFID tag 2 is attached as shown in FIG. When the product 1 is stored in the packaging container 3, the RFID tag 2 is provided with a writing device (not shown) on the RFID tag 2 so that the type (product name) of the product 1, the manufacturing factory name, the manufacturing number, the manufacturing date, Product information (package information) such as size information (vertical and horizontal dimensions of the bottom surface and height) is written. And the packaging container 3 which accommodated the product 1 is handled as the load 4, is stored in the packaging container 5 in a predetermined plural number, and is temporarily stored in an automatic warehouse or the like.

  When there is a delivery order from a customer, the delivery center accepts the order. At the distribution center, the packaging containers 5 containing the ordered products 1 are taken out from the automatic warehouse for the number of orders, and loaded on the pallet 6 placed in the shipping place D shown in FIG. At this time, in the distribution center, the type, number, date of shipment, etc. of the product 1 to be delivered are transmitted from the distribution center control unit 9 to the orderer as advance information through a public line. Then, the packing container 5 loaded on the pallet 6 is transported to the landing terminal T of the truck 8 by the forklift 7 serving as a transport vehicle, and is loaded on the truck 8.

  In order to check whether the type and number of products 1 loaded on the truck 8 are in accordance with the prior information transmitted to the orderer, the forklift 7 transports the luggage 4 from the shipping place D to the arrival / departure terminal T of the truck 8. In the middle of the inspection, the reading device 10 reads the product information from the RFID tag 2 of the package 4 and checks the product information in advance. In order to read the product information, as shown in FIG. 2, radio waves are transmitted to the traveling path (conveyance path) L of the forklift 7 from the shipping place D to the landing terminal T of the truck 8 to communicate with the RFID tag 2. An antenna device 11 of the reading device 10 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID tag 2 includes an antenna 12, a reception unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a control unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. The antenna 12 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the antenna device 11 of the reading device 10, and the power supply unit 17 obtains operating power for the RFID tag 2 from the radio waves received by the antenna 12. The radio signal received by the antenna 12 is demodulated by the receiving unit 13 and given to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 generates information to be transmitted based on the reception signal given from the reception unit 13 and gives the information to the transmission unit 14. The transmission unit 14 modulates the transmission information given from the control unit 15 and transmits it from the antenna 12 by radio waves.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 7 is provided with a pair of forks (movable loading portions) 20 movably up and down and left and right on a mast 19 at the front of a vehicle body 18. Further, the mast 19 can be tilted forward and backward, and the fork 20 tilts forward and backward as the mast 19 tilts forward and backward. The fork 20 is moved up and down, moved left and right, and the mast 19 is tilted forward and backward by separate drive sources, for example, hydraulic cylinders (not shown).

  The electrical configuration of the forklift 7 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the traveling unit 21 is composed of a motor that is a drive source that drives the wheels. When the accelerator that is the traveling manual operation unit 22 is depressed, the traveling control unit 23 detects the amount of depression and the traveling unit 21 is detected. The output is controlled according to the amount of accelerator depression. The forklift 7 travels at a speed corresponding to the output of the travel unit 21, and the travel speed is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 24 and input to the travel control unit 23.

  On the other hand, the fork drive unit 25 includes hydraulic cylinders that move the fork 20 up and down, move left and right, and tilt the mast 19 back and forth. The fork drive unit 25 can be operated by a lever which is a fork manual operation unit 26, and is automatically controlled by a command from the reading device 10 as will be described later. Whether the fork drive unit 25 is operated by the fork manual operation unit 26 or by a command is controlled by the switching unit 27. The switching unit 27 is configured to give priority to an automatic operation by a command over a manual operation by the fork manual operation unit 26.

  The operation content or command of the fork manual operation unit 26 is given to the fork control unit (movable stacking unit control means) 28 through the switching unit 27. Then, the fork control unit 28 controls the fork drive unit 25 according to the operation content of the fork manual operation unit 26 or a command. An operation command for the fork drive unit 25 is transmitted as a radio signal from the reading device 10, and the radio signal is received by the antenna 29, demodulated by the communication control unit 30, and given to the fork command control unit 31. Then, the fork command control unit 31 sends the given command to the fork control unit 28 through the switching unit 27, and the fork control unit 28 controls the fork drive unit 25 according to the sent command.

  The commands sent from the reading device 10 to the forklift 7 are not only related to the fork drive unit 25 but also related to the traveling unit 21. In the present embodiment, the command related to the traveling unit 21 is to set the traveling speed to a predetermined low speed. When this low speed command is sent, the communication control unit 30 sends the low speed command to the traveling control unit 23. To give. When the traveling control unit 23 receives the low speed command, the traveling control unit 23 controls the traveling unit 21 with priority over the operation of the traveling manual operation unit 22.

  Further, the traveling speed of the forklift 7 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 24 is given from the traveling control unit 23 to the communication control unit 30. Then, the communication control unit 30 modulates the detected traveling speed information and transmits it from the antenna 29 to the reading device 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the reading device 10 includes a control unit 32, a storage unit (storage unit) 33, a transmission unit 34, an RFID tag side reception unit 35, a forklift side reception unit 36, and the antenna device 11. The antenna device 11 transmits radio waves to the RFID tag-side receiving antenna 37 that receives radio waves transmitted from the RFID tag 2, the forklift-side receiving antenna 38 that receives radio waves transmitted from the forklift 7, the RFID tag 2, and the forklift 7. A common transmission antenna 39 is provided.

  Thus, the reading device 10 communicates with the RFID tag 2 and also with the forklift 7. Radio waves used for this communication are those in the UHF band. The communication between the reading device 10 and the RFID tag 2 and the communication between the reading device 10 and the forklift 7 are performed with different protocols. In the case of one communication protocol, the forklift 7 is connected to the reading device 10. When the other communication protocol is not available, the RFID tag 2 cannot communicate with the reading device 10.

  The RFID tag side receiving unit 35 demodulates the radio signal received by the RFID tag side receiving antenna 37 and sends it to the control unit 32. The forklift-side receiving unit 36 demodulates the radio signal received by the forklift-side receiving antenna 38 and sends it to the control unit 32. The transmission unit 34 modulates information given to be transmitted from the control unit 32 to the RFID tag 2 or the forklift 7 and transmits it from the common transmission antenna 39 as a radio wave signal. When the storage unit 33 moves the fork 20 according to the progress of communication between the reader 10 and the RFID tag 2 of the package 4 conveyed by the forklift 7, the storage unit 33 indicates how to move the fork 20 (position change pattern). It is stored separately for each type of (Product 1).

  That is, the forklift 7 has three points A, B, and C in the communication area E between the reader 10 and the RFID tag 2 (the distance traveled after entering the communication area E is A <B <C). If the number of RFID tags 2 that should have been read at each point is a, b, c (a <b <c), all the RFID tags are required before the forklift 7 leaves the communication area E. Assume that tag 2 can be read. Then, when the number read at point A is less than a, the number read at point B is b, and the number read at point C is less than c, all of the forklifts 7 are required to exit from the communication area E. There is a possibility that the RFID tag 2 cannot be read.

  When the read number is small, there is a high possibility that the void area of the radio wave exists. Therefore, when the number to be read at each of the points A, B, and C has not been reached, the fork 20 is moved in a form corresponding to the size of the luggage 4 and the like, thereby changing the position of the RFID tag 2 and changing the void region. So that you can get out of it. A pattern (position change pattern) for moving the fork 20 moves the fork 20 up and down when the number read at each of the points A, B, and C is less than a, b, and c, for example, when the number is less than a at the point A. When the point B is less than b at the point B, the fork 20 is moved left and right for a predetermined time. When the point C is less than c, the fork 20 is moved left and right while moving up and down. It is set to the pattern of doing time. This position change pattern is set to an optimum pattern for each cargo type.

The storage unit 33 stores a position change pattern in a table according to the size of the luggage 4 and according to the number of pieces read at each of the positions A, B, and C. Therefore, when a load type for which no position change pattern is stored is being conveyed, a position change pattern corresponding to the degree of progress of reading can be set from the size information of the package being conveyed.
The control unit 32 communicates with the above-described delivery center control unit 9 and acquires the prior information (the type of product 1, the number of products delivered, the date of shipment, etc.) when delivering the product 1 to the orderer. And the control part 32 compares this prior information with the information acquired from the RFID tag 2 of the load 4 conveyed by the forklift 7, and inspects. Therefore, the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 functions as an inspection device.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts of the reading device 10, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the forklift 7. When there is an order from a customer, the delivery center takes out the packaging containers 5 containing the ordered products 1 from the automatic warehouse for the number of orders, and loads them on the pallet 6 placed in the shipping section. Then, the delivery center control unit 9 transmits to the orderer and the control unit 32 of the reading apparatus 10 as advance information such as the type, number, and shipping date of the product 1 to be delivered. The packing container 5 loaded on the pallet 6 is transported to the landing terminal T of the truck 8 by the forklift 7.

  The forklift 7 picks up and conveys the pallet 6 loaded with the packing container 5 with the fork 20. When the conveyance is started, the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 transmits a calling signal to the reading device 10. Continue (repeat “NO” in step S1 and step S2 of FIG. 10). On the other hand, the transmission unit 34 of the reading apparatus 10 also continues to transmit a calling signal to the forklift 7 (repeat “NO” in step A1 and step A2 in FIG. 7). In response to the call signal, the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 and the reader 10 output a response signal, and when the response signals are received from each other, the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 and the reader 10 are connected. ("YES" in step S2, "YES" in step A2). Then, the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 acquires the travel speed information of the forklift 7 from the vehicle speed sensor 24 via the travel control unit 23 and transmits it every predetermined short time (step S3; travel speed notification means).

  Here, in the antenna device 11 of the reading device 10, the communication area E with the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 and the communication area with the RFID tag 2 are substantially the same, and the reading device 10 has the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7. The connected state means that the RFID tag 2 of the package 4 that is currently being transported has also entered the communication area E of the reading device 10. Position information of the communication area E of the reading device 10 in the travel path L of the forklift 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the communication area E starts from a position Mm away from the shipping place D where the forklift 7 starts. It is assumed that the position information of the communication area E such that the distance of the travel path of the forklift 7 passing through the communication area E is Nm is stored in the storage unit 16 in the reading device 10. Further, the respective positions A, B, and C in the communication area E are also stored in the storage unit 16 by a separation distance starting from a position that is Mm away from the shipping area D.

  When the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 is connected to the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7, the control unit 32 determines that the RFID tag 2 has entered the communication area E and transmits a collective reading signal (step A3). Next, the travel position of the forklift 7 is detected (step A4). By transmitting this collective reading signal, the RFID tags 2 of the packages 4 being conveyed communicate with the reading device 10 one by one.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the travel position of the forklift 7 is obtained by multiplying the travel speed transmitted from the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 by the elapsed time after the connection with the communication control unit 30. The distance after entering the area E is obtained (step C1 to step C3; position detecting means). The function of the control unit 32 that detects the travel position after the forklift 7 enters the communication area E corresponds to a conveyance monitoring unit that monitors the progress of the travel of the forklift 7. The elapsed time is counted by the time measuring means provided in the control unit 32. Further, if the forklift 7 travels at a constant travel speed, the travel position can be obtained by counting the elapsed time since the connection with the communication control unit 30 and multiplying by the constant travel speed. Therefore, the vehicle speed sensor 24 can be dispensed with.

  Subsequently, the control unit 32 of the reading apparatus 10 determines whether or not the forklift 7 has traveled to a predetermined position in the communication area E, that is, whether or not the forklift 7 has traveled a predetermined distance after entering the communication area E (step). A5). When detecting that the forklift 7 has traveled to a predetermined position, the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 determines whether or not communication (information reading) has been performed with a predetermined number or more of the RFID tags 2 corresponding to the predetermined position by batch reading. (Step A6). The function of the control unit 32 for determining whether or not communication with a predetermined number of RFID tags 2 at this predetermined position corresponds to a reading progress degree determination means.

  The predetermined positions in step A5 are the above-described traveling positions A, B, and C. Since the reading numbers a, b, and c corresponding to the travel positions A, B, and C of the forklift 7 are stored in the storage unit 33 in advance, the control unit 32 responds to each position at the travel positions A, B, and C. If the communication is completed with the RFID tags 2 of the number a, b, c or more (“YES” in step A6), does the read number match the delivered number notified by the prior information? It is determined whether or not all the data have been read (step A9). If all the data have been read (“YES” in step A9), the control unit 32 sends a message to that effect to the forklift 7 (step A10), and compares the information read from all the RFID tags 2 with the prior information. Then, it is confirmed (inspected) that the product 1 as ordered is loaded on the truck 8 as many as the order, and the end.

  If the total number is not read (“NO” in step A9), the control unit 32 returns to the above step A4, and at the next predetermined position that has advanced from the previous predetermined position, the control unit 32 is predetermined to read up to the next predetermined position. It is determined whether or not a plurality of RFID tags 2 have been read (“YES” in step A5, step A6). The means for detecting the number of readings corresponding to the predetermined position, that is, the number of readings corresponding to the travel distance after entering the communication area E functions as a reading monitoring means for monitoring the progress of reading.

  By the way, if a portion (void area) where the radio field intensity is weak is generated, even if the forklift 7 travels to a predetermined position, a predetermined number or more of RFID tags 2 corresponding to the position cannot be read (“NO” in step A6). "). In such a case, the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 transmits a low speed travel command to the forklift 7 (Step A7) and transmits a load position change command (Step A8; command transmission means). When the communication control unit 30 as the command receiving means of the forklift 7 receives the low speed travel command (“YES” in step S4), the low speed travel command is given to the travel control unit 23. Then, the traveling control unit 23 controls the traveling unit 21 so that the forklift 7 travels at a constant low speed regardless of the accelerator depression amount (step S5).

  The load position change command is for moving the fork 20 of the forklift 7 to change the position of the load 4 being conveyed. The control unit 32 of the reading device 10 executes the load position change command according to the flowchart shown in FIG. get. That is, the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 recognizes the type of goods (the type of the product 1) conveyed by the forklift 7 from the information of the RFID tag 2 read so far or the prior information (Step B1). It is searched whether the cargo type is stored in the storage unit 33 (step B2). When the recognized cargo type is registered in the storage unit 33 (“YES” in step B3), the control unit 32 is based on the degree of reading progress obtained from the position of the forklift 7 and the number of read RFID tags 2. Then, the change pattern stored in the storage unit 33 is read (step B4), and this change pattern is transmitted to the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 as a load position change command (step B7, command generation means).

  On the other hand, when the recognized cargo type is not stored in the storage unit 33 (“NO” in step B3), the control unit 32 stores the size information of the product 1 acquired by reading the information of the RFID tag 2 in the storage unit. 33 (step B5), and a position change pattern is obtained based on the degree of reading progress obtained from the position (A, B, C) of the forklift 7 and the number of read RFID tags 2 (step B6). The calculation of the position change pattern at this time is performed by storing in advance a table of position change patterns according to the size of the product 1 or the packaging container 3, the position of the forklift 7, and the number of read RFID tags. Therefore, a change pattern corresponding to the size of the luggage 4 is obtained based on this. And the control part 32 transmits a command to the communication control part 30 of the forklift 7 by using the calculated | required change pattern as a load position change command (step B7, command generation means).

  When the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 receives the load position change command (YES in step S6), it sends this command to the fork command control unit 31. The fork command control unit 31 sends the sent package position change command to the fork control unit 28 through the switching unit 27. Then, the fork control unit 28 controls the fork drive unit 25 according to the load position change command (step S7), and moves the fork 20. Thereby, the fork 20 moves up and down, left and right, or left and right while moving up and down, and changes the position of the luggage 4 (step S8). Due to this change in position, the baggage that was in a position where the radio wave intensity is weak moves to a position where the radio wave intensity is normal, so that the RFID tag 2 that could not communicate with the reader 10 until then can communicate with the reader 10.

  Then, when it is confirmed that the control unit 32 of the reading device 10 has communicated with all the RFID tags 2 (“YES” in step A9), the control unit 32 transmits a complete reading completion to the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7. Next (step A10), the data obtained from the RFID tag 2 and the prior information are collated to inspect (step A11). The inspection result is transmitted to the distribution center control unit 9, and the distribution center control unit 9 performs necessary processing based on the inspection result. The communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 that has received the complete reading cancels the low-speed traveling command (“YES” in step S9, step S10). Thereby, the traveling control unit 23 controls the traveling unit 21 so as to have a speed corresponding to the depression of the accelerator.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the progress of reading of the RFID tag 2 is monitored while the forklift 7 is transporting the load. If the progress of the reading is slow, the fork 20 is moved to move the position of the load 4. Therefore, the RFID tag 2 that cannot be read because of the radio wave intensity can be read by changing the position. For this reason, during the conveyance by the forklift 7, the reading device 10 can communicate with all the RFID tags 2, and the inspection process can be reliably performed.
Note that the load position change command when the number of read RFID tags 2 has not reached the predetermined number at the predetermined positions A, B, and C may be executed while the forklift 7 is stopped.

<Second Embodiment>
11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration for detecting the travel position of the forklift 7.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the traveling path L of the forklift 7 has a plurality of marker members 40 extending in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the forklift 7, for example, positions A, B, and C. A total of three are installed. The sign member 40 is strip-shaped and has a mirror surface so that the surface reflects light well. On the other hand, the forklift 7 is provided with a sign passage sensor 41 as shown in FIG. The sign passage sensor 41 includes, for example, a projector that emits infrared rays toward the traveling road and a light receiver that receives infrared rays emitted from the projector and reflected by the traveling road, and the forklift 7 passes through the marking member 40. A pass signal is output every time. The marker member 40 may be a magnetized magnetic material, and the marker passage sensor 41 may be a magnetic detection element.

  The passage signal of the sign passage sensor 41 is sent to the communication control unit 30, and the communication control unit 30 transmits a position detection signal to the reading device 10 every time the passage signal is received (Step D1, FIG. 11A). Step D2). The control unit 15 of the reading device 10 counts the number of times the position detection signal is received, and recognizes that the forklift 7 has passed through each marker member 40 (step E1 to step E6).

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration for detecting the number of loads 4 transported by the forklift 7. In the first embodiment, the total number of packages 4 transported by the forklift 7 is notified to the reader 10 by prior information, but in the present embodiment, prior information is sent from the distribution center control unit 9. Is not sent to the reader 10, and the number of packages 4 conveyed by the forklift 7 is estimated from the record information of the RFID tag 2.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 32 of the reader 10 detects the type of the package 4 being conveyed by reading the RFID tag 2 (step F1). The storage unit 33 stores the size of each cargo type, and the control unit 32 acquires the size corresponding to the cargo type from the storage unit 33 ("YES" in step F2 and step F3). In the case of a cargo type not stored in the storage unit 33, the control unit 32 acquires the size of the package 4 from the record information of the RFID tag 2 and stores it in the storage unit 33 ("NO" in step F3, Step F4).

  Here, the forklift 7 has a predetermined loadable volume. This loadable volume is determined by the product of the loadable area of the fork 20 and the height at which it can be stacked. The loadable volume is stored in the storage unit 33. For this reason, if the size of a load is known, the number of loads that can be transported by the forklift 7 can be estimated.

  Then, when the size of the load 4 is acquired (step F5), the control unit 32 calculates the volume of the load 4 and divides the loadable volume by the volume of the load 4 to estimate the loadable number ( Step F6; conveying number estimation means). Whether or not the total number has been read is determined based on whether or not the stackable number and the read number match.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the number of loads being transported by the forklift 7 is obtained by estimation as in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the vertical, horizontal, and height dimensions of the load 4 are stored in the storage unit 33 for each load type. The storage unit 33 also stores the area of the pallet 6 that is a loading platform of the forklift 7 and the dimensions of the loadable height 4 on the pallet 6. Note that both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the pallet 6 may be stored instead of the area of the pallet 6.

  And the control part 32 detects the kind of the package 4 currently conveyed by reading the RFID tag 2 (step G1). Next, the control unit 32 acquires the vertical, horizontal, and height dimensions corresponding to the load type from the storage unit 33 (“YES” in step G2 and step G3). In the case of a cargo type not stored in the storage unit 33, the control unit 32 acquires the size of the package 4 from the record information of the RFID tag 2 and stores it in the storage unit 33 ("NO" in step G3, Step G4).

  Then, the control unit 32 obtains the area of the pallet 6 and the stackable height from the storage unit 33 (step G5), and sets one level on the pallet 6 from the area of the pallet 6 and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the load 4. The number of loads 4 that can be loaded on the pallet 6 is calculated from the stackable height and the height dimension of the load 4. Finally, the number of loads that can be loaded onto the pallet 6 (the number that can be transported) is estimated from the number of loads 4 that can be stacked in one stage and the number of stages of loads 4 that can be stacked (step F6).

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that a rotating table 42 is provided on the pallet 6 and a load 4 is loaded on the rotating table 42.

  The turntable 42 is rotated by a motor 43 via a gear transmission mechanism 44. The motor 43 uses a battery (not shown) provided on the pallet 6 as a drive source. And on the pallet 6 side, the receiving part which receives the signal from the communication control part 30 of the forklift 7, and the control part which controls interruption / interruption of the motor 43 according to the received signal of this receiving part (none is shown) Is provided.

  With this configuration, the load loaded on the turntable 42 of the pallet 6 is also rotated by the turntable 42 in addition to the vertical and horizontal movements of the fork 20, so that the reading device 10 is transported by the forklift 7. It becomes possible to communicate more reliably with the RFID tags 2 of all packages to be processed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
16 to 25 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is applied to, for example, receipt management and shipment management in a manufacturing factory. FIG. 16 schematically shows a route of incoming goods and shipments in the manufacturing factory, and the incoming goods are conveyed in the direction of arrow G by an incoming conveyor 45 composed of, for example, a roller conveyor and stored in an automatic warehouse. Shipments from the factory are transported from the automatic warehouse in the direction of arrow H by a carry-out conveyor 46 made of, for example, a roller conveyor, and sent out to the outside.

  FIG. 17 shows the above-mentioned receipt. This package is a packaging container 49 in which a plurality of packaging containers 48 in which articles 47 such as raw materials, parts, or semi-assembled products for manufacturing in a factory are stored. The packaging container 48 is handled as a baggage 50, and an RFID tag in which article information (package information) such as the type (article name) of the article 47 stored therein, the name of the manufacturer, and the date of manufacture is recorded in the packaging container 48. 51 is affixed. In addition, a barcode (recording medium) 52 as a two-dimensional code that records shipping information such as the type, number of items stored, shipping date, shipping source name, and the like of the package 50 stored inside is attached to the packing container 49. Yes.

  On the other hand, the shipment is the same as in FIG. 3B of the first embodiment, and the packaging container 3 containing the product 1 manufactured in the factory is handled as the package 4, and the packages 4 are packed by the required number. It is what was stored in 5. Each packaging container 3 is affixed with an RFID tag 2 that records the type of product 1 stored therein, the date of manufacture, the name of the manufacturer / factory, and the like. In addition, the shipment used the code | symbol used in FIG.3 (b), and abbreviate | omitted illustration. Of course, the electrical configuration of the RFID tag 2 is the same as in FIG.

  In the middle of the carry-in conveyor 45 and the carry-out conveyor 46, a carry-in inspection station 53 and a carry-out inspection station 54 are installed. The carry-in side inspection station 53 is for inspecting whether or not the incoming baggage is as ordered, and the carry-out side inspection station 54 is for inspecting whether or not the shipment is as ordered. Therefore, the reading apparatus 55 (see FIG. 20) and the reading apparatus 56 (see FIG. 23), which also serve as an inspection apparatus, are mainly configured.

  The reading device 55 of the carry-in inspection station 53 has the same configuration as the reading device 10 of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 20, a control unit 57, a storage unit (storage means) 58, a transmission unit 59, and a reception unit. Part 60 and antenna device 61 are provided. The antenna device 61 includes transmitting / receiving antennas 62 to 64 that transmit radio waves to the RFID tag 51 of the package.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the antennas 62 to 64 are installed on the inner surface of a tunnel-like body 66 that is installed at the carry-in inspection station 53 so as to straddle the carry-in conveyor 45. The antenna 62 installed on the ceiling surface of the tunnel-shaped body 66 is supported so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the ceiling surface, and the antennas 663 and 64 installed on the left and right inner surfaces of the tunnel-shaped body 66 are mounted on the left and right inner surfaces. It is supported so as to be movable in a perpendicular direction.

  Thus, the inside of the tunnel-shaped body 66 with the antennas 62 to 64 disposed inside serves as a communication area with the RFID tag 51. And in order to prevent communicating with RFID tag tags other than the RFID tag 51 which passes the inside of the tunnel-shaped trunk | drum 66 which is in this communication area, the tunnel-shaped trunk | drum 66 is radio wave shielding materials, such as aluminum material and iron material, for example In addition, it is composed of a radio wave absorber. Further, a shield curtain 65 (only the outlet side is shown) is provided at the entrance and the exit of the tunnel-shaped body 66, which is also composed of a radio wave shield material, a radio wave absorber, or the like.

  Each of the antennas 62 to 64 is moved electrically. That is, the rack 67 and the antenna moving motor 68 shown in FIG. 19 are provided on the ceiling surface and the left and right inner surfaces of the tunnel-shaped body 66, and the antennas 62 to 64 are attached to the rack 67. The pinion 69 rotated by the antenna moving motor 68 is meshed with the pinion 69. Therefore, when the antenna moving motor 68 is activated, the antennas 62 to 64 are linearly moved by the rack 67 and the pinion 69.

  The conveyor in the carry-in inspection station 53 is constituted by a rotary conveyor (movable stacking unit) 70. As shown in FIG. 18B, the rotary conveyor 70 is configured by rotatably arranging a roller conveyor (table) 72 on a fixed base 71, and is rotationally driven by a turn motor 73 shown in FIG. (The rotation mechanism) FIG. 21 shows a control configuration of the carry-in conveyor 45 and the rotary conveyor 70, and its control unit (movable stacking unit control means) 74 feeds the rollers 45a of the carry-in conveyor 45 via a chain transmission mechanism (not shown). The roller motor 75 that rotates the roller 72, the turn motor 73, and the roller motor 76 that rotates the roller 72a of the rotary conveyor 70 by chain transmission are controlled. The control unit 74 is connected to the control unit 57 of the reading device 55 on the carry-in side.

  On the other hand, the reading device 56 of the carry-out side inspection station 54 has the same configuration as the reading device 10 of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 23, a control unit 77, a storage unit (storage means) 78, and a transmission unit 79. The receiving unit 80 and the antenna device 81 are provided. The antenna device 81 includes antennas 82 to 84 for transmitting and receiving that communicate with the RFID tag 2 of the shipment.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the antennas 82 to 84 are installed on the inner surface of a tunnel-shaped body 86 that is installed at the carry-out inspection station 54 so as to straddle the carry-out conveyor 46. These antennas 82 to 84 are linearly moved by an antenna moving motor 87 shown in FIG. 23 with the same configuration as the antennas 62 to 64 on the carry-in side. Further, similarly to the tunnel-side fuselage 66 on the carry-in side, shield curtains 85 (only the one on the exit side are shown) made of a radio-shielding material, a radio-wave absorber, etc. are provided at the entrance and exit of the tunnel-like fuselage 86 on the carry-out side It has been.

  The conveyor in the carry-out inspection station 54 is constituted by a rotary conveyor (movable stacking unit) 88 as in the carry-in inspection station 53. This rotary conveyor 88 also rotationally drives the roller conveyor 90 (see FIG. 21) by the turn motor 89 with the same configuration as the rotary conveyor 70 of the carry-in inspection station 53. And the rotation conveyor 88 of the carrying-out side conveyor 46 and the carrying-out side inspection station 54 is controlled by the control part 91.

  Since the control configuration of the carry-out conveyor is the same as that shown in FIG. 21 showing the carry-in side, the reference numerals of the turn-out motor 89, the controller 91, the roller motor 92, and the roller motor 93 on the carry-out side are parenthesized in FIG. It shows as a code | symbol. That is, the control unit 91 uses a roller motor 92 for rotating the roller 46a of the carry-out conveyor 46 by chain transmission, a turn motor 89, and a roller for rotating the roller 90a of the rotary conveyor 88 by a chain transmission mechanism (not shown). The motor 92 is controlled. The control unit 91 is connected to the control unit 77 of the reading device 56 on the carry-out side.

  Annunciators (notification means) 94 and 95 for notifying the inspection result are attached to the tunnel-like bodies 66 and 86 of the carry-in inspection station 53 and the unloading inspection station 54 so as to be visible to the operator. . The alarm devices 94 and 95 are provided with blue lamps 94a and 95a indicating the normal end of the inspection and red lamps 94b and 95b indicating the abnormal end of the inspection, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23. It is connected to a device 55 and a reading device 56 on the carry-out side.

  Further, on the upstream side of the carry-in side inspection station 53 and the downstream side of the carry-out side inspection station 54, as shown in FIGS. A barcode reader 96 and a barcode printing and pasting device 97 for printing and pasting the barcode on the packaging container 5 of the shipment are installed. The bar code reader 96 and the bar code printing / applying device 97 are connected to the reading device 55 on the carry-in side and the reading device 56 on the carry-out side. Furthermore, both the reading side devices 55 and 56 on the carry-in side and the carry-out side are connected to a database server 98 in the factory.

  In the above configuration, the arrival management to the factory will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the packaging container 49 is transported to the factory, the packaging container 49 is placed on the carry-in conveyor 45 and conveyed in the direction of arrow G by the rotating roller 45a. The barcode reader 96 reads the barcode 52 attached to the packaging container 49 at a position before the packaging container 49 is carried into the tunnel-shaped body 66, and transmits the read information to the reading device 55. (Step H1).

  Upon receiving the record information (shipment information) of the barcode 52, the reading device 55 accesses the database server 98 and acquires the arrival information registered in advance in the database server 98, that is, the current arrival schedule data (step). H2). Next, the control device 55 determines whether or not there is an incoming baggage that matches the content read from the barcode 52 in the incoming arrival data of the database server 98 (step H3). In step H3 “NO”), the red lamp 94b of the alarm device 94 is turned on, and the database server 98 is registered to return the information stored in the barcode 52 (step H15). Then, the packing container 49 to be returned passes through the tunnel-shaped body 66 as it is and is carried out to the return station by the carry-in side conveyor 45.

If there is a receipt that matches the content read from the barcode 52 in the arrival schedule data of the database server 98 (“YES” in step H3), the control device 55 sets the batch reading number counter N. Zero clear (step H4).
When the packing container 49 is loaded onto the roller conveyor 72 of the rotary conveyor 70 in the tunnel-shaped body 66, this loading is detected by a loading detection sensor (not shown) such as an optical sensor. Then, the control device 55 generates a command (command generation means), transmits the command to the conveyor control unit 74, stops the roller motor 76 of the rotary conveyor 70, and puts the packing container 49 into the tunnel-shaped body 66. Pause.

  Next, the control device 55 transmits a batch reading signal from the antennas 62 to 64, receives a response signal transmitted from the RFID tag 51 of each package 50, and reads the package information recorded on the RFID tag 51. Then, the control device 55 determines whether or not the number of RFID tags 51 from which the package information has been read matches the stored number of packing containers 49 recorded in the barcode 52 of the packing container 49 (step H6: determination). means).

  When the number of read RFID tags 51 coincides with the number of packing containers 49 stored in the barcode 52 of the packing container 49 (“YES” in step H6), the control device 55 loads the package of the RFID tag 51. After determining (inspecting) that the information matches the corresponding package information in the scheduled arrival data acquired from the database server 98, the blue lamp 94a of the alarm 94 is turned on to notify the normal end, and the database server The arrival registration is performed at 98 (step H7). And the control apparatus 55 rotates the motor 76 for rollers of the rotary conveyor 70 via the control part 74 of a conveyor, and carries out the packing container 49 from the tunnel-shaped trunk | drum 66 inside. The packing container 49 unloaded from the tunnel-shaped body 66 is conveyed to an automatic warehouse in the factory by the loading-side conveyor 45.

  If the number of read RFID tags 51 does not match the number of packing containers 49 stored in the barcode 52 of the packing container 49 (“NO” in step H6), the control device 55 performs re-reading. . This reread is performed three times in total. That is, before performing re-reading, the control device 55 increments the reading number counter N. In the first re-reading (N = 1), the control device 55 sends a command to the conveyor control unit 74 to activate the turn motor 73 and rotate the roller conveyor 72 on the fixed base 71 (in step H9). “NO”, “YES” in step H10, step H11). As a result, the position and orientation of the RFID tag 51 of the luggage 50 change. In this state, the control device 55 transmits a batch reading signal from the antennas 62 to 64 to communicate with the RFID tag 51 in the packaging container 49 (step H5).

  When communication with all of the remaining RFID tags 51 cannot be performed in the first re-read (“NO” in step H6), the second re-read is performed. In this second re-reading, the control device 55 rotates the antenna moving motor 68 forward and backward to move the antennas 62 to 64 closer to and away from the packing container 49 (“NO” in step H8 and step H9, “NO” in Step H10, “YES” in Step H12, Step H13, Step H5).

  When communication with all of the remaining RFID tags 51 cannot be performed in the second reread (“NO” in step H6), the third reread is performed. In the third re-reading, the control device 55 sends a command to the conveyor control unit 74, activates the turn motor 73 to rotate the roller conveyor 72, and rotates the antenna moving motor 68 forward and backward to rotate the antenna. 62 to 64 are performed while approaching and separating from the packing container 49 (“NO” in step H8, step H9, “NO” in step H10, “NO” in step H12, step H14, step H5).

  When it is possible to communicate with all the RFID tags 51 in the packing container 49 by rereading each time, the control device 55 turns on the blue lamp 94a of the notification device 94 to notify the normal end as described above, and The arrival registration is performed in the database server 98 (step H7). Thereafter, the packing container 49 is unloaded from the tunnel-shaped body 66 and conveyed to the automatic warehouse in the factory by the loading-side conveyor 45.

  If communication with all the RFID tags 51 is not possible even after performing the re-reading three times, the control device 55 turns on the red lamp 94b of the alarm device 94 and the information recorded in the barcode 52 in the database server 98. The fact that the package is to be returned is registered (“YES” in step H9, step H15). Then, the packing container 49 to be returned is unloaded from the tunnel-shaped body 66 and is transported to the return station by the loading-side conveyor 45.

The arrival registration as described above is performed for each of the packing containers 49, and the arrival registration is completed when the number of the arrived packages 50 reaches the scheduled arrival total number of the database server 98.
Next, shipment management from the factory will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When an order is received from a customer, the order information (the orderer's address, name, type of ordered product, quantity, desired delivery date, etc.) is registered in the database server 98. Based on this order information, the automatic warehouse stores the packaging container 3 containing the ordered product 1 in the packaging container 5. An RFID tag 2 on which package information such as the type of the product 1, the manufacturing company factory name, and the manufacturing date is recorded in advance is attached to each packaging container 3 to be stored. The package information of each packaging container 3 stored in the packaging container 5, the number of packaging containers 3 stored in the packaging container 5, the date of shipment, and the contents of the order information are collectively shipped to the database server 98. Registered as information.

  When the packing container 5 is unloaded from the automatic warehouse and placed on the unloading conveyor 46, the reader 56 acquires shipping schedule information from the database server 98 at that timing (step J1). Next, the reading device 56 clears the batch reading number counter N to zero (step J2). When the packing container 5 is loaded onto the roller conveyor 90 of the rotary conveyor 88 in the tunnel-shaped body 86, this loading is detected by a loading detection sensor (not shown) such as an optical sensor.

  Then, the reading device 56 transmits a command to the conveyor control unit 91 to stop the roller motor 93 of the rotary conveyor 88, temporarily stops the packing container 5 in the tunnel body 86, and then antennas 82 to 84. The collective reading signal is transmitted from the RFID tag 2, the response signal transmitted from each RFID tag 2 is received, and the record information of the RFID tag 2 is read (step J3). Then, the reading device 56 determines whether or not the read number and product type of the RFID tag 2 match the number and product type of the packaging container 3 contained in the packaging container 5 of the shipping schedule information acquired from the database server 98. (Step J4: Judgment means).

  When the number of read RFID tags 2 matches the number of stored packaging containers 3 in the packaging container 5 (“YES” in step J4), the control device 55 transmits a command to the control unit 74 of the conveyor, The roller motor 93 of the rotary conveyor 88 is rotated to carry the packing container 5 out of the tunnel body 86. The reading device 56 compares the package information acquired from the RFID tag 2 with the shipping schedule information and confirms that they match each other (inspection). Send shipping information such as the number of items stored, the name of the manufacturer's factory, and the shipping date.

  Then, the barcode printing and pasting device 97 prints the barcode 99 on which the shipping information is recorded and pastes it on the packaging container 5 (step J5). Thereafter, the reading device 56 turns on the blue lamp 95a of the notification device 95 to notify the normal end, and performs shipping registration in the database server 98 (step J6). Then, the packaging container 5 to which the barcode 99 is attached is transported to the delivery place by the carry-out conveyor 46 and shipped from the factory.

  When the number of read RFID tags 2 does not match the number of packaging containers 3 in the packaging container 5 (“NO” in step J4), the reading device 56 performs re-reading. This re-reading is performed a total of three times as in the case of arrival management. As in the case of arrival management, in the first rereading, the roller conveyor 72 is rotated ("NO" in step J7, step J8, "YES" in step J9, step J10).

  The second rereading is performed while the antennas 82 to 84 repeatedly approach and separate from the packaging container 49 (“NO” in step J7, step J8, “NO” in step J9, “YES” in step J11, step J12). The third rereading is performed while rotating the conveyor 88 and moving the antennas 82 to 84 close to and away from the packing container 49 (“NO” in step J7, step J8, “NO” in step J11, step J13). ).

  When communication with all RFID tags 2 in the packaging container 5 can be made by re-reading each time, the barcode 99 is pasted on the packaging container 5 and the shipping information is registered in the database server 98 as described above. (Step J6). The packaging container 5 with the barcode 99 attached is eventually shipped from the factory.

  In the case where communication with all RFID tags 2 has failed even after the re-reading is performed three times, the reading device 56 turns on the red lamp 95b of the alarm device 95 and registers a shipping abnormality in the database server 98 (in step J8). "YES", step J14). Then, after the shipping abnormal packaging container 5 is unloaded from the tunnel-shaped body 86, it is conveyed by the unloading-side conveyor 46 to the shipping abnormality treatment station.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the packing container 49 conveyed in the direction of arrow H by the carry-out conveyor 46 and sent to the outside is loaded into the truck 8 by the forklift 7 as described in the first embodiment. The antenna device 11 of the reading device 10 may be installed to perform inspection similar to that of the first embodiment, and may be prevented from being loaded on the truck 8 by mistake with other packing containers.

<Seventh Embodiment>
26 and 27 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an RFID tag for a package stored in a packaging container similar to the packaging container 49 shown in FIG. 17 placed on a handcart by a reading device similar to the reading device 55 shown in FIG. I want to read it. In addition, about a packaging container and a reader, the same code | symbol as used in FIG.17 and FIG.20 is used, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, the cart 100 is configured by attaching wheels 102 and a handle 103 to a platform 101. On the platform 101, a lifting platform 104 is disposed so as to be movable up and down, and a rotating platform (table) 105 as a movable stacking unit is disposed on the lifting platform 104 so as to be rotatable. The lifting platform 104 is moved up and down by a hydraulic cylinder 106, and pressure oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 106 from a cylinder-type hydraulic pump 108 that is operated by a foot pedal 107 as an operation means. The hydraulic cylinder 106 raises the lifting platform 104 when pressure oil is supplied. When a valve (not shown) is operated, the pressure oil is returned from the hydraulic cylinder 106 to an oil tank (not shown), and the lifting platform 104 is configured to move downward (the vertical movement mechanism).

  The lifting platform 104 is provided with a handwheel 109 as an operation means. The rotation of the handwheel handle 109 is transmitted to the vertical axis 111 disposed on the lifting platform 105 by the bevel gear pair 110, and the rotation of the vertical axis 111 is further disposed on the lifting platform 104 by another bevel gear pair 112. Is transmitted to the horizontal axis 113. As shown in FIG. 26B, a worm 114 is attached to the horizontal shaft 113, and the worm 114 meshes with a worm wheel 115 fixed to the turntable 105. Therefore, when the hand handle 109 is rotated, the turntable 105 rotates (the rotation mechanism).

  FIG. 27A shows a tunnel-like body 116. Antennas 62 to 64 and 117 of the reading device 55 are disposed on the ceiling surface, the left and right inner surfaces, and the back surface of the tunnel-shaped body 116. These antennas 62 to 64, 117 are moved in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface by the same rack and pinion mechanism as shown in FIG. In addition, shield curtains 65 made of a radio wave shielding material, a radio wave absorbing material, and the like are provided at the entrance and the exit of the tunnel-shaped body 116.

  In this embodiment, shipping information is transmitted in advance from the shipping source to the control unit 57 of the reading device 55 via a communication network such as the Internet. When the parcel is delivered, the parcel (packing container 49) is placed on the turntable 105 of the carriage 100 and conveyed into the tunnel-shaped body 116. In this state, the reading device 55 transmits a collective reading signal from the antennas 62 to 64 and 117.

  When the number of RFID tags 51 that have returned response signals in response to the collective reading signal is the same as the number of packages by the previously transmitted package information, the control unit 77 displays the blue lamp of the alarm device 95. Turn on 95a. When the number of returned RFID tags 51 is smaller than the number of packages according to the package information, the control unit 77 turns on the red lamp 95b of the alarm device 95.

  The operator sees that the red lamp 95b is turned on and that the response is not complete, and operates the hand handle 109 to rotate the turntable 105. As a result, when the RFID tag 51 not yet responded transmits a response signal and the total number of RFID tags 51 received by the control unit 77 matches the number of packages according to the package information, the blue lamp 95a is turned on. If the lighting state of the red lamp 95b still continues, this time, the foot pedal 107 is operated to raise the elevator 104, and then the valve (not shown) is operated to lower the elevator 104.

  As a result, when the RFID tag 51 not yet responded transmits a response signal and the total number of RFID tags 51 received by the control unit 77 matches the number of packages according to the package information, the blue lamp 95a is turned on. When the lighting state of the red lamp 95b continues, the turntable 105 is rotated while operating the step pedal 107 while operating the handwheel handle 109 to raise the elevator 104. As a result, when the RFID tag 51 not yet responded transmits a response signal and the total number of RFID tags 51 received by the control unit 77 matches the number of packages according to the package information, the blue lamp 95a is turned on.

  When the response signals from all the RFID tags 51 are received, the control unit 77 compares the package information received in advance with the package information recorded on the RFID tag 51 (inspection). 77 returns a normal arrival reply to the shipping source. In the case of a mismatch, the control unit 77 transmits information indicating that the product will be returned. If the total number of RFID tags 51 received by the control unit 77 does not match the number of packages according to the package information, a return process may be performed, or the RFID tags of each packaging container 48 may be opened by unpacking the packaging containers 49. The package information may be confirmed by communicating with each of 51.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be expanded or changed as follows.
The transport vehicle is not limited to a forklift.
The antenna device 11 of the reading device 10 is not limited to the side of the travel path of the forklift 7, and may be provided above the travel path, for example.
If the traveling speed of the forklift 7 on the traveling path is set to be constant, in order for the reading device 10 to detect the traveling position of the forklift 7, when the forklift 7 enters the communication area E (the reading device 10 It suffices if the reading device 10 is provided with a time measuring means for measuring a time from when communication with the communication control unit 30 of the forklift 7 is started.

With respect to the traveling position of the forklift 7, a configuration may be adopted in which a GPS system (Global Positioning System) receiver (position detecting means) is provided in the forklift 7 and the traveling position is detected from a signal received by the receiver.
In FIG. 12, the marker member 40 is replaced with a passage sensor such as a weight sensor that can detect the passage of the forklift 7, and a detection signal of the passage sensor is supplied to the control portion 32, whereby the control portion 32 moves the traveling position of the forklift 7. May be configured to be detected.

The carry-in conveyor 45, the carry-out conveyor 46, and the rotary conveyors 70 and 88 are not limited to roller conveyors, and may be constituted by a belt conveyor or other types of conveyors.
The bar code 52 may be composed of another two-dimensional code, or may be replaced with an RFID tag.
The antenna that communicates with the RFID tag tag is not limited to the antenna that is used for both transmission and reception, and may be configured by a transmission-dedicated antenna and a reception-dedicated antenna.
The alarm 94 may be a buzzer or a display.
Other mechanisms may be used as the operating mechanism and elevating mechanism for elevating the elevating platform 104 and the operating mechanism and rotating mechanism for rotating the rotating platform 105.
One packaging tag 5 conveyed by the forklift 7 may be provided with one RFID tag 2, and the inside packaging container 3 may not be provided with the RFID tag 2. In this case, the packaging container 5 may simply store the product without storing the packaging container 5.
One RFID tag 51 may be provided in the packing container 49 conveyed by the conveyors 45 and 46, and the RFID tag 51 may not be provided in the inner packaging container 48. In this case, the packaging container 49 may simply store the product without storing the packaging container 48.

The figure which shows the conveyance process of the load in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Top view of forklift transport path (A) is a perspective view of a load loaded on a pallet, (b) is a perspective view of a packing container storing a plurality of loads. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the reader Block diagram showing electrical configuration of RFID tag Block diagram showing electrical configuration of forklift Flow chart showing control contents of reading device Flow chart showing control contents of transmission of package position change command Flow chart showing forklift control contents Flowchart for forklift travel position detection The flowchart for the driving position detection of the forklift in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a flowchart on the forklift side, (b) is a flowchart on the reader side. (A) is a plan view of the transport path, (b) is a side view of the forklift Flowchart for luggage number estimation in the third embodiment of the present invention Flowchart for estimating the number of packages in the fourth embodiment of the present invention The perspective view of the pallet in the 5th Embodiment of this invention The schematic diagram of the conveyance path | route of the receipt / shipment in a factory which shows the 6th Embodiment of this invention Perspective view of packing container The receiving conveyor is shown, (a) is a perspective view of the main part, (b) is a perspective view of the rotary conveyor. The perspective view which shows the moving mechanism of an antenna Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the reader on the arrival side Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the conveyor control device on the receiving side Perspective view of the main part of the conveyor on the shipping side Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the reader on the shipping side Flow chart showing the contents of control for arrival management Flow chart showing the contents of control for shipping management The cart in the 7th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a side view of the whole cart, (b) is the schematic which shows the rotation mechanism of a turntable. The tunnel-like body is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a longitudinal side view showing a cart.

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawing, 2 is an RFID tag, 4 is a load, 6 is a pallet, 10 is a reading device, 7 is a forklift (conveying vehicle), 20 is a fork (movable stacking unit), and 28 is a fork control unit (movable stacking unit control means). , 30 is a communication control unit (command receiving unit), 32 is a control unit (inspection apparatus, reading monitoring unit, command generation unit, conveyance monitoring unit, reading progress degree determination unit, timing unit, conveyance number estimation unit), 33 is a storage Part (storage means), 42 is a turntable, 45 is a carry-in conveyor, 46 is a carry-out conveyor, 48 is a packaging container, 49 is a packaging container, 50 is a luggage, 51 is an RFID tag, 52 is a barcode (recording medium) , 55 and 56 are reading devices (inspection devices), 57 is a control unit (determination means, command generation means), 62 to 64 are antennas, 66 is a tunnel body, 70 is a rotary conveyor (movable stacking portion), 1 is a roller conveyor (table), 74 is a control unit (movable stacking unit control unit), 77 is a control unit (determination unit, command generation unit), 82 to 84 are antennas, 86 is a tunnel body, and 88 is a rotary conveyor ( (Movable stacking section), 90 is a roller conveyor (table), 91 is a control section (movable stacking section control means), 94 and 95 are alarm devices (notification means), 96 is a bar code reader, 97 is a bar code printing and pasting device, 100 is a carriage, 104 is a lifting platform, 105 is a turntable (movable stacking unit, table), 107 is a foot pedal (operating means), 109 is a handwheel (operating means), 116 is a tunnel body, E is a communication area, L is a travel path (conveyance path).

Claims (14)

A carriage having a movable loading portion and operating means for moving the movable loading portion, and loading and transporting a load with an RFID tag on the movable loading portion;
A reading device that has an antenna for transmitting and receiving to and from an RFID tag of a load placed on the movable loading portion of the carriage, and reads the load information written on the RFID tag;
An inspection device that inspects according to the package information read by the reading device,
The reading device further includes notification means for informing when the number of the RFID tags read by the reading device and the number to be read notified in advance do not match,
An inspection system configured to operate the movable stacking unit by operating the operation unit in a state where the carriage is positioned within a communication area of the antenna when the notification unit outputs a mismatch notification. A conveyor having a movable stacking unit, and loading and transporting a baggage with an RFID tag on the movable loading unit;
A reading device that has an antenna that transmits and receives to and from an RFID tag of a package placed on the movable stacking portion of the conveyor, and reads the package information written on the RFID tag;
An inspection device that inspects according to the package information read by the reading device,
Furthermore, the reader is
Determining means for determining whether or not the number of RFID tags read by the reading device and the number to be read notified in advance match;
Command generating means for transmitting a command for operating the movable stack when the determining means determines that they do not match,
The conveyor is
An inspection system comprising: a movable stacking unit control unit that receives the command transmitted by the command generation unit and operates the movable stacking unit of the conveyor.   The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable stacking unit includes a table on which the load is placed, a vertical movement mechanism that moves the table up and down, and / or a rotation mechanism that rotates the table.   4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the antenna of the reader is disposed inside a tunnel-shaped body, and the load loaded on the movable stacking portion is passed through the tunnel-shaped body. The inspection system described in Crab.   The antenna has a configuration in which a protrusion height from the inner surface of the tunnel-shaped body is variable, and the protrusion height from the inner surface of the tunnel-shaped body is changed when the judging means determines that they do not match. The inspection system according to claim 4. The package with the RFID tag is stored in a packing container that stores a plurality of the packages, and the packing container records at least the number of the packages stored in the packing container. Is provided,
6. The number of the packages recorded on the recording medium is read before the RFID tag of the package is read by the reading device, and the number to be read is notified to the reading device. The inspection system according to any one of the above. A transporting vehicle having a movable loading unit, and loading and transporting a baggage with an RFID tag on the movable loading unit;
A reading device that is provided to radiate radio waves to a conveyance path of the conveyance vehicle, and that reads the package information written on the RFID tag by communicating with the RFID tag by the radio wave;
An inspection device that inspects according to the package information read by the reader,
The inspection device is:
Reading monitoring means for monitoring the progress of reading of the reading device after the transport vehicle enters the communication area of the reading device;
Command generation for generating a command for changing the position of the parcel loaded on the transport vehicle according to the reading progress acquired by the reading monitoring means, and transmitting the generated command via the reading device Means,
The transport vehicle is
Command receiving means for receiving the command transmitted from the command generating means via the reader;
An inspection system comprising: a movable loading unit control unit that controls an operation of the movable loading unit according to the command received by the command receiving unit to change the position of the load. The inspection system according to claim 7,
The reading monitoring means includes
Transport monitoring means for monitoring the progress of travel of the transport vehicle after the transport vehicle enters the communication area of the reader;
And a reading progress degree determining means for determining a reading progress degree from the degree of progress of the transport vehicle acquired by the transport monitoring means and the number of the RFID tags communicated by the reader. Inspection system. The inspection system according to claim 8,
The conveyance monitoring means includes
In order to monitor the degree of travel of the transport vehicle, at least timing means for counting the time since the transport vehicle entered the communication area of the reading device or the position of the transport vehicle is detected. An inspection system comprising position detecting means for The inspection system according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
The command generation means includes
Storage means storing a change pattern for changing the position of the load loaded on the transport vehicle according to the type of the load and the progress of travel of the transport vehicle,
An inspection system, wherein the command is generated by reading the change pattern corresponding to the type of the package to be transported and the progress of travel of the transport vehicle acquired by the transport monitoring unit from the storage unit. The inspection system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The reading monitoring means included in the inspection device further includes:
Transport number estimating means for estimating the number of the load loaded on the transport vehicle from the type of the load,
When the number of packages estimated by the transport number estimation means matches the number of RFID tags read by the reader, it is determined that package information of all RFID tags has been read. system. The inspection system according to claim 11,
The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance number estimation means estimates the number of the packages loaded on the conveyance vehicle from a horizontal arrangement number, a vertical arrangement number and a stacking stage number corresponding to the type of the package. The inspection system according to any one of claims 7 to 12,
2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the transport vehicle includes a forklift having the movable loading portion as a fork. The inspection system according to claim 13,
The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the movable loading portion is configured by providing a rotating table on the fork.

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