EP2012263A1 - Intelligent shelving unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has an arrangement unit determining article specific position information based on an arrangement relationship of an article i.e. container (2), with respect to a fixed temporary storage location i.e. rack (1). An evaluation unit (3) is arranged remotely from the storage location, and a wireless transmission unit (5') transmits the position information to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit generates an optic, acoustic and electric signal assigned to the article when the arrangement relationship of the article differs from a given arrangement relationship.

Description

The invention relates generally to an arrangement for monitoring a plurality of objects located at a storage location, more specifically with the aim of monitoring their individually variable arrangement relationship with respect to the storage location. In particular, the invention relates to containers whose level of arrangement-changing arrangement relationship with the storage location, for example shelf, is monitored in order to facilitate and simplify the ordering process.

The cost-saving reduction of a generally just-in-time manufacturing of multi-component products places high demands on the efficiency of inventory management (ie on the physical supply chain or delivery processes) ensure uninterrupted flow of material. Therefore, the procurement and provision of parts in the assembly area binds many workers or increasingly takes place by external service providers.

• Ermittlung durch Kontrolle des Bestandes, beispielsweise mit Hilfe der Trennwand, in dem Behältnis, ob die darin befindlichen Teile den Mindestbestand erreicht haben oder diesen in Kürze erreichen werden
• Kennzeichnung des Behälters für die Bestellung (z.B. mit Hilfe einer roten statt weißen Artikelbeschreibungskarte auf dem Behälter)
• Erfassung der Behälter, die nachbestellt werden müssen (manuell oder über Barcode)
• Übermittlung der Bestellungen an den Dienstleister (via Fax, Datenmodem, etc.)
• Der Dienstleister kommissioniert die Bestellungen zu einer Sendung
• Transport der Sendung bzw. Bestellungen zum Regal
• Auffüllung des entsprechenden Behälters.

The storage of the items is generally carried out in special containers that are stored at a common storage place in one or more shelves. In order to guarantee the permanent availability of the parts, known systems in a complex, manual process, the stock level, ie the level of the container determined and determined from the corresponding order quantities. These special, usually made of plastic containers have, in order to trigger a timely reordering, a partition on which the inventory into a consumption and a reserve inventory. The containers are stored in their own shelves, which are usually placed directly in the assembly area. If a fitter requires parts, he supplies himself with the corresponding parts on these shelves. The procurement process is therefore currently divided into the following steps:

• Determination by checking the stock, for example by means of the partition, in the container, whether the parts contained therein have reached the minimum stock or will reach it shortly
• Marking of the container for the order (eg with the help of a red instead of white article description card on the container)
• Collection of containers to be reordered (manually or via barcode)
• Transmission of orders to the service provider (via fax, data modem, etc.)
• The service provider picks the orders for a shipment
• Transport of the shipment or orders to the shelf
• Replenishment of the corresponding container.

It has been found that the tagging and transmitting steps are very laborious and time consuming, and the whole process is error-prone, not least because of its many manual steps. The stock safety and thus the availability of the necessary parts for the production of a product is not 100% given today, although with great manual effort, the capture of the required parts takes place. There is therefore a fundamental need to automate these steps as much as possible without requiring a high installation and cabling effort.

Thus, the invention has for its object to provide an arrangement without significant installation and cabling, which allows efficient and little error prone monitoring of several objects located in a repository, their individually variable arrangement ratio with respect to the storage location. This object is achieved by an arrangement according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The arrangement according to the invention comprises a plurality of articles, for example containers for individual parts of a product, the articles being arranged on a respective stationary storage location, for example a shelf, whose arrangement ratio, for example orientation, relative to the storage location, however, is variable. The arrangement further comprises means for determining location information provided in the vicinity of the items, this location information including the arrangement ratio of each item with respect to the fixed storage location. The arrangement further comprises an evaluation unit arranged remotely from the storage location and wireless transmission means for transmitting the item-specific location information from the means for determining location information to the evaluation unit (I do not quite understand the phrase), the evaluation unit comprising an optical, acoustic and / or electrical generates a signal associated with the subject matter when the arrangement ratio of an object deviates from a predetermined arrangement ratio. This is, for example, a warning signal.

The wireless, such as optical, acoustic or electromagnetic transmission of cabling is reduced to a required minimum, while ensuring an automatic, fast, largely error-free and efficient monitoring of the arrangement ratio. For example, the wireless transmission via infrared, ultrasonic or wireless signal. This arrangement can advantageously be applied to any objects whose arrangement ratio is to be monitored efficiently and reliably with respect to an associated storage location.

In a preferred embodiment, the article is a container, for example, for individual parts or liquids, wherein the filling state of the container with the arrangement relationship between container and storage location is correlated, for example by intervention by a person, or preferably mechanically or is correlated electromechanically automatically, wherein in a preferred embodiment, the signal associated with the container serves to initiate a filling process of the container.

By way of example, the container is a container accommodating a plurality of individual parts of a product, which is arranged on a shelf in the vicinity of an assembly area of the product, in order to obtain the goods needed for the production of the product, i. Individual items to keep ready quickly and without interruption. In another embodiment, it is a sales shelf, which is arranged in a sales area, whose inventory is maintained efficiently by the inventive arrangement. The transmission means and the means for determining the location information may be stored at the storage location, i. Shelf, in the vicinity of the container or on the container or be mounted.

Due to the correlation between the filling state and the arrangement relationship between container and storage location and finally the position information of the remote evaluation unit is transmitted to the filling state of the container information and further preferably generates a corresponding signal, whereby a refilling operation can be triggered quickly and efficiently. For example, the evaluation unit is located in a remote monitoring room or a distant central warehouse or at a supplier. It is up to the person skilled in the art to choose the wireless transmission method suitable for the removal. For example, for large distances to be bridged radio networks, possibly including those with existing infrastructure such as WLAN, GSM or GPRS networks, etc. It can also be combinations of different wireless transmission methods are used.

In a simple embodiment, the correlation between filling state and arrangement ratio is made by engaging a person who, for example, twists the container, shifts, etc., to change its arrangement ratio when empty or nearly empty so that this change is detected with the target, a refill trigger. Advantageously, the filling state of the container with the arrangement relationship between the container and the storage location are automatically correlated, for example, mechanically or electromechanically, the intervention of the person can advantageously be omitted. For example, results from an elastically resilient storage of the container, an automatic correlation between the filling state and a consequent change in the arrangement ratio. The respective arrangement ratio automatically correlated with the filling state is to be determined, for example, by a piezo pressure sensor as the means for determining the positional information (principle of the electronic balance).

In another embodiment, a change in the arrangement ratio of the object (container) relative to the storage location (shelf) is detected by means of a metal detector or by means of an optical sensor. For example, the determination may be based on it; that an optical signal is hidden, filtered or changed depending on the arrangement ratio. For example, with the use of the metal detector, the determination may be based on the change in the arrangement ratio changing the composition of the shelf or container located near the sensor (whichever the sensor is attached to).

In an advantageous embodiment, the means for determining a position information comprise a plurality of sensors associated with the respective object or container, in order to be able to determine the arrangement ratio and thus the filling state for each individual object or container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container relative to the storage location displaceable or pivotable, for example, arranged at 180 °. Such mechanical solutions are relatively easy and inexpensive to implement, or already exist.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the container takes depending on the filling state at least two different in the orientation of the container static equilibrium states. For example, the container is mounted so that it assumes automatic different arrangements depending on the level, for example by a tilting movement. Such automatic level monitoring is relatively easy to implement.

In a particularly simple and inexpensive embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the arrangement ratio of the object in question is determined by the orientation of a magnetic field sensor with respect to a magnetic field, wherein the sensor or the magnetic field with the storage location, i. for example, the shelf, is fixed. By way of example, the stationary magnetic field is the earth's magnetic field, the orientation of the container relative to this earth's magnetic field being determined by means of a magnetic field sensor attached to the container. In an alternative embodiment, a stationary magnetic field is thereby generated on the part of the storage location, for example by means of a magnetic film which is placed or attached to the shelf on which or against which the container is displaceable and / or rotatable. Thus, a comparatively strong stationary magnetic field can be provided easily and inexpensively and can easily be retrofitted at a storage location, for example a shelf.

Preferably, the magnetic field sensor is attached to the article, since the storage location can be easily equipped with an over the extent of the object, or container, outgoing and strong stationary magnetic field.

The magnetic field sensor is preferably a Hall sensor. Such sensors are available inexpensively and also allow an accurate and quantitative determination of the relationship between the object and storage location.

The transmission means are designed in a further advantageous embodiment so that further identification of the respective object is made possible by the evaluation unit. For example, based on the frequency of the transmitted signal. In an advantageous, because störungsunanfälligen, embodiment, a digital identification information, for example by means of keying and / or modulation of the analog signal, transmitted by the transmission means.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transmission means each comprise one, preferably attached to the object, radio transmitter or transponder and the evaluation unit has an associated antenna. Such radio transmitter or transponder are known and inexpensive available. For example, these are active or passive radio transponders. Active radio transponders are provided with their own, ie associated, energy supply, for example battery, thereby advantageously eliminating the provision of energy at the storage location or shelf. A passive radio transponder is generally powered by induction through an external alternating electromagnetic field. Passive radio transponders are particularly inexpensive and have a high integration density, which facilitates attachment to the subject. For example, passive transponders are embedded in a flat plastic substrate (RFID tag).

When using a passive transponder this assumes the function of the means for determining the position information in a particularly simple embodiment. This is achieved in that only in a certain arrangement ratio of the object (container) by appropriate attachment of the transponder this is supplied with energy and only then is able to transmit information by appropriate modulation of the existing electromagnetic alternating field information to the evaluation unit. For example, the passive transponder is mounted so that it is only supplied with energy when the container to be refilled relative to the shelf is placed in such an arrangement ratio that it is supplied with energy and begins to provide the intended for energy supply electromagnetic alternating field to modulate (thus to send). This modulation is registered by the antenna of the evaluation unit and thus it is determined that the corresponding container is to be filled.

For example, the radio transmission in the RF range (3-30MHz) or UHF range (850-950 MHz, 2.4-2.5 GHz, 5.8 GHz), preferably at about 868 MHz. The transmission of the radio transponder can be done automatically at predetermined intervals by the transponder or can be done by the evaluation unit by querying the respective transponder.

The radio transponder is preferably a UHF radio transponder, since in this case the range is comparatively high, currently up to 100 m for an active radio transponder. This also allows the slight repositioning of the repository, eg. The shelf or the extension with additional Objects, eg. Containers, without the need for a realignment or rearrangement of the antenna of the evaluation unit. In order to improve and secure the communication between the evaluation unit and the radio transponder, the methods for singulation, collision avoidance and coding etc. known to the person skilled in the art can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the radio transponder comprises a microchip, which is electrically connected to the means for determining the position information, for example the magnetic field sensor. For example, the measurement result of the sensor is provided at an input of the microchip and this measurement result is transmitted in digital form by the radio transponder with the identification.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the means for determining a position information further comprise means for outputting or displaying optical or acoustic information corresponding to the arrangement relationship between the object concerned and the storage location. For example, a luminous element is provided on the container. As a result, it can be verified immediately at the location of the container whether the arrangement ratio of the item (container) with respect to the storage location (shelf) has been changed, either automatically or by an intervention of an operator. In the latter, this verification facility facilitates the handling and immediate inspection by the operator. As a result, it is thus also possible to verify whether an order process has been triggered.

The invention further relates to a use of the arrangement in one of the previously described embodiments in a merchandise management system, and preferably in the manufacture of an individualized product. As a result, the inventory security is increased, because at least after a change in the arrangement ratio of the container relative to its storage location, optionally including an automatic change, the ordering process runs automatically. There is no manual, time- and labor-intensive detection of the items contained in the container necessary. It requires no training of the designated operating personnel. The error rate in the recording is comparatively low. Furthermore, the detection of the container filling state can thus take place almost permanently, As a result, the storage quantities can advantageously be reduced. In addition, there is a better, because more uniform, utilization of the delivery and refilling process, since due to the complete transparency of the stock situation at the repository, for example on the shelf, a smoothing and optimization of the delivery and refilling process can be made in real time.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment of an inventive arrangement shown in the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

schematically a view of an embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive arrangement, wherein the storage location corresponding shelf 1 is shown in different views 1a) to 1c). 1a) shows a rear view of the shelf 1, 1b) is a front view of the shelf 1, 1c) is a side view of the shelf 1, wherein in the illustration, the left front and the back of the shelf 1. In the shelf 1 several items receiving container 2, 2 'are arranged. Their arrangement ratio on the shelf 1 is variable, ie in the present case, the orientation of the container 2 'by rotating the container 2' by 180 ° on the shelf depending on the filling state, especially when reaching a minimum inventory, manually or automatically changed by an operator, wherein the container 2 'assumes the state indicated by 2. This minimum inventory is determined, for example, by means of a partition provided in the container (not shown). This changed arrangement ratio is detected by a magnetic field sensor (not shown), for example a Hall sensor, which is attached to the containers 2, 2 'and detects a change in the field generated by the magnetic film strip 4 attached to the shelf 1. This detection result is transmitted to a microchip of an active radio transponder 7, 7 ', which is also attached to the container 2, 2'. The radio transponder 7, 7 'is used in each case the radio transmission 5 of the position information generated by the magnetic field sensor to a remotely located evaluation unit 3. While in the case of alignment of the container 2' of the transponder 7 'no signal or a signal with the corresponding position information (corresponds to Information: no filling necessary) transmits, the transponder 7 is activated in the position of the container 2 or sends the this orientation 2 corresponding Location information wireless together with a digital container identification to the evaluation unit 3. The evaluation unit 3 triggers an order process for refilling the container 2 with corresponding items, which is determined based on the container identification.

For verification of the order relationship necessary for the order, a visual indication in the form of a flashing LED 6 is provided for operator verification. Optionally, further wireless transmission means 5 ', for example a WLAN, GSM or GPRS infrastructure, may be provided in order to transmit the refill information to a remote warehouse and an ERP system provided there. The further refilling process can then proceed as follows: The order thus obtained is then picked and delivered to the shelf 1 and the corresponding container 2 refilled.

The filled container 2 is then again rotated 180 ° automatically or manually, i. spent in his "starting position". The radio transponder is switched off or transmitted to the evaluation unit that the container 2 is again in the "initial state".

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

shelf

2, 2 '

container

3

evaluation

4

magnetic foil

5

radio transmission

5 '

wireless transmission infrastructure

6

visual display for verification

7, 7 '

radio transponder

Claims (15)

Arrangement of a plurality of objects, for example containers (2, 2 '), at a stationary storage location assigned to the respective object, for example shelf (1), wherein their arrangement ratio (2 or 2'), for example orientation, is variable with respect to the storage location, wherein the arrangement means (4) for determining a position information, which is determined by the arrangement ratio of each item with respect to the fixed storage location, a remote from the storage location (1) evaluation unit (3) and wireless transmission means (5) for transmitting the item-specific position information to the Evaluation unit (3), wherein the evaluation unit (3) generates an optical, acoustic and / or electrical, the object in question associated signal (5 '), when the arrangement ratio of an object (2) deviates from a predetermined arrangement ratio. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the means (4) for determining a position information comprise a plurality of sensors associated with the respective object. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the arrangement ratio of the subject object (2, 2 ') is determined by the orientation of a magnetic field sensor relative to a magnetic field (4) and the sensor or magnetic field (4) is stationary with the storage location (1). Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic field sensor is attached to the object (2, 2 '). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field sensor is a Hall sensor. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission means (5) are designed so that further an identification of the respective Item (2, 2 ') is permitted, for example, by transmitting a digital identification information. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission means in each case comprise a radio transmitter or transponders (7, 7 '), preferably on the object (2, 2'), preferably an active radio transponder, and the evaluation unit (3) comprises an associated antenna includes. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the radio transponder (7, 7 ') is a UHF radio transponder. Arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the radio transponder (7, 7 ') comprises a microchip, which is electrically connected to the means for determining the position information, for example the magnetic field sensor. Arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the means for determining position information comprise means (6) for outputting or displaying optical or acoustic information corresponding to the arrangement relationship between the object concerned and the storage location. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (2, 2 ') is a container, and the filling state of the container is correlated with the arrangement relationship between container and storage location or automatically correlated mechanically or electromechanically. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the container (2, 2 ') relative to the storage location is arranged pivotably or displaceably. Arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the container (2, 2 ') occupies at least two different static equilibrium states in the orientation of the container, depending on the filling state. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, wherein the signal associated with the container serves to initiate a filling process of the container. Use of the arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14 in a merchandise management system, preferably in the manufacture of an individual product.

Images