Container management system, container management device, and container management method

Abstract

The present application relates to a container management system, a container management device, and a container management method, which can manage gas containers more easily. The container management system includes a recording device that records specific information in a recording medium, the specific information being based on container information acquired from a gas container and being able to determine the gas container; a plurality of storage libraries that store the gas containers, the gas containers being provided with the recording medium; and a management device that holds the plurality of storage libraries and the specific information related to the gas containers stored in the respective storage libraries in correspondence with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a container management system, a container management apparatus, and a container management method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, suppliers of high-pressure gases filled containers with high-pressure gas at high-pressure gas filling plants and distributed them to various sales outlets via distribution trucks. The containers filled with high-pressure gas were then distributed from the sales outlets to the users. Containers used up at the users' locations were recycled by the sales outlets. The recycled containers were then returned to the filling plant via distribution trucks. The recycled containers were refilled with high-pressure gas at the filling plant. The containers filled with high-pressure gas were then distributed back to the sales outlets and finally to the users. In this way, containers filled with high-pressure gas (hereinafter referred to as "gas containers") circulated between the filling plant, sales outlets, and users. Users of high-pressure gases were required to properly manage the gas containers in accordance with relevant laws and regulations such as the High-Pressure Gas Safety Law. Systems for managing gas containers have been proposed previously (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-222551

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-96521

[0005] Traditional gas container management systems suffer from several problems: They haven't considered recording gas containers from multiple manufacturers through a single system, making centralized management of individual containers difficult. While unifying the information recorded across all gas manufacturers could solve this problem, current obstacles are significant and difficult to achieve. Furthermore, even containers from a single manufacturer face challenges in centralized management due to varying degrees of labeling, with some containers assigned to specific customers and others not. Therefore, a simpler technology for managing gas containers is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can more easily manage gas containers.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a container management system comprising: a recording device for recording specific information into a recording medium, the specific information being based on container information obtained from a gas container and capable of identifying the gas container; a plurality of storage compartments for storing the gas container, the gas container being disposed of the recording medium; and a management device for correspondingly maintaining the plurality of storage compartments and the specific information relating to the gas containers stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is the container management system described above, wherein the plurality of storage containers are equipped with an acquisition unit for acquiring the specific information, and the management device maintains the specific information acquired by the acquisition unit and the storage containers equipped with the acquisition unit that acquired the specific information.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is the container management system described above, wherein when the management device does not obtain the specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse within a specified period, it determines that the gas container has been removed from the storage warehouse and deletes the specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is the container management system described above, further comprising: an information acquisition device that acquires container information from the gas container; the information acquisition device sending information from the acquired container information that is commonly assigned to the gas container among gas suppliers to the management device; the management device sending part or all of the information sent from the information acquisition device as the specific information to the recording device, or converting the information sent from the information acquisition device into a predetermined form and sending it as the specific information to the recording device.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is the container management system described above, wherein the management device further controls the operation of a transport trolley for transporting, removing, and placing the gas container, and the container management system further comprises: a transport trolley that, according to the control instructions of the management device, transports the gas container and slides the gas container between a mounting section holding the gas container and a removal / placement point of the gas container, thereby automatically performing the removal and placement of the gas container.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned container management system, wherein a portion of the storage area is a gas cylinder cabinet, and the management device uses a model to predict gas consumption. The model is trained to output an estimated date when the amount of gas filled in the gas cylinder cabinet becomes less than a threshold, based on the consumption of the gas containers used in the gas cylinder cabinet.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is the aforementioned container management system, wherein the management device determines whether gas ordering conditions are met based on gas consumption forecasts, gas container inventory information, and the time required for delivery of the gas containers. When the gas ordering conditions are met, the device automatically orders the gas containers or outputs a prompt to order.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is a container management device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring specific information and a plurality of storage compartments, the specific information being based on container information acquired from a gas container and capable of identifying the gas container, the plurality of storage compartments storing the gas container, the gas container being disposed of with a recording medium storing the specific information; and a storage unit for maintaining the acquired plurality of storage compartments corresponding to the specific information.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention is a container management method, wherein specific information is recorded in a recording medium, the specific information being based on container information obtained from a gas container and capable of identifying the gas container; a plurality of storage compartments are maintained corresponding to the specific information, the plurality of storage compartments storing the gas container, the gas container being configured with the recording medium.

[0016] According to the present invention, gas containers can be managed more conveniently. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the system structure of the gas container management system in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional structure of the communication device in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional structure of the management device in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the container table in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the management table in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating the gas container registration process of the gas container management system in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of moving gas containers in the gas container management system of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10This is a diagram showing the appearance of the cylinder handling trolley in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the system structure of the gas container management system in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a summary block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the operating terminal in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management device in the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram showing the internal functional structure of the cylinder handling trolley in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a path table in the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of empty bottle removal in the gas container management system of the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of empty bottle removal in the gas container management system of the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of handling the loading of solid cylinders in the gas container management system according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of handling the loading of solid cylinders in the gas container management system according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management device in the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the order processing flow performed by the management device in the third embodiment.

[0038] [Symbol Explanation]

[0039] 30...communication device

[0040] 40, 40a, 40b... Management devices

[0041] 50...writing device

[0042] 60...Cylinder cabinet(ボンベストッカー)

[0043] 61...Reading device

[0044] 70...Gas bottle cabinet(シリンダキャビネット)

[0045] 71...Reading device

[0046] 90...electronic tags

[0047] 100...operating terminal

[0048] 31...Filming Department

[0049] 32... Storage Department

[0050] 33... Display Section

[0051] 34...Operations Department

[0052] 35...Control Department

[0053] 36...Ministry of Communications

[0054] 41...Ministry of Communications

[0055] 42...Operating Section

[0056] 43, 43a, 43b... Storage Department

[0057] 44... Display Section

[0058] 45, 45a, 45b... Control Department

[0059] 101...Ministry of Communications

[0060] 102...Operations Department

[0061] 103...Control Department

[0062] 104... Display Section

[0063] 105...Path Information Storage Department Detailed Implementation

[0064] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] (First Implementation)

[0066] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the system structure of the gas container management system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0067] The gas container management system 1 is a system for managing gas containers within a facility. The gas container management system 1 includes a communication device 30, a management device 40, a writing device 50, a cylinder cabinet 60, and a gas cylinder cabinet 70. The communication device 30, management device 40, writing device 50, cylinder cabinet 60, and gas cylinder cabinet 70 are connected communicatively via a network 80. The network 80 is a local area network (LAN). In the following description, it is assumed that the communication device 30, management device 40, writing device 50, cylinder cabinet 60, and gas cylinder cabinet 70 are installed in a customer's factory or similar facility. That is, the following description describes a system for managing gas containers within a single facility.

[0068] The communication device 30 obtains information related to the gas container B (hereinafter referred to as "container information") from a label 3 affixed to the gas container B delivered by the supplier or retailer of the gas container B. Generally, a label 3 with printed container information is affixed to the surface of the gas container B. Here, the container information includes, for example, at least the container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date. The communication device 30 acquires image data, for example, by taking a picture of the label 3 using a camera function, and then parses the acquired image data. Thus, the communication device 30 obtains the container information recorded on the label 3. The communication device 30 can, for example, use an optical character reader (OCR) function when parsing the image data. Therefore, text information, such as the container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date, can be obtained as text.

[0069] The container information includes various details for each gas supplier, but also includes information common to all gas suppliers recorded in gas container B (hereinafter referred to as "essential information"). The container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date shown above are examples of essential information. Communication device 30 transmits the acquired essential information from the container information to management device 40. Communication device 30 may be configured using portable information processing devices such as tablet terminals, smartphones, and mobile phones. Communication device 30 is an example of an information acquisition device.

[0070] In this way, the necessary information recorded in label 3, which is pre-attached to gas container B, can be obtained. There is no need for the gas supplier or user to re-attach labels to gas container B.

[0071] As mentioned above, since the necessary information is recorded on gas container B, gas container B can be a gas container delivered by a different gas supplier.

[0072] The management device 40 is a device for managing the gas container management system 1. The management device 40 receives necessary information from the communication device 30 and retains the received necessary information. The management device 40 sends specific information, based on the necessary information and capable of identifying the gas container B, to the writing device 50. Specifically, the management device 40 can send part or all of the necessary information as specific information to the writing device 50, or it can convert the necessary information into a prescribed form and send it as specific information to the writing device 50. Here, the prescribed form may be, for example, identification information (e.g., ID, etc.) capable of identifying the necessary information. In the following description, the structure in which the management device 40 sends the container number as specific information to the writing device 50 will be used as an example. When the management device 40 converts the necessary information into a prescribed form as specific information, it retains the identification information in the converted prescribed form.

[0073] In addition, the management device 40 receives various information from the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (e.g., pressure monitoring results, gas leak monitoring results, information on the remaining amount of gas container B, and specific information). Furthermore, the management device 40 receives various information from the gas cylinder cabinet 60 (e.g., information on the vacancy of storage space and specific information). The management device 40 maintains corresponding information about the gas cylinder cabinet 60 and the gas cylinder cabinet 70, and about the gas containers B respectively stored in the gas cylinder cabinet 60 and the gas cylinder cabinet 70. The management device 40 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0074] The writing device 50 temporarily stores specific information sent from the management device 40 and writes the stored specific information to the electronic tag 90 according to the user's operation. The writing device 50 is, for example, an RF reader / writer. Alternatively, the writing device 50 may not be an RF reader / writer, as long as it is capable of writing specific information to the electronic tag 90. The writing device 50 is a specific example of a recording device.

[0075] The cylinder cabinet 60 is configured according to each type of gas, and is a storage unit for multiple gas containers B to be stored in one cylinder cabinet 60. The cylinder cabinet 60 has a door that can be opened and closed, and multiple gas containers B are stored side by side in the storage space inside. In addition, the cylinder cabinet 60 also includes, for example, a sensor for detecting the vacancy status of the storage space, a control box for controlling the opening and closing of the door, a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the management device 40, and a reading device 61 (acquisition unit) for reading specific information from electronic tags 90. Information such as the door opening and closing status, the vacancy information of the storage space, and specific information are sent to the management device 40 through the communication unit.

[0076] The gas cylinder cabinet 70 is a device for supplying gas filled in gas containers B to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. It is a storage unit that houses multiple gas containers B. The gas cylinder cabinet 70 has a door that can be opened and closed, and a pair of gas containers B are stored side-by-side vertically in its internal storage space. Furthermore, by replacing any one gas container B with another during the supply of gas from any one gas container B, an uninterrupted gas supply can be achieved within the gas cylinder cabinet 70. In addition, the gas cylinder cabinet 70 includes, for example,: piping connected to the gas containers B; a control box housing equipment for opening and closing doors, opening and closing valves, monitoring pressure, and monitoring gas leaks; a piping box housing piping for connecting to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, etc. (all not shown); and a reading device 71 (acquisition unit) for reading specific information from an electronic tag 90; and so on. Furthermore, the control box is equipped with a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the upper-level device. Information such as door opening and closing information, valve opening and closing information, pressure monitoring results, gas leakage monitoring results, remaining amount of gas container B, and other specific information are transmitted to the management device 40 through the communication unit.

[0077] The electronic tag 90 is a recording medium that records specific information through the writing device 50. The electronic tag 90 is, for example, an RF tag. In this embodiment, a neckband-type RF tag will be used as an example for explanation, but the electronic tag 90 can be any form as long as it is portable and can be installed on the gas container B.

[0078] Here, use Figure 1 The present invention will now be described in summary.

[0079] In the gas container management system 1 of the present invention, a communication device 30 is used to obtain necessary information from a gas container B, which is affixed with a label 3. This label 3 has various types of information printed on it according to each gas supplier. A writing device 50 writes specific information based on the obtained necessary information into an electronic tag 90. The electronic tag 90 with the specific information is then installed on the delivered gas container B. The gas container B with the electronic tag 90 installed is temporarily stored by the user in a cylinder cabinet 60. Furthermore, the gas container B actually in use is stored by the user in a cylinder cabinet 70.

[0080] In the cylinder cabinets 60 and 70 that house gas containers B, there are reading devices 61 and 71, which can read information written to electronic tags 90. Reading devices 61 and 71 acquire the information written to the electronic tags 90 and transmit the acquired information to a management device 40 via a communication unit (not shown). Thus, the management device 40 manages the storage locations of multiple gas containers B. Therefore, even if the gas container B is moved, it is easy to determine which cylinder cabinet 60 or 70 it is stored in. Then, when returning the gas container B, the electronic tag 90 is removed, and the information written to the electronic tag 90 is deleted. This allows the electronic tag 90 to be reused.

[0081] Based on the above, gas containers can be managed more easily.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the communication device 30 in the first embodiment. The communication device 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory, auxiliary storage devices, etc., connected via a bus, and executes a control program. By executing the control program, the communication device 30 functions as a device including a camera unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, a control unit 35, and a communication unit 36. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the communication device 30 can be implemented using hardware such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Additionally, the control program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such media include removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, or storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the control program can also be transmitted and received via electrical communication lines.

[0083] The camera unit 31 takes a picture of label 3 according to the user's operation.

[0084] The storage unit 32 stores image data of the tag 3 captured by the imaging unit 31. The storage unit 32 is constructed using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device.

[0085] Display unit 33 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display. Display unit 33 displays, for example, the results of image analysis performed by control unit 35, or an information selection screen. Display unit 33 may also be an interface for connecting the image display device to communication device 30. In this case, communication device 30 generates a video signal for displaying information and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0086] The operation unit 34 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet computer, etc.), touch panel, and buttons. The operation unit 34 is operated by the user when user commands are input into the communication device 30. For example, the operation unit 34 receives a selection command for information.

[0087] The control unit 35 controls the operation of the communication device 30. For example, the control unit 35 obtains text information by parsing image data stored in the storage unit 32. Thus, the control unit 35 obtains paper information.

[0088] The communication unit 36 ​​communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 36 ​​communicates with the management device 40.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management device 40 in the first embodiment. The management device 40 includes a CPU, memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., connected via a bus, and executes a control program. By executing the control program, the management device 40 functions as a device including a communication unit 41, an operation unit 42, a storage unit 43, a display unit 44, and a control unit 45. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the management device 40 can be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. In addition, the control program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can be, for example, a removable medium such as a floppy disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, or CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the control program can also be transmitted and received via an electrical communication line.

[0090] The communication unit 41 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 41 communicates with the communication device 30, the writing device 50, the cylinder cabinet 60, and the gas cylinder cabinet 70.

[0091] The operation unit 42 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet computer, etc.), touch panel, and buttons. The operation unit 42 is operated by the user when user commands are input into the management device 40. For example, the operation unit 42 receives commands to send information to the writing device 50 and commands to display information.

[0092] Storage unit 43 stores container table 431 and management table 432. Container table 431 is a table that records information related to gas container B. Management table 432 is a table that records information used for managing gas container B. Storage unit 43 is constructed using storage devices such as magnetic hard disk drives or semiconductor storage devices.

[0093] Display unit 44 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display (OLED). Display unit 44 displays information based on information registered in container table 431 and management table 432. For example, display unit 44 displays the storage status of gas container B, the amount of gas stored, and container reception information. Display unit 44 can also be an interface for connecting an image display device to management device 40. In this case, display unit 44 generates a video signal for displaying information and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0094] The control unit 45 controls the operation of the management device 40. For example, the control unit 45 sets the container number from the necessary information sent from the communication device 30 into the writing device 50 based on the user's operation.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of container table 431 in the first embodiment.

[0096] In Container Table 431, information corresponding to the container number is recorded as follows: gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, initial filling amount, manufacturing date, and remaining amount. The container number represents identification information used to identify gas container B. The gas name indicates the name of the gas filled in gas container B. The gas concentration indicates the concentration of the gas filled in gas container B. The shelf life indicates the period during which the quality of the gas filled in gas container B is guaranteed. The initial filling amount indicates the amount of gas filled in gas container B at the time of delivery. The initial filling amount corresponds to the filling amount in the container information. The manufacturing date indicates the date on which gas container B was filled. The remaining amount indicates the amount of gas remaining in gas container B. The remaining amount information is sent by the gas cylinder cabinet 70 at a specified time. Alternatively, when using information that has been converted into a specified form as specific information, Container Table 431 can also correspond to each container with information that has been converted into a specified form.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the management table 432 in the first embodiment.

[0098] In management table 432, information corresponding to the storage area information is recorded, including label identification information, specific information, move-in date, and move-out date. The storage area information represents information related to cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70. Figure 5The storage compartment information includes storage compartment identification information, reader identification information, storage compartment name, and installation location information. The storage compartment identification information identifies the cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70. The reader identification information identifies the reading devices, namely reading device 61 and reading device 71, located within the cylinder cabinet 60 or gas cylinder cabinet 70. The storage compartment name indicates the name of the cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70. The installation location information indicates the location where the cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70 are installed. The installation location information can be expressed using latitude and longitude.

[0099] The label identification information represents the identification information used to identify electronic tag 90. Specific information represents information that identifies gas container B. The moving-in date represents the date gas container B was moved into the storage room. The moving-out date represents the date gas container B was moved out of the storage room. Additionally, not all information needs to be recorded in management table 432. For example, the moving-out date can be recorded only if the storage room is cylinder cabinet 60.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating the registration process of gas container B in the gas container management system 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 The processing is performed when gas container B is delivered.

[0101] The camera unit 31 of the communication device 30 acquires shooting data by shooting the gas container B according to the user's operation (step S101). The camera unit 31 stores the acquired shooting data in the storage unit 32 via the control unit 35. The control unit 35 obtains container information from the shooting data by parsing the shooting data stored in the storage unit 32. Specifically, the control unit 35 performs image parsing on the shooting data using OCR, thereby converting the text contained in the shooting data into text data. The control unit 35 displays the container information converted into text data on the display unit 33 (step S102). The control unit 35 selects predetermined information from the container information displayed on the screen. For example, the control unit 35 selects information related to the container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling amount, and manufacturing date as predetermined information from the container information. Alternatively, the user can also select information from the container information displayed on the screen. In addition, when the container information displayed on the screen is incorrect, or when it cannot be read due to lack of text recognition, the user inputs necessary information via the operation unit 34. In addition, the control unit 35 can also select necessary information from the container information converted into text data and display it on the display unit 33.

[0102] Based on the user's operation, the communication unit 36 ​​sends the necessary selected and input information to the management device 40 (step S103).

[0103] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40 receives necessary information sent from the communication device 30. The communication unit 41 outputs the received necessary information to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 registers the output necessary information in the container table 431 (step S104). For example, when the necessary information includes container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling amount, and manufacturing date, the control unit 45 registers the acquired necessary information in the container table 431 for the container number, gas name, concentration, shelf life, initial filling amount, and manufacturing date. Then, the management device 40 sends specific information to the writing device 50 according to the user's operation (step S105). Here, it is assumed that the management device 40 sends the container number selected according to the user's operation as specific information to the writing device 50.

[0104] The writing device 50 acquires specific information sent from the management device 40. The writing device 50 temporarily stores the acquired specific information (step S106). Based on the user's operation, the writing device 50 writes the specific information into the electronic tag 90 (step S107). When multiple pieces of specific information are registered in the writing device 50, the user selects the desired specific information so that the selected specific information is written into the electronic tag 90. Thus, the specific information is recorded in the electronic tag 90. The user installs the electronic tag 90 with the written specific information onto the delivered gas container B (step S108).

[0105] Then, the user places the gas container B, equipped with the electronic tag 90, into the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S109). The reading device 61 in the cylinder cabinet 60 periodically (e.g., every 3 hours, daily, etc.) or at predetermined intervals (step S110). When the electronic tag 90 is present in the cylinder cabinet 60, the reading device 61 acquires specific information stored in the electronic tag 90. At this time, the reading device 61 also acquires the identification information (tag identification information) of the electronic tag 90 corresponding to the specific information. The reading device 61 outputs the acquired specific information and the identification information of the electronic tag 90 to a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit sends information including the specific information, the identification information of the electronic tag 90, the identification information of the cylinder cabinet 60, and the identification information of the reading device 61 to the management device 40 (step S111).

[0106] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40 receives information sent from the cylinder cabinet 60. The communication unit 41 outputs the received information to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 registers the output information in the management table 432 (step S112). Specifically, the control unit 45 reads the management table 432 from the storage unit 43. The control unit 45 selects the record corresponding to the acquired storage compartment identification information and reader identification information from the records in the read management table 432. The control unit 45 registers the acquired label identification information and specific information into the label identification information and specific information items of the selected record. In addition, the control unit 45 may register the date as the moving-in date if no value is registered in the moving-in date item of the selected record.

[0107] Through the above processing, the delivered gas container B is registered in correspondence with the storage warehouse that houses the gas container B.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram showing the processing flow of the gas container B in the gas container management system 1 of the first embodiment during movement. Figure 7 The process is performed when gas container B is moved from cylinder cabinet 60 to cylinder cabinet 70.

[0109] When gas container B is replenished to the gas cylinder cabinet 70, the user removes gas container B from the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S201). The reading device 61 in the cylinder cabinet 60 periodically or at predetermined intervals reads the electronic tag 90 (step S202). However, it is assumed that the electronic tag 90 is not present when the reading device 61 reads it. In this case, the reading device 61 cannot obtain specific information from the electronic tag 90. Therefore, the reading device 61 does not send information to the management device 40 (step S203). Alternatively, the communication unit sends information including the identification information of the cylinder cabinet 60 and the identification information of the reading device 61 to the management device 40.

[0110] When the control unit 45 of the management device 40 fails to obtain information when it was originally supposed to receive information from the cylinder cabinet 60, or when the information sent from the cylinder cabinet 60 only includes the identification information of the cylinder cabinet 60 and the identification information of the reading device 61, the control unit 45 determines that the gas container B has been removed from the cylinder cabinet 60. That is, when the control unit 45 does not obtain specific information corresponding to the storage compartment within a predetermined period, it determines that the gas container B has been removed from the cylinder cabinet 60. Furthermore, this determination is also made in the gas cylinder cabinet 70. Specifically, when the gas cylinder cabinet 70 contains the gas container B, the reading device 71 should be able to obtain specific information, similar to the cylinder cabinet 60. However, when the gas container B has been removed from the gas cylinder cabinet 70, the reading device 71 cannot obtain the specific information. Therefore, similar to the case of cylinder cabinet 60, when only the identification information of cylinder cabinet 70 and the identification information of reading device 71 are present, the control unit 45 determines that gas container B has been removed from cylinder cabinet 70. Then, the control unit 45 updates the management table 432 (step S204). Specifically, the control unit 45 reads the management table 432 from the storage unit 43. The control unit 45 selects the record corresponding to the acquired storage cabinet identification information and reader identification information from the records in the read management table 432. The control unit 45 deletes any missing information from the label identification information and specific information items of the selected record.

[0111] A cylinder cabinet 60 and a gas cylinder cabinet 70 can store multiple gas containers B. Therefore, in the management table 432, each cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70 will correspond to multiple label identification information and specific information. Therefore, when a cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70 correspond to multiple label identification information and specific information, even if one label identification information and specific information cannot be obtained, the other label identification information and specific information can still be obtained. Therefore, the control unit 45 manages the information corresponding to the storage area by deleting the information of those whose label identification information and specific information cannot be obtained.

[0112] Assume the user moves gas container B from cylinder cabinet 60 into cylinder cabinet 70 (step S205). The reading device 71 in cylinder cabinet 70 periodically or at predetermined intervals reads the electronic tag 90 (step S206). When the electronic tag 90 is present in cylinder cabinet 70, the reading device 71 acquires specific information stored in the electronic tag 90. At this time, the reading device 71 also acquires the identification information (tag identification information) of the electronic tag 90 corresponding to the specific information. The reading device 71 outputs the acquired container number and the identification information of the electronic tag 90 to a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit sends information including the specific information, the identification information of the electronic tag 90, the identification information of the cylinder cabinet 70, and the identification information of the reading device 71 to the management device 40 (step S207).

[0113] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40 receives information sent from the gas cylinder cabinet 70. The communication unit 41 outputs the received information to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 updates the management table 432 according to the output information (step S208). Specifically, the control unit 45 reads the management table 432 from the storage unit 43. The control unit 45 selects the record corresponding to the acquired storage room identification information and reader identification information from the records in the read management table 432. The control unit 45 registers the acquired label identification information and specific information into the label identification information and specific information items of the selected record. Thus, the control unit 45 updates the management table 432. In addition, the control unit 45 can register the date as the moving-in date if no value is registered in the moving-in date item of the selected record.

[0114] The control unit 45 displays the contents stored in the storage unit 43 on the display unit 44 according to the user's operation (step S209). Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 44.

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown, the display unit 44 displays a display selection area 441, a storage storage status display area 442, a received information display area 443, and a storage capacity display area 444. The display selection area 441 displays multiple buttons for selecting storage storage units in each room when observing their setup. By selecting a button displayed in the display selection area 441, the information displayed in the storage storage status display area 442 is changed. For example, in… Figure 8 Room A was selected. The storage status display area 442 shows the status of the storage in the room selected in the display selection area 441. For example, the storage status display area 442 shows where gas container B is stored. A blacked-out circle indicates that gas container B is stored there. These displays are made by the control unit 45 with reference to management table 432.

[0116] The receiving information display area 443 displays information about the gas container B scheduled for reception from now on. The "Completed" indicator in the receiving information display area 443 indicates whether reception has been completed. Whether reception has been completed is determined based on whether the target gas container B has been stored in the cylinder cabinet 60. When the target gas container B has been stored in the cylinder cabinet 60, the control unit 45 determines that reception has been completed. In this case, the control unit 45 makes the display method of "Completed" corresponding to a gas container B that has been received different from the display method of "Completed" corresponding to a gas container B that has not been received. For example, the control unit 45 can eliminate the display of "Completed" corresponding to a gas container B that has been received, or it can... Figure 8 That's how it's painted black. On the other hand, when the target gas container B is not stored in the cylinder cabinet 60, the control unit 45 determines that the reception has not been completed.

[0117] The storage capacity display area 444 displays information about the total amount of gas stored in the room selected in the display selection area 441. The total storage capacity of high-pressure gas is regulated by relevant laws and regulations. If the storage capacity exceeds the total storage capacity stipulated by relevant laws and regulations, a declaration is required.

[0118] In this way, by viewing the screen on the display unit 44, users can clearly understand the status of the storage compartments in each room, the amount of gas stored, and other information.

[0119] When the user selects a gas container B displayed on the screen, the control unit 45 displays information related to the selected gas container B as follows: Figure 9 The pop-up window 445 is shown. Pop-up window 445 displays information such as storage identification, label identification, container number, status, filling quantity, manufacturing date, shelf life, and standard delivery date. However, the information displayed in pop-up window 445 is not limited to this; any information stored in the management device 40 can be used. The status indicates the status of gas container B at the point of selection. For example, whether gas container B is currently in use. When gas container B is currently in use, the status displays "Supplying," and when gas container B is not currently in use, the status displays "Waiting." The standard delivery date indicates the period until a gas container B of the same type as the selected gas container B is delivered. The standard delivery date can be pre-stored by the management device 40 for each gas type from the manufacturer.

[0120] The gas container management system 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above includes: a writing device 50 for recording specific information based on container information obtained from a gas container B into an electronic tag 90; multiple storage bins for storing gas containers B equipped with electronic tags 90; and a management device 40 for correspondingly maintaining the multiple storage bins and specific information related to the gas containers B stored in each of the multiple storage bins. Therefore, it is easy to determine which storage bin contains a gas container B. Consequently, gas containers can be managed more conveniently.

[0121] Furthermore, in the gas container management system 1, multiple storage compartments are equipped with reading devices 61 or 71 capable of reading specific information, and the management device 40 maintains the specific information obtained by the reading devices 61 or 71 corresponding to the storage compartments equipped with the reading devices 61 or 71 that have obtained the specific information. That is, in the gas container management system 1, reading devices are installed in storage compartments such as cylinder cabinets 60 and 70, and the location and quantity of gas containers B are managed by reading the electronic tags 90 attached to the gas containers B. Thus, even when gas containers B are moved from their storage location to other storage compartments, the movement of containers and changes in the quantity in each location can be managed based on the information from the reading devices. Furthermore, in the gas container management system 1, even if different container information from different gas suppliers is affixed, only the necessary information that each manufacturer must record is obtained, achieving information unification. Therefore, centralized management is possible even when the sellers of gas containers B are different. Moreover, users only need to perform the operation of reading the tag 3 of the delivered gas container B and writing the information to the electronic tag 90. Therefore, it makes managing gas containers much easier.

[0122] Furthermore, in the gas container management system 1, if specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse is not obtained within a specified period, it is determined that gas container B has been removed from the storage warehouse, and the specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse is deleted. Therefore, the information of the removed (moved out) gas container B will not remain unchanged. Thus, the possibility of erroneous information-based management can be reduced.

[0123] (Second Implementation)

[0124] In the first embodiment, the movement of gas container B was described as an example of manual movement. In the second embodiment, the movement of gas container B will be described as an example of using a cylinder transport trolley, which moves gas container B via automatic driving.

[0125] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the cylinder transport trolley 2 in the second embodiment. The cylinder transport trolley 2 in the second embodiment includes: a transport vehicle 10, which transports gas containers B by automatic propulsion; and a transport robot 20, which automatically transports gas containers B out and in.

[0126] The transport vehicle 10 is an unmanned transport vehicle, referred to as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), which transports the gas container B through autonomous driving. Specifically, the transport vehicle 10 has: a body 12, a mounting section 11 for carrying the gas container B; and multiple (six in this embodiment) wheels 13 (see...). Figure 14 ), which supports the vehicle body smoothly and easily.

[0127] The vehicle body 12 is wider than the gas container B, longer in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction, and approximately half the height of the gas container B, giving it a roughly rectangular shape as a whole. The mounting section 11 is located on the rear side of the vehicle body 12. That is, the front surface of the vehicle body 12 is the opposite side to the side where the mounting section 11 is located. When the gas container B is moved into or out of the storage compartment such as the gas cylinder cabinet 70 or the steel cylinder cabinet 60, the steel cylinder transport trolley 2 moves backward. The steel cylinder transport trolley 2 moves forward during movement. A recess 14 is provided on the rear side of the vehicle body 12, such that a portion of the side of the vehicle body 12 is cut off in the vertical direction. The mounting section 11 is located inside this recess 14.

[0128] The mounting section 11 is provided with a sliding support mechanism 15, which slidably supports the gas container B in the front-rear direction. The sliding support mechanism 15 is composed of free rollers and has a plurality of rollers 15a arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the mounting section 11 and a frame 15b that rotatably supports the plurality of rollers 15a. As a result, the gas container B mounted on the sliding support mechanism 15 can be kept in an upright state and slid in the front-rear direction of the mounting section 11 via the plurality of rollers 15a.

[0129] Furthermore, the sliding support mechanism 15 is not necessarily limited to being composed of such a free roller; for example, a conveyor belt could also be used.

[0130] Furthermore, the transport vehicle 10 may be equipped with a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the free roller (sliding support mechanism 15) provided on the loading section 11 side according to the height of the free roller 4 provided on the gas cylinder cabinet 70 side.

[0131] Furthermore, in the transport vehicle 10, in addition to this height adjustment mechanism, it can also be configured with a mechanism that adjusts the position of the free roller (sliding support mechanism 15) provided on the side of the loading section 11 in the front-back direction, the tilt angle in the front-back and left-right directions, etc.

[0132] In addition, the vehicle body 12 is also equipped with: an emergency stop button to stop the transport vehicle 10 in an emergency; a display device for various displays; an operation switch for various operations; and an antenna 16d (see Figure 14 ), to communicate with the outside world.

[0133] Multiple wheels 13 are rotatably mounted under the vehicle body 12. Specifically, four casters 13a, which are steerably mounted, are located at the four corners of the vehicle body 12 (see [reference]). Figure 14On the other hand, two drive wheels 13b are arranged side by side in the width direction at the center of the body 12 (see...). Figure 14 These two drive wheels 13b are driven to rotate via a rotary drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor.

[0134] In the transport vehicle 10, the movement and steering of the transport vehicle 10 can be controlled by switching the distribution of the driving force transmitted to the two drive wheels 12b. In addition, the guiding method for transporting the gas container B by automatic driving is not particularly limited in the transport vehicle 10, and conventionally known guiding methods can be used.

[0135] In addition, the transport vehicle 10 may be equipped with position detectors such as photoelectric sensors, magnetic sensors, and limit switches, or with a communicator for communication between the cylinder transport trolley 2 and the outside world.

[0136] A loading / unloading robot 20 is mounted on the upper part of the transport vehicle 10 for automatically loading and unloading the gas container B relative to the loading section 11. Specifically, the loading / unloading robot 20 includes: a holding mechanism 21 for holding the gas container B; and a sliding drive mechanism 22 for sliding along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 12 to drive the gas container B held by the holding mechanism 21.

[0137] The holding mechanism 21 has a pair of arms 21a that grip the main body of the gas container B. The pair of arms 21a have an arc shape that bends towards each other, and their base ends are rotatably supported by hinges.

[0138] In the holding mechanism 21, while the pair of arms 21a are rotated in opposite directions, the main body of the gas container B is gripped from both sides between the pair of arms 21a. Furthermore, in the holding mechanism 21, two pairs of arms 21a are arranged side-by-side in the vertical direction to grip the upper and lower sides of the gas container B. Thus, the gas container B can be held in an upright position in a stable manner.

[0139] Furthermore, the holding mechanism 21 is not necessarily limited to the structure that grips the main body of the gas container B with a pair of arms 21a. For example, it could also be a structure that holds the gas container B while adsorbing it.

[0140] The sliding drive mechanism 22 is used to slide the sliding shaft 22a connected to the holding mechanism 21 in the front-to-back direction. The drive of the sliding shaft 22a can be performed by a motor or the like, or by a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.

[0141] In the robotic arm 20 for moving in and out, such as Figure 10As shown, the gas container B is kept upright by the holding mechanism 21, while it is slidably driven in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 12 by the sliding drive mechanism 22. Thus, while the gas container B is slid by the sliding support mechanism 15 provided on the mounting part 11, the gas container B can be automatically moved out and put in between the mounting part 11 and the free roller 4 on the side of the gas cylinder cabinet 70.

[0142] Next, we will take the scenario described above, where the gas container management system 1 is applied to manage gas container B in a situation where a gas container B with a small remaining amount (hereinafter referred to as "gas container Be to be replaced") is removed from the gas cylinder cabinet 70, and a gas container B filled with gas (hereinafter referred to as "gas container Bf to be moved in") is moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70. A gas container to be replaced refers to a gas container that is not filled with enough gas to supply gas.

[0143] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the system structure of the gas container management system 1a in the second embodiment. Additionally, in Figure 11 In this description, to illustrate the automatic transport of gas container B using the cylinder transport trolley 2, only the structure related to automatic transport is shown. Therefore, the structure other than the transport of gas container B is the same as in the first embodiment. The gas container management system 1a includes: multiple cylinder transport trolleys 2-1 and 2-2, multiple cylinder cabinets 60-1 to 60-4, multiple gas cylinder cabinets 70, an operation terminal 100, and a management device 40a. The number of cylinder transport trolleys 2-1 and 2-2, gas cylinder cabinets 70, and cylinder cabinets 60-1 to 60-4 is not particularly limited. In the following description, cylinder transport trolleys 2-1 and 2-2 are referred to as cylinder transport trolley 2 unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in the following description, cylinder cabinets 60-1 to 60-4 are referred to as cylinder cabinet 60 unless otherwise specified.

[0144] Cylinder handling trolley 2, cylinder cabinet 70, and cylinder cabinet 60 are installed on the ground within the factory. The cylinder handling trolley 2, cylinder cabinet 70, cylinder cabinet 60, operating terminal 100, and management device 40a are connected in a communicative manner. Cylinder handling trolleys 2-1 and 2-2 are located in designated areas 71-1 and 71-2, respectively. Area 71-1 is the location for cylinder handling trolley 2-1 at the start and end of processing. Area 71-2 is the location for cylinder handling trolley 2-2 at the start and end of processing.

[0145] For example, the trolley 2-1 used for moving gas cylinders is used to move the gas container Be to be replaced out of the gas cylinder cabinet 70 and move the gas container Be to be replaced into the gas cylinder cabinet 60.

[0146] For example, the trolley 2-2 used for moving gas cylinders is used to move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 60 and move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70.

[0147] Cylinder handling trolleys 2-1 and 2-2 communicate with the operating terminal 100 and management device 40a via antenna 16d. Furthermore, cylinder handling trolley 2 can perform the operations of cylinder handling trolleys 2-1 and 2-2 simultaneously. For example, cylinder handling trolley 2 can move the gas container Be to be replaced from cylinder cabinet 70 and into cylinder cabinet 60, and move the gas container Bf to be moved into cylinder cabinet 70 from cylinder cabinet 60.

[0148] The cylinder cabinet 60 is configured according to each type of gas, and one cylinder cabinet 60 is used to hold multiple gas containers B. Figure 11 In the example shown, cylinder cabinets 60-1 and 60-2 house gas containers Bf to be moved in, while cylinder cabinets 60-3 and 60-4 house gas containers Be to be replaced. Cylinder cabinet 60 has a door that can be opened and closed, and multiple gas containers B are stored side by side in the storage space inside.

[0149] Furthermore, a free roller is provided at the bottom of the storage space, on which each gas container B is placed. The free roller has multiple rollers arranged side by side in the front-back direction of the storage space, and a frame that rotatably supports the multiple rollers. Thus, the gas containers B placed on the free roller can be kept upright and slide in the front-back direction of the storage space via the multiple rollers.

[0150] In addition, the cylinder cabinet 60 also includes, for example, a sensor for detecting the vacancy status of the storage space, a control box for controlling the opening and closing of the door, and a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the management device 40a. Information such as the opening and closing status of the door and the vacancy information of the storage space are sent to the management device 40a through the communication unit.

[0151] The operating terminal 100 is a terminal held by workers moving within the factory. The operating terminal 100 receives operating instructions for the cylinder handling trolley 2 and instructions for moving gas containers B (Be, Bf) in and out via input from the worker. The operating terminal 100 transmits the received instructions to the cylinder handling trolley 2 via the management device 40a. The operating terminal 100 may be configured using portable information processing devices such as tablets, smartphones, and mobile phones.

[0152] The management device 40a is a device for managing the gas container management system 1a. The management device 40a performs the same processing as the functional unit with the same name in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the management device 40a sends information about the gas container Be to be replaced to the operation terminal 100 based on a request from the operation terminal 100. In addition, the management device 40a receives various information from the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (e.g., information about door opening / closing, valve opening / closing, pressure monitoring results, gas leak monitoring results, and information about the remaining amount of gas container B). Furthermore, the management device 40a receives various information from the cylinder cabinet 60 (e.g., information about door opening / closing, and information about the availability of storage space). The management device 40a controls the movement of the cylinder transport trolley 2 based on requests from the operation terminal 100. The management device 40a is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0153] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the operation terminal 100 in the second embodiment. The operation terminal 100 includes a CPU, memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., connected via a bus, and executes an operation program. By executing the operation program, the operation terminal 100 functions as a device including a communication unit 101, an operation unit 102, a control unit 103, a display unit 104, and a path information storage unit 105. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the operation terminal 100 can be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. In addition, the operation program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, or storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the operation program can also be transmitted and received via electrical communication lines.

[0154] The communication unit 101 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 101 communicates with the management device 40a.

[0155] The operation unit 102 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet computer, etc.), touch panel, and buttons. The operation unit 102 is operated by the user when user commands are input into the operation terminal 100. For example, the operation unit 102 receives commands to drive the cylinder transport trolley 2 and commands to move gas containers B in and out of the cylinder transport trolley 2.

[0156] The control unit 103 controls the operation of the operation terminal 100. For example, the control unit 103 causes the display unit 104 to display information sent from the management device 40a. In addition, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send user commands input via the operation unit 102 to the management device 40a.

[0157] Display unit 104 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Display unit 104 displays, for example, information sent from management device 40a. Display unit 104 may also be an interface for connecting an image display device to operation terminal 100. In this case, display unit 104 generates a video signal for displaying information and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0158] The path information storage unit 105 stores a path instruction table that establishes the location, destination, and path number of the cylinder transport trolley 2. The location of the cylinder transport trolley 2 indicates its position when the instruction is input. For example, at the start of processing, the location of the cylinder transport trolley 2 is the storage location; when moving out or in, the location of the cylinder transport trolley 2 is the location where the movement takes place. The destination is the destination that the cylinder transport trolley 2 travels to. For example, when moving gas container Be out, the destination is the gas cylinder cabinet 70 that houses gas container Be. The path number is a number used to indicate the path from the location of the cylinder transport trolley 2 to the destination. The path information storage unit 105 is constructed using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device.

[0159] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management device 40a in the second embodiment. The management device 40a includes a CPU, memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., connected via a bus, and executes a management program. By executing the management program, the management device 40a functions as a device including a communication unit 41, an operation unit 42, a storage unit 43a, a display unit 44, and a control unit 45a. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the management device 40a can be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. In addition, the management program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can be, for example, a removable medium such as a floppy disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, or CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the management program can also be transmitted and received via an electrical communication line.

[0160] The communication unit 41 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 41 communicates with the cylinder handling trolley 2, the cylinder cabinet 60, the cylinder cabinet 70, and the operation terminal 100.

[0161] The operation unit 42 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet computer, etc.), touch panel, and buttons. The operation unit 42 is operated by the user when user commands are input into the management device 40a. For example, the operation unit 42 receives commands to drive the cylinder transport trolley 2 and commands to move gas containers B in and out of the cylinder transport trolley 2.

[0162] Storage unit 43a stores container table 431, management table 432, and trolley information 433. Trolley information 433 stores at least information related to the status of the cylinder handling trolley 2 (whether it is running, what kind of operation it is performing, its location, etc.). The location information of the cylinder handling trolley 2 can be obtained from the cylinder handling trolley 2. Storage unit 43a is constructed using storage devices such as magnetic hard disk drives or semiconductor storage devices.

[0163] Display unit 44 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display (OLED). Display unit 44 displays information based on information registered in container table 431 and management table 432. For example, display unit 44 displays the storage status of gas container B, the amount of gas stored, and container reception information. Display unit 44 may also be an interface for connecting an image display device to management device 40a. In this case, display unit 44 generates a video signal for displaying information and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0164] The control unit 45a controls the operation of the management device 40a. For example, based on the user's operation, the control unit 45a sets the container number into the writing device 50 from the necessary information sent from the communication device 30. For example, the control unit 45a controls the communication unit 41 to send information corresponding to a request from the operation terminal 100 to the operation terminal 100. As another example, the control unit 45a controls the communication unit 41 to send instructions from the operation terminal 100 to the target device.

[0165] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram showing the internal functional structure of the cylinder handling trolley 2 in the second embodiment. As described above, the cylinder handling trolley 2 includes a handling vehicle 10 and a robot arm 20 for moving in and out.

[0166] The loading / unloading robot 20 includes a control unit 24. The control unit 24 is, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC). By executing a program, the control unit 24 functions as a communication control unit 241 and a loading / unloading control unit 242.

[0167] The communication control unit 241 controls communication with other devices. For example, based on the content of the instructions received via antenna 16d, the communication control unit 241 outputs instructions to the move-out / move-in control unit 242 or the transport vehicle 10. For example, when the instructions received via antenna 16d include instructions to move the gas container B out or in, the communication control unit 241 outputs the instructions to the move-out / move-in control unit 242. For example, when the instructions received via antenna 16d do not include instructions to move the cylinder transport trolley 2 or to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2 to the cylinder cabinet 60 or the gas cylinder cabinet 70, the communication control unit 241 outputs the instructions to the transport vehicle 10. Here, connecting the cylinder transport trolley 2 to the cylinder cabinet 60 or the gas cylinder cabinet 70 means docking the cylinder transport trolley 2 with the cylinder cabinet 60 or the gas cylinder cabinet 70 so that the gas container B can be moved out or in.

[0168] The loading / unloading control unit 242 controls the operation of the holding mechanism 21 and the sliding drive mechanism 22 according to the input instructions. More specifically, the loading / unloading control unit 242 controls the holding mechanism 21 to grip the gas container B according to the input instructions. The loading / unloading control unit 242 controls the sliding drive mechanism 22 to slide along the sliding shaft 22a in the forward and backward direction according to the input instructions.

[0169] The transport vehicle 10 is equipped with a storage unit 25 and a driving control unit 26.

[0170] Storage 25 storage path table 251. Storage 25 is constructed using storage devices such as magnetic hard disk drives or semiconductor storage devices.

[0171] Path table 251 records information related to the path traveled by the cylinder handling trolley 2. For the specific structure of path table 251, use... Figure 15 Let me explain. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of path table 251 in the second embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 15As shown, route information is registered in route table 251 corresponding to route numbers. The route number represents an identifier used to uniquely identify the route. The route shows the movement path of the cylinder handling trolley 2 as it travels on the factory floor. For example, the route includes a movement path from the cylinder handling trolley 2's storage location to a specific cylinder cabinet 60, a movement path from the location of cylinder cabinet 60 to a specific cylinder cabinet 70, a movement path from the location of cylinder cabinet 70 to the storage location, a movement path from the cylinder handling trolley 2's storage location to a specific cylinder cabinet 70, and a movement path from the location of cylinder cabinet 70 to a specific cylinder cabinet 60. Furthermore, the movement path also includes information indicating how many meters to proceed in a straight line and where to turn left or right. Additionally, route table 251 differs depending on whether it is used for cylinder handling trolley 2-1 or cylinder handling trolley 2-2. This is because the purpose and location of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 and cylinder handling trolley 2-2 are different.

[0172] As described above, in path table 251, all the movement paths that the cylinder transport trolley 2 is intended to travel are enumerated. Therefore, the cylinder transport trolley 2 can eventually reach the target location by traveling along the movement paths shown in path table 251, which correspond to the path numbers.

[0173] Back Figure 14 Let's continue with the explanation of the cylinder handling trolley 2.

[0174] The driving control unit 26 controls the movement of the cylinder transport trolley 2 by controlling the rotation of the wheels 13 according to the input instructions.

[0175] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a timing diagram illustrating the empty cylinder removal process in the gas container management system 1a of the second embodiment. The empty cylinder removal process involves removing the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70. Assuming that... Figure 16 and Figure 17 When the process begins, the path number to the gas cylinder cabinet 70 selected by the user has been obtained.

[0176] The control unit 103 of the operating terminal 100 controls the communication unit 101 to send a transfer command to the management device 40a, which includes the acquired path number (step S301). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the transfer command sent from the operating terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received transfer command to the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 (step S302).

[0177] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 receives the removal command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received command is information related to removal, the communication control unit 241 outputs the removal command to the travel control unit 26 (step S303).

[0178] The operator opened the door of the gas cylinder cabinet 70, which was to have gas container B replaced. The gas cylinder cabinet 70 opened according to the operator's instructions. After the door was opened, the operator removed the fixing devices, connectors, pipes, etc., from gas container B.

[0179] Based on the hauling command and the route table 251, the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the position of the gas container Be to be replaced in the cylinder cabinet 70, which is the hauling location (step S304). Specifically, the travel control unit 26 refers to the route table 251 to obtain information about the route corresponding to the route number included in the hauling command. Then, the travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 according to the route information, thereby moving the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the position of the gas container Be to be replaced in the cylinder cabinet 70, which is the hauling location.

[0180] After the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the position of the gas container Be to be replaced in the cylinder cabinet 70, which serves as the departure point, it notifies the control unit 24 that the move has been completed. The communication control unit 241 sends a move completion message indicating that the move has been completed to the management device 40a (step S305).

[0181] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the movement completion information sent from the cylinder transport trolley 2-1. The communication unit 41 sends the received movement completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S306).

[0182] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives movement completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the movement completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S307). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 70?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0183] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 should not be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70, the operation terminal 100 terminates processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 70. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a connection instruction to the management device 40a, which includes the instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S308). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the connection instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received connection instruction to the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 (step S309).

[0184] The antenna 16d of the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 receives a connection command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received command is related to connection information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the connection command to the travel control unit 26 (step S310). The travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S311).

[0185] The gas cylinder cabinet 70 confirms that it has been correctly connected to the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 using sensors (step S312). When correctly connected, the gas cylinder cabinet 70 sends a connection completion message to the management device 40a (step S313). Conversely, when not correctly connected, the gas cylinder cabinet 70 sends an error message to the management device 40a indicating an incomplete connection. Here, it is assumed that the gas cylinder cabinet 70 has been correctly connected to the cylinder transport trolley 2-1.

[0186] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives connection completion information sent from the gas cylinder cabinet 70. The communication unit 41 then sends the received connection completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S314).

[0187] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives connection completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the connection completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to remove the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (step S315). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to remove the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to remove the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0188] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the gas container Be to be replaced should not be removed from the gas cylinder cabinet 70, the operation terminal 100 terminates the processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to remove the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a removal instruction to the management device 40a, which includes the instruction to remove the gas container Be to be replaced from the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (step S316). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the removal instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received removal instruction to the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 (step S317).

[0189] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 receives a removal command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received command is related to removal, the communication control unit 241 outputs the removal command to the removal / intake control unit 242. The removal / intake control unit 242 controls the holding mechanism 21 and the sliding drive mechanism 22 to remove the gas container Be to be replaced (step S318). When the removal of the gas container Be to be replaced is complete, the removal / intake control unit 242 notifies the communication control unit 241 that the removal of the gas container Be to be replaced is complete. The communication control unit 241 sends a removal completion message indicating that the removal of the gas container Be to be replaced is complete to the management device 40a (step S319). The completion of the removal of the gas container Be to be replaced can be determined, for example, by the presence of the gas container Be to be replaced on the mounting unit 11.

[0190] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the removal completion information sent from the cylinder handling trolley 2-1. The communication unit 41 then sends the received removal completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S320).

[0191] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives the removal completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the removal completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the removed gas container Be to the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S321). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the removed gas container Be to the cylinder cabinet 60 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to move the removed gas container Be to the cylinder cabinet 60?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0192] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input to prevent the moved-out gas container Be from being moved to the cylinder cabinet 60, the operation terminal 100 terminates the process. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to move the moved-out gas container Be to the cylinder cabinet 60. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to request a list of cylinder cabinets 60 with space for placing the gas container Be from the management device 40a. Through this process, the list of cylinder cabinets 60 with space for placing the gas container Be is obtained from the management device 40a. The control unit 103 displays the list obtained from the management device 40a on the screen of the display unit 104, allowing the user to select the cylinder cabinet 60 as the destination for the moved-out gas container Be.

[0193] Here, it is assumed that the user has selected cylinder cabinet 60 (e.g., cylinder cabinet 60-3) as the destination for the gas container Be to be replaced, which has already been moved out. In this case, the control unit 103 refers to the path information storage unit 105 to obtain the path number corresponding to the current position of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 and the selected cylinder cabinet 60-3 as the destination. Then, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a movement command to the management device 40a, which includes the obtained path number (step S322). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the movement command sent from the operation terminal 100. Afterwards, the communication unit 41 sends the received movement command to the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 (step S323).

[0194] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 receives the movement command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received movement command is information related to movement, the communication control unit 241 outputs the movement command to the driving control unit 26 (step S324).

[0195] Based on the movement command and the path table 251, the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the location of the cylinder cabinet 60-3, which is the destination (step S325). Specifically, the travel control unit 26 refers to the path table 251 to obtain information about the route corresponding to the path number included in the movement command. Then, the travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 according to the route information, thereby moving the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the location of the cylinder cabinet 60-3, which is the destination.

[0196] After the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3, which serves as the receiving location, it notifies the control unit 24 that the movement is complete. The communication control unit 241 sends a movement completion message indicating that the movement is complete to the management device 40a (step S326).

[0197] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the movement completion information sent from the cylinder transport trolley 2-1. The communication unit 41 then sends the received movement completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S327).

[0198] The operator closes the door of gas cylinder cabinet 70, where gas container B has already been replaced. Gas cylinder cabinet 70 closes its door according to the operator's instructions. The operator then opens the door of cylinder cabinet 60-3, the receiving area for the gas container Be to be replaced. Cylinder cabinet 60-3 opens its door according to the operator's instructions.

[0199] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives movement completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the movement completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S328). Specifically, the control unit 103 displays "Do you want to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3?" on the screen of the display unit 44, thereby inquiring whether the user wants to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3.

[0200] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 should not be connected to the cylinder cabinet 60-3, the operation terminal 100 terminates processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a connection instruction to the management device 40a, which includes the instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S329). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the connection instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received connection instruction to the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 (step S330).

[0201] The antenna 16d of the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 receives a connection command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received connection command contains connection-related information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the connection command to the travel control unit 26 (step S331). The travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S332).

[0202] The cylinder cabinet 60-3 confirms its correct connection with the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 using sensors (step S333). When correctly connected, the cylinder cabinet 60-3 sends a connection completion message to the management device 40a (step S334). Conversely, if not correctly connected, the cylinder cabinet 60-3 sends an error message to the management device 40a indicating an incomplete connection. Here, it is assumed that the cylinder cabinet 60-3 and the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 are correctly connected.

[0203] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives connection completion information sent from the cylinder cabinet 60-3. The communication unit 41 sends the received connection completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S335).

[0204] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives connection completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the connection completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S336). Specifically, the control unit 103 displays "Do you want to move the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3?" on the screen of the display unit 104, thereby inquiring whether the user wants to move the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3.

[0205] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the gas container Be to be replaced should not be moved into the cylinder cabinet 60-3, the operation terminal 100 terminates the processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to move the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a moving instruction to the management device 40a, which includes an instruction to move the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S337). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the moving instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received moving instruction to the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 (step S338).

[0206] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-1 receives the loading command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received loading command contains loading-related information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the loading command to the loading / unloading control unit 242. The loading / unloading control unit 242 controls the holding mechanism 21 and the sliding drive mechanism 22 to load the gas container Be to be replaced into the cylinder cabinet 60-3 (step S339). When the loading / unloading control unit 242 has completed the loading of the gas container Be, it notifies the communication control unit 241 that the loading of the gas container Be has been completed. The communication control unit 241 sends loading completion information indicating that the loading of the gas container Be has been completed to the management device 40a (step S340).

[0207] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the loading completion information sent from the cylinder handling trolley 2-1. The communication unit 41 sends the received loading completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S341).

[0208] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives the loading completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the loading completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to end the operation (step S342). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to end the operation by displaying a message such as "Do you want to return the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the receiving position?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0209] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input answers to questions displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction to not end the work is input, the operator operates the operation terminal 100 to continue the work. Here, when the user inputs a movement instruction to end the work and return the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 to the receiving position, the cylinder transport trolley 2-1 moves to the receiving position (area 71-1) according to the movement instruction.

[0210] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a timing diagram illustrating the process of handling the full-bottle loading in the gas container management system 1a according to the second embodiment. The full-bottle loading process involves moving the gas container Bf to be loaded into the gas cylinder cabinet 70. Assuming that in... Figure 18 and Figure 19At the start of the process, the path number to the cylinder cabinet 60 selected by the user has been obtained. The control unit 103 of the operation terminal 100 controls the communication unit 41 to send a removal command to the management device 40a, which includes the obtained path number (step S401). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the removal command sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received removal command to the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 (step S402).

[0211] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 receives the removal command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received removal command is information related to removal, the communication control unit 241 outputs the removal command to the travel control unit 26 (step S403).

[0212] The staff operates the cylinder cabinet 60 to open the door. The cylinder cabinet 60 opens its door according to the staff's operation.

[0213] Based on the transfer command and the route table 251, the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60, which is the transfer point (step S404). Specifically, the travel control unit 26 refers to the route table 251 to obtain information about the route corresponding to the route number included in the transfer command. Then, the travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 according to the route information, thereby moving the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60, which is the transfer point.

[0214] After the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60, which serves as the departure point, it notifies the control unit 24 that the movement is complete. The communication control unit 241 sends a movement completion message indicating that the movement is complete to the management device 40a (step S405).

[0215] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40 receives the movement completion information sent from the cylinder transport trolley 2-2. The communication unit 41 then sends the received movement completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S406).

[0216] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives movement completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the movement completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S407). Specifically, the control unit 103 displays "Do you want to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60?" on the screen of the display unit 104, thereby inquiring whether the user wants to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60.

[0217] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 should not be connected to the cylinder cabinet 60, the operation terminal 100 terminates processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a connection instruction to the management device 40a, which includes the instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S408). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the connection instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received connection instruction to the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 (step S409).

[0218] The antenna 16d of the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 receives a connection command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received connection command contains connection-related information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the connection command to the travel control unit 26 (step S410). The travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S411).

[0219] The cylinder cabinet 60 confirms its correct connection with the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 using sensors (step S412). When correctly connected, the cylinder cabinet 60 sends a connection completion message to the management device 40a (step S413). Conversely, if not correctly connected, the cylinder cabinet 60 sends an error message to the management device 40a indicating an incomplete connection. Here, it is assumed that the cylinder cabinet 60 and the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 are correctly connected.

[0220] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives connection completion information sent from the cylinder cabinet 60. The communication unit 41 then sends the received connection completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S414).

[0221] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives connection completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the connection completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to remove the gas container B from the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S415). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to remove the gas container B from the cylinder cabinet 60 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to remove the gas container B from the cylinder cabinet 60?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0222] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the gas container Bf to be moved into the cylinder cabinet 60 should not be removed, the operation terminal 100 terminates the processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to remove the gas container Bf to be moved into the cylinder cabinet 60. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a removal instruction to the management device 40a, which includes the instruction to remove the gas container Bf to be moved into the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S416). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the removal instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received removal instruction to the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 (step S417).

[0223] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 receives the removal command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received removal command is related to removal, the communication control unit 241 outputs the removal command to the removal / intake control unit 242. The removal / intake control unit 242 controls the holding mechanism 21 and the sliding drive mechanism 22 to remove the gas container Bf to be moved from the cylinder cabinet 60 (step S418). When the removal of the gas container Bf is complete, the removal / intake control unit 242 notifies the communication control unit 241 that the removal of the gas container Bf is complete. The communication control unit 241 sends removal completion information indicating that the removal of the gas container Bf is complete to the management device 40a (step S419). The completion of the removal of the gas container Bf can be determined, for example, by the presence of the gas container Bf on the loading unit 11.

[0224] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the removal completion information sent from the cylinder handling trolley 2-2. The communication unit 41 sends the received removal completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S420).

[0225] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives the move-out completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the move-out completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the moved-out gas container Bf to the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (step S421). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the moved-out gas container Bf to the gas cylinder cabinet 70 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to move the moved-out gas container Bf to the gas cylinder cabinet 70?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0226] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input to prevent the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70, the operation terminal 100 terminates the process. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to move the gas container Bf that has already been moved out into the gas cylinder cabinet 70. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to request a list of gas cylinder cabinets 70 with space for placing the gas container Bf to be moved into the management device 40a. Through this process, the list of gas cylinder cabinets 70 with space for placing the gas container Bf to be moved into the management device 40a is obtained from the management device 40a. The control unit 103 displays the list obtained from the management device 40a on the screen of the display unit 104, allowing the user to select the gas cylinder cabinet 70 as the destination for the gas container Bf that has already been moved out.

[0227] Here, it is assumed that the user has selected the gas cylinder cabinet 70 as the destination for the gas container Bf that has already been moved out. In this case, the control unit 103 refers to the path information storage unit 105 to obtain the path number corresponding to the current position of the gas cylinder transport trolley 2-2 and the selected gas cylinder cabinet 70 as the destination. Then, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a movement command to the management device 40a, which includes the obtained path number (step S422). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the movement command sent from the operation terminal 100. Afterwards, the communication unit 41 sends the received movement command to the gas cylinder transport trolley 2-2 (step S423).

[0228] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 receives the movement command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received movement command is information related to movement, the communication control unit 241 outputs the movement command to the driving control unit 26 (step S424).

[0229] Based on the movement command and the route table 251, the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the location of the cylinder cabinet 70, which is the destination (step S425). Specifically, the travel control unit 26 refers to the route table 251 to obtain route information corresponding to the route number included in the movement command. Then, the travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 according to the route information, thereby moving the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the location of the cylinder cabinet 70, which is the destination.

[0230] After the travel control unit 26 moves the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the location of the cylinder cabinet 70, which serves as the delivery point, it notifies the control unit 24 that the move has been completed. The communication control unit 241 sends a move completion message indicating that the move has been completed to the management device 40a (step S426).

[0231] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the movement completion information sent from the cylinder transport trolley 2-2. The communication unit 41 sends the received movement completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S427).

[0232] The operator closes the door of cylinder cabinet 60, which has already been used to move the gas container Bf into the storage area. Cylinder cabinet 60 closes its door according to the operator's instructions. The operator then opens the door of cylinder cabinet 70, which is now the storage area for the gas container Bf. Cylinder cabinet 70 opens its door according to the operator's instructions.

[0233] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives movement completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the movement completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S428). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 should be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 70?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0234] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 should not be connected to the cylinder cabinet 70, the operation terminal 100 terminates processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 70. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a connection instruction to the management device 40a to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S429). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the connection instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received connection instruction to the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 (step S430).

[0235] The antenna 16d of the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 receives a connection command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received connection command contains connection-related information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the connection command to the travel control unit 26 (step S431). The travel control unit 26 controls the wheels 13 to connect the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S432).

[0236] The gas cylinder cabinet 70 confirms that it has been correctly connected to the gas cylinder transport trolley 2-2 using sensors (step S433). When correctly connected, the gas cylinder cabinet 70 sends a connection completion message to the management device 40a (step S434). Conversely, if not correctly connected, the gas cylinder cabinet 70 sends an error message to the management device 40a indicating an incomplete connection. Here, it is assumed that the gas cylinder cabinet 70 has been correctly connected to the gas cylinder transport trolley 2-2.

[0237] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives connection completion information sent from the gas cylinder cabinet 70. The communication unit 41 sends the received connection completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S435).

[0238] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives connection completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the connection completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (step S436). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70 by displaying a message such as "Do you want to move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0239] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input an answer to a question displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction is input that the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70 is not to be moved, the operation terminal 100 terminates the processing. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to move the gas container Bf to be moved into the gas cylinder cabinet 70. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send a moving instruction to the management device 40a, which includes an instruction to move the gas container B into the gas cylinder cabinet 70 (step S437). The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the moving instruction sent from the operation terminal 100. Then, the communication unit 41 sends the received moving instruction to the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 (step S438).

[0240] The antenna 16d of the cylinder handling trolley 2-2 receives the loading command sent from the management device 40a. Since the received loading command contains loading-related information, the communication control unit 241 outputs the loading command to the loading / unloading control unit 242. The loading / unloading control unit 242 controls the holding mechanism 21 and the sliding drive mechanism 22 to load the gas container Bf to be loaded into the cylinder cabinet 70 (step S439). When the loading of the gas container Bf is completed, the loading / unloading control unit 242 notifies the communication control unit 241 that the loading of the gas container Bf is complete. The communication control unit 241 sends loading completion information indicating that the loading of the gas container Bf is complete to the management device 40a (step S440).

[0241] The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the loading completion information sent from the cylinder handling trolley 2-2. The communication unit 41 then sends the received loading completion information to the operation terminal 100 (step S441).

[0242] The communication unit 101 of the operating terminal 100 receives the loading completion information sent from the management device 40a. Based on the loading completion information received by the communication unit 101, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to end the operation (step S442). Specifically, the control unit 103 inquires whether the user wants to end the operation by displaying a message such as "Do you want to return the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to the receiving position?" on the screen of the display unit 104.

[0243] The user operates the operation unit 102 to input answers to questions displayed on the screen of the display unit 104. When an instruction to not end the work is input, the operator operates the operation terminal 100 to continue the work. Here, when the user inputs a movement instruction to end the work and return the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 to its original position, the cylinder transport trolley 2-2 moves to the receiving position (area 71-2) according to the movement instruction.

[0244] According to the gas container management system 1a configured in the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0245] Furthermore, the gas container management system 1a includes: a control device (operation terminal 100, management device 40a) that controls the operation of a transport trolley (cylinder transport trolley 2); and a transport trolley that, according to the control instructions of the control device, transports the gas container B and slides the gas container B between the placement section 11 holding the gas container B and the transfer point of the gas container B, thereby automatically performing the transfer of the gas container B. Thus, the transport trolley automatically performs the transport, transfer, and entry of the gas container B according to the instructions of the control device. Therefore, the user only needs to operate the control device to send instructions to the transport trolley, without having to move the gas container B to the transfer point or the entry point. Therefore, the transport, transfer, and entry of the gas container B can be easily performed.

[0246] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0247] The operating terminal 100 and the cylinder handling trolley 2 can also be configured to communicate directly without going through the management device 40a. The operating terminal 100 and the cylinder cabinet 70 can also be configured to communicate directly without going through the management device 40a. The operating terminal 100 and the cylinder cabinet 60 can also be configured to communicate directly without going through the management device 40a.

[0248] In the above embodiment, a structure is shown in which the handling, removal, and loading of the cylinder transport trolley 2 are controlled by an operator operating the control terminal 100. However, it can also be configured so that the handling, removal, and loading of the cylinder transport trolley 2 are controlled by an operator operating the management device 40a. In this case, the management device 40a, like the control terminal 100, has a path information storage unit 105.

[0249] The path information storage unit 105 may also be provided by a device other than the operating terminal 100. For example, the path information storage unit 105 may be provided by the management device 40a. In this case, the operating terminal 100 may not have the path information storage unit 105. Furthermore, the device storing the path information storage unit 105 sends a command signal to the cylinder transport trolley 2. An example is given below. Suppose the user selects the gas container Be to be replaced at the destination in the area displayed on the operating terminal 100. In this case, the control unit 103 controls the communication unit 101 to send command information to the management device 40a, setting the selected gas container Be as the destination. The communication unit 101, under the control of the control unit 103, sends command information to the management device 40a, setting the gas container Be as the destination. The communication unit 41 of the management device 40a receives the command information sent from the operating terminal 100. The control unit 45 refers to the path information storage unit 105 to obtain the path number from the current position of the cylinder transport trolley 2 to the gas container Be to be replaced, which is included in the instruction information. Then, the communication unit 41 sends an instruction containing the obtained path number to the cylinder transport trolley 2.

[0250] The cylinder cabinets 60 and 70 can automatically open and close based on information sent from the cylinder transport trolley 2. For example, when the cylinder cabinets 60 and 70 receive a signal from the cylinder transport trolley 2 indicating that the door should be opened, they automatically open the door. Similarly, when the cylinder cabinets 60 and 70 receive a signal from the cylinder transport trolley 2 indicating that the door should be closed, they automatically close the door. This control is achieved through the control boxes provided in the cylinder cabinets 60 and 70.

[0251] (Third Implementation)

[0252] Gas container B requires a certain amount of time from ordering to delivery (delivery period). Therefore, the following scenario is considered: if an order is placed after the remaining amount of gas in gas container B is less than a threshold, then inventory shortages will occur until a new gas container B is delivered. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a structure that performs appropriate inventory management based on the consumption trend of gas container B, in addition to the above structure, will be described. The basic system structure is the same as in the first or second embodiment. The difference between the first and second embodiments lies in the structure of the management device. Therefore, in the following description, only the difference will be explained.

[0253] Figure 20This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management device 40b in the third embodiment. The management device 40b includes a CPU, memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., connected via a bus, and executes a control program. By executing the control program, the management device 40b functions as a device comprising a communication unit 41, an operation unit 42, a storage unit 43b, a display unit 44, and a control unit 45b. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the management device 40b can be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Additionally, the control program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such media include removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, or storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the control program can also be transmitted and received via electrical communication lines.

[0254] Storage unit 43b contains storage container table 431, management table 432, gas usage information 434, and prediction model 435. Gas usage information 434 indicates the remaining amount of each gas container B for each type of gas currently in use in gas cylinder cabinet 70 for the number of days.

[0255] The prediction model 435 is trained to output an estimated date when the amount of gas filled in gas container B becomes less than a threshold, based on gas usage information 434. The prediction model 435 is stored in the storage unit 43b according to each gas type.

[0256] The control unit 45b controls the operation of the management device 40b. Based on the gas consumption forecast obtained through the prediction model 435, the inventory information of gas container B, and the delivery time required for gas container B, the control unit 45b determines whether the gas ordering conditions are met. When the gas ordering conditions are met, it outputs a prompt to order gas container B. The inventory information of gas container B can be calculated based on the container table 431. For example, the control unit 45b calculates the unused gas containers B registered in the container table 431 as the inventory quantity of gas container B. The control unit 45b can also, for example, determine that the gas containers B registered in the container table 431 that are stored in the cylinder cabinet 60 are unused. The gas ordering conditions are the conditions used to determine whether to order gas container B, such as: the inventory of gas container B on the estimated date (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated date") is less than a threshold. Furthermore, in practice, it is desirable to meet the above conditions while being able to deliver gas container B before the estimated date. The control unit 45b trains the prediction model 435 based on the gas usage information 434.

[0257] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the ordering process performed by the management device 40b in the third embodiment. The ordering process is the process of ordering gas container B. Figure 21 The processing is carried out within the specified time. For example, Figure 21 The processing can be executed at a pre-defined time or when the user gives an instruction.

[0258] Control unit 45b selects a gas type (step S501). For example, when a user gives an instruction, control unit 45b selects a gas type chosen by the user. When the user selects multiple gas types, control unit 45b randomly selects one. Furthermore, when execution is scheduled at a predetermined time, control unit 45b randomly selects a gas type.

[0259] The control unit 45b obtains gas usage information 434 and a prediction model 435 corresponding to the selected gas type from the storage unit 43b. Then, the control unit 45b obtains an estimated date by inputting the obtained gas usage information 434 into the prediction model 435 (step S502). The control unit 45b obtains inventory information of gas container B corresponding to the selected gas type from the container table 431 (step S503). Furthermore, the control unit 45b obtains delivery date information for gas container B corresponding to the selected gas type (step S504). The delivery date information for gas container B corresponding to the gas type can be pre-stored by the management device 40b or included in necessary information sent from the communication device 30.

[0260] Based on the acquired gas consumption forecast, the inventory information of gas container B, and the delivery time required for gas container B, control unit 45b determines whether the gas ordering conditions are met (step S505). When the gas ordering conditions are met (step S505 - Yes), control unit 45b displays a prompt to order gas container B on display unit 44 (step S506). At this time, in addition to whether an order is needed, control unit 45b can also include information such as the inventory quantity of gas container B and how many days it will take for the inventory quantity to fall below a threshold, and display this information on display unit 44 as a prompt to order gas container B. Control unit 45b determines whether an intention to order has been entered (step S507). When an intention to order has been entered (step S507 - Yes), control unit 45b orders the corresponding gas container B (step S508). Control unit 45b determines whether the termination conditions are met (step S509). Termination conditions are used to end the order processing. For example, it could be that the user inputs a command to end the order, or it could be that the gas order conditions have been checked for all types of gas, or it could be that the gas order conditions have been checked a specified number of times.

[0261] When the termination condition is met (step S509 - Yes), the control unit 45b terminates the order processing.

[0262] On the other hand, if the termination condition (step S509 - No) is not met, the control unit 45b executes the processing after step S501.

[0263] If the gas ordering conditions are not met in step S505 (step S505 - No), or if an intention not to order is entered in step S507 (step S507 - No), the control unit 45b determines whether the termination condition is met (step S509).

[0264] The gas container management system according to the third embodiment configured as described above can achieve the same effects as the first or second embodiment.

[0265] Furthermore, in the gas container management system of the third embodiment, gas consumption prediction is combined with the inventory information of gas container B to prompt the ordering of gas container B. This allows administrators to be notified of the need to order gas container B before it becomes insufficient. Thus, the gas container management system of the third embodiment allows for convenient management of gas container B.

[0266] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0267] The control unit 45b can also be configured to display the consumption prediction result of the gas container B selected by the user on the display unit 44. When configured in this way, the control unit 45b uses the gas usage information 434 corresponding to the gas container B selected by the user as the input to the prediction model 435.

[0268] This allows the system to provide users with consumption predictions for a specific gas container B.

[0269] The control unit 45b can also be configured to automatically order gas container B when the gas ordering conditions are met. When configured in this way, the control unit 45b compares the inventory quantity of gas container B when the gas ordering conditions are met with a pre-defined inventory quantity. Then, the control unit 45b automatically orders gas container B by the number of units that are insufficient relative to the pre-defined inventory quantity.

[0270] (Common variations of the first to third embodiments)

[0271] Management devices 40, 40a, and 40b can be configured to manage gas containers B at multiple facilities using a single device. When configured in this way, network 80 is configured using the Internet. Furthermore, management devices 40, 40a, and 40b collect information transmitted by communication device 30, gas cylinder cabinet 60, and gas cylinder cabinet 70 from multiple facilities. The specific processing after collection is the same as in any of the first to third embodiments.

[0272] The communication device 30 can also acquire shooting data from other devices. For example, the communication device 30 can be configured to acquire shooting data from the shooting device and use the acquired shooting data to perform image analysis. When configured in this way, the communication device 30 may not have the function of shooting tag 3.

[0273] In the above embodiments, a structure is shown where the communication device 30 photographs the tag 3 of the delivered gas container B to obtain container information, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the delivered gas container B has a tag that converts container information into code information (e.g., a barcode or a QR code) and prints it, the communication device 30 obtains the container information by reading the code information.

[0274] The gas containers B stored in the cylinder cabinet 60 and gas cylinder cabinet 70 can also be configured with recording media other than the electronic tag 90. For example, the gas container B can be affixed with a label that converts the information sent from the management devices 40, 40a, and 40b into code information (e.g., a barcode or QR code) and printed. When configured in this way, the gas container management system 1 can have a printing device instead of the writing device 50, which can print labels with printed code information. In this case, a reading device capable of reading the code information printed on the label is provided, serving as the reading device 61 for the cylinder cabinet 60 and the reading device 71 for the gas cylinder cabinet 70.

[0275] The writing device 50 can also obtain specific information from the communication device 30. When configured in this way, the communication device 30 sends necessary and specific information to the management devices 40, 40a, and 40b, and also sends the specific information to the writing device 50. In this case, the specific information can be automatically generated in the communication device 30, or user-input information can be used as the specific information.

[0276] Control units 45, 45a, and 45b can be configured to display information about the gas container B that has exceeded its shelf life on the screen of display unit 44.

[0277] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments and also includes designs that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container management system, comprising: A recording device that records specific information into a recording medium, the specific information being based on container information and capable of identifying a gas container supplied by multiple different suppliers, the container information being obtained by using text recognition technology to read information related to the gas container, such as container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date, from multiple pieces of information recorded on a label printed in text and pre-assigned to the gas container; Multiple storage containers for storing the gas containers, the gas containers being configured with the recording medium; and The management device maintains information relating to the plurality of storage compartments and specific information relating to the gas containers stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments.

2. The container management system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of storage compartments are equipped with a unit for acquiring the specific information. The management device maintains the specific information acquired by the acquisition unit and information related to the storage library of the acquisition unit that has acquired the specific information.

3. The container management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the management device does not obtain the specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse within a specified period, it determines that the gas container has been removed from the storage warehouse and deletes the specific information corresponding to the storage warehouse.

4. The container management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Further comprising: an information acquisition device for acquiring container information from the gas container. The information acquisition device sends the information about the gas container that is commonly assigned to the gas container among the gas suppliers to the management device. The management device may send part or all of the information sent from the information acquisition device as the specific information to the recording device, or may convert the information sent from the information acquisition device into a prescribed form and send it as the specific information to the recording device.

5. The container management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The management device further controls the operation of the transport trolley used to move, remove, and load the gas container. The container management system further includes: a transport trolley, which transports the gas container according to the control command of the management device, and slides the gas container between the placement part on which the gas container is placed and the place where the gas container is moved out and moved in, so as to automatically move the gas container out and in.

6. The container management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Part of the storage area is a gas cylinder cabinet. The management device uses a model to predict gas consumption. The model is trained to output an estimated date when the amount of gas filled in the gas container becomes less than a threshold, based on the consumption of the gas containers used in the gas cylinder cabinet.

7. The container management system according to claim 6, wherein, The management device determines whether the gas ordering conditions are met based on gas consumption forecasts, gas container inventory information, and the delivery time of the gas containers. When the gas ordering conditions are met, it automatically orders the gas containers or outputs a prompt to order.

8. A container management device, comprising: An acquisition unit acquires information and specific information related to multiple storage containers, the specific information being based on container information and capable of identifying gas containers supplied by multiple different suppliers. The container information is obtained by using text recognition technology to read information related to the gas container, such as container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date, from multiple pieces of information printed on a label pre-assigned to the gas container. The multiple storage containers house the gas containers, and each gas container is equipped with a recording medium storing the specific information. The storage unit stores the acquired information related to the multiple storage bins and the specific information accordingly.

9. A container management method, wherein, Specific information is recorded in a recording medium. This specific information is based on container information and can identify the gas container, which is supplied by multiple different suppliers. The container information is obtained by using text recognition technology to read information related to the gas container, such as container number, gas name, gas concentration, shelf life, filling quantity, and manufacturing date, from multiple pieces of information printed in text and pre-assigned to the gas container. Information relating to multiple storage containers and the specific information is maintained in correspondence, the multiple storage containers housing the gas container, the gas container being configured with the recording medium.

Images