Work equipment

Abstract

To provide work equipment that comprises a work support device which is easily enhanced in work efficiency.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to work equipment 10 comprising an article arrangement device 20 and a work support device 30, wherein the work support device 30 comprises a display member 32, a support member 31 supporting the display member 32, and a projection device, and the display member 32 is arranged adjacently at least in part to an article arrangement region A1 when viewed from a font side X1, and also comprises a fixed part 32s fixed to the support member 31, and a flexible part 32t arranged extending from the fixed part 32s to the side of the article arrangement region A1 and has flexibility in a depth direction X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work facility equipped with an item placement device and a work support device. [Background technology]

[0002] A work facility equipped with a work support device is known. JP 2012-162376 A (Patent Document 1) describes a work facility equipped with a work support device (work list issuing machine 18) that issues a work list describing the type and quantity of items to store items from an item placement device (item storage shelf 1) into an item storage container (U) on a manual work cart (20), and supports the target work of a worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-162376 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described work facility, when a worker retrieves an item from an item placement device, the worker needs to check the details in the work list issued by the work support device. Patent Document 1 does not specifically describe how the worker should check, but it is conceivable that the worker may visually check the details in the work list. In such a case, the worker needs to visually check the work list to confirm the type of item, etc., and then search for and retrieve the corresponding item from the item placement device. Furthermore, when the worker wants to confirm whether the item has been retrieved according to the work list, the worker needs to visually check the work list against the item. This has limited the improvement of work efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a work facility equipped with a work support device that can easily improve work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The work equipment disclosed herein is a work equipment comprising: an item placement device having an item placement area in which items are placed; and a work support device that provides work support to a worker who works on the items placed in the item placement area from the front side of the item placement device, wherein the work support device comprises a display member having a display surface facing the front side, a support member that supports the display member, and a projection device that projects a support image, which is an image for the work support, onto the display surface, and the display member is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to the item placement area when viewed from the front side, and the direction connecting the front side and the rear side of the item placement device is the depth direction, and the display member comprises a fixed portion fixed to the support member and a flexible portion that is arranged to extend from the fixed portion toward the item placement area and has flexibility in the depth direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, the display member includes a fixed portion fixed to the support member and a flexible portion arranged to extend from the fixed portion toward the item placement area, so that the display member, which includes a display surface onto which the support image is projected, can be brought closer to the item placement area. This makes it possible to display the support image near the item placement area, making it easier to improve the visibility of the support image for the worker. Furthermore, the flexible portion arranged to extend from the mounting portion toward the item placement area is configured to bend in the depth direction. This makes it easier to reduce the display member's interference with the worker's movements to work on items placed in the item placement area. This, in turn, makes it easier to improve work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a work facility according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the article placement device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the article placement device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the display member of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detection area of ​​the work support device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the work equipment 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a work facility 10. The work facility 10 is equipped with an item placement device 20. The item placement device 20 has an item placement area A1 set therein in which items W are placed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the item placement area A1 of the item placement device 20. In this embodiment, the item placement device 20 has multiple item placement areas A1 set therein in which items W are respectively placed, but only one item placement area A1 may be set in the item placement device 20. Examples of the items W include food, clothing, containers, electrical appliances, parts, etc. The items W may be placed directly in the item placement area A1, or a container containing the items W may be placed therein. Examples of the container include cardboard boxes and resin boxes. Examples of the item placement device 20 include transport devices such as conveyors, storage shelves, support tables, etc.

[0011] Here, the direction connecting the front side X1 of the item placement device 20 and the back side X2 of the item placement device 20 is defined as the depth direction X. In this embodiment, the depth direction X is a direction that intersects with the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the depth direction X when viewed from the vertical direction is defined as the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the depth direction X is a horizontal direction.

[0012] The multiple item placement areas A1 are set to be aligned along a predetermined arrangement direction. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction is the same as the width direction Y, but the arrangement direction may be the same as the depth direction X or the up-down direction Z. In this embodiment, the width direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the extension direction T (see FIG. 3) of the flexible portion 32t described later.

[0013] The item placement device 20 is a shelf having a plurality of support parts 22 lined up in the vertical direction Z. An item placement area A1 is set in each of the plurality of support parts 22. In this embodiment, a plurality of item placement areas A1 are set in each of the plurality of support parts 22 so as to be lined up along an arrangement direction (width direction Y) along the horizontal direction. The item placement device 20 has a support surface 20a that supports the item W in the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the upper surface of each of the plurality of support parts 22 is the support surface 20a that supports the item W, but the item W may also be supported on the underside Z2 of the support part 22.

[0014] In this embodiment, the support surface 20a that supports the articles W in the article placement area A1 is inclined downward Z2 as it approaches the front side X1. The support surface 20a may be a virtual surface on the support portion 22 that is configured with multiple rollers and multiple grooves. The support portion 22 can support multiple articles W so that they are lined up in the depth direction X.

[0015] 1, the item placement device 20 is provided with an opening 23 through which an item W can be inserted from the rear side X2 onto the upper surface of the support section 22. The item placement device 20 is provided with a stopper 24 that stops the item W placed on the item placement area A1 from moving toward the front side X1. The item W placed on the upper surface of the support section 22 from the opening 23 moves to the front side X1 by, for example, gravity or a push-out device, and stops in the item placement area A1 upon contact with the stopper 24.

[0016] The work equipment 10 is equipped with a work support device 30 that provides work support to a worker 12. The work support device 30 provides work support to the worker 12 who is working on items W placed in the item placement area A1. The work on the items W is performed by the worker 12 from the front side X1 of the item placement device 20. Examples of work on the items W include work to remove items W from the item placement area A1, work to put items W into the item placement area A1, work to remove items W from multiple item placement areas A1 (picking work), work to put items W into multiple item placement areas A1 (sorting work), work to remove items W from multiple item placement areas A1 and collect them into a container, work to remove multiple items W from one item placement area A1 and separate and put them into multiple containers, work to remove items W from the item placement area A1 and perform processing, etc.

[0017] A work area A5 where the worker 12 works and a conveying device 28 are arranged on the front side X1 of the work equipment 10. The item W on which the worker 12 has worked is transported to its destination by the conveying device 28. The conveying device 28 is provided in the work equipment 10. In this embodiment, the conveying device 28 is a transport conveyor, with one side Y1 in the width direction Y being the upstream side and the other side Y2 being the downstream side.

[0018] The work support device 30 includes a support member 31 and a display member 32. The support member 31 supports the display member 32. In this embodiment, the support member 31 is fixed to the item placement device 20, but it may be fixed to a member separate from the item placement device 20. Examples of the support member 31 include part of a pillar of a shelf or building, part of a beam of a shelf or building, part or all of a shelf frame of a shelf, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the surface of the support member 31 facing the back side X2 is the stop portion 24 described above, and the surface of the support member 31 facing the front side X1 is the mounting portion 37 described below.

[0019] The display member 32 is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to the item placement area A1 when viewed from the front side X1. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the display member 32 is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the item placement area A1 when viewed from the front side X1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a support image D1. The display member 32 has a display surface 35 facing the front side X1. A support image D1, which is an image for supporting work, is projected onto the display surface 35. The display surface 35 is a surface extending along the arrangement direction. The display surface 35 is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to the item placement area A1 when viewed from the front side X1. In this embodiment, the display surface 35 is arranged so that it is adjacent to or overlaps with multiple item placement areas A1. In the example shown, the display surface 35 is arranged so that a portion thereof overlaps with the item placement area A1 when viewed from the front side X1. In the example shown, a portion of the display surface 35 is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the item placement area A1 when viewed from the front side X1.

[0021] The display member 32 includes a fixed portion 32s fixed to the support member 31. The display member 32 includes a flexible portion 32t that is flexible in the depth direction X. The flexible portion 32t is arranged to extend from the fixed portion 32s toward the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the extending direction T of the flexible portion 32t is the up-down direction Z, but it may also be the depth direction X or the width direction Y. In the illustrated example, the flexible portion 32t is arranged to extend from the fixed portion 32s downward Z2.

[0022] The fixed portion 32s may be made of the same material as the flexible portion 32t, or may be made of a different material. For example, a member made of the same material as the support member 31 and integral with the support member 31 may function as the fixed portion 32s of the display member 32. For example, the support member 31 may be a pillar or beam of a storage shelf, and the fixed portion 32s of the display member 32 may be a shelf frame of the storage shelf.

[0023] 1, the display member 32 includes a flexible sheet-like member 36. Examples of the sheet-like member 36 include a synthetic resin sheet, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, etc. The sheet-like member 36 may be a part of the display member 32, or the sheet-like member 36 may be the display member 32.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 31 has an attachment portion 37 to which the sheet-like member 36 is attached. The attachment portion 37 is arranged to face the front side X1. Examples of the attachment portion 37 include a fastening portion, a fitting portion, an adhesive surface, a hook surface of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the like provided on the support member 31. The attachment portion 37 may be a flat surface facing the front side X1, or may be an arc-shaped surface facing the front side X1. The attachment portion 37 and the fixed portion 32s are fixed by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0025] The flexible portion 32t is a part of the sheet-like member 36. In this embodiment, the flexible portion 32t is a portion of the sheet-like member 36 that extends away from the mounting portion 37. The fixed portion 32s is a part of the sheet-like member 36. The fixed portion 32s is a portion of the sheet-like member 36 that is in contact with and fixed to the mounting portion 37. The flexible portion 32t is a portion that does not contact the mounting portion 37. The length of the flexible portion 32t in the extending direction T may be the same length for the multiple stages of support portions 22 of the item placement device 20, or may be different lengths from each other.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the display member 32. The flexible portion 32t has a notch 39 formed along the extension direction T of the flexible portion 32t from the fixed portion 32s toward the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 32s does not have the notch 39, but the fixed portion 32s may have the notch 39. In this embodiment, the notch 39 is parallel to the extension direction T of the flexible portion 32t, but may have a direction inclined at an angle between -20 degrees and +20 degrees with respect to the extension direction T. Examples of the width of the notch 39 include approximately zero, 5 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 20 mm or less, and 50 mm or less. As such, the notch 39 may be linear or strip-shaped (slit-shaped).

[0027] The display surface 35 of the display member 32 may be provided on both the fixed portion 32s and the flexible portion 32t, or on only one of them. In this embodiment, the display surface 35 is provided across the fixed portion 32s and the flexible portion 32t. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the display surface 35 provided on the fixed portion 32s is inclined so as to approach the front side X1 as it approaches the lower side Z2.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the work support device 30 is equipped with a projection device 41 that projects support images D1, which are images for work support, onto the display surface 35. In this embodiment, the projection device 41 projects the same number of support images D1 as the item placement areas A1. In this embodiment, one support image D1 corresponds to one item placement area A1. In other words, one support image D1 is an image for work support for one item placement area A1. The projection device 41 projects the support image D1 onto the display surface 35 of the display member 32 from an upper side Z1 above the item placement area A1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the projection device 41 projects the support image D1 from the front side X1 onto the display surface 35, but may also be a projection device that projects the support image D1 from the rear side X2 onto the display surface 35. Examples of the projection device 41 include a CRT projector, a light valve projector, a liquid crystal projector, and a laser projector.

[0030] The support image D1 includes location identification information that identifies the item placement area A1 where the worker 12 will work from among the multiple item placement areas A1. The projection device 41 projects at least a portion of the portion of the support image D1 that represents the location identification information onto the flexible part 32t. In this embodiment, the projection device 41 projects a location identification image that represents the location identification information onto the fixed part 32s and the flexible part 32t. At least a portion of the location identification image is displayed below the instruction content information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the entire support image D1 is location identification information that identifies the item placement area A1 where the worker 12 will work.

[0031] Examples of the location identification image include figures, numbers, letters, and images of the appearance of the item W. The location identification image may have different figures, colors, blinking speeds, etc. depending on whether the number of items W placed in the item placement area A1 is one or multiple. This reduces the chance of the worker 12 making a mistake by only performing work on one item W despite receiving work instructions for multiple items W.

[0032] The projection device 41 projects support images D1, which are images for supporting work corresponding to each of the multiple item placement areas A1, onto display surfaces 35 provided corresponding to the multiple item placement areas A1. In this embodiment, one display surface 35 is provided corresponding to the multiple item placement areas A1 lined up in the arrangement direction. Multiple support images D1 are projected onto this single display surface 35.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a detection area A2 detected by the detection device 42. The work support device 30 is equipped with the detection device 42. The detection device 42 detects the movement of the worker 12 relative to the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the detection device 42 detects the movement of the worker 12 passing through a detection area A2 set corresponding to the item placement area A1. The movement of the worker 12 detected by the detection device 42 may be the movement of the worker's 12's arms, head, legs, tools held by the worker 12, etc. The detection area A2 may be an area formed by a plurality of detection lines or may be a detection surface. The shape (e.g., dimensions, arrangement, etc.) of the detection area A2 may be changed depending on the dimensions of the item W placed in the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the detection device 42 detects a part of the body of the worker 12 passing through the detection area A2. Note that the detection device 42 may be configured to detect contact with the detection area A2 instead of passage through the detection area A2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the detection device 42 is a device that acquires three-dimensional information and detects the movement of the worker 12, but it may also be a device that detects the movement of the worker 12 by performing image processing on two-dimensional or three-dimensional images captured by an image sensor. Examples of the detection device 42 include a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, a range sensor, an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a sound sensor, and a contact-type displacement sensor.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the detection area A2 is set closer to the front side X1 than the article W placed in the corresponding item placement area A1. The detection area A2 may include the entire flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1. At least a portion of the detection area A2 is set between the flexible portion 32t and the stopping portion 24 when viewed in the depth direction. At least a portion of the detection area A2 is set so as to overlap with the display surface 35 when viewed in the depth direction. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the detection area A2 is set so as to be closer to the front side X1 than the flexible portion 32t when viewed in the up-down direction and so as to overlap with the flexible portion 32t when viewed in the depth direction.

[0036] 4 and 5, at least a part of the detection area A2 is set to overlap with the flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1. In this embodiment, the item placement device 20 is a shelf having multiple tiers of support portions 22 lined up in the vertical direction Z, and the detection area A2 set corresponding to the item placement area A1 set in at least the uppermost support portion 22 is set to overlap with the flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1.

[0037] At least a portion of the detection area A2 is set below the flexible portion 32t on the Z2 side as viewed from the front side X1. Also, at least a portion of the detection area A2 is set above the item W or the item placement area A1 on the Z1 side as viewed from the front side X1. In this embodiment, the item placement device 20 is a shelf having multiple tiers of support units 22 arranged in the vertical direction Z, and the detection area A2 set corresponding to the item placement area A1 set on at least the lowest support unit 22 is set below the Z2 side of the flexible portion 32t as viewed from the front side X1. In this way, it is possible to easily detect the movement of the worker 12 even on a support unit 22 on the lowest tier or the like where there is a high possibility that the worker 12 will touch the item W from above Z1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the work assistance device 30 is provided with a sound wave output device 43 that outputs audible sounds. Examples of the sound wave output device 43 include a speaker, a chime, etc. In this embodiment, the projection device 41 and the sound wave output device 43 are provided integrally in the input / output device 45.

[0039] 3, one item placement area A1 set on the support part 22 is defined as a target area A1m, and the display member 32 corresponding to the target area A1m is defined as a target display member 32m. A support image D1 for work on the item W placed in the target area A1m is displayed on the display surface 35 of the target display member 32m.

[0040] The flexible portion 32t of the target display member 32m is disposed so as to extend downward Z2 from the fixed portion 32s. The fixed portion 32s of the target display member 32m is fixed to a target support member 31m, which is a support member 31 corresponding to the target area A1m.

[0041] The target support member 31m is the support portion 22 adjacent to the upper side Z1 of the target area A1m. The support portion 22 adjacent to the upper side Z1 of the target area A1m includes the stop portion 24 and the attachment portion 37 shown in FIG.

[0042] 3, the target support member 31m is a support section 22 adjacent to the upper side Z1 of the target area A1m, and is a different support section 22 from the support section 22 that supports the item W in the target area A1m. The target support member 31m is a support section 22 one step above the support section 22 that supports the item W in the target area A1m.

[0043] In this embodiment, the target area A1m, which has the support section 22 adjacent to the upper side Z1 as the target support member 31m, is set for each of the multiple support sections 22, but may be set for only one support section 22. In this embodiment, the target area A1m is an item placement area A1 set for the support section 22 of a section other than the top section. In this embodiment, the support member 31 corresponding to the item placement area A1 set for the support section 22 of the top section supports a display member 32, but does not support an item W.

[0044] 3, the work support device 30 has a special display screen 53 on which an image different from that on the display screen 35 is displayed. The image displayed on the special display screen 53 may be projected by a projection device 41 or may be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The image displayed on the special display screen 53 includes a button image D2 for the worker 12 to give instructions to the work support device 30. Examples of instructions to the work support device 30 include a request to replenish the item W, a request for help, a call for a manager, an emergency stop, etc.

[0045] The special display surface 53 is positioned on the upper side Z1 of the display surface 35 of the display member 32 corresponding to the item placement area A1 set on the uppermost support section 22. In this embodiment, the support member 31 corresponding to the item placement area A1 set on the uppermost support section 22 supports the special display member 52 equipped with the special display surface 53. Examples of the special display member 52 include a plate supported on the support member 31 or support section 22, part of a pillar of a shelf or building, part of a beam of a shelf or building, part of a shelf frame, a display device supported on a shelf or building, etc.

[0046] The special display screen 53 is disposed at an end of the item placement device 20 in the width direction Y. The special display screen 53 is disposed at an end of the upper side Z1 of the item placement device 20. The special display screen 53 is disposed adjacent to the display screen 35. In this embodiment, an image indicating whether or not a location-specifying image is displayed on each shelf is projected onto the special display screen 53 disposed at an end on one side Y1 in the width direction Y. In this manner, the presence of a location-specifying image on the other side Y2 in the width direction Y can be recognized by visually checking the one side Y1 in the width direction Y, thereby reducing the risk of overlooking the location-specifying image and reducing the time spent searching for it, thereby improving work efficiency. In the illustrated example, the special display screen 53 is disposed at an end on the upstream side of the item placement device 20 in the conveying direction of the conveying device 28. In the illustrated example, the special display screen 53 is a surface facing downstream in the conveying direction of the conveying device 28.

[0047] Although not shown, the work equipment 10 may be equipped with multiple item placement devices 20, or may be equipped with only one item placement device 20. The multiple item placement devices 20 are equipped in the work equipment 10 so as to be lined up, for example, in the depth direction X or width direction Y. The multiple item placement devices 20 are arranged, for example, so that one item placement device 20 corresponds to one projection device 41 or one detection device 42. In this embodiment, one projection device 41 displays one or more support images D1 on each of multiple display members 32 lined up in the vertical direction Z. In the example shown, one display member 32 is arranged from one end to the other end of one item placement device 20 in the arrangement direction (width direction Y).

[0048] Returning to FIG. 1 , the work support device 30 includes a control system 70. The control system 70 controls a projection device 41, a detection device 42, and a sound wave output device 43. The control system 70 includes a control device having an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main storage device accessible by the arithmetic processing device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device is realized by cooperation between hardware included in the control device and a program executed on the hardware, such as the arithmetic processing device. In this embodiment, the control device (specifically, the arithmetic processing device included in the control device) functions as a "computer." The control device may be a host control device installed in a control facility (not shown). For example, if the control device includes multiple pieces of hardware separated so as to be able to communicate with each other, some of the hardware may be included in the input / output device 45, and the remaining hardware may be installed in a control facility (not shown). For example, the control device may be a tablet PC, or part of the control device may be installed in the tablet PC.

[0049] The control system 70 is configured to be able to execute a "work support mode" that provides work support to the worker. In the work support mode, the support image D1 includes "instruction content information" that indicates the content of work instructions for the worker 12. Examples of instruction content information include the name of the item W, an image of the item W, a product identification code such as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), letters (numbers) that indicate the work quantity such as the amount of item W to be taken out or the amount of item W to be put in, and an identification code that indicates the type of item.

[0050] The projection device 41 projects at least a portion of the portion of the support image D1 that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed unit 32s. In this embodiment, the projection device 41 projects 80% or more or 90% or more of the portion of the support image D1 that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed unit 32s. In this embodiment, the projection device 41 projects the portion of the support image D1 that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed unit 32s and the flexible unit 32t.

[0051] In the work support mode, the control system 70 projects a support image D1 corresponding to the item placement area A1 in which the item W to be worked on by the worker 12 is placed using the projection device 41. Multiple support images D1 corresponding to the item placement area A1 in which the item W to be worked on is placed may be projected simultaneously, or only one may be projected.

[0052] In the work assistance mode, the control system 70 identifies the item placement area A1 of the item W on which the worker 12 has worked based on the movement of the worker 12 passing through the detection area A2 set corresponding to the item placement area A1.

[0053] In the work support mode, if the control system 70 determines that the item placement area A1 for the item W on which the worker 12 has performed work is the item placement area A1 for the item W to be worked on by the worker 12, the control system 70 projects a correct image using the projection device 41 onto the display surface 35 on which the support image D1 is displayed. Examples of the correct image include an image in a color (blue, green, etc.) different from the support image D1, a shape (circle, square, etc.) indicating the correct answer, or text indicating the correct answer. Examples of an image in which the display mode of the support image D1 has been changed include an image in which the color of the support image D1 has been changed, an image in which a shape (circle, square, etc.) has been superimposed on the support image D1, or an image in which text indicating the correct answer has been superimposed.

[0054] In the work support mode, when the control system 70 determines that the item placement area A1 for the item W on which the worker 12 has worked is an item placement area A1 other than the item W that is the target of the work by the worker 12, the control system 70 projects an image different from the correct image onto the multiple display surfaces 35 (for example, all the display surfaces 35 of the item placement device 20) using the projection device 41. Examples of images different from the correct image include a figure indicating an error, text indicating an error, an image in a color (red, yellow, etc.) different from the correct image, a flashing image, etc.

[0055] In the work support mode, when the control system 70 determines that the item placement area A1 for the item W on which the worker 12 has worked is an item placement area A1 other than the item W that is the target of the work by the worker 12, the control system 70 outputs an audible sound from the sound wave output device 43. The control system 70 may also be configured to output an audible sound from the sound wave output device 43 when it determines that the item placement area A1 for the item W on which the worker 12 has worked is the item placement area A1 for the item W that is the target of the work by the worker 12. In these cases, the control system 70 outputs different audible sounds from the sound wave output device 43.

[0056] The control system 70 is configured to be able to execute an "information display mode" that displays the number, quantity, or type of items W placed in the item placement area A1. In this embodiment, the control system 70 displays the number, quantity, and type of items W placed in each of the multiple item placement areas A1 in the information display mode. In the information display mode, the number, quantity, or type of items W placed in all item placement areas A1 set in the item placement device 20 may be displayed, or the number, quantity, or type of items W placed in some of the item placement areas A1 set in the item placement device 20 may be displayed. Note that the control system 70 may be configured to be able to execute modes other than the work assistance mode and the information display mode.

[0057] The technical features of the work equipment 10 according to the present disclosure can also be applied to a work assistance method and a work assistance program.

[0058] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the working equipment 10 will be described.

[0059] (1) In the above embodiment, the depth direction X is horizontal. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the depth direction X may be the same as the up-down direction Z, or the depth direction X may be inclined relative to the horizontal. Furthermore, for example, the front side X1 of the item placement device 20 may be the top surface of the item placement device 20, or the front surface of the item placement device 20 may be inclined upward Z1 or downward Z2 relative to the horizontal.

[0060] (2) In the above embodiment, the display member 32 includes a sheet-like member 36, and the attachment portion 37 to which the sheet-like member 36 is attached is disposed so as to face the front side X1. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the attachment portion 37 may be disposed so as to face the upper side Z1 or the lower side Z2. Furthermore, for example, the fixed portion 32s or the flexible portion 32t may be formed of a member different from the sheet-like member 36.

[0061] (3) In the above embodiment, the notch 39 is provided in the flexible portion 32t. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the notch 39 may not be provided in the flexible portion 32t.

[0062] (4) In the above embodiment, the projection device 41 projects the portion of the support image D1 that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed portion 32s and the flexible portion 32t. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the projection device 41 may project the entire portion of the support image D1 that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed portion 32s or the flexible portion 32t.

[0063] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which a portion of the detection area A2 is set to overlap the flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1, and the work equipment 10 is equipped with the detection device 42 and the sonic wave output device 43. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, all of the detection area A2 may be set on the lower side Z2 of the flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1. Furthermore, for example, all of the detection area A2 may be set to overlap the flexible portion 32t when viewed from the front side X1. Furthermore, for example, the work equipment 10 does not need to be equipped with the detection device 42 or the sonic wave output device 43.

[0064] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the support unit 22 one level above the support unit 22 supporting the item W in the target area A1m is the support member 31 corresponding to the target area A1m. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the support unit 22 supporting the item W in the target area A1m may be disposed adjacent to the target area A1m on the upper side Z1 of the target area A1m, and the support unit 22 may be the support member 31 corresponding to the target area A1m. Furthermore, for example, the support member 31 corresponding to the target area A1m may be a support unit 22 that is not adjacent to the target area A1m.

[0065] (7) In the above embodiment, the article placement device 20 is a shelf having multiple tiers of support portions 22 arranged in the vertical direction Z, and the support surface 20a is inclined downwards to the lower side Z2 as it approaches the front side X1, and the display surface 35 is inclined downwards to the front side X1 as it approaches the lower side Z2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the support surface 20a may be inclined upwards to the upper side Z1 as it approaches the front side X1. Also, for example, the display surface 35 may be inclined upwards to the front side X1 as it approaches the upper side Z1. Also, for example, the article placement device 20 may be a shelf or a conveyance device having only one tier in the vertical direction Z.

[0066] (8) In the above embodiment, the display member 32 is disposed adjacent to the item placement area A1 on the upper side Z1 of the item placement area A1. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the display member 32 may be disposed adjacent to the item placement area A1 on the lower side Z2 of the item placement area A1. Furthermore, for example, the display member 32 may be disposed adjacent to the item placement area A1 on one side Y1 or the other side Y2 of the width direction Y of the item placement area A1.

[0067] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which one support image D1 corresponds to one item placement area A1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, one support image D1 may correspond to multiple item placement areas A1.

[0068] (10) In the above embodiment, the support image D1 includes instruction content information and location identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the support image D1 may include information different from the instruction content information and location identification information, or the instruction content information or location identification information.

[0069] (11) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] Summary of the above embodiment The work equipment according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0071] In one aspect, the work equipment comprises an item placement device having an item placement area in which items are placed, and a work support device that provides work support to a worker who works on the items placed in the item placement area from the front side of the item placement device, wherein the work support device comprises a display member having a display surface facing the front side, a support member that supports the display member, and a projection device that projects a support image, which is an image for the work support, onto the display surface, and the display member is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to the item placement area when viewed from the front side, and the direction connecting the front side and the rear side of the item placement device is the depth direction, and the display member comprises a fixed portion fixed to the support member and a flexible portion that is arranged to extend from the fixed portion toward the item placement area and has flexibility in the depth direction.

[0072] According to this configuration, the display member includes a fixed portion fixed to the support member and a flexible portion arranged to extend from the fixed portion toward the item placement area, so that the display member, which includes a display surface onto which the support image is projected, can be brought closer to the item placement area. This makes it possible to display the support image near the item placement area, making it easier to improve the visibility of the support image for the worker. Furthermore, the flexible portion arranged to extend from the mounting portion toward the item placement area is configured to bend in the depth direction. This makes it easier to reduce the display member's interference with the worker's movements to work on items placed in the item placement area. This, in turn, makes it easier to improve work efficiency.

[0073] In one embodiment, the display member includes a flexible sheet-like member, the support member is arranged facing the front side and has an attachment portion to which the sheet-like member is attached, the fixed portion is a portion of the sheet-like member attached to the attachment portion, and the flexible portion is a portion of the sheet-like member extending away from the attachment portion.

[0074] According to this configuration, the display surface can be formed on the surface of a continuous sheet-like member. Therefore, it is easy to display a support image on the display surface that is easy for the worker to see. In addition, the fixed portion and flexible portion of the display member can be appropriately configured using a single sheet-like member.

[0075] In one aspect, a notch is provided in the flexible portion along the direction in which the flexible portion extends from the fixed portion toward the item placement area.

[0076] According to this configuration, the flexibility of the flexible portion can be increased, which makes it easier to prevent the display member from interfering with the actions of a worker working on an item placed in the item placement area.

[0077] In one aspect, the support image includes instruction content information indicating the content of work instructions for the worker, and the projection device projects at least a portion of the portion of the support image representing the instruction content information onto the fixed part.

[0078] According to this configuration, the part representing the instruction content information is preferentially projected onto the fixed part where image distortion due to bending of the display surface is minimal, making it easier to display support images on the display surface that are easy for the worker to see.

[0079] In one aspect, the device further includes a detection device that detects the movement of a worker passing through a detection area set corresponding to the item placement area, and at least a portion of the detection area is set so as to overlap with the flexible portion when viewed from the front side.

[0080] With this configuration, even if a worker pushes aside the flexible portion of the display member to perform work on an item placed in the item placement area, the worker's movements can be properly detected by the detection device.

[0081] In one embodiment, the item placement device is a shelf having a plurality of support parts arranged in the vertical direction, an item placement area is set on each of the plurality of support parts, one of the item placement areas set on the support part is a target area, the display member corresponding to the target area is a target display member, the fixed portion of the target display member is fixed to the support member corresponding to the target area, the support part adjacent to the upper side of the target area is the support member corresponding to the target area, and the flexible portion of the target display member is arranged to extend downward from the fixed portion.

[0082] According to this configuration, for example, the support parts that constitute each shelf level can also serve as support members for supporting the display members, which makes it easier to simplify the configuration of the work support device compared to when separate support members are provided.

[0083] In one aspect, the support surface that supports the item in the item placement area is inclined downward as it approaches the front side, and the display surface provided on the fixed portion is inclined toward the front side as it approaches the bottom side.

[0084] According to this configuration, since the items placed in the item placement area are inclined downward as they approach the front side, it is easy for a worker to work on the items placed in the item placement area from the front side. Also, since the display surface provided on the fixed part is inclined downward as it approaches the front side, it is easy to improve the visibility of the support image by the worker when the worker's viewpoint is above the display surface.

[0085] It is sufficient for the work equipment according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: Work equipment 12: Worker 20: Article placement device 20a: Support surface 22: Support part 30: Work support device 31: Support member 32: Display member 32m: Target display material 32s: Fixed part 32t: Flexible part 35:Display surface 36: Sheet-like member 37: Mounting part 39: Cut 41: Projection device 42:Detection device A1: Goods placement area A1m: Target area A2: Detection area D1: Support image T: Extending direction W:Goods

Claims

1. an item placement device in which an item placement area in which items are placed is set; a work support device that supports a worker who works on the items placed in the item placement area from the front side of the item placement device; A work facility comprising: The work assistance device includes: a display member having a display surface facing the front side; a support member that supports the display member; a projection device that projects an assistance image, which is an image for assisting the work, onto the display surface; Equipped with the display member is disposed so that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to the item placement area when viewed from the front side, The direction connecting the front side and the rear side of the item placement device is defined as the depth direction, The display member includes a fixed portion fixed to the support member, a flexible portion disposed to extend from the fixed portion toward the item placement area and having flexibility in the depth direction, Work equipment equipped with:

2. the display member includes a flexible sheet-like member, the support member is disposed facing the front side and includes an attachment portion to which the sheet-like member is attached, the fixed portion is a portion of the sheet-like member that is attached to the attachment portion, The work facility according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion is a portion of the sheet-like member that extends away from the mounting portion.

3. The work facility according to claim 2 , wherein a notch is provided in the flexible portion along the direction in which the flexible portion extends from the fixed portion toward the item placement area.

4. the support image includes instruction content information indicating the content of the work instruction for the worker, The work facility according to claim 1 , wherein the projection device projects at least a part of the portion of the support image that represents the instruction content information onto the fixed part.

5. a detection device that detects the movement of the worker passing through a detection area that is set corresponding to the item placement area; The work facility according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the detection area is set to overlap with the flexible portion when viewed from the front side.

6. the article placement device is a shelf having a plurality of support parts arranged in a vertical direction, The item placement area is set in each of the plurality of support parts, One of the item placement areas set on the support portion is set as a target area, and the display member corresponding to the target area is set as a target display member, The fixed portion of the target display member is fixed to the support member corresponding to the target area, the support portion adjacent to the target area on the upper side is the support member corresponding to the target area, The work facility according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion of the object display member is arranged to extend downward from the fixed portion.

7. a support surface that supports the item in the item placement area is inclined downward toward the front side, The work equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the display surface provided on the fixed portion is inclined downwards toward the front side.

Images