EP1181110B1 - Method for preparing a sorting scheme - Google Patents

Method for preparing a sorting scheme Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1181110B1
EP1181110B1 EP00918971A EP00918971A EP1181110B1 EP 1181110 B1 EP1181110 B1 EP 1181110B1 EP 00918971 A EP00918971 A EP 00918971A EP 00918971 A EP00918971 A EP 00918971A EP 1181110 B1 EP1181110 B1 EP 1181110B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
sorting
machine
box
compartments
letters
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EP00918971A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1181110A1 (en
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Christian Riviere
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La Poste
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La Poste
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for preparing a sorting plan of a batch of objects of the folds, letters type, for a sorting machine operating in sorting reversed, for the distribution of said objects by a person responsible for this mission, attendant or other.
  • This sorting is carried out by the so-called reverse sorting method, which method allows sorting in an appropriate sorting machine, and with a reduced number of passes, a large number of objects attributed to many distribution points.
  • One of the first problems encountered on these sorting machines is related to the capacity of the boxes or receptacles which receive the objects as and when sorting. This problem is for example treated in documents EP-A2-0718049 and DE-A1-19709232.
  • the present invention provides a process which has a greater simplicity and which also offers the operator the possibility of seeing the implementation of the process on the machine.
  • the method for preparing the sorting plan consists, from data on the actual batch to be sorted or statistical data to be inserted in the list non-zero numbers representing the quantity of objects for each point of distribution, in the order of the route, a number of zeros up to the separating power available on the sorting machine, and the number of passes of sorting, and to arrange said zeros in the distribution matrix illustrating said plane of sorting, so that some boxes of the sorting machine, which appear as empty, be used as duplication boxes of the first box previous not empty, so as to take into account and process the point (s) distribution for which the number of objects or the sum of these numbers according to the case in each row or column of said matrix, is such that it exceeds the capacity of a single box, which amounts to assimilating one or more boxes consecutive to one and the same direction, playing the role of receptacles multiple capacity.
  • Reverse sorting also involves repeating tasks on the part of the operator.
  • the operator recovers in an order specifies the content of each box and positions said content while respecting the recovery order, either in the sorting machine store for a new sorting operation, either in a container or box for the distribution when this recovery follows the last pass.
  • duration of this decasing operation is linked to the number of boxes in which the sorted objects are positioned.
  • the present invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks, that is to say to reduce the arduousness and the time of this operation by implementing means which make it possible to reduce the number of boxes used for carry out the sorting operation.
  • These means consist, on the matrix distribution of the sorting plan, to place in the first row (s) of said matrix, zeros distributed in rows and / or columns so as to be able to reduce the number of boxes used on the machine, when sorting and, moreover, filling said boxes to a value close to their maximum capacity.
  • sorting machines In the case of sorting machines whose boxes have a capacity relatively small and fixed, sorting operations on the one hand, and sorting operations on the other hand, successive stripping.
  • the invention proposes to make a partition of the boxes to form at least two geographically distinct sets on said machine, allowing to superimpose over time, the automatic sorting operation of a first batch of objects, and the crushing operation of another batch already sorted.
  • the method also consists in accumulate several lots of objects to sort, so as to use among the boxes available, as many boxes as possible, which boxes receiving each a quantity of objects close to their maximum capacity.
  • the process for preparing a sorting plan also applies to the arrangement of the sorting plan represented in the form of parallelepiped matrix corresponding to a sort carried out in three passes.
  • the process according to the invention may consist in adjusting the filling rate of each of the boxes so that automatic filling and manual crushing, without risk of overflow.
  • the invention also relates to machines for setting up process work and in particular a machine like the office machine which includes for example several superimposed and horizontal lines of juxtaposed boxes, each line comprising thirteen boxes, one of which, the last, constitutes a waste and / or overflow reception area; each box has a capacity of around 50 letters of conventional mail and includes means for detecting the achievement of its maximum capacity, so as to orient either towards the overflow box, or to open the following boxes qualified as duplication boxes, reserved for this purpose to accommodate the overflow from the previous box.
  • this machine comprises a module to optimize the distribution of the lot (s) to be sorted, in the matrix representation, in order to provide the automaton of said machine with a sorting plan adapted to said lots, that is to say a plan which makes it possible to use the better the possibilities of the machine, in the interest of the operator.
  • FIG. 1 shows, placed in a box 1, a batch of objects to be sorted and especially letters 2.
  • the batch of letters can be delivered to the distributor office with information.
  • This information can be transmitted by any means suitable for the distributor office by computer network or for example, as shown, using a floppy disk 3.
  • This information or data are also shown in Figure 1 and consist of a list of numbers which correspond to the quantity of letters assigned to each of the factor distribution points, which numbers are listed in order of said points.
  • Factor distribution points are mentioned on the first line 4, numbered from 1 to 55 as an example.
  • Each distribution point on line 4 corresponds, as mentioned on the bottom line 5, a certain amount of letters.
  • This machine comprises a magazine 10 in which the operator (attendant, postman, etc.) can dispose of his batch of letters 2.
  • Each letter is removed by means of a destacker device 11 and follows a circuit which leads it into the one of the boxes 12 marked 1, 2, 3 etc ... up to 12 or even 24 and more, with at the end a box R for scrap or other.
  • the letter circuit consists of a conveyor system 13 to the end of which the letters are oriented in the appropriate boxes 12. Each letter is sent to a box using a referral system 14 by means of a tilting deflector 15 controlled by means appropriate connected to an automaton 16 shown diagrammatically on the machine in the form of a rectangle.
  • the deflector 15 causes a deviation of each letter towards the box appropriate and the letters are guided by means of a hinged flap 17, which allows the arrangement of letters one behind the other in the boxes.
  • Each flap 17 is articulated so as to move as the corresponding box is filled.
  • the flap 17 actuates a detector device consisting of a sensor 19 and this sensor 19 provides information which makes it possible, via the automaton 16 and the switching device 14, to orient the letters either to the R waste box, or simply to the next box, which is provided in the sorting plan as an overflow box.
  • the controller 16 receives information from a read head 20 who, at the time of the passage of each letter, reads the information printed on said letter, in the form of a barcode. This reading identifies the point of distribution of the letter, and, according to a distribution of said points which will be detailed below, the automaton 16 directs the letter in question towards one boxes 12 corresponding to its destination, either box 1, 2 or 3, etc ...
  • the automaton controls the switches 14 according to the destinations. These destinations are listed in a memory 21 which corresponds to the sorting plan prepared from known information, i.e. either information that comes from disk 3, that is information that come from the performance of a previous sorting such as the sorting of the day previous or an average established over several days.
  • This preparation is carried out in a module 22 consisting of a computer programmed to use the data concerning the lots to be sorted, according to an appropriate program.
  • sorting operation is carried out in the present case in two passes, by the reverse sorting method.
  • the first sort is launched on the available boxes of the machine in based on criteria which arise from the sorting plan prepared in advance in the form matrix.
  • the operator collects the letters in each box and reposition them in the same order, in the store 10 for a second sorting operation at the end of which the objects are classified one after the other, by points of distribution.
  • the operator At the end of the first sorting pass, the operator must arrange the packages of letters in a certain order in store 10 and in particular in the order of the boxes numbered from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 24 or other as the case may be.
  • the capacity K of the boxes 12 of the sorting machine is of the order of 50 ordinary letters, which corresponds to a handful of letters easily grasped by the operator during the decasing operation, that is to say the 'operation which consists in removing in each of the boxes the sorted letter packet either to make a new sorting pass, or for a delivery in boxes for the realization of the round.
  • This capacity may prove to be insufficient for certain points or distribution point groups.
  • the boxes to which these points 31 and 48 are assigned will receive approximately 50 letters each and, as soon as the sensor 19 will give the information of maximum filling of the box d 'reception, the additional letters will be directed to box R which corresponds to the scrap or overflow box in which the mail is unsorted.
  • FIG. 3 corresponds to a matrix representation of the quantities of letters to distribute, in a matrix including the number of lines and the number of columns correspond to the number of boxes available for sorting on a machine by the so-called reverse sorting method.
  • the number of points in the matrix corresponds to the separating power of the machine.
  • the matrix has 24 horizontal lines and 24 vertical columns; the number of rows and columns is chosen according to the capacity and the number of boxes of the machine, available to perform the different sorting passes. The number of boxes used can vary from move on to the next.
  • This matrix is filled with the numbers that correspond to quantities of letters allocated to each distribution point according to the example of Figure 1. So, in the first column # 1, we see appear the number 8 then the number 7 corresponding respectively to the first point and at the second distribution point.
  • the number 3 appears in the first line of column 2 followed by the number 10.
  • the number 3 appears in the third column, etc ...
  • the route of the factor can be read in the matrix in Figure 3 and in the following matrices, starting from the first row of column 1 to the line 24, then column 2 from line 1 to line 24, etc ... to column 24, line 24.
  • Figure 4 shows a 24-row, 24-column matrix in which the non-zero numbers of the matrix of figure 3, have been replaced through the corresponding distribution points 1 to 55.
  • the sorting operation by the reverse sorting method is performed on the basis of information given by the matrix in Figure 4.
  • This matrix is listed in the memory 21 of the sorting machine.
  • the sorting operation consists, for the first pass, identify each letter using reader 20 and send it thanks to the automaton 16, in the appropriate box 12 according to its position which is listed in the matrix. So a letter corresponding to a point distribution which is located in the first line of the matrix, is oriented towards box n ° 1; each letter whose destination corresponds to a point of distribution placed line 2, is oriented towards box n ° 2, etc ..., etc ... until letters from line 24 assigned to box 24.
  • line 1 of the matrix in Figure 3 has a total of 8 letters which will be collected in box n ° 1. These letters are intended, according to the matrix shown in Figure 4, for three of them, to distribution point n ° 3, for three others of them at point n ° 39 and for the last two at point 45.
  • Box 2 receives five letters.
  • box n ° 10 receives 122 letters, i.e. a quantity significantly higher than its capacity. These 122 letters are intended, according to the matrix of figure 4, for four of them at the point of distribution n ° 20, for 54 of them at distribution point n ° 31 and, for all others, point 48.
  • Figure 5 shows an optimized distribution of quantities of letters assigned to each point, and this for each line and each column of the matrix.
  • Line 2 has only 34 letters corresponding to the point of distribution n ° 19, which will be assigned to box n ° 2.
  • Line 3 has 54 letters corresponding to distribution point n ° 31, which will be assigned in part to box n ° 3 and the rest to the R scrap box.
  • the sum of the quantities of letters contained in the other lines, is less than 50.
  • column 1 is assigned to the box n ° 1
  • column 2 is assigned to box n ° 2
  • column 24 is assigned to box 24.
  • Figure 6 shows the position of distribution points 1 to 55, according to the matrix distribution shown in Figure 5.
  • Figure 7 shows a solution in the distribution of quantities in the 24-24 matrix, which allows, when a row or column has a number of letters greater than the capacity of the corresponding box, to release the boxes following this normally overloaded box, in order to be able to direct the surplus letters towards this box or these following boxes rather than towards the waste box R.
  • This distribution is carried out by keeping the order, column by column, of the different distribution points, as shown in figure 8.
  • This column 14 has a total of 59 letters which will be distributed in box 14 for a game, and in the next box 15.
  • the column 15 is a column filled with zeros. No letters are affected automatically in this box n ° 15.
  • This box n ° 15 will be a duplication box which will complement, i.e. increase the capacity of box 14 when this box n ° 14 will have reached its maximum filling level.
  • This feature has the advantage of not disturbing the distribution boxes and especially to allow during the decasing, to keep the order of letters when taken from successive boxes for a new positioning in the store if this decasing follows a first pass, or in a box if these letters are crushed following the last pass.
  • Figure 7 we note that the number 64 which appears column 20, line 23, is followed by two columns 21 and 22 filled with zeros, and a line 24 also filled with zeros. This means that line 24 corresponding to box no. 24 proposes said box no. 24 as a box for duplication of the previous box n ° 23 during the first pass.
  • Figure 9 shows the development of a distribution which limits the number of boxes used on the sorting machine. This operation consists of combine the quantities of letters in a number of rows and columns relatively small.
  • lines 1 to 8 only have zeros of same as columns 1 to 8, which means that in a sorting machine with 24 boxes, only 16 boxes are useful for performing the operation sorting, both the first pass and the second pass, taking into account the matrix distribution of letter quantities.
  • This distribution is arranged in the matrix shown in FIG. 9, of in such a way that the large distribution points, i.e. points n ° 31 and 48 in the example of figure 1, are isolated or possibly grouped with other points and followed by a column and a line filled with zeros so to automatically create duplication boxes.
  • Line 16 which includes 55 letters, is followed by line 17 filled with zeros.
  • Box 17 is a duplication box in box 16.
  • column 17 contains 79 letters which will be distributed in box 17 and in the box duplication n ° 18 taking into account the fact that column 18 is filled with zeros.
  • Box 22 is assigned as a duplicate box n ° 21 to accommodate the surplus of letters.
  • This massification operation carried out in the matrix shown figure 9 allows on the one hand, to keep the order of the letters for each pass sorting and, on the other hand, limit the number of crushing operations.
  • Figure 10 shows the matrix representation of the points of distribution corresponding to the quantities entered in the matrix in Figure 9.
  • line 9 can correspond to the box 1 of the sorting machine which receives the letters from the distribution points 16, 22 and 45.
  • the box numbers are placed to the left of the numbers lines and above the column numbers.
  • Line 10 corresponding for example to box 2, receives during the first pass, letters assigned to distribution points 1, 17, 28, 37, 46 and 49.
  • Line 16 which corresponds for example to box 8, receives the letters to distribution points 10 and 31, the number of which is greater than the capacity of box n ° 16. The surplus letters will be oriented towards box n ° 9 qualified as a duplication box in box n ° 8 previous.
  • n ° 15 This same diagram is found at line 23 corresponding to box n ° 15 which will receive letters from distribution points n ° 8, 15, 21, 36 and 55.
  • the number of letters in this box n ° 15 is 57, according to the matrix shown in figure 9.
  • Box n ° 16 constitutes the duplication box in box 15 to receive excess letters.
  • Figure 11 shows a sorting machine that has three lines of boxes.
  • This sorting machine has a capacity which is for example 36 boxes plus, at the end of each of the lines, waste boxes R.
  • the distribution of letter quantities in the preparation matrix of the sorting plan can be carried out preferentially, with a program suitable for performing quantity calculations at high speed of objects corresponding to the different distribution points, per line and per column as these points and quantities move in the matrix in order to obtain, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an optimization of the quantities per row and per column or, in Figures 7 and 8, an arrangement which performs automatic duplication of overloaded boxes or as shown in figures 9 and 10, an automatic duplication with reduction in the number of boxes required to perform the sorting operation.
  • the optimization module 22 which can be part of the machine, which module is associated with the desk 23, Figures 11 and 12, which allows to control the machine.
  • the module 22 is connected to the communication network through which the operator can access the data of the batches to be sorted, or else he is equipped with a drive suitable for reading 3 or other floppy disks.
  • the machine shown in Figure 11, has a separating power equal to 16 x 16 for its part A and the same separating power 16 x 16, ie 256, for its second part B.
  • each part A and B of the machine is approximately 800 letters, (50 x the number of boxes).
  • This grouping of lots, each corresponding to a district, can be proposed to the operator, directly on the machine, from the data provided by upstream sorting centers, accessible through a network of appropriate communication.
  • a first operation consists in classifying each batch by taking as criteria the number of distribution points, then to form clusters.
  • Each group of lots consists of the first lot not yet grouped in the list, and of a set of batches not yet grouped consecutively in the list.
  • Each set must consist of as many lots as possible, themselves as big as possible.
  • the grouping criterion is the possible sorting massified on a machine “space” allowing sorting in hidden time. The number of groups is therefore minimized as well as, therefore, the numbers changes of tasks and decasings. The process stops when all the lots are grouped.
  • each group is taken up (this time seen as a lot), optimized and massified. It is therefore necessarily friable using a number of boxes lower (but close) to the desired machine “space”, while ensuring filling the boxes close to their capacity.
  • the route in this case can be read, for example, layer by layer, from before back, then for each layer, column by column from left to right and for each column, line by line from top to bottom.
  • Figure 12 shows schematically another type of sorting machine. Boxes 12 or receptacles are distributed over a long line and each box has a large capacity, greater than 400 or even 500 letters.
  • This type of machine can operate continuously, i.e. it it is possible to carry out consecutive sorting operations which overlap manual crushing operations.
  • the process for preparing the sorting plan consists in providing a different filling rate for the boxes and particular a gradual reduction in the number of objects starting from the first box served until the last, that is to say that one performs at level of the matrix distribution, an optimization of the sum of the objects of each row and each column of the matrix that follows a progression allowing to place in the first box 121 a sum of objects close to the maximum capacity of the space whereas for the last space 122, this sum of objects is lower, to be adjusted according to the machine.
  • the filling takes the form of a ramp and this optimization process is moreover compatible with the duplication and massification developed previously.

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Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé de préparation d'un plan de tri d'un lot d'objets du genre plis, lettres, pour machine de tri fonctionnant en tri inversé, en vue de la distribution desdits objets par une personne chargée de cette mission, préposé ou autre. Ce tri s'effectue par la méthode dite du tri inversé, laquelle méthode permet de trier dans une machine de tri appropriée, et avec un nombre de passes réduit, un grand nombre d'objets attribués à de nombreux points de distribution.The present invention relates to a method for preparing a sorting plan of a batch of objects of the folds, letters type, for a sorting machine operating in sorting reversed, for the distribution of said objects by a person responsible for this mission, attendant or other. This sorting is carried out by the so-called reverse sorting method, which method allows sorting in an appropriate sorting machine, and with a reduced number of passes, a large number of objects attributed to many distribution points.

L'un des premiers problèmes rencontrés sur ces machines de tri est lié à la capacité des cases ou réceptacles qui accueillent les objets au fur et à mesure du tri. Ce problème est par exemple, traité dans les documents EP-A2-0718049 et DE-A1-19709232.One of the first problems encountered on these sorting machines is related to the capacity of the boxes or receptacles which receive the objects as and when sorting. This problem is for example treated in documents EP-A2-0718049 and DE-A1-19709232.

Pour éviter le débordement des cases ou réceptacles, il a déjà été proposé comme décrit dans le document US-A-5 353 938, d'homogénéiser la répartition des objets dans les cases ou réceptacles grâce à un artifice de grappes fictives ou d'insertions de « vides » dans lesdits réceptacles.To avoid overflowing the boxes or receptacles, it has already been proposed as described in document US-A-5 353 938, to homogenize the distribution objects in the boxes or receptacles thanks to a fictitious cluster device or inserting "voids" into said receptacles.

La présente invention propose un procédé qui revêt une plus grande simplicité et qui offre aussi à l'opérateur la possibilité de voir la mise en oeuvre du procédé sur la machine.The present invention provides a process which has a greater simplicity and which also offers the operator the possibility of seeing the implementation of the process on the machine.

Selon l'invention, le procédé de préparation du plan de tri consiste, à partir de données sur le lot réel à trier ou de données statistiques, à insérer dans la liste des nombres non nuls représentant la quantité d'objets pour chaque point de distribution, dans l'ordre de l'itinéraire, un certain nombre de zéros à concurrence du pouvoir séparateur disponible sur la machine de tri, et du nombre de passes de tri, et à disposer lesdits zéros dans la matrice de répartition illustrant ledit plan de tri, de telle façon que certaines cases de la machine de tri, qui apparaissent comme vides, soient utilisées comme cases de dédoublement de la première case précédente non vide, de façon à prendre en compte et à traiter le ou les points de distribution pour lesquels le nombre d'objets ou la somme de ces nombres selon le cas dans chaque ligne ou colonne de ladite matrice, est tel qu'il dépasse la capacité d'accueil d'une simple case, ce qui revient à assimiler une ou plusieurs cases consécutives à une seule et même direction, jouant le rôle de réceptacles de capacité multiple. According to the invention, the method for preparing the sorting plan consists, from data on the actual batch to be sorted or statistical data to be inserted in the list non-zero numbers representing the quantity of objects for each point of distribution, in the order of the route, a number of zeros up to the separating power available on the sorting machine, and the number of passes of sorting, and to arrange said zeros in the distribution matrix illustrating said plane of sorting, so that some boxes of the sorting machine, which appear as empty, be used as duplication boxes of the first box previous not empty, so as to take into account and process the point (s) distribution for which the number of objects or the sum of these numbers according to the case in each row or column of said matrix, is such that it exceeds the capacity of a single box, which amounts to assimilating one or more boxes consecutive to one and the same direction, playing the role of receptacles multiple capacity.

Le tri inversé implique également une répétition des tâches de la part de l'opérateur.Reverse sorting also involves repeating tasks on the part of the operator.

En effet, après chaque passe, l'opérateur récupère dans un ordre bien précis le contenu de chaque case et positionne ledit contenu en respectant l'ordre de récupération, soit dans le magasin de la machine de tri pour une nouvelle opération de tri, soit dans un conteneur ou caissette en vue de la distribution lorsque cette récupération fait suite à la dernière passe.Indeed, after each pass, the operator recovers in an order specifies the content of each box and positions said content while respecting the recovery order, either in the sorting machine store for a new sorting operation, either in a container or box for the distribution when this recovery follows the last pass.

De plus, la durée de cette opération de décasage est liée au nombre de cases dans lesquelles sont positionnés les objets triés.In addition, the duration of this decasing operation is linked to the number of boxes in which the sorted objects are positioned.

La présente invention propose de remédier à ces inconvénients, c'est-à-dire de réduire la pénibilité et le temps de cette opération en mettant en oeuvre des moyens qui permettent de diminuer le nombre de cases utilisées pour réaliser l'opération de tri.The present invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks, that is to say to reduce the arduousness and the time of this operation by implementing means which make it possible to reduce the number of boxes used for carry out the sorting operation.

Ces moyens consistent, sur la répartition matricielle du plan de tri, à placer au(x) premier(s) rang(s) de ladite matrice, des zéros répartis en lignes et/ou colonnes de façon à pouvoir réduire le nombre de cases utilisées sur la machine, lors du tri et, de plus, à remplir lesdites cases à une valeur proche de leur capacité maximale.These means consist, on the matrix distribution of the sorting plan, to place in the first row (s) of said matrix, zeros distributed in rows and / or columns so as to be able to reduce the number of boxes used on the machine, when sorting and, moreover, filling said boxes to a value close to their maximum capacity.

Dans le cas de machines de tri dont les cases ont une capacité relativement faible et fixe, les opérations de tri d'une part, et les opérations de décasage d'autre part, se succèdent.In the case of sorting machines whose boxes have a capacity relatively small and fixed, sorting operations on the one hand, and sorting operations on the other hand, successive stripping.

Pour améliorer le rendement d'utilisation de ce type de machine de tri et en particulier d'une machine dont le nombre de cases est tel que sa capacité d'accueil d'objets est au moins deux fois supérieure à la quantité d'objets à trier, l'invention propose de réaliser une partition des cases pour former au moins deux ensembles distincts géographiquement sur ladite machine, permettant de superposer dans le temps, l'opération automatique de tri d'un premier lot d'objets, et l'opération de décasage d'un autre lot déjà trié.To improve the efficiency of use of this type of sorting machine and in particular of a machine whose number of boxes is such that its capacity receiving objects is at least twice the amount of objects to sort, the invention proposes to make a partition of the boxes to form at least two geographically distinct sets on said machine, allowing to superimpose over time, the automatic sorting operation of a first batch of objects, and the crushing operation of another batch already sorted.

Toujours dans le but d'améliorer les capacités et le rendement de la machine de tri, de préférence dans le cas d'une machine dont une partition des cases a été effectuée comme précédemment, le procédé consiste également à cumuler plusieurs lots d'objets à trier, de façon à utiliser parmi les cases disponibles, le plus grand nombre de cases possible, lesquelles cases recevant chacune une quantité d'objets proche de leur capacité d'accueil maximale.Always with the aim of improving the capacities and performance of the sorting machine, preferably in the case of a machine with a partition of boxes was performed as before, the method also consists in accumulate several lots of objects to sort, so as to use among the boxes available, as many boxes as possible, which boxes receiving each a quantity of objects close to their maximum capacity.

Toujours selon l'invention, le procédé de préparation d'un plan de tri s'applique également à l'aménagement du plan de tri représenté sous forme de matrice parallélépipédique correspondant à un tri réalisé en trois passes.Still according to the invention, the process for preparing a sorting plan also applies to the arrangement of the sorting plan represented in the form of parallelepiped matrix corresponding to a sort carried out in three passes.

Pour certains types de machines de tri, et en particulier des machines à réceptacles de grande capacité du type machines à tasseurs, le procédé selon l'invention peut consister à aménager le taux de remplissage de chacune des cases de façon à réaliser simultanément le remplissage automatique et le décasage manuel, sans risque de débordement.For certain types of sorting machines, and in particular large capacity receptacles of the tamping machine type, the process according to the invention may consist in adjusting the filling rate of each of the boxes so that automatic filling and manual crushing, without risk of overflow.

L'invention concerne également les machines permettant la mise en oeuvre du procédé et en particulier une machine du genre machine de bureau qui comporte par exemple plusieurs lignes superposées et horizontales de cases juxtaposées, chaque ligne comportant treize cases dont une, la dernière, constitue une case d'accueil du rebut et/ou de l'éventuel débordement ; chaque case a une capacité d'accueil de l'ordre de 50 lettres de courrier classique et comporte des moyens de détection de l'atteinte de sa capacité maximale, de façon à orienter soit vers la case de débordement, soit pour ouvrir la ou les cases suivantes qualifiées de cases de dédoublement, réservées à cet effet pour accueillir le trop-plein de la case précédente.The invention also relates to machines for setting up process work and in particular a machine like the office machine which includes for example several superimposed and horizontal lines of juxtaposed boxes, each line comprising thirteen boxes, one of which, the last, constitutes a waste and / or overflow reception area; each box has a capacity of around 50 letters of conventional mail and includes means for detecting the achievement of its maximum capacity, so as to orient either towards the overflow box, or to open the following boxes qualified as duplication boxes, reserved for this purpose to accommodate the overflow from the previous box.

Toujours selon l'invention, cette machine comporte un module permettant d'optimiser la répartition du ou des lots à trier, dans la représentation matricielle, afin de fournir à l'automate de ladite machine, un plan de tri adapté auxdits lots, c'est-à-dire un plan qui permet d'utiliser au mieux les possibilités de la machine, dans l'intérêt de l'opérateur.Still according to the invention, this machine comprises a module to optimize the distribution of the lot (s) to be sorted, in the matrix representation, in order to provide the automaton of said machine with a sorting plan adapted to said lots, that is to say a plan which makes it possible to use the better the possibilities of the machine, in the interest of the operator.

L'invention sera encore détaillée à l'aide de la description suivante et des dessins annexés, donnés à titre indicatif, et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un lot d'objets à trier (lettres) et les données concernant ce lot ;
  • la figure 2 représente d'une façon schématique, une machine de tri pour le lot de lettres qui est représenté figure 1 par exemple ;
  • la figure 3 représente sous forme matricielle, la préparation du plan de tri faisant apparaítre les nombres correspondant aux quantités d'objets à distribuer, lesquels nombres sont répartis les uns à la suite des autres, colonne par colonne, dans la matrice avec insertion de zéros dans lesdites colonnes ;
  • la figure 4 représente la matrice de la figure 3 avec, à la place des quantités d'objets, une indication des points de distribution correspondants ;
  • la figure 5 représente un aménagement de la matrice de la figure 3 permettant d'améliorer le tri en optimisant la répartition des quantités de lettres disposées dans les lignes et dans les colonnes ;
  • la figure 6 représente la position des points de distribution de la matrice détaillée figure 5 ;
  • la figure 7 représente un autre aménagement de la matrice représentée figure 3, avec un dédoublement des lignes et colonnes trop chargées, c'est-à-dire dont la somme des quantités de chaque point inscrit sur lesdites lignes et colonnes est supérieure à la capacité d'accueil d'une case seule ;
  • la figure 8 représente la position des points de distribution de la matrice détaillée figure 7 ;
  • la figure 9 représente un autre aménagement de la matrice représentée figure 3, pour réduire le nombre de cases utilisées lors de l'opération de tri ;
  • la figure 10 représente la position des points de distribution de la matrice détaillée figure 9 ;
  • la figure 11 représente une machine de tri du type de celle susceptible de mettre en oeuvre le plan de tri matriciel représenté précédemment, figure 10 ;
  • la figure 12 représente une machine de tri du genre machine à tasseurs, pour laquelle le plan de tri permet un remplissage à taux variable des différents réceptacles.
The invention will be further detailed with the aid of the following description and the appended drawings, given for information only, and in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a batch of objects to be sorted (letters) and the data relating to this batch;
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a sorting machine for the batch of letters which is shown in Figure 1 for example;
  • Figure 3 shows in matrix form, the preparation of the sorting plan showing the numbers corresponding to the quantities of objects to be distributed, which numbers are distributed one after the other, column by column, in the matrix with insertion of zeros in said columns;
  • FIG. 4 represents the matrix of FIG. 3 with, instead of the quantities of objects, an indication of the corresponding distribution points;
  • FIG. 5 represents an arrangement of the matrix of FIG. 3 making it possible to improve the sorting by optimizing the distribution of the quantities of letters arranged in the rows and in the columns;
  • FIG. 6 represents the position of the distribution points of the matrix detailed in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 represents another arrangement of the matrix represented in FIG. 3, with a duplication of the overloaded rows and columns, that is to say the sum of the quantities of each point inscribed on said rows and columns is greater than the capacity reception of a single hut;
  • FIG. 8 represents the position of the distribution points of the matrix detailed in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 shows another arrangement of the matrix shown in FIG. 3, to reduce the number of boxes used during the sorting operation;
  • FIG. 10 represents the position of the distribution points of the matrix detailed in FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 represents a sorting machine of the type capable of implementing the matrix sorting plan shown above, FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 represents a sorting machine of the tamping machine type, for which the sorting plan allows variable filling of the various receptacles.

La figure 1 montre, disposé dans une caissette 1, un lot d'objets à trier et en particulier de lettres 2.FIG. 1 shows, placed in a box 1, a batch of objects to be sorted and especially letters 2.

Ces objets qui sont par exemple destinés à remplir la sacoche du préposé à la distribution c'est-à-dire du facteur, proviennent de centres de tri et c'est au niveau du bureau distributeur que le préposé prépare sa propre tournée.These objects which are for example intended to fill the bag of the distribution agent, that is to say the postman, come from sorting centers and it is at the distributor office that the agent prepares his own tour.

Le lot de lettres peut être livré au bureau distributeur avec des informations. Ces informations peuvent être transmises par tout moyen approprié au bureau distributeur par réseau informatique ou par exemple, comme représenté, au moyen d'une disquette 3. Ces informations ou données sont également représentées figure 1 et elles consistent en une liste de nombres qui correspondent à la quantité de lettres affectée à chacun des points de distribution du facteur, lesquels nombres sont classés dans l'ordre desdits points.The batch of letters can be delivered to the distributor office with information. This information can be transmitted by any means suitable for the distributor office by computer network or for example, as shown, using a floppy disk 3. This information or data are also shown in Figure 1 and consist of a list of numbers which correspond to the quantity of letters assigned to each of the factor distribution points, which numbers are listed in order of said points.

Les points de distribution du facteur sont mentionnés sur la première ligne 4, numérotés de 1 à 55 à titre d'exemple.Factor distribution points are mentioned on the first line 4, numbered from 1 to 55 as an example.

A chaque point de distribution de la ligne 4 correspond, comme mentionné sur la ligne inférieure 5, une certaine quantité de lettres.Each distribution point on line 4 corresponds, as mentioned on the bottom line 5, a certain amount of letters.

On remarque, à l'extrémité de la ligne 5, la somme des objets à distribuer : 550 dans l'exemple présent.We notice, at the end of line 5, the sum of the objects to distribute: 550 in the present example.

Le préposé peut utiliser une machine de tri pour préparer sa tournée. Une machine de tri de ce type est décrite dans le document FR-2 735 995 de la demanderesse et elle est représentée figure 2 avec simplement ses éléments essentiels utiles à la compréhension de la présente demande.The attendant can use a sorting machine to prepare his tour. A sorting machine of this type is described in document FR-2 735 995 of the plaintiff and she is represented figure 2 with simply its elements essential useful for understanding this application.

Cette machine comprend un magasin 10 dans lequel l'opérateur (préposé, facteur, ...) peut disposer son lot de lettres 2. Chaque lettre est prélevée au moyen d'un dispositif dépileur 11 et suit un circuit qui la mène dans l'une des cases 12 repérées 1, 2, 3 etc ... jusqu'à 12 voire 24 et plus, avec à l'extrémité une case R pour le rebut ou autre.This machine comprises a magazine 10 in which the operator (attendant, postman, etc.) can dispose of his batch of letters 2. Each letter is removed by means of a destacker device 11 and follows a circuit which leads it into the one of the boxes 12 marked 1, 2, 3 etc ... up to 12 or even 24 and more, with at the end a box R for scrap or other.

Le circuit des lettres est constitué d'un système convoyeur 13 à l'extrémité duquel les lettres sont orientées dans les cases appropriées 12. Chaque lettre est expédiée vers une case au moyen d'un système d'aiguillages 14 par le biais d'un déflecteur basculant 15 commandé par des moyens appropriés reliés à un automate 16 schématisé sur la machine sous forme d'un rectangle.The letter circuit consists of a conveyor system 13 to the end of which the letters are oriented in the appropriate boxes 12. Each letter is sent to a box using a referral system 14 by means of a tilting deflector 15 controlled by means appropriate connected to an automaton 16 shown diagrammatically on the machine in the form of a rectangle.

Le déflecteur 15 provoque une déviation de chaque lettre vers la case appropriée et les lettres sont guidées au moyen d'un volet 17 articulé, qui permet la disposition des lettres les unes derrière les autres dans les cases.The deflector 15 causes a deviation of each letter towards the box appropriate and the letters are guided by means of a hinged flap 17, which allows the arrangement of letters one behind the other in the boxes.

Chaque volet 17 est articulé de façon à se déplacer au fur et à mesure du remplissage de la case correspondante. Lorsque la case est pleine, le volet 17 actionne un dispositif détecteur constitué d'un capteur 19 et ce capteur 19 fournit une information qui permet, par l'intermédiaire de l'automate 16 et du dispositif d'aiguillages 14, d'orienter les lettres soit vers la case de rebut R, soit simplement vers la case suivante, laquelle étant prévue dans le plan de tri comme case de débordement.Each flap 17 is articulated so as to move as the corresponding box is filled. When the box is full, the flap 17 actuates a detector device consisting of a sensor 19 and this sensor 19 provides information which makes it possible, via the automaton 16 and the switching device 14, to orient the letters either to the R waste box, or simply to the next box, which is provided in the sorting plan as an overflow box.

L'automate 16 reçoit des informations de la part d'une tête de lecture 20 qui, au moment du passage de chaque lettre, lit les informations imprimées sur ladite lettre, sous forme de code-barres. Cette lecture permet de repérer le point de distribution de la lettre, et, en fonction d'une répartition desdits points qui sera détaillée ci-après, l'automate 16 oriente la lettre en question vers l'une des cases 12 qui correspond à sa destination, soit la case 1, 2 ou 3, etc...The controller 16 receives information from a read head 20 who, at the time of the passage of each letter, reads the information printed on said letter, in the form of a barcode. This reading identifies the point of distribution of the letter, and, according to a distribution of said points which will be detailed below, the automaton 16 directs the letter in question towards one boxes 12 corresponding to its destination, either box 1, 2 or 3, etc ...

L'automate commande les aiguillages 14 en fonction des destinations. Ces destinations sont répertoriées dans une mémoire 21 qui correspond au plan de tri préparé à partir des informations connues, c'est-à-dire soit des informations qui proviennent de la disquette 3, soit des informations qui proviennent de la réalisation d'un tri antérieur comme par exemple le tri du jour précédent ou une moyenne établie sur plusieurs jours.The automaton controls the switches 14 according to the destinations. These destinations are listed in a memory 21 which corresponds to the sorting plan prepared from known information, i.e. either information that comes from disk 3, that is information that come from the performance of a previous sorting such as the sorting of the day previous or an average established over several days.

Cette préparation s'effectue dans un module 22 constitué d'un calculateur programmé pour exploiter les données concernant les lots à trier, en fonction d'un programme approprié.This preparation is carried out in a module 22 consisting of a computer programmed to use the data concerning the lots to be sorted, according to an appropriate program.

En effet, les flux de courriers restent sensiblement voisins d'un jour à l'autre, ce qui permet d'établir une moyenne sur plusieurs jours, des quantités associées à chaque point de distribution.In fact, mail flows remain substantially close from one day to the other, which makes it possible to establish an average over several days, quantities associated with each distribution point.

On remarque, figure 2, que la machine de tri comporte 12 ou 24 cases ou, comme montré plus loin, figure 11, 36 cases. Ce nombre de cases est insuffisant pour réaliser directement un tri qui correspondant aux 55 points de distribution de l'exemple représenté figure 1.Note, Figure 2, that the sorting machine has 12 or 24 boxes or, as shown below, figure 11, 36 boxes. This number of boxes is insufficient to carry out a sorting directly which corresponds to the 55 distribution of the example shown in Figure 1.

Aussi l'opération de tri s'effectue dans le cas présent en deux passes, par la méthode du tri inversé.Also the sorting operation is carried out in the present case in two passes, by the reverse sorting method.

Le premier tri est lancé sur les cases disponibles de la machine en fonction de critères qui découlent du plan de tri préparé à l'avance sous forme matricielle.The first sort is launched on the available boxes of the machine in based on criteria which arise from the sorting plan prepared in advance in the form matrix.

A la suite de cette première opération de tri, l'opérateur prélève les lettres dans chacune des cases et les repositionne dans le même ordre, dans le magasin 10 pour une deuxième opération de tri à l'issue de laquelle les objets se trouvent classés les uns à la suite des autres, par points de distribution.Following this first sorting operation, the operator collects the letters in each box and reposition them in the same order, in the store 10 for a second sorting operation at the end of which the objects are classified one after the other, by points of distribution.

A la fin de la première passe de tri, l'opérateur doit disposer les paquets de lettres dans un certain ordre dans le magasin 10 et en particulier dans l'ordre des cases numérotées de 1 à 12 ou de 1 à 24 ou autre selon le cas.At the end of the first sorting pass, the operator must arrange the packages of letters in a certain order in store 10 and in particular in the order of the boxes numbered from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 24 or other as the case may be.

La capacité K des cases 12 de la machine de tri est de l'ordre de 50 lettres ordinaires, ce qui correspond à une poignée de lettres facilement préhensible par l'opérateur lors de l'opération de décasage c'est-à-dire l'opération qui consiste à prélever dans chacune des cases le paquet de lettres triées soit pour éffectuer une nouvelle passe de tri, soit pour une remise en caissettes en vue de la réalisation de la tournée.The capacity K of the boxes 12 of the sorting machine is of the order of 50 ordinary letters, which corresponds to a handful of letters easily grasped by the operator during the decasing operation, that is to say the 'operation which consists in removing in each of the boxes the sorted letter packet either to make a new sorting pass, or for a delivery in boxes for the realization of the round.

Cette capacité peut se révéler insuffisante pour certains points ou groupes de points de distribution.This capacity may prove to be insufficient for certain points or distribution point groups.

On observe en effet figure 1, que le point de distribution n° 31 placé sur la ligne 4, comporte 54 lettres ce qui veut dire qu'une seule case 12 est insuffisante pour accueillir toutes ces lettres.We observe in fact in Figure 1, that the distribution point n ° 31 placed on line 4, contains 54 letters which means that only one box 12 is insufficient to accommodate all these letters.

Le même problème se retrouve au point de distribution n° 48 pour lequel les données fournies avec le lot de courrier, indiquent 64 lettres.The same problem is found at distribution point 48 for which the data supplied with the mail package indicates 64 letters.

Lors de l'opération de tri et en particulier de la première passe, les cases auxquelles sont affectés ces points 31 et 48, vont accueillir environ 50 lettres chacune et, dès que le capteur 19 donnera l'information de remplissage maxi de la case d'accueil, les lettres complémentaires seront orientées vers la case R qui correspond à la case de rebut ou de débordement dans laquelle le courrier est non trié.During the sorting operation and in particular of the first pass, the boxes to which these points 31 and 48 are assigned, will receive approximately 50 letters each and, as soon as the sensor 19 will give the information of maximum filling of the box d 'reception, the additional letters will be directed to box R which corresponds to the scrap or overflow box in which the mail is unsorted.

La figure 3 correspond à une représentation matricielle des quantités de lettres à distribuer, dans une matrice dont le nombre de lignes et le nombre de colonnes correspondent au nombre de cases disponibles pour effectuer le tri sur une machine par la méthode dite du tri inversé. Le nombre de points de la matrice correspond au pouvoir séparateur de la machine.FIG. 3 corresponds to a matrix representation of the quantities of letters to distribute, in a matrix including the number of lines and the number of columns correspond to the number of boxes available for sorting on a machine by the so-called reverse sorting method. The number of points in the matrix corresponds to the separating power of the machine.

Dans l'exemple retenu, la matrice comporte 24 lignes horizontales et 24 colonnes verticales ; le nombre de lignes et de colonnes est choisi en fonction de la capacité et du nombre de cases de la machine, disponibles pour effectuer les différentes passes de tri. Le nombre de cases utilisées peut varier d'une passe à l'autre.In the example chosen, the matrix has 24 horizontal lines and 24 vertical columns; the number of rows and columns is chosen according to the capacity and the number of boxes of the machine, available to perform the different sorting passes. The number of boxes used can vary from move on to the next.

Cette matrice est remplie avec les nombres qui correspondent aux quantités de lettres affectées à chacun des points de distribution selon l'exemple de la figure 1. Ainsi, dans la première colonne n° 1, on voit apparaítre le chiffre 8 puis le chiffre 7 correspondant respectivement au premier point et au deuxième point de distribution.This matrix is filled with the numbers that correspond to quantities of letters allocated to each distribution point according to the example of Figure 1. So, in the first column # 1, we see appear the number 8 then the number 7 corresponding respectively to the first point and at the second distribution point.

Le chiffre 3 apparaít à la première ligne de la colonne 2 suivi du chiffre 10. Le chiffre 3 apparaít dans la troisième colonne, etc ...The number 3 appears in the first line of column 2 followed by the number 10. The number 3 appears in the third column, etc ...

L'itinéraire du facteur se lit dans la matrice de la figure 3 et dans les matrices suivantes, en partant de la premiére ligne de la colonne 1 jusqu'à la ligne 24, puis colonne 2 en partant de la ligne 1 jusqu'à la ligne 24, etc ... jusqu'à la colonne 24, ligne 24.The route of the factor can be read in the matrix in Figure 3 and in the following matrices, starting from the first row of column 1 to the line 24, then column 2 from line 1 to line 24, etc ... to column 24, line 24.

On retrouve en suivant ce mode de lecture de la figure 3 tous les chiffres représentés à la ligne 5 de la figure 1 dans I ordre de l'itinéraire du facteur c'est-à-dire dans l'ordre des points 1 à 55 reprèsentés sur la ligne 4 de la figure 1.We find by following this reading mode of figure 3 all the figures represented in line 5 of figure 1 in I order of the route of the factor that is to say in the order of points 1 to 55 shown on line 4 of Figure 1.

Cette liste de nombres non nuls, correspondant à chaque quantité de lettres par point de distribution, a été complétée, sur la représentation matricielle de la figure 3, par des zéros pour remplir chaque colonne. Les chiffres de la ligne 5 de la figure 1 ont été répartis de façon pseudo-aléatoire dans la matrice, pour la remplir avec deux ou trois points par ligne et colonne.This list of non-zero numbers, corresponding to each quantity of letters by distribution point, has been completed, on representation matrix of figure 3, by zeros to fill each column. The figures in row 5 of figure 1 have been distributed pseudo-randomly in the matrix, to fill it with two or three points per line and column.

La figure 4 représente une matrice 24 lignes et 24 colonnes dans laquelle les nombres non nuls de la matrice de la figure 3, ont été remplacés par les points de distribution correspondants 1 à 55.Figure 4 shows a 24-row, 24-column matrix in which the non-zero numbers of the matrix of figure 3, have been replaced through the corresponding distribution points 1 to 55.

Ces points de distribution se suivent, entrecoupés de zéros, depuis la première colonne jusqu'à la dernière.These distribution points follow each other, interspersed with zeros, from the first column to the last.

L'opération de tri par la méthode du tri inversé s'effectue sur la base des informations données par la matrice de la figure 4. Cette matrice est répertoriée dans la mémoire 21 de la machine de tri. L'opération de tri consiste, pour la première passe, à repérer chaque lettre au moyen du lecteur 20 et à l'envoyer grâce à l'automate 16, dans la case 12 appropriée en fonction de sa position qui est répertvriée dans la matrice. Ainsi, une lettre correspondant à un point de distribution qui se situe dans la première ligne de la matrice, est orientée vers la case n° 1 ; chaque lettre dont la destination correspond à un point de distribution placé ligne 2, est orientée vers la case n° 2, etc ..., etc ... jusqu'aux lettres de la ligne 24 affectées à la case n° 24.The sorting operation by the reverse sorting method is performed on the basis of information given by the matrix in Figure 4. This matrix is listed in the memory 21 of the sorting machine. The sorting operation consists, for the first pass, identify each letter using reader 20 and send it thanks to the automaton 16, in the appropriate box 12 according to its position which is listed in the matrix. So a letter corresponding to a point distribution which is located in the first line of the matrix, is oriented towards box n ° 1; each letter whose destination corresponds to a point of distribution placed line 2, is oriented towards box n ° 2, etc ..., etc ... until letters from line 24 assigned to box 24.

On remarque que la ligne 1 de la matrice de la figure 3, comporte un total de 8 lettres qui seront rassemblées dans la case n° 1. Ces lettres sont destinées, d'après la matrice représentée figure 4, pour trois d'entre elles, au point de distribution n° 3, pour trois autres d'entre elles au point n° 39 et pour les deux dernières au point n° 45.Note that line 1 of the matrix in Figure 3 has a total of 8 letters which will be collected in box n ° 1. These letters are intended, according to the matrix shown in Figure 4, for three of them, to distribution point n ° 3, for three others of them at point n ° 39 and for the last two at point 45.

La case n° 2 reçoit cinq lettres.Box 2 receives five letters.

En revanche, la case n° 10 reçoit 122 lettres, c'est-à-dire une quantité nettement supérieure à sa capacité d'accueil. Ces 122 lettres sont destinées, d'après la matrice de la figure 4, pour quatre d'entre elles au point de distribution n° 20, pour 54 d'entre elles au point de distribution n° 31 et, pour toutes les autres, au point n° 48.On the other hand, box n ° 10 receives 122 letters, i.e. a quantity significantly higher than its capacity. These 122 letters are intended, according to the matrix of figure 4, for four of them at the point of distribution n ° 20, for 54 of them at distribution point n ° 31 and, for all others, point 48.

L'application stricte du plan de tri fera que les lettres en surnombre seront affectées à la case R dès que la case n° 10 sera pleine.The strict application of the sorting plan will cause excess letters to be assigned to box R as soon as box No. 10 is full.

On retrouve cette situation à la colonne 21 de la matrice. La somme des lettres disposées sur cette colonne 21, et donc normalement affectées à la case 21, est de 90 lettres. Ce qui signifie que 40 lettres seront dirigées automatiquement vers la case R de rebut.This situation is found in column 21 of the matrix. The sum of the letters placed on this column 21, and therefore normally assigned to box 21, is 90 letters. This means that 40 letters will be automatically sent to the R waste box.

Pour limiter le nombre de lettres non triées, c'est-à-dire éviter les gros débordements et rebuts, la figure 5 montre une répartition optimisée des quantités de lettres affectées à chacun des points, et ceci pour chaque ligne et chaque colonne de la matrice.To limit the number of unsorted letters, i.e. avoid large ones overflows and rejects, Figure 5 shows an optimized distribution of quantities of letters assigned to each point, and this for each line and each column of the matrix.

On remarque, figure 5, que le chiffre 54 est disposé seul sur la ligne 3, colonne 13. De la même façon, le chiffre 64 a été placé seul ligne 1; colonne 19. Ainsi, une première passe de tri effectuée selon la répartition de la matrice représentée figure 6, va orienter les 64 lettres correspondant au point de distribution n° 48 disposé sur la ligne 1, vers la case n° 1 avec une partie, 14 lettres environ, vers la case rebut R.Note, in FIG. 5, that the number 54 is placed alone on line 3, column 13. In the same way, the number 64 has been placed only on line 1; column 19. Thus, a first sorting pass carried out according to the distribution of the matrix represented in FIG. 6, will orient the 64 letters corresponding to distribution point n ° 48 placed on line 1, towards box n ° 1 with a part, 14 letters approximately, towards the waste box R.

La ligne 2 ne comporte que 34 lettres correspondant au point de distribution n° 19, qui seront affectées à la case n° 2. Line 2 has only 34 letters corresponding to the point of distribution n ° 19, which will be assigned to box n ° 2.

La ligne 3 comporte 54 lettres correspondant au point de distribution n° 31, qui seront affectées pour partie à la case n° 3 et le reste à la case R rebut.Line 3 has 54 letters corresponding to distribution point n ° 31, which will be assigned in part to box n ° 3 and the rest to the R scrap box.

La somme des quantités de lettres contenues dans les autres lignes, est inférieure à 50.The sum of the quantities of letters contained in the other lines, is less than 50.

Le même schéma se retrouve pour la deuxième passe avec l'expédition des lettres disposées dans les colonnes 1 à 24, vers les cases n° 1 à 24.The same pattern is found for the second pass with the expedition letters arranged in columns 1 to 24, towards boxes 1 to 24.

En effet, lors de la deuxième passe, la colonne 1 est affectée à la case n° 1, la colonne 2 est affectée à la case n° 2, etc ... la colonne 24 est affectée à la case n° 24.Indeed, during the second pass, column 1 is assigned to the box n ° 1, column 2 is assigned to box n ° 2, etc ... column 24 is assigned to box 24.

Ainsi, cette optimisation qui consiste à positionner dans les lignes et dans les colonnes des quantités de lettres inférieures si possible à la capacité d'accueil de chaque case, permet d'éviter des débordements multiples et massifs.So this optimization which consists in positioning in the lines and in the columns of quantities of letters lower if possible with the capacity each box, avoids multiple overflows and massive.

Dans l'exemple de répartition précédent, figure 3, on remarque les problèmes de débordement de la colonne 10 correspondant à la case n° 10 où la somme des lettres dans cette colonne est de 65.In the previous distribution example, Figure 3, we note the overflow problems in column 10 corresponding to box 10 where the sum of the letters in this column is 65.

De même, on retrouve un problème de surquantité colonne 14 avec 61 lettres et colonne 21 avec 90 lettres et colonne 11 avec 58 lettres.Likewise, there is an overquantity problem in column 14 with 61 letters and column 21 with 90 letters and column 11 with 58 letters.

Dans l'exemple de répartition de la figure 5, après optimisation, les seuls problèmes au niveau des colonnes, grâce à l'optimisation, se situent au niveau de la colonne 13 correspondant à la case n° 13 et à la colonne 19 correspondant à la case n° 19.In the distribution example in Figure 5, after optimization, the only column level problems, thanks to optimization, lie at the level from column 13 corresponding to box 13 and column 19 corresponding to box 19.

La figure 6 montre la position des points de distribution 1 à 55, selon la répartition matricielle représentée figure 5.Figure 6 shows the position of distribution points 1 to 55, according to the matrix distribution shown in Figure 5.

La figure 7 montre une solution au niveau de la répartition des quantités dans la matrice 24-24, qui permet, lorsque une ligne ou colonne comporte un nombre de lettres supérieur à la capacité d'accueil de la case correspondante, de libérer la ou les cases qui suivent cette case normalement trop chargée, afin de pouvoir orienter les lettres en surplus vers cette case ou ces cases suivantes plutôt que vers la case de rebut R.Figure 7 shows a solution in the distribution of quantities in the 24-24 matrix, which allows, when a row or column has a number of letters greater than the capacity of the corresponding box, to release the boxes following this normally overloaded box, in order to be able to direct the surplus letters towards this box or these following boxes rather than towards the waste box R.

Cette répartition s'effectue en gardant l'ordre, colonne par colonne, des différents points de distribution, comme représenté figure 8. This distribution is carried out by keeping the order, column by column, of the different distribution points, as shown in figure 8.

Ainsi, on remarque ligne 3, que les 54 lettres du point de distribution n° 31 peuvent être réparties dans la case n° 3 et dans la case n° 4 suivante, qui correspond à la ligne 4, laquelle ligne 4 ne comporte aucune autre lettre sur la répartition matricielle, elle est remplie par des zéros uniquement.Thus, we note line 3, that the 54 letters of distribution point n ° 31 can be distributed in box 3 and in the next box 4, which corresponds to line 4, which line 4 has no other letter on the matrix distribution, it is filled by zeros only.

Le même schéma se retrouve à propos de ce chiffre 54 dans la colonne 14. Cette colonne 14 comporte un total de 59 lettres qui vont être réparties dans la case n° 14 pour une partie, et dans la case suivante n° 15. En effet, la colonne 15 est une colonne remplie de zéros. Aucune lettre n'est affectée d'office à cette case n° 15. Cette case n° 15 sera une case de dédoublement qui viendra compléter c'est-à-dire accroítre la capacité de la case n° 14 lorsque cette case n° 14 aura atteint son niveau de remplissage maximum.The same diagram is found about this figure 54 in the column 14. This column 14 has a total of 59 letters which will be distributed in box 14 for a game, and in the next box 15. In fact, the column 15 is a column filled with zeros. No letters are affected automatically in this box n ° 15. This box n ° 15 will be a duplication box which will complement, i.e. increase the capacity of box 14 when this box n ° 14 will have reached its maximum filling level.

L'information donnée par le capteur 19, figure 2, permettra à l'automate programmé à cet effet, de continuer à expédier des lettres de la colonne 14 vers la case n° 15 qui devient grâce à la répartition matricielle, une case de dédoublement de la case n° 14.The information given by the sensor 19, FIG. 2, will allow the automaton programmed for this purpose, to continue to send letters from column 14 towards box n ° 15 which becomes, thanks to the matrix distribution, a box of duplication of box 14.

Cette particularité présente l'avantage de ne pas perturber la répartition des cases et surtout de permettre lors du décasage, de conserver l'ordre des lettres lorsqu'elles sont prélevées dans les cases successives en vue d'un nouveau positionnement dans le magasin si ce décasage fait suite à une première passe, ou dans une caissette si ces lettres sont décasées suite à la dernière passe.This feature has the advantage of not disturbing the distribution boxes and especially to allow during the decasing, to keep the order of letters when taken from successive boxes for a new positioning in the store if this decasing follows a first pass, or in a box if these letters are crushed following the last pass.

De la même façon, figure 7, on remarque que le chiffre 64 qui apparaít colonne 20, ligne 23, est suivi de deux colonnes 21 et 22 remplies de zéros, et d'une ligne 24 remplie de zéros également. Ceci signifie que la ligne 24 correspondant à la case n° 24 propose ladite case n° 24 comme case de dédoublement de la case précédente n° 23 lors de la première passe.Similarly, Figure 7, we note that the number 64 which appears column 20, line 23, is followed by two columns 21 and 22 filled with zeros, and a line 24 also filled with zeros. This means that line 24 corresponding to box no. 24 proposes said box no. 24 as a box for duplication of the previous box n ° 23 during the first pass.

De même, pour la deuxième passe, les colonnes 21 et 22 correspondant aux cases n° 21 et 22 identifient ces cases n° 21 et 22 comme cases de dédoublement de la case précédente n° 20.Likewise, for the second pass, the corresponding columns 21 and 22 in boxes 21 and 22 identify these boxes 21 and 22 as duplication of the previous box n ° 20.

Dans cette répartition, comme représenté figure 7, l'opérateur va, lors du décasage, trouver des lettres dans pratiquement toutes les cases. Il aura donc à effectuer un nombre de décasages relativement important, mais en comparaison de ce qui se passait précédemment, aucun rebut pour cause de débordement n'est observé ce qui signifie que toutes les lettres sont triées.In this distribution, as shown in Figure 7, the operator will, during the crushing, find letters in practically all the boxes. He will therefore have to carry out a relatively large number of decasings, but in comparison of what was happening previously, no scrap due to overflow is only observed which means that all letters are sorted.

La figure 9 montre l'élaboration dune répartition qui permet de limiter le nombre de cases utilisées sur la machine de tri. Cette opération consiste à rassembler les quantités de lettres dans un nombre de lignes et de colonnes relativement restreint.Figure 9 shows the development of a distribution which limits the number of boxes used on the sorting machine. This operation consists of combine the quantities of letters in a number of rows and columns relatively small.

Ainsi, on remarque que les lignes 1 à 8 ne comportent que des zéros de même que les colonnes 1 à 8, ce qui signifie que dans une machine de tri comportant 24 cases, 16 cases seulement sont utiles pour effectuer l'opération de tri, aussi bien la première passe que la deuxième passe, compte-tenu de la répartition matricielle des quantités de lettres.Thus, we note that lines 1 to 8 only have zeros of same as columns 1 to 8, which means that in a sorting machine with 24 boxes, only 16 boxes are useful for performing the operation sorting, both the first pass and the second pass, taking into account the matrix distribution of letter quantities.

Cette répartition est aménagée dans la matrice représentée figure 9, de telle façon que les gros points de distribution, c'est-à-dire les points n° 31 et 48 dans l'exemple de la figure 1, soient isolés ou éventuellement regroupés avec d'autres points et suivis d'une colonne et d'une ligne remplie de zéros de façon à créer automatiquement des cases de dédoublement.This distribution is arranged in the matrix shown in FIG. 9, of in such a way that the large distribution points, i.e. points n ° 31 and 48 in the example of figure 1, are isolated or possibly grouped with other points and followed by a column and a line filled with zeros so to automatically create duplication boxes.

Ainsi, la ligne 16 qui comprend 55 lettres, est suivie d'une ligne 17 remplie de zéros.Line 16, which includes 55 letters, is followed by line 17 filled with zeros.

La case n° 17 est une case de dédoublement de la case n° 16.Box 17 is a duplication box in box 16.

On remarque également pour la deuxième passe, que la colonne 17 comporte 79 lettres qui vont se répartir dans la case n° 17 et dans la case de dédoublement n° 18 compte-tenu du fait que la colonne 18 est remplie de zéros.Note also for the second pass, that column 17 contains 79 letters which will be distributed in box 17 and in the box duplication n ° 18 taking into account the fact that column 18 is filled with zeros.

Le même schéma se retrouve avec la ligne 14 qui ne contient que les 64 lettres du point de distribution n° 48. La case n° 14 est associée à la case n° 15 qui constitue une case de dédoublement.The same diagram is found with line 14 which contains only the 64 letters from distribution point no. 48. Box no. 14 is associated with box no. 15 which constitutes a duplication box.

En deuxième passe, on remarque que la colonne 21 contient 74 lettres. La colonne 22 est remplie de zéros.In the second pass, we notice that column 21 contains 74 letters. Column 22 is filled with zeros.

La case n° 22 est affectée en tant que case de dédoublement de la case n° 21 pour accueillir le surplus de lettres.Box 22 is assigned as a duplicate box n ° 21 to accommodate the surplus of letters.

Cette opération de massification réalisée dans la matrice représentée figure 9, permet d'une part, de conserver l'ordre des lettres pour chaque passe de tri et, d'autre part, de limiter le nombre d'opérations de décasage. This massification operation carried out in the matrix shown figure 9, allows on the one hand, to keep the order of the letters for each pass sorting and, on the other hand, limit the number of crushing operations.

La figure 10 montre la représentation matricielle des points de distribution correspondant aux quantités inscrites dans la matrice de la figure 9.Figure 10 shows the matrix representation of the points of distribution corresponding to the quantities entered in the matrix in Figure 9.

On remarque sur cette figure 10 que la ligne 9 peut correspondre à la case n° 1 de la machine de tri qui reçoit les lettres des points de distribution 16, 22 et 45. Les numéros des cases sont placés à gauche des numéros d'identification des lignes et au-dessus des numéros des colonnes.Note in this figure 10 that line 9 can correspond to the box 1 of the sorting machine which receives the letters from the distribution points 16, 22 and 45. The box numbers are placed to the left of the numbers lines and above the column numbers.

La ligne 10 correspondant par exemple à la case n° 2, reçoit lors de la première passe, les lettres affectées aux points de distribution n° 1, 17, 28, 37, 46 et 49. La ligne 16 qui correspond par exemple à la case n° 8, reçoit les lettres destinées aux points de distribution n° 10 et 31 dont le nombre est supérieur à la capacité d'accueil de la case n° 16. Les lettres en surplus seront orientées vers la case n° 9 qualifiée de case de dédoublement de la case n° 8 précédente.Line 10 corresponding for example to box 2, receives during the first pass, letters assigned to distribution points 1, 17, 28, 37, 46 and 49. Line 16 which corresponds for example to box 8, receives the letters to distribution points 10 and 31, the number of which is greater than the capacity of box n ° 16. The surplus letters will be oriented towards box n ° 9 qualified as a duplication box in box n ° 8 previous.

Ce même schéma se retrouve au niveau de la ligne 23 correspondant à la case n° 15 qui va accueillir les lettres des points de distribution n° 8, 15, 21, 36 et 55. Le nombre de lettres dans cette case n° 15 est de 57, d'après la matrice représentée figure 9. La case n° 16 constitue la case de dédoublement de la case n° 15 pour recevoir le surplus de lettres.This same diagram is found at line 23 corresponding to box n ° 15 which will receive letters from distribution points n ° 8, 15, 21, 36 and 55. The number of letters in this box n ° 15 is 57, according to the matrix shown in figure 9. Box n ° 16 constitutes the duplication box in box 15 to receive excess letters.

Le même schéma se retrouve pour la deuxième passe lorsque les colonnes 9 à 24 sont affectées aux cases n° 1 à 16 avec plusieurs cases de dédoublement et en particulier la case n° 3 qui est la case de dédoublement de la case n° 10, la case n° 5 qui est la case de dédoublement de la case n° 12, etc ... la case n° 24 qui est la case de dédoublement de la case n° 23.The same pattern is found for the second pass when the columns 9 to 24 are assigned to boxes 1 to 16 with several boxes of duplication and in particular box n ° 3 which is the duplication box of box 10, box 5 which is the duplication box in box 12, etc ... box n ° 24 which is the duplication box of box n ° 23.

La figure 11 montre une machine de tri qui comporte trois lignes de cases.Figure 11 shows a sorting machine that has three lines of boxes.

Cette machine de tri a une capacité qui est par exemple de 36 cases plus, à l'extrémité de chacune des lignes, des cases de rebut R.This sorting machine has a capacity which is for example 36 boxes plus, at the end of each of the lines, waste boxes R.

Ainsi, pour une opération de tri du type de celle détaillée figures 9 et 10, où le nombre de cases nécessaires est de 16, on peut envisager de réaliser une partition de la machine pour effectuer par exemple une passe de tri dans la zone repérée A c'est-à-dire dans les trois moitiés de lignes de cases sur la partie gauche de la machine, lesquelles cases sont repérées de 1 à 18 alors que la deuxième partie de la machine repérée B correspond aux cases numérotées (1) à (18). Cette deuxième partie permet à l'opérateur ou un autre opérateur, d'effectuer simultanément à une opération de tri dans la zone A, une autre opération du genre décalage dans la zone B.Thus, for a sorting operation of the type detailed in FIGS. 9 and 10, where the number of boxes required is 16, it is possible to envisage making a partition of the machine to carry out for example a sorting pass in the zone marked A that is to say in the three halves of rows of boxes on the left part of the machine, which boxes are marked from 1 to 18 while the second part of the machine marked B corresponds to the numbered boxes (1) to ( 18). This second part allows the operator or another operator, to simultaneously perform a sorting operation in zone A , another operation of the shift type in zone B.

Cette partition de la machine est réalisable en fonction des quantités de courrier à trier qui ne peuvent excéder la capacité d'accueil des cases.This partition of the machine is achievable according to the quantities of mail to be sorted which cannot exceed the capacity of the boxes.

La répartition des quantités de lettres dans la matrice de préparation du plan de tri peut s'effectuer de façon préférentielle, avec un programme approprié qui permet de réaliser à grande vitesse, les calculs de quantités d'objets correspondant aux différents points de distribution, par ligne et par colonne au fur et à mesure des déplacements de ces points et quantités dans la matrice afin d'obtenir comme représenté figures 5 et 6, une optimisation des quantités par ligne et par colonne ou, figures 7 et 8, un aménagement qui réalise un dédoublement automatique des cases trop chargées ou encore comme représenté figures 9 et 10, un dédoublement automatique avec réduction du nombre de cases nécessaires pour effectuer l'opération de tri.The distribution of letter quantities in the preparation matrix of the sorting plan can be carried out preferentially, with a program suitable for performing quantity calculations at high speed of objects corresponding to the different distribution points, per line and per column as these points and quantities move in the matrix in order to obtain, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an optimization of the quantities per row and per column or, in Figures 7 and 8, an arrangement which performs automatic duplication of overloaded boxes or as shown in figures 9 and 10, an automatic duplication with reduction in the number of boxes required to perform the sorting operation.

Toutes ces opérations sont réalisées sur intervention de l'opérateur, à l'aide du module d'optimisation 22 pouvant faire partie de la machine, lequel module est associé au pupitre 23, figures 11 et 12, qui permet de commander la machine. Le module 22 est relié au réseau de communication par lequel l'opérateur peut accéder aux données des lots à trier, ou bien il est équipé d'un lecteur approprié pour la lecture des disquettes 3 ou autres.All these operations are carried out with operator intervention, at using the optimization module 22 which can be part of the machine, which module is associated with the desk 23, Figures 11 and 12, which allows to control the machine. The module 22 is connected to the communication network through which the operator can access the data of the batches to be sorted, or else he is equipped with a drive suitable for reading 3 or other floppy disks.

La machine, représentée figure 11, a un pouvoir séparateur égal à 16 x 16 pour sa partie A et le même pouvoir séparateur 16 x 16 soit 256, pour sa deuxième partie B.The machine, shown in Figure 11, has a separating power equal to 16 x 16 for its part A and the same separating power 16 x 16, ie 256, for its second part B.

La capacité de chaque partie A et B de la machine est de 800 lettres environ, (50 x le nombre de cases).The capacity of each part A and B of the machine is approximately 800 letters, (50 x the number of boxes).

Pour optimiser l'utilisation de la machine, il est également possible de regrouper des lots de courrier à concurrence de la capacité d'accueil de la machine bien entendu et du pouvoir séparateur.To optimize the use of the machine, it is also possible to group batches of mail up to the reception capacity of the machine of course and separating power.

Ce regroupement de lots correspondant chacun à un quartier, peut être proposé à l'opérateur, directement sur la machine, à partir des données fournies par les centres de tri en amont, accessibles par un réseau de communication approprié. This grouping of lots, each corresponding to a district, can be proposed to the operator, directly on the machine, from the data provided by upstream sorting centers, accessible through a network of appropriate communication.

Une première opération consiste à classer chaque lot en prenant comme critère le nombre de points de distribution, puis à former des regroupements. Chaque groupe de lots est constitué du premier lot non encore groupé dans la liste, et d'un ensemble de lots non encore groupés consécutifs dans la liste. Chaque ensemble doit être constitué du plus grand nombre possible de lots, eux-mêmes les plus gros possibles. Le critère de groupement est le tri possible massifié sur un « espace » machine permettant le tri en temps masqué. Le nombre de groupes est donc minimisé ainsi que, par conséquent, les nombres de changements de tâches et de décasages. Le processus s'arrête quand tous les lots sont groupés.A first operation consists in classifying each batch by taking as criteria the number of distribution points, then to form clusters. Each group of lots consists of the first lot not yet grouped in the list, and of a set of batches not yet grouped consecutively in the list. Each set must consist of as many lots as possible, themselves as big as possible. The grouping criterion is the possible sorting massified on a machine “space” allowing sorting in hidden time. The number of groups is therefore minimized as well as, therefore, the numbers changes of tasks and decasings. The process stops when all the lots are grouped.

Enfin, chaque groupe est repris (cette fois vu comme un lot), optimisé et massifié. II est donc obligatoirement friable en utilisant un nombre de cases inférieur (mais proche) de l' « espace » machine voulu, tout en assurant un remplissage des cases proche de leur capacité.Finally, each group is taken up (this time seen as a lot), optimized and massified. It is therefore necessarily friable using a number of boxes lower (but close) to the desired machine “space”, while ensuring filling the boxes close to their capacity.

Ce regroupement est particulièrement intéressant pour les périodes de vacances par exemple, où le nombre de lettres à distribuer peut se réduire dans des proportions importantesThis grouping is particularly interesting for periods of holidays for example, where the number of letters to distribute can be reduced in significant proportions

La description donnée ci-avant pour des matrices rectangulaires ou carrées peut également s'appliquer à des matrices parallélépipédiques dans le cas d'opérations de tri réalisées en trois passes.The description given above for rectangular matrices or square can also be applied to parallelepiped matrices in the sorting operations carried out in three passes.

L'itinéraire dans ce cas se lit par exemple couche par couche, d'avant en arrière, puis pour chaque couche, colonne par colonne de gauche à droite et pour chaque colonne, ligne par ligne de haut en bas.The route in this case can be read, for example, layer by layer, from before back, then for each layer, column by column from left to right and for each column, line by line from top to bottom.

La figure 12 schématise un autre type de machine de tri. Les cases 12 ou réceptacles sont répartis sur une ligne de grande longueur et chaque case a une capacité importante, supérieure à 400 voire 500 lettres.Figure 12 shows schematically another type of sorting machine. Boxes 12 or receptacles are distributed over a long line and each box has a large capacity, greater than 400 or even 500 letters.

Ce type de machine peut fonctionner de façon continue, c'est-à-dire qu'il est possible de réaliser des opérations de tri consécutives qui se superposent aux opérations de décasage manuel. On se trouve dans un système de stockage du genre FIFO et des moyens de séparation permettent d'identifier les objets correspondant à chaque passe.This type of machine can operate continuously, i.e. it it is possible to carry out consecutive sorting operations which overlap manual crushing operations. We are in a system of FIFO type storage and separation means identify the objects corresponding to each pass.

Cependant, on constate que sur ce genre de machine, de grande longueur, l'opération de décasage s'effectue sur une -période de temps relativement longue. Si une nouvelle opération de tri est lancée et se superpose à la précédente, il y a un risque de débordement dans les dernières cases.However, we see that on this kind of machine, large length, the decasing operation is carried out over a period of time relatively long. If a new sorting operation is launched and superimposed on the previous one, there is a risk of overflow in the last boxes.

Pour remédier à ce risque, le procédé de préparation du plan de tri consiste à prévoir un taux de remplissage différent pour les cases et en particulier une réduction progressive du nombre d'objets en partant de la première case servie jusqu'à la dernière, c'est-à-dire que l'on effectue au niveau de la répartition matricielle, une optimisation de la somme des objets de chaque ligne et de chaque colonne de la matrice qui suit une progression permettant de loger dans la première case 121 une somme d'objets proche de la capacité maximale de la case alors que pour la dernière case 122, cette somme d'objets est plus faible, à ajuster en fonction de la machine.To remedy this risk, the process for preparing the sorting plan consists in providing a different filling rate for the boxes and particular a gradual reduction in the number of objects starting from the first box served until the last, that is to say that one performs at level of the matrix distribution, an optimization of the sum of the objects of each row and each column of the matrix that follows a progression allowing to place in the first box 121 a sum of objects close to the maximum capacity of the space whereas for the last space 122, this sum of objects is lower, to be adjusted according to the machine.

Concrètement, le remplissage se présente sous la forme d'une rampe et ce procédé d'optimisation est de plus compatible avec les procédés de dédoublement et de massification développés auparavant.Concretely, the filling takes the form of a ramp and this optimization process is moreover compatible with the duplication and massification developed previously.

Claims (10)

  1. A method of preparing a sorting scheme for objects such as, for example, letters with a reverse sorting machine, said method consisting in providing for matrix distribution of the batch of objects to be sorted in inserting a certain number of zeros up to the separating capacity available on the said machine and according to the number of sorting passes, said insertion being made in the list of non-zero numbers representing the said object batch and which are classified in the order of the object distribution round, and in disposing the said zeros in the distribution matrix, so that certain compartments of the sorting machine, which appear as empty, are used as compartments duplicating the first previous non-empty compartment, in order to take into account and to process one or several distribution points for which the number of objects or the sum of these numbers as the case may be in each line or column of the said matrix, is such that it exceeds the reception capacity of a simple compartment, thereby assimilating one or several consecutive compartments to a single direction, serving as multiple capacity receptacles.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that it consists in trying to use a minimum number of compartments on the sorting machine, which compartments are filled up to a value close to their maximum capacity, which process consists in placing lines of zeroes in the distribution matrix, which lines are concentrated at the first row(s) of the said matrix.
  3. A method according to claim 2, characterised in that it consists, in the case of a sorting machine whose number of compartments is such that its reception capacity is at least twice as high as the quantity of objects to be sorted, in partitioning the compartments in order to form at least two geographically distinct assemblies A and B on the said machine, enabling time-related superimposition of the automatic sorting operation of a flow of objects and the removal operation of a flow already sorted.
  4. A method according to claim 3, characterised in that it consists, according to the capacities of the sorting machine, in cumulating several batches of objects to be sorted, in order to use the greatest possible number of compartments, whereas each of these compartments receives a quantity of objects close to its maximum reception capacity.
  5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the arrangement of the matrix distribution is carried out over a cubic matrix representation corresponding to a sorting operation realised in a three-pass reverse sorting operation.
  6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it consists in the case of a machine provided with large capacity compartments liable to be filled without having been emptied previously, as for example a packing machine whose compartments extend in line over a great length, in arranging the filling rate of each compartment in order to perform simultaneously automatic filling and manual removal operations, without any risk of overfilling, which arrangement consists in conducting gradual reduction of the number of objects directed towards the compartments, starting from the first compartment to the last.
  7. A machine enabling implementation of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it comprises juxtaposed compartments arranged in three superimposed and horizontal lines, whereas each line comprises for example 13 compartments among which, the last one, forms a reception compartment for waste and/or possible overfill, whereby each compartment has a reception capacity in the order of 50 letters of conventional correspondence.
  8. A machine according to claim 7, characterised in that each compartment (12) comprises means for detecting the maximum filling level of the said compartment, which detection means, in the form of sensors (19), provide information that is used either to direct overfill towards the overfill compartment or to open the following compartment in case of duplication.
  9. A machine enabling implementation of the method according to claim 6, characterised in that it comprises packer-type receptacles, arranged along a horizontal line of great length, which receptacles have a significant reception capacity, greater than 450 letters for example.
  10. A machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that it comprises a maximisation module (22) such as a programmed calculator, intended to implement the preparation method of sorting object batches according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
EP00918971A 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Method for preparing a sorting scheme Expired - Lifetime EP1181110B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9905010 1999-04-16
FR9905010A FR2792227B1 (en) 1999-04-16 1999-04-16 PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A SORTING PLAN FOR A LOT OF OBJECTS (PLY, LETTERS, ...) FOR A SORTING MACHINE OPERATING IN REVERSE SORTING
PCT/FR2000/000960 WO2000062947A1 (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Method for preparing a sorting scheme

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DE10145295A1 (en) 2001-09-14 2003-04-24 Siemens Dematic Ag Distribution order sorting procedure
ES2372161T5 (en) 2007-12-13 2014-11-13 Solystic Procedure for classifying postal items using a dynamic assignment process for sorting outlets
DE102009011428A1 (en) 2009-03-03 2010-09-16 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Sorting and sorting system with two different groups of output device
CN112354868A (en) * 2020-10-15 2021-02-12 西安邮电大学 Secondary sorting method of automatic sorting system

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JP3389717B2 (en) * 1994-12-22 2003-03-24 株式会社日立製作所 Paper sheet sorting method and apparatus
JPH09239325A (en) * 1996-03-11 1997-09-16 Hitachi Ltd Method for rearranging and sorting postal item delivery order and apparatus therefor
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EP1181110A1 (en) 2002-02-27
DE60001405T2 (en) 2003-11-06
FR2792227B1 (en) 2001-07-27

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