JP2002029613A - Goods sorting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a goods sorting system capable of improving work efficiency when sorting many kinds of goods by a little amount each by corresponding to a request of the destination. SOLUTION: This goods sorting system is provided with a first conveyor conveying a tray storing goods to be sorted, a second conveyor, a plurality of sorting lines consisting of sorting shelves provided with a plurality of distribution frontages, a sorter to be introduced on the sorting lines, a reading means reading distinguishing information of the tray, a storage means storing goods information table and arrangement pattern information of distribution frontages, a control means determining a sorting line for introducing tray by referring to the distinguishing information, goods information table, and arrangement pattern information, and a direction instruction means displaying numbers of distribution frontages provided in a plurality of blocks and their directions by arrow marks.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a merchandise sorting system, and more particularly to a merchandise sorting system suitable for sorting various kinds of merchandise in small quantities corresponding to a large number of destinations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For products to be delivered to convenience stores and supermarkets, it is necessary to deliver many types of products in small quantities according to orders from each store.
Therefore, after a vendor (seller) once delivers a product to a delivery center, the product is sorted by destination at the delivery center and shipped.

[0003] In the distribution center, sorting is performed in units of display locations, and the grouping of location units can be freely combined in accordance with the size of the store. It is necessary to be able to

In order to perform such a sorting operation,
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a product sorting system in which a required number of products corresponding to destination-specific containers provided along a transport route are supplied while transporting each product for each item. This conventional product sorting system, for example,
This is disclosed in JP-A-9-221207.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional product sorting system. As shown in FIG. 18, this product sorting system moves a traveling route 103 in a collection area in which a collection container 101 for each destination is arranged together with a cart 102 on which an operator places products. The product is put into the container 101 from the cart 102.

[0006]

However, in the conventional merchandise sorting system, since the worker puts the merchandise into the container 101 while moving the cart 102, much time is spent for moving the cart 102. become,
It was difficult to perform the sorting operation within a predetermined time.
In order to reduce the travel time, the number of collection workers must be increased, and a reduction in work efficiency was inevitable.

[0007] In addition, the amount of work in each of the tour routes 103 varies, and a situation arises in which one worker is busy with sorting and other workers have no products to sort. And there was room for improvement. Furthermore, it is not easy to take a quick response according to the actual progress of the sorting operation, and there is still room for improvement in this aspect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a product sorting system capable of further improving the work efficiency when sorting various kinds of products little by little in response to the demands of the destination.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a merchandise sorting system according to the present invention comprises a first conveyor for conveying trays containing merchandise to be sorted, and a second conveyor branched from the first conveyor. And a plurality of sorting lines comprising sorting shelves provided corresponding to the second conveyor, comprising a plurality of distribution ports in which containers into which commodities are placed according to the sorting conveyors are arranged. ,
A sorter for introducing a tray conveyed by the first conveyor into one of the plurality of sorting lines; reading means for reading identification information of a tray passing on the first conveyor; A product information table in which the identification information is associated with the product information stored in the tray, and storage means for storing the arrangement pattern information of the distribution ports for each of the sorting lines; and the read identification information, which is stored in the storage means. The merchandise information table and the arrangement pattern information of the distributing ports are referred to to determine which of the plurality of sorting lines the tray is to be introduced into, and control means for controlling the sorter and the sorting shelf are divided. And a direction indicating means for displaying the number of the distribution port and the direction of the distribution port with an arrow provided in the plurality of blocks.

[0010] With the above configuration, the tray containing the commodities to be sorted is conveyed by the first conveyor and introduced into one of a plurality of sorting lines including the second conveyor and the sorting shelf by the sorter. And a product information table in which the identification information of the tray passing on the first conveyor and the product information contained in the tray read by the reading means are associated with each other, and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution ports for each sorting line. Which of a plurality of sorting lines the tray is to be introduced by referring to the read identification information, the merchandise information table stored in the storage means, and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution port, which is stored in the storage means and is read by the control means. And the sorter is controlled. Then, the direction instructing means displays the numbers and the directions of the distribution ports provided in the plurality of blocks obtained by dividing the sorting shelf by arrows.

[0011] This makes it possible to further improve the work efficiency in sorting various kinds of products little by little in response to the demands of the destination.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a product sorting system includes a first product that transports a tray 6 containing products to be sorted.
And a plurality of (for example, six as illustrated) second conveyors 2 branched from the first conveyor 1,
A sorter 3 for introducing the tray 6 conveyed by the first conveyor 1 into one of the plurality of second conveyors 2, and a bar code attached to the tray 6 passing over the first conveyor 1, that is, tray identification information And a scanner 5 as reading means for reading the image.

A plurality of (six) sorting shelves 4 provided for each of the second conveyors 2 and containers into which commodities are put in the sorting shelves 4 are placed in the next step, ie, in the next step.
Shipping conveyors 14, 15 for transport to the shipping department
And a plurality of (three are shown as an example) input lines 1 for placing products on the tray 6 and inputting them to the first conveyor 1
1 and a computer terminal (hereinafter abbreviated as a PC terminal) 12 disposed on each of the input lines 11. A PC terminal 24 is arranged on each sorting shelf 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the product sorting system of FIG. As shown in FIG.
The PC terminal 24 is connected to the host computer 40 together with the PC terminal 12. A host computer 40;
The PC terminals 12 and 24 form a local area network (LAN), and can mutually transmit information.

A scanner 13 for reading a bar code is connected to the PC terminal 12. The PC terminal 24 includes a scanner 23 that reads a barcode, and an SCM (shipping c) that displays shipping destination information in characters and a barcode.
arton marking label and a label issuing machine 25 for printing a product packing list label indicating a product put in a container; a direction indicator 26 and a loading indicator 27 for notifying an operator of a distributing port for loading the product; And a transmission type infrared sensor 28 as a loading detecting means for detecting that a product has been loaded.

Host computer 40 and PC terminal 1
Each of the devices 2 and 24 includes a display device, a storage device (for example, a hard disk device), a CPU (central processing unit), a communication interface, and the like. Host computer 40
Is connected to the scanner 5 and the sorter 3, and the host computer 40 performs overall control of the product sorting system (see FIG. 1).

In the following description, one unit composed of one second conveyor 2 and a corresponding sorting shelf 4 is called a "sorting line", and the six sorting lines are defined as lines L1 and L2, respectively. ,..., L6. Two workers P1 and P2 are arranged on each of the sorting lines L1 to L6, and one worker P3 is arranged on each input line 11.

When the worker P3 causes the scanner 13 connected to the PC terminal 12 to read the barcode (product identification information) attached to the product, the worker P3 places the product on the tray 6 on the display device of the PC terminal 12. The quantity of goods is indicated. The operator P3 puts the displayed quantity of products on the tray 6, causes the scanner 13 to read tray identification information for identifying each tray attached to the tray 6,
It is put into the first conveyor 1.

At this time, the tray identification information of the tray into which the product is put, and the information of the product, ie, the type (item) and quantity of the product, are sent from the PC terminal 12 to the host computer 40, and the host computer 40 Is stored as a product information table in the storage device.

The scanner 5 reads the tray identification information of the tray 6 conveyed by the first conveyor 1, and inputs the information to the host computer 40. Host computer 40
Refers to the merchandise information table stored in the storage device and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution ports of the sorting shelves 4 to determine in which of the second conveyors 2 the tray 8 is to be introduced.
That is, it is determined which of the sorting lines L1 to L6 is to be introduced, and a control signal for driving the sorter 3 is output. Thus, the tray 6 on which the product is placed is automatically supplied to a sorting line having a distribution port for sorting the product.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the sorting shelf 4 of this embodiment
In the figure, 11 upper containers and 12 lower resin containers are arranged, and a total of 23 distributing ports 21 are provided.

One sorting shelf 4 is divided into two blocks A and B, and workers P1 and P2 are in charge of sorting the A block and the B block, respectively. That is, of the 23 distribution ports 21 provided on the sorting shelf 4, 12 blocks on the left side from the center are assigned to the worker P1 and 12 blocks on the right including the lower middle section are assigned to the worker P2. Are respectively constituted.

With such a configuration, the operator P1 first performs the sorting operation on the products placed on one tray 6, and the operator P2 performs the sorting operation on the rest.

When the introduction of the goods into one container arranged in each distribution port 21 is completed, the workers P1, P2
Presses the detail label issue button to issue the SCM label and the product packaging detail label, affixes it to the container,
Push it out to the conveyor 14 for shipping. The extruded container is transported to the shipping department by the conveyors 14 and 15.

In the vicinity of the center of the sorting shelf 4, a PC terminal 24 and a label issuing machine 25 (see FIG. 2) are arranged.
A scanner 23 for reading the tray identification information of the tray 6 is attached to the lower stage. In addition, an input indicator 27 is provided above or below each distribution port 21.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the input indicator of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
Has a display lamp 31 and a number display 33, a check button 32 and a label issue button 34. The input indicator 27 is connected to the PC terminal 24. The operation signals of the buttons 32 and 34 are supplied to the PC terminal 24, and the display lamp 31 and the number indicator 33 are controlled by the control signal from the PC terminal 24. Is controlled.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the direction indicator of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
Direction indicators 26 attached to each of the blocks
Indicates the number and direction of the distribution port 21 specified by the PC terminal 24 with an arrow on the display surface 26a, and also displays the type and number of the sorting target products, and functions as a distribution port direction indicator.

For example, on the rectangular display surface 26a, a frontage direction display a consisting of a straight arrow, a frontage number display b positioned at the leading end of the pointing direction of the frontage direction display a, and a number arranged substantially at the center A display c and a type display d are displayed (see FIG. 5).

The frontage direction display a indicates any one of a total of eight locations from the approximate center of the display surface 26a to the corners, the approximate centers of the upper and lower sides, and the approximate centers of the left and right sides. The frontage number display “b”, the number display “c”, and the type display “d” are respectively indicated by numerals on a rectangular display unit.

The positions and numbers of the frontage direction display a and the frontage number display b are not limited to a total of eight positions at each corner and substantially at the center of each of the upper, lower, left and right sides. Can be set. Also, the position and the number of the number display c and the type display d can be arbitrarily set as necessary, and the shape and display method of the frontage direction display a, the frontage number display b, the number display c, and the type display d are also possible. The same is true.

Depending on the type of goods being transported, for example, a predetermined number of cases are packed in a box shape, and a required number is grouped in a ball shape. Ball products in a state, piece products in a singular state, and other (irregular) products.

Each type is displayed with different characters and colors so that the products to be sorted can be easily distinguished and recognized. As an example, for a light gray back tone, C is green for case products, B is red for ball products, P is blue for piece products, and S is yellow for other (unspecified products).

Any of these display characters and colors can be freely combined and used. The display instruction signal output from the PC terminal 24 allows the display character and the color provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display to be displayed. It is displayed on the indicator 26.

Each display instruction signal of the frontage direction display a, the frontage number display b, the number display c, and the type display d in the direction indicator 26 is programmed by the PC terminal 24, and the display processing signal of the input display 27. In conjunction with
It is output at the same time as the display of the input indicator 27, and the indication of display characters and colors is also controlled. By providing such a display, it is possible to ensure quickness of the distribution work, increase the accuracy, and improve the work efficiency.

A pair of transmission infrared sensors (hereinafter simply referred to as input sensors) 28 are provided on both sides of each distribution port 21 of the sorting shelf 4. The input sensor 28
When a product or an operator's hand passes when the product is put into the container 22, the detection signal is transmitted to the PC terminal 2.
4

In this embodiment, the sorting lines L5 and L6 are backup lines for any two of the other sorting lines L1 to L4. As will be described later, the backup line is to be introduced into the sorting line L2 or L3 when the number of trays 6 to be backed up, that is, the number of trays 6 waiting for the sorting operation of the line to be backed up exceeds a predetermined number. The tray 6 is provided to perform the sorting operation.

Here, for example, the sorting lines L5 and L5
6 back up the sorting lines L2 and L3, respectively. By providing such a backup line, it is possible to eliminate work stagnation and improve efficiency.

Next, the distribution port 2 in this embodiment is described.
The setting method of the first arrangement pattern will be described. Here, for example, a work plan for the sorting work (one batch work) is made in half-day units, and the storage device of the host computer 4 stores advance shipping information of the goods notified from each vendor. Shall be. The pre-shipment information includes a product type, a product quantity, a vendor name, a scheduled arrival date, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing for setting the arrangement pattern of the distribution ports shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, the advance shipment information stored in the storage device of the host computer 40 is read (step S101).

Next, the total work amount WTOTAL in the period to be worked on is calculated, and the total work amount WT is calculated.
By dividing OTAL by the number of movable lines (four lines in the example of this embodiment), an average work amount WAVE per one sorting line is calculated (step S102).

Here, the work amount W is measured not as the quantity of the product but as the amount of the product that can be put into the container by one operation of the worker as one work unit. That is, the product is small,
In the case where 10 pieces can be put together at one time, 10 pieces of the product become one work unit, and in the case where only 1 piece can be put in at a time, one piece of the product is 1 piece. Work unit.

Next, an arrangement pattern of the distribution ports 21 is set according to the average work amount WAVE and the required work amount for each destination (step S103). Here, description will be made assuming a case where commodities are sorted into the four stores ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST4 according to the display location of each store, assuming that the amount of work for each store is as follows. I do.

Product sorting work amount WST for store ST1
1 = 200 units Product sorting work amount WST2 for store ST2 = 180 units Product sorting work amount WST3 for store ST3 = 80 units Product sorting work amount WST4 for store ST4 = 100 units Total work amount WTOTAL = WST1 + WST2 + WST3
+ WST4 = 560 units Average work amount WAVE = WTOTAL / 4 = 140 units.

In this embodiment, not only the amount of work for each sorting line is leveled, but also the amount of work for each worker is leveled.
The allocation pattern of the distribution ports is set so that the unit is set to 0 units and the work amount per block is set to 70 units.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific example of a distributing port arrangement pattern. FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an example in which the arrangement pattern of the distribution ports of the sorting lines L1 to L4 is set with the amount of work per display location being 10 units.

FIG. 7 (a) schematically shows the distribution port shown in FIG.
There is a distributing port up to 2, and B block has B1 to B1
This indicates that there is a distribution port up to 1. FIG. 7 (b)
Shows the arrangement pattern of the distribution ports of the sorting line L1. There are many products for store ST1, so line L1
Are set so that products for the store ST1 are all introduced. Here, LC1 to LC14 correspond to the store ST1.
Display location address.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the sorting line L
2 are located at locations LC15 to LC2 of store ST1.
0, and locations LC1 to LC8 of store ST2
Distributing port until is set. As shown in FIG. 7D, the distribution line L3 is provided with distribution ports for locations LC9 to LC18 of the same store ST2 and locations LC1 to LC4 of the store ST3. Distribution ports are set for locations LC5 to LC8 of ST3 and locations LC1 to LC10 of store ST4.

As described above, by equalizing the amount of work for each sorting line and further equalizing the amount of work for each worker,
It is possible to prevent some of the sorting lines or some of the workers from being in a waiting state, thereby improving the sorting work efficiency.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific example of a distributing port arrangement pattern. FIG. 8 shows an arrangement pattern of distribution ports of the sorting lines L5 and L6 as backup lines.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the arrangement pattern of the sorting line L5 is
7 (see FIG. 7 (c)), and a distribution slot (ST3 / LC5) for the store ST3.
To ST3 / LC8) and the distribution slot for store ST4 (S
T4 / LC4 to ST4 / LC6) are added. The arrangement pattern of the sorting line L6 is exactly the same as the arrangement pattern of the backup line L3 (see FIG. 7D).

As described above, by setting the arrangement pattern of the distribution ports on the sorting shelf of the backup line to be the same as the arrangement pattern of the line to be backed up or including the arrangement pattern of the line to be backed up, the line Even if the tray 6 to be introduced into the L2 or L3 is introduced into the backup line, it is possible to issue a product introduction instruction to the distribution slot having the same position in the sorting shelf 4 and no complicated processing for backup is required. can do.

Further, by providing the backup lines L5 and L6, when the sorting operation is delayed on schedule on the lines L2 and L3, the sorting operation can be promoted, and the work efficiency as a whole can be improved. be able to.

The number of backup lines and the lines to be backed up are determined according to the skill of the worker, the total work amount WTOTAL within the period to be planned, and the like. For example, if the total work amount WTOTAL is large,
A single backup line is provided or not provided.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the sorter control processing in the host computer shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, first, the scanner 5 reads the identification information of the tray 6 conveyed by the first conveyor 1 (step S201), and stores the identification information in the storage device according to the read tray identification information. A search is made for a product information table that is present (step S202).

Next, the sorting line into which the tray 6 is to be introduced is determined with reference to the distribution pattern information of the distribution ports set as shown in FIG. 7 (step S20).
3) Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a backup line for backing up the determined line (step S20).
4).

Here, there is a backup line (Ye
s) In the case, the number NTRYW of the trays 6 waiting for the sorting operation on the sorting line (the second conveyor 2).
Is determined to be not less than a predetermined number NTH (step S205), and if NTRYW ≧ NTH, the sorting line in which the tray 6 is to be introduced is changed to a backup line (step S206). A control signal is output (step S207).

On the other hand, if there is no backup line in step S204 (No), the control signal of sorter 3 is output immediately (step S207), and step S2 is executed.
05, similarly, when NTRYW <NTH, the control signal of the sorter 3 is similarly output (step S20).
7).

The host computer 40 determines the number of trays 6 introduced into each sorting line and the PC terminal 24 of each line.
The number NTRYW of trays waiting for the sorting operation is always calculated for each line based on the sorting work end information input from the server, that is, information on the type of container and the number and quantity of the products put into the container. And monitor them.

Even if the sorter control signal is output, the actual operation of the sorter 3 is caused by a sensor (not shown) in which the tray 6 reaches the position of the sorter 3 corresponding to the sorting line to be introduced. Needless to say, this is the timing at which the detection is performed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining control in a computer terminal provided in each sorting line. As shown in FIG. 10, first, the tray 6 transported by the second conveyor 2 by the scanner 23 is used.
Is read (step S301), and a product information table stored in the storage device is searched according to the read tray identification information (step S302).

Next, referring to the information on the arrangement pattern of the distribution ports set as shown in FIG.
The distribution port 21 to which the commodity placed in the table is to be inserted is determined (step S303). After the decision, the distribution port 21
Is output to the direction indicator 26 (step S304), and at the same time, the display lamp 3 of the distribution port is displayed.
1 is turned on or off in red, and the number display 33
(Step S30)
5).

Next, the process waits until the loading sensor 28 detects that the product has been loaded (step S306). If the loading has been detected (Yes), the loaded distributor is the correct distributor as instructed. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S307). As a result, it is a correct distribution mouth (Ye
In the case of s), the display lamp 31 of the input distribution window is turned on in green (step S308), and the label button 34 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not has been pressed (step S309).

The label button 34 is pressed by a worker to issue a detailed label when all the products to be put into the container 22 installed in one distribution slot are put in, and the putting is completed. If not, that is, if the label button 34 is not pressed (No), step S304
Then, the sorting operation is continued.

Thereafter, the label button 34 is pressed (Y
In the case of es), a control signal is output to the label issuing machine 25 to issue a detailed label (step S310). Then, it is determined whether or not there is data of commodities to be further distributed (step S311). If there is (Yes), the process returns to step S304, and if there is no (No), the sorting work on the tray 6 ends. I do.

If it is determined in step S307 that the dispensing port actually inserted is incorrect (No), the display lamp 31 of the dispensing port that is incorrectly input blinks yellow and a buzzer (not shown) sounds. Thus, a control signal is output (step S312).

Next, the process waits for the check button 32 to be pressed when the operator recognizes an error (step S313). When the check button 32 is pressed (Yes), the display lamp 3 is pressed.
The display of 1 is restored and the buzzer is stopped (step S
314), and return to step S306. Then, when it is detected by the input sensor 28 that the operator has performed input again, the process proceeds to step S307 and the same processing is repeated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the display lamp 31 of the distributing port 21 into which the product is to be put on is turned on, and the direction is indicated by the direction indicator 26. It is possible to recognize the distributing port to be charged, thereby improving the work efficiency and making it difficult to cause a charging mistake. In addition, when a product is inserted into a dispensing port different from the dispensing port indicated by the input sensor 28,
Since the worker is notified of the fact and is re-executed, the erroneous insertion rate of the product can be significantly reduced.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining work status monitoring control in the host computer. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 1, first, P of each of the sorting lines L1 to L6
The sorting work end information input from the C terminal 24 and stored in the storage device is read (step S401). The sorting work end information is information on the container 22 that has been put in and the type and quantity of the product put into the container 22.

Next, the type and quantity of the commodities for which the sorting operation has been completed are displayed on the display device of the PC terminal 12 on the input line 11 (step S402). The type and quantity of the products waiting for sorting that have not been completed
Display on the display device of the terminal 12 (step S40)
3).

Further, the number of containers 22 that have been loaded and pushed out to the conveyor 14 can be known from the sorting operation end information. Is displayed on the display device of the PC terminal 12 on the input line 11 (step S404).

Thus, the worker P3 of the input line 11
Can confirm or display the work progress displayed, and can promote or suppress the loading of the tray 6 on which the goods are placed, and a large number of goods are stuck in the sorting line, It is possible to prevent vacancies from being created.

Further, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which empty containers 22 are supplied to the sorting shelf 4 by the first conveyor 1 and the second conveyor 2, and empty containers 22 are also input from the input line 11. As a result, the containers 22 on the sorting shelf 4 can always be kept in a proper state, and the work efficiency can be improved. Further, there is no need to place a large amount of empty containers 22 near the sorting shelf 4, and space efficiency can be improved.

In this embodiment, the host computer 40 and the PC terminal 24 correspond to the control means, the storage device of the host computer 40 or the PC terminal 24 corresponds to the storage means, and the display device of the PC terminal 12 corresponds to the display means. Equivalent to. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the merchandise sorting system is provided with a weighing scale 7 for measuring the weight of the tray 6 conveyed by the first conveyor 1.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the commodity sorting system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the weighing scale 7 is connected to the host computer 40, and the measurement data is input to the host computer 40.

The hardware configuration other than the above configuration is the first configuration.
This is the same as the embodiment. In this embodiment, the weight per unit of the product is calculated from the measurement data of the weighing scale 7, and the weight is input to the container 22 based on the weight per unit of the product and the input confirmation information from the input sensor 28. The weight of the sorted product is calculated, and when the weight of the sorted product reaches a predetermined weight, it is determined that the charging into the container is completed. In addition,
In this case, it is assumed that the products stored in one tray 6 are a plurality of products of the same item (the same type).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the insertion completion determination processing in the host computer. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 4, first, the measurement data of the weighing scale 7 is read (step S501), and one unit of the product (one product or several products) is collected from the quantity of the products placed on the tray 6. If there is, the weight WUNIT per united unit is calculated (step S5).
02).

More specifically, the unit number (quantity) N of the products placed on the tray 6 can be obtained by searching the product information table according to the tray identification information read by the scanner 5. And the weight W measured by the weight scale 7
By subtracting the weight WTRY of the tray 6 from M and dividing by the number of units N, the weight per unit WUNIT (=
(WM-WTRY) / N) is calculated.

Next, by referring to the arrangement pattern of the distributing ports, the distributing port 21 into which the commodities placed on the sorting line and the tray 6 are put is specified (step S50).
3) Then, it waits until the introduction of the commodity is detected by the introduction sensor 28 of the distribution port 21 (step S50).
4).

When the introduction of the product is confirmed (Yes),
The weight WCT of the newly introduced product is added to the weight WCT of the sorted product, and the weight WCT of the sorted product is integrated (step S505). The weight WACT is calculated by multiplying the quantity (the number of units) by the weight per unit WUNIT.

Next, the sorted weight WCT is equal to the predetermined weight W.
It is determined whether or not the weight is equal to or greater than TH (step S506), and the weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined weight WTH, that is, WCT ≧ WTH (Yes).
In this case, the end flag FEND is set to “1” (step S507), and if WCT <WTH (No),
The end flag FEND is set to “0” (step S50)
8).

The sorted weight WCT and the end flag FE
The NDs are both stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the containers 22 being sorted. When the end flag FEND changes from “0” to “1”, the host computer 40 transmits the signal to the PC terminal 24 on the sorting line where the corresponding container 22 is arranged.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the Ps arranged on each sorting line.
It is a flowchart explaining a process in C terminal.
As shown in FIG. 15, this flowchart is the same as step S in the flowchart of the first embodiment (see FIG. 10).
309 is replaced with step S309a. That is, in this embodiment, instead of issuing a detailed label when the operator presses the label button 34,
The host computer 40 executes the input completion determination process (FIG. 14).
When the end flag FEND is set to "1", a detailed label is issued.

According to this embodiment, the end of the charging operation to each container 22 is automatically determined, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the input error can be reduced, and the working efficiency can be reduced. Can be improved.

The host computer (control means) 4
The storage device (storage means) 0 stores information on commodities to be sorted, for example, a merchandise master table that describes merchandise names, vendor names, quantities, and the like. It is desirable to add (write) the weight WUNIT to the information on the product in the product master table.

As a result, the weight WUNIT of one unit of the product calculated from the result of the weight measurement is automatically written in the product master table, so that the labor required for the operator to input the data using the keyboard or the like can be omitted. Further, for the same product, the process of measuring the weight and calculating the weight per unit can be omitted by referring to the product master table, and the work efficiency can be further improved. (Third Embodiment) When a plurality of types of commodities are to be sorted in one batch work, as shown in the above-described embodiment, the sorting work amount in each of the sorting lines L1 to L6 and the blocks of each line. Even if the distribution ports are set so that they are equalized, if the input amount of products to the sorting line does not correspond to the Is not leveled, the sorting work of some workers is interrupted, and the productivity is reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, ten buffer lines BL1 to BL10 are provided between the input line 11 and the first conveyor 1 to temporarily hold the tray 6 in the buffer lines, In order to prevent the sorting work in L1 to L6 from being interrupted, the supply of the product (tray) to the first conveyor 1 is controlled.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the buffer lines BL1 to BL1
10 is provided between the first conveyor 1 and the additional conveyor 1a connected to the input line 11, and the additional conveyor 1a is provided with a scanner 5a and a sorter 3a connected to the host computer 40. .

Each of the buffer lines BL1 to BL10
Are provided with a scanner 5b and a stopper 8, respectively. The scanner 5b and the stopper 8 are connected to a host computer 40. By lowering the stopper 8, the tray held in the buffer line
It is configured to be put into the first conveyor 1.

The host computer 40 includes a scanner 5a
Based on the tray identification information read, the buffer line into which the corresponding tray 6 is to be introduced is determined, and the sorter 3a is controlled to introduce the tray 6 into the buffer line already determined by the host computer 40. Further, the host computer 40 controls the loading of the tray 6 into the first conveyor 1 by operating the stopper 8 based on the tray identification information read by the scanner 5b.

Here, the case of sorting the products G1, G2, G3, and G4 in one batch operation will be described as an example. The ratio of the product amount converted to the sorting work amount is 30% for the product G1, 20% for the product G2, 10% for the product G3,
Assuming that the product G4 is 40%, as described above, the distribution ports of the respective sorting shelves are set so that the amount of sorting work is equalized. Therefore, the ratio of the number of distribution ports is almost the ratio of these products, that is, , 30: 20: 10: 40.

Therefore, 3 out of 10 buffer lines
The book is used for holding the product G1, two are used for holding the product G2, one is used for holding the product G3, and four are used for the product G.
4 is controlled, and the tray 6 is controlled to be supplied to the first conveyor 1 from each buffer line at substantially the same time ratio (for example, one tray for three minutes).

By doing so, the amount of goods (the number of trays 6) held in each of the buffer lines BL1 to BL10 is leveled, and the ratio of the amount of input to the first conveyor 1 is the amount of sorting work. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the sorting operation in the sorting line becomes unbalanced and some of the workers are interrupted, thereby improving productivity. be able to.

That is, according to the present invention, commodities of a plurality of categories to be sorted are automatically conveyed to a plurality of sorting lines at the same time during the same batch working time zone, so that sorting can be performed in parallel. Therefore, the efficiency of the sorting operation can be greatly improved as compared with the case where the cart carrying the products is moved while being sorted as in the conventional system. In addition, while monitoring the progress of the sorting work, it is possible to take measures such as changing the sorting line for performing the sorting work according to the situation. Work delay can be prevented, and work efficiency as a whole can be further improved.

In particular, by providing the direction indicator 26 (distribution opening direction indicator) controlled in conjunction with the insertion display 27, the insertion frontage is indicated by an arrow, and the number display and the color-coded display of the type are performed. Thus, the direction of the frontage to be distributed can be automatically displayed. As a result, the speed and accuracy of the distribution work can be further improved.

Note that the method of using the buffer line is not limited to the method described above.
May be controlled so that the ratio of the input amount of each product to the conveyor 1 corresponds to the ratio of the sorting work amount of each product in one batch operation.

For example, when the total input amount of goods is small,
Using only four of the ten, G1, G2, G
3 and G4 are held in one buffer line, respectively.
By controlling the introduction into the first conveyor 1 by the stopper 8, the ratio of the amount of each product to be introduced into the first conveyor 1 may correspond to the sorting work rate of each product.

Further, according to the progress of the actual work in the sorting lines L1 to L6, the buffer lines BL1 to
It is desirable to appropriately adjust the amount of charge from the BL 10 to the first conveyor 1.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example,
Although a relatively shallow box-shaped or dish-shaped tray 6 and a box-shaped container 22 are used as containers for transporting the goods in the product sorting system, the tray 6 may have the same shape as the container 22. By making them the same, it is not necessary to refill the empty container 22.

Further, the number of sorting lines, in other words, the number of sorting shelves 4 is not limited to six, but may be two or more. The number of distribution ports 22 of the sorting shelf 4 is not limited to 23.

The control system of this system is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. For example, it may be configured to connect to the host computer 40 via a hub.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the control system of the product sorting system. As shown in FIG. 17, a sorting server 52 for controlling the sorter 3 and a POR (Poi) connected to the PC terminal 24 on the input line 11 are provided.
nt Of Receiving) server 53 and an assorting server 5 for performing control related to the sorting shelf 4
4 and these servers 52, 53, 54 are connected to a hub 51.
May be connected to the host computer 40 via the.

The direction indicator 26, the input indicator 27 and the like are connected to the assortment server 54 via the display control box 55. Alternatively, the entire system may be controlled by a single large computer, and each line may be provided with only a display device and a communication interface. FIG. 17 shows the sorter 3 and the PC terminal 2
4. Label issuing machine 25, direction indicator 26, etc.
Are shown, but there are actually a plurality (FIG. 2
) Is omitted.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one sorting shelf 4 is divided into two blocks, and the workers are respectively arranged. However, the number of blocks is not limited to this.
One (or not divided into blocks) may be three or more.

The empty containers are replenished by the first and second conveyors for transporting the tray 6, but another conveyor (third conveyor) for transporting empty containers may be provided. Good.

In the above-described embodiment, the “tray” and the “container” are containers for conveying goods in the merchandise sorting system, and are, for example, box-shaped or dish-shaped containers. Any shape can be used as long as it can be easily taken in and out.

The "distribution opening arrangement pattern" means a correspondence relationship between a plurality of distribution opening positions on the sorting shelf and destinations (sorting divisions) of commodities to be put into containers arranged in the opening. .

[0107]

As described above, according to the present invention, the trays containing the commodities to be sorted are transported by the first conveyor, and are sorted by the sorter into a plurality of trays each including the second conveyor and the sorting shelf. A merchandise information table which is introduced into one of the sorting lines and is associated with the identification information of the tray passing on the first conveyor and the merchandise information contained in the tray read by the reading means; The arrangement pattern information of the distribution port is stored in the storage means, and the control means refers to the read identification information, the product information table stored in the storage means, and the distribution pattern information of the distribution port to sort the tray into a plurality of sorts. The sorter is controlled by deciding which of the lines to introduce. Then, the direction indicating means displays the numbers of the distribution ports provided in the plurality of blocks obtained by dividing the sorting shelf and the directions thereof by arrows, and at the same time, also displays the type and the number of the products to be sorted. It is possible to further improve the work efficiency when sorting various kinds of products little by little in response to the above demand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a product sorting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the product sorting system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a loading indicator of a sorting shelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a direction indicator of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting an arrangement pattern of a distribution port illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific example of an arrangement pattern of distribution ports.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view (part 2) of a specific example of a distributing port arrangement pattern.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sorter control process in the host computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control in a computer terminal provided in each sorting line.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating work status monitoring control in the host computer.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a product sorting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the product sorting system of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a loading completion determination process in the host computer.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process in a PC terminal arranged on each sorting line.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a product sorting system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the control system of the product sorting system.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional product sorting system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st conveyor 2 2nd conveyor 3 Sorter 4 Sorting shelf 5 Scanner 6,8 Tray 11 Input line 12,24 PC terminal 13,23 Scanner 14,15 Shipping conveyor 21 Distributing port 22 Container 25 Label issuing machine 26 Direction indicator 26a Display surface 27 Input indicator 28 Transmission infrared sensor 31 Indicator lamp 32 Check button 33 Number indicator 34 Label issue button 40 Host computer 51 Hub 52 Sorting server 53 POR server 54 Sorting server 55 Display control box P1 , P2, P3 worker a frontage display b frontage number display c number display d type display

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first conveyor that conveys a tray containing commodities to be sorted, a second conveyor branched from the first conveyer, and a container into which commodities are input according to the sorting category. A plurality of sorting lines comprising sorting shelves provided corresponding to the second conveyor, and a tray conveyed by the first conveyor being one of the plurality of sorting lines. A reading device for reading identification information of a tray passing on the first conveyor; a product information table in which the read identification information is associated with tray-stored product information; A storage unit for storing the allocation pattern information of the distribution port for each sorting line; the read identification information; the product information table stored in the storage unit; Control means for controlling the sorter by referring to the arrangement pattern information of the distributing ports, determining which of the plurality of sorting lines the tray is to be introduced into, and a plurality of blocks provided by dividing the sorting shelf. ,
A merchandise sorting system, further comprising a direction indicating means for displaying the number of the distribution port and the direction of the number with an arrow. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of the distributing port is displayed at each corner of the display surface of the direction display means, and the arrow points to each corner from substantially the center of the display surface. Item 1. The product sorting system according to item 1. 3. The merchandise sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the type and number of the merchandise to be sorted are further displayed on a display surface of the direction display means. 4. The product according to claim 1, wherein the type corresponds to a form at the time of transport of the product to be sorted, and each is identified by a character and a color. Sorting system. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction indicating means is controlled by a control signal output from a computer terminal forming a local area network together with a host computer, in conjunction with a display processing signal for indicating the introduction of the goods to be sorted. The merchandise sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: