JP2002226017A - Sorting method, and sorting facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting facility capable of improving sorting efficiency as a whole body of the facility. SOLUTION: When article sorting work in an adjacent sorting area S for another worker is not completed yet after a worker H completes article picking work (sorting work) in a block in the assigned sorting area S, the worker H helps another worker with sorting work in the sorting area S. By thus setting the workers to help each other with their work, a work range of each worker H for sorting work is expanded or contracted, so that the worker H conducts sorting work without waiting. Sorting efficiency is not changed, therefore, based on work conditions of workers slow at sorting work, thereby sorting efficiency as the whole body of the facility can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sorting method and a sorting facility which enable sorting of articles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a picking facility which is an example of the above-mentioned conventional sorting facility, a bucket (collection container) for collection for each sorting destination (user or store) is conveyed by a conveyor of a collection line while the buckets are collected. The worker transfers articles from each storage space of the storage shelf (picking shelf) of the goods in accordance with the display (e.g., outgoing quantity) of a shelf indicator provided for each of the storage spaces. Items have been collected for each sorting destination.

[0003] At this time, the worker confirms whether the sorting number of the address paper (described later) attached to the bucket and the sorting number displayed on the shelf display unit match, and transfers the articles. When the transfer of all the articles in the compartment of the sorting area (picking zone) to be processed by the worker is completed, the user presses the total completion button, unloads the bucket by the conveyor, and waits for the arrival of the next bucket by the conveyor. I have. A zone indicator provided with the total completion button and the like is provided for each picking zone. Stopping of the movement of the bucket by the conveyor is performed by a stopper.

The number of buckets required for collection is calculated from the picking data for each sorting destination, and a plurality of the same address papers (transportation destination sheets) are attached to each bucket. When the bucket is full of articles, Remove the destination sheet from the bucket, put one sheet into this bucket, transfer it from the collection line to the unloading line, carry out the collected bucket, attach the remaining sheets to the newly empty bucket, It is being put into the collection line.

[0005] Assorting equipment includes assorting (sorting) equipment. For example, it is a facility that sorts incoming goods to a destination store or the like. In other words, a bucket (or container) in which incoming goods are stored
Of the storage compartments (sorting shelves) for storing the articles from the buckets on the conveyors (or carts) while displaying the shelf indicators provided for each of the compartment storage spaces (such as the number of goods stored). In accordance with the above, the workers have transferred the articles, and the articles have been collected for each sorting destination.

At this time, the worker confirms whether the sorting destination number of the address paper attached to the bucket and the sorting destination number displayed on the shelf display are the same, and transfers the articles. When the transfer of all the articles in the section storage space of the sorting area to be processed by the worker is completed, the user pushes the total completion button, unloads the bucket by the conveyor, and waits for the arrival of the next bucket by the conveyor.

[0007]

However, in the conventional sorting equipment, since the sorting area (picking zone) is fixed, the worker arrives at the next bucket when the sorting of his / her sorting area is completed early. Therefore, the overall sorting efficiency is determined by the ability of the worker who performs the sorting operation at the slowest rate, causing a drop in the sorting efficiency.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sorting method and a sorting equipment capable of improving the equipment sorting efficiency.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is moved along a sorting shelf having a plurality of compartments for storing articles. An article sorting operation is performed between an article transport container and a section storage space of a section storage space of the sorting shelf in a work range assigned to an operator and a section storage space provided with the same reference numeral as that of the container. When performing, after the sorting of the articles in the compartment storage space in the assigned work range is completed, if the sorting of the articles in the working range of another adjacent worker is not completed, the other The present invention is characterized in that an article sorting operation is performed within a work range of a worker.

[0010] According to the above method, after the worker sorts the articles in the compartment space in the assigned work area, the worker sorts the articles in the work area of another adjacent worker. In some cases, the sorting operation of the articles is performed within the working range of the other worker. That is, when the sorting work is completed early in the assigned work range, the worker assists in sorting the work range of another adjacent worker, so that the overall sorting efficiency is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the worker moves the container after the sorting operation of the articles in the divided storage space in the assigned work range is completed. If the sorting of articles in the working range of another worker adjacent in the downstream direction has not been completed, the other worker may be in the working range up to the predetermined compartment storage space upstream of the working compartment space being worked on. The present invention is characterized in that an article sorting operation is performed.

[0012] According to the above method, after the sorting operation of the articles in the compartments in the allocated work area is completed, the worker can move the containers in the work area of another adjacent worker in the downstream direction in which the container is moved. When the sorting operation of the articles is not completed, another worker performs the sorting operation of the articles in a work range up to a predetermined section storage space upstream of the section storage space in operation. That is, when a worker helps to sort the work range of another worker adjacent on the downstream side, the range to be helped is:
It is limited to a predetermined compartment storage space upstream of the compartment storage space in which another worker is working.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for accommodating articles, and provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space. According to the sorting display means, sorting of articles between the container for transporting articles moved on the line along the sorting shelf and each compartment of the sorting shelf in the work area assigned to the worker. A sorting method for performing an operation, in which a code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, a different code is attached to the container before and after the line is moved, and sorting of articles is performed on the moved container. In the sorting display means provided in the compartment storage space to be performed, the same code as the code attached to the moved container is displayed, the worker is assigned in the work range, The sorting operation of the articles is performed between the moved container and the section storage space in which the same code as the code attached to the container is displayed on the sorting display means. When the same code as the attached code is displayed on the sorting display means of the work range of another worker adjacent downstream of the line,
It is characterized in that the sorting operation of the articles is continuously performed in the work range adjacent to the downstream of the line.

According to the above method, at the end of the sorting operation in the assigned work range, the same code as the code attached to the container to be sorted is assigned to the work range of another worker adjacent downstream of the line. When displayed on the sorting display means, the sorting operation of the articles is continuously performed in the work range adjacent to the downstream of the line.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, and provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space. According to the sorting display means, sorting of articles between the container for transporting articles moved on the line along the sorting shelf and each compartment of the sorting shelf in the work area assigned to the worker. A sorting method for performing an operation, in which a code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, a different code is attached to the container before and after the line is moved, and an article sorting operation is performed on the moved container. The same code as the code attached to the moved container is displayed on the sorting display means provided in the compartment storage space for performing the sorting, and the sorting of the compartment storage space in which the sorting operation is completed. On the indicating means, the code of the next container to be moved on the line is displayed, and in the assigned work range, the worker displays the moved container and the same code as the code attached to this container. The sorting operation of the articles is performed between the compartment and the storage space displayed on the sorting display means, and at the end of the sorting work, the same code as the code newly displayed on the sorting display means is adjacent to the line upstream. When displayed on the sorting display means of the work range of another worker, the sorting of the articles is performed in the work range adjacent to the upstream of the line.

According to the above method, at the end of the sorting work in the assigned work range, the same code as the code newly displayed on the sorting display means is changed to the work range of another worker adjacent upstream of the line. Is displayed in the sorting display means, the sorting operation of the articles is performed in the work range adjacent to the upstream of the line.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the container for which the line is moved next is displayed on the sorting display means of the divided storage space in which the sorting operation has been completed. The code is displayed on the condition that the sorting work of the compartment storage space adjacent to the line downstream of the compartment storage space where the sorting work has been completed is completed.

According to the above method, when the sorting operation of the compartment storage space adjacent to the line downstream of the compartment storage space where the sorting operation has been completed is completed, the next line is displayed on the sorting display means of the upstream compartment storage space. The moving container is displayed.

The invention according to claim 6 is the first invention.
The invention according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the symbols are colored. According to the above method,
By using the color, the operator can easily confirm the coincidence of the container and the compartments for sorting the containers.

The invention described in claim 7 is the first invention.
The invention according to claim 6, wherein the code is specified as a plurality of codes, and these codes are repeatedly used.

When the containers move, they may be dense depending on the state of the sorting operation. At this time, if the number of the container is the same as that of the container moving back and forth, the worker cannot determine which container the sorting operation may be performed on. According to the above-described method, the sign is different from any sign of the containers moving back and forth, and even when the crowding occurs, the operator can determine which container the sorting operation may be performed on.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for accommodating articles, and provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space. Provided, between the container for goods transported moved on a line along the sorting shelf, between each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf in the work range assigned to the worker,
A sorting facility for sorting articles according to the sorting display means, wherein a code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, and a different code is attached to the container before and after moving the line, and the sorting display is performed. Means, the function of displaying the code of the moved container is added, the code attached to the container, the code displayed on the sorting display means for displaying information of goods for this container is the same,
In the work area to be allocated, the worker sorts the articles between the moved containers and the compartments and storage spaces in which the same symbols as those assigned to the containers are displayed on the sorting display means. At the end of this sorting operation, the same reference numeral as the reference numeral attached to the container,
When displayed on the sort display means of the work range of another worker adjacent to the downstream of the line, the sorting of the articles is performed in the work range adjacent to the downstream of the line.

According to the above arrangement, at the end of the sorting work in the assigned work range, the same code as the code attached to the container to be sorted is assigned to the work range of another worker adjacent downstream in the line. When displayed on the sorting display means, the sorting operation of the articles is continuously performed in the work range adjacent to the downstream of the line.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assortment shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for accommodating articles, and provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space. Provided, between the container for goods transported moved on a line along the sorting shelf, between each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf in the work range assigned to the worker,
A sorting facility for sorting articles according to the sorting display means, wherein a code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, and a different code is attached to the container before and after moving the line, and the sorting display is performed. Means, the function of displaying the code of the moved container is added, the code attached to the container, the code displayed on the sorting display means for displaying information of goods for this container is the same,
The sorting display means is provided with a work completion input means, and when the input of the work completion input means is confirmed, the sorting display means displays a code of a container to be moved next, and the worker is assigned in a work range to be assigned. The sorting operation of the articles is performed between the moved container and the compartments and storage spaces indicated by the same reference numerals as those attached to the containers on the sorting display means. The same code as the code displayed on the sorting display means,
When displayed on the sorting display means of the work range of another worker adjacent to the upstream of the line, the sorting of the articles is performed from the work range adjacent to the upstream of the line.

According to the above configuration, at the end of the sorting work in the assigned work range, the same code as the code newly displayed on the sorting display means is changed to the work range of another worker adjacent upstream of the line. Is displayed in the sorting display means, the sorting operation of the articles is performed in the work range adjacent to the upstream of the line.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9
The input of the work completion input means is confirmed, the code of the sorting display means is deleted, and the code of the container to be moved next is displayed on the sorting display means. Is displayed when the input of the work completion input means of the compartment storage space adjacent to the downstream of the compartment storage space provided with is confirmed.

According to the above arrangement, when the sorting operation of the compartment storage space adjacent to the line downstream of the compartment storage space where the sorting operation has been completed is completed, the line is next displayed to the sorting display means of the upstream compartment storage space. The moving container is displayed.

[0028] The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8.
The invention according to any one of claims 10 to 10, characterized in that the code that can be visually confirmed is colored. According to the above configuration, by using the color, the worker can easily confirm the coincidence of the container and the compartments for sorting the containers.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 8
The invention according to any one of claims 11 to 11, characterized in that a code that can be visually confirmed is specified as a plurality of codes, and these codes are repeatedly used.

When the containers move, they may be dense depending on the state of the sorting operation. At this time, if the number of the container is the same as that of the container moving back and forth, the worker cannot determine which container the sorting operation may be performed on. According to the above configuration, the reference sign is different from any reference sign of the containers moving back and forth, and even when the crowding occurs, the operator can determine which container may be used for performing the sorting operation.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 8
In the invention according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, in the work range of the sorting shelf assigned to the worker, a partition storage space for storing a large number of articles sorted near the center along the line is provided. It is characterized by being arranged.

According to the above configuration, in the work range of the sorting shelf assigned to the worker, the partition storage space for storing a large number of sorted articles is arranged near the center substantially along the line. The trajectory (distance) that the worker moves with respect to one container during the sorting operation is shortened, and the working efficiency is improved.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 8
14. The invention according to any one of claims 13 to 13, wherein the compartment storage spaces of the sorting shelves are arranged vertically and horizontally, and are arranged so as to be separable left and right by at least a fixed compartment storage space. It is assumed that.

[0034] According to the above arrangement, the partition storage space of the sorting shelf is at least a left and right fixed partition storage space and is separable left and right, so that the sorting area assigned to the worker is arranged along the line. Separation at a separable position eliminates the risk that workers in charge of compartments are divided into upper and lower compartments and that adjacent workers move in front of the upper and lower compartments and collide. Is done.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claim 8
The invention according to any one of claims 14 to 14, wherein the line is constituted by free transport means, and the vicinity of the line is
It is characterized in that a stand for temporarily placing articles is provided.

According to the above configuration, the container is moved by the operator pushing on the free transport means, and is sequentially sent to the downstream side.
Also, the articles are temporarily placed on a temporary placing table near the line.

[0037]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a picking facility (an example of a sorting facility) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Basically, a storage line A where articles to be collected are stored and a store where the articles are ordered (sorting) One example above)
Each time, the collection line B is configured to sequentially feed collection containers for storing picked articles. The collection containers B are supplied from the upstream side of the collection line B, and a label attaching operation (details will be described later). S), a line head setup zone C, a large picking zone D for picking a large quantity of articles to most stores, and a normal picking task for picking medium, small and small articles. A work zone E, an additional label is issued, and a rear tail packing zone F for performing a boxing operation (details will be described later), and a palletizing work zone G for performing inspection work and palletizing work are provided. "Storage Line A" First, the storage line A will be described. The storage line A includes a picking shelf (sorting shelf) 1 and the picking shelves 1 arranged in the large-volume picking work zone D and the normal picking work zone E.
And a picking indicator (also a notifying means) 2 as sorting display means. As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the picking shelf 1 is formed of a fluidized shelf and has a plurality of racks 3 (two in the zone D and three in the zone E) inclined forward. Each of the racks 3 is formed with a plurality of compartment storage spaces (compartment storage spaces for article storage) 6 for storing containers 5 containing articles 4, and a roller conveyor 7 for each compartment storage space 6. Is provided at the front end of the lowermost roller conveyor 7 with a support 8 for supporting the container 5 in an obliquely forward posture, and a stopper 8 is provided at the front end of the other roller conveyor 7.
A is provided. With this configuration, the necessary articles 4 can be obtained from the container 5 locked by the support 8 or the stopper 8A.
Is taken out, and when the container 5 becomes empty, the container 5 is removed, so that the next container 5 comes to the front. The roller conveyor 7 has a different roller pitch for each rack 3 as shown in FIG.

In the lower compartment storage space 6, the opening of the container 5 is set up and the long side of the container 5 is arranged as the front face. In the middle compartment storage space 6, the opening of the container 5 is turned sideways, Placed with the side down, the upper section storage space 6
In this example, the opening of the container 5 is turned sideways, and the short side of the container 5 is arranged downward, so that one container in the lower stage, one container in the middle stage, and two containers in the upper stage are arranged vertically. In this manner, the compartment storage spaces 6 are arranged vertically and horizontally (in the direction along the collection line B), and can be separated left and right by at least the fixed upper compartment 2, middle compartment 1, and lower compartment compartment 1 at the left and right sides. It is arranged. The partition housing spaces 6 of the upper stage 2, the middle stage 1, and the lower stage 1, which can be separated, are referred to as blocks. The sorting area S can be changed at the separable position.

The picking shelf 1 has a sorting area including a plurality of compartments 6 to be processed by a worker H who performs a picking operation (work range assigned to the worker).
S is set. FIG. 4 shows an example of distribution (shelf allocation) of the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 1 in the sorting area S.

In the large picking work zone D, the worker H is assigned, for example, upper and lower two compartment storage spaces 6. In the normal picking work zone E in which medium, small and small articles are picked, the worker H is used. Contains, for example, 4
Blocks (upper / middle / lower 16 compartment storage spaces 6) are assigned, and assigned so that the work amount of the worker H is substantially the same. In this way, the sorting area S assigned to the worker H is allocated along the line at the separable position (block), so that the compartment storage space 6 assigned to the worker H is vertically divided. This prevents the adjacent worker H from moving in front of the upper and lower compartment storage spaces 6 and colliding.

The numbers assigned to the articles 4 in FIG. 4 are numbers assigned in ascending order of frequency (hit rate) corresponding to the quantity of the articles 4 to be picked. The storage space 6 for the articles 4 with a high frequency is arranged, and the storage space 6 for the number 1 that is the most frequent is disposed upstream from near the center along the collection line B in the area S, so that the worker H Work efficiency is improved by reducing left and right movements along the picking shelf 1. "Picking indicator 2" For each rack 3 of the picking shelf 1, an indicator rail 11 composed of a power supply line 9 and a signal line 10 is laid on the front surface thereof, as shown in FIG. , On display rail 11, display rail 11
The picking display 2 is supplied with power from and transmits and receives signals, and is slidably and movably mounted. The picking display 2 includes a three-digit digital display 12 indicating the number of articles 4 to be picked up, and a display / completion button (an example of a work completion input means) 13 which also serves as an indicator lamp and a button switch indicating that there is a pick-up operation. And a chime 14. Display / Done button 13
The color of the display lamp (one example of a code that can be visually confirmed) is
It changes in the order of red, orange, and yellow according to the input signal. Each picking display 2 is marked with a display address. "Collection Line B" Next, the collection line B will be described. Collection line B includes all zones C, D, E, F, and G
2 and FIG. 6, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 13, and FIG.
The picking conveyor 16 includes an empty container returning conveyor 17 including a free roller conveyor (an example of free conveying means; a conveying means having no driving means for automatically conveying articles) disposed above the picking conveyor 16. It is composed of a front rack 18 which is a temporary placing table and an illumination light 19 which are independently arranged in the vicinity thereof. “Picking conveyor (collection conveyor) 16” The picking conveyor 16 is arranged along the front surface of the picking shelf 1, and the worker H puts the articles 4 into a collection container (an example of an article transport container) 20. In order to facilitate the collection, a free conveyor 21 is provided as free transport means inclined to the worker H side, and a guide roller 22 provided to prevent the collection container 21 from falling due to the inclination. In the palletizing work zone G on the most downstream side, the conveyor is horizontal to perform inspection work. The collection container 20 is made of cardboard (an example of packing means). "Front rack 18" The front rack 18 is located between the picking conveyor 16 and the empty container returning conveyor 17 at almost the level of the line of sight of the worker H. Along the upper end and the lower end, a rail (an example of a receiver) 2 which supports (sandwiches) a binder 23 as a support body shown in FIG.
4 and 25 are laid, and the indicator rail 11 is laid on the front surface of the rail 25 at the lower end. In addition, three types of binders 23 are prepared in which the color of the frame (an example of a code that can be visually confirmed) is three colors of red, orange, and yellow. With this configuration, the binder 23 is disposed almost upward at the level of the line of sight of the worker H, and
It is easy to see. The front rack 18 is provided with an empty collection container 20 and is used as a temporary storage for the articles 4 and the collection container 20. "Picking display by store""Selected cardboard selection display""Labelprinter"
Front rack 18 in line setup zone C
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, power is supplied from the display rail 11 to the display rail 11 and the store-specific picking display for transmitting and receiving signals. No.32, which is the notification means for notifying the inspection execution, and the collection cardboard selection display (an example of the notification means)
A label printer 34 as a printing means is installed in the front rack 18 above it, which is slidably provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, the picking display 32 for each store has a five-digit digital display 28 and colors in order of red, orange, and yellow (an example of a code visually recognizable).
Is formed from the display / completion button 13 which changes.

The collection cardboard selection display 33 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the collection container 20 is formed of a display lamp (blue) 35 for notifying a half cardboard and a chime 36. As shown in FIG. 12, the label printer 34 has a label (an example of an attachment) for attaching to a clip (an example of an attached body) 37 for preventing the upper cover (operator side) of the collection container 20 from closing during transportation. This is a printer that issues a sort destination display means 38), and the label 38 is printed with the name of the store to which the sort is performed. The clip 37 has three colors of red, orange, and yellow according to the type of color displayed on the store-specific picking display 32 (an example of a code that can be visually confirmed).
Are available.

"Display by store", "label printer" On the display rail 11 of the front rack 18 in the rear packing zone F of the line, power is supplied from the display rail 11 as shown in FIGS. A store-specific display (an example of a second display means) 40 for transmitting and receiving signals is slidably provided, and a front rack 18 above the display is provided.
Inside, a numeric keypad 41 of a label printer as a printing means is installed, a plurality of kraft tapes 42 are suspended below the front rack 18 so as to be rotatable toward the front, a tape cutter 43 is provided in front of the kraft tape 42, and a downstream thereof. The label printer main body 44 is installed in the front rack 18 on the side.

The store-specific display 40 has the same configuration as the store-specific picking display 32 (see FIG. 8), and has a five-digit digital display 28 and colors (visible visually) in the order of red, orange, and yellow. The display / completion button (an example of input means for inputting the completion of the picking operation) 13 is formed by changing an example of a symbol.

FIG. 15 shows a control block diagram according to the above configuration. [Control block] 51 is a host computer (not shown)
A control computer (a control unit of the control means) to which work data composed of “store data + a plurality of“ information of picked articles and the number of picked articles (hereinafter abbreviated as pick numbers) ”” is input as store release information for each store. One case;
The details will be described later).
The line printer 34 in zone C and the numeric keypad in zone F
41 and a label printer (main body) 44 are connected, and further a controller 52 (an example of a checking means; details will be described later) comprising a computer and a printer 60 as a printing means for printing a list (an example of a table) are connected. . The control computer 51 stores in advance data on the sorting area for each store and data to be printed on the label 38.

The controller 52 is connected to the high-speed interface 53 and the signal line 10 of the display rail 11 via the signal line 10.
The store-specific picking display 32 and the collection cardboard selection display 33 in the zone C, the picking display 2 corresponding to each sorting area S in the zones D and E, and the store-specific display 40 in the zone F are connected. I have. Power is supplied to these indicators from the high-speed interface 53 via the power supply line 9 of the indicator rail 11. In the controller 52, data on the arrangement of the compartments 6 in the picking shelf 1, data on the articles 4 stored in each compartment 6 and data on the setting of the sorting area S are stored in advance. [Control Computer 51] The function of the control computer 51 will be described. 1. First, label issuance of the setup zone at the head of the line.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step-1 When the control computer 51 first inputs the delivery information,
For each store, it is determined whether or not the containers 5 in the compartments 6 of the picking shelf 1 can be shipped as they are (per container 5) based on the input number of picks for each article. Work data (work data of a store) for each section storage space 6 is created with the number of articles 4 picked in E as this fraction, and the created work data of the store is stored in order of delivery. The containers 5 that can be shipped as they are are collected separately at the end of the line. Step-2 At the start of the work, the work data of the first store is taken out, a color serving as a mark at the time of the picking work is set for this store (red, orange, and yellow are set for each store), and the store data ( The digital data of the code) and the lamp lighting signal of the set color are output to the store-specific picking display 32. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the total number of picks in the work data is less than half the number of articles 4 that can be stored in the collection container 20, and if it is determined to be less than half, the storage capacity shown in FIG. In order to notify the use of cardboard (an example of an article transport container having a smaller storage capacity than the normally used collection container) as the collection container 20, a blinking lamp signal and a chime sounding signal are displayed on the collection cardboard selection display. Output to 33. The storage capacity of the collection container 20 is set by the number of the articles 4. This number can be changed. The bottom area of a half cardboard is the same as that of a normal cardboard. Step-3 Next, the display / completion button 13 on the store-specific picking display 32
When the completion signal by the operation is confirmed, the label information based on the store data is retrieved and output to the label printer. Step-4 Next, the set color data is added to the work data of the first store and output to the controller 52 as work information.

The process returns to step 2 until the processing of all stores is completed, and the work data of the next store is processed. 2. Next, the label issuance operation in the rear packing zone of the line will be described.

During the execution of the above steps, the controller 52
When the store completion signal is confirmed, the store-specific display 40 in the rear-end packing zone F outputs digital data of the store code and a lamp lighting signal of the set color.

Next, when the data of the number of labels to be issued is input from the numeric keypad 41, the number of labels obtained by subtracting 1 from the input number, that is, the number of labels required to satisfy the number of collection containers 20 used for each storefront, is obtained. The label information based on the store data is output to the label printer 44.

Next, the display / completion button on the store-specific display 40
When the completion signal by the operation 13 is confirmed, the stored work data of this store is deleted. 3. The data aggregation operation of the picking work will be described.

After completion of every picking every day, a data totaling signal is output to the controller 52, and the number of picking touches and the number of shipments of each compartment storage space 6, which will be described later, are input and stored, and are also stored for a predetermined period (for example, one month) Number of picking touches (number of hits) for each compartment storage space 6
And total shipment quantity. Also, based on the total number of picking touches for each of the compartment storage spaces 6, the sorting area S
Is calculated, and the ratio of the number of picking touches of each compartment storage space 6 in the sorting area S (hit ratio%) is calculated.
Is calculated. It should be noted that the totaling result is stored for two months. [Controller 52] FIG. 17 shows a control block of the controller 52.

The controller 52 provides the collection line B of the picking line B based on the data of the arrangement of the compartments 6 in the picking shelf 1, the data of the articles 4 stored in each compartment, and the data of the setting of the sorting area S. An area block is formed for each block of the sorting shelf 1 from the upstream side. This area block includes a block control memory 55, a pick number control memory 56 corresponding to the picking display 2 of each of the four partitioned collection spaces 6 forming the block, and a total memory 59.

Each time work information (work data + color data) is input from the control computer 51, a work data distribution control unit 58 having a function of distributing picking data to each area block is provided. . <Work Data Distribution Control Unit 58> The work data distribution control unit 58 has the following functions.

First, the operation of distributing the input work information will be described. 1. 1. The total number of picks of this store is obtained from the work data and color data consisting of “store data + a plurality of information of picked articles and the number of picks of picked articles.” 2. Articles 4 stored in each compartment storage space Based on the data of the setting of the data, the section storage space 6 for picking the article 4 is searched by the information of the article to be picked, and the number of picks and the color are stored in the pick number control memory 56 of each searched section storage space 6. 2. The number of picks “0” is output to the pick number control memory 56 of the other compartment storage space 6 that has not been searched 3. The compartment storage space 6 for picking the article 4 and the number of picks 3. The total number of articles 4 to be picked in each block is determined based on the data of 4. The blocks are sequentially arranged from the block on the upstream side of the collection line B from the total number of picks in the store. When the total number of articles 4 to be picked by the box is subtracted and the remaining number is less than half of the number of articles 4 that can be stored in the collection container 20, the blocks that are less than half are set as half cardboard use zones. 5. The store of the work data and the total number of articles 4 to be picked up in the block are output to the block control memory 55 of each area block, and the block control memory 55 of the area block set in the half cardboard use zone is output to the block control memory 55. Outputs a cardboard use signal 6. When a block picking completion signal including data of a completed store is input from the block control memory 55 of the lowermost block, a store sorting completion signal is output to the control computer 51.

It also has a function of transmitting total data. That is, when a total signal is input from the control computer 51, a data transfer signal is output to the cumulative memory 59 of each compartment storage space 6 to output a transfer instruction, and data on the number of times of picking touch and shipping quantity of each compartment storage space 6 is inputted. Then, the number of picking touches and the shipment quantity of each compartment storage space 6 are collectively output to the control computer 51. <Block control memory 55> The above block control memory 55
Stores, in order, the store data, the total number of picks, and the sorting data including the half cardboard use signal input from the work data distribution control unit 58. Then, the following operation is performed. 1. At first, the data stored first is taken out. If this data is sorting data, it is checked whether the total number of picks of the sorting data is 0. If not, an execution signal is output to each pick number control memory 56. I do. 2. Each time a picking completion signal (described later) including the number of picks is input from each pick number control memory 56 of the block, the number of picks is subtracted from the total number of picks to obtain the remaining number. When a half cardboard use signal is input, the remaining number is a collection container
When the number of articles 4 that can be accommodated in 20 is less than half the number, a chime sound command signal is output to the pick number control memory 56 to which the picking completion signal has been input. 3. When a picking completion signal including the number of picks is input from each of the pick number control memories 56 of all four blocks, a block picking completion signal including store data is transmitted to the work data distribution control unit 58 and the adjacent upstream block control memory 55. Output. 4. When a block picking completion signal is input from the adjacent downstream block control memory 55, the next stored data is taken out. If this data is sorting data, it is checked whether the total number of picks of the sorting data is 0, and it is not 0 At this time, an execution signal is output to each pick number control memory 56.

Thereafter, the above operations 2 to 4 are repeated until all the stored data is executed. <Pick number control memory 56> The pick number control memory 56
Stores the number of picks and color data input from the work data distribution control unit 58 in order. Then, the following operation is performed. 1. When an execution signal is input from the block control memory 55,
The digital data of the number of picks stored previously and the lamp lighting signal of the set color are output to the picking display 2. 2. When a work completion signal is input from the picking display 3, a picking completion signal including the number of picks is output to the block control memory 55 and the total memory 59, and the picking display 2
Is stopped, the number of picks and the lighting operation of the lamp are stopped, and the displayed number of picks and color data are deleted. 3. When a chime sound command signal is input from the sorting area store control memory 55, the chime 14 sounds for three seconds. <Cumulative Memory 59> The cumulative memory 57 collects data of picking work.

That is, when a picking completion signal including the number of picks is input from the pick number control memory 56, the number of picks is counted, that is, the number of shipments is counted. / Number of operations of Done button 13 (number of picking touches)
Count. Then, the work data distribution control unit 58
When a transfer signal is input, the data of the counted number of picking touches and the shipment quantity of the compartment storage space 6 that has been counted is output to the work data distribution control unit 58, and when the output is completed, the count value is reset. [Sorting Area] The operation of the above configuration will be described. 1. Start of normal work (input of collection container 20 to picking conveyor 16 in setup zone C at the head of line) The movement of data at the start of work is shown in FIG.

Control computer 51 based on the delivery information
Display of picking display 32 by store at the top of the line
The completion button 13 is turned on, and the code of the store is displayed on the digital display 12 (data in FIG. 18).

After confirming that the display lamp of the store-specific picking display 32 is turned on, the worker who processes the loading of the collection container 20 presses the display / completion button 13 (data). Then, one label 38 (FIG. 12) for each store is issued from the label printer 34 at the head of the line (data).

When the collection container 20 is made of half cardboard, the display lamp 35 of the collection cardboard selection display 33 flashes and the chime 36 sounds (data). Nothing is displayed when using normal cardboard.

The operator operates the collected cardboard selection display.
According to the instruction of 33, select the collection container 20 and label 38 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the clip 37 is attached to a fixed position, and the sorting destination is clearly indicated on the collection container 20. At this time, the color of the clip 37 is the same as the color of the display / completion button 13 of the store-specific picking display 32. Note that the label 38 attached to the clip 37 is replaced on the collection container 20 at the end of the picking operation.

As shown in FIG. 12, a clip 37 corresponding to the display color of the store-specific picking display 32 is
Insert the line into 20 flaps (roller conveyor 7)
To

The work data and color data of the articles 4 collected in the collection container 20 are output to the controller 5 (data). After a certain time, the display / completion button 13 of the store-specific picking display 32 based on the next work data is turned on, and the code of the store is displayed on the digital display 12.
At this time, the color of the displayed lamp is the next color, for example,
Since the color is converted from red to orange, the color of the clip 37 attached to the collection container 20 is changed to orange as shown in FIG.

As a result, the collection container 20 has a clip 37 whose color repeatedly changes in the order of red, orange, and yellow.
Is inserted into the line (roller conveyor 7). In addition, the color of the clip 37 of the collection container 20 that moves back and forth is always different, so that it is possible to prevent the same color from being continuously obtained during collection, and it is possible to prevent the picking mistake of the worker H. 2. Picking Work (Picking in Picking Work Zones D and E) FIG. 20 shows the movement of data during the picking work.

First, the controller 52 displays the number of picks on the picking display 2 of the section storage space 6 for picking up the articles 4 on a block-by-block basis based on the work data of the store of the collection containers 20 and allocates them to the store. The display / completion button 13 is lit in the designated color (data).

When the collection container 20 to which the clip 37 is attached flows from the upstream of the line, the worker H
As shown in FIG. 21, it is confirmed that the color of the clip 37 matches the color displayed on the display / complete button 13 of the picking display 2, and according to the display of the picking display 2,
The pick 4 is picked from the compartment storage space 6 and the display / completion button 13 is pressed (data). When confirming the input of the display / completion button 13, the controller 52 turns off the picking indicator 2.

At this time, when the containers 5 in the compartment storage space 6 become empty by picking, the empty containers are temporarily placed on the empty container return conveyor 17 of the collection line B. This empty container is reused as the collection container 20.

Next, the worker H moves the roller conveyor 7 to the downstream side.
Move while pressing the upper collection container 20, and move the goods 4 to the collection container.
Packing to 20. When the collection container 20 is full,
Since it is determined that the collection container 20 is to be added, as shown in FIG. 22, the work is continued with the empty container on the empty container return conveyor 17 attached to the upstream side of the line.

When the display / completion button 13 is pressed,
When the chime 14 sounds, when it is determined that the collection container 20 is to be added, as shown in FIG. 23, the half cardboard is selected and attached to the upstream side of the line, and the operation is continued.

When the controller 52 determines that the picking work of all the block storage spaces 6 of the block has been completed, and further determines that the picking of the adjacent downstream block has been completed, as shown in FIG. The work instruction is displayed on the picking display 2. In this way, the picking indicator 2 in the block storage space 6 of the block where the picking work (sorting work) has been completed indicates the work instruction of the next store, that is, the color of the collection container 20 to be moved to the next line. Is displayed on the condition that the picking work of the block (compartment storage space 6) adjacent to the line downstream of the block (compartment storage space 6) in which the picking work has been completed has been completed, so that the block in which the picking work has been completed is displayed. Until the picking operation of the adjacent downstream block is completed, the picking display 2 is not displayed at all and is in an off state, and the color displayed on the picking display 2 is changed across one block. Therefore, the worker H can reduce the risk of erroneously picking up the articles 4 from the upstream block when packing and returning the articles 4 from the working block to the collection container 20 and reduce the rate of erroneous picking. Can be done. <Help Picking> “Help Picking for Sorting Area S Adjacent to Upstream” Normally, as shown in FIG. 25A, the worker H performs the picking work of the sorting area S assigned to him / her. As shown in FIG. 25 (b), the collection container
20 is handed over to the worker of the adjacent downstream sorting area S, and when returning to the top (upstream) block of the sorting area S, the picking work in the upstream sorting area S takes time, and the collection container 20 is removed. Sometimes not transported. At this time, the color of the work instruction of the next store is displayed on the picking display 2 (display / completion button 13) of the sorting area S assigned to the worker H himself. That is, the same color as the color displayed on the picking display 2 (display / completion button 13) of the sorting area S adjacent upstream is displayed. ｝ At this time, the worker H performs a picking operation (referred to as upstream help picking) by stepping to a block adjacent to the downstream of the block that is performing the picking operation in the sorting area S adjacent upstream, and collects goods in this block. The container 20 is received, and the picked articles 4 are packed (at this time, the sorting work of the same store as the store in the sorting area S is executed). That is, in the sorting area S adjacent to the upstream, the worker H sorts the articles in a work range up to a predetermined block upstream of the block (the compartment storage space) in which another worker is working. When another worker in the sorting area S adjacent to the upstream passes the collection container 20, the worker returns to the first (upstream) block of the sorting area S.

The subsequent operation is the same as the above-mentioned picking operation. “Help picking for sorting area S adjacent downstream” Normally, as shown in FIG. 26A, the worker H performs the picking work of the sorting area S assigned to him / her. As shown in ()), when the sorting work of the sorting area S assigned to the user is completed and the user moves to the downstream end of the sorting area S, the picking work is reduced in the sorting area S adjacent to the downstream side, and the collection container 20 is removed. Sometimes you haven't picked up.
At this time, the same color as the color of the clip 27 of the collection container 20 is displayed on the picking display 2 (display / completion button 13) in the adjacent downstream sorting area S, and the user himself / herself performs the sorting work. Is displayed. ｝ At this time, the worker H steps down to the block adjacent to one upstream of the block performing the picking operation in the sorting area S adjacent downstream, and continuously performs the picking operation at the same store (referred to as downstream help picking). Do
The picked article 4 is packed. When the downstream worker returns after finishing the sorting work of the previous store, he passes the collection container 20 and returns to the top (upstream) block of his / her sorting area S. As described above, the picking indicator 2 of the block for which the picking operation has been completed.
Is not displayed until the picking work of the adjacent downstream block is completed, and the color displayed on the picking display 2 is changed across one block,
The work range of the downstream picking is up to two blocks upstream of the block on which the other worker of the sorting area S adjacent on the downstream side is working, and the collection containers 20 overlap,
An article 4 indicated by another color (an article 4 of another store) by mistake is prevented from being inserted.

The subsequent operation is the same as the picking operation. As described above, the worker H finishes the picking operation (sorting operation) of the articles in the block (compartment storage space 6) in the allocated sorting area S (operation range), and then finishes the sorting area of another adjacent worker. If the picking operation of the article in S is not completed, the above-described upstream help picking or downstream help picking is performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 27, in step (1), the worker H [2] performing the picking operation on the number [14] of the collection container 20 according to the yellow picking indicator 2 When the picking operation in the sorting area S is completed early (the picking indicator 2 upstream of the worker H [2] has turned red at this time), the collection container 20 according to the orange picking indicator 2 , The downstream worker H [3] who was executing the picking operation for the number [13], is still working according to the orange picking indicator 2 and has completed the operation. When the number 2 has changed to yellow, the worker H [2] subsequently enters the sorting area S of the downstream worker H [3] to perform downstream picking (stage). Floor 2). When the worker H [2] comes into contact with the worker H [3], the number [14] of the collection container 20
And return to the upstream (step 3).

In step 2, the worker H [1] who has performed the picking operation on the number [15] of the collection container 20 in accordance with the red picking indicator 2
When the picking operation is completed in the sorting area S, the downstream worker H [2] goes to the downstream to help the worker, and when the worker has not returned to the sorting area S, the downstream worker H [2] continues. ], The downstream picking is performed (step 3), and the worker H [1] contacts the returned worker H [2], leaving the collection container 20 number [15]. Return upstream (step 4).

In (Step 3), the worker H [2]
The picking operation is performed on the number [15] of the collection container 20 according to the red picking indicator 2, and when the picking operation is completed (step 4) (at this time, the worker H
The picking indicator 2 in [2] has been changed to orange), and the upstream worker H [1] in his / her sorting area S receives the number [16] of the collection container 20 according to the picking indicator 2 in orange. When the picking work is being performed, the worker H [2] is located upstream of the worker H [1].
(Stage 5), the worker H [2]
Takes over the number [16] of the collection container 20 from the worker H [1] and performs picking to help upstream. Worker H
When [1] comes into contact with the worker H [2], the worker returns to the upstream leaving the number [16] of the collection container 20. The worker H [2] subsequently performs the picking operation on the number [16] of the collection container 20 according to the orange picking indicator 2.

As described above, when the workers H perform the picking work upstream and downstream, the work range in which the workers H perform the picking work expands and contracts, and the concept of the sorting area S disappears. Will perform the picking operation without waiting, and the work efficiency will be greatly improved.

FIG. 27 shows both the concept of the normal picking operation and the concept of the picking operation with preceding picking. In these normal picking work and picking work with preceding picking, the sorting area S of each worker H
Is fixed, and the work is completed in the sorting area S of the user, so that the work is inevitably waited. 3. Packing Work FIG. 28 shows the movement of data during packing.

When the controller 52 inputs the block picking completion signal including the data of the completed shop from the block control memory 55 in the most downstream sorting area, the controller 52 outputs the shop sorting completion signal to the control computer 51 (FIG. 28). data from).

When the control computer 51 confirms the sorting completion signal of the store, the store computer displays digital data of the store code and a lamp lighting signal of the set color on the store-specific display 40 in the rear tail packing zone F. Then, the code of the store is displayed on the digital display 28, and the color set for the store is displayed on the display / completion button 13 (data).

As shown in FIG. 29, the worker in the packing process of the rear tail packing zone F checks the color of the clip 37 attached to the leading collection container 20 sent by the picking conveyor 16 and the display for each store. It is confirmed whether the colors of the display / completion button 13 of the container 40 match. Also, the number of collection containers 20 constituting one store is confirmed.

Next, the operator inputs the data of the number of labels to be issued, which is the number of collected containers 20 confirmed, by using the ten keys 41 (data). When the control computer 51 inputs the data of the required number of labels 38 from the numeric keypad 41, the control computer 51 outputs the label information based on the store data to the label printer 44 by the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the input numeric keys 41, and FIG. As shown at 30, labels 38 are issued continuously (data). This issued label 38 automatically includes a series number 62,
Subsequent to 62, a symbol “/” 62A indicating that the series number 62 is a molecule is printed. The series number 62 printed on the label 38 indicates the order of the collection containers 20 at the sorting destination, and the symbol “/” 62A indicates that the series number 62 is a number indicating the order with respect to the total number of picks. Is done.

Next, when confirming the issuance of the label 38, the worker removes the clip 37 from the collection container 20, removes the label 38 (first label) from the clip 37, and returns to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a cushioning material 63 is put into the gap between the collection containers 20, the upper lid is closed, and the kraft tape 42 is attached to the tape cutter 43.
Then, the first label and the issued label are attached to each collection container 20, and the packaging is completed.
By using the label 38 attached to the clip 37, the issuance of an extra label 38 is avoided.

When the number is re-entered with the ten keys 41, the label 38 of the number is reissued. At the time of this re-issuing, the series number 62 is not printed, thereby avoiding duplication with the series number 62 of the previously issued label 38.

Next, the worker displays / displays the display 40 by store.
Press the complete button 13 (data). Control computer
When confirming the completion signal by the operation of the display / completion button 13, the 51 deletes the stored work data of this store.

Thereafter, in the palletizing work zone G, the container 5 is merged with the container 5 in the section storage space 6 to be shipped to the same store and transported to the shipping area. 4. Countermeasures for Down When the picking indicator 2 or the like goes down, picking work is performed from the store-specific picking list attached to the binder 23.

As described above, three colors are prepared for the frame of the binder 23, and the same color as the color of the clip 37 is prepared. By preparing the sandwiched binder 23 and sliding it along the rails 24 and 25 of the front rack 18 simultaneously with the collection container 20 to which the clip 37 of the same color is attached, the worker H removes the picked articles 4 from the wrist. In addition, it is possible to put the goods into the collection container 20 without mistake in the destination store. The binder 23 and the collection container 20 are pushed by the worker H and move to the next sorting area S. Further, only the binder 23 can be sent to the next sorting area S first. 5. Shelf split analysis work The control computer 51 has a clock function, and after the picking work is completed every day, inputs the counted number of picking touches and the shipping quantity from the cumulative memory 59 of the controller 52 corresponding to each compartment storage space 6. The number of picking touches (the number of hits) and the number of shipments for each compartment storage space 6 during a predetermined period (for example, one month) are totaled. The total number of picking touches of the compartment storage spaces 6 forming each sorting area S is calculated from the totaled number of picking touches of each compartment storage space 6, and the number of picking touches of each compartment storage space 6 in this area S is calculated. Is calculated (hit ratio%). Note that the tally results are stored for two months. Further, after inputting the counted number of picking touches and the shipping quantity from the cumulative memory 59 of the controller 52 corresponding to each compartment storage space 6, the contents of the cumulative memory 59 are deleted.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a list of the counting results.
Shelf No. indicating the compartment storage space 6 , The code of the stored article 4, the name of the article 4, the category of the article 4, the number of hits (times), the hit ratio (%), and the shipment quantity (shipment quantity) are listed.

According to this list, the allocation (sorting area S) of the compartment storage spaces 6 can be changed so that the hit ratio of each sorting area S becomes constant, and an optimum allocation can be obtained. At this time, along with the change of the area S, the compartment storage space 6 for storing a large number of articles 4 picked near the center along the line is rearranged. The change of the area S is limited by the characteristics of the article 4, that is, the shape, the weight, and the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the worker H makes the color of the clip 37 attached to the collection container 20 moved to the sorting area S and the display / display of the picking display 20.
By matching the color displayed on the completion button 13, the collection container 20
By performing the picking operation after confirming that the compartment storage spaces 6 for sorting the containers 20 match with each other, sorting errors can be greatly reduced, and it is possible to visually and intuitively determine from a distance. Thus, the working efficiency can be greatly improved.

Since the picking operation assists the worker H in performing the picking operation without waiting for the work, the overall picking efficiency is less affected by the work state of the worker whose picking operation is slow. Picking efficiency can be improved.

The worker in the packing process of the rear packing zone F at the end of the line checks the color of the clip 37 attached to the leading collection container 20 sent by the picking conveyor 16 and the display / completion of the display 40 by store. By matching the color of button 13,
The collection container 20 that has moved to the tail of the line can be confirmed to be the target collection container 20, and the label 38 issued in the tail packing zone F of the line can be stuck without error and packed. It is possible to prevent an error from occurring in the collected container 20 and its sorting destination.

The collection container 20 contains red, orange,
A clip 37 whose color changes repeatedly in the order of yellow is inserted and inserted into the line (roller conveyor 7), and the color of the clip 37 of the collection container 20 moving back and forth is always different, so that the color is continuous during collection. By preventing the same color from being obtained, even when the collection containers 20 are crowded due to the state of the sorting operation, the worker H determines which collection container 20 should be used for the picking operation. It is possible to make a determination and prevent a picking error.

In this embodiment, the picking equipment is described as an example of the sorting equipment. However, the present invention can be applied to the assorting (sorting) equipment described in the "Prior Art" section. it can.

That is, as shown in FIG. 33, a sorting line corresponding to the collection line B is constituted by a picking (sorting) conveyor 16, and a picking (sorting) display 32 for each store and a label printer 34 are provided at the head. A picking (sorting) indicator 2 is provided in each compartment storage space 6 of each sorting shelf 1.

According to the above configuration, first, the goods 4
For the container 20 (bucket or container) in which
A clip 37 of the color indicated by the store-specific picking (sorting) display 32 is attached, and a label 38 issued by a label printer 34 is attached to the clip 37, and the clip 37 is put into the conveyor 16. On the label 38, information for identifying the articles 4 to be sorted is printed. Conveyor 16
The containers 20 placed in the container are pushed by an operator and conveyed sequentially downstream. At this time, in each sorting area S, the display of the same color as the clip 37 attached to the moved container 20 is displayed on the display / completion button 13 of the picking display 2, and the operator can change the displayed color. After confirming that they match, the display of the picking display 2 (information for identifying the article 4 printed on the label 38, the number of articles to be stored, etc.) is confirmed, and the article 4 is picked from the container 20 and put into the compartment storage space 6. I do. When all the sorting in the sorting area S is completed, the worker pushes the container 20 downstream to move it. Therefore, the received articles 4 are sorted according to sorting destinations set in the respective compartment storage spaces 6, and the collection of the articles 4 for each sorting destination is performed. In addition, the same help sorting as the help picking is performed.

As described above, by matching the color of the clip 37 with the color displayed on the display / completion button 13 of the picking display 20, the container 20 and the partition storage space 6 for sorting the containers 20 and the sorting area By performing the sorting operation after confirming that S is the same, sorting errors can be significantly reduced, and the intuitive judgment can be made visually from a distance, so that the working efficiency can be greatly improved.
Further, by executing the help sorting, that is, when the sorting work is completed early in the assigned sorting area S, the overall sorting efficiency is improved by assisting the sorting work of the sorting area S of another adjacent worker. be able to. Instead of issuing the label 38, information on the article 4 may be printed directly on the container 20 at the head of the line.

In the present embodiment, the picking indicator 2 of the block for which the picking operation has been completed is not displayed and remains off until the picking operation of the adjacent downstream block is completed. Are changed with one block interposed therebetween, but the next work information may be displayed on the block picking display 2 as soon as the block picking operation is completed. . At this time, when the picking completion signal including the number of picks is inputted from the pick number control memories 56 of all four blocks in the block, the block control memory 55 takes out the next stored data, and when this data is the sorting data, It is checked whether the total number of picks of data is 0, and if it is not 0, an execution signal is output to each pick number control memory 56.

In the present embodiment, the label printers 34 and 44 as printing means are separately (separately) separated from each other at the head and tail positions of the collection line B formed linearly. However, when the collection line B is formed in a loop,
It is also possible to provide a label printer as a single printing unit having the functions of the two label printers 34 and 44, and to arrange the label printer at the head of the loop and at the tail position.

In the present embodiment, the label 38 as the sorting destination display means is replaced with the label printers 34 and 44 as the printing means.
And the sorting destination is displayed, but the sorting destination may be printed directly on the collection container 20 at the start of the picking operation and at the completion of the picking operation. As such a printing means, there is a means for ejecting ink (for example, an ink jet printer). Label printer 34,
44 is fixed, but it can also be a handy type. Label printers 34 and 44 use sorting labels.
Although only 38 is issued, it is also possible to issue a price tag printed with the amount of the goods according to the order of the sorter at the same time. In addition, the label printers 34 and 44 may be of an automatic sticking type in which labels are automatically and directly attached to the collection container 20.

In this embodiment, the clip 37 is used as an attachment. However, the clip 37 may be simply placed, inserted, or attached with a pin. Further, in the present embodiment, colors are used as codes that can be visually confirmed, but alphabets, numerals, images, and the like can also be used. Also, different sort destinations are displayed using three colors, but the present invention is not limited to this.
More than three colors may be used, and different sort destinations may be displayed with three or more levels of color strength instead of three colors.

Further, in this embodiment, the free conveyor is used as the free transport means for the empty container returning conveyor 17 and the picking conveyor 16, but a free state including a carriage or the like may be used. Of course, the empty container returning conveyor 17 and the picking conveyor 16 can be driven conveyors.

In this embodiment, the storage line A is arranged opposite to the collection line B. However, the storage lines A are arranged on both sides of the collection line B so that the collection container 20 Alternatively, the articles 4 may be picked from the picking shelves 1 on both sides and supplied.

In the present embodiment, the front rack 18 as a temporary storage place is disposed between the empty container returning conveyor 17 and the picking conveyor 16, but the present invention is not limited to this position. It is also possible to arrange in such as.

In the present embodiment, a fluidized shelf is used as the picking shelf 1. However, a general shelf to which the container 5 does not move may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, corrugated cardboard is used as the collection container 20. However, a bucket, a case, a container, or the like, or a container with a lid (that can be sealed) may be used.

In this embodiment, the binder 23 is used as a support. However, any material can be used as long as it can slide on the rails 24 and 25 and can transport the picking list. In the present embodiment, the display / complete button 13 of the picking display 2, the store-specific picking display 32, and the store-specific display 40 is provided.
Although a push button switch is used as a switch, these switches can be replaced with a switch or a foot switch that is turned on by pulling a string. Further, each compartment storage space 6 may be provided with a supplementary notifying (input) means for notifying (inputting) that the articles 4 or containers 5 to be sorted have disappeared. In addition, the function of the replenishment notification (input) means may be provided in the picking display 2.

[0107]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the sorting work is completed early in the assigned work range, the worker assists in the sorting work of the working range of another adjacent worker. The sorting efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a picking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a main part of the picking equipment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a picking shelf of the picking equipment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of shelf allocation of picking shelves of the picking equipment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a picking indicator of the picking equipment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a picking operation zone of a collection line of the picking equipment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a front rack and a binder in a collection line of the picking facility.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a picking display for each store of the picking equipment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a setup zone at the head of the collection line of the picking facility.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a line leading setup zone of a collection line of the picking equipment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a collection cardboard selection display of the picking facility.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of clips and labels of the picking equipment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a tailing packing zone and a palletizing work zone of a collection line of the picking equipment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a rear-end packing zone of a collection line of the picking facility.

FIG. 15 is a control configuration diagram of the picking equipment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control computer of the picking facility.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a controller of the picking facility.

FIG. 18 is a data flow chart at the time of starting work of the picking facility.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of loading of a collection container at the start of work of the picking facility.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of data during a picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a collection container of the picking facility.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a helping picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a helping picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a helping picking operation of the picking equipment.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of data at the time of packing work of the picking facility.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a packing operation of the picking facility.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a label of the picking facility.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a packing operation of the picking facility.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an aggregation list of the picking equipment.

FIG. 33 is a schematic layout diagram of an assortment facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Picking shelf 2 Picking display 4 Article 5 Container 6 Compartment storage space 11 Display rail 14 Chime 16 Picking conveyor 17 Empty container return conveyor 18 Front rack 20 Collection container 23 Binder 24,25 rail 32 Picking display by store 33 Collection Cardboard selection display 34, 44 Label printer 37 Clip 38 Label 40 Store display 51 Control computer 52 Controller 60 Printer 62 Series number A Storage line B Collection line H Worker

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An article transport container moved along a sorting shelf having a plurality of compartments for article storage, and a compartment storage space of the sorting shelf in a work range allocated to an operator and the container. When performing the sorting work of the articles in the compartment storage space with the same reference numeral as the provided reference, the worker, after the sorting work of the articles in the compartment storage space in the assigned work range, is finished. A sorting operation for sorting the articles in the work range of the other worker when the sorting work of the articles in the work range of the other worker is not completed. 2. A worker sorts articles in the work area of another worker adjacent in the downstream direction in which the container is moved, after finishing the work of sorting the articles in the partitioned storage space in the assigned work area. 2. The sorting method according to claim 1, wherein when the process has not been completed, another worker performs an operation of sorting the articles in a work range up to a predetermined upstream of the compartment storage space of the compartment storage space in which the work is being performed. . 3. A sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for accommodating articles, and a sorting shelf provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space, wherein a line along the sorting shelf is provided. A sorting method for sorting articles according to the sorting display means between an article transport container to be moved on the upper side and each of the compartment storage spaces of the sorting shelf in a work range assigned to a worker. A code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, a different code is attached to the container before and after the line is moved, and the container is provided in a partition storage space for sorting articles on the moved container. The sorting display means displays the same reference numeral as the reference numeral attached to the moved container, and the worker can check the moved container within the assigned work range. The same code as the code attached to the container performs the sorting operation of the articles with the compartments and storage spaces displayed on the sorting display means, and at the end of this sorting operation, the same code as the code attached to the container. Is displayed on the sorting display means of the work range of another worker adjacent to the downstream of the line, the sorting operation of the articles is continuously performed in the work range adjacent to the downstream of the line. 4. A sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for article storage, and a sorting shelf provided with sorting display means for displaying information of articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space, wherein a line along the sorting shelf is provided. A sorting method for sorting articles according to the sorting display means between an article transport container to be moved on the upper side and each of the compartment storage spaces of the sorting shelf in a work range assigned to a worker. A code that can be visually confirmed is set on the container, a different code is attached to the container before and after the line is moved, and the container is provided in a section storage space for sorting articles on the moved container. The same code as the code attached to the moved container is displayed on the sorting display means, and the next line is displayed on the sorting display means of the divided storage space where the sorting operation is completed. In the work area to which the worker is assigned, the sorting machine displays the moved container and the same code as the code attached to the container. The sorting operation of the articles is performed between the compartment storage space, and at the end of the sorting operation, the same code as the code newly displayed on the sorting display means indicates the working range of another worker adjacent to the line upstream. A sorting method comprising: performing sorting of articles in a work range adjacent to the upstream of the line when displayed on the sorting display means. 5. The sorting and displaying means of the compartment storage space where the sorting operation has been completed, the code of the container to be moved next on the line is indicated by the partition adjacent to the line downstream of the compartment storage space where the sorting operation has been completed. 5. The sorting method according to claim 4, wherein a display is made on the condition that the storage space sorting operation has been completed. 6. The sorting method according to claim 1, wherein the code is a color. 7. The sorting method according to claim 1, wherein a code is specified as a plurality of codes, and these codes are used repeatedly. 8. A sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for accommodating articles, and a sorting shelf provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each of the compartment storage spaces. Sorting equipment for sorting articles according to the sorting display means between an article transport container moved on a line and each compartment of the sorting shelf in a work range assigned to an operator. Setting a visually recognizable code on the container, attaching a different code to the container before and after moving the line, and adding a function of displaying the code of the moved container to the sorting display means. And the sign attached to the container,
The same code is displayed on the sorting display means for displaying information on articles for the container, and in the work area to which the worker is assigned, the worker has the moved container and the same code as the code attached to the container. The sorting operation of the articles is performed between the compartment storage space displayed on the sorting display means, and at the end of the sorting operation, the same code as the code attached to the container is replaced by another worker adjacent to the line downstream. A sorter for sorting articles in a work range adjacent to the downstream of the line when the work range is displayed on the sort display means. 9. A sorting shelf having a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, and a sorting shelf provided with sorting display means for displaying information on articles to be sorted for each of the compartment storage spaces. Sorting equipment for sorting articles according to the sorting display means between an article transport container moved on a line and each compartment of the sorting shelf in a work range assigned to an operator. Setting a visually recognizable code on the container, attaching a different code to the container before and after moving the line, and adding a function of displaying the code of the moved container to the sorting display means. And the sign attached to the container,
The same code is displayed on the sorting display means for displaying the information of the articles for the container. The sorting display means is provided with a work completion input means. When the input of the work completion input means is confirmed, the sorting display means displays In the work area to which the worker is assigned, the worker displays the moved container and the same code as the code attached to the container on the sorting display means. The sorting operation of the articles is carried out with the storage space. At the end of the sorting operation, the same code as the code newly displayed on the sorting display means is displayed for sorting the working range of another worker adjacent to the upstream of the line. Sorting equipment for sorting articles from a work range adjacent to the upstream of the line when displayed on the means. 10. When the input of the work completion input means is confirmed, the code of the sorting display means is deleted, and the code of the container to be moved next is provided to the sorting display means. 10. The sorting equipment according to claim 9, wherein when the input from the work completion input means of the compartment storage space adjacent to the downstream of the compartment storage space is confirmed, the input is displayed. 11. The sorting equipment according to claim 8, wherein a code that can be visually confirmed is colored. 12. The sorting equipment according to claim 8, wherein a code that can be visually confirmed is specified as a plurality of codes, and the plurality of codes are repeatedly used. 13. A compartment storage space for accommodating a large number of articles to be sorted is disposed near the center along the line in the work range of the sorting shelf assigned to the worker. 13. The sorting equipment according to claim 12. 14. The compartment storage space of the sorting shelf is arranged vertically and horizontally and is arranged so as to be separable left and right in at least a fixed compartment storage space of right and left. Sorting equipment described in any of them. 15. The sorting equipment according to claim 8, wherein the line is constituted by free transport means, and a table for temporarily placing articles is provided near the line.