JP2002326720A - Sorting method and sorting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting method capable of reducing the load on a worker taking out articles from a sorting chute. SOLUTION: The number of cases C (or containers) to be sorted to the same sorting chute 31 from a main conveying line M in a predetermined time is limited to predetermined sorting quantity (2 pieces), and the sorting of the cases C over the sorting quantity, to the sorting chute 31 is stopped. According to this method, the concentration of the work can be prevented even when the cases C to be sorted to the same sorting chute 31 exist, and the work can be leveled, whereby the load on the worker taking out the cases C from the sorting chute 31 can be reduced, and the working efficiency 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 for sorting articles conveyed on a main transport route to a branch transport route branched from the main transport route, and to an apparatus therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the above-described conventional sorting method, a branch transport path for sorting articles is determined upstream of a branch transport path, and articles are sorted from the main transport path to the determined branch transport path.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), articles (products) F sequentially conveyed by a conveyance conveyor device 71 constituting a main conveyance path are transferred to the conveyance conveyor device 71.
By driving the branching device 73 to the sorting chute 72 that constitutes the branch transport path provided outside the side of the device and moving it in the direction perpendicular or oblique to the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 71, The goods F are sorted.

When the sorting chute 72 becomes full with the stored articles F, a full quantity detection sensor 74 operates, and the subsequent articles F are not sorted by the sorting chute 72 but are sorted by the overflow line 75. ing.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above sorting chute 7
2 is often assigned to each store to which the goods are shipped, and when many same goods F are ordered from one store, these ordered goods F are continuously and concentratedly sorted on the same sorting chute 72. Many things happen. According to the above-described conventional sorting method, when the articles F are sorted by being concentrated on the same sorting chute 72, the operator must quickly take in the articles F in accordance with the sorting and load the articles F into a basket car or the like for each store. In addition, the work became complicated and a heavy burden was imposed. Also, if the articles F are concentrated on the sorting chute 72, the articles F may collide with each other and give an impact to the article F, possibly causing breakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting method capable of reducing the burden on an operator who takes in articles in a sorting chute, and an apparatus therefor.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an article conveyed on a main conveyance path is divided into articles branched from the main conveyance path. A sorting method for sorting into branch transport paths, wherein a branch transport path for sorting the articles upstream from each of the branch transport paths is determined, and within a set time, the number of articles sorted to the same branch transport path is determined by a predetermined amount. When the sorting quantity is exceeded, sorting of at least the articles exceeding the sorting quantity to the branch transport path is stopped.

According to the above method, the number of articles sorted to the same branch transport path within a set time is limited to a predetermined sorting quantity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the articles from concentrating on the same branch transport path, and the load on the worker who takes in the articles from the branch transport path is dispersed and reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the articles which have been stopped from being sorted into the branch transport path are located upstream of each of the branch transport paths from downstream of the main transport path. It is characterized by returning to.

According to the above method, the articles whose sorting from the main transport route to the branch transport route is stopped are returned from downstream of the main transport route to upstream of each branch transport route, and the sorting is performed again. Therefore, the articles are sorted into the branch conveyance paths in a time-dispersed manner.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the set time and the sorting quantity are variable. According to the above method, the set time and the sorting quantity can be set according to the burden on the worker, the working efficiency, and the overall sorting work amount.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting apparatus for sorting articles conveyed on a main conveyance path into respective branch conveyance paths branched from the main conveyance path. Conveying means for conveying in the downstream direction, a plurality of sorting / transporting means forming the branch conveying path, and branching means provided for each of the sorting / transporting means, and branching the articles being conveyed by the conveying means to the sorting / transporting means A determining means provided upstream of each of the sorting and transferring means for determining which sorting and transferring means to sort the articles being transferred by the transferring means, and a sorting and transferring means determined by the determining means. Control means for outputting a branching command of the article to the branching means, wherein the control means determines that the quantity of the articles to be sorted to the same sorting and transferring means within a predetermined time is a predetermined sorting time. Exceeds the quantity, it is characterized in that stops that the article at least greater than the sorting quantity sorting into the sorting transport means.

Here, the sorting and transferring means is formed of, for example, a sorting chute. According to the above configuration, the sorting / transporting means for sorting the articles transported by the transporting means is determined by the determining means, and the branching command is output to the branching means of the sorting / transporting means by the control means, and the article is transferred to the target Sorted to sorting / transfer means. Further, in the control means, if it is determined that the quantity of the articles sorted to the same sorting and transferring means exceeds the predetermined sorting quantity within the set time, at least the articles exceeding the sorting quantity are sorted to the sorting and transferring means. Is stopped, and the concentration of articles on the same sorting and transferring means is avoided.
Therefore, the burden on the worker who takes in the articles from the sorting and transferring means is dispersed and reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the articles whose sorting to the branch transport path has been stopped are moved from downstream of the main transport path to upstream of the branch transport path. The present invention is characterized in that a return conveying means is provided.

According to the above construction, the articles whose sorting from the main transport path to the branch transport path has been stopped are returned from the downstream of the main transport path to the upstream side of the branch transport path by the return transport means, and are again sorted. Be executed. Therefore, the articles are sorted into the branch conveyance paths in a time-dispersed manner.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a layout and configuration diagram of a sorting facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a sorting destination (for example,
This is a case picking area in which goods are picked up in case units by store (destination store). In the case C (an example of goods) for each sorting destination, which is picked in the case picking area 1 and carried out by the line 2, there is a sorting destination. Is affixed with a label on which a barcode (an example of an identification code) for specifying the ID is printed. The case C is transported by the line 2 and is a main transport line (an example of a transport unit) that is a main transport path by the merging device 3 installed at the downstream end of the line 2.
M. The line 2 and the main transport line M are formed by a conveyor device.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a container (an example of a box to be collected)
Is a container picking area for picking up products according to sorting destinations. Containers for sorting destinations (an example of articles) K which are unloaded from the container picking area 5 also have
A label on which a barcode (an example of an identification code) for specifying the sorting destination is printed is attached, and a barcode reader (reading means) 7 for reading the barcode is provided on a line 6 for unloading the container K from this area 5. Is provided. The container K transported by the line 6 is carried into a container pool area 8 (which will be described later in detail) where the container K is temporarily stored. Container K from container pool area 8
Is transported by a line 9 and is fed into a main transport line M by a merging device 10 installed at a downstream end of the line 9. The lines 6 and 9 are formed by a conveyor device.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a receiving area for receiving goods in a case C. The receiving area 11 includes three receiving lines 12 and a receiving / merging line 13 for transporting the case C unloaded from the receiving lines 8. Each of the receiving lines 12 includes, from the upstream, an input terminal 14 for inputting the contents of the case C (information for identifying the contents of the case) and the quantity of the goods to be received, and the contents of the case C from a label attached to the case C in advance. A barcode reader (an example of a reading unit) 15 for reading a specified barcode, and an auto labeler (an example of an attaching unit) for attaching a label printed with a barcode (an example of an identification code) for specifying a sorting destination to the case C ) 16 are provided. In addition, the received case C corresponds to the receiving line 12
And is fed into the main transport line M via the incoming / merging line 13 by the merging device 17 installed at the downstream end of the line 12. The lines 12 and 13 are formed by a conveyor device.

The case C or the container K transported by the main transport line M is stored in the sorting / shipping area 21.
, The products are sorted for each sorting destination and shipped. A bar code reader (an example of a reading unit) 22 that reads a bar code from a label attached to the case C and the container K is provided at an entrance position (upstream side) of the sorting / shipping area 21 of the main transport line M, Also sorting /
The next batch pool line 23 from which the case C of the next batch (sorting group) branches is connected to the entrance position of the shipping area 21 (downstream from the mounting position of the barcode reader 22). In the next batch pool line 23, a batch pool fullness detector 24 for detecting the fullness of the case C and a batch pool fullness detector 25 for detecting the fullness notice of the case C are provided from the upstream. . The case C transported by the next batch pool line 23 is fed into the main transport line M at a position upstream from the position where the barcode reader 22 is mounted by the merging device 26 installed at the downstream end of the line 23. The line 26 is formed by a conveyor device.

An overflow line (an example of a return transport path) 27 for returning the case C or the container K in the sorting / shipping area 21 whose sorting has been stopped to the main transport line M upstream of the mounting position of the barcode reader 22.
Is provided. The case C or the container K transported by the overflow line 27 is
Is fed into the main transport line M at a position upstream of the mounting position of the barcode reader 22 by a merging device 28 installed at the downstream end of the main transport line M.

The structure of the sorting / shipping area 21 is shown in FIG.
Shown in In FIG. 2, reference numeral 31 designates a plurality (in FIG.
The main transport line M is located downstream of the next batch pool line 23.
Are arranged along. The main transport line M is provided with a branching device (an example of a branching unit) 32 corresponding to each of the next batch pool line 23 and each of the sorting chutes 31. Is branched from the main transport line M to the next batch pool line 23 or each sorting chute 31. The sorting chutes 31 are numbered from 1 to 20 in order from the upstream of the main transport line M, and one sorting chute 31 at the downstream end is used as a reject line. Case C sorted to sorting chute 31
Alternatively, the container K is taken in by an operator and is loaded on a basket car at a sorting destination (store destination).

The structure of the container pool area 8 is shown in FIG.
Shown in In FIG. 3, reference numeral 41 denotes a plurality (30 in FIG. 3) of conveyor devices provided with a cut-out mechanism 42 for the container K at the downstream end, and the container K transported by the line 6 corresponds to each conveyor device 41. In the branching device 43 provided with the branching mechanism, each of the conveyor devices 41 is branched. The operation of the cut-out mechanism 42 causes the container K
Are cut out (conveyed out) one by one from the conveyor device 41, and then the stored container K is cut out by the cutout mechanism 42.
Is moved to before.

The conveyor device 41 is divided into upstream and downstream blocks (an example of a group) A and B. The upstream block A is constituted by 16 conveyor devices 41, and the downstream block B is constituted by 14 conveyors. It is composed of a device 41. Each of the blocks A and B is provided with unloading lines 44 and 45 for transporting the container K cut out from each of the conveyor devices 41, and these unloading lines 44 and 45 are connected to the line 9. In addition, a bypass line 46 for transporting the container K not branched in the branching device 43 to the line 9 is provided. The carry-out lines 44 and 45 and the bypass line 46 are formed by a conveyor device.

The 16 conveyor devices 4 of the block A
Reference numeral 1 denotes a storage lane (an example of a storage path and storage means) SA having the same arrangement as the sorting chutes 31 of Nos. 1 to 11 in the sorting / shipping area 21 in the 1: 1 order from the upstream side, and five auxiliary lanes. Is divided into lanes α, and the 14 conveyor devices 41 of the block B are
Five auxiliary lanes β and storage lanes (an example of a storage route and a storage means) SB corresponding to each other in the same arrangement as the sorting chutes 31 of the numbers 12 to 20 in a 1: 1 ratio respectively.

The auxiliary lane α and the auxiliary lane β are, for each batch, an overflow lane (an example of an overflow path) for storing a container K that cannot be allocated to the storage lane SA or SB, and a container K for the next sorting group (batch). Are alternately used as five next batch lanes (an example of a reserved route) that hold the same (the role is changed every batch). [Control Configuration] FIG. 4 shows a control configuration diagram of the sorting equipment.

In the case picking area 1, a signal tower 51 for displaying the state of the batch pool line 23 is provided.
And a label printer (an example of an issuing means) 63 for issuing a label printed with a barcode (an example of an identification code) for specifying the sorting destination. The signal tower 51, the label printer 63, and the batch pool are provided. A case in which the quantity detector 24 and the batch pool full notice detector 25 are connected to control the display of the signal tower 51, instruct the picking of the case C for each sorting destination, and control the issuance of the label by the label printer 63. A picking control device 52 is provided.

In the container picking area 5, a signal tower 53 for displaying the state of the container pool area 8 is provided. The signal tower 53 is connected to control the display of the signal tower 53 and to sort containers of goods by sorting destination. A case picking control device 54 for instructing picking into K is provided.

Each of the signal towers 51 and 53 comprises an indicator lamp of three colors (green, yellow and red) and a buzzer. In the container pool area 8, a branching control device (an example of a judgment unit and a control unit) 55 connected to the barcode reader 7 and controlling the branching device 43, and a cutout control for controlling the cutout mechanism 42 of each conveyor device 41. A device (an example of a control means) 56 is provided. Further, in the receiving area 11, an input terminal 14, a barcode reader 15, and an auto labeler 16 of each receiving line 12 are connected, and a receiving control device for controlling the auto labeler 16 is provided. 57 are provided.

The sorting / shipping area 21 is provided with a branch control device (an example of a judgment unit and a control unit) 58 which is connected to the bar code reader 22 and controls each branch unit 32.

Each of the merging devices 3, 10, 17, 26, 2
A merging control device 59 is provided to control the main transport line M and adjust the interval so that the case C or the container K does not come into contact with the main transport line M while merging the case C or the container K with the main transport line M. .

The case picking control device 52,
The container picking control device 54, the container pool area branching control device 55 and the cutout control device 56, the receiving control device 57, the branching control device 58 of the sorting / shipping area 21, and the merging control device 59 are connected to a bus 60, respectively. It is connected to a physical distribution central controller 61 via 60. [Distribution Central Controller 61] Distribution Central Controller 6
Operation 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when shipping data, for example, data consisting of a product and quantity ordered from each sorting destination within a certain period (half day, one day or two days, etc.) is input (step-1), the shipping data is entered. Therefore, for each sorting destination, a case C to be sorted / shipped, a product (collected into the container K by one unit) and its quantity, that is, picking data, are formed, and further the sorting chutes 3
1 to form batch data (step-
2). For example, when the number of sorting destinations is 60, the number of sorting chutes 31 is 20, so that it is necessary to execute the sorting work in three times, so that three batch data are formed. Every time the batch is completed, the sorting destination of each sorting chute 31 is changed.

Subsequently, the next data is output to each control device based on the batch data (step-3). That is, the picking data of case C for each batch (consisting of data specifying the case C to be picked for each sorting destination, the quantity to be picked, and data specifying the sorting destination) is output to the case picking control device 52. Further, the container picking control device 54 includes picking data for the containers K of the products for each batch (data for specifying the goods to be picked for each sorting destination, the quantity of the products to be picked, and data for specifying the sorting destinations). Is output to the branching control device 55 in the container pool area and the branching control device 58 in the sorting / shipping area 21. The sorting destination assigned to each sorting chute 31 (numbers 1 to 20) in batch units. And a barcode for judging the sorting destination is output. To is, of a sort-destination of the stock case (goods) C data and each sorting chute 31 (number 1-2
The sorting destination assigned to (0) and a barcode for determining the sorting destination are output, and the number of cases C to be picked in the case picking area 1 in batch units is output to the conveyor merging control device 59.

Subsequently, the batch processing command signal is transmitted to the case picking control device 52 and the container picking control device 5.
4. Output to the branch control device 55 in the container pool area and the branch control device 58 in the sorting / shipping area 21 (step-4).

Although details will be described later based on this batch processing command, the case C
Is picked up and carried out to the line 2, and goods are picked up in the container picking area 5, collected into the container K, carried out to the line 6, brought into the container pool area 8, and temporarily stored in the container pool area 8. Is done. In the sorting / shipping area 21, sorting of the case C and the container K is started.

Next, the distribution central controller 61 outputs to the conveyor merging control device 59 permission to merge the case C stored in the batch pool line 23 with the main transport line M (step-5). The merge permission from the line 2 of the case C unloaded from the picking area 1 to the main transport line M is output (step-6).

The conveyer merging control device 59 drives the merging device 26 of the next batch pool line 23 to move the case C stored in the next batch pool line 23 (stored in the previous batch processing) to the main transport line M. Merge, line 2
Of the case C carried out of the case picking area 1 to the main transport line M, and the merging device 28 of the overflow line 27 is driven to transport the case C or the container K from the overflow line 27. Merge into line M. The timing at the time of merging (the timing at which the case C and the container K do not contact) is driven by the conveyor merging control device 59.

The branching control device 58 in the sorting / shipping area 21 determines whether the case C or the container K has been sorted.
When the number reaches a predetermined ratio (for example, 70%) of the total number of batch processing, a case passing signal is output to the physical distribution central controller 61 (details will be described later).

When the distribution central controller 61 confirms this case passing signal (step-7), it outputs a cutout start command signal (timing signal; details will be described later) to the cutout control device 56 of the container pool area 8 (step 7). Step-8) Then, a permission to join the container K stored in the container pool area 8 to the main transport line M is output to the conveyor joining control device 59 (step-9).

The container K temporarily stored in the container pool area 8 is carried out to the line 9 on the basis of the cut-out start command signal, which will be described in detail later. The apparatus 10 is driven to join the containers K stored in the container pool area 8 to the main transport line M. The timing of the merge (the timing at which the cases C do not contact each other or the case C and the container K do not contact each other) is driven by the conveyor merge control device 59.

In the sorting / shipping area 21, as will be described later in detail, the sorting of the case C and the container K is executed, and the branching control device 5 of the sorting / shipping area 21 is executed.
At 8, the end of sorting in this batch in the sorting / shipping area 21 is confirmed, and a sorting end signal is output to the distribution central controller 61.

When the distribution central controller 61 confirms the sorting end signal (step-10), it outputs a batch processing stop signal to the case picking control device 52, the container picking control device 54, and the conveyor merging control device 59 (step 10). -11), set the timer (step -12).

As a result, the picking operation in the case picking area 1 and the container picking area 5 is interrupted, and the merging of the case C and the container K to the main transport line M is interrupted by the conveyor merging control device 59. In the sorting / shipping area 21, during this interruption time, the sorting destination of the sorting chute 31 is changed according to the data of the next batch, and the shipping destination of the case C and the container K sorted to each sorting chute 31 is changed. .

When the distribution central controller 61 confirms that the time is over (step-13), it confirms the presence / absence of the next batch processing (the presence / absence of batch data) (step-1).
4) If you can not confirm, it will end, if you confirm, step-4
And returns the next batch processing command signal.

Thus, the next batch process is started.
As described above, the container K is temporarily stored in the container pool area 8, and the case C is put into the main transport line M in advance, so that the case C and the container K are stored.
Can be separated and conveyed to the sorting chute 31. As a result, the mixed flow of the case C and the container K is reduced. Work can be done. [Case Picking Area 1] When the picking data of case C for each batch is input, the case picking control device 52 outputs a picking command to the case picking area 1 in batches, and performs picking in case C units. At the same time, the label printer 63 issues a label printed with a barcode (data) specifying the sorting destination of the case C picked, and causes the label to be attached to the picked case C and carried out to the line 2.

In case picking area 1,
When a plurality of identical cases C are picked, the sorting chute (branch transport path) is sent from the label printer 63.
Labels for each sorting destination are issued one by one cyclically in the order of 31 arrangements. That is, the cases are issued in order so that the case C is not continuously sorted to the same sorting chute 31. At this time, the labels are attached to case C in the order in which they were issued,
It is thrown into. An example of label data output from the case picking control device 52 to the label printer 63 when a plurality of the same cases C are picked will be described later (example of data of the aura labeler 16 in the receiving area 11). Will be explained together).

When the batch picking operation is completed, the quantity of the unloaded cases C is sorted and shipped.
, And then a picking command for the next batch is output. At this time, when both the batch pool fullness detector 24 and the batch pool fullness notice detector 25 are not operating, the green indicator lamp of the signal tower 51 is turned on, and the batch pool fullness notice detector 25 operates. , Turn on the yellow indicator light of the signal tower 51,
When the batch pool full detector 24 operates, the red indicator lamp of the signal tower 51 is turned on and the buzzer sounds.

According to the configuration of the case picking control device 52, the worker in the case picking area 1 picks the case C based on the picking command, attaches the label, and puts it into the line 2. The operator observes the signal tower 51 during the picking operation of the next batch, and continues the picking operation when the color of the indicator light is green, and sets the timing of charging the case C when the indicator light is yellow. When it is delayed and turned red, the charging of case C is interrupted. Therefore, the possibility that the case C cannot be stored in the batch pool line 23 can be avoided. Further, the quantity of cases C carried out by one batch process is output to the branch control device 58 of the sorting / shipping area 21. [Container Picking Area 5] When the picking data of the goods for each batch to the container K is input, the container picking control device 54 outputs a picking command to the container picking area 5 in batches, and The picking of the goods into the container K is executed, a label printed with a barcode (data) for specifying the sorting destination is attached to the picked container K, and the goods are carried out to the line 6. Also, during the batch picking operation, when an overflow lane full signal is input from the branch control device 55 of the container pool area 8 described later, the line 6 is stopped urgently and the signal tower 5 is stopped.
The red indicator light 3 flashes and the buzzer sounds.

When the batch picking operation is completed, the quantity of the unloaded containers K is output to the branch control device 55 of the container pool area 8 and the branch control device 58 of the sorting / shipping area 21. Outputs a picking command. At this time, when the full notice signal, which is input from the branch control device 55 of the container pool area 8 described later, is off (non-operation), the green indicator light of the signal tower 53 is turned on, and the full notice signal is turned on (operation). )), The yellow indicator light of the signal tower 53 is turned on, the red indicator light of the signal tower 53 is turned on when the full signal is on (operation), and the signal tower 53 is turned on when the over signal is on (operation). The red indicator light flashes and the buzzer sounds.

According to the configuration of the container picking control device 54, the worker in the container picking area 5 picks up a product on the basis of the picking command and performs container picking.
The product is collected inside, the label is attached, and the product is put into the line 6. Further, when the picking operation of the current batch is being performed, the red indicator lamp of the signal tower 53 flashes and the buzzer sounds, the picking operation is interrupted, and the container K is pulled up from the line 6.

The operator observes the signal tower 53 during the picking operation of the next batch, and continues the picking operation when the indicator light is green, and puts the case C when the indicator light is yellow. Is delayed, and when it becomes red, the loading of the container K is interrupted. Therefore, the possibility that the container K cannot be stored in the container pool area 8 can be avoided. Further, when the red indicator light of the signal tower 53 flashes and the buzzer sounds, the operator urgently lifts the container K from the line 6.

The quantity of containers K carried out by one batch processing is determined by the branch control device 55 of the container pool area 8.
Is output to the branch control device 58 of the sorting / shipping area 21. [Sorting / shipping area 21] The sorting / shipping area 2
The operation of the first branch control device 58 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the sorting destination assigned to each of the sorting chutes 31 (numbers 1 to 20) and the bar code for determining the sorting destination are input from the distribution central controller 61 in batch units (step -1), these are stored. (Step-2), the batch processing to be executed is set. That is, the sorting destination and the barcode are set in each sorting chute 31 (branching device 32) (step-3).

Subsequently, when a batch processing command signal is input from the distribution central controller 61 (step-4), actual sorting control is executed. That is, the barcode reader 2
When the read data of the bar code of the case C or the container K passed from step 2 is input (step-5), it is determined from the barcode whether or not the data is of the batch for executing the current batch processing (step-6). . If the data is not the data of the current batch processing, that is, if it is the data of the next batch, a sorting command is output to the branching device 32 corresponding to the next batch pool line 23 (step-
7) Return to step-5. Also, in the case of the current batch processing data, the sorting chute 31 for executing the sorting operation is searched by the bar code (step-8), and the sorting chute 31 is the same as the case C or the container K that has passed before. Confirm whether it is (step-9).

If it is confirmed that they are not the same sorting chute 31, the branching device 3 corresponding to this sorting chute 31
2 (step-10), the elapsed time t after passing the case C or the container K is set to "0" (reset), and the continuous passing quantity r is set to "1".
Is set (step-11). Subsequently, the counting of the elapsed time t is started (step-12).

If it is confirmed in step -9 that the chutes are the same sort chute 31, it is checked whether the continuous passing quantity r is equal to or less than the set quantity (step -13). A sorting command is output to the branching device 32 corresponding to the device 31 (step-1).
4) Add "1" to the continuous passing quantity r (step-1)
Five).

In step-13, if the continuous passing quantity r exceeds the set quantity, it is checked whether or not the elapsed time t has exceeded the set time (step-16). , This sorting chute 31
(Step-17), the elapsed time t after passing through the case C or the container K is set to "0" (reset), and the continuous passing quantity r "1" is set (step-18), the process jumps to step-12, and the counting of the elapsed time t is started again.

If the elapsed time t is equal to or less than the set time in the step-16, the case C or the container K is not sorted, but is flown to the overflow line 27 (step-19).

The above step-12 or step-15
After the execution of the sorting, the sorting chute 31 which has output the sorting command to the branching device 32 is replaced with the sorting chute 3 which has been previously sorted
It is stored as 1 (step-20), and then the sorting quantity s
(Step-21), and the counted sorting quantity s can be arbitrarily set within a predetermined ratio (for example, 70%; 50-100%) of the total number (all quantities) S of the batch processing. Is reached (step-22), the case passing signal is output to the physical distribution central controller 61 (step-23). Next, it is checked whether the sorting quantity s matches the total number S for performing sorting (step-
twenty four). When they do not match, or after executing the above-mentioned step-19, return to step-5. When a match is confirmed, the sorting end signal is output to the article central controller 61 (step-25), the sorting quantity s is set to "0" (initialization) (step-26), and the data of the next batch processing is processed. Check whether it exists (step-27). If confirmed, the process returns to step-3. The total number S is the sum of the number of cases C input from the case picking control device 52 and the number of containers K input from the container picking control device 54.

When there is no next batch process, the process ends. A sorting control method based on the operation of the branch control device 58 in the sorting / shipping area 21 will be described.

Now, the sorting chute 31 of the number 20
It is assumed that the five cases C that are sorted to pass through the position of the barcode reader 22 continuously.
Is sorted to the sorting chute 31 different from the sorting chute 31 of the number 20. Set time is 5 seconds, set quantity is 1
3 cases C within 5 seconds after passing through case C
It is assumed that Case C passes after 5 seconds. The case C of the next batch processing is branched to the next batch pool line 23.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the case C is sorted into the sorting chute 31 of the number 20 by the judgment in the step-7. Due to the sorting of the case C, the continuous quantity becomes one (see step-11).

In the subsequent case C, since the continuous quantity is one, the sorting is continued to the sorting chute 31 of the number 20 by the judgment in the step-13. Due to the sorting of the case C, the continuous quantity becomes two (see step-15).

In the following case C, since the elapsed time is less than 5 seconds, the sorting is not executed and the overflow line 27
And returned to the upstream of the main transport line M again.

In the following case C, since the elapsed time exceeds 5 seconds, the sorting chute 31 of the number 20 is sorted according to the judgments of the above-mentioned steps -13 and -16. Due to the sorting of the case C, the continuous quantity returns to one, and the elapsed time is reset (see step-18).

As described above, the case C or the container K sorted into the same sorting chute 31 at the set time is
The case C or the container K, which is limited to a predetermined sorting quantity (= the set quantity + 1) and exceeds the sorting quantity, is stopped from being sorted to the sorting chute 31 so that the case C or the case C to be sorted to the same sorting chute 31 is stopped. Even if there is the container K, work concentration does not occur, the work can be leveled, the burden on the worker who takes in the case C or the container K from the sorting chute 31 and performs the work can be reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved. . Further, the impact when the case C or the container K (product) is sorted is reduced, and the damage of the case C or the container K can be reduced. Further, since the interval between the case C and the container K is widened, the worker can safely take in.

The sorting chute 3 from the main transfer line M
1, the sorting chutes 31 from the downstream of the main transport line M
Returning to the upstream, the sorting is performed again, and the sorting is performed in a timely manner and sorted to the sorting chute 31, so that the burden on the worker who takes in the case C or the container K from the sorting chute 31 can be reduced. , Work efficiency can be improved.

The set time and set quantity can be arbitrarily set by the operator in the branch control device 58.
The set time and the sorting quantity can be set according to the burden of the worker, the working efficiency, and the overall sorting work quantity. [Container Pool Area 8] The operation of the branch control device 55 of the container pool area 8 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, each sorting chute 31 (numbers 1 to 2) in batch units is
When the sorting destination assigned to (0) and the barcode for judging the sorting destination are input (Step-1), these are stored (Step-2), and the batch processing to be executed is set. That is, the storage lanes SA and SB (branching device 43) are set corresponding to the sorting chute 31 of the sorting destination (step-3).

Subsequently, when a batch processing command signal is input from the distribution central controller 61 (step-4), actual container pool control is executed. When the barcode reading data of the container K that has passed through the barcode reader 7 is input (step-5), it is determined whether or not the barcode is the data of the batch for executing the current batch processing (step-6). .

At the time of the current batch processing data, it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned cut-out start command signal has been input from the physical distribution central controller 61 (step-7). It is determined that K is passed without branching (step-8).

In step -7, when the cutting is not executed, the storage lane S for executing the sorting operation
A or SB is searched (step-9), and the number S (r) of containers K stored in the searched storage lane and the number R of containers K that can be stored are searched (step-10).

Subsequently, it is confirmed whether adding one to the searched quantity S (r) exceeds the quantity R of the storable container K (whether overflow occurs) (step-11). If the overflow is not confirmed, a command signal for branching the container K to this storage lane is output to the branching device 43 (step-12), and "1" is added to the quantity S (r) of the container K (step 12). −
13).

If it is determined in step 11 that an overflow has occurred, a storage lane SB or SA having the smallest number S (q) of containers K stored in the storage lane different from this storage lane is searched. (Step-14), the number Q of containers K that can be stored in this storage lane is searched (Step-15). Subsequently, it is confirmed whether adding one to the searched quantity S (q) exceeds the quantity Q of the storable container K (whether overflow occurs) (step-16). If the overflow is not confirmed, a command signal for branching the container K to this storage lane is output to the branching device 43 (step-17), and "1" is added to the quantity S (q) of the container K (step 17). -1
8).

If it is determined in step -16 that an overflow has occurred, it is determined whether or not the fifth overflow lane is full (step -19). An amount signal is output (step -20), and the process ends.

When the fifth overflow lane is not full, it is checked whether or not the first overflow lane overflows.
Is accumulated, and when the first overflow lane is confirmed to overflow, the accumulation is made to the second overflow lane. Then, the containers K are sequentially stored in the overflow lane (Step-21). For example, the quantity S (u of containers K stored in the first overflow lane
1) and the number U of containers K that can be stored in the overflow lane, and then the searched number S (u
It is checked whether the number of containers K that can be accumulated when 1 is added to 1) exceeds the number U (whether or not overflow), and if it is not overflow, the container K is branched to the first overflow lane. Is output to the branching device 43, and the quantity S (u
"1" is added to 1). Finally, the quantity S (u5) of the containers K accumulated in the fifth overflow lane is obtained.

If it is determined in step 6 that the data is not the data of the batch for executing the current batch processing, it is confirmed whether the fifth batch lane is full or not (step 6).
22) When confirmed, the over signal is output to the container picking control device 54 (step-23), and the process ends. When the fifth batch lane is not full, it is checked whether or not the container K is accumulated in half of the fifth batch lane (step-24). If so, the full signal is sent to the container picking control device 54. Output (Step-25). Further, when the container K is not accumulated in half of the fifth batch lane, it is confirmed whether or not the fourth batch lane is full (step-26). A signal is output (step-27).

When the fourth batch lane is not full,
Or, after execution of the above-mentioned Step-25 or Step-27,
Containers K are sequentially stored in the next batch lane. That is, it is checked whether or not the first batch lane overflows, and when no overflow occurs, the container K is accumulated,
When the first batch lane is confirmed to overflow, the first batch lane is accumulated in the second batch lane. Then, the containers K are sequentially stored in the overflow lane (Step-2).
8), the quantity w of the container K accumulated in the next batch lane is obtained (step-29). For example, the number S (z1) of containers K stored in the first batch lane
And the number Z of containers K that can be stored in the overflow lane, and then the searched quantity S (z1)
It is checked whether the number of containers K that can be accumulated when adding one to the number Z exceeds (whether overflow occurs).
A command signal for branching the container K to the next batch lane is output to the branching device 43, and “1” is added to the quantity S (z1) of the container K. Finally, the containers K are accumulated up to the fifth batch lane. After performing step-29, the process returns to step-5.

After the execution of the above-mentioned Step-8, Step-13, Step-18 or Step-21, "1" is added to the sorting quantity s (Step-30). It is checked whether the total number of units S matches (step-31). The total number S is the number of containers K in batch units input from the container picking control device 54. If not, the process returns to step-5. When the match is confirmed, the sorting quantity s
Then, the number w of the containers K stored in the next batch lane is set (step-32), the next batch lane and the overflow lane are switched (step-33), and it is confirmed whether the next batch processing exists (step-32). 34). If confirmed, the process returns to step-3. When there is no next batch process, the process ends.

A method of pooling the container K by the operation of the branch control device 55 in the container pool area 8 will be described. 1. According to the sorting destination of the sorting chute 31 in the sorting / shipping area 21 set in batch units, the sorting destinations of the storage lanes SA and SB of Nos. 1 to 20 are set 1: 1 in the same arrangement.

2. Now, when the container K to be sorted to the sorting chute 31 of the number 20 is conveyed by the line 6 and the barcode is read from the label of the container K by the barcode reader 7, the storage of the number 20 from the sorting destination of the read barcode is performed. The lane is selected. Subsequently, the total number R of the containers K that can be stored in the storage lane of the number 20 and the number S (r) of the currently stored containers K are searched to determine whether the next container K can be stored. If it is determined that the storage is possible, a branch instruction to the storage lane No. 20 is output to the branching device 43, and the container K is stored in the storage lane No. 20.

3. If it is determined that the storage lane No. 20 cannot be stored, that is, the storage lane is full, a block A different from the block B to which the storage lane belongs is used.
Of the container K currently accumulated most
A storage lane with less (q) is selected, the total number Q of containers K that can be stored in the selected storage lane is searched, and it is determined whether the next container K can be stored. If it is determined that storage is possible, a branch instruction to the reselected storage lane is output to the branching device 43, and the container K is stored in this storage lane.

4. If it is determined that the storage lane cannot be stored in the reselected storage lane, that is, the storage lane is full, the first overflow lane is selected, and when the first overflow lane is full, the second overflow lane is selected. The third overflow lane is selected when the overflow lane is full, the fourth overflow lane is selected when the third overflow lane is full, and the fifth overflow lane is selected when the fourth overflow lane is full.
An overflow lane is selected, a branch command to the selected overflow lane is output to the branching device 43,
Container K is stored in this overflow lane.
When the fifth overflow lane becomes full, the line 6 is stopped, the red indicator light of the signal tower 53 in the container picking area 5 flashes, and the buzzer sounds.

5. Now, when the container K of the next batch is conveyed by the line 6 and the barcode is read from the label of the container K by the barcode reader 7, the first batch lane is selected first from the sorting destination of the read barcode. When the first batch lane is full, the second batch lane is selected, and when the second batch lane is full, the third batch lane is selected, and the third batch lane is full. At this time, the fourth batch lane is selected, and when the fourth batch lane is full, the fifth batch lane is selected, and a branch command to the selected next batch flow lane is output to the branch device 43, Container K
Is stored in the next batch lane. Container picking area 5 until the fourth batch lane is full
When the fourth batch lane is full, the yellow indicator light of the signal tower 53 in the container picking area 5 is turned on, and the container is placed in half of the fifth batch lane. When K is stored, the signal tower 53 of the container picking area 5
Is turned on, and when the fifth overflow lane is full, the line 6 is stopped, the red indicator light of the signal tower 53 in the container picking area 5 flashes, and the buzzer sounds.

6. When the cutout start command signal is input from the distribution central controller 61, the container K is carried out to the line 9 via the bypass line 46 without being stored. Therefore, after the cutting is started, the container K is carried out without being pooled, bypassing the container pool area 8.

The operation of the cutout control device 56 for the container pool area 8 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the cutout start command signal is input from the physical distribution central controller 61 or the container K
Is input (steps -1, -2) when the forced cutout command (which enables direct input to the cutout control device 56) is input.
It is confirmed whether the auxiliary lane α and the auxiliary lane β are used for either the overflow lane or the next batch lane (step-3).

A cut-out command is output to the cut-out mechanism of the auxiliary lanes α or β used as the storage lanes and the overflow lanes of the blocks A and B (step-4), and a timer is set (step-).
5) When this timer expires (step-6), the number S (r) of containers K stored in the storage lanes SA and SB stored in the branch control device 55 and the number of containers K stored in the overflow lane. Depending on the quantity S (u) of the container K and the number of cutouts, the container K is stored in the storage lanes SA and SB and the overflow lane.
Is determined (Step-7). When the container K remains, the process returns to Step-3, and when there is no container K, the process ends.

A method of extracting the container K by the operation of the extraction control device 56 for the container pool area 8 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in response to the cutout start command, the first row of containers K of the storage lane and the overflow lane of the blocks A and B are cut out all at once to the discharge lines 44 and 45, and these discharge lines 44 and 45. And are merged at line 9. By setting the lengths of the carry-out lines 44 and 45, even if the container K is cut out from the blocks A and B at the same time, the container K does not come into contact with the line 9.

Then, at the timing when the container K cut out from the block A moves to the line 9 by the timer, the container K of one line of the next line is transferred to the unloading lines 44, 45.
, And are conveyed by the unloading lines 44 and 45 and merged at the line 9.

By repeating this, the containers K temporarily stored in the storage lanes and the overflow lanes of the blocks A and B are cut out line by line, input to the main transport line M by the line 9, and shipped / sorted. It is transported to the area.

Thus, the container picking area 5
From the container K carried out, the sorting chutes 31 to be sorted are determined, and the determined sorting chutes 3 are determined.
Storage lane SA or SB corresponding to 1: 1
Is temporarily stored. Then, the storage lanes are cut out simultaneously for each row, transported by the unloading lines 44 and 45, and one container K is put into the main transport line M in the order in which the storage lanes are arranged. Therefore,
The containers K are loaded one by one into the main transport line M in the order in which the storage lanes, that is, the sorting chutes 31 are arranged, and are sequentially sorted by the respective sorting chutes 31.
As described above, the containers K to be sorted into the same sorting chute 31 are rearranged so as not to be continuously transported on the main transport line M, and the same sorting chute 3 is thus sorted.
Even if there is a container K that is continuously sorted to 1, the work concentration does not occur, the work can be leveled, the burden on the worker who takes the container K from the sorting chute 31 and performs the work can be reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved. can do. Also, the impact when the container K (product) is sorted is reduced,
The damage to the container K can be reduced. Further, since the interval between the containers K is widened, the worker can take in safely.

When the storage lane SA or SB corresponding to the sorting chute 31 to be sorted becomes full (full) with the stored container K, the container K stored in the storage lane SA or SB becomes the storage lane SA or SB. The block (group) A or B to which the lane belongs is the storage lane S of another block B or A
Stored temporarily in B or SA, one container K at a time,
Each storage lane S of the block in order for each block
A, SB, that is, the containers K are temporarily stored in the storage lanes of other blocks since they are put into the main transport line M in the order in which the sorting chutes 31 are arranged.
Is inserted at a time interval apart from the container K to be charged from the storage lane in which the container K is to be stored.
Are prevented from being continuously sorted, and the burden on the operator who takes in the container K from the sorting chute 31 is dispersed and reduced.

When all the storage lanes are full of the stored articles, the containers K stored in these storage lanes are temporarily stored in the overflow lane.
Each of the storage lanes and the overflow lane, one by one, is put into the main transport path, so that even if all the storage lanes are full, the containers K are temporarily stored and the containers K are stored one by one. The lanes, ie, the order in which the sorting chutes 31 are arranged, and the order in which the overflow lanes are arranged, are put into the main transport line M, and are sequentially sorted into the respective sorting chutes 31. As a result, it is possible to prevent the containers K from being continuously sorted to the same sorting chute 31 as much as possible, and the burden on the operator who takes in the containers K from the sorting chute 31 is dispersed and reduced.

When the overflow lane becomes full, it is warned that storage is no longer possible, and the loading of the container K into the storage lane and the overflow lane is stopped. Can be prevented from being stored in the storage lane and the overflow lane even if is full.

The container K belonging to the previous batch is mixed with the container K belonging to the next batch, so that the main transport line M
Container K, which is carried upstream of the next batch and belongs to the next batch,
By temporarily storing in the next batch lane, the container K of the next batch can be charged before the sorting of the previous batch is completed, and the efficiency of the sorting operation can be improved. [Reception area 11] The operation of the above-mentioned reception control device 57 is shown in FIG.
1 will be described.

When the receiving control device 57 inputs the receiving data, that is, the contents of the received case C (information for specifying the contents of the case) and the receiving quantity from the input terminal 14 (step-1), the receiving data is distributed. The data is transmitted to the central controller 61 (step-2).

The distribution central controller 61 sorts the data of the sorting destination of the received case (article) C and the sorting chutes 31 (number 1) based on the receiving data and the shipping data.
To 20), and data including a barcode for determining the sorting destination are formed.
Output to

Upon inputting the sorting data (step-3), the receiving control device 57 sends the sorting labels to the autolabeler 16 such that the labels of the sorting destinations are issued one by one cyclically in the order of arrangement of the sorting chutes 31. The output destination data is formed (step-4).

Then, when a code is input from the bar code reader 15, that is, the contents of the case C (information for specifying the contents of the case) passing on the receiving line 12 (step 5), the code is input from the input terminal 14. The matching of the received data is confirmed (step-6), and when confirmed, the above data is output to the auto labeler 16 in order, and a label printed with a barcode (an example of an identification code) for specifying the sorting destination is attached to case C. (Step-7). next,
The quantity d of the case C with the label attached is counted (step-8), and it is confirmed whether this quantity d matches the quantity received in the received data (step-9). Return to -5.

The label data output from the receiving control device 57 and attached to the case C by the auto labeler 16 and the label data output from the case picking control device 52 in the case picking area 1 and issued by the label printer 63 Is shown in FIG. In the receiving area 11, a total of 25 identical cases C (tomato ketchup in FIG. 12) are received, and in the case picking area 1, a total of 25 identical cases C (tomato ketchup in FIG. 12) are picked. It is to be put into line 2.

Also, 5 cases are sent to 101 (stores) assigned to the sorting destination of the number 1 sorting chute 31,
3 cases to 102 shops of number 2 sorting chutes 31, 4 cases to 103 shops of number 3 sorting chutes 31, 2 to 104 shops of number 4 sorting chutes 31
Cases, 6 cases to 105 stores of sorting chutes 31 of number 5, 1 case to 106 stores of sorting chutes 31 of 107, 107 cases of sorting chutes 31 of number 7
It is assumed that four cases are sorted to the store.

Since labels for each sorting destination are issued one by one cyclically in the order of arrangement of the sorting chutes 31, as shown in FIG. 12B, "101", "10"
2 "," 103 "," 104 "," 105 "," 10 "
6 "," 107 "," 101 "," 102 "," 10 "
Data is cyclically formed in the order of “3”.

In the auto labeler 16, the labels are attached to the case C in this order, and in the label printer, the labels are issued in this order, and the labels are attached to the case C by the operator in the issued order.

As described above, the labels are placed on the sorting chutes 3 in the cases C which are sequentially input from the receiving line 12 or the line 2 of the case picking area 1 to the main transport line M.
1 are arranged in the order in which they are arranged, so that the case C
Case C
Is attached to the same sorting chute 31 so as not to be continuously sorted, thereby avoiding the case C being continuously sorted to the same sorting chute 31. Therefore, even if there is a case C that is continuously sorted to the same sorting chute 31, work concentration does not occur, the work can be leveled, and the case C is sorted into the sorting chute 3.
Thus, the burden on the worker performing the loading operation can be reduced, and the working efficiency can be improved. Case C (product)
The impact at the time of sorting is reduced, and damage to the case C can be reduced. Further, since the interval between the cases C is widened, the worker can safely take in the case C.

FIG. 12A shows a conventional label issuing order. Labels are issued per store. For example,
When five cases are sorted to the (store) 101 stores assigned to the sorting destination of the numbering sorting chute 31, five labels of the sorting destination “101” are successively issued, and the five cases C are sequentially printed. Pasted. At this time, the five cases C are successively sorted to the same sorting chute 31 of No. 1, which imposes a burden on the operator.

Further, since the contents of the case C passing through the receiving line 12 (information for specifying the contents of the case) can be confirmed by the input of the bar code reader 15, it is possible to carry out the inspection of the receiving, as scheduled. Case C
Can be checked whether or not arrived.

In this embodiment, in the sorting / shipping area 21, the same sorting chute 3 is set at the set time.
1, the case C or the container K is limited to a predetermined sorting quantity and the sorting of the case C or the container K exceeding the sorting quantity is stopped, but the case C or the container K sorted to the same sorting chute 31 is stopped. When it is confirmed that the containers K are continuous, in the case of the specific sorting chute 31, the sorting of all the confirmed cases C or the containers K can be temporarily stopped. For example, when the case C or the container K is successively sorted to the even numbered sorting chute 31, the first time, the sorting of all the case C or the container K is stopped, and the overflow line 27 is stopped. Then, the case C or the container K, which exceeds the sorting quantity for the second time, is made to circulate to the overflow line 27.

Thus, when the worker takes charge of two adjacent sorting chutes 31 and takes in the case C or the container K, even if there is a case C or a container K continuously sorted to the adjacent sorting chutes 31. Work concentration does not occur, work can be leveled, and the burden can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the storage lines in the container pool area 8 is matched with the arrangement of the sorting chutes 31 in the sorting / shipping area 21 so that temporary storage is performed. Such a storage method can be adopted.

That is, the sorting destination of the container K is read by the barcode reader 7, the container K is assigned to the downstream storage lane, and the number of the sorting chute 31 of the container K stored at the end of the assigned storage lane. Is stored.

Next, the sorting destination of the next transported container K is read, and if the sorting destination is different, the container K is assigned from an upstream storage lane different from the previous storage lane, and is stored at the end of the assigned storage lane. The number of the sorting chute 31 of the container K is stored.

Then, the sorting chute 3 of the container K stored at the end of the storage lane stored above.
When the container K of the same sorting destination as the number 1 is conveyed, it is assigned to the same sorting chute 31. When the storage lanes are allocated to the most upstream storage lane, the storage lanes are allocated again from the lowest storage lane, and the storage lanes are allocated so that the number of containers K stored at that time becomes constant.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the numbers "9", "9", "3" and "2" of the sorting chutes 31 are obtained.
Assuming that the container K sorted into “4” and “4” has been transported, the containers K with the numbers “9” and “9” are continuously stored in the most downstream storage lane, and the number “9” is stored in the storage lane one upstream. The container K of No. 3 is stored, the container K of No. “2” is stored in the storage lane one more upstream, and the container K of No. “4” and “4” is continuously in the storage lane one more upstream. Will be stored.

By storing the container K in this manner, when the frontmost container K is cut out at once, the probability that the container K is continuously sorted to the same sorting chute 31 can be reduced. K
It is possible to distribute and reduce the burden on the operator who takes in the data.

In the present embodiment, the label printer 63 is provided in the case picking area 1 as an issuing means. Instead of the label printer 63, a bar code reader and an auto labeler are provided on the line 2 from the upstream, and the label is received. As in the case of the area 11, by reading a barcode pre-printed on the case 1 by a barcode reader from the case 1 conveyed by the line 2,
May be specified, and the barcode (data) of the sorting destination in this case may be printed by an automatic labeler.

In the present embodiment, the sorting destination (shipping destination) is set for each store. However, the sorting destination (shipping destination) may be set for each user, each area, each item, each transport truck, and the like.

In this embodiment, five auxiliary lanes α of block A and five auxiliary lanes β of block B are
Although alternate lanes are used as an overflow lane and a next batch lane, several lanes (for example, 3
Are used as overflow lanes, the remaining few (for example, two) are used as the next batch lanes, and some of the auxiliary lanes β (for example, two) are used as overflow lanes, and the remaining number is used. Books (for example, 3
Book) can be set to be used as the next batch lane, and used alternately for each batch.

In this embodiment, a bar code is used as an identification code. However, the present invention is not limited to a bar code, and may be any code that can sort the case C or the container K to the sorting chute 31. The identification code is printed on the label, but it is not limited to the label.
It may be provided on a plate or a tag, and may further transmit an identification code. For example, an ID tag using microwaves may be used. Although a bar code reader is used as a means for reading an identification code, an antenna is used when an ID tag is used.

[0120]

As described above, according to the present invention, the quantity of articles sorted to the same branch transport path within a set time is limited to a predetermined sorting quantity, so that the same branch transport path is used. It is possible to prevent the articles from being concentrated on the same, and to distribute and reduce the burden on the operator who takes in the articles from the branch transport path.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a sorting facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of a sorting / shipping area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of a container pool area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 4 is a control configuration diagram of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a distribution central controller of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a branching control device of a sorting / shipping area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a sorting / shipping area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a branch control device in a container pool area of the sorting facility.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a cutout control device for a container pool area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a container pool area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a receiving control device of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a receiving area of the sorting equipment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a container pool area of a sorting facility according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Case picking area 2, 6, 9, 13 lines 3, 10, 17, 26, 28 Merging device 5 Container picking area 7, 15, 22 Barcode reader 8 Container pool area 11 Receiving area 12 Receiving line 14 Input terminal 17 Autolabeler 21 Sorting / shipping area 23 Next batch pool line 24 Batch pool full detector 25 Batch pool full notice detector 27 Overflow line 31, 41 Sorting chute 32, 43 Branching device 42 Cutting mechanism 44, 45 Unloading line 51 , 53 Signal tower 52 Case picking control device 54 Container picking control device 55 Container pool area branching control device 56 Container pool area cutout control device 57 Receiving control device 58 Sorting / shipping area branching control device 59 Beya merge controller 61 logistics central controller 63 label printer C Case K container M main conveying line

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F015 AA06 BA01 BA02 BA03 CA02 EA03 FA02 GA01 HA02 JB01 JB02 JB03 JC01 JC08 JC12 JC18 JC23 KA01 KA02 3F027 AA01 AA09 BA02 CA01 DA04 DA12 DA16 EA01 EA09 FA14 FA18

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An article being conveyed on a main conveyance path,
A sorting method for sorting each branch transport path branched from a main transport path, comprising determining a branch transport path for sorting the articles upstream of each branch transport path, and sorting the articles into the same branch transport path within a set time. When the quantity of articles to be processed exceeds a predetermined sorting quantity, sorting of at least the articles exceeding the sorting quantity to the branch transport path is stopped. 2. The sorting method according to claim 1, wherein the articles which have been stopped from being sorted to the branch transport path are returned from downstream of the main transport path to upstream of each of the branch transport paths. 3. The sorting method according to claim 1, wherein the set time and the sorting quantity are variable. 4. An article conveyed on the main conveyance path,
A sorting device that sorts each branch transport path branched from the main transport path, a transport unit that transports the article in a downstream direction of the main transport path, and a plurality of sorting transport units that form the branch transport path; A branching unit provided for each sorting / transporting unit, for branching articles conveyed by the conveying unit to the sorting / transporting unit; Determining means for determining whether to sort to the sorting and transferring means, and control means for outputting a branching command of the article to the branching means corresponding to the sorting and transferring means determined by the determining means, wherein the controlling means is within a set time If the quantity of articles sorted to the same sorting and transferring means exceeds a predetermined sorting quantity, at least the articles exceeding the sorting quantity are sorted and transferred. Sorting equipment, characterized in that the stop that sort to the means. 5. The sorting device according to claim 4, further comprising return conveying means for returning the articles, which have been stopped to the branch conveying route, from downstream of the main conveying route to upstream of the branch conveying route. Facility.