JP2009298556A - Method for sorting goods by shipping destination - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sort goods by shipping destinations so that a tiered box for shipment of the same shipping destination certainly continues even if the number of the goods, the number of kinds of goods and the number of shipping destinations become large. <P>SOLUTION: A first sorting line 1 provided with a first conveyor 1a to make a tiered box Z for shipment to flow and picking shelves P, P', Q, Q' to store the delivered goods in a manner of first-in and first-out as they are in the tiered box Y for delivery and a second sorting line 2 provided with a second conveyor 2a to make the tiered box Z for shipment to flow and picking shelves R, N to store the delivered goods in a manner of first-in and first-out as they are in the tiered box Y for delivery are provided. Ranking of first, second,... is given to the storing order of the goods to be stored in a kind unit in a manner of first-in and first-out in each of the picking shelves, one batch has the stored kinds of a shelf frontage having the same ranking, a tiered box for shipment allotted to the same shipping destination is made to flow to each of the conveyors to be continued, the goods of the same batch are taken out in the required number and inputted to the tiered box for shipment, and the sorting of the batch of the following ranking is carried out after the sorting of the goods of the one batch is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a picking shelf for storing various types of products is arranged near the sorting area of a conveyor that conveys the shipping weight, and a plurality of types of products having more than the number of shelves are grouped in the picking shelf. Stored in a specified position on the picking shelf in the back-packed state, while the same sort of product is used to place multiple types or products of the same type at the same shipping destination from the shelf front of the picking shelf. The present invention relates to a method for sorting commodities so that shipping weight can be continuously input as much as possible. In particular, the present invention is useful in a product sorting method by shipping destination for repacking products in a product joint distribution center.

  Conventionally, in a joint distribution center, only the same type of products can be stored in the same container (the vendor's delivery weight) from multiple suppliers (vendors) such as product manufacturing factories, distribution centers, distribution terminals, or product wholesalers. In this way, many items of multiple varieties are put in multiple containers and sent to the joint distribution center, and it is necessary for the shipping weight for each shipping destination such as a store, company, or other factory to ship Sorting work is done so that the necessary number of products of the variety can be repacked and packed and delivered.

  Conventionally, a joint distribution center is divided into two A and B types according to its work contents. In the A type, each vendor delivers as many items as the number of products ordered to the final shipping destination (also referred to as varieties) in the order of the shipping destination without any excess or deficiency. Simply load the items that have been prepared into the delivery car and deliver them to the shipping destination.

In the B type, each vendor is unaware of the final shipping destination, delivers the total number of products to the joint distribution center for each item, and sorts and sorts the goods in units of the shipping destination within the joint distribution center. Each vendor's ordered items are loaded together in a delivery vehicle and delivered to the shipping destination.
As a work method for sorting and assorting shipments in units of shipping destinations within the B type distribution center, picking or sowing using a list display for each shipping destination and a digital display device corresponding to one item per shelf The method of doing is generally known. An example of picking using this digital display device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-242122.

In the type A of the above-mentioned joint delivery center, the delivery cost is reduced because one delivery vehicle is delivered to one shipping destination. However, for sorting assortment, each vendor sorts assortment for each final shipping destination. However, since each vendor distributes and sorts and sorts goods, it is not possible to introduce efficient equipment, and the cost of sorting and sorting is high and the total logistics cost is high.
Next, in the B type, the purpose of lowering the total logistics cost could be achieved to some extent by collecting and assorting the goods from each vendor at the joint distribution center. The sorting and assortment according to the list of the B type former is human sea tactical and inefficient. In addition, the method of picking or seeding using the digital display device corresponding to the one item per shelf of the B type is effective to some extent when the number of items is small, but as the number of items increases, it requires more space and becomes wider. The number of people picking has increased, and there has been a problem that the logistics cost has not decreased much.

  Furthermore, in this B type joint distribution center sorting method, if you use different types of products corresponding to the outlet of one picking shelf, the number of products delivered, the number of products, and the shipping destination If it increases, the burden on the operator becomes large, and the sorting speed becomes slow.

In addition, it has been necessary for delivery and storage that the numbers of the same shipping destination are continuously sorted. If the shipping weights of the same shipping destination are sorted and the shipping weights stored in the goods are continuously sent by the conveyor, the shipping weights can be stacked immediately. If shipping weights can be stacked, the weight can be stored and transported efficiently without the need for a large occupied area. If the shipping destinations of the sorted shipping weights are not sorted continuously, temporarily store them in a storage / three-dimensional warehouse or waiting conveyor that temporarily stores the shipping weights that contain the goods and then ship the same There is a problem that control is required so that the destinations are continuous, equipment cost is high, storage warehouses, three-dimensional warehouses and waiting conveyors are required, and the occupied area is widened.
JP-A-5-242122

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to solve these conventional problems, and even if the number of products, product varieties, and shipping destinations are large, the same shipping destination is surely continued by shipping destination. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for sorting products according to shipping destinations, which can be sorted efficiently and quickly.

The configuration of the present invention that solves this problem is as follows.
1) A picking shelf with multiple product takeout shelves is placed near the sorting area of the conveyor that transports the shipping weight, and products with more product types than the number of shelves from behind are stored in the same picking shelf. Then, for the shipping weight assigned to the shipping destination sent by the conveyor, the required number of products of the required type of the shipping destination is taken out from the shelves, and the shipping destinations with the same shipping destination number continue. The method of sorting the goods sent and stored in the picking shelf according to the shipping destination,
Products are stored in a rear-packed shelf at a predetermined address on the picking shelf in units of products, and products are stored in the same shelf front shelf in order of storing products in the order of products number 1, 2, 3, etc.・ As a result, after putting all the products of one batch of varieties into a batch with the combination of varieties of the same order on the picking shelf, the introduction of the product of the next batch is started, and one batch In the method of the above, there is a method for sorting the products according to the shipping destination, characterized in that the shipping numbers of the same shipping destination are sent continuously.

  In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the products stored in the picking shelf are ranked in the order in which they are stored by product type, one batch is formed with the same order, and the product of the same shipping destination within one batch. Products are taken out from the shelves and put in, and all the products of the same batch are put into the next batch after the introduction is completed. As a result, the same shipping destination can be sorted in a reliable and continuous manner as much as possible, and stacking can be performed immediately, so that sorting workability is improved and the same shipping destination is arranged. Therefore, it is possible to sort in a small place at a low cost without the need for a temporary storage / storage area for the goods stored. That is, even if products of the same ship-to product type are stored later, or the same ship-to product product of the next batch may come to the shelf front, they will be in a different order and become a separate batch. In the batch, the product is not taken out and is processed later as a batch of another order. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the same shipping destinations are consecutive in the same batch.

  A roller conveyor is generally used as the conveyor. Further, it is common to temporarily stop the shipping weight at each work place of the conveyor and put in the goods. A typical method for temporarily stopping the shipping weight is a method of temporarily stopping the shipping weight by installing a shipping weight stopper on the conveyor in front of the work place. After the product has been introduced, the stopper is retracted electrically or mechanically so that the shipping weight can be sent by the conveyor.

In addition, if the number of varieties / items to be sorted in the first sorting line increases, multiple picking shelves and sorting workshops are arranged along the conveyor, grouped according to the number of sorting, and the group with a large number of sorting By storing the products of various types in many picking shelves, it is possible to equalize the sorting time in each picking shelf as much as possible, and it is possible to approximate the parallel processing of each picking shelf, thereby further increasing the sorting efficiency.
The installation position of the picking shelf may be the position facing the conveyor or the same side position, or may be separately arranged upstream and downstream.

  Grouping may be performed by using the total number of products for each product type or the total number of containers containing the products, and the number of stored items / containers for each of a plurality of picking shelves that store the products. The number is preferably an approximately equal number divided by the number of picking shelves storing the total number.

  In the present invention, in order to reduce the labor and time of the work of placing the heavy goods delivered to the shipping destination on the display shelf or the storage shelf, the display shelf / storage shelf is arranged at the same shelf position or near the shelf position. If the products are classified into the same category and the products of the same category are accommodated in the same weight, the labor and time for displaying and storing the products at the shipping destination can be reduced. For example, as an example of a category, a confectionery bread, a Japanese confectionery, a Western confectionery, and a bread for foods such as confectionery and bread often have different display shelf positions.

  Furthermore, in order to determine the number of products that can be thrown into the weight, for each product type, the area occupancy ratio of the shipping weight of one product of that product to the number of shipping weights (standard number) is calculated. In addition, it is possible to determine the number of pieces that can be thrown into the weight so that the total area occupied ratio (called filling ratio) of each product when the same kind or different kinds are mixed is about 80% of 100% or less. preferable.

  In the sorting method according to the present invention, the product is divided into the first and second sorting lines, and a single product standard in which a predetermined number (standard number, number of stitches) of products of the same product type is input to the shipping weight on one line. The batch method is based on adopting a different sorting method with other product mixed fraction input, in which other products are mixed so that a different number of products are mixed into the shipping weight on other lines. Combining batch sorting that allows the same ship-to party to continue, the same ship-to-ship continuous sorting, the same category continuous sorting method for each category, and the introduction of product types that satisfy the filling rate within the same category Is preferred.

  Hereinafter, a method for sorting the products of the present invention by shipment destination will be described in detail based on the first embodiment. The batch type sorting method of the present invention is carried out in the sorting operation of the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ and the picking shelves R, N of the first sorting line and the second sorting line of the first embodiment. .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a total of 32,560 confectionery / bread products with 30 varieties (hereinafter also referred to as items) are manufactured by five manufacturers (supplier: (Vendor) is delivered to the sorting facility of the joint distribution center with the vendor's delivery number (container), and the sorting facility of the joint distribution center can be used to ship products that can be stacked in a unified manner for every 50 shipping destinations. This is a sorting method for a joint distribution center that repacks the goods and arranges the goods.
The delivery to the sorting equipment and the sorting work are performed once or a plurality of times a day. The above numerical values are examples of one delivery / sorting operation.
In this sorting equipment, the same number of products (also referred to as the standard number or the number of stitches) determined for each product type is put into an empty shipping weight, and the input weight (referred to as the normal weight) The first sorting line 1 that stacks and unloads in the same shipping destination unit, and the number of products in one shipping number is mixed with the number of products in the same number at the same shipping destination. The entered weight (called fractional weight) is stored in the automatic warehouse, and when a specified number of fractional weights of products of the same category are stored at the same shipping destination, they are unloaded from the automatic warehouse and stacked and carried out. There is a second sorting line 2. This is an example in which the stacking columns of normal weight and fractional weight of each line are joined at a temporary delivery place to a truck and delivered at a predetermined time.

  In the first sorting line and the second sorting line of the first embodiment, after sorting one batch of products in the same order in the order of storage in the shelves of each shelf front of the picking shelf, the next order batch work is performed. The batch type of the present invention is adopted. In addition, in the same batch, shipping weights of the same category can be sent continuously at the same shipping destination, and sorting, stacking, and shipping destination shelf arrangement are made efficient. In addition, the picking shelves in the first sorting line are arranged in an opposing manner, so that about half of each empty shipping weight is placed from the opposing picking shelf, and a standard number is placed in the shipping weight. I have to. The sorting method in the first and second sorting lines of the present embodiment is performed with the priority of the batch type of the present invention, the same shipping destination continuous loading, the same category loading, and the charging filling rate of 70 to 90%.

  Further, in the first sorting line of the first embodiment, the products are grouped according to the number of the sorted products for each type, and the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, and Q ′ are grouped in the large number of groups. The storage shelf of the kind was secured.

The drawings and symbols of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sorting facility of a joint distribution center which is an implementation facility of the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a first sorting line of the sorting facility of the joint distribution center.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a second sorting line of the sorting facility of the joint distribution center.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the front end side of the picking shelf of the first sorting line.
FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the replenishment side of the picking shelf of the first sorting line.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing the front edge side of the picking shelf of the second sorting line.
FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the replenishment side of the picking shelf of the second sorting line.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a work flow of primary sorting and sorting by the first and second sorting lines according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the order of batches according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of products and information in a store, a vendor, a joint distribution center, and an ordering management information center.

  In the figure, SS is a sorting facility of the joint distribution center implementing the present invention, 1 is a first sorting line, 1a is a first conveyor using a roller conveyor, 1b is an empty shipping number supply device, and 1c is a shipping number. A free-falling stopper that temporarily stops the weight, 1d is an auto-labeler that attaches a bar code label that prints information on the shipping destination and the type and quantity of the product that has been placed on the shipping weight that the product has been placed on, and 1e that is shipped An image pickup device that captures and stores a state in which products are stored in the work weight, 1f is a stacking device that stacks shipping weights of the same shipping destination, and 1g is a sorting workshop p, p ′, q, q. The loading completion button 1h is operated to sink the stopper 1c provided on each of the conveyor paths before 'and retreat it so that the shipping weight can be sent by the conveyor 1a, 1h is the shipping destination name and the shelf front to be taken out Collective display panel that displays the number of products collectively, 1i is an empty container storage place, 1j is a stopper that stops the weight with an auto labeler device, H is a display provided for each shelf front of the picking shelf, Y is a container ( (Delivery weight), Z is a shipping weight, W is a product, and J is an order management information center.

In the figure, 2 is a second sorting line, 2a is a second conveyor using a roller conveyor, 2b is an empty shipping number feeder, 2c is a retractable stopper provided on the second conveyor 2a, 2d is An auto-labeler device that attaches a bar code label that prints information about the name of the shipper, the type and number of products that have been added to the shipping weight, and 2e photographs the state in which the goods are stored in the shipping weight 2f is an automatic warehouse for temporarily storing the shipping weight loaded with the product, 2g is a stacking device for stacking the shipping weight of the same shipping destination, 2h is in front of the sorting workshops r and n A loading completion button 2i that allows the stopper 2c provided on each conveyor path to be retracted and retreated so that shipping weight can be sent, and 2i collectively displays the shipping destination name, the shelf opening to be taken out, and the number of products to be taken out. Collection Display board, 2j is a stopper to stop the turn heavy in Otorabera apparatus 2d.
In the figure, reference numeral 3 denotes a management computer.

In the first sorting line 1, two picking shelves P and P ′ having substantially the same shape and size are arranged facing each other across the first conveyor 1 a on the upstream side of the first conveyor 1 a that conveys the shipping weight. On the downstream side, two picking shelves Q and Q ′ having substantially the same shape and size are arranged opposite to each other with the first conveyor 1a interposed therebetween. Each picking shelf P, P ′, Q, Q ′ has a pick-up instruction and a display H for displaying the number of pick-ups and a reset button H ₁ for turning off the pick-up shelf. Between the P, P ', Q, Q' and the first conveyor 1a, a work display p, p ', q, q' and a collective display panel 1h that collects the instructions of the outlets and the number of outlets for all the outlets. And a loading completion button 1g for lowering (releasing) the stopper 1c for stopping the shipping weight in front of each work place of the first conveyor 1a.

  4 and FIG. 5, P, P ', Q, and Q' are picking shelves arranged opposite to each other along both sides of the first conveyor 1a of the first sorting line 1. Each of the picking shelves is composed of free conveyor inclined shelves (fluid shelves) in which the left two of the four rows are inclined to the third shelf and the third shelf to the second shelf. Each shelf on the left two rows can be stacked in two containers, the third shelf can be stacked in five containers, and the rightmost column has one shelf and stacks containers in multiple stages for each cart Store. In one picking shelf P, P ', Q, Q', at least nine kinds of products can be taken out from the take-out slot. However, since the same shelves often store product containers of different varieties in the front and rear, nine or more varieties of products that can be supplied in one picking shelf are possible.

  Further, on the back of the picking shelves P, P ', Q, and Q', a replenishment display button G is displayed for each shelf, indicating that it should be replenished and turning off when the replenishment operation is completed. Y is a container (delivery weight) that contains a vendor's product, Z is a shipping weight that can be stacked with a uniform size and shape, and W is a product.

In the second sorting line 2, the picking shelves R and N are arranged in series on the same side on the upstream side and the downstream side of the second conveyor 2a that transports the shipping weight. Each picking shelves R, each extraction frontage N is provided with indicator H for displaying the number to retrieve the extraction command and the display cancel button H ₁ is the picking shelves R, between the N and the second conveyor 2a Stops the shipping weight in front of the workplaces r, n, the collective display panel 2i that collects the instructions and the number of take-out doors, and the work spaces r, n of the second conveyor 2a. An insertion completion button 2h for lowering (releasing) the stopper 2c, an auto labeler device 2d downstream thereof, a stopper 2j for stopping the numbering, and an automatic warehouse 2f are provided.

In addition, R and N shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are picking shelves arranged along both sides of the second conveyor 2a of the second sorting line 2, and are inclined shelves (fluid shelves) of four rows and three stages of free conveyors. ). The lower shelf has a higher shelf height. The bottom shelf and the second shelf can be stacked with 4 containers Y (bender's delivery weight) Y. In the third stage, the height between the shelves is low so that two-stage containers Y can be stacked. At least 12 types of products can be taken out from one picking shelf R, N through a pick-up slot. However, since the same inclined shelf often stores product containers of different varieties in the front and rear, there can be more than 12 varieties of products that can be supplied in one picking shelf. Similar to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′, each shelf is provided with a display H, a reset button H ₁ , and a replenishment button G.

  Downstream of the two picking shelves R and N are an auto labeler device 2d and an image pickup device 2e having the same function as the first sorting line 1, and further downstream the product shipping weight (fractional weight) Z An automatic warehouse 2f for temporary storage is provided, and further, a stacking device 2g for stacking the shipping weight Z of the same shipping destination is provided downstream thereof.

First conveyor 1a, second conveyor 2a, empty shipment number supply devices 1b, 2b, auto labelers 1d, 2d, imaging devices 1e, 2e, picking shelf display H, automatic warehouse 2f, stacking devices 1f, 2g The number of products delivered by vendor from each vendor, the number of containers, the type of products sorted by destination, the category, the number of sorting, the shelf opening of each picking shelf, and its storage A management computer 3 is provided for storing and managing the product type and the like, assigning the shipping destination of the shipping weight Z, managing the flow of the shipping weight Z, and the like.
In addition, the management computer 3 inputs the number of goods or containers for each product type stored in each of the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′, R, and N for primary sorting, and the shelf number of the storage shelf. -Storage and display management of the display H at the front end is performed.

  As the shipping weight Z of the first embodiment, one that can be stacked in a uniform size and shape is used. In addition, the number of products of only one product to be packed in the shipping weight Z is determined in advance as the standard number of products (also referred to as the number of positive weights) and stored in the management computer 3. ing. In the following, a standard number of products of one kind of product entered into the shipping weight Z is referred to as a positive weight, and one or more kinds of products are smaller than the standard number of goods in the shipping weight Z. The one with (fractional number) is called fractional weight.

In addition, the product categories in this embodiment are classified into five categories: confectionery bread, Japanese confectionery, Western confectionery, white bread, and side dish bread. Sweet bread categories include ampan I1, melon bread I2, chocolate cream bread I3, Danish bread I4, cupe bread I5, cream bread I6, jam bread I7, butter roll I8, stick bread I9, cream cornet I10, raisin bread I11, sugar roll I12 Varieties of products are included. The category of Japanese confectionery includes products of varieties of Dango I13, Steamed cake I14, Daifuku I15, Yokan I16, Manju I17, and Dorayaki I18. The confectionery category includes cheesecake I19, pie shoe I20, chocolate cake I21, stick roll I24, roll cake I22, and custard cake I23. In addition, the bread category includes merchandise of varieties such as single bread I25, brown rice bread I26, wheat bread I27, and raisin bread I28. The side dish bread category includes croquette bread I29 and yakisoba bread I30 varieties.
In both cases, the shipping weight Z is configured to accommodate only products of the same category as the first and second sorting lines. In addition, products are introduced in the same category order at the same shipping destination.

  In the first embodiment, the number of product types delivered to the joint distribution center from the five vendors i, b, ha, ni, and ho is 30 types, and the total number of products delivered for all types. There are 32,560. Of these, 29,908 products are sent to the first sorting line 1 with the standard number (the number of normal number of double stitches) input by the primary sorting operation described below, and the second sorting line 2 with the fractional number input is sent to the second sorting line 2 The remaining 2,652 pieces are separated and sent, and each line is sorted in parallel into 50 store shipping destinations E01 to E50, sorted on the first and second sorting lines 1 and 2, and stacked. This is an example of being delivered.

  In addition, in the first sorting line 1, the standard number is abbreviated from the picking shelves P to Q ′ in which the picking shelves P, P ′ or Q, Q ′ are opposed to each other in the G4 or G2 genus where the number of products is large. Half is thrown into the empty shipping weight stopped by the first conveyor 1a to reach the total standard number, thereby improving the work efficiency.

  Further, in the first sorting line of the first embodiment, the products with the largest number of inputs are divided into groups G4, G2, and G1 in the descending order, and the four picking shelves are grouped into the G4 category. Many G2 genus products have two picking shelves. The picking shelf allocation of the grouping is illustrated in Table 1.

  In addition, in the first embodiment, the types of products stored in each of the picking shelves are ordered in the order of storage, one batch is formed with the same-ranked products, and all the products of one batch of products are charged. As the next batch of batches is started, empty shipping weights are sent out from the shipping number supply device so that the same ship-to party continues in one batch unit. Therefore, the same shipping weight (positive weight) is surely sent to the same shipping destination and the stacking efficiency is increased without the same shipping weight being sent later in sorting in one batch.

The method of determining the batch is that the products to be stored (supplemented) so as to be back-packed from the back of the shelf into the shelf number of each foremost front of the picking shelf are the first, second, and third according to the order of storage. ,..., And a batch is formed with varieties of the same order (for example, the same order of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, etc.) on the picking shelf. A first batch is formed with a variety group of rank “1”, a second batch is formed with a variety group of rank “2”, and a third batch is formed with a variety group of rank “3”.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example of batch formation. In the example of FIG. 9, the varieties (a) to (h) are in the storage order 1 in each shelf front, and these form a first batch, and then the varieties (i) to (p) are stored. Rank 2 is used to form a second batch, and varieties (q) to (x) are stored in rank 3, which forms a third batch.

  After the total amount of products of each type forming this batch is put into the shipping weight Z, the loading of the next batch of products is started. Even if the delivery weight of the product of the next batch type is stored in a part of the shelf front, the product is not taken out from this shelf front during the current batch, and the input of the current batch is completed and the next batch After the above process is started, the takeout of the product is started.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the products of all varieties are divided into five categories of confectionery bread, Japanese confectionery, Western confectionery, bread bakery, and side dish bread, and the same shipping weight is assigned to the first and second sorting lines. Only stores products of the same category, and also introduces products of the same category even at the same shipping destination, and sorts them in order of category.

Furthermore, the types of products to be introduced in a mixed manner are selected so that the input filling rate is about 70 to 90% which is 100% or less even in the same category.
The filling rate (area occupancy) of one product of each type is calculated by filling rate (area occupancy) per piece = 100 / standard number (number of stitches) (%). The filling rate (input filling rate) of one weight for introducing products of the same category is calculated by the following equation. Table 1 shows the area occupancy of each type (item).
Input filling rate = Σ (filling rate per product) * (number of products of that product type)
In the second sorting line of the embodiment, the products of the same category are mixed in such a manner that the filling rate is in the range of 70% to 90% as much as possible.
Incidentally, the charging rate of the first sorting line in which only the standard number of products of one kind of the first embodiment is charged is always 100%.

The numerical values of the specifications of Example 1 are as follows.
1. Number of vendors / I, B, C, D, E ... 5 companies 2. Number of varieties (items) / I1-I30 ... 30 varieties Store (shipping destination) / E01-E50 ... 50 stores 4. Total number of products: 32,560 Number of first sorting line processed products: 29,908 6. 6. Number of second sorting line processed products: 2,652 Standard number (number of stitches) by product type ... See Table 1 8. Category: 5 categories 9. Input filling rate: 70 to 90%
10. 10. Number of picking shelves in first sorting line: 4 shelves (Picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′) Opposite positions Number of picking shelves in the second sorting line: 2 shelves (Picking shelves R, N) Series position

Before describing the sorting operation of the first embodiment in detail, the flow of goods and the flow of information among the joint distribution center, the store, and the vendor will be described first. FIG. 10 illustrates the flow.
Product orders (product type, number of products, delivery date / time) from each of the stores E1 to E50 are sent to the order management information center J provided in the middle. The order management information center J collects the products ordered from each store by type (also referred to as items) at the required time, sets the delivery date and time, and stores the products of that type by the total number. Place an order with the vendor (I, B, C, D).
In addition, the ordering / ordering management information center J sends the information of each store (shipping destination), the type and number of ordered products from the store, and the delivery date / time to the joint delivery center SS, and inputs the information to the management computer 3.

Information on the product type, total number, delivery date and time, delivery date and delivery date of each product delivered from each vendor to the joint delivery center SS is jointly delivered from the order management information center J. The information is sent to the center SS, and the management computer 3 inputs this information before the product arrives at each vendor.
The management computer 3 not only calculates the total number of fractions of each product sent by the second sorting line 2 and prints the primary sorting list, but also the total number of delivered products, delivery date and time, etc. Grouping by the total number of products for each product type to be described, calculating the distribution of a large number of products on multiple picking shelves, etc. The order (rank) to be stored in the shelf address for each product type is determined.

  Each vendor manufactures (or stocks) the total number of ordered products (or the total number of orders) and delivers it to the joint distribution center SS. The joint distribution center SS sorts a large number of delivered products according to the stores (shipping destinations) from which they have been ordered, and stores the products of the ordered types in the shipping destination number Z to each store (shipping destination). ). The sorting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention starts when goods are delivered from a vendor to the joint distribution center SS.

  When the delivery weight Y from each vendor reaches the joint delivery center SS, the worker of the joint delivery center SS first reads the barcode printed on the wrapping paper of the product in the delivery weight Y. The data is read by an apparatus (not shown), the product type is displayed, and the total number of totals of the product type is confirmed from a printed list or a display (not shown) connected to the management computer 3 in the storage work place. Extract the total number from the delivery weight Y. When there is a large number, the delivery weight Y is separated, or when the number is small, a small number is pulled out from the number and accommodated in another number and separated. This is called primary sorting work. The separated products (numbers) are sent to the second sorting line 2 and stored in the picking shelves R and N. A number of remaining weights that have not been separated are sent to the first sorting line 1 and stored in the picking shelves P, P ', Q, Q'.

  The delivery weights delivered from each vendor and primarily sorted are picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ or picking shelves in the first and second sorting lines 1 and 2 as described below. Stored at a predetermined shelf number from the back of R and N with a delivery number Y.

  After moving the delivery weight Y after the primary sorting to the back of the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ or R, N, the worker is on the wrapping paper of the goods in the delivery weight Y When the bar code is read by the bar code reading device, the management computer 3 inputs the bar code, blinks the display H on the back of the picking shelf of the picking shelf number to be stored, and the worker blinks. The delivery weight Y is stored in the shelf address where the display H is located. When the replenishment button G for the shelf address is pressed after the storage, information stored in the designated shelf address is input to the management computer 3. In this way, the operator reads the barcode of the wrapping paper of the delivered number of goods and stores the number in the shelf number where the display H on the back of the shelf flashes. By such work, the number is stored in each picking shelf P, P ', Q, Q' or R, N. The management computer 3 also calculates and stores attributes such as the number stored in the shelf number of each picking shelf, the type of the product, the genus of the group described below, the rank of the batch, the category, and the like.

  The products sent from the vendor in this way are a large number of products sent to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, and Q ′ of the first sorting line 1 and the picking shelves R and N of the second sorting line 2 for each type. The product is divided into a small number of fractional products sent to the container and stored in the containers (delivery weight) Y in the picking shelves P to N of each line.

  The products sent from the vendor toward the first sorting line 1 and the second sorting line 2 are first sorted as described above. The division method will be described in detail. Divide the total number of products to be sorted for each product type by shipment destination by the standard number of products (the number of normal number of double stitches) to find the quotient and fraction. Next, the product number of the product obtained by multiplying the quotient by the standard number is totaled for each shipping destination, and the total number of products of the product type is counted as four picking shelves P of the first sorting line 1 (normal number heavy sorting line). The containers (delivery number) Y are stored in the required storage shelves of P ′, Q, and Q ′. Alternatively, since the number remaining after separating the following total number of fractions from the total number of the following types is the total number stored in the first sorting line, the number remaining after separation may be used.

  The fractions divided by the standard number (positive number of double stitches) are totaled for each shipping destination, and the total number of fractions is calculated for the two picking shelves R and N of the second sorting line 2 (fractional number sorting line). Store in the storage shelf. The total number of products of the product type is the sum of the total number and the total number of fractions. These calculations are performed by the management computer 3 based on information such as the type of product delivered from the vendor (ordering management information center J), the number of products and the shipping destination, and information such as product type, product number, picking shelf, and shelf address is The management computer 3 stores and manages it. The management computer 3 also creates a list of primary sorting operations by printing.

  Tables 4 to 7 show the sorting table. The total number of products of all varieties is 32,560, 29,908 of them are sent to the first sorting line 1, and the second sorting line 2 is sent to them. 2,652 are sent. The ratio of the number of products sent to the first and second sorting lines is about 10: 1.

The allocation of the storage of the product of the kind to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ in the first sorting line 1 will be described.
As described above, the total number of products (total number of normal items) is calculated for each product type. In the first embodiment, the total number (total number of normal weight items) of each type sorted in the first sorting line 1 is divided into three groups of G1, G2, and G4 as follows in accordance with the size of the number. .
・ G4 genus group: Total count (total number of normal weight items) exceeded 1,000 ・ G2 genus group: Total count (total number of normal weight items) 300-999 ・ G1 genus group ... Total count (total number of regular items) is less than 300

  The storage allocation of the goods (containers) of each group to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ is determined as shown in Table 2 below.

  In the first embodiment, grouping and allocation to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, and Q ′ and an example of the number of stored products are as follows.

Goods delivered in containers (delivery weight) Y from each vendor are divided into three groups of G1, G2, and G4 genus according to the total number (total number of normal weight items) of each product type. . The G4 genus with a large total count is divided into four total counts and stored in containers Y in four picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′. The products of the G2 genus are divided into two picking shelves P, P ′ or (Q, Q ′) and stored, and all the products of the G1 genus having a small number are stored in the picking shelves P.
The product type, the number of products, the number of containers, the standard number of each product type (number of normal number of double stitches), etc. are input and stored in the management computer 3, and the total number (total number of positive number items) and total number of fractions (Total number of fractional items) is calculated by the management computer 3, which stores and manages the storage shelf addresses, types, and numbers of the picking shelves P, P ', Q, and Q' of the container Y of the product. ing. In addition, the storage shelf address (frontage position) of the storage picking shelf, the number of products and the product type are printed, and the primary sorting is facilitated by the printed paper by the operator. The products of the total number of fractions of each kind of the primary sorting are sent to the second sorting line 2 and stored in the picking shelves R and N. The management computer 3 manages the type, number and storage shelf address stored in each picking shelf P, P ′, Q, Q ′.

  Tables 4-7 show the total number (total number of regular items) and the total number of fractions (fractional items) that are sorted by the first and second sorting lines after all products delivered from the vendor are sorted first. Total number), the number of products for each type stored in the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, and Q ′ for storing them, and the total number of items input for each type for each shipping destination (store) E1 to E50 (total number of items) Tables 4 to 7 show the total number (total number of regular weight items) input to the normal weight and the total total number of fractions (total number of fraction number items) input to the fraction weight.

  As described above, when the primary sorting is performed and the goods are stored in the respective picking shelves P to N, the management computer 3 determines whether the picking shelves P, P ′ or Q, Q ′ in the first sorting line 1 The order of the kinds stored on the shelf is given, one batch is formed with the same kind of kind, and sequential processing is performed for each batch. Thus, the empty shipping weight supply device 1b is operated so that the shipping weights Z assigned to the same shipping destination are continuous, and the empty shipping weights Z are assigned to the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Send in front of Q '. The empty shipping weight Z from the empty shipping weight supply device 1b is stopped by a stopper 1c in front of each sorting work site p, p ', q, q'. In the first sorting line 1, two empty shipping weights Z are temporarily stopped. Here, at the left and right workplaces p, p ′ or q, q ′, approximately half of the standard number is loaded from the opposed picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′, and the standard number is loaded into one shipping weight. To do. The first display 1h displays approximately half of the standard number.

  On the other hand, in the second sorting line 2 as well, an empty shipping number Z to which a shipping destination is assigned is sent from the empty shipping number supply device 2b as judged from the product type of the picking shelves R and N. The stopper 2c is stopped in front of the sorting work places r and n of the picking shelves R and N (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  Both the first conveyor 1a and the second conveyor 2a can transport the shipping weight Z only serially (one row, one piece forward). Therefore, the stopper 1c is controlled so that the empty shipping weight Z is stopped before the work places p, p ', q, q' as much as possible, so that sorting of the same shipping destination can be performed almost simultaneously.

When an empty shipping weight Z stops before each sorting work place p, p ′, q, q ′ on the first sorting line 1, sorting work is started almost simultaneously on each line.
The operator looks at each display H on the front surface of the picking shelves P, P ′, Q, Q ′ or looks at the collective display boards 1h, 2i to confirm the position of the frontage to be taken out and the number of products to be taken out. the retrieval request number of products from its frontage, press the reset button H ₁ When you take out, to clear the display. Thereafter, the taken-out merchandise is put into the stopped shipping weight Z.

  In the first sorting line 1, the number of products to be taken out is picked up from the picking shelves P, P 'or picking shelves Q, Q' by the standard number (the number of regular number of double stitches) determined by the product type. Half of the standard number is taken out from each of the opposing picking shelves P, P '(Q, Q') and put into one common shipping weight Z. Accordingly, the display unit H displays an integer value that is approximately ½ of the standard number.

  The product input operation at each sorting work site p, p ′, q, q ′ of the first sorting line 1 is a standard number (the number of normal number of double stitches) or about half of the products of one kind from the storage shelf. Since it is a sorting operation that is simply taken out and put in an empty shipping weight Z, it can be performed quickly and easily. In the G4 genus group with many products to be sorted, the four picking shelves P, P ', Q, and Q' have two sets of opposing picking shelves, and two sets of half of the standard number are processed in parallel. Can efficiently introduce products.

  In addition, since the sorting work at the sorting work place p, p ′ or (q, q ′) of each picking shelf is the same standard number (the number of the normal number of double stitches) input at the same shipping destination, the sorting is substantially the same. Since it will be working time, sorting will be completed at the same time (loading completed) and the positive weight will be able to flow downstream. While flowing downstream, an empty shipping weight Z for the next sorting is sent from the upstream.

  Furthermore, in the first sorting line 1, the order is assigned in order to the types stored in the picking shelf, one batch is formed with the same-ranked types, and the batch method of sorting for each batch is completed. The shipped shipping weight Z is reliably and continuously transported from the same shipping destination, and the label of the shipping destination, product type and number of products is pasted on the shipping weight Z by the auto labeler 1d, and the imaging device At 1e, the state of the introduced product is photographed from above for each shipping weight, and the image is stored together with the shipping destination, product type, number of products, and weight ID. When this shipping weight Z collapses or falls over the subsequent stack, it can be immediately recovered manually.

In addition, while the sorting of the same shipping destination in the same batch is continued, the products are input so that the number of products of the same category in the same category are continuously loaded. In Table 4-7, items standard number of same type in the same category with respect to the store E _n identical shipping destination included in the same batch in the row direction of the table (Ireme number) by picking shelves P, P ', Q, We are going to put it into the shipping weight from Q '. The charging rate of products in the first sorting line is always 100%.

  In addition, when the introduction of the product of the same category at the same shipping destination is completed in the batch, the standard number of products of the product of the next category is introduced. When the introduction of products of all categories of the same shipping destination is completed, the same sorting is performed for the next shipping destination. The computer 3 displays the information on the display H and the collective display panels 1h and 2i so as to make such sorting.

  On the other hand, in the second sorting line 2, the empty shipping weight Z sent from the empty shipping weight supply device 2b is temporarily stopped by the stopper 2c in front of the work place r of the picking rack R. The worker knows the type (frontage) to be taken out and the number of pieces to be taken out from the plurality of indicators H or the collective display panel 2i of the picking shelf R, and the shipping number in which the products of the plurality of types are temporarily stopped for the number of displays. Throw in heavy Z. When the loading completion button 2h is pushed after the loading is completed, the shipping weight Z loaded with the product is sent and stopped at the stopper 2c in front of the work place n of the next picking shelf N. The empty shipping guard stops at the work place r. At the work place n, the worker takes out the required number of products from the frontage according to the display on the display H of the picking shelf N or the collective display panel 2i, and puts it into the shipping weight Z that is stopped. The When all are loaded, the loading completion button 2h is pushed to send the shipping weight Z completed loading downstream.

  The sorting operation in the second sorting line 2 is performed by picking up a plurality of products of the same category from the picking shelves R and N to the shipping weight Z and extracting a plurality of products of the same category to the shipping weight Z. In many cases, products with different varieties are taken out from each of the two picking shelves R and N and loaded, so the time required for sorting one shipping load is generally long. It will be. In addition, when it is not possible to load fractional products from the same shipping destination with only one shipping weight Z, a plurality of empty shipping weights Z are sent so that all fractional products are sorted. At that time, the management computer 3 manages the types and the number of products to be put into each shipping weight Z, and displays them on the display H and the collective display panel 2i so that the work can be smoothly performed.

  On the other hand, even in the second sorting line, fractional products are stored in the picking shelves R and N. The order is stored in the order of storage in the shelf addresses of the shelf fronts of the picking shelves R and N, one batch is formed in the same order, and the same shipping destination is continuous within the same batch, and is the same at the same shipping destination. The loading rate when the products of the category of the product are introduced into the same weight at the same shipping destination so that the product weight of the product of the category is continuous is as high as 70 to 90%. As shown, the computer 3 calculates the type and number of products to be input and displays them on the display H and the collective display panel 2i.

Batch in the second sorting line (1, 2), category (sweet roll, sweets, confectionery), picking shelves R, shelf frontage of N, Table 8 varieties and number examples should put the item ID and (variety) for the store _{E n} It shows.

  In the example of Table 8, an example in which a product is input in the same batch so that the input filling rate in the same shipping destination and the same category (confectionery bread classification) is as high as 70 to 90% is as follows.

In the same store E1 of the second sorting line, fractional products are displayed and introduced into the 12 varieties of “confectionery bread” of the same category in the first batch in consideration of the filling rate as follows.
For the first empty shipping weight, 4 items (product type) I1 products and 3 item (product type) I4 products are placed. Then, the charging rate becomes 40% + 38% = 78%. Next, six items (product type) I7 are put into the second empty shipping weight. The charging rate at this time is 60%, and when the next item (product type) I9, I11 in the next shelf front is input, it exceeds 100%. The charging is completed at 60%, and it flows downstream.
For the third empty shipping weight, if 6 items (product types) I9 and I11 are introduced, three, the filling rate is 50% + 25% = 75%. As described above, the computer 3 selects the products to be input from the shelf front as close as possible so that the input filling rate is 70 to 90% even for the products of the same category, and inputs them to the display H and the collective display panel 2i. Display the varieties and quantity.

  The shipping weight Z for which the product has been loaded in the two picking shelves R and N is sent downstream by the second conveyor 2a, and the label is changed to the shipping weight Z by the auto labeler 2d as in the first sorting line 1. At the same time, a product having a shipping weight Z is photographed by the imaging device 2e, and the image is stored together with information on the shipping weight number, the shipping destination, the product type, and the number.

  Thereafter, the shipping weight Z into which the merchandise is input is stored in the automatic warehouse 2f. Multiple shipment weights Z are received, and multiple shipment weights Z containing products of the same category at the same shipment destination are delivered at an appropriate time, and the same shipment destination is provided by the downstream stacking device 2g. Shipping weights Z of the same category or near categories are stacked in about 20 steps and moved to a temporary place for delivery. At this time, together with the shipping weight Z of the same shipping destination stacked in about 20 stages from the first sorting line 1, they are transported together by a truck or the like. The shipping weights Z are stacked in preparation for the storage of the joint distribution center to be narrow and preparation for loading trucks and the like.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the products delivered to the joint distribution center from a plurality of vendors are the first sorting line 1 in which a large number of products are put into the shipping weight Z and the same number of the same product type, and a small number of fractions. By dividing and processing in parallel with the second sorting line 2 that sorts the numbers so that many types are mixed, the burden of sorting work can be reduced and the sorting work time can be shortened.

Further, as in the first sorting line 1 of the first embodiment, varieties having a large number of sorting (total number of totals) are grouped by the number of the number, and the types are stored in a picking shelf having a large number of groups. By securing the shelves, it is possible to perform almost simultaneous loading in a plurality of picking shelves, and the sorting speed can be increased. In particular, in batch processing that processes the same order of the products to be stored in the same order as one batch, the shipping weight Z for the same shipping destination can be surely continuously flowed, and the stacking must be temporarily stored. It can be done directly and sorting work is effective.
Furthermore, when the numbers of the products of the same category are stacked or arranged in series or close to each other, the work of displaying and storing the goods after being delivered to the shipping destination becomes easy.
In addition, when the charging rate is set high to 70 to 90%, the number of used weights can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of picking shelves are necessarily grouped and grouped as in the first embodiment. The present invention can be used even when each kind of product is produced in each department of the same factory and shipped to an order destination.

It is a top view which shows the sorting equipment of the joint delivery center which is the implementation equipment of Example 1. FIG. It is an expansion explanatory view showing the 1st sorting line of the sorting equipment of a joint distribution center. It is an expansion explanatory view showing the 2nd sort line of the sort equipment of a joint distribution center. It is a front view which shows the take-out front side of the picking shelf of a 1st sorting line. It is a rear view which shows the replenishment side of the picking shelf of a 1st sorting line. It is a front view which shows the take-out front side of the picking shelf of a 2nd sorting line. It is a rear view which shows the replenishment side of the picking shelf of a 2nd sorting line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the work flow of the primary sorting of Example 1, and the sorting by the 1st, 2nd sorting line. It is explanatory drawing of the order | rank of the batch of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the goods and information of a store, a vendor, a joint delivery center, and an order placement management information center.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st sorting line 1a 1st conveyor 1b Empty weight supply device 1c Stopper 1d Auto traveler device 1e Imaging device 1f Stacking device 1g Loading completion button 1h Collecting display board 1i Empty container place 1j Stopper 2 2nd sorting line 2a 1st 2 Conveyor 2b Empty shipment number supply device 2c Stopper 2d Auto-traveller device 2e Imaging device 2f Automatic warehouse 2g Stacking device 2h Loading complete button 2i Collective display panel 2j Stopper P, P ', Q, Q' Picking shelf H Display H ₁ Reset button G Refill button Y Container (delivery weight)
Z Shipping weight W Commodity J Order management information center SS Sorting facility of joint distribution center p, p ', q, q' Sorting workshop R, N Picking shelf r, n Sorting workshop 3 Management computer

Claims (1)

A picking shelf having a plurality of product take-out shelf fronts is arranged near the sorting area of the conveyor that conveys the shipping weight, and products of a product type larger than the number of shelves from the rear are stored in the same picking shelf in units of product types. For the shipping weight assigned to the shipping destination that is sent by the conveyor, the required number of products of the required type of the shipping destination is taken out from the shelf front and put in, and the shipping destination with the same shipping destination number continues. A method of sorting the products sent and stored in the picking shelf by shipping destination,
Products are stored in a rear-packed shelf at a predetermined address on the picking shelf in units of products, and products are stored in the same shelf front shelf in order of storing products in the order of products number 1, 2, 3, etc.・ As a result, after putting all the products of one batch of varieties into a batch with the combination of varieties of the same order on the picking shelf, the introduction of the product of the next batch is started, and one batch A method of sorting products according to shipping destination, wherein the same shipping address is sent so that the shipping weights of the same shipping address are continuous.

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