JP2010235238A - Sorting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide sorting equipment capable of independently cyclically feeding each row of article collection lines, reducing influence of delay of a sorting work of an article collection container and simultaneously sorting articles in article collection containers of each row. <P>SOLUTION: A conveying route of the article collection containers 16 is constituted of each of three article collection lines 17 capable of independently cyclically feeding the article collection containers 16. A conveyor feeding display device 48 for displaying sorting into the article collection containers 16 at stop positions is provided at each of the stop positions of each article collection container 16 of each cyclically fed article collection line 17. Based on order data of articles from each store for every zone Z, information on articles to be sorted into the article collection containers 16 of each article collection line 17 is displayed by a frontage display device 37 of a frontage 32 of a flow rack 21, and the article collection containers 16 of each article collection line 17 for sorting articles are simultaneously displayed by the conveyor feeding display device 48 of each article collection line 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting facility for sorting articles.

In a conventional sorting facility, Patent Document 1 proposes an example of a sorting facility that can move many collection containers with a single tact feed and improve the ability of the collection line.
The sorting facility disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, includes a picking shelf provided with a picking display for each compartment storage space, and collects articles for each sort destination. A collection container to be collected is tact-fed by a collection line (roller conveyor) arranged along a picking shelf, and articles are sorted from each compartment storage space to the collection container in accordance with the display on the picking indicator. The sorting line is configured so that the collection line is configured so that two parallel rows of collection containers can be moved simultaneously, and the sorting position corresponding to each of the two rows of collection containers (stop of the collection container by tact feed) At the position), an instruction indicator for instructing sorting into each collection container is provided.

  According to this configuration, two rows of collection containers are simultaneously moved by the collection line, and the sorting of articles from each compartment storage space is performed with respect to the two rows of collection containers in which sorting is instructed by the instruction display. Done. Therefore, it is possible to perform a sorting operation by moving many collection containers with one tact movement, and the ability of the collection line can be improved.

JP 2002-356209 A

  However, with the conventional sorting equipment, tact feeding cannot be performed unless the sorting work for all the collection containers in two rows is completed, so the delay in sorting work into one collection container affects the entire collection. Even if the capacity of the line could be improved, the work efficiency could be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention is capable of tact-feeding each row of the collection line independently, reducing the influence of delay in sorting work of one collection container, and sorting the articles into the collection containers of each row. The purpose is to provide equipment.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention has a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, and displays information on articles to be sorted for each compartment storage space. A sorting shelf provided with sorting display means is provided, a plurality of zones for performing sorting work are set in the sorting shelf, and a collection container whose sorting destination is specified along the sorting shelf is set for each zone. The product information of the sorting display means is provided on each collection container stopped for each zone by the transport route according to the item request information of the sorting destination. Therefore, a sorting facility for sorting articles from each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf,
The transport path is composed of a plurality of collection lines capable of tact-feeding the collection containers independently of each other, and a collection of stop positions is provided at each collection container stop position of each collection line by the tact feed. Container display means for displaying the sorting into the product containers is provided, and for each zone, the collection containers of each collection line by the sorting display means in the compartment storage space based on the request information of the articles from each sorting destination The information of the articles to be sorted is displayed, and at least one collection container of each collection line for sorting the articles is displayed by the container display means of each collection line.

  According to the above configuration, when the information of the articles to be sorted into the collection containers of each collection line is displayed by the sorting display means of the compartment storage space, each collection line for sorting the articles by the container display means of each collection line At least one collection container is displayed. Therefore, articles taken out from one compartment storage space can be sorted into collection containers of each collection line, and sorting efficiency is improved. In addition, since each collection line independently feeds the collection container, the influence of the delay of the sorting operation of one collection container on the whole can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein, among the plurality of collection lines, a collection line giving priority to the sorting is manually set as a priority collection line, and is manually set. A priority display means for displaying the priority collection line is provided.

  According to the above configuration, each collection line is tact-fed independently, so that one collection line can be preferentially sorted. When a priority collection line is set, this priority collection line is displayed by priority display means.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein among the plurality of collection lines, the collection having the largest number of articles to be sorted into collection containers moving through the collection lines. The product line is set to a priority collection line that prioritizes the sorting.

  According to the above configuration, the collection line with the largest quantity of articles to be sorted, which is judged to take the longest sorting work, is set as the priority collection line, and priority is given to the sorting of this priority collection line. Thus, it is possible to shorten the entire sorting time.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tact feed can be executed for each of the zones when the sorting operation in the zones is completed. A delay display means for displaying a collection line is provided.

  According to the above configuration, when there is a collection line that can be tact-fed when the sorting operation in this zone is completed, the collection line is displayed on the delay display means. Therefore, by giving priority to the sorting to this collection line in this zone, it is possible to quickly cope with the tact feed delay of this collection line.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a delay occurs in the collection line for feeding the preset collection container. In this case, the setting of the collection line to be loaded is changed in units of delivery route or delivery direction.

  According to the above configuration, a collection container that has been set to be input to the collection line where the delay has occurred is changed to input to another collection line by the delivery route or the delivery direction unit. In addition, the situation where the sorting is delayed is avoided.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when a plurality of collection containers are required for collecting articles to the sorting destination, A plurality of collection containers are set as sorting destinations, and the collection containers of the same sorting destination are put into the same collection line.

  According to the above configuration, since collection containers of the same sorting destination are set in the same collecting line, it is easy to collect articles to be delivered to the same sorting destination after the sorting operation is completed, and without mistakes. Executed.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the collected articles are taken out after the sorting operation is completed in each of the collection lines. One return line for collecting the empty collection containers and returning them upstream of the plurality of collection lines is provided.

  According to the above configuration, one return line is provided, and the collection container that has been emptied after sorting is returned to the upstream of the plurality of collection lines, and is again input to each collection line for recycling. used.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein for each zone, one article is simultaneously sorted from the compartment storage space to each collection line. When even a single item is insufficient, the sorting of articles from the compartment storage space to each collection line is stopped, and the articles sorted from the compartment storage space are set as missing items.

  According to the above configuration, when the quantity of articles to be sorted into the collection containers of all the collection lines is insufficient, the sorting of the articles is stopped, so that the articles are collected into the collection containers of one collection line. Although the sorting is performed, the halfway sorting in which the articles are not sorted into the collection containers of the other collection lines is avoided, and the confusion when replenishing the missing articles is avoided.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a rank is set in order of good workability to the plurality of collection lines. From the good collection line, a large proportion of the sorting destinations set in the collection line is set.

  According to the above configuration, the ratio of the sorting destinations is set in the order of the collection line with good workability, that is, the number of collection containers stopped by tact feed in each zone is increased. For example, in one tact, six items are collected on a collection line with good workability close to an operator, four items are collected on the next closest collection line, and three items are conveyed on the next closest collection line.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each collection line is provided with the collection container from the top of each collection line. It is characterized by setting in the order of delivery to the sorting destination.

  According to the above configuration, the collection containers are set in the order of delivery to the sorting destination in order from the top of each collection line, and it is possible to deliver to the delivery destination in order from the collected containers that have been sorted.

  In the sorting equipment according to the present invention, when information on articles to be sorted into the collection containers of each collection line is displayed by the sorting display means of the compartment storage space, the collection containers of each collection line for sorting the articles are displayed in the respective collection lines. By displaying by the container display means, articles taken out from one compartment storage space can be sorted into collection containers of each collection line, so that sorting efficiency can be improved and each collection line is independent. As a result, the effect of delaying the sorting operation of one collection container on the whole can be reduced.

It is a whole lineblock diagram of the sorting equipment in an embodiment of the invention. It is a side block diagram of the picking area of the sorting equipment. It is a principal part plane block diagram of the picking area of the sorting equipment. It is a control block diagram of the same sorting equipment. It is a figure which shows the sorting data formed with the control computer of the sorting equipment. It is a figure which shows the injection | throwing-in data formed with the container injection | throwing-in controller of the same sorting equipment. It is a figure which shows the picking data formed with the picking controller of the sorting equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the step data formed with the picking controller of the same sorting equipment. It is a flowchart which shows the preparation procedure of the step data in the picking controller of the same sorting equipment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing explaining that the lamp | ramp of a frontage indicator and a conveyor insertion indicator is lighted in order based on basic step data in the picking area of the sorting equipment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing explaining that the lamp | ramp of a frontage indicator and a conveyor insertion indicator is lighted in order based on priority step data in the picking area of the sorting equipment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing explaining that the lamp | ramp of a frontage indicator and a conveyor insertion indicator is lighted in order based on priority step data in the picking area of the sorting equipment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sorting facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sorting facility 10 includes a collection container input area 11, a picking area 12, a packing area 13, and a shipping area 14. . The collection container input area 11, the picking area 12, the packing area 13, and the shipping area 14 are sequentially arranged in this order, and a plurality of collection containers 16 whose sorting destinations are specified are tact-fed independently (multiple (multiple) As an example), and a return line 18 for returning the empty collection container 16 from the packing area 13 to the collection container input area 11 is provided. Each collection line 17 forms a transport path for the collection container 16, and each collection line 17 and return line 18 are formed by, for example, a roller-driven conveyor that can move the collection container 16. ing.
[Picking area 12]
The picking area 12 is provided with a flow rack (an example of a sorting shelf) 21 and a priority indicator (an example of a priority display unit) 22 along the collection line 17. The product collection line 17 is divided into a plurality of zones Z (1) to (n) (n is an integer of 2 or more) in which the sorting operation is executed.

  Each collection line 17 is configured such that a plurality (six in the embodiment) of collection containers 16 grouped for each zone Z can be independently conveyed to the downstream zone Z for each tact. ing. Now, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the three collection lines 17 from the side closer to the flow rack 21 are designated as a first collection line 17A, a second collection line 17B, and a third collection line 17C. Red (R) is assigned as the characteristic color of the first collection line 17A, green (G) is assigned as the color characteristic of the second collection line 17B, and the third collection line 17C is characterized. Yellow (Y) is assigned as the color.

"Flow rack 21"
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow rack 21 has a front opening (an example of a compartment storage space) 32 that can store four (a plurality of examples) of receiving containers 31 continuously for each zone Z. 4 stages and 6 rows (total of 24) are provided. Each frontage 32 is assigned with one type of article 33 specified by the item name, and the assignment of the article 33 is registered in a picking controller 34 (FIG. 4) described later.

Each frontage 32 is provided with a frontage indicator (an example of sorting display means) 37, and a delay indicator (an example of a delay display means) 38 is provided for each zone Z.
The frontage indicator 37 includes three picking indicators 41A, 41B, and 41C corresponding to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C, and each picking indicator 41 (41A, 41B, and 41C) is picked. A three-digit digital quantity indicator 42 (display means) for displaying the quantity of articles 33 to be displayed, a completion push button switch 43 with a lamp (completion operation means) to be operated when the picking operation is completed, and a completion push button switch 33 when there is a shortage It is composed of a shortage pushbutton switch (shortage operation means) 44 that is operated together. The color of the lamp of the completion push button switch 43 is red (R) for the picking display 41A, green (G) for the picking display 41B, and picking according to the colors assigned to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. The display 41C is yellow (Y).

  The delay indicator 38 is a display for displaying the collection line 17 that can execute tact feeding when the sorting operation in the zone Z is completed. The red indicator 38 corresponding to each of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. (R) lamp 46A, green (G) lamp 46B, and yellow (Y) lamp 46C are comprised.

"Collection line 17 in picking area 12"
At each stop position of each collection container 16 in each collection line 17A, 17B, and 17C by tact feed, a conveyor input indicator (container display means for indicating (displaying) sorting to the collection container 16 at the stop position is provided. An example) 48 is provided.

  The conveyor loading indicator 48 is a pushbutton switch with a lamp, which indicates (displays) the collection container 16 at the sorting position where the picking operation is performed. The collection for loading the article 33 when the lamp is turned on. The container 16 is instructed and turned off by operating the switch. The colors of the lamps are red (R) for the first collection line 17A, green (G) for the second collection line 17B, and the third collection according to the colors assigned to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. The product line 17C is yellow (Y). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the lamps of the conveyor input indicator 48 of each collection line 17 are set in order from upstream (R1), (R2), (R3), (R4), (R5), (R6). , (G1), (G2), (G3), (G4), (G5), (G6), (Y1), (Y2), (Y3), (Y4), (Y5), (Y6). .

"Priority indicator 22"
The priority indicator 22 is a priority display means for displaying the set priority collection line when the collection line giving priority to sorting is set as the priority collection line among the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. As shown in FIG. 2, a red (R) lamp 51A, a green (G) lamp 51B, and a yellow (Y) corresponding to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C from the bottom, each of which is composed of a tower type indicator lamp. A lamp 51C is provided.
[Collection container input area 11]
The collection container input area 11 is an area in which the collection container 16 is input to each of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. The collection container 16 is formed of a foldable container, as shown in FIG. Then, after assembling, a plastic bag 53 for storing the article 33 is covered and put into each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C.

  The collection containers 16 are, for example, three (a plurality of examples) and correspond to one store (an example of a sorting destination), with the downstream two being a child box 16B and the most upstream being the parent box 16A. It is called. Each plastic bag 53 is attached with a label 54 on which a bar code specifying each store and its sales floor is printed. The three collection containers 16 corresponding to this one store are continuously put into one collection line 17 and are not put into another collection line 17.

As shown in FIG. 4, the collection container input area 11 has a label printer 55 that issues the label 54 and an operator in the collection container input area 11 to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. A display 56 is provided for indicating / displaying the collection containers 16 to be input by store and shop name, and an assembly machine for actually assembling a foldable container and a bag hanging machine for covering a plastic bag 53 (none of which are shown). Etc. are provided.
[Packing area 13]
This is an area in which the articles 33 in the child box 16B are gathered into the parent box 16A when the collection container 16 for which the picking operation has been completed is conveyed by the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the label 54 of the plastic bag 53 of the parent box 16A is affixed to the parent box 16A by the operator in the packing area 13, and then the plastic bag 53 of the parent box 16A is packed. The plastic bag 53 of each child box 16B is packed so that the label 54 can be seen, stored in the parent box 16A, and the parent box 16A is transported to the shipping area 14. The empty child box 16 </ b> B is put into the return line 18, transported to the collection container loading area 11, and reused as the collection container 16.

The return line 18 collects articles collected after the sorting operation is completed in the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C in the packing area 13, collects the empty collection containers 16, and inputs the collection containers. This is a line for returning to the area 11 (upstream of the collection line 17).
[Shipping area 14]
This is an area in which the collection containers 16 (parent box 16A) conveyed by the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C are stacked on a cart or the like according to a delivery route or a delivery direction and loaded onto a delivery truck. For example, a container stacker is provided.
[Control configuration]
As a control means of the sorting equipment 10, as shown in FIG. 4, an overall computer 60, a container carry-in controller 61, and the picking controller 34 are provided.

"General computer 60"
The central computer 60 is connected with a container carry-in controller 61, a picking controller 34, a first collection line 17A, a second collection line 17B, and a third collection line 17C, and the collection containers assigned to each store. 16 to which of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C and in what order is set in advance according to the order of delivery to the store, and the article 33 to be ordered is located in which zone Z front 32 Whether it is stored is set in advance.

The general computer 60 has the following functions.
(I). When order data {a plurality of data including information (for example, an article name, an article code, etc.) and quantity} specifying the article is received from each store, the entire sorting data shown in FIG. 5 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the collection container 16 (the parent box 16A is assigned to each store) at each store specified by the store name (an example of information specifying the store) and every three sales floors in the store. The ordered quantity is set for each ordered article 33, that is, for each slot 32 in the zone Z in which the article 33 is stored.

  The order of loading is set as A1, A2, A3... In the order of the first collection line 17A as the A line, B1, B2, B3... In the order of the second collection line 17B as the B line, and the third collection. The product line 17C is set as C line, and C1, C2, C3. For example, in the A line, the collection container 16 (child box 16B) of the store (1) in the store S1 is first inserted, and the collection container 16 (child box 16B) of the store (2) in the store S1 is 2. The collection container 16 (parent box 16A) in the store (3) of the store S1 is inserted third, followed by the collection container 16 (child box 16B) in the store (1) of the store S4. The collection container 16 (child box 16B) in the store (2) of the store S4 is inserted fifth, and the collection container 16 (parent box 16A) in the store (3) of the store S4 is sixth. It is shown to be input.

(B). The formed sorting data is output to the container carry-in controller 61 and the picking controller 34.
(C). When a tact OK signal of a first collection line 17A, which will be described later, is input from the picking controller 34, the first collection line 17A is tact-fed to send the collection container 16 to the downstream zone Z, and the second collection line 17B. When the tact OK signal is input, the second collection line 17B is tact-fed to send the collection container 16 to the downstream zone Z, and when the tact-OK signal of the third collection line 17C is input, the third collection line 17B is input. The line 17C is tact-fed to send the collection container 16 to the downstream zone Z. Further, the data of the collected product line 17 (hereinafter referred to as “tact data”) sent to the tact is output to the picking controller 34.

  (D). When it is determined that the total amount of articles 33 to be sorted into the collection containers 16 moving through the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C is concentrated on one collection line 17 by forming the entire sorting data, It is automatically set to the priority collection line 17 giving priority to sorting to the product line 17 (collection line 17 having the largest total number of articles 33 to be sorted), or among the collection lines 17A, 17B, 17C. When an external instruction signal is inputted so as to execute the sorting work with priority given to one, this collection line 17 is manually set as the same priority collection line 17 and "priority data" (priority collection line) is set. 17), and output to the picking controller 34.

“Container controller 61”
The container carry-in controller 61 is a controller for controlling the collection container loading area 11 and is connected to a general computer 60, a display 56, and a label printer 55 as shown in FIG.

The container carry-in controller 61 has the following functions.
When the entire sorting data is input from the overall computer 60, the input data (image display and label print data) shown in FIG. 6 is formed, that is, from the entire sorting data, for each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C. Store names (including sales floor numbers) are arranged in the order in which the collection containers 16 are inserted, and then this image display and label print data are output to the display 56 and the label printer 55.

  When the label printer 55 inputs the image display and the label print data, the label printer 55 issues a label on which the store name (including the sales floor number) is printed in the order of entry for each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C. When image display and label print data are input, input data (data shown in FIG. 6) is displayed. As a result, the worker in the collection container input area 11 attaches the label 54 issued by the label printer 55 to the plastic bag 53 according to the display on the display 56, and sequentially inputs it into each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C. To do. In each collection line 17A, 17B, and 17C, a group is formed by six collection containers 16, and an interval is provided so as to correspond to the stop position of each zone Z, and tact conveyance is performed.

"Picking controller 34"
The picking controller 34 is a controller for controlling the picking area 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the overall computer 60, the priority indicator 22, the frontage indicator 37 for each zone Z, the conveyor indicator 48, and A delay indicator 38 is connected.

The picking controller 34 has the following functions.
(I). When the entire sorting data is input from the overall computer 60, the picking data for each frontage 32 of each zone Z shown in FIG.

  That is, every six collection containers 16 (total of 18 collection containers 16) of the three collection lines 17 that are fed to the zone Z (hereinafter referred to as a tact group for each collection line). In addition, the quantity to be put into each collection container 16 is specified. In each tact group, the ramps (R1), (R2), (R3), (R4), (R5), (R6), (G1), (G2), (G3), ( The quantity of the article 33 is specified for each of (G4), (G5), (G6), (Y1), (Y2), (Y3), (Y4), (Y5), (Y6).

  Since the collection containers 16 are transported to the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C in the order of input, the quantity to be input can be specified in units of six. For example, in the frontage (1) of the zone (1), the collection container 16 (A1) that is first conveyed to the collection line 17A is stopped at the lamp (R6) position, and the data shown in FIG. The collection object 16 (B1) first identified on the collection line 17B and stopped on the lamp (G6) position is stopped at the ramp (G6) position. From the data shown in FIG. Is identified.

  (B). When the picking data for each frontage 32 is formed, every time the tact data is input, as shown in FIG. 1 through the frontage 32. Step data for displaying on the frontage display 37 in sequence up to 24 frontage 32 and simultaneously turning on the conveyor input indicator 48 is formed.

・ Basically, the following basic step data is formed.
That is, as step data, the sorting work is simultaneously executed based on the picking data to the first collection line 17A at each frontage 32. (R) The first collection line 17A and (G) the second collection Data of the collection container 16 of the line 17B and the (Y) third collection line 17C is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, from the picking data of the first tact group,
1st data; 2 to (R1), 2 to (G2), 1 to (Y1),
2nd data; 1 to (R2), 1 to (G3), 1 to (Y2),
3rd data; 2 to (R6), 1 to (G4), 1 to (Y4),
4th data; 5 to (G6), 1 to (Y5),
5th data; 1 to (Y6),
Form.

  Further, when it is necessary to execute the sorting operation with priority on one collection line 17, the priority step data is formed as follows so that the collection of the collection line 17 is completed in advance.

As step data, for example, when the first collection line 17A is delayed, (R) data for only the collection container 16 of the first collection line 17A is set first, and then (G) the second collection line is set. Data of the collection container 16 of the product line 17B and the (Y) third product line 17C is formed. For example, as shown in FIG.
1st data; 2 to (R1),
2nd data; 1 to (R2),
3rd data; 2 to (R6),
4th data; 2 to (G2), 1 to (Y1),
5th data; 1 to (G3), 1 to (Y2),
6th data; 1 to (G4), 1 to (Y4),
7th data; 5 to (G6), 1 to (Y5),
8th data; 1 to (Y6),
Form.

The procedure for forming the step data will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, when the input of the tact data is confirmed (step-1), whether any of the first collection line 17A, the second collection line 17B, or the third collection line 17C has been tact-fed by this tact data. The tact group (group number) for each collection line of each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C located in the zone Z is specified (step-2).

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned “priority data” is inputted (step-3), and if confirmed, “delayed tact data” (including the number of the collection line 17) to be described later is confirmed (step-4). If confirmed, the above priority step data giving priority to sorting the collection line 17 of the numbers included in these data into the collection container 16 is formed (step-5).

  In addition, it is confirmed whether or not there is a tact group for each collection line with a small group number (step-6). The priority step data for giving priority to the sorting into the collection container 16 of the tact group for each collection line having a small delayed group number is formed.

In step-6, when there is no tact group for each collection line having a small group number, the basic step data is created (step-7).
By the above procedure, step data is formed according to the status of the sorting work.

(C). When step data is created, picking control is executed for each zone Z based on the step data.
That is, based on the step data, the three picking indicators 41A, 41B, and 41C of the frontage indicator 37 of the zone Z frontage 32 and the conveyor loading indicator 48 are controlled.
・ Normal picking (when there is no “priority data”, “delay tact data”)
Based on the basic step data or the priority step data created with the delayed tact group, the picking control is executed in the order of each frontage 32 as indicated by solid arrows in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), in the frontage (1), based on the first data shown in FIG. 8 (a), two are displayed on the digital quantity display 42 of the picking display 41A, The (R) lamp of the completion push button switch 43 is turned on, two are displayed on the digital quantity display 42 of the picking display 41B, the (G) lamp of the completion push button switch 43 is turned on, and the picking display 41C One is displayed on the digital quantity indicator 42, the (Y) lamp of the completion push button switch 43 is turned on, and on the collection line 17 side, the conveyor input indicator 48 of (R1) is turned on, and the conveyor of (G2) The loading indicator 48 is turned on, and the conveyor loading indicator 48 of (Y1) is turned on.

  Accordingly, the picking operator in each zone Z takes out a total of five articles (= 2 + 2 + 1) from the receiving container 31 in the frontage 32 according to the display on the frontage display 37, and presses each completion push button switch 43. , (R1) is loaded into the collection container 16 located corresponding to the conveyor loading indicator 48, and the conveyor loading indicator 48 is pushed, and the conveyor loading indicator 48 (G2) is pressed. Two pieces are put into the collection container 16 positioned, the conveyor loading indicator 48 is pushed, and one piece is loaded into the collection container 16 located corresponding to the conveyor loading indicator 48 of (Y1). The input indicator 48 is pushed and operated.

  When the completion push button switch 43 is pressed to confirm the removal of the article 33 from the frontage 32 and the conveyor input indicator 48 is confirmed to be loaded into the collection container 16, the next step is continued. Execute picking control by data.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), based on the second data, the three picking indicators 41A, 41B, 41C of the frontage indicator 37 and the conveyor loading indicator 48 are controlled, and when finished, As shown in FIG. 11 (c), based on the third data, the three picking indicators 41A, 41B, 41C of the frontage indicator 37 and the conveyor loading indicator 48 are controlled, and when finished, FIG. As shown in (d), based on the fourth data, the two picking indicators 41B and 41C of the frontage indicator 37 and the conveyor input indicator 48 are controlled, and when finished, the result shown in FIG. As shown, one picking indicator 41C of the frontage indicator 37 and the conveyor loading indicator 48 are controlled based on the fifth data. When the picking at the frontage (1) is thus completed, the picking at the frontage (2) is executed, and the picking control up to the frontage (24) is executed in order.

Then, when the step 33 at the frontage (24) ends the loading of the article 33 into the collection container 16 of the first collection line 17A, a tact OK signal of the first collection line 17A of the zone Z is formed, Further, when the articles 33 have been charged into the collection container 16 of the second collection line 17B, a tact OK signal is generated for the second collection line 17B in the zone Z, and the collection of the third collection line 17C is performed. When the introduction of the article 33 into the container 16 is completed, a tact OK signal is generated for the third collection line 17C in the zone Z.
・ Picking when there is “priority data” or “delayed tact data” Based on the priority step data created by the presence of “priority data” or “delayed tact data”, priority is given as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. The picking control is executed in advance for the collection to the collection container 16 of the collection line 17 to be collected.

  For example, in the frontage (1), only the first to third data shown in FIG. 8 (b) is used for picking display 41A of the frontage display 37 as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to (c). And the display on the conveyor input indicator 48, that is, sorting only the collection container 16 of the first collection line 17A is executed, and when finished, the collection container of the first collection line 17A at the frontage (2). Thus, only the collection container 16 of the first collection line 17A is executed up to the frontage (24), and after the execution, the first collection line 17A of the zone Z is executed. A tact OK signal is formed.

Thus, collection to the priority collection line 17 or collection to the collection line 17 in which “delayed tact data” is generated is preferentially performed, and tact feed becomes possible.
Subsequently, the remaining step data is executed. For example, in the frontage (1), the fourth to eighth data shown in FIG. 8 (b) are transferred to the picking indicators 41B and 41C of the frontage display 37 shown in FIGS. 12 (d) to (h) and the conveyor. This is executed by displaying on the input indicator 48, that is, sorting into the collection container 16 of the second collection line 17B and the collection container 16 of the third collection line 17C is executed.

Due to the end of the picking, a tact OK signal for the second collection line 17B in this zone Z and a tact OK signal for the third collection line 17C are formed.
When the picking operator takes out the articles 33 from the receiving container 31 in the frontage 32 according to the display on the frontage display 37, if the total number of the articles 33 is insufficient, All sorting into the collection container 16 is stopped, and the missing pushbutton switch 44 is operated together with the completion pushbutton switch 43. Then, the picking controller 34 stops sorting according to the step data from the frontage 32, and the missing data (stored in the frontage 32) indicates that there is a shortage in the collection container 16 to be sorted by the remaining step data. (Including the data and quantity of the article 33) and the picking operation is considered to be completed, and the tact feed is enabled.

  (D). The tact OK signal of the first collection line 17A in each zone Z, the tact OK signal of the second collection line 17B, and the tact OK signal of the third collection line 17C are confirmed. When all the tact OK signals of the first collection line 17A are prepared, the tact OK signal of the first collection line 17A is output to the overall controller 60, and all the tact OK signals of the second collection line 17B are prepared. When the tact OK signal of the second collection line 17B is output to the general controller 60 and all the tact OK signals of the third collection line 17C are obtained, the tact OK signal of the third collection line 17C is output to the general controller 60. Output.

  If the tact OK signal is not formed only in the remaining one zone Z, the (R) lamp 46A corresponding to the collection line 17 in which the tact OK signal is not formed is displayed on the delay indicator 38 of this zone Z or ( G) The lamp 46B or the lamp lamp 46C of (Y) is turned on to form the “delayed tact data”. As a result, the priority step data is formed, and the sorting operation for the delayed collection line 17 is executed with priority.

  (E). When "priority data" is input from the general computer 60, the lamp corresponding to the "priority data" of the priority display 22, that is, when the first collection line 17A has priority (R) lamp 51A, second collection line 17B. (G) lamp 51B is lit when priority is given, and (Y) lamp 51C is lit when priority is given to the third collection line 17C. Further, as described above, priority step data is formed in accordance with the “priority data”, and the sorting work to the priority collection line 17 is executed with priority.

With the above configuration, the worker performs the following operation in each of the areas 11 to 14.
[Collection container input area 11]
When the assembled collection container 16 or the collection container 16 returned by the return line 18 is covered with the plastic bag 53, the operator in the collection container loading area 11 puts the plastic bag 53 on the display 56. A label 54 is pasted and put into each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C.
[Picking area 12]
In each zone Z, the worker performs the picking work. Each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C independently moves the collection container 16 by tact.
[Packing area 13]
When the collection container 16 for which the picking operation has been completed is conveyed by the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C, the operator in the packing area 13 transfers the label 54 of the plastic bag 53 of the parent box 16A to the parent box 16A. Next, the plastic bag 53 of the parent box 16A is packed, and the plastic bag 53 of each child box 16B is packed so that the label 54 can be seen, and stored in the parent box 16A. The parent box 16A is moved to the shipping area 14 as it is. The empty child box 16B is put into the return line 18. The empty child box 16 </ b> B is transported to the collection container input area 11 and reused as the collection container 16.
[Shipping area 14]
The collection containers 16 (parent box 16A) conveyed by the respective collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C are stacked in a cart or the like according to a delivery route or a delivery direction by a container stacker or the like, and shipped. 14 workers are transported and loaded onto a delivery truck.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when information on the articles 33 to be sorted into the collection containers 16 of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C is displayed by the frontage display 37 of the frontage 32, the articles 33 are sorted. Since the collection containers 16 of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C are simultaneously displayed on the conveyor input indicators 48 of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C, the articles 33 taken out from the single frontage 32 can be Since the collection containers 16 of the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C can be sorted at the same time, sorting efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the collection lines 17A, 17B, and 17C independently feed the collection containers 16 to each other, the influence of the delay in sorting the one collection container 16 on the whole can be reduced. In addition, although the case where the conveyor input indicator 48 of each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C is displayed simultaneously was demonstrated, for example, there is no collection container 16 into which the article 33 should be thrown into the collection line 17A, 17B, or 17C. In some cases, one or two conveyor loading indicators 48 are displayed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each collection line 17A, 17B, 17C is tact-fed independently, so that one collection line 17 can be preferentially sorted. Further, when the priority collection line is set, the priority collection line is displayed on the priority display 22 so that the priority collection line can be made known to the picking operator.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the collection line having the largest total amount of articles 33 that is determined to require the most time for sorting work is set as the priority collection line, and “priority data” is formed. By giving priority to the sorting operation of the priority collection line, the entire sorting time can be shortened.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when there is a collection line 17 that can be tact-feeded after the sorting operation in one zone Z is completed, the collection line 17 is displayed on the delay indicator 38 of the zone Z. By prioritizing the sorting to the collection line 17, it is possible to quickly cope with the tact feed delay of the collection line 17.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the collection container 16 of the same store is set and put in the same collection line 17, the articles 33 to be delivered to the same store are collected in the packing area 13 after the picking operation. Can be executed easily and without error.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, one return line 18 is provided, and the collection container 16 that has been emptied after sorting is returned to the collection container input area 11 (upstream of the collection line 17). By doing so, it can be put into each collection line 17 again and reused.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the quantity of the articles 33 to be sorted into the collection containers 16 of all the collection lines 17 is insufficient, the sorting of the articles 33 is stopped, so that one collection line 17 Although the goods are sorted into the collection container 16, it is possible to avoid the half-way sorting that the articles 33 are not sorted into the collection containers 16 of the other collection lines 17. Confusion can be avoided.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the collection containers 16 are set in the order of delivery to the store from the top of each collection line 17, delivery is performed in order from the collection containers 16 that have been sorted. can do.

  In this embodiment, “delay tact data” is formed for the collection line 17 where the delay has occurred, and the delay is recovered. However, the collection container 16 is loaded from the collection container loading area 11. In this case, it is also possible to cancel the input to the collection line 17 where the delay has occurred and change the setting of the collection line 17 to which the collection container 16 is input in units of delivery route or delivery direction. According to this configuration, the collection container 16 that has been set to be input to the collection line 17 in which a delay has occurred is changed to input to another collection line 17 in a delivery route or a delivery direction unit. It is possible to avoid a situation where a delay occurs in the sorting. At this time, the entire sorting data, input data, picking data, and step data are changed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, six collection containers 16 are introduced into each collection line 17 in units of zone Z, but the order is set to each collection line 17 in order of good workability. It is also possible to set a large number of collection containers 16 to be set in the collection line 17 from the collection line 17 having a good order. For example, in the order of the collection line 17 with good workability, the collection line 17 with good workability close to the picking worker is arranged so that the number of collection containers 16 that move to each zone Z by tact feed increases. Six, four for the next closest collection line 17, and three for the next closest collection line. According to this configuration, the workability of the picking worker's sorting work is improved, and an improvement in sorting efficiency of the entire sorting equipment can be expected. As described above, in addition to the method of changing the number of collection containers 16 to six or four in one zone, the unit of six in one zone is the same for the collection line 17A with good workability. (In other words, for the other collection lines 17B and 17C, a method of changing the processing amount ratio to 60%, 30%, or the like can also be employed.

  In the present embodiment, the flow rack 21 is used as the storage means for the article 33. However, when the worker takes out the empty container 31 at the outlet (collection line 17 side), the frontage 32 is provided. Any shelf that can move the plurality of receiving containers 31 to the outlet (the collection line 17 side) may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the receiving container 31 is used as being stored in each frontage of the flow rack 21, but is not limited to a “container”, and is a “pallet” (incoming pallet). In addition, the collection container 16 is used as the one to which the picked article is input, but it is not limited to the “container”, and even “a pallet-like” (collection pallet) Good.

  In the present embodiment, no means for replenishing the arrival container 31 to each frontage 32 of the flow rack 21 is described. However, a stacker crane, an overhead carriage or the like is installed, and the arrival container 31 is automatically replenished to the frontage 32. Means that can be provided can also be provided.

Z Zone 10 Sorting Equipment 11 Collection Container Input Area 12 Picking Area 13 Packing Area 16 Collection Container 16A Parent Box 16B Child Box 17 Collection Line 17A First Collection Line 17B Second Collection Line 17C Third Collection Line 18 Return line 21 Flow rack 22 Priority indicator 31 Incoming container 32 Frontage 33 Goods 34 Picking controller 37 Frontage indicator 38 Delay indicator 41A, 41B, 41C Picking indicator 48 Conveyor input indicator 53 Plastic bag 54 Label 56 Display 60 General Computer 61 Container loading controller

Claims (10)

A plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles are provided, and each compartment storage space includes a sorting shelf provided with sorting display means for displaying information of articles to be sorted,
A plurality of zones for performing a sorting operation are set in the sorting shelf, and a transport path for performing a tact feed for transporting a collection container in which a sorting destination is specified for each zone along the sorting shelf,
Articles from each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf according to the information of the articles of the sorting display means displayed according to the article request information of the sorting destination on each collection container stopped for each zone by the transport route A sorting facility for sorting
The transport path is composed of a plurality of collection lines capable of tact feeding the collection containers independently of each other,
Provided at each stop position of each collection container of each collection line by the tact feed, container display means for displaying the sorting into the collection container at the stop position,
For each zone, based on the request information of the articles from the respective sorting destinations, information on the articles sorted into the collection containers of each collection line is displayed by the sorting display means of the compartment storage space, and the articles are sorted. A sorting facility characterized in that at least one collection container of the collection line is displayed by the container display means of each collection line. The priority display means is provided for manually setting a collection line giving priority to the sorting among the plurality of collection lines as a priority collection line and displaying the manually set priority collection line. The sorting equipment according to 1. Among the plurality of collection lines, the collection line having the largest number of articles to be sorted into collection containers that move through each collection line is set as a priority collection line that prioritizes the sorting. The sorting equipment according to claim 1. The delay display means which displays the collection line which can perform the said tact feed when the sorting operation in this zone is completed in each said zone is provided in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The sorting equipment described. When there is a delay in the collection line for feeding the collection container set in advance, the setting of the collection line to be loaded is changed in units of delivery route or delivery direction. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When a plurality of collection containers are required to collect articles to the sorting destination, a plurality of collecting containers are set as the sorting destination, and the same collection destination collecting containers are put into the same collection line. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Collecting collected articles after the collection work is completed in each collection line, collecting collection containers that are emptied, and providing one return line to return upstream of the plurality of collection lines The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sorting equipment is characterized. For each zone, if at least one article to be sorted simultaneously from the compartment storage space to each collection line is insufficient, the sorting of the articles from the compartment storage space to each collection line is stopped, and the articles sorted from the compartment storage space are removed. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sorting equipment is a missing item. The order is set to the plurality of collection lines in order of good workability, and the ratio of the sorting destinations to be set in the collection line is set from the collection line with the highest order. The sorting equipment according to claim 8. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each collection line is set in the order of delivery of the collection containers from the top of each collection line to a sorting destination. .

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