JP3329608B2 - Sorting device and sorting method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sorting sheets such as mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional sorting apparatus of this type will be described with reference to FIGS.

In a conventional sorting apparatus (including a video coding apparatus) shown in FIG. 9, mails are taken out one by one from a supply / extracting unit 101, and an address surface of the mail is first scanned by a scanning unit 102. Address image information (address information) of the mail as an image output from the scanning unit 102 is recognized by the address recognition unit 103, and the recognition result is sent to the control unit 104.

[0004] For a mail piece whose address image information can be recognized by the control unit 104, a code (address code) corresponding to the address image information is sent to the code printing unit 112 while being conveyed along the conveyance path 105. After printing and reading the printed code in the code reading section 113, the code is sent to a predetermined sorting / accumulating section 114 corresponding to the code.

[0005] In addition, for mail items for which address image information could not be recognized, a mail ID number is printed by the mail ID printing unit 107 on the mail items while being conveyed along the conveyance path 105. This mail is collected separately from the above-mentioned mail.

[0006] For the postal matter whose address image information could not be recognized, the address image information as an image scanned by the scanning unit 102 and the same number information as the mail ID number printed on the postal matter are stored in the image storage and distribution apparatus. It is sent to 115 and distributed to each of the coding desks 116 to 118.

At each of the coding desks 116 to 118, the operator looks at the address image information and inputs the address image information by key. The address image information is linked to the mail ID number and sent to the control unit 104.

Next, the postal matter whose address image information could not be recognized is sent to the supply / extraction unit 101 again, and
The mail ID number on the mail is read by the mail ID reading unit 108, the mail ID number is sent to the control unit 104, and the address image information corresponding to the mail ID number is coded under the control of the control unit 104. After the code is printed on the postal matter sent to the printing unit 112 and the printed code is read by the code reading unit 113, the postal matter is sent to a predetermined sorting / stacking unit 114.

In this sorting apparatus, a mail ID printing unit 107 and a code printing unit 1 are provided in order to prevent overprinting on mails on which mail ID numbers and codes are already printed.
At 12 and thereafter, a pre-mail ID reading unit 106 and a pre-code reading unit 111 for detecting an ID number and a code are arranged immediately before the mail ID printing unit 107 and the code printing unit 112, respectively.

[0010]

In such a conventional apparatus, the pre-mail ID reading unit 106, the mail ID printing unit 1
07, mail ID reading unit 108, precode reading unit 1
11, a code printing unit 112, a code reading unit 113, and the like are arranged on the transport path 105, respectively, so that a mechanism for transporting and controlling mails, a printing and control mechanism for mail ID printing and code printing, A control mechanism or the like for reading the code is required for each unit, and there has been a problem that the apparatus is increased in size.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the mail ID printing unit 107 (also the address code printing unit 112) has an ink jet printer 1 for high-speed processing.
Generally, 21 is used. In the mail ID printing unit 106, the mail 2
It is necessary to control the transport mechanism of the transport belt 122, the transport pulley 123, and the like while accurately managing the transport of 00 and monitoring the transport status.

For this reason, the ink jet printer 121
Immediately before the upstream, as shown in FIG. 12, an alignment mechanism 123 that corrects the conveyance of the mail 200 correctly, or an encoder that monitors the conveyance speed and sends a conveyance speed signal to the printing mechanism as shown in FIG. What is sent as a pulse) 1
24 and the inkjet printer 1
When the postal matter 200 passes through 21, a transporting means different from other parts may be used so as to perform reliable transporting (for example, a guide plate 125 for guiding the postal matter 200 as shown in FIG. 11). Etc.).

Further, the ink jet printer 121
Is a precise device and requires strict control of ink, and it is necessary to clean and inspect the print head of the inkjet printer 121 before and after the operation of the apparatus. At the time of cleaning and inspection, it is necessary to provide a receiving tray 126 as shown in FIG. 11 so that the periphery of the apparatus is not stained even if the ink drips in some cases.

On the other hand, the mail ID reading unit 108 and the code reading unit 113 need to read the mail ID and the code printed by the ink jet printer 121 immediately after printing. A configuration of a type that does not come into contact with the surface of a postal matter) is preferable, and the mail ID reading unit 108 and the code reading unit 11
As a mounting structure of No. 3, it is necessary to take care that the window of the reading portion (the surface on which the code is scanned) is not turned upward (dust may impede reading due to the window).
Since a configuration is adopted in which the D reading unit 108 and the code reading unit 113 are not turned upward (for example, downward is ideal), a transport path 105 of a considerable length is required, and there is a problem that it cannot be arranged in a certain space (space). Had occurred.

Further, since the work of starting up, cleaning, and checking the apparatus is dispersed, the work becomes complicated, and there is a disadvantage that efficient work cannot be performed.

Furthermore, online video coding (address image information whose sorting information could not be read is distributed in real time to each of the coding desks 116 to 118, and the mail 2 whose sorting information is key-inputted in the first processing)
00 can be code printed. 9) When the functions are used together, there is a problem that the area of the transport path 130 shown in FIG. 9 in the transport path 105 cannot be used effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting apparatus and a sorting method which can reduce the size and simplification of the apparatus, have good workability such as cleaning and inspection, and can effectively use the transport path.

[0018]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A sorting device for sorting mails into sorting and collecting means, a reading means for reading sorting information including a mailing address, an address, and a postal code; an image storing and distributing means for storing and distributing image information of mail; Video coding means for inputting the applicable classification information for mails without classification information consisting of address, address and zip code by referring to the image information of the mail, management information of this mail on the mail, necessary for shipping and delivery Pre-checking means for checking whether or not code information of a postal code or an address is attached, and classification of the postal matter based on the classification information read by the reading means or the classification information input by the video coding means. management information corresponding to the information, and printing means for printing the code information of postal codes and addresses needed for shipping and delivery, delay transportable provided between the pre-check means and printing means And road, by the pre-verification means
Based on the management information of the postal matter confirmed to have the code information and the code information, the print stop control of the printing means is performed, and the postal matter is stored in the sorting / accumulating means.
Control to be divided into a fixed accumulation area,
Determined that the code information is not attached by the confirmation means
Management information of the postal matter, the code information by the printing means
Control means for printing and controlling the mail to be sorted into a predetermined stacking area of the sorting and stacking means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting method for sorting mails into sorting and collecting means.
A reading step of reading section information including an address and a postal code, an image storing and distributing step of storing and distributing image information of a postal matter, and there is no classification information including an address, an address and a postal code with reference to the image information of the postal matter. A video coding step to enter the relevant classification information for the mail piece, and the management information of this mail piece on the mail piece, necessary for shipping and delivery.
A pre-confirmation step of checking whether or not code information of a zip code or an address is attached; and the classification information read from the mail information based on the classification information read in the reading step or the classification information input in the video coding step. management information corresponding to a printing step of printing a shipping and postal codes or code <br/> de information address required for delivery, that the pre-Symbol pre confirmation step are assigned the code information is confirmed Further, the print stop control of the printing step is performed based on the management information and code information of the postal matter, and the postal matter is classified according to the classification.
It is controlled so as to be divided into a predetermined accumulation area of the accumulation means, and
On the other hand, the code information is added by the prefix confirmation step.
Control for printing the management information and code information of the postal matter determined not to be printed in the printing step, and controlling the postal matter to be sorted into a predetermined stacking area of the sorting and stacking means. And a step.

[0020]

The operation of the present invention will be described below.

The pre-checking means (step) in the sorting apparatus and the sorting method according to the first and second aspects of the present invention is characterized in that management information of the mail, code information necessary for dispatch and delivery are added to the mail. A check is made to determine whether or not there is management information and code information, which are sent to the control means (step). The reading means (step) reads sorting information including a mailing address, an address, and a postal code. Image storage and distribution means
(Step) stores the image information of the mail and
To the loading means (step).

The video coding means (step)
Referring to the image information of the postal matter, the user inputs the corresponding classification information for the postal matter without the classification information including the address, the address, and the postal code.

The printing means (step) includes management information corresponding to the sorting information, shipping information, and the like based on the sorting information read by the reading means (step) or the sorting information input by the video coding means (step). And print the code information required for delivery .

The control means (step), the pre-confirmation hand
Management information of mail items confirmed in the step (step)
Print stop control of the printing means (step) based on the print information
Performs said reading means (step) in the read classification information or the video coding unit (step) sorting information input by及beauty the pre confirmation means (step
Management information, code information or the printing means confirmed in
Management Information printed in (step), based on the code information,
The mail is sorted and controlled in a predetermined stacking area of the sorting and stacking means.

With such a sorting apparatus and a sorting method,
It is possible to accurately accumulate postal matter in a predetermined accumulation area of the sorting and accumulating means regardless of a simple and small configuration, to which sorting information is added in advance or input by a video coding means (step).

Further, according to the classification equipment according to claim 1,
Since a delay conveying section between the front Symbol pre confirmation means and the printing means it can effectively utilize the conveying path when the sorting information input by the video coding hand stage.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

A sorting apparatus (including a video coding apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG.
A supply take-out unit 3 that takes out the product, and an address surface that is installed downstream of the transport path 20 from the supply take-out unit 3 and that reads divisional information such as an address and a postal code from the postal matter 2 and outputs it as address image information. A scanning unit 4 constituting scanning means for scanning; an address recognition unit 9 constituting reading means for recognizing sorting information based on address image information as an image obtained by the scanning unit 4; (May be located in the vicinity of upstream), the mail ID, which is pre-attached management information on the mail 2 whose sorting information on the mail 2 could not be recognized by the address recognition unit 9, and is necessary for shipping and delivery. A pre-mail ID / code reading section 5 as a pre-reading means for reading a code which is code information of a postal code or an address, and printing for printing a code corresponding to the sorting information on the postal matter 2 which can recognize the sorting information. means A code printing unit 6 that constitutes a mail ID printing unit 7 that is located next to the code printing unit 6 and that constitutes a printing unit that prints a mail ID on the mail 2 whose sorting information has not been recognized; printing unit 6, the mail ID printed code printing section 7, the mail ID · code reader 8 of the mail ID code as a confirmation means for confirming read, read by the pre-mail ID · code reading unit 5 Based on the control of the control unit 11 which performs control based on the information and has a storage unit for storing the code conversion information and the sorting information, the mail stack 2 serves as a sorting and stacking means for stacking the mail 2 in a predetermined stacking area. And a sorting / stacking unit 10.

The sorting / accumulating unit 10 sends the mail ID of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized by the address recognizing unit 9.
The postal matter 2 on which is printed is accumulated in another accumulation area under the control of the control unit 11.

Further, the sorting device 1 includes the address image information as an image of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized by the address recognition unit 9 and the mail printed on the mail 2 input from the scanning unit 4. An image storage / distribution device 12 is provided as image storage / distribution means for storing ID information and distributing the information to each of the coding desks 13 to 15 constituting the video coding means.

The classification information and the mail ID information input at the coding desks 13 to 15 are sent to the control unit 11 via the image storage / distribution device 12. That is, an image from the image storage distribution device 12
After obtaining the address image information, the operator refers to the address image information, key- in the division information at the coding desks 13 to 15 , and sends this division information together with the mail ID information to the image storage / distribution apparatus 12. It has become.

Further, the sorting apparatus 1 distributes, in real time, the address image information of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized by the image storage / distribution apparatus 12 to each of the coding desks 13 to 15 for video coding. At the same time, the address image information of the postal matter 2 for which the sorting information has not been key-input during the transport of the delayed transport path 21 provided at the subsequent stage of the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 described later is accumulated,
It is sent to the control unit 11.

The delayed transport path 21 is configured to transport the mail 2 repeatedly during the time when the operator inputs the sorting information by key.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the postal matter 2. The postal matter 2 includes, in addition to classification information such as a postal code, a destination address, and an address written by a sender, the mail ID printing unit. 7, a mail ID print field (mail ID area) 2a for printing a mail ID (management number for each mail, bar code), and a code for printing a post code necessary for shipping work in the form of a bar code. Print column (code area)
2b, a code printing column (code area) 2c for printing a street name, a street, a number, a number, and the like in the form of a barcode.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the actual configuration of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The sorting and accumulating section 10 is arranged at the center of the apparatus main body 1a. The supply take-out unit 3 and the scanning unit 4 are arranged on the left side, and the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5, the mail ID / code reading unit 8, the mail ID printing unit 7, A code printing unit 6 is arranged, and the supply and extraction unit 3 to the scanning unit 4, a pre-mail ID and
Code reading unit 5, code printing unit 6, and mail ID printing unit
7 , sorting unit 10 via mail ID / code reading unit 8
Is formed. In addition, the code printing unit 6 is used for online video coding.
, And forms a delayed transport path 21 that once exits the apparatus main body 1a and joins before the code printing unit 6 . In FIG. 3, reference numeral 22 is provided in front of the code printing section 6 , and includes an ID print section 2a, a code print section 2b, and a code print section 2b.
This is a positioning unit that positions the postal matter 2 in order to accurately print the mail ID and code on c.

FIG. 4 shows a sorting apparatus 30 having a structure different from that of the sorting apparatus 1. The sorting / accumulating section 10 is arranged at the center of the apparatus main body 30a. In FIG. 3, the supply / discharge unit 3 and the scanning unit 4 are arranged on the right side, the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 is located on the lower left side in FIG. And a mail ID / code reading unit 8, a scanning unit 4, a pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5, a code printing unit 6.
And mail ID printing unit 7 , mail ID / code reading unit 8
And a transport path 20 leading to the sorting / stacking section 10 through the section. In addition, for the combined use of online video coding, the program branches off downstream of the pre-mail ID / code reading section 5 and once goes out of the apparatus main body 1a to receive the pre-mail ID / code.
The delay transport path 21 that joins the downstream side of the code reading unit 5 is configured. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 22 denotes the code printing unit 6.
It is an alignment part provided in front of.

The sorting device 1 and the sorting device 3 shown in FIGS.
According to No. 0, by adopting the above-described configuration, the reading surface (the surface on which the code is scanned) of the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 or the mail ID / code reading unit 8 can be set to an ideal downward direction. In addition, the structure can be made such that dust and the like hardly adhere, and the transport path 20 takes a bent path, so that the space can be effectively utilized and the apparatus main body 1a, 30a can be made extremely small.

Next, a configuration example of the code printing unit 6 and the mail ID printing unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. Code printing unit 6 and mail ID printing unit 7 of this embodiment
Is the code printing unit using each inkjet printer
6 and the mail ID printing unit 7 are arranged side by side and the mail ID printing unit 7 for printing the mail ID is attached to the support substrate 32 at a position slightly higher than the code printing unit 6 by the spacer 31 to form a unit as shown in FIG. And a code printing unit 6 and a mail ID printing unit 7 .
5 and 6, reference numeral 22 denotes a positioning unit using a belt and a pulley, reference numeral 33 denotes a transport belt stretched over a group of pulleys 34 forming the transport path 20, and reference numeral 35 denotes a code printing unit 6 and mail I.
This is the ink receiver facing the D printing unit 7 . Also, 36
Is a guide slider capable of moving the unitized support substrate 32 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mail 2 is transported.

With this configuration, the units of the code printing section 6 and the mail ID printing section 7 are slid from the normal printing position (A) to the maintenance position (B) during the cleaning and inspection work along the guide slider 36, and By exposing these printing surfaces at the upper side, cleaning and inspection can be easily performed.

Next, the operation of the sorting apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the mail 2 to be processed is supplied to the supply / extraction unit 3.
To the scanning unit 4
Send to The scanning unit 4 shines light on the address surface of the mail 2 and receives the reflected light to obtain address image information (scanning information). If the mail ID or code has already been printed on the mail 2, the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 reads the mail ID or code.

The address image information as an image obtained by the scanning unit 4 is sent to an address recognition unit 9 to recognize classification information such as a destination address and a postal code.

During this time, the mail 2 is conveyed on the conveyance path 20 and the state of conveyance is tracked by the control unit 11.

When the address recognition unit 9 recognizes the section information,
When the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 is installed upstream of the scanning unit 4, when the mail ID and the code are read, the information is used as reference for reading the sorting information such as the address and the postal code. You can also.

For example, when the code has already been printed (a part of the sorting information, that is, the information of the postal code has already been printed at the shipping post office side), the address recognition unit 9 uses the postal code as a reference. (Limited to the postal code area)
You can recognize the elaborate part of the address. If this information is not available, the address must be recognized from scratch, and a long recognition time is required, and the recognition accuracy (rate) may not be improved.

The mail 2 is processed by the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5, mail ID printing unit 7, code printing unit 6, and mail ID / code reading unit 8 from the transport path 20 to the sorting / stacking unit 10. The control unit 11 first determines whether or not the address information has been recognized by the address recognition unit 9 (S1). When Classification information is determined to be recognized code corresponding to the sorting information based on the reading result of the pre-mail ID · code reading unit 5 is determined whether it is already printed (S2). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the pre-mail ID / code reading unit 5 scans the postal matter 2 (S701), temporarily stores the scanned information in a memory (not shown) (S702), and thereafter, the mail ID is Since an area to be printed (mail ID area) and an area to be printed with a code (code area) are determined in advance for the postal matter 2, one of the mail ID areas is determined from the information stored in step 702. The extraction and reading are performed (S703), and the extraction and reading of the code area are performed (S704). The reading result of the mail ID is output to the control unit 11 (S705). 11 (S706), the judgment is made based on the result of step 706.

If it is determined in step 2 that the code has already been printed on the postal matter 2, the postal matter 2 is accumulated in the corresponding sorting / accumulating section 10 according to the control of the control section 11, and the process ends. If it is determined in step 2 that the code has not been printed on the mail 2 in advance, the result of recognition by the address recognition unit 9 is converted into a code by the control unit 11, and code control is performed by the printing unit controller 16. The code printing unit 6 performs the code printing of the sorting information (S3).

After step 3, the code is read by the mail ID / code reading section 8 (S4), and the postal matter 2 is collected in the corresponding section collecting section 10, and the process ends.

The mail ID / code reading section 8 scans the mail 2 in the same manner as the operation of the pre-mail ID / code reading section 5 (S711), and temporarily stores the scanned information in a memory (not shown). Stored (S712), mail I
The D area is extracted and read (S713), the code area is extracted and read (S714), and the mail ID read result is output to the control unit 11 (S71).
5), and outputs the code reading result to the control unit 11 (S71).
6), the mail 2 is processed based on the result of step 716.

If it is determined in step 1 that the section information has not been recognized by the address recognition unit 9, it is determined whether the mail ID has already been printed (S1).
5).

This is performed based on the processing result in step 705 shown in FIG. Email ID in step 5
If it is determined that has already been printed, the control unit 11
It is determined whether or not the sorting information corresponding to the past mail ID is stored (S6). If it is determined in step 6 that the sorting information is present, the mail 2 is passed through steps 3 and 4.
Are accumulated in the sorting / accumulating unit 10 and the process ends. If it is determined in step 6 that there is no sorting information in the control unit 11, the mail 2 attached with the mail ID is collected in a pocket without sorting information of the sorting and collecting unit 10, and the process is terminated.

If it is determined in step 5 that the mail ID has not been printed, the control unit 11 sends a sequential number to the printing unit controller 16, and the mail ID printing unit 7 prints the mail ID. (S7).

At the same time, the address image information of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized and the information such as the mail ID printed on the mail 2 are sent to the image storage / distribution device 12 by the control unit 11.

At each of the coding desks 13 to 15,
The operator looks at the address image information sent from the image storage / distribution device 12, and inputs the division information by key.

The input sorting information is returned to the control unit 11 via the image storage and distribution device 12 together with the mail ID, or is temporarily stored in the image storage and distribution device 12.

After step 7, the mail ID / code reading unit 8 reads the mail ID (S8), and the mail 2 with the mail ID is collected in the pocket of the sorting stacking unit 10 dedicated to no sorting information. And exit.

Next, when the operator completes the key input of the address information, the postal matter 2 which has not been recognized and accumulated is supplied again to the supply / extraction unit 3 and is taken out from the supply / extraction unit 3 one by one. Then, through steps 5 and 6, the code of the sorting information is printed in step 3 and the code is read by the mail ID / code reading unit 8 as in step 4 and stored in the sorting and collecting unit 10 corresponding to this code. Integrated in the area.

The postal matter 2 is stored in the sorting / stacking section 10.
Is sent to a predetermined accumulation area. Since the sorting and collection of the mail 2 is completed, the mail 2 can be taken out and sent to a process for shipping or delivery.

At the same time, the address image information of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized and the information such as the mail ID printed on the mail 2 are sent to the image storage / distribution device 12 by the control unit 11.

At each of the coding desks 13 to 15,
The operator looks at the address image information sent from the image storage / distribution device 12, and inputs the division information by key.

The input sorting information is returned to the control unit 11 via the image storage and distribution device 12 together with the mail ID, or is temporarily stored in the image storage and distribution device 12.

Next, at the stage where the operator completes the key input of the address information, the postal matter 2 which could not be recognized and accumulated is supplied again to the supply / extraction unit 3 and is taken out from the supply / extraction unit 3 one by one. Then, through steps 5 and 6, the code of the sorting information is printed in step 3 and the code is read by the mail ID / code reading unit 8 as in step 4 and stored in the sorting and collecting unit 10 corresponding to this code. Integrated in the area.

The postal matter 2 is stored in the sorting / stacking section 10.
Is sent to a predetermined accumulation area. Since the sorting and collection of the mail 2 is completed, the mail 2 can be taken out and sent to a process for shipping or delivery.

In the case described above, since a certain possession time is required from when the mail ID / code reading unit 8 reads the information to the control unit 11 obtains the classification information corresponding to the mail ID, the mail ID / code The arrangement of the reading unit 8 and the code printing unit 6 requires a transport distance corresponding to the processing time. However, since the postal matter 2 is carried on the transport path 20 for address image information recognition, this time can be effectively used for the mail ID reading time. That is, the transport distance for reading the mail ID is not required, and the apparatus main body 1a can be configured to be small.

Further, it is possible to provide a structure capable of sufficiently coping with the case of the online video coding combined mode. The processing in the online video coding combined mode will be described below.

Mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized
Is sent to the image storage / distribution device 12, and the image storage / distribution device 2 distributes the address image information of the mail 2 whose sorting information could not be recognized to the coding desks 13 to 15 in real time.

At each of the coding desks 13 to 15,
The operator looks at the address image information sent to the image storage / distribution device 12 and inputs the division information by key.

The input classification information is returned to the control unit 11 via the image storage / distribution device 12. During this time, the mail 2 is being conveyed along the delay conveyance path 21, and the control unit 11 prints a code corresponding to the sorting information on the mail 2 when the mail 2 passes through the code printing unit 6. The code printed on the mail 2 is read and confirmed by the mail ID / code reading unit 8.

If the sorting information cannot be obtained before the mail 2 passes the code printing unit 6 by the control unit 11 (for example, if the sorting information is not entered by the keys at the coding desks 13 to 15). , The control unit 11 sends the mail 2
The mail ID is printed by the mail ID printing unit 7 on the top. The image storage and distribution device 12 stores the address image information of the postal matter 2.

The mail 2 on which the mail ID is printed and read is accumulated separately from the others in the sorting / accumulating section 10. Next, when the operator finishes the key input of the address information and the like, the mail 2 is again collected. It is supplied to the supply / extraction unit 3 and taken out one by one from the supply / extraction unit 3. The mail I D on postal matter 2 is read by the pre-mail ID · code reading unit 5,
When the read mail ID is sent to the control unit 11 (or by inquiring the image storage / distribution device 12 to obtain classification information corresponding to the mail ID), the code printing unit 6 prints the corresponding code under the control of the control unit 11. I do. The code printed on the mail 2 is read and confirmed by the mail ID / code reading unit 8. Then, the postal matter 2 is sent to the sorting / stacking unit 10 and collected. The sorted mail pieces 2 are taken out and sent to a process for shipping and delivery.

According to the present embodiment, a single set of devices is sufficient for making the transport state of the postal matter accurate and for monitoring and feeding back the transport state, which can be easily handled.

Further, inspection and cleaning can be performed easily and efficiently.

Also, a mail ID and a code (address code)
Not only is reading possible in one unit,
Cleaning and inspection of each unit can be performed efficiently.

Further, in the code printing section 6 and the mail ID printing section 7, each printing head for the mail ID and the address code can be controlled by one printing section controller 16 shown in FIG.

Further, it is possible to provide a configuration and a structure which can be made sufficiently compact, and which can be sufficiently opposed even in the online video coding combined mode.

[0076]

According to the present invention described above, the following effects can be obtained.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, regardless of the simple and compact configuration to which the sorting information is added in advance or the one inputted by the video coding means, the postal matter can be accurately determined by the sorting and collecting means. classification equipment and partitioning method can be integrated in the integrated region can be provided.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the delay transport path is provided between the pre-confirmation means and the printing means, it is possible to effectively utilize the transport path at the time of inputting the sorting information by the video coding means. it is possible to provide a classification equipment as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a sorting apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing mail items sorted by the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a configuration example of the apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing another example of the configuration example of the apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing an arrangement of a code printing unit and a mail ID printing unit of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a moving state during maintenance of a code printing unit and a mail ID printing unit of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of processing of the apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a conventional sorting device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a mail and an ink jet printer of a conventional sorting apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a mail and an ink jet printer of a conventional sorting apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a schematic layout diagram showing an arrangement of an inkjet printer of a conventional sorting apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an encoder attached to a conventional sorting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sorting apparatus 2 Mail 3 Supply / extraction unit 4 Scanning unit 5 Pre-mail ID / code reading unit 6 Code printing unit 7 Mail ID printing unit 8 Mail ID / code reading unit 9 Address confirmation unit 10 Sorting / stacking unit 11 Control unit 12 Image Storage and distribution device 13 Coding desk 20 Transport path 21 Delayed transport path

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sorting apparatus for sorting mails into sorting and stacking means, comprising: reading means for reading sorting information including the address, address, and postal code of the mail; and image storage and distribution for storing and distributing image information of the mail. Means, a video coding means for inputting applicable classification information for mails having no classification information including an address, an address, and a zip code by referring to image information of the mail; management information of the mail on the mail; A pre-confirmation means for checking whether postal code or address code information necessary for shipping and delivery is attached; and a classification information read by the reading means or a classification information inputted by the video coding means. Management information corresponding to this classification information on mail, necessary for shipping and delivery
A printing unit that prints code information of a postal code or an address, a delay transport path provided between the prefix checking unit and the printing unit, and the code information is attached by the prefix checking unit.
Management information DOO postal matter is confirmed, performs print stop control of the printing means based on the code information, the mail
Into a predetermined accumulation area of the sorting / accumulating means.
Control, while the code information is
The management information and code information of the postal matter determined not to be attached are printed by the printing means, and the postal matter is controlled so as to be sorted into a predetermined stacking area of the sorting and stacking means. A sorting device, comprising: a control unit. 2. A sorting method for sorting mails into sorting and stacking means, comprising: a reading step of reading sorting information including an address, an address, and a zip code of the mail; and an image storing and distributing step of storing and distributing image information of the mail. A video coding step of inputting applicable classification information for a mail having no classification information including an address, an address, and a zip code by referring to image information of the mail; management information of the mail on the mail; A pre-confirmation step of checking whether postal code or address code information necessary for shipping and delivery is attached, and the classification information read in the reading step or the classification information input in the video coding step. management information corresponding to the classification information on the postal matter, and a printing step for printing the code information of postal numbers and addresses required for shipping and delivery, before Oh the code information is given by the pre-confirmation step
Management information mailpiece Rukoto is confirmed, performs print stop control of the printing step on the basis of code information, those
The mail is sorted into a predetermined stacking area of the sorting and stacking means.
On the other hand, while the pre-
It is assumed that the management information and code information of the postal matter determined not to have the code information attached are printed in the printing step.
Moni, classification method characterized by a control step of controlling so as to partition the postal matter in a predetermined accumulation area of the sorting and stacking unit.