JP3867970B2 - Article sorting method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sorting method and apparatus for incoming goods of different types mixed loading.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The number of varieties handled by the home center (HC) is 200,000 varieties. Therefore, a pass-through delivery inspection center (TC) is provided between a plurality of suppliers and a plurality of retail stores. In TC, goods delivered to each supplier are sorted and packaged by store / category (product classification taking into account store display) as the final recipient, and over and under inspection of transactions and settlement data are edited. . Furthermore, in TC, the over / deficiency editing information for each product type is decided for each store and each category.
[0003]
The condition to bring in the TC from the supplier is the total number of single items delivered for all the stores that make up the HC for each same product type. However, depending on the HC store size, number of stores, and headquarters management policy, There is a big difference. Therefore, the following delivery methods (1) and (2) are generally adopted as the current delivery form.
[0004]
(1) Round up to a single case unit and place an order. At TC, after inspecting items in case units, they are sorted according to each store.
[0005]
(2) For small items such as cosmetics, stationery, and screw tools, rounding up in units of cases will lead to over-the-counter inventory and display space shortage. To do.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the small item of item (2) above is brought into the TC, the delivery package is a large box with the total number of single items for each different product mixed together and mixed in a different product mixed load form. Etc. In TC, this product is visually separated into single varieties, sorted into plastic containers (plastic computers), and these plastic computers are carried into the sorting and transportation line so that they follow the sorting batch plan (use plan) created by the computer. Will do. There was no other way to do this than (a) peace sorter type and (b) manual sorting by looking at the sorting order list by store. However, there are the following problems.
[0007]
(1) Since the total number of single-type products for a plurality of different-type products are mixed and mixed with each other, there are many similar products and it is easy to make a single product mistake.
[0008]
(2) Different category items such as kitchen items, car items, pet items, etc. may be bundled like a sponge, which saves time and effort in making a single product.
[0009]
(3) When small items are separated after transporting a single product, the number of each product such as 1 to 5 is small, the transport efficiency of the sorting transport line is significantly deteriorated, and the entire TC is operated. Efficiency is lowered.
[0010]
(4) When creating a sorting batch plan with a computer, prepare a complicated usage plan such as branch destination shoot allocation, branch destination capacity calculation, collection box number calculation, target product specification, target product and non-target product distinction, etc. There is a need.
[0011]
(5) The execution of the sorting batch plan is based on the premise that the articles are “existing” (assumed) and basically delivered correctly as planned. For this reason, it is necessary to input an incoming inspection at the time of arrival, and if there is no confirmation that the target varieties are available, the sorter or the like waits for or searches for the baggage, resulting in a loss time. Sorting of sorter items is also necessary.
[0012]
{Circle around (6)} The goods that have been branched to the sorting destination correctly cannot be obtained simply by sequentially carrying the articles to the sorting destination determined by the sorting transport line. Further, even if the total amount of the conveyed goods can be grasped, the result data and the missing part data for each sorting destination cannot be obtained.
[0013]
The object of the present invention is to sort incoming goods with different types of loaded goods quickly from one end to the destination without mistakes, improve transport efficiency, output result data, and easily record inspections, regardless of the usage plan. It is to be able to leave.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is an article sorting method for sorting articles that are received in a mixed form of different varieties mixed with different varieties of goods according to a plurality of recipients, and a sorting unit having a varieties input terminal and a sorting slot for each recipient. And using the control computer that controls the sorting unit according to the order information to each recipient, the process of inputting the product type information of the received goods taken out from the different product mixed loading form to the product type input terminal, and the control computer, Compares the type information of the current product received at the product input terminal with the order information, and assigns a sorting window corresponding to the destination of the current product within the range of the current product, Display the assigned quantity in each of the assigned sorting fronts.And a step of putting those current articles into the sorting frontage assigned by the control computerA step of generating inspection data including arrival quantity data of each type of article based on the assigned quantity after the completion of the introduction of the current article to the sorting front;It is made to have.
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article sorting method for sorting an article received in a mixed form of different varieties in which different varieties are loaded, according to a plurality of recipients, and a sorting unit having a sort input terminal and a sorting front for each recipient. And using the control computer that controls the sorting unit according to the order information to each recipient, the process of inputting the product type information of the received goods taken out from the different product mixed loading form to the product type input terminal, and the control computer, The process of assigning a sorting window corresponding to the addressee of the current item within the range of the current item, and a sorting window allocated by the control computer, comparing the type information of the received item input to the type input terminal with the order information And a process for putting these current articles into the sorting unit, and using a sorting transport line separately from the sorting unit. Inbound goods that are carried into the sorting transport line using a control terminal that controls the sorting transport line and the sorting zone in accordance with the order information for each recipient. The process of inputting the product type information to the product type input terminal, and the control computer compares the product type information of the packaged goods input to the product type input terminal with the order information, and indicates the sorting window of the sorting zone corresponding to the destination of the article. And a step of carrying a packaged item into a sorting zone instructed by the control computer in a single-packed state and putting the article into a sorting slot instructed by the control computer in the sorting zone. The control computer assigns each product type based on the sorting end signal to the sorting unit and each sorting front of the sorting zone. Is the sum that to carry out the recording of the sorting performance of Te.
[0015]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2In the invention of the present invention, the product input information of the received product of the same product type is input to the product input terminal together with the product information of the received product, and the control computer inputs the received product of the received product input to the product input terminal. Distribute to each sorting slot corresponding to multiple recipients of the current item, and display each distributed quantity at each corresponding sorting slot.May.
[0017]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2In the invention, the sorting unit further includes an excluded product input opening, and among the received current items, the current article that should not be input to the sorting opening is input as an excluded product into the excluded product input front, and the product input terminal Enter the occurrence of the excluded productMay.
[0018]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2Further, in the invention of the present invention, when the product type information of the received product is input to the product input terminal, the received product is based on an exclusion condition that the control computer should consider as an excluded product that should not be input into the sorting frontage. To display the presence or absence ofMay.
[0019]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2According to the present invention, the control computer issues a label to be affixed to the storage box in response to a full input of the article input storage box set in each sorting front of the sorting unit.May.
[0020]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2According to the present invention, the control computer records the content confirmation data of the product type and the number of articles in each storage box by the full input of the storage boxes for goods input set in each sorting front of the sorting unit, and the stored storage Edit and record the number of boxes, and send data to the destination computer for the contents confirmation data of each storage box.May.
[0021]
  Also, Claim 1Or 2Further, in the invention, the control computer records a sorting result for each type of article based on a sorting end signal to each sorting front of the sorting unit.May.
[0023]
  Claim3The invention of claim1An article sorting apparatus used for carrying out the sorting method described above, comprising a product type input terminal, a sorting unit having a sorting front for each recipient, and a control computer for controlling the sorting unit according to order information for each recipient. It has been made to become.
  The invention of claim 4 further uses a sorting transport line separately from the sorting unit, and the sorting transport line includes a product type input terminal, a sorting zone having a sorting front for each destination, and order information to each destination. And a control computer for controlling the sorting transport line and the sorting zone according to claim 2.
[0024]
[Action]
  Claim 1,3According to the invention, the following effects (1) to (5) are obtained.
(1) When the product type information of the received goods picked up from the mixed product appearance of different types is input to the product type input terminal, the sorting unit of the sorting unit corresponding to the delivery destination of the actual product is immediately assigned, so that the sorting work can be performed quickly and without mistakes. . For example, there are (a) a frontage assignment from the recipient that includes the received product in the order contents to one end, and (b) a frontage assignment preferentially from a recipient that can satisfy the order with only the received product.
[0025]
(2) The operator can self-check and guarantee whether there is a sorting error in the part of the actual input. The control computer is safe because it records and outputs the amount and time of sorting work.
[0026]
(3) Since the incoming goods can be taken out from the mixed loading form of different varieties and immediately sorted with the hand holding the current goods, it is not necessary to make a single product at the entrance of the sorting conveyance line or on the way. Eliminates the sorting transport line and shortens transport time. Although small articles are easily damaged and lost, they are not placed on a long conveyance line, so there is no risk of damage or loss.
[0027]
(4) There is no need to create a sorting batch plan, and use plans such as branch destination shoot allocation, branch destination capacity calculation, shipping box number calculation, target product specification, and distinction between target and non-target products are not required.
[0028]
(5) It is not a condition for starting sorting that all the items to be sorted are received, but sorting can be started immediately from the received goods.
[0029]
  In addition, the product quantity information of the received product of the same product type is input to the product input terminal together with the product information of the received product, and the control computer inputs the received product quantity of the received product input to the product input terminal of the current product. If you distribute to each sorting front corresponding to multiple recipients and each distribution quantity is displayed on each corresponding sorting front,There exists the effect | action of following (6).
(6) At the time of entering the product information of the current goods received, the received quantity is also input, and the received quantity is distributed to each sorting slot as the recipient, and this distributed quantity is displayed at each corresponding sorting slot. A plurality of current articles taken out from the mixed load form are put into their sorting frontage. For each item of the ordered varieties, the total number of orders is not always delivered. For example, when one box (20 pieces) is delivered in the morning and the remaining six pieces are delivered from the afternoon, Alternatively, 6 may not come that day, and in the sorting batch plan preceding system, the varieties of order types are allocated first, so time is lost to wait for 6 or time is lost for cancellation processing. However, in the present invention, since the quantity of the received actual goods is input, and only the actual quantity corresponding to the quantity is allocated and sorted, the above-described loss time does not occur. For example, (a) a certain rule is determined in advance and automatically selected by a computer, and (b) a person is selected when the physical quantity alone does not satisfy the order quantity of all recipients. . In addition, upon completion of loading a plurality of picked-up current items into all sorting doors, the operator immediately confirms that there is no sorting work mistake by confirming that there are no remaining items at hand (zero check). Can self-check. No need to inspect the total number of inbound goods or inbound inspection work.
[0031]
  In addition, the sorting unit has an exclusion product entry front, and among the current received goods, the current product that should not be put into the sorting front is entered as an exclusion product into the exclusion product entry front, and the above-mentioned exclusion product is generated at the product input terminal. If you enterThere exists the effect | action of following (8).
(8) Exclude information other than the set category. Designate and guide different sorting units and different sorting lines, such as issuing labels with data such as category name, category code number, and end. Sorting result data output can be obtained in another sorting line.
[0032]
  In addition, when the product type information of the received product is input to the product input terminal, whether or not the received product is excluded based on an exclusion condition that the control computer should consider as an excluded product that should not be put into the sorting frontage. Is displayed,There exists the effect | action of following (9).
(9) Out-of-stock items that do not have a category code, defective products, items that have expired (expiration date), etc. can be treated as excluded items.
[0033]
  In addition, when the control computer issues a label to be affixed to the storage box in response to a full input of the storage box for inputting articles set in each sorting front of the sorting unit,There is the following effect (10).
(10) A label to be affixed to the storage box is issued in response to a full input of the storage box for inputting articles set in each sorting frontage of the sorting unit, and the label is shipped to the storage box shipped from each frontage. Can be affixed as
[0034]
  In addition, when the control computer fills in the input storage boxes set at each sorting front of the sorting unit, it records the data for determining the type of goods and the number of items in each storage box, and records the number of storage boxes shipped. When data is sent to the destination computer for editing / recording and contents confirmation data of each storage boxThere is the following effect (11).
(11) Recording of the content confirmation data of the product type and the number of articles in each storage box, editing of the number of shipped storage boxes by inputting the fullness of the storage boxes for inputting articles set in each sorting front of the sorting unit Data can be sent to the destination computer (the computer at each store or at the integrated headquarters at each store) for recording and content confirmation data of each storage box.
[0035]
  In addition, when the control computer records the sorting results for each type of goods based on the sorting end signal to each sorting front of the sorting unit,There exists the effect | action of following (12).
(12) In-stock items of each unit received, such as units received by the sorting unit, units received by the same supplier, units received in the morning or afternoon, units received in the day, units received in the day Based on a signal (sorting end signal) in which the input is sorted by the sorting unit and the shipment is completed, the sorting record of each type of article is recorded. That is, the inspection function for collating the total number of total sorting by the sorting unit and matching the ordering data is performed by an editing program in the control computer and outputs an inspection result report. In addition to determining the normal physical delivery quantity based on commercial transactions, the report also reports on abnormal items such as the number of missing items, the number of surpluses, non-ordered items, items excluded from contamination / damage, and items excluded from expiration. It can be edited and created by the control computer, and can be trusted and used as original data for goods delivery settlement.
[0036]
  Claim2, 4According to the invention, the following effect (13) is obtained.
(13) The case unit delivery is routed to the sorting process using a separate sorting and transportation line, and the bulk and fractional products are shared by the separate sorting unit, enabling parallel division of labor, improving the sorting processing capacity of TC, and sorting and transporting. Line conveyance efficiency can also be improved. Data matching is edited with a common control computer. The sorting / conveying line side enables parallel division of division sorting units regardless of the setting of specific sorting standards (standard by store, standard by category, standard by delivery course).
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution center sorting device, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution center control system, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting zone, and FIG. 4 is an example in which a store-specific standard is adopted for the sorting zone. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of adopting a store-specific criterion for the sorting zone, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of adopting a product classification criterion for the sorting zone, and FIG. 7 is a delivery to the sorting zone. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the sorting unit, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the sorting processing flow of the sorting unit, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sorting device. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sorting unit.
[0038]
(Logistics center 1) (Figs. 1-9)
A distribution center (passage center) 1 in FIG. 1 is provided between a plurality of suppliers and a plurality of retail stores, and has a sorting device 1A. The sorting apparatus 1A mainly receives a sorting conveyance line 10 that sorts inbound goods for case unit delivery to a destination, and receives roses, half-ends, and fractions of inbound goods that are received in a mixed-load form with a roll box or the like. And a sorting unit 100 for sorting. In the present embodiment, the “destination” refers to the store display area (category) of each store.
[0039]
(Sorting conveyance line 10) (FIGS. 1 to 7)
The sorting and conveying line 10 includes an upper inflow cargo line 20, a primary sorting and conveying line 30, and a secondary sorting and conveying line 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sorting / conveying line 10 is controlled by the distribution computer 11 and the control computer 12. The logistics computer 11 has a product master such as a supplier code, a store code, a product code, a category (a product classification considering the store display) code, and store order data. The control computer 12 determines the conveyors 30A and 40A of the primary sorting line 30 and the secondary sorting and conveying line 40 according to the possessed data of the logistics computer 11 and the receiving data obtained from the receiving terminal 13 (product type input terminal) of the upper inflow loading line 20. It controls the conveyance control unit 14 to be controlled and the sorting frontage display control unit 15 of the secondary sorting line 40.
[0040]
In the following description of the sorting transport line 10 (the same applies to the sorting unit 100), the arrival terminal 13 of the upper inflow cargo line 20, the barcode reader 31 of the primary sorting line 30, and the barcode reader 41 of the secondary sorting line 40 are described. In the above description, the code data indicating the supplier name, the product type name, the category name, and the like attached to each case is transferred to the control computer 12. However, only the product type code (JAN code) of the product is always printed and attached to each case. The supplier name code can be known by the control computer 12 by inputting the supplier name described in the delivery slip, invoice or tag attached to each case to the control computer 12 from the arrival terminal 13. . The category name code is stored in the product master of the logistics computer 11. (A) In the case of 1 product 1 supplier, the product name of the product is simply input to the control computer 12 from the arrival terminal 13 by the supplier. All the ordering data including the category name code is drawn from the logistics computer 11 to the control computer 12, and the control computer 12 can know the category name code of the product type from the contents of the ordering data, (b) In the case of a single product multiple supplier, by inputting the supplier name to the control computer 12 by the receiving terminal 13, all the order data to the supplier are controlled from the logistics computer 11 including the category name code. It is drawn to the computer 12, and the control computer 12 determines the product type name from the contents of the order data. It is possible to know the category name code.
[0041]
(Upstream inflow line 20)
Incoming goods from the supplier are carried in the form of cases packed in a roll box pallet 21 or the like, and these cases are supplied to the conveyor 20A of the upper inflow cargo line 20. At this time, code data indicating a supplier name, a product type name, a category name, etc. attached to each case by an arrival terminal 13 such as a barcode reader installed in the upper inflow cargo line 20, Incoming data such as the number of articles contained is transferred to the control computer 12, and this incoming data is further transferred to the physical distribution computer 11. A mixed case product containing a plurality of types of goods in a single case is unpacked, and incoming data on the content is collected, and these incoming data are sent from the incoming terminal 13 to the control computer 12 and the logistics computer 11. Forwarded to
[0042]
(Primary sorting line 30)
The primary sorting line 30 includes a conveyor 30 </ b> A connected to the conveyor 20 </ b> A of the upper inflow load line 20, and conveys each case carried in from the upper inflow load line 20 to any one of the plurality of secondary sorting lines 40. At this time, the bar code reader (scanner) 31 (product type input terminal) installed in the primary sorting line 30 is used to generate code data indicating the supplier name, product type name, category name, etc. attached to each case. Transfer to the control computer 12. The control computer 12 refers to store order data held by the physical distribution computer 11 and the like, and a secondary sorting line 40 that is a branch destination from the primary sorting line 30 of each case, and a destination of the case in the secondary sorting line 40 The sorting zone 50 and the frontage 52 and 53 are designated.
[0043]
(Secondary sorting line 40)
The secondary sorting line 40 is composed of a plurality of branch lines connected in parallel to the primary sorting line 30, has a plurality of sorting zones 50 assigned to each store, etc., and is carried from the conveyor 30 </ b> A of the primary sorting line 30. Each case is made up of a conveyor 40A that conveys / stops each case in front of each sorting zone 50. A hand cart may be used instead of the conveyor 40A.
[0044]
A bar code reader (scanner) 41 (product type input terminal) is installed at the entrance of each sorting zone 50, and the bar code reader 41 indicates the name of a supplier, product type, category, etc. attached to each case. The code data is transferred to the control computer 12, and the control computer 12 outputs the frontage 52 and 53 in the sorting zone 50 that should be the destination of the case to the sortinghead frontage display control unit 15, or for a case that is not a relevant product The advance conveyance signal to the next sorting zone 50 is output. When the code data of each case that has been read once by the bar code reader 31 installed in the primary sorting line 30 is stored in the control computer 12 and the case is transported in memory, the entrance of each sorting zone 50 The bar code reader 41 installed in can be replaced with a photoelectric switch.
[0045]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to 7, each sorting zone 50 includes a fluidized shelf 51 (or an article shelf or a roll box pallet). There are a large number of entrances such as a rose introduction entrance 52 and a case introduction entrance 53 for introducing a single product storage case in units of cases. A storage box such as a folding container that can receive articles in a single unit is set in the rose throwing opening 52. As shown in FIG. 3, roll boxes (or pallets) 2 are arranged on the rear surface of each sorting zone 50 in units of delivery vehicles to retail stores. These roll boxes 2 are collected on a platform for each delivery vehicle in the assortment site 3.
[0046]
Each sorting zone 50 is provided with an input number indicator 55 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15, and when a case to be sorted into the sorting zone 50 arrives at the sorting zone 50, The required number of case-type articles is turned on and displayed on the input number display 55.
[0047]
In each frontage 52, 53 of each sorting zone 50, a sorting confirmation unit 56 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15 is installed, which is provided with a loading front display lamp, a loading completion button switch, and a full label issuing button switch. ing. The sorting confirmation unit 56 displays and guides the frontage 52 and 53 to which the case-type article should be put in the sorting zone 50 by turning on the loading front indicator lamp, and the operator has finished putting the article into the frontage. When the sorting completion button switch is turned on at that time, the completion of the input is output to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 and the control computer 12. The full label issue button switch outputs a confirmation of the fullness to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 and the control computer 12 when the worker who has visually confirmed that the frontage 52 and 53 are full of the input articles is turned on. .
[0048]
In each sorting zone 50, a labeler 57 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15 is installed. The labeler 57 issues a label (or list) in which the store name assigned to the full frontage 52, 53 is printed out when the full label issue button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on. This label is affixed to the full frontage 52, 53 article or its storage box by the operator.
[0049]
The secondary sorting line 40 includes a surplus product sorting branch line 61, a surplus product return line 62, a take-out indicator 63, and a surplus product labeler 64. Of the cases received from the upper inflow load line 20 to the primary sorting line 30, the case where only a part of the articles is sorted to each secondary sorting line 40 is transferred from the primary sorting line 30 to the surplus product sorting branch line 61. It is brought in. The control computer 12 displays on the take-out display 63 the required take-out quantity from the case and unnecessary excess items being removed. The operator takes out the required quantity of articles and supplies it to the conveyor 40A of the secondary sorting line 40. The surplus product is returned from the surplus product return line 62 to the primary sorting line 30 with a label issued by the surplus product labeler 64.
[0050]
Further, the sorting and conveying line 10 has a payout line 71 connected to the conveying end of the primary sorting line 30. Articles that have not been ordered or that have been delivered in excess of the number of orders are delivered from the delivery line 71.
[0051]
However, the sorting and conveying line 10 includes (1) a sorting zone assignment operation based on sorting criteria and (2) a receipt time limit management operation for incoming goods as follows.
[0052]
(1) Sorting zone assignment operation based on sorting criteria (Figs. 4-7)
The sorting and conveying line 10 has a plurality of types of sorting standards for sorting articles in each sorting zone 50 in advance, and the name of the supplier and the name of the goods that are incidental to the case of each article that is received in the upper inflow loading line 20. The code data (product information) indicating the category name or the like is read by the arrival terminal 13 as described above.
[0053]
The control computer 12 predetermines a plurality of types of sorting criteria for sorting articles into each sorting zone 50. Then, the control computer 12 adopts a specific sorting criterion from among a plurality of types of sorting criteria based on the reading result of the arrival terminal 13, and the sorting zone 50 to be a destination of the case article in accordance with the adopted sorting criteria. And when the case is branched to the secondary sorting line 40, the assigned destination is output to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 as described above, and the input number of the corresponding sorting zone 50 is displayed. The container 55 and the sorting confirmation unit 56 are operated to sort each article.
[0054]
The control computer 12 can determine, for example, two or more types selected from the store-specific criteria, the category-specific criteria, and the delivery course-specific criteria as the plurality of types of sorting criteria.
[0055]
(Example 1 of store-specific standards) (Fig. 4)
In adopting the standard for each store, one delivery destination store (for example, A store, B store or C store) is assigned to one sorting zone 50, and each category is assigned to each of the frontage 52, 53 of the sorting zone 50. Assign each of the
[0056]
In the example of FIG. 4, each of the three sorting zones 50 is assigned to each of the A store zone, the B store zone, and the C store zone. In the A store zone and the B store zone, the upper three-stage entrances a to i are used as the rose entry entrance 52 for each category a to i, and the lower first entrance j is the upper three entrances a, d, and g. The categories a, d, and g assigned to the case are the case insertion front 53, and the front k is the case input front 53 that summarizes the categories b, e, h assigned to the upper three levels b, e, h. The frontage l is a case insertion frontage 53 in which the categories c, f, and i assigned to the upper three levels c, f, i are collected. In the C store zone, the categories c, f, i are not handled, so there is no allocation window for the categories c, f, i.
[0057]
The case entry opening 53 (for example, j) in FIG. 4 is merged and registered so that the handling categories (for example, a, d, and g) of the plurality of rose entry openings 52 (for example, a, d, and g) are collected. When there are a large number of separated items and a small number of case items, it is efficient to register and use a plurality of categories of cases per case entry slot 53 in this manner.
[0058]
Conversely, when handling case-sorted products as the main, for example, each of the upper three-stage front doors is set as the case input front door 53 assigned to each of the three categories, and the lower first-stage front door is input into the upper three-stage case. It may be registered as a merger as a rose throwing front 52 that allows all three handling categories of the front 53 to be accepted together.
[0059]
In the frontage assignment program executed by the control computer 12, select one of the above merged registrations by selecting the priority assignment for roses when there are many loose handling items and selecting the case priority assignment when receiving many case handling items. it can.
[0060]
For example, in the A store zone of FIG. 4, the insertion front display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the front doors b and k are lit, and the goods of the category b whose destination is the A store are the sorting zones 50 corresponding to the A shop zone. Shows that you have arrived.
[0061]
In FIG. 4, for example, in the store A zone, the rose insertion opening 52 (b) and the case insertion opening 53 (k) are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the insertion opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56. Visually recognizes the size of the category B goods arriving in the A store zone, and selects and determines one of the rose entry front 52 (b) and the case introduction front 53 (k) as an appropriate destination for the size of the goods. To do. After putting the article into one loose entry slot 52 (b) or case insertion slot 53 (k) selected by the operator and then turning on the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56, the two slots 52 and 53 are loaded. The frontage lamp turns off.
[0062]
(Example 2 of store-specific standards) (Fig. 5)
In the example of FIG. 5, each of the two sorting zones 50 is assigned to the A store zone and the B store zone. In each store A and store B zone, one frontage of the sorting zone 50 is a case input and no category frontage 54, and all the other frontage is a rose input front 52 corresponding to each category. Each rose slot 52 can accommodate articles of the corresponding category in units of one removed from the case. The case insertion and no-category entrance 54 can accommodate single-category accommodation cases of each category on a case-by-case basis, and can accommodate articles of each category on a single-unit basis.
[0063]
Note that the no-category front 54 is allocated and used for an article for which no category is registered in the ordering data of the logistics computer 11. Or, when a category is assigned to each frontage in the store-specific zone and the remaining frontage is reduced, the frontage can be changed and used as a no-category frontage 54, which has already been registered in this no-category frontage 54 Multiple category items other than category items can be introduced. When an article is put into the no-category entrance 54, a no-category label is issued by the labeler 57 described above, and this no-category label is affixed to the inputted article, which is useful for display work at the storefront.
[0064]
For example, in the A store zone of FIG. 5, the closing entrance display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the rose introduction entrance 52 and the case introduction and no-category entrance 54 are lit, and the goods in a certain category to which the A store is to be sent. It shows that the vehicle has arrived at the sorting zone 50 as the A store zone.
[0065]
For example, in the store A zone of FIG. 5, the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion and no-category slot 54 are designated at the same time by simultaneously turning on the insertion slot display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56. After visually recognizing the size of the article that has arrived at the store zone, one of the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion / no-category slot 54 is selected and determined as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. After the article is put into one of the rose insertion slots 52 or the case insertion and no category slot 54 selected by the worker, the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, and the insertion slot display lamps of both the openings 52 and 54 are displayed. Goes off.
[0066]
(Example of criteria by category) (Figure 6)
In adopting the category-specific criteria, one category (for example, Class A or Class B) is assigned to one sorting zone 50, and a delivery destination store is assigned to each of the rose slot 52 and case slot 53 of the sort zone 50. (For example, a store, b store, c store, etc.) are allocated.
[0067]
In the example of FIG. 6, each of the two sorting zones 50 is assigned to class A and class B, respectively. In the A-type zone and the B-type zone, the upper and lower two-stage rose entrances 52 and the case entrance 53 are provided for one store.
[0068]
In the A-type zone of FIG. 6, for example, the entrance entrance display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the store entrance entrance 52 and the store entrance entrance 53 of the store b are lit, and the goods of category A that should receive the store b are displayed. It shows that the vehicle has arrived at the sorting zone 50, which is the Class A zone.
[0069]
In FIG. 6A, for example, the A-type zone, the rose slot 52 and the case slot 53 to which goods of category A are allocated to the same b store are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the slot front lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56. The worker visually recognizes the size of the article that has arrived in the A-type zone, and then selects and determines one of the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion slot 53 of the b store as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. After the article is put into one of the rose insertion slots 52 or the case insertion slot 53 selected by the operator at the store b, if the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, the loading slot display lamps of both the slots 52 and 53 are displayed. Is turned off, and if necessary, for example, each of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the store entrance front 52 and the case entrance front 53 of the store c assigned next as the next destination of the category A goods arriving in the category A zone. The input port indicator lamp is turned on.
[0070]
(Example of delivery course criteria) (Figure 7)
In adopting the standard for each delivery course, one delivery course (for example, A course) is assigned to one sorting zone 50, and each delivery destination store (for example, each of the rose opening fronts 52 adjacent to the shelves in the sorting zone 50) is assigned. a to h) are assigned to their delivery order (for example, the top row is arranged in the horizontal order, and then the horizontal row order in the lower row is set as the delivery order (or the reverse delivery order)).
[0071]
In the example of FIG. 7, the sorting zone 50 is assigned to the A course zone (course number display section 58).
[0072]
In the example of FIG. 7, a preload case input port i and a post load case input port k are assigned to the case input port 53, and each delivery destination store is assigned to each front port of the case input port 53 in the order of their delivery. . A roll box pallet that can accommodate heavy and large items is arranged in the case insertion opening 53.
[0073]
In the A course zone in FIG. 7, for example, the entrance entrance display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the rose entry entrance 52 of the store a and the case entry entrance 53 of the pre-loading case entry entrance i are lit. This indicates that an article of a category to be assumed has arrived at the sorting zone 50 which is the A course zone.
[0074]
For example, in the A course zone of FIG. 7, the rose insertion opening 52 and the case insertion opening 53 allocated to the A store of the A course are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the insertion opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56, The worker visually recognizes the size of the article that has arrived at the A course zone, and selects and determines one of the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion slot 53 as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. When the article is inserted into one of the rose insertion slots 52 or the case insertion slot 53 selected by the operator for the store a and then the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, the loading slot display lamps of both the slots 52 and 53 are displayed. Is turned off and, if necessary, for example, the rose entry slot 52 of the f store and the pre-loading case entry slot i (or later) assigned next in the A course as the next destination of the goods arriving in the A course zone. The insertion opening display lamps of the respective sorting confirmation units 56 of the stacking case insertion opening k) are turned on.
[0075]
(Switching settings for each sorting standard)
The control computer 12 switches and sets the above-described sorting criteria applied to each sorting zone 50 according to the arrival status of the incoming goods to the upper inflow cargo line 20 (whether it is mainly a bulk product or a case product). That is, the control computer 12 adopts one sorting standard (for example, a store-specific standard) for the articles received in the upper inflow cargo line 20, and sorts the goods according to the sorting standard in the sorting zone 50 to which the sorting standard is applied. After completion, other sorting criteria (for example, category-specific criteria) are adopted for the articles that are received after the upper inflow cargo line 20, and sorting according to the sorting criteria is applied in the sorting zone 50 to which the sorting criteria are applied. To do.
[0076]
Therefore, the sorting transport line 10 has the following effects by adopting the sorting zone assigning operation based on the sorting criteria described above.
[0077]
{Circle around (1)} By reading the product information of the goods that arrive at the upper inflow cargo line 20, the status of the goods arrival is grasped. Then, by assigning the sorting zone 50 that should be the delivery destination of the article and the frontage 52 and 53 according to the sorting standard that can be adapted to the arrival status, the usage mode of the plurality of sorting zones 50 can be changed as appropriate, and sorting and transportation can be performed. The productivity of the line 10 can be improved. The selection of the sorting criteria according to the arrival status and the setting change of the usage mode of the sorting zone 50 are not limited to those by the control computer 12 but may be based on human judgment.
[0078]
(2) As a sorting standard, two or more appropriately selected from a shop standard, a category standard, and a delivery course standard can be determined.
[0079]
a. When the store-specific standards are adopted, it is convenient that the goods can be subdivided into categories when goods in many categories are concentrated and delivered from many suppliers.
[0080]
b. Adopting categorical criteria is effective when the number of categories of suppliers is small and you want to reduce the number of workers. If the delivery is only one category, the sorting for 20 stores can be promoted in one sorting zone 50 in which one worker is in charge. If 5 stores are allocated to one sorting zone, the number of used sorting zones becomes four, and the used sorting zones can be adjusted according to the work load and working time, the workers in each sorting zone 50 can be leveled, and the sorting speed Can be faster. When sorting by only one category, there is virtually no category (no category), and a distribution center that does not require sorting of categories can allocate many stores.
[0081]
c. When the delivery course standard is adopted, the frontage assigned to each store is set to be arranged in the order of delivery (or the reverse order of delivery), and the sorted articles or their storage boxes taken out from each frontage are arranged in the order of frontage. Stacking improves delivery workability.
[0082]
(3) After completing the sorting in accordance with one sorting standard for the goods received in the upper inflow cargo line 20, other sorting standards are adopted for the other goods received after the upper inflow cargo line 20. By sorting them, the usage mode of each sorting zone 50 can be appropriately changed according to the change in the arrival status accompanying the change of the delivery time zone of the distribution center 1.
[0083]
(2) Receipt deadline management operation
Since the sorting and conveying line 10 performs acceptance deadline management for incoming goods, an acceptance deadline rule for each article is set in the commodity master of the logistics computer 11 and can be transferred to the control computer 12. The acceptance deadline rule is based on expiration date information such as the expiration date, the expiration date, or the expiration date from the date of manufacture of each article, and the acceptable acceptance date (n The date of the previous day or the date when, for example, 1/8 of the maximum effective period has elapsed from the date of manufacture.
[0084]
The arrival terminal 13 of the upper inflow cargo line 20 reads the expiration date information attached to each article. The arrival terminal 13 is for each case of a single type of goods received in a case packing state, and for each case of a mixed case product containing a plurality of types of goods in a single case Each time, the arrival data such as the product type name of the product is read by a barcode reader or the like as described above, and the expiration date information such as the expiration date printed on each case or content article is visually checked by the operator. Input to the handy terminal (mobile terminal) and read. These reading results of the arrival terminal 13 are transferred to the control computer 12 and the distribution computer 11.
[0085]
The control computer 12 calculates the acceptance deadline of the article from the expiration date information that is the reading result of the arrival terminal 13 based on the acceptance deadline rule, and the article received within the acceptance deadline is determined in advance by the store order data of the article. In addition to sorting into the sorting zone 50 and the frontage 52, 53 corresponding to the delivery destination (delivery destination store), the primary sorting line 30 and the secondary sorting line 40 are set as follows so that articles received outside the acceptance deadline are returned. Control.
[0086]
(1) When code data such as the product name of each case product collected by the bar code reader 31 of the primary sorting line 30 is transferred to the control computer 12, the control computer 12 sets the above-mentioned acceptance deadline for the case article. Perform (a) or (b) below based on the calculation results.
[0087]
(a) For an article whose date of receipt into the upper inflow cargo line 20 is within the acceptance deadline, the control computer 12 refers to the store order data held by the logistics computer 11 in accordance with the sorting operation described above, and The secondary sorting line 40 that is a branch destination from the primary sorting line 30, the sorting zone 50 that is the destination of the case in the secondary sorting line 40, and the frontage 52 and 53 are designated, and the frontage 52 and 53 are designated. Sorting.
[0088]
(b) For articles whose acceptance date to the upper inflow cargo line 20 is outside the acceptance deadline, the control computer 12 sends a secondary sorting line 40 to be branched from the primary sorting line 30 of the case, In the next sorting line 40, the sorting zone 50 that is the destination of the case and the return slot 80 are designated, and sorting into the return slot 80 is performed.
[0089]
At this time, the control computer 12 removes the assigned frontage 52, 53 as the destination for the goods within the acceptance deadline (a) according to the above-mentioned sorting criteria among the frontage of the plurality of sorting zones 50. Is assigned as the return opening 80. Then, the control computer 12 may use one sorting zone 50 as a return-only zone and use all frontage as the return frontage 80, or use a part of one sorting zone 50 or only one frontage as the return frontage 80. May be. When the control computer 12 uses a plurality of frontage as the return frontage 80, the control computer 12 may specify each frontage 80 for each supplier.
[0090]
(2) The fact that an article that has not been received by the arrival time has arrived at the entrance of the sorting zone 50 designated for the article from the primary sorting line 30 through the secondary sorting line 40 is that the barcode reader 41 of the sorting zone 50 This is determined by transferring code data such as the product name of the product attached to the article case to the control computer 12. As a result, the control computer 12 outputs the return frontage 80 in the sorting zone 50 to which the goods outside the acceptance deadline are received to the sorting frontage display control unit 15.
[0091]
{Circle around (3)} The sorting frontage display control unit 15 lights up and displays on the input number display 55 of the sorting zone 50 that the article case has arrived at the sorting zone 50 that is the delivery destination of the goods that have not received the acceptance deadline. Then, the control unit 12 operates the sorting confirmation unit 56 of the return door 80 specified in advance as the input destination of the goods outside the acceptance deadline, and the return door 80 is turned on by turning on the loading front display lamp of the sorting confirmation unit 56. When the operator turns on the sorting completion button switch when the worker completes the insertion of the article into the frontage 80, the completion of the input is output to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 and the control computer 12. To do.
[0092]
The sorting confirmation unit 56 is also provided with a return label issue button switch. When the operator turns on this switch, the sorting frontage display control unit 15 operates the labeler 57 to display the return information label of the article whose receipt is past due. Issue. This return information label is affixed to an article put into the return opening 80 or its storage box. On the return information label, “supplier name, supplier code, acceptance deadline and date of receipt, reason for return, etc.” are printed.
[0093]
Note that the above-mentioned return information label may be issued in conjunction with the labeler 57 when the input completion button switch (sorting completion button switch) of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, or the full label issuing of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is issued. A button switch may also be used as a return label issuing button switch.
[0094]
In addition, a roll box (or pallet) 2 is arranged on the back side of the return slot 80 in the sorting zone 50 in units of suppliers, etc., and it is possible to collect and return goods that have been received by the return slot 80 after the acceptance deadline. To do.
[0095]
(4) The logistics computer 11 records the return result data sorted by each supplier on the basis of the return results (1) to (3) described above by the control computer 12, and returns the printed data. Can be issued. In addition, the distribution computer 11 can transmit return result data to the retail business headquarters or to a supplier.
[0096]
In the sorting conveyance line 10, when the return opening 80 of the sorting zone 50 is not prepared as a return destination of the goods that are not accepted, a payout line 71 (return line) may be used as the return destination. At this time, when the case article from which the code data such as the product type name of the product is collected by the barcode reader 31 of the primary sorting line 30 is an article outside the acceptance deadline, the control computer 12 directly sends the article from the primary sorting line 30. The payout line 71 pays out. A bar code reader 72, a payout display 73, and a labeler 74 are installed in the payout line 71, and the bar code reader 72 outputs code data such as the product name of the goods that arrived at the payout line 71 to the control computer 12. Then, the payout display 73 lights up and displays the arrival of the article on the payout line 71, and the labeler 74 issues a return information label for affixing to the goods that have arrived at the payout line 71 and have not yet been received. The operator attaches the return information label to the corresponding article, and returns it.
[0097]
According to this embodiment, there are the following operations.
{Circle around (1)} In the process of sorting the received goods, the expiration date information attached to each article is read, and the acceptance deadline management for each article is performed based on the read result. Therefore, the acceptance deadline management for all the received articles can be easily performed in a short time with light work without impairing the operation of the distribution center.
[0098]
(2) By managing acceptance deadlines for all incoming goods, it is possible to perform complete acceptance deadline management and improve consumer confidence in the retail business.
[0099]
{Circle around (3)} Items that have not been accepted by the acceptance deadline can be collected in the return slot 80 specified in the sorting zone 50 to improve the return workability to the supplier.
[0100]
(4) The return workability to the supplier can be further improved by specifying the return opening 80 of (3) above for each supplier.
[0101]
{Circle around (5)} Dispensing items that have not yet been accepted to the delivery line 71 (return line) allows the items to be returned to be collected in one place with a simple equipment configuration, and the return workability to the supplier can be improved.
[0102]
(6) By attaching a return information label to an item that has not yet been accepted, it is possible to improve return workability to the supplier.
[0103]
(7) By issuing a list of returned items, the return results can be recorded accurately. In addition, by sending a return list to the retail business headquarters and sending a return list to the supplier, it is possible to rationally correct payment information from the retailer to the supplier and achieve high accuracy in quality control. .
[0104]
(Sorting unit 100) (FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9)
In the sorting apparatus 1A, the sorting unit 100 is juxtaposed to the upper inflow load line 20 of the sorting transport line 10 described above, and is supplied from the supplier to the above-described roll box pallet 21 or the like and belongs to the same category (for example, cosmetics or stationery). Handles in-stock items that are carried in mixed-types of different varieties.
[0105]
In the sorting apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, one category is assigned to one sorting unit 100, and each destination store (for example, a store, b store, c store, etc.) is assigned to each frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100. . In the example of FIG. 1, the sorting apparatus 1 </ b> A has two sorting units 100. One sorting unit 100 is assigned a cosmetic category, and the other sorting unit 100 is assigned a stationery category.
[0106]
The sorting unit 100 is controlled by the distribution computer 11 and the control computer 12 as shown in FIG. Each sorting unit 100 is provided with a bar code reader (scanner) 121 (product type input terminal) of the terminal 120. The bar code reader 121 is supplied with the name of the supplier, the product type, and the category name attached to each current product. Is transmitted to the control computer 12, and the control computer 12 outputs the frontage 102 in the sorting unit 100 to be the destination of the article to the terminal 120, or an excluded article signal for an article that is not a relevant article. Is output.
[0107]
As shown in FIG. 8, each sorting unit 100 includes a fluidized shelf 101 (or an article shelf or a roll box pallet), and the current item taken out from the mixed load form of the different types of the roll box pallet 21 is input. It has a number of front doors 102 for each store. The frontage 102 is set with a storage box such as a folding container that can receive articles in units of one. As shown in FIG. 1, a roll box (or pallet) 2 is arranged on the rear surface of each sorting unit 100 for each delivery vehicle to a retail store. These roll boxes 2 are collected on a platform for each delivery vehicle in the assortment site 3.
[0108]
An insertion number indicator 122 controlled by the terminal 120 is installed at each frontage 102 of each sorting unit 100, and the required number of articles to be sorted into the frontage 102 is lit on the input number display 122.
[0109]
In each frontage 102 of each sorting unit 100, a sorting confirmation unit 123, which is controlled by the terminal 120, is provided, which is provided with a loading front indication lamp, a loading completion button switch, and a full label issuing button switch. The sorting confirmation unit 123 displays and guides the frontage 102 in which the current article is to be put in the sorting unit 100 by turning on the loading front indicator lamp, and when the worker has finished putting the current article into the frontage. When the sorting completion button switch is turned on, the completion of the input is output to the terminal 120 and the control computer 12. When a worker who has visually confirmed that the storage box set in the front door 102 is filled with input articles is turned on, the full label issue button switch confirms the fullness to the terminal 120 and the control computer 12. Output.
[0110]
Each sorting unit 100 is provided with a labeler 124 controlled by the terminal 120. The labeler 124 issues a label (or list) in which the store name assigned to the full front door 102 is printed out when the full label issue button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 123 is turned on. This label is affixed to the article in the full frontage 102 or its storage box by the operator.
[0111]
Note that the sorting unit 100 is a roll box (or pallet) for loading an excluded item when the current item input to the barcode reader 121 is an excluded item that should not be loaded into each frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100. Etc., and an excluded product input opening 130 made up of etc. is additionally provided. Exclusion conditions that should be considered as excluded items include items in other categories, items with no category code, damaged items, items that have expired (expiration date), etc. As the excluded product input opening 130, the remaining frontage not assigned as the destination store frontage 102 among the flow shelves 101 of the sorting unit 100 can also be used.
[0112]
Further, the sorting unit 100 is a roll box (or pallet) for storing an incoming current item having a case packing shape among the incoming actual items that are mixedly loaded in the roll box pallet 21 carried into the sorting unit 100. ) Etc. can be provided as an incidental. Reference numeral 125 in FIG. 8 denotes an insertion opening indicator corresponding to the case product insertion opening 103. A label printed with a store name or the like issued by the labeler 124 is affixed to the case article put into the case article insertion opening 103 by the operator. In this case, only the loose articles in the roll box pallet 21 are put into the opening 102 of the fluidized shelf 101. However, since the sorting apparatus 1 </ b> A of the present embodiment has the sorting transport line 10, such case articles may be flowed to the sorting transport line 10.
[0113]
The sorting operation using the sorting unit 100 is performed as follows.
(1) A roll box pallet 21 in which different kinds of incoming goods are mixedly loaded is carried into the sorting unit 100. The roll box pallet 21 in the cosmetic category is carried into one sorting unit 100, and the roll box pallet 21 in the stationery category is carried into the other sorting unit 100.
[0114]
(2) The operator picks up multiple items of the same product type from the mixed loading form of the roll box pallet 21 and indicates the name of the supplier, product type, category, etc. incidental to the product. The code data (product information) and the quantity of the current article taken out are input to the barcode reader 121.
[0115]
(3) The control computer 12 compares the merchandise information of the received current item input to the bar code reader 121 with the order information, instructs the sorting window 102 corresponding to the destination of the current item, and confirms the sorting of this package 102 The unit 123 opening lamp is turned on.
[0116]
(4) In the above (3), the control computer 12 distributes the arrival quantity of the incoming goods input to the barcode reader 121 to each of the sorting fronts 102 corresponding to a plurality of recipients of the current goods, The distribution quantity is displayed on the input number display 122 of the corresponding sorting frontage 102. The distribution standard of these actual articles by the control computer 12 is determined by priority distribution to a priority store or an average distribution to all destination stores.
[0117]
(5) The worker sets the above-mentioned take-out article in the front door 102 to be put in according to the display of the input number indicator 122 of each frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100 and the display of the input frontage display lamp of the sorting confirmation unit 123. When it is put into a certain storage box and the loading into the frontage 102 is completed, the sorting completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 123 is turned on.
[0118]
(6) When the worker visually recognizes that the storage box of a certain frontage 102 among the frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100 is filled with the input articles, the operator turns on the full label issue button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 123 ( Fill up). Thus, when the labeler 124 issues a label (or list) on which the store name or the like assigned to the full frontage 102 is printed, the worker attaches the label to the article in the full frontage 102 or its storage box. The storage box to which the label is attached is shipped from the frontage 102, stored in the roll box 2 and collected in the assortment place 3 in units of delivery vehicles to the retail store. In addition, the control computer 12 records the content confirmation data of the type and number of articles for each storage box, edits / records the number of shipped storage boxes, and the destination computer of the content determination data of each storage box by the full input. Send data to.
[0119]
(7) When the sorting operation from the roll box pallet 21 to each frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100 is completed, the worker inputs a sorting end signal to the terminal 120. Based on this sort end signal, the control computer 12 records the sort results for the different types of mixed articles on the roll box pallet 21 and lists the inspection settlement data by the sort unit 100 (operation time record table for delivery of each supplier) , Issue a quality assurance record table etc. including the number of delivered items of each supplier and the number of sorting results (number of storage boxes etc.) to each destination store corresponding to this.
[0120]
When the control computer 12 recognizes that the entire sorting operation of the sorting apparatus 1A has been completed by the input of the sorting end signal of the sorting transport line 10 and the sorting unit 100 by the operator, the sorting of the sorting apparatus 1A as a whole is performed. The results are also recorded, and a list of inspection settlement data by the sorting conveyance line 10 and the sorting unit 100 is also issued.
[0121]
In the above item (2), the worker who has recognized the received product as a defective product inputs a defective signal of the received product from the terminal 120 to the control computer 12, or based on the product type input of the barcode reader 121. When the control computer 12 determines that the item is a predetermined excluded item that should not be put into the frontage 102, the control computer 12 displays the exclusion of the received item on the terminal 120. The worker inserts the excluded product into the excluded product insertion opening 130, and transmits the occurrence of the excluded product and the completion of the exclusion process to the control computer 12 using the terminal 120 or the barcode reader 121.
[0122]
According to this embodiment, there are the following operations.
(1) When the product type information of the received current product taken out from the different product mixed load form is input to the barcode reader 121, the sorting front door 102 of the sorting unit 100 corresponding to the destination of the current product is immediately assigned, and it is quick without mistakes. Sorting work is possible. For example, the sorting frontage 102 may be assigned (a) a frontage assignment from the destination including the received varieties to the end of the order, or (b) a frontage assignment preferentially from a destination that can satisfy the order with only the received varieties.
[0123]
(2) The operator can self-check and guarantee whether there is a sorting error in the part of the actual input. The control computer 12 is safe because it records and outputs the work amount and work time of the sorting work.
[0124]
(3) Since the incoming goods can be taken out from the mixed-loading form of different varieties and immediately sorted by the hand holding the current goods, it is not necessary to make a single product at the entrance of the sorting conveyance line 10 or on the way. The sorting conveyance line 10 can be eliminated, and the conveyance time can be shortened. Although small articles are easily damaged and lost, they are not placed on a long conveyance line, so there is no risk of damage or loss.
[0125]
(4) There is no need to create a sorting batch plan, and use plans such as branch destination shoot allocation, branch destination capacity calculation, shipping box number calculation, target product specification, and distinction between target and non-target products are not required.
[0126]
(5) It is not a condition for starting sorting that all the items to be sorted are received, but sorting can be started immediately from the received goods.
[0127]
(6) At the time of inputting the type information of the current received goods, the received quantity is also input, and the received quantity is distributed to each sorting window 102 as the recipient, and this distributed quantity is displayed in each corresponding sorting window 102. A plurality of current articles taken out from the mixed load form of different varieties are put into their sorting frontage 102. For each item of the order type, the total number of orders is not always delivered. For example, when one box (20 pieces) is delivered in the morning and the remaining six pieces are delivered from the afternoon, Alternatively, 6 may not come that day, and in the sorting batch plan preceding system, the varieties of order types will be allocated first, so time is lost to wait for 6 or time is lost for cancellation processing. However, in the present invention, since the quantity of the received actual goods is input, and only the actual quantity corresponding to the quantity is allocated and sorted, the above-described loss time does not occur. For example, (a) a certain rule is determined in advance and automatically selected by a computer, and (b) if the physical quantity alone does not satisfy the order quantity of all recipients, a person may select it. is there. In addition, when the plurality of picked-up current items are put into all the sorting doors 102, it is confirmed that there are no remaining items at hand of the worker (zero check). You can self-check immediately. No need to inspect the total number of inbound goods or inbound inspection work.
[0128]
(7) Exclude information other than the set category. A different sort unit 100 or another sort line is designated and guided, for example, a label with data such as a category name, a category code number, and an end is issued. Sorting result data output can be obtained in another sorting line.
[0129]
(8) Out-of-stock items that do not have a category code, defective items, items that have passed the expiration date (expiration date), etc. can be treated as excluded items.
[0130]
(9) A label to be affixed to the storage box is issued in response to the full input of the storage box for inputting articles set in each sorting frontage 102 of the sorting unit 100, and the label is attached to the storage box shipped from each frontage 102 Can be attached as a shipping label.
[0131]
(10) Recording of the content confirmation data of the product type and the number of articles in each storage box by the full input of the storage boxes for input of articles set in the sorting entrances 102 of the sorting unit 100, and the number of storage boxes shipped Data can be sent to the destination computer (computer of each store or the integrated headquarters of each store) for editing / recording and contents confirmation data of each storage box.
[0132]
(11) For each incoming unit, such as the incoming unit for each packing form received in the sorting unit 100, the incoming unit for the same supplier, the incoming unit for incoming goods in the morning or afternoon, the incoming unit for incoming goods for the day, etc. Based on a signal (sorting end signal) in which the actual input is sorted by the sorting unit 100 and the shipment is completed, sorting results for each type of article are recorded. That is, the inspection function for collating the total number of total sorting by the sorting unit 100 and the ordering data is executed by an editing program in the control computer 12 and outputs an inspection result report. In addition to determining the normal physical delivery quantity based on commercial transactions, the report also reports on abnormal items such as the number of missing items, the number of surpluses, non-ordered items, items excluded from contamination / damage, and items excluded from expiration. The control computer 12 can edit and create it and use it as the original data for the goods delivery settlement.
[0133]
(12) The case unit delivery is routed to the sorting process by another sorting and transportation line 10 and the bulk and fractional products are shared by the separate sorting unit 100, enabling parallel division of labor and improving the sorting processing capacity of TC. The conveyance efficiency of the sorting conveyance line 10 can also be improved. Data matching is edited by a common control computer 12. The sorting / conveying line 10 side enables the parallel sorting of the separation / sorting unit 100 regardless of the setting of specific sorting standards (store standard, category standard, delivery course standard).
[0136]
(Logistics center 300) (Fig. 10)
A distribution center (stock picking type center DC) 300 in FIG. 10 is used for, for example, a stationery mail order, and is provided between a plurality of suppliers and a plurality of retail stores in the same manner as the distribution center 1, and includes a sorting device 300A. Have.
[0137]
The sorting apparatus 300 </ b> A includes an Oricon transport line 310 and a sorting unit 320.
[0138]
The Oricon conveying line 310 extends from the Oricon assembling apparatus 311 to the platform for each delivery vehicle of the assortment site 3, and conveys the Oricon 301 assembled by the Oricon assembling apparatus 311.
[0139]
The Oricon transport line 310 carries the Oricon 301 allocated for each destination store into the large-volume / large-item picking zone 312, and supplies the articles to be delivered to each destination from each picking slot of the fluidized shelf constituting the large-volume / large-item picking zone 312. It is inserted into the Oricon 301 corresponding to the destination.
[0140]
A small-item high-variety picking zone 313 is arranged on the branch line 310A of the Oricon transport line 310, and the small-item high-variety picking zone 313 includes a sorting unit 320. The Oricon transport line 310 is provided with barcode readers 331 and 332 at the branching part and the joining part with the branching line 310A, respectively, and the barcode reader 331 reads the Oricon 301 to be branched from the Oricon transporting line 310 to the branching line 310A. The barcode reader 332 confirms the Oricon 301 that has returned from the branch line 310 </ b> A to the Oricon conveyance line 310. The sorting unit 320 is configured in the same manner as the sorting unit 100 described above, and handles incoming goods of different types mixed loading accommodated in a roll box pallet 21 storing goods taken out from the small-item multi-product picking zone 313 or a cart. .
[0141]
When the control computer 12 receives the order information of the small and high-variety goods, the printer arranged in the small and high-variety picking zone 313 uses a small-and-high-variety picking list (specifying the classification and arrangement order of the goods in the small and high-variety picking zone 313). The operator performs picking work from the small-item multi-product picking zone 313 to each frontage 321 of the sorting unit 320 according to the list. When the picking amount is large, a list is issued for each store, and when the quantity or variety is small, a list including a plurality of stores is issued. Batch picking may be performed in which collection for a plurality of stores is collectively performed according to the classification and arrangement of articles in the zone 313.
[0142]
In the sorting unit 320, as in the sorting unit 100, the operator sorts the received goods taken out from the roll box pallet 21 or the carriage into the frontage 321 corresponding to a plurality of destinations. Reference numeral 333 denotes a bar code reader that reads the type of the article in order to display the front door of the packaged goods. Articles sorted into each frontage 321 of the sorting unit 320 are put into a bag in accordance with the input completion display of the frontage 321. The goods for each destination, which are put in a bag at each frontage 321 of the sorting unit 320, are transferred from the rear surface of the sorting unit 320 to the Oricon 301 displayed for the article on the branch line 310A. The Oricon 301 on the branch line 310 </ b> A joins the Oricon transport line 310 again and is collected on the platform for each delivery vehicle in the assortment site 3.
[0143]
(Sorting unit 400) (FIG. 11)
A cart type sorting unit 400 in FIG. 11 is a modification of the fixed type sorting unit 100 in FIG. 8.
[0144]
As with the sorting unit 100, the sorting unit 400 also uses articles of different types mixed loading that are received and received in the roll box pallet 21 or the like.
[0145]
Similar to the sorting unit 100, the sorting unit 400 has a front door 402 made up of a large number of containers and the like arranged on the carriage 401 for each destination store, and is a wireless transmission / reception terminal 420 wirelessly connected to the control computer 12. Bar code reader (scanner) 421, input number indicator 422 for each frontage 402, sorting confirmation unit 423 for each frontage 402 (input frontage display lamp, input completion button switch, full label issuing button switch), and labeler 424.
[0146]
Similar to the sorting unit 100, the sorting unit 400 includes an article shelf 430 provided with excluded product input fronts 430A, 430B,. The sorting unit 400 also includes a barcode reader (scanner) 425 for inputting the shelf numbers of the excluded product input fronts 430A, 430B,.
[0147]
As with the sorting unit 100, each frontage 402 of the sorting unit 400 is housed in a roll box or the like and collected at the assortment site 3 in units of delivery vehicles to the retail store.
[0148]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in-stock goods of different types mixedly loaded can be quickly sorted without mistakes from one end to the destination without any mistakes, transport efficiency is improved, result data is output, and inspection is performed. Records can be easily left.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting apparatus in a distribution center.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a distribution center.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting zone.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a store-specific standard is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example in which a store-specific criterion is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a product classification criterion is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a delivery course standard is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting unit.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sorting process flow of the sorting unit.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sorting apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the sorting unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1A Sorting device
10 Sorting line
12 Control computer
41 Bar code reader (type input terminal)
50 sorting zones
52 Frontage
100, 400 sorting unit
102, 402 frontage
121, 421 Barcode reader (type input terminal)
130, 430A, 430B Excluded product entry front

Claims (4)

In the method of sorting the goods that are sorted in different destinations, the goods that are received in the mixed load form of different kinds of goods mixed with different kinds of goods,
While using a product type input terminal and a sorting unit with a sorting front for each recipient,
Using a control computer that controls the sorting unit according to the order information to each recipient,
A process of inputting the product type information of the current received goods taken out from the different product mixed load form to the product type input terminal;
Control computer, compared varieties information in stock physical goods that is input to the type input terminal in the order information, assign a sorting frontage corresponding to the addressee of the physical product in the range of the actual product, the allocated sorting frontage a step of Ru display the allocated quantity to each,
Putting those current articles into the sorting frontage assigned by the control computer ;
A step of generating inspection data including arrival quantity data of each type of article based on the assigned quantity after the completion of the introduction of the current article to the sorting front;
A method for sorting articles, comprising: In the method of sorting the goods that are sorted in different destinations, the goods that are received in the mixed load form of different kinds of goods mixed with different kinds of goods,
While using a product type input terminal and a sorting unit with a sorting front for each recipient,
Using a control computer that controls the sorting unit according to the order information to each recipient,
A process of inputting the product type information of the current received goods taken out from the different product mixed load form to the product type input terminal;
A step in which the control computer compares the type information of the received current item input to the type input terminal with the order information, and assigns a sorting window corresponding to the destination of the current item within the range of the current item;
Ri Na and a step to introduce their actual products to sorting frontage assigned by the control computer,
Separately from the sorting unit, using a sorting transport line,
The sorting line is
While using a product type input terminal and a sorting zone with a sorting front for each recipient,
In accordance with the order information to each recipient, using a control computer that controls the sorting transport line and sorting zone,
A process of inputting the product type information of the inbound goods brought into the sorting transport line into the product input terminal;
A step in which the control computer compares the type information of the packaged goods input to the type input terminal with the order information, and indicates a sorting front of the sorting zone corresponding to the destination of the article;
Carrying a packaged item into a sorting zone instructed by the control computer in a single-package form, and placing the article in a sorting front instructed by the control computer in the sorting zone,
An article sorting method, wherein the control computer records a total sorting result for each type of article based on a sorting end signal to each sorting front of the sorting unit and the sorting zone . An article sorting apparatus used for carrying out the sorting method according to claim 1 ,
A product input terminal, a sorting unit with a sorting front for each recipient,
An article sorting apparatus having a control computer for controlling a sorting unit according to order information to each destination. An article sorting apparatus used for carrying out the sorting method according to claim 2 ,
A product input terminal, a sorting unit with a sorting front for each recipient,
According to the order information to each destination, it has a control computer that controls the sorting unit ,
Separately from the sorting unit, using a sorting transport line,
The sorting line is
A product type input terminal, a sorting zone with a sorting front for each recipient,
An article sorting apparatus having a control computer for controlling a sorting and conveying line and a sorting zone in accordance with order information to each destination .

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