JP5034724B2 - Sorting method of goods - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an article sorting method, and more particularly to inspection of sorted articles.

There are the following methods as conventional methods for sorting articles.
In the product storage area, the worker picks the ordered product based on the order list of the sorting destination (for example, store) (list consisting of the ordered product name and quantity) and prepares the packaging box prepared for each store. Stuff. At this time, or after packing in the packing box, the operator scans (reads) the barcode of the commodity one by one (one piece) with the barcode reader. In this way, the inspection is executed by scanning the barcode of the product with the barcode reader for each piece.

  When scanning is completed, based on the scanning result, for example, in a computer, it is determined how many products are contained in a packing box, and after picking is completed, a label with the content description is issued by a label printer, The person pastes it on the issued packing box. The content description is for making it possible to immediately determine how many items are contained in the box at the delivery destination. Moreover, packing efficiency is good by packing goods into a packaging box by human judgment, and the number of packaging boxes for each delivery destination (sorting destination) can be reduced.

  In order to improve picking efficiency from the storage, it is conceivable to introduce a piece sorter that automatically sorts the products one by one based on the order list while conveying the products, and for each chute to which the sorting destination is assigned. . At this time, it is necessary to attach a content description. At the tip of the chute sorted from the piece sorter, when the product is stored in the packaging box, the barcode of the product is scanned by the barcode reader for each piece. Inspection work is required.

An example of a sorting apparatus that can save the inspection work is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
In this Patent Document 1, in a sorting apparatus, articles to be sorted are checked for information on articles by a scanner, sorted into chutes assigned a delivery destination by a sorter, and sorted articles include a chute number and a series of items. Items that are stored in a storage case (packing box) with an inspection label on which the number (unique number) is readable can be delivered, and the inspection label chute number, a series of numbers, and sorted items It is disclosed that data associated with a list (information on articles in a storage case) is transmitted to a delivery destination, and the delivery destination of the storage case includes a chute number of an inspection label attached to the received storage case, and By reading a series of numbers and collating with the data being sent to the delivery destination, it is possible to confirm the information of the article in the storage case, Articles in paid casing is disclosed to be able to determine immediately whether tailored.
JP 2000-191119 A

  However, in the article sorting method using the above-described piece sorter, since the inspection work of scanning the barcode of the sorted goods one by one with a barcode reader at the tip of the chute is necessary, However, there is a problem that the work efficiency is reduced and the effect of introducing the piece sorter is diminished.

  Further, in the sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when determining whether or not an article in the storage case is in order at the delivery destination, information on the article in the storage case is obtained by reading a chute number and a series of numbers on the inspection label. Although it is possible to confirm, it is necessary to transmit in advance data relating the chute number of the inspection label, the series of numbers, and the sorted list of articles (information on articles in the storage case) to the delivery destination. When there are many delivery destinations and they are unspecified, the transmission of such data becomes complicated, and each delivery destination is provided with means (such as a barcode reader) for reading the inspection label chute number and a series of numbers. There is a problem that it is not practical because it is necessary to prepare means (such as a personal computer) for inputting the read shoot number and a series of numbers and displaying them together with the data.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sorting method that can eliminate the work of inspection, improve the work efficiency, and can confirm the contents of the storage case without any equipment at the sorting destination. It is.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention, for each chute, articles are automatically sorted one by one sorting unit based on the requirements of the sort-destination assigned to the chute, the chute In the sorting method of articles in a sorting facility configured to sequentially store the sorted articles in a box ,
The sorting equipment outputs a stop signal for stopping automatic sorting of articles to each chute, and includes a stop button for stopping automatic sorting of articles to the chute that has output this stop signal, and sorts each chute When the information of the article is accumulated and the stop signal is input, the information of the article sorted into the chute that has output the stop signal is determined.
When an article that cannot be stored in the box is generated when the sorted articles are stored in the box, a code that specifies the chute and a code that specifies the article that cannot be stored are output. is, from the sorting was article information has been determined the chute which is the identified have continued, with the exception of the information of the article to be identified by the code identifying the article, creating a specification of the storage articles in the box Then, the created details are issued.

  According to the above method, when the articles are automatically sorted one by one, and the sorted articles are sequentially stored in the box, the automatic sorting of the articles to the sorting destination is temporarily stopped and the sorted articles are confirmed, and the box When an article that cannot be stored is generated, it is determined that an article other than the article has been stored in the box, and a description of the article stored in the box is issued. In addition, even if the inspection work by the operator is omitted by specifying an article that cannot be stored in the box, the article is automatically sorted by one sorting unit, so that the reliability of the article stored in the box is improved. Sex is maintained.

  In this way, what is stored in the box by automatically sorting the articles for each sorting destination by one sorting unit (the unit of articles when sorting; there is one article, one set, one bundle, etc.). Yes, it is possible to ensure the reliability of how many sorting units are in place, and inspection can be omitted, and only when there is an item that cannot be stored in the box, a code that identifies the item that cannot be stored is output. For example, only the barcode of an article that cannot be stored, for example, is read and output by the scanner, thereby improving the work efficiency of the operator. Further, by issuing the details of the articles stored in the box, the contents of the articles in the box are confirmed without any equipment at the sorting destination.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the information of the article specified by the code for specifying the article is added as information of the article to be automatically sorted next. It is characterized by.

  According to the above method, an article that cannot be stored in a box is stored in the next box, but the information of the article specified by the code specifying the article is added as the information of the article to be sorted next. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring in the information of the article in the box.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sorting equipment is sorted into the box when the sorted articles are stored in the box. When all the articles are stored, a storage end signal including a code for specifying the chute is output. When the storage end signal is input, the chute is first specified by a code for specifying the chute . Then, the details of the articles stored in the box are created based on the information on the sorted articles determined in the specified chute .

  According to the above method, the details of the articles stored in the box are created and issued by the storage end signal. When an article is smoothly stored in a box, a code for identifying the article that cannot be stored is not required. For example, it is not necessary to read the barcode of the article with a scanner. Efficiency is improved.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sorting equipment is stored in the box when storing the sorted articles in the box. When there are few sorted items and there is room in the box, a continuation signal including a code for identifying this chute is output. When the continuation signal is input, the chute is first identified. The chute is specified by a code, and subsequently, the confirmation of the information of the sorted article that is fixed to the specified chute is released.

  According to the above method, the information on the articles of the sorting destination once confirmed (accumulated information on the articles) is canceled by the continuation signal, and the information on the articles to be sorted next is continuously accumulated. The In this way, when there is room in the box, the next sorted item is stored in the box, so that the packing efficiency of the box is improved and the number of boxes transported to the sorting destination can be reduced. It becomes.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the specification of the article is issued, the specification specifying the specification is issued, When a code specifying the details is input, it is determined that the details are attached to the box.

According to the above method, by inputting the code specifying the details, it is determined that the details of the issued article are attached to the box, and it is determined that the storage of the article in the box is finished.
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sorting of the article is resumed when a signal for releasing the sorting stop is input from the chute. To do.

  According to the above method, the sorting that has been stopped when the temporary article is stored in the box is resumed when a signal for canceling the sorting stop is input.

  According to the sorting method of the present invention, the articles are automatically sorted by sorting unit for each sorting destination, thereby ensuring the reliability of what the articles are stored in the box and how many the sorting units are. Even if an article that cannot be stored in the box is generated, it is determined that an article other than this article has been stored in the box. Part of the inspection work taken from the goods in the box can be eliminated, the work efficiency of the worker can be improved, and the details of the goods stored in the box are issued, so that there is no equipment at the sorting destination And the content of the item in the box can be confirmed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a sorting facility for executing a sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a plurality of article input units that input articles 3 ordered from a store (an example of a sorting destination) to a transport path 2 including a belt conveyor device (an example of a sorting destination request), and 4 denotes a transport Cutting out the articles 3 connected to the end (downstream end) of the path 2 and cut out the articles 3 transported by the transport path 2 by one sorting unit (the unit of articles when sorting; there are one article, one set, one bundle, etc.) A device 5 is a belt-driven carrier type automatic sorting device (piece sorter) that conveys the articles 3 cut out by the cutting device 4 one by one and sorts them into the side chute 6. Hereinafter, the article 3 is assumed to be an article of one sorting unit, and the plurality of articles 3 is assumed to be an article of a plurality of sorting units.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each article input unit 1 is provided with an input path 7 for an article 3, an operator P is disposed at the end of the input path 7, and the operator P enters the transport path 2. A (handy type) bar code reader 8 and a display panel 9 are provided for reading a bar code (an example of a code for identifying an article and an example of article information) of the article 3 to be inserted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a bar code reader 10 that reads the bar code of the article 3 to be cut out is provided at the end portion of the cutting device 4.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the automatic sorting device 5 travels in the A direction in a connected state, and conveys the articles 3 in the left and right directions with respect to the traveling A direction. Are provided on the upper surface, and by driving the belt conveyor device 11 on the carrier 12, the article 3 is configured to be delivered to the chute 6 opened leftward and rightward with respect to the A direction. Yes. Each carrier 12 is assigned a unique number (an example of information for identifying a carrier).

  A plurality of the shoots 6 is provided so as to satisfy the number of stores to which the articles 3 are sorted in one batch, and a unique number (an example of information for specifying a shoot) is attached. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each chute 6 is provided with a display 14, and at the end, a stop / release operation button 15 for inputting sorting stop and sorting stop cancellation of the article 3 is arranged. An operator P who performs a packing operation of storing and packing the article 3 in the article storage container (packing box for storing the article 3) 23 is arranged. A wireless handy terminal (with a barcode reader) 17 is distributed to each worker P, and each worker P carries this wireless handy terminal 17. In addition, for each chute 6, a stationary label printer 19 is provided that issues a label 18 that is attached to the article storage container 23 and printed with a content description and a barcode specific to the label.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each indicator 14 has a sorting batch number, a store code assigned to the chute 6 (an example of information for specifying a sorting destination), and the article 3 in the chute 6 to be sorted from now on. The remaining number and the remaining number of articles 3 by hand (details will be described later), and the size and number of boxes of the article storage container 23 that stores the sorted articles 3 are displayed.

A transmitter / receiver 21 that wirelessly transmits / receives data to / from the wireless handy terminal 17 is provided above the automatic sorting device 5 (for example, the ceiling).
In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the worker P manually picks (by hand) an article that is not suitable for automatic sorting for each sorting unit by the automatic sorting device 5 (hereinafter referred to as a deformed product) by store. 26 is provided.

  In the hand sorting area 26, the worker P picks up a deformed product (article 3) from a picking shelf in which deformed products of a plurality of items (types) are stored on the basis of a primary handed goods list and a secondary handed goods list described later. Pick and collect by store. Similarly, a wireless handy terminal (with a barcode reader) 17 is distributed to the workers in the handing area 26, and each worker P carries the wireless handy terminal 17. A similar label printer 19 is provided, and a transmitter / receiver 21 is provided for wirelessly transmitting / receiving data to / from the wireless handy terminal 17 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows a control configuration diagram of the sorting equipment.
31 is a general controller composed of a computer, 32 is a sorter controller (branch means) composed of a computer that drives the belt conveyor device 11 of the carrier 12 and sorts the articles 3 into the target chute 6, and 33 is connected to the general controller 31 Printer. Each controller will be described.
"Sorter controller 32"
The sorter controller 32 is connected to the barcode reader 10, each carrier 12, and the overall controller 31 provided in the cutting device 4.

  When the sorter controller 32 inputs the barcode of the article 3 cut out from the cutting device 4 from the barcode reader 10, the sorter controller 32 specifies the carrier 12 on which the article 3 cut out at this time is mounted, and for each carrier 12 number, The barcode of the article 3 on the mounted belt conveyor device 11 and the traveling position (moving position) of the carrier 12 are managed.

  The traveling position is obtained as a position from the time when the specific carrier 12 passes through the origin where the article 3 cut out by the cutting device 4 is inserted. For example, after passing through the origin, the number of rotations of the roller supporting the specific carrier 12 is measured by a pulse encoder, and the measured pulse is integrated to determine the travel position of the specific carrier 12 from the origin. Obtain (travel position is represented by the number of pulses). The traveling position of the other carrier 12 is obtained by a distance (a preset number of pulses) from the specific carrier 12. The position of each chute 6 can be expressed by the number of pulses from the origin, and when the number of pulses matches the number of pulses of the carrier 12, it can be determined that the carrier 12 has reached the chute position.

  The sorter controller 32 stores stores assigned to each chute 6, that is, “shoot number—store code” is preset for each chute 6. The shoot store allocation data of “shoot number—store code” is output to the overall controller 31.

  Further, when the sorter controller 32 inputs sorting data (to be described later) consisting of “barcode of article-store code” of each article 3 to be automatically sorted from the general controller 31, this sorter controller 32 stores this and stores it according to the code of the store. The shoot number is obtained, and the position of the shoot 6 (number of pulses from the origin) and the left and right direction where the shoot 6 is arranged are obtained from the obtained shoot number, and this article 3 is mounted by the barcode of the article 3 Find the number of the carrier 12 you have.

  Then, when the traveling position of the carrier 12 and the position of the chute 6 coincide with each other, the sorter controller 32 drives the belt conveyor device 11 in the left direction or the right direction where the chute 6 is arranged, and the chute 6 of the target store. The article 3 is sorted, the shoot number is attached to the barcode of the sorted article 3, the article sorting data is formed and output to the general controller 31, and the barcode of the managed article 3 is erased and sorted. Erase the data.

  Further, when the sorter controller 32 receives a sorting stop signal (described later) including a store code from the general controller 31, the sorter controller 32 obtains a shoot number from the store code and stops sorting the obtained number into the shoot 6. When a sorting stop cancellation signal (described later) including a store code is input, a shoot number is obtained from the store code, and sorting to the obtained shoot 6 is resumed. When the carrier 12 passes the position of the chute 6 determined by the store code, the sorting data is deleted. At this time, the article 3 is conveyed to the end and collected.

When the sorter controller 32 receives a sorting start signal from the overall controller 31, the sorter controller 32 actually starts moving and sorting the carrier 12.
"General controller 31"
The general controller 31 includes a bar code reader 8 and a display panel 9 in the input path 7 of each article input unit 1, a label printer 19 and a transmitter / receiver 21 in the hand sorting area 26, a display 14 in each chute 6, and stop / release. The operation button 15, the label printer 19, the transmitter / receiver 21 above the automatic sorting device 5, the sorter controller 32, and the printer 33 are connected, and a list of stores for sorting and shipping the articles 3 is set in advance. Order data consisting of the item and quantity of the article 3 is input for each batch from each store, and a sorting operation start command is input.

The overall controller 31 includes a store-article data / display control unit 41, a primary sorting control unit 42, a secondary sorting control unit 43, and a manual sorting control unit 44. Each control part 41-44 is demonstrated.
* Store-article data / display control unit 41
In the store-article data / display control unit 41, an article that is automatically sorted for each sorting unit by the automatic sorting device 5 for each article 3 according to an order, or an article that is hand-sorted by an operator (an irregular shape). Is set, and the space (volume) occupied by each article 3 is set. The store-article data / display control unit 41 has the following four functions.

A. Creation of Automatic Sorting List, Sorting Data, and Sorting List The store-item data / display control unit 41 stores order data ordered from each store for each batch, and from each store based on the order data of each store. It is determined whether the ordered article 3 is the article to be automatically sorted or the article to be sorted by hand.

  Then, the store-article data / display control unit 41 obtains the quantity of the articles 3 determined as articles to be automatically sorted for each shop, and uses the automatic sorting device 5 to automatically sort the articles 3 to be automatically sorted (stores). For each piece of the article 3 and “store code-article” for each piece of the article 3. 3 is formed, and this sorted data is output to the sorter controller 32.

  Further, the store-article data / display control unit 41 obtains the total amount of the articles 3 that are determined as articles to be handed (unusual goods) for each shop, and the hand sorting of the articles 3 to be picked (articles 3 that are judged to be hand-sorted). A list (data consisting of “a store code + a barcode of a plurality of articles 3 to be sorted”) for each store is formed and output to the sorting control unit 44.

B. Selection of article storage container 23 The store-article data / display control unit 41 determines the size and number of boxes of the article storage container 23 to be stored by adding the volumes of the articles 3 ordered from each store.

C. Display Control of Display 14 Store-article data / display control unit 41 stores shoot store allocation data output from sorter controller 32, that is, “shoot number—store code” data for each shoot 6. Then, on the indicator 14 of the shoot 6 assigned to each store, the batch number, the code of the store assigned to the shoot 6 and the article 3 for the store are sorted from now on at the start of the batch. Data of the number and the remaining number by sorting, and the determined size and number of boxes of the article storage container 23 are output.

  The remaining number in the chute 6 is initially the total amount of the automatic sorting articles 3 for each store. Based on the article sorting data input from the sorter controller 32, the display of the quantity of the chute number indicator 14 (the remaining number of sorters) Display) is decremented by one and displayed (countdown display).

  Further, the remaining number by hand sorting is the total amount of the goods 3 to be hand-sorted for each store at first, and the hand-sorted data (the bar code of the hand-sorted goods 3 and the store code output from the primary sorting control unit 42) On the basis of (described later), the display of the number of the shoot number display unit 14 (display of the remaining number by hand) is subtracted and displayed (countdown display).

D. Start signal output The store-article data / display control unit 41 outputs a sorting start signal to the sorter controller 32 in accordance with the sorting work start command.
* Manual control unit 44
The operation of the manual control unit 44 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 together with the operation performed by the worker P arranged in the manual area 26.
(Step-a1)
The hand sorting control unit 44 includes a hand sorting list (“store + bar code of a plurality of products 3 to be hand-sorted” for each store) from the store-article data / display control unit 41. When data is entered, it is stored.
(Step-a2)
Next, the sorting control unit 44 adds the quantity ordered for each item (barcode) of each article 3 according to this sorting list to obtain a sorting quantity, and for each article 3 “item item (barcode)”. ) -Sorted quantity ”is formed, a primary hand-sorted article list (list for collecting the articles 3 to be hand-sorted) is created and issued from the printer 33.
(Step-a3)
Subsequently, the hand sorting control unit 44 creates a secondary hand sorting article list composed of items (barcodes) of irregularly shaped articles (article 3) to be hand-sorted for each store (store code) according to the hand sorting list. Issue.
(Step-b1)
The worker P performs primary aggregation picking by picking for each article 3 (atypical product) in the hand sorting area 26 based on the primary hand sorting article list.
(Step-b2)
Subsequently, the worker P prepares an article storage container 23 for each store based on the secondary hand-sorted article list for the article 3 (unusual article) subjected to the primary collective picking, and picks the odd-shaped article.
(Step-b3)
Each time the worker P stores the item in the store-specific article storage container 23, the operator P inputs the store code to the wireless handy terminal 17, and the bar code (article information of the article information) is displayed on the wireless handy terminal 17. One example) is read, and hand-separated data consisting of “store code + bar code of article 3” is transmitted.
(Step-a4, a5)
When the hand sorting control unit 44 receives the hand sorting data consisting of “store code + bar code of the article 3” from the wireless handy terminal 17 via the transmitter / receiver 21, the hand sorting control unit 44 confirms the secondary hand sorting article list and has it been picked correctly? If it is confirmed and confirmed, the data of the “store code + bar code of the article 3” is stored as picked data, and the classified data consisting of the bar code of the article 3 and the store code is stored in the store. -Output to the article data / display control unit 41.
(Step-b4, b5)
Then, when the article storage container 23 is filled with irregular shapes, the operator P inputs a store code to the wireless handy terminal 17 and transmits a full signal including the store code to the wireless handy terminal 17. The article storage container 23 is packed.
(Step-a6)
When the manual control unit 44 inputs a full signal including the store code from the wireless handy terminal 17 via the transceiver 21, the store code is stored in the bar code of the article 3 stored as picked in the store. A label-specific code is attached and output to the label printer 19 in the hand-separated area 26, and a label 18 printed with the store details and the label-specific bar code is issued.
(Step-b6)
In response to the full signal, the worker P affixes the label 18 printed with the details of the store issued by the label printer 19 to the store-specific article storage container 23, and reads the barcode on the label with the wireless handy terminal 17. Send. Further, the packaged article storage container 23 is shipped.
(Step-a7)
When the manual control unit 44 receives the barcode of the label 18 issued from the wireless handy terminal 17 via the transceiver 21, it determines that the label 18 is securely attached to the article storage container 23 and is picked. The bar code of the article 3 is erased.
(Step-b7)
Then, when the picking of the odd-shaped product is completed for each store, the worker P confirms whether there is a space for storing the other articles 3 in the article storage container 23 and whether there is enough time.
(Step-b8)
As a result of confirmation, when there is no space for storing other articles 3 in the store-by-store article storage container 23 (when the filling rate is good), or when there is not enough time, a store code is sent to the wireless handy terminal 17. Is input, a sorting end signal including a store code is transmitted from the wireless handy terminal 17, and the store-specific article storage container 23 is packed.

When the sorting control unit 44 inputs a sorting end signal including the store code from the wireless handy terminal 17 via the transceiver 21, the sorting control unit 44 executes (Step-a6). That is, the store code and the label-specific code are attached to the bar code of the article 3 stored as picked in the store, and output to the label printer 19 in the hand sorting area 26. The label 18 on which the code is printed is issued.
(Step-b9)
The worker P affixes the label 18 on which the details of the store issued by the label printer 19 are printed in response to the sorting end signal to the store-specific article storage container 23, and the label bar code is displayed by the wireless handy terminal 17. Read and send. Further, the packaged article storage container 23 is shipped.

When the bar code of the label 18 issued from the wireless handy terminal 17 through the transmitter / receiver 21 is input, the manual separation control unit 44 executes (Step-a7). That is, it is determined that the label 18 is securely attached to the article storage container 23, and the barcode of the article 3 that has been picked is deleted.
(Step-b10)
When the worker P confirms that the picking of the odd-shaped product is completed for each store, there is a space for storing the other articles 3 in the article storage container 23, and there is a time allowance, the operator P moves to the wireless handy terminal 17. The store code is input, and the wireless handy terminal 17 transmits a continuation signal including the store code.
(Step-a8)
When the manual control unit 44 inputs a continuation signal including a store code from the wireless handy terminal 17 via the transceiver 21, the store code is assigned to the store-article data / display control unit 41 by the store code. The number of the shoot 6 is obtained, and this shoot number is transmitted to the wireless handy terminal 17 that has transmitted the continuation signal via the transceiver 21. Further, the store code is attached to the barcode of the article 3 stored as the picked data of the store, and is output to the secondary sorting control unit 43 as continuous data. The bar code of the article 3 stored as the picked data of the store is associated with the store code.
(Step-b11)
The worker P confirms the chute number received by the wireless handy terminal 17 and conveys the article storage container 23 to the chute 6 of the automatic sorting device 5 to which the store of the article storage container 23 is assigned. Then, the articles 3 sorted by the chute 6 are read into the article storage container 23 by the wireless handy terminal 17 and stored.
* Primary sorting control unit 42
The primary sorting control unit 42 has the following two functions.

A. Creation of article data, issuance of article list The primary sorting control unit 42 receives an automatic sorting list of articles 3 ("store + multiple articles 3 to be automatically sorted" for each store) input from the store-article data / display control unit 41. Data) is stored, and according to the automatic sorting list, the quantity ordered for each item (barcode) of each article 3 is added to obtain a sorting quantity. Item data (barcode) -sort quantity "and an article list (a list for primary sorting for collecting articles 3 to be input to the automatic sorting device 5) is created. And issued from the printer 33.

B. Primary inspection The article 3 collected based on the article list is conveyed to the article input unit 1.
When the barcode of the article 3 is input from the barcode reader 8 of each article input unit 1, the primary sorting control unit 42 inquires about the formed article data and determines whether the article 3 is sorted by the automatic sorting device 5. It is confirmed whether or not the article 3 is to be put into the transport path 2 from the article throwing unit 1, and as a result, throwing permission or not permission is displayed on the display panel 9. That is, when the barcode of the article 3 is input, it is confirmed whether or not the sorting quantity of the article 3 is 0. If it is not 0, the input permission is displayed, and then 1 is subtracted from the sorting quantity. Update the sort quantity. In addition, when the sorting quantity is 0, an unnecessary article 3 is prevented from being thrown in as an entry disapproval.
* Secondary sorting control unit 43
The operation of the secondary sorting control unit 43 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 together with the operation performed by the worker P arranged on each chute 6.
(Step-a1)
The secondary sorting control unit 43 stores the article sorting data that is output from the sorter controller 32 and includes the barcode (article data) of the articles 3 sorted into each chute 6. That is, when the barcode of the article 3 including the number of the chute 6 is input from the sorter controller 32, the barcode of the article 3 sorted into the chute 6 is accumulated. The accumulation of the barcodes of the sorted articles 3 is executed for each chute 6.
(Step-b1)
The worker P confirms the remaining number of the sorter by the display unit 14 while storing the sorted articles 3 in the article storage container 23, and predicts the articles 3 to be sorted from now on.
(Step-b2)
If the operator P determines that it is difficult to store the articles 3 in the article storage container 23 with a high filling rate when the articles 3 are further sorted, the operator P operates the stop / release operation button 15.
(Step-a2)
When the secondary sort control unit 43 inputs a stop operation signal of the stop / release operation button 15 of each chute 6, the secondary sort control unit 43 outputs a sort stop signal including the store code assigned to this chute 6 to the sorter controller 32. The sorting is stopped, and the barcode of the article 3 accumulated in the chute 6 is confirmed.
(Step-b3)
The worker P stores the articles 3 sorted in the article storage container 23. Then, the storage status is any of the following three.

  a. By the time the stop / release operation button 15 is operated against the prediction, a large number of articles 3 are sorted, and articles 3 that cannot be stored in the article storage container 23 are generated, and all the sorted articles 3 cannot be stored, N more than that.

b. The articles 3 are sorted by the time the stop / release operation button 15 is operated as expected, and all the sorted articles 3 can be stored in the article storage container 23, the filling rate is good, and packing is possible.
c. Even if all the sorted articles 3 are stored without sorting the articles 3 before the stop / release operation button 15 is operated against the prediction, there is still a space (room) for storing other articles 3. .

<A. If there are more than N>
(Step-b4)
The worker P inputs a shoot number into the wireless handy terminal 17.
(Step-b5)
The worker P reads the remaining barcode of the article 3 by the wireless handy terminal 17.
(Step-b6)
The worker P transmits data consisting of “shoot number + remaining article 3 barcode” from the wireless handy terminal 17. Further, the article storage container 23 storing the article 3 is packed.
(Step-a3)
When the secondary sorting control unit 43 inputs “shoot number + barcode of the remaining article 3” via the transmitter / receiver 21, the secondary sorting control unit 43 first identifies the store by the shot number, and then accumulates and confirms in the chute 6. The details of the articles 3 stored in the article storage container 23 are created by removing the remaining barcodes of the articles 3 from the sorted barcodes of the articles 3, and the created details are stored as packing results. The article 3 whose barcode is not read by the wireless handy terminal 17 is stored in the article storage container 23 and recognized as packed.
(Step-a4)
The secondary sorting control unit 43 drives the label printer 19 to store the created details, the store code assigned to the chute 6, and the barcode specifying the article storage container 23 (code specifying the label 18). ) Issues a printed label 18.
(Step-a5)
The secondary sorting control unit 43 deletes the remaining bar code of the article 3 from the information of the article 3 accumulated in the chute 6. As a result, the barcode of the article 3 stored in the chute 6 becomes only the barcode of the remaining article 3 and is added to the barcode of the article 3 to be sorted next.
(Step-b7)
The worker P attaches the issued label 18 to the packed article storage container 23, reads the barcode of the label 18 with the wireless handy terminal 17, transmits it, and transports it to the shipping place.
(Step-a6)
When the secondary sorting control unit 43 inputs the “bar code of the label 18” via the transmitter / receiver 21, the secondary sorting control unit 43 determines that the issued label 18 is securely attached (attached), and the created label 18 Delete the data.

<B. When packing is possible>
The worker P executes the above (Step-b4). That is, a shoot number is input to the wireless handy terminal 17.
(Step-b8)
The worker P transmits a storage end signal including a shoot number through the wireless handy terminal 17.
(Step-a7)
When the secondary sorting control unit 43 inputs the storage end signal via the transmitter / receiver 21, the secondary sorting control unit 43 first identifies the store by the chute number, and then stores the bar of the sorted goods 3 accumulated and fixed in the chute 6. The details of the article 3 stored in the article storage container 23 are created by the code, and the created details are stored as packing results. Further, the barcode of the article 3 stored in the chute 6 is deleted.

  The secondary sorting control unit 43 executes the above (Step-a4). That is, the label 18 printed with the details prepared by driving the label printer 19, the store code assigned to the chute 6, and the barcode (code specifying the label 18) specifying the article storage container 23 is printed. Is issued.

  The worker P executes the above (Step-b7). That is, the issued label 18 is affixed to the packed article storage container 23, the barcode of the label 18 is read and transmitted by the wireless handy terminal 17, and is transported to the shipping place.

  Subsequently, the secondary sorting control unit 43 executes the above (Step-a5). That is, when “bar code of label 18” is input via the transmitter / receiver 21, it is determined that the issued label is attached, and the data of the created label 18 is deleted.

<C. If you can afford>
The worker P inputs the shoot number in the above step-b4.
(Step-b9)
The worker P transmits a continuation signal including a shoot number through the wireless handy terminal 17.
(Step-a8)
When the “continuation signal” is input via the transmitter / receiver 21, the secondary sorting control unit 43 does not execute anything, and maintains the information on the sorted articles 3 stored and fixed in the current chute 6. To cancel the confirmation.

Each <a. When N are left>, <b. When packed>, <c. When the series of operations in the case where there is room is completed, the next operation is executed.
(Step-b10)
The operator P operates the stop / release operation button 15 to release it, and outputs a stop release signal.
(Step-a9)
When the stop sorting signal is input, the secondary sorting control unit 43 outputs a sorting stop releasing signal including a store code to the sorter controller 32, and resumes sorting to the chute 6 to which the store is assigned.

“When storing the articles 3 sorted into the chute 6 in the article storage container 23 conveyed from the sorting area 26”
When the secondary sorting control unit 43 inputs the continuation data (“the barcode of the article 3 stored as picked product + the data of the store”) from the sorting control unit 44, the secondary sorting control unit 43 uses the store code of the continuation data. The number of the allocated shoot 6 is obtained and stored as “shoot number + store code + barcode of the article 3 accumulated as picked”.

  The operator P of the chute 6 puts the articles 3 sorted into the chute 6 into the article storage container 23 transported from the hand sorting area 26 in a range in which the articles 3 can be stored in the article storage container 23. Operate the stop / release operation button 15, input the shoot number to the wireless handy terminal 17, then read the barcode of all articles 3 sorted into the shoot 6, and read “shoot number + all sorted into shoot 6” The data consisting of the barcode of the article 3 is transmitted from the wireless handy terminal 17. Further, the article 3 is stored, and the stored article storage container 23 is packed.

  When the secondary sorting control unit 43 inputs “shoot number + barcodes of all articles 3 sorted into the chute 6” via the transceiver 21, the secondary sorting control unit 43 executes (step-a3). When the barcodes of the sorted articles 3 accumulated and determined in the chute 6 match the barcodes of the articles 3 specified by the barcode of the remaining articles 3, that is, all the articles 3 sorted into the chute 6 When the bar code is read, it is determined that the articles 3 sorted into the chute 6 are stored in the article storage container 23 transported from the hand sorting area 26, and the “shoot number + store code + picking” is performed. The barcode of the article 3 accumulated as picked is taken out from the data of “the barcode of the article 3 accumulated as completed”. Then, all the barcodes of the articles 3 sorted into the chute 6 are added, and the details of the articles 3 stored in the article storage container 23 conveyed from the hand sorting area 26 are created, and the created details are stored as packing results. Then, a label 18 is issued.

The operation of the above configuration will be described.
<Hands-off area 26>
The worker P performs primary aggregation picking of the articles 3 based on the primary handed goods list issued by the general controller 31, and then prepares the goods storage containers 23 for each store based on the secondary handed goods list. Each time an irregularly shaped article is stored in the store-specific article storage container 23 and stored, a store code is input to the wireless handy terminal 17, and the barcode of the irregularly shaped article (article 3) is read by the wireless handy terminal 17. The hand-separated data consisting of “store code + bar code of article 3” is transmitted. At this time, the remaining number of hands on the display 14 of the chute 6 to which this store is assigned is reduced by one.

  In addition, when picking of irregularly shaped products is finished for each store, when there is no space for storing other items 3 in the store-specific item storage container 23 and the filling rate is good, or when there is not enough time, or during picking When the store-by-store article storage container 23 becomes full, a store code is input to the wireless handy terminal 17 and a sorting end signal or a full signal is output from the wireless handy terminal 17. As a result, a label 18 on which the details of the store are printed is issued by the label printer 19. This label 18 is attached to the store-specific article storage container 23, and the barcode of the label 18 is scanned by the wireless handy terminal 17. To ship.

  Further, when the picking of the odd-shaped product is finished for each store, there is a space for storing the other articles 3, and there is enough time, the item storage container 23 storing the deformed product is used as a chute assigned to the same store. Transport to 6.

In the chute 6, the barcode of the article 3 sorted into the chute 6 is read, and the article 3 is stored in the article storage container 23 in which the deformed product is stored. Thereby, the filling rate of the article storage containers 23 can be improved, and the number of article storage containers 23 to be transported to the store can be reduced. Further, by reading and storing the bar code of the article 3 sorted into the chute 6, the article 3 stored in the article storage container 23 can be specified, and the label 18 can be issued without fail.
<Article carry-in part 1>
The article carry-in unit 1 executes primary picking of articles 3 to be automatically sorted based on an article list consisting of article data consisting of items (barcodes) -sorted quantities of the respective articles 3 (the primary sorting is executed). The picked article 3 is conveyed.

The worker P reads the barcode of the article 3 that has been conveyed by the barcode reader 8 one by one. Then, the overall controller 31 determines whether or not the sheet is to be loaded into the transport path 2, and “loading permission” or “loading permission” is displayed on the display panel 9. When the entry permission is displayed on the display panel 9, the worker P puts the article 3 into the transport path 2. When the display panel 9 displays that the charging is not permitted, the charging is stopped.
<Cutting device 4>
The cutting device 4 puts the articles 3 conveyed by the conveyance path 2 into the carrier 12 one by one. At this time, the barcode of the article 3 is read by the barcode reader 10, and the barcode of the article 3 and the number of the carrier 12 are associated with each other.
<Automatic sorting device 5>
The stores sorted by the barcode of the article 3 are confirmed, the carrier 12 confirms the position of the chute 6 assigned to the store and the left and right directions, and when the carrier 12 reaches the confirmed chute 6 position, the confirmed left direction or right The belt conveyor device 11 is driven in the direction to sort the articles 3.

Each time the article 3 is sorted, data of “code of article 3 + shoot number” is accumulated in the overall controller 31, and the remaining number of sorters on the display 14 is decreased by one.
Also, when a sorting stop signal including a store code is input from the general controller 31, the sorting to the chute 6 to which this store (code) is assigned is stopped, and when a sorting stop cancellation signal including a store code is input, The sorting to the shoot 6 to which this store (code) is assigned is resumed.
<Each shoot 6>
The worker P predicts the articles 3 to be sorted from now on while storing the sorted articles 3 in the article storage container 23. If it is determined that it is difficult to store the article in the article storage container 23 with a high filling rate, the stop / release operation button 15 is operated. Then, the general controller 31 stops sorting the articles 3 into the chute 6 via the sorter controller 32 and determines the sorted article data (barcode of the article 3) accumulated in the chute 6.

“A. When N are left”
The worker P sorts a large number of articles 3 before operating the stop / release operation button 15 against the expectation, and if an article 3 that cannot be stored in the article storage container 23 is generated, the operator P assigns a shoot number to the wireless handy terminal 17. The bar code of the surplus article 3 is read by the wireless handy terminal 17, and a shoot number is added and transmitted. Then, when the general controller 31 (secondary sorting control unit 43) inputs the transmitted “shoot number + barcode of the remaining article 3” via the transmitter / receiver 21, first, the store is identified by the shoot number, and then The details of the articles 3 stored in the article storage container 23 are prepared by removing the bar codes of the remaining articles 3 from the barcodes of the sorted articles 3 accumulated and fixed in the lever 6 and created. The details are stored as packing results, and the label printer 19 is driven, and the created details, the store code assigned to the chute 6, and the barcode for identifying the article storage container 23 (the label 18 is specified). The label 18 printed with the code is printed. Then, the barcode of the article 3 stored in the chute 6 is deleted by removing the barcode of the remaining article 3. As a result, the information on the article 3 stored in the chute 6 becomes only the bar code of the remaining article 3 and is added to the information on the article 3 to be sorted next.

  The operator P packs the article storage container 23 filled with the articles 3, and when the label 18 is issued by the label printer 19, the issued label 18 is attached to the packed article storage container 23. The barcode of the label 18 is read by the wireless handy terminal 17 and transmitted. Then, when the general controller 31 inputs “the barcode of the label 18” via the transmitter / receiver 21, the overall controller 31 determines that the issued label 18 is securely attached, and deletes the data of the created label 18. The worker P transports the packed article storage container 23 to the shipping place.

“B. When packing is possible”
When the operator P sorts the articles 3 and can store them in the article storage container 23 with a high filling rate by operating the stop / release operation button 15 as expected, the operator P uses the wireless handy terminal 17 to shoot. A sorting end signal including a number is transmitted. Then, when the general controller 31 inputs this sorting end signal via the transmitter / receiver 21, the general controller 31 first identifies the store by the shoot number, and then stores the barcode of the sorted article 3 stored and fixed in the shoot 6. Thus, the details of the article 3 stored in the article storage container 23 are created, the created detail is stored as a packing record, and the barcode of the article 3 accumulated in the chute 6 is deleted. Subsequently, the label 18 on which the label printer 19 is driven to print the above-described details, the store code assigned to the chute 6, and the bar code (code specifying the label 18) specifying the article storage container 23 is printed. Is issued. When the worker P packs the article storage container 23 filled with the article 3 and the label 18 is issued by the label printer 19, the worker P issues the label issued to the packed article storage container 23. 18 is pasted, and the barcode on the label 18 is read by the wireless handy terminal 17 and transmitted. Then, when the general controller 31 inputs the transmitted “bar code of the label 18” via the transceiver 21, it determines that the issued label 18 is securely attached, and deletes the data of the created label 18 To do. The worker P transports the packed article storage container 23 to the shipping place.

“C. When there is room”
The operator P does not sort the articles 3 before operating the stop / release operation button 15 against the prediction. If there is still a space for storing the articles 3 in the article storage container 23, the wireless handy terminal 17 The shoot number is input to the wireless handy terminal 17 and a continuation signal with the shoot number is transmitted. When the general controller 31 inputs the transmitted “continuation signal” via the transmitter / receiver 21, nothing is executed, and the barcode of the sorted article 3 that is accumulated and determined in the current chute 6 is executed. Cancel the confirmation.

  When the series of operations “a. N surplus”, “b. When packed”, and “c. When there is surplus” are completed, the operator P operates the stop / release operation button 15. Release and output a stop release signal. When the overall controller 31 inputs this stop cancellation signal, it outputs a sorting stop cancellation signal including a store code to the sorter controller 32, and resumes sorting to the chute 6 to which this store is assigned.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the automatic sorting device 5 automatically sorts the articles 3 for each store by the sorting unit, thereby improving the reliability as compared with the case where the worker P picks. The labor for inspecting the sorted articles 3 can be saved, work efficiency can be improved, and content details (label 18) can be issued. Further, by reading the barcode of the article 3 that cannot be stored only when the article 3 that cannot be stored in the article storage container 23 is generated, the barcode of the article 3 can be converted to all the articles 3 as in the prior art. A part of the inspection work read from the product can be eliminated, work efficiency can be improved, the product 3 stored in the product storage container 23 can be specified, and the specification of the product 3 without error is described. Label 18 can be issued. Further, by issuing the details (label 18) of the article 3 stored in the article storage container 23, the contents of the article 3 in the article storage container 23 are confirmed without any equipment at the sorting destination (store). Can do. In addition, since the assembling (storage) of the articles 3 into the article storage container 23 is performed based on the judgment of the worker P, the filling rate can be improved and the number of the article storage containers 23 to be transported to the store can be reduced. . In addition, when there is no article 3 that cannot be stored in the article storage container 23 and the article 3 is stored at a high filling rate, the worker P may simply pack and ship it, and the worker P is burdened. There is nothing.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the read article data (barcode) of the article 3 that cannot be stored in the article storage container 23 is added as the article data (barcode) of the article 3 to be sorted next. Thus, it is possible to avoid an error in the specification of the article 3 in the article storage container 23.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the article 3 is stored in the article storage container 23, when there is a margin, the continuation signal is output, and the article 3 that has been sorted is stored, thereby storing the article. The filling rate of the storage container 23 can be improved, and the number of the article storage containers 23 conveyed to the store can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the automatic sorting device 5 is a belt-driven carrier type, but is not limited to such a belt-driven carrier type, and may be a slide shoe type, a carrier tilt type, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the code for identifying the article 3 and the information of the article 3 are a unique barcode attached to the article 3 (or barcode reading data). However, the present invention is not limited to the barcode. It is also possible to use specific English letters and numbers, and the article 3 can be managed with specific English letters and numbers.

  In the present embodiment, the label printer 19 provided for each chute 6 is stationary, but the label printer 19 may be a portable type that can be carried by the worker P.

It is a block diagram of the sorting equipment using the sorting method in embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the article input part of the same sorting equipment. It is a side view of the chute | shoot part of the automatic sorting apparatus of the sorting equipment. It is a control block diagram of the same sorting equipment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the classification | category control part of the general controller of the same sorting equipment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the secondary sorting control part of the general controller of the sorting equipment.

Explanation of symbols

P Worker 1 Article input part 2 Conveyance path 3 Article 4 Cutting device 5 Automatic sorting device 6 Chute 7 Loading path 8, 10 Bar code reader 9 Display panel 11 Belt conveyor device 12 Carrier 14 Display 15 Stop / release operation button 17 Wireless Handy terminal 18 Label 19 Label printer 21 Transmitter / receiver 23 Goods storage container 26 Sorting area 31 General controller 32 Sorter controller 41 Store-goods data / display control unit 42 Primary sorting control unit 43 Secondary sorting control unit 44 Secondary sorting control unit 44

Claims (6)

For each chute, the articles are automatically sorted one by one based on the request of the sorting destination assigned to the chute , and in each chute , the articles in the sorting facility configured to sequentially store the sorted articles in a box. A sorting method,
The sorting equipment outputs a stop signal for stopping automatic sorting of articles to each chute, and includes a stop button for stopping automatic sorting of articles to the chute that has output this stop signal, and sorts each chute When the information of the article is accumulated and the stop signal is input, the information of the article sorted into the chute that has output the stop signal is determined.
When an article that cannot be stored in the box is generated when the sorted articles are stored in the box, a code that specifies the chute and a code that specifies the article that cannot be stored are output. is, from the sorting was article information has been determined the chute which is the identified have continued, with the exception of the information of the article to be identified by the code identifying the article, creating a specification of the storage articles in the box And a method for sorting articles, wherein the created details are issued. 2. The article sorting method according to claim 1, wherein information on an article specified by a code for specifying the article is added as information on an article to be automatically sorted next. The sorting equipment is configured to output a storage end signal including a code for identifying the chute when all the sorted goods are stored in the box when the sorted goods are stored in the box. Configured,
If you enter the storage completion signal, the chute is identified by code first identifying the chute, followed by the information of the sorted articles have been determined in this specified shot has been article housed in the box 3. A method for sorting articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a specification is created. When the sorting equipment stores the sorted articles in the box, if there are few articles sorted in the box and there is room in the box, a continuation signal including a code for identifying this chute is generated. Configured to output,
When the continuation signal is input, the chute is first identified by a code for identifying the chute , and then the confirmation of the information on the sorted articles that has been confirmed by the identified chute is released. The method for sorting articles according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When issuing the details of the article, issue a code specifying this specification,
The method for sorting articles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a code specifying the details is input, it is determined that the details are attached to the box. 6. The article sorting method according to claim 1, wherein the sorting of the article is resumed when a signal for canceling the sorting stop is input from the chute .

Images