JP5359787B2 - Sorting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting apparatus capable of preventing a waiting time from being elongated and enhancing sorting efficiency even if the number of orders of small-lot small production is increased. <P>SOLUTION: A conveying path for conveying an article collection container 21 specified in user is constituted of a main article collection line 22 for tact-feeding the article collection container 21 at each zone, and a sub-article collection line 23 for tact-feeding the article collection container 21 in the order data from each individual user satisfy the condition of small-lot small-production at each zone independently from the main article collection line 22. In each zone, the article sorting is preferentially executed to the article collection container 21 which is tact-fed by the main article collection line 22, sorting is completed, and article sorting is executed to the article collection container 21 tact-fed by the sub article collection line 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

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

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

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

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, two rows of collection lines are operating simultaneously in synchronism, but two rows of collection lines are operating independently, and one of the collection lines is moving in a tact manner, Patent Document 2 discloses an example of a sorting facility that can perform sorting work of other collection lines and can improve the efficiency of sorting work.

  The sorting facility disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a two-stage assorting line in which an upper stage and a lower stage operate independently and can transport a collection container in the assorting area, Each worker removes the product from the tote tray that has been transported in front of him, and the designated product is placed in each of the collection containers on the lower and upper assorting lines juxtaposed around him. Will be sorted according to the specified quantity.

  When the distribution work for one batch in the upper or lower assorting line is completed, the upper or lower assorting line is transported and the container loaded with the products is sent to the shipping area and shipped. . At the same time, an empty container is carried in front of each worker by the conveying operation of the upper or lower assorting line. After that, the upper and lower stages of each assorting line are transported and moved alternately at the end of each batch of distribution work, so that empty containers are supplied as needed. Do work.

  In this way, each worker first performs assorting of one assorting line, but a worker who has finished work earlier can continue to perform assorting of the other assorting line. While one assorting line is carrying, the other assorting line can be sorted, so that the sorting operation can be made more efficient.

JP 2002-356209 A JP 2006-036407 A

  Recently, individual and daily delivery services have increased, and along with this, orders for small orders and small quantities with small quantities and small quantities are increasing. Such collection containers corresponding to orders for small quantities and small quantities flow through the same line in all zones, for example, despite only one sorting operation. If there are many collection containers corresponding to orders (collection containers without sorting work are concentrated), the waiting time without any sorting work increases in this zone. Conventionally, since collection containers corresponding to orders of small varieties and small quantities are mixed in each line, such an increase in waiting time cannot be avoided, resulting in a decrease in sorting efficiency.

  Therefore, the present invention has an object of providing a sorting facility that can prevent an increase in waiting time and improve sorting efficiency even when orders for small quantities and small quantities increase.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention has a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, and executes a sorting operation for each predetermined number of compartment storage spaces. Each sorting container is provided with a sorting shelf in which a zone is set, has a transport path for transporting a plurality of sorting containers along the sorting shelf, and is transported by the transport path according to the article request information of the sorting destination And a sorting facility for sorting articles between each sorting storage space of the sorting shelf,
The first sorting line that transports the plurality of sorting containers and the first sorting line, the characteristics of the item request information of each sorting destination, or the items that are sorted. According to the characteristics, the sorting container selected as having good work efficiency of the worker is composed of a second sorting line that is transported separately from the sorting container that is transported to the first sorting line. The sorting of the article is executed with priority on the sorting container transported by the first sorting line, and is transported by the second sorting line when the sorting of the article in the first sorting line is completed. In addition, the sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container.

  According to the above-described configuration, the sorting of articles is preferentially performed in each zone with respect to the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line. Therefore, the progress of the sorting operation of the articles in the sorting container of the first sorting line is fast. On the other hand, for the sorting container transported by the second sorting line, the waiting time until the sorting of the first sorting line is finished and unloaded from the zone, or during the transport from the zone is executed. This eliminates the waiting time of the worker and improves the work efficiency. However, since the sorting work for the sorting container of the first sorting line is given priority and the opportunity for sorting the articles into the sorting container of the second sorting line is reduced, the sorting work of the articles into the sorting container of the second sorting line is reduced. Progress may be slow. Therefore, as the sorting container to be transported on the second sorting line, a sorting container having a high work efficiency of the operator is selected according to the characteristics of the article request information of each sorting destination or the characteristics of the article to be sorted. It is separated from the sorting container transported to the sorting line.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the property of the item request information of the sorting destination is the item request information that satisfies the condition that the item to be sorted is a small quantity and a small quantity, the article requested low mix in the information minor conditions, Ri sorts all varieties of the article is and quantities in 1 1 or varieties of the article and the quantity is 2 or more in 1, or their, Kumiawasedea, and the transport It is characterized by being less than 50% of the total number of sorting containers conveyed by the entire path or less than 50% of the total sorting amount of articles .

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of sorting containers are selected as sorting containers to be transported on the second sorting line, as the characteristics of the goods request information of the sorting destinations so that the requirement information of the articles from each sorting destination satisfies the condition of small quantity and small quantity. In this small quantity and small quantity condition, since the kind of the goods to be sorted is 1, even if the quantity is large or small, sorting is completed in one sorting operation in all zones, and therefore sorting in the first sorting line is performed. Even if the sorting operation with respect to the container is prioritized, the progress of the sorting operation of the articles in the second sorting line is equivalent to that in the first sorting line.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the characteristics of the article are weight, length, volume ratio, degree of fragility, or handling. It is characterized by the degree of ease or a combination thereof.

  According to the above configuration, the sorting container transported by the second sorting line has an article with good work efficiency, for example, an article having a low weight, a short length, or a small volume ratio, due to the characteristics of the article to be sorted. Selection of multiple sorting containers for sorting articles, articles that are difficult to break, articles with easy-to-handle shapes, or combinations thereof, and the progress of sorting the articles into the sorting containers on the second sorting line may be delayed Is reduced. Therefore, even if the sorting operation with respect to the sorting container of the first sorting line is prioritized, the progress of the sorting operation of the articles in the second sorting line is equivalent to that of the first sorting line.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sorting operation corresponding to the sorting container of the second sorting line is performed upstream of the transport path. It is executed in the plurality of compartment storage spaces arranged in the space.

  According to the above configuration, the sorting operation corresponding to the sorting container of the second sorting line is executed in the plurality of compartment storage spaces arranged upstream of the transport path, and the sorting work is completed upstream of the transport path. Further, the sorting operation is executed only in the first sorting line in the plurality of compartment storage spaces arranged downstream of the transport path. In this way, the plurality of compartment storage spaces in which the sorting operation is executed in the second sorting line is limited to the upstream, so that even if the sorting operation is executed with priority on the first sorting line, the second sorting line is executed. The progress of the article sorting work in is equal to the first sorting line.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first sorting line and the second sorting line includes the plurality of sorting containers. Tact feed is performed for each zone.

  According to the above configuration, each of the first sorting line and the second sorting line, when the sorting operation in all zones is completed, the plurality of sorting containers for each zone is tact-fed to the downstream zone, and the first sorting line for each zone. Sorting work is preferentially executed for a plurality of sorting containers in the line.

  In addition, the invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein each of the sorting containers fed to the zones by the first sorting line is fed to each zone along the first sorting line. There are corresponding shelves, and for each shelf, temporary storage shelves that can be sorted in advance according to each sorting container to be sent by the first sorting line next time are arranged in each zone. Assortment of articles, first of all, the sorting of articles for the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line, and the sorting of articles that preceded each shelf of the temporary shelf , Loading into the sorting container corresponding to each shelf is performed, and when these executions are completed, the sorting of the articles with respect to each shelf of the temporary storage shelf is performed, and then the tact is performed by the second sorting line. Has been sent It is characterized in that the sorting of the article relative to the sorting vessel is set to run.

  According to the above configuration, with any one of the following as the destination, the sorting of the articles with respect to the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line, and the shelves of the articles sorted prior to each shelf of the temporary shelf When the loading into the corresponding sorting container is executed and finished, the preceding sorting for each sorting container that is tact-fed next time is executed for each shelf of the temporary storage shelf. Therefore, the waiting time of the operator is reduced, the waiting time after the sorting operation of the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line is effectively used, and the working efficiency is improved. Furthermore, when a waiting time occurs in the worker, a sorting operation is performed on the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line, and the waiting time is used effectively, thereby improving work efficiency.

  Moreover, invention of Claim 7 is invention of any one of Claims 1-5, Comprising: For each said zone along said 1st sorting line and said 2nd sorting line, First instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing a sorting operation in a zone and second instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing a sorting operation in an adjacent downstream zone are arranged, and articles in each zone are arranged. Sorting is first performed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, which is instructed by the first indicating means of this zone, and then by the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone. Instructed to the sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been conveyed by the first sorting line, and then to the second sorting line indicated by the first indicating means of this zone Yo The sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been transported by the second sorting line, which is executed on the sorting container that has been transported, and then instructed by the second indicating means in the adjacent upstream zone. It is set so that it may be performed with respect to.

  According to the above configuration, when the sorting operation of the sorting container of the first sorting line is executed according to the first instruction means of this zone and ends and a waiting time occurs, the sorting container of the first sorting line of the adjacent upstream zone This sorting operation is executed according to the second instruction means of the adjacent upstream zone. Therefore, the sorting operation of the sorting containers conveyed by the first sorting line is quickly executed.

  When the waiting time further occurs, the sorting operation of the sorting container of the second sorting line is executed according to the first instruction means of this zone, and when the waiting time further occurs after completion, the second sorting line of the adjacent upstream zone The sorting operation of the sorting container is performed according to the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone, and the waiting time is effectively used.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the buffer line conveys the sorted container after the sorting to the downstream of the second sorting line. The sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line, and the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the joining point in the buffer line is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. At this time, in each of the zones, the sorting of the articles is preferentially executed with respect to the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line.

  According to the said structure, the sorting container conveyed by the buffer line provided downstream of the 2nd sorting line joins the sorting container carried out from the 1st sorting line. At this time, when the sorting containers respectively carried out from the first sorting line and the second sorting line are set to be joined in a preset order, the sorting containers retained in the buffer line upstream from the joining point. If the number is small, the sorting containers carried out from the first sorting line may be waiting for joining at the joining point. Therefore, when the retention amount of the sorting container from the merging point in the buffer line is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, that is, when there is no concern that the first sorting line stops waiting for merging, the progress of sorting the sorting container of the first sorting line is prompted. As described above, the sorting operation of the articles is performed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line.

Further, the invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein each sorting container that is tact-fed by the first sorting line is fed to each zone along the first sorting line. There is a corresponding shelf, and for each shelf, temporary storage shelves that can be used to sort items to be sorted into the respective sorting containers that are transported by the first sorting line next time are arranged, and the second sorting Provided downstream of the line is a buffer line for transporting the sorted containers, and the sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line. It is determined whether the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the merging point is a first predetermined amount or more, or a second predetermined amount that is greater than the first predetermined amount,
When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than a second predetermined amount, in each of the zones, the sorting of the article is preferentially executed with respect to the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line, Next, the sorting of the articles in each shelf of the temporary shelf is performed, and then the sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line, and is retained. When the amount of the sorting container is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, in each zone, the sorting of the articles is executed with priority over the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line. Next, the sorting of the article is performed on the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line, and the sorting of the article on each shelf of the temporary storage shelf is then performed. To Than is.

  According to the above configuration, the sorting container carried out from the second sorting line is transported by the buffer line and waits for joining at the joining point. At this time, if the sorting containers transported from the first sorting line and the second sorting line are set to join in a preset order, the buffer line stays upstream from the joining point of the sorting containers. It is determined whether the amount of the sorted container is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount.

  When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, that is, when there is no fear that the first sorting line will stop waiting for joining, the sorting of the articles in each zone is first tact-fed by the first sorting line. The sorting of the articles is performed in advance on each shelf of the temporary storage shelf, and the sorting in the first sorting line is performed so as to proceed quickly. Next, sorting of articles is performed on the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line.

  In addition, when the amount of the retained sorting container is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, that is, when there is a slight concern that the first sorting line is waiting to join, the sorting of articles in each zone is performed first. It is executed for the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the sorting line, and is executed so that sorting in the first sorting line proceeds quickly. Next, the sorting of the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line and that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line has priority over the preceding sorting of each temporary storage shelf. It is executed so that the sorting is advanced by the second sorting line. Next, prior sorting is executed for each shelf of the temporary storage shelf.

Moreover, invention of Claim 10 is invention of any one of Claims 1-5, Comprising: For each said zone along said 1st sorting line and said 2nd sorting line, A first instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing a sorting operation in the zone, and a second instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing a sorting operation in an adjacent downstream zone, wherein the second sorting line A buffer line is provided downstream of the sorting container for transporting the sorted containers, and the sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line. In the buffer line, the sorting containers are joined together. It is determined whether the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the point is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount, or greater than the second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount,
When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, in each zone, the first sorting line indicated by the first indicating means of this zone or the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone The sorting of the articles is performed with priority on the sorting container that has been conveyed by the above, and when the amount of the staying sorting container is equal to or more than the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, The sorting of the article is preferentially performed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, which is instructed by the zone first instructing means, and then instructed by the zone first instructing means. The sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line.

  According to the above configuration, the sorting container carried out from the second sorting line is transported by the buffer line and waits for joining at the joining point. At this time, if the sorting containers transported from the first sorting line and the second sorting line are set to join in a preset order, the buffer line stays upstream from the joining point of the sorting containers. It is determined whether the amount of the sorted container is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount.

  When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, that is, when there is no possibility that the first sorting line will stop waiting for joining, the sorting of articles in each zone is first performed by the first instruction means of this zone. The instruction is executed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, and then conveyed by the first sorting line, which is instructed by the second indicating means in the adjacent upstream zone. The process is performed on the sorting container in the upstream zone so that sorting in the first sorting line can proceed quickly. Next, it is executed for the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line, instructed by the first indicating means of this zone, and then instructed by the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone, It is executed for the sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been conveyed by the second sorting line, and is executed so that sorting in the second sorting line proceeds.

  Further, when the amount of the retained sorting container is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, that is, when there is a slight concern that the first sorting line is waiting for joining, the sorting of articles in each zone is first performed in this zone. This is executed for the sorting container that has been conveyed by the first sorting line, instructed by the first instruction means, so that sorting in the first sorting line proceeds promptly. Next, it is executed for the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line, instructed by the first indicating means of this zone, and then instructed by the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone, The process is performed on the sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been transported by the second sorting line, and is performed so that sorting in the second sorting line proceeds quickly. Next, it is executed for the sorting container in the upstream zone that has been conveyed by the first sorting line, instructed by the second indicating means in the adjacent upstream zone.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sorting container is a container, a foldable container, a cardboard box, or a frame. It is a bag supported by the body.

According to the above configuration, the sorting container is configured by a container, a container that can be folded, a cardboard box, or a bag supported by a frame.
The invention according to claim 12 includes a sorting shelf having a plurality of partition storage spaces for storing articles, and a sorting shelf in which a zone for performing sorting work is set for each predetermined number of partition storage spaces. A transport path for transporting a plurality of sorting containers along the shelf is provided, and according to the article request information of the sorting destination, between each of the sorting containers transported by the transport path and each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf. A sorting facility for sorting items in
Independently of the first sorting line for transporting the plurality of sorting containers and the first sorting line, the transport path is less than 50% of the total number of sorting containers transported by the entire transport path or A second sorting line that conveys a plurality of sorting containers that are less than 50% of the total sorting amount, and that have a condition of a small quantity and a small quantity as the characteristics of the goods request information of the sorting destination, In the zone, the sorting of the articles is preferentially performed on the sorting containers transported by the first sorting line, and transported by the second sorting line when sorting of the articles in the first sorting line is completed. The sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container that has been used.

  According to the above-described configuration, the sorting of articles is preferentially performed in each zone with respect to the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line. Therefore, the progress of the sorting operation of the articles in the sorting container of the first sorting line is fast. On the other hand, for the sorting container transported by the second sorting line, the waiting time until the sorting of the first sorting line is finished and unloaded from the zone, or during the transport from the zone is executed. This eliminates the waiting time of the worker and improves the work efficiency. However, since the sorting work for the sorting container of the first sorting line is given priority and the opportunity for sorting the articles into the sorting container of the second sorting line is reduced, the sorting work of the articles into the sorting container of the second sorting line is reduced. Progress may be slow. Therefore, a sorting container that satisfies the condition that the total number of sorting containers transported by the transport path or the total sorting amount of articles is less than 50% is selected as the sorting container transported by the second sorting line.

  The sorting facility according to the present invention performs sorting of articles in the sorting container of the first sorting line by executing sorting of articles in each zone with priority on the sorting containers conveyed by the first sorting line. On the other hand, for the sorting container that has been transported by the second sorting line, the waiting time until the sorting of the first sorting line is completed and the zone is unloaded, Alternatively, it is executed during transportation from the zone, thereby eliminating the waiting time of the worker, improving work efficiency, and for the sorting container transported by the second sorting line, the characteristics of the article request information of each sorting destination Or, by selecting a sorting container with good work efficiency of the operator according to the characteristics of the article to be sorted and separating it from the sorting container transported to the first sorting line, It can improve the progress of the task of sorting articles to the sorting containers minute line delay has the effect that.

It is a principal part plane block diagram of the 1st picking area of the sorting equipment in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side block diagram of the 1st picking area of the same sorting equipment. It is a whole block diagram of the same sorting equipment. It is a block diagram of the upstream part of the same sorting equipment. It is a block diagram of the downstream part of the same sorting equipment. It is a control block diagram of the same sorting equipment. It is a figure which shows the sorting data formed with the control computer of the sorting equipment. It is a flowchart which calculates | requires the conditions of the small quantity and small quantity of order data which satisfy | fill the ratio of a collection container in the control computer of the same sorting equipment. It is a data figure of the group of users who sort by the main collection line and sub collection line of the sorting equipment. It is a tact data figure in the main collection line and temporary storage shelf of the same sorting equipment. It is a tact data figure of the sub collection line of the sorting equipment. It is a flowchart which calculates | requires the order of the operation | work of the main collection line of the sorting equipment, a temporary storage shelf, and a sub collection line. It is a principal part plane block diagram of the 1st picking area of the sorting equipment in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a tact data figure of the main collection line of the sorting equipment. It is a tact data figure of the sub collection line of the sorting equipment. It is a flowchart which calculates | requires the order of the operation | work of the main collection line and sub collection line of the sorting equipment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of the sorting equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The sorting equipment 10 includes a collection container input area 11, a branch / cutout area 12, a first picking area 13, and a second picking. The area 14 is composed of a merging / conveying area 15, a packing area 16, and a shipping area 17.

  The sorting facility 10 is a sorting facility corresponding to a delivery service in which articles ordered from individual pre-registered customers (users) are collected in a collection container assigned to the user and delivered daily. . In such a delivery service, as described above, it is increasing that a single order is an order of a small quantity and a small quantity with a small quantity and a small quantity of goods (goods).

  Further, a plurality of (six in the embodiment) collection containers in which a user (an example of a sorting destination) is set in advance (the sorting destination is specified) in succession to the first picking area 13 and the second picking area 14. A main collection line (an example of a first sorting line) 22 is provided for tact feeding (an example of a sorting container) 21 for each zone (to be described later) at the same time, and the main collection line 22 is provided only in the first picking area 13. In parallel with the main collection line 22, a sub collection line (second sorting line) that simultaneously feeds a plurality (six in the embodiment) of the collection containers 21 simultaneously for each zone (described later). An example) 23 is laid. Each of these collection lines 22 and 23 forms a conveyance path for the collection container 21 and is formed from, for example, a belt conveyor that is driven independently, and takes several seconds (for example, 3 seconds) for tact feeding. In need of.

  Further, a buffer line 25 composed of an accumulation conveyor for conveying the collection container 21 carried out from the sub collection line 23 to the merging / conveying area 15 is provided. Each collection container 21 carried into the buffer line 25 is sequentially fed to the downstream side by the function of the accumulation conveyor, and stored in order from the downstream end.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, along the buffer line 25, it is arranged at the downstream end of the buffer line 25 and is collected from a confluence device 67 (confluence point, which will be described later) from which the collection container 21 is carried out from the buffer line 25. Whether the retention amount of the product container 21 is equal to or greater than a first retention detector 26 that detects whether the retention amount is equal to or greater than a first predetermined amount f, and a second predetermined amount g (> f) that is greater than the first predetermined amount f. A second stagnation detector 27 is provided for detection. The setting of the first predetermined amount f and the second predetermined amount g will be described later.

"First picking area 13"
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first picking area 13 is provided with flow racks (fluid shelves; examples of sorting shelves) 31 along the collection lines 22 and 23. (Two collection lines 22 and 23 are provided along the flow rack 31.) In the first picking area 13, along the main collection line 22, above the sub collection line 23, Each collection container 21 has a shelf 32 corresponding to each collection container 21 tact-fed by the main collection line 22, and each collection container 21 tact-fed by the main collection line 22 next time for each shelf 32. Temporary storage shelves 34 for sorting the articles 33 to be sorted in advance (the articles to be sorted) are arranged.

  The flow rack 31, the collection lines 22 and 23 in the first picking area 13, and the temporary storage shelf 34 are a plurality of zones Z (1) to (m) (m is an integer of 2 or more) in which sorting operations are performed. In the first picking area 13, in each zone Z, the six collection containers 21 and the six shelves 32, which are tact-feed by the collection lines 22 and 23, are temporarily stored. Are configured to perform sorting operations.

"Flow rack 31"
The flow rack 31 has a plurality of front openings (an example of a compartment storage space) 42 capable of continuously storing four (a plurality of examples) receiving containers 41, and has four stages and six rows (a total of 24 front openings). A zone Z is set for each 42. Further, one type of article 33 specified by the product type is assigned to each frontage 42. In the first picking area 13, this article 33 is assigned at least a high-frequency article with a high order frequency, and all articles 33 sorted into the collection container 21 conveyed by the sub collection line 23 are allotted. It is registered in the picking controller 44 (FIG. 6) described later. With this assignment, the sorting operation for the collection container 21 conveyed by the sub-collection line 23 is executed only in the first picking area 13 arranged upstream of the conveyance path, and is completed.

  Each of the front doors 42 is provided with a picking display (an example of sorting display means) 47. Each picking indicator 47 includes a three-digit digital quantity indicator 48 (display means) for displaying the quantity of articles 33 to be picked, and a completion pushbutton switch 49 (complete operation means) with a red lamp that is operated when the picking operation is completed. And a shortage pushbutton switch (shortage operation means) 50 that is operated together with the completion pushbutton switch 49 when the shortage occurs.

"Each collection line 22 and 23 in the first picking area 13"
Conveyor input indicator (container display) for instructing (displaying) sorting into the collection container 21 at the stop position at the stop position of each collection container 21 in each zone Z of each collection line 22, 23 by tact feed. An example of means 51) is provided.

  The conveyor loading indicator 51 is a pushbutton switch with a red lamp, and when the lamp is turned on, a collection container (collection container at a sorting position for performing a picking operation) 21 into which an article 33 picked by the frontage 42 is loaded. Is displayed (displayed), and the end of picking is input by operating the switch.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor input indicator 51 of the main collection line 22 is set to (M1), (M2), (M3), (M4), (M5), (M6) in order from the downstream, In addition, the conveyor input indicator 51 of the sub collection line 23 is (S1), (S2), (S3), (S4), (S5), and (S6) in order from the downstream.

“Temporary shelf 34 in first picking area 13”
Each shelf 32 of the temporary shelf 34 is provided with a temporary display 52.
Each temporary display 52 includes a pushbutton switch 53 with a green lamp in the shape of an upward arrow and a pushbutton switch 54 with a red lamp in the shape of a downward arrow, and the pushbutton switch with a green lamp. 53 indicates the shelf 32 (position) on which the article 33 is temporarily placed by turning on the green lamp, and the end of the temporary placement is input by operating the switch. The pushbutton switch 54 with a red lamp instructs to put the article 33 temporarily placed on the shelf 32 into the collection container 21 of the main collection line 22 corresponding to the shelf 32 by lighting the red lamp. The closing end is input by operating the switch.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the temporary display 52 of the temporary storage shelf 34 is (T1), (T2), (T3), (T4), (T5), and (T6) in order from the downstream.
Further, for each zone Z, a zone indicator 55 for displaying the presence / absence of picking work in the zone Z is provided. When the zone indicator 55 is lit, it is displayed that there is a picking operation or an input operation for the collection container 21 or the shelf 32 stopped in the zone Z.

"Second picking area 14"
As shown in FIG. 5, the second picking area 14 is configured by removing the sub collection line 23 from the first picking area 13, and is similar to the first picking area 13 along the main collection line 22. In addition, a flow rack 31 and a temporary shelf 34 are arranged.

  In addition, the flow rack 31, the main collection line 22, and the temporary storage shelf 34 in the second picking area 14 are divided into a plurality of zones Z (m + 1) to (p) (an integer of p> m) for performing the sorting operation. In the second picking area 14, in each zone Z, the sorting operation is performed on the six collection containers 21 and the six shelves 32, which are tact-fed by the main collection line 22. It is configured.

  Further, an article 33 (low frequency product, medium frequency product) other than the article 33 assigned in the first picking area 13 is assigned to each front edge 42 of the flow rack 31 in the second picking area 14, and a picking controller to be described later. 44 (FIG. 6). In the second picking area 14, after the first picking area 13, a sorting operation for the collection container 21 conveyed by the main collection line 22 is executed.

"Collection container input area 11"
The collection container input area 11 is an area where the collection container 21 is input to the branch / cutout area 12, and the collection container 21 is formed of a foldable container and is assembled as shown in FIG. After that, a plastic bag 56 for storing the article 33 is put on and put in. The collection container input area 11 is provided with an assembling machine that actually assembles such a foldable container and a bag hanging machine (not shown) for covering the plastic bag 56.

  Each plastic bag 56 is attached with a label 57 printed with a barcode specifying a number assigned to each individual user. A label printer 58 for issuing the label 57 shown in FIG. 59 is provided in the collection container loading area 11.

“Branch / Cutout Area 12”
As shown in FIG. 4, the branch / cutout area 12 is sequentially input from the collection container input area 11, and the first conveyance conveyor 60 that conveys the collection container 21 specified by the user, and the first conveyance conveyor A branch device 61 for branching the collection container 21 from 60, a second transport conveyor 62 for transporting the collection container 21 branched by the branch device 61, and a first transport conveyor 60 without being branched by the branch device 61. The collection containers 21 that have been transported by the first storage are stored in the order of loading, and a plurality (six in the embodiment) of the collection containers 21 are collected and delivered to the main collection line 22 in accordance with the tact feed of the main collection line 22. The collection containers 21 transported by the cutout conveyor 63 and the second transport conveyor 62 are stored in the order of loading, and a plurality of (six in the embodiment) collective sub-collection lines. The second cut-out conveyor 64 for unloading the sub collector product line 23 in accordance with the third tact transport is provided. Also, when six collection containers 21 are stored from the first cutout conveyor 63 and are ready to be carried out together, a carryout enable signal is output. Similarly, from the second cutout conveyor 64, a carryout enable signal is output. .

A first bar code reader 65 that reads the bar code of the label 57 is provided upstream of the branching device 61 along the first transport conveyor 60.
"Merging / Transport Area 15"
As shown in FIG. 5, the merging / conveying area 15 is composed of an accumulation conveyor that conveys collection containers 21 that are carried out every six from the main collection line 22, and can accept six collection containers 21. A third conveyor 66 that outputs a full signal when it cannot, and a merger 67 that merges the collection container 21 conveyed by the third conveyance conveyor 66 and the collection container 21 conveyed by the buffer line 25; In addition, a fourth transport conveyor 68 including a roller driving conveyor for transporting the collection container 21 transported from the junction device 67 is provided.

  The collection container 67 conveyed by the buffer line 25 is merged between the collection containers 21 positioned before and after being branched by the branching device 61 (details will be described later). Thus, in order to join the collection container 21 conveyed by the buffer line 25 between the “collection containers 21 positioned at the front and rear” when branched by the branching device 61, the buffer line 25 is used. It is required that the collection container 21 that has been conveyed waits for the “collection container 21 positioned at the front and back” conveyed by the third conveyance conveyor 66 in front of the junction device 67 in advance. On the contrary, when the “collection containers 21 positioned in the front and rear” conveyed by the third conveyance conveyor 66 wait, the tact feed from the main collection line 22 is stopped, and the waiting time is set in all zones Z. May occur and work efficiency may be significantly reduced. Therefore, the second predetermined amount g set in the second stay detector 27 is waiting for the collection container 21 transported from the main collection line 22 to be conveyed by the buffer line 25. Therefore, the first predetermined amount f (<g) of the first stay detector 26 is set so that the collection container 21 carried out from the main collection line 22 is joined to the merger. It is set to a quantity that increases the concern that tact feed will stop waiting.

  Further, a second barcode reader 69 for reading the barcode of the label 57 is provided along the third conveying conveyor 66 upstream from the junction device 67, and the label 57 is arranged along the buffer line 25 upstream from the junction device 67. A third barcode reader 70 for reading the barcode is provided.

"Packing area 16"
When the collection container 21 for which the picking operation has been completed is conveyed by the fourth conveyance conveyor 68, the label 57 of the plastic bag 56 is attached to the collection container 21 by the operator in the packing area 16 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the plastic bag 56 is packed, and the collection container 21 is covered and transported to the shipping area 17.

"Shipment area 17"
This is an area where the collection containers 21 transported by the fourth transport conveyor 68 are stacked in a car or the like according to the delivery direction and loaded onto a delivery truck. For example, a container stacker is provided.

"Control Configuration"
As a control means of the sorting equipment 10, as shown in FIG. 6, an overall computer 71, a container carry-in controller 72, a branch controller 73, the picking controller 44, and a merging controller 74 are provided.

"General computer 71"
The overall computer 71 is connected to a container carry-in controller 72, a branch controller 73, a picking controller 44, and a merging controller 74, and the following data is set in advance.

・ Numbers assigned to each pre-registered user for each delivery direction. These numbers are sequentially assigned to the collection containers 21 to be put into the first transport conveyor 60.
Data on the frontage 42 of the zone Z in which the articles 33 to be ordered are stored. As described above, at least the high-frequency goods that are frequently ordered and the goods 33 that are sorted into the collection containers 21 that are transported by the sub-collection line 23 at the frontage 42 of the first picking area 13 on the upstream side. Are assigned, and the second picking area 14 on the downstream side is assigned an article 33 (low frequency product, medium frequency product) other than the article 33 assigned in the first picking area 13.

  -For the total number of collection containers 21 (total number of collection containers respectively conveyed by the collection lines 22 and 23, the total number of individual users who have been ordered) N to be fed into the first transport conveyor 60, Data of the maximum ratio Q of the collection containers 21 that branch to the sub collection line 23 and satisfy the condition of small quantity and small quantity. This ratio Q is set to be changeable to less than 50% (for example, 20%) of the total number N of the collection containers 21.

The general computer 71 has the following functions.
(I). A work start command and an end command are output to the container carry-in controller 72, the branch controller 73, the picking controller 44, and the merge controller 74.

  (B). Order data from each individual user registered in advance {request information of goods from each sorting destination; singular information consisting of information specifying the goods (for example, product type, product name, product code, etc.) and quantity (number) or When a plurality of data} are received, the entire sorting data shown in FIG. 7 is formed except for the user who does not have the order data, and the formed sorting data is output to the picking controller 44.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user numbers assigned to the users in advance in the vertical direction are arranged in the vertical direction, and the front doors 42 for each zone Z are arranged in the horizontal direction from the upstream side, and for each individual user, The ordered quantity is input for each ordered article 33, that is, for each slot 42 in the zone Z in which the article 33 is stored.

  Further, in FIG. 7, the number of user numbers in the vertical direction is sequentially assigned to the collection containers 21 to be loaded into the first transfer conveyor 60, and data of numbers specifying individual users allocated in these order is stored in the container loading controller. 72 and the merge controller 74.

The total number of users with order data, that is, the total number N of collection containers 21 assigned to each user is obtained and output to the container carry-in controller 72.
(C). The condition of small quantity and small quantity of order data (an example of characteristics of the article request information of the sorting destination) that satisfies the ratio Q or less of the collection container 21 is obtained. Next, individual users who have placed an order satisfying this condition are obtained, branch data (data branched to the sub-collection line 23 by the branch device 61) consisting of numbers identifying these individual users is formed, and a branch controller 73 is formed. Output to. The collection container 21 of the user number forming this branch data is branched (extracted) to the sub collection line 23 by the branching device 61.

The procedure for forming the branch data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the number of types a in order data is initially set to 1 and the amount b is set to 1, and the number of users who have ordered order data satisfying the condition of small quantity and small quantity, that is, the number n of collection containers 21 is initialized to 0 ( Step-1).

Next, the user of order data and the number of users c satisfying the set product number a and quantity b are obtained (step-2).
This number of users c is added to the number n of collection containers 21 (step-3).

Next, it is determined whether the ratio (= n / N) of the number n of collection containers 21 to the total number N exceeds the ratio Q of collection containers 21 (step-4).
If the ratio Q is not exceeded, 1 is added to the quantity b (b = b + 1), and the condition of the quantity b is changed (step -5).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the quantity b is equal to or less than a preset upper limit quantity B (step-6). If the quantity is below, the process returns to step-2. When the upper limit quantity B is exceeded, the quantity b is returned to the initial condition of 1 (b = 1), 1 is added to the number of varieties a (a = a + 1), and the condition of the number of varieties a is changed (step -7). ), Return to Step-2.

  In step-4, when the ratio (= n / N) of the number n of collection containers 21 to the total number N exceeds the ratio Q of collection containers 21, the quantity b or the number of varieties a is subsequently returned to the previous condition. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the quantity b is less than or equal to the preset upper limit quantity B (step -8). In the following cases, 1 is subtracted from the quantity b to return to the previous condition (b = b-1). ) (Step-9), if it exceeds, 1 is subtracted from the number of varieties a (a = a-1), and the condition of the number of varieties a is returned (Step-10).

Subsequently, conditions for small quantities and small quantities are specified. That is, the condition is that the number of varieties is up to a and the quantity is up to b (smaller varieties and smaller quantities) (step 11).
For example, when a = 1 and b = 1, the order data includes only one kind and one quantity. For example, the order data includes only tofu and the quantity 1 only. Order data of only 1 satisfies the condition of small quantity and small quantity.

  If a = 1 and b = 2, in addition to the order data in the case of a = 1 and b = 1, there is order data only for quantity 2 with tofu only, order data for quantity 2 only with chocolate, etc. Satisfy the requirements for small varieties and small quantities.

  In addition, in the case of a = 2, b = 1, in addition to the order data in the case of a = 1, b = 1, a = 1, b = 2, ... a = 1, b = B, Order data, etc., with only two varieties (only tofu and chocolate only) and only 1 each satisfy the condition of small varieties and small quantities.

  Subsequent to step 11, branch data composed of numbers specifying individual users who have ordered order data satisfying the specified small quantity and small quantity is formed, output to the branch controller 73 (step -12), and finished. To do.

  It should be noted that at least the condition of the small quantity and the small quantity is set so as to include the condition that the number of kinds 33 of the article 33 is 1 and the quantity b is 1, or the kind number a is 1 and the quantity b is 2. Alternatively, the number of varieties a may be 1 and the quantity b may be 1, or the number of varieties a may be 1 and the quantity b may be 2 or more, or a combination thereof.

  In this way, the data of the maximum ratio Q (less than 50%) of the collection containers 21 branched to the sub collection line 23 with respect to the total number N of the collection containers 21 to be input to the first transfer conveyor 60 is obtained. A condition for satisfying and satisfying the condition of a small quantity and a small quantity (an example of characteristics of the article request information of the sorting destination) is required. On the contrary, the collection container 21 that satisfies the condition of a small quantity and a small quantity, for example, the condition “the number of kinds 33 of the article 33 is 1 and the quantity b is 1, or the kind number a is 1 and the quantity b is 2”. As a result, it is possible to satisfy the data of the maximum ratio Q (less than 50%) of the collection containers 21 branched to the sub collection line 23 with respect to the total number N of the collection containers 21 described above. .

  (D). As shown in FIG. 9, the individual users who formed the branch data are sequentially created, and a group Y is created for every six pieces, and the individual users who formed the branch data from the numbers that specify the individual users of the sorting data. Except for this, a group X is created for every six lines, and the data of the groups X and Y for each line are output to the picking controller 44. The group Y is tact-feeded by the sub collection line 23 for each group. That is, the sub collection line 23 conveys the collection container 21 that satisfies the condition of the ratio Q or less and the small quantity and small quantity of the order data. The group X is tact-fed by the main collection line 22 for each group.

“Container controller 72”
The container carry-in controller 72 is a controller for controlling the collection container loading area 11, and is connected to a central computer 71, a label printer 58 and a display 59 as shown in FIG. Start command and end command, the total number N of necessary collection containers 21, and "data of numbers specifying individual users assigned to the collection containers 21 to be put in order" are input.

The container carry-in controller 72 has the following functions.
(I). When an operation start command is input from the central computer 71 and data of a number specifying the individual user is input, label print data including a number specifying the individual user is formed and output to the label printer 58. To do. When the label print data is input, the label printer 58 issues labels 57 in order.

  (B). When an operation start command is input from the central computer 71 and the total number N of necessary collection containers 21 is input, the display 59 is driven to display the total number N, and when an operation stop command is input, the display 59 To stop the display.

  An operator in the collection container loading area 11 prepares a total number N of collection containers 21 displayed on the display 59, and automatically or manually covers each collection container 21 with a plastic bag 56 and is issued from the label printer 58. The labels 57 are attached in this order, and are put into the first transport conveyor 60.

“Branch controller 73”
As shown in FIG. 6, the branch controller 73 includes a branch device 61, a first transport conveyor 60, a second transport conveyor 62, a first cutout conveyor 63, a second cutout conveyor 64, and a first barcode. A reader 65 is connected, and branch data consisting of the above-described work start and end commands and a number for identifying an individual user is input from the general computer 71.

The branch controller 73 has the following functions.
(I). The first conveyor 60, the second conveyor 62, the first cutout conveyor 63, and the second cutout conveyor 64 are driven according to the start command of the work, and these conveyors 60, 62, 63, 64 is stopped.

  (B). The barcode data of the label 57 of the collection container 21 read by the first barcode reader 65, that is, the number that identifies the individual user of the collection container 21 identifies the individual user of the branch data described above. If the number matches, the branch command is output to the branching device 61, and the collection container 21 is branched from the first transport conveyor 60 to the second transport conveyor 62. As a result, the collection container 21 of the user number forming the branch data is branched to the second transport conveyor 62 by the branch device 61 and is carried into the sub collection line 23 via the second cutout conveyor 64.

  (C). When a carry-out signal of the collection container 21 to the main collection line 22 is input from a picking controller 44 described later, the first collection conveyor 63 is instructed to carry out the six collection containers 21 to the main collection line 22. As a result, six empty collection containers 21 are carried into the uppermost zone Z (1) by the first cutout conveyor 63 and the main collection line 22.

  (D). When a carry-out signal of the collection container 21 to the sub collection line 23 is input from the picking controller 44 described later, the second collection conveyor 64 is instructed to carry out the six collection containers 21 to the sub collection line 23. Thus, six empty collection containers 21 are carried into the uppermost zone Z (1) by the second cutout conveyor 64 and the sub collection line 23.

(E). The unloadable signal input from the first cutout conveyor 63 and the unloadable signal input from the second cutout conveyor 64 are output to the picking controller 44.
“Picking controller 44”
The picking controller 44 is a controller for controlling the first picking area 13 and the second picking area 14, and, as shown in FIG. 6, a general computer 71, a main collection line 22, a sub collection line 23, The first stagnation detector 26, the second stagnation detector 27, the picking indicator 47 for each zone Z of the first picking area 13, the conveyor loading indicator 51, the temporary indicator 52, and the zone indicator 55 are connected. Has been. Also, from the overall computer 71, the above-described work start and end commands, the entire sorting data, and the data of the groups X and Y for the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23 are input.

The picking controller 44 has the following functions.
(I). When the operation start command and the data of the groups X and Y for the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23 are input from the general computer 71, as shown in FIG. 10, the main collection line 22 for each tact as shown in FIG. The number of the user assigned to the collection container 21 that stops at each stop position of each zone Z of the temporary storage shelf 34 is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, for each tact, a user number assigned to the collection container 21 that stops at each stop position of each zone Z of the sub collection line 23 is formed.

  For example, in the zone Z (1), in the tact 1, the six collection containers 21 of the group X1 on the main collection line 22 are targeted, and at this time, the temporary storage shelf 34 has the next group X2 of 6 Individual collection containers 21 are targeted. In the next tact 2, the six collection containers 21 of the group X2 on the main collection line 22 are carried in. At this time, the six collection containers 21 of the next group X3 are targeted in the temporary storage shelf 34. It is said.

  In the zone Z (1), in the tact 1, the six collection containers 21 of the group Y1 on the sub collection line 23 are targeted, and in the next tact 2, the group Y2 of the group Y2 on the sub collection line 23 is targeted. Six collection containers 21 are targeted.

  (B). The priority order of picking operations in the main collection line 22, the sub collection line 23, and the temporary storage shelf 34 is set every time the main collection line 22 is tact-fed (to be described later, the tact feed to the main collection line 22). Every time a signal is output). Further, when the tact feed of the sub collection line 23 occurs, when the first stay detector 26 is off, that is, when the stay amount is less than the first predetermined amount f, the setting of the priority order of the picking work is updated. When the priority setting of the sorting work is updated, the work in the middle is aborted and the work is returned to the picking work set to the highest priority.

This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the tact feed of the main collection line 22 is confirmed (step-1), first, the second retention detector 27 is turned on, that is, the retention amount of the collection container 21 from the junction device 67 (merging point) in the buffer line 25 is It is confirmed whether or not it is greater than or equal to the second predetermined amount g (step-2), and when it is greater than or equal to the second predetermined amount g, that is, when there is no concern that the main collection line 22 stops waiting for joining, Priorities of sorting work of articles 33 in each zone Z are set as follows so that progress of sorting into the collection container 21 is promoted (step-3).

(I) “Normal direct picking” for the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the main collection line 22.
(Ii) “Advance input from temporary storage” in which articles sorted prior to each shelf 32 of temporary storage shelf 34 are input to collection containers 21 corresponding to each shelf 32.

(Iii) “Advance picking to temporary shelf” for each shelf 32 of temporary shelf 34.
(Iv) “Sub-direct picking” for the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23.

It should be noted that (i) “normal direct picking” and (ii) “preceding input from temporary storage shelf” may be executed in reverse order.
In the above step-2, when the staying amount is less than the second predetermined amount g, the first staying detector 26 is turned on, that is, the staying amount is smaller than the second predetermined amount g and the first predetermined amount f (<g ) Or not (step -4), and when it is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount f and less than the second predetermined amount g, that is, when there is a concern that the main collection line 22 may stop waiting for joining, each zone Z The priority order of the sorting work of the articles 33 in is set as follows (step-5).

(I) Normal direct picking.
(Ii) Pre-loading from a temporary shelf.
(Iii) Subdirect picking.

(Iv) Pre-picking to temporary shelves.
It should be noted that (i) “normal direct picking” and (ii) “preceding input from temporary storage shelf” may be executed in reverse order.

  In Step-4, when the main collection line 22 is less than the first predetermined amount f, that is, the main collection line 22 is waiting for merging, there is an increased concern that the tact feed will stop (the collection container 21 carried out by the sub collection line 23 is ), The priority of the sorting operation of the articles 33 in each zone Z is as follows. Set (step-6).

(I) Subdirect picking.
(Ii) Normal direct picking.
(Iii) Pre-loading from a temporary shelf.

(Iv) Pre-picking to temporary shelves.
In step-1, when the tact feed of the main collection line 22 is not confirmed, if the tact feed of the sub collection line 23 is confirmed (step-7), it is confirmed whether the first stay detector 26 is on (step). -8) If confirmed, return to Step-1. When confirmation is not possible, that is, when the staying amount is less than the first predetermined amount f, Step-6 is executed, the setting of the priority order of the sorting work in each zone Z is updated, and the process returns to “Subdirect Picking”. A picking operation can be performed on the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the collection line 23.

  (C). For each tact, in each zone Z, the picking indicator 47, the conveyor input indicator 51, and the temporary placement are set according to the priority setting of the picking work in the main collection line 22, the sub collection line 23, and the temporary placement shelf 34. Picking control for turning on the display 52 and the zone display 55 is performed.

  In “normal direct picking”, the picking operation is sequentially performed from the most downstream (M1) collection container 21 to the upstream of the main collection line 22, and in the “preceding input from the temporary storage shelf”, the most downstream (G1 ) Of the temporary storage shelf 34 of the temporary storage shelf 34, the articles 33 sorted in advance in order from the shelf 32, and in the "preceding picking to the temporary storage shelf" of the temporary storage shelf 34 of the most downstream (G1) Picking work is executed in order from the shelf 32 toward the upstream, and in “subdirect picking”, the picking work is executed in order from the most downstream (S1) collection container 21 to the upstream of the sub collection line 23. The zone indicator 55 is turned on when there is a picking operation or when an article 33 sorted in advance is input, and the zone indicator 55 is turned off when there is no operation.

  When the priority setting of the sorting work is updated, the work on the next shelf 32 or the collection container 21 is interrupted as soon as the work on the work shelf 32 or the collection container 21 is finished, and the priority is given. The work ranked first is started.

<Direct picking work>
In direct picking work (usually direct picking and subdirect picking), the red lamp of the conveyor loading indicator 51 at the position where the collection container 21 into which the article 33 is put is stopped is turned on and the picking work is executed. The entire sorting data is searched with the user number and the zone number assigned to the collection container 21 to be obtained, and the single or plural front doors 42 to be picked in the zone Z and the quantity are obtained, and the picking indicator 47 of these front doors 42 is obtained. The lamp (complete pushbutton switch 49) is turned on, and the quantity is displayed on the digital quantity display 48.

  When the operator takes out the quantity of articles 33 displayed on the digital quantity indicator 48 and presses the completion push button switch 49, it is confirmed that the picking at the frontage 42 is completed, and the taken out article 33 is transferred to the conveyor. When it is loaded into the collection container 21 whose red lamp of the loading indicator 51 is lit and the conveyor loading indicator 51 is pushed, it is determined that the picking from the frontage 42 to the collection container 21 has been completed. Subsequently, picking with the remaining frontage 42 is executed, and when the picking to the collection container 21 is completed, the picking operation to the next collection container 21 is started.

<Pre-picking work>
In the preceding picking work, the green lamp of the push button switch 53 of the temporary display 52 of the shelf 32 on which the article 33 is temporarily placed is turned on, and the user number and the zone number assigned to the shelf 32 on which the preceding picking work is performed are turned on. Then, the entire sorting data is searched to obtain one or a plurality of front doors 42 and the quantity to be picked in this zone Z, the lamp (complete pushbutton switch 49) of the picking indicator 47 of these front doors 42 is turned on, and the digital quantity indicator The quantity is displayed at 48.

  When the operator takes out the quantity of articles 33 displayed on the digital quantity indicator 48 and presses the completion push button switch 49, it is confirmed that the picking at the frontage 42 is completed, and the taken out article 33 is temporarily stored. When the push button switch 53 is temporarily placed on the shelf 32 where the green lamp of the push button switch 53 of the display 52 is lit and the push button switch 53 is pushed, it is determined that the preceding picking from the frontage 42 to the shelf 32 has been completed. When the preceding picking from the remaining slot 42 to the shelf 32 is completed, the process proceeds to the preceding picking operation to the next shelf 32.

<Pre-loading work>
In the advance loading operation, the red lamp (the push button switch 54) of the temporary display 52 of the shelf 32 on which the article 33 is temporarily placed is turned on.

  When the operator places the article 33 temporarily placed on the shelf 32 into the corresponding collection container 21 and pushes the push button switch 54, it is determined that the entry of the article 33 from the shelf 32 is completed. Then, the red lamp of the push button switch 54 is turned off, and the next shelf 32 is moved.

  (D). In all the zones Z, when the normal direct picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 and the advance loading from the temporary storage shelf 34 are finished, the branch controller 73 causes the first takeout signal of the first cutout conveyor 63 to be output. And a tact feed signal is output to the main collection line 22 on the condition that the full signal of the third conveyor 66 is not input from the junction controller 74 described later, The “conveying signal of the collection container 21 to the collection line 22” is output. As a result, the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 is tact-fed to the downstream zone Z, and six empty collection containers 21 are carried into the uppermost zone Z (1) by the first cutout conveyor 63. Then, the collection container 21 in the most downstream zone Z (p) is carried out to the third transport conveyor 66. Also, when the first carry-out enable signal is not inputted or when the full signal is inputted, the tact feed signal and the “carrying signal of the collection container 21 to the main collection line 22” are canceled until the signal is canceled. "" Is interrupted.

  Further, in the zones Z (1) to (m), when the sub direct picking to the collection containers 21 on all the sub collection lines 23 is completed, the branch controller 73 causes the second cutout conveyor 64 to output a second signal. Is output to the sub-collection line 23, and at the same time, the "collection container 21 carry-out signal to the sub-collection line 23" is output to the branch controller 73. As a result, the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 is tact-fed to the downstream zone Z, and six empty collection containers 21 are carried into the uppermost zone Z (1) by the second cutout conveyor 64. Then, the collection container 21 in the zone Z (m) is carried out to the buffer line 25. Further, when the second carry-out enable signal is not input, the output of the tact feed signal and the “collection container 21 carry-out signal to the sub collection line 23” is interrupted until it is canceled.

“Merging controller 74”
As shown in FIG. 6, the merge controller 74 includes a buffer line 25, a third conveyor 66, a merger 67, a fourth conveyor 68, a second barcode reader 69, and a third barcode reader. 70 is connected, and the above-described work start command and end command and “data of numbers specifying individual users assigned to the collection containers 21 to be sequentially inserted” are input from the general computer 71.

The merge controller 74 has the following functions.
(I). The buffer line 25, the third transport conveyor 66, and the fourth transport conveyor 68 are driven in response to the work start command, and the buffer line 25 and the transport conveyors 66, 68 are stopped in response to the stop command.

  (B). The barcode of the label 57 of the collection container 21 conveyed to the downstream end by the third conveyor 66 is read by the second barcode reader 69 and the collection container 21 conveyed to the downstream end by the buffer line 25 is read. Individual users assigned to the collection containers 21 to which the barcodes of the label 57 are read by the third barcode reader 70 and the number data for identifying individual users of the read barcodes are input in the above-mentioned order. The collection container 21 is output to the third conveying conveyor 66 and the buffer line 25 so that the collection containers 21 are unloaded from the buffer line 25 to the junction device 67. Output a merge command. Thereby, the collection container 21 conveyed by the buffer line 25 is joined between the collection containers 21 located before and after the branching device 61 branches.

  The collection containers 21 carried out from the junction device 67 are carried out to the fourth transport conveyor 68 in accordance with “number data specifying individual users assigned to the collection containers 21 that are sequentially input”.

(C). When a full signal is input from the third conveyor 66, the full signal is output to the picking controller 44.
The operation of the above configuration will be described.

"Creating Data"
When an order for the article 33 is received from each individual user, the entire sorting data shown in FIG. 7 is formed, and the condition for a small quantity and a small quantity is obtained by the procedure shown in FIG. 8, and branch data is formed. Further, the group Y of the sub collection line 23 is created by the individual users who formed the branch data, and the group X of the main collection line 22 is formed by the individual users other than the individual users who formed the branch data. Is done.

“Inputting collection containers”
A label 57 on which a number for identifying an individual user is printed is issued by the label printer 58 in the order of users of the entire sorting data, and the operator in the collection container loading area 11 collects the total number N of collections displayed on the display 59. The product containers 21 are prepared, the plastic bags 56 are automatically or manually put on the collection containers 21, the labels 57 are attached in the order issued from the label printer 58, and are put into the first transport conveyor 60.

"Branch of collection containers"
Of the collection containers 21 transported by the first transport conveyor 60, the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity based on the branch data is branched to the second transport conveyor 62 by the branch device 61, and the second transport conveyor. 62, carried into the second cutout conveyor 64 from the second transfer conveyor 62, and stored in the second cutout conveyor 64 in the order of loading. The collection containers 21 stored in the second cutout conveyor 64 are carried into the sub collection line 23 every six. A collection container 21 for collecting small quantities and small quantities flows through the sub collection line 23.

  The collection containers 21 that are not branched are carried into the first cutout conveyor 63 from the first transfer conveyor 60 and stored in the first cutout conveyor 63 in the order of loading. The collection containers 21 stored in the first cutout conveyor 63 are carried into the main collection line 22 every six. A collection container 21 for collecting a small quantity and a small quantity does not flow through the main collection line 22.

  In this way, the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity is prevented from being conveyed to the main collection line 22, and the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity collects the main collection line 22. Occupancy is avoided.

"Picking work in zones Z (1) to (m)"
The priority of picking work in the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23 and the temporary storage shelf 34 that can be tact-fed independently depends on the amount of the collection containers 21 retained in the buffer line 25. This is set every time 22 is tact-fed or when the sub collection line 23 is tact-fed and the staying amount is less than the first predetermined amount f.

<At the start of work>
Until the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first stay detector 26, the priority order is "subdirect picking", "normal direct picking", "preceding input from temporary storage rack", "temporary storage rack" The sub-direct picking in the sub collection line 23 is prioritized and executed in each zone Z (1) to (m).

  When picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 in each zone Z (1) to (m) is completed, the sub collection line 23 is tact-fed, and further tact-fed on the sub collection line 23. Since the collection container 21 is a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity, picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 is rapidly progressed, and the most downstream zone Z ( m), the collection container 21 for which the picking operation has been completed is carried out to the buffer line 25, conveyed to the downstream, and retained.

  In each zone Z (1) to (m), the normal direct picking is performed during the waiting time when the sub-direct picking in the sub-collection line 23 is completed or when the sub-collection line 23 is tact-fed. The operations are executed in the order of prior insertion from the temporary shelf and prior picking to the temporary shelf.

<Time until collection container 21 of second predetermined amount g stays in buffer line 25>
When the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first stay detector 26, the priority order is switched, and “normal direct picking”, “preceding input from temporary shelf”, “subdirect picking”, “temporary shelf” In the zones Z (1) to (m), the normal direct picking in the main collection line 22 is prioritized and executed, and then the preliminary loading from the temporary storage shelf 34 is executed.

  Thereby, the picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m) is performed rapidly, and the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m). When the picking to the upper collection container 21 is finished, the main collection line 22 is tact-fed, and the collection container 21 that has finished picking work from the most downstream zone Z (m) is tacted to the zone Z (m + 1). Sent.

  In each of the zones Z (1) to (m), the “normal direct picking” and the “preceding input from the temporary storage shelf” in the main collection line 22 are finished, or the waiting time or the main collection line 22 is vacant. The work is executed in the order of “subdirect picking” and “preceding picking to temporary storage shelf 34” in the tact-feed time.

  Picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 proceeds quickly and is tact-fed, but each collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 collects a large number and quantity of ordered items 33. Sub-direct picking that is performed at the time when the main collection line 22 is tact-fed because it is a product container 21 (not a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity) In the same manner, the picking to the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity on the sub collection line 23 proceeds in the same manner, and the collection container 21 that has finished the picking operation from the most downstream zone Z (m) is the buffer line 25. To the downstream, transported downstream, and retained.

<Normal (when the collection container 21 of the second predetermined amount g or more is retained in the buffer line 25)>
When the collection container 21 is confirmed by the second staying detector 27, the priority order is changed, and “normal direct picking”, “preceding input from the temporary storage shelf”, “advance picking to the temporary storage shelf”, “ Sub-direct picking ”, normal direct picking in the main collection line 22 is prioritized in each of the zones Z (1) to (m), and then the preceding loading from the temporary storage shelf 34 is executed. In 1) to (m), the sorting of the articles 33 is preferentially performed on the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the main collection line 22.

  Thereby, the picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m) is performed rapidly, and the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m). When the picking to the upper collection container 21 is finished, the main collection line 22 is tact-fed, and the collection container 21 that has finished picking work from the most downstream zone Z (m) is tacted to the zone Z (m + 1). Sent.

  In each of the zones Z (1) to (m), a waiting time that is vacant after completion of “normal direct picking” and “preceding input from the temporary storage shelf” in the main collection line 22, or the main collection line 22 During the tact time, the work is executed in the order of “advance picking to temporary shelf” and “subdirect picking” in order, and the work waiting time of the worker is used effectively, thereby improving productivity.

  Picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 proceeds rapidly and is tact-fed, but each collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 collects a large number and quantity of ordered items 33. Since it is a product container 21 (because it is not a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity), it is executed at a vacant waiting time or when the main collection line 22 is tact-fed. Picking to a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity on the sub-collection line 23 by “picking” similarly proceeds, and the collection container 21 that has finished picking work from the most downstream zone Z (m) is a buffer. It is carried out to the line 25, is conveyed downstream, and is retained.

"Picking work in zones Z (m + 1) to (p)"
Since there is no picking work for the sub-collection line 23 in the zones Z (m + 1) to (p), the above-mentioned <normal> picking work is executed, and the picking work that has been picked up from the zone Z (p) on the most downstream side is completed. The product container 21 is carried out to the third transport conveyor 66.

"Merging of collection containers"
In the merging / conveying area 15, the collecting container 21 conveyed by the third conveying conveyor 66 and the collecting container 21 conveyed by the buffer line 25 are “collected in order” by the merging device 67. The data are merged in accordance with “number data specifying individual users assigned to the containers 21”, and are carried out to the fourth transport conveyor 68. That is, the collection container 21 extracted from the collection container 21 transported to the main collection line 22 at the branching point is returned to the collection container 21 positioned before and after the branching at the junction point, 4 is output to the conveyor 68. Therefore, the sorting into each collection container 21 is finally completed in the order in which the first transport conveyor 60 is first loaded, and the containers are transported to the shipping area 17.

"Packaging and shipping collection containers"
When the collection container 21 for which the picking operation has been completed is conveyed to the packing area 16 by the fourth conveyor 68, the label 57 of the plastic bag 56 is pasted to the collection container 21, and the plastic bag 56 is subsequently packed. Then, the collection container 21 is covered and transported to the shipping area 17, and in the shipping area 17, the collection container 21 transported by the fourth transport conveyor 68 is stacked in a cart or the like according to the delivery direction and delivered. It is loaded into the truck.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the number of individual and daily delivery services increases, and accordingly, individual orders have a small number of product varieties (items), that is, a small number of products. Although orders for small quantities and small quantities are increasing, the main collection line 22 and the sub collection lines are not flown in the main collection line 22 because the collection container 21 for collecting small quantities and small quantities does not flow. Compared with the case where the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity is mixed and mixed, the waiting time when the operator does not perform any work can be reduced. For example, when the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23 are mixed, in the zone Z in which the collection containers 21 for collecting a small quantity and a small quantity are collected, the sorting operation is finished immediately and tact feed occurs. Until you wait without any sort work. Thus, by reducing the waiting time of the worker, the work efficiency in each of the zones Z (1) to (m) can be increased, and the overall work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, normally, the sorting operation for the collection container 21 in the main collection line 22 is prioritized, and the opportunity for the sorting operation for the articles 33 to the collection container 21 in the sub-collection line 23 is reduced. However, the collection container 21 transported by the sub-collection line 23 has a condition that the order from each individual user (article requirement information) is a small quantity and small quantity (an example of characteristics of the article requirement information of the sorting destination). By selecting the collection container 21 that satisfies the above, it is possible to improve the delay in the progress of the sorting of the sub collection line 23. Note that if the collection container 21 that satisfies the condition of small quantity and small quantity is selected, as a result, it is possible to satisfy the condition of less than 50% of the total number of all collection containers 21 (collection containers 21 conveyed by the conveyance path). Thus, it is possible to improve that the progress of the sorting of the sub collection line 23 is delayed.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the condition of the small quantity and the small quantity of the collection container 21 conveyed by the sub collection line 23 is 1 for the type of the article 33 to be sorted. By completing the sorting in a single sorting operation in the zone Z, even if the sorting operation for the collection container 21 of the main collection line 22 is prioritized, the progress of the sorting operation of the articles 33 in the sub collection line 23 is It can be equivalent to the main collection line 22.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the collection container 21 branched from the main collection line 22 is tact-fed by the sub collection line 23 at the branch point, and carried out from the sub collection line 23 to be joined. Thus, the first collection conveyor 60 (the main collection line 22 is firstly returned by returning the collection container 21 unloaded from the main collection line 22 and the collection container 21 positioned at the front and rear when the branch is made. ) (In order of users in the delivery direction), the sorting into the collection containers 21 is finally completed and can be transported to the shipping area 17, and the order of loading into the car cart is out of order for each direction. It is possible to avoid the collection containers 21 from being lined up, and it is possible to avoid a mistake that the containers are loaded and delivered to different car carts in different directions.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, high-frequency items are stored in the front ends 42 of the zones Z of the first picking area 13, and the collection containers 21 of the sub-collection line 23 are located in the zones Z located on the upstream side. By completing the sorting in (1) to (m), the buffer line 25 can be provided on the downstream side of the sub collection line 23, and the merging by the merging device 67 can be flexibly handled. In addition, in the structure without the buffer line 25, it cannot respond flexibly to the joining by the joining apparatus 67. FIG.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the pre-sorting for each collection container 21 to be sent next is performed on each shelf 32 of the temporary storage shelf 34, so that the worker's The waiting time during which work is not performed is reduced, and work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the second retention detector 27 operates and the retention amount of the collection container 21 from the junction device 67 in the buffer line 25 is not less than the second predetermined amount g, that is, the main collection line 22 is When there is no concern of stopping at the merge, the sorting operation of the articles 33 is executed with priority on the collection container 21 that has been sent through the main collection line 22, and then each shelf of the temporary storage shelf 34 The articles 33 sorted prior to 32 are put into the collection containers 21 corresponding to the respective shelves 32, whereby the collection containers 21 of the main collection line 22 are quickly tact-fed, and the main collection line The sorting operation to the collection container 21 on 22 can be rapidly advanced.

  Then, in the waiting time (the time until the main collection line 22 is tact-fed, the time during tact-feeding), the preliminary sorting to the respective shelves 32 of the temporary shelf 34 corresponding to the next tact is performed, Further, when there is a waiting time, the waiting time can be eliminated and the work efficiency can be improved by performing sorting into the collection containers 21 that have been sent by the sub collection line 23.

  Further, when the second stay detector 27 does not operate and the stay amount of the collection container 21 is less than the second predetermined amount g, and there is a concern that the main collection line 22 may stop waiting for joining, In addition, the sub-collection line 23 is sorted into the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed, and the switching is performed so that the sorting of the sub-collection line 23 is progressed, thereby preventing the merging from being delayed. it can.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the first retention detector 26 does not operate and the retention amount of the collection container 21 from the junction device 67 in the buffer line 25 is less than the first predetermined amount f, that is, the main When there is an increasing concern that the collection line 22 will stop waiting for joining, the sub-collection line 23 is first sorted into the collection containers 21 that have been tact-fed, whereby the progress of the sorting of the sub-collection line 23 is progressed. Can be prevented, and it can be avoided that the tact feed of the main collection line 22 is stopped.
[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the temporary shelf 34 is installed in each of the first picking area 13 and the second picking area 14, but the temporary shelf 34 may not be installed. At this time, in the first picking area 13, a picking operation is performed on the collection containers 21 that are tact-fed by the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23, respectively. In order to set the sorting order, “subdirect picking” is given priority until the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first retention detector 26, and the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first retention detector 26. Then, “normal direct picking” is given priority. Therefore, in each zone Z, picking work to the collection container 21 that is normally tact-fed by the main collection line 22 is executed with priority, and tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23 at a vacant waiting time. A picking operation is performed on the incoming collection container 21.

  According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the number of individual and daily delivery services is increasing, and as a result, orders for small quantities and small quantities are increasing. 22, the collection container 21 for collecting a small quantity and a small quantity does not flow, so that the collection container for collecting a small quantity and a small quantity is mixed in the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23. Compared with the case where 21 is run, the waiting time when the operator does not perform any work can be reduced. Further, normally, the sorting operation for the collection container 21 in the main collection line 22 is prioritized, and the opportunity for the sorting operation for the articles 33 to the collection container 21 in the sub-collection line 23 is reduced. However, the collection containers 21 transported by the sub-collection line 23 are less than 50% of the total number of all collection containers 21 (collection containers 21 transported by the transport path), and from each individual user. By selecting the collection container 21 that satisfies the condition that the order (item request information) satisfies the condition of small quantity and small quantity, it is possible to improve that the progress of the sorting of the sub collection line 23 is delayed.

In the second embodiment, the temporary storage shelf 34 is not installed, and the article 33 that has been previously picked is placed on the collection container 21 stopped corresponding to each shelf 32 of the temporary storage shelf 34. It is not necessary to specify the positions of the collection containers 21 and the shelves 32 to be stopped, so that it is not necessary to carry out the collection lines 22 and 23, and the continuous conveyance is performed. You can also.
[Embodiment 3]
In the first embodiment, the temporary shelf 34 is installed in each of the first picking area 13 and the second picking area 14, but the temporary shelf 34 is not installed. Each of the collection lines 23 may be configured to allow advance picking.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, at the stop positions of the collection containers 21 of the collection lines 22 and 23 by tact feeding, conveyors for instructing (displaying) sorting into the collection containers 21 at the stop positions, respectively. An input indicator 81 (an example of a container display means) 81 is provided.

  The conveyor input indicator 81 includes a first pushbutton switch 82 (an example of first instruction means) 82 with a red lamp that indicates a collection container 21 that executes a sorting operation in the arranged zone Z, and an adjacent downstream. The second push button switch (an example of the second instruction means) 83 with a green lamp that indicates the collection container 21 that executes the sorting operation in the zone Z is formed, and the green lamp of the second push button switch 83 has directivity. In the arranged zone Z, the picking worker cannot determine the lighting state, and only the picking worker in the adjacent downstream zone Z can determine the lighting state.

  In each collection line 22 and 23, for each tact, when the sorting operation to each collection device 21 in each zone Z is completed and there is a free waiting time, the conveyor input indicator 81 in the upstream zone Z is displayed. The green lamp of the second push button switch 83 is turned on, and an advance sorting operation is instructed. At this time, the picking operator takes out the designated quantity of articles 33 from the frontage 42 according to the display of the picking indicator 47 of his / her own zone (own zone) Z, and the green lamp of the upstream zone Z An operation is performed in which the second push button switch 83 is pushed by putting it into the collection container 21 in which is lit. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in each collection line 22, 23, in each zone Z, when the sorting operation for the collection container 21 in the own zone Z is completed, the collection container 21 in the upstream zone Z is The sorting operation is executed in advance.

  As described above, the picking workers in the zones Z (1) to (m) can use the collection container 21 that has been transported to the own zone Z by the main collection line 22 and the sub-collection line 23 to the own zone Z. The collection container 21 that has been conveyed, the collection container 21 that has been conveyed to the adjacent upstream zone Z by the main collection line 22, and the collection that has been conveyed to the adjacent upstream zone Z by the sub-collection line 23 Sorting work is performed on the container 21, and the priority order of sorting in each of the collection lines 22 and 23 is set as follows.

This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the collection container 21 is loaded into the zone Z (1) and the sorting operation is started (step-1), the operation time is counted (step-2), and it is confirmed whether the operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step-2). Step-3).

  When the working time is less than the predetermined time, it is confirmed whether or not the main collection line 22 is tact-fed (step-4), and whether or not the sub-collection line 23 is tact-fed (step-5). When the line 22 or the sub-collection line 23 is tact-feeding, the priority order of the sorting work of the articles 33 in each zone Z is set as follows (step-6).

(I) “Sub-normal picking” for the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23 as instructed by the red lamp of the first pushbutton switch 82 in the own zone Z.
(Ii) “Sub-preceding / picking” for the collection container 21 in the upstream zone Z that has been tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23 as instructed by the green lamp of the second push button switch 83 in the adjacent upstream zone Z .

  (Iii) “Main normal picking” for the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the main collection line 22 as instructed by the red lamp of the first pushbutton switch 82 in the zone Z.

  (Iv) “Main Precedence / Picking” for the collection container 21 in the upstream zone Z that has been sent by the main collection line 22 as indicated by the green lamp of the second push button switch 83 in the adjacent upstream zone Z .

In Step-3, when the working time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is confirmed whether or not the main collection line 22 is tact-feed (Step-7).
When the tact feed of the main collection line 22 is confirmed, first, the second retention detector 27 is turned on, that is, the retention amount of the collection container 21 from the merging device 67 (merging point) in the buffer line 25 is the second predetermined amount g. It is confirmed whether or not it is above (step -8), and when it is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount g, that is, when there is no concern that the main collection line 22 stops waiting for joining, the collection container 21 of the main collection line 22 is moved to. In order to prompt the progress of the sorting, the priority of sorting work of the articles 33 in each zone Z is set as follows (step-9).

(I) Main normal picking.
(Ii) Main advance / picking.
(Iii) Sub-normal picking.

(Iv) Sub-preceding / picking.
In Step-8, when the staying amount is less than the second predetermined amount g, the first staying detector 26 is turned on, that is, the staying amount is smaller than the second predetermined amount g and the first predetermined amount f (<g ) Or not (step -10). When the first predetermined amount f is less than the second predetermined amount g, that is, when there is a concern that the main collection line 22 may stop waiting for joining, each zone Z The priority order of the sorting work of the articles 33 in is set as follows (step-11).

(I) Main normal picking.
(Ii) Sub-normal picking.
(Iii) Main advance / picking.

(Iv) Sub-preceding / picking.
In step -10, when the main collection line 22 is less than the first predetermined amount f, that is, the main collection line 22 is waiting for merging, there is an increased concern that the tact feed will stop (the collection container 21 carried out by the sub collection line 23 Step 6 is executed if there is an increased concern that the union of the collection container 21 from the main collection line 22 will be hindered by the merger 67).

  In Step-7, when the tact feed of the main collection line 22 is not confirmed, if the tact feed of the sub collection line 23 is confirmed (Step-12), it is confirmed whether or not the first stay detector 26 is on ( Step-13) When confirmed, the process returns to Step-7. If it cannot be confirmed, that is, if the staying amount is less than the first predetermined amount f, Step-6 is executed, the priority setting of the sorting work in each zone Z is updated, and the sub-normal picking is returned to. A picking operation can be performed on the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the collection line 23.

The operation in the picking areas 13 and 14 with the above configuration will be described.
"Picking work in zones Z (1) to (m)"
The collection in which the priority of the four zones Z of the picking operation in the own zone / adjacent upstream zone of the main collection line 22 and the own zone / adjacent upstream zone of the sub collection line 23 is retained in the buffer line 25 This is set every time the main collection line 22 is tact-fed by the amount of the container 21 or when the sub-collection line 23 is tact-fed and the staying amount is less than the first predetermined amount f.

<At the start of work>
Until the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first residence detector 26, the priority is (i) sub normal / picking, (ii) sub preceding / picking, (iii) main normal / picking, (iv) main In the zones Z (1) to (m), the picking in the own zone of the sub collection line 23 and the adjacent upstream zone is preferentially executed in each zone Z (1) to (m).

  In each zone Z (1) to (m), when picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 in the own zone is completed, when there is a free waiting time, each upstream zone Z (1) to (Z) Picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 at (m−1) is executed. When the picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 is completed in each zone Z (1) to (m), the sub collection line 23 is tact-fed and further tact feed is performed on the sub-collection line 23. Since the collection container 21 to be collected is a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity, picking to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 is rapidly progressed, and the most downstream zone Z From (m), the collection container 21 for which the picking operation has been completed is carried out to the buffer line 25, conveyed downstream, and retained.

  In each zone Z (1) to (m), the picking of the sub collection line 23 in the own zone / adjacent upstream zone is completed, and further, the waiting time is free. Picking work to the upstream zone is performed.

<Time until collection container 21 of second predetermined amount g stays in buffer line 25>
When the collection container 21 is confirmed by the first stay detector 26, the priority order is switched, and (i) main normal / picking, (ii) sub normal / picking, (iii) main preceding / picking, (iv) sub Preceding / picking is performed, and main normal / picking in the main collection line 22 is prioritized and executed in each of the zones Z (1) to (m).

  Thereby, the picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m) is performed rapidly, and the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m). When the picking to the upper collection container 21 is finished, the main collection line 22 is tact-fed, and the collection container 21 that has finished picking work from the most downstream zone Z (m) is tacted to the zone Z (m + 1). Sent.

  In each of the zones Z (1) to (m), the “main normal picking” in the main collection line 22 is completed and the waiting time that is vacant or the time when the main collection line 22 is tact-fed Picking work to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23 in the zones Z (1) to (m) is executed, and the collection containers on the sub collection line 23 in each zone Z (1) to (m) are executed. When the picking work to 21 is completed, the sub collection line 23 is tact-fed, and the collection container 21 for which the picking work has been completed from the most downstream zone Z (m) is carried to the buffer line 25 and conveyed downstream. , Stay.

  Also, the waiting time which is free after the completion of the sub normal / picking is executed in the order of (iii) main preceding / picking and (iv) sub preceding / picking in the order of the preceding lines / 23.

<Normal (when the collection container 21 of the second predetermined amount g or more is retained in the buffer line 25>
When the collection container 21 is confirmed by the second stay detector 27, (i) main normal / picking, (ii) main preceding / picking, (iii) sub-normal / picking, (iv) sub-preceding / picking priority The order is switched, and the main normal picking in the main collection line 22 in the own zone Z of each zone Z (1) to (m) is prioritized, and in each waiting time for each zone Z (1) to (m) The main preceding / picking in the main collection line 22 in the adjacent upstream zone Z is prioritized, and in each zone Z (1) to (m), the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the main collection line 22 is used. The sorting of the articles 33 is executed with priority.

  Thereby, the picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m) is performed rapidly, and the main collection line 22 in each zone Z (1)-(m). When the picking to the upper collection container 21 is finished, the main collection line 22 is tact-fed, and the collection container 21 that has finished picking work from the most downstream zone Z (m) is tacted to the zone Z (m + 1). Sent.

  In each of the zones Z (1) to (m), the “main normal picking” and the “main preceding / picking” in the main collection line 22 are completed, or the main collection line 22 is tact-fed. The work is executed in the order of “sub-normal / picking” and “sub-preceding / picking” at the set time, and the sorting of the articles 33 is performed on the collection container 21 that has been sent through the sub-collection line 23. Executed, the work waiting time of the worker is effectively used, and the productivity is improved.

  Picking to the collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 proceeds rapidly and is tact-fed, but each collection container 21 on the main collection line 22 collects a large number and quantity of ordered items 33. Since it is a product container 21 (because it is not a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity), it is executed at a vacant waiting time or when the main collection line 22 is tact-fed. Picking to the collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and small quantity on the sub-collection line 23 by “picking” and “sub-preceding / picking” proceeds in the same manner, and the picking work is completed from the zone Z (m) at the most downstream. The collected container 21 is carried out to the buffer line 25, conveyed to the downstream, and retained.

"Picking work in zones Z (m + 1) to (p)"
Since there is no picking work for the sub-collection line 23 in the zones Z (m + 1) to (p), the above-mentioned <normal> picking work is executed, and the picking work that has been picked up from the zone Z (p) on the most downstream side is completed. The product container 21 is carried out to the third transport conveyor 66.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the number of delivery services that are delivered individually and every day is increasing, and accordingly, orders for small quantities and small quantities are increasing. The collection container 21 for collecting a small quantity and a small quantity does not flow in the main collection line 22, so that a small quantity and a small quantity of collection are mixed in the main collection line 22 and the sub collection line 23. Compared with the case where the collection container 21 that performs the operation is flowed, the waiting time during which the operator does not perform any operation can be reduced. Further, normally, the sorting operation for the collection container 21 in the main collection line 22 is prioritized, and the opportunity for the sorting operation for the articles 33 to the collection container 21 in the sub-collection line 23 is reduced. However, the collection containers 21 transported by the sub-collection line 23 are less than 50% of the total number of all collection containers 21 (collection containers 21 transported by the transport path), and from each individual user. By selecting the collection container 21 that satisfies the condition that the order (item request information) satisfies the condition of small quantity and small quantity, it is possible to improve that the progress of the sorting of the sub collection line 23 is delayed.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the first retention detector 26 does not operate and the retention amount of the collection container 21 from the junction device 67 in the buffer line 25 is less than the first predetermined amount f, that is, the main When there is a growing concern that the collection line 22 will stop waiting for joining, the “sub-normal / picking” and “sub-preceding / picking” priority will be given to the collection container 21 that has been tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23 first. Since the collection container 21 that is executed in this manner and is tact-fed on the sub collection line 23 is a collection container 21 that collects a small quantity and a small quantity, it is transferred to the collection container 21 on the sub collection line 23. The picking container 21 having been picked up from the most downstream zone Z (m) is carried out to the buffer line 25, and the picking container 21 is rapidly put into the buffer line 25. It can be distilled, the confluence is delayed, it is possible to avoid that the tact feed of the main collection product line 22 will be stopped.

  Further, when the second collection detector 27 does not operate and the retention amount of the collection container 21 is less than the second predetermined amount g, and there is a concern that the main collection line 22 may stop waiting for joining, the main collection line 22 The “main normal picking” is executed for the collection container 21 of the first, and at the beginning of the waiting time, the “sub-normal picking” to the collection container 21 sent by the sub collection line 23 is performed. As a result, the sorting of the sub collection line 23 is progressed, so that the merging can be prevented from being delayed.

  In the state where the second retention detector 27 is operated and the collection container 21 of the second predetermined amount g or more is retained in the buffer line 25, the “main” is set to the collection container 21 of the main collection line 22. By preferentially executing “normal / picking” and “main preceding / picking”, the sorting operation to the collection container 21 conveyed by the main collection line 22 can be quickly executed. When the waiting time further occurs, “sub-normal / picking” and “sub-preceding / picking” are performed on the collection container 21 of the sub-collection line 23 to the collection container 21 of the sub-collection line 23. As a result, the idle waiting time can be used effectively.

In the third embodiment, the temporary storage shelf 34 is not installed, and the picked-up article 33 is placed on the collection container 21 stopped corresponding to each shelf 32 of the temporary storage shelf 34. It is not necessary to specify the positions of the collection containers 21 and the shelves 32 to be stopped, so that it is not necessary to carry out the collection lines 22 and 23, and the continuous conveyance is performed. You can also.
[Other embodiments]
In the above first to third embodiments, the characteristic of the article request information of the sorting destination is small due to “a preset ratio Q (less than 50%) to the total number N of collection containers 21 conveyed along the entire conveyance path”. A condition for a small quantity and a small quantity is obtained, a collection container 21 corresponding to the condition for a small quantity and a small quantity is formed, branch data of the collection container 21 is branched, and a sub collection line (second sorting line) is formed based on the branch data. The branch data is formed in the same manner based on “the ratio of the ordered items 33 to the total sorting amount (less than 50%)”, and the branch data is branched to the sub collection line 23 based on the branch data. Also good.

  In this way, the collection container 21 branched to the sub collection line 23 is set as the collection container 21 into which the articles 33 that are less than 50% of the total sorting amount of the articles 33 are placed, so that the main collection is usually performed. Even if the sorting operation for the collection container 21 in the line 22 is given priority (even if the opportunity for sorting the articles 33 to the collection container 21 in the sub collection line 23 is reduced), the sorting operation for the sub collection line 23 is not performed. It can improve the delay in progress.

  Further, a condition for a small quantity and a small quantity is obtained from a ratio Q (less than 50%) to the total number N of collection containers 21 conveyed along the entire conveyance path, and the collection container 21 corresponding to the condition for a small quantity and a small quantity is sub-collected. The collection container 21 that is branched to the line 23 is requested, but from the beginning, the user's order is a collection container 21 that satisfies the condition of a preset low-mix low-volume (characteristic of the goods request information of the sorting destination). Branching to the sub-collection line 23 on condition that the product 33 to be sorted is 1 and the quantity is 1, the kind is 1 and the quantity is 2 or more, or a combination container 21 of the combination. The collection container 21 may be obtained.

  In the first to third embodiments, the condition of the collection container 21 branching to the sub collection line 23 is a collection container of a small quantity and a small quantity that is ordered from the user. No, the work amount to the collection container 21 tact-fed by the sub-collection line 23 is small, or an article 33 with good workability, short work time, and good work efficiency for the operator is ordered. It may be conditional on being. As the article 33 having good work efficiency of the worker, for example, an article having a light weight, an article having a short length, an article having a small volume ratio, an article that is difficult to break, or an article that is easy to handle due to the characteristics of the article 33 to be sorted. Or an article made of a combination thereof.

  In the first to third embodiments, the articles 33 taken out from the frontage 42 are put into the collection containers 21 set in advance by the user, which are conveyed by the collection lines 22 and 23, and the collection containers are collected. The article 33 ordered by the user is sorted for each 21, but a user is set in advance in each frontage 42, and a plurality of articles 33 of one kind are stored in each line (sorting line) 22, 23. The container (sorting container) 21 is conveyed, and the quantity of articles 33 displayed on the display 47 of the frontage 42 is taken out from the container 21 indicated by the display 51 of each line. It is good also as a structure to throw in. At this time, the containers 21 transported by the second sorting line 23 are a plurality of items 33 in which less than 50% of the total number of sorting containers 21 transported by the entire transport path or less than 50% of the total sorting amount of the articles 33 are sorted. Container 21.

  In this configuration, the sorting of the articles 33 in the containers 21 of the first sorting line 22 is performed with priority on the sorting of the articles 33 with respect to the containers 21 transported by the first sorting line 22. In contrast, the container 21 that has been transported by the second sorting line 23 is free until the sorting of the first sorting line 22 is completed and transported from the zone Z. Sorting work is executed during conveyance from the waiting time or from the zone Z, thereby eliminating the waiting time for the operator and improving work efficiency. Further, as the container 21 to be transported by the second sorting line 23, the container 21 that satisfies the condition of less than 50% of the total number of containers 21 transported by the transport path or the total sorting amount of the articles 33 is selected. It is possible to improve that the progress of the sorting operation of the articles 33 in the container 21 of the second sorting line 23 is delayed.

  In the first to third embodiments, the sub collection line 23 is laid only in the first picking area 13. However, the sub collection line 23 is provided in the second picking area 14 instead of the first picking area 13. It is also possible to lay it, and it is also possible to lay it continuously in the first picking area 13 and the second picking area 14.

In the first to third embodiments, the buffer line 25 is provided only on the sub collection line 23. However, the buffer line 25 may be provided on the main collection line 22 as well.
In the first to third embodiments, the color of the label 57 to be attached to the plastic bag 56 in the collection container loading area 11 is not specified, but the label color is changed depending on the delivery direction of the collection container 21. Also good. By changing the color, it is possible to confirm whether or not the collection containers 21 are lined up and transported by the delivery direction when the worker performs the packing operation in the packing area 16, and is loaded on the car in the shipping area 17. At this time, it can be confirmed whether the collection containers 21 in other directions are not mixed, and a delivery error can be avoided.

  In the first to third embodiments, the collection container 21 is formed of a foldable container, but it may be a container, a cardboard box, or a bag supported by a frame.

  Moreover, in the said Embodiment 1-3, although the sorting shelf which stores the container 41 for arrival is comprised by the flow rack 31, it is not restricted to the flow rack 31, A fixed shelf etc. may be sufficient.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the sorting facility 10 collects articles ordered from individual pre-registered customers (users) in collection containers assigned to the users and delivers them daily.・ Each collection container (an example of a sorting container) 21 has been assigned (assigned) to each collection container (an example of a sorting container) based on the fact that it is a “sorting facility corresponding to services”. -You may make it set the store which receives a service, the specific sales floor in a store, and a floor to the collection container 21. FIG. At this time, when there are a plurality of specific sales floors or floors in the store, the articles 33 (the plastic bags 56 are stored in the collection container 21 for each of the plurality of sales floors or floors in the packing area 16. ) May be taken out together with the plastic bag 56 and refilled into a representative collection container 21 (for example, a collection container 21 that specifies a store or a store on the floor) before shipment. At the shipping destination, when the collection container 21 is opened, it is possible to identify the sales floor or the floor of the article 33 stored in the plastic bag 56 by the label 57 attached to each plastic bag 56. .

  In the first to third embodiments, the transport surface of the collection container 21 of the sub collection line 23 located on the back side of the main collection line 22 as viewed from the worker side is horizontal. The product 33 can be easily put into the collection container 21 of the sub collection line 23 by being inclined to the user side. At this time, a support material for supporting the collection container 21 is provided in the sub collection line 23 so that the collection container 21 does not slide down due to the inclination of the conveying surface.

  In the first to third embodiments, the article 33 is classified into a high-frequency product, a medium-frequency product, and a low-frequency product according to the frequency requested by the user. You may classify | categorize into the high frequency goods whose frequency of a request | requirement is higher than a low frequency goods. At this time, at least a high-frequency product is assigned to the first picking area 13, and an article 33 other than the article 33 assigned in the first picking area 13 (a low-frequency product, a high-frequency product is assigned to the second picking area 14). Frequency product) is assigned.

  In the first to third embodiments, the flow rack (an example of a sorting shelf) 31 provided along the collection lines 22 and 23 has a plurality of fronts (an example of a compartment storage space) 42 as the collection line 22. , 23, but the plurality of front openings 42 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the collection lines 22, 23.

10 Sorting Equipment 11 Collection Container Input Area 12 Branch / Cut Area 13 First Picking Area 14 Second Picking Area 15 Merge / Transport Area 16 Packing Area 17 Shipping Area 21 Collection Container (Sorting Container)
22 Main collection line 23 Sub collection line 25 Buffer line 26, 27 Residence detector 31 Flow rack 32 Shelf 33 Goods 34 Temporary shelf 42 Frontage 44 Picking controller 47 Picking display 51, 81 Conveyor input display 52 Temporary display 55 Zone indicator 56 Plastic bag 57 Label 58 Label printer 59 Display 60, 62, 66, 68 Conveyor 61 Branching device 63, 64 Cutting conveyor 65, 69, 70 Bar code reader 67 Junction device 71 Central computer 72 Container loading controller 73 Branch controller 74 Merge controller 82 First push button switch with red lamp 83 Second push button switch with green lamp

Claims (12)

A plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, respectively, and a sorting shelf in which a zone for performing sorting work is set for each predetermined number of compartment storage spaces;
A transport path for transporting a plurality of sorting containers along the sorting shelf,
According to the article request information of the sorting destination, a sorting facility that sorts articles between each sorting container transported by the transport path and each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf,
The transport path,
A first sorting line for transporting the plurality of sorting containers;
Independently of the first sorting line, the sorting container selected as having good work efficiency of the operator according to the characteristics of the article request information of each sorting destination or the characteristics of the article on which sorting is performed , A second sorting line transported separately from the sorting container transported to the first sorting line;
Consisting of
In each of the zones, the sorting of the article is preferentially performed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, and when the sorting of the article on the first sorting line is finished, the second sorting line is completed. The sorting equipment is characterized in that sorting of the articles is executed with respect to the sorting container conveyed by the above. The characteristic of the article request information of the sorting destination is article request information that satisfies the condition that the article to be sorted satisfies the condition of small quantity and quantity. The condition of the quantity of small quantity in the article request information is that the kind of the article to be sorted is 1 and the quantity There one or all varieties of the article and the quantity is 2 or more at 1 or their Kumiawasedea is, and the total sorting of less than 50% or articles of the total number of sorting containers carried by entire conveying path, The sorting equipment according to claim 1, wherein the sorting equipment is less than 50% . The characteristic of the article is weight, length, volume ratio, degree of fragility, degree of ease of handling, or a combination thereof. Sorting equipment. The sorting operation corresponding to the sorting container of the second sorting line is executed in the plurality of compartment storage spaces arranged upstream of the transport path. Sorting equipment as described in the paragraph. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first sorting line and the second sorting line feeds the plurality of sorting containers for each zone. Along the first sorting line, each zone has shelves corresponding to the sorting containers sent by the first sorting line, and the tacting by the first sorting line is performed next time for each shelf. Arrange temporary shelves that can pre-sort items to be sorted into each sorting container that is sent,
The sorting of goods in each zone is
First, with one of the following as the destination, the sorting of the articles for the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line, and the shelves of the articles sorted prior to each shelf of the temporary storage shelf To the sorting container to be executed,
When these executions are finished,
Next, sorting of articles for each shelf of the temporary storage shelf is executed,
6. The sorting equipment according to claim 5, wherein the sorting equipment is set to execute sorting of articles with respect to the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line. For each zone along the first sorting line and the second sorting line, a first instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing sorting work in the zone, and sorting work in an adjacent downstream zone A second instruction means for instructing a sorting container to be executed;
The sorting of goods in each zone is
First, it is executed for the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, instructed by the first indicating means of this zone,
Next, it is executed on the sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been conveyed by the first sorting line, instructed by the second indicating means in the adjacent upstream zone,
Next, it is executed for the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line, instructed by the first indicating means of this zone,
Next, it is set to be executed with respect to the sorting container in the adjacent upstream zone that has been conveyed by the second sorting line, which is instructed by the second indicating means in the adjacent upstream zone. The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Provided downstream of the second sorting line is a buffer line for transporting the sorted containers, and the sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line,
In the buffer line, when the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the merged point is a predetermined amount or more, in each zone, the sorting container transported by the first sorting line, The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein sorting of articles is performed with priority. Along the first sorting line, each zone has a shelf corresponding to each sorting container that is tact-fed by the first sorting line, and each shelf is transported by the first sorting line next time. Arrange temporary storage shelves that can sort items in advance into each sorting container,
Provided downstream of the second sorting line is a buffer line for transporting the sorted containers, and the sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line,
In the buffer line, it is determined whether the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the merging point of the sorting container is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount,
When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than a second predetermined amount, in each of the zones, the sorting of the article is preferentially executed with respect to the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line, Next, sorting of articles in each shelf of the temporary storage shelf is performed, and then sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the second sorting line,
When the amount of the retained sorting container is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, in each of the zones, the sorting of the articles is performed with respect to the sorting container that has been tact-fed by the first sorting line. The sorting of the articles is performed on the sorting container that has been executed with priority and then conveyed by the second sorting line, and then sorting of the articles on each shelf of the temporary storage shelf is performed. The sorting equipment according to claim 5, wherein For each zone along the first sorting line and the second sorting line, a first instruction means for instructing a sorting container for performing sorting work in the zone, and sorting work in an adjacent downstream zone A second instruction means for instructing a sorting container to be executed;
Provided downstream of the second sorting line is a buffer line for transporting the sorted containers, and the sorting container transported by the buffer line is joined to the first sorting line,
In the buffer line, it is determined whether the amount of the sorting container retained upstream from the merging point of the sorting container is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount,
When the amount of the retained sorting container is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, in each zone, the first sorting line indicated by the first indicating means of this zone or the second indicating means of the adjacent upstream zone The sorting of the article is executed with priority on the sorting container that has been transported by
When the amount of the retained sorting container is not less than the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, each zone has been conveyed by the first sorting line instructed by the first instruction means of this zone. The sorting of the article is executed with priority on the sorting container, and then the article is sent to the sorting container conveyed by the second sorting line, which is instructed by the first instruction means of this zone. Sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein sorting is performed. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sorting container is a container, a foldable container, a cardboard box, or a bag supported by a frame. . A plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles, respectively, and a sorting shelf in which a zone for performing sorting work is set for each predetermined number of compartment storage spaces;
A transport path for transporting a plurality of sorting containers along the sorting shelf,
According to the article request information of the sorting destination, a sorting facility that sorts articles between each sorting container transported by the transport path and each compartment storage space of the sorting shelf,
The transport path,
A first sorting line for transporting the plurality of sorting containers;
Independently of the first sorting line, it is less than 50% of the total number of sorting containers transported by the entire transport path or less than 50% of the total sorting amount of articles, Consists of a second sorting line that transports a plurality of sorting containers in which articles having conditions of small quantities and small quantities are sorted as characteristics ,
In each of the zones, the sorting of the article is preferentially performed on the sorting container conveyed by the first sorting line, and when the sorting of the article on the first sorting line is finished, the second sorting line is completed. The sorting equipment is characterized in that sorting of the articles is executed with respect to the sorting container conveyed by the above.

Images