JPH02132014A - Parcel sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To handle various parcels in a small space with few personnel by memorizing the sorting addresses and loading positions of parcels loaded on a loading means, detecting the extracting positions corresponding to the sorting addresses, and identifying and displaying the loading positions of the parcels in a parcel sorting device at a post office or the like. CONSTITUTION:A parcel 4 is loaded on a conveyor 1 by a loader 3 at a loading section 1a, and the sorting number of the parcel 4 and the loading position on the conveyor 1 are inputted via respective keyboards not shown in the figure to be sent to a CPU 7. On the other hand, A sorting address card is inserted into a card insertion port 2j by a picker 5 at an extracting section 1b, and the sorting address at this position is judged by a CPU 7. When the parcel 4 to be sorted reaches the sorting address, the CPU 7 operates a warning at this position based on the input information. The corresponding picker 5 extracts the parcel. The handling of various parcels can be performed with few personnel according to this constitution.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

(Industrial Application Field) The present invention is applicable to, for example, post offices, distribution centers, home delivery businesses, etc.
It is related to parcel sorting equipment used in the business of sorting parcels according to their destination, and it is used not only for small items such as small items from Totsuko.
In particular, items with special handling precautions and irregularly shaped items that were previously considered difficult to dispose of,
This invention relates to a parcel sorting device that can handle long items, heavy counterfeit items, living things, etc. without any inconvenience. (Prior Art) As a conventional small type I sorting machine, a van conveyor type or a diagonal belt type is used. This type of sorting machine places parcels on a belt conveyor or a conveyor such as a van, tray, or packet that runs continuously, and mechanically discharges the parcels from the conveyor when they reach the sorting destination. It is composed of (Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the conventional sorting machine described in L, various vibrations and shocks are applied to the parcels conveyed on the conveyor. For this reason, so-called careful handling items such as flower pots, bird cages, glass products, soft fruits, precision instruments, or ITIQt items,
According to the above-mentioned sorting machine, living things may fall over, become deformed, and the contents may be damaged or overflow. Also, [The tithing machine is a small item! ! Due to the limited storage space, it was not suitable for sorting long items such as skis, golf bags, and oddly shaped items. Not only is it suitable for sorting small parcels such as 5 items that must be handled carefully, odd-shaped items, long items, Φ items, living things, etc., it also occupies a relatively small space and reduces the number of workers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a parcel sorting device that can improve working efficiency. (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the problems mentioned above, the parcel sorting device of the present invention is capable of sorting the sorting destination and the parcel of each parcel placed at an arbitrary position in the loading means. The loading position of the package in the loading means described in 111 is memorized, and according to this memory, the extraction position fN corresponding to the sorting destination of the parcel is detected, and the aW1 position of the parcel corresponding to the sorting destination in the loading means described above is detected. It is characterized by displaying identification. (Function) According to the parcel sorting device of the present invention configured as described above, for example, during loading, the parcels to be sorted are first transferred to the loading means. The worker who transfers cargo is called a "loader." Each small item in this loading means! ! The location can be any location. Further, the amount of the parcel to be delivered to the loading means is not particularly limited as long as it is within the permissible range of the loading means. next. The loader is loaded with each small rt placed on the means.
The destination for sorting the item and the placement position 1n of the parcel in the IYIL loading means are memorized using an appropriate input means. If the loading means described above has a moving function, for example, if this loading means is configured with a low-speed conveyor, each parcel will be moved by the corresponding container A, and the parcel will be transferred to the sampling destination corresponding to the sorting destination of the parcel. The position is detected (hereinafter, the worker who transfers the parcel at this transfer position will be referred to as [Vicker J]). The Vicker learns from an alarm sound or the like that is displayed based on the above detection result that there is a parcel corresponding to the sorting destination at the relevant position, and then indicates the placement position of the parcel on the conveyor, for example, on a display. It is recognized by the position indicator lamp shown. It is possible to identify parcels that are intended for a particular sorting destination from the conveyor 2, extract them, and transfer them to a pallet for delivery. In addition, when the loading means is constituted by a fixed type having an array of tables, for example, the means for transferring the parcels picked up at the sorting destination is formed by a movable cart such as a pallet. The loader places the small items to be sorted in the empty spaces on the table as appropriate, and for each small item, as described in -1- The location is stored manually. Next, the Vicker 1 moves the pallet for carrying out according to the sorting destination along the L table, and while moving the pallet, detects the position of the L table for small items corresponding to the sorting destination of the pallet. The existence of the parcel will be announced by an alarm sound, etc., and the location of the small item on the table will be displayed, and the bicker will be able to take out the parcel and transfer it to the above-mentioned carrying pallet based on this display. Can be done. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a sorting device using the above-mentioned stationary type or low-speed conveyor type sorting cart. (Example) Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment in which a low-speed conveyor is applied to the parcel sorting IFI of the present invention. FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the loading section in the parcel sorting device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the extraction section of the parcel sorting device of FIG. FIG. 2(c) is a sectional view of the mounting-η section shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart showing the small-1j object loading operation in the aEi section, and FIG.

[)) is a flowchart showing the parcel extraction operation in the extraction section. In Figure 1, move n in the eight directions of arrows at a low speed of about 6 m/min.
;A loading section 1a. A extraction section 1b and a cancel checking section 1c are provided. i! As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(c), in the space 1a, a keyboard 2a for inputting the destination number of the parcel 4 is arranged above the conveyor 1 at a required interval. . This keyboard is equipped with a display function that allows you to check the manual results. When the loader 3 inputs the sorting destination number of the parcel 4 placed on the conveyor l into the nearest keyboard 2a, this input signal is sent to the C I) tJ 7. Note that as the input means, in addition to keystrokes, means such as voice recognition or barcodes may be used. Also, conveyor! 1n keys 2b are continuously provided along the . For example, the 1η key 2b can be pressed 3 times in the vertical direction.
Keys arranged in columns 2e. 2d and 2c are continuously provided along the traveling direction of the conveyor 1. After inputting the sorting destination number of the parcel 4 on the keyboard 2a, the loader 3 presses the key 2e. Press either 2d%2c. These keys 2e, 2d. By pressing the key 2c, the key-press lamp will light up momentarily, allowing you to confirm your input. The human power signal on the position key 2b is sent to the CPLI 7 together with the human power signal on the keyboard 2a. Here, the parcel loading operation in the L loading section 1a will be explained in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3(a). The loader 3 moves the pallet 6 loaded with small items to be sorted to the vicinity of the conveyor 1 of the loading section 1a. Next, place the parcels 4 one by one into the empty spaces on the conveyor l. Then, manually input the sorting destination number, sorted by postal code, etc., of the parcel into the nearest keyboard 2a. Check the result of this keystroke on the display. If there is a mistake, press the key again after canceling, confirm the correct destination number, and then
The conveyor l of the parcel is pressed on the position key 2b of the straight part of the goods 4.
Press the key at the top position. This keystroke depends on whether the parcel 4 is on the conveyor 1 in front of the loader 3, in the center of the conveyor 1, or in the back. 2d. 2c, this manual input {S number is sent to the CPU 7 together with the manual input signal on the E keyboard 2a, and is stored in a shift register synchronized with the conveyor. Parcels are placed on the conveyor I1 in this way until the unloading pallet 6 is empty. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the extraction section 1b has a card inserter 0 for inserting the sorting destination card into the side of the conveyor l.
2j is provided for each pick-up position for each destination of parcels (receiving range of the bicker 5). Insert a sorting destination-specific card such as an ID card into the card reader 12j, and let CPU 7 determine the sorting destination at the relevant position. Note that if a sorting destination card like the one shown in "-" is used, any position of the sampling section 1b can be set to any sorting destination, but it is not possible to set the sampling position of the sampling section 1b for each sorting destination in advance. If you do, you won't need this destination card. In addition, an indicator 2f is provided at the conveyor It section of the extraction section 1b.
are continuously provided along the circumferential direction of the conveyor l. This indicator 2f has three rows of lamps 2i in the vertical direction corresponding to the position keys 2b in the cargo section 1a.
．． 2h and 2g are arranged 1n, and this lamp row is conveyor l.
They are arranged consecutively in the direction of travel. The indicator 2f is connected to the -1-era CPU 7, and the keyboard 2a is connected to the keyboard 2a as described above.
After the CPU 7 processes the signals input from the position key 2b, the processed signal is sent to the indicator 2r, and a lamp display corresponding to the signal is displayed. That is, when the parcel 4 moving on the conveyor reaches the sorting destination in the extraction section Ib, the picker 5 waits for it at the sorting destination position.
At the same time, the indicator 2F of the destination is displayed on the conveyor! ” Displays the position of parcel 4 at 2. This display method is based on whether the parcel 4 is in the hand of the picker 5 on the conveyor 1, in the middle, or in the back.
i. This is done by lighting either 2h or 2g. The lighting position of this lamp in the direction of conveyor movement h moves following the conveyor transport of the parcel 4, but it is necessary to limit the lighting range to one sorting destination.
Bitscar 5 picks out the parcel 4 that corresponds to the sorting destination,
If you press the lit lamp, this lamp will go out. Even if the lamp of the indicator 2f lights up, if the parcel 4 is not removed, the position of the lamp moves in accordance with the conveyor transport of the parcel, so that the position of the parcel continues to be displayed. It should be noted that the cancellation check section 1c is an area for sorting the parcels into both sides if there are parcels remaining that were not sorted on the conveyor IL for some reason, and may be provided as necessary. Here, the parcel extraction operation in the extraction section 1b will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3(b). The picker 5 arranges the empty pallets 8 for carrying out in the receiving range of the conveyor 1 for each sorting destination in the extraction section 1b. By inserting cards to be sorted by this picker 5 into the insertion slot 2, i, the range of picker 5 can be determined. Then, when the parcel 4 corresponding to this sorting destination enters the receiving range of the bicker 5, an alarm fIll8 is issued in the vicinity of the relevant position according to a command from the CPU 7. This alarm allows the vicker 5 to know that a small item to be picked up has entered the receiving range. Therefore, Vicker-5 does not need to pay special attention while this alarm is not sounding. When the alarm sounds as described above, the parcel 4
The indicator 2f lamp indicating the position of is lit. As mentioned above, this lamp lights up as the parcel 4 moves on the conveyor! Because it moves one after another in the direction of travel,
Vicker 5 can easily carry parcels 4 to conveyor 1.
It can be identified and extracted by Then, when you press the key on the indicator 2r lighting lamp, this lamp goes out.
The sorting destination for the small-Ii item 4 stored in C P tJ 7 and the storage contents in a R {37 are erased. However, if the lamp after pressing the key does not turn off as described above, it means that there is still a parcel at the same location that corresponds to another destination. It is possible to identify and extract parcels. If another lamp is lit within the receiving range of the bicker 5, the corresponding parcel is identified and extracted from the corresponding conveyor position in the same manner as described above. The Vicker 5 transfers the thus extracted parcels to a carrying-out pallet 8 placed 1δ near the Vicker 5. In this way, Vicker 5 waits in the receiving range until the last parcel passes, and, as in the case of ``U,'' learns from the alarm sound that another parcel corresponding to the destination will pass, and turns on the lamp of indicator 2f. By lighting the light, it is possible to know the position on the conveyor 1 where the small q object is placed. In particular, according to the parcel sorting device of Example 1 to which the present invention is applied, there is no high-speed conveyance by a conveyor, which was unavoidable in conventional sorting machines, and there is no need for induction (loaded keyboard device) or discharge (unloading). No equipment required. Moreover, since the machine is installed on the floor, there is no dangerous movement such as pushing, hitting, raising or dropping, accelerating or decelerating, etc., and unlike loading it on a van etc., it is a continuous conveyor that moves at extremely low speed. All you have to do is place your luggage on platform L.
There are no restrictions on how small items can be packed, and there is no need to worry about items like flower pots tipping over. In this way, parcels of any shape or content can be sorted without worrying about them being damaged or falling over due to impact. In addition, the processing capacity is comparable to conventional high-speed machines, and there is no limit to the number of sorting power. This is a considerable decrease in the amount of time required for handling items, which would have been excluded and sent to disposal in the past. Example 2 Figure 4 is. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a stationary sorting device. 5(a) is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6(a) is a diagram of the keyboard used in the device of this embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a front and back panel of the device.6 FIG. 7(a) is a diagram of the keyboard used in the device of this embodiment. FIG. 7(t) is a flowchart showing the parcel removal operation. FIG. As shown in Figure 4, the sorting system body (table row)
Reference numeral 11 is composed of a plurality of tables IO arranged in a row, and the number of tables can be set as appropriate depending on the scale of the sorting system. In the figure, a loading section 11a is located above the table row, and a extraction section 1lb is located below. On the base of each table 10, as shown in FIG.
．． lOb, 10c. 6 (
Input the sorting destination number key 12a shown in a) and the placement position of parcel 4 in table I012.Color-based position II corresponding to the color display of the sorting zone marked F! ? A key with a key +2d is jllW+2. In addition, this keyboard 12 is provided with a cancel key 12b for correcting an erroneous press of the destination number key 12a, and a destination number display 12c for displaying the results of these inputs. The input results on this punching board 12 are sent to the CPUI 7.
This CPU 7 stores the number of parcels for each sorting destination in the sorting zone of which table, and transmits the information to a position display panel 13 and a sending/receiving sensor 14, which will be described later. Here, using the flowchart of FIG. 7(a), 2
The parcel loading operation in the cargo section 11a will be explained in more detail. The loader 3 moves the pallet 6 loaded with the parcels to be sorted to a table 10 with an empty space. Then, the parcels 4 are placed one by one in the sorting zone loa of the table 101. lOb. Place a on either empty spot 10c or 10d. Then, the loader 3 inputs the destination number of the parcel to be sent one by one using the destination number key +2a of this table 10. Check the result of this keystroke on the display panel l2c, and if there is an error, press the cancel key 12b and press the sorting destination number key again.
Type the key. After confirming that you have pressed the key correctly, press the position key 12 that corresponds to the color of the sorting zone where you placed the small item 4.
When key d is pressed, signals relating to the destination number and Ii & tR positions are sent to the CPU 17, where they are stored and processed. This operation is continued until the table 10 is full, and after the table 10 is full, the pallet 6 is moved to another empty table 10, and the work is continued until all the parcels 4 on the pallet 6 are empty. On the other hand, on the center-L side of each table 10, a position display board 13 is attached to the extraction part 1lb side to display the position of the small 6η item on the table 10 according to the manual result at a16 of the L parcel. There is. That is, this digit 1n display board 13 is connected to the above (.:l) [117 and has a position display lamp I 3 a corresponding to {r4 number] inputted to the digit 16 key 12d of the L keyboard 12. Yes, this is 1rl
The display lamp also serves as a push button, and when the push button is pressed, the lit lamp goes out. In addition, the position display panel l3 has 12 sorting zones lOa, 10b,
lOc. A number display 13b is provided to display the number of parcels to be extracted from the IOd, and an alarm 13c is provided to notify that a pallet containing parcels to be extracted has passed at the extraction position. This alarm is sent to the card insertion slot l provided on the unloading pallet 8 for each sorting destination.
5 is provided with a card for each sorting destination, and this card is discriminated by the sending/receiving sensor I4 provided corresponding to each table on the pallet path 19, and the table 10 on which the parcel 4 is placed. The above-mentioned alarm is set to be emitted when the pallet 8 passes. Here, the parcel extraction operation in the L extraction section 11t) will be explained in more detail using the flowchart of FIG. 7(b). Vicker 5 is. Small company product 4 processed by CPUI7
Based on the number of pieces for each sorting destination, the CPU indicator 18 shows the timing and number of pallets to be dispatched, and the card is inserted into pallet 8, which has been kept on standby.

A card for each sorting destination is inserted into [ ] 15, and the pallet is slowly started from the start position 16. The transmitting/receiving sensor l4 provided corresponding to each table receives the signal of the card for each sorting destination on the pallet 8 passing above, and the CP
This signal is collated and determined at tJI7. Therefore, when there is a parcel 4 to be sorted on the table 10, an alarm is emitted, and the Vicker 5 learns from this sound that there is a parcel 4 to be handled and sorted on the table, and then the pallet 8 , and according to the display on the position display lamp 13, the parcel is taken out from the table and transferred to the pallet 8 placed on the table. At this time, I pulled out the parcel 4
1δ display lamp + corresponding to the position on the table 10
When you press the corresponding position key + 3a of 3a, the number display 13
b counts down, and the memory of the parcel is also deleted. The number on the number display 13b indicates how many parcels to be sorted are on one table, so if there are more parcels left, the number of parcels displayed on the position indicator lamp will be displayed. -Pick out q items and display number 13
Continue the sampling work until the value of b becomes "0". When the number on the number display board +3b reaches "0", the position display lamp will also go out. According to this embodiment, similar to the article sorting device In of the first embodiment, any shape can be used. Not only can small packages be sorted without impact and without the risk of damage or falling over, but the device of this embodiment also allows sorting work to be done in a completely stationary state, making it possible to carry out the sorting work with particular precision, which must be done carefully when handling items. It can also be conveniently applied to sorting machines, ceramics, etc. Also, cpu. In addition to storage devices such as keyboards and display devices,
It is possible to use an appropriate number of conventionally used tables and pallets, so it can be applied regardless of the size of the sorting scale, as it is extremely inexpensive and can be sorted efficiently even by a small number of workers. can. Embodiment 3 FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a sorting device using a small sorting table. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing contents of an example display on the monitor shown in FIG. 8. For example, the stand +1t21 has two shelves 21a, 21bJ9 and a recognition device i? ? 21c is provided. This stand + lj
Ill predetermined 21! The loader 3 places the parcels 4 to be sorted one by one at arbitrary positions on the cart 2l. The loader 3 inputs the spectral value of the parcel using a keyboard 24a, voice input, or other means. or. The shape of the worm 21 stored in advance is displayed on a display 24b such as a CRT, and the loader 3
If you touch the part of the screen that corresponds to the Q position on which the parcel of the trolley 21 is placed, it will be memorized. The sensor 24c automatically detects and recognizes which trolley 21 the object has been placed on. After all the parcels have been transferred, the trolley 21 is started along a predetermined track. This movement may be manually pushed, mechanically pulled, or moved by an automatic device. When the cart 2l is traveling and reaches the extraction part where the parcel 4 is to be extracted, an alarm will sound, and after the cart 2l has stopped, this will be recognized by a sensor and the position of the parcel will be displayed on the display as shown in Figure 9. 24b. This display 24b does not display anything other than the parcel to be extracted at this extraction section. In this case, it is also possible to display the number of parcels to be extracted, the sorting destination, etc. In addition, in FIG. 9, the state around the extraction section is not shown in FIG. 8 and is the same as the loading section, but the keyboard 24a is not required. Vicker 5 pulled out the parcel shown on display 24b,
When the corresponding position 1a on the display 24b is touched, the display disappears. In this way, the 4th grade displayed:
When an object is removed and all the displays disappear, the sorting in the extraction section is completed, and the table 4t2+ moves to the next extraction section.
The sorting destination that Vicker I is in charge of is determined by a program or ID card. According to the sorting device of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the device of the first embodiment, it can be sorted by almost no fixed device, and it can also be sorted by a single operator. It is not necessary to arrange the picker according to time t, so it can be applied regardless of the size of the sorting scale. (Effects of the Invention) - As described in t, the parcel sorting device of the present invention can not only sort small parcels, but also handle items with special care, "A-shaped items," etc.
You can efficiently sort parcels such as long items, heavy items, and living things. Furthermore, whereas in the past it was necessary to handle parcels and items with special handling separately, according to the present invention, they can be processed all at once. For example, not only can the number of workers be reduced, but work efficiency can also be improved compared to before. In addition, in the past, the greater the number of sorting areas, the more items the operator had to memorize, but according to the present invention, most of what needs to be memorized is stored in a memory device such as CI) tJ.
6, and the parcels to be removed can be automatically notified by an alarm sound, etc., which greatly reduces the labor of the operator.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a sorting device according to Embodiment 1 in which a low-speed conveyor is applied to the present invention. FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the loading section in the parcel sorting device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the extraction section in the parcel sorting device shown in FIG. , and Fig. 2(c) is similar to Fig. 2(c).
It is a sectional view of the mounting-η section shown in a). FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart showing the small article loading operation in parts a to d:i of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(b) shows the small article removing operation in the extracting section of FIG. This is a flowchart. FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of Embodiment 2 in which the present invention is applied to a static type sorting device. FIG. 5(a) is a side view of the device 1n shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the {ε plane corresponding to FIG. 5(a>). a) is one of the keyboards used in the device of Example 2.
This is the L side view, and Figure 6(b) is the display panel of the same device. FIG. 7(a) is a flowchart showing the operation of loading small items in the second embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a flowchart showing the operation of removing small βj items. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the sorting system [H]. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the display of the monitor shown in FIG. 8. 1. ...Conveyor la.lIa...Loading section lb.llb...Extracting section 2a.+2=TaIn 2b, 13a...Position key: 3...Rogue 4...Parcel 5...Bicker 6... Arrival pallet 7, 17... CPU 8... Export pallet Figure 5 (0) 1lb Figure 5 (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] The sorting destination of each parcel placed at an arbitrary position on the loading means and the placement position of that parcel on the aforementioned loading means are memorized, and the extraction position corresponding to the sorting destination of the said parcel is detected in accordance with this memory. A parcel sorting device characterized in that it also identifies and displays the placement position of the parcel corresponding to the sorting destination in the aforementioned loading means.