KR20070079951A - System for assorting goods - Google Patents

Abstract

A product sorting system is provided to sort products in parallel by automatically transferring products of a plurality of categories to a plurality of sorting lines. A product sorting system includes a sorting shelf(101). Twelve foldable containers(103) are installed at the lower end of the sorting shelf and eleven foldable containers are installed at the upper end of the sorting shelf to form a total sum of twenty three distribution widths(102). The left twelve distribution widths forms a sorting block managed by a first operator. The right eleven distribution widths forms a sorting block managed by a second operator. A first group of conveyed products are treated in a relay manner by the operators. A fixing bar code scanner(106) is mounted to the lower side.

Description

Product classification system {System for assorting goods}

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view of a classification portion of a goods classification device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state of carrying goods into the sorting shelf of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a direction indicator provided for each classification block;

4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state (first) of the input width position and the number of inputs by an input indicator provided for each distribution width of FIG.

Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state (second) of the input width position and the number of inputs by the input indicator provided for each distribution width of Fig. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state (third) of the input width position and the number of inputs by an input indicator provided for each distribution width of FIG. 1; FIG.

7 is a flowchart of a work process by the product sorting apparatus having the sorting shelf of FIG.

8 is a configuration diagram of a receipt management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the system of FIG.

10 is a flowchart (first) showing a procedure of a process executed in a PC terminal.

11 is a flowchart (second) showing a procedure of processing executed in a PC terminal.

12 is a processing flowchart in a feeder control terminal.

13 is a processing flowchart in a sorter control terminal.

Fig. 14 is a processing flowchart of a PC terminal of a line with a received label;

15 is a processing flowchart of a feeder control unit.

16A to 16C are explanatory views of processing by the feeder control unit.

17A is an overall perspective view showing a basic configuration example of a mobile loader of a three-dimensional automatic warehouse in a delivery center of the present invention.

It is a partial perspective view which shows the basic structural example of the mobile loader of the three-dimensional automatic warehouse in the delivery center of this invention.

Fig. 17C is a screen diagram of a display device showing a basic configuration example of a mobile loader of a three-dimensional automatic warehouse in a delivery center of the present invention.

18A and 18B are perspective views illustrating a specific configuration example of the mobile loader of FIGS. 17A to 17C.

19A-19D are perspective views showing respective parts of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

20A-20C are perspective and side views illustrating the rudder portion of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

21A and 21B are perspective views showing a part of the inversion prevention device of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

It is explanatory drawing of the input operation of the driver which shows the arrival process in the delivery center to which this invention is applied.

Fig. 22B is an explanatory view of the work and the arrival label at the arrival line showing the arrival process at the delivery center to which the present invention is applied;

It is explanatory drawing of the arrival line and the shipment line which show the process from the arrival line to the three-dimensional automatic warehouse in the delivery center to which this invention is applied.

Fig. 23B is an explanatory diagram of a transceiver and a three-dimensional automated warehouse showing a process from the arrival line to the three-dimensional automated warehouse in the delivery center to which the present invention is applied;

24 is an explanatory view of a work situation by the mobile loader of FIGS. 17A to 17C.

25 is a functional block diagram of a delivery center to which the shipment classification system of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a work classification of picking goods at the receiving side of the delivery center of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the concept of batching and SEQing group in the picking of FIG. 26; FIG.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart (first) showing data generation and control procedures for control in the delivery center of FIG. 25; FIG.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart (second) showing data generation and control procedures for control in the delivery center of FIG. 25; FIG.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart (third) showing a data generation and control procedure for control in the delivery center of FIG. 25; FIG.

Fig. 31 is a block diagram (first example) showing a configuration example of a control system system device in a shipment classification system of the present invention.

Fig. 32 is a block diagram (second example) showing a configuration example of a control system system device in a shipment classification system of the present invention.

Fig. 33 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention.

34A and 34B are schematic plan views illustrating an example of a loop line of a buffering control line in a shipment classification system of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the main loop line and the sub loop line of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a schematic plan view showing a specific example of a sub loop line area in FIG. 35; FIG.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram when the sub loop line area in FIG. 35 corresponds to a plurality of requirements; FIG.

38 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a multi-layer sub-loop line region of a buffering control line in a shipment sorting system of the present invention.

Fig. 39 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a return method in the middle of a multi-column straight line of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention.

40 is a plan view illustrating an example of a delivery center in which the line of FIG. 39 is installed;

Fig. 41A is a perspective view showing a shoot line in the shipment sortation of the present invention.

41B is a perspective view and a plan view as in the prior art.

Fig. 42A is a perspective view showing a sensor and a display device provided at the distal end of the multistage chute line of the present invention.

42B is a perspective view illustrating a cart in the related art.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyance line of a delivery center with secondary sorting according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 44A is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the induction induction of FIG. 43. FIG.

44B is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the arrival induction of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a labeling line of FIG. 43. FIG.

FIG. 46A is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the primary alignment of FIG. 43. FIG.

FIG. 46B is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the primary alignment in FIG. 43. FIG.

FIG. 47A is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the secondary alignment of FIG. 43; FIG.

FIG. 47B is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the secondary alignment of FIG. 43. FIG.

48 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the buffering control.

49 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a loop method as another example of buffering control.

50 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a main loop sub loop system as another example of buffering control.

51 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a multi-stage method as another example of the buffering control.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the shipment sorting of FIG. 43; FIG.

Fig. 53 is a perspective view of the shipping chute line tip portion in Fig. 52.

54 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product classification system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the product classification system of FIG. 54; FIG.

56 is a front view of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram of an input indicator of a sorting shelf shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram of a direction indicator of a sorting shelf shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 59 is a flowchart for explaining setting of an arrangement pattern of distribution widths shown in FIG. 56; FIG.

60A to 60E are explanatory diagrams (first example) showing concrete examples of the arrangement pattern of the distribution widths.

61A and 61B are explanatory diagrams (second) showing a specific example of an arrangement pattern of distribution widths.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart for explaining the sorting control process in the host computer shown in FIG. 55; FIG.

Fig. 63 is a flowchart for explaining control of a computer terminal provided in each classification line;

64 is a flowchart for describing operation status monitoring control in a host computer.

Fig. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product classification system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the product classification system of FIG. 65; FIG.

Fig. 67 is a flowchart for describing input completion determination processing in the host computer.

Fig. 68 is a flowchart for describing processing in the PC terminal arranged in each sorting line.

69 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product classification system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

70 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of a control system of a product classification system.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

101: shelf 102: distribution width

103: conveyor 104: belt conveyor

105: Commodity 106: Scanner

110: indicator lamp 201: incoming conveyor

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a commodity classification apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a commodity classification apparatus and method suitable for a case where a plurality of commodities are classified in small quantities corresponding to a plurality of destinations in a delivery center or the like.

Conventionally, ordered goods delivered to each store, such as a supermarket or a convenience store, are delivered by truck or the like at a delivery center which is a collection center of goods. After the goods are delivered, they are arranged by the vendor (vendor) of each product, and then delivered to the delivery center.In the delivery center, many different types are divided according to the order for each store, and each store at the destination of the delivery Classified by

Goods delivered from the vendor of the goods to the delivery center (logistics center) are, for example, divided into stock and pass through stock docks, and the stock goods are in stock areas in pallets, cartons, or pieces or balls. Are kept in.

Storage is used, for example, by an Automated Storage / Retrieval System (AS / RS) or a forklift containment pallet rack. The three-dimensional automatic warehouse includes a storage rack, a stacker crane, and the like, and a picking conveyor is provided between the rack and the rack. Goods on pallets (cartons and ball small sorting articles) stored in a rack shelf are taken out by the picking operator based on the shipping information, and are loaded on the picking conveyor and shipped.

The picked goods are packed in pieces or balls in the container sorting area at the arrival side, and the goods in container and carton are sorted by shipment destination, etc. in the shipping sorting area, and stacked in a basket car or the like. Loaded and shipped to

The classification is performed as follows. First, product classification data regarding the kind, number of delivery destinations, etc. of goods are given to the goods brought in by the goods delivery company, and it is conveyed to a classification area by a conveying apparatus, such as a belt conveyor, in the state which loaded this into a tray.

Next, product classification data is read by a scanner connected to a controller provided in each classification block, and a predetermined number of products are input at a predetermined distribution width by the controller's instruction. By repeating the above operation, classification according to the order of the delivery destination is performed.

At the time of sorting, a bar code label added to a product is read by a scanner. The bar code label is printed with a bar code for receipt control and a bar code for sorting. At the time of arrival, the bar code for arrival management is read by the scanner at the arrival part, and the inspection is carried out. After the goods are introduced into one line at the arrival part, the bar codes for classification are read by another scanner.

As the bar code, a JAN (Japan ArticIe Number) code or an ITII (InterIeaved Two of Five) code, which is generally used for a product or a package thereof, is used.

Each sorted product is conveyed for each item, and is put in a quantity required for a container for each shipment destination installed along the return path. The worker injects goods from the truck into the container while moving the circulation path in the collecting area where the collecting containers and the like for each destination are arranged together with the truck that loaded the goods.

In the delivery center, products classified based on various conditions such as store, category, store aisle, showcase, etc. are individually packed in a sorted order in a carton (paper box) or as required. It is packaged in a folding container made of plastic or the like and placed in a conveying truck with a caster such as a cart or a basket car or a conveying means such as a dolly or a carrier.

Then, it is sent out to a delivery line, is loaded on a truck, and is delivered to each store of a delivery destination. Delivered items are listed in the showcase at the point of sale, or stored in a back room.

However, the goods classified and shipped from the delivery center are loaded into carts or basket cars without considering the characteristics, packing form, loading state, display case order or display order in the same category for each product.

That is, for example, a plastic container is loaded on a corrugated carton, a heavy object is placed upwards, is listed in a showcase and stored in a storage box, or a product having a different display position is mixed. It was or did.

In such a case, it was forced to be placed under a cardboard carton or a heavy object, or had to move the showcase, storage cabinet or other display places several times. Therefore, at the store where the goods were delivered, each of these products had to be unloaded from a basket car or the like and reclassified again according to the characteristics, packaging form, display position, etc. for each product.

Therefore, it takes time for the delivered goods to be settled in a predetermined shipment destination such as a showcase, a frozen display shelf, a storage box, and the like, and thus, the refrigerated cryopreserved products, which require freshness, are left without necessary temperature management. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a product sorting apparatus and a method which can further improve the work efficiency when classifying small quantities of a variety of products in response to a request of a shipment destination.

In order to achieve the above object, a product classification apparatus according to the present invention is a classification block having a plurality of distribution widths into which the goods are put in accordance with the classification classification, and products added to a single or one group of goods to be brought in for classification. A commodity classification apparatus having reading means for reading classification data and a controller for instructing a distribution width to which the product is to be put, based on the product classification data inputted from the reading means, in the classification block to the controller. It is characterized by providing a direction indicator which is controlled by the controller and displays the direction of the distribution width to which the product is to be put.

By having the said structure, the direction indicator provided in one place of a classification block instruct | indicates the direction of the distribution width into which goods should be put. As a result, the product input operation in the distribution width can be performed immediately without examining the whole sorting block, and the work efficiency is improved. In addition, by reducing the burden on the operator, the false input rate of the product is also greatly reduced.

In addition, it is assumed that the classification block referred to here indicates a range in which one worker is in charge among a plurality of distribution widths. The controller is not limited to functioning as a terminal of the host computer that controls the whole classification system, and may be controlled independently for each classification block.

Generally, it is assumed that the direction indicator displays the direction of the distribution width on the liquid crystal display with an arrow or the like, but the direction indicator is not particularly limited as long as the direction indicator indicates the direction of the distribution width in any form.

In addition, to achieve the above object, the merchandise sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a merchandise input sensor for detecting input of merchandise for the distribution width, a distribution width instructed by the controller and a distribution width detected by the merchandise input sensor. In another case, an alarm means for giving a warning is provided.

By having the above structure, product misfeeding to the distribution width in the classification block is detected by the sensor and notified by the buzzer sound or the blinking of the alarm color. Thereby, the erroneous input rate of a product can be reduced significantly.

Here, as the product input sensor, for example, a commercially available transmission type infrared sensor can be used. In this case, when the arm or product of the operator passes between each distribution width, the infrared rays are blocked to detect the input and signal to the controller. The distribution width at which the input was made is determined.

In addition, it is also conceivable to use a weight sensor or the like which detects that the weight of the product is applied to the distribution width, and the type, arrangement, and the like of the sensor are not particularly limited.

Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, the arrival management system which concerns on this invention is an arrival management system which manages the arrival of goods, The input means which inputs the identification information of the supplier when the supplier is received, The product information which stored the product identification information reading means which reads the product identification information which shows the attribute of the product added to a product, the identification information of the supplier which received, and the product information table which matched the identification information and quantity of the goods which are going to be received. When the identification information of the supplier is input by the storage means and the input means, and the product identification information is read, the input information is compared with the contents of the product information table, and the corresponding supplier and the goods to be received. Corresponding to each other, the stock information control means for writing the actual stock quantity into the product information storage means. And that is characterized.

By having the above configuration, attributes and quantities such as a maker name and a product code of goods to be received are recognized from the output of the product identification information reading means, and when the entering company inputs identification information of the company, Not only the quantity but also the name of the supplier.

In this way, it is possible to efficiently manage the inspection of goods in stock for each shopper by using an identification code generally added to a product such as a JAN code or an ITF code.

Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, the mobile loader in the goods shipment system which concerns on this invention conveys the goods of a storage rack between the storage rack in which goods are stored, and the carrying conveyor arrange | positioned in parallel with the said storage rack. The moving stacking plate to be transported to is characterized in that it is installed to be movable along the carrying out conveyor.

By having the above structure, the goods stored in the storage racks can be loaded and loaded on the picking conveyor simply by injecting the goods stored along the moving stacking plate, and the moving stacking plate can be moved to a predetermined picking position. It can be moved easily. This reduces the picking work, improves the picking work efficiency, and the picking work accuracy by the terminal sensor.

Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, the shipment sorting system of the goods which concerns on this invention conveys the unit package which accommodated the goods to ship to the shipment sorting area | region by the conveyor from the arrival side area | region, and various delivery in the said shipment sorting area | region. In the shipment sorting system which classifies according to the conditions and loads the sorted group package group in the shipment truck, the buffer storage line which stores the unit package carried in from the arrival side area is installed in the conveyor to a shipment sorting area. It features.

By having the above configuration, by storing the containers or cartons from the stock area, the stocking area, etc. in the buffer storage line, the containers or cartons satisfying the necessary stacking requirements can be sent to the shipment shipment sequential.

As a result, the same category can be divided into a display source, a form of packaging, a weight, and the like of the shipping destination store, and stacked in a basket car or the like.

Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, the classification method which concerns on this invention returns a conveyance which does not adapt to the said setting condition to the upstream of the said conveyance line, or sorts at any time, when classifying conveyed goods on a conveyance line based on setting conditions. It is characterized by circulating on a conveyance line for which requirements are set.

By having the above configuration, the conveyed articles on the conveying line are classified based on the setting conditions, and the conveyed articles not adapted to the set conditions are returned to the upstream of the conveying line or circulated on the conveying line where the occasional classification requirements are set. As a result, it is possible to select and classify the conveyed goods suitable for the set conditions, and to load them in accordance with the characteristics, packing form, and the like for each product at the time of shipment so as not to be reclassified again at the store of the shipping destination.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the goods sorting system according to the present invention is a first conveyor for conveying a tray containing the goods to be classified, a second conveyor branched from the first conveyor, and according to the classification classification A plurality of sorting lines comprising a plurality of distribution widths in which the container to be fed is arranged, the sorting shelves provided corresponding to the second conveyor, and a tray conveyed by the first conveyor, one of the plurality of sorting lines; A sorter introduced into the apparatus, reading means for reading identification information of the tray passing through the first conveyor, a commodity information table corresponding to the read-out identification information and the tray accommodating goods information, and for each of the classification lines; Storage means for storing distribution pattern information of the distribution width, the identification information read out, and the storage means stored in the storage means With reference to the existing product information table and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width, it is determined whether to introduce the tray into one of the plurality of sorting lines, and the control means for controlling the sorter and the sorting shelf are divided. Directional indicating means which displays the number of the said distribution width and its direction by the arrow provided in one some block is provided.

By having the above structure, the tray containing the goods to be sorted is conveyed by the first conveyor, introduced into one of the plurality of sorting lines consisting of the second conveyor and the sorting shelf by the sorter, and read by the reading means. A product information table in which the identification information of the tray passing through the first conveyor and the tray accommodating product information are correspondingly added, and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width is stored in the storage means for each sorting line, and the identification read by the control means. The sorter is controlled by referring to the information, the merchandise information table stored in the storage means, and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width, to determine which one of the plurality of sorting lines is to be introduced. And the number of the distribution width | variety provided in the some block which divided | segmented the sorting shelf by the direction indicating means, and its direction are shown by the arrow.

Thereby, the work efficiency at the time of sorting small quantity goods of a large quantity in correspondence with the request of a shipment destination can be improved more.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

(First embodiment)

1 is a front view of a classification portion of a product sorting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example of a part of the sorting shelf 101 provided in the sorting area to constitute the goods sorting apparatus. In the above example, twelve resin folding containers 103 are provided at the lower end and the upper end of the two-stage sorting shelf 101 at the top and bottom of the two-stage sorting shelf 101 to form a total of 23 distribution widths 102.

Among them, the 12 distribution widths 102 on the left side from the center constitute the classification block which the first worker is in charge, and the 11 distribution widths 102 on the right side including the lower center are the classification block which the second worker is in charge of. Configure One group of goods returned is handled in a relay manner by two workers. Also at the bottom is a fixed bar code scanner 106.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state of carrying goods into the sorting shelf of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a group of goods 105 is conveyed from the distribution line to the sorting shelf 101 by the belt conveyor 104. The bar code scanner 106 reads the product classification data of the product 105 returned.

In addition, in the above example, a plurality of kinds of goods are loaded on a tray or the like, the goods classification data printed on the label attached to the tray is read, and the number of goods, the distribution width according to the delivery destination, etc. To the controller 107 (see Fig. 1).

An input indicator 109 (see FIG. 1) is provided above or below each distribution width 102. By controlling the display lamp and the number indicator of the input indicator 109 by the control signal from the controller 107, the input indicator 109 is put into the distribution width 102 to which the product is to be put and the distribution width 102 thereof. The number of products to be displayed is displayed.

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a direction indicator provided for each classification block. The direction indicator 108 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the middle of the sorting shelf 101 with respect to each of the right and left sorting blocks.

The direction indicator 108 indicates the direction of the distribution width 102 indicated by the controller 107 (see FIG. 1) with an arrow. The direction indicator 108 can be controlled in conjunction with the control of the display lamp of the input indicator.

4 to 6 are explanatory views showing the display states (first to third) of the input width position and the number of inputs by the input indicator provided for each distribution width of FIG.

In FIG. 4, the display lamp 110 lights red, and the number indicator 112 displays the number (6 in the above example). In addition, it is usually conveyed in the state in which several goods were loaded in one tray.

Therefore, when the goods conveyed at the same time are put into the plurality of distribution widths 102, the indicator lamps of the plurality of distribution widths 102 light in red, and red flashes sequentially to inform the operator of the order of feeding.

Moreover, a pair of transmission type infrared sensor 114 (refer FIG. 1) is provided in the both sides of each distribution width 102 of the sorting shelf 101, respectively. The transmission infrared sensor 114 can detect the passage of the product and the hand of the worker when the product is put into the container 103. The detection signal is input to the controller 107.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the product input position is correct, a control signal for turning on the display lamp 110 in green is generated from the controller 107.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the product input position is wrong, a control signal is emitted from the controller 107, the indicator lamp 110 flashes yellow, and the buzzer controlled by the controller 107 ( Not shown). In this case, the operator presses the check button 11 next to the display lamp 110 to stop the flashing and the buzzer of the display lamp 110 and to reload the product with the correct distribution width.

7 is a flowchart of a work process by the product sorting apparatus having the sorting shelf of FIG. 1. As shown in Fig. 7, when the product is put into the sorting block in which the worker is in charge, the label issuing button 113 (see Fig. 4) installed at the right end of the input indicator 109 is pressed and attached to the delivery destination. The specification label is issued from the label issuer 115 (see FIG. 1) located below the controller 107.

However, the issuance of the specification label is performed after all the goods classified in the container 103 in the distribution width 102 have been put in, and the sorting operation of the next returned goods is carried out until the completion of all the goods put in place. Is repeated.

As described above, in the merchandise sorting apparatus of the present invention, while the conventional input indicator is provided for each distribution width, it is difficult to grasp the whole by the time. It indicates the direction of distribution width to be injected. For this reason, even if it does not look at the whole classification block, the goods input operation to a distribution width can be performed immediately, and work efficiency improves.

In addition, the burden on the operator can be reduced, so that the false input rate of the product can be greatly reduced.

In addition, when the product is introduced into the distribution width in the sorting block, a false input is detected by a sensor and notified to the worker by buzzer sound or blinking of an alarm color. For this reason, the mistaken input rate of a product can be reduced significantly.

(Second embodiment)

8 is a configuration diagram of a receipt management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, in the above system, goods are introduced from four arrival lines L1 to L4 and the arrival lines L1 to L4, in which the incoming goods supplier receives the goods. The first conveying conveyor 202 for conveying the water, the sorter 205 for classifying the goods conveyed on the conveying conveyor 202 by transport destination, and the second conveying conveyor 203 provided for the transport destination of the goods. ), And a stock label attaching line 206 for newly attaching a stock label to a product.

Each arrival line L1 to L4 is a conveyor 201 for receiving, a computer terminal for receiving management (hereinafter referred to as a "PC terminal") 211, a JAN code or an ITF code added to the received goods, or Scanner 212 for reading bar code of SCM (Shipping Carton Marking) label, shipping destination information label indicating information about the destination of the goods and the receipt results opening proof indicating the performance of the received goods. A feeder for introducing a product to the first conveying conveyor 202 from the label issuing device 213, the merchandise sensors 221 to 225 for detecting the presence or absence of the merchandise on the conveyor 201, and the loading conveyor 201 ( 204).

In addition, the product 210 represents one unit (management unit) of the product, and corresponds to, for example, one corrugated cardboard box or a plurality of products housed in a container and sorted into one (in the following description, only the product 210 Is called.

In the middle of the 1st conveyance conveyor 202, the scanner 232 which reads the bar code of the label added to the goods conveyed on the said conveyor 202, and the content of the bar code which the said scanner 232 read. The sorter control part 233 which controls the sorter 205, and the sorter control terminal 231 which control the sorter control part 233 are provided according to this.

The sorter 205 includes a conveyor 203a for the stock area I, a conveyor 203b for the stock area II, a conveyor 203c for a sorting line for sorting each piece of goods, and immediate shipment. In order to do so, the conveyor 203d headed to the shipping sorter, the conveyor 203e headed to the provisional area for temporarily restocking the goods, and the stock labeling line 206 are connected.

Therefore, the goods introduced into the sorter 205 are introduced into any one of the conveyors 203a to 203e or the arrival labeling line 206 by the control of the sorter control unit 233.

The incoming labeling line 206 is provided with three labeling units comprising a feeder 271, a PC terminal 241, a scanner 242, and a label issuing device 243, and each labeling unit includes an operator P1, P2 and P3) are arrange | positioned.

The goods which cannot read a bar code by the scanner 232 are conveyed to the arrival labeling line 206 and stopped once at the point of the feeder 271. And by control of the feeder control part 272 (refer FIG. 9), goods are conveyed to the front of worker P1-P3 one by one.

In each label application part, when the worker P1-P3 open a package, and the JAN code of a product is read by the scanner 242, the destination of the said product is controlled by the control of the PC terminal 241. FIG. The label for dots (or SCM label) shown is issued by the label issuing device 243.

The goods which have finished reading the bar code are accommodated in the container for transportation, and the issued label is attached to the container for transportation. The arrival labeling line 206 is connected to the arrival line L1, and the container containing the goods is put into the arrival line L1.

In this system, when the goods 210 are put into the conveyor 201 at the left end (in the left end part), they are conveyed in the right direction and stopped at the point of the feeder 204 once. The feeder 204 is controlled by the shipping control unit 227 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, and according to a control signal from the shipping control unit 227, the first conveyer 202 for the product 210 is sequentially transferred. Is introduced.

9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the PC terminals 211 of the arrival lines L1 to L4 are connected to a Point of Receiving (POR) server 214, and receive necessary data from the POR server 214. Information about the received goods is sent to the POR server 214.

The POR server 214 stores pre-shipment data (ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) data) in the storage device, and transmits a part of the data to the PC terminal 211 in response to a request from the PC terminal 211. do. In the above embodiment, the product information table is constructed by accumulating ASN data.

In addition, the product sensors 221 to 225 of the arrival lines L1 to L4 are connected to the shipping control unit 227. The shipping control unit 227 drives the feeder 204 in accordance with the output of the product sensors 221 to 225 of each line, and introduces (loads) the goods on the arrival conveyor 201 to the first conveyor conveyor 202. Control is performed.

In addition, although one commodity sensor 221 to 225 and one feeder 204 are respectively shown in FIG. 9, all commodity sensors 221 to 225 and the feeder 204 of each arrival line L1 to L4 are shipped control units. 227).

The feeder control terminal 226 is connected to the shipping control unit 227, and the feeder control terminal 226 is connected to the sorter control terminal 231 and the POR server 214. The feeder control terminal 226 executes the control processing shown in FIG. 12 as described later.

Moreover, the sorter control part 233 is connected to the sorter 205, and any of the 2nd conveying conveyors 203a-203d carries out the goods on the 1st conveying conveyor 202 according to the content of the conveying destination information label. The sorter 205 is controlled to be introduced into one.

The sorter control terminal 231 is connected to the POR server 214 and the feeder control terminal 226 and executes the control processing shown in FIG. 13 described later.

The PC terminal 241 of the arrival labeling line 206 is connected to the POR server 214, and executes the control process of FIG. 14 described later to read the JAN code added to the product through the scanner 242. The POR server 214 receives data corresponding to the product and issues a label.

The feeder 271 of the arrival labeling line 206 is connected to the feeder control part 272, and the operation is controlled by control of the feeder control part 272. FIG. The feeder control unit 272 is connected to the POR server 214, the sorter control terminal 231, and the like.

10 and 11 are flowcharts (first and second) showing the procedure of processing executed in the PC terminal 211. In step S211, the list of vendors who are going to receive the goods is displayed on a display device (not shown). The display device, together with a touch panel input device in which a touch panel (decompression sensor) is attached to the display unit, constitutes input means by which a supplier receiving goods enters identification information such as his or her name (business name).

Subsequently, in step S212, if the input operation is detected by touching the corresponding portion of the touch panel with a finger or the like and detecting the input operation, the manufacturer name is recognized (step S213). Then, the POR server 214 requests ASN data corresponding to the vendor name, receives the data, and stores it in the storage device (step S214).

When the goods are put into the stock conveyor, the scanner 212 reads the bar code of the label attached to the goods (step S215) to determine whether or not it can be read normally (step S216).

If it cannot be read normally, the flow advances to step S231 (FIG. 11), and if it reads normally, it is identified whether the read code is an SCM code (code of SCM label) or a JAN code or ITF code (step S217 and S218, and when none of them, the process proceeds to step S231.

On the other hand, when the read code is an SCM code, the process proceeds from step S218 and S219 to step S220, where the classification of the corresponding goods (stocking, immediate shipment, sorting by piece, etc.) is performed. ) Is read from the received ASN data.

Next, the quantity of goods received is written in ASN data (step S221). For example, the above processing is performed by subtracting the actually received quantity from the expected stock quantity and adding the actually received quantity to the finished quantity. When the process of step S221 is complete | finished, it progresses to step S232 (FIG. 11).

If the read code is a JAN code or an ITF code, the process proceeds from step S219 to step S222 to identify the corresponding product, and similarly to steps S220 and S221, reading and arrival information of arrival classification. Is written (steps S223, S224).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to issue an SCM label, and when it is issued, the label issuing device 213 is instructed to issue an SCM label (step S226), and the flow advances to step S232. When no SCM label is issued, the process proceeds from step S225 to step S233 (Fig. 11).

In step S231, the sequence number SEQNo as an identification number which corresponded to the detected goods unit (the goods 210 shown in FIG. 8) with the vendor code which is identification information of the stock supplier (henceforth only "SEQNo"). And the vendor code, SEQNo and necessary data are transmitted to the feeder control terminal 226 and the POR server 214.

Here, SEQNo is given as identification information for distinguishing and managing each merchandise unit when the same merchandise is received from a plurality of stocking vendors and the same merchandise delivers the same merchandise of a plurality of units.

Further, in step S232, a SEQNo corresponding to the vendor code and the SCM code is assigned to the product unit, and the vendor code, the SCM code, the SEQNo, and necessary data are transmitted to the feeder control terminal 226 and the POR server 214. .

Further, in step S233, a SEQNo corresponding to a vendor code, a JAN code, or an ITF code is assigned to a product unit, and the vendor code, JAN code or ITF code, SEQNo, and necessary data are fed to the feeder control terminal 226 and the POR server. Send to 214.

Subsequently, in step S234, it is determined whether to issue a stock label newly attached to the received goods, and when issuing, the label issuing device 213 is instructed to issue the stock label (step S235).

The arrival label is a label which displays the stock area, the stock position (address in the stock area), the date of manufacture, the date of arrival, the date of shipment, the date of the deadline, etc. in letters, bar codes, and two-dimensional codes. It is possible to easily manage the shipping limit and manage position data for first-in, last-out.

In addition, an SCM label and a stock label may be attached and delivered by the stock supplier in advance, and in that case, the label is not issued. In addition, the piece assortment product to be sorted is introduced into the conveyor 202 without labeling, so that the bar code cannot be read by the scanner 232, and is conveyed from the sorter 205 to the arrival labeling line. You can do that.

Subsequently, at step S236, it is further determined whether there is a product that is to be delivered, and if so, the process returns to step S211, and if not, the issuance of the receipt results opening proof of the corresponding supplier is sent to the label issuing device 213. Instruction (step S237) ends the processing.

As described above, in the above embodiment, an input means for inputting the name of the vendor is provided at the time of arrival of the goods, so that the supplier is recognized together with the attributes and the quantity of the goods received. By using the general-purpose JAN code or ITF code attached to the product, inspection management can be performed simply and efficiently for each shopper without using it.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the list of vendors to be received is displayed on the display device integrally formed with the touch panel, and the inventors contact the names of the vendors listed in the list at the time of arrival. Since the input operation is easy, the input work is easy, so that the burden on the shopper is lightened, and there is no need to arrange an agent for accepting the product, thereby reducing the cost.

In addition, since the proof of opening performance is automatically issued at the time when a series of the receiving work is completed, the resulting agent is also unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced.

In addition, in the example shown to the process of FIG. 10, FIG. 11, an SCM label and a arrival label correspond to a conveyance destination information label.

12 is a processing flowchart in the feeder control terminal 226. As shown in Fig. 12, in step S241, the quantity of goods in the stock line, that is, the quantity of goods 210 on the stock conveyor, is the maximum line LMAX based on the output of the goods sensors 221 to 225 of each line. Any one of (L1 to L4), and LMAX = L4 in the example shown in FIG. 8.

Subsequently, the SEQNo (and vendor code) of the product 210 at the head of the detected line LMAX (next shipment) is transmitted to the sorter control terminal 231 (step S242), and the line is passed through the shipment control unit 227. The feeder 204 of LMAX is driven to introduce the product 210 into the first transfer line 202 (step S243).

In step S242, the sorter control terminal 231 becomes able to recognize the SEQNo (and vendor code) of the goods conveyed on the 1st conveyance line 202. As shown in FIG.

It is determined whether or not the load quantity of all the incoming lines is zero, and if the answer is nonzero (NO), the process returns to step S241, and if it is zero (YES), the process ends.

As described above, in the above embodiment, since the goods are sequentially introduced into the first transport conveyor 202 from the stock line having a large quantity of loads, the quantity of goods on the stock conveyor 201 can be leveled, and a plurality of It is possible to improve the efficiency of the stocking process by avoiding the situation in which a lot of the products staying on a part of the stocking conveyor 201 and the products cannot be introduced.

13 is a processing flowchart in the sorter control terminal. As shown in FIG. 13, in step S251, an input is awaited from the scanner 232, and if there is an input, a conveyance destination is recognized from the content of the attached label (step S252).

In the above embodiment, it is recognized whether the conveying destination is any one of the stock area (I or II), the sorting line for classifying each piece of goods, the sorter of the shipping section, or the temporary location area (see Fig. 8). As a result, when the return destination information cannot be read from the label, the SEQNo (and vendor code) of the product 210 is transmitted to the POR server 214 (step S254).

Even when the bar code cannot be read, since the SEQNo of the product is transmitted from the feeder control terminal 226, the sorter control terminal 231 can recognize it.

Subsequently, the goods conveyed to the stock area I are introduced into the second conveyance conveyor 203a, and the goods conveyed to the stock area II are introduced into the second conveyance conveyor 203b and conveyed to the sorting line. The goods to be introduced are introduced into the second conveying conveyor 203c, the goods conveyed to the sorter in the shipping section are introduced into the second conveying conveyor 203d, and the products conveyed to the location area are the second conveying conveyor ( 203e), the drive control of the sorter 205 is performed via the sorter control part 233 so that the goods of which conveyance destination is unknown are introduced into the arrival labeling line 206 (step S255).

In step S256, it is determined whether there is a received product, and if so, the process returns to step S251, and if not, the process ends.

Thus, since the sorter 205 is controlled according to the conveyance destination information shown on the label affixed to each commodity on the conveyance conveyor 202 by the process of FIG. 13, a commodity is smoothly conveyed to the conveyance destination determined for every commodity. Can be returned.

In addition, since the merchandise which cannot read the return destination information was introduced to the arrival labeling line 206 so that a new arrival label could be attached, the package state in which none of the JAN code, ITF code or SCM code was displayed is displayed. Even a product becomes available.

Fig. 14 is a processing flowchart of the PC terminal 241 of the arrival labeling line. As shown in Fig. 14, in step S261, the workers P1 to P3 use the scanner 242 to read the JAN code of the packaged goods. Subsequently, the POR server requests data about the product corresponding to the JAN code and receives the data (step S262).

Then, from the received data, a product name, a vendor name (receipt vendor name), a stock scheduled quantity, and the like are searched, and when it is identified that the product is scheduled to be stocked, a stock label is issued as shown in step S235 of FIG. (Steps S263, S264, S265).

Subsequently, a label issuance end signal indicating that label issuance is completed is transmitted to the feeder control unit 272 (step S269).

Then, after the workers P1 to P3 store the goods in the container for transport and attach the arrival label to the container, the container is supplied to the arrival line L1 (step S266), and the flow advances to step S268. .

When the determination result in step S264 is not OK (NO), a read error is displayed on the display of the terminal (step S267), and the flow advances to step S268. In step S268, it is determined whether or not the goods have been received. If not, the process returns to step S261, and when the process ends, the processing ends.

In this way, for a packaged product that cannot read a JAN code or the like, the workers P1 to P3 shipped pieces of the product, read the JAN code, and issued and attached a new stock label. It is also possible to easily correspond to a product in a packaged state in which a code for identifying the product cannot be read. That is, such a product can also be obtained.

In the above embodiment, even if there is no ITF code, it is possible to recognize the arrival vendor in SEQNo. It is mainly a piece assortment product to which a new stock label is to be applied, and is accommodated in a transport container and put into a stock line, and then introduced into a conveyor 203c from the sorter 205 to the sorting line.

15 is a flowchart of processing in the feeder control unit, and FIGS. 16A to 16C are explanatory diagrams of the process performed by the feeder control unit. With reference to Fig. 15, for example, as shown in Figs. 16A to 16C, the above process will be described taking the case where the goods of SEQNo. 1 to 8 have been conveyed to the point of the feeder 271.

In step S271, drive control of the feeder 271 is performed, and the goods of SEQNo. 1-3 are accepted as shown to FIG. 16A. Then, the number of product units returned from the sorter control terminal 231 is received (step S272), SEQNo is sequentially assigned from the leftmost, ie, downstream PC terminal according to the number of product units, and the product is sent out. (Step S273).

Specifically, the goods of SEQNo 1, 4, 7 are allocated to the lowest PC terminal (worker P1), the goods of SEQNo 2, 5, 8 are allocated to the next PC terminal (worker P2), and The merchandise is assigned to the highest-class PC terminal (worker P3).

Thereby, as shown to FIG. 16B, the goods of SEQNo. 1, 2, 3 are conveyed to the point of the workers P1, P2, and P3, respectively, and the arrival label is issued and attached. When the issuance of the arrival label is finished, the arrival label issuance end signal is transmitted from each PC terminal 241, so that it is received (step S274) and waits until the receipt of the label issuance end signals of all PC terminals (step S275). If it is received, it is further determined whether or not there is a return product (step S276).

In the example of Figs. 16A to 16C, since the goods of SEQNos 4 to 8 remain, the flow returns to step S271 to drive the feeder 271 again, and as shown in Fig. 16C, the goods of SEQNos 4 to 6 are shown. It conveys to the point of worker P1-P3. After the issuance of the arrival label up to the product of SEQNo 8, the processing ends.

By the process of FIG. 14, it becomes possible for each worker to advance a job in parallel, and can improve work efficiency.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the number of arrival conveyors is not limited to four. As for the present invention, the number of conveyors for stocking may be one, and in another embodiment, the number of conveyors for stocking may be two or more.

In addition, the label issuing apparatus 213 may increase the number of lines per line, when the goods arrival frequency is high.

In addition, although the monitoring means was comprised by the goods sensors 221-225 in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is not limited to this, For example, the quantity of incoming goods nIN recognized by the scanner 212, and the feeder ( The shipment quantity nOUT shipped from 204 may be detected, and the quantity of loading may be grasped as (nIN-nOUT).

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, an example in which three labeling portions of the stock labeling line 206 are provided is shown, but the number of labeling portions is not limited thereto.

As described above, according to the present invention, attributes and quantities such as a manufacturer name and a product code of goods to be received are recognized from the output of the product identification information reading means, and when the goods supplier inputs the identification information of the company. Since not only the attribute and quantity of goods but also the name of the supplier can be confirmed, the inspection of the goods can be efficiently managed for each supplier by using the identification code generally added to the product such as the JAN code or the ITF code.

According to the present invention, the identification information of a supplier is inputted by a supplier by contacting his or her name in the list of suppliers listed on the display device by input means configured by combining the display device and the touch panel input device. As a result, the burden on the input processing of the stocker is reduced, and furthermore, there is no need to arrange an agent for accepting the product, thereby reducing the cost.

According to the present invention, the identification number corresponding to the identification information of the stock supplier is assigned to each management unit of the same product, and the management of the received products is performed based on the arrival work identification information and the identification number. Even when a product is delivered from a plurality of stock suppliers and one stock supplier delivers the same product in a plurality of units, accurate data management can be performed for each management unit.

According to the present invention, the arrival classification of the corresponding product is determined according to the product identification information read by the product identification information reading means, and a return destination information label indicating information regarding the destination of the product is issued according to the determination result. Therefore, by giving the label to the product, it becomes possible to smoothly convey the product to the next step of performing processing after the arrival inspection.

According to the present invention, since the receipt of the opening record is automatically issued, the agent thus eliminated the need for further cost reduction.

According to the present invention, since the destination information label added to the goods on the conveying conveyor is read and the sorter is controlled according to the destination information shown on the label, the goods can be smoothly conveyed to the designated destination for each goods. Can be.

According to the present invention, a product whose unknown destination is unknown is conveyed by a line with a stock label, and thus, by issuing and attaching a stock label there, management based on the stock label can be performed. Therefore, it is also possible to easily correspond to a product without a label (a package state in which a bar code cannot be read), so that such a product can also be obtained.

According to the present invention, since the work can be performed in parallel in a plurality of the stock labeling portions, the work efficiency can be improved.

According to the present invention, since the introduction of the goods to the conveying conveyor is performed in the order of the quantity of the goods on the arrival conveyor in order of increasing the number of goods on the arrival conveyor, based on the output of the monitoring means for monitoring the quantity of the goods on the plurality of arrival conveyors, The quantity of goods on the stock conveyor can be equalized, and the efficiency of the stock processing can be improved by avoiding the situation where a lot of goods remaining in a part of the plurality of stock conveyors cannot be put into the goods.

(Third embodiment)

17A to 17C show a basic configuration example of the mobile loader of the three-dimensional automatic warehouse in the delivery center of the present invention, FIG. 17A is an overall perspective view, FIG. 17B is a partial perspective view, and FIG. 17C is a screen view of the display device.

As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the three-dimensional automatic warehouse 310 is provided with a stacking crane (not shown) or the like that automatically runs between a plurality of storage racks 311 arranged in a rack. A picking conveyor 312 is disposed between the racks in parallel with the rack longitudinal direction, and the movable loader 313 of the present invention is installed between the storage rack 311 and the picking conveyor 312.

The mobile loader 313 is disposed on both sides of the conveyor 312, but is disposed only on one side of the conveyor 312 in the example shown in the figure. In the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 312, a plurality of mobile loaders 313 are arranged at appropriate intervals.

The movable loader 313 mainly consists of a movable loading plate 314, a support leg 315, and a travel rail 316. On the upper surface of the movable loading plate 314, a plurality of rolling elements 317, such as spherical steel, are provided in an embedded state in which the upper portion protrudes, and the display of the computer terminal is displayed from one side orthogonal to the moving direction of the movable loading plate 314. The device 318 is installed, and the handle 319 is provided on the other side.

In the basic mobile loader 313, the movable loading plate 314 is integrally provided with two supporting legs 315 on the storage rack 311 side and the conveyor 312 side, respectively. The driving wheel 320 which runs on the pair of travel rails 316 is provided in the lower part of the leg 315.

In addition, the support leg 315 is installed only on one side of the storage rack 311 side, and guides the conveyor 312 side of the movable loading plate 314 to be movable with respect to the conveyor frame 312a (refer FIG. 17B). It can also be supported.

For example, a method of loading and sliding the end of the moving stacking plate 314 on the guide rail provided in the frame 312a, or providing a slider provided with a roller, a ball, or the like at the end of the moving stacking plate 314. To smoothly move along the guide rail.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17A, instead of the traveling rail 316, the guide wheels are horizontally mounted on the pair of guide rails 316a and 316a and the support legs 315, and guide the electric guide rails. 316b may be used.

As described above, by installing the support leg 315 on the movable stacking plate 314, the picking operator presses or pulls out with the handle 319 of the movable stacking plate 314, thereby picking the movable stacking plate 314. It can be easily moved along the dragon conveyor 312.

The upper surface of the moving stacking plate 314 is inclined horizontally or downwardly toward the conveyor 312 so that the upper surface of the moving stacking plate 314 is about the same level as the upper surface of the picking conveyor 312. As a result, the goods A shipped from the storage rack 311 and loaded on the movable loading plate 314 are moved with a slight force or at their own weight to be moved and loaded onto the picking conveyor 312.

The rolling element 317 is rotatably provided so that the upper part of spherical steel protrudes using spherical steel, but it is not limited to this, You may provide a roller etc. rotatably so that an upper part protrudes.

In addition, as shown by the dashed-dotted line of FIG. 17B, the moving stacking plate 314 may be formed broadly toward the picking conveyor 312. As shown in FIG. By doing in this way, a product can be thrown in the inclination direction corresponding to the conveyance direction of the picking conveyor 312, and moving loading can be carried out more smoothly.

Each picking data from the host computer is transmitted to the computer terminal of the display device 318 in real time by SS wireless, and is displayed on the display device 318 on the screen. 17C is an example of the screen display, and the position, the product name, the total peaking number, etc. of the product are displayed on the screen.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17B, an infrared sensor or a laser sensor 329 is installed in the display device 318, the picking goods carried by the sensor 329 are detected, and the quantity of picking goods is counted. The screen is displayed on the display device 318 to be confirmed. In addition, a scanner may be provided in the moving stacking plate 314 to scan the code of a product so that it can be confirmed by screen display.

Here, the sensor and the scanner are integrally assembled to the moving stacking plate 314 or the display device 318, the scanner is activated by sensor detection, and the picking goods are counted and checked by scanning.

Alternatively, the sensor may be installed in the display device 318 or the like, the scanner may be mounted on the surface and fixedly arranged, and counted and checked as described above. It is also possible to perform counting only by sensor detection without using a scanner.

18A and 18B are perspective views showing a specific configuration example of the mobile loader of FIGS. 17A to 17C. 19A to 19D are perspective views showing respective parts of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B. 20A-20C are perspective and side views illustrating the rudder portion of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B. 21A and 21B are perspective views showing a part of the inversion prevention device of the mobile loader of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

In the movable loader 313 of FIGS. 18A to 21A and 21B, four support legs are used as a basic structure, and each support leg 315 can be stretched to adjust the height of the movable loading plate 314. By doing this, it is possible to take out the goods A in the upper shelf and the high position of the storage rack 311. Moreover, the elastic rudder 321 is provided so that the removal operation | work can be performed even when the moving loading board 314 becomes high.

In addition, the storage rack 311 is equipped with a horizontal guide rail 322, the moving stacking plate 314 is provided with an anti-overturning member 323 that is movably coupled to the horizontal guide rail 322, the mobile loader ( 313 prevents overturning during driving and stopping operation. In addition, the movable stacking plate 314 is provided with a handle 324 that can be horizontally stored and placed upright.

As shown in Figs. 18A, 18B and 19A to 19D, the support leg 315 is a cylindrical portion 315a of a predetermined length, and a slide member 315b inserted in the cylindrical portion 315a so as to be slidable up and down. The upper end of the slide member 315b is fixed to the lower surface of the movable loading plate 314 to move the slide member 315b up and down by an actuator (not shown).

In addition, the lower ends of the respective cylinder parts 315a are connected by horizontal connecting members 315c to improve rigidity. The driving wheel 320 may be installed on the horizontal connecting member 315c.

An actuator can use a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or a motor and screw rod system, etc. For example, the support leg 315 itself can be comprised by a cylinder tube and a piston rod.

A pedal 325 is provided on the horizontal connecting member 315c of the support leg 315, and the actuator is operated by the operation of the pedal 325 to automatically lift and move the movable loading plate 314 to stop at an arbitrary height position. I can do it.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the rudder 321 also includes a base 321a and a slide portion 321b so as to be able to expand and contract together with the movable loading plate 314. The telescopic rudder 321 may be guided to the guide rail of the base 321a which is used universally, and the slide 21b may slide.

As shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the upper end of the slide portion 321b may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the movable loading plate 314 through a horizontal pin, and the slide member 315b of the support leg 315 may be mounted on the lower surface of the slide portion 321b. The hook may be rotatably attached to the horizontal connecting member 315d mounted at an intermediate position of the hook.

When the rudder 321 expands and contracts as the movable loading plate 314 moves up and down, the rudder 321 is inclined and fixed by grounding the ground leg portions 321c such as rubber at the lower end thereof.

In order to take out the goods of the high position, the rudder 321 is climbed up and loaded at the step of the rudder 321. However, when the foot is to be stabilized, the footrest 326 as shown in Fig. 20C is shown. Can be used. The scaffold 326 can be folded by mounting the pins on the vertical material of the rudder 321 using the elastic link 327.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the inversion prevention member 323 is formed in a hook shape from the main body 323a and the roller 323b rotatably installed at the tip of the main body, and the proximal end of the main body 323a is formed. It is attached to the storage rack 311 side in the side surface of the movable loading board 314 so that a vertical surface can be rotated via the horizontal pin 323c.

By hanging the roller 323b from above with respect to the horizontal guide rail 322 fixed to the storage rack side, the roller 323c guides the horizontal guide rail 322 while preventing the overturning of the mobile loader 313. By rotating, the movable loader 313 can be guided and supported even if it moves.

In addition, since the horizontal guide rail 322 has a constant height and the moving stacking plate 314 moves up and down, the anti-rolling member 323 needs to be mounted on the moving stacking plate 314 so as to be movable up and down. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, the guide member 328 is attached to the movable loading plate 314, and the guide member 328 is guided and supported so that the base end of the main body 323a can be moved up and down.

Thus, even when the movable loading plate 314 is elevated, the inversion preventing member 323 can always be coupled to the horizontal guide rail 322. In addition, the inversion prevention member 323 can also be provided in the cylinder part 315a of the support leg 315. FIG. In this case, the guide member 328 becomes unnecessary.

The handle 324 consists of a base 324a and a handle part 324b, as shown in FIG. 19B, and the base end of the base 324a is horizontal to the conveyor side at the side of the moving stacking plate 314. Through 324c, it is attached so that the inside of a perpendicular surface may rotate.

Therefore, by rotating 90 degrees, the handle 324 is accommodated in the side surface of the moving stacking plate 314, and it does not become an obstacle when goods move on the moving stacking plate 314, and also rotates 90 degrees, and stands up, Grab the handle 324 and move the mobile loader 313 along the conveyor.

In addition, a stopper for positioning the handle 324 in the upright state and the stored state is provided (not shown).

A case of processing the case article item will be described below with an example of the procedure of the storage operation in the three-dimensional automatic warehouse and the picking operation in the three-dimensional automatic warehouse having the above configuration.

22A and 22B show a receiving process in a delivery center to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 22A is an explanatory view of a driver's input work, and FIG. 22B is an explanatory view of a job and a arrival label at the arrival line. 23A and 23B show a process from the arrival line to the three-dimensional automated warehouse in the delivery center to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 23A is an explanatory view of the arrival line and the shipment line, and FIG. 23B is a description of the transceiver and the three-dimensional automated warehouse. It is also. It is explanatory drawing of the working condition by the mobile loader of FIGS. 17A-17C. 25 is a functional block diagram of a delivery center to which the present invention is applied.

(1) In the dock, the pallet goods are put into the loading line. As shown in FIG. 22A, the driver D inputs a vendor name and a maker name by panel touch by the computer terminal 330 installed in the arrival dock.

The data is transmitted to a Point of Receiving (POR) server and collated with pre-shipment data (ASN data) stored in the storage device.

(2) As shown in Fig. 22B, the identification code 331 of the pallet P on the arrival line and the Inter1eaved Two of Five (ITF) code 332 of the carton A are transferred to the scanner 333 of the SS radio. The data is scanned and sent to the POR server and matched with the ASN data.

At the same time, the containment position is automatically generated. As needed, the arrival label 334 shown in FIG. 22B is attached. In the arrival label, freshness management using a two-dimensional code is also possible.

(3) As shown to FIG. 23A, the pallet P on each arrival line is automatically conveyed to the conveyance conveyor 335. As shown to FIG. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23B, the pallet P is automatically loaded into the transformer 336 and conveyed to the storage passage of the three-dimensional automatic warehouse 310. In the case of a forklift, the vehicle waits horizontally according to the instructions of the fork terminal.

(4) As shown in FIG. 23B, in the three-dimensional automatic warehouse 310, the pallet P is moved to the stacker crane (not shown) from the transmitter 336, and is conveyed automatically, and is shipped by the free address management. It is automatically stored in an efficient address based on the data. The containment is automatically divided into a picking store and a reserve store.

In the case of the forklift system, it is stored in the communication instructed to the terminal. In addition, a position check is performed with a scanner at the time of storage.

(5) In the picking operation, each picking data is transmitted to the picking operator in real time by SS wireless, and the picking operation is performed based on the information displayed on the display device 318.

Since the picking worker is automatically distributed to the worker in accordance with the picking progress as shown in Fig. 17C, the picker simply picks the goods indicated on the screen by the indicated quantity, and the mobile loader 313 ( 18a and 18b) is sufficient.

In addition, since the data is displayed in the order of position, work can be performed while moving the mobile loader 313 sequentially. Moreover, since the quantity of the picked goods is displayed on the display apparatus 318, it can confirm easily.

In addition, when the picking operation is completed, it is sufficient for the picking operator to touch input the confirmation key of the computer terminal provided on the movable loading plate 314 or the like once. Also, if you want to check the goods before picking, you can check the scanner by scanning the carton's ITF code or JAN (Japan Article Number) code of the goods. In addition, when the location code is scanned, the stored trade name is displayed.

As shown in Fig. 24, the picking operation only moves a distance of up to about 1.6 to 1.0 m, and furthermore, since it becomes a simple operation only by introducing and injecting the goods A onto the mobile loader 313, The handling distance of product input is sufficient to be less than 1.0 m, and the reduction of picking work and the improvement of work efficiency can be aimed at.

In addition, in the case of the lift-type mobile loader 313 shown in FIGS. 18A to 21A and 21B, a work can be performed similarly to the mobile loader of FIGS. 17A to 17C in taking out goods in a low position. In the removal of the goods in the high position, the moving loading plate 314 is raised to the height position of the product and taken out on the moving loading plate 314, and then the moving loading plate 314 is conveyed by the picking conveyor 312. Lower the surface position to move on the conveyor (312).

By using such a lift type mobile loader 313, the goods in a high position can be easily taken out. In addition, by providing the inversion prevention member 323, even if the position of the movable loading board 314 becomes high, the overturning of the movable loader can be prevented.

The picking operation of the case article has been described above, but the same applies to the processing of the ball article and the piece article. In addition, the ball article and the piece article collectively put the total amount in the container on the picking conveyor 312. The container containing the small sorting article is conveyed to a primary assorting line and primaryly distributed, and then divided into small sorting and secondary shipping to a secondary assorting line and shipped.

Since this invention consists of the above structures, the following effects can be exhibited.

(1) Between the storage rack and the transport conveyor, a moving stack that can transport the goods of the storage rack to the transport conveyor is installed to be moved along the transport conveyor, so that the goods stored in the storage rack are placed on the transport stack. Therefore, the product can be moved and loaded on the conveyer by simply injecting the product, and the movable loading plate can be easily moved to a predetermined picking position, thereby reducing the picking work and improving the picking work efficiency. have.

(2) By installing the rolling element on the upper surface of the movable loading plate in a state where the upper body is projected so as to protrude, the product can be moved smoothly with a slight force or its own weight. (3) By providing the display device of the computer terminal on the mobile mounting plate, the data of the work isle is automatically distributed to the picking operator, and the picking operation can be easily and surely performed based on the screen instruction.

(4) The mobile loader can be constituted by a simple and inexpensive device by providing a wheel-bearing support leg for moving the rail on the movable loading plate.

(5) By using a mobile loader in which the supporting legs and the rudder move up and down, the goods in the high position can be easily taken out.

(6) By providing the overturning prevention member, the overturning of the movable roller can be prevented even if the position of the moving stacking plate becomes high.

(Example 4)

In the new system according to the present invention, the sorting and stacking in the delivery center (logistics center) is systemized so that the goods can be displayed in the order of the category at the store and the sorting order within the category. do.

As a result, the following stacking requirements can be eliminated, and the work can be simplified, and the simple and high productivity can be simplified, the high precision work without the occurrence of stacking errors, and the check work can be simplified. Therefore, the following points are mentioned as a prerequisite.

(1) Prerequisite

(1-1) Loading requirements for basket lanes

(1) Shipping flights

(2) Delivery vehicle ranking

(3) by delivery route

(4) by delivery center

(5) different delivery stores

(6) Store back room storage division

     (Do you want to temporarily store it in the back room?

(7) by category

(8) according to display passage

(9) by display ranking

(10) Classification of raw materials and products

(11) Preservation, storage temperature range of the product

(12) plural temperature zone simultaneous delivery processing division distinction in delivery

(1-2) Stacking Requirements in Basket Cars

(1) Top and bottom division of stacking by weight

(2) Packing shape classification

         a. Dunball

         b. Plastic container

         c. Continuous stackable container by the same bottom size

These requirements allow the side using the system to be freely selected, and the system functions according to the selected requirements.

(2) Requirements and flowcharts of work at the delivery center.

25 is a functional block diagram of a delivery center to which the shipment classification system of the present invention is applied. As shown in Fig. 25, the delivery center is largely divided into a docking dock 401 (for stocking and passing), an inventory area 402, a sorting area 403 on the receiving side, and a shipping sorting area 404. do.

The cartons picked up from the stock area 402, the cartons from the incoming dock 401-2 for passing through, and the containers packed with the sorted goods or picked goods received in the sorting area 403 are the shipment sorting area 404. Are sorted by shipping destination, category, display order, etc., stacked into basket cars, dollies, carriers, etc., and loaded into a delivery vehicle.

(3) Picking requirements at arrival

(3-1) The picking in this system is classified into the picking of small-class goods in two sequencing group (SEQing group) units (see FIG. 27) in a batch unit and the picking of goods shipped in a carton unit. (See Figure 26).

The picking data is divided into a batch unit of work, a work area or inventory area for picking, a work path, and a work unit, and are automatically transmitted to the worker-only wireless terminal by radio (SS radio method or PHS radio method).

(3-2) The picking worker picks the total quantity indicated for each item in accordance with the instruction of the distributed data. The data is automatically distributed sequentially, in worker order, from the stock location of the corridor. In addition, when the operator selects and inputs the passage to which the operator wants to work, the server automatically distributes the picking data in order of the position of the passage.

(3-3) FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the work division of picked goods at the arrival side of the delivery center of FIG. 25. Picking goods are classified and processed as shown in FIG. That is, the picked goods are processed by separating them into containers and cartons, each sorted by buffering, and then returned to the shipping sorting system of the present invention.

(4) Concept of Batching and SEQing Group on Goods Receipt

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the concept of batching and SEQing group in the picking of FIG. The batching is a shipping store group corresponding to the shipping delivery unit, and the SEQing group is a bundle of secondary batching by grouping the categories for the shipping store in one batch.

Therefore, the example of setting when there are 30 shipping destinations and 15 categories is as shown in FIG. In the above setting example, one batch is set to 10 points, and two SEQing groups are simultaneously worked. 1 and No. The 2 SEQing groups of 2 are continued one after another, and work is performed uniformly.

In fact, two SEQing groups are simultaneously picked or assorted to buffer one SEQing group, and feed control is performed in accordance with the shipment alignment of the preceding SEQing group.

As a result, the work can be made uniform, and the work speed can be efficiently increased. Concurrent operations may be 3 or more SEQing groups as long as there is room for buffering.

(5) Carrying Basket Cars (Stacking Requirements)

An example of setting stacking requirements is shown below.

① Shipping Point

② Car basket loading by category

③ Stacking display rankings in categories

④ Packing type (separation of carton and plastic container) basket car loading

(6) Generation and flowchart of control data.

28 to 30 are flowcharts (first to third) showing the generation and control procedures of control data in the delivery center shown in FIG. This is an example of picking goods in containers and cartons. As shown in Figs. 28 and 29, the picked containers are divided into stores and categories, and then assorted and packed into containers. The containers and cartons are divided by weight and classified into categories by buffering and sorting. . Thereafter, it is conveyed to the buffering control line described later.

(7) Control system equipment composition

31 and 32 are block diagrams (first and second) illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system system device in a shipment classification system of the present invention. In addition, the 1st step and the 2nd step are also possible in one system. The number of systems is defined by the level of the classification requirements for the package and the number of requirements.

(8) Example of buffering control line on the carrying side

It is a schematic top view which shows an example of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of this invention. This is an example of the picking goods of the container and carton, and also shows an example of the buffering control line which processes two systems of the container control system and the carton control system, and is provided with the first and second two-stage buffering sections. It is.

Therefore, the container first line 411-CO carton first line 411-CA container second line 412-CO carton second between the arrival area and the shipping sorting area 404. A total of four lines of lines 412-CA are provided.

The first line 411 is a loop storage line 411a capable of circulating and storing a container or a carton, and a plurality of straight storages arranged in parallel connected to the loop storage line 411a and capable of storing a container or the like. It consists of the line 411b.

In addition, the linear storage line 411b is divided into two groups. In the first step, the container or the like is stored in the linear storage line 411b in units of weight AB and category. If there are many containers or the like, it can also be stored in the loop storage line 411a.

Similarly, the second line 412 is composed of a loop storage line 412a and a plurality of linear storage lines 412b, and an outlet end of the plurality of linear storage lines 411b of the first line 411 is loop stored. It is connected to the line 412a.

In the second step, the container or the like is stored in the linear storage line 412b by weight AB, store, category, and stacking rank. If there are many containers or the like, it can also be stored in the loop storage line 412a.

In addition, the return line 413 is provided in the linear storage line 412b. For example, when one linear storage line 412b becomes full, it is conveyed to the loop storage line 412a and the other linear storage line 412b. It is used to be stored in).

Containers or the like stored in each of the linear storage lines 412b are conveyed to the shipment sorting 414 and discharged to the chute line 414a by the sorter for each store, category, and stacking order, and to the auto stacker 415. It is loaded automatically in basket car etc. In addition, the heavy object A is classified as the shipping shipment of the lower end, and the lightweight object B is classified into the shipping shipment of the upper end.

In addition, (1) The 1st and 2nd setting can be performed only by 1 system, unless a stacking requirement does not have requirements, such as weight division and display order. In addition, one buffering system may be reused and controlled in order to return connection of a conveyance line and to control the requirements of the next step.

② If shipment is small per unit time, loop line should be at least 1 line.

③ If there is no need to distinguish between container and carton, it is possible to use one system. If there is a small quantity even if there is a classification, it can be controlled by one system.

(4) The shipping sorting is made up of two stages, but it can be done in one stage if the requirements are small. (5) The control system of the container and the carton is connected to each other in a loop line, and is provided in the system down to enable dual mode.

(9) Modifications of the system

The system not only sorts the package as a shipment sorting line by using one loop of loop line that also serves as buffering to satisfy the classification requirements, but also combines multiple loop lines to simultaneously operate a complex sorting, loading and stacking requirement. It becomes satisfactory and it becomes possible to process at high speed simultaneously.

Therefore, as a modification of the present system, the function of the processing quantity, classification, loading, and stacking requirements is not limited to the scale shown in FIG. It is also possible.

(9-1) Loop method

34A and 34B are schematic plan views illustrating an example of the loop line of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention. 34A shows an example in which the roof line 416 is provided in the shipment sorting 414, and a plurality of containers and the like are stored in the roof line 416 to perform classification.

34B is an example in which the line itself of the shipment sorting 414 is also looped, and the shipment sorting loop line 417 and the loop storage line 416 are overlapped in a planar manner by overlapping the inlet line to have a compound loop function. to be. Applicable when there is room for shipping sorting return.

(9-2) Main loop sub loop method

This is a case where a sub-loop line is provided in the loop line of Fig. 34B, and when the required level is also high, the requirement level is sequentially satisfied for each area to have a corresponding function.

Fig. 35 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the main loop line and the sub loop line of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 35, this is an example in which two sub-loop lines 418 are connected to the main loop line 416, and six sub-loop areas 419 (L-A to 1-F) are formed.

In addition, the sub-loop line 418 is constituted by combining the main loop line 416 and the shipment alignment loop line 417. There may be several sub loop lines in the main loop. In addition, the control line in a sub loop line may change the number of lines for every sub loop.

36 is a schematic plan view illustrating a specific example of the sub-loop line region in FIG. 35. As shown in Fig. 36, the sub loop area 419 is composed of a plurality of area-specific buffer storage lines 420, a sub loop return line 421, and the like arranged in parallel.

The discharge feed apparatus 422 is provided in the exit of each line 420 and 421, and the load sensor 423 is provided in each line 420 and 421 at predetermined intervals in a conveyance direction.

In Fig. 36, the function of each device is as follows.

1st sorting loop line. It is the main loop line 416 and has a function of conveying and classifying a container or the like into six sub-loop areas 419.

Area buffer storage line 420. Carriers classified in the main loop line 416 are stored for sorting. The line may be a pre-roller system by tilting, and any of the driven conveyor system may be used.

③ discharge feed device 422... An apparatus for controlling feed from the buffer storage line 420 to the conveyance line of the shipment sorting loop line 417. If the buffer storage line 420 is always line driven using a loop line, it is not necessarily required.

④ conveying line of export exit loop line 417. The line which conveys the conveyed goods discharged from the buffer storage line 420 for shipment sorting control.

⑤ load sensor 423... Buffer storage is detected and load management and tracking management are performed. If necessary, the sequence number of the cargo conveyed is managed.

(6) Return line 421 for sub-loop. Containers or cartons to be conveyed are matched by moving the loop line region sequentially in order to satisfy the required sorting and stacking requirements. Thus line function for return to the next area.

In addition, the above sub-loop area | region may be in both sides of a main loop, and only one surface is possible. In addition, the setting of the number of sub-loop areas also increases or decreases depending on the degree of the request level. In addition, the area may not be fixed in accordance with the requirement, and the complex control may be carried out so that one area functions as a work requirement group.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram when the sub-loop line region in FIG. 35 corresponds to a plurality of requirements. This illustrates the case where six requirements are required.

(9-3) Multi stage method

38 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a multi-layer sub-loop line region of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention. This is not a method in which each sub-loop line is areaized and functions in the main loop line as in the main loop sub-loop method of the above-mentioned (9-2), but in a manner in which each sub-loop line is multiply connected and provided.

That is, the sub loop line 418 is provided in the main loop line 424 in multiple stages in the up-down direction. In this manner, it becomes possible to effectively use the upper empty space in the delivery center.

(9-4) Return method during straight storage line

Fig. 39 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a return method in the middle of a multi-column straight line of the buffering control line in the shipment classification system of the present invention. 40 is a plan view illustrating an example of a delivery center in which the line of FIG. 39 is installed.

This is an example applied to the 2nd line 430 in the carrying out area of the delivery center shown in FIG. 40, and as shown in FIG. 39, it is parallel between the loading conveyor 431 and the carrying out conveyor 432. As shown in FIG. There are a number of straight storage lines 433 arranged.

For example, three sets of such lines 433 are used as one set, and the most upstream side line 433a and the loading conveyor 431 are connected at the introduction portion 434, and the most downstream side line 433c and the carrying out conveyor 432 are used. ) Is connected at the carrying out portion 435, and the outlet end of the line 433a and the inlet end of the line 433b, the outlet end of the line 433b, and the inlet end of the line 433c are connected to the transverse feeder 436 or the like. The container or carton can be conveyed continuously.

In addition, the outlet end of the intermediate line 433b and the inlet end of the most upstream side line 433a are connected to the transverse feeder 436 so that the container or the like on the line 433b can be transported to the line 433a.

Containers and the like are conveyed on the lines 433a and 433b, and if the type of the container or the like is suitable for the sorting conditions, the containers are conveyed from the intermediate line 433b to the line 433c and sorted for shipment by the delivery conveyor 432 When it is conveyed to the area and the classification condition is not suitable, it is returned from the intermediate line 433b to the most upstream side line 433a.

Such a plurality of sets of linear storage lines 433 can be provided in multiple stages in the vertical direction. This approach has the advantage of establishing a large number of buffer stores in a relatively small space.

(10) Advantages of this system to meet requirements

(10-1) General Method

By using a device having a multi-stage rack for storing containers and the like, a shuttle for transporting containers and the like at each stage, and a server as a lifting device for lifting and lifting containers, the attributes of a container or a carton are managed automatically for each level. There is a method of carrying out picking conveyance that satisfies the requirements by storing, picking, and automatic conveyance, and performing shipment sorting.

In the above method, since the shuttle is moved and conveyed by retrieval of one container or carton unit, when using a device for storing about 1000 containers of one system, the shipping capacity is 1000 [container / hour], and the speed of the carrying out process is increased. Delay.

Therefore, the picking operation | work and carrying out operation | movement must also be forced down at the speed | rate equivalent to 1000 containers per hour, and it is difficult to process a large quantity of quantities. In addition, since the system is a system in which a shuttle-type conveying apparatus and a lift server are added, the investment amount also increases in cost compared to the buffering line control line method, and the capacity also becomes 1/3 to 1/5.

By this method, if the intention is to stack for 3000-5000 packages per hour, the system also requires 3 to 5 systems.

(10-2) Shipment classification system of the present invention

Compared with the general method described above, the present invention has the following advantages.

① The ability of the sorting

In the case of this system, since the storage is a buffer line storage method, the sorting capability can be calculated in accordance with the conveying speed. Therefore, by controlling the roof line and the loop line on the discharge side at the same level, the capacity of the sorting can also be matched with the speed.

For example, if the line speed is 40m per minute, if one package is to be conveyed per 1m, 2400 pavements per hour, 60m per minute, 3600 pave, and 100m per minute, 6000 pave. In addition, when dividing speed is divided | segmented, when a main loop line and a discharge line are divided | segmented, processing capacity will simply improve in proportion to the number of divisions, and cost is enough to raise only the part in which the conveyance distance of a conveyance line overlaps.

② cost advantage

In this system, by installing the pre-roller in the storage line, the investment cost for the buffer storage capacity can be suppressed in one unit of water compared to the conventional method.

In addition, as described above, even if the main loop line and the discharge line are divided, the processing capacity can be improved in several units by only increasing the cost of the portion where the distance between the conveying portions slightly overlaps and the branching / joining device. The cost advantage is significantly greater compared to the conventional approach.

(11) shipment sorting

Fig. 41A is a perspective view showing the sorting in the shipment sorting of the present invention, and Fig. 41B is the same perspective view and a plan view of the related art. 42A is a perspective view showing a sensor and a display device provided at the distal end of a multi-stage chute line of the present invention, and FIG. 42B is a perspective view showing a cart in the related art.

As shown in Figs. 41A and 41B, the chute lines 440, which are arranged in a large number of shipment delivery lines, are multistage in the vertical direction, and as shown in Figs. 42A and 42B, the respective chute lines 440 At the distal end, a load sensor (transmissive or reflective photoelectric sensor, infrared sensor, etc.) 441 for detecting a container or a carton and a display device 442 for displaying requirements such as a container, work contents, and the like are provided.

As shown in Fig. 41B, in the conventional case, if the requirement ABC is present, it is mixed and sorted. On the chute line 440, a container of ABC and the like are mixed and reclassified for each requirement by a human hand. Needed to load on cart. In addition, as shown in Fig. 42B, in order to prevent the loading miss, it was necessary to read the bar code of the cart and the bar code of the container or the like with a scanner and check it.

For this reason, workability was falling very much. For example, in the past, for loading and control checks, the productivity was very low, from 100 to 130 [packing / manpower time].

In contrast, in the present invention, as shown in Fig. 41A, when a requirement ABC is satisfied for one shipment destination, for example, a sorting for each requirement is performed in units of chute lines at each stage, and this is performed by dividing the data into a plurality of columns. By this, the reclassification for stacking to a vehicle or a cart by mixing and conveying plural requirements of sorted conveyances (containers, etc.) in one chute line as conventionally is eliminated.

(2) Due to the exclusion of the reclassification work, the stacking work and the productivity are improved, and the work speed can be reduced to reduce the cost of people and time.

As shown in Fig. 42A, by using the load sensor and the display device, the loading check check operation by the conventional scanner can be eliminated, and the requirement-based classification system (circulation method sorting) excluding the reclassification operation. Combination with, improves the accuracy of stacking, improves stacking operation and productivity, and can greatly reduce the cost of manpower and time by improving work speed.

That is, the display and check function by the load sensor and the display device and the sorting function according to the priority rank function simultaneously, so that the operator can satisfy the requirements by simply loading the carts or the like in the order in which they are returned as instructed. Moving stacking can be performed sufficiently simply by moving a slight distance between the chute line and the cart, thereby significantly improving work productivity.

For example, productivity is 500 to 550 [packing / manpower and time]. In addition, it is also possible to extend the tip of the chute to add a function, and to carry out a mobile loading operation to a cart or the like in two simultaneous operations, thereby further improving work productivity.

The display device 442 includes a work instruction lamp 443, a digital display 444, a task confirmation button 445, a redisplay instruction button 446, an alarm buzzer 447, and the like. The detection signal and data from a host computer or the like are input from the sensor 441. The function of each device is as follows.

① Load sensor (441)

The load of the work order chute line is sensed, and a load check for managing the quantity of ejected articles is carried out. It is also used to output a job miss prevention alarm by detection at the time of ejection from the job prohibition chute line.

② Work instruction lamp (443)

green… Lights up in work order chute line

(Blinking: Indicates the start of return classification, lights up: work instruction)

yellow… Lit on the next job suit line (do not work)

(Lit: display the next job suit line)

Red… Lit on the loading chute line (do not work)

(Lighting: Display the operation prohibition suit line, Flashing: Operation miss alarm, interlock with buzzer).

③ Digital display (444)

a) Indication of the shipper

b) labeling of classification requirements;

c) display of quantity and remaining quantity

d) Termination mark by half luminance reduction

The display digits are respectively defined according to the requirements, and the function of the device display changes. It is also possible to increase the visibility by changing the display color in display units. The quantity in c) is displayed in sequence with the load sensor.

④ Job check button (445)

Cart Load Expiration Button… Pressurized once, interlocking with cart loading switch and cart label

Label Output Instruction for Cart… Press for more than 2 seconds, only cart label issued

⑤ Redisplay instruction button (446)

Display of total quantity and load quantity… Indicate the total amount of returned goods and the quantity taken out at the first time

Show cart count performance… Indication of the number of carts of the loading end

⑥ Alarm Buzzer (447)

Alarm is triggered in conjunction with sensor ejection detection on the prohibition chute line.

In addition, in the case of ending the work, the work instruction lamp 443 turns from green to red, and the luminance of the digital display 444 is halved. In the case of a take-out miss (loading miss), the work instruction lamp 443 flashes red, the digital display 444 flashes, and the alarm buzzer 447 sounds.

Since this invention consists of the above structures, the following effects can be anticipated.

(1) By installing the loop storage or the linear storage line, it is possible to load the packaged goods to the transport truck in the shipping sorting area in the order of the display of the shipping destination store, and to reduce the display work and the space at each store. Can be reduced.

(2) The loop storage line or the straight storage line can be set at the same conveying speed, and can be easily stacked on a conveying truck such as by delivery store, weight type, category, display rank, etc. At the same time, it can be performed quickly and can greatly improve the workability of the shipping classification.

(3) Since the loop storage line or the straight storage line can be configured with a normal conveying line, a significant cost reduction can be achieved.

(4) By simultaneously operating a plurality of loop storage lines in combination or by providing a plurality of sub-loop areas, it is possible to easily and quickly classify a complicated sorting, loading and stacking requirement.

(5) By injecting the unit package into the chute line at each stage according to the classification requirements, it is possible to eliminate reclassification work for stacking the sorted conveyance mixed in the conventional one chute line into the vehicle or the cart, and at the chute tip end part. By the detection and display check function of the sorted conveyed product, the loading check operation by the conventional scanner can be eliminated, and the work speed and the manpower and time can be saved.

(Example 5)

FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyance line of a delivery center with secondary sorting according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. As shown in FIG. 43, the secondary sorting (classification system) 510 is installed in the first compartment of the delivery (logistics) center 511, and is located in the entire area of the delivery line 511. It is part of.

The delivery center 511 is a delivery base for ordered goods (returned goods) delivered to each store that is the order source according to an order at a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and the goods are arranged by a vendor (seller) of each product. It is paid in 511.

The goods received at the delivery center 511 are returned to the conveyance line, and according to the order for each store, many different types are divided into required quantities, classified by each store at the destination, and then each truck is delivered from the delivery center 511 to the truck. Will be shipped to the store.

In addition to the secondary sorting 510, the delivery center 511 has a receipt induction line 512, a labeling line 513, a primary sorting 514, a buffering line 515, and a shipping sorting 516. Each area | region of is installed along the conveyance line which consists of conveyance conveyors.

FIG. 44: shows schematic structure of the induction induction of FIG. 43, FIG. 44A is a perspective view, FIG. 44B is a schematic diagram. As shown in FIG. 44, the induction induction line 512 is the introduction part of the goods which each vendor takes in, and each product is loaded in a conveyance line from the arrival truck 517 of each vendor (refer FIG. 44A). .

The conveyance line is provided with 15 lines a to o, for example, and is grouped into three groups for each of five lines a to e, f to j, and k to o. The line of k thru o provided in multiple rows can respond to the case where goods are received in large quantities. Each line is connected to each group, and then connected and joined as one (see FIG. 44B).

The conveyed goods (goods) loaded on the conveyance line are scanned by identifying identification data such as a bar code, a two-dimensional code or an integrated chip (IC) chip, which is printed on a label attached to the conveyed goods or provided in an arrival container for storing the conveyed goods. It is checked. If there is no identification data as a result of the check, it is sent out to the labeling line 513.

45 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the labeling line of FIG. 43. As shown in FIG. 45, in the labeling line 513, the conveying goods P sent from the stock induction line 512 are carried out by the worker W (shipping container or carton making 1abel: SCM label). Etc. are attached. The conveyed article P with the carrying label or the like is loaded on the conveying line and sent to the primary sorting 514.

46A and 46B show a schematic configuration of the primary alignment of FIG. 43, FIG. 46A is a perspective view, and FIG. 46B is a schematic view. 46A and 46B, in the primary sorting 514, sorting (primary sorting) in the first stage of the conveyed goods sent from the induction induction line 512 or the labeling line 513 is performed.

The conveyed product which flowed into the primary sorting 514 via the inflow line 514a is buffered in the primary storage line 518 which connects to the inflow line 514a in order to classify according to classification requirements (FIG. 46A). , See FIG. 46B).

A plurality of inflow lines 514a are set for the purpose of improving the sorting ability and failing / safety of system troubles, and the primary storage line 518 may also divide the area accordingly.

The primary storage line 518 may correspond to either a preroller or a driven conveyor due to inclination. The primary storage line 518 is connected to the discharge line 514b via a feed device (not shown), and the conveyed material stored in the primary storage line 518 is controlled by the feed device to discharge the discharge line. Join 514b.

47A and 47B show a schematic configuration of the secondary sorting of FIG. 43, FIG. 47A is a perspective view, and FIG. 47B is a schematic view. As shown in Figs. 47A and 47B, in the secondary sorting 510, the sorting in the second stage (2) of the conveyed material sent from the primary sorting 514 is performed by the same identification method as the classification in the first stage. Difference classification).

The classification in the second stage is performed in succession to the classification in the first stage in the primary sorting 514. The multistage classification in which classification is further performed at the classification destination by providing the secondary sorting 510 is performed. Is performed. In the classification in the second step, the buffer operation according to the classification is also performed.

The conveyed product P flowing out of the discharge line 514b of the primary sorting 514 is buffered in the secondary storage line 519 of the secondary sorting 510 which connects to the inlet line 510a (FIG. 47A). Reference).

The secondary storage line 519 is made of, for example, a driven conveyor, and bends almost 180 degrees twice so that the inlet and outlet sides are in opposite directions, so that the first line 519a is sequentially from the inlet side to the outlet side. Three rows of the second line 519b and the third line 519c are provided in parallel to form one unit (see FIG. 47B).

The conveyed goods P introduced into the first line 519a from the inflow line 510a are conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the first line 519a in the second line 519b, and the second line 519b. In the direction change part to the 3rd line 519c which is the termination part of, it is selected whether to return to the 1st line 519a or to advance to the 3rd line 519c (refer FIG. 47B).

That is, if the conveyed object P conveying the 2nd line 519b image is suitable for the preset conditions (setting conditions), it will be sent to the 3rd line 519c as it is, and the 3rd line 519c image may be removed. It conveys in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the two lines 519b, and if it does not satisfy | fill a setting condition, it returns to the 1st line 519a and conveys a 1st line 519a image again.

Therefore, when the conveyed object P satisfies the classification requirement ranking which is the setting condition here, it is shipped to a shipping chute and a buffering line (in FIG. 47A and 47B, arrow (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5)). If the requirement rank is not satisfied, the unit cycles in one unit (see arrows ①, ②, ③, and ⑥ in FIGS. 47A and 47B).

The secondary storage line 519 is connected to the discharge line 510b via a feed device (not shown), and the conveyed product P sent to the third line 519c is controlled to be fed by the feed device. Join the flow of discharge line 510b (see FIGS. 47A, 47B).

In this way, in the secondary sorting 510, the conveyed object suitable for the first condition is buffered and fixed, and the classification is performed by rotating the necessary one suitable for the next condition among the buffered ones next.

Classification in the secondary sorting 510 is performed in three steps, for example. That is, first, the conveyed goods are classified into categories according to the temperature zone, and the cartons are selected by judging whether they are containers or cartons, and then, one of the cartons is determined by determining whether they are heavy or light. These judgments and selections are repeated for each condition, and necessary classification is performed.

As an example, when there exists a thing with a different shape in the conveyed goods which entered the conditions as a category, it returns again without sending out the conveyed goods. The returned object is circularly circulated in one unit, and only the one whose shape satisfies the conditions during circulation is selected and buffered.

That is, it has a circulation line through which a conveyed thing circulates, and a sending line which sends a conveyed thing next, and selects any one as a conveyance path of a conveyed thing, and sends only the thing which meets the set conditions next.

As a specific example of the secondary sorting 510, for example, the units of this secondary storage line 519 arbitrarily set the number according to the requirements volume, but in the case of FIG. 43, 28 units are provided. They have a three-layer structure in which these are arranged in three stages.

The 28 units can arbitrarily change the setting conditions for each unit, and when the amount of the selection target due to the classification of the setting conditions increases, the units meeting the setting conditions are increased to correspond. That is, when the condition of A increases, the unit of the condition of A is increased, and when the condition of B increases, the switching setting can be made at any time so as to increase the unit of the condition of B.

The classification requirements serving as the above-described setting conditions are made of attributes related to the conveyed goods, attributes of the conveyed form of the conveyed goods, or attributes related to the delivery destination store to which the conveyed goods are delivered, and the like, for example.

By delivery, by delivery vehicle order, by delivery route, by delivery center, by delivery store, by store category (storage or immediate store display in the backroom), by category, display aisle, showcase, display ranking, raw materials According to the classification of the product and the product, according to the storage, storage temperature range (for example, 0 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius) of the product, the simultaneous delivery processing division in the plural temperature zones in the delivery, the upper and lower position division by the product weight, Types of packaging (corrugated cardboard or plastic containers or stackable containers by the same bottom size) These various requirements can be freely selected in the secondary sorting 510.

After passing through the secondary sorting 510, the conveyed goods are sent to the buffering line 515 and sent to the shipping sorting 516 which performs the sorting of the shipment through the buffering line 515. Hereinafter, an example of buffering control in the buffering line 515 (refer FIG. 43) is shown.

48 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the buffering control. This shows an example in which the first and second two-stage buffering sections are provided in the case of processing two systems of a container control system and a carton control system with respect to picking goods of containers and cartons.

Therefore, four lines of the container first line 520, the carton first line 521, the container second line 522, and the carton second line 523 are provided.

The first lines 520 and 521 are connected to a loop storage line 524a capable of circulating and storing a container or carton (container, etc.), and a linear storage line capable of storing a container or the like in a plurality of rows ( 524b).

The straight storage line 524b is divided into two groups, and containers and the like are stored in categories by weights A and B in the steps in the first lines 520 and 521. If the amount is large, it is also stored in the loop storage line 524a.

Similarly, the second lines 522 and 523 include a loop storage line 525a and a straight storage line 525b, and the loop storage line 525a includes a straight storage line 524b of the first lines 520 and 521. ) The outlet end is connected.

In the steps in the second lines 522 and 523, containers and the like are stored for each weight (A, B), for each store, for each category, and for each stacking order. The linear storage line 525b is provided with a return line for returning to the loop storage line 525a and sending it to another linear storage line 525b when the line is full, for example.

Containers and the like stored in each straight storage line are sent to the shipment sorting 516 via the shipment sorting buffering line 516a.

In addition, the setting of the first lines 520 and 521 and the second lines 522 and 523 is possible with only one system if there is no stacking requirement such as weight division or display rank. In addition, the buffering system may be reused and controlled, and the number of loop lines and the number of systems may be arbitrarily used as necessary.

In addition, one sort of loop line with buffering to satisfy the sorting requirements is used to classify the consignment to the shipment sorting 516 as well as to simultaneously operate a plurality of loop lines in combination, thereby providing complex sorting, loading and stacking requirements. It satisfies and can be processed at high speed.

Therefore, as a system modification, it can also be simplified further according to the processing quantity, sorting, loading, and stacking level.

49 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a loop method as another example of the buffering control. This is a case where the shipment sorting 516 and the loop storage line 526 are combined to have a compound loop function, and when there is room for the shipment sorting, the loop storage line 526 is installed on the shipment sorter to loop. In addition, the shipment line itself may be looped and combined.

50 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a main loop sub loop system as another example of the buffering control. This is the case where the sub-loop line is provided in the loop line of FIG. 49. For example, six sub-loop areas 529 are provided by connecting two sub-loop lines 528 to the main loop line 527. In the case where the demand level is also high, the request level can be satisfied in order for each area in order to respond.

51 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a multi-stage method as another example of the buffering control. As in the main loop sub loop method of FIG. 50, each sub loop line 528 does not function as a region in the main loop line 527, but each sub loop line 528 is multiply connected and installed. A plurality of stages are formed. In this case, the upper empty space inside the building can be effectively used.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the shipment sorting of FIG. 43. As shown in FIG. 52, in the shipment sorting 516, sorting in the last stage of the conveyed material sent from the secondary sorting 510 via the buffering line 515 is performed.

The conveyed article P which flowed into the shipment sorting 516 from the buffering line 515 via the conveyance line is carried out by the stacking operation of the worker W according to the inflow of the conveyed article P in the shipment sorting 516. The cart chute 531 is sequentially loaded from the shipping chute line 530, or the line of the shipping sorting 516 is extended to be directly loaded into the delivery cart.

In the shipping sorting 516, a shipping chute line 530 having a multi-stage structure is provided in a plurality of rows in a row (only two columns in one row), and various pieces of information of the conveyed product P are provided at the tip of each shipping chute line 530. The processing and the display accompanying it are performed.

53 is a perspective view of a shipping chute front end portion of FIG. 52. As shown in FIG. 52, the front end part of the shipment chute line 530 is equipped with the load sensor (detection means) 532 provided on the line, and the display part (display means) 533 attached to the front end surface.

The load sensor 532 detects the presence of the conveyed material P, that is, the load, in the shipping chute line 530 in which the work is instructed. Thereby, the load check for management of the quantity of ejection of the conveyed object P, and the warning for preventing the operation | work miss by the removal in a work prohibition line are issued.

The display portion 533 has a work instruction lamp 533a, a digital display 533b, a work confirmation button 533c, a redisplay instruction button 533d, an alarm buzzer 533e, and the like. Display based on the detection result.

The work instruction lamp 533a displays conveyance classification start, work instruction or work prohibition line, and the like, and the digital display 533b displays a shipment destination, a classification requirement, a quantity and a remaining amount, and an end. By the operation of the job check button 533c, the cart loading expiration and the label output instruction for the cart are notified, and the redisplay instruction button 533d displays the total amount of the cargo and the amount of the finished goods to be taken out, and the like. The alarm buzzer 533e emits a warning sound in conjunction with the load sensor 532.

By combining these display and check functions with the sorting function according to the rank of requirements, the worker W is located at the front end of the shipping chute 530 and disposed adjacent to the shipping chute line 530 as instructed in the order in which they are returned. It is possible to satisfy the classification requirement of the conveyed object P only by loading it in the basket car 531 or the like.

In addition, the moving stacking of the conveyed object P may be sufficient by only a slight distance movement of the shipping chute line 530 and the basket car 531, and the work productivity is greatly improved.

That is, by classifying the shipping chute line 530 of the multi-stage multi-row configuration according to the classification requirements, the conveyances (classifications) for the classification for the multiple requirements are not mixed and conveyed in one chute line as in the conventional classification. It does not require reclassification to stack on vehicles or carts.

As a result, the work speed can be improved by speeding up the stacking work and improving productivity, thereby reducing labor costs and time. In addition, by using a classification system (recirculation type sorting) for each requirement that does not require a reclassification operation by the secondary sorting 510 at the time of sorting, the stacking accuracy is improved. Since no work is required, the stacking workability is improved and the work can be progressed quickly, thereby reducing labor costs and time.

When the conveyed object P is sequentially loaded from the shipping chute line 530 to the basket car 531 or the like, and the basket car 531 or the like reaches a predetermined amount, the basket car 531 is brought into a sorted out state for each store at the shipping destination. ) Is loaded into each delivery truck 524 (see FIG. 43) for each delivery route. The loaded basket car 531 and the like are transported to the store of the delivery destination by the delivery truck 524, and the conveyed object P is delivered to the store of the delivery destination for each basket car 531.

Moreover, in the delivery center 511, when the category classification is arrange | positioned from picking and the goods of a category unit are loaded into the basket car 531 etc., ie, when the picking operation is divided | segmented into the group and specific category of a delivery shop, Therefore, it is necessary to divide the work into several job layouts in consideration of the productivity and efficiency of the work.

As an example, if the number of shipping destination stores is 50 per day, the sorter is 10 suits, and the classification category is 15, it is necessary to realistically limit the categories in one batch to about three categories in order to avoid confusion in shipping loading.

When the conveyed object P is sorted, automatic dividend control is performed to automatically allocate the number of sorting lines based on the quantity ratio and sorting performance in the batch corresponding to the sorting requirements.

As described above, by providing the secondary sorting 510, the multistage layer which classifies further at the sorting destination can be sorted with respect to the conveyed goods conveyed by a conveyance line. That is, when classifying a conveyed article on the conveyance line based on the setting condition, the conveyed article not adapted to the set condition is circulated back upstream of the conveying line or circulated on the conveying line on which the sorting requirements are set at any time in real time.

Then, the circulation and the conveyed article adapted to the set conditions are judged to be sent downstream of the conveying line, and the selection of either the circulation or the dispatch is carried out during conveyance of the conveyed article.

Therefore, when the goods randomly received at the delivery center are shipped to each store, the sorting is performed according to various arbitrarily selected conditions so as to give priority to the selection by the temperature of the product, for example, at each store of the delivery destination. It can be loaded on a back and delivered to each store.

Although the combination of classification by these various setting conditions rises to a large number, by providing the secondary sorting 510 and the buffering line 515 with the classification function according to requirements, the classification of a large quantity of logistics goods (goods) at high speed, In addition, it can be efficiently performed, and the classification by various setting conditions can be made faster and the cost can be reduced for each delivery destination store in the delivery center.

The functions and information management provided by the material handling equipment (materia1 handling equipment) in the primary sorting 514 and the secondary sorting 510 are as follows.

As for the material handling apparatus, a function according to a multi-layer classification requirement, a buffering function, a feeding function according to a priority rank, and a circulation function are required. Each information management of line load management, line feeding control, and circulation management is required.

Under various functions and information management of such a material handling apparatus, for example, the primary storage line 518 (see FIG. 46B) of the primary sorting 514 is provided with a total of 60 lines in a 20-line x 3-layer structure. The secondary storage line 519 (see FIG. 47B) of the secondary sorting 510 can be provided with a total of 84 lines by the 28 unit three layer structure of the three line one unit circulation.

As a result, the primary smallation 514 has a storage capacity of about 1200 to 1800 packages, and the secondary smallation 510 has a storage capacity of about 4500 to 6700 packages.

The classification in the secondary sorting 510 can be realized by controlling hardware resources such as a computer using a recording medium on which the above classification program is recorded.

As described above, according to the present invention, conveyed materials conveyed on the conveying line are classified on the basis of the set conditions, and when not adapted to the set conditions, the conveyed products are recycled upstream of the conveyed lines or the sorted requirements are set at any time in real time. By circulating the lines, the multiple-layers which are classified at the classification destination can be further classified. At the time of classification, determination and selection based on a preset condition are repeatedly performed for each condition.

That is, in the secondary sorting 510, by having the line circulating on the spot and the outgoing line to be sent next, only the one suitable for the set conditions is sent next, and reclassifying again at the store of the delivery destination is performed. Each product is shipped at the time of shipment to satisfy the classification requirements such as classification of display items and storage items in storage, storage zones, location of display showcases, stacking (stacking) classification by containers, and weight classification. It can be loaded according to the characteristics and packing type.

Thus, a plastic container is loaded on a cardboard carton, a heavy object is placed upwards, is listed in a showcase and stored in a storage compartment, or a cryopreserved product and a refrigerated product or display position. Can prevent other products from being mixed.

As a result, in the store where the goods are delivered, there is no need to reclassify each of these goods according to their characteristics, packaging form, etc. for each product. It takes time until it arrives at a predetermined destination such as a storage box, and during this time, the refrigerated cryopreserved article, which requires freshness, is not left without necessary temperature control.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as a specific example of the secondary sorting 510 is shown to be formed in a three-layer structure in which three units of 28 units of the secondary storage line 519 are arranged in three stages. The number and the number of units are not limited to, but arbitrary.

In addition, the various requirements for classification by the secondary sorting 510 are not limited to what was enumerated above, It is freely determined according to various conditions, a request, etc., such as the goods subject to classification, a store destination, etc.

As described above, according to the present invention, the conveyed articles on the conveying line are classified based on the set conditions, and the conveyed articles not adapted to the set conditions are returned to the upstream of the conveying line or are circulated on the conveying line where the sorting requirements are set at any time. As a result, it is possible to select and classify conveyed materials suitable for the set conditions. For example, sorting of display items and storage items in storage, sorting of temperature zones, sorting of display showcases, stacking by containers (stacking) In order to satisfy the classification requirements such as classification, classification of weight, etc., it is possible to load each product in accordance with characteristics, packaging form, and the like at the time of shipment.

As a result, it is not necessary to reclassify each of these products at the store where the products are delivered, and they are not left without necessary temperature control such as refrigerated cryopreserved products requiring freshness.

(Example 6)

54 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product classification system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 54, the goods sorting system includes the 1st conveyor 601 which conveys the tray 606 which accommodated the goods subject to classification, and the plurality which branched off from the 1st conveyor 601 (6 as an example). 2nd conveyor 602 of a dog), the sorter 603 which introduces the tray 606 conveyed by the 1st conveyor 601 into one of the some 2nd conveyor 602, and the 1st The scanner 605 is provided as a reading means for reading the bar code, that is, the tray identification information, which is given to the tray 606 passing on the conveyor 601.

Further, a plurality of (six) sorting shelves 604 and corresponding containers of the second conveyor 602 and containers into which goods are put in the sorting shelves 604 are carried out to the next step, that is, to the shipping section. Conveyors 614 and 615, a plurality of input lines 611 (shown as one example) and an input line 611 for loading goods on the tray 606 and putting them into the first conveyor 601. Computer terminals (hereinafter, abbreviated to PC terminals) 612 are arranged. Each sorting shelf 604 is provided with a PC terminal 624.

FIG. 55 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the product classification system of FIG. 54. As shown in FIG. 55, the PC terminal 624 is connected to the host computer 640 like the PC terminal 614. The host computer 640 and the PC terminals 614 and 624 can form a local area network (LAN) to transmit information with each other.

The scanner 613 for reading the bar code is connected to the PC terminal 614. The PC terminal 624 has a scanner 623 for reading a bar code, a shipping carton marking (SCM) label for displaying shipping information in letters and a bar code, and a label for printing a product packaging specification label indicating a container closing end product. The machine 625, the direction indicator 626 and the input indicator 627 for informing the worker of the distribution width for injecting the product, and the transmissive infrared sensor 628 as the input detection means for detecting that the product has been connected are connected. .

Both the host computer 640 and the PC terminals 614 and 624 include a display device, a storage device (for example, a hard disk device), a CPU (central processing device), a communication interface, and the like. The scanner 605 and the sorter 603 are connected to the host computer 640, and the host computer 640 performs overall control of the product classification system (see FIG. 54).

In addition, in the following description, one unit which consists of one 2nd conveyor 602 and the sorting shelf 604 corresponding to it is called "classification line", and each of the 6 sorting lines is line L1, L2, ..., L6). Two workers P1 and P2 are arranged in each sorting line L1 to L6, and one worker P3 is arranged in each input line 611.

When the worker P3 reads the bar code (product identification information) attached to the product to the scanner 613 connected to the PC terminal 614, the tray 606 on the display device of the PC terminal 614. The quantity of the goods put in the) is shown. The worker P3 loads the goods of the displayed quantity in the tray 606, reads the tray identification information for identifying the individual trays added to the tray 606, to the scanner 613, and the first conveyor 601. )

At this time, the tray identification information of the tray into which the goods are put, the information of the goods, that is, the type (item) and the quantity of the goods, are sent from the PC terminal 614 to the host computer 640, and the host computer 640. ) Is stored as a product information table.

The scanner 605 reads the tray identification information of the tray 606 conveyed to the first conveyor 601 and inputs it to the host computer 640. The host computer 640 refers to the commodity information table stored in the storage device and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width of each sorting shelf 604, and introduces the tray 606 into one of the second conveyors 602. It determines whether or not to introduce into one of the sorting lines L1 to L6, and outputs a control signal for driving the sorter 603.

As a result, the tray 606 on which the goods are loaded is automatically supplied to the sorting line having a distribution width for classifying the goods.

56 is a front view of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. 54. As shown in FIG. 56, the sorting shelf 604 of the said Example is arrange | positioned at 11 top and bottom 12, the resin folding container 622 made from resin, and has 23 distribution widths 621 in total.

One sorting shelf 604 is divided into two blocks A and B, and the employees P1 and P2 are in charge of sorting the A blocks and the B blocks, respectively. That is, among the 23 distribution widths 621 provided on the sorting shelf 604, the 11 blocks on the right side including the lower center of the 12 blocks on the left side from the center are in charge of the workers P1. Each B block is configured.

By this structure, the worker P1 performs sorting work on the goods stacked in one tray 606, and the worker P2 performs sorting work on the rest.

When the input of the goods to one container arranged in each distribution width 621 is finished, the workers P1 and P2 press the specification label issue button to issue the SCM label and the product package specification label, And pushes it onto the conveyor 614 for carrying out. The pushed out containers are returned to the shipping section by conveyors 614 and 615.

In the vicinity of the center of the sorting shelf 604, a PC terminal 624 and a label issuing machine 625 (see Fig. 55) are arranged, and a scanner 623 for mounting tray identification information of the tray 606 is mounted at the bottom. have. In addition, an input indicator 627 is provided above or below each distribution width 621, respectively.

It is explanatory drawing of the input indicator of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 57, the input indicator 627 includes a display lamp 631 and a number indicator 633, a check button 632, and a label issuing button 634. The input indicator 627 is connected to the PC terminal 624, and the operation signals of the buttons 632 and 634 are supplied to the PC terminal 624 and displayed by the control signal from the PC terminal 624. The operation of the lamp 631 and the number indicator 633 is controlled.

It is explanatory drawing of the direction indicator of the sorting shelf shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 58, the direction indicator 626 attached to each of the A block and the B block has the number and the direction of the distribution width 621 instructed from the PC terminal 624 on its display surface 626a. Is indicated by an arrow, and the type and number of products to be classified are also displayed to function as distribution width direction indicators.

For example, on the rectangular display surface 626a, the width direction display (a) consisting of a straight arrow, the width number display (b) located at the leading end of the width direction display (a), and the number usually arranged in the center The display (c) and the type display (d) are respectively displayed (refer to FIG. 58).

The width direction display (a) has instructed any one of eight places in total from the center of the display surface 626a, the center of each of the corners, the top and bottom sides, and the center of the left and right sides. The width number display (b), the number display (c) and the type display (d) are each numerically marked on the rectangular display unit.

In addition, the position and number of width direction display (a) and width number display (b) are not limited to eight places of the center of each part and each of upper and lower right and left sides, but can be set to arbitrary positions and numbers as needed. have. In addition, the position and number of the number display (c) and the type display (d) can be arbitrarily set as necessary, and the width direction display (a), the width number display (b), the number display (c) and the type display (d The same applies to the shape, the display method, and the like.

According to the form at the time of conveyance of goods, the displayed type is, for example, a case article in a state in which a predetermined number is integrated and filled in a box shape, a ball article in a state in which the required number is collectively in a ball shape, one by one It becomes a piece piece of a singular state, and the state of other (irregular articles).

Each type is displayed in different letters and colors so that the products to be classified can be easily distinguished and recognized. As an example, in a thin group of backtones, yellow is used for the case article from green to C, red from B to red, piece to blue from P, and S from the other.

These display characters and colors can be arbitrarily combined and used, and are displayed on the direction indicator 626 provided with the display part which consists of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc. by the display indication signal output from the PC terminal 624. FIG. do.

In the direction indicator 626, the display indication signals of the width direction display (a), the width number display (b), the number display (c), and the type display (d) are programmed by the PC terminal 624. In response to the display processing signal of the input indicator 627, that is, output at the same time as the display of the input indicator 627, the indication of display characters and colors is also controlled. By providing such a display, it is possible to secure the speed of the distribution work and to increase the accuracy, thereby improving the work efficiency.

Further, one transmissive infrared sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as input sensor) 628 is provided on both sides of each distribution width 621 of the sorting shelf 604. The input sensor 628 detects that a product or an operator's hand passes when the product is put into the container 622, and supplies the detection signal to the PC terminal 624.

In the above embodiment, the sorting lines L5 and L6 are any one of the other sorting lines L1 to L4 as backup lines of two lines. As will be described later, when the number of trays 606 for sorting operations to be backed up, that is, the backup work line, reaches a predetermined number or more, the backup line is introduced into the original sorting line L2 or L3 as described later. It is provided in order to introduce the scheduled tray 606 and to perform the sorting work.

Here, for example, the sorting lines L5 and L6 back up the sorting lines L2 and L3, respectively. By providing such a backup line, the work can be eliminated and the efficiency can be improved.

Next, the setting method of the arrangement pattern of the distribution width 621 in the said Example is demonstrated. Here, for example, a job plan of the sorting job (one hatch job) is planned on a half-day basis, and the pre-shipment information of the goods notified from each vendor is stored in the storage device of the host computer 604. . The pre-shipment information includes the type of the product, the quantity of the product, the name of the vendor, the scheduled delivery date and the like.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart for describing a process of setting the arrangement pattern of the distribution widths shown in FIG. 56. As shown in FIG. 59, first, pre-shipment information stored in the storage device of the host computer 640 is read (step S601).

Next, while calculating the total work volume WTOTAL within the period targeted by the work plan and dividing the total work weight WTOTAL by the number of movable lines (four lines in the above embodiment), the average amount of work per one classification line is obtained. (WAVE) is calculated (step S602).

Here, the work amount W is not the quantity of goods, but the amount of goods that can be put into the container in one operation of the worker as a unit of work. In other words, if the product is small and 10 items can be put together at one time, the product is 10 units in one work unit. The dog is a unit of work.

Next, the arrangement pattern of the distribution width 621 is set according to the average work amount WAVE and the required work amount for each destination (step S603). Here, the case where goods are sorted by the display position of each store in four stores ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST4 is taken as an example, and the case where the workload is as follows is demonstrated for each store.

Product classification work volume WST1 = 200 units for store (ST1)

Product classification work volume WST2 = 180 units for store (ST2)

Product classification work volume WST3 = 80 units for store (ST3)

Product classification work volume WST4 = 100 units for store (ST4)

,

Total work load WT0TAL

= WST1 + WST2 + WST3 + WST4 = 560 units

Average workload WAVE

WTOTAL / 4 = 140 units

It becomes

In the above embodiment, not only the work amount is equalized for each sorting line but also the work amount is also equalized for each worker, so that the work amount per line is 140 units, and the work pattern per block is 70 units. Set.

60A to 60E are explanatory views (first) showing a specific example of the arrangement pattern of the distribution widths. 60A to 60E show an example of a case where an arrangement pattern of distribution widths of the sorting lines L1 to L4 is set with a work amount per display position as 10 units.

FIG. 60A schematically shows the distribution width shown in FIG. 56, where the A block has a distribution width from (A1 to A12) and the B block has a distribution width from B1 to B11. 60B shows an arrangement pattern of distribution widths of the sorting line L1. Since there are many goods for store ST1, all the lines L1 are set so that the goods for store ST1 may be thrown in. Here, LC1 to LC14 are display position addresses of the store ST1.

As shown in FIG. 60C, the distribution width | variety to the position LC15-LC20 of the store ST1, and the position LC1-LC8 of the store ST2 is set to the sorting line L2. As shown in FIG. 60D, the distribution line L3 has a distribution width to the positions LC9 to LC18 of the same store ST2 and to the positions LC1 to LC4 of the store ST3.

As shown in FIG. 60E, the distribution width | variety to the position LC5-LC8 of the store ST3, and the position LC1-LC10 of the store ST4 is set in the sorting line L4.

Thus, by leveling the work amount for each sorting line and leveling the work amount for each worker, it is possible to prevent some sorting lines or a part of workers from being in a waiting state, thereby improving sorting work efficiency.

61A to 61E are explanatory views (second) illustrating a specific example of the arrangement pattern of the distribution widths. 61A to 61E show arrangement patterns of the distribution widths of the sorting lines L5 (see FIG. 61A) and L6 (see FIG. 61B) as backup lines.

61A to 61E, in the above example, the arrangement pattern of the sorting line L5 includes the arrangement pattern of the arrangement pattern of the backup line L2 (see FIG. 60C), and the store ST3. Distribution widths ST3 / LC5 to ST3 / LC8 and distribution widths ST4 / LC4 to ST4 / LC6 for the store ST4 are added. The arrangement pattern of the sorting line L6 is exactly the same as the arrangement pattern of the backup line L3 (see FIG. 60D).

In this way, the arrangement pattern of the distribution width of the sorting shelf of the backup line should be made the same as the arrangement pattern of the backup line, or should be included in the line L2 or L3 by including the arrangement pattern of the backup line. Even when the tray 606 is introduced into the backup line, the position in the sorting shelf 604 can give an instruction to insert the goods with the same distribution width, which can eliminate the complicated processing for the backup.

Further, by providing the backup lines L5 and L6, when the sorting work is later than scheduled in the lines L2 and L3, the sorting work can be promoted and the work efficiency as a whole can be improved.

The number of backup lines and the lines to be backed up are determined according to the skill of the operator, the total amount of work (WTOTAL) within the period to be planned. For example, when there is a large amount of WTOTAL, it is assumed that one backup line is used or not installed.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart for describing the control processing of the sorter in the host computer shown in FIG. 55. As shown in FIG. 62, first, the scanner 605 reads identification information of the tray 606 conveyed to the 1st conveyor 601 (step S701), and according to the read tray identification information, The product information table stored in the storage device is retrieved (step S702).

Next, with reference to the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width set as shown in FIG. 60, after determining the sorting line into which the tray 606 should be introduced (step S703), a backup line for backing up the determined line. It is determined whether or not there is a presence (step S704).

Here, when there is a backup line (Yes), it is determined whether or not the number NTRYW of the trays 606 which are waiting for the sorting operation on the sorting line (second conveyor 602) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (NTH). If NTRYW? NTH is determined (step S705), the sorting line to which the tray 606 should be introduced is changed to a backup line (step S706), and then a sorter control signal is output (step S707).

On the other hand, in step S704, if there is no backup line (No), the control signal of the sorter 603 is immediately output (step S707), and in the case of NTRYW <NTH in step S705, the sorter is similarly The control signal of 603 is output (step S707).

The host computer 640 enters the number of trays 606 introduced into each sorting line, the end information of the sorting operation input from the PC terminal 624 of each line, that is, the container in which the feeding is finished and the goods put into the container. On the basis of the information on the type and quantity of, the number of trays (NTRYW) waiting for the sorting operation is always calculated for each line and monitored.

In addition, even if a sorter control signal is output, it is detected that the actual sorter 603 is operated to reach the position of the sorter 603 corresponding to the sorting line into which the tray 606 is introduced by a sensor (not shown). Needless to say.

Fig. 63 is a flowchart for explaining the control in the computer terminal provided in each classification line. As shown in FIG. 63, first, the scanner 623 reads the identification information of the tray 606 conveyed by the 2nd conveyor 602 (step S801), and reads into the read tray identification information. Therefore, the product information table stored in the storage device is retrieved (step S802).

Next, with reference to the information of the distribution pattern of the distribution width set as shown to FIG. 60A-60E, the distribution width 621 which should inject the goods loaded in the said tray 606 is determined (step) S803). After the determination, a control signal indicating the direction of the distribution width 621 is output to the direction indicator 626 (step S804), and at the same time, the display lamp 631 of the distribution width is turned on or flashes in red, The quantity indicator 633 is displayed in the number display 633 (step S805).

Next, the input sensor 628 waits for the input of the product to be detected (step S806). When the input is detected (Yes), it is determined whether or not the input distribution width is the correct distribution width as indicated (step S807). )do. As a result, in the case of correct distribution width Yes, the display lamp 631 of the injected distribution width is lit in green (step S808), and it is judged whether or not the label button 634 is pressed (step S809).

The label button 634 is pressed by the operator to issue a specification label when all of the products scheduled to be put into the container 622 installed in one distribution width are pressed. That is, the label is not completed. If this is not pressed (No), the flow returns to step S804 to continue the sorting operation.

After that, when the label button 634 is pressed (Yes), a control signal for instructing issuance of the specification label is output to the label issuer 625 (step S810). Further, it is determined whether there is data of goods to be distributed (step S811), and if yes (Yes), the flow returns to step S804, and if no (No), the classification regarding the tray 606 is performed. End the job.

In addition, in step S807, if the distribution width actually input is wrong (No), the indicator lamp 631 of the incorrect distribution width blinks in yellow and a buzzer (not shown) is sounded. The signal is output (step S812).

Next, the operator waits for the check button 632 to be pressed when the operator recognizes a mistake (step S813), and if pressed (Yes), the display of the display lamp 631 is returned to the original state and the buzzer is stopped ( Step S814), the flow returns to step S806. And if it is detected by the injection sensor 628 that an operator performed 2nd input, it will autonomously in step S807 and repeat the same process.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the display lamp 631 of the distribution width 621 to which the product is to be turned on is lit, and the direction thereof is shown by the direction indicator 626. It is possible to easily recognize the distribution width to be injected, which improves the working efficiency and makes it difficult to cause the injection miss. Thereafter, when a product is put into a distribution width different from the distribution width indicated by the input sensor 628, the operator is informed to fix it, so that the false input rate of the product can be greatly reduced.

64 is a flowchart for describing operation status monitoring control in the host computer. As shown in FIG. 64, first, the classification | combination job end information input from the PC terminal 624 of each sorting line L1-L6 is stored in the memory | storage device (step S901). The classification work end information is information on the container 622 in which the input is completed, and the type and quantity of the goods put into the container 622.

Next, the type and quantity of goods for which the above sorting work is completed are displayed on the display device of the PC terminal 614 of the input line 611 (step S902), and then, they are fed to the first conveyor 601 and sorted. The type and quantity of the sorting-waiting goods for which the work is not completed are displayed on the display device of the PC terminal 614 of the input line 611 (step S903).

In addition, since the number of containers 622 pushed out to the conveyor 614 by the end of the input operation is known from the sorting operation end information, the numbers L1 to L6 of the sorting lines to which the empty containers are to be replenished based on this are determined. The quantity is displayed on the display device of the PC terminal 614 of the input line 611 (step S904).

As a result, the worker P3 of the input line 611 can confirm the displayed work progress status, and can promote or suppress the input of the tray 606 on which the goods are loaded, and thus, the number of lines in the sorting line can be increased. Product can be prevented from accumulating or emptying sorting work.

In the above embodiment, the first container 601 and the second conveyor 602 adopt a configuration in which the empty container 622 is supplied to the sorting shelf 604, so that the empty container ( Since the 622 is also put in, the container 622 of the sorting shelf 604 can be made into the state which always lacks sufficient, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, it is not necessary to place a large amount of empty containers 622 near the sorting shelf 604, thereby improving space efficiency.

In the above embodiment, the host computer 640 and the PC terminal 624 correspond to the control means, and the storage device of the host computer 640 or the PC terminal 624 corresponds to the storage means. The display device corresponds to the display means.

(Example 7)

Fig. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the product classification system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 65, the said goods sorting system is provided with the weight scale 607 which measures the weight of the tray 606 conveyed by the 1st conveyor 601. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 66 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the product classification system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 66, the weigh scale 607 is connected to the host computer 640, and the measurement data is input to the host computer 640.

Hardware configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the sixth embodiment. In the above embodiment, the weight per unit of product is calculated from the measurement data of the weigh scale 607, and the container 622 is based on the weight per unit of the product and the input confirmation information from the input sensor 628. The weight of the sorted finished product put into is calculated, and when the sorted finished product weight reaches a predetermined weight, it is determined that the input into the container is completed. In this case, it is assumed that the products accommodated in one tray 606 are a plurality of products of the same item (same kind).

Fig. 67 is a flowchart for explaining an input completion determination process in the host computer. As shown in FIG. 67, first, the measurement data of the weighing machine 607 is read (step S1001), and from the quantity of goods loaded in the tray 606, one unit of goods (one product or goods) When the number is arranged, the weight (W) unit per unit) is calculated (step S1002).

More specifically, the unit number (quantity) N of the goods on which the tray 606 is loaded is obtained by searching the goods information table according to the tray identification information read by the scanner 605. Then, the weight WTRY of the tray 606 is subtracted from the measured weight WM by the weigh scale 607 and divided by the number N of units, whereby the weight (W) unit per unit (= (WM- WTRY) / N) is calculated.

Next, with reference to the arrangement pattern of the distribution widths, the distribution width 621 into which the sorting line and the goods stacked in the tray 606 are put is specified (step S1003), and thereafter, the distribution width 621. Wait for the input of goods to be detected by the input sensor 628 (step S1004).

When the input of the product is confirmed (Yes), the weight WACT of the currently put product is added to the weight WCT of the finished product to classify, and the weight WCT of the finished product is sorted (step S1005). The weight WACT is calculated by multiplying the quantity (unit number) by the weight W unit per unit.

Next, it is determined whether or not the classification end weight WCT is equal to or greater than the predetermined weight WTH (step S1006), and the end flag FEND if WCT equal to or greater than WTH (Yes). Is set to "1" (step S1007), and when WCT <WTH (No), the end flag FEND is set to "0" (step S1008).

The classification end weight WCT and the end flag FEND are both stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the containers 622 in the classification operation. When the end flag FEND becomes "0" to "1", the host computer 640 transmits the signal to the PC terminal 624 of the classification line in which the corresponding container 622 is arranged.

68 is a flowchart for describing processing in the PC terminal arranged in each sorting line. As shown in FIG. 68, the flowchart replaces step S809 in the flowchart of the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 63) with step S809a.

That is, in the above embodiment, when the operator presses the label button 634, the specification label is not issued, but the host computer 640 determines that the closing is completed by the closing completion determination process (see FIG. 67), and the end flag is issued. When (FEND) is set to "1", the specification label is issued.

According to the above embodiment, since the end of the feeding operation to each container 622 is automatically determined, the burden on the worker can be reduced, and furthermore, the feeding mistake can be reduced and the working efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the storage device (memory means) of the host computer (control means) 640 stores a product master table describing information on products to be classified, for example, a product name, a vendor name, a quantity, and the like. The computer 640 preferably adds (records) the calculated weight (W) unit of one unit of the product to the information about the corresponding product in the product master table.

Thereby, since the weight W unit of 1 unit of goods computed from the result of a weight measurement is automatically recorded in a goods master table, the labor force which an operator inputs by a keyboard etc. can be skipped. In addition, about the same product, the process of measuring weight and calculating weight per unit can be skipped by referring to the said product master table after this, and work efficiency can be improved more.

(Example 8)

In the case where a plurality of kinds of goods are subjected to classification in one batch operation, as shown in the above-described embodiments, the classification work in each of the classification lines L1 to L6 and the blocks of each line is distributed so as to be equalized. Even if the width is set, if the input amount of the product to the sorting line is imbalanced in correspondence with the assumed sorting work amount, the actual work load on the sorting line will not be leveled, and the sorting work of some workers will be performed. This interrupts the productivity.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, ten buffer lines BL1 to BL10 are provided between the input line 611 and the first conveyor 601 to temporarily hold the tray 606 in the buffer line, The input of the product (tray) to the first conveyor 601 is controlled so that the sorting operation in L1 to L6 is not interrupted.

69 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a product classification system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 69, buffer lines BL1 to BL10 are installed between the first conveyor 601 and the additional conveyor 601a connected to the input line 611, and the additional conveyor 601a The scanner 605a and the sorter 603a connected to the host computer 640 are provided.

In addition, each of the buffer lines BL1 to BL10 is provided with a scanner 605b and a stopper 608, and the scanner 605b and the stopper 608 are connected to the host computer 640. By lowering the stopper 608, the tray held in the buffer line is configured to be introduced into the first conveyor 601.

The host computer 640 determines the buffer line into which the corresponding tray 606 should be introduced, based on the tray identification information read by the scanner 605a, and places the tray in the buffer line already determined by the host computer 640. The sorter 603a is controlled to introduce 606. In addition, the host computer 640 controls the input of the tray 606 to the first conveyor 601 by operating the stopper 608 based on the tray identification information read by the scanner 605b.

Here, the case where the goods G1, G2, G3, G4 are sorted in one batch operation is demonstrated as an example. As described above, when the ratio of the product amount converted into the classification work amount is 30% for the product G1, 20% for the product G2, 10% for the product G3, and 40% for the product G4, Since the distribution width of each sorting shelf is set to equalize the sorting workload, the ratio of the number of distribution widths is almost equal to the ratio of these commodities, that is, 30: 20: 10: 40.

Thus, three of the ten buffer lines are used to hold the article G1, two are used to hold the article G2, one is used to hold the article G3, and four are used to hold the article G3. Used to hold (G4), the tray 606 is controlled to be fed into the first conveyor 601 at approximately the same temporal ratio (for example, one tray for three minutes) from each buffer line. do.

In this way, the amount of goods (number of trays 606) held in each of the buffer lines BL1 to BL10 is leveled, and the ratio of the amount of input to the first conveyor 601 corresponds to the ratio of the amount of product input converted into the sorting workload. Since the sorting work in the sorting line becomes unbalanced and the work of some workers is interrupted, the productivity can be improved.

That is, according to the present invention, since the products of a plurality of categories which are the objects of the sorting work are automatically conveyed to the plurality of sorting lines at the same time in the same batch work time and can be sorted in parallel, as in the conventional system, The efficiency of sorting can be improved significantly compared with the sorting while moving the truck which loads goods. In addition, it is possible to take measures such as changing the sorting line for sorting in accordance with the situation while monitoring the progress of sorting work, thereby preventing partial work delay caused by differences in the skill of the operator, The working efficiency as a whole can be further improved.

In particular, by providing the direction indicator 626 (distribution width direction indicator) controlled in conjunction with the input indicator 627, the input width is indicated by an arrow line, the number display and the color-specific display of the type are performed, and the width to be distributed. The direction of can be displayed automatically. As a result, the speed and accuracy of the distribution work can be further improved.

In addition, the method of using a buffer line is not limited to the above-mentioned thing, but the ratio of the quantity of input of each goods from the buffer line to the 1st conveyor 601 is based on the ratio of the quantity of sorting work | work for each product in one batch operation. What is necessary is just to control so that it may become corresponding.

For example, when the combat amount of the product is small, only four of the ten are used, and the products G1, G2, G3, and G4 are held in one buffer line, respectively, and the first conveyor (1) by the stopper 608 ( By input control to 601, what is necessary is just to make it the ratio of the input quantity of each goods to the 1st conveyor 601 correspond to the ratio of the sorting work quantity of each goods.

In addition, it is preferable to appropriately correct the input amount from the buffer lines BL1 to BL10 to the first conveyor 601 according to the progress of the actual work in the sorting lines L1 to L6.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, as a container for conveying the goods in the goods sorting system, a relatively shallow box or dish-shaped tray 606 and a box-shaped container 622 are used, but the tray 606 is a container 622. ) May be in the same shape. By making the same, refilling the empty container 622 can be unnecessary.

The number of sorting lines, in other words, the number of sorting shelves 604 is not limited to six, but may be two or more. The number of distribution widths of the sorting shelf 604 is not limited to 23, either.

In addition, the control system of the said system is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 55 or 66. FIG. For example, the host computer 640 may be connected through a hub.

70 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the control system of the product classification system. As shown in Fig. 70, a sorting server 652 controlling the sorter 603, a Point Of Receiving (POR) server 653 connected to the PC terminal 624 of the input line 611, and a sorting shelf ( An assortment server 654 which performs control related to 604 may be provided, and these servers 652, 653, and 654 may be configured to connect to the host computer 640 via the hub 651.

The direction indicator 626, the input indicator 627, and the like are connected to the assortment server 654 via the display control box 655. In addition, it is also possible to set it as the structure which controls the whole system by one large computer, and to arrange | position only a display apparatus and a communication interface in each line. Incidentally, in Fig. 70, only one sorter 603, PC terminal 624, label issuer 625, direction indicator 626, and the like are shown. However, this is omitted from the fact that there are a plurality (see Fig. 66). It is.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although one sorting shelf 604 was divided into two blocks and each worker was arrange | positioned, the number of blocks is not limited to this, but it is three or more even if it is one (does not divide into blocks). It is also possible.

In addition, although the empty container is supplemented with the 1st and 2nd conveyor which conveys the tray 606, you may provide the conveyor (3rd conveyor) for the empty container conveyance.

In the above embodiment, both the "tray" and the "container" are containers for conveying the goods in the goods classification system, for example, a box or a dish-shaped container, and the goods are easily taken in and out. The shape does not matter.

In addition, "distribution pattern of distribution width" means the correspondence relationship between the several distribution width position of a sorting shelf, and the delivery destination (classification classification) of the goods put into the container arrange | positioned at the width.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the products of the plurality of categories that are the subject of the sorting work are automatically conveyed to the plurality of sorting lines at the same time in the same batch work time period, the sorting work can be performed in parallel. Compared to the case where the truck carrying goods is sorted while moving as in the conventional system, the efficiency of sorting work can be significantly improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to cope with changing the sorting line to perform the sorting work in accordance with the situation while monitoring the progress of the sorting work so as to be described below. The partial work delay can be prevented, and the overall work efficiency can be further improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the arrangement pattern of the distribution width is set so that the sorting work amount of each sorting line is leveled on a half-day or daily basis, for example, based on the pre-shipment information, the work is concentrated on some sorting lines. On the contrary, the situation which becomes extremely small can be avoided, and the working efficiency as a whole can be improved. In addition, according to the present invention, since the workload of a plurality of blocks constituting each sorting line is leveled, the workload is leveled for each worker, and the work is concentrated on a part of a plurality of workers working in one sorting line. Can be avoided, and also work efficiency can be improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, when a job on a sorting line is delayed, the tray to be introduced to the sorting line is introduced into the backup line, thereby reducing the number of trays waiting for sorting work, thereby improving the overall work efficiency. Can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, since the distribution width arrangement pattern of the sorting shelves of the backup line includes the distribution width arrangement pattern of the sorting shelves of the sorting line (backup line) backed up by the backup line, it is originally introduced into the backup line. Even if a tray to be introduced is introduced into the backup line, it becomes possible to perform the sorting operation on the backup line without complicated correspondence processing.

Further, according to the present invention, since the number of trays waiting for sorting work in the sorting line is always monitored, and when the number is large, the tray is introduced into the backup line of the sorting line, so that the tray stays in some sorting lines. Can be prevented, improving working efficiency.

Further, according to the present invention, the weight per unit of the product loaded in the tray is calculated, and the classification finished product weight is calculated for each distribution width, and when the classification finished product weight reaches a predetermined weight, the container having the distribution width Since it is determined that the furnace has been completed, the operator does not need to inform the completion of the input into each container by pressing a button, for example, to reduce the burden on the worker and further reduce the error rate. It becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, since the weight of one unit of the product calculated from the result of the weighing is recorded in the product master table, the labor force input by the operator by the keyboard or the like can be omitted. In addition, about the same product, by referring to the following product master table, it is possible to omit the weight measurement and the weight calculation process per unit, and can improve work efficiency more.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the type and quantity of goods for which the sorting work is completed are displayed on the display means at the place where the tray is put, the tray for accommodating the tray containing the necessary goods or the product for staying therein It is possible to promptly take measures such as suppressing the input of the chemicals, thereby preventing the occurrence of disadvantages in the sorting operation.

In addition, according to the present invention, the sorting shelf can be immediately recognized at the point where the empty container is to be replenished, and the sorting line to which sorting line should be replenished, and the empty container can be replenished to each sorting line by the conveyor. There is no shortage of containers to be placed in, and there is no need to put many empty containers near the sorting shelf. As a result, the work efficiency and the space efficiency of the sorting line can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, since the tray is temporarily held in the buffer line and the feeding of the tray from the buffer line to the first conveyor is controlled so that the sorting operation is not interrupted in each sorting line, The situation where the sorting work is unbalanced and the work of some workers is interrupted is avoided, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Moreover, according to this invention, the tray which accommodated the classification object goods is conveyed by the 1st conveyor, is introduce | transduced by the sorter into one of the several sorting lines which consist of a 2nd conveyor and a sorting shelf, The product information table which added the identification information of the tray which passed on the 1st conveyor, and the tray accommodation goods information correspondingly, and arrangement pattern information of the distribution width for each classification line are stored by the storage means, and, by the control means, The sorter is controlled by referring to the read identification information, the merchandise information table stored in the storage means, and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width to determine which one of the plurality of sorting lines is to be introduced.

And the direction indicating means displays the number of the distribution width and its direction provided in the some block which divided | segmented the sorting shelf by the arrow, and simultaneously displays the kind and the number of sorting goods.

Thereby, the work efficiency at the time of sorting small quantity goods of a large quantity in correspondence with the request of a shipment destination can be improved more.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the work efficiency when sorting small quantities of multiple products in small quantities in response to the request of the shipment destination.

Claims (16)

A first conveyor for conveying a tray containing the goods to be classified, A plurality of sorting lines comprising a second conveyor branched from the first conveyor, and a plurality of distribution widths in which containers into which goods are put in accordance with the sorting classification are arranged, and which are arranged in correspondence with the second conveyor; A sorter for introducing the tray conveyed by the first conveyor into one of the plurality of sorting lines; Reading means for reading identification information of a tray passing on the first conveyor; A product information table in which the identification information of the tray and the information of the goods stored in the tray are associated with each other, and storage means for storing information on an arrangement pattern of distribution widths of the classification shelves for each of the plurality of classification lines; With reference to the identification information of the tray read by the reading means, the commodity information table stored in the storage means and the arrangement pattern information of the distribution width, the tray is introduced into any of the plurality of sorting lines. And determining means for controlling the sorter. The method of claim 1, The arrangement pattern of the distribution width of the sorting shelf is set so that the sorting work amount in each sorting line is leveled based on the pre-shipment information indicating the type and quantity of goods to be received in the system. Commodity classification system. The method of claim 2, The sorting shelf is composed of a plurality of blocks to be sorted by a plurality of workers, respectively, the arrangement pattern of the distribution width of the plurality of blocks is pre-shipping information indicating the type and quantity of goods scheduled to be received in the system On the basis of this, the product classification system is set so that the classification work amount in each said block is leveled. The method of claim 1, The sorting line of some of said plurality of sorting lines is a backup line for performing sorting work when the number of trays waiting for sorting work in sorting lines other than the said part becomes more than predetermined number, The goods sorting system characterized by the above-mentioned. . The method of claim 4, wherein And the arrangement pattern of the distribution width of the sorting shelf of the backup line includes the arrangement pattern of the distribution width of the sorting shelf of the sorting line backed up by the backup line. The method according to claim 4 or 5, The control means monitors the number of trays of the sorting task waiting based on the number of the trays respectively introduced into the plurality of sorting lines and the end information of the sorting task, and the number of trays of the sorting task waiting is the predetermined number. And the sorter is controlled to introduce a tray to be introduced into the sorting line into a backup line corresponding to the sorting line when the abnormality occurs. The method of claim 1, A weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the tray passing on the first conveyor, and an input detecting means for detecting that the goods are put into the container for each of the distribution widths, The said control means calculates the weight of one unit of goods accommodated in the said tray from the weight measured by the said weight measurement means, and classifies each classification based on the weight of the said one unit, and the detection result of the said input detection means. A product classification system, characterized in that the classification finished product weight is calculated for each distribution width of the shelf, and when the classification finished product weight reaches a predetermined weight, it is determined that the input of the distribution width is completed into the container. The method of claim 7, wherein The storage means stores a product master table describing information on products to be classified, and the control means writes the weight of the calculated unit of product in the information about the corresponding product in the product master table. Product classification system, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The first conveyor is provided with a display means at a place where the tray containing the goods to be sorted is placed, and the control means monitors the type and quantity of the goods for which the sorting work is finished based on the end information of the sorting work. And displaying, on the display means, the type and quantity of goods for which the classification work is completed. The method of claim 1, An empty container is configured to be supplied to the sorting shelf by the first and second conveyors or a third conveyor provided separately from these, and a display means is provided at a place for feeding the empty container to the first or third conveyor. And the control means monitors the number of containers that have been added to each sorting shelf, and displays the address of the sorting shelf to be replenished and the number of empty containers on the display means. The method of claim 1, A buffer line is provided between the first conveyor and a place where a tray containing a product to be sorted is placed, thereby temporarily holding the tray in the buffer line and stopping the sorting operation at each sorting line. And the input of the tray from the buffer line to the first conveyor so as not to occur. A first conveyor for conveying a tray containing the goods to be classified, A plurality of sorting lines comprising a second conveyor branched from the first conveyor, and a plurality of distribution widths in which containers into which goods are put in accordance with the sorting classification are arranged, and which are arranged in correspondence with the second conveyor; A sorter for introducing a tray conveyed by the first conveyor into one of the plurality of sorting lines; Reading means for reading identification information of a tray passing on the first conveyor; A merchandise information table corresponding to the read-out identification information and tray accommodating goods information, and storage means for storing arrangement pattern information of said distribution width for each said classification line; With reference to the read-out identification information, the said goods information table stored in the said storage means, and the arrangement pattern information of the said distribution width, it is determined whether to introduce this tray into one of the said several sorting lines, and And a control means for controlling the sorter, and a direction indicating means for displaying the number of the distribution width and the direction thereof by means of arrows provided by a plurality of blocks dividing the sorting shelf. The method of claim 12, The number of the distribution widths is displayed on each part of the display surface of the direction indicating means, and the arrow indicates the respective parts from almost the center of the display surface. The method according to claim 12 or 13, And the type and number of the products to be classified are displayed on the display surface of the direction indicating means. The method of claim 14, The said classification corresponds to the form at the time of the conveyance of the said goods to classify, and each is distinguished by the letter and the color, The goods classification system characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 12, The direction indicating means is controlled by a control signal output from a computer terminal forming a local area network together with a host computer, in conjunction with a display processing signal indicating the input of the object to be classified. .

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