JP4484101B2 - Article sorting method and article sorting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an article sorting method and an article sorting apparatus that sorts articles into a plurality of fronts according to sorting destinations.

  Conventionally, when a product (article) is delivered from a distribution center to a store or an order destination, a plurality of types of products are sorted and delivered by store or by category such as by product display location, or sorted by order. Delivery work is being done.

  With an article sorting device that sorts merchandise by store / category or by order, etc., the product information is read in the upstream line installed upstream of multiple sorting lines, and the read product is sorted in advance from the upstream line. Send to the sorting line assigned by destination. Each sorting line has a sorting shelf with multiple fronts along the sorting line, and the workers placed on each sorting line have been assigned to the products sent to the sorting line in advance by each supplier. Sorting into frontage.

The frontage allocation is performed so that the sorting work by the workers for each sorting line is leveled based on prior information including the type and quantity of the product scheduled to be received, for example, in half-day units before sorting work. In addition, the frontage is allocated in advance by the number of all the suppliers such as by store / category or by order. That is, one supplier and one frontage are fixedly assigned in a one-to-one relationship, and the frontage is set as a fixed location for each destination (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-233810 A (page 6-7, FIGS. 1 and 3)

  Conventionally, however, the frontage is fixed for each supplier, so the same number of frontage is required as the number of destinations such as stores / categories or orders. For this reason, when there are a large number of sorting destinations, a large number of frontage is required, the size of the article sorting apparatus is increased, and there is a problem that a large installation space is required to install the article sorting apparatus. When the installation space of the apparatus is limited, there is a problem that the number of front ends is limited because the number of frontage is limited.

  In addition, if the frontage is a fixed location for each destination, the frontage is set so that the sorting work by the workers in each sorting zone is leveled based on prior information that includes the type and quantity of products scheduled to arrive. Even if it is assigned, if products that are actually sent to one sorting zone are concentrated and flow into the line, the sorting ability of the worker in that sorting zone cannot be caught up, and the product will stagnate on the line, resulting in overall sorting efficiency. There is a situation where there is a decline. Furthermore, since each product that is actually sent sequentially through the line has no relation to the location of each frontage that is assigned in advance as a destination for each product, each frontage is used to sort each product that is sent sequentially. The movement distance of the worker who moves to this place may become long, and the working efficiency is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can be reduced in size and space saving by reducing the number of frontage openings from the number of suppliers, or the number of suppliers more than the frontage can be provided even in a limited installation space. To provide an article sorting method and an article sorting apparatus capable of improving work efficiency, such as assigning, easily associating a sorting destination of an article to be actually sorted with a frontage location, and reducing the movement distance of an operator. With the goal.

The article sorting method according to claim 1 is an article sorting method in which articles are sorted into a plurality of fronts according to sorting destinations , and before the sorting operation is started, the sorting amount for each sorting destination and each sorting destination is scheduled. Items to be sorted and sorted at the time of item sorting by assigning specific sorting destinations from the slot close to the preset sorting work reference position among a plurality of slots in the descending order of the quantity to be sorted. When the sorting destination of the article for which the sorting information was obtained at the time of sorting of the article is not assigned to a corresponding slot other than the initially assigned sorter, the sorting destination of the article is unassigned. the sorting assignment from the non-allocation of frontage close to the working reference position, to monitor the frontage sorting of the article has been completed from the frontage with assigned sorting destination, current sorting destination for frontage confirming the completion of the sorting of Release the allocated is to allow the assignment of the next sorting destination when there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage to sorting destination of the article that has acquired the sorting information during the article sorting.

Then, before starting the sorting work, obtain the scheduled schedule information including the scheduled suppliers and the quantity of each category, and select multiple specific suppliers from the acquired scheduled schedule information in descending order. Since the initial allocation is performed from the frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among the frontage, the sorting schedule information obtained in advance is effectively utilized, and the main work area of the operator is concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, Work efficiency is improved. Furthermore, it acquires sorting information of the article sorting the goods-sorting, the unallocated Frontage when sorting destination of the article that has acquired the sorting information during this article sorting is no assignment of the corresponding frontage outside sorting destination initial allocation Assigns the frontage of the item from the inside, and monitors the frontage where the sorting of the item is completed from among the frontage assigned to the destination, and cancels the assignment of the current destination for the frontage that has confirmed the completion of the sorting In order to permit the assignment of the next destination when there is no frontage assignment corresponding to the destination of the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired at the time of article sorting, one frontage is not fixed to one destination, The frontage can be used for multiple suppliers, and the frontage can be free-located, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, enabling downsizing and space saving, or limited installation. That Do not allow sorting destination of the allocation of the number of more than frontage number in pace. In addition, when assigning the frontage of the article from the unassigned frontage where there is no assignment of the frontage corresponding to the destination of the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired other than the initially assigned destination, Since the frontage is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among the frontage, the frontage for sorting articles out of the plurality of frontage is concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker is reduced. Thus, work efficiency is improved.

The article sorting method according to claim 2 , wherein the article is sent from the upstream line to the sorting line corresponding to the sorting destination of the article among the plurality of sorting lines, and the article is sorted by the sorting destination to a plurality of fronts of each sorting line. It is an article sorting method, and before starting the sorting operation, it obtains sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled for sorting and the sorting amount by each sorting destination, and specifies the order of the sorting amount from the obtained sorting schedule information. Assigning the suppliers to each of the plurality of sorting lines in such a way that the quantity is leveled, and the specific work destination assigned to each of the sorting lines is set to the sorting operation reference position set in advance in the order of the largest quantity frontage initially allocated from near obtains sorting information of the article when the article is turned to the upstream line, sorting destination is the initial article acquires sorting information during product introduction into the upstream line When there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage outside sorting destination given, the sorting destination of the article, a frontage of unallocated allocation with fewer sorting line among the plurality of sorting lines, unallocated the sorting line Allocating from the unassigned frontage close to the sorting work reference position among the frontage, monitoring the frontage where the sorting is completed from among the frontage assigned to the destination, and assigning the current classification to the frontage that has confirmed completion of the sorting Is released, and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted when there is no frontage assignment corresponding to the supplier of the article for which the sorting information has been acquired when the article is input to the upstream line.

Then, before starting the sorting work, obtain the scheduled schedule information including the scheduled suppliers and the quantity of each category, and select multiple specific suppliers from the acquired scheduled schedule information in descending order. Allotted to each sorting line so that the quantity is leveled, and assigns a specific destination assigned to each sorting line from a slot close to the preset sorting work reference position among multiple slots in descending order of quantity. Since the initial allocation is performed, the pre-scheduled sorting schedule information can be used effectively, and the sorting amount can be leveled on each sorting line. The main work area of the worker on each sorting line is the sorting work standard. Concentrates on the position side, improving work efficiency. Further, the sorting information of the article is acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line, and there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage other than the sorting destination to which the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the time of putting the article into the upstream line is assigned. Sometimes, the frontage of the item's destination is assigned from the frontage that has not been assigned, and the frontage where the sorting of the product is completed from the frontage assigned to the destination is monitored, and the frontage for which the completion of the sorting has been confirmed One assignment to allow assignment of the next supplier when there is no assignment of the entry corresponding to the supplier of the article for which the assignment information was acquired when the assignment to the upstream line was released and the assignment to the upstream line was released The frontage can be free-located so that one frontage can be used by multiple suppliers, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers. Special Gasification is possible, or a limited allocation also in the number of more than frontage number of sorting destination at the installation space is possible and that Do not. Moreover, when the article put onto the flow line, frontage sorting destination of the article from the frontage of the corresponding allocation such ku unallocated Frontage outside sorting destination sorting destination of the obtained product with sorting information has been initially allocated When allocating, the allocation lines with a small number of allocation lines are allocated among the multiple classification lines, so that the sorting work for each classification line is leveled, the work efficiency is improved , and more than one unallocated Among them, the frontage for sorting articles out of a plurality of frontage is concentrated on the side of the sorting work reference position, and the movement distance of the worker is reduced. , Work efficiency is improved.

Article sorting method according to claim 3, wherein, in the article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein sorting articles monitors the frontage to be full, full to subsequent same sorting destination sorting destination is confirmed frontage When the sorting information of the article is acquired, the allocation of the current sorting destination in the frontage is maintained, and when there is no acquisition, the allocation of the current sorting destination is canceled and the allocation of the next sorting destination is permitted.

  And when the goods sorted into the frontage are full, when the sorting information of the subsequent goods of the same destination as the fulleste's destination is acquired, the allocation of the current destination of the frontage is If the subsequent article is reliably sorted and the sorting information of the succeeding article is not acquired, the next sorting destination is allocated by canceling the allocation of the current sorting destination.

The article sorting method according to claim 4 is the article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a frontage where the sorted goods are full is monitored, and the frontage where the fullness is confirmed is preset from the position of the frontage. When there is an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position, the assignment of the current destination is canceled and the next destination is allowed to be assigned. It is assigned to an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position.

  And when the goods sorted into the frontage are full, when there is an unassigned frontage that is closer to the sorting work reference position set in advance than the frontage position for the full frontage, the assignment of the current sorting destination is performed. The work area of the worker is allocated to the unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position so that the work area of the worker is assigned to the sorting work base. Concentrates on the position side, improving work efficiency.

The article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 is an article sorting apparatus having a plurality of frontage doors for sorting articles by destination, and includes a sorter scheduled to be sorted before the start of sorting work and a quantity for each sorter. Sorting schedule information acquisition means for acquiring sorting schedule information, and specific sorting destinations in order from the sorting schedule information acquired by the sorting schedule information acquisition means in the descending order of sorting quantities to preset sorting work reference positions. An initial frontage assigning means for initial assignment from a near frontage, a sorting information acquisition means for obtaining sorting information of articles sorted at the time of article sorting, and a sorting destination of articles for which sorting information has been obtained by the sorting information obtaining means at the time of sorting goods split but when there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage outside sorting destination to the initial allocation, the unallocated frontage closer to the sorting work reference position of the frontage of unallocated a sorting destination of the article And the monitoring means for monitoring the frontage where the sorting is completed from the frontage assigned to the destination, and the assignment of the current destination is canceled for the frontage for which the completion of the sorting is confirmed by this monitoring means. And frontage allocation releasing means for permitting the next assignment by the frontage assigning means.

In this configuration, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled for sorting and the sorting amount for each sorting destination is acquired, and specific sorting is performed from the acquired sorting schedule information in descending order of the sorting amount. Since the destination is initially assigned from the frontage that is close to the preset sorting work reference position among the multiple frontage, the sorting schedule information obtained in advance is used effectively, and the main work area of the worker is on the sorting work reference position side Concentrate on work efficiency. In addition, the sorting information of the article to be sorted at the time of sorting the article is acquired, and when the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the sorting time of the article is not assigned to the slot corresponding to the other than the initially allocated sorting slot, From the inside, the frontage assignment means assigns the frontage of the article, and monitors the frontage where the sorting of the goods is completed from the frontage assigned to the destination, and confirms the completion of the work. Free the frontage that allows one frontage to be used by multiple business partners without fixing one frontage to a single business partner so as to allow the next assignment by the frontage assignment means to be released. Location can be reduced, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, enabling miniaturization and space saving, or allocation of more suppliers than the frontage is possible even in a limited installation space. Doo ing. In addition, when assigning the frontage of the article from the unassigned frontage where there is no assignment of the frontage corresponding to the destination of the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired other than the initially assigned destination, Since the frontage is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among the frontage, the frontage for sorting articles among the plurality of frontage gathers on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker is reduced. , Work efficiency is improved.

The article sorting apparatus according to claim 6 is an article sorting apparatus having a plurality of sorting lines having a plurality of frontages for sorting the articles by destination and an upstream line for sending the articles to a sorting line corresponding to the destination of the articles. The sorting schedule information acquisition means for obtaining the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled for sorting before the start of the sorting work and the sorting amount by the sorting destination, and the sorting schedule information acquired by the sorting schedule information acquisition means. Sorting line allocation means for assigning a specific destination to a plurality of sorting lines in order of quantity, so that the quantity is equalized, and a specific destination assigned to each sorting line by this sorting line allocation means. initial frontage allocation means for initial allocation from frontage close to preset sorting task reference positions of the plurality of frontage in sorting a large amount of forward, objects at the time of turn-on of the article to the upstream line Of the sorting information acquisition means for acquiring sorting information, the frontage sorting destination of an article sorting information has been acquired by the sorting information acquisition means at the time the article supply to the upstream line corresponds except sorting destination and the initial allocation When there is no assignment , the sorting destination of the article is an unassigned frontage of a sorting line with a smaller number of assignments among a plurality of sorting lines, and the sorting work reference position of the unassigned frontage of the sorting line. Frontage assignment means to be assigned from the nearest unassigned frontage, monitoring means for monitoring the frontage where the sorting is completed from among the frontage assigned to the sorting destination, and the current sorting of the frontage for which the completion of the sorting is confirmed by this monitoring means Frontage assignment releasing means for releasing the previous assignment and permitting the next assignment by the frontage assignment means.

In this configuration, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled for sorting and the sorting amount for each sorting destination is acquired, and specific sorting is performed from the acquired sorting schedule information in descending order of the sorting amount. The destination is assigned to each sorting line in such a way that the quantity is leveled, and a specific sorting destination assigned to each sorting line is set in advance in the order of the largest quantity. Since the initial allocation is performed from the frontage near the front, the sorting schedule information obtained in advance can be used effectively, and the sorting amount can be leveled in each sorting line, and the main work area of the worker in each sorting line Concentrates on the sorting work reference position side, improving work efficiency. When the sorting information of the article is acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line, and when the sorting destination of the article for which the sorting information is obtained at the time of putting the article into the upstream line is not assigned to the corresponding frontage other than the initially assigned sorting destination A frontage that assigns the frontage of the article's destination from the frontage that has not been assigned by the frontage assignment means, and that monitors the frontage where the sorting of the goods is completed from the frontage that has been assigned the destination, and confirms the completion of the sorting. Because the assignment of the current supplier is canceled and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted by the frontage assignment means, one frontage can be used for multiple suppliers without fixing one frontage to one destination. The frontage can be free-located, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, allowing for downsizing and space saving, or even more than the number of frontage even in a limited installation space. It can be of allocation and that Do not. Moreover, when the article put onto the flow line, frontage sorting destination of the article from the frontage of the corresponding allocation such ku unallocated Frontage outside sorting destination sorting destination of the obtained product with sorting information has been initially allocated When allocating, the allocation lines with a small number of allocation lines are allocated among the multiple classification lines, so that the sorting work for each classification line is leveled, the work efficiency is improved , and more than one unallocated Among them, in order to assign in order from the unassigned frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position, the frontage for sorting articles out of a plurality of frontage gathers on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker is reduced. Work efficiency is improved.

According article sorting apparatus of claim 7, wherein, in the article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the monitoring means monitors the frontage of sorted articles becomes full, frontage deallocation means, is filled with said monitoring means When the sorting information acquisition means acquires the sorting information of the subsequent items of the same supplier as the confirmed frontage destination, the assignment of the current destination of the frontage is maintained, and when there is no acquisition, the current destination The assignment of is canceled and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted.

  In this configuration, when the goods sorted into the frontage are full, when the sorting information of the subsequent goods of the same classification destination as the fullness of the frontage is acquired, the current sorting of the frontage The previous assignment is maintained and the subsequent articles are also reliably sorted. When there is no acquisition of the sorting information of the subsequent articles, the assignment of the current sortee is canceled and the next sortee is assigned.

The article sorting apparatus according to claim 8 is the article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the monitoring means monitors a frontage where the sorted goods are full, and a frontage allocation release means is filled with the monitoring means. When there is an unassigned frontage close to the sorting work reference position preset from the frontage position for the confirmed frontage, the assignment of the current destination is canceled and the assignment of the next destination is permitted. The assigning means, when there is an unassigned frontage closer to the sorting work reference position than the frontage position of the frontage that is confirmed to be full by the monitoring means, the sorting destination assigned to the frontage that has been confirmed full. It is assigned to an unassigned frontage near the work reference position.

  In this configuration, when the articles sorted into the frontage are full, the current sorting is performed when there is an unassigned frontage that is closer to the sorting work reference position set in advance than the frontage position for the full frontage. The worker's work area is used to cancel the previous assignment and permit the assignment of the next supplier, and to assign the supplier assigned to the full frontage to the unassigned frontage close to the sorting work reference position. Concentrates on the sorting work reference position side, improving work efficiency.

According to the method for sorting articles according to claim 1, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled to be sorted and the sorting quantity by each sorting destination is obtained, and the sorting quantity is obtained from the obtained sorting schedule information. In order from the most frequent, specific assignment destinations are initially assigned from the frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among a plurality of frontage. Can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the sorting information of the article to be sorted at the time of sorting the article is acquired, and when the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the sorting time of the article is not assigned to the slot corresponding to the other than the initially allocated sorting slot, Assigns the frontage of the item from the inside, and monitors the frontage where the sorting of the item is completed from among the frontage assigned to the destination, and cancels the assignment of the current destination for the frontage that has confirmed the completion of the sorting In order to permit the assignment of the next destination when there is no frontage assignment corresponding to the destination of the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired at the time of article sorting, one frontage is not fixed to one destination, One frontage can be used by multiple suppliers, and the frontage can be free-located, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, resulting in miniaturization and space saving, or limited installation space. That Do not allow sorting destination of the allocation of the number of more than frontage number in over the nest. In addition, when assigning the frontage of the item from among the unassigned frontage where there is no assignment of the frontage that corresponds to other than the initially assigned destination, the destination from which the classification information was acquired is assigned to multiple unassigned frontage. Among them, since it is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position, the frontage for sorting articles out of multiple frontage can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker can be reduced Efficiency can be improved.

According to the method for sorting articles according to claim 2, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled to be sorted and the sorting quantity for each sorting destination is obtained, and the sorting quantity is obtained from the obtained sorting schedule information. A specific supplier is assigned to each of the plurality of sorting lines in order of increasing quantity, and the specific destination assigned to each sorting line is set in advance in the order of the largest quantity of multiple outlets. Since the initial allocation is performed from the frontage near the sorting work reference position, the sorting schedule information obtained in advance can be used effectively, and the sorting quantity at each sorting line can be leveled. A large work area can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, and work efficiency can be improved. Further, the sorting information of the article is acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line, and there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage other than the sorting destination to which the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the time of putting the article into the upstream line is assigned. Sometimes, the frontage of the item's destination is assigned from the frontage that has not been assigned, and the frontage where the sorting of the product is completed from the frontage assigned to the destination is monitored, and the frontage for which the completion of the sorting has been confirmed One assignment to allow assignment of the next supplier when there is no assignment of the entry corresponding to the supplier of the article for which the assignment information was acquired when the assignment to the upstream line was released and the assignment to the upstream line was released The frontage can be free-located so that one frontage can be used by multiple suppliers, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers. Special Gasification can be, or even in limited installation space that Do not allow sorting destination of the allocation of the number of more than frontage number. Moreover, when the article put onto the flow line, frontage sorting destination of the article from the frontage of the corresponding allocation such ku unallocated Frontage outside sorting destination sorting destination of the obtained product with sorting information has been initially allocated When allocating an item, it is allocated to a smaller number of sorting lines , so that the sorting work on each sorting line can be leveled, work efficiency can be improved , and more than one unassigned frontage. , Because it is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position, the frontage for sorting articles out of multiple frontage can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, the movement distance of workers can be reduced, work efficiency Can be improved.

According to an article sorting method according to claim 3, wherein, in addition to the effect of the article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if the article sorting the frontage becomes full, the same as the sorting destination of the frontage becomes full When the sorting information of the subsequent item of the supplier is acquired, it is possible to reliably sort the subsequent item while maintaining the current assignment of the front end of the frontage, and to acquire the sorting information of the subsequent item. When there is no, the current supplier can be unassigned and the next supplier can be assigned.

According to the article sorting method according to claim 4 , in addition to the effect of the article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2 , when the article sorted into the frontage is full, the position of the frontage with respect to the full frontage. When there is an unassigned frontage closer to the preset sorting work reference position, the assignment of the current destination is released to permit the next destination assignment, and the assignment assigned to the full frontage Since the tip is assigned to an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position, the work area of the worker can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side to improve work efficiency.

According to the article sorting apparatus according to claim 5, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled to be sorted and the sorting quantity for each sorting destination is obtained, and the sorting quantity is obtained from the obtained sorting schedule information. In order from the most frequent, specific assignment destinations are initially assigned from the frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among a plurality of frontage. Can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side to improve work efficiency. In addition, the sorting information of the article to be sorted at the time of sorting the article is acquired, and when the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the sorting time of the article is not assigned to the slot corresponding to the other than the initially allocated sorting slot, From the inside, the frontage assignment means assigns the frontage of the article, and monitors the frontage where the sorting of the goods is completed from the frontage assigned to the destination, and confirms the completion of the work. Free the frontage that allows one frontage to be used by multiple business partners without fixing one frontage to a single business partner so as to allow the next assignment by the frontage assignment means to be released. Location can be reduced, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, enabling downsizing and space saving, or allocation of more suppliers than the frontage is possible even in a limited installation space. That Do not. In addition, when assigning the frontage of the article from the unassigned frontage where there is no assignment of the frontage corresponding to the destination of the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired other than the initially assigned destination, Since the frontage is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage that is close to the preset sorting work reference position, the frontage for sorting articles among the frontage can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker can be reduced. , Can improve work efficiency.

According to the article sorting apparatus according to claim 6, before starting the sorting operation , the sorting schedule information including the sorting destination scheduled for sorting and the sorting amount for each sorting destination is obtained, and the sorting quantity is obtained from the obtained sorting schedule information. A specific supplier is assigned to each of the plurality of sorting lines in order of increasing quantity, and the specific destination assigned to each sorting line is set in advance in the order of the largest quantity of multiple outlets. Since the initial allocation is performed from the frontage near the sorting work reference position, the sorting schedule information obtained in advance can be used effectively, and the sorting quantity at each sorting line can be leveled. The work efficiency can be improved by concentrating various work areas on the sorting work reference position side. Further, the sorting information of the article is acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line, and there is no assignment of the corresponding frontage other than the sorting destination to which the sorting destination of the article from which the sorting information was obtained at the time of putting the article into the upstream line is assigned. Occasionally, the frontage assignment means assigns the frontage of the item to the frontage from the unassigned frontage, and monitors the frontage where the sorting of the product is completed from the frontage to which the destination is assigned, and confirms the completion of the work. In order to cancel the assignment of the current supplier to the frontage and permit the assignment of the next destination by the frontage assignment means, one frontage is not fixed to one supplier, and one frontage is assigned to multiple suppliers. The available frontage can be free-located, and the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, which can reduce the size and space, or the number of frontage is more than the number of frontage even in a limited installation space. Sorting destination of the allocation is possible and that Do not. Moreover, when the article put onto the flow line, of the article from the frontage of unallocated when sorting destination of the article that has acquired the sorting information is not the assignment of the corresponding frontage outside sorting destination initial allocation of sorting destinations When assigning frontage, the frontage of the sorting line with a lower number of assignments is assigned among the plurality of sorting lines, so the sorting work for each sorting line can be leveled, work efficiency can be improved , and more than one unassigned Since the frontage is assigned in order from the unassigned frontage that is close to the preset sorting work reference position, the frontage for sorting articles among the frontage can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side, and the movement distance of the worker can be reduced. , Work efficiency can be improved.

According to an article sorting apparatus according to claim 7, in addition to claim 5 or 6 Effect of the article sorting apparatus, wherein when the article sorting the frontage becomes full, the same as the sorting destination of the frontage becomes full When the sorting information of the subsequent item of the supplier is acquired, it is possible to reliably sort the subsequent item while maintaining the current assignment of the front end of the frontage, and to acquire the sorting information of the subsequent item. When there is no, the current supplier can be unassigned and the next supplier can be assigned.

According to the article sorting apparatus according to claim 8 , in addition to the effects of the article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , when the article sorted into the frontage is full, the position of the frontage for the full frontage. When there is an unassigned frontage closer to the preset sorting work reference position, the assignment of the current destination is released to permit the next destination assignment, and the assignment assigned to the full frontage Since the tip is assigned to an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position, the work area of the worker can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side to improve work efficiency.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an article sorting apparatus installed in, for example, a distribution center. The article sorting apparatus 11 has an arrival area 12 for receiving articles, an inspection area 13 for inspecting received articles, and an inspected article. It has a sorting area 14 that sorts by each supplier. A plurality of receiving lines 15 for receiving articles are installed in the receiving area 12, and a transfer line 16 for transferring articles from the receiving line 15 in the receiving area 12 to the inspection area 13 is provided between the receiving area 12 and the inspection area 13. An upstream line 17 is installed between the inspection area 13 and the sorting area 14 to transport articles from the inspection area 13 to the sorting area 14, and the sorting area 14 receives a plurality of articles sorted from the upstream line 17. A sorting line 18 is installed.

  In the arrival area 12, for example, cardboard cases containing a plurality of articles are received, and the cardboard cases are placed on the respective arrival lines 15 and sent to the transfer line 16.

  In the inspection area 13, the line portions 17a on both sides divided in two on the downstream side of the conveyance line 16 and the upstream side of the upstream line 17 are installed in parallel, and the conveyance line 16 and the line portions 17a on both sides are arranged in parallel. A plurality of inspection parts 20 are arranged between them. Each inspection unit 20 is provided with an inspection line 21 from the conveyance line 16 to the line unit 17a and a terminal 22 that can communicate with the host computer 41 (see FIG. 5), and performs inspection work. An operator is assigned.

  In each inspection unit 20, an operator takes a cardboard case or the like sent by the conveyance line 16 onto the inspection line 21, takes out the article from the cardboard case or the like, and inspects, for example, a barcode displayed on the article Etc. are read by a barcode reader connected to the terminal 22 to obtain information on the article. The host computer 41 to which the terminal 22 is connected obtains sorting information for sorting the goods by collating with the order information such as store / category or order inputted in advance by obtaining the article information at the terminal 22. When the sorting information is acquired, the sorting line 18 and the frontage 28 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), which are the sorting destinations of the articles in the sorting area 14, are automatically allocated. The terminal 22 displays a setting screen for sorting articles in one sorting line 18 in the sorting area 14. On this setting screen, the worker can transfer containers 23 such as trays and folding containers with individual IDs (see FIG. 3 is input to the terminal 22 (see FIG. 3 shows an example of a folding container). Further, the total number of articles sorted into one sorting line 18 is displayed on the setting screen of the terminal 22, and the total number of articles is put into the transport container 23 while being inspected. When the input of the articles is completed, completion is input at the terminal 22, the transport container 23 is sent to the upstream line 17 and transported to the sorting area 14. When there is another sorting line 18 that sorts the same article after the inspection sorting of the article is completed for one sorting line 18, the operator displays the setting screen for sorting the article on the next sorting line 18 on the terminal 22. Performs the inspection sorting work as in the case of the first sorting line 18 described above. Information such as article information, article sorting information, the ID of the transport container 23, the quantity of the article, the sorting line 18 and the frontage 28, which are sorting destinations, are associated and registered in the host computer 41 or the like. The inspection area 13 is also referred to as a primary sorting area in order to sort articles by each sorting line 18.

  In the sorting area 14, a plurality of sorting lines 18 are installed, and the sorting line corresponding to the sorting destination is read by reading the ID of the transport container 23 storing the articles transported from the upstream line 17 by the reading means. A sorting conveyor 25 for sorting into 18 is installed.

  FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the sorting area 14 of the article sorting device 11. A sorting shelf 26 is installed along one side of each sorting line 18 branched from the sorting conveyor 25. A plurality of shelves 27 are provided on the upper and lower sides, and a plurality of front doors 28 are provided on each shelf 27 along the sorting line 18 to be allocated as goods sorting destinations. Each front opening 28 is opened on the front side (front side) facing the corresponding sorting line 18 and the rear side (rear side) opposite to the sorting line 18, and each front opening 28 has a sorting container such as a folding container for storing articles. 29 is arranged. The sorting container 29 is inserted on the shelf 27 from the front side of the front opening 28, and can be pushed out to the back side.

  On the far side of the sorting shelf 26, a plurality of stages of carry-out lines 30 are installed in parallel with the sorting line 18 corresponding to the height of each shelf 27, and a sorting container 29 pushed out from each front port 28 to the far side. It is possible to transfer to the unloading line 30. At the downstream end of the carry-out line 30 in the carry-out direction, a carry-out device 31 that receives the sorting container 29 from each carry-out line 30 and carries it out to the next work area such as a delivery area is installed. In the adjacent sorting lines 18, shelves 27 are installed on the sides facing each other, and a carry-out line 30 is installed between these shelves 27, and one carry-out line 30 is shared by the two sort lines 18. Has been.

  A display operation unit 32 is installed corresponding to each frontage 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the display operation unit 32 includes a display 33 for digitally displaying the number of articles input or a full state, an input lamp 34 for illuminating the input of articles to the frontage 28, And a completion button 35 that is operated by the operator when the full processing is completed, and a full button 36 that is operated by the operator when the sorting container 29 is full after the articles are loaded.

  Each sorting line 18 is provided with an ID display 44 (see FIG. 5) for displaying the ID of the transport container 23 in which articles to be sorted are stored.

  Moreover, each line mentioned above is comprised by conveyors, such as a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the article sorting apparatus 11. Each terminal 22 installed in the inspection area 13 and a terminal 42 installed in the sorting line 18 in the sorting area 14 are connected to the host computer 41 as a control unit. ing. Each terminal 22 is connected to a barcode reader 43 that reads a barcode displayed on the article. The terminal 42 is connected to an ID display 44, a label printer 45 that issues a delivery list and a shipping label, and each display operation unit 32.

  Then, the host computer 41 collates with order information such as a store / category or an order inputted in advance in the host computer 41 by reading the article information when the article is put into the upstream line 17, that is, the inspection unit 20. For example, the function of the sorting information acquisition means 46 that acquires sorting information, such as how many articles are sorted into which frontage 28, unassigned when the frontage 28 corresponding to the destination of the goods from which the sorting information has not been assigned The function of the frontage assignment means 47 for assigning the frontage 28 to which the article is sorted from the frontage 28, and the function of the monitoring means 48 for monitoring the frontage 28 when the sorting is completed from the frontage 28 to which the destination is assigned. The function of the frontage allocation release means 49 that cancels the assignment of the current supplier and permits the assignment of the next supplier, and the assignment information of the frontage 28 that assigned the supplier. And it has a function of frontage allocation registration means 50 for recording.

  In the function of the frontage allocation means 47, among the plurality of sorting lines 18, the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 with the smallest number of assignments is assigned, and the front position of the operator among the plurality of unassigned frontage 28 is It assigns in order from the unassigned front door 28 close to the set sorting work reference position.

  In the function of the monitoring means 48, the frontage 28 where the sorted article is full, that is, the frontage 28 where the full button 36 of the display operation unit 32 is operated is monitored, and in the function of the frontage allocation release means 49, the monitoring means 48 When the sorting information acquisition means 46 has acquired the sorting information of the succeeding article of the same sorting partner as that of the slot 28 whose fullness has been confirmed, the assignment of the current sorting destination in the slot 28 is maintained, and there is no acquisition. Sometimes the assignment of the current supplier is released and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted.

  Next, an article sorting method by the article sorting apparatus 11 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The flowchart of FIG. 1 shows the allocation process for the frontage 28.

  In each inspection section 20 in the inspection area 13, an operator takes in a cardboard case containing articles sent from the arrival area 12 through the transfer line 16 onto the inspection line 21, and takes out the articles from the cardboard cases and inspects them. Then, the barcode displayed on the article is read by the barcode reader 43 connected to the terminal 22, and the article information is acquired. The host computer 41 of the terminal 22 acquires information on the article at the terminal 22, thereby acquiring sorting information for sorting the article by collating with order information such as store / category or order inputted in advance (step 1). ).

  The host computer 41 checks whether the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 has already been assigned as the sorting destination of the goods when the sorting information is acquired (step 2). For example, another article to be sorted into the same supplier as that of the current article has already arrived, and the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 has already been assigned as the destination of the goods and is registered in the frontage assignment registration means 50. If there is no new assignment, the front 28 of the same sorting line 18 will be assigned, and if the front 28 of the sorting line 18 is not assigned as the goods destination, The frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 is automatically assigned from among the unassigned frontage 28 that is not assigned (step 3). At this time, the function of the frontage assignment means 47 for automatically assigning the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 assigns the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 having a smaller number of assignments among the plurality of sorting lines 18 and a plurality of the sorting lines 18. Of the unassigned front doors 28, the front doors are assigned in order from the unassigned front doors 28 close to the preset sorting work reference position. The sorting work reference position is the worker's standing position, and is, for example, the most upstream entrance 28 of the sorting line 18 or the entrance 28 close to the installation location of the ID display 44, the label printer 45, and the like.

  The terminal 22 of the inspection unit 20 displays a setting screen for sorting the articles for which sorting information has been acquired into one sorting line 18 of the sorting destination, and the operator can enter the individual ID of the transport container 23 on the terminal 22 on this setting screen. In addition, the total number of articles sorted into one sorting line 18 is displayed on the setting screen of the terminal 22, and the operator checks the total number of articles in the transport container 23 that has entered the ID. throw into. It should be noted that a plurality of articles may be put into one transport container 23. When the input of the article is completed, the operator inputs completion at the terminal 22 and sends the transport container 23 to the upstream line 17. Setting of sorting items to the next sorting line 18 at the terminal 22 when the sorting destination of the same item is also in another sorting line 18 after the inspection sorting of the article is completed for one sorting line 18 of the sorting destination of the article In order to display the screen, the worker performs the inspection sorting work in the same manner as the first sorting line 18 described above. Then, the allocation information of the frontage 28 to which the supplier is assigned is registered in the frontage assignment registration means 50 of the upper computer 41. In the frontage computer 41 frontage allocation registration means 50, information such as product information, product sorting information, the ID of the transport container 23, the quantity of the product, and the frontage 28 of the sorting line 18 that is the sorting destination are also associated and registered.

  Before the transport container 23 transported from the inspection area 13 to the sorting area 14 by the upstream line 17 reaches the sorting conveyor 25, the ID of the transport container 23 is read by the reading means, and the sorting conveyor 25 sorts according to the ID reading result. The transfer container 23 is sorted and sent to the sorting line 18 corresponding to the previous one.

  In the sorting line 18, when the transport container 23 is sent, the ID display 44 displays the ID of the transport container 23, and the input lamp 34 of the display operation unit 32 at the front door 28 of the article sorting destination is turned on. At this time, when there are a plurality of product outlets in the plurality of front doors 28, the input lamps 34 of the display operation unit 32 in all of the front doors 28 are turned on. If the sorting operation of the articles in the transport container 23 sent before the current time to the sorting line 18 is not completed, the ID display 44 displays the ID of the transport container 23 sent before the current time during the sorting work. When the sorting operation of the articles in the transport container 23 sent before this time is completed, the ID of the transport container 23 sent this time is displayed, and each frontage is used for switching the display of the ID. The lighting of the input lamp 34 of the 28 display operation units 32 also corresponds.

  In the sorting line 18, the operator collates the ID displayed on the ID display 44 with the ID of the transport container 23, and the input lamp 34 of the display operation unit 32 lights up the matching article in the transport container 23. It is put into the sorting container 29 of the front opening 28. At this time, the display unit 33 of the display / operation unit 32 digitally displays the number of articles to be sorted at the frontage 28, and the operator puts the displayed number of articles into the sorting container 29.

  When the insertion of the predetermined number of articles is completed, the operator operates the completion button 35 of the display operation unit 32. By operating the completion button 35, the input lamp 34 and the display device 33 are turned off, and the upper computer 41 is notified of the completion of the insertion of the corresponding article at the corresponding frontage 28.

  After completing the sorting operation of the articles for one slot 28, if there is another slot 28 where the loading lamp 34 is lit, the sorting operation for loading the articles is similarly performed.

  Further, in the host computer 41, when the input of the predetermined number of articles is completed and the completion button 35 is operated, for example, all the articles for the sorting destination of the corresponding frontage 28 from the ordering information such as store / category or order, etc. It is monitored whether the sorting is completed (step 4).

  When the sorting of all the articles is completed for the sorting destination of a certain front door 28, when the completion button 35 is operated after the last article has been loaded, the loading lamp 34 of the display operation unit 32 remains lit. 33 is switched to the sorting completion display form, and a delivery list and a shipping label are issued from the label printer 45. The operator puts the delivery list into the sorting container 29, attaches a shipping label to the outer surface of the sorting container 29, pushes the sorting container 29 into the back side of the frontage 28, and places it on the unloading line 30 from the sorting shelf 26. The sorting container 29 placed on the carry-out line 30 is carried out from the carry-out line 30 through the carry-out device 31 to a next work area such as a delivery area.

  The operator pushes the sorting container 29 into the back side, arranges the empty sorting container 29 in the opening 28 that is emptied, and operates the completion button 35. By operating the completion button 35, the input lamp 34 and the display device 33 are turned off, and the upper computer 41 is notified that the sorting of the frontage 28 has been completed.

  The host computer 41 cancels the allocation of the current destination registered in the frontage allocation registration means 50 for the frontage 28 whose completion of the sorting is confirmed by the function of the frontage allocation release means 49, and the next destination Is set to an unallocated state permitting the allocation (step 5).

  When the predetermined number of articles have been put into the sorting container 29, or when the sorting container 29 is likely to become full when it is put in, the full button 36 is operated (step 6), The input lamp 34 of the display / operation unit 32 is lit to switch the display 33 to the full display form, and issues a delivery list and a shipping label from the label printer 45. The operator puts the delivery list into the sorting container 29, attaches a shipping label to the outer surface of the sorting container 29, pushes the sorting container 29 into the back side of the frontage 28, and places it on the unloading line 30 from the sorting shelf 26. The sorting container 29 placed on the carry-out line 30 is carried out from the carry-out line 30 through the carry-out device 31 to a next work area such as a delivery area.

  The operator pushes the sorting container 29 into the back side, arranges the empty sorting container 29 in the opening 28 that is emptied, and operates the completion button 35. When the completion button 35 is operated, the input lamp 34 and the display device 33 are turned off, and the upper computer 41 acquires the sorting information of the subsequent article of the same sorting destination as the sorting destination of the corresponding front door 28 by the sorting information acquiring means 46. (Step 7), when it is acquired, the current assignment of the frontage of the frontage 28 is maintained, and when it is not acquired, the frontage 28 is registered in the frontage allocation registration means 50. The assignment of the current supplier is canceled, and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted. In some cases, when sorting information of subsequent articles of the same sorting destination as that of the filling slot 28 is acquired, it may be allocated to the sorting slot 28 on the sorting work reference position side.

  Next, the free location allocation of the frontage 28 will be described.

  As a first precondition, there are three articles A, B, and C, and each of these articles A, B, and C is sorted into three sorting destinations x, y, and z, respectively.

  FIG. 6 shows a first allocation mode in the first precondition, and in the inspection area 13, the articles A, B, and C are sorted into the transport containers 23 according to the destinations x, y, and z, respectively, and placed on the line. Is the case.

  By obtaining the sorting information of each item A, B, C of the supplier x in the inspection area 13, one unassigned front door 28 of No1 is assigned, and each of the supplier x is assigned to the front door 28 of No1 in the sorting area 14. By sorting the articles A, B and C, the sorting is completed and the allocation of the No1 frontage 28 is cancelled.

  By obtaining the sorting information of the articles A, B, and C of the supplier y in the inspection area 13, for example, the No. 1 opening 28 is assigned to the No. 1 opening 28. In FIG. 4, the articles A, B, and C of the sorting party y are sorted into the No. 1 slot 28, so that sorting is completed and the allocation of the No. 1 slot 28 is cancelled.

  By obtaining the sorting information of the articles A, B, and C of the supplier z in the inspection area 13, for example, the No1 opening 28 is assigned to the No1 opening 28 and the sorting area 14 is assigned. In FIG. 2, the articles A, B, and C of the sorting party z are sorted into the No. 1 slot 28, so that sorting is completed and the allocation of the No. 1 slot 28 is canceled.

  In the case of this first allocation mode, only one frontage 28 needs to be allocated to the three suppliers x, y, and z.

  FIG. 7 shows a second allocation mode in the first precondition, and is a case where the articles A, B, and C are collectively put on the line.

  By obtaining the sorting information of the article A in the inspection area 13, the three fronts 28 of No1 to No3 are assigned to each sorting destination x, y, z, and the goods A are sorted into the frontage 28 of No1 to No3 in the sorting area 14. .

  The sorting information of the article B is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article B is sorted into the No. 1 to No. 3 front doors 28 already assigned in the sorting area 14.

  The sorting information of the article C is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article C is sorted into the No. 1 to No. 3 front doors 28 already assigned in the sorting area 14. By sorting the articles C into the No. 1 to No. 3 front doors 28, sorting is completed and the allocation of the three front doors No. 1 to No. 3 is cancelled.

  In the case of this second allocation mode, it is necessary to allocate the three fronts 28 of No1 to No3 to the three sorting destinations x, y and z, but when the sorting is completed, the allocation of the three fronts 28 of No1 to No3 By canceling, the three front doors No. 1 to No. 3 can be assigned to the next sorting destination.

  Further, FIG. 8 shows a third allocation mode in the first precondition, in which each product A, B, and C is divided into two units for each product A, B, and C in a line. This is a case where the articles A, B, and C are sorted one by one into the transfer container 23 for the supplier z and then put into the line after being put on the top.

  By obtaining the sorting information of the two articles A in the inspection area 13, the two fronts 28 of No1 to No2 are assigned to the two destinations x and y, and the goods A are placed in the fronts 28 of the No1 to No2 in the sorting area 14. Sort one by one.

  The sorting information of the two articles B is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the articles B are sorted one by one into the No1 to No2 front doors 28 already assigned in the sorting area 14.

  The sorting information of the two articles C is acquired in the inspection area 13, and sorting is completed by sorting the articles C one by one into the No1 to No2 frontage 28 already assigned in the sorting area 14. Release the 28 assignment.

  By obtaining the sorting information of each article A, B, C of the supplier z, for example, the No. 1 opening 28 is allocated because the No. 1 opening 28 is not assigned, and the No. 1 opening in the sorting area 14 is assigned. By sorting the articles A, B and C of the supplier z into 28, the sorting is completed and the assignment of the No1 frontage 28 is cancelled.

  In the case of this third allocation mode, only the two front doors 28 may be allocated to the three suppliers x, y, and z.

  Next, as a second precondition, there are four articles A, B, C, D, and three suppliers x, y, and z, article A is one for supplier x, article B is supplier x, One for y, one for article C, one for each of suppliers x, y, z, and one for article D, one for each of suppliers x, y, z. Assume that three articles B, C, and D are sorted into B, C, D, and the destination y, and two articles C and D are sorted into the sortee z one by one.

  FIG. 9 shows a fourth allocation mode in the second precondition, in which articles A, B, C, and D are sequentially put on the line one by one.

  By acquiring the sorting information of one article A in the inspection area 13, the No1 frontage 28 is assigned to the destination x, and the article A is sorted into the No1 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14.

  The sorting information of the first article B is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the articles B are sorted one by one in the No1 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14.

  By acquiring the sorting information of the second article B in the inspection area 13, the No. 2 frontage 28 is allocated for the destination y, and the article B is sorted into the No2 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14.

  The sorting information of the first article C is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article C is sorted into the No1 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14.

  The sorting information of the second article C is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article C is sorted into the No. 2 slot 28 in the sorting area 14. At this time, when the sorting container 29 is full at the time when the article C has been sorted into the No. 2 slot 28, the sorting container 29 that has been filled in the above-described processing at the time of full is removed from the No. 2 slot 28. Send out and cancel assignment of No.2 frontage 28.

  By acquiring the sorting information of the third article C in the inspection area 13, for example, since the opening 28 of No2 is not allocated, the No2 frontage 28 is allocated for the sorting destination z, and No2 in the sorting area 14 is allocated. Article C is sorted into frontage 28.

  The sorting information of the first article D is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article D is sorted into the No1 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14. When sorting of the goods D into the No. 1 slot 28 is completed, the sorting of the sorting destination x is completed. Therefore, the sorting container 29 that has been sorted by the above-described processing at the completion of sorting is sent out from the No. 1 slot 28, Cancel assignment of frontage 28.

  When the sorting information of the second article D is acquired in the inspection area 13, since the allocation of the frontage 28 for the destination y is canceled and the frontage 28 is not assigned, for example, the opening 28 of No1 is not assigned. Therefore, the No. 1 frontage 28 is assigned to the supplier y, and the article D is sorted into the No1 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14. When sorting of the goods D into the No. 1 slot 28 is completed, the sorting of the sorting destination y is completed. Therefore, the sorting container 29 that has been sorted in the above processing at the completion of sorting is sent out from the No. 1 slot 28. Cancel assignment of frontage 28.

  The sorting information of the third article D is acquired in the inspection area 13, and the article D is sorted into the No. 2 frontage 28 in the sorting area 14. Since the sorting of the sorting destination z is completed when the sorting of the article D into the No. 2 slot 28, the sorting container 29 that has been sorted by the above-described processing at the completion of sorting is sent out from the No. 2 slot 28, Cancel assignment of frontage 28.

  As described above, according to the article sorting apparatus 11, the sorting information of the article is acquired when the article is put into the upstream line 17, and the allocation information is not assigned when the frontage 28 corresponding to the sorting destination of the article for which the sorting information has not been assigned. About the frontage 28 that assigned the frontage 28 of the article's destination from the frontage 28, and monitored the frontage 28 where the sorting of the article was completed from the frontage 28 assigned the destination, and confirmed the completion of the sorting A frontage that allows one frontage 28 to be used by multiple business partners without fixing one frontage 28 to one business partner in order to cancel the assignment of the current business partner and allow the next business partner to be assigned. 28 free locations can be achieved, the number of frontage can be made smaller than the number of suppliers, and the size and space can be reduced, or the number of suppliers more than the frontage can be allocated even in a limited installation space.

  Moreover, since the frontage 28 corresponding to the sorting destination of the articles that are actually sorted when the articles are put into the upstream line 17 is allocated, the sorting destination of the actually sorted goods and the location of the frontage 28 can be easily associated, and the movement distance of the worker Work efficiency can be improved. In particular, when allocating the frontage 28, among the plurality of unassigned frontage 28, the frontage 28 for sorting articles among the plurality of frontage 28 is assigned to a certain position by allocating sequentially from the unassigned frontage 28 that is close to the sorting work reference position. It is possible to concentrate on the operator, to reduce the movement distance of the worker, and to improve the work efficiency.

  Furthermore, when assigning the frontage 28, among the plurality of sorting lines, since the frontage 28 with a smaller number of assignments is assigned, the sorting work for each sorting line 18 can be leveled, and work efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, when the goods sorted into the frontage 28 are full, when the sorting information of the subsequent goods of the same destination as that of the fullaged frontage 28 is acquired, the current destination of the frontage 28 The subsequent item can be reliably sorted by maintaining the allocation of the current item, and when the sorting information of the subsequent item is not acquired, the allocation of the current partner can be canceled and the next partner can be allocated. . In some cases, when sorting information of subsequent articles of the same sorting destination as that of the filling slot 28 is acquired, the sorting information may be assigned to the sorting slot 28 on the sorting work reference position side. It can be improved.

  In addition, for example, in a distribution center, articles are sorted based on an order from each supplier, and a large number of articles may be ordered at a supplier such as a large store. Therefore, before starting the sorting work, obtain the schedule information including the ordering order and the quantity (number of goods) by the ordering destination, and the quantity of the quantity that is scheduled to be sorted is large. Sort the main work area of the worker by initial allocation of some or all scheduled suppliers from the frontage 28 close to the preset sorting work reference position in descending order of quantity. The work efficiency can be improved by concentrating on the work reference position side. After the sorting operation is started, the remaining destinations that are not initially assigned among the scheduled destinations and the non-scheduled destinations can be assigned at the above-described free locations.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the above-described functions, the host computer 41 acquires in advance sorting schedule information including a sorting destination scheduled to be sorted before the sorting operation is started and a sorting amount for each sorting destination. The function of the parting schedule information acquisition means 51, in order from the acquired parting schedule information in order of the amount of parting, assigns a part of the destinations to each of the plurality of sorting lines 18, or assigns all of the destinations to the plurality of sorting lines 18. The function of the sorting line allocating means 52 for allocating so that the sorting amount is leveled, and the sorting destinations assigned to each sorting line 18 are placed in the sorting work reference position set in advance among the plurality of frontage ports 28 in descending order of the sorting amount. It has the function of initial frontage assigning means 53 for assigning from the frontage 28 in the vicinity. It is possible to select whether to assign some suppliers to the initial assignment or all of the suppliers to the initial assignment. For some of the suppliers, select a certain number of suppliers in descending order of the amount, or the amount is over the specified amount. It is possible to select and set such as a destination of

  FIG. 11 shows a sorting work reference position P. The sorting work reference position P is a standing position that serves as a reference for the worker who performs the work. A number is assigned to each frontage 28 from the upstream side or the downstream side of the sorting line 18. When attached, the No. 5 and No. 6 entrances 28 are closest to the sorting work reference position P, and there is little movement of the worker, so that the work efficiency is high. There are many, and work efficiency falls.

  And the initial allocation process of the frontage 28 based on the sorting schedule information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Before starting the sorting work, the sorting schedule information is acquired (step 11). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the sorting schedule information includes sorting amounts 1 to n and sorting amounts by the sorting destinations 1 to n.

  If the frontage 28 is set to be assigned to some of the suppliers that are scheduled to be sorted in order of the largest amount (step 12), the order of the larger amount of items will be determined from the obtained schedule information. A part of the suppliers is assigned to each of the plurality of sorting lines 18 (step 13).

  On the other hand, when it is set so that the frontage 28 is assigned to all the destinations that are scheduled to be sorted, as shown in FIG. Allotting to all the sorting lines 18 is performed in such a way that the quantity is equalized (step 14). When the number of sorting is the same, it is assigned to one of the sorting lines 18. Also, if the number of suppliers is greater than or equal to the number of frontage 28 of all the sorting lines 18, a part of frontage 28 is allocated to some suppliers, and the remaining business partners are free to the remaining frontage 28. All assignments can be assigned by assigning them by location.

  The sorting destinations assigned to each sorting line 18 are assigned from the slot 28 close to the preset sorting work reference position P among the plurality of slots 28 in the descending order of the sorting amount (step 15).

  Then, after the sorting work is started, the remaining destinations that are not initially assigned among the scheduled destinations and the destinations other than the schedule are assigned at the above-described free locations.

  In this way, before starting the sorting operation, obtain the schedule schedule information including the schedule scheduled for sorting and the volume of each category, and select some of the vendors from the acquired schedule schedule information in descending order of volume. Are assigned from the front opening 28 close to the sorting work reference position P set in advance among the plurality of front openings 28, the worker often performs the sorting work in the vicinity of the sorting work reference position P, and the movement distance of the worker can be reduced. Therefore, by effectively utilizing the sorting schedule information obtained in advance, the operator's main work area can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position P side, and work efficiency can be improved.

  Furthermore, when all the sorting destinations are allocated so that the sorting amount is leveled to each of the plurality of sorting lines 18 in the descending order of the sorting amount from the acquired sorting schedule information, the worker on each sorting line 18 The amount of sorting can be leveled and the overall work efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, regarding the sorting destination of the frontage 28 that has been confirmed to be full during the sorting operation, when the unassigned frontage 28 is located at a position closer to the sorting work reference position P than the current position of the frontage 28, the sorting destination is used as the sorting work. By reassigning to the unassigned frontage 28 close to the reference position P, the main work area of the operator can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position side and work efficiency can be improved.

  That is, the frontage allocation release means 49 of the host computer 41 is configured so that the frontage 28 that is confirmed to be full by the monitoring means 48 has the unassigned frontage 28 at a position closer to the sorting work reference position P set in advance than the position of the frontage 28. There is a function that cancels the assignment of the current supplier and permits the assignment of the next supplier at a certain time, and the frontage assignment means 47 has the function of the frontage 28 for the frontage 28 confirmed to be full by the monitoring means 48. When there is an unassigned frontage 28 at a position closer to the sorting work reference position P than the position, the unassigned frontage 28 at a position near the sorting work reference position P is assigned to the sorting destination assigned to the frontage 28 that is confirmed to be full. It has a function to assign to.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 15, if the sorting container 29 becomes full during the sorting operation, the worker performs a full process for operating the full button 36 of the display operation unit 32 (step 21).

  It is checked whether there is an unassigned frontage 28 at a position close to the sorting work reference position P set in advance from the position of the frontage 28 for the fullness-processed frontage 28 (step 22).

  If there is no unassigned frontage 28 at a position close to the sorting work reference position P, the current assignment state is maintained (step 23).

  On the other hand, for example, in FIG. 11, when the 13th frontage 28 is full, and if the 8th frontage 28 is not allocated, the allocation of the 13th frontage 28 is canceled for the fully processed destination. Reassign to the frontage 28 of the number (step 24). Further, when the frontage 28 located farther from the sorting work reference position P than the thirteenth frontage 28 is fully filled, it is reallocated to the thirteenth frontage 28.

  In this way, when the articles sorted into the frontage 28 are full, when there is an unassigned frontage 28 that is closer to the sorting work reference position P set in advance than the position of the frontage 28 for the full frontage 28 To cancel the assignment of the current supplier and permit the assignment of the next supplier, and to assign the supplier assigned to the full slot 28 to the unassigned slot 28 near the sorting work reference position P The work area of the worker can be concentrated on the sorting work reference position P side to improve work efficiency.

  Further, regarding the frontage 28 that has been sorted and is unassigned after the assignment is completed, the frontage 28 that has not been sorted in the frontage 28 that is farther from the sorting work reference position P than the position of the frontage 28. (If there is a frontage 28 that does not sort any articles, or a frontage 28 after full processing), the assignment of the current business partner in the unsorted business front 28 is canceled and the next business partner is allowed to be assigned. The destination assigned to the unsorted slot 28 may be assigned to the unassigned slot 28 close to the sorting work reference position P. In this case as well, the worker's work area is placed on the sorting work reference position P side. Work efficiency can be improved by concentrating.

  Further, for a specific sorting destination such as a large store that orders a large amount of articles, the frontage 28 may be fixedly assigned or the sorting chute 18 may be fixedly assigned. When the frontage 28 is fixedly allocated, the allocation may not be canceled even when full or sorting is completed, the allocation may be canceled depending on conditions, and the sorting chute 18 may be fixedly fixed. In the case of allocation, the allocation of the frontage 28 is canceled due to fullness or completion of sorting.

  Further, although a plurality of sorting lines 18 are provided for the upstream line 17, one sorting line 18 may be provided, and a plurality of openings 28 may be provided in the sorting line 18.

  In addition, the goods for which the sorting information has been acquired in the inspection area 13 are transported to the sorting area 14, and the goods are sorted in the frontage 28 assigned to each sorting destination in the sorting area 14, but the sorting information for the articles is acquired in the same area, A configuration may also be adopted in which articles are sorted into the front doors 28 that are assigned to each supplier.

  Also, instead of the inspection area 13, for example, a picking area for picking an article according to order information such as a store / category or an order is used, and the picked article is sent from the picking line in the picking area to the sorting line 18 in the sorting area 14. It can also be configured to sort.

It is a flowchart of the allocation process of the frontage by the goods sorting apparatus which shows one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is a perspective view of a part of the sorting area of the same article sorting apparatus. It is a front view of the display operation part of the frontage of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is a block diagram of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 1st allocation aspect of making free allocation of allocation of the frontage in an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 2nd allocation aspect of the free location conversion of frontage allocation in an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 3rd allocation aspect of the free location conversion of frontage allocation in an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 4th allocation aspect of the free location change of frontage allocation in an article | item sorting apparatus same as the above. It is a block diagram of the article sorting apparatus which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the frontage in one sorting line of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the sorting schedule information of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the allocation distribution to each sorting line of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is a flowchart of the initial allocation process of an article sorting apparatus same as the above. It is a flowchart of the reallocation process of an article sorting apparatus same as the above.

11 Goods sorting equipment
17 Upstream line
18 Sorting line
28 frontage
46 Sorting information acquisition means
47 Frontage allocation means
48 Monitoring means
49 Frontage allocation release means
51 Sorting schedule information acquisition means
52 Sorting line allocation method
53 Initial frontage allocation means

Claims (8)

An article sorting method in which articles are sorted according to suppliers for a plurality of frontages,
Before starting the sorting operation, obtain the planned schedule information including the scheduled suppliers and the quantity of each category, and select the specific suppliers from the acquired scheduled schedule information in the order of the larger quantity. Of these, initial allocation is performed from the frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position,
Get the sorting information of the articles sorted at the time of sorting,
When the sorting destination of the article for which sorting information has been acquired at the time of sorting of the article is not assigned to the corresponding frontage other than the initially assigned sorting destination, the sorting destination of the article is set to the sorting work reference position among the unassigned frontage. Assigned from the unassigned frontage near
Monitor the frontage where the sorting of goods is completed from the frontage assigned to the supplier,
The assignment of the next supplier is permitted when there is no frontage assignment corresponding to the supplier of the article for which the sorting information has been acquired at the time of the article sorting by canceling the assignment of the current supplier for the frontage that has confirmed completion of the sorting. article sorting method characterized by. An article sorting method in which articles are sent from an upstream line to a sorting line corresponding to a sorting destination of articles among a plurality of sorting lines, and the articles are sorted according to the sorters with respect to a plurality of fronts of each sorting line,
Before starting the sorting operation, obtain the planned schedule information including the scheduled suppliers and the quantity by category, and then add the specific destinations to the multiple specific orders in descending order from the acquired schedule information. In addition to assigning the quantity to the line so that the quantity is equalized, the specific assignment destination to be assigned to each classification line is initially assigned from the frontage close to the preset sorting work reference position among the multiple frontages in order of the largest quantity. ,
When sorting goods into the upstream line, get the sorting information of the goods,
When there is no frontage assignment corresponding to a part other than the initially assigned part, the part destination of the part for which the part information has been acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line is selected from the plurality of parting lines. An unassigned frontage for a sorting line with a small number of assignments, and assigned from an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position among the unassigned frontage for the sorting line ,
Monitor the frontage where sorting is completed from the frontage assigned to the supplier,
The next supplier when there is no frontage assignment corresponding to the supplier of the article for which the assignment information was acquired at the time of putting the article into the upstream line by canceling the assignment of the current supplier for the frontage that confirmed the completion of the sorting article sorting method and permits the assignment. Monitor the frontage when the sorted items are full,
When obtaining the sorting information of the following items of the same supplier as the one with the same full name confirmed as full, the assignment of the current supplier of the front is maintained, and when there is no acquisition, the assignment of the current supplier is obtained. 3. The article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the allocation of the next sorting destination is permitted after being released. Monitor the frontage when the sorted items are full,
When there is an unassigned frontage that is close to the sorting work reference position set in advance from the frontage position for a frontage that has been confirmed to be full, the assignment of the current business partner is canceled and the next business partner is allowed to be assigned. with article sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the allocating the sorting destination that was allocated full was confirmed frontage in the non-allocation of frontage close to the sorting work reference position. An article sorting apparatus having a plurality of frontage for sorting articles by destination,
Sorting schedule information acquisition means for acquiring sorting schedule information including the number of suppliers scheduled for sorting before the start of sorting work and the amount of sorting by each destination,
An initial frontage assigning means for initial assignment from a frontage close to a preset sorting work reference position among a plurality of frontage, in order of the amount of the sorting, from a parting schedule information acquired by this parting schedule information acquisition means;
Sorting information acquisition means for acquiring sorting information of articles to be sorted at the time of article sorting;
At the time of this article sorting, when the sorting destination of the article for which sorting information has been acquired by the sorting information acquisition means is not assigned to a corresponding slot other than the initially allocated sorter, the sorting destination of the article is assigned to an unassigned slot Frontage assignment means for assigning from an unassigned frontage close to the sorting work reference position ,
A monitoring means for monitoring a frontage where sorting has been completed from among frontage assigned to the supplier;
Frontage assignment releasing means for releasing the assignment of the current supplier and confirming the assignment of the next supplier by the frontage assigning means with respect to the frontage for which the completion of the sorting is confirmed by the monitoring means. An article sorting device . An article sorting apparatus having a plurality of sorting lines having a plurality of fronts for sorting articles by destination, and an upstream line for sending articles to a sorting line corresponding to the destination of the article,
Sorting schedule information acquisition means for acquiring sorting schedule information including the number of suppliers scheduled for sorting before the start of sorting work and the amount of sorting by each destination,
A sorting line allocating means for allocating a specific sorting destination to each of a plurality of sorting lines in order from the sorting schedule acquired from the sorting schedule information acquired by the sorting schedule information acquiring means;
An initial frontage assigning means for initially assigning a specific destination assigned to each sorting line by the sorting line assigning means from a frontage close to a preset sorting work reference position among a plurality of frontage in order of the amount of the sorting;
Sorting information acquisition means for acquiring sorting information of articles when the articles are put into the upstream line;
When the article information to which the sorting information has been acquired by the sorting information acquisition means at the time of article input to the upstream line does not have a corresponding frontage assignment other than the initially assigned supplier, the supplier of the article is selected. A frontage assignment means for assigning from an unassigned frontage close to the sorting work reference position among unassigned frontage of the sorting line which is an unassigned frontage of a sorting line having a small number of assignments among a plurality of sorting lines ;
A monitoring means for monitoring a frontage where sorting has been completed from among frontage assigned to the supplier;
Frontage assignment releasing means for releasing the assignment of the current supplier and confirming the assignment of the next supplier by the frontage assigning means with respect to the frontage for which the completion of the sorting is confirmed by the monitoring means. An article sorting device . The monitoring means monitors the frontage where the sorted items are full,
The frontage allocation canceling means allocates the current sorting destination of the frontage when the sorting information acquisition means obtains sorting information of the succeeding article of the same sorting destination as that of the frontage whose filling is confirmed by the monitoring means. 7. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when there is no acquisition, the assignment of the current supplier is canceled and the assignment of the next supplier is permitted. The monitoring means monitors the frontage where the sorted items are full,
The frontage allocation canceling means cancels the current assignment of the sorting destination when there is an unassigned frontage that is closer to the sorting work reference position set in advance than the frontage position for the frontage that is confirmed to be full by the monitoring means. Allow the next supplier to be assigned,
The frontage assigning means, when there is an unassigned frontage that is closer to the sorting work reference position than the frontage position of the frontage that is confirmed to be full by the monitoring means, The article sorting apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the article sorting device is assigned to an unassigned frontage near the sorting work reference position.

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