EP1362645A1 - Arrangement for treating returns - Google Patents

Abstract

A discharge conveyor (3) carries the returned goods from an evaluation station (2), and is divided in to identifiable segments (30). A control device (4) includes a selection module (40) for the discharge conveyor, for determining a target segment (30') on the conveyor based on a data set input to the control device. An output device controlled by the control device outputs the target segment.

Description

The invention relates to a system for processing returns with a Feed conveyor belt for the transportation of placed returns, at least an evaluation station at which the returns from the feed conveyor belt be removed for evaluation, and a discharge conveyor belt to remove the returns from the evaluation station, wherein an input device is provided to record a return for each return assigned.

In almost all areas of trade it happens that goods are returned by the buyer becomes. This can happen for various reasons, however there are particularly many returns in some retail areas. That concerns for example the mail order business, in particular the mail order business for clothing. The proportion of the goods that are returned after purchase can be used here up to 50% or even more. The problem is that the handling of returns has so far been little automated. Different from that Sending goods that now range from high-bay warehouses to towards packaging the outgoing goods almost completely automated automation in the area of returns is more difficult. This is mainly due to the fact that completely different goods are returned in unpredictable order. A parameter also occurs which is normally not a problem when shipping goods: namely the condition of the goods. For returns, it is necessary to return the returned one Check the goods carefully to see if they are still in perfect condition Condition is and can be resold or whether it is otherwise used must become. Evaluation bodies are provided for this. The appraisal the returns, however, take different lengths, depending on the type of goods to be assessed Would. This means that the returns are returned from the assessment bodies can usually not be done in the order in to which the returns of the assessment points have been sent. The result Problems particularly with a high turnover of returns lead to considerable additional effort.

The invention has for its object a system of the aforementioned To create the way in which the returns are removed from the assessment point can be done more efficiently.

The solution according to the invention lies in the features of claim 1. Advantageous Further developments are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention in a system for processing returns with a Feed conveyor belt for transporting returned items, one Evaluation station at which the returns from the feed conveyor belt be removed for evaluation, and a discharge conveyor belt for removal the returns from the evaluation station, with an input device is provided to each return a record in a control device assign, provided that the discharge conveyor belt in identifiable Segments is divided and the control device is a control module for the discharge conveyor belt, which is designed to by means the data record assigns a destination from each return to a specific one Make segment of the discharge conveyor, and that an output device is provided, which is controlled by the control device, to output the target assignment.

Identifiable segments are understood here to mean that the discharge conveyor belt is divided into sections. Each section forms a segment. The segments can be optically identifiable by using lines are separated and / or numbered. A segment can also do this be identified that it is illuminated by a light source. The Identification of the segments can also be done in other ways, for example done by electronic means. Has proven itself in particular identification by distance or distance measurement or electronic Route tracking or also using electronically readable markers.

A control device is a preferably computer-based system understood, in which a data record is created for each return. The record contains information about the type and preferably also the condition the return. It serves to return the goods on their way from acceptance to accompany the evaluation through to further treatment.

An evaluation station is a facility where manual or automated means performed an assessment of the individual returns becomes. The evaluation serves in particular to determine the condition of the return, in particular whether they still have the required for resale in perfect condition. But it can also have other properties the return, for example whether it is the the right item in the right size.

The essence of the invention is that the discharge conveyor belt in identifiable Segments is divided and a selection module is provided that assigns each return to one of the identifiable segments as the target segment. This ensures that each placed on the discharge conveyor Returns can be identified via the segment on which it is located. The has the advantage that the subsequent processing of the returns the respective stations do not have their own means of identification for the returns must have, but only have to determine which segment is currently pending processing. Then you can easily determine the segment which returns are due for processing.

The invention also has the advantage that it decouples the order of removal enabled by the order of delivery at the evaluation station. This no longer creates problems when evaluating individuals Returns take longer than others. The rated returns do not need, in the order in which they went through their evaluation, to be put on the discharge conveyor. This is particularly the case with an advantage for several evaluation stations. This makes it the next one Further processing of the returns is known, which returns are on which segment of the discharge conveyor belt is located. Thanks to the invention it is no longer necessary to return the returns after the evaluation station to capture and generate records for them.

The invention has recognized that the division of the discharge conveyor belt in identifiable segments and the provision of the selection module the advantage is that the order of the returns is based on the discharge conveyor belt decoupled from the order on the feed conveyor belt is to combine with the advantage that a segment-based Identification option for automatic further processing of the returns creates.

So that the return to the target segment determined by the selection module can be hung up, is preferably displayed on a display device, to which target segment the return is to be placed, or it is at another advantageous embodiment by means of an automatic Laying device placed the return on the target segment. In particular in cases when the output device is a display device which shows which target segment the return is, it can happen that the employee does not succeed in returning the assigned item Put on target segment. The employee can then make the return on any Place the next segment. So that the control device Update the data record accordingly so that the return is not on the originally intended, but on another subsequent one Segment, a transfer module is expediently provided, which can be operated by means of a switch to the original target assignment to adapt to an actual assignment. In this way it is achieved that even in cases where the original target segment has been missed and the return has been placed on another segment, the data record for the control device with the actual position of the return matches. This is particularly the case with electronic route tracking an advantage. This ensures that it is always recognizable on which segment the return is on the discharge conveyor.

The discharge conveyor preferably has a downstream one Area a marking station with the control device so is synchronized that when the particular segment passes through the Marking station a suitable marking attached to the return becomes. The marking is usually a label with information about the subject of the return. The marking can be made directly on the Returns can be attached. The discharge conveyor belt preferably also has a packaging station that synchronizes with the control device is and is designed for this, the return with a suitable packaging to provide. The packaging station is designed to handle the return in a suitable packaging form, for example in foils or alternatively to pack in cardboard. Which packaging is used depends on the individual returns. Since according to the invention the return via the segment, on which it is located, the packaging station based on the segment that passes through it, which is the right packaging and attach it accordingly. at The returns are required by a suitable automatic facility optimally aligned on the discharge conveyor belt.

The packaging station is preferably in front of the marking station in the transport direction arranged. Depending on whether the packing station is provided or not, the markings in the marking station, especially labels directly on the return or on the packaging appropriate. The marking contains everything for further processing the identification features required for the returns. Because according to the invention each Returns can be identified by the segment on which it is located can ensure that the correct marking is attached to the return becomes.

In a preferred embodiment, the discharge conveyor belt is spatial arranged above or below the feed conveyor belt. In this way can achieve a particularly space-saving arrangement of the conveyor technology become. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the feed conveyor belt and the discharge conveyor belt lying opposite each other Pages of the evaluation station are arranged. This arrangement is suitable especially when handling bulky and / or heavy returns are. In addition, this alternative is advantageous if several Assessment stations are required, which are then simply consecutively between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyor can.

If there are several evaluation stations, it is advisable that the feed conveyor belt is a sorter which is used for the predetermined distribution of the Returns to several assessment stations is formed. With the sorter can be achieved that the returns are targeted to the appropriate Evaluation station transported and dropped there.

It is expedient to check downstream of the evaluation station a detection sensor is provided which is connected to the control device is. This can be used to check whether the return is actually on the originally assigned target segment or a retrospectively by the Pass module changed segment has been launched. The danger of This reduces errors in the further processing of the returns.

Fig. 1

eine Aufsicht auf ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anlage und

Fig. 2

eine Aufsicht auf ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anlage.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, in which advantageous exemplary embodiments are shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

a supervision of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention and

Fig. 2

a supervision of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 is a first embodiment of the system according to the invention shown. It comprises a feed conveyor belt 1, an evaluation station 2, a discharge conveyor belt 3, a control device 4 and a packaging station 5 and a marking station 6.

The feed conveyor belt 1 is used for returns from a not shown Transfer point to the evaluation station 2. The feed conveyor belt is divided into segments. There is exactly one in each segment a return item. To record the return items on the segments of the Feed conveyor belt 1, an input device 41 is provided. This has a sensor which is located on the feed conveyor belt 1 Scans the return article. This creates a data record in the control device 4 generated.

At the evaluation station 2 there is a return article from the feed conveyor belt removed and placed on the evaluation station 2. On At this station, an employee decides which quality the Return article has. The further processing of the return article depends on this from.

Above or below the feed conveyor belt 1 is the discharge conveyor belt 3 arranged. In the illustration in Fig. 1, it is for drawing reasons for a better clarity next to the feed conveyor 1 shown. The discharge conveyor belt 3 is in a plurality of segments 30 divided. The segments 30 each have the same dimensions on, they're equidistant. In the illustrated embodiment, the Segments are identified by lines and consecutive numbers. Alternatively or additionally, the segments 30 can be electronic Means, for example transponders (not shown) his. The discharge conveyor belt 3 is arranged so that at the evaluation station 2 the return items are placed on the discharge conveyor belt 3 can be transported from there. In the transport direction of the discharge conveyor belt seen downstream are the packaging station 5 and the marking station 6 arranged.

After a return item has been evaluated at evaluation station 2 the return article is placed on the discharge conveyor belt 3. According to the invention however, the return item will not be on any segment of the discharge conveyor belt 3, but on a specific, the target segment. So that the employee at evaluation conveyor station 2 knows which of the segments 30 of the discharge conveyor belt 3 is the target segment, a display device 42 is provided. The display device 42 is with connected to the control device 4. The control device 4 has a selection module 40, which is designed to that on the evaluation station 2 return articles located a target segment 30 'on the discharge conveyor assign. The number of the target segment 30 'is set to this of the display device 42. As a result, the employee at the Evaluation station 2, on which of the segments 30 of the discharge conveyor belt is the target segment 30 '. Then all he needs is the return article from to place the evaluation station 2 on this target segment 30 '.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that instead of manual hanging up of the evaluated return article to the target segment 30 'an automatic Lay-on device (not shown) is provided. This is like that Display device 42, with the evaluation module 40 of the control device 4 connected. It is controlled by the evaluation device 40 so that the Number of the target segment 30 'is transmitted to the placement device and thereupon the placement device receives the evaluated return article from the Evaluation station 2 on the target segment 30 'of the discharge conveyor belt 3 hangs up.

It may happen that for some reason the return item not placed on the target segment 30 'displayed in the display device 42 becomes. This is especially the case when evaluating an unexpected delay has occurred, and therefore not yet could be ended, or if due to other circumstances the transfer from the evaluation station 2 to the discharge conveyor belt 3, so that the return item is not on the actual intended target segment 30 'can be placed. The employee then puts on the return article a subsequent segment 30 ', which is just in a suitable position is located relative to the evaluation station 2 (replacement segment 30 *). As well as the Return item placed on the replacement segment 30 * will be an override switch 43 operated. It acts with an override module 44 of the control device together. The pass module 44 of the control device 4 is formed so that it is actually made by the selector 40 Assignment of the target segment 30 'by the replacement segment 30 * replaced, on which the return item was actually placed. Thereby it is guaranteed that even under unfavorable circumstances the return article always by occupying the segments 30 of the discharge conveyor belt 3 can be identified.

For checking purposes, a sensor 47 is provided which is designed to register whether the segments 30 as specified by the selection module 40 or have actually been changed by the transit module 44. For this purpose, the sensor 47 is connected to the control device 4. If If a discrepancy is found, the control device 4 outputs a corresponding one Fault report off.

As has already been briefly said, the discharge conveyor belt is in the transport direction 3, seen downstream, a packing station 5 is arranged. This is designed to automatically turn the items into suitable materials to pack, for example in foils or cardboard boxes, depending on the respective article. The item length is not critical here. To guarantee higher packaging quality can optionally be provided be seen in the transport direction in front of the automatic packing station 5 an alignment device (not shown) is provided, which if necessary aligns the return items optimally on the discharge conveyor belt 3.

Seen behind the automatic packaging station 5 in the direction of the current a labeling station 6 is arranged. This is designed to be automatic attach an item label to the packaging. The item label is provided with markings that clearly identify the respective return items identify and for further processing of the return item are needed. The segment assignment according to the invention ensures that the return items on the control device 4 based on of the segments on which they are located. For this purpose, both the automatic packaging station 5 and also the automatic labeling station 6 via corresponding data lines 45 and 46 connected to the control device 4.

After labeling, the article is used for further processing (not shown) transported.

In Fig. 2 is a second embodiment of the system according to the invention shown.

The system shown in Fig. 2 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 essentially in that a plurality of evaluation stations 2, 2 'are provided, of which only for the sake of clarity two are shown. Instead of the simple feed conveyor belt 1 is a Sorter 1 'provided. The sorter 1 'is designed to be of various types To drop articles in a targeted manner at the various evaluation stations 2, 2 '. This enables the individual evaluation stations 2, 2 ' to specialize in certain articles or product groups.

Another difference is that the discharge conveyor 3 is not arranged on the same side as the sorter 1 'at the evaluation stations 2, 2' but on the opposite side. This arrangement of the discharge conveyor belt 3 is not limited to systems with a Sorter 1 'are provided. It can just as well be used in systems which are provided with a simple feed conveyor belt 1. At the end of the discharge conveyor belt 3 arranged on the opposite side a cross conveyor 7 is arranged. This is used by the discharge conveyor 3 return article dropped at its end back to the Side, on which the sorter runs 1 '. This results overall a linear flow of returns, that is, the returns run approximately in the extension of the entry point from the system.

Otherwise, those components of the second embodiment are which correspond to the components of the first exemplary embodiment, marked with the same reference numerals. In the interest of a clearer Presentation is based on a repetition of the explanation of this Components dispensed with and the explanations for the first embodiment directed.

It is understood that each of the evaluation stations 2, 2 'with a display device 42, 42 'to display the number of the respective target segment 30 ', 30 ". Furthermore, each evaluation station 2, 2' is equipped with a Switch 43, 43 'connected to the override module 44 of the control device 4 is connected.

The sensor 47 is used to check whether the return articles are correct on the respective assigned target segments 30 ', 30 "have been placed. If only a sensor 47 is provided, it is expedient in the transport direction seen behind the last evaluation station 2 '. Preferably however, several sensors 47 are provided, each behind each evaluation station are arranged.

The system is operated as described below:

The returns, of which several are usually in one package arrive, are first isolated and then individually on the Feed conveyor belt 1 laid. This feed conveyor 1 transports the Returns past the input device 41 to the evaluation station 2. At the input device 41, at the beginning or at any point can then be located along the course of the feed conveyor belt 1, each individual return is recorded and a data record for it in the control device 4 formed. This data record accompanies the return on its further Path. The individual returns are from the feed conveyor belt 1 in the order transported to the evaluation station (s) 2, 2 'with the returns have been placed on the feed conveyor belt 1. To the Evaluation stations 2, 2 'become the returns from the feed conveyor belt 1 taken and assessed. The assessment is usually done by hand, can also be done automatically. Depending on the type of return and your Complexity takes a long time to assess. The selection model 40 decides which target segment 30 'of the discharge conveyor belt 3 a return has to be placed. For this purpose, the discharge conveyor belt 3 is identifiable Segments 30 divided. The one made by the selection module 40 Assignment is saved in the data record of the return. Thereby is (from the original order on the feed conveyor 1 deviating) order of returns on the removal conveyor 3 Control device 4 known. So that the return to that of the selection module 40 specific target segment 30 'can be placed either indicated on which target segment 30 'the return is to be placed or it the return to the Target segment 30 'placed.

Claims (9)

System for processing returns with a feed conveyor belt (1) for transporting placed returns,
at least one evaluation station (2), at which the returns are removed from the feed conveyor belt (1) for evaluation, and
a discharge conveyor belt (3) for removing the returns from the evaluation station (2),
an input device (41) is provided to assign a data record in a control device (4) to each return,
characterized in that
the discharge conveyor belt (3) is subdivided into identifiable segments (30) and the control device (4) has a selection module (40) for the discharge conveyor belt (3), which is designed to use the data record to identify a target segment (30 ') to determine on the discharge conveyor belt (3) for each return, and
an output device is provided which is controlled by the control device (4) in order to output the target segment (30 '). System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the output device is a display device (42) which is designed to display the target segment (30 '). System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the output device comprises an automatic support device which is designed to move the return to the target segment (30 '). System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge conveyor belt (3) has a marking station (6) which is synchronized with the control device (4) in such a way that when the target segment (30 ') passes through the marking station (6) a suitable marking is made on the return. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge conveyor belt (3) has a packaging station (5) which is synchronized with the control device (4) and is designed to provide the return with suitable packaging. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) has an overreaching module (44) which can be actuated by means of a switch (43) to switch the target segment (30 ') by a replacement segment ( 30 *) to be replaced. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge conveyor belt (3) is arranged spatially above or below the feed conveyor belt (1). System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the feed conveyor belt (1) and the discharge conveyor belt (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the evaluation station. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed conveyor belt is a sorter (1 ') which is designed for the predetermined distribution of the returns to a plurality of evaluation stations (2, 2').

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