JP3867958B2 - Article sorting method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an article sorting method and apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The number of retailers in the retail industry and the variety of products are increasing, and the number of sorting operations in the distribution center such as the transit center established between the seller supplier and the buyer retailer is increased. Multi-product classification (multi-categorization) has occurred.
[0003]
The advantages of having a pass-through center are as follows for retailers who are making more regional stores.
[0004]
(1) The trouble of delivery and settlement of goods with individual suppliers can be simplified by integrating multiple stores.
[0005]
(2) Delivery mistakes for each store can be found and corrected at the pass-through center, reducing the inspection burden on the store side.
[0006]
(3) By performing shipment to each store in the form of being stored in a folding container or roll box for each product category, the display work efficiency at the store can be improved.
[0007]
Pass-through centers also provide the following benefits to many suppliers:
(1) There is no need to finely divide the delivered goods by store or product category.
(2) A delivery error for each store can be quickly and easily dealt with and repaired.
[0008]
(3) Even with delivery to remote locations, the distribution reception desk is fixed at the transit center, so you can trade with peace of mind.
[0009]
Based on the above background, in a distribution center such as a conventional pass-through center, a sorting device that sorts multi-variety goods delivered from a supplier into a lot of stores, product categories, etc. provided in a sorting zone. Is used.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional sorting apparatus, in order to sort the articles received in the upper inflow cargo line into, for example, stores or product categories, the products are sorted into one of the sorting zones based on the product information and provided in the sorting zone. Only one frontage is designated from a number of frontage doors, and this is displayed and guided, and the article is sorted into a storage box such as a folding container arranged in the designated frontage door.
[0011]
At this time, the size of the goods is various, such as flat items such as gift boxes for gifts, long items such as flies, brooms, pruning shears, large items such as buckets, pans, plastic tanks, etc. Some sizes do not fit in the storage box that is easy in the frontage. For this reason, there are the following problems.
[0012]
(1) Since only one frontage has been designated ignoring the size of the goods, large-sized goods cannot be put into the designated frontage and must be placed outside the frontage at the discretion of the worker. Sorting by store, product category, etc. may not be performed correctly.
[0013]
(2) At the time of acceptance to the upper inflow load line, “heavy and large products”, which are clearly determined by the workers, are sorted directly into the shipping assortment place (platform) without flowing to the sorting line. It cannot be completely distinguished, and it is easy to invite {circle around (1)} above.
[0014]
{Circle around (3)} In the sorting device, if the input of the sorting article into the storage box of the designated frontage is not input by turning on the loading completion button switch, the designated frontage for the next sorting article is not displayed and guided. Therefore, in order to advance the sorting of the next sorted article, the worker is forced to turn on the loading completion button switch even when the previous sorted article cannot be put into the designated front door according to the above item (1). For this reason, in the sorting data data of the distribution computer, based on the ON signal of the above-mentioned loading completion button switch, articles that are not actually loaded are recorded as being in the designated frontage, so that the correct sorting is performed. A performance record cannot be created, resulting in quality assurance defects.
[0015]
An object of the present invention is to enable various articles having different sizes to be input into designated openings in a sorting zone.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a sorting method for sorting articles into each of a number of frontages provided in a sorting zone. Different storage sizes A plurality of frontage is displayed and guided at the same time, and the article is sorted into the frontage selected from the plurality of frontage by the operator's judgment.
[0017]
Also In the sorting method for sorting articles into each of a number of frontage openings provided in the sorting zone, the product information attached to the goods received in the upper inflow cargo line of the sorting zone is read, and the goods destination candidate frontage based on the read result As a result, it is possible to display and guide a plurality of frontage at the same time, and sort the article into the frontage selected from the plurality of frontage at the operator's discretion. May .
[0019]
Also , Claims 1 Further, in the present invention, on the condition that the goods are sorted into the selected frontage, the sorting information of the goods to the frontage is determined. May .
[0020]
Also , Claims 1 In addition, on the condition that the selected frontage is filled with the sorted goods, a label printed with the name of the delivery destination store of the goods is issued, and the label is attached to the goods. May .
[0021]
Claim 2 According to the present invention, in a sorting apparatus that can sort articles into each of a number of frontage windows provided in a sorting zone, Different storage sizes A sorting frontage display control unit that displays and guides a plurality of frontage at the same time is provided.
[0022]
Also In the sorting device that can sort articles into each of a number of frontages provided in the sorting zone, an input terminal that reads product information incidental to the articles that are received in the upper inflow cargo line of the sorting zone, and a reading result of the input terminal And a sorter frontage display control unit that simultaneously displays and guides a plurality of frontage as candidate destination frontage for goods based on May .
[0024]
Also , Claims 2 Further, in the invention, the sorting frontage display control unit may make it possible to determine the sorting information of the articles in the frontage on condition that the goods are sorted in the selected frontage. May .
[0025]
Also , Claims 2 Further, in the present invention, the sorting frontage display control unit can issue a label on which the name of the delivery destination store of the article is printed on condition that the selected frontage is filled with the sorted goods. West May .
[0028]
[Action]
Claim 1, 2 According to the invention of (1), (2) There is an effect of.
(1) Both the planned frontage for storing small-size articles and the planned frontage for storing large-sized articles are designated and displayed simultaneously as candidate sorting destinations for articles. The worker visually recognizes the size of the article carried into the sorting zone, and then selects and determines a frontage that matches the size of the article from both the above-mentioned scheduled frontage, so that the relevant product is placed in one of the designated frontage. It can be input.
[0029]
(2) Above (1) Thus, each article can be put into one of those designated front doors regardless of the size, and sorting by store, product classification, etc. can be performed correctly. Even when “heavy and large products” flow into the sorting line, they can be put into any designated frontage.
[0030]
In addition, on the condition that the goods are sorted into the selected frontage, if the sorting information of the goods to the frontage is determined, following (3) There is an effect of.
(3) Workers mentioned above (1) As a result of the input to the designated frontage by turning on the input completion button switch, etc., the sorting information of articles to the frontage is confirmed, the correct sorting results are recorded, and the quality assurance is completed. Can be planned.
[0031]
In addition, on the condition that the selected frontage is filled with the sorted goods, a label printed with the name of the delivery destination store of the goods is issued, and when this label is attached to the goods, following (4) There is an effect of.
(4) When each frontage in the sorting zone is filled with sorted goods, a label printed with the name of the delivery destination store of the goods is issued. By attaching this label to the article, the subsequent handling of the sorted article can be improved.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution center sorting device, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution center control system, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting zone, and FIG. 4 is an example in which a store-specific standard is adopted for the sorting zone. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of adopting a store-specific criterion for the sorting zone, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of adopting a product classification criterion for the sorting zone, and FIG. 7 is a delivery to the sorting zone. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which employ | adopted the standard according to a course.
[0034]
A distribution center (passage center) 1 in FIG. 1 is provided between a plurality of suppliers and a plurality of retail stores, and has a sorting device 10.
[0035]
The sorting apparatus 10 includes an upper inflow cargo line 20, a primary sorting and conveying line 30, and a secondary sorting and conveying line 40. Further, the sorting apparatus 10 includes a physical distribution computer 11 and a control computer 12 as shown in FIG. The distribution computer 11 has a product master such as a supplier code, a store code, a product code, a product classification (category) code, and store order data. The control computer 12 controls the conveyors 30 </ b> A and 40 </ b> A of the primary sorting line 30 and the secondary sorting and conveying line 40 according to the possessed data of the logistics computer 11 and the receiving data obtained from the receiving terminal 13 of the upper inflow loading line 20. 14 and the sorting destination frontage display control unit 15 of the secondary sorting line 40 is controlled.
[0036]
In the following description of the sorting apparatus 10, the delivery terminal 13 of the upper incoming line 20, the barcode reader 31 of the primary sorting line 30, and the barcode reader 41 of the secondary sorting line 40 are attached to each case. The code data indicating the name, product name, product classification name, etc. has been described as being transferred to the control computer 12. However, only the product name code (JAN code) is always printed and attached to each case. The supplier name code can be known by the control computer 12 by inputting the supplier name described in the delivery slip, invoice or tag attached to each case to the control computer 12 from the arrival terminal 13. . The product classification name code is stored in the product master of the logistics computer 11. (a) In the case of 1 product 1 supplier, only the product name is input to the control computer 12 by the arrival terminal 13 to the supplier. All the order data including the product category name code are drawn from the logistics computer 11 to the control computer 12, and the control computer 12 can know the product category name code of the product name from the contents of the order data. b) In the case of a single product multiple supplier, by inputting the supplier name to the control computer 12 by the arrival terminal 13, all the order data to the supplier are controlled from the logistics computer 11 including the product classification name code. The control computer 12 knows the product classification name code of the product name from the contents of the order data. Can.
[0037]
(Upstream inflow line 20)
Incoming goods from the supplier are carried in the form of cases packed in a roll box pallet 21 or the like, and these cases are supplied to the conveyor 20A of the upper inflow cargo line 20. At this time, code data indicating a supplier name, a product name, a product classification name, etc. attached to each case by an arrival terminal 13 such as a barcode reader installed in the upper inflow cargo line 20 or an article in each case Incoming data such as the number of incoming goods is transferred to the control computer 12, and this incoming data is further transferred to the physical distribution computer 11. A mixed case product containing a plurality of types of goods in a single case is unpacked, and incoming data on the content is collected, and these incoming data are sent from the incoming terminal 13 to the control computer 12 and the logistics computer 11. Forwarded to
[0038]
(Primary sorting line 30)
The primary sorting line 30 includes a conveyor 30 </ b> A connected to the conveyor 20 </ b> A of the upper inflow load line 20, and conveys each case carried in from the upper inflow load line 20 to any one of the plurality of secondary sorting lines 40. At this time, a bar code reader (scanner) 31 installed in the primary sorting line 30 transfers code data indicating a supplier name, a product name, a product classification name, etc. attached to each case to the control computer 12. . The control computer 12 refers to store ordering data and the like held by the physical distribution computer 11, and sorts the case in the secondary sorting line 40 that is a branch destination from the primary sorting line 30 of each case and the secondary sorting line 40. The previous sorting zone 50 and frontage 52, 53 are designated.
[0039]
(Secondary sorting line 40)
The secondary sorting line 40 is composed of a plurality of branch lines connected in parallel to the primary sorting line 30, has a plurality of sorting zones 50 assigned to each store, etc., and is carried from the conveyor 30 </ b> A of the primary sorting line 30. Each case is made up of a conveyor 40A that conveys / stops each case in front of each sorting zone 50. A hand cart may be used instead of the conveyor 40A.
[0040]
A bar code reader (scanner) 41 is installed at the entrance of each sorting zone 50. The bar code reader 41 receives code data indicating a supplier name, a merchandise name, a merchandise classification name, and the like attached to each case from the control computer 12. The control computer 12 outputs the frontage 52 and 53 in the sorting zone 50 that should be the sorting destination of the case to the sorting frontage display control unit 15, or for the case that is not a corresponding product, the next sorting zone 50. Outputs the forward conveyance signal. When the code data of each case that has been read once by the bar code reader 31 installed in the primary sorting line 30 is stored in the control computer 12 and the case is transported in memory, the entrance of each sorting zone 50 The bar code reader 41 installed in can be replaced with a photoelectric switch.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to 7, each sorting zone 50 includes a fluidized shelf 51 (or an article shelf or a roll box pallet). There are a large number of entrances such as a rose introduction entrance 52 and a case introduction entrance 53 for introducing a single product storage case in units of cases. A storage box such as a folding container that can receive articles in a single unit is set in the rose throwing opening 52. As shown in FIG. 3, roll boxes (or pallets) 2 are arranged on the rear surface of each sorting zone 50 in units of delivery vehicles to retail stores. These roll boxes 2 are collected on a platform for each delivery vehicle in the assortment site 3.
[0042]
Each sorting zone 50 is provided with an input number indicator 55 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15, and when a case to be sorted into the sorting zone 50 arrives at the sorting zone 50, The required number of case-type articles is turned on and displayed on the input number display 55.
[0043]
In each frontage 52, 53 of each sorting zone 50, a sorting confirmation unit 56 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15 is installed, which is provided with a loading front display lamp, a loading completion button switch, and a full label issuing button switch. ing. The sorting confirmation unit 56 displays and guides the frontage 52 and 53 to which the case-type article should be put in the sorting zone 50 by turning on the loading front indicator lamp, and the operator has finished putting the article into the frontage. When the sorting completion button switch is turned on at that time, the completion of the input is output to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 and the control computer 12. The full label issue button switch outputs a confirmation of the fullness to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 and the control computer 12 when the worker who has visually confirmed that the frontage 52 and 53 are full of the input articles is turned on. .
[0044]
In each sorting zone 50, a labeler 57 controlled by the sorting frontage display control unit 15 is installed. The labeler 57 issues a label (or list) in which the store name assigned to the full frontage 52, 53 is printed out when the full label issue button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on. This label is affixed to the full frontage 52, 53 article or its storage box by the operator.
[0045]
The secondary sorting line 40 includes a surplus product sorting branch line 61, a surplus product return line 62, a take-out indicator 63, and a surplus product labeler 64. Of the cases received from the upper inflow load line 20 to the primary sorting line 30, the case where only a part of the articles is sorted to each secondary sorting line 40 is transferred from the primary sorting line 30 to the surplus product sorting branch line 61. It is brought in. The control computer 12 displays on the take-out display 63 the required take-out quantity from the case and unnecessary excess items being removed. The operator takes out the required quantity of articles and supplies it to the conveyor 40A of the secondary sorting line 40. The surplus product is returned from the surplus product return line 62 to the primary sorting line 30 with a label issued by the surplus product labeler 64.
[0046]
Further, the sorting apparatus 10 has a payout line 71 connected to the transport end of the primary sorting line 30. Articles that have not been ordered or that have been delivered in excess of the number of orders are delivered from the delivery line 71.
[0047]
However, the sorting apparatus 10 includes (1) a sorting zone assignment operation based on sorting criteria, (2) a plurality of frontage designation operations in the sorting zone, and (3) alternating sorting operations as follows.
[0048]
(1) Sorting zone assignment operation based on sorting criteria (Figs. 4-7)
The sorting apparatus 10 predetermines a plurality of types of sorting criteria for sorting articles into each sorting zone 50, and includes a supplier name, a brand name, and a merchandise class incidental to the case of each article that arrives in the upper inflow cargo line 20. The code data (product information) indicating the name or the like is read by the arrival terminal 13 as described above.
[0049]
The control computer 12 predetermines a plurality of types of sorting criteria for sorting articles into each sorting zone 50. Then, the control computer 12 adopts a specific sorting standard from a plurality of types of sorting standards based on the reading result of the arrival terminal 13, and sorts the case article as a sorting destination of the case article according to the adopted sorting standard. 50 and frontage 52, 53 are assigned, and when the case is branched to the secondary sorting line 40, the assigned destination is output to the sorting frontage display control unit 15 as described above, and the number of input to the corresponding sorting zone 50 is output. The display 55 and the sorting confirmation unit 56 are operated to sort each article.
[0050]
The control computer 12 can determine, for example, two or more selected from the store-specific criteria, the product category-specific criteria, and the delivery course-specific criteria as the plurality of types of sorting criteria.
[0051]
(Example 1 of store-specific standards) (Fig. 4)
In adopting the standard for each store, one delivery destination store (for example, A store, B store or C store) is assigned to one sorting zone 50, and each product is assigned to each frontage 52, 53 of the sorting zone 50. Assign each of the classifications.
[0052]
In the example of FIG. 4, each of the three sorting zones 50 is assigned to each of the A store zone, the B store zone, and the C store zone. In the A store zone and the B store zone, the upper three-stage entrances a to i are set as the rose entry entrance 52 for each product classification a to i, and the lower first entrance j is the upper three entrances a, d, The product entry a, d, and g assigned to g are grouped into a case entry front 53, and the front k is a case entry front comprising the product categories b, e, and h assigned to the upper three levels b, e, and h. 53, and the frontage l is a case insertion frontage 53 in which the product categories c, f, and i assigned to the upper three frontage c, f, i are collected. In the C store zone, since the product categories c, f, i are not handled, there is no allocation window for the product categories c, f, i.
[0053]
The case insertion front 53 (for example, j) in FIG. 4 is merged and registered so that the handling product classifications (for example, a, d, and g) of the plurality of rose input fronts 52 (for example, a, d, and g) are collected. In the case where there are a large number of separated items and a small number of case items, it is efficient to register and use cases in which a plurality of product categories are accepted per case entry slot 53 in this way.
[0054]
Conversely, when handling case-sorted products as the main, for example, each of the upper three-stage front doors is set as a case insertion front opening 53 assigned to each of the three product categories, and the lower first-stage front door is the upper three-stage case. A merged registration may be made as the rose input front 52 that enables the acceptance of all three handling product categories in the input front 53.
[0055]
In the frontage assignment program executed by the control computer 12, select one of the above merged registrations by selecting the priority assignment for roses when there are many loose handling items and selecting the case priority assignment when receiving many case handling items. it can.
[0056]
For example, in the A store zone of FIG. 4, the input front display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the front doors b and k are lit, and the goods of the product classification b for which the A store is to be sorted are classified as the A store zone. It shows that the vehicle has arrived at the zone 50.
[0057]
The reason why the plurality of front edges b and k are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the front opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the rose opening front 52 and the case insertion front 53 will be described later.
[0058]
(Example 2 of store-specific standards) (Fig. 5)
In the example of FIG. 5, each of the two sorting zones 50 is assigned to the A store zone and the B store zone. In each store A and store B zone, one frontage of the sorting zone 50 is a case input and no category frontage 54, and all the other frontage is a rose input front 52 corresponding to each product category. Each rose slot 52 can accommodate articles of the corresponding product category in units of one removed from the case. The case insertion and no-category entrance 54 can accommodate single-product storage cases of each product category in units of cases, and can store articles of each product category in units of one taken out from the case.
[0059]
The no-category entrance 54 is allocated and used for an article for which no product classification is registered in the ordering data of the logistics computer 11. Alternatively, when the product category is assigned to each frontage in the store-specific zone and the remaining frontage is reduced, the frontage can be changed and used as a no-category frontage 54, which is already registered in this no-category frontage 54. A plurality of product category products other than the product category products can be introduced. When an article is put into the no-category entrance 54, a no-category label is issued by the labeler 57 described above, and this no-category label is affixed to the inputted article, which is useful for display work at the storefront.
[0060]
For example, in the A store zone of FIG. 5, the input opening indicator lamps of the sorting check unit 56 of the rose input front 52 and the case input / no category front 54 are turned on, and a certain product category for which the A store is to be sorted is displayed. It shows that the article has arrived at the sorting zone 50 which is the A store zone.
[0061]
The reason why the plurality of fronts 52 and 54 are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the closing front display lamps of the sorting input unit 56 of the rose input front 52 and the case input and no category front 54 will be described later.
[0062]
(Example of criteria by product category) (Figure 6)
In adopting the standard for each product category, one product category (for example, Class A or Class B) is assigned to one sorting zone 50 and delivered to each of the rose slot 52 and case slot 53 of the sort zone 50. Each of the previous stores (eg, a store, b store, c store, etc.) is allocated.
[0063]
In the example of FIG. 6, each of the two sorting zones 50 is assigned to class A and class B, respectively. In the A-type zone and the B-type zone, the upper and lower two-stage rose entrances 52 and the case entrance 53 are provided for one store.
[0064]
For example, in the A-type zone of FIG. 6, the entrance front display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the b entrance rose entrance 52 and the case entrance 53 are turned on, and the product classification A for which the b store is the sorting destination is displayed. It shows that the article has arrived at the sorting zone 50 that is the Class A zone.
[0065]
The reason for the operation that the closing opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 are simultaneously turned on at the rose opening 52 and the case opening 53 assigned to the same store and the plurality of openings 52 and 53 are simultaneously specified will be described later. To do.
[0066]
(Example of delivery course criteria) (Figure 7)
In adopting the standard for each delivery course, one delivery course (for example, A course) is assigned to one sorting zone 50, and each delivery destination store (for example, each of the rose opening fronts 52 adjacent to the shelves in the sorting zone 50) is assigned. a to h) are assigned to their delivery order (for example, the top row is arranged in the horizontal order, and then the horizontal row order in the lower row is set as the delivery order (or the reverse delivery order)).
[0067]
In the example of FIG. 7, the sorting zone 50 is assigned to the A course zone (course number display section 58).
[0068]
In the example of FIG. 7, a preload case input port i and a post load case input port k are assigned to the case input port 53, and each delivery destination store is assigned to each front port of the case input port 53 in the order of their delivery. . A roll box pallet that can accommodate heavy and large items is arranged in the case insertion opening 53.
[0069]
In the A course zone of FIG. 7, for example, the entrance entrance display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the store entrance entrance 52 of the store a and the case entrance entrance 53 of the pre-loading case entrance entrance i are lit. It shows that the article of the merchandise classification that should be first arrived at the sorting zone 50 that is the A course zone.
[0070]
The reason for the operation that the closing opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 are simultaneously turned on at the closing opening 52 and the case opening 53 and the plurality of opening 52 and 53 are simultaneously specified will be described later.
[0071]
(Switching settings for each sorting standard)
The control computer 12 switches and sets the above-described sorting criteria applied to each sorting zone 50 according to the arrival status of the incoming goods to the upper inflow cargo line 20 (whether it is mainly a bulk product or a case product). That is, the control computer 12 adopts one sorting standard (for example, a store-specific standard) for the articles received in the upper inflow cargo line 20, and sorts the goods according to the sorting standard in the sorting zone 50 to which the sorting standard is applied. After completion, other sorting criteria (for example, criteria for each product category) are adopted for articles that are received after the upper inflow cargo line 20, and this sorting criteria is applied in the sorting zone 50 to which this sorting criteria is applied. Sort.
[0072]
Therefore, the sorting apparatus 10 has the following effects by adopting the sorting zone assignment operation based on the sorting criteria described above.
[0073]
{Circle around (1)} By reading the product information of the goods that arrive at the upper inflow cargo line 20, the status of the goods arrival is grasped. Then, by assigning a sorting zone 50 to be sorted into the goods and a frontage 52, 53 based on a sorting standard that can be adapted to the arrival status, the usage mode of the plurality of sorting zones 50 can be changed as appropriate. The productivity of the apparatus 10 can be improved. The selection of the sorting criteria according to the arrival status and the setting change of the usage mode of the sorting zone 50 are not limited to those by the control computer 12, but may be based on human judgment.
[0074]
(2) As a sorting standard, two or more appropriately selected from a store-specific standard, a product category-specific standard, and a delivery course-specific standard can be defined.
[0075]
a. When the store-specific standard is adopted, it is convenient that the goods can be subdivided into the product categories when the products of many product categories are concentrated and delivered from many suppliers.
[0076]
b. Adopting the product classification standard is effective when the number of product categories of the supplier is small and it is desired to reduce the number of workers. If the delivery is only one product category, the sorting for 20 stores can be advanced in one sorting zone 50 in which one worker is in charge. If 5 stores are allocated to one sorting zone, the number of used sorting zones becomes four, and the used sorting zones can be adjusted according to the work load and working time, the workers in each sorting zone 50 can be leveled, and the sorting speed Can be faster. When sorting by only one product classification, there is substantially no product classification (no category), and a distribution center that does not require sorting of product classification can allocate many stores.
[0077]
c. When the delivery course standard is adopted, the frontage assigned to each store is set to be arranged in the order of delivery (or the reverse order of delivery), and the sorted articles or their storage boxes taken out from each frontage are arranged in the order of frontage. Stacking improves delivery workability.
[0078]
(3) After completing the sorting in accordance with one sorting standard for the goods received in the upper inflow cargo line 20, other sorting standards are adopted for the other goods that are received after the upper inflow cargo line 20. By sorting them, the usage mode of each sorting zone 50 can be appropriately changed according to the change in the arrival status accompanying the change of the delivery time zone of the distribution center 1.
[0079]
In the sorting apparatus 10, the control computer 12 defines a plurality of sorting zones 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B for the same store for a delivery destination store having a large sorting quantity as a plurality of types of sorting standards. The same frontage of one sorting zone 50A (or 50B) can be assigned to the item, and different product types can be assigned alternately to the frontage of each sorting zone 50A, 50B.
[0080]
According to this, by assigning a plurality of sorting zones 50A and 50B to a store with a large sorting quantity, the work amount of each sorting zone 50A and 50B can be leveled. The work load on the worker is reduced, and subsequent articles are not congested in the middle of the sorting line 40, so that the work speed of the entire line can be increased. At this time, the different kinds of articles are alternately allocated to the entrances of the respective sorting zones 50A and 50B, and the work amount is leveled. For the same kind of articles, the same entrance of one sorting zone 50A (or 50B) is assigned. Improve workability.
[0081]
(2) Designation of multiple frontage in the sorting zone (Figs. 4-7)
Based on the result of reading by the arrival terminal 13 of code data (product information) indicating the name of the supplier, product name, product classification, etc. incidental to each case received in the upper inflow load line 20, the control computer 12 A plurality of frontage is calculated as a destination candidate frontage in the sorting zone 50 to be a product sorting destination, and when the case is branched to the secondary sorting line 40, the plurality of sorting destination frontage is controlled to the frontage display. This is output to the section 15, and the input number indicator 55 and the sorting confirmation unit 56 of the corresponding sorting zone 50 are operated to simultaneously display and guide the plurality of sorting destination candidate fronts.
[0082]
At this time, the control computer 12 in the sorting zone 50 serving as a sorting destination of each case article, as a sorting destination candidate frontage for one case article, a rose throwing frontage 52 as a small article storage scheduled frontage having different storage sizes. Then, the insertion opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation units 56 of the case insertion opening 53 (or the case insertion and no-category opening 54) as a large storage planned opening are simultaneously turned on and displayed. Then, according to the judgment of the worker placed in the sorting zone 50, the insertion opening suitable for storing the case article is selected from the plurality of rose insertion opening 52 and the case insertion opening 53 (or 54), and is determined. The article is put into one of the selected rose insertion slot 52 and case insertion slot 53 (or 54) for sorting.
[0083]
The sorter frontage display control unit 15 indicates that an article has been put into either the rose slot 52 or the case slot 53 (or 54) selected by the worker, and the sorting confirmation unit 56 installed in the slot is loaded. On the condition that the input is made by turning on the completion button switch, the input front display lamps of the respective sorting confirmation units 56 of both the front doors 52 and 53 (or 54) are turned off, and the sorting information of articles to the front door is controlled by the control computer. 12 can be confirmed.
[0084]
Further, the sorter frontage display control unit 15 determines that any one of the rose throwing front 52 and the case throwing front 53 (or 54) selected by the worker is filled with sorted articles. The labeler 57 issues a label (or list) on which a delivery destination store name, a product name, a product classification name, etc. of the article are printed on condition that the full label issuance button switch of the confirmation unit 56 is turned on. The operator applies this label to those full items.
[0085]
Incidentally, in the A store zone of FIG. 4 described above, for example, the loose entry opening 52 (b) and the case insertion opening 53 (k) are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the insertion opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56, The worker visually recognizes the size of the goods of the product classification B that has arrived in the A store zone, and then, as an input destination suitable for the size of the goods, one of the rose input front 52 (b) and the case input front 53 (k). Is to be selected and judged. After putting the article into one loose entry slot 52 (b) or case insertion slot 53 (k) selected by the operator and then turning on the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56, the two slots 52 and 53 are loaded. The frontage lamp turns off.
[0086]
Further, in the store A zone shown in FIG. 5, for example, the rose insertion front 52 and the case insertion and no category front 54 are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the insertion front display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56, After visually confirming the size of the article that has arrived at the A store zone, one of the rose entry slot 52 and the case entry and no-category entry 54 is selected and determined as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. After the article is put into one of the rose insertion slots 52 or the case insertion and no category slot 54 selected by the worker, the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, and the insertion slot display lamps of both the openings 52 and 54 are displayed. Goes off.
[0087]
Further, in the above-described class A zone of FIG. 6 for example, the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion slot 53 to which articles of product classification A are assigned to the same b store are simultaneously turned on by the insertion slot display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56. At the same time, the worker visually recognizes the size of the article that has arrived in the Class A zone, and then selects and judges one of the rose entry slot 52 and the case entry slot 53 of the b store as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. Will be. When the article is inserted into one of the rose insertion opening 52 or the case insertion opening 53 selected by the operator at the store b and then the input completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, the insertion opening display lamps of both the opening 52 and 53 are displayed. Is turned off and, if necessary, each sorting confirmation unit of the rose loading front 52 and the case loading front 53 of the store c, which is assigned next as the next sorting destination of the goods of the product classification A arriving in the A category zone. The 56 insertion opening indicator lamps are turned on.
[0088]
Further, for example, in the A course zone of FIG. 7 described above, the rose insertion opening 52 and the case insertion opening 53 allocated to the A store of the A course are simultaneously designated by the simultaneous lighting of the insertion opening display lamps of the sorting confirmation unit 56. The worker visually recognizes the size of the article that has arrived at the A course zone, and then selects and determines one of the rose insertion slot 52 and the case insertion slot 53 as an input destination suitable for the size of the article. When the article is inserted into one of the rose insertion slots 52 or the case insertion slot 53 selected by the operator for the store a and then the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 is turned on, the loading slot display lamps of both the slots 52 and 53 are displayed. Is turned off, and if necessary, for example, the rose entry slot 52 of the f store and the pre-loading case entry slot i (or the next case) assigned as the next sorting destination of the articles arriving in the A course zone, for example, The insertion opening indicator lamp of each sorting confirmation unit 56 of the post-loading case insertion opening k) is turned on.
[0089]
Therefore, the sorting apparatus 10 has the following effects by adopting a plurality of frontage specifying operations in the above-described sorting zone.
[0090]
(1) Both the planned frontage 52 for storing small-sized articles and the planned frontage 53 for storing large-sized articles are designated and guided simultaneously as candidate sorting destinations for articles. The worker visually recognizes the size of the article carried into the sorting zone 50, and selects one of the articles by selecting and determining a frontage that matches the size of the article from both the above-mentioned scheduled frontages 52 and 53. It becomes possible to enter the designated frontage.
[0091]
{Circle around (2)} According to the above {circle around (1)}, each article can be put into any of the designated frontage 52, 53 regardless of the size, and sorting by store, product classification, etc. can be performed correctly. Even when “heavy long product” is mixed in the sorting line 40, it can be put into one of the designated front ports 52 and 53.
[0092]
(3) Sorting of articles into the frontage on condition that the operator inputs that one of the designated frontages 52 and 53 has been input by turning on the loading completion button switch of the sorting confirmation unit 56 according to (1) above. The information is confirmed, the correct sorting record is recorded in the sorting record data of the physical distribution computer 11, and the quality assurance can be completed.
[0093]
{Circle around (4)} When the frontage 52, 53 of the sorting zone 50 is filled with the sorted goods, a label on which the delivery destination store name of the goods is printed is issued. By attaching this label to the storage box of the article or the article itself, it is possible to improve the subsequent handling of the sorted article.
[0094]
In the sorting apparatus 10, one of a plurality of frontage that is simultaneously displayed and specified as a sorting destination candidate frontage in the sorting zone 50 is used for a case in which a defective product is stored or the defective product. It can also be a temporary storage frontage.
[0095]
Also, in the picking device, when the article can be taken out by each of a number of frontage provided in the picking zone, an extraction destination frontage display control unit that simultaneously displays and guides a plurality of frontage as a destination for taking out the article is provided. It is also possible to take out the article from the frontage selected by the operator's judgment among the plurality of frontage displayed and guided by the takeout frontage display control unit. The correct picking record can be recorded in the picking record data of the physical distribution computer by confirming the inventory information of the pick-up window by turning on the pick-up completion button switch.
[0096]
(3) Alternate sorting operation in the sorting device (Fig. 1)
When the control computer 12 instructs the secondary sorting line 40 and the sorting zone 50 by the sorting device 10 based on the confirmation result of the number of product information incidental to the receiving case 13 by the receiving terminal 13 and its contents, a plurality of same product case Are continuously received and can be distributed to each of the plurality of sorting zones 50 in the case unit, each case product of the same type can be alternately sorted into each sorting zone 50.
[0097]
In the example of FIGS. 1 to 7, for example, the first secondary in order from the upstream side of the line as the sorting destination of the same product case products carried from the upper inflow cargo line 20 through the primary sorting line 30 to each secondary sorting line 40. A zone and B zone of the sorting line 40 (A store zone, B store zone, etc.) When the A zone and C zone of the second secondary sorting line 40 are designated, one (or two, etc.) is the same The product type case product is alternately sorted into the A zone and B zone sorting port 50 of the first secondary sorting line 40, and the A zone and C zone sorting port 50 of the second secondary sorting line 40. Repeat until all the same type case products delivered are gone.
[0098]
According to this, there exists the following effect | action.
{Circle around (1)} The same product case is alternately sorted into each sorting zone 50 of the plurality of sorting lines 40. Therefore, the same kind cases are sorted almost simultaneously in each sorting line 40, and the work amount of workers in each sorting zone 50 can be leveled.
[0099]
(2) Even when the number of arrivals of the same product case received in the upper inflow load line 20 is insufficient with respect to the order quantity, the same product case is alternately placed in each of the sorting zones 50 of the plurality of sorting lines 40. As a result of the sorting, the number of supply of the same product type case to each sorting zone 50 becomes substantially equal.
[0100]
At this time, if the control computer 12 assigns each one delivery destination store to each sorting zone 50 provided in each sorting line 40 as in the example shown in FIGS. In (1) and (2), the supply amount of the same product case to the stores assigned to the respective sorting zones 50 can be made substantially equal to each other, and the stores in which the shortage (the number of supplies is zero) can be eliminated.
[0101]
In other words, inspection of the number of products of the same product type (delivery number) received in the upper inflow load line 20 (total number of products delivered by product type) is omitted, and the total number of products received of the same product type case (total number of products delivered) is still missing. From the initial stage of arrival, which is not fixed, distribution is performed to eliminate the shortage of the product type case for each store. After the sort of the product type case to each store is completed, the control computer 12 reports the sort result list of the product type case to each store to the retail store headquarters of all stores so that the above sort results of popular product types can be obtained. Corrections may be made at the assortment site 3 based on the judgment of the retail store headquarters or the like. As a result, for popular product types, the product case is redistributed at the assortment site 3 so as to secure a larger quantity of shipments to the important stores determined by the retail store headquarters.
[0102]
Further, the control computer 12 assigns each delivery destination store to each sorting zone 50 provided in each sorting line 40 as in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. A part (for example, 10) of a plurality of the same product type cases is preferentially sorted into a sorting zone 50 (for example, A zone) to which a specific priority store (for example, A store) is assigned, and the remaining products of the same product type case are others. All the same ones that have been delivered are sorted one by one (or two, etc.) alternately into other sorting zones 50 (for example, B zone, C zone) to which other stores (for example, B store and C store) are assigned. It may be repeated until there are no product case products.
[0103]
According to this, prior to the alternating sorting in the above (2), the required amount or almost the same amount of the same type case product is supplied to the flagship store as the priority store, and then the supply amount of the same type case product to other stores. Are almost equivalent to each other. Therefore, after securing a high rate of order quantity at the flagship store to 100% or close to 100%, the supply quantity of the same product case to other stores is almost equal to each other, and the missing item (zero supply number) ) Can be eliminated.
[0104]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, various types of articles having different sizes can be put into the designated frontage of the sorting zone.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting apparatus in a distribution center.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a distribution center.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting zone.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a store-specific standard is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example in which a store-specific criterion is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a product classification criterion is adopted for a sorting zone.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a delivery course standard is adopted for a sorting zone.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Sorting device
13 Input terminal
15 Sorting frontage display control unit
20 Upper inflow load line
50 sorting zones
52, 53 frontage

Claims (2)

In a sorting method for sorting articles into each of a number of frontage provided in the sorting zone,
A plurality of frontage of different sizes that can be stored as the frontage destination candidate frontage of the article is simultaneously displayed and guided, and the article is sorted into the frontage selected from the plurality of frontage by the operator's judgment Sorting method. In a sorting apparatus that enables sorting of articles into each of a number of frontage provided in the sorting zone,
An article sorting apparatus comprising: a sorter frontage display control unit that simultaneously displays and guides a plurality of frontage having different storable sizes as the goods sorter candidate frontage.

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