JPH01256407A - Article sorter equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To contrive the reduction of a work mistake by automatically supplying the next vessel to the start end part of a conveying line by a vessel supplying means at every time a vessel is supplied to a work range of the next rack part in the conveying line. CONSTITUTION:At every time a vessel Z is supplied to a work range of the next rack part 1A by a conveying line 2, a vessel supplying means K supplies the next vessel Z to a start end part of the conveying line 2 and the two or more vessels Z in an equal space l on the conveying line 2. While the vessel supplying means K, being based on information in a work data memory means of a work controller 7, that is, being based on an article sorting work data created so as to understand a number of vessels Z in accordance with an article quantity in each destination, automatically changes a number of supplying the vessels by one time supply action. Thus generation of a work mistake can be substantially reduced while enabling the improvement of sorting work efficiency to be contrived.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is provided with a conveyance line for conveying containers for storing articles, and a shelf having a plurality of shelf portions is arranged so that each shelf portion is connected to the conveyance line of the conveyance line. Container position determining means are arranged at equal or substantially equal intervals along the direction, and determine which of the plurality of shelf parts the containers correspond to. Based on the information of the container position determining means provided therein and the information of the work data storage means storing work data for sorting the goods, the information for taking out the articles to be taken out from the respective shelves into the containers is instructed. Article sorting equipment is provided with indicating means.

[Conventional technology]

For such article sorting, the equipment is capable of sorting multiple articles to the same shipping destination, that is, by storing the articles taken out by the worker based on the article extraction information into containers that are transported along the conveyance line. It is designed to store individual items.

In other words, in general, a worker is assigned to each of the above-mentioned shelf sections, and while the containers are being transported from the shelf section on the upper side of transport to the shelf section on the lower side of transport, In this system, the articles are sorted by destination by storing the articles of the same destination in containers of the same destination.

By the way, if the shelves are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the conveyance direction of the conveyor line, the containers on the conveyor are supplied to the working range of the next shelf on the downstream side of the conveyor. If the next container is supplied to the starting end of the conveyance line each time the container is loaded, a plurality of containers will be lined up on the conveyance line at intervals of the parallel shelves. As a result, it is possible to eliminate containers destined for different destinations from being located in the working range of each shelf portion, thereby making it possible to eliminate work errors.

Therefore, conventionally, each time a container on the conveyor is fed to the next shelf on the lower side of the conveyor, an indicator lamp for container replenishment is turned on, and an auxiliary worker moves the container to the beginning of the conveyor. The department was responsible for supplying the materials.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

If the container is to be fed by an auxiliary worker, there is a risk that the container may not be fed at the appropriate time. Then, if the container supply point deviates too much from the appropriate point, 1
Containers destined for different destinations are located within the work range of two shelves, which may lead to work errors.

In addition, although one container is generally used for one destination, there are cases where there is a large amount of goods for one destination, and in such cases, multiple containers may be used for one supply. It is desirable to supply individual containers.

By the way, when there is a large amount of goods for one destination, it is possible to divide the goods from one destination into multiple pieces and handle the multiple pieces of goods as different destinations. Although it is possible to perform the desired sorting by supplying one container, sorting is done in order to improve work efficiency, or to simplify the shipping process after the work is done. It is desirable to have the goods at the destination sorted all at once.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to supply containers to the starting end of a conveyor.
The point is to be able to do the right thing at the right time.

In addition to the above-mentioned object, another object is to be able to accurately supply a number of containers corresponding to the amount of goods to one destination in one feeding operation.

[Means to solve the problem]

The article sorting equipment according to the present invention is provided with a conveyance line for conveying containers for storing articles, and a shelf having a plurality of shelf sections, each of which is arranged at equal intervals or at equal intervals along the conveyance direction of the conveyance line. Container position determining means are provided that are arranged at substantially equal intervals and determine which of the plurality of shelf parts the containers correspond to, and the container position determining means and an instruction means for instructing removal information of articles to be taken out from each shelf portion to the container based on information of a work data storage means for storing work data for sorting the goods. and the container supply means for supplying the containers to the starting end of the conveyance line is provided so as to operate to supply the containers each time the containers are supplied to the working range of the next shelf section by the conveyor. It is.

Further, the container supply means is configured to be able to freely change the number of containers supplied in one supply operation, and the work data storage means stores the number of containers each time the container supply means performs the supply operation. , the container supply means is configured to automatically change the number of containers for each supply operation based on the information in the work data storage means.

[For production]

Each time a container is supplied by the transport line to the working area of the next shelf section, the container supply means automatically supplies the next container to the starting end of the transport line. As a result, a plurality of containers are properly lined up at equal intervals on the conveyance line.

Further, while the container supply means automatically changes the number of containers supplied for each supply operation based on the information in the work data storage means,
We will supply containers.

In other words, in order to know the number of containers according to the amount of goods at each destination, work data for goods sorting is created, and based on that work data, the number of containers supplied in one supply operation is automatically changed. be.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Therefore, according to claim 1, by automatically supplying containers, a plurality of containers can be accurately arranged at equal intervals on the conveyance line, so that the work area of one shelf can be accommodated. By eliminating containers destined for different destinations, work errors can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, according to claim 2, if there is a large amount of goods at one destination, multiple containers can be supplied accordingly, so it is not necessary to carry out sorting work for a destination where there is a large amount of goods, and for other destinations. It can be performed using the same procedure as the work, and sorting can improve work efficiency and sorting can simplify shipping work after work.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the equipment for article sorting includes:
Shelf (1) that stores multiple types of items (Xa) by classification
, a belt-type conveyor (2) serving as a conveyance line for conveying containers (Z) for storing articles, and a container supply means (2) for supplying the containers (Z) to the starting end of the conveyor (2). K).

The side (1) is formed in a so-called gravity rack type, with the article mounting section (B) inclined so as to be located at the lower end of the front end side, and the article is supplied to the rear side. The article (Xa) can be moved to the front side of the shelf by its own weight.

The side (1) is provided with a plurality of shelves (1A) arranged at equal intervals along the conveyance direction of the conveyor (2), and each shelf (1A) has a , top and bottom 2
A tier of article placement sections (B) is provided, and each article placement section (B)
Three types of articles (Xa) packed in boxes are stored side by side in each of the boxes.

In the illustration, the shelf parts (18) are arranged closely together, so by forming the width of each shelf part (1^) to be the same, each shelf part (1A) but,
They are arranged at equal intervals along the conveyance direction of the conveyor (1).

Therefore, a plurality of workers are arranged on the front side of the side (1), with one worker assigned to each shelf section (1A), and each worker is assigned to the container supply means (K). , and the transport conveyor (1) distributes them at equal intervals (
Among the plurality of containers (Z) transported by β), an article is placed in a container (Z) located in front of the shelf section (1A) in charge, which is taken out based on instructions from the article retrieval information described later. By performing the work of storing items, it is possible to store a plurality of types of items in the same destination container (2).

In other words, each container (
Z), articles with the same destination are stored in the front part of each shelf part (1A) based on the article retrieval information, and as a result, articles with the same destination are stored in each container (Z). will be sorted. By the way, multiple containers (Z) may be used for one destination, and in this case, multiple containers (Z) are treated as one container,
Work will be done.

Incidentally, the distance <i) between the containers (Z) in the transport direction corresponds to the distance between the shelf portions (1A).

Next, an instruction means (D) for instructing removal information of articles to be removed from each of the shelf portions (1A) into the container (Z);
The container (Z) is transported by controlling the drive of the transport conveyor (2).
a container transport means (G) for transporting the container, and a container supply means (K) for transporting the container.
) and the various means necessary for these means will be explained.

First, to explain briefly based on FIG. An order form (5) is created according to the contents of (3), and goods are purchased according to the contents of the order form (5). In addition, the host controller (4) creates work data for sorting goods based on the contents of the order form (3) manually entered in advance, and stores the work data in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. Work data storage means (6
).

The work data is formed by associating destination information and article information so that article information for each destination can be determined, and based on the destination information, each container (
The item retrieval information is instructed to Z). Generally, one container (Z) is used for one destination, but if there are multiple items for one destination, multiple containers (Z) may be required. There is. For this reason, the work data is formed in such a way that it is possible to determine the number of containers for each destination.Based on this container number information, as will be described later, the number of containers is also controlled, and the transport conveyor (2) is Container supply is now available.

A work controller (7) comprising a work data reading means (78), an arithmetic processing unit (7B), and a memory (7C) as a work data storage means is provided corresponding to the shelf (1), Work data is input into the computer controller (7) using the storage medium. However, a management worker is assigned to manage the work controller (7), and this management worker can manually enter work data into the work controller (7) and fill empty containers (K) into the container supply means (K). Work to replenish Z) will be carried out. Note that (8) in the figure is a printer that creates an inspection slip that describes information on the items stored in each container (z), and the printer that creates the inspection slip is instructed by the work controller (7). Become. By the way, the created inspection slip is used to check each container (Z) when replenishing empty containers (Z) by the above-mentioned management worker.
) in a predetermined order.

Therefore, after the work data is manually input to the work controller (7) and the work preparation is completed, a work start command is given from the setting panel (9), and the work controller (7) Said various means (D), (G)
, (K), etc. will be executed.

The container conveying means (G) controls container conveyance by intermittent driving of the drive motor (2a) of the conveyor (2), and basically, the conveyor (2) is continuously driven. The container (Z) is driven by the shelf part (1
In other words, if the item removal work has not been completed on any of the shelf sections (1A) even though the article has been transported a distance corresponding to the juxtaposition interval of A), in other words, each shelf section (2A> If the work of storing goods in the container (Z) is not completed in any of the above, the transport conveyor (2) is stopped and the unfinished container (Z) is placed on the next shelf (1A). Front side (
This will prevent the materials from being transported to the working area). Then, when the work on all the shelf sections (18) is completed, the drive of the transport conveyor (2) is restarted.

For this reason, there is a transport distance detection means (100) that detects the container transport distance from the time when the container (Z) is supplied to the front side of each shelf part (18), and a work progress of each shelf part (1A). A work situation management means (101) for managing the situation is configured using a work controller (7), and these means (101) are configured using a work controller (7).
The operation of the drive motor (2a) is controlled based on the information in (100) and (101).

The conveyance distance detecting means (100) drives the conveyor (2) at a constant speed, and the conveyor (2)
The conveyance distance is detected by measuring the driving time of the conveyor.

Incidentally, each time the container (Z) is moved a distance corresponding to the spacing between the shelf sections (1A), that is, each time the container (Z) is supplied to the next shelf section (1A), the above-mentioned The measured time is to be cleared.

The work status management means (101) includes a display device (
H) It is configured to manage the work progress status in each shelf section 1A) based on the information of the reset switch (10) provided in the display unit (II). Describe it when explaining.

As shown in FIG. 2, the indicating means (D) includes main indicator lights (11) arranged one at the top of each shelf part (18).
, a pair of upper and lower auxiliary indicator lights (12) provided in correspondence with the upper and lower article placement sections (B) of each shelf section (1A), and different types of articles stored in each shelf section (1A). Basically, when the main indicator light (11) is turned on, the shelf part (
18) indicates that there is an article to be taken out, and by lighting up the auxiliary indicator light (12), the upper and lower article placement sections (B),
It indicates on which side of the article loading section (B) the article to be taken out is located, and further indicates the article to be taken out and the amount to be taken out by the display (It). , of course, each shelf part (
1A), the article retrieval information for the container (Z) currently located on the front side is instructed.

To explain further, as shown in FIG. 4, the indicator (H) is lit to indicate that there is an article to be taken out, and at the same time includes a numerical display section (13) indicating the amount of articles to be taken out, The device (H) includes the reset switch (10) which is pressed when the work on the item (Xa) specified by the device (H) is completed, and furthermore, although not illustrated, information communication with the work controller (7) is provided. , numerical display section (1
3) and the main and auxiliary indicator lights (11) and (12).

In addition, each container (Z) transported by the transport conveyor (2)
Container position determining means (102) for determining in which of the plurality of shelf parts (1A) each of the shelf parts (1A) is located on the front side, the work controller (7)
), and the article retrieval information is instructed based on the information of the means (102).

The container position determining means (102) manages the container position based on the information from the transport distance detecting means (100). To explain further, the conveyance distance detection means (100) detects, as described above, each time the container (Z) moves a distance corresponding to the spacing between the shelf portions (1A).
Since the measured time is cleared, the container position determination means (102) uses the destination information of the container (Z) supplied to the starting end of the transport conveyor (2) and the location where the container (2) is transported. The container position is determined by associating and managing the number of times the measurement time is cleared as the measurement time progresses.

Therefore, the display device (11) is connected to the work controller (
7), the main and auxiliary indicator lights (
11) and (12) are operated based on information from the display (previously equipped controller).

In other words, the work controller (7) controls the position of the containers (Z) that are sequentially transported with respect to each shelf section (1A), and the next supply to the display device (H) of each shelf section (18). The work data of the container (Z) to be loaded is sent to the controller of the display (1]), and as the next container (11) is supplied to the front side of each shelf section (18), each display(
H) to display the next work data. The main indicator light (11) is provided on the shelf (18),
OR connection is made to all the indicators (II) placed on the screen, and a lighting command or a light-off command is given from each display (1]), and the auxiliary indicator light (12) is connected to the corresponding placing part (1). B) is OR-connected to all the indicators (H) installed on each indicator (
11) A lighting command and a lighting-off command can be given.

In short, the indicating means (D) indicates the indicator (H) based on the information from the work controller (7) as the next container (Z) is supplied to the front side of each shelf section (1A). The main and auxiliary indicator lights (11) and (12) are activated based on the information on the display (H), and each display (H) is equipped with a numerical display section ( 13) and the reset switch (1) of the display (H).
0), the auxiliary indicator light (12) is turned off when all the work on the corresponding article placement section (B) is completed, and the main indicator light 12) is turned off when the corresponding shelf section (B) is turned off. The light is turned off when all the work in step 1A) is completed.

Further, the work controller (7) is configured to manage the work progress of each shelf section (1A) as described above while receiving information from each display (H). In other words, the operation information of the reset switch (10) is displayed on each display (
The information is transmitted from the controller of H) to the work controller (7), and the status of the unused work is determined based on whether or not all the reset switches (10) of the display (H) with work have been pressed. It is designed to determine whether there is a completed shelf (one person).

The container supply means (K) basically transfers empty containers (Z) placed on a supply conveyor (14) which is provided in a constantly driven state to a transport conveyor (2). Every time each container (Z) is supplied to the next shelf section (1A), more specifically, every time the measurement time of the conveyance distance detection means (100) is cleared, the start end of the conveyor (2) Furthermore, the number of containers to be supplied in one supply operation can be changed freely, and the number of containers to be supplied can be changed based on the work data stored in the memory (7C). is configured to do so.

To explain, an electromagnetically operated opening/closing stopper (15) is installed between the supply conveyor (14) and the transport conveyor (2).
), a plurality of electromagnetically operated clamping tools (16) for clamping the empty container (Z) on the supply conveyor (14) from left and right, and a photosensor (16) for confirming the container.
a) A plurality of containers (16) lined up in the supply direction
A photosensor (17) for confirming the passage of the container (Z) to be supplied is provided to detect that the container (Z) to be fed has passed through the stopper location.

The two types of photosensors (16a), (17
) is input to the work controller (7), and the stopper (15) and clamping tool (16) are operated by commands from the work controller (7).

In other words, at the start of work or when the container (Z) already supplied is 1
When the supply start timing for feeding to the next shelf section (1A) is reached on the 11 feed conveyor (2), the stopper (1
5) is opened, and the clamping tool (16) is also opened in accordance with the number of containers to be supplied, thereby supplying the containers (Z) to the starting end of the transport conveyor (2). After the start of supply, the photosensor (17) is once shielded from light and then becomes unshielded again, and when the passage of the container (Z) is confirmed, the stopper (15) is closed and All clamping tools (16) must be opened and operated. After that, the photo sensor for container confirmation (16
All clamping tools (16) will be closed based on the information in a). In other words, each clamping tool (16) is
The photosensor (16a) located correspondingly detects the container (Z), and all the photosensors (16a) located on the downstream side of the conveyance than the photosensor (16a) detect the container (Z). It will be closed and operated on the condition that you do so.

Incidentally, in the example diagram, three clamping tools (16) are provided so as to clamp the second to fourth containers (Z)'' from the lower conveyance side to the upper side. The number of containers to be supplied can be set to a maximum of three.

In other words, when feeding one container (Z), only the stopper (15) is operated to open, and when feeding two containers (Z), the stopper (15) and the second container (Z) are opened.
The clamping tool (16) is opened and the three containers (
When supplying Z), use the stopper (15) and the second or third
The clamping tool (16) for the th container (Z) is operated to open.

Next, an explanation will be given while describing the control operation of the work controller (7).

That is, as shown in FIG.
) waits until a start command is given on the setting board (7C) after reading the work data.

When the activation command is given, an article retrieval information instruction process corresponding to the control operation of the instruction means (D), a container supply process corresponding to the control operation of the container supply means (K), and a container conveyance means (G) Each of the container transport processes corresponding to the control operations will be repeatedly executed until all the operations set in the operation data are completed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the article retrieval information instruction process is performed by sending a message to the controller of the display (H) of each shelf section (1A).
It is checked whether the work data for the container (Z) to be supplied next has been transmitted, and if it has not been transmitted, the work data is transmitted.

After that, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to switch the display contents, that is, when the work on the container (Z) located in front of each shelf section (1A) is completed and the next container (Z) is placed in each shelf section (1A).
) is the time to be supplied. and,
When it is the switching timing, the controller of each display (H) is commanded to display the next work data, and when it is not the switching timing, the process of receiving work progress information from the controller of each display (H). Execute.

In the container supply process, as shown in FIG. 7, first, it is checked whether the supply operation is in progress, and if the supply operation is not in progress, it is checked whether the setting of the next number of containers has been completed. However, if it is not completed, set the number of containers.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is time to start supplying. In other words, when work starts, it is determined that supply has started unconditionally,
During the work, the work on the containers (Z) located in front of each shelf section (1A) is completed and the next container (Z) is supplied to each shelf section (18). , it is determined that supply has started.

When it is determined that it is time to start supplying, the stopper (15) is opened and the clamping tools (16) corresponding to the number of containers to be supplied are opened and the supply operation is started.

After starting the supply operation, it is checked whether the passage of the container (Z) has been completed based on information from the photosensor (17) for confirmation of passage.

When the passage of the container (Z) is completed, the stopper (15) is closed, and then all the clamps (16) are opened. This allows the container (Z) on the supply conveyor (14) to
is sent to the stopper side.

After that, the presence or absence of the clamping tool (16) whose closing operation has not been completed is checked, and if there is, the container confirmation photo sensor (16) is checked.
The clamping tools (16) are closed based on the information in a), and the supply operation is ended by closing all clamping tools (16).

In the container conveyance process, as shown in FIG. 8, first, it is checked whether the conveyor (2) for conveyance is being driven or not, and if it is not being driven, it is checked whether the driving start conditions are satisfied or not. Check. In other words, at the start of work, it is determined that the drive has started unconditionally, and in the process described later, if the drive is stopped during the work, all the work on each shelf part (1A) is completed. If so, it is determined that driving has started.

When it is determined that the drive has started, the drive motor (2a
) to start driving and clear the measurement time for detecting the conveyance distance of the container (Z).

After that, after executing the process of measuring the time after starting the drive, it is determined whether the measured time is equal to or greater than the set value, that is, the container (Z) is transported a distance corresponding to the spacing between the shelves (1A). Check whether it was done or not.

When it is determined that the measured time is greater than or equal to the set value, it is checked whether there is a shelf part 1A) for which work has not been completed, and if there is not, the processing from the processing to clear the measured time is executed, If there is, the drive motor (2a) is stopped.

[Another example]

As shown in Figure 9, the shelves (1) are connected to the conveyor line (2).
It may be configured to include a shelf portion (1A) installed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction. Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the front side portion of each shelf portion (1A) is
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the working range is between the adjacent shelf parts (1A). Also, each shelf part (1
Even if A) are arranged in parallel at approximately equal intervals, the object of the present invention can be achieved.

The specific configuration can be changed in various ways, such as using a robot equipped with a container (Z) gripping tool as the container feeding means (K). Incidentally, in the case of the configuration as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, a photosensor for detecting the presence or absence of a container (Z) received by the stopper (15) and a container held by each clamping tool (16) are used. (2) Even if a photosensor is installed to detect the presence or absence of a container, and if there is no container (Z) at the time when it should be present, it will detect that there is a problem and activate an alarm. good.

In addition, various changes can be made to the specific configuration of each part necessary to carry out the present invention.

Incidentally, although reference numerals are written in the claims section for convenient comparison with the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the equipment for sorting goods, Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the shelves, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control configuration, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the display, and Figures 5 to 8. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation, and FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment. (1)・・・Shelf, (1A)・・・Shelf, (2
)...Transfer line, (7C)...Work data storage means, (102)...Container position determination means, (D)...Instruction means, ( K)・・・・・・
Container supply means, (2)...Container.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A conveyance line (2) for conveying containers (Z) for storing articles;
) and a shelf (1A) comprising a plurality of shelf parts (1A).
) are provided in such a manner that the respective shelf portions (1A) are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the conveyance direction of the conveyance line (2), and the containers (Z) are arranged along the plurality of shelf portions (1A). ) is provided with a container position determining means (102) for determining which shelf portion (1A) the container is located at, and the information of the container position determining means (102) and the information for sorting articles are provided. Work data storage means for storing work data (
7C) An article sorting facility is provided with an instruction means (D) for instructing removal information of articles to be taken out from each shelf portion (1A) to the container (Z) based on the information of item 7C),
A container supply means (K) that supplies the container (Z) to the starting end of the transport line (2) is configured to transport the container (Z) to the working range of the next shelf section (1A) by the transport line (2). Article sorting equipment that is set up so that it operates each time it is supplied. 2. The container supply means (K) is configured to be able to freely change the number of containers to be supplied in one supply operation, and the work data storage means (7C) is configured to change the number of containers to be supplied in one supply operation; The container supply means (K) is configured to automatically change the number of containers to be supplied for each supply operation based on the information in the work data storage means (7C). The article sorting equipment according to claim 1.