JP2000262982A - Mail handling equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mail processing apparatus capable of shortening the processing time and improving the processing performance of mail. The sorting device includes a supply unit that supplies a plurality of mails, an extraction unit that extracts the supplied mail one by one, a reading unit that reads information regarding a destination of the extracted mail,
Data storage unit 3 for storing information on read destinations
2. It has a plurality of sorting pockets 15 for sorting mail items based on destination information. After all the mails supplied via the supply unit 2 are sorted based on the destination information,
For the second pass, from the sorting pocket 15 to the supply unit 2
At the time of the transfer process for transferring the data to the destination, two-pass sorting destination data and display data are prepared. Thus, two passes can be started at the same time as the transfer is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mail processing apparatus which reads destination information such as a postal code, a destination address, and an address written on a postal matter and automatically sorts the postal matter based on the destination information. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a mail processing apparatus, information (address information) on a destination such as a postal code, a destination address, and an address written on a postal matter is read, and mail is read based on the read destination information of the destination. 2. Description of the Related Art A sorting apparatus for automatically sorting objects is known.

In this sorting apparatus, all mails to be sorted are placed on a supply stand, the mails on the supply stand are taken out one by one, and the destination information described in the taken out mails is sequentially read. Based on the destination information, each mail is sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket. In general, in this type of sorting apparatus, mail items roughly classified in the first sorting are re-transferred to the supply stand without changing the order, and all mail items are supplied to the sorting device twice to collect mail items. Classify.

At this time, in the conventional sorting apparatus, after all mail sorted by the first sorting process (one pass) is transferred to the supply table without changing the order by the operator, the second sorting is performed. For the processing (two passes), a two-pass generation process for designating the sorting destination of the second pass based on the destination information of the mail obtained in the first pass is performed, and after the two-pass generation process is completed, the two-pass generation process is performed. Processing has been started. When transferring the postal matter for which one pass has been completed, the guide lamps arranged in each of the divided pockets are blinked to notify the operator of the order of taking out the mails.

[0005]

For this reason, in the conventional sorting apparatus, the guide lamp is controlled to blink at the time of the transfer processing of the mail when shifting from one pass to two passes, and the two-pass generation is performed after the transfer processing is completed. Since the rate processing was performed, there was a problem that much time was required to complete the two-pass processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mail processing apparatus capable of shortening the processing time and improving the processing performance of mail.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, a mail processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises:
Supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, take-out means for taking out the mails supplied by the supply means one by one, reading means for sequentially reading information on the address of the mail taken out by the take-out means, A plurality of sorting pockets that sort and accumulate based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which information about the destination has been read by the reading means; A first sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail based on the information on the destination read by the reading means, and sorting the mail to the sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means. After all mails supplied via the supply means are sorted and collected in predetermined pockets by the separation means. For the second sorting process, by the time the transfer of all the mail pieces sorted and accumulated in the sorting pocket to the supply means is completed, based on the information on the addresses of all the mail pieces stored in the storage means. And second sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails.

According to the mail processing apparatus of the first aspect,
After the first sorting process is completed, at the same time as the transfer process of transferring all the mail items sorted and accumulated in the sorting pockets to the supply means, a two-pass generator for designating the sorting pocket to be sorted for the second time. Since the rate processing is performed, the sorting time of mail can be reduced, and the processing capacity of mail per unit time can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; an extraction means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the destination of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; Means for sequentially storing information on destinations read from each mail by the means, and first sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail based on the information on destinations read by the reading means. And first sorting means for sorting the mail into the sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means; After the postal items are sorted and accumulated in the predetermined sorting pockets by the first sorting means, all the mail pieces sorted and accumulated in the sorting pockets are transferred to the supply means for the second sorting process. By the time, based on the information on the destinations of all the mails stored in the storage means, a second sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all the mails, Second sorting means for sorting all mails into the sorting pocket designated by the designating means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; a take-out means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the address of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A detecting means provided in the pocket to detect the presence or absence of postal matter accumulated in the sorting pocket; a storage means for sequentially storing information on destinations read from each postal matter by the reading means; and a reading means by the reading means A first division designating means for designating a division pocket for classifying the mail based on the information on the designated destination, and designation by the first division designation means A sorting means for sorting the mail into the sorted sorting pocket, and after all the mails supplied through the feeding means are sorted and collected in the predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means, a second sorting process is performed. Therefore, all the mails stored in the storage unit are detected by the detection unit until it is detected through the detection unit that the transfer of all postal items sorted and accumulated in the sorting pocket to the supply unit is completed. A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails based on the information on the destination.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; a take-out means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the address of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A detecting means provided in the pocket to detect the presence or absence of postal matter accumulated in the sorting pocket; a storage means for sequentially storing information on destinations read from each postal matter by the reading means; and a reading means by the reading means A first division designating means for designating a division pocket for classifying the mail based on the information on the designated destination, and designation by the first division designation means A first sorting means for sorting the mail into the sorted sorting pocket, and a second sorting after all the mails supplied through the feeding means are sorted and collected in the predetermined sorting pocket by the first sorting means. All the mails stored in the storage means are detected by the detection means until it is detected through the detection means that all mails sorted and collected in the sorting pockets have been transferred to the supply means. Based on the information on the destination of the postal matter, the second divisional designation means for designating the divisional pocket to be the second destination for all the mails, and all the divisional pockets designated by the second divisional designation means Second sorting means for sorting the mail.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; an extraction means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the destination of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and accumulating based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A display device provided in each of the pockets for notifying an operator of an order of picking up the mail items sorted and collected in each of the sorting pockets, and a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit. , Based on the information on the destination read by the reading means,
A first sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail, a sorting means for sorting the mail to the sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means, and the mail supplied via the feeding means. After all the mails are sorted and collected in the predetermined sorting pockets by the sorting means, the order in which all mails sorted and stacked in the sorting pockets are transferred to the supply means for the second sorting process is determined. Control means for operating the display to notify the operator; and, after all mail items are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means, the sorting is performed in accordance with the transfer order notified by the control means. By the time all mail sorted in the pocket has been transferred to the supply means,
A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails based on information on destinations of all mails stored in the storage means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; an extraction means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the address of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A display device provided in each of the pockets for notifying an operator of the order of picking up the mail items sorted and collected in each of the sorting pockets; and a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit. , Based on the information on the destination read by the reading means,
First sorting means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail, first sorting means for sorting the mail to the sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means, and supply via the feeding means All mailed items are
After the sorting is performed by the sorting means in the predetermined sorting pocket, the display is operated in the order of transferring all the mails sorted and stacked in the sorting pocket to the supply means for the second sorting process. Control means for notifying the operator by means of the first sorting means, and all mails are sorted and collected in the predetermined sorting pockets by the first sorting means, and then sorted and collected in the respective sorting pockets in accordance with the transfer order notified by the control means. By the time all of the mailed items have been transferred to the supply means, based on the information on the addresses of all the mailed materials stored in the storage means, the classification to be the second sorting destination of all the mailed goods There is provided a second sorting designating means for designating a pocket, and a second sorting means for sorting all mails into the sorting pocket designated by the second sorting designating means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing apparatus, comprising: a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails; an extraction means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one; Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the address of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A display unit provided in each of the pockets, for displaying to the operator the type of mail sorted and collected in each sorting pocket, and a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit. A first sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the postal matter based on the information on the destination read by the reading means; A sorting means for sorting the mail into the sorting pocket designated by the minute designating means, and a sorting means for sorting all the mails supplied through the supply means into a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means. For the second sorting process, by the time the transfer of all mail items sorted and accumulated in the sorting pocket to the supply unit is completed, based on the information on the addresses of all mail items stored in the storage unit, A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails and preparing data on a mail type to be displayed via the display unit of the sorting pocket to be sorted; It has.

Further, the mail processing apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention has a supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, an extraction means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one, Reading means for sequentially reading information relating to the address of the postal matter taken out by the takeout means; a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which the information relating to the destination has been read by the reading means; A display unit provided in each of the pockets, for displaying to the operator the type of mail sorted and collected in each sorting pocket, and a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit. A first sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the postal matter based on the information on the destination read by the reading means; First sorting means for sorting the mail into the sorting pocket designated by the minute designating means, and all mails supplied through the supply means are sorted and accumulated in a predetermined sorting pocket by the first sorting means. After
For the second sorting process, by the time the transfer of all mail items sorted and collected in the sorting pocket to the supply means is completed, based on the information on the addresses of all mail items stored in the storage means. A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails and preparing data on a mail type to be displayed via the display unit of the sorting pocket to be sorted; And second sorting means for sorting all mails into the sorting pocket designated by the second sorting designating means.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mail sorting apparatus 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sorting apparatus 1) as a mail processing apparatus according to the present invention.

The sorting apparatus 1 has character information (destination information) on destinations such as a postal code, a destination address, and an address on the first surface.
Are stored in an upright position with one end aligned so that the first surface faces in the same direction, and the supply unit 2 (supply means) for sequentially supplying these postal items to a predetermined take-out position ). The supply section 2 is provided with a supply table 2a extending below a sorting / stacking section 14 to be described later, and a plurality of transfer LEDs 2b for guiding a transfer position of mail.

At the take-out position of the postal matter located at the right end of the supply section 2 in the drawing, a take-out section 4 (take-out means) for taking out the postal matter supplied by the supply section 2 one by one along the main transport path 3. ) Are arranged.

By the way, in the postal matter input via the supply unit 2, the destination information (postal code, address, address, etc.) is described only on the first side, and the destination information is written on the first side. A code that is determined according to the mail address and is written in advance by the mail user (hereinafter referred to as a customer code) or an address determined according to the mailing address of the mail (town name, street name, number, number, etc.) Code, a postal code determined according to the postal code, or a mail ID assigned to a postal matter whose address information cannot be recognized by the address recognizing unit 36 described later.
Some are provided with codes and the like. In addition, the above address code and postal code are collectively referred to as an in-house barcode,
Each of these codes is added to the first surface of the mail as bar-coded information.

The postal matter taken out by the take-out section 4 is conveyed through a main conveyance path 3 having a conveyance belt running at a constant speed. On the main transport path 3, a positioning unit 5 for positioning the transport posture of the mail is provided. On the transport path branched from the main transport path 3 on the downstream side of the alignment unit 5, an elimination stacking unit (not shown) is provided for eliminating postal matter whose transport attitude is detected to be defective by a sensor (not shown). I have.

On the main transport path 3 on the downstream side of the positioning unit 5, the various bar codes (customer code, intra-office bar code, mail ID code) given to the first surface of the mail are read. A reading unit 6 having a barcode reading unit and a scanning unit that optically scans the first surface to read an image (destination image) of the first surface of the postal matter on which the destination information is described.
(Reading means) is provided. Further, on the main transport path 3 further downstream of the reading unit 6, a printing unit 8 for printing a mail ID code or an in-house bar code on the first surface of the mail as required is provided.

The main transport path 3 on the downstream side of the printing unit 8 is elongated to dry the ink on which the barcode is printed on the first surface, and mails are sent to the end of the main transport path 3 at a predetermined division pocket 15.
A sorting / stacking unit 14 for sorting and stacking is connected.

The section stacking section 14 has a plurality of section pockets 15 divided into a plurality of steps and a plurality of rows.
For example, the division pocket 15 is composed of 52 division pockets 15 in four rows and 13 rows. Above each of the sorting pockets 15, there are provided sorting gates to be described later, and mail is sorted into predetermined sorting pockets 15 by selectively switching these sorting gates.

FIG. 2 shows two arbitrary division pockets 15.
Is shown enlarged. Each sorting pocket 15 is an accumulation box 15 for accumulating mail sorted through the sorting gate.
a, a backup plate 15b for receiving a mail item provided to be able to move up and down inside the collecting box 15a, and a collecting box 15a
Empty detection sensor 15c (detection means) which is disposed at the bottom of the box and detects that the mail is empty, and a jam LED 15 for notifying the occurrence of a jam in the stacking box 15a.
d, a guide LED 15e (display) for notifying the operator of the order in which the mail is extracted, and an LCD 15f (display) for displaying the type (group) of mail sorted and collected in the stacking box 15a to the operator. Part).

Returning to FIG. 1, near the end of the main transport path 3 toward the sorting / stacking section 14, each path section 1 of the sorting / stacking section 14 is located.
A plurality of switching gates, which will be described later, corresponding to the main transport path 3 are provided by selectively switching each switching gate.
Are selectively connected to any one of a plurality of stages through each stage path unit 16.

An operation panel 18 on which various input operations are performed by an operator is provided on the right front side of the sorting apparatus 1 in the figure.

FIG. 3 shows the operation panel 18 in an enlarged manner. The operation panel 18 includes a display panel 18a for displaying various operation guidance for the operator, a pass end button 18b, an operation start button 18c, an operation stop button 18d, a power switch 18e, and the like.

Next, the sorting apparatus 1 configured as described above
A control system for controlling the sorting operation according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

The control system of the sorting apparatus 1 has a control unit 20 (control means, sorting means) for controlling the operation of each part of the sorting apparatus 1. The control unit 20 includes a supply unit 2 for sequentially supplying mails set on the supply stand 2a to a predetermined take-out position, a take-out unit 4 for taking out mails at the take-out position, and a main conveyance of the taken-out mails. A transport unit 3 for transporting via a road, a reading unit 6 for reading a customer code, an in-house barcode, a mail ID code, destination information, etc., written on a first surface of a conveyed mail, a first surface of a mail A printing unit 8 for printing an intra-office barcode or a mail ID code as necessary, a plurality of sorting gates 22 provided corresponding to the respective sorting pockets 15 of the sorting / accumulating unit 14, and each pass of the sorting / accumulating unit 14. A plurality of switching gates 24 provided corresponding to the section 16 are connected.

The control unit 20 includes an operation panel 18 on which various input operations are performed by an operator, a transfer LED 2b of the supply unit 2, an empty detection sensor 15c provided in each section pocket 15, a jam LED 15d, The guide LED 15e and the LCD 15f are connected.

The control unit 20 further stores a data storage unit 32 for storing and storing code data such as a customer code and an in-house bar code read by the reading unit 6, and delivery route data relating to the delivery route of mail. Database 34 and section designation control unit 30 (section designation means)
Is connected.

In the first pass, the sorting designation control unit 30 refers to the delivery route data stored in the database 34 based on the code data on the destination of the mail read by the reading unit 6, and sorts the mail. The destination is specified, and sorting destination data relating to the specified sorting destination is returned to the control unit 20. In the control unit 20, the classification designation control unit 3
Based on the sorting destination data returned from 0, the sorting gate 22 and the switching gate 24 are controlled, and the mail is sorted and accumulated in a predetermined sorting pocket 15. Also, in the two-pass generation, the sorting designation control unit 30 refers to the delivery route data stored in the database 34 based on the code data stored in the data storage unit 32, and sorts the mails in the second pass. In other words, the sorting destination of the mail is automatically generated by allocating the sorting pocket 15, and the display data to be displayed via the LCD 15f of each sorting pocket 15 automatically generated, that is, of the mail sorted into the sorting pocket 15, Prepare display data for the group.
In addition, the first pass is a process when a mail is supplied to the sorting apparatus 1 for the first time, and the second pass is a process before the process of the second pass after the process of the first pass is completed. Say processing.

The control unit 20 is connected to an address recognizing unit 36 for recognizing the destination information of the mail based on the destination image on the first surface read through the scanning unit of the reading unit 6. The address recognition unit 36 returns whether or not the destination information can be recognized to the control unit 20. When specifying the mail sorting pocket 15 based on the destination information recognized by the address recognition unit 36,
Data communication is performed between the address recognition unit 36 and the database 34. On the other hand, when specifying the sorting pocket 15 of the mail based on the code data read by the reading unit 6, data communication is performed between the sorting specifying control unit 30 and the database 34 as described above. Then, the section designation control unit 30 designates the sorting pocket 15 of the mail.

Further, the control unit 20 includes an image in which the image data read by the scanning unit of the reading unit 6 cannot be recognized by the address recognition unit 36 and the control unit 20 determines that the destination information cannot be recognized. A video coding system 40 (hereinafter, referred to as VCS 40) for coding data by an operation of an operator is connected.

The VCS 40 stores the image data of the mail read through the scanning unit when the address recognition unit 36 cannot recognize the address information of the mail, and can recognize the address information. An image storage / distribution device 42 for storing the mail ID code given by the printing unit 8 to the postal matter not stored, storing the image data and the mail ID code to some extent, and then distributing the image data and the mail ID code to the respective coding desks 44. ing. Each coding desk 44 includes a display unit (not shown) for displaying an address image supplied from the image storage / distribution device 42 to an operator, and an operation unit for the operator to key in destination information based on the image information. (Not shown), and the input destination information is returned to the image storage / distribution device 42 together with the mail ID code. The destination information and the mail ID code returned from each coding desk 44 to the image storage / distribution device 42 are stored here or returned to the control unit 20.

Next, the mail sorting operation in the sorting apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a predetermined number of mails are sorted by the sorting device 1.
A case where mail items are supplied twice and mail items are rearranged in order of delivery will be described.

All mail items to be sorted are set on the supply table 2a of the supply unit 2 by the operator (step 1), and when the sorting designation of the first pass is selected via the operation panel 18 (step 2). The supply of postal matter in the first pass is started (step 3), and the postal matter supplied to the takeout position by the supply unit 2 is taken out one by one onto the main transport path 3 by the takeout unit 4 (step 4). ). After the postal matter taken out on the main transport path 3 is positioned by the positioning unit 5, the transport posture is checked by a sensor (not shown) (steps 5 and 6).
The postal matter for which the conveyance posture defect has been determined is accumulated in an exclusion and accumulation unit (not shown) and is eliminated (Step 6; Yes, Step 7).

The postal matter determined in step 6 to have a normal posture is conveyed as it is through the main conveyance path 3 and passes through the reading section 6. The reading unit 6 reads the destination image on the first surface of the mail, together with the customer code and the in-office barcode that have been previously assigned to the first surface of the mail (step 8).

The code data such as the customer code and the in-station bar code read by the reading section 6 are sequentially stored in the data storage section 32 and sequentially transmitted to the section designation control section 30 under the control of the control section 20. The sorting designation control unit 30 refers to the database 34 on the basis of the transmitted code data, designates a sorting pocket for the sorting destination of the mail, and sends data relating to the designated sorting destination to the control unit 2.
Send to 0. The control unit 20 controls the sorting gate 22 and the switching gate 24 based on the transmitted sorting destination data, and sorts and collects the mail in a predetermined sorting pocket 15 (step 10).

On the other hand, if the customer code or the in-office bar code cannot be read in the process of step 8, the image of the first surface read through the reading unit 6 is read by the address recognition unit 36.
And the destination information is recognized. The recognized destination information is input to the control unit 20, where the destination information is coded to prepare an intra-office barcode, and the coded intra-office barcode is printed via the printing unit 8 on the postal matter. (Step 9). Then, the code data relating to the printed intra-office barcode is stored in the data storage unit 32 and transmitted to the sorting designation control unit 30. Based on this code data, the mail is stored in the predetermined sorting pocket 1
5 (step 10).

Further, in the process of step 8, the destination information (customer code, intra-office barcode, destination image on the first side)
Is not recognized, the image data of the destination image on the first side of the mail read through the reading unit 6 is stored in the image storage unit.
It is taken into the VCS 40 via the distribution device 42. At the same time, a mail ID code is prepared for the postal matter for which the address image could not be recognized, and the mail ID code is printed on the postal matter via the printing unit 8 and input to the VCS 40. Mail with the mail ID code printed
It is temporarily accumulated in a VCS reject sorting box (not shown).

In the VCS 40, the image data of the postal matter whose destination information could not be recognized is displayed on the display unit of the coding desk 44, the image is analyzed by the operator, and the destination information is input via the operation unit. The destination information is returned to the control unit 20 together with the mail ID.

The mails assigned with the mail ID code and accumulated in the VCS reject sorting box are supplied by the operator via the supply unit 2 of the sorting device 1 after all the mails in the supply unit 2 have been removed. Resupplied. On this occasion,
According to the mail ID code read by the reading unit 6, V
The intra-office barcode related to the destination information analyzed in the CS 40 is printed on the first surface via the printing unit 8, and the mail is sorted and accumulated in a predetermined sorting pocket 15 based on the printed code data (step). 10).

In the above-described first pass classification, the mail is classified based on a part of the code data of each mail acquired by the classification designation control unit 30. For example, if the acquired code is a four-digit code, in the first pass sorting process, mail is sorted based on the last two digits of the code.

As described above, when the division of the first pass of all mail is completed (step 11; Yes), the operator presses the pass end button 18b (step 1).
Triggered by 2), the mail transfer process by the operator (steps 13 and 14) and the two-pass generation process by the sorting device 1 (step 15) are started simultaneously.

In the mail transfer process, each of the sorting pockets 1 is transferred in accordance with the transfer order of the mail obtained based on the sorting destination data designated by the sorting designation control unit 30 in the first pass.
The guide LED 15e provided on the LED 5 is blinked sequentially (step 13). The operator follows the order of blinking of the guide LED 15e which is blinked in step 13.
The mail in the sorting pocket 15 is transferred onto the supply table 2a (step 14). Thereby, the mails are transferred in order without mistake in the transfer order.

In the case where a plurality of operators carry out transfer processing of mail, the guide LED 15e of each section pocket 15 flashes in accordance with the number of operators, and indicates the transfer position of mail. The transfer LED 2b of the supply unit 2 may be turned on according to the number of operators.

On the other hand, two-pass generation processing by the sorting apparatus 1 performed in parallel with the transfer processing (step 15)
With reference to the delivery route data stored in the database 34 based on the code data of all mail stored in the data storage unit 32 in the processing of the first pass under the control of the sorting designation control unit 30, The sorting destinations (sorting pockets) are assigned to all mails in the pass, and sorting destination data to be transmitted to the control unit 20 is prepared according to the code data of the mails. For example, if the code data of the postal matter has four digits, in the second pass classification, the classification destination is assigned based on the upper two digits code. In the two-pass generation, display data for displaying the assigned destination group to the operator via the LCD 15f of each partition pocket 15 is prepared.

According to step 14, all the division pockets 1
When the mail in 5 is transferred onto the supply table 2a, via the empty detection sensor 15c provided in each section pocket 15,
It is determined that all the divided pockets 15 have become empty (step 16; Yes). In preparation for the second pass, in each divided pocket 15 based on the display data prepared in the two-pass generation processing in step 15, L
The group name of the sorting destination is displayed via the CD 15f (step 17).

In this state, when the operator presses the two-pass start button 18c on the operation panel 18 (step 18), the second pass is started to be sorted based on the sorting destination data prepared in step 15.

When the division of the second pass is started, the supply unit 2
The supply of the mail transferred to is started (Step 1).
9) The mails supplied to the take-out position by the supply unit 2 are taken out one by one onto the main transport path 3 by the take-out unit 4 (step 20). The postal matter taken out on the main transport path 3 is sent to the positioning unit 5.
After the positioning, the transport posture is checked by a sensor (not shown) (steps 21 and 22), and the postal matter determined to have a poor transport posture is collected and removed by a rejection stacking unit (not shown) (step 22; Yes, step 2
3).

The postal matter determined to be normal in the transporting posture in step 22 is conveyed as it is through the main transporting path 3 and passes through the reading unit 6, and the first postal processing of the postal matter is performed in the first pass processing described above. The intra-office barcode attached to the surface is read (step 24).

The intra-office bar code read by the reading unit 6 is
Under the control of the control unit 20, the data is sequentially transmitted to the sorting designation control unit 30. The sorting designation control unit 30 compares the transmitted code data with the sorting destination data prepared in step 15 and sends the sorting destination data of the mail to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the sorting gate 22 and the switching gate 24 based on the transmitted sorting destination data, and sorts and collects the mail in a predetermined sorting pocket 15 (step 25). In the above-described second pass classification, mails are classified based on the last two digits of the code data of each mail acquired by the classification specification control unit 30.

As described above, when the sorting of the second pass of all mails is completed (step 26; Yes), the mail sorting operation is completed.

According to the present embodiment, after the sorting of the first pass is completed, all mail items are transferred from the sorting pocket 15 to the supply stand 2a by the operator according to the blinking of the guide LED 15e. At this time, in the control system of the sorting apparatus 1, the generation processing for two passes, ie, the sorting destination data and the LC of the sorting pocket 15 in the two passes, is performed.
Display data to be displayed via D15f is prepared, and the two-pass processing can be started immediately after the transfer of the mail is completed. For this reason, in the sorting apparatus of the present invention, the mail 2
The processing time required for the pass processing can be greatly reduced, and the processing capacity of mail can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a video coding system (VCS) is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a case where a video coding system is not used can be similarly implemented.

[0058]

As described above, since the mail processing apparatus of the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, the processing time can be shortened and the mail processing capacity can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mail sorting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view showing a sorting pocket incorporated in the sorting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view showing an operation panel incorporated in the sorting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system for controlling the operation of the sorting apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a mail sorting operation performed by the sorting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a mail sorting operation performed by the sorting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a mail sorting operation performed by the sorting apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mail sorting device, 2 ... Supply part, 2a ... Supply stand, 2b ... Transfer LED, 3 ... Transport part, 4 ... Extraction part, 5 ... Alignment part, 6 ... Reading part, 8 ... Printing part, Reference numeral 14: Sorting and stacking unit, 15: Sorting pocket, 15c: Empty detection sensor, 15e: Guide LED, 15f: LCD, 16: Step path unit, 18: Operation panel, 20: Control unit, 22: Sorting gate, 24 ... Switching gate, 30: section designation control unit, 32: data storage unit, 34: database, 36: address recognition unit, 40: VCS.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A supply unit for supplying a plurality of mails, an extraction unit for extracting mails supplied by the supply unit one by one, and information on a destination of the mail extracted by the extraction unit is sequentially read. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and accumulating mails based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which information about the destination has been read by the reading means, and information about the destination read from each mailing matter by the reading means is sequentially stored. Storage means for performing the sorting, a first sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail based on the information on the destination read by the reading means, and a sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designation means. A sorting means for sorting the mail, and all mail supplied through the supply means are provided with predetermined sorting pockets by the sorting means. After sorting and stacking, all the mails stored in the storage means are stored by the time the transfer of all mails sorted and stacked in the sorting pocket to the supply means is completed for the second sorting process. And a second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mail based on information on the destination. 2. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mails supplied by the supply means one by one, and information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means is sequentially read. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and accumulating mails based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which information about the destination has been read by the reading means, and information about the destination read from each mailing matter by the reading means is sequentially stored. Storage means for performing the sorting, a first sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail based on the information on the destination read by the reading means, and a sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designation means. First sorting means for sorting the mail, and all mails supplied through the supply means are sorted by the first sorting means in a predetermined manner. After sorting and stacking in the pocket, all mail stored in the storage means is stored by the time the transfer of all mails sorted and stacked in the sorting pocket to the supply means is completed for the second sorting process. A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails based on information on a destination of the goods, and all mails to sorting pockets designated by the second sorting designating means. And a second sorting means for sorting the mail. 3. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one, and sequentially reading information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets that sort and accumulate mail based on the information obtained by reading the information about the destination by the reading means, and a plurality of sorting pockets provided in each sorting pocket. Detecting means for detecting the presence / absence; storage means for sequentially storing information on destinations read from each mail by the reading means; and sorting of the mail based on the information on destinations read by the reading means. First sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket; and a sorter for sorting the mail into the sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means. After all mails supplied through the supply means are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means, all mail sorted and collected in the sorting pockets for the second sorting process. Until the transfer of the article to the supply means is detected by the detection means, the information of all the mails is stored in the storage means based on the information on the addresses of all the mails. And a second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be sorted for the second time. 4. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mails supplied by the supply means one by one, and sequentially reading information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets that sort and accumulate mail based on the information obtained by reading the information about the destination by the reading means, and a plurality of sorting pockets provided in each sorting pocket. Detecting means for detecting the presence / absence; storage means for sequentially storing information on destinations read from each mail by the reading means; and sorting of the mail based on the information on destinations read by the reading means. First division designating means for designating a division pocket; and first division for dividing the mail into the division pocket designated by the first division designation means. Means, and all postal matter supplied via the supply means are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the first sorting means, and then sorted and stacked in the sorting pocket for a second sorting process. By the time the detection unit detects that all mails have been transferred to the supply unit, all mails are stored based on the information about the addresses of all mails stored in the storage unit. A second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of the article; and a second sorting means for sorting all mails into the sorting pocket designated by the second sorting designating means. Mail processing device characterized by the following. 5. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out each mail supplied by the supply means, and information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means; a plurality of sorting pockets which sort and accumulate based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which information on the destination has been read by the reading means; and mails which are provided in each sorting pocket and which are sorted and integrated in each sorting pocket. A display for notifying the operator of the order of taking out the articles, storage means for sequentially storing information on the addresses read from each mail by the reading means, and information on the addresses read by the reading means, To a first sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail, and to a sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designation means. A sorting means for sorting the mail, and after all mail supplied through the supply means are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means, the sorting pocket is used for a second sorting process. Control means for operating the display to notify the operator of the order in which all mail items sorted and collected in the supply means are transferred to the supply means; and all mail pieces are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means. After that, all the mail items stored in the storage means are transferred by the time all the mail items sorted and accumulated in the respective sorting pockets have been transferred to the supply means in accordance with the transfer order notified by the control means. And a second sorting designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mail based on information on a destination of the mail. Equipment. 6. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mail supplied by the supply means one by one, and sequentially reading information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means; a plurality of sorting pockets which sort and accumulate based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter from which information on the destination has been read by the reading means; and mails which are provided in each sorting pocket and which are sorted and integrated in each sorting pocket. A display for notifying the operator of the order of taking out the articles, storage means for sequentially storing information on the addresses read from each mail by the reading means, and information on the addresses read by the reading means, To a first division designating means for designating a division pocket for dividing the mail, and to a division pocket designated by the first division designation means. A first sorting unit for sorting the mail, and a second sorting process after all mails supplied through the supply unit are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the first sorting unit. Control means for operating the display to notify an operator of the order in which all mail pieces sorted and accumulated in the sorting pocket are transferred to the supply means; and all mail pieces are determined by the first sorting means. After the sorting and stacking into the sorting pockets, and until all the mails sorted and stacked in the respective sorting pockets have been transferred to the supply means in accordance with the order of transfer notified by the control means. Based on the information on the destinations of all the mails stored in the second section, a second section specifying means for specifying a sorting pocket to be a second sorting destination of all mails, And a second sorting means for sorting all the mails into designated sorting pockets. 7. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mails supplied by the supply means one by one, and sequentially reading information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter whose destination information has been read by the reading means, and mail provided in each sorting pocket and sorted and collected in each sorting pocket. A display unit for displaying the type of the object to the operator; a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit; and a storage unit for sequentially storing the information on the destination read by the reading unit. A first sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail, and a sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means. A sorting means for sorting the stool, and all the mails supplied through the supply means are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the sorting means, and then are sorted into the sorting pocket for a second sorting process. By the time all the sorted mail items have been transferred to the supplying means, the second sorting destination of all mail items is determined based on the information on the addresses of all the mail items stored in the storage means. And a second sorting designating means for designating sorting pockets and preparing data relating to the type of mail to be displayed via the display section of the sorting pocket to be sorted. Processing equipment. 8. A supply means for supplying a plurality of mails, a take-out means for taking out the mails supplied by the supply means one by one, and sequentially reading information on a destination of the mail taken out by the take-out means. Reading means, a plurality of sorting pockets for sorting and collecting based on the information obtained by reading the postal matter whose destination information has been read by the reading means, and mail provided in each sorting pocket and sorted and collected in each sorting pocket. A display unit for displaying the type of the object to the operator; a storage unit for sequentially storing information on the destination read from each mail by the reading unit; and a storage unit for sequentially storing the information on the destination read by the reading unit. A first sorting designation means for designating a sorting pocket for sorting the mail, and a sorting pocket designated by the first sorting designating means. First sorting means for sorting the stool, and after all the mails supplied via the supply means are sorted and collected in a predetermined sorting pocket by the first sorting means, for a second sorting process, By the time all the mails sorted and collected in the sorting pockets have been transferred to the supply means, based on the information on the addresses of all the mails stored in the storage means, the second time of all the mails A second division designating means for designating a sorting pocket to be sorted into, and preparing data relating to the type of mail to be displayed via the display section of the sorting pocket to be sorted; And a second sorting means for sorting all mails into designated sorting pockets.