JPH02233404A - Distribution system for goods - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate coping with route change by making it possible to take out goods in reverse order to delivering order in distributing route, in the case of taking out goods gathered and classified into housing parts in every destination of received order, in a distribution center and the like. CONSTITUTION:Goods flowing on a conveyer 10 are gathered by respective operators (b) into containers 13 installed in pockets 12 of respective goods gathering shelves 11 according to a number indicator in every destination of received order. When a planned sorting is finished, the operator (b) positioned in upstream position 18 on the conveyor inputs the route number for the first distribution car into an operation table 19. The operation table 19 lights location lumps, not indicated in the figure, of respective pockets 12 according to taking out order, in distributing route, corresponding to route number set beforehand. Respective operators (b) take out containers 13 following the lighting. Route order numbers are given in distributing order reverse to taking out order by means of a label issuing machine 21. Namely, the first one is put in, the last order. Thus, it is possible to cope with route change flexibly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <<Industrial Application>> The present invention relates to a delivery system used in a product distribution center or the like in a product distribution route.

(Conventional technology) At distribution centers for products for supermarkets and chain stores, there is a system in which various products are stocked in the order quantity in response to orders from each store, and the ordered products are shipped to each store. A so-called delivery system has been introduced. Some delivery systems of this type employ a so-called sorting method. A delivery system that adopts this sorting method is, for example, a transport means that transports products by item, a product storage section for each store provided along the transport route of the products by the transport means, and a delivery system that currently uses the transport means. It has a sorting means for sorting and collecting the transported products to each product storage section according to the number of orders received for each store. In this system, when all the products have passed through the above-mentioned route, all the products ordered from each store are collected in each product storage section according to the number of products ordered. After the collection is completed, the products are taken out from the product storage section and shipped to each store. When shipping, products intended for multiple stores are generally loaded into a single delivery vehicle for each store, and the products are unloaded one after another at each store.

In this case, delivery methods include, for example, setting multiple delivery areas in advance, grouping multiple nearby stores, and operating delivery vehicles according to predetermined delivery routes set for each area, while the delivery center has set up multiple sorting lines corresponding to each delivery area, and has adopted a system in which each sorting line sequentially takes out products that have been sorted and collected into storage units for each store and loads them onto delivery vehicles. It may happen.

In such a case, generally, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, for the product storage sections 2...2 arranged on both sides along the product conveyance route by the conveyor 1 in the sorting line, First, one storage section 2...
2 in the order from downstream to upstream of the conveyance route, and then for the other storage section 2... Set up a collection location for each store so that products can be taken out at the store, and store the items at each collection location. The products of each store M collected in section 2...2 are taken out in the order of the collection locations as shown in the figure.

Incidentally, in the distribution of products, there are cases where it is required to flexibly deliver products by changing the delivery route depending on various conditions even within the same delivery area. In other words, in a certain delivery area, store A→B
For example, if a normal delivery route is set according to the delivery order of store → C store → D store → E store → F store → G store, for example, on a certain day, the fourth store D is closed. If there is no order, or if there is an urgent delivery scheduled from the 6th store F, then the delivery vehicle will be operated on a different delivery route, for example store A → store B → store F → store C → store E → store G. This is required.

To deal with this, in the sorting line of FIG. 9, the drug locations of the storage units 2...2 are set in advance for each store as described above, and these storage units 2...
2, the products sorted by each store are taken out in the loading order according to the delivery route for the day. At that time, for example, the worker may enter the store name on the shipping label attached to the shipping container installed in the storage section 2...2,
The collected containers are taken out in accordance with the loading order into the delivery vehicle while checking the delivery slips for each store on the route.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, there is a problem in that work efficiency is poor if the product is taken out while comparing it with the delivery slip etc. as in the past.

The present invention addresses the above-mentioned actual situation in a product delivery system using such a sorting method, and flexibly responds to changes in the delivery route so that products can be quickly delivered to each store on the changed route. After collection, we quickly deliver products to each store in the reverse order of delivery, so that
The task is to make sure that it can be removed.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the first invention) provides a storage unit for collecting products ordered by each store. , a sorting means for sorting the ordered products for each store into this storage section, a take-out instruction means for instructing to take out the products from the storage section, and a sorting means for sorting the ordered products for each store into this storage section; It is characterized by comprising a control means for operating a take-out instruction means to take out the product from the storage section.

In addition, the invention according to claim 2 of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the second invention) includes a storage unit that collects the products ordered by each store, and a delivery order in which the products are delivered to each store in the reverse order in the delivery route. a setting means for setting a collection location for each store in the storage section in a predetermined order such that the items can be taken out in a predetermined order; The present invention is characterized in that it has a sorting instruction means for sorting items.

(Function) First, according to the above configuration of the first invention, the control means controls the take-out instruction means so that the products are taken out from the storage section in an order opposite to the order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. make it work. As a result, the ordered products for each store that have been sorted by the above-mentioned sorting means and collected in the storage section can be quickly and reliably taken out in a predetermined order according to the order of loading onto the delivery vehicle on the relevant route. become.

Further, according to the above configuration of the second invention, the setting means takes out the products from the storage section in a predetermined order such that the products are taken out in an order opposite to the order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. Set drug locations for each store. and,
The sorting instruction means instructs the ordered products for each store to be sorted in correspondence with each collection location set by the setting means. As a result, if the products collected in the storage section are taken out in a predetermined order, the ordered products for each store can be quickly and reliably taken out in the predetermined order according to the order in which they are loaded onto delivery vehicles on that route. This means that (Example) Examples of the present invention will be described below. Note that this example concerns a sorting method. First, the overall configuration of the delivery system of the first embodiment according to the first invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. As shown in FIG. It has a conveyor 10, and collection shelves 11, 11 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor 10, respectively, along the conveyance path of the conveyor 10. As shown in FIG. 2, each collection shelf 1l is provided with a large number of pockets 12...12 in multiple stages, and a delivery container 13 for collecting ordered products for each destination store.
...13 are set to be installed. Further, above each pocket 12, there is a quantity display 14 that displays the number of items collected in the pocket 12, a location lamp 15 that lights up and displays the drug location, and a completion key that is turned on when the unit work is completed. 16 is provided. Note that each of the display units 17...17 is assigned an independent predetermined location code.

On the other hand, at a conveyor upstream position 18 near the starting end 10a of the conveyor 10, an operation console 19 for managing work is provided. In this embodiment, a label issuing machine 2l is installed at a downstream position 20 of the conveyor 10 at its terminal end 10b. As shown in FIG. 3, this label issuing machine 21 is equipped with a label issuing port 22 on one side of the front surface, and a numeric keypad 23 on the other side for manually inputting the number of sheets to be issued. When the number of labels is input from 23, the number of delivery labels 24 with the store name etc. printed thereon will be issued from the label issuing port 22 with a mount for the number of labels.

Next, the control system of this sorting system will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. This control system has a repeater 26 connected to a host computer 25 provided at the distribution center. This middle section device 26 stores delivery data transmitted from the host computer 25, such as the route number of each delivery route, the ordered products for each store in each delivery route, and the number of items ordered, as well as information on each of the pockets 12...12. Stores location data etc. for each set store. An operation console 19 is connected to this repeater 26, and a display unit 17 and a display unit 17 are connected to the operation console 19.
...17 and the label issuing machine 21 are respectively connected. The delivery work using the delivery system in this first embodiment will be explained below, but this delivery work basically consists of the following:
According to the delivery data and location data held in the repeater 26, the ordered products for each store are sorted for each store and collected into the corresponding pockets 12...12, and all items are shipped. The work is roughly divided into the work of taking out the goods from each pocket l2...12 after the collection of goods is completed.

First, the sorting work will be explained. This work is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, for example. First, worker b placed at the upstream position 18 of the conveyor,
The first item is transported to the starting end 10a of the conveyor 10.
and enter the product code of the item into the console 19 (step Sl>. Then, the product code is transmitted from the console 19 to the repeater 26, and the delivery data of the item is sent to the repeater 26. The data is read into the operation console l9 and stored, and the data is displayed on the display units 17...17.
and is transferred to the label issuing machine 2l. In this case, the repeater 26 has respective bogets 12...
A location file in which drug locations are set for each store is fixed to 12, and a location file is stored on the console 19.
By comparing this location file with the location code of the display unit 17, the delivery data for each store corresponding to each display unit 17 is individually transferred. The display units 17 . . . 17 that have received this cause the number display 14 to display the number of pieces (step S2). Incidentally, the rogation lamps 15...15 are also turned on at the same time. On the other hand, the worker b placed along the conveyor 10 is transported by the conveyor 10 in steps 83 to Ss.
After sorting only the number of products displayed on the number display 14 of the display unit 17 whose location lamp 15 is lit from among the products that have arrived, these products are placed in the container in the pocket 12 equipped with the display unit 17. 13, and turn on the completion key 16 after the injection is completed. Upon receiving this ON signal, the operation console 19 erases the number display on the display unit 17 of the pocket 12 and at the same time turns off the location lamp 15. Subsequently, in step S6, it is determined whether there is any display unit 17 whose number is still being displayed, and if so, the process returns to step S3, and the operations of steps 83 to S are performed on all display units 17...17. It is executed repeatedly until it is determined that there are no more pieces displayed. This results in
The ordered products for each store are collected into the containers 13...13 of the corresponding pockets 12...12 for one item. Note that when one container 13 is filled with products, an empty container 13 is replenished on top of it, as shown in FIG. Next, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the pre-scheduled product sorting has been completed for all items, and if it has not been completed, step S! Returning to step XOa, the product code of the next product placed and supplied to the starting end XOa of the conveyor 10 is input, and sorting work is performed on the ordered products for each store in accordance with the subsequent processing operations of steps 82 to S6. You will be killed.

Then, when it is determined that the scheduled product sorting has been completed for all items in step S7, the entire sorting work is completed. As a result, in the pockets l2...l2 of the collection shelf 1l, the ordered products for the corresponding stores are collected in containers l3...l3 in poor condition. When the sorting work is completed in this way, the work of taking out the products for delivery to each store is performed, and this work of taking out the goods follows the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. First, in step 7P, worker b at conveyor upstream position l8
inputs the route number of the first delivery vehicle to depart into the console 19. Note that the repeater 26 stores in advance a product take-out order file for each delivery route, which is filed so that the products are taken out in the reverse order of the delivery order to each store on the delivery route. Therefore, in step P2, the operation console 19 to which the route number has been input calls the take-out order file of the delivery route corresponding to the corresponding route number from the relay 26, and the product for the first store in the take-out order file is delivered. The location lamp 15 of the pocket 12 that has been placed is turned on by referring to the location file for each store.

On the other hand, the worker b placed along the conveyance path of the conveyor 10 takes out the container 13 containing the product from the bogette 12 indicated by the location lamp 15, and at the same time turns on the completion key 16. (Steps P,, P4). Note that the location lamp 15 is turned off at this time. Moreover, the container 13 after being taken out is
As shown in the figure, it is placed on a conveyor 10 and transported downstream. This container 13 is placed at the downstream position 20 of the conveyor by a worker b placed at the downstream position 20 of the conveyor.
It is transferred to the container stand 27 installed at 0. Then, the worker b selects the container l3... in step P5.
- After counting the number 13, input the number of sheets to be issued according to the number into the label printing machine 2l in step P6. Accordingly, the label issuing machine 21 prints the container 13 in step P.
...13 shipping labels 24...24 are issued. In this case, delivery information such as date, flight number, delivery route, route (delivery order), store number, store name, quantity, etc. is printed on the delivery label 24, as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

In other words, for example, if there are 5 stores on route 101 in the diagram, the first container 13 taken out will be the last 5 stores.
Route directions will be displayed so that you can get off the train next. This shipping label 24 is pasted on the container 13 in step P8. Note that the containers 13, . . . , 13 that have been taken out will be loaded into a delivery vehicle for each store. After that, in step P, it is determined whether or not the removal of products for all stores on the route is completed. If it is not completed, in step PTO, the removal of products from the next store is carried out in the same manner as in step P2. The stored location lamp 15 is lit, and steps Ps to P8
In the processing operation, the containers 13 in which the second and subsequent store products are collected are sequentially taken out. Then, when it is determined in step P9 that the removal of products from all stores has been completed, the process moves to step Pll, where it is determined whether there is another delivery route. If so, the process returns to step Pi, and the route number of the route is entered into the operation console 19, and the container 13 containing the products for the stores on the route is delivered in the opposite order to the stores on the delivery route, as described above. The delivery labels 24 issued by the label issuing machine 21 for the stores in question are affixed to each of them in this order. If not, the extraction operation will be terminated. As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the collection locations of the pockets 12...12 for collecting ordered products for each store are arbitrarily set, each store in each delivery route 1. Products destined for delivery will be quickly and reliably removed in a predetermined order according to the order in which they are loaded onto delivery vehicles on the route in question. By the way, Japanese sweets, buns, bento boxes, etc. There is a product that allows you to estimate in advance the number of shipping containers for each store based on the size of a single sea urchin. The second invention is suitable for delivery of such products, and a second embodiment of the second invention will be described below. The delivery system of this second embodiment has almost the same overall configuration as the first embodiment, so
In the following explanation, Figures 1 to 4 used in the first embodiment will be shared. First, the overall configuration of the delivery system of the second embodiment will be explained. As shown in FIG. This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment except for this point. Therefore, a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

Next, delivery work using the delivery system of this second embodiment will be explained. First, a product pick-up order file for each delivery route is calculated by the host computer 25 and transferred to the repeater 26, which is filed so that the products are taken out in the reverse order of the delivery order to each store on each delivery route. Ru. Furthermore, the host computer 25 calculates the number of containers 13 for each store based on the items and numbers of ordered products for each store. This data is also transferred to the repeater 26. Next, preparation work and actual delivery work are performed according to the flowchart in FIG. First, when the route number of the first delivery route is input into the operation console 19 at step T1, a delivery label 24 is required to be attached to the container 13 destined for the first store in accordance with the above-mentioned take-out order file at step T2. Empty container 13', which is issued in the same number of sheets and temporarily placed at the upstream position 18 of the conveyor in step T3.
...The above labels 24...24 are pasted at 13 degrees. This container 13' is located at the starting end 10a of the conveyor 10.
It is then loaded onto the train and transported downstream. In addition, when inputting the route number in step T1, each pocket 12...12 in the medicine shelf 11.
Collection locations are set up for each store according to the above pick-up order file. In this embodiment, for example, the pockets 12...12 of the collection shelves 11 arranged on both sides of the conveyor 10 in FIG. is set. In the subsequent step T4, the location lamp 15 of the pocket 12 assigned to the first store is lit, and in step T5, the container 13 is stored in the pocket 12. In this case, all the containers 13 are stored in the pocket 12 in advance. Note that when storage of the container 13 is completed, the completion key 16 is turned on, and the location lamp 15 is thereby turned off. After that, in step T6, it is determined whether there is another store on the route, and if so, the process returns to step T2 and the pockets 12...12 assigned to the second store or lower stores are determined.
Empty containers 13...13 are sequentially stored in the order according to the above retrieval order file. If not, the process moves to step T7, and it is determined whether there is another delivery route, and if so, the process returns to step T1, and collection locations are set for each store for each route following the second delivery according to the above-mentioned pick-up order file. Pocket 12 of the collection location
Empty containers 13...13 with shipping labels 24...24 for each store affixed to them are sequentially stored in...12. If not, the preparation work is completed, and a predetermined sorting work is subsequently performed in step T8. This sorting work is performed in the same procedure as shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the ordered products for each store are sorted by item and collected into pockets 12 . . . 12 for each store. After the collection is completed, the process moves to step T9, and the containers l3...13 containing the ordered products for each store are sequentially taken out from the pockets 12...12 on the downstream side of the transport route. As described above, according to the second embodiment, the collection locations of pockets l2...12 for collecting ordered products for each store are taken out in the reverse order of the order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. Since the products are set in such a predetermined order, the products for each store on each delivery route are quickly and reliably taken out in the predetermined order according to the order of loading onto delivery vehicles on that route.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the above arrangement of the first invention of the present application, the ordered products for each store collected in the storage section are delivered in the reverse order to each store on the delivery route. Since the order in which the products are taken out is specified, it is possible to take out the products in accordance with the order in which they are loaded onto the delivery vehicle for each delivery route, and it is possible to respond flexibly to changes in the delivery route. The effect is that this type of delivery work can be carried out quickly.Furthermore, according to the above configuration of the second invention of the present application, the products can be taken out in the reverse order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. A collection location is set in the product storage department, and the collection department is instructed to collect the ordered products for each store, so even in this case, the delivery vehicle on each delivery route This makes it possible to take out the products in accordance with the loading order, flexibly responds to changes in the delivery route, and provides the advantage that this type of delivery work can be carried out quickly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 show an embodiment of a delivery system common to the first and second inventions of the present application, FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of the delivery system, and FIG. 2 is a collection shelf in the system. 3 is a schematic front view of the label issuing machine, and FIG. 4 is a diagram of the control system in the system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the work procedure of the sorting work in the first embodiment, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the work procedure of the product picking work, and FIG.
The figure shows an example of a shipping label issued by a label issuing machine. Moreover, FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram showing the working procedure of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic layout diagram showing a conventional example. 10... Sorting means (conveyer), 12... Storage section (pocket), 15... Takeout instruction means, sorting instruction means (location lamp), 19... Control means (operation console), 25... Setting means (host computer).

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A storage unit that collects the products ordered by each store, a sorting unit that sorts the products ordered by each store into this storage unit, and a take-out instruction unit that instructs the removal of products from the storage unit. and a control means for operating a take-out instruction means to take out the goods from the storage section in an order opposite to the order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. (2) A storage unit that collects the products ordered by each store, and a storage unit that collects the products ordered by each store, and stores them in the storage unit in a predetermined order that is the reverse order of delivery to each store on the delivery route. A product delivery system comprising a setting means for setting a collection location, and a sorting instruction means for causing each collection location set by the setting means to collect ordered products for each corresponding store. .