JPH04223902A - Article classification device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate and ensure the verification of categories and quantity working steps by providing display devices of categories and quantity of articles, a classified switch for requesting classification command of the articles of next work when the storing work is finished, and a classification display lamp therefore, on a central control device. CONSTITUTION:A central control device 9 is composed of a host computer 6, and of a course controller 7, while a classification display device 10 provided for each classification box 1 for which a retail shop is specified, is connected to the course controller 7 of each course, and its display part 11a displays a set numeral that indicates certain category, while a display part 11b displays the number thereof. A classification finishing switch 12 for informing the course controller 7 that the classification work is finished, is provided, while a classification display lamp 13 is lighted when there is a classification command from the course controller 7, and is turned out when there is no command. An operational lamp 14 is connected to each course controller 7, and is lighted or turned out along with the classification display lamp 13, and the completion of classification operation is thus verified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a product sorting device that is necessary when delivering products such as bread and confectionery to a large number of stores.

[Conventional technology]

Today's large-scale manufacturers of bread and Japanese and Western confectionery,
The number of stores to which these products should be delivered is 10, including directly managed stores, franchise stores, supermarkets, retail stores, etc.
It is not uncommon for the number of stores to exceed 00.

In addition, there may be hundreds of product types reflecting consumers' diverse taste trends. Furthermore, to ensure product freshness, multiple deliveries per day are required.

Here, if the products to be sorted are enclosed in cans, bottles, etc., and are difficult to deform and change in quality, and there are relatively few types of shapes, for example, the products are conveyed on a belt conveyor, and an optical sensor or the like is used to sort the products. It is possible to introduce a system that discriminates the type of product and operates the drive mechanism based on the detection signal to distribute and store each product into predetermined sorting boxes, so it can be greatly automated by also using computer control. , it is not impossible to save labor.

However, the products targeted here, such as bread and Japanese and Western confectionery, come in a wide variety of shapes, and depending on how they are handled, they are easily deformed and deteriorated, which immediately leads to a decrease in product value. For this reason, the current situation is that the work of sorting these products must be done manually.

Therefore, for companies that handle these products, sorting the products for delivery becomes an extremely important issue.

FIG. 7 explains the procedure for conventional product sorting work. In the figure, (1a) (1b)...
are sorting boxes arranged on the workbench (2), each of which specifies the store where the items are sorted.

If there are more than 1000 stores, usually 200
Multiple courses are arranged in parallel, with the size of a restaurant serving as one course. (3) is the product to be sorted, bread (4).
This is a work vehicle that carries A) and is operated by a worker (5).

Next, the outline of the sorting work will be explained. In advance, each sorting box (1a)... has a sorting list (
This list clearly specifies the type and quantity of bread to be delivered to the store.

The worker (5) first loads the required number of products to be sorted, such as red bean paste (4A), onto the work vehicle (3), and first sorts the specified number of red bean bread while checking the sorting list in the sorting box (1a). (4A) is stored in the sorting box (1a).

Then, put a check mark indicating that it has been sorted in the sorting list. Next, move to the sorting box (1b) and perform the same operation. If anpan is not specified in the sorting list, it will be moved to the next sorting box.

When the sorting work for the red bean bread is completed, the next product, for example, cream bread (4B), is sorted. Thereafter, the work continues in the same manner and all products are sorted.

[Invention or problem to be solved]

As mentioned above, conventional product sorting work was performed entirely by humans, partly due to the characteristics of the target products. It is necessary to confirm and enter a check mark. As a result, the work is complicated and mistakes are likely to occur, and these problems become extremely serious, especially when attempting to quickly sort a large quantity of various products as described above.

This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.In addition to ensuring the quality of the product by maintaining the manual handling of the product, it also simplifies the related work contents and improves the work efficiency. To provide a product sorting device that can speed up operations, simplify confirmation methods, and reduce the occurrence of mistakes.

[Means and operations for solving the problem] The product sorting device according to the invention of claim 1 is for sorting and storing products in sorting boxes provided for each sorting destination, and for sorting and storing products in sorting boxes provided for each sorting destination. a central control unit that stores the type and quantity of the product, and a display that is placed near each of the sorting boxes in correspondence with each sorting box and displays the type and quantity of the product to be sorted according to sorting commands from the central control unit. a sorted switch that is operated when the work of storing each type of product in the sorting box is completed and transmits the completion of the work to the central control unit and requests a sorting command for the next work of products; The apparatus is equipped with a sorting display device provided with a sorting indicator light that is turned on when there is a sorting command from the control device and turned off when there is no sorting command.

In this case, the operator looks at the display of the sorting display device provided for each sorting box and stores the products of the displayed type and quantity into the sorting box. When the work of accommodating each type of product is completed, the sorted switch is operated. Once all the scheduled products have been placed in the sorting box,
The sorting indicator light of the sorting display device is turned off.

Further, the above-mentioned central control device is provided with an input section, the input section is operated to set the product type, and the set ranking number is displayed on the display section of the sorting display device as a symbol for product identification. Good too.

In this case, the task of setting product types becomes easier, and the display of product types becomes easier in the order of setting, for example, 1, 2, etc.
The operator only has to judge the product type from this number display.

The product sorting device according to the invention of claim 3 stores the products according to their type along a course, moves the sorting box in which the sorting destination is specified along the course, and stores the stored products. The device is successively sorted and stored in the sorting boxes, and includes a central control device that stores the types and quantities of the products for each sorting destination, and a central control device that is installed corresponding to the storage position for each type of product. A display that displays the sorting destination and quantity to which the products of the relevant type stored at the installation position are to be sorted according to the sorting command from the control device, and the display that is operated when the work of storing the products of the relevant type in the sorting box is completed. A sorted switch that transmits the completion of the work to the central control device and requests a sorting command for the next work of products, and a sorting switch that lights up when there is a sorting command from the central control device and turns off when there is no more sorting command. It is equipped with a sorting display device equipped with an indicator light.

In this case, the operator looks at the display of the sorting display device provided for each storage position of each type of product and stores the displayed quantity of products in the sorting box at the displayed sorting destination. When the work of accommodating the products is completed, the sorted switch is operated. When the sorting work of the products at the storage position to each sorting destination is completed, the sorting indicator light at the sorting display position turns off.

Alternatively, the central control device may be equipped with an input section, the input section may be operated to set the sorting destination, and the set rank number may be displayed on the display section of the sorting display device as a symbol for identifying the sorting destination. good.

In this case, the sorting destinations are displayed in the order of settings, for example, 1, 2,
..., and the operator only has to judge the destination of each sorting box from this number display.

Furthermore, if the machine is equipped with a work indicator light that lights up when the sorting indicator light of one or more sorting display devices is on and turns off when the sorting indicator lights of all the sorting display devices are off. , Completion of the scheduled sorting work is confirmed by turning off the work indicator light.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, (6)
is a host computer, and peripheral devices include a CRT display (6a), a keyboard (6b), and a printer (6b).
c) are connected, and these are used to input/output, display, and record various information related to sorting work, as well as input work instructions and the like. (7) is a course controller provided for each sorting work course, and each host computer (6
) is connected.

The course controller (7) also has a barcode reader (BCR) as an input unit that reads the barcode displayed on the bread wrapping paper to determine the type of bread that is the product.
(8) is provided. The host computer (6) and course controller (7) constitute a central control device (9).

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the course controller (7), and its front panel is equipped with a display section (7a) for displaying various types of information and a key section (7b) for performing input operations.

(10) is a sorting display device provided for each sorting box (1) in which a store as a sorting destination has been specified, and is attached near the top of each sorting box (1). Further, these sorting display devices (10) are grouped by course and connected to the course controller (7) of each course to exchange signals.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the external appearance of the sorting display device (10). In the figure, (11) is a display device that displays a total of four digits. Among them, the leftmost single digit display part (11a)
displays a setting number (details will be described later) representing the type of bread, and the remaining three-digit display section (11b) displays the number of breads of the type to be stored in the sorting box. (1
2) is a sorted switch that is operated by the worker to transmit information to the course controller (7) when the sorting work for each type of bread is completed, and is a push switch (12a).
) and a pull switch (12b), and the operator can operate either switch.

(13) is a sorting indicator light that lights up when there is a sorting command from the course controller (7) and turns off when there is no sorting command. Specifically, an LED is used, and a sorting display device ( The same thing is attached to three sides of 10).

Returning to FIG. 1, (14) represents each course controller (7).
) with the work indicator light connected to any one of the courses concerned.
sorting indicator light (13) of sorting display device (10)
) is on, and is configured to turn off when the sorting indicator light (13) of all sorting display devices (10) goes out, and is used to confirm the completion of the sorting work for the corresponding course. It is. Set it at a certain height or position so that workers can clearly see it,
If necessary, multiple units may be provided to operate simultaneously.

Next, the operation and work procedure when sorting bread products using this product sorting device will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, we will explain the work process for one unit, taking as an example a case where a work method is adopted in which up to nine types of bread are sorted simultaneously as one unit, and this process is repeated to sort all types of bread.

Furthermore, data on the type and quantity of products for each sorting destination is read and stored in the host computer (6) in advance on a flexible disk (not shown).

First, bread for the first unit work (here, three types of bread, bean paste, white bread, and cream bread) are loaded onto the work vehicle (3) and transported to the work start position of each course. At the same time, sorting information for these first unit operations is sent to each course controller (7) from the host computer (6).

When you start the course controller (7), first,
Initialize the pan setting number n to 1 (step S
1) Next, the BCR (8) reads the barcode displayed on the wrapping paper of the red bean paste (step S2). Here, when the setting key of the key part (7b) of the course controller (7) is pressed, the setting number n is assigned, and the setting number of the product type "Anpan" identified in step S2 is fixed as "1" ( Step S3). Steps S2 and S
3, n is the number of bread types P for the first unit work (here, P=
3) is repeated until reaching 3) (step S4).

When the barcode reading is completed, the start key of the key part (7b) is pressed to start the sorting work (step S5).

The worker stops the work vehicle (3) in front of the first sorting box on the course and starts sorting work according to the content displayed on the display (11) of the sorting display device (10) (step S6). For example, if the display unit (11a)
1", and if the display section (11b) is displaying "005", take out 5 pieces of red bean paste corresponding to setting number n=1 from the work vehicle (3) and place them in the first sorting box. .

When this work is completed, the sorted switch (12) is operated by, for example, pulling the pull switch (12b). This notifies the course controller (7) that the work of sorting the bean paste into the first sorting box (1) has been completed, and the course controller (7) sends the information to be sorted next. is displayed on the display (11) of the first sorting display device (10). In this way, as the sorting information continues to be sent, the sorting indicator light (13) remains lit, so the worker sees this and continues working on the sorting box. (
Step S8).

Next, "2" is displayed on the display section (11a), and "2" is displayed on the display section (11b).
If "007" is displayed, the worker takes out seven pieces of bread corresponding to the setting number n=2 from the work vehicle (3) and puts them into the first sorting box. When this work is completed, the sorted switch (12) is operated in the same way as last time. For example, if there is no cream bread to be sorted into the first sorting box (corresponding to setting number n=3), after operating the sorted switch (12), the sorting indicator light (13 ) goes out, the flow of step S8 becomes YES, and the process moves to step S9.

At this point, only the sorting into the first sorting box has been completed, so naturally the work indicator light (14) is lit, the flow is NO in step S9, and the worker returns to the sorting indicator light (13). Move the work vehicle (3) to move on to the sorting work to the second sorting box where is lit (
Step S10).

The contents of steps S6 to S10 will be continued until the sorting work into all the sorting boxes of the course is completed.

When these tasks are completed, the task indicator light (14) goes out, and therefore the flow of step S9 is YES, and the series of operations ends. In other words, the work of sorting the first unit of three types of bread to the sorting destination belonging to the course is completed.

As described above, in this embodiment, due to the characteristics of the bread product, which has a large number of types and is easily damaged, the sorting work itself is carried out manually as in the past, but the work is complicated and prone to mistakes. We have abandoned the conventional method of sorting lists (delivery slips) and are now equipped with a central control unit (9) and a sorting display device (10) that operates based on information from the central control unit (9) and operator operations. Various effects listed below can be obtained.

(1) The operator only has to work by looking at the sorting information for one type of bread (the setting number representing the type of bread and its quantity) displayed on the display (11), which makes it easier to see and increases work efficiency. Also, there are fewer mistakes due to misreading, etc.

(2) This setting number is also a one-digit number, and BCR (
8), the settings are made in accordance with the reading order, making it easy to identify and setting work, improving work efficiency.

(3) By operating the sorted switch (12), the completion of sorting work for one type of bread is confirmed and the next sorting content is displayed, making it easy and reliable to check the progress of each work step. be exposed.

(4) Since the sorting indicator light (13) is provided, the worker can easily understand the unfinished status of the work by lighting the indicator light, and it is possible to reliably prevent the operator from overlooking the sorting work in each sorting box. .

(5) Since the work indicator light (14) is provided, the worker can easily and reliably judge whether or not the sorting work for the entire course has been completed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, BCR (
8), the barcode attached to the product is read, but the product identification number may also be input by operating the numeric keypad of the key section (7b) of the course controller (7).

In addition, in the above embodiment, a case was explained in which a method was adopted in which three types of products were sorted in the first sorting box and then moved to the next sorting box. The present invention can be applied in the same way and the same effect can be obtained even if a method is adopted in which after sorting into all the sorting boxes, the next product is sorted in the same way and this is repeated.

The sorting method explained above involves sorting the products (4) loaded onto the work vehicle (3) into the sorting boxes (
1) It is commonly called the sowing method because it is stored and sorted. Since the sorting work can proceed sequentially from manufactured products, in the case of products that require early morning delivery, such as bread, a considerable portion of the sorting work can be done the day before, and the remaining part can be done early in the morning. This has the advantage of reducing late-night work.

Similar to the sowing method, the so-called picking method is a conventional method for sorting products. This stores products by type according to the course,
A sorting box with a specified sorting destination is moved along the above-mentioned course, and the stored products are sequentially sorted and stored in the above-mentioned sorting boxes. Figure 5 shows an implementation using the above-mentioned picking method. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting device according to an example.

In the figure, the host computer (6), course controller (7), sorting display device (10), and work indicator light (14) are almost the same hardware as shown in Figure 1. As shown in FIG. 5, each sorting display device (10) displays products stored by type along the course, such as red bean paste (4A), white bread (4B), cream bread (4C), and jam bread (4C). 4D
) are placed at each storage position. In addition, the display part (11a) of the display (11) of the sorting display device (10) (third
(see figure) displays a number for the sorting destination type, and its display section (11b) displays the quantity of the product to be sorted to the sorting destination.

Then, the worker (5) places the sorting box (1) in which the sorting destination has been specified on the work vehicle (3), and while moving along the course, turns on the display (11) of each sorting display device (10). A so-called picking operation is performed in which the bread products stored at each position are sorted and stored in the sorting boxes (1) according to the displayed contents.

Next, up to 9 stores (sorting destinations) are considered as 1 unit.
Taking as an example the case where two courses are sorted at the same time, the work process for one unit will be explained according to the flowchart in FIG.

As in the case of the previous embodiment, the host computer (6
) stores data on product types and quantities for each sorting destination.

First, the sorting destination for the first unit work (here, Itami store,
The sorting boxes (1) in which three stores (Amagasaki store and Takarazuka store) have been identified are loaded onto a work vehicle (3) and transported to the work start position of the course. If the total amount of sorting is relatively small, the sorting boxes (1) for three stores can be placed in one work vehicle (3).
The sorting work is carried out by one worker (5), but if there is a large amount to be sorted, the work vehicle (3) or worker (5)
Increase the number of

When you start the course controller (7), first,
The setting number n of the sorting destination is initialized to 1 (step S1), and then the store number of the Itami store is input by operating the numeric keypad of the key section (7b) as an input section (step S2). Here, when the setting key of the key part (7b) is pressed, setting number n is assigned, and the setting number of the store type "Itami store" identified in step S2 is determined as "1" (step S3).

Steps S2 and S3 are repeated until n reaches the number of store types P (here, P=3) for the first unit work (step S4).

Next, the start key of the key part (7b) is pressed to start the sorting work (step S5). The worker moves the work vehicle (3) to the first sorting position of the course, that is, the Anpan (4)
A), and the sorting display device (10
) The sorting work is started according to the contents displayed on the display (11) of the machine (step S6). For example, the display section (11
a) is “1” and the display section (11b) is “010”, the operator can check the stored red bean paste (4A).
10 pieces are taken out and placed in a sorting box (1) bound for Itami store, which is the store corresponding to the setting number n=1.

When this work is completed, the sorted switch (12) is operated by, for example, pulling the pull switch (12b). As a result, the course controller (7) is informed that the sorting of the red bean paste (4A) to the first Itami store has been completed, and the course controller (7) sends the information to be sorted next. is displayed on the display (11) of the first sorting display device (10). In this way, as the sorting information continues to be sent, the sorting indicator light (13) remains lit, so the worker sees this and continues working on the sorting box. (
Step S8).

Next, "2" is displayed on the display section (11a), and "2" is displayed on the display section (11b).
If "014" is displayed, the worker takes out 14 Anpan buns (4A) stored at the same location and puts them in the sorting box (for Amagasaki store), the store corresponding to the setting number n=2. Put it in 1). When this work is completed, the sorted switch (12) is operated in the same way as last time. Here, for example, if there is no sorting of Anpan (4A) for the Takarazuka store (corresponding to setting number n = 3), after operating the sorted switch (12) mentioned above, the sorting indicator light (13)
goes out, the flow of step S8 becomes YES, and the process moves to step S9.

At this point, only the first bean bread (4A) has been sorted, so naturally the work indicator light (14) is on, the flow is NO in step S9, and the worker is not able to see the sorting indicator light (14). The work vehicle (3) is moved to the storage position for the second loaf of bread (4B), for which the icon 13) is lit (step S1).
0).

The contents of steps S6 to S10 are continued until the sorting work of all bread products of the course is completed.

When these tasks are completed, the task indicator light (14) goes out, and therefore the flow of step S9 is YES, and the series of operations ends.

In the case of this embodiment as well, as described in the previous embodiment, there is an effect that work efficiency is greatly improved, oversights and mistakes in work are prevented, and work quality is improved.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which sorting work is performed at three stores at the same time, but the work may be performed for each store.

Alternatively, work vehicles loaded with sorting boxes destined for different sorting destinations may be started in opposite directions from both ends of the course, and the sorting work may be performed sequentially toward the other end. In this case, compared to the case where the work proceeds in the same direction, there is an advantage that it is easier to secure a work space for the sorting work. Furthermore, the course is formed into a ring shape,
A method may be adopted in which a plurality of work vehicles are made to proceed with work by having their work start and end positions different from each other.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the key part (
7b), the store number is input using the numeric keypad, but all sorting boxes (1) are dedicated to each sorting destination, and each sorting box (1) is equipped with a bar code that identifies that sorting destination. Attach the course controller (7) BC
The method of reading the barcode using R(8) may be adopted.

In each of the above embodiments, the central control device (9) is a host computer (6) and a plurality of course controllers (7).
However, depending on the scale of the sorting work, they may be combined into one machine.

In addition, information on the progress of sorting work is displayed on the sorting display device (1
0) to the host computer (6) via the course controller (7), and output the unsorted and sorted parts by product, sorting destination, and course to the attached CRT screen or printer. Good too. In addition, the display monitor of the work indicator light (14) can be changed to the course controller (
7) may be provided in the display section (7a).

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention includes a predetermined central control device, a display device,
Equipped with a sorting display device equipped with a sorted switch and a sorting indicator light, it is easy and reliable for workers to visually grasp the type and quantity of products to be sorted, destinations, and quantity.
In addition, it becomes easy and reliable to check the progress status of each work step and the unfinished status of work, and it is possible to improve work efficiency and reduce work errors regardless of the so-called sowing method or picking method.

In addition, in the case where the product and sorting destination are entered in the input section and the ranking number set based on this is displayed on the display as a symbol for identifying the product and sorting destination, it is possible to Setting work is simple and efficiency is improved, and visual identification by the operator is also easy and reliable.

Furthermore, if a predetermined work indicator light is provided, it is possible to very easily and reliably determine whether the entire sorting work is completed or not.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention that employs a so-called seeding method, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show its component parts, a course controller and a sorting display device, respectively. A front view showing the external appearance, Fig. 4 is a flowchart to explain the procedure and point of product sorting work performed using the product sorting device shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is an example of an implementation when the so-called picking method is adopted. A block diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sorting device according to an example, FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the procedure and point of product sorting work performed using the device shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a conventional product sorting work. FIG. In the figure, (1) is a sorting box, (4) is bread as a product, (7b) and (8) are key units and barcode readers as input units, respectively, (9) is a central control unit, (10) is a sorting display device, (11) is a display device, (1
2) is a sorted switch, (13) is a sorting indicator light, (
14) is a work indicator light. Note that the same reference numerals in each figure indicate the same or corresponding parts. Agent Patent Attorney Toshihide Kodama

Claims (5)

[Claims] Claim 1: In an apparatus for sorting and storing products in sorting boxes provided for each sorting destination, a central control device that stores the type and quantity of products for each sorting destination, and a central control device installed near each of the sorting boxes. A display is placed corresponding to the sorting box and displays the type and quantity of products to be sorted according to sorting commands from the central control device, and a display is operated when the work of storing each type of product in the sorting box is completed. A sorted switch that transmits the completion of the work to the central control unit and requests a sorting command for the next work of products, and a sorting display that lights up when there is a sorting command from the central control unit and turns off when there is no more sorting command. A product sorting device characterized by comprising a sorting display device provided with a light. Claim 2: The central control device is provided with an input section, the input section is operated to set the product type, and the set ranking number is displayed on the display section of the sorting display device as a symbol for product identification. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Claim 3: Store products according to their type along a course, move a sorting box with a specified sorting destination along the course, and sequentially sort the stored products into the sorting box. A central control device that stores the type and quantity of products for each sorting destination, and a central control device that is installed corresponding to the storage position for each type of product and that is installed according to sorting commands from the central control device. a display device for displaying the sorting destination and quantity to which the products of the relevant type stored at the location are to be sorted; and the central controller that is operated when the work of storing the products of the relevant type in the sorting box is completed and indicates the completion of the work. A sorting display device that is equipped with a sorted switch that transmits the information to the server and requests a sorting command for the next work of products, and a sorting indicator light that lights up when there is a sorting command from the central control device and turns off when there is no more sorting command. A product sorting device characterized by being equipped with. 4. The central control device includes an input section, the input section is operated to set the sorting destination, and the set rank number is displayed on the display section of the sorting display device as a symbol for identifying the sorting destination. 4. The product sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: 5. A work indicator light that lights up when the sorting indicator light of any one or more sorting display devices is on and turns off when the sorting indicator lights of all the sorting display devices are off. The product sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.