Article classification system

Abstract

An article sorting system is provided. The article sorting system includes: a sorting container support device including a plurality of sorting container support portions; a sorting container supported by the sorting container support portions; an automatic sorting device disposed adjacent to the sorting container support device, and automatically sorting a plurality of articles toward the plurality of sorting containers; a work area set on the opposite side of the automatic sorting device in a manner of facing the sorting container support device, and a worker performing a sorting work of the articles with respect to the plurality of sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; and a work display device. The work display device displays work instruction associated information toward the work area side at each of the plurality of sorting container support portions or the plurality of sorting containers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an article sorting system provided with an automatic sorting device that sorts a plurality of articles according to orders automatically. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a conventional article sorting system is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5562646 (Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, in the description of the background art, the reference numerals indicated in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The article sorting system of Patent Document 1 is structured to have a sorting station (100) that sorts articles automatically by a plurality of transport carts (200) transporting the articles to respective containers (190) of sorting targets based on order information of the articles read at an input station (50). The plurality of containers (190) are arranged across a plurality of columns and a plurality of layers in the sorting station (100). Further, a track for movement of the transport carts (200) is provided in the sorting station (100). An article that has passed through the input station (50) reaches a loading station (310) provided in the sorting station (100) by means of a conveyor. The transport cart (200) that has received the article at the loading station (310) moves to the upper side of the sorting station (100) along a vertical track, moves horizontally along a horizontal track, and reaches the same column as the container of the sorting target. Then, the transport cart (200) descends along the vertical track inside the sorting station (100) and discharges the article to the container (190) of the sorting target. The transport cart (200) after discharging the article returns to the loading station (310) and receives another article.

[0004] In this article sorting system, the central controller (350) selects appropriate transport paths for the transport carts (200) and controls so that the transport carts (200) do not collide with each other. Further, even in the case where the traveling direction of the transport carts (200) is changed along the track, the orientation of the cart body of the transport cart (200) is always maintained constant. Thus, in this article sorting system, a large number of articles can be sorted efficiently. SUMMARY

[0005] In such an article sorting system, there are restrictions on the size, shape, and the like of the articles that can be transported by the transport carts (200). Therefore, there are cases where sorting work using an automatic sorting device like the sorting station (100) cannot be performed for all of the articles that are the objects of the sorting work. In such a case, it is necessary to perform sorting work by a worker or the like in a separate process and perform a cargo merging work of merging the articles sorted in this separate process and the articles sorted using the automatic sorting device into the same container.

[0006] However, in the case where the sorting work and the cargo merging work are performed in separate processes, time, man-hours, and a work site and the like until the final sorting is completed need to be increased in correspondence with these works. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the efficiency of the sorting work as a whole compared to the case where only the automatic sorting work using the automatic sorting device is performed.

[0007] Therefore, in the case where both the automatic sorting work by the automatic sorting device and the sorting work by the worker are performed, it is desirable to realize an article sorting system in which the efficiency of the sorting work as a whole can be easily improved.

[0008] The article sorting system according to the present disclosure includes: a sorting container support device including a plurality of sorting container support portions; sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; an automatic sorting device disposed adjacent to the sorting container support device, which automatically sorts a plurality of articles supplied from a supply portion toward a plurality of the sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions in accordance with an order; a work area provided on the opposite side of the automatic sorting device so as to face the sorting container support device, in which a worker performs a sorting work of the articles with respect to the plurality of sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; and a work display device which displays information toward the worker in the work area; the work display device displays work instruction-related information toward the work area side at each of the plurality of sorting container support portions or the plurality of sorting containers, the work instruction-related information being information related to an instruction of the sorting work with respect to each of the plurality of sorting containers.

[0009] According to this configuration, even in the case where both the articles capable of being sorted by the automatic sorting device and the articles requiring the sorting by the worker because the sorting by the automatic sorting device cannot be performed exist, the sorting work of these articles can be appropriately performed. At this time, since the work area is provided on the opposite side of the automatic sorting device so as to face the sorting container support device, the sorting by the automatic sorting device and the sorting work by the worker can be simultaneously and in parallel performed with respect to the sorting containers in the same site. Further, it is not necessary to perform a cargo merging work of merging the sorted articles to the same container as in the case where the sorting work by the automatic sorting device and the sorting work by the worker are performed in separate processes. Thus, compared to the case where the sorting by the automatic sorting device and the sorting work by the worker are performed in separate processes, the man-hours and the time required for the sorting work as a whole can be shortened, and the work site for these sorting works can also be suppressed to be small.

[0010] Further, since the work instruction association information relating to the instruction of the sorting work is displayed in each of the sorting container support section or the sorting container toward the work area side, the worker can efficiently perform the sorting work while confirming the work instruction association information.

[0011] Thus, according to the present structure, in a case where both the sorting work by the automatic sorting device and the sorting work by the worker are performed, the efficiency of the sorting work as a whole can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the article sorting system.

[0013] Figure 2 is a plan view of the article sorting system.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the automatic sorting device.

[0015] Figure 4 is a side view of the article sorting system.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container support section and its periphery.

[0017] Figure 6 is a control block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the article sorting system 1 will be described based on the drawings. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the article sorting system 1 is provided with an automatic sorting device 30, a sorting container 9, a sorting container support device 6, a work area 5, and a work display device 40 as the main structures.

[0019] Hereinafter, the direction in which the articles W are discharged from the discharge port 32 of the automatic sorting device 30 will be referred to as the discharge direction X, the side from which the discharge port 32 is distanced along the discharge direction X will be referred to as the discharge direction first side XI, and the side toward which the discharge port 32 is approached along the discharge direction X will be referred to as the discharge direction second side X2. Further, the direction orthogonal to the discharge direction X in the upward-downward direction Z observation along the upward-downward direction Z will be referred to as the width direction Y.

[0020] 1. Automatic sorting device

[0021] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , and Figure 4As shown, the automatic sorting device 30 is used to automatically sort multiple items W supplied from the supply unit 31 according to an order, orienting them toward multiple sorting containers 9 supported by the sorting container support unit 10. The supply unit 31 sequentially feeds the supplied items W into the automatic sorting device 30. The automatic sorting device 30 then sequentially sorts the fed items W toward the multiple sorting containers 9 according to the order. Figure 2 In the example shown, the supply unit 31 is configured as a conveyor.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic sorting device 30 is arranged adjacent to the sorting container support device 6. The automatic sorting device 30 is arranged adjacent to the sorting container support device 6 in the discharge direction X. In the illustrated example, the automatic sorting device 30 is arranged adjacent to the sorting container support device 6 on the second side X2 in the discharge direction.

[0023] Detailed illustrations are omitted. For example, the automatic sorting device 30 includes an item discrimination unit for identifying item W. The automatic sorting device 30 classifies item W based on the discrimination result obtained by the item discrimination unit. For example, the item discrimination unit includes a camera that captures images of item W, configured to identify item W by performing image recognition processing on the image data acquired by the camera. However, it is not limited to this structure. For example, the item W may have an IC tag, barcode, etc. (storage unit) that stores item information, and the item discrimination unit may include a reader (reading unit) that reads the item information, configured to identify item W based on the item information read by the reader.

[0024] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device has multiple discharge outlets 32 for discharging sorted items W. In the illustrated example, the multiple discharge outlets 32 are arranged in multiple layers and columns in an orthogonal grid. The automatic sorting device 30 sorts the items W by discharging them from specific discharge outlets 32 determined based on orders and delivering them to the sorting container support device 6. Here, "order" refers to, for example, an order (picking order) specifying the type and quantity of items W to be shipped (which can be a single type or a combination of multiple types). Furthermore, the automatic sorting device 30 sorts the items W by discharging one or more items W specified by each order into a different discharge outlet 32 ​​for each order.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the automatic sorting device 30 is provided with a conveying device 33 that conveys the articles W supplied to the supply section 31 toward a certain discharge port 32 in accordance with the order. The conveying device 33 receives the articles W conveyed from the supply section 31 (conveyor). Also, the conveying device 33 conveys the articles W toward a certain discharge port 32 in accordance with the order. In the present example, the conveying device 33 is a plurality of conveying trolleys 34. The plurality of conveying trolleys 34 respectively receive the articles W conveyed from the supply section 31 within the automatic sorting device 30. The respective conveying trolleys 34 that have received the articles W travel along a track 35 provided in the automatic sorting device 30 in order, and convey the articles W toward a certain discharge port 32 in accordance with the order. If explained in detail, the track 35 is provided with a horizontal portion that is disposed in the horizontal direction, specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction X when viewed in the vertical direction Z, at each of the plurality of levels at which the discharge ports 32 are provided. The conveying trolleys 34 are configured to travel along the horizontal portion of the track 35, and thereby convey the articles W in the width direction Y. In addition, the track 35 can also be provided with an up-and-down portion that extends in the vertical direction Z and connects the horizontal portions provided at each of the plurality of levels. In this case, the conveying trolleys 34 are configured to ascend and descend along the up-and-down portion of the track 35, and thereby can move to each of the horizontal portions provided at each of the plurality of levels. In this case, the number of conveying trolleys 34 is not limited by the number of levels at which the discharge ports 32 are provided. Therefore, for example, a number of conveying trolleys 34 that is less than or more than the number of levels at which the discharge ports 32 are provided can also be provided. In addition, in the example shown, the conveying trolleys 34 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of levels at which the discharge ports 32 are provided. However, the present application is not limited to this structure. For example, the track 35 can be provided with a horizontal portion that is disposed in the horizontal direction and is provided at both the uppermost level and the lowermost level, and an up-and-down portion that is disposed in the vertical direction Z and is connected to the horizontal portions at both the uppermost level and the lowermost level, and is provided at each of the columns. In this case, the conveying trolleys 34 that travel along the track 35 are guided toward the column in which the discharge port 32 that is the target of the discharge of the article W is provided, by traveling along the horizontal portion of the track 35, and then are guided toward the level in which the discharge port 32 is provided, by traveling along the up-and-down portion of the track 35. Thereby, the conveying trolleys 34 reach the discharge port 32 that is the target, and the article W is discharged from the discharge port 32. If the discharge of the article W is completed, the conveying trolleys 34 travel again along the up-and-down portion of the track 35, and travel along the horizontal portion connected to the up-and-down portion, and retreat from the discharge port 32. Figure 3 In the example shown, seven conveying trolleys 34 are provided for each of the seven discharge ports 32. However, the present application is not limited to the structure described above, and for example, the track 35 can be provided with a horizontal portion that is disposed in the horizontal direction and is provided at both the uppermost level and the lowermost level, and an up-and-down portion that is disposed in the vertical direction Z and is connected to the horizontal portions at both the uppermost level and the lowermost level, and is provided at each of the columns. In this case, the conveying trolleys 34 that travel along the track 35 are guided toward the column in which the discharge port 32 that is the target of the discharge of the article W is provided, by traveling along the horizontal portion of the track 35, and then are guided toward the level in which the discharge port 32 is provided, by traveling along the up-and-down portion of the track 35. Thereby, the conveying trolleys 34 reach the discharge port 32 that is the target, and the article W is discharged from the discharge port 32. If the discharge of the article W is completed, the conveying trolleys 34 travel again along the up-and-down portion of the track 35, and travel along the horizontal portion connected to the up-and-down portion, and retreat from the discharge port 32.

[0026] In the present embodiment, each of the conveying trolleys 34 is provided with a discharge conveyor 36 that supports the article W from below and discharges the article W from the discharge port 32. The discharge conveyor 36 moves the article W in the discharge direction X from the travel path of the conveying trolley 34. The article W discharged in the discharge direction X by the discharge conveyor 36 is received by the sorting container support device 6.

[0027] 2. Classification container

[0028] The classification container 9 is a container for receiving the article W. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the classification container 9 is supported by the classification container support 10. The classification container 9 receives the article W discharged from the automatic classification device 30 in a state of being supported by the classification container support 10. In this example, a plurality of classification containers 9 are each supported by a plurality of classification container supports 10.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 , the classification container 9 is constituted by a general-purpose container. In this example, the classification container 9 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper surface open due to an opening portion 90. The classification container 9 has, in a state of being supported by the classification container support 10, a container front surface 91 toward the first side XI of the discharge direction, a container rear surface 92 toward the second side X2 of the discharge direction, a pair of container side surfaces 93 toward the width direction Y, and a container bottom surface 94.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 , in this embodiment, the classification container 9 has a first classification container 9a as a first size of the classification container 9, and a second classification container 9b as a second size of the classification container 9 larger than the first size. This will be described in detail later, but in this example, according to the amount of the article W included in one order, a certain classification container 9 of the first classification container 9a or the second classification container 9b is automatically selected by the automatic classification device 30. Also, one or a plurality of articles W are housed in the selected classification container 9. In this example, the size refers to the volume of the classification container 9. In this case, the second classification container 9b has a larger volume than the first classification container 9a. In this embodiment, the size in the discharge direction X and the size in the width direction Y of the container bottom surface 94 of the first classification container 9a and the second classification container 9b are respectively the same. That is, the bottom area of the first classification container 9a and the second classification container 9b is the same. On the other hand, the container height 9H ( Figure 5 ) of the second classification container 9b is set to be larger than the container height 9H of the first classification container 9a.

[0031] 3. Classification container support device

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the sorting container support device 6 is provided with a plurality of sorting container support portions 10. The sorting container support device 6 is also provided with a support frame 2. The sorting container support device 6 is a device for receiving the articles W from the automatic sorting device 30 and for feeding the articles W to the sorting containers 9. The plurality of sorting container support portions 10 each support the sorting container 9. The support frame 2 supports the plurality of sorting container support portions 10.

[0033] The sorting container support portion 10 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32, supports the sorting container 9, so that the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 is housed in the sorting container 9. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the vertical direction Z corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the vertical direction Z. Further, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the width direction Y corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the width direction Y. That is, the sorting container support portions 10 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the orthogonal grid pattern composed of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns. Figure 2 Figure 4 As shown, the sorting container support portion 10 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32, supports the sorting container 9, so that the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 is housed in the sorting container 9. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the vertical direction Z corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the vertical direction Z. Further, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the width direction Y corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the width direction Y. That is, the sorting container support portions 10 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the orthogonal grid pattern composed of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns.

[0034] As shown, the sorting container support portion 10 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32, supports the sorting container 9, so that the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 is housed in the sorting container 9. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the vertical direction Z corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the vertical direction Z. Further, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the width direction Y corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the width direction Y. That is, the sorting container support portions 10 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the orthogonal grid pattern composed of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns. Figure 1 Figure 4 As shown, the sorting container support portion 10 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32, supports the sorting container 9, so that the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 is housed in the sorting container 9. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the vertical direction Z corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the vertical direction Z. Further, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the width direction Y corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the width direction Y. That is, the sorting container support portions 10 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the orthogonal grid pattern composed of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns.

[0035] The plurality of first support columns 21 are arranged in the width direction Y at intervals at the same position in the discharge direction X. The plurality of second support columns 22 are arranged at the second side X2 in the discharge direction from the plurality of first support columns 21 and are arranged in the width direction Y at intervals at the same position in the discharge direction X. In the present example, the second support column 22 is arranged at the same position in the width direction Y with respect to each of the plurality of first support columns 21 arranged in the width direction Y.

[0036] As shown, the sorting container support portion 10 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32, supports the sorting container 9, so that the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 is housed in the sorting container 9. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the vertical direction Z corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the vertical direction Z. Further, the plurality of sorting container support portions 10 are arranged in the width direction Y corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the width direction Y. That is, the sorting container support portions 10 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in the orthogonal grid pattern composed of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns. Figure 4 In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first cross beam 23 is supported by the plurality of first support columns 21. Further, a first support bracket 211 for supporting the first cross beam 23 is provided at each of the plurality of first support columns 21. Furthermore, a first cutout portion 211a is formed in the first support bracket 211 so as to be cut out in a manner of being recessed from the end portion of the first side XI toward the second side X2 in the discharge direction. By hooking the first cross beam 23 in the first cutout portion 211a, the support of the first cross beam 23 by the first cutout portion 211a is achieved.

[0037] Figure 4 ​​​As shown, the second cross member 24 is disposed on the second side X2 in the discharge direction from the first cross member 23, and is supported by a plurality of second support columns 22. At each of the plurality of second support columns 22, a second support bracket 221 for supporting the second cross member 24 is provided. Further, at the second support bracket 221, a second protruding portion 221a protruding from an end portion on the second side X2 in the discharge direction toward the second side X2 in the discharge direction is formed. By hooking the second cross member 24 to the second protruding portion 221a, support of the second cross member 24 by the second protruding portion 221a is achieved.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting container support portion 10 is provided with a sliding surface 12 on which the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 slides, a support surface 11 that supports the sorting container 9 that accommodates the article W that slides on the sliding surface 12, and a linking surface 13 that links the sliding surface 12 and the support surface 11 integrally. Figure 5

[0039] The support frame 2 supports the sorting container support portion 10 in a manner in which a sliding surface second end portion 122, which is an end portion on the second side X2 in the discharge direction of the sliding surface 12, is disposed adjacent to a lower end portion of the discharge port 32. In the present embodiment, a guide portion 17 is provided so as to be continuous with the sliding surface second end portion 122 on the second side X2 in the discharge direction, and the guide portion 17 is connected to the discharge port 32. Figure 4 That is, in the present example, the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 moves toward the sliding surface 12 via the guide portion 17.

[0040] The sliding surface 12 is disposed so as to be inclined toward the lower side as it moves from the sliding surface second end portion 122 toward the sliding surface first end portion 121 in a state in which the sorting container support portion 10 is supported by the support frame 2. With this structure, the article W discharged from the discharge port 32 slides on the sliding surface 12 in the first side X1 in the discharge direction.

[0041] The support surface 11 is a surface that supports the container bottom surface 94 of the sorting container 9. The support surface 11 is disposed on the first side X1 in the discharge direction with respect to the sliding surface 12, and is disposed on the lower side with respect to the sliding surface first end portion 121. Thereby, the article W that slides on the sliding surface 12 toward the first side X1 in the discharge direction is caused to move toward the support surface 11 side.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the linking surface 13 is a surface that links the sliding surface 12 and the support surface 11. Here, the linking surface 13 links the sliding surface first end portion 121 of the sliding surface 12 and the support surface second end portion 112 of the support surface 11. Figure 5

[0043] ​​With the sorting container support 10 supported by the support frame 2, the support surface 11 is inclined downwards from the second end 112 of the support surface toward the first end 111 of the support surface. This structure ensures that the opening 90 formed on the upper surface of the sorting container 9 supported by the support surface 11 faces upwards and in the discharge direction X1. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the work area 5 located on the first side X1 of the discharge direction, which is closer to the sorting container support device 6, it becomes easy for the operator 8 to confirm that the items W in the sorting container 9 or the items W handled by the operator 8 can be easily retrieved or placed.

[0044] Furthermore, the sorting container support 10 is configured such that the direction orthogonal to the support surface 11 is the support surface orthogonal direction C, and the step distance L, which is the distance between the sliding surface 12 and the support surface 11 in the support surface orthogonal direction C, is a distance greater than or equal to the container height 9H. Therefore, after the item W slides along the sliding surface 12 passes the first end 121 of the sliding surface 12, it is not obstructed by the rear surface 92 of the container and is received inside the sorting container 9 through the opening 90. In this embodiment, the step distance L is set to a distance greater than or equal to the container height 9H and less than twice the container height 9H. Therefore, the drop when the item W slides along the sliding surface 12 falls from the first end 121 of the sliding surface toward the interior of the sorting container 9 can be minimized. Additionally, the dimension of the connecting surface 13 in the support surface orthogonal direction C is the same as the step distance L.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the sorting container support 10 includes: sliding sidewalls 15, which are sidewalls that protrude upwards from the sliding surface 12 on both sides of the sliding surface 12 in the width direction Y and are arranged along the discharge direction X; and support sidewalls 16, which are sidewalls that protrude upwards from the support surface 11 on both sides of the support surface 11 in the width direction Y and are arranged along the discharge direction X. In this embodiment, the sliding sidewalls 15 and support sidewalls 16 are continuously formed relative to each other in the second discharge direction X2. Furthermore, the support sidewalls 16 and sliding sidewalls 15 are continuously formed relative to each other in the first discharge direction X1.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the upper end portion of the slide side wall 15 is disposed upward of the slide surface 12, and the lower end portion of the slide side wall 15 is disposed downward of the slide surface 12. In other words, the slide side wall 15 projects upward and downward with respect to the slide surface 12. Since the slide side wall 15 projects upward with respect to the slide surface 12, it is possible to suppress the article W that is sliding on the slide surface 12 from falling out of the slide surface 12 in the width direction Y. Also, it is possible to appropriately guide the article W that is sliding on the slide surface 12 by the slide side wall 15 so as to move in the discharge direction X. In the present example, a cutout portion 15a is formed in the portion of the slide side wall 15 that projects downward with respect to the slide surface 12. The cutout portion 15a is formed by cutting so as to be recessed upward from the lower end portion of the slide side wall 15. The cutout portion 15a is provided to each of the pair of slide side walls 15 that are disposed on both sides in the width direction Y with respect to the slide surface 12. The pair of cutout portions 15a are disposed at the same position in the discharge direction X. In the present example, the second cross member 24 in the posture along the width direction Y is caught with respect to the pair of cutout portions 15a. Thereby, the sorting container support portion 10 is supported from below by the second cross member 24 in the range of the slide surface 12 in the discharge direction X.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the support side wall 16 has a second region 162 that is formed continuously from the slide side wall 15 in the discharge direction X, and a first region 161 that is a region on the first side XI in the discharge direction with respect to the second region 162, and is formed continuously from the second region 162 in the discharge direction X.

[0048] The dimension of the support surface normal direction C of the support side wall 16 is the support side wall height 16H. In the present embodiment, the support side wall height 16H in the second region 162 is greater than the container height 9H. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately guide the article W that has passed the first end portion 121 of the slide surface 12 along the discharge direction X by the second region 162 of the support side wall 16. As a result, it is possible to appropriately accommodate the article W in the sorting container 9 without the article W projecting out in the width direction Y.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, the classification container support part 10 is provided with a positioning part 14 that positions the classification container 9 at a prescribed position. In the example shown, the classification container support part 10 is provided with a standing part 18 that is formed so as to stand upward from the support surface 11 on the first side Xl in the discharge direction from the container bottom surface 94 of the classification container 9. The standing part 18 is disposed so as to oppose the first side Xl in the discharge direction from the container front surface 91 in a state in which the classification container 9 is supported by the support surface 11. Further, on the surface of the standing part 18 that faces the first side Xl in the discharge direction, the first display part 41 of the work display device 40 described later is provided. Further, as described above, the classification container support part 10 is provided with a pair of support side walls 16 and a connecting surface 13. The pair of support side walls 16 are disposed so as to be separated in the width direction Y on both sides of the classification container 9 in a state in which the classification container 9 is supported by the support surface 11, and are disposed so as to oppose the container side surface 93 in the width direction Y, respectively. The connecting surface 13 is disposed so as to oppose the second side X2 in the discharge direction from the container back surface 92 in a state in which the classification container 9 is supported by the support surface 11. The classification container 9 that is supported by the support surface 11 is positioned at a prescribed position by being surrounded by these standing parts 18, the pair of support side walls 16, and the connecting surface 13. Thus, in the present embodiment, these standing parts 18, the pair of support side walls 16, and the connecting surface 13 correspond to the "positioning part 14".

[0050] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the classification container support device 6 is provided with a plurality of classification container support parts 10 that support the classification container 9. The classification container support part 10 is provided with a support surface 11 that supports the classification container 9, and a sliding surface 12 that is formed so as to be slidable in the width direction Y on the support surface 11. The support surface 11 is formed so as to be parallel to the width direction Y. The sliding surface 12 is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the support surface 11. The sliding surface 12 is formed so as to be inclined so as to be closer to the second side X2 in the discharge direction as the sliding surface 12 is further away from the support surface 11. The classification container support part 10 is provided with a pair of support side walls 16 that are disposed so as to be separated in the width direction Y on both sides of the classification container 9 in a state in which the classification container 9 is supported by the support surface 11. The pair of support side walls 16 are disposed so as to oppose the container side surface 93 in the width direction Y, respectively. The classification container support part 10 is provided with a connecting surface 13 that is disposed so as to oppose the second side X2 in the discharge direction from the container back surface 92 in a state in which the classification container 9 is supported by the support surface 11. The classification container 9 that is supported by the support surface 11 is positioned at a prescribed position by being surrounded by these pair of support side walls 16 and the connecting surface 13. Thus, in the present embodiment, the pair of support side walls 16 and the connecting surface 13 correspond to the "positioning part 14". Figure 1 As shown, the classification container support device 6 is provided with a plurality of first classification container support parts 10a that support the first classification container 9a, and a plurality of second classification container support parts 10b that support the second classification container 9b. In the present example, as described above, the first classification container support part 10a and the second classification container 9b differ in the container height 9H. That is, the second classification container 9b is set to be larger than the first classification container 9a with respect to the container height 9H. As described above, the step distance L of the sliding surface 12 of the classification container support part 10 and the support surface 11 is set to be a distance that is equal to or greater than the container height 9H. Therefore, in the second classification container support part 10b, the step distance L is set to be greater than the step distance L of the first classification container support part 10a. In correspondence with this, in the second classification container support part 10b, the support side wall height 16H of the support side wall 16 is also set to be greater than the support side wall height 16H of the first classification container support part 10a. Due to this structure, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first classification container support part 10a is arranged in seven layers in the vertical direction Z, and the second classification container support part 10b is arranged in three layers in the vertical direction Z. Figure 1

[0051] ​In this embodiment, the automatic sorting device 30 takes one of multiple orders as the target order and performs a sorting operation. If the quantity of items W included in the target order is less than a predetermined threshold, the items W involved in the target order are placed in a first sorting container 9a supported by a first type of support 10a. If the quantity of items W included in the target order is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the items W involved in the target order are placed in a second sorting container 9b supported by a second type of support 10b. With this configuration, a sorting container 9 of an appropriate size can be selected based on the quantity of items W included in each order, and one or more items W included in that order can be placed in the selected sorting container 9. In this example, the sorting operation is performed such that if the total volume of one or more items W included in the target order is less than a predetermined proportion relative to the volume of the first type of sorting container 9a, the item W is placed in the first type of sorting container 9a. Furthermore, a sorting process is performed such that if the total volume of one or more items W included in the order is at least a predetermined proportion relative to the volume of the first sorting container 9a, the item W is placed in the second sorting container 9b. Of course, the items W that are subject to the sorting process using the automatic sorting device 30 are items other than those subject to sorting by the operator 8 (described later). Here, the "predetermined proportion" can be set, for example, between 60% and 90%. In this example, the quantity of items W included in the order is set as the total volume of one or more items W included in the order, but it could also be set as weight, number, etc. Furthermore, the threshold for the quantity of items W is appropriately set based on the shape of the items W being sorted, the handling status of the sorting containers 9 in subsequent processes, etc.

[0052] 4. Work Area

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, work area 5 is where workers 8 perform sorting operations on items W relative to multiple sorting containers 9 supported by the sorting container support 10. Workers 8 are arranged in work area 5. In this example, multiple workers 8 are basically arranged in work area 5. Moreover, the workers 8 perform operations on items W. The operations performed by workers 8 include sorting items W relative to the sorting containers 9 that cannot be automatically sorted by the automatic sorting device 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the operations performed by workers 8 also include confirming that the items W contained in the sorting containers 9 by means of sorting operations, removing the sorting containers 9 after sorting operations are completed, and replacing the sorting containers 9.

[0054] The work area 5 is provided so as to face the sorting container support device 6 on the side opposite to the automatic sorting device 30. Here, the work area 5 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the sorting container support device 6 on the first side XI in the discharge direction. Further, the work area 5 is provided so as to face the sorting containers 9 and the standing portions 18 supported by the sorted container support portion 10. Further, in the present embodiment, the article in-feed conveyor 101 and the article out-feed conveyor 102 are arranged on the first side XI in the discharge direction with respect to the work area 5. Therefore, the work area 5 is provided in the region sandwiched by the sorted container support device 6 and the article in-feed conveyor 101 and the article out-feed conveyor 102 on the discharge direction X.

[0055] In the present embodiment, based on the specifications decided in advance for the articles W, the articles W that meet the specifications are supplied to the supply portion 31 of the automatic sorting device 30, and the articles W that do not meet the specifications are supplied to the work area 5. Here, the specifications decided in advance for the articles W refer to the specifications decided for the articles W that can be subjected to the automatic sorting work by the automatic sorting device 30. Such specifications are decided based on the shape, size, material, structure, and the like of the articles W. For example, the articles W that satisfy the conditions such as the shape and size that can be placed on the conveying trolley 34 of the automatic sorting device 30 and can be conveyed without obstacles, the shape, material, and structure that are not likely to be damaged, deformed, or the like during the conveying by the conveying trolley 34, and the like are defined as the articles W that meet the specifications. Further, the articles W that do not meet such specifications are supplied to the work area 5. In other words, the articles W that cannot be subjected to the automatic sorting by the automatic sorting device 30 or are not suitable for the automatic sorting are supplied to the work area 5.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the article in-feed conveyor 101 is arranged on the first side XI in the discharge direction with respect to the work area 5 on the side opposite to the sorting container support device 6 (the second side X2 in the discharge direction). In the present example, the article in-feed conveyor 101 is provided so as to convey the articles W along the width direction Y. The articles W that do not meet the specifications are supplied to the work area 5 by the article in-feed conveyor 101. In the illustrated example, the in-feed box 130 in which the articles W that do not meet the specifications are accommodated is conveyed to the work area 5 by the article in-feed conveyor 101. The worker 8 takes out the articles W from the in-feed box 130 and performs the sorting work by placing the articles W in a certain one of the plurality of sorting containers 9 in accordance with the order. By providing such a work area 5, it is possible to simultaneously and in parallel perform the automatic sorting by the automatic sorting device 30 and the sorting work by the worker 8 for the sorting containers 9 that are the targets. Further, it is no longer necessary to perform the work of consolidating the sorted articles W in the case where the sorting work by the automatic sorting device 30 and the sorting work by the worker 8 are performed in separate processes.

[0057] When the worker 8 finishes the sorting work, the worker 8 detaches the sorting container 9 from the sorting container support portion 10 and places it on the out-feed conveyor 102 (Figure 1 Thus, the sorting container 9 is transported out of the item sorting system 1 by the outgoing conveyor 102. In this embodiment, the outgoing conveyor 102 is positioned opposite to the sorting container support device 6 side (second discharge direction X2), i.e., the first discharge direction X1, relative to the work area 5. Moreover, in this example, the outgoing conveyor 102 is configured to transport the item W along the width direction Y. In the illustrated example, the outgoing conveyor 102 and the item receiving conveyor 101 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed along the vertical direction Z. Figure 2 In addition, in this example, the article conveyor 101 is used as a method of supplying non-conforming articles W to the work area 5, but an automated transport vehicle, a handling trolley operated by the operator 8, etc., can also be used.

[0058] 5. Work display device and work instruction association information

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the job display device 40 is a device used to display information to the worker 8 in the work area 5. The job display device 40 displays job instruction association information 50 on each of the plurality of sorting container supports 10 or the plurality of sorting containers 9, facing the work area 5. The job instruction association information 50 is information related to the instructions for sorting operations relative to the respective sorting containers 9. With this configuration, the worker 8 can check the job instruction association information 50 while simultaneously... Figure 6 This allows for efficient sorting operations. In this example, the work display device 40 is configured to display work instruction association information 50 on each of the multiple sorting container support portions 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a first display unit 41 is provided on the upright portion 18 of the sorting container support 10. In detail, in this example, the first display unit 41 includes a first display 42, a first illumination unit 43 capable of being turned on and off, and a first switch unit 44 operable by pressing. The first switch unit 44 is operated by the operator 8 when the sorting operation is completed. If the operator 8 presses the first switch unit 44, the first illumination unit 43 is turned off. The turning off of the first illumination unit 43 indicates the end of the sorting operation on the sorting container 9 to be sorted by the operator 8. In this embodiment, the first display 42, the first illumination unit 43, and the first switch unit 44 are provided on the surface of the upright portion 18 facing the first side X1 in the discharge direction. In the illustrated example, the first illumination unit 43 is configured to be operable by pressing, and the first illumination unit 43 also functions as the first switch unit 44.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the work instruction association information 50 includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles W that should be housed in each of the plurality of sorting containers 9. In more detail, based on the order information P, information indicating the kind and the number of the articles W that should be sorted by the worker 8 is displayed as the work instruction association information 50 on each of the first displays 42. The worker 8 performs the sorting work for each of the sorting containers 9 while visually confirming the kind and the number of the articles W that should be put into each of the sorting containers 9. Further, before the sorting container 9 on which the sorting work by the worker 8 has been completed is placed on the outgoing conveyor 102, the worker 8 performs confirmation as to whether the articles W involved in the target order have been correctly sorted into the sorting container 9. It is preferable that, in the work display device 40, information for the completion confirmation of the sorting work be also displayed as the work instruction association information 50. As the information for the completion confirmation, for example, information indicating a list of the kind and the number of the articles W that should be housed in the sorting container 9, and the like correspond thereto.

[0062] Further, in the present embodiment, the work display device 40 is further provided with a second display section 45. The second display section 45 is attached to each of the plurality of incoming boxes 130 that are supplied to the work area 5. The second display section 45 is provided with a second display 46, a second lighting section 47 that can be lit and extinguished, and a second switch section 48. These are provided as one body to each of the plurality of incoming boxes 130. The worker 8 takes out the articles W from the incoming box 130 based on the work instruction association information 50 displayed on the second display 46, and performs sorting into the sorting container 9. Once all of the articles W that should be taken out have been taken out from the incoming box 130, the second switch section 48 is pressed. If the second switch section 48 is pressed, the second lighting section 47 is extinguished. The extinguishment of the second lighting section 47 indicates the end of the taking-out work of the articles W from the incoming box 130 that is the work target by the worker 8. In the illustrated example, the second lighting section 47 is configured to be operable by pressing, and the second lighting section 47 also has the function as the second switch section 48.

[0063] To realize such a structure, in the present embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the work display device 40 is provided with a control section H that controls the first display section 41 and the second display section 45. The control section H is configured to acquire order information P from a management device K that manages orders for sorting of articles in the article sorting system 1. Here, the control section H is communicably connected to the management device K. The management device K creates and manages order information P in which a kind of article W that should be sorted and the number thereof are determined based on an order from a sorting target or the like, for each of a plurality of sorting targets. For example, the created plurality of order information P is stored in an order database, not shown. Further, the control section H is provided with a display generation section H1 that generates work instruction information 51 to be displayed by the first display section 41 and the second display section 45, based on the order information P transmitted from the management device K. The work instruction information 51 is information that indicates a specific work instruction to the worker 8 for performing the sorting work described above. In the present example, the work instruction information 51 is dynamic information that changes every moment when the first display section 41 and the second display section 45 display the work instruction information 51, to indicate the work that the worker 8 should perform every moment. This work instruction information 51 is an example of work instruction association information 50.

[0064] The control section H causes the first display section 41 and the second display section 45 to each display the work instruction information 51 generated by the display generation section H1. In the present embodiment, the content of the work instruction information 51 displayed by the first display section 41 and the content of the work instruction information 51 displayed by the second display section 45 are different. That is, the display generation section H1 generates the work instruction information 51 to be displayed by the first display section 41 and the work instruction information 51 to be displayed by the second display section 45. For example, the control section H controls so that the first lighting section 43 that is the object of the sorting work is lit, and the first display 42 displays the kind and the number of articles W that should be put into the sorting container 9. If the pressing operation of the first switch section 44 is performed by the worker 8, the control section H controls to turn off the first lighting section 43. Further, the control section H controls so that the second lighting section 47 that is the object of the sorting work is lit, and the second display 46 displays the kind and the number of articles W that should be taken out from the incoming box 130. If the pressing operation of the second switch section 48 is performed by the worker 8, the control section H controls to turn off the second lighting section 47.

[0065] Further, the work display device 40 displays the work instruction association information 50 so as to store the article W involved in the target order in the first kind of sorting container 9a supported by the first kind of support portion 10a when the amount of the article W involved in the target order is less than a prescribed threshold value, and store the article W involved in the target order in the second kind of sorting container 9b supported by the second kind of support portion 10b when the amount of the article W involved in the target order is equal to or more than the prescribed threshold value. Specifically, the work display device 40 displays the work instruction association information 50 so as to store the article W involved in the target order in the first kind of sorting container 9a when the total of the volumes of the one or more articles W involved in the target order is less than a prescribed proportion set in advance with respect to the volume of the first kind of sorting container 9a. Further, the work display device 40 displays the work instruction association information 50 so as to store the article W involved in the target order in the second kind of sorting container 9b when the total of the one or more articles W involved in the target order is equal to or more than the prescribed proportion set in advance with respect to the volume of the first kind of sorting container 9a. Here, the article W that becomes the target of the display of the work instruction association information 50 by the work display device 40 is the article W other than the article W that becomes the target of the sorting operation by the automatic sorting device 30 described above. As described above, as the "prescribed proportion", for example, a proportion set in a range of 60% to 90% can be set. By being configured thus, the work display device 40 can display the work instruction association information 50 so as to store the article W supplied to the work area 5 in the sorting container 9 of an appropriate size. As described above, in the present embodiment, the display of such work instruction association information 50 is performed by the control portion H causing the first display portion 41 and the second display portion 45 to each display the work instruction information 51. The worker 8 can thereby be able to put the article W in the sorting container 9 of an appropriate size by performing the work in accordance with the work instruction information 51. Note that, in the present example, the amount of the article W involved in the target order is set as the total of the volumes of the one or more articles W involved in the target order, but can be the weight, the number, or the like. Further, the prescribed threshold value of the amount of the article W is appropriately set in accordance with the shape of the article W to be sorted, the handling state of the sorting container 9 in the subsequent process, or the like.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the work display device 40 is configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the work instruction association information 50, and display of the work instruction association information 50 is not performed until the start of the input of the articles W into the sorting containers 9 by the automatic sorting device 30, and display of the work instruction association information 50 is performed after the start of the input of the articles W into the sorting containers 9 by the automatic sorting device 30. Thereby, the worker 8 starts the sorting work of the articles W supplied to the work area 5 after the start of the sorting work by the automatic sorting device 30. Thus, the articles W sorted by the automatic sorting device 30 are disposed in the lower portion in the sorting containers 9, and the articles W sorted by the worker 8 are disposed in the upper portion, and the tendency is high. In the present example, the display of the work instruction association information 50 is started by the first display 42 after the start of the input of the articles W into the sorting containers 9 by the automatic sorting device 30 until the completion of the input of all the articles W into the respective sorting containers 9 by the automatic sorting device 30. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the time until the completion of the entire sorting work to be relatively short while the articles W sorted by the automatic sorting device 30 are disposed in the relatively lower portion in the sorting containers 9.

[0067] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 the sorting container support device 6 is divided into a plurality of zones A, and the plurality of zones A are set to include a plurality of sorting container support portions 10 in each. Also, the work display device 40 displays the work instruction association information 50 toward the worker 8 who is different for each zone A. In the present example, the sorting container support portions 10 are divided in every certain column, and each is set as a zone A. Thereby, the work area 5 is also virtually divided into a plurality of zones A. Also, a different worker 8 is disposed in each zone A. In the illustrated example, one worker 8 is disposed in each zone A. The control portion H performs display of the work instruction association information 50 in an order and a display manner in which the sorting work can be efficiently performed by each worker 8 disposed in each zone A. Each worker 8 performs the sorting work based on the respective work instruction association information 50 for the plurality of sorting containers 9 included in the range of the zone A. Also, the worker 8 moves the sorting container 9 for which the sorting work in the range of the zone A is completed to the outfeed conveyor 102 and outfeeds. In this way, by setting the zones A and displaying the work instruction association information 50 toward the worker 8 who is different for each zone A, it is possible to simultaneously and in parallel perform the sorting work by the worker 8 in the plurality of zones A efficiently.

[0068] 6. Other Embodiments

[0069] Next, other embodiments of the article sorting system 1 will be described.

[0070] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the automatic sorting device 30 is described as an example of a structure in which it is arranged adjacent to the sorting container support device 6 on one side in the discharge direction X. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, in the case of a structure in which the automatic sorting device 30 sorts the articles W and discharges them to both sides in the discharge direction X, the sorting container support device 6 can also be arranged adjacent to the automatic sorting device 30 on both sides in the discharge direction X, respectively. In this case, with respect to the work area 5, it is also preferable to set so as to face the sorting container support device 6 on both sides in the discharge direction X with respect to the automatic sorting device 30. According to this structure, since the sorting container support device 6 and the work area 5 are provided on both sides with respect to the automatic sorting device 30, respectively, further improvement of the efficiency of the entire sorting work can be achieved.

[0071] (2) In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the first display portion 41 is provided at the erected portion 18 of the plurality of sorting container support portions 10, and the work instruction associated information 50 is displayed. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the first display portion 41 can be installed at another portion of the sorting container support portion 10 or the support frame 2. Alternatively, the first display portion 41 can not be provided, and for example, a structure can be made in which the work instruction associated information 50 is displayed on the container front surface 91 of the sorting container 9. In this case, it is preferable to make a structure in which the work display device 40 is provided with a projector, and the control portion H controls the projector to project the work instruction associated information 50 to the container front surface 91 of the sorting container 9. In addition, the projector can be a structure supported by the support frame 2, or can be supported by the floor, ceiling, or the like of the facility.

[0072] (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the work instruction associated information 50 is information indicating a specific work instruction to the worker 8, and is dynamic information that changes every moment and is displayed at the first display 42 or the like. However, the specific form of the work instruction associated information 50 is not limited to this structure. For example, it can be static information such as identification information for calling information indicating a specific work instruction to the worker 8. Such information is preferably represented by a one-dimensional code (bar code) or a two-dimensional code, or stored in a readable IC tag or the like, for example. By the worker 8 reading such identification information using a portable terminal or the like, information indicating a specific work instruction is read out from a server or the like, and displayed on the portable terminal or the like. The worker 8 performs sorting work in accordance with the work instruction information 51 displayed on the portable terminal or the like.

[0073] (4) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the automatic sorting device 30 is provided with the transport trolley 34 and the plurality of discharge ports 32 arranged in a grid pattern of a plurality of layers and a plurality of columns is described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the automatic sorting device 30 can be provided with a conveyer as the transport device 33, and a plurality of discharge ports 32 can be arranged along the transport direction of the conveyer.

[0074] (5) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the job instruction associated information 50 is displayed after the start of the input of the articles W into the sorting container 9 by the automatic sorting device 30 is described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the structure in which the job instruction associated information 50 is displayed after the completion of the sorting operation by the automatic sorting device 30 can be adopted. According to this structure, the sorting operation by the operator 8 is started after the completion of the sorting operation by the automatic sorting device 30. Thus, in the sorting container 9, the possibility of the state in which the articles W input by the automatic sorting device 30 and the articles W input by the sorting operation by the operator 8 are alternately overlapped can be reduced, and the reliability of the articles W sorted by the automatic sorting device 30 being arranged in the lower portion of the sorting container 9 can be improved. Thus, the arrangement of the articles W in the sorting container 9 can be easily arranged, and the space inside the sorting container 9 can be easily used effectively.

[0075] (6) In the above embodiment, the case in which the job instruction associated information 50 is information indicating the kind and the number of the articles W to be input by the operator 8 is described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the job instruction associated information 50 can be information indicating only the number of the articles W to be input by the operator 8.

[0076] (7) In the above embodiment, the structure in which a different operator 8 is arranged in each of the zones A, and the job instruction associated information 50 is displayed in each of the zones A is described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the sorting container support device 6 and the work area 5 can not be divided into a plurality of zones A, and the entire work area 5 can be regarded as one zone A, and one or a plurality of operators 8 can be arranged therein.

[0077] (8) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the sorting container support device 6 is provided with a plurality of first support portions 10a supporting the first kind of sorting container 9a of the first size and a plurality of second support portions 10b supporting the second kind of sorting container 9b of the second size larger than the first size is described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this, and depending on the actual situation of the sorting operation, the structure in which one kind of sorting container 9 is used, or three or more kinds of sorting containers 9 are used in different sizes, and three or more kinds of sorting container support portions 10 supporting them are provided can be adopted.

[0078] (9) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the upright portion 18 of the sorting container support 10, a pair of support sidewalls 16, and connecting surface 13 function as positioning portions 14 has been described as an example. However, the structure is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to make a structure in which the engaging portion of the sorting container 9 and the engaged portion of the sorting container support 10 function as positioning portions 14. In this case, for example, it is also possible to make a structure in which a recessed portion as the engaging portion is provided on the container bottom surface 94 of the sorting container 9, and a protruding portion as the engaged portion is provided on the support surface 11 of the sorting container support 10, and the sorting container 9 is positioned relative to the sorting container support 10 by interlocking them. Alternatively, the concave and convex portions of the engaging portion and the engaged portion may be opposite.

[0079] (10) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made appropriately without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0080] 7. Summary of the above embodiments

[0081] The following is a summary of the item classification system described above.

[0082] The device comprises: a sorting container support device having multiple sorting container support portions; sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; an automatic sorting device disposed adjacent to the sorting container support device, which automatically sorts multiple items supplied from a supply unit according to an order toward the multiple sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; a work area set on the opposite side of the automatic sorting device, facing the sorting container support device, where an operator performs sorting operations on the items relative to the multiple sorting containers supported by the sorting container support portions; and a work display device facing the operator in the work area and displaying information; the work display device displays work instruction association information on each of the multiple sorting container support portions or each of the multiple sorting containers, facing the work area, the work instruction association information being information related to the instruction for the sorting operation relative to each of the multiple sorting containers.

[0083] According to the structure, even in a case where both an article capable of classification by means of the automatic classification device and an article requiring classification by means of the worker due to the inability of classification by means of the automatic classification device exist, classification work of these articles can be appropriately performed. At this time, since the work area is provided on the side opposite to the automatic classification device in a manner of facing the classification container support device, classification by means of the automatic classification device and classification work by means of the worker can be simultaneously and in parallel performed with respect to the classification containers present in the same place. Further, it is not necessary to perform a cargo merging work of merging the articles classified respectively into the same container as in a case where the classification work by means of the automatic classification device and the classification work by means of the worker are performed in separate processes. Thus, compared to a case where the classification by means of the automatic classification device and the classification work by means of the worker are performed in separate processes, the number of man-hours and the time required for the entire classification work can be shortened, and the work place for these classification works can also be suppressed to be small.

[0084] Further, since the work instruction-related information concerning the instruction of the classification work is displayed toward the work area side at each of the classification container support portion or the classification container, the worker can efficiently perform the classification work while confirming the work instruction-related information.

[0085] Thus, according to the present structure, in a case where both the classification work by means of the automatic classification device and the classification work by means of the worker are performed, the efficiency of the entire classification work can be improved.

[0086] Here, it is preferable that the aforementioned automatic classification device is provided with a plurality of discharge ports through which the aforementioned articles classified are discharged, and a conveyance device that conveys the aforementioned articles supplied to the aforementioned supply portion to a certain aforementioned discharge port in accordance with the aforementioned order; and the aforementioned classification container support portion is provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of aforementioned discharge ports, and supports the aforementioned classification container so that the aforementioned articles discharged from the aforementioned discharge port are housed in the aforementioned classification container.

[0087] According to the present structure, the automatic classification device is provided with discharge ports corresponding to each of a plurality of classification containers, and the articles are classified to a certain discharge port by a conveyance device. Further, the classification work by means of the worker can also be simultaneously and in parallel performed with respect to each of these plurality of classification containers. Thus, improvement of the efficiency of the entire classification work can be achieved.

[0088] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned articles conforming to a specification decided in advance with respect to the aforementioned articles are supplied to the aforementioned supply portion of the aforementioned automatic classification device, and the aforementioned articles not conforming to the aforementioned specification are supplied to the aforementioned work area.

[0089] According to the present structure, the classification by the automatic classification device can be performed for the article capable of the classification by the automatic classification device, and the classification by the worker can be performed for the article incapable of the classification by the automatic classification device. That is, the classification work can be performed in an appropriate method according to the kind of the article.

[0090] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned work display device be configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction associated information, and that display of the aforementioned work instruction associated information not be performed until the aforementioned input of the aforementioned article into the aforementioned classification container by the aforementioned automatic classification device is started, and that the aforementioned work instruction associated information be displayed after the aforementioned input of the aforementioned article into the aforementioned classification container by the aforementioned automatic classification device is started.

[0091] According to the present structure, the classification work by the worker is started after the input of the article into the classification container by the automatic classification device is started. Thus, the tendency of the article classified by the automatic classification device being disposed in the lower portion of the classification container and the article classified by the worker being disposed in the upper portion of the classification container is increased. Generally, the article incapable of being classified by the automatic classification device has a higher possibility of being a special shape compared to the article capable of being classified by the automatic classification device. According to the present structure, it is easy to dispose the article of a special shape in the upper portion of the classification container. Thus, it is easy to increase the stability of the plurality of articles housed in the classification container.

[0092] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned work instruction associated information include information indicating the kind and the number of the aforementioned article to be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

[0093] According to the present structure, the worker is able to appropriately perform the classification work by inputting the article of the kind and the number indicated by the work instruction associated information into the classification container to which the work instruction associated information pertains. Thus, it is easy to increase the efficiency of the classification work by the worker.

[0094] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned classification container support device be divided into a plurality of zones; that the plurality of aforementioned zones be configured to include a plurality of aforementioned classification container support portions in each; and that the aforementioned work display device display the aforementioned work instruction associated information toward the aforementioned worker who is different for each of the aforementioned zones.

[0095] According to the present structure, it is possible to substantially divide the work zone into a plurality of zones. Thus, by disposing different workers in each of the plurality of zones of the work zone, it is possible to simultaneously and in parallel perform the classification work by the worker in the plurality of zones. Thus, it is possible to further increase the efficiency of the classification work as a whole.

[0096] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned classification container support device include a plurality of first support portions that support first classification containers that are the aforementioned classification containers of a first size, and a plurality of second support portions that support second classification containers that are the aforementioned classification containers of a second size that is larger than the aforementioned first size; the aforementioned automatic classification device performs a classification operation and the aforementioned work display device performs display of the aforementioned work instruction association information so that, in a case where an amount of the aforementioned article included in an object order of a plurality of the aforementioned orders is less than a prescribed threshold value, the aforementioned article involved in the aforementioned object order is stored in the aforementioned first classification container supported by the aforementioned first support portion, and in a case where the amount of the aforementioned article included in the aforementioned object order is equal to or more than the prescribed threshold value, the aforementioned article involved in the aforementioned object order is stored in the aforementioned second classification container supported by the aforementioned second support portion.

[0097] According to the present structure, the automatic classification device is able to select a classification container of an appropriate size according to an amount of articles included in each order, and store one or more articles included in the order in the selected classification container. Thus, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of a situation in which a classification container is too large or too small with respect to the amount of articles.

[0098] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned classification container be a general-purpose container, and the aforementioned classification container support portion include a positioning portion that positions the aforementioned classification container at a prescribed position.

[0099] According to the present structure, it is possible to appropriately position a classification container supported by a classification container support portion.

[0100] Industrial Applicability

[0101] The technology related to the present disclosure can be utilized in an article classification system that includes an automatic classification device.

[0102] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0103] 1: Article classification system

[0104] 5: Work area

[0105] 6: Classification container support device

[0106] 8: Worker

[0107] 9: Classification container

[0108] 9a: First classification container

[0109] 9b: Second classification container

[0110] 10: Classification container support portion

[0111] 10a: First support portion

[0112] 10b: second support portion

[0113] 14: positioning portion

[0114] 30: automatic classification device

[0115] 31: supply portion

[0116] 32: discharge port

[0117] 33: conveyance device

[0118] 40: work display device

[0119] 50: work instruction association information

[0120] A: division

[0121] W: article

[0122] X: discharge direction

[0123] Y: width direction

Claims

1. An article sorting system characterized by comprising: a sorting container support device provided with a plurality of sorting container support sections; sorting containers supported by the sorting container support sections; an automatic sorting device disposed adjacent to the sorting container support device, and automatically sorting a plurality of articles supplied from a supply section toward a plurality of the sorting containers supported by the sorting container support sections in accordance with an order; a work area provided on the opposite side of the automatic sorting device so as to face the sorting container support device, and a worker performing a sorting work of the articles with respect to the plurality of the sorting containers supported by the sorting container support sections; and a work display device displaying information toward the worker in the work area; the work display device displays work instruction-related information for each of the plurality of the sorting container support sections or the plurality of the sorting containers; the work instruction-related information is information related to an instruction to the worker of the sorting work of the articles supplied to the work area into the sorting containers.

2. The article sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the automatic sorting device is provided with a plurality of discharge ports discharging the sorted articles, and a conveying device conveying the articles supplied to the supply section toward a certain one of the discharge ports in accordance with the order; and the sorting container support sections are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of the discharge ports, and support the sorting containers so that the articles discharged from the discharge ports are stored in the sorting containers.

3. The article sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: based on a specification decided in advance for the articles, the articles conforming to the specification are supplied to the supply section of the automatic sorting device, and the articles not conforming to the specification are supplied to the work area.

4. The article sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: based on a specification decided in advance for the articles, the articles conforming to the specification are supplied to the supply section of the automatic sorting device, and the articles not conforming to the specification are supplied to the work area.

5. The article sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the work display device is configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the work instruction-related information, and display of the work instruction-related information is not performed until the start of the input of the articles into the sorting containers by the automatic sorting device, and display of the work instruction-related information is performed after the start of the input of the articles into the sorting containers by the automatic sorting device.

6. The article sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: the work display device is configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the work instruction-related information, and display of the work instruction-related information is not performed until the start of the input of the articles into the sorting containers by the automatic sorting device, and display of the work instruction-related information is performed after the start of the input of the articles into the sorting containers by the automatic sorting device.

7. The article sorting system according to claim 3, characterized in that: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The aforementioned work display device is configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information, and not to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information before the start of the input of the articles into the aforementioned classification containers by the aforementioned automatic classification device, and to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information after the start of the input of the articles into the aforementioned classification containers by the aforementioned automatic classification device.

8. The article classification system according to claim 4, wherein The aforementioned work display device is configured to be able to change whether or not to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information, and not to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information before the start of the input of the articles into the aforementioned classification containers by the aforementioned automatic classification device, and to perform display of the aforementioned work instruction-related information after the start of the input of the articles into the aforementioned classification containers by the aforementioned automatic classification device.

9. The article classification system according to claim 1, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

10. The article classification system according to claim 2, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

11. The article classification system according to claim 3, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

12. The article classification system according to claim 4, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

13. The article classification system according to claim 5, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

14. The article classification system according to claim 6, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

15. The article classification system according to claim 7, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

16. The article classification system according to claim 8, wherein The aforementioned work instruction-related information includes information indicating the kind and the number of the articles that should be housed in each of the plurality of aforementioned classification containers.

17. The article classification system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The aforementioned classification container support device is divided into a plurality of zones; The plurality of aforementioned zones are configured to include a plurality of aforementioned classification container support portions in each of them; The aforementioned work display device displays the aforementioned work instruction-related information toward the aforementioned workers who are different for each of the aforementioned zones.

18. The article classification system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The aforementioned classified container support device has: a plurality of first support portions that support first classified containers that are the aforementioned classified containers of a first size; and a plurality of second support portions that support second classified containers that are the aforementioned classified containers of a second size that is larger than the aforementioned first size. The aforementioned automatic classification device performs a classification operation and the aforementioned work display device performs display of the aforementioned work instruction association information so that, in a case where the amount of articles included in an object order, which is one of a plurality of the aforementioned orders, is less than a prescribed threshold value, the articles involved in the aforementioned object order are stored in the aforementioned first classified containers supported by the aforementioned first support portions, and in a case where the amount of articles included in the aforementioned object order is equal to or greater than the prescribed threshold value, the articles involved in the aforementioned object order are stored in the aforementioned second classified containers supported by the aforementioned second support portions.

19. The article classification system according to claim 17, wherein The aforementioned classified container support device has: a plurality of first support portions that support first classified containers that are the aforementioned classified containers of a first size; and a plurality of second support portions that support second classified containers that are the aforementioned classified containers of a second size that is larger than the aforementioned first size. The aforementioned automatic classification device performs a classification operation and the aforementioned work display device performs display of the aforementioned work instruction association information so that, in a case where the amount of articles included in an object order, which is one of a plurality of the aforementioned orders, is less than a prescribed threshold value, the articles involved in the aforementioned object order are stored in the aforementioned first classified containers supported by the aforementioned first support portions, and in a case where the amount of articles included in the aforementioned object order is equal to or greater than the prescribed threshold value, the articles involved in the aforementioned object order are stored in the aforementioned second classified containers supported by the aforementioned second support portions.

20. The article classification system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The aforementioned classified containers are general-purpose containers; The aforementioned classified container support portions have positioning portions that position the aforementioned classified containers at prescribed positions.

21. The article classification system according to claim 17, wherein The aforementioned classified containers are general-purpose containers; The aforementioned classified container support portions have positioning portions that position the aforementioned classified containers at prescribed positions.

22. The article classification system according to claim 18, wherein The aforementioned classified containers are general-purpose containers; The aforementioned classified container support portions have positioning portions that position the aforementioned classified containers at prescribed positions.

23. The article classification system according to claim 19, wherein The aforementioned classified containers are general-purpose containers; The aforementioned classified container support portions have positioning portions that position the aforementioned classified containers at prescribed positions.

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