Article distinguishing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention aims to realize an article sorting apparatus capable of further improving work efficiency in a work area. The article sorting apparatus is provided with: a plurality of accommodation sections (1) that accommodate articles (W); a plurality of article transport carts (4) that are provided with a support section (3) that supports the articles (W) and travel along a pre-set travel lane (L1); and a plurality of work areas (E1) that perform work of transferring the articles (W) between the accommodation sections (1) and the support sections (3) of the article transport carts (4) present in the travel lane (L1). Each of the work areas (E1) is contiguous with the accommodation sections (1) and the travel lane (L1), and the plurality of work areas (E1) are arranged in a manner of being aligned along the travel lane (L1), and the plurality of article transport carts (4) travel in a line along the travel lane (L1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an article sorting apparatus that has a plurality of storage sections that store articles and a plurality of work areas that perform an article transfer operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional example of the article sorting apparatus is described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-246234 (Patent Document 1). The article sorting apparatus of Patent Document 1 arranges workers in each of a plurality of work areas, and is provided with a conveyor (first straight forward conveying line 21A) that conveys a collection container (collection container 10) along the plurality of work areas. The workers of the work areas perform an article transfer operation that takes out an article from a storage section and puts it into the collection container.

[0003] In the above-described article sorting apparatus, for example, in the case where the conveyor is stopped due to a delay in the article transfer operation in a specific work area, the conveyance of all the collection containers is stopped. Thus, a situation where the article transfer operation cannot be performed can also occur in the other work areas, so there is a case where the efficiency of the article transfer operation in each work area decreases. Further, for example, since the collection containers are conveyed in a state where they are arranged in their entirety, in the case where the operation is performed in the work area, all the collection containers are conveyed in the arranged state to the portion in the conveyor that corresponds to the work area, including the collection containers that are not the operation targets. Thus, in correspondence with the conveyance of the collection containers that are not the operation targets, the flow efficiency of the collection containers that are the operation targets decreases, and in correspondence therewith, the efficiency of the article transfer operation in the work area also decreases. In this way, in the above-described article sorting apparatus, there is room for improvement in order to improve the operation efficiency in the work area. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article sorting apparatus that can further improve the operation efficiency in the work area.

[0005] The article sorting apparatus relating to the present disclosure has: a plurality of storage sections that store articles; a plurality of article conveying carts that have a support section that supports an article and travel along a predetermined travel lane; and a plurality of work areas that perform an operation that transfers an article between the storage section and the support section of the article conveying cart in the travel lane. Each of the work areas is adjacent to the storage section and the travel lane, and the plurality of work areas are arranged in a manner that they are arranged along the travel lane. The plurality of article conveying carts travel in a line along the travel lane.

[0006] According to this aspect, the article support is supported by the support portion of the article transport vehicle traveling along the traveling lane, and is transported. Therefore, even if the article transport vehicle, which is the target of the transfer work, is stopped due to a delay in the transfer work of the article in a particular work area, or the like, the article transport vehicle traveling ahead of the article transport vehicle and the article transport vehicle traveling behind the article transport vehicle at an interval can continue traveling without stopping. Thus, the workers in other work areas can continue the transfer work with respect to these article transport vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency in other work areas due to a delay in the transfer work in a part of the work areas. Further, by causing the article transport vehicle after the transfer work of the article is completed to travel so as to be separated from the traveling lane, it is possible to increase the proportion of the article transport vehicles, which are the targets of the transfer work, in the traveling lane. Thus, it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the work area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a plan view of the article classification apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a plan view of a part of the article classification apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a side view of the article classification apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the lane change of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a plan view of the article transport vehicle showing the state before and after the rotation of the support portion in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the merging by the lane change in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a side view of the article classification apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 is a plan view of the article classification apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 is a plan view of the article classification apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 is a side view of the article classification apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 is a view showing a state in which the temporary placement section supports the article before and after the article is supported in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] 1. First Embodiment

[0020] A first embodiment of an article sorting apparatus will be described based on the drawings. As shown in Figure 1 , the article sorting apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with: an article storage shelf 2 provided with a plurality of storage sections 1 that store articles W; a plurality of article transport carts 4 provided with a support section 3 that supports the article W and travel along a pre-set travel lane LI; and a plurality of work areas El that perform a work of transferring the article W between the storage section 1 and the support section 3 of the article transport cart 4 present in the travel lane LI. In the present embodiment, in the work area El, a picking work of transferring the article W from the storage section 1 to the support section 3 of the article transport cart 4 present in the travel lane LI is performed. Further, the article sorting apparatus is provided with a control device H that performs control of management of the articles W stored in the article storage shelf 2, control of the article transport cart 4, and the like (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0021] A changeover area E2 is provided at a position downstream of the travel lane LI in the travel direction of the article transport cart 4. In the travel lane LI, a plurality of article transport carts 4 travel in a line along the travel lane LI. In contrast to this, in the changeover area E2, the article transport cart 4 travels without being restricted by the travel direction and the travel path. The changeover area E2 is an area in which a plurality of article transport carts 4 travel without being in a line and in which a changeover of the travel order is possible. A number of article transport carts 4 that is more than the number of the plurality of work areas El travel in the travel lane LI, and the plurality of article transport carts 4 travel in a manner in which one or more article transport carts 4 are present in each of a plurality of lane areas LE (refer to Figure 2 ). It is preferable that a number of article transport carts 4 that is more than the number of the plurality of work areas El travel in the travel lane LI. For example, it is preferable that a structure in which a number of article transport carts 4 that is two or more times the number of the plurality of work areas El travel in the travel lane LI is made.

[0022] In the article sorting apparatus, in addition to the travel lane LI, a branch lane L2 in which other article transport carts 4 can travel in parallel with the article transport carts 4 that travel along the travel lane LI and a completion lane L3 are provided. The branch lane L2 and the completion lane L3 are provided in parallel with the travel lane LI. In the travel lane LI, the branch lane L2, and the completion lane L3, a plurality of article transport carts 4 travel in the same direction. As shown in Figure 2 , the travel lane LI has a lane area LE corresponding to each of the plurality of work areas El.

[0023] AsFigure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the downstream side end of the travel lane LI, the branch lane L2, and the completion lane L3 is connected to the changeover area E2. Further, the upstream side end of the return lane L4 is connected to the changeover area E2. The downstream side end of the return lane L4 is connected to the upstream side end of the travel lane LI and the branch lane L2. The article transport vehicle 4 enters the changeover area E2 from the downstream side end of the travel lane LI, the branch lane L2, or the completion lane L3, and enters the upstream side end of the return lane L4 from the changeover area E2. Further, the article transport vehicle 4 enters the upstream side end of the travel lane LI or the branch lane L2 from the downstream side end of the return lane L4. In this way, a loop-shaped path for the article transport vehicle 4 to travel is formed by the travel lane LI, the branch lane L2, and the completion lane L3, the changeover area E2, and the return lane L4.

[0024] At the downstream side end of the return lane L4, a container receiving portion 6 where the article transport vehicle 4 receives the container C is provided, and at the upstream side end of the return lane L4, a container handover portion 7 where the article transport vehicle 4 hands over the container C is provided. The article transport vehicle 4 receives the empty container C that does not house the article W from the container receiving portion 6. During the period in which the article transport vehicle 4 travels along the travel lane LI, the article W is housed in the container C by the worker M. The article transport vehicle 4 hands over the container C that houses the article W to the container handover portion 7. In the present embodiment, the support portion 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 is constituted by two containers C received from the container receiving portion 6.

[0025] Hereinafter, the article sorting device will be described, but as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the downstream side (front side in the travel direction) of the travel direction of the article transport vehicle 4 when traveling along the travel lane LI is referred to as the first direction first side XI, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the first direction second side X2. Further, the direction orthogonal to the first direction X when viewed in the vertical direction Z is referred to as the second direction Y, the direction in which the article housing shelf 2 exists with respect to the work area El is referred to as the second direction first side Yl, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the second direction second side Y2. In the present embodiment, the second direction first side Yl corresponds to the work side of the work area El with respect to the travel lane LI.

[0026] The branch lane L2 is formed so as to adjoin the traveling lane LI on the second direction second side Y2. The completion lane L3 is formed so as to adjoin the branch lane L2 on the second direction second side Y2. The plurality of work areas El is formed so as to adjoin the traveling lane LI on the second direction first side Yl. The plurality of article storage shelves 2 is formed so as to adjoin the plurality of work areas El on the second direction first side Yl. The traveling lane LI, the branch lane L2, the completion lane L3, and the plurality of work areas El are each formed along the first direction X. Further, the plurality of article storage shelves 2 is also provided along the first direction X.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3 , the article storage shelf 2 is provided with the storage portion 1 in which a plurality of articles W are arranged in the up-down direction Z. Here, the storage portion 1 is each equipped in a posture that inclines downward as it goes toward the second direction second side Y2, and is configured so that an article W placed on the second direction first side Yl of the storage portion 1 moves to the end portion of the second direction second side Y2 of the storage portion 1 by its own weight. In addition, in the present embodiment, the article W is stored in the article storage shelf 2 in a state of being housed in a storage container D.

[0028] In the plurality of storage portions 1, a plurality of kinds of articles W are stored by kind, and one kind of article W is stored in one storage portion 1. A display portion 9 is provided on the end portion of the second direction second side Y2 of the storage portion 1. The display portion 9 is configured to be able to display, in a picking operation, an object storage portion display indicating the storage portion 1 from which an article W should be taken out, and a number of taking-out display indicating the number of articles W that should be taken out from the storage portion 1, and the like. The display portion 9 is controlled by the control device H (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the work area El is provided with a plurality of article storage shelves 2 corresponding to each of the plurality of work areas El. Each of the work areas El adjoins the storage portion 1 and the traveling lane LI. Further, the plurality of work areas El is arranged in a manner that lines up along the traveling lane LI.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2As shown, a partition 11 is provided between the driving lane L1 in the second direction Y and the multiple work areas E1, separating the driving lane L1 and the multiple work areas E1. Furthermore, corresponding to each of the multiple work areas E1, an indicator light 12 is provided to indicate the item transport vehicle 4 that is the object of a picking operation. The indicator light 12 is located between the corresponding work area E1 and the driving lane L1, and at the same position as the center of the corresponding work area E1 in the first direction X. The indicator light 12 illuminates when there is an item transport vehicle 4 that is the object of a picking operation in the corresponding lane area LE, and turns off when there is no item transport vehicle 4 that is the object of a picking operation in the corresponding lane area LE. The indicator light 12 is controlled by the control device H (see reference). Figure 4 )control.

[0031] An operator M is assigned to each work area E1. The operator M in work area E1 retrieves an item W from one of the multiple receiving sections 1 corresponding to their assigned work area E1, and places the item W onto the support section 3 of the item transport vehicle 4 located in their assigned lane area LE, performing a picking operation. Using the display unit 9, the operator M can identify the location of the receiving section 1 from which the item W should be retrieved and the number of items W to be retrieved from that receiving section 1. Furthermore, using the illumination of indicator lights 12, the operator M can identify the item transport vehicle 4 that should support the item W retrieved from the receiving section 1. Preferably, when multiple item transport vehicles 4 exist in lane area LE, the operator can identify which item transport vehicle 4 should support the item W based on the illumination pattern of the indicator lights 12 (e.g., light color and illumination style). Alternatively, although not shown in the diagram, multiple indicator lights 12 can be provided in each work area E1.

[0032] Figure 4 The control device H shown stores containment item information, which is information about the type of item W contained in the containment section 1. The control device H is configured to send pick information to the item transport vehicle 4 based on the pick instruction and containment item information when a pick instruction is output from a higher-level controller. The pick information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the lane area LE where the pick operation is performed; information indicating the position (first support 3A or second support 3B) of the support section 3 that is the object to which the item W is placed during the pick operation; type information indicating the type of item W that is placed on the support section 3; and quantity information indicating the number of items W that are placed on the support section 3.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the goods transport vehicle 4 includes a traveling unit 16 that travels on the ground F and a support unit 3 supported by the traveling unit 16. Figure 4As shown, the traveling section 16 includes a reading section 18 that reads reference position information provided on the floor F, a weighing section 19 that measures the weight of the article W supported by the support section 3, and a control section 20 that controls the traveling section 16. The reference position information is information indicating positions that are references on each lane LI to L4. In the present embodiment, the reference position information is constituted by two-dimensional codes provided on the floor F, more specifically, by labels (for example, first and second labels Tl and T2 shown in FIG. 1) on which the two-dimensional codes are displayed and which are attached to the floor F. In the reference position information, in addition to information indicating that the positions thereof are reference positions, address information indicating positions (coordinates or signboards, etc.) in the entire path on which the article transport vehicle 4 travels is included. Figure 7

[0034] As shown, the support section 3 includes a first support body 3A and a second support body 3B that individually support the article W. The first support body 3A and the second support body 3B are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the first support body 3A and the second support body 3B are each constituted by a container C and are placed on the traveling section 16. Figure 6

[0035] As shown, the traveling section 16 includes a pair of traveling wheels 22 arranged in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the article transport vehicle 4 in the upward and downward direction Z, a pair of driven wheels 23 (see also FIG. 2) provided on both sides of the pair of traveling wheels 22 in the traveling direction, and a traveling motor 24 (see FIG. 2) that rotates and drives the traveling wheels 22. Figure 3 Figure 12 In a state in which the article transport vehicle 4 travels straight in the first direction X, the pair of traveling wheels 22 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the driven wheels 23 are provided on both sides of the pair of traveling wheels 22 in the first direction X. The traveling section 16 travels forward by rotating both of the pair of traveling wheels 22 in the forward direction by the traveling motor 24 and travels backward by rotating both of the pair of traveling wheels 22 in the reverse direction by the traveling motor 24. Figure 4

[0036] Further, the traveling section 16 is configured so that, in a case in which both of the pair of traveling wheels 22 are rotated in the forward direction by the traveling motor 24, the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 can be changed by changing the speed of the rotation thereof. Also, a plurality of article transport vehicles 4 are configured so that they can travel independently of each other and so that the traveling speed can be changed independently of each other. In the present embodiment, the article transport vehicle 4 is configured so that the traveling speed can be changed to a first speed, a second speed that is higher than the first speed, and a third speed that is lower than the first speed. In the present embodiment, the third speed is set to a speed at which the article transport vehicle 4 stops.

[0037] ​​​​By using a driving motor 24 to rotate a pair of driving wheels 22 at different speeds via the driving unit 16, the goods transport vehicle 4 can change its direction of travel while moving. The goods transport vehicle 4 changes its direction of travel while traveling along the driving lane L1, such as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (1), the vehicle can change its driving lane from driving lane L1 to branch lane L2. Furthermore, the goods transport vehicle 4 changes its driving direction while traveling along branch lane L2, as in... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (2), the vehicle can change its driving lane from branch lane L2 to driving lane L1. Thus, the goods transport vehicle 4 is configured to change from driving lane L1 to branch lane L2 and from branch lane L2 back to driving lane L1. Furthermore, the goods transport vehicle 4 can change its driving direction while traveling along driving lane L1, as in... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (3), the vehicle can change its driving lane from driving lane L1 to completion lane L3. Thus, the goods transport vehicle 4 is configured to be able to change from driving lane L1 to completion lane L3.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the goods transport vehicle 4 is configured to allow the support portion 3 to rotate about an axis in the vertical direction Z. When the goods transport vehicle 4 is in the travel lane L1, the support portion 3 rotates in the following ways: First rotation state (in...) Figure 6 (In the state shown on the right), the support 3 is rotated so that the first support 3A is positioned closer to the first side Y1 in the second direction than the second support 3B; and the second rotation state (in Figure 6 (The state shown on the left) rotates the support 3 so that the second support 3B is positioned on the first side Y1 in the second direction, which is closer to the first support 3A than the first support 3A. In this embodiment, the support 3 is configured to rotate to a first rotation state and a second rotation state by means of a pair of driving wheels 22 rotating through the driving unit 16 of the article transport vehicle 4.

[0039] The control section 20 executes travel control that controls the travel section 16 based on the picking information transmitted from the control device H, and discrimination control that discriminates whether the picking operation is completed. In the travel control, the control section 20 controls the travel section 16 so that the article transport vehicle 4 travels along one or a plurality of lane sections LE in which the picking operation is performed, in order. In the discrimination control, the control section 20 discriminates whether the picking operation is completed in each of one or a plurality of lane sections LE in which the picking operation is performed. The article transport vehicle 4 transmits the reference position information together with the identification code of the vehicle to the control device H in a case where the reference position information is read by the reading section 18 in the execution of the travel control. The control device H can grasp the positions of a plurality of article transport vehicles 4 based on the identification codes and the reference position information transmitted from the plurality of article transport vehicles 4.

[0040] In the control section 20, weight information indicating the weight of the article W is stored. The weighing section 19 is configured to be able to measure the weight of each of a plurality of support sections 3, or to be able to measure the weight of the whole of a plurality of support sections 3. In the discrimination control, the control section 20 discriminates whether the article W of the kind indicated by the kind information is correctly placed with respect to the support section 3 specified by the number indicated by the number information, that is, whether the picking operation is completed, based on the change in the weight measured by the weighing section 19, the kind information of the article W to be supported by the support section 3 indicated by the picking information, the weight information of the article W of the kind indicated by the kind information, and the number information of the article W indicated by the picking information.

[0041] In the travel control, the control section 20 controls the travel section 16 so that the article transport vehicle 4 travels along only the lane section LE in which the picking operation is performed. Further, the control section 20 controls the travel section 16 so that the article transport vehicle 4 does not travel along the lane section LE in which the picking operation is not performed, but travels along the branch lane L2 or the completion lane L3 that is on the second direction second side Y2 with respect to the lane section LE. Specifically, in the travel control, the travel section 16 is controlled as follows.

[0042] In a case where the picking operation is performed in the lane area LE on the most first direction second side X2 in the plurality of lane areas LE, the article transport vehicle 4 enters from the return lane L4 to the travel lane LI and travels along the travel lane LI at the first speed. In addition, in a case where the picking operation is not performed in the lane area LE on the most first direction second side X2 in the plurality of lane areas LE, the article transport vehicle 4 enters from the return lane L4 to the branch lane L2 and travels along the branch lane L2 at the second speed. Also, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 travels along each lane, in a case where the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling on the front side (first direction first side XI) of the own vehicle is traveling at a lower speed than the own vehicle, the travel speed of the own vehicle is set to the same travel speed as the other article transport vehicle 4 so that the own vehicle follows the other article transport vehicle 4 at a set interval. In addition, in the present embodiment, the set interval is set to an interval narrower than the width of the article transport vehicle 4 in the first direction X.

[0043] Also, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 travels along the lane area LE of the travel lane LI, in a case where it is determined by the discrimination control that the picking operation is not completed, the article transport vehicle 4 travels along the lane area LE at the first speed. Also, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 travels along the lane area LE of the travel lane LI, in a case where it is determined by the discrimination control that the picking operation is completed, the own vehicle travels along the lane area LE at the second speed. In this way, by executing the travel control, the article transport vehicle 4 travels at the first speed in each of the lane areas LE in the operation area El corresponding to the lane area LE until the picking operation with respect to the support portion 3 of the own vehicle is completed, and travels at the second speed higher than the first speed after the picking operation with respect to the support portion 3 of the own vehicle is completed.

[0044] Also, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 travels along the lane area LE, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 reaches the end portion of the first direction first side XI of the lane area LE although it is determined by the discrimination control that the picking operation is not completed, the article transport vehicle 4 is decelerated to the third speed (stop). Thereby, it is possible to restrict the case where the article transport vehicle 4 goes out of the lane area LE before the picking operation with respect to the support portion 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 is completed in the operation area El corresponding to the lane area LE.

[0045] In a case where the picking operation is completed with respect to each of the lane areas LE of the article transport vehicle 4, the article transport vehicle 4 changes lanes from the travel lane LI to the completion lane L3 as indicated by an arrow (3). Figure 5 The article transport vehicle 4 travels along the completion lane L3 at the second speed in a case where the lane is changed to the completion lane L3, and travels to the changeover area E2.

[0046] If a picking operation relative to the transport vehicle 4 is completed in lane zone LE, and a picking operation relative to the transport vehicle 4 is performed in the next lane zone LE adjacent to that lane zone LE in the first direction on the first side X1, then... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (4), the goods transport vehicle 4 travels along the driving lane L1 at the second speed. The goods transport vehicle 4 travels along lane LE in the driving lane L1, and as it enters the next lane LE adjacent to that lane LE, it reduces its speed to the first speed.

[0047] Furthermore, if the picking operation in lane zone LE is completed, and picking operations are not performed in the next lane zone LE adjacent to that lane zone LE in the first direction on the first side X1, the goods transport vehicle 4 will proceed as follows: Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (1), the vehicle changes from driving lane L1 to branch lane L2. When the goods transport vehicle 4 changes lanes to branch lane L2, as shown by... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (2), after traveling at the second speed along the branch lane L2, the speed is reduced to the first speed, and a lane change is performed to merge into the end of the second side X2 of the first direction of the lane area LE where the picking operation will be carried out (hereinafter referred to as the merging point G).

[0048] Next, the situation where the goods transport vehicle traveling along branch lane L2 changes lane 4 to driving lane L1 will be explained.

[0049] like Figure 7The first tag T1 is provided at a reference position in front of the merging point G in the travel lane LI. The first tag T1 displays reference position information indicating the position at which the first tag T1 is provided and that the position is a reference position. The article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI and entering the merging point G before can read the reference position information of the first tag T1 by the reading section 18. Further, the second tag T2 is provided at a reference position in front of the merging point G in the branch lane L2. The second tag T2 displays reference position information indicating the position at which the second tag T2 is provided and that the position is a reference position. The article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 and entering the merging point G before can read the reference position information of the second tag T2 by the reading section 18. In the present embodiment, the second tag T2 is provided at a distance from the first tag T1 in the first direction first side XI, which corresponds to the difference DIF between the travel distance of the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 to the merging into the travel lane LI and the travel distance of the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI as it is. In the present example, the difference DIF is equal to the interval of the travel lane LI and the second direction Y of the branch lane L2.

[0050] The article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI transmits the identification code of the vehicle and the reference position information of the first tag T1 to the control device H when the reference position information of the first tag T1 is read. The article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 transmits the merging information to the control device H in addition to the identification code of the vehicle and the reference position information of the second tag T2 when the reference position information of the second tag T2 corresponding to the merging point G at which the vehicle plans to merge is read. The control device H gives priority to the article transport vehicle 4 that first reads the reference position information among the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI and the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 to enter the merging point G.

[0051] The control device H transmits information permitting merging to the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 and reading the reference position information of the second tag T2 after the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI enters the merging point G when there is the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the branch lane L2 and reading the reference position information of the second tag T2 from the time when the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI reads the reference position information of the first tag T1 until the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the travel lane LI passes through the merging point G.

[0052] The control device H sends information of permission of merging to the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is allowed to preferentially enter the merging site G. Further, the control device H sends information of prohibition of merging to the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the traveling lane LI in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 is allowed to preferentially enter the merging site G, and the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the traveling lane LI has read the reference position information of the first tag Tl before the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 passes through the merging site G, and sends information of permission of merging to the other article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the traveling lane LI after the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 has passed through the merging site G.

[0053] The article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the traveling lane LI enters the merging site G as it is after sending the reference position information of the first tag Tl to the control device H in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is not prohibited from merging by the control device H. Further, the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the traveling lane LI stops in front of the merging site G after sending the reference position information of the first tag Tl to the control device H in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is prohibited from merging by the control device H, and then receives information of permission of merging from the control device H, thereby entering the merging site G.

[0054] The article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 enters the merging site G as it is after sending the reference position information of the second tag T2 to the control device H in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is permitted to merge by the control device H. Further, the article transport vehicle 4 traveling along the branch lane L2 stops in front of the merging site G after sending the reference position information of the second tag T2 to the control device H in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is not permitted to merge by the control device H, and then receives information of permission of merging from the control device H, thereby entering the merging site G.

[0055] Next, the rotation of the support portion 3 in the execution of the travel control will be described. The control portion 20, in a case where the article transport vehicle 4 is caused to travel along the lane area LE in the travel control, in a case where the support body that is the object of the placement of the article W by the picking operation performed in the lane area LE (for example, the first support body 3A) is located at a position on the first side Yl of the second direction from the center of the article transport vehicle 4, maintains the rotation state as it is (first rotation state). On the other hand, the control portion 20, in a case where the support body that is the object of the placement of the article W by the picking operation performed in the lane area LE (for example, the first support body 3A) is located at a position on the second side Y2 of the second direction from the center of the article transport vehicle 4, switches the rotation state (second rotation state). In this case, for example, the control portion 20 controls the travel portion 16 to switch the orientation of the support portion 3 from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

[0056] Next, the control of the article transport vehicle 4 by the control device H for causing the plurality of article transport vehicles 4 to deliver the container C to the container delivery portion 7 in a predetermined order will be described. The control device H transmits delivery information to the article transport vehicle 4 that delivers the container C to the container delivery portion 7 first. The article transport vehicle 4 delivers the container C to the container delivery portion 7 upon receiving the delivery information, and transmits completion information to the control device H upon completion of the delivery of the container C. The control device H, upon receiving the completion information from the article transport vehicle 4, transmits delivery information to the article transport vehicle 4 that delivers the container C to the container delivery portion 7 next. In this way, the control device H controls the plurality of article transport vehicles 4 by sequentially transmitting delivery information to the plurality of article transport vehicles 4, to cause the plurality of article transport vehicles 4 to deliver the container C to the container delivery portion 7 in a predetermined order.

[0057] 2. Second Embodiment

[0058] Next, the use of the article sorting device will be described. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A second embodiment of the article sorting device will be described. In the present embodiment, the travel lane LI is disposed on the first side Yl of the second direction with respect to the work area El, and the travel lane LI and the housing portion 1 are disposed on the same side with respect to the work area El, unlike the above-described first embodiment. Hereinafter, the article sorting device relating to the present embodiment will be described focusing on the points of difference from the above-described first embodiment. Note that the points not particularly described are the same as the above-described first embodiment.

[0059] Branch lane L2 is formed adjacent to driving lane L1 on the first side Y1 in the second direction. Completion lane L3 is formed adjacent to branch lane L2 on the first side Y1 in the second direction. Multiple work areas E1 are formed adjacent to driving lane L1 on the second side Y2 in the second direction. Multiple item-containing shelves 2 are formed adjacent to multiple work areas E1 on the first side Y1 in the second direction. Driving lane L1 and multiple item-containing shelves 2 overlap when viewed vertically, with driving lane L1 positioned below item-containing shelves 2.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the driving lane L1 is formed as a straight line and is generally adjacent to the branch lane L2 and the work area E1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the driving lane L1 is wavy when viewed in the vertical direction Z and is partially adjacent to the branch lane L2 and the work area E1. In addition, in this embodiment, the second side Y2 in the second direction corresponds to the work side of the work area E1 relative to the driving lane L1. In addition, in this embodiment, the driving lane L1 is wavy to avoid the support of the item holding shelf 2, but if the driving lane L1 does not interfere with the support of the item holding shelf 2, it is also possible to form the driving lane L1 as a straight line along the first direction X at the position where it overlaps with the item holding shelf 2 when viewed in the vertical direction Z.

[0061] 3. Third Implementation Method

[0062] Next, use Figure 10 to Figure 12 A third embodiment of the item sorting device will be described. In this embodiment, the temporary mounting section 31 is placed in the work area E1, which differs from the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the item sorting device of this embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Otherwise, points not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, at least one temporary mounting section 31 is provided in each of the work areas E1. In this embodiment, two temporary mounting sections 31 are provided in each of the work areas E1. Figure 12As shown, the temporary placement section 31 has a housing section 32 that houses the article W, an opening and closing body 33 that supports the article W housed in the housing section 32, and an actuator (not shown) that operates the opening and closing body 33. The opening and closing body 33 is configured to be switched between a support posture that is a posture along the horizontal direction to support the article W and a support release posture that is a posture extending downward from the housing section 32 to not support the article W. The temporary placement section 31 becomes a holding state that holds at least one article W by causing the opening and closing body 33 to be in the support posture, and becomes a discharge state that discharges the held article W by causing the opening and closing body 33 to be in the support release posture. In this way, the temporary placement section 31 is configured to be state- changeable between the holding state and the discharge state.

[0064] As shown by a broken line in Figure 12 , the temporary placement section 31 becomes the holding state in a state where the article transport vehicle 4 is not positioned at a position corresponding to the temporary placement section 31. As shown by a solid line in Figure 12 , the temporary placement section 31 becomes the discharge state in a state where the article transport vehicle 4 is positioned at a position corresponding to the temporary placement section 31. Specifically, as the article transport vehicle 4 that performs the picking operation reaches the temporary placement section 31, discharge information is transmitted from the article transport vehicle 4 or the control device H to the temporary placement section 31. The temporary placement section 31 is state-changed from the holding state to the discharge state upon receiving the discharge information, and discharges the held article W to the support section 3 of the article transport vehicle 4. The discharged article W is supported by the support section 3 of the article transport vehicle 4. Further, the temporary placement section 31 is state-changed to the holding state after a set time elapses from the state change to the discharge state. Note that these state changes are performed by the control section (not shown) of the temporary placement section 31 controlling the actuator that operates the opening and closing body 33.

[0065] The indicator light 12 is equipped in correspondence with each of the temporary placement sections 31. In the present embodiment, the indicator light 12 indicates the temporary placement section 31 that performs the picking operation. With the lighting of the indicator light 12, the worker M can recognize the temporary placement section 31 that should support the article W taken out from the housing section 1. In this way, in the present embodiment, the worker M of the work area El takes out the article W from a certain one of the plurality of housing sections 1 corresponding to the work area El for which the worker M is in charge, causes the temporary placement section 31 in the lane area LE for which the worker M is in charge to support the article W, and performs the picking operation. The article W held by the temporary placement section 31 is supported by the support section 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 as the article transport vehicle 4 reaches the temporary placement section 31 as described above. In this way, in the present embodiment, the picking operation of transferring the article W from the housing section 1 to the support section 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 that is in the traveling lane LI is performed using the temporary placement section 31.

[0066] 4. Other Embodiments

[0067] Next, other embodiments of the article distinguishing device will be described.

[0068] (1) In the above embodiment, the worker M is arranged in the work area El and the picking work is performed by the worker M, but a transfer robot can be arranged in the work area El and the picking work can be performed by the transfer robot. In addition, the work area El in which the worker M is arranged and the work area El in which the transfer robot is arranged can be provided. Incidentally, in the case where both the work area El in which the worker M is arranged and the work area El in which the transfer robot is arranged are provided, the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the lane area LE with respect to the work area El in which the worker M is arranged can be different from the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 traveling in the lane area LE with respect to the work area El in which the transfer robot is arranged.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the branch lane L2 and the completion lane L3 are provided in addition to the traveling lane LI is described. However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, only the traveling lane LI can be provided. Alternatively, only one of the branch lane L2 and the completion lane L3 can be provided in addition to the traveling lane LI.

[0070] (3) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 in the traveling control can be changed to three levels of speeds of the first speed, the second speed, and the third speed is made. However, the structure in which the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 in the traveling control can be changed to two levels of speeds or four or more levels of speeds can be made. In addition, the third speed can be a speed slower than the first speed, and can not be a speed at which the article transport vehicle 4 stops. In addition, the traveling speed of the article transport vehicle 4 in the traveling control can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, the support portion 3 has two support bodies of the first support body 3A and the second support body 3B. However, the support portion 3 can be a structure having only one support body, or a structure having three or more support bodies.

[0072] (5) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the indicator light 12 is provided between the traveling lane LI and the work area El is made. However, the position at which the indicator light 12 is provided can be changed as appropriate. For example, the indicator light 12 can be provided to each of a plurality of article transport vehicles 4.

[0073] (6) In the above-described embodiment, a structure is made in which the entire article transport vehicle 4 is caused to rotate about an axis along the up-down direction Z to rotate the support portion 3 to the first and second rotated states. However, the structure is not limited to this. For example, a structure can be made in which a turntable capable of rotating about an axis along the up-down direction Z with respect to the traveling portion 16 is provided on the article transport vehicle 4, and the support portion 3 is supported by the turntable. In this case, the support portion 3 can be rotated to the first and second rotated states by causing the turntable to rotate with respect to the traveling portion 16.

[0074] (7) In the above-described embodiment, an example of a picking device that is the article sorting device and performs a picking operation of collecting the articles W housed in the plurality of housing portions 1 toward the support portion 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 is described. However, the device is not limited to this. For example, the article sorting device can be a sorting device that performs a sorting operation of collecting the articles W supported by the support portions 3 of the plurality of article transport vehicles 4 toward the housing portions 1, or can be a device that performs both the picking operation and the sorting operation.

[0075] (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the article housing shelf 2 is made up of the flow shelf in which the housing portions 1 are inclined downward in the posture toward the second direction second side Y2, and the article W placed on the second direction first side Yl of the housing portion 1 moves to the end portion of the second direction second side Y2 of the housing portion 1 by the weight is described. However, the structure is not limited to this. For example, the article housing shelf 2 can be made up of a general shelf in which the articles W housed in the housing portions 1 do not move in the second direction Y.

[0076] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the article housing shelf 2 is made up of the housing portions 1 is described, but the place where the housing portions 1 are provided can be appropriately changed. For example, a delivery station to which the articles W delivered from the automatic warehouse are transported can be the housing portion 1. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the articles W in the state of being housed in the housing container D are housed in the housing portions 1 is described. However, the state in which the articles W are housed in the housing portions can be appropriately changed. For example, the structure in which the articles W in the state of being placed on a flat pallet are housed in the housing portions 1 can be made.

[0077] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the structure in which the control section 20 determines whether the picking operation is completed in the determination control based on the change in the weight measured by the weighing section 19, the kind information of the article W that should be supported by the support section 3 indicated by the picking information, the weight information of the article W of the kind indicated by the kind information, and the number information of the articles W indicated by the picking information is described. However, the determination of whether the picking operation is completed in the determination control can also be appropriately changed. For example, an operation section composed of a belt switch or the like is provided in the vicinity of the indicator light 12, and the operation section is operated by the operator M who has completed the picking operation, and operation information that is information indicating that the operation section has been operated is transmitted to the article transport vehicle 4. Also, the control section 20 can be such that, in the determination control, in the case where the operation information is received by the article transport vehicle 4, it is determined that the picking operation is completed. Further, information indicating the kind of the article W is displayed on the article W as a two-dimensional code such as a bar code, and the two-dimensional code of the article W is read by a reader when the article W is placed on the support section 3 of the article transport vehicle 4 by the operator M. Also, the control section 20 can be such that, in the determination control, it is determined that the picking operation is completed based on the kind information of the article W that should be supported by the support section 3 indicated by the picking information, the number information of the articles W indicated by the picking information, and read information that is information read by the reader.

[0078] (10) Further, the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with the structures disclosed in the other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction. As for the other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely simple examples in all aspects. Thus, various changes can be appropriately made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0079] 5. Summary of the above-described embodiments

[0080] Hereinafter, a summary of the article sorting apparatus described in the above will be described.

[0081] The article sorting apparatus includes: a plurality of housing sections that house articles; a plurality of article transport vehicles that have a support section that supports an article and travel along a pre-set travel lane; and a plurality of work sections that perform a work of transferring an article between the housing section and the support section of the article transport vehicle in the travel lane; each of the work sections is adjacent to the housing section and the travel lane, and the plurality of work sections are arranged in a manner of being aligned along the travel lane; and the plurality of article transport vehicles travel in a column along the travel lane.

[0082] According to this aspect, the articles are supported and conveyed by the support sections of the article conveyance carts traveling along the traveling lane. Therefore, even if the article conveyance cart that is the target of the transfer operation is stopped due to a delay in the transfer operation of the articles in a particular work area or the like, the article conveyance cart that precedes the article conveyance cart and the article conveyance cart that follows the article conveyance cart and travels at an interval from the article conveyance cart can continue traveling without stopping. Thus, the workers in other work areas can continue the transfer operation with respect to these article conveyance carts. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the work efficiency in other work areas decreases due to a delay in the transfer operation in a part of the work areas. Further, by causing the article conveyance cart after the completion of the transfer operation of the articles to travel so as to depart from the traveling lane, for example, it is possible to increase the proportion of the article conveyance carts that are the targets of the transfer operation in the traveling lane. Thus, it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the work areas.

[0083] Here, it is preferable that the aforementioned traveling lane have lane sections each corresponding to a plurality of the aforementioned work areas; and the plurality of the aforementioned article conveyance carts travel in a manner that one or more of the aforementioned article conveyance carts exist in each of the plurality of the aforementioned lane sections.

[0084] According to this aspect, in each of the plurality of work areas, it is possible to perform the transfer operation with respect to one or more article conveyance carts existing in the corresponding lane section. Thus, it is possible to increase the proportion of the article conveyance carts that can perform the transfer operation in parallel in the plurality of work areas, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the work areas.

[0085] Further, it is preferable that each of the plurality of article conveyance carts be configured to be able to change the traveling speed independently of each other.

[0086] According to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately change the traveling speed of each article conveyance cart in accordance with the interval from the preceding article conveyance cart, the progress state of the transfer operation in each work area, or the like. Thus, it is possible to, for example, reduce the useless interval between two article conveyance carts, or adjust the traveling speed of the article conveyance cart so as to easily perform the transfer operation, or increase the traveling speed of the article conveyance cart within a range that does not hinder the transfer operation. Thus, it is possible to improve the flow efficiency of the article conveyance carts, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the work areas.

[0087] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned traveling lane have lane sections each corresponding to a plurality of the aforementioned work areas; and the aforementioned article conveyance cart travel at a first speed in each of the aforementioned lane sections in the work area corresponding to the lane section until the transfer operation with respect to the aforementioned support section of the own cart is completed, and travel at a second speed higher than the aforementioned first speed after the transfer operation with respect to the aforementioned support section of the own cart is completed.

[0088] According to this aspect, the article transport vehicle during the transfer operation relative to the support portion travels at a first speed that is low, and the article transport vehicle after the transfer operation relative to the support portion is completed travels at a second speed that is high, so the average travel speed of the article transport vehicle in the travel lane as a whole can be increased while ensuring the ease of the transfer operation relative to the article transport vehicle that is traveling. Thus, the flow efficiency of the article transport vehicle can be improved, and the work efficiency in the work area can be improved.

[0089] Further, it is preferable that a completion lane be provided on which the article transport vehicle can travel in parallel with the article transport vehicle traveling along the travel lane, and the article transport vehicle be configured to be able to perform a lane change from the travel lane to the completion lane.

[0090] According to this aspect, for example, by causing the article transport vehicle after the transfer operation of the article is completed to perform a lane change from the travel lane to the completion lane and travel along the completion lane, the proportion of the article transport vehicle that is the object of the transfer operation in the travel lane can be increased. Thus, the work efficiency in the work area can be improved.

[0091] Further, it is preferable that a branch lane be provided on which the article transport vehicle can travel in parallel with the article transport vehicle traveling along the travel lane, and the article transport vehicle be configured to be able to perform a lane change from the travel lane to the branch lane and perform a lane change from the branch lane to the travel lane.

[0092] According to this aspect, in the work area in which the transfer operation relative to the article transport vehicle is not performed among the plurality of work areas, the article transport vehicle can be caused to travel in the branch lane instead of the travel lane, and the article transport vehicle can be caused to travel along the travel lane only with respect to the work area in which the transfer operation relative to the article transport vehicle is performed.

[0093] Thus, the proportion of the article transport vehicle that is the object of the transfer operation in the travel lane can be increased, and the work efficiency in the work area can be improved.

[0094] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned support section include a first support body and a second support body that individually support the article; the aforementioned first support body and the aforementioned second support body be arranged adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction; one side existing with respect to the aforementioned travel lane and the aforementioned work area be set as a work side; the aforementioned article transport vehicle be configured to be able to rotate the aforementioned support section around an axis along a vertical direction; and the aforementioned article transport vehicle rotate the aforementioned support section to a first rotated state in which the aforementioned first support body is positioned at a position further toward the aforementioned work side than the aforementioned second support body and a second rotated state in which the aforementioned second support body is positioned at a position further toward the aforementioned work side than the aforementioned first support body in the aforementioned travel lane.

[0095] According to this aspect, in a case where transfer work with respect to the first support body is required, the article transport vehicle can be brought into the first rotated state, and the transfer work with respect to the first support body can be easily performed. In a case where transfer work with respect to the second support body is required, the article transport vehicle can be brought into the second rotated state, and the transfer work with respect to the second support body can be easily performed. That is, according to this aspect, transfer work with respect to both of the two support bodies can be easily performed while the support section includes the two support bodies that individually support the article.

[0096] Further, it is preferable that the aforementioned article transport vehicle include a weighing section that measures the weight of the article supported by the aforementioned support section.

[0097] According to this aspect, by measuring the weight of the article supported by the support section with the weighing section, it is possible to perform discrimination of whether the article is supported on the support section, and it is possible to perform discrimination of the kind of the article supported according to the weight of the article supported in a case where it is possible to additionally acquire information on the weight of the article.

[0098] Further, it is preferable that a changeover area in which the aforementioned plurality of article transport vehicles travel without being in a line and in which the travel order of the article transport vehicles can be changed over be provided at a position downstream of the aforementioned travel lane in the travel direction of the aforementioned article transport vehicles.

[0099] According to this aspect, the travel order of the plurality of article transport vehicles can be changed over in the changeover area, and therefore it is possible that the travel order of the plurality of article transport vehicles be different from a prescribed order in the travel lane at a position upstream of the changeover area. Thus, while the degree of freedom of the travel order of the article transport vehicles in the travel lane can be increased, the plurality of article transport vehicles can be brought into the prescribed order at a position downstream of the changeover area.

[0100] Further, it is preferable that at least one temporary placement section be provided in each of the aforementioned work areas; the aforementioned temporary placement section be configured to be able to change state to a state of holding at least one article and a state of discharging the held article; the temporary placement section be in the state of holding when the aforementioned article transport cart is not in a position corresponding to the temporary placement section; and the temporary placement section be in the state of discharging when the aforementioned article transport cart is in a position corresponding to the temporary placement section.

[0101] According to this aspect, the temporary placement section can hold an article when the article transport cart is not in a position corresponding to the temporary placement section, and the article held by the temporary placement section can be discharged when the article transport cart is in a position corresponding to the temporary placement section, and the support section of the article transport cart can support the article. Thus, the article that should be supported by the article transport cart can be removed from the accommodation section by the worker when the article transport cart is not in a state in the work area. Thus, work efficiency in the work area can be improved.

[0102] Industrial applicability

[0103] The technology related to the present disclosure can be utilized in an article area division apparatus having a plurality of accommodation sections that accommodate articles and a plurality of work areas that perform an article transfer work.

[0104] Explanation of reference numerals

[0105] 1: Accommodation section

[0106] 3: Support section

[0107] 3A: First support body

[0108] 3B: Second support body

[0109] 4: Article transport cart

[0110] 19: Weighing section

[0111] 31: Temporary placement section

[0112] E1: Work area

[0113] E2: Changeover area

[0114] L1: Travel lane

[0115] L2: Branch lane

[0116] L3: Completion lane

[0117] LE: Lane area

[0118] W: Article

[0119] Z: Up-down direction

Claims

1. An article sorting apparatus comprising: a plurality of storage sections for storing articles; a plurality of article transport vehicles each having a support section for supporting an article; a predetermined transfer lane; and a plurality of work sections for performing a work of transferring an article between the storage section and the support section of the article transport vehicle in the transfer lane, wherein each of the work sections is adjacent to the storage section and the transfer lane, and the plurality of work sections are arranged in a manner of being aligned along the transfer lane, wherein the article sorting apparatus further comprises an end region connected to an end portion of a downstream side of the transfer lane, a return lane connected to the end region and the transfer lane, and another lane parallel to the article transport vehicle traveling along the transfer lane and in which the article transport vehicle can travel, wherein an end portion of an upstream side of the return lane is connected to the end region, wherein an end portion of a downstream side of the return lane is connected to an end portion of an upstream side of the transfer lane, wherein the another lane includes at least two lanes, wherein at least three lanes including the transfer lane and the another lane are arranged side by side and connected to each other, and wherein the article transport vehicle can change lanes between the transfer lane and the another lane at any position along the transfer lane.

2. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer lane has a lane section corresponding to each of the plurality of work sections, and wherein the plurality of article transport vehicles travel in a manner that one or more article transport vehicles exist in each of the lane sections.

3. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of article transport vehicles is configured to be able to change a traveling speed independently of each other.

4. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer lane has a lane section corresponding to each of the plurality of work sections, and wherein the article transport vehicle travels at a first speed in each of the lane sections until a transfer work with respect to the support section of the article transport vehicle in the work section corresponding to the lane section is completed, and travels at a second speed higher than the first speed after the transfer work with respect to the support section of the article transport vehicle in the work section corresponding to the lane section is completed.

5. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the another lane includes a completion lane in which the article transport vehicle can travel in parallel with the article transport vehicle traveling along the transfer lane, and wherein the article transport vehicle is configured to be able to change lanes from the transfer lane to the completion lane.

6. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the another lane includes a branch lane in which the article transport vehicle can travel in parallel with the article transport vehicle traveling along the transfer lane, and wherein the article transport vehicle is configured to be able to change lanes from the transfer lane to the branch lane and from the branch lane to the transfer lane.

7. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The aforementioned support section includes a first support body and a second support body that individually support the article; The aforementioned first support body and the aforementioned second support body are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction; One side existing with respect to the aforementioned handover lane and the aforementioned work area is set as a work side; The aforementioned article transport vehicle is configured to be able to rotate the aforementioned support section around an axis along the vertical direction; The aforementioned article transport vehicle rotates the aforementioned support section in the aforementioned handover lane to a first rotation state in which the aforementioned first support body is rotated to be positioned at a position further toward the aforementioned work side than the aforementioned second support body, and a second rotation state in which the aforementioned second support body is rotated to be positioned at a position further toward the aforementioned work side than the aforementioned first support body.

8. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The aforementioned article transport vehicle includes a weighing section that measures the weight of the article supported by the aforementioned support section.

9. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A changeover area is provided at a position downstream of the aforementioned handover lane in the travel direction of the aforementioned article transport vehicle, in which the aforementioned plurality of article transport vehicles travel without being in a line, and in which the travel order of the article transport vehicles can be changed.

10. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At least one temporary placement section is provided in each of the aforementioned work areas; The aforementioned temporary placement section is configured to be able to change states to a holding state in which at least one article is held, and a discharge state in which the held article is discharged; In a state in which the aforementioned article transport vehicle is not positioned at a position corresponding to the aforementioned temporary placement section, the aforementioned temporary placement section is in the holding state; In a state in which the aforementioned article transport vehicle is positioned at a position corresponding to the aforementioned temporary placement section, the aforementioned temporary placement section is in the discharge state.

Images