Article classification method and article classification apparatus

Abstract

With the article pusher (4) moving in the main conveying direction (T) and freely movable in the width direction (W) orthogonal to the main conveying direction (T), the article pusher (4) is moved inertially after being accelerated in the width direction (W) in the distribution area (B) in a case where the article (A) is caused to travel in the inclined conveying direction (C), and the article pusher (4) in the inertial movement is caused to contact the article (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for classifying articles. Background Technology

[0002] In the logistics field, item sorting devices are used to transport and classify multiple items of different shapes or sizes together. An example of such an item sorting device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-13920 (Patent Document 1). The item sorting device (conveyor 1) of Patent Document 1 includes an item support (slat 2) that transports items along a main conveying direction and an item pusher (item pusher shoe 3) that is freely movable relative to the item support in the width direction. This item sorting device is configured to classify items by branching their path of travel based on whether they travel straight along the main conveying direction or along an inclined conveying direction that is inclined relative to the main conveying direction.

[0003] In the article sorting device of Patent Document 1, an article pusher (article pushing boot 3) that slides along the width direction is used to perform the above-mentioned sorting. At this time, the article pusher, guided by an inclined guide (branch guide rail 6), moves along the width direction of Patent Document 1. Figure 6 The area between LM1 and LM2 (→H1 to H2) shown represents the initial contact between the items and the sorting objects. In this configuration, the item pusher, moving along the main conveying direction with the item support, contacts the item under a reaction force from the inclined guide, resulting in a relatively large force acting on the item at this contact. Consequently, there is a problem that the item may sometimes rotate significantly or tip over depending on the situation.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-13920. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Therefore, when classifying items based on whether they travel straight along the main conveying direction or branch their path along an inclined conveying direction, it is desirable to avoid items tipping over or rotating excessively.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] Regarding the classification methods of items involved in this disclosure,

[0011] It is an item classification method that selectively categorizes items transported along the main conveying direction into a designated distribution area along an inclined conveying direction relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction.

[0012] Using an article pusher that moves along the aforementioned main conveying direction and is freely movable along a width direction orthogonal to the aforementioned main conveying direction, and an inclined guide that extends along an inclined conveying direction inclined relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction, when the aforementioned article is being moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, the aforementioned article pusher is accelerated along the aforementioned width direction in the aforementioned distribution area and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the aforementioned inclined guide, so that the aforementioned article pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the aforementioned article, and then the aforementioned article pusher and the aforementioned article are guided to move along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction by the aforementioned inclined guide.

[0013] In addition, regarding the article sorting device involved in this disclosure,

[0014] This item sorting device has the following features:

[0015] Article support, which forms a conveying surface that moves along the main conveying direction and supports articles placed on the aforementioned conveying surface;

[0016] The article pusher, in which multiple units are arranged side-by-side along the aforementioned main conveying direction, and each is movable relative to the aforementioned article support in a width direction orthogonal to the aforementioned main conveying direction; and

[0017] An inclined guide body extends along an inclined conveying direction that is inclined relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction.

[0018] The aforementioned item sorting device sorts items by branching their path based on whether they travel straight along the main conveying direction or along an inclined conveying direction relative to the main conveying direction within a designated distribution area.

[0019] When the aforementioned item is moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, the aforementioned item pusher is accelerated in the aforementioned distribution area along the aforementioned width direction and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the aforementioned inclined guide, so that the aforementioned item pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the aforementioned item, and then the aforementioned item pusher and the aforementioned item are guided to move along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction by the aforementioned inclined guide.

[0020] Based on these configurations, when the article is moved along the inclined conveying direction, the article's horizontal pusher, which is inertially moving and not yet guided by the inclined guide, comes into contact with the article. Thus, the article contacts the article's horizontal pusher in a state where the horizontal pusher does not experience a reaction force from the inclined guide. Therefore, at the initial contact, the force acting on the article from the horizontal pusher is suppressed to a smaller extent, preventing the article from tipping over or rotating excessively.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will become clearer from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments, which are set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a top view of the item sorting device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the item sorting device.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an item sorting device.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the assembled state of the item support and the item pusher.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the configuration of straight guide bodies and diagonal guide bodies.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a functional diagram illustrating the distribution mechanism.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when the item and the item pusher initially come into contact.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the actions involved in sorting heavy items.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the actions involved in sorting lightweight items. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the item sorting device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The item sorting device 1 is used, for example, in a logistics warehouse to transport and sort multiple items A that differ in shape, size, weight, etc., together. The item sorting device 1 of this embodiment consists of a slipper-type slat transport mechanism.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the item sorting device 1 includes a support platform 2, an item support body 3, and an item pusher 4. The support platform 2 is arranged along the main conveying direction T, which is the direction for conveying items A, and is fixed to the bottom surface. The item support body 3 is supported in a manner that allows it to move relative to the support platform 2 along the main conveying direction T. The item pusher 4 is arranged relative to the item support body 3 in a width direction W orthogonal to the main conveying direction T.

[0033] A branch conveyor 9 is installed on one side of the outer side of the item sorting device 1, along an inclined conveying direction C that is inclined to the outer side of the main conveying direction T. Furthermore, the inclined conveying direction C is an outward inclination towards the downstream side of the main conveying direction T. The branch conveyor 9 is installed to transport the sorted item A, i.e., the object item At, from among multiple items A.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the support platform 2 has a pair of upper frames 21 disposed on both sides in the width direction W. The upper frames 21 form a path. A guide rail section 22 is formed in the upper frame 21 to guide the movement of the article support 3 along the main conveying direction T. The guide rail section 22 has an upward guide surface 22a facing upward and an inward guide surface 22b facing inward. The moving rollers 36 of the article support 3 roll on the upward guide surface 22a. Additionally, the side rollers 37 of the article support 3 roll while abutting against the inward guide surface 22b from the inside. Furthermore, a cover 23 is fixed to the upper frame 21 to cover the moving rollers 36 and the ring chain 38 of the article support 3 from the outside and above.

[0035] In addition, though the illustration is omitted, the support platform 2 also includes below the upper frame 21: a pair of lower frames for forming a return path; and a connecting member for connecting the upper frame 21 and the lower frames.

[0036] Additionally, the drive sprocket 26 and driven sprocket 27 of the ring chain 38 around the article support 3 (see reference) Figure 2 Each of the sprockets is rotatably supported by the support platform 2. Furthermore, the drive sprocket 26 is driven to rotate by the driving force of a drive motor. The driven sprocket 27 rotates in conjunction with the drive sprocket 26 via a ring chain 38.

[0037] The article support 3 has multiple plate-shaped support members 31. For example, slats can be used as plate-shaped support members 31. The multiple plate-shaped support members 31 are arranged side-by-side along the main conveying direction T and are fixed to a ring chain 38 that surrounds along the main conveying direction T (see reference). Figure 2 Thus, the multiple plate-shaped support components 31 constituting the article support 3 rotate along the main conveying direction T via the rotational linkage of the ring chain 38 and the drive sprocket 26.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, each plate-shaped support member 31 has a pair of support frames 32. These pair of support frames 32 are arranged opposite each other with a slight gap along the main conveying direction T. The upper surface of the support frame 32 becomes a mounting surface 32a on which the article A is placed. The collection of mounting surfaces 32a of the plurality of plate-shaped support members 31 arranged side-by-side along the main conveying direction T constitutes a "conveyor surface" that moves along the main conveying direction T. Furthermore, the article support 3 supports the article A, which is placed on the mounting surface 32a, from below while conveying it along the main conveying direction T.

[0039] The support frame 32 has curved recesses 33 and corner grooves 34. The curved recesses 33 and corner grooves 34 are formed continuously along the length direction (width direction W) so that they have the same cross-sectional shape when viewed along the length direction of the support frame 32 (width direction W). In a pair of support frames 32, the curved recesses 33 are formed opposite to each other. Furthermore, the slide body 42 of the article pusher 4 is accommodated in both curved recesses 33 in a way that allows it to slide. Additionally, in a pair of support frames 32, the corner grooves 34 are formed at opposite corners on the mounting surface 32a (upstream corners on the support frame 32 in the main conveying direction T / downstream corners on the support frame 32 in the main conveying direction T). Each corner groove 34 has a protrusion 41p formed below the contact portion 41 of the article pusher 4.

[0040] A pair of support frames 32 are connected to each other via a connector 35. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a pair of connecting bodies 35 are provided such that a pair of support frames 32 are connected to each other on both sides in the width direction W. A movable roller 36 is rotatably supported on each connecting body 35 about a rotation axis centered in the width direction W. Additionally, a side roller 37 is rotatably supported on each connecting body 35 about a rotation axis centered in the vertical direction. When the plate-shaped support member 31 moves along the main conveying direction T, the movable roller 36 rolls on the upward guide surface 22a of the guide rail section 22, while the side roller 37 rolls against the inward guide surface 22b of the guide rail section 22 from the inside.

[0041] Additionally, a ring chain 38, which serves as a ring-shaped rotating body, is fixed to the connecting body 35. The ring chain 38 is connected to the rotating shaft of the movable roller 36.

[0042] Multiple article pushers 4 are arranged side-by-side along the main conveying direction T, and are respectively configured to slide freely relative to the article support 3 in a width direction W orthogonal to the main conveying direction T. In this embodiment, each article pusher 4 is mounted flexibly with respect to its corresponding plate-shaped support member 31 in the width direction W. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the article pushing body 4 has a contact part 41, a sliding body 42, and a guided part 44.

[0043] Contact portion 41 is the part that contacts the classified item A, i.e., the object item At, among the multiple items A. Contact portion 41 is positioned higher than the item support 3 and slides along the width direction W to contact the object item At placed on the item support 3. Contact portion 41 has a block-shaped contact body portion 41A formed in a predetermined shape and a buffer member 41B fixed to the contact body portion 41A. The contact body portion 41A is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the contact body portion 41A has an upper surface that is inclined in such a way that it gradually increases in height from the downstream side towards the upstream side in the main conveying direction T, and also gradually increases in height from the side opposite to the branch conveyor 9 in the width direction W towards the branch conveyor 9 side. The buffer member 41B is made of, for example, rubber or polyurethane. The buffer member 41B is fixed to the side of the contact body portion 41A on the branch conveyor 9 side to mitigate the impact upon initial contact with the object item At.

[0044] In this embodiment, a downwardly projecting protrusion 41p is formed on the contact portion 41. This downwardly projecting protrusion 41p is configured to enter from above into the corner groove 34 formed on the plate-shaped support member 31. The downwardly projecting protrusion 41p functions as a scraper, enabling it to be pushed horizontally effectively even when the object At is relatively thin.

[0045] The sliding body 42 is connected to the contact portion 41 and disposed below the contact portion 41. Furthermore, the sliding body 42 is disposed across the opposing curved recesses 33 in the pair of support frames 32 constituting the plate-shaped support member 31. Moreover, the surface of the sliding body 42 is disposed opposite to the surface of the curved recesses 33. In the portion of the sliding body 42 opposite to the curved recesses 33, a sliding block 43 with multiple protrusions on its surface is disposed. For example, a resin sliding block formed of a resin such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene can be used as the sliding block 43. The sliding body 42 reduces sliding resistance by having only the protrusions of the sliding block 43 contact the plate-shaped support member 31 (support frame 32), thereby enabling smooth sliding relative to the plate-shaped support member 31.

[0046] Alternatively, instead of the sliding block 43, a bearing or similar component can be provided in the opposite portion of the sliding body 42 and the curved recess 33, thereby allowing the article pushing body 4 to move freely along the width direction W.

[0047] The guided portion 44 is connected to the slide body 42 and positioned below the slide body 42. The guided portion 44 has a support shaft 45 fixed to the contact portion 41 via the slide body 42 and a roller 46 rotatably supported relative to the support shaft 45. The support shaft 45 passes through the roller 46 and protrudes downwards beyond the roller 46. When the article pusher 4 moves linearly along the main conveying direction T, the support shaft 45 is guided along the linear guide surface 52a of the linear guide 5. Additionally, when the article pusher 4's travel direction is switched by the dispensing mechanism 7, the support shaft 45 is guided along the guide surfaces 73c and 73d of the dispensing mechanism 7. When the article pusher 4 slides relative to the article support 3 along the width direction W, the roller 46 is guided along the inclined guide surface 61a of the inclined guide 6.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the item sorting device 1 also includes a straight guide body 5, an inclined guide body 6, and a dispensing mechanism 7. The straight guide body 5, the inclined guide body 6, and the dispensing mechanism 7 are all fixed to the support platform 2.

[0049] The straight guide body 5 guides the horizontal pusher body 4 to move straight along the main conveying direction T. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the straight guide body 5 has a straight guide surface 52a extending along the main conveying direction T. The straight guide body 5 guides the article pusher 4 to move straight along the main conveying direction T via the straight guide surface 52a. In this embodiment, the straight guide body 5 has a straight guide rail 51 provided along the main conveying direction T, and a groove 52 is formed on the upper surface of the straight guide rail 51, the width of which is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the support shaft 45 of the article pusher 4. The lower end of the support shaft 45 of the article pusher 4 enters the groove 52. Moreover, the side wall surface of the groove 52 functions as the straight guide surface 52a, which is configured to guide the support shaft 45. Thus, the support shaft 45 moves along the straight guide surface 52a, thereby causing the article pusher 4 to move straight along the main conveying direction T. Furthermore, the guide path formed by the straight guide body 5 will be referred to as the "straight guide path S" below.

[0050] The tilting guide 6 guides the sliding movement of the horizontal pusher 4 relative to the item support 3. For example... Figure 6As shown, the tilting guide 6 has an tilting guide surface 61a extending along a tilting conveying direction C that is tilted relative to the main conveying direction T, and the tilting guide surface 61a guides the sliding movement of the article pusher 4. In this embodiment, the tilting guide 6 has a tilting guide rail 61 extending along the tilting conveying direction C. The tilting guide rail 61 is provided at the same height as the roller 46 of the article pusher 4. Moreover, the side of the tilting guide rail 61 on the branch conveyor 9 side functions as the tilting guide surface 61a, and the tilting guide surface 61a is configured to guide the roller 46. Furthermore, the guide path formed by the tilting guide 6 will be referred to as the "tilting guide path L" below.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the inclined guide rail 61 has multiple portions with different inclination angles relative to the straight guide rail 51 (main conveying direction T). In this embodiment, the inclined guide rail 61 has four portions: a first track portion 62, a second track portion 63, a third track portion 64, and a fourth track portion 65. If the inclination angle of the first track portion 62 relative to the straight guide rail 51 (main conveying direction T) is taken as the first angle α, the inclination angle of the second track portion 63 is taken as the second angle β, the inclination angle of the third track portion 64 is taken as the third angle γ, and the inclination angle of the fourth track portion 65 is taken as the fourth angle δ, then the first angle α is larger than the fourth angle δ, the second angle β is larger than the first angle α, and the third angle γ is further larger than the second angle β. For example, the first angle α is preferably set between 3° and 10°, the second angle β is preferably set between 10° and 15°, the third angle γ is preferably set between 15° and 25°, and the fourth angle δ is preferably set between 0° and 5°.

[0052] Thus, the inclined guide body 6 (inclined guide track 61) is formed in such a way that, except for the fourth track section 65 on the downstream side, as the separation distance from the position corresponding to the branch section B in the width direction W (the position on the side of the straight guide track 51 where the distribution mechanism 7 is provided) increases, the inclination angle relative to the straight guide track 51 (main conveying direction T) increases in stages.

[0053] Here, in Figure 5In the example, the position corresponding to branch B in the width direction W (the position on the side of the straight guide rail 51 where the distribution mechanism 7 is located) is designated as "reference position P0", and the starting position of the first track section 62 in the width direction W is designated as "first position P1". Similarly, the second track section 63 and the third track section 64 are designated as "second position P2" and "third position P3", respectively. Compared to the first track section 62, which starts from the first position P1, which is closest to the reference position P0, the tilt angle of the second track section 63, which starts from the second position P2, which is farther away, is set to be larger (α < β). In addition, compared to the second track section 63, the tilt angle of the third track section 64, which starts from the third position P3, which is even farther away than the second position P2, is set to be larger (β < γ).

[0054] Furthermore, in the case where the inclined guide track 61 is formed in a zigzag shape, "inclined conveying direction C" refers to the entire direction, and "inclined guide path L" also refers to the entire path. The inclined guide track 61 is the path that ultimately leads the horizontal pusher 4 toward the branch conveyor 9, so for example, the extension direction of the branch conveyor 9 can also be regarded as the inclined conveying direction C.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 7 is disposed at the branch B of the straight guide path S and the inclined guide path L. The dispensing mechanism 7 dispenses the article pusher 4 to either the direction toward the straight guide path S or the direction toward the inclined guide path L. In this embodiment, the area including the branch B where the dispensing mechanism 7 is provided is equivalent to the "dispensing area".

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 7 of this embodiment includes a block 71. A groove with two levels of depth is formed on the upper surface of the block 71. Specifically, a shallow groove 72 is formed on the upper surface of the block 71, and a deep groove 73 is formed on the bottom surface of the shallow groove 72. The shallow groove 72, except at its upstream end, is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the roller 46 of the article pushing body 4. The deep groove 73, except at its upstream end, is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the support shaft 45 of the article pushing body 4. The roller 46 of the article pushing body 4 passes through the shallow groove 72, and the support shaft 45 of the article pushing body 4 passes through the deep groove 73.

[0057] The upstream ends of the shallow groove 72 and the deep groove 73 are formed in such a way that they are wider and gradually narrower as they move downstream. This design allows for the alignment of the article pusher 4 that reaches the dispensing mechanism 7.

[0058] Furthermore, the shallow groove portion 72 has a straight shallow groove portion 72A formed along the main conveying direction T and a branch shallow groove portion 72B branching from the straight shallow groove portion 72A. Similarly, the deep groove portion 73 has a straight deep groove portion 73A formed along the main conveying direction T and a branch deep groove portion 73B branching from the straight deep groove portion 73A. Moreover, if the inclination angle of the branch shallow groove portion 72B relative to the straight deep groove portion 73A is taken as the fifth angle ε, then the fifth angle ε is set to be larger than the first angle α. Furthermore, the fifth angle ε can be of the same magnitude as the third angle γ. The fifth angle ε is preferably set to, for example, an angle between 15° and 30°, more preferably between 20° and 30°.

[0059] Furthermore, a swing member 74 is provided at the branching point of the straight deep groove section 73A and the branch deep groove section 73B. The swing member 74 is driven by a drive unit equipped with a rotating solenoid, for example, and swings with its downstream end as the fulcrum.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown above, when the swinging member 74 swings in a manner located on the side of the branch deep groove 73B, the support shaft 45 of the article pusher 4, which travels within the straight deep groove 73A, continues to move within the straight deep groove 73A as before. At this time, the side wall surface of the straight deep groove 73A functions as a straight guide surface 73c, which is configured to guide the support shaft 45. On the other hand, as... Figure 6 As shown on the lower side, when the swinging member 74 swings in a manner located on the side of the straight deep groove 73A, the support shaft 45 of the article pusher 4 traveling in the straight deep groove 73A changes its direction of travel by the swinging member 74, and then travels in the branch deep groove 73B. At this time, the side wall surface of the branch deep groove 73B functions as a branch guide surface 73d, which is configured to guide the support shaft 45. As a result, at the branch section B, the article pusher 4 is given an initial velocity in the width direction W. That is, the article pusher 4 is accelerated in the width direction W. In the illustrated example, when the direction of travel is changed by the swinging member 74, the article pusher 4 is accelerated in the width direction W, and in the straight section of the branch deep groove 73B, the article pusher 4 moves at a constant speed in the width direction W.

[0061] In this way, the distribution mechanism 7 causes the swinging member 74 to swing, thereby distributing the support shaft 45 to either the straight deep groove section 73A or the branch deep groove section 73B, and distributing the article pusher 4 to either the direction toward the straight guide path S or the direction toward the inclined guide path L. When the article A is traveling straight along the main conveying direction T as it is, the article pusher 4 is directed toward the straight guide path S. On the other hand, when the article A is traveling along the inclined conveying direction C, the article pusher 4 is directed toward the inclined guide path L. Multiple article pushers 4 are assigned to one article A, and these operations are performed sequentially on these multiple article pushers 4. Thus, at the branch section B, the article sorting device 1 sorts the article A by branching its forward path according to whether the article A is traveling straight along the main conveying direction T or along the inclined conveying direction C.

[0062] In the article sorting device 1 of this embodiment, the straight guide body 5 is arranged adjacent to the dispensing mechanism 7 along the main conveying direction T. Specifically, the straight guide rail 51 constituting the straight guide body 5 is arranged abutting against the block 71 constituting the dispensing mechanism 7. At this time, the block 71 and the straight guide rail 51 are provided in such a way that the groove portion 52 formed in the straight guide rail 51 and the straight deep groove portion 73A formed in the block 71 are directly continuous along the main conveying direction T. As a result, the straight guide surface 73c formed by the side wall surface of the straight deep groove portion 73A of the dispensing mechanism 7 and the straight guide surface 52a formed by the side wall surface of the groove portion 52 of the straight guide body 5 are continuous in a straight line.

[0063] The inclined guide body 6 is configured separately from the dispensing mechanism 7 along the main conveying direction T. Specifically, the inclined guide rail 61 constituting the inclined guide body 6 is configured separately from the block 71 constituting the dispensing mechanism 7. At this time, the inclined guide surface 61a formed by the side of the inclined guide rail 61 is configured separately along the main conveying direction T, sandwiching the separation area Rs between the branch guide surface 73d formed by the side wall of the branch deep groove 73B formed on the block 71.

[0064] Here, as Figure 7As shown, the separation region Rs between the dispensing mechanism 7 and the inclined guide 6 is provided in a manner that includes the initial contact region Rc. The initial contact region Rc is the area in the main transport direction T where the article pusher 4 first contacts the classified item A, i.e., the object item At. Through this process, the article pusher 4, released by the dispensing mechanism 7 after acceleration in the width direction W, moves inertially along the extension direction of the branch deep groove 73B in an inertial movement region Ri further forward than the initial contact region Rc. Furthermore, at the separation region Rs, before being guided by the inclined guide 6, the article pusher 4 makes initial contact with the classified item A, i.e., the object item At. Thus, the separation region Rs between the dispensing mechanism 7 and the inclined guide 6 includes: an inertial movement region Ri, which causes the article pusher 4 to move inertially after acceleration in the width direction W while the item A (object item At) is moving along the inclined transport direction C; and a contact region Rc, which brings the inertially moving article pusher 4 into contact with the item A (object item At). In the example shown, the region in the separation region Rs other than the initial contact region Rc is the inertial movement region Ri.

[0065] Thus, while the item A (object item At) is moving along the inclined conveying direction C, the item pusher 4 is accelerated along the width direction W at the branch B and then moves inertia, so that the item pusher 4 in this inertial movement comes into contact with the item A (object item At), and the conveying direction of the item A (object item At) is inclined relative to the main conveying direction T.

[0066] When the article pusher 4 is not yet guided by the tilting guide 6, it will not experience a reaction force from the tilting guide 6. In this state, the article pusher 4 makes initial contact with the object article At (hereinafter referred to as "unguided contact"), thus avoiding a reaction force from the tilting guide 6. Consequently, the force acting on the object article At from the article pusher 4 at the initial contact is suppressed to a smaller extent. Therefore, even if the object article At moves along the width direction W, tipping over can be avoided. Furthermore, through this unguided contact, even if the object article At rotates, excessive rotation can be avoided.

[0067] However, item A includes a lightweight item A1 and a heavier item Ah, which is heavier than the lightweight item A1. The lightweight item A1 is the item A weighing less than or equal to a specified reference weight, while the heavy item Ah is the item A weighing more than or equal to a specified reference weight. In the absence of guiding contact, the lightweight item A1 moves further in the width direction W than the heavy item Ah, and rotates more than the heavy item Ah with the up-down direction as the axis.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, if the article pusher 4 makes unguided contact with the heavy article Ah, the heavy article Ah moves slightly along the width direction W and rotates by a predetermined angle about the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the first track section 62 is set in such a way that the amount of movement in the width direction W in this case is within the projected length of the first track section 62 in the width direction W and the rotation angle about the up-down direction is close to the tilt angle (first angle α) of the first track section 62. Furthermore, the projected length of the first track section 62 in the width direction W is the length of the area occupied by the first track section 62 in the width direction W along that width direction W (the same applies below). After the unguided contact, the heavy article Ah maintains its original position in the width direction W and moves along the main conveying direction T with the article support 3. In addition, after the unguided contact, the article pusher 4, together with several subsequent article pushers 4, moves along the main conveying direction T with the article support 3 in the state where the contact portion 41 separates from the heavy article Ah and the roller 46 also separates from the tilted guide track 61.

[0069] Soon after, if the rollers 46 of each of the multiple article pushers 4 come into contact with the inclined guide rail 61 (here, the first rail section 62), the article pushers 4 will then receive a reaction force from the inclined guide rail 6 and push the heavy article Ah along the width direction W, causing it to slide down. At this time, the rotation angle of the heavy article Ah is close to the inclination angle (first angle α) of the first rail section 62, so the multiple article pushers 4 guided by the inclined guide rail 6 come into contact with the heavy article Ah almost simultaneously, supporting it with their entire surface while causing the heavy article Ah to slide down. Therefore, the impact when the heavy article Ah initially contacts the article pushers 4 guided by the inclined guide rail 6 after the unguided contact can be mitigated.

[0070] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 9As shown, if the article pusher 4 makes unguided contact with the lightweight article A1, the lightweight article A1 moves further along the width direction W compared to the case of the heavy article Ah, and rotates at a larger angle with the up-down direction as the axis. In this embodiment, the second track section 63 is set in such a way that the amount of movement in the width direction W in this case is within the projected length of the first track section 62 and the second track section 63 combined in the width direction W, and the rotation angle with the up-down direction as the axis is close to the tilt angle (second angle β) of the second track section 63. After the unguided contact, the lightweight article A1 maintains its original position in the width direction W and moves along the main conveying direction T with the article support 3. In addition, after the unguided contact, the article pusher 4, together with the subsequent article pushers 4, moves along the main conveying direction T with the article support 3 in the state where the contact part 41 separates from the lightweight article A1 and the roller 46 also separates from the tilted guide track 61.

[0071] Soon after, if the rollers 46 of each of the multiple article pushers 4 come into contact with the inclined guide rail 61 (here, the second rail section 63), the article pushers 4 will then receive a reaction force from the inclined guide rail 6 and push the lightweight article A1 along the width direction W, causing it to slide down. At this time, the rotation angle of the lightweight article A1 is close to the inclination angle (second angle β) of the second rail section 63, so the multiple article pushers 4 guided by the inclined guide rail 6 come into contact with the lightweight article A1 almost simultaneously, supporting it with their entire surface while causing the lightweight article A1 to slide down. Therefore, the impact of the lightweight article A1 initially contacting the article pushers 4 guided by the inclined guide rail 6 after the unguided contact can be mitigated.

[0072] Furthermore, when the rotation angle of the heavy item Ah is the same as the tilt angle (first angle α) of the first track section 62, the multiple horizontal pushers 4 guided by the tilt guide 6 simultaneously contact the heavy item Ah, and sequentially contact the heavy item Ah under different conditions. Similarly, when the rotation angle of the lightweight item A1 is the same as the tilt angle (second angle β) of the second track section 63, the multiple horizontal pushers 4 guided by the tilt guide 6 simultaneously contact the lightweight item A1, and sequentially contact the lightweight item A1 under different conditions.

[0073] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0074] (1) In the above embodiment, the article support 3 is described as having a plurality of plate-shaped support members 31 (specifically, strips). However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the article support 3 may also be composed of a plurality of tubular support members (tubes). Alternatively, the article support 3 may also be composed of an annular strip.

[0075] (2) In the above embodiment, the example described is that the article pusher 4 can slide freely when it is housed between a pair of support frames 32 constituting the plate-shaped support member 31. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. The sliding structure of the article pusher 4 relative to the article support 3 can adopt any configuration, such as the article pusher 4 sliding freely when it is embedded in the plate-shaped support member 31.

[0076] (3) In the above embodiment, the configuration of the tilt guide 6 (tilt guide track 61) having four parts with different tilt angles has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the number of parts with different tilt angles may be three or less, or five or more. In addition, the tilt guide 6 (tilt guide track 61) may also have curved parts such as arc-shaped parts in at least a portion (for example, the portion from the first track portion 62 to the third track portion 64 in the above embodiment).

[0077] (4) In the above embodiment, the configuration of the inclined guide body 6 (inclined guide rail 61) is described as an example, in which the article A is divided into lightweight article A1 and heavy article Ah, and the performance of the two types of articles after non-guided contact is taken into account. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the inclined guide body 6 (inclined guide rail 61) may be configured to divide the article A into three or more types according to its weight, and the performance of the three or more types of articles after non-guided contact is taken into account.

[0078] (5) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the entire side of the inclined guide 6 (inclined guide rail 61) becomes the inclined guide surface 61a and the entire inclined guide 6 (inclined guide rail 61) is arranged separately from the dispensing mechanism 7 along the main conveying direction T has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible that the inclined guide 6 (inclined guide rail 61) has a non-guide surface that does not guide the article pusher 4, in addition to the inclined guide surface 61a. In such a case, as long as at least the inclined guide surface 61a and the dispensing mechanism 7 are separated along the main conveying direction T, the inclined guide 6 (inclined guide rail 61) itself can also be arranged adjacent to (and thus continuously with) the dispensing mechanism 7.

[0079] (6) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the separation region Rs between the dispensing mechanism 7 and the tilting guide 6 completely includes the initial contact region Rc is described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. As long as the initial contact between the article pushing body 4 and the object article At is a non-guided contact, the separation region Rs only needs to include at least a part of the initial contact region Rc.

[0080] (7) In the above embodiment, the configuration of the dispensing mechanism 7 having a swinging member 74 that can swing freely and mechanically dispensing the travel direction of the article pusher 4 has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the support shaft 45 of the article pusher 4 may be formed by a strong magnetic material, and the dispensing mechanism 7 may be equipped with an electromagnet and a permanent magnet to electromagnetically dispense the travel direction of the article pusher 4.

[0081] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies below) can also be combined with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as they do not create contradictions. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are also illustrative in all respects and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0082] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0083] If the above is summarized, the article classification method disclosed herein appropriately possesses the following components.

[0084] An article classification method is a method of classifying articles by selectively allowing articles conveyed along a main conveying direction to enter a designated distribution area along an inclined conveying direction relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction.

[0085] Using an article pusher that moves along the aforementioned main conveying direction and is freely movable along a width direction orthogonal to the aforementioned main conveying direction, and an inclined guide that extends along an inclined conveying direction inclined relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction, when the aforementioned article is being moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, the aforementioned article pusher is accelerated along the aforementioned width direction in the aforementioned distribution area and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the aforementioned inclined guide, so that the aforementioned article pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the aforementioned article, and then the aforementioned article pusher and the aforementioned article are guided to move along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction by the aforementioned inclined guide.

[0086] According to this configuration, when the article is moved along the inclined conveying direction, the article's horizontal pusher, which is inertially moving and not yet guided by the inclined guide, comes into contact with the article. Therefore, the article contacts the article's horizontal pusher in a state where the horizontal pusher does not experience a reaction force from the inclined guide. Thus, at the initial contact, the force acting on the article from the horizontal pusher is suppressed to a smaller extent, preventing the article from tipping over or rotating excessively.

[0087] As a preferred option,

[0088] Using multiple lateral pushers of the aforementioned items arranged side by side along the aforementioned main conveying direction,

[0089] When the aforementioned items are moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, multiple aforementioned item pushers are sequentially brought into contact with one of the aforementioned items.

[0090] Based on this configuration, multiple horizontal pushing bodies can stably support the items while allowing them to slide and move along the width direction for classification.

[0091] As a preferred option,

[0092] The aforementioned tilting guide has a portion whose tilt angle relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction increases as the separation distance from the position corresponding to the aforementioned width direction and the aforementioned distribution area increases.

[0093] When the aforementioned article is moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, the aforementioned inclined guide body guides the movement of the aforementioned article pusher along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction after contact with the aforementioned article.

[0094] For example, compared to a relatively heavy object, a relatively light object moves more along its width and rotates more around its vertical axis when it initially contacts an object moving inertia. In view of this, if an inclined guide is constructed as described above, the impact can be mitigated regardless of the object's weight when the object, guided by the inclined guide, contacts the object again after the initial contact.

[0095] In addition, the article sorting device disclosed herein suitably has the following components.

[0096] A sorting device for items,

[0097] This item sorting device has the following features:

[0098] Article support, which forms a conveying surface that moves along the main conveying direction and supports articles placed on the aforementioned conveying surface;

[0099] The article pusher, in which multiple units are arranged side-by-side along the aforementioned main conveying direction, and each is movable relative to the aforementioned article support in a width direction orthogonal to the aforementioned main conveying direction; and

[0100] An inclined guide body extends along an inclined conveying direction that is inclined relative to the aforementioned main conveying direction.

[0101] The aforementioned item sorting device sorts items by branching their path based on whether they travel straight along the main conveying direction or along an inclined conveying direction relative to the main conveying direction within a designated distribution area.

[0102] When the aforementioned item is moved along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction, the aforementioned item pusher is accelerated in the aforementioned distribution area along the aforementioned width direction and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the aforementioned inclined guide, so that the aforementioned item pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the aforementioned item, and then the aforementioned item pusher and the aforementioned item are guided to move along the aforementioned inclined conveying direction by the aforementioned inclined guide.

[0103] According to this configuration, when the article is moved along the inclined conveying direction, the article's horizontal pusher, which is inertially moving and not yet guided by the inclined guide, comes into contact with the article. Therefore, the article contacts the article's horizontal pusher in a state where the horizontal pusher does not experience a reaction force from the inclined guide. Thus, at the initial contact, the force acting on the article from the horizontal pusher is suppressed to a smaller extent, preventing the article from tipping over or rotating excessively.

[0104] As a preferred option,

[0105] It also has:

[0106] A straight-line guide body that guides the aforementioned transverse pusher body to move linearly along the aforementioned main conveying direction; and

[0107] A dispensing mechanism is disposed at the branch of the guide path formed by the aforementioned straight guide and the guide path formed by the aforementioned inclined guide, and dispenses whether the aforementioned article pusher should travel straight along the aforementioned straight guide or along the aforementioned inclined guide.

[0108] When the aforementioned dispensing mechanism causes the aforementioned article pusher to travel along the aforementioned inclined guide, the aforementioned article pusher is accelerated along the aforementioned width direction and then moves inertially.

[0109] Based on this configuration, the distribution mechanism can effectively achieve a configuration that accelerates the transverse pusher of the article along the width direction. Furthermore, by, for example, separating the tilting guide from the distribution mechanism along the main conveying direction or setting a smaller tilt angle on the upstream side of the tilting guide, it is possible to effectively achieve a configuration that allows the transverse pusher of the article to move inertially after accelerating along the width direction.

[0110] The article classification method and article classification device disclosed herein need to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0111] Symbol Explanation

[0112] 1. Item sorting device

[0113] 3. Item support

[0114] 4. Item horizontal push body

[0115] 5 Straight guiding body

[0116] 6. Inclined guide body

[0117] 7. Distribution Agency

[0118] 32a Loading surface (conveyor surface)

[0119] 51 Straight-line guide rail

[0120] 61 Inclined guide rail

[0121] 62 First Track Section

[0122] 63 Second Orbital Section

[0123] 64 Third Track Section

[0124] 65 Fourth Orbital Section

[0125] 71 blocks

[0126] 72 Shallow groove section

[0127] 72A Straight Shallow Groove Section

[0128] 72B Branch Shallow Groove Section

[0129] 73 Deep Groove Section

[0130] 73A Straight Deep Groove Section

[0131] 73B Branch Deep Groove Section

[0132] 74 Oscillating Components

[0133] Item A

[0134] AI lightweight items

[0135] Ah, heavy items

[0136] Branch B (Assignment Area)

[0137] S Straight-line guide path (guide path formed by straight-line guide bodies)

[0138] L-shaped guide path (guide path formed by an inclined guide body)

[0139] T Main conveying direction

[0140] C. Inclined conveying direction

[0141] W width direction

[0142] α First Angle

[0143] β Second Angle

[0144] γ, the third angle.

Claims

1. A method for classifying articles, which involves selectively classifying articles transported along a main transport direction within a designated distribution area along an inclined transport direction relative to the main transport direction. Using an article pusher that moves along the main conveying direction and is freely movable in a width direction orthogonal to the main conveying direction, and an inclined guide that extends along an inclined conveying direction inclined relative to the main conveying direction, when the article is being moved along the inclined conveying direction, the article pusher is accelerated in the distribution area along the width direction and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the inclined guide, so that the article pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the article, and then the inclined guide guides the article pusher and the article to move along the inclined conveying direction.

2. The item classification method according to claim 1, wherein, Using multiple article pushers arranged side by side along the main conveying direction, When the article is moved along the inclined conveying direction, the plurality of article pushers are brought into contact with one article.

3. The article classification method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tilting guide has a portion whose tilt angle relative to the main conveying direction increases as the separation distance from the position corresponding to the distribution area in the width direction increases. When the article is being moved along the inclined conveying direction, the inclined guide body guides the movement of the article pusher along the inclined conveying direction after contact with the article.

4. A sorting device for items, This item sorting device has the following features: An article support that forms a conveying surface that moves along the main conveying direction and supports articles placed on the conveying surface; Article pushers, multiple of which are arranged side-by-side along the main conveying direction, and each movable relative to the article support in a width direction orthogonal to the main conveying direction; and An inclined guide body extends along an inclined conveying direction that is inclined relative to the main conveying direction. The item sorting device sorts items based on whether they travel in a straight line along the main conveying direction or along an inclined conveying direction relative to the main conveying direction within a designated distribution area, thus branching the item's path. When the article is being moved along the inclined conveying direction, the article pusher is accelerated in the distribution area along the width direction and then moves inertially in a state before being guided by the inclined guide, so that the article pusher in this inertial movement comes into contact with the article, and then the inclined guide guides the article pusher and the article to move along the inclined conveying direction.

5. The article sorting device according to claim 4, further comprising: A straight-line guide body that guides the article traverse pusher to move straight along the main conveying direction; and A dispensing mechanism is configured at the branch of the guide path formed by the straight guide and the guide path formed by the inclined guide, and dispenses whether the article pusher travels straight along the straight guide or along the inclined guide. When the dispensing mechanism causes the article pusher to travel along the inclined guide, the article pusher is accelerated along the width direction and then moved by inertia.

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