Article sorting equipment

Abstract

A floor (F1) of an article sorting facility (100) is provided with a transfer area (1) for transferring an article (G) to a transport vehicle (V). The transfer area (1) is provided with: a transfer path (R1) extending in the Y direction; and a first transfer unit (11) and a second transfer unit (12) that perform transfer work with respect to the transport vehicle (V) on the transfer path (R1). A first stop position for stopping a transport vehicle (V) for receiving the supply of articles (G) by the transfer work at the first transfer unit (11) and a second stop position for stopping a transport vehicle (V) for receiving the supply of articles (G) by the transfer work at the second transfer unit (12) are set at different positions on the transfer path (R1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article sorting device for sorting articles by transporting articles by a plurality of transport vehicles running on a floor respectively. Background Art

[0002] In the article sorting equipment of the logistics warehouse, etc., multiple processes such as article supply, transportation, and sorting are performed, and multiple conveying devices are used between these processes. An example of such equipment is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 04-350019 (Patent Document 1). In the following description of the background technology, the reference numerals indicated in parentheses are the reference numerals of Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1, articles (W) transported to a delivery platform (9) by a stacker crane (4) are supplied to an area where a worker (M) is located. The worker (M) performs an operation of transferring the supplied articles (W) to a conveyor (11) in accordance with instructions, etc. The articles (W) are transported by the conveyor (11) to a place where the next process is performed. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the articles (W) supplied from the stacking crane (4) and the delivery platform (9) are transferred to the conveyor (11) for transportation, but an independently operated unmanned transport vehicle may be used instead of the conveyor (11). Thus, each transport vehicle can transport articles at an independent time and route, and the degree of freedom of transportation of the device as a whole is increased. However, when a plurality of transport vehicles are used as a transport device instead of a conveyor, the efficiency of supplying articles to the conveyor device may decrease because the plurality of transport vehicles transport articles intermittently.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, it is desired to improve the efficiency of supplying articles to a transport vehicle in an article sorting facility equipped with a transport vehicle.

[0006] The technology used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows.

[0007] An article sorting device, which sorts the articles by transporting articles by multiple transport vehicles running on the floor respectively, wherein the floor is provided with: a transfer area for transferring the articles to the transport vehicles; a receiving area for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicles; and a connecting area for connecting the transfer area with the receiving area; a specific direction along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the floor orthogonal to the Y direction is defined as the X direction, one side of the X direction is defined as the first side of the X direction, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second side of the X direction; the transfer area is provided with: a transfer path along the Y direction; The transfer path includes a first transfer section, which is arranged at the first side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performs the transfer operation on the transport vehicle on the transfer path; and a second transfer section, which is arranged at the second side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performs the transfer operation on the transport vehicle on the transfer path; at different positions on the transfer path, there are set: a first stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of the article through the transfer operation at the first transfer section; and a second stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of the article through the transfer operation at the second transfer section.

[0008] According to this structure, the first transfer section and the second transfer section for performing the transfer operation for the transport vehicle on the transfer path are arranged on both sides of the X direction in a manner of sandwiching the transfer path. Therefore, according to this structure, as a whole, the supply amount of articles to the transport vehicle can be at least doubled. Moreover, in the transfer path, a first stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles through the transfer operation at the first transfer section, and a second stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles through the transfer operation at the second transfer section are set at different positions. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interference between the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles from the first transfer section and other transport vehicles that receive the supply of articles from the second transfer section on the transfer path. As described above, according to this structure, it is possible to improve the supply efficiency of articles to the transport vehicle as a whole while avoiding interference between the transport vehicles.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a top view showing the first floor and the second floor of the article sorting equipment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a top view showing the main parts of the transfer area.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the handover operation performed in the handover area.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 IV-IV cross-sectional view.

[0014] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a transport vehicle circulates on each floor.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the priority travel of the transfer route by the transport vehicle.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the priority travel of the transfer route by the transport vehicle.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the priority travel of the transfer route by the transport vehicle.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the priority travel of the transfer route by the transport vehicle.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the structure of a handover area related to other embodiments.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the structure of a handover area related to other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The article sorting equipment is an equipment for sorting articles by having a plurality of transport vehicles respectively travel on a floor and transport articles. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the article sorting equipment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In this specification, a specific direction along the floor is referred to as the "Y direction", and a direction along the floor that is perpendicular to the Y direction is referred to as the "X direction". In addition, one side in the X direction is referred to as the "X direction first side X1", and the other side in the X direction is referred to as the "X direction second side X2". Furthermore, one side in the Y direction is referred to as the "Y direction first side Y1", and the other side in the Y direction is referred to as the "Y direction second side Y2".

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 100 has a first floor F1 as the floor, and further includes a second floor F2 disposed at a position different from the first floor F1 in the vertical direction. Figure 1In the example, an article sorting device 100 consisting of two floors is illustrated. A first floor F1 is provided on the first floor, and a second floor F2 is provided on the second floor. A plurality of transport vehicles V are respectively configured to travel on the respective travel surfaces Fa of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The transport vehicles V can travel between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 by using the first elevator L1 and the second elevator L2 described later. In addition, the article sorting device 100 is not limited to the above structure, and can also be composed of one floor, or can be composed of three or more floors.

[0024] The first floor F1 includes a transfer area 1 for transferring articles G to the transport vehicle V, a receiving area 3 for receiving articles G transported by the transport vehicle V, and a connection area 2 connecting the transfer area 1 and the receiving area 3 .

[0025] The transfer area 1 is arranged on the first side in the Y direction relative to the connection area 2. The transfer area 1 includes: a transfer path R1 extending along the Y direction; a first transfer unit 11 arranged on the first side X1 in the X direction relative to the transfer path R1, and performing a transfer operation with respect to the transport vehicle V on the transfer path R1; and a second transfer unit 12 arranged on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the transfer path R1, and performing a transfer operation with respect to the transport vehicle V on the transfer path R1. In this way, in this structure, since the first transfer unit 11 and the second transfer unit 12 that perform the transfer operation are arranged on both sides in the X direction in a manner of sandwiching the transfer path R1, the supply amount of articles G to the transport vehicle V can be increased as a whole in the transfer area 1.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the connection area 2 is formed into a plane that is developed in two directions along the X direction and the Y direction in the first floor F1. The transport vehicle V can freely travel at least in the connection area 2 of the first floor F1. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle V is configured to travel straight and perform a rotation action around the upper and lower axes on the spot to change direction. The transport vehicle V can travel freely in the connection area 2 by performing straight travel and rotation actions.

[0027] The receiving area 3 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the connecting area 2. The receiving area 3 includes a receiving passage R3 extending along the Y direction. In the receiving area 3, a plurality of receiving portions 30 each configured to receive an article G from a transport vehicle V are arranged. The plurality of receiving portions 30 are each configured to receive an article G from a transport vehicle V traveling in the receiving passage R3.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the article classification device 100 is provided with a control device H for controlling a plurality of transport vehicles V respectively. The control device H is configured to be able to communicate with each transport vehicle V. The control device H is configured to manage the status of the transfer area 1 and the receiving area 3, and to send a transport instruction specifying the transport source and the transport destination of the article G to each transport vehicle V. In addition, the control device H is configured to be able to grasp the current position information related to each transport vehicle V, and to specify the path that each transport vehicle V should travel. Thus, smooth travel of each transport vehicle V in the device can be achieved. The control device H, for example, has a processor of a microcomputer, a peripheral circuit of a memory, etc. Moreover, each function is realized by the cooperation of these hardware and a program executed on a processor of a computer, etc.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, in the transfer area 1, the article G is supplied by the article supply unit S. The article supply unit S is configured to supply the article G in a state of being contained in a supply container Cs to the transfer area 1. The article G contained in the supply container Cs is supplied by the article supply unit S to each of the first transfer unit 11 and the second transfer unit 12 in the transfer area 1.

[0030] In the present embodiment, containers C capable of storing articles G are arranged in the transfer area 1. In the example shown in the figure, temporary placement tables T for arranging the containers C are provided in each of the first transfer unit 11 and the second transfer unit 12.

[0031] In the transfer operation in the transfer area 1, the article G stored in the supply container Cs is taken out and transferred to the transport vehicle V on the transfer path R1. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the transfer of articles G to the transport vehicle V is performed in a state where a plurality of (or a single) articles G taken out from a plurality of (or a single) supply containers Cs are stored in the container C. Alternatively, Figure 3 As shown in (b), the multiple (or single) articles G taken out from the supply container Cs are directly transferred to the transport vehicle V without being stored in the container C. In this embodiment, the transfer operation in the transfer area 1 is performed by the operator W. However, the transfer operation may be performed by a robot instead of the operator W, or by both the operator W and the robot.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, in the present embodiment, the transfer path R1 includes a first transfer path R11, and a second transfer path R12 disposed adjacent to the first transfer path R11 on the second side X2 in the X direction. A first transfer unit 11 is disposed on the first side X1 in the X direction relative to the first transfer path R11. In the transfer operation of the first transfer unit 11, an article G is transferred to the transport vehicle V on the first transfer path R11. In addition, a second transfer unit 12 is disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the second transfer path R12. In the transfer operation of the second transfer unit 12, an article G is transferred to the transport vehicle V on the second transfer path R12.

[0033] The transport vehicle V is configured to transport the articles G received in the transfer area 1 or the container C containing the articles G to the receiving area 3. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle V moves from the transfer area 1 to the receiving area 3 via the connecting area 2 (see Figure 1 ).

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, in the receiving area 3, the articles G transported by the transport vehicle V are sorted. The sorting is performed based on pre-set order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and article category information.

[0035] In this embodiment, the plurality of receiving sections 30 are respectively configured using conveyors (hereinafter, the receiving sections 30 may be referred to as "receiving conveyors 30"). In this example, the plurality of receiving conveyors 30 are arranged on both sides of the receiving passage R3 in the X direction. The plurality of receiving conveyors 30 extend from the receiving passage R3 in the X direction, respectively, and convey the articles G received from the transport vehicle V in the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to the above structure, and at least a part of the plurality of receiving sections 30 may be configured using a ramp instead of a conveyor.

[0036] When the transport vehicle V transports the articles G contained in the container C to the receiving area 3, a taking-out operation of taking out the articles G from the container C transported by the transport vehicle V is performed in the receiving area 3. That is, the sorting operation includes a taking-out operation of taking out the articles G from the container C transported by the transport vehicle V. Through this taking-out operation, the container C and the articles G are separated, and an empty container C is generated.

[0037] When the transport vehicle V transports the article G (the article G not contained in the container C) to the receiving area 3, a receiving operation of receiving the article G transported by the transport vehicle V is performed in the receiving area 3. The article G taken out from the container C by the taking-out operation and the article G received by the receiving operation are, for example, contained in a container (not shown) corresponding to the shipping destination. In the present embodiment, the sorting operation in the receiving area 3 is performed by the operator W. However, the sorting operation may be performed by a robot instead of the operator W, or by both the operator W and the robot.

[0038] In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 100 is provided with an empty container recovery device B for recovering the empty containers C generated by the above-mentioned taking-out operation. Figure 1 As shown, the recovery path Rb, which is a path for conveying the empty container C by the empty container recovery device B, extends to positions adjacent to the first transfer section 11 and the second transfer section 12, respectively. The empty container C recovered by the empty container recovery device B is conveyed to the transfer area 1 along the recovery path Rb and is used for work in the transfer area 1. The empty container recovery device B is configured using, for example, a conveyor. The empty container recovery device B configured using a conveyor extends along the recovery path Rb.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the empty container recovery device B includes a first empty container recovery device B1 that delivers the empty container C to the first transfer unit 11, and a second empty container recovery device B2 that delivers the empty container C to the second transfer unit 12. The first empty container recovery device B1 is configured to deliver the empty container C generated in the receiving unit 30 to the first transfer unit 11 along a recovery path Rb connecting the receiving unit 30 and the first transfer unit 11, and the receiving unit 30 is arranged on the first side X1 in the X direction relative to the receiving path R3. The second empty container recovery device B2 is configured to deliver the empty container C generated in the receiving unit 30 to the second transfer unit 12 along another recovery path Rb connecting the receiving unit 30 and the second transfer unit 12, and the receiving unit 30 is arranged on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the receiving path R3.

[0040] In this embodiment, a first lift L1 (equivalent to a lift) for lifting the transport vehicle V between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 is disposed on the first side in the Y direction relative to the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 (see also Figure 2). In addition, a second lift L2 is disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the receiving passage R3. The second lift L2 is configured similarly to the first lift L1 to move the transport vehicle V up and down between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. In this example, the first lift L1 is configured as a lowering lift that moves the transport vehicle V from the second floor F2 to the first floor F1. The second lift L2 is configured as an ascending lift that moves the transport vehicle V from the first floor F1 to the second floor F2.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the transport vehicle V transfers the article G received from the transfer area 1 to the receiving area 3 on the first floor F1, and then takes the second elevator L2 to the second floor F2 of another floor. Then, the transport vehicle V travels on the second floor F2 and takes the first elevator L1, and returns to the first floor F1 of the floor where the transfer area 1 and the receiving area 3 are set. The returning transport vehicle V receives the article G in the transfer area 1 and transports the article G to the receiving area 3 in the same manner as described above. In this way, the transport vehicle V repeatedly performs a series of tasks of transporting the article G received in the transfer area 1 to the receiving area 3 by circulating on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2.

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 6 to Figure 9 , the action of the transport vehicle V in the transfer area 1 is explained.

[0043] At different positions on the transfer path R1, a first stop position P1 for stopping the transport vehicle V receiving the supply of the article G through the transfer operation in the first transfer section 11, and a second stop position P2 for stopping the transport vehicle V receiving the supply of the article G through the transfer operation in the second transfer section 12 are set. In this way, in this structure, since the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 are set at different positions on the transfer path R1, it is possible to avoid interference between the transport vehicle V receiving the supply of the article G from the first transfer section 11 and the other transport vehicle V receiving the supply of the article G from the second transfer section 12 on the transfer path R1.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the first stop position P1 is set at a part of the first transfer path R11. The second stop position P2 is set at a part of the second transfer path R12. Thus, it is easier to avoid interference between the transport vehicles V on the transfer path R1. The transport vehicle V is configured to receive the supply of the article G from the first transfer section 11 by stopping at the first stop position P1 on the first transfer path R11. In addition, the transport vehicle V is configured to receive the supply of the article G from the second transfer section 12 by stopping at the second stop position P2 on the second transfer path R12.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 are connected to the first elevator L1 via a common path Rc, respectively. That is, the transport vehicle V that comes down from the first elevator L1 must pass through the common path Rc, and then selectively travels in the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12. In this example, the selection of which of the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 to travel is performed based on the command of the control device H.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the transfer path R1 is divided into a plurality of sections. A single section is set to a size that allows one transport vehicle V to exist. A plurality of transport vehicles V are not allowed to exist in a single section.

[0047] A different address is set for each section. The control device H specifies the path that each transport vehicle V should travel by specifying multiple consecutive addresses. In the figure, the three-digit number shown on the path represents the address of each section. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, a position information storage unit (for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, an IC tag, etc.) storing information of the address corresponding to each section is provided in each section. The transport vehicle V travels on the designated path while reading the position information storage unit. In addition, not only the transfer route R1, but also the area where the transport vehicle V on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 can travel is divided into multiple sections, each of which has a unique address. Thus, the control device H can control the travel of the transport vehicle V on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 as a whole.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first transfer path R11 is continuous with the common path Rc. In this example, the first transfer path R11 is continuous with the common path Rc in a straight line. In the example shown in the figure, addresses 102 and 103 are set as the common path Rc. Addresses 104, 105, and 106 continuous therewith are set as the first transfer path R11. Moreover, address 104 in the first transfer path R11 is set as the first stop position P1.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second transfer path R12 branches from the common path Rc to the second side X2 in the X direction. In this example, the second transfer path R12 extends parallel to the first transfer path R11 after branching from the common path Rc. In the example shown in the figure, the address 203 at the position offset from the common path Rc to the second side X2 in the X direction, and the address 204, address 205, and address 206 continuous with it in the Y direction are set as the second transfer path R12. In addition, the address 204 in the second transfer path R12 is set as the second stop position P2.

[0050] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 are set at positions aligned with each other in the X direction. In other words, the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 are set at the same position in the Y direction.

[0051] In the second transfer path R12, between the branch point with the common path Rc and the second stop position P2, a waiting area A is set where a plurality of or a single transport vehicle V can wait. In the example shown in the figure, a waiting area A is set where a single transport vehicle V can wait. The address 203 in the second transfer path R12 is set as the waiting area A.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle V that has descended from the first lift L1 to the first floor F1 preferentially travels on the second transfer path R12. In the present example, based on an instruction from the control device H, the transport vehicle V preferentially travels on the second transfer path R12. Figure 6 to Figure 9 The status of the priority travel of the transport vehicle V in each situation is shown.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, when there is no other transport vehicle V at both the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2, the transport vehicle V selects the second stop position P2 as its destination (correctly selected by the control device H. The same applies below). In this case, the transport vehicle V that has come down from the first elevator L1 branches from the common path Rc and moves toward the second transfer path R12. Furthermore, the transport vehicle V stops at the second stop position P2 and receives the supply of the article G from the second transfer unit 12.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, when there is another transport vehicle V ahead at the second stop position P2, and when there is no other transport vehicle V at the first stop position P1, the transport vehicle V selects the first stop position P1 as its destination. In this case, the transport vehicle V coming down from the first elevator L1 moves from the common path Rc to the first transfer path R11. Moreover, the transport vehicle V stops at the first stop position P1 and receives the supply of the article G from the first transfer unit 11.

[0055] like Figure 8As shown, when there are other transport vehicles V ahead of the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2, the transport vehicle V selects the second stop position P2 as its destination. In this case, the transport vehicle V that has come down from the first elevator L1 branches from the common path Rc and moves toward the second transfer path R12. Then, the transport vehicle V waits in the waiting area A because the other transport vehicles V ahead of it stop at the second stop position P2. When the other transport vehicles V ahead of it receive the supply of articles G and retreat from the second stop position P2, the transport vehicle V moves toward the second stop position P2 that becomes vacant.

[0056] like Fig. 9 As shown, when there are other transport vehicles V at both the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2, and when the other transport vehicles V are waiting in the waiting area A, the first stop position P1 is selected as the destination. In this case, the transport vehicle V coming down from the first elevator L1 waits in the common path Rc until the other transport vehicles V ahead retreat from the first stop position P1. When the other transport vehicles V ahead receive the supply of articles G and retreat from the first stop position P1, the transport vehicle V moves toward the first stop position P1 that becomes vacant.

[0057] If the common path Rc connected to the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 on the upstream side is congested, the smooth travel of the transport vehicle V is hindered in both the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12. However, by configuring the transport vehicle V to travel in the second transfer path R12 with priority over the first transfer path R11 as described above, the first transfer path R11 connected to the common path Rc becomes less likely to be congested. As a result, the occurrence of congestion can be suppressed in the common path Rc, and as a result, the transport vehicle V can be easily driven in both the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12.

[0058] [Other implementation methods]

[0059] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0060] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction is described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, Fig.10As shown, a passing path R13 for a transport vehicle V that has not received the supply of article G in the transfer area 1 is arranged between the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 in the X direction. The transport vehicle V that has not received the supply of article G is a transport vehicle V that already holds the article G. Such a state may occur under the following circumstances. That is, there is a situation where the receiving area 3 cannot allow the acceptance of article G even though the transport vehicle V holding the article G enters the receiving area 3. In such a situation, in order to aim at the next acceptance opportunity, the transport vehicle V advances from the first floor F1 to the second floor F2 while holding the article G in its original state, and returns to the first floor F1 again by riding the first elevator L1 (such as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the transport vehicle V turns on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. In this case, the transport vehicle V coming down from the first elevator L1 does not need to receive the supply of articles G in the transfer area 1, so it passes through the path R13 and heads toward the receiving area 3.

[0061] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the transfer path R1 includes the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the transfer path R1 is composed of one path. In this case, the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 are set at different positions in the Y direction on the one transfer path R1. In the example shown in the figure, the first stop position P1 is set at address 104 in the transfer path R1, and the second stop position P2 is set at address 106.

[0062] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the first transfer path R11 and the common path Rc are continuous in a straight line, and the second transfer path R12 branches from the common path Rc in the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and both the first transfer path R11 and the second transfer path R12 may branch from the common path Rc.

[0063] (4) In the above embodiment, an example is described in which a waiting area A is set in the second transfer path R12 where one transport vehicle V can wait. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a waiting area A where two or more transport vehicles V can wait may be set in the second transfer path R12.

[0064] (5) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the transfer area 1 includes two transfer units, namely the first transfer unit 11 and the second transfer unit 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the transfer area 1 may include three or more transfer units.

[0065] (6) In the above embodiment, the configuration is described as an example in which there is one set of the delivery area 1 and the receiving area 3. However, the article sorting device 100 may include a plurality of sets of the delivery area 1 and the receiving area 3. In this case, the sets are arranged in a row along the X direction.

[0066] (7) In addition, the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be combined with the structure disclosed in other embodiments and applied as long as there is no contradiction. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are only simple examples at all points. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made within the scope of the main purpose of this disclosure.

[0067] [Summary of this embodiment]

[0068] Hereinafter, a summary of this embodiment will be described.

[0069] An article sorting device, which sorts the articles by transporting articles by multiple transport vehicles running on the floor respectively, wherein the floor is provided with: a transfer area for transferring the articles to the transport vehicles; a receiving area for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicles; and a connecting area for connecting the transfer area with the receiving area; a specific direction along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the floor orthogonal to the Y direction is defined as the X direction, one side of the X direction is defined as the first side of the X direction, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second side of the X direction; the transfer area is provided with: a transfer path along the Y direction; The transfer path includes a first transfer section, which is arranged at the first side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performs the transfer operation on the transport vehicle on the transfer path; and a second transfer section, which is arranged at the second side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performs the transfer operation on the transport vehicle on the transfer path; at different positions on the transfer path, there are set: a first stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of the article through the transfer operation at the first transfer section; and a second stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of the article through the transfer operation at the second transfer section.

[0070] According to this structure, the first transfer section and the second transfer section for performing the transfer operation for the transport vehicle on the transfer path are arranged on both sides of the X direction in a manner of sandwiching the transfer path. Therefore, according to this structure, as a whole, the supply amount of articles to the transport vehicle can be at least doubled. Moreover, in the transfer path, a first stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles through the transfer operation at the first transfer section, and a second stop position for stopping the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles through the transfer operation at the second transfer section are set at different positions. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interference between the transport vehicle that receives the supply of articles from the first transfer section and other transport vehicles that receive the supply of articles from the second transfer section on the transfer path. As described above, according to this structure, it is possible to improve the supply efficiency of articles to the transport vehicle as a whole while avoiding interference between the transport vehicles.

[0071] Preferably, the aforementioned floor is the first floor; it also includes a second floor arranged at a position different from the above-and-below position of the aforementioned first floor; one side of the aforementioned Y direction is the first side of the Y direction, and the other side of the aforementioned Y direction is the second side of the Y direction; the aforementioned transfer area is arranged on the first side of the Y direction relative to the aforementioned connection area; the aforementioned receiving area is arranged on the second side of the Y direction relative to the aforementioned connection area; the aforementioned transfer path includes the first transfer path and the second transfer path arranged adjacent to the first transfer path on the second side of the aforementioned X direction; an elevator for lifting and lowering the aforementioned transport vehicle between the aforementioned first floor and the aforementioned second floor is arranged on the first side of the aforementioned Y direction relative to the aforementioned first transfer path and the aforementioned second transfer path; the aforementioned first transfer path and the aforementioned second transfer path are respectively connected to the aforementioned elevator via a common path.

[0072] According to this structure, a plurality of transfer paths (first transfer path and second transfer path) can be provided for one elevator. Therefore, the number of elevators that are relatively expensive can be suppressed to a small number, and the cost incurred in the installation and maintenance of the elevators can be easily suppressed.

[0073] Preferably, the first transfer path is continuous with the common path; the second transfer path branches from the common path to the second side in the X direction; and the transport vehicle coming down from the elevator to the first floor travels preferentially in the second transfer path.

[0074] According to this structure, since the first transfer path can be made less congested, the transportation vehicle in the shared path connected to the first transfer path can be made to travel smoothly on the upstream side of the first transfer path. Moreover, the shared path is connected to both the first transfer path and the second transfer path. Therefore, according to this structure, the transportation vehicle can travel smoothly in both the first transfer path and the second transfer path.

[0075] Preferably, a container capable of accommodating the aforementioned articles is arranged in the aforementioned transfer area; the aforementioned transport vehicle transports the aforementioned articles received in the aforementioned transfer area or the aforementioned container accommodating the aforementioned articles to the aforementioned receiving area; in the aforementioned receiving area, a sorting operation of the aforementioned articles is performed; the aforementioned sorting operation includes a taking-out operation of taking the aforementioned articles out of the aforementioned container transported by the aforementioned transport vehicle; an empty container recovery device is provided for recovering the empty aforementioned containers generated by the aforementioned taking-out operation; the path for transporting the empty aforementioned containers by the aforementioned empty container recovery device, i.e., the recovery path, extends to positions adjacent to the aforementioned first transfer section and the aforementioned second transfer section, respectively.

[0076] According to this configuration, after the articles stored in the containers are conveyed to the receiving area and sorted, the containers from which the articles have been taken out and which have become empty can be collected by the empty container collecting device.

[0077] Furthermore, the collected empty container can be conveyed to the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit along the collection path, respectively, and can be reused in the work at the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit.

[0078] Preferably, a passing path is arranged between the first transfer path and the second transfer path in the X direction, and the passing path is used for the transport vehicle that has not received the supply of the article in the transfer area to pass through.

[0079] According to this structure, a transport vehicle that does not need to receive the supply of items in the transfer area, for example, a transport vehicle that already holds the object to be transported, can pass through the transfer area without being affected by other transport vehicles that stop in the first transfer path or the second transfer path to receive the supply of items.

[0080] Industrial Applicability

[0081] The technology disclosed herein can be used in an article sorting facility that sorts articles by transporting articles while a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a floor.

[0082] Description of Reference Numerals

[0083] 100: Item sorting equipment

[0084] F1: Floor 1

[0085] F2: 2nd floor

[0086] 1: Transfer Area

[0087] 11: First Transfer Department

[0088] 12: Second Transfer Department

[0089] 2: Connection area

[0090] 3: Reception area

[0091] 30: Reception Department

[0092] V: Transport vehicle

[0093] B: Empty container recovery device

[0094] Rb: Recycling path

[0095] C: Container

[0096] G: Items

[0097] R1: Transfer route

[0098] R11: First transfer route

[0099] R12: Second transfer route

[0100] R13: Passing Path

[0101] Rc: Common path

[0102] P1: 1st stop position

[0103] P2: 2nd stop position

[0104] X1: X direction first side

[0105] X2: The second side in the X direction

[0106] Y1: Y direction first side

[0107] Y2: Second side in Y direction

Claims

1. An article sorting device, which sorts the articles by transporting articles by a plurality of transport vehicles running on the floor, characterized in that: The floor is provided with: a transfer area for transferring the articles to the transport vehicle; a receiving area for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicle; and a connection area for connecting the transfer area with the receiving area. A specific direction along the floor is referred to as the Y direction, a direction along the floor orthogonal to the Y direction is referred to as the X direction, one side of the X direction is referred to as the X direction first side, and the other side of the X direction is referred to as the X direction second side; The transfer area comprises: a transfer path extending along the Y direction; a first transfer section arranged on the first side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performing the transfer operation for the transport vehicle on the transfer path; and a second transfer unit, which is arranged on the second side in the X direction relative to the transfer path and performs the transfer operation on the transport vehicle on the transfer path; At different positions on the aforementioned transfer path, there are set: a first stop position for stopping the aforementioned transport vehicle that receives the supply of the aforementioned items through the aforementioned transfer operation at the aforementioned first transfer section; and a second stop position for stopping the aforementioned transport vehicle that receives the supply of the aforementioned items through the aforementioned transfer operation at the aforementioned second transfer section.

2. The article sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Assume that the aforementioned floor is the first floor; Also comprising a second floor arranged at a different position in the vertical direction from the first floor; Let the one side in the Y direction be the first side in the Y direction, and let the other side in the Y direction be the second side in the Y direction; The transfer area is arranged on the first side in the Y direction relative to the connection area; The receiving area is arranged on the second side in the Y direction relative to the connecting area; The transfer passage includes a first transfer passage and a second transfer passage disposed adjacent to the first transfer passage on a second side in the X direction; An elevator is disposed on the first side in the Y direction relative to the first transfer path and the second transfer path, for raising and lowering the transport vehicle between the first floor and the second floor; The first transfer passage and the second transfer passage are respectively connected to the elevator via a common path.

3. The article sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first transfer path is continuous with the shared path; The second transfer path branches from the common path to the second side in the X direction; The transport vehicle that descends from the elevator to the first floor travels preferentially in the second transfer path.

4. The article sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the aforementioned transfer area, a container capable of receiving the aforementioned items is arranged; The transport vehicle transports the aforementioned articles received in the aforementioned transfer area or the aforementioned container containing the aforementioned articles to the aforementioned receiving area; In the aforementioned receiving area, the aforementioned articles are sorted; The aforementioned sorting operation includes a taking-out operation of taking the aforementioned articles out of the aforementioned container transported by the aforementioned transport vehicle; An empty container recovery device is provided for recovering the empty container generated by the aforementioned removal operation; The recovery path, which is a path for conveying the empty containers by the empty container recovery device, extends to positions adjacent to the first transfer section and the second transfer section, respectively.

5. The article sorting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The transfer passage includes a first transfer passage and a second transfer passage disposed adjacent to the first transfer passage on a second side in the X direction; A passing path is arranged between the first transfer path and the second transfer path in the X direction, and the passing path is used for the transport vehicle that has not received the supply of the article in the transfer area to pass through.

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