Article sorting equipment

Abstract

An article sorting facility is provided with a conveyance system and a control system. The control system causes the conveyance system to execute a batch-in process in which the storage containers (1) required for the classification work included in each of the plurality of batches are conveyed into the work area (A) in the processing order of the plurality of batches. In the present invention, between a first transport process in which a stacked container group (11), which is partially or entirely a storage container (1) belonging to a first batch, is transported into a work area (A), and a third transport process in which a stacked container group (13), which is partially or entirely a storage container (1) belonging to a second batch, is transported into the work area (A), a second transport process is carried out between the first transport process and the third transport process. The transport system is caused to execute a second transport process in which a stacked container group (12), which is partially the storage containers (1) belonging to the first batch and the remainder being the storage containers (1) belonging to the second batch, is transported to the operation area (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an item sorting device, comprising: a container storage device for storing a plurality of storage containers; a work area for performing sorting operations of removing items contained in the storage containers and grouping the items into the containers; and a conveying system for transporting the storage containers from the container storage device to the work area. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-154605 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of an article sorting device for performing article sorting operations. In the following description of the background art, reference numerals from Patent Document 1 will be enclosed in parentheses. The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to supply goods out of an automated warehouse (11) to a sorting yard (13) that sorts goods according to their shipping destination.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-154605. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the sorting equipment, it is possible to consider using a conveyor system to transport stacked container groups, which are the storage containers required for the sorting operation, to the sorting area (the sorting yard in Patent Document 1). Ideally, in this case, the storage containers would be transported to the work area via a conveyor system with high efficiency. However, there is no mention of this in Patent Document 1.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to achieve a technology that can easily improve the conveying efficiency of the storage container system when stacked container groups are transported to the work area via the conveying system.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem The article sorting equipment disclosed herein comprises the following components: a container storage device holding multiple storage containers; a work area for performing sorting operations of removing articles contained in the aforementioned storage containers and sorting them into multiple article collection containers; a conveying system for transporting the aforementioned storage containers from the aforementioned container storage device to the aforementioned work area and from the aforementioned work area to the aforementioned container storage device; and a control system for controlling the aforementioned conveying system. The aforementioned storage containers are configured to be stackable in a vertical direction. The aforementioned conveying system is configured to generate stacked container groups that set a predetermined number of the aforementioned storage containers in a stacked state and transport them into the aforementioned work area. The aforementioned control system simultaneously performs the aforementioned sorting operations on a predetermined number of the aforementioned article collection containers. Assuming one batch, when the aforementioned conveying system performs batch transport processing to transport the aforementioned storage containers required for the aforementioned classification operations included in each of the aforementioned batches to the aforementioned work area in the processing order of the multiple aforementioned batches, one of the aforementioned batches is designated as batch 1, and the aforementioned batch processed immediately following batch 1 is designated as batch 2. Between the first transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 1, to the aforementioned work area, and the third transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 2, to the aforementioned work area, the aforementioned conveying system performs a second transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 1 and the remaining portion consists of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 2, to the aforementioned work area.

[0007] According to this configuration, when multiple batches of storage containers required for each sorting operation are transported to the work area in a stacked container group with a predetermined number of layers, in the order of processing of multiple batches, it is possible to generate stacked container groups consisting of storage containers from two consecutive batches, rather than generating separate stacked container groups for each batch. Therefore, the necessity of generating stacked container groups with fewer layers than the predetermined number can be reduced, resulting in easier improvement of the conveying efficiency of the storage containers using the conveyor system. As described above, according to this configuration, the conveying efficiency of the storage containers using the conveyor system is easily improved when stacked container groups are transported to the work area via the control system.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the item sorting device become clear from the following description of the embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view of a part of the item sorting device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view of the transport vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a top view of the work area according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the work area involved in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a control block diagram according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the batch import process according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the batch import process according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a top view of the work area involved in the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a top view that omits a portion of the work area involved in the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a top view of the work area involved in the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the work area involved in the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a top view of the work area involved in the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the work area involved in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] [First Embodiment] Refer to the attached diagram ( Figures 1 to 7 The first embodiment of the item sorting device will be described. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the item sorting equipment 100 includes container storage equipment 8, work area A, and conveying system 40. The item sorting equipment 100 also includes a control system 5 for controlling the conveying system 40 (see reference). Figure 5 Hereinafter, two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions will be designated as the X direction and the Y direction. Furthermore, one side of the X direction will be designated as X-direction side 1 (X1), and the other side of the X direction will be designated as X-direction side 2 (X2). Similarly, one side of the Y direction will be designated as Y-direction side 1 (Y1), and the other side of the Y direction will be designated as Y-direction side 2 (Y2).

[0023] In container storage equipment 8, multiple storage containers 1 are stored. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the container storage equipment 8 includes a storage rack 9 for storing the storage container 1. The storage container 1 is stored on the storage rack 9 in a rack-like state supported by the storage rack 9. Although detailed information is omitted, Figure 1 In the example shown, the storage rack 9 is configured as follows: The rack is designed to hold multiple storage containers 1 along its width (in the horizontal direction of the rack). Figure 1 In the example shown, the racks are arranged in a side-by-side configuration (in the Y direction). Furthermore, the racks are arranged in a side-by-side configuration along the Z direction (vertical direction) on multiple floors, and the storage racks 9 are configured to store the storage containers 1 on each of the multiple floors.

[0024] Storage container 1 is formed in the shape of a box (here, a box with an open top surface). For example... Figure 4 As shown, the storage container 1 is configured to be stackable along the Z direction. The storage container 1 is stacked on top of another storage container 1 by fitting the bottom of the storage container 1 into the opening at the top of the other storage container 1. The storage containers 1 are configured to be stackable while containing the item 4.

[0025] Storage container 1 holds items 4, such as goods or parts. Here, storage container 1 holds multiple items 4 of one or more types. For example, storage container 1 may hold multiple items 4 of various types, categorized by type. Storage container 1 may also hold multiple items 4 of a single type, or it may hold one item of each type. The type (category, variety) of item 4 is the classification of item 4 that will be processed by item sorting equipment 100 according to a predetermined basis. For example, the type of item 4 can be set based on the smallest SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) of item 4, that is, based on the smallest management unit when performing inventory management of item 4. Alternatively, the type of item 4 can be set based on the identification code of item 4 (e.g., product identification code such as JAN code or EAN code).

[0026] The conveying system 40 is configured to transport the storage container 1 from the container storage equipment 8 to the work area A and to transport the storage container 1 from the work area A to the container storage equipment 8. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the conveying system 40 includes: a conveyor (here, the first conveyor 41) that conveys the storage containers 1 within the work area A; and a conveyor 90 that conveys the storage containers 1 outside the work area A. The conveyor 90 conveys a stacked container group 10 formed by stacking multiple storage containers 1.

[0027] The details regarding the first teleporter 41 will be elaborated later, but as... Figure 1 As shown, the first conveyor 41 includes: an infeed section 50, which receives the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) being transported from the container storage equipment 8 to the work area A; and an outfeed section 60, which transports the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) out of the work area A toward the container storage equipment 8. The conveyor 90 transports the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) from the container storage equipment 8 to the infeed section 50, and transports the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) from the outfeed section 60 to the container storage equipment 8.

[0028] The container storage equipment 8 (specifically, the storage rack 9) is configured to store multiple storage containers 1 in a mutually separate state. A transport vehicle 90 stacks the multiple storage containers 1 taken from the storage rack 9 to form a stacked container assembly 10, and transports the stacked container assembly 10 to the receiving unit 50. Additionally, the transport vehicle 90 transports the stacked container assembly 10 received from the dispatch unit 60 to the container storage equipment 8, storing the multiple storage containers 1 constituting the stacked container assembly 10 in a mutually separate state within the storage rack 9.

[0029] The transport vehicle 90 can be an unmanned transport vehicle that travels autonomously or remotely, or a manned transport vehicle (e.g., a forklift) operated by an operator. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 90 is an unmanned transport vehicle that travels autonomously. The transport vehicle 90 can also be a rail-mounted transport vehicle (e.g., a stacker crane) that travels along tracks provided on a floor or the like, or a trackless transport vehicle such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). When the transport vehicle 90 is a trackless transport vehicle, it does not travel along a physically formed travel path P using tracks or the like, but rather along a virtually formed travel path P (see reference). Figure 1 For example, multiple objects to be detected, such as QR codes or RF (Radio Frequency) tags, are placed on the floor surface, and the travel path P is virtually formed by connecting the multiple objects to be detected. Alternatively, the configuration can be such that the objects to be detected are not placed on the floor surface, but the travel path P is virtually formed by a route calculated based on the recognition results of the surrounding environment.

[0030] Figure 2 The illustrated transport vehicle 90 is configured as follows: The transport vehicle 90 includes a traveling body 93, a support 94, a first transfer device 91, and a second transfer device 92. The transport vehicle 90 also includes a lifting device 95. The support 94, the first transfer device 91, the second transfer device 92, and the lifting device 95 are all mounted on the traveling body 93.

[0031] The vehicle 93 is configured to travel on the floor. Although details are omitted, the vehicle 93 travels by rotating the drive wheels using a power source such as an electric motor. The vehicle 93 has a pair of left and right drive wheels, and is configured to rotate by rotating the left and right pair of drive wheels in opposite directions.

[0032] Support portion 94 supports the stacked container assembly 10. Support portion 94 can also support a single storage container 1. In this example, the conveyor constituting the second transfer device 92 forms support portion 94. Specifically, the conveying surface of the conveyor constituting the second transfer device 92 forms the support surface of the stacked container assembly 10 in support portion 94. The conveying surface of the conveyor is, for example, formed by a plane (virtual plane) including the upper ends of the respective multiple rollers constituting the conveyor or by the upper surface of the belt constituting the conveyor.

[0033] The second transfer device 92 transfers the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) between the support section 94 and the conveying section 50. Additionally, the second transfer device 92 transfers the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) between the support section 94 and the conveying section 60. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the diagram, the transfer operation of the stacked container assembly 10 using the second transfer device 92 is shown as the second transfer operation M2 by a hollow arrow. The second transfer operation M2 includes the transfer operation of the stacked container assembly 10 from the conveyor 90 (support 94 in this example) to the inlet 50 using the second transfer device 92, and the transfer operation of the stacked container assembly 10 from the outlet 60 to the conveyor 90 (support 94 in this example) using the second transfer device 92.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second transfer device 92 is configured such that the stacked container group 10 is positioned along the vehicle width direction (a horizontal direction orthogonal to the travel direction of the transport vehicle 90), in... Figure 2 The second transfer device 92 moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, transferring the stacked container assembly 10 between the transfer target parts (here, the inlet 50 and the outlet 60). In this example, the second transfer device 92 includes a conveyor (e.g., a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor) that transports the stacked container assembly 10 along the width direction of the vehicle body. Unlike this configuration, the second transfer device 92 may also be a fork-type transfer device or the like, which has a fork that supports the stacked container assembly 10 and moves forward and backward. Furthermore, in this specification, the forward and backward component that serves as a component supporting the supported object and moves forward and backward via the forward and backward component is referred to as a "fork," and the "fork" is not limited to a specific shape.

[0035] The lifting device 95 is mounted on the vehicle 93 in a height-adjustable manner. The lifting device 95 is configured to lift any layer (any height) of the storage container 1 among the multiple storage containers 1 constituting the stacked container group 10 supported by the support portion 94. By using the lifting device 95 to lift any layer of storage container 1, it is possible to separate that layer of storage container 1 from the storage container 1 of the layer below it. Furthermore, when one or more other storage containers 1 are stacked relative to the storage container 1 lifted by the lifting device 95, those other one or more storage containers 1 are also lifted.

[0036] The group of multi-layered storage containers 1 that are lifted by the lifting device 95 is designated as the object container group. In this example, the lifting device 95 is configured in such a way that two adjacent layers of storage containers 1 in the object container group can form a space in the Z direction between each other (here, between the lowest storage container 1 and the storage container 1 above it). Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a scenario where the lifting device 95 lifts an object container group consisting of two layers of storage containers 1. A space in the Z direction is formed between the lowest storage container 1 constituting the object container group and the storage container 1 above it (here, the highest storage container 1 constituting the object container group). As will be described later, Figure 2 This illustrates the situation where the first transfer device 91 moves the storage container 1 (the storage container 1 marked with a circle surrounding it) into the space thus formed.

[0037] The first transfer device 91 transfers the storage container 1 between the storage rack 9 of the container storage equipment 8 and the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94. Figure 1 In the diagram, the transfer action of the storage container 1 using the first transfer device 91 is shown as the first transfer action M1 by a hollow arrow. The first transfer action M1 includes the transfer action of the storage container 1 from the storage rack 9 to the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94, and the transfer action of the storage container 1 from the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94 to the storage rack 9.

[0038] When transferring the storage container 1 from the storage rack 9 to the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94, the first transfer device 91 adds the storage container 1 to any layer of the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94 after removing the storage container 1 from the storage rack 9. The first transfer device 91 is mounted on the traveling body 93 in a lifting and lowering manner. The first transfer device 91 removes the storage container 1 when it is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the shelf where the storage container 1 to be retrieved is stored. Moreover, the first transfer device 91 adds the storage container 1 to the layer in the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94 when it is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the layer where the additional storage container 1 is added. In this example, the transport vehicle 90 is equipped with a lifting device 95, so the first transfer device 91 can not only add the storage container 1 to the top layer of the stacked container group 10 supported by the support part 94, but also add the storage container 1 to any layer (specifically, the lower layer of the storage container 1 lifted by the lifting device 95).

[0039] When transferring the storage container 1 from the stacked container group 10 supported by the support member 94 to the storage rack 9, the first transfer device 91 removes the storage container 1 from any layer of the stacked container group 10 supported by the support member 94 and then stores the storage container 1 in the storage rack 9. The first transfer device 91 removes the storage container 1 from the layer in the stacked container group 10 supported by the support member 94 at a height corresponding to the layer from which the storage container 1 was removed. In this example, the transport vehicle 90 is equipped with a lifting device 95, so the first transfer device 91 can remove the storage container 1 not only from the top layer of the stacked container group 10 supported by the support member 94, but also from any layer (specifically, the layer below the storage container 1 lifted by the lifting device 95). Furthermore, the first transfer device 91 stores the storage container 1 in the shelf at a height corresponding to the shelf to which it is stored.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 91 is a push-pull type transfer device. The first transfer device 91 transfers the storage container 1 to the transfer target location (here, the storage rack 9 and the stacked container group 10) by pushing the storage container 1, and receives the storage container 1 from the transfer target location by pulling it in. Alternatively, the first transfer device 91 could be a fork-type transfer device, or the like, equipped with a fork that supports the storage container 1 and allows it to move forward and backward.

[0041] The first transfer device 91 is mounted on the traveling body 93 in a manner capable of rotating about an axis along the Z direction. By rotating the first transfer device 91 about an axis along the Z direction, the posture of the first transfer device 91 is switched between two postures: one where it transfers the storage container 1 between the storage rack 9 (in this example, the posture towards the width of the vehicle body) and another where it transfers the storage container 1 between the stacked container group 10 supported by the support 94 (in this example, the posture towards the front-rear direction of the vehicle body). Here, the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is the horizontal direction along the travel direction of the transport vehicle 90. Figure 2 The left and right directions in the middle.

[0042] In this example, the first transfer device 91 is configured to perform the transfer operations of the two storage containers 1 in parallel. Figure 2 The following situation is shown: while the lifting device 95 is lifting the two storage containers 1, the first transfer device 91 performs in parallel the removal of the storage container 1 of the next layer below the two storage containers 1 (the storage container 1 marked with "1" surrounded by a circle) and the addition of the storage container 1 between the two storage containers 1 (the storage container 1 marked with "2" surrounded by a circle).

[0043] The operation of the conveyor system 40 is controlled by the control system 5 (refer to...) Figure 5 Control system 5 controls the operation of the device by controlling the drive source (e.g., an electric motor) of the device being controlled. The functions of control system 5 are implemented, for example, through the cooperation of hardware such as a processing unit and a program executed on that hardware. Control system 5 may not be composed of a single piece of hardware, but rather a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) capable of communicating with each other. Furthermore, the device controlling the object of control system 5 (e.g., a controller provided by that device) may also constitute at least a part of control system 5.

[0044] The various technical features of the control system 5 disclosed in this specification can also be applied to methods for controlling the conveying system 40 or programs for controlling the conveying system 40 (programs for enabling the computer to function as the control system 5). This specification also discloses such methods or programs and storage media storing such programs (e.g., computer-readable recording media such as the flash memory of an optical disc).

[0045] Work area A is a sorting area where items 4 contained in storage container 1 are removed and grouped into multiple item collection container 2. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the operator performs the sorting operation in work area A. Therefore, work area A is equipped with an instruction output device 6 (see reference 6) that outputs work instructions to the operator. Figure 5 ).exist Figure 3 and Figure 4The illustration of the indicator output device 6 is omitted, but the indicator output device 6 is, for example, a display (monitor). The control system 5 controls the indicator output device 6 in addition to the conveying system 40. Furthermore, the indicator output device 6 can also be a monitor of a portable terminal held by the operator, or, if the operator is wearing smart glasses (a display device integrated with the glasses), smart glasses.

[0046] In work area A, the storage container 1 is conveyed by a first conveyor 41 (e.g., a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor) provided by the conveying system 40. The first conveyor 41 has a conveying section 70 that transports the storage container 1 from the inlet section 50 to the outlet section 60. The first conveyor 41 moves the storage container 1 in one direction ( Figure 3 The conveying direction is T). In this embodiment, the conveying section 70 does not branch, and the conveying section 70 does not have the branch portion 80 or the confluence portion 81 described later (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 12 ).

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41 includes: an inlet-side section extending from the inlet section 50 towards the second side Y2 in the Y direction; an outlet-side section extending towards the outlet section 60 towards the first side Y1 in the Y direction; and an intermediate section connecting these inlet-side and outlet-side sections. In this example, the outlet section 60 is positioned relative to the inlet section 50 on the second side X2 in the X direction, and the outlet-side section is positioned relative to the inlet-side section on the second side X2 in the X direction. In this example, the outlet section 60 is positioned at the same location as the inlet section 50 in the Y direction. Furthermore, in this example, the intermediate section includes: an upstream section extending from the inlet-side section towards the second side X2 in the X direction; and a downstream section positioned relative to the upstream section on the first side Y1 in the Y direction, extending towards the outlet-side section towards the first side X1 in the X direction. Although details are omitted, the parts of the first conveyor 41 where the conveying direction T changes are provided, for example, a conveying mechanism for conveying the storage container 1 along the X direction, a conveying mechanism for conveying the storage container 1 along the Y direction, and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering these two conveying mechanisms relative to each other.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, work area A includes an outbound container configuration unit 23 and an item collection container configuration unit 25. In this embodiment, work area A also includes a processing item configuration unit 20 and an inbound container configuration unit 24. Furthermore, work area A can also be configured to lack either or both of the processing item configuration unit 20 and the inbound container configuration unit 24. If work area A lacks the inbound container configuration unit 24, then work area A also lacks the inbound work area A2 described later.

[0049] In the outbound container configuration section 23, a storage container 1 is configured, which is transported from the container storage equipment 8 to the work area A via the conveyor system 40. Hereinafter, to distinguish the storage container 1 configured in the outbound container configuration section 23 from other storage containers 1, the storage container 1 configured in the outbound container configuration section 23 will be referred to as "first container 1a". The outbound container configuration section 23 is a predetermined area on the first conveyor 41. In this embodiment, the outbound container configuration section 23 is a predetermined area on the aforementioned intermediate section (specifically, the upstream section) of the first conveyor 41. In this embodiment, this area is set to a size capable of accommodating one storage container 1.

[0050] Work area A includes a take-out work area A1. As described later, work area A also includes a receiving work area A2, a processing work area A3, and a sorting work area A4. Each of the areas in work area A is at least conceptually defined. Therefore, the multiple areas in work area A do not need to be distinct; multiple areas may partially overlap, and multiple areas may be identical. For example, processing work area A3 and sorting work area A4 may be distinct areas, but in this embodiment, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the processing area A3 and the sorting area A4 are the same area.

[0051] In the retrieval area A1, a retrieval operation (picking operation) is performed to remove item 4 from storage container 1 (first container 1a) located in the outbound container configuration section 23. Therefore, the outbound container configuration section 23 is the stop position on the first conveyor 41 where storage container 1 is stopped for the retrieval operation. During the retrieval operation, item 4, contained in storage container 1, is retrieved through the opening on the upper surface of storage container 1. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the retrieval operation in the retrieval work area A1 is performed by one or more first operators 31. Therefore, for example, an instruction output device 6 that the first operator 31 can visually recognize displays an instruction for the retrieval operation (e.g., information about the type of item 4 to be retrieved or information about the number of items 4 to be retrieved). Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the retrieval operation to be performed by a robot instead of the first operator 31, or to configure the retrieval operation to be performed collaboratively by a robot and the first operator 31.

[0052] In this embodiment, the item 4 is contained in the storage container 1 in the form of a bag or other container 3. For example, the container 3 contains multiple items 4 of the same type. Moreover, during the retrieval operation, the item 4 is removed from the storage container 1 along with the container 3 containing the item 4. That is, during the retrieval operation, the item 4 is not retrieved by piece (piece picking), but by type (variety picking).

[0053] In this embodiment, the receiving unit 50 receives the stacked container group 10 from the conveyor 90. Therefore, the work area A is equipped with a destacking device 44 that separates the stacked container group 10 included in the receiving unit 50 into individual storage containers 1. The destacking device 44 is located downstream of the receiving unit 50 and upstream of the outbound container arrangement unit 23. In this embodiment, the destacking device 44 is located in the aforementioned receiving unit side section of the first conveyor 41. The storage containers 1 separated from the stacked container group 10 in the destacking device 44 are sequentially conveyed to the outbound container arrangement unit 23. The destacking device 44 is configured, for example, to sequentially separate and transport out the bottommost storage container 1 in the stacked container group 10. Although details are omitted, the destacking device 44 includes, for example, a first lifting device that holds and lifts the stacked container group 10; and a second lifting device that holds and lifts the bottommost storage container 1 in the stacked container group 10.

[0054] The item collection container arrangement section 25 is equipped with a plurality of item collection containers 2. The item collection containers 2 are formed in a box shape (here, a box with an open top surface). In this embodiment, the item collection container arrangement section 25 is a rack capable of arranging a plurality of item collection containers 2 side by side. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, work area A includes multiple item collection container configuration units 25. Furthermore, these multiple item collection container configuration units 25 are positioned at different heights in the Z-direction and are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Z-direction (viewed along the Z-direction, i.e., from above). Here, work area A includes two item collection container configuration units 25. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the shelf portion constituting one item collection container configuration section 25 and the shelf portion constituting another item collection container configuration section 25 are arranged at different positions in the Z direction, and are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, the item collection container configuration unit 25 is configured such that multiple item collection containers 2 are arranged side-by-side with the storage containers 1 in the outbound container configuration unit 23 in a direction parallel to the transport direction T. The transport direction T of the storage containers 1 can also be referred to as the arrangement direction of the storage containers 1. For example... Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the conveying direction T of the storage container 1 in the outbound container configuration section 23 is the X direction. Furthermore, the item collection container configuration section 25 is configured with multiple item collection containers 2 arranged side-by-side parallel to the X direction. Here, the item collection container configuration section 25 is positioned relative to the outbound container configuration section 23 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction. By configuring the item collection container configuration section 25 in this way, it is possible to arrange it parallel to the section of the first conveyor 41 that extends in the X direction and includes the outbound container configuration section 23 (here, the aforementioned intermediate section, specifically, the upstream section), thereby reducing the space required for the installation of the outbound container configuration section 23 and the item collection container configuration section 25. In this embodiment, the item collection container configuration section 25 is also configured with multiple item collection containers 2 arranged side-by-side parallel to the conveying direction T (here, the X direction) of the storage container 1 in the inbound container configuration section 24.

[0056] Work area A includes processing work area A3. In processing work area A3, items 4 retrieved through the retrieval operation are processed for shipment (hereinafter referred to simply as "processing operations"). Processing operations are, for example, operations that process goods or other items 4 in accordance with the shipping method (i.e., operations involving distribution processing). Distribution processing includes, for example, bundling, subdividing, re-attaching of in-stock tickets (shipping slips), processing of parts, assembly of parts, weight measurement, and item inspection.

[0057] In this embodiment, the item 4 retrieved through the retrieval operation is placed in the processing item placement unit 20 for processing purposes. In this embodiment, the processing item placement unit 20 is a worktable for performing processing operations. Figure 3 In the example shown, the item 4 retrieved through the retrieval operation is placed on the trolley 7 along with the container 3 containing the item 4 and transported from the retrieval operation area A1 to the processing operation area A3. Then, the item 4, along with the container 3, is placed in the processing item placement unit 20. Next, a processing operation is performed on the item 4 retrieved from the container 3. Thus, in this embodiment, the item 4 is retrieved (item picking) on ​​a piece-by-piece basis during the processing operation.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the processing work in the processing work area A3 is performed by a second operator 32 or more. Therefore, for example, the instruction output device 6, which can be visually recognized by the second operator 32, displays the instruction for the processing work (e.g., the specific content of the processing work). Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the processing work to be performed by a robot instead of the second operator 32, or to configure the processing work to be performed collaboratively by the second operator 32 and a robot.

[0059] Work area A includes a sorting work area A4. In sorting work area A4, a sorting operation is performed where processed items 4 are placed into item collection containers 2. The sorting operation involves placing the quantity of items 4 of a specified type, specified by an order, into each of the multiple item collection containers 2 configured in the item collection container configuration unit 25. That is, an order specifying the quantity of each type of item 4 is assigned to each of the multiple item collection containers 2. For example, the control system 5, or another control system capable of communicating with the control system 5 (e.g., a higher-level control system), generates an order based on an order from the destination of the items 4 and manages the generated order corresponding to the destination. Then, the control system 5 controls the conveying system 40 to transport the storage container 1 containing the type of items 4 specified in the order (i.e., the storage container 1 required for the sorting operation) to the outbound container configuration unit 23.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the sorting work in the sorting work area A4 is performed by a second operator 32 or more. Therefore, for example, the instruction output device 6, which can be visually recognized by the second operator 32, displays instructions for the sorting work (e.g., information on the type and quantity of each item 4 specified in the order for each item collection container 2). Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the sorting work to be performed by a robot instead of the second operator 32, or to configure the sorting work to be performed collaboratively by the second operator 32 and a robot.

[0061] In this embodiment, both the processing and sorting tasks are performed by the same entity (operator or robot). Figure 3 In the example shown, the second operator 32 performs both the processing and sorting operations. That is, after processing the item 4, the second operator 32 performs the sorting operation of placing the item 4 into the item collection container 2. Alternatively, the processing and sorting operations can be performed by different operators.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the item collection container arrangement unit 25 is positioned higher, at a position Z1, than the processing item arrangement unit 20. Furthermore, the processing item arrangement unit 20 and the item collection container arrangement unit 25 are arranged to overlap when viewed in the Z direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example shown, the direction orthogonal to the side-by-side orientation of the plurality of storage containers 1 in the item collection container configuration unit 25 when viewed in the Z direction is defined as the object direction (in this example, the Y direction). The size of the processing item configuration unit 20 in the object direction is larger than the size of the item collection container configuration unit 25 in the object direction. Furthermore, the processing item configuration unit 20 is arranged to protrude to both sides of the item collection container configuration unit 25 in the object direction when viewed in the Z direction. Therefore, as... Figure 3 As shown, multiple second operators 32 can easily perform processing and sorting operations on opposite sides of the processing item configuration unit 20 and the item collection container configuration unit 25 in the object direction.

[0063] In the inbound container configuration section 24, a predetermined storage container 1 is configured to be transported from the work area A to the container storage equipment 8 via the conveyor system 40. Hereinafter, to distinguish the storage container 1 configured in the inbound container configuration section 24 from other storage containers 1, the storage container 1 configured in the inbound container configuration section 24 will be referred to as "second container 1b". The inbound container configuration section 24 is a predetermined area on the first conveyor 41. The inbound container configuration section 24 is a predetermined area in the conveying section 70 (specifically, the aforementioned intermediate section, more specifically, the aforementioned upstream section) that is further downstream than the outbound container configuration section 23. In this embodiment, this area is set to a size capable of accommodating one storage container 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, storage containers 1 (here, 4 storage containers 1) that are different from these first containers 1a and second containers 1b can be configured between the first container 1a configured in the outbound container configuration section 23 and the second container 1b configured in the inbound container configuration section 24.

[0064] Work area A includes a receiving work area A2. Receiving operations are performed in receiving work area A2. Receiving operations involve placing the stored item 4 into the storage container 1 (second container 1b) located in the receiving container placement unit 24, or placing the storage container 1 containing the stored item 4 into the receiving container placement unit 24. Therefore, the receiving container placement unit 24 is the stop / placement position on the first conveyor 41 for stopping or placing the storage container 1 for receiving operations.

[0065] In this embodiment, as a storage operation to place the item 4 to be stored into the second container 1b, the operation involves placing the container 3 (containing the remaining item 4) into the second container 1b after the item 4 has been removed through the processing operation. Figure 3In the example shown, after the item 4 is retrieved through a processing operation, container 3 is placed on trolley 7 and transported from processing area A3 to storage area A2, and then placed into second container 1b. Furthermore, the second container 1b into which container 3 is placed can be the same storage container 1 as the storage container 1 from which container 3 was retrieved through the retrieval operation, or it can be a different storage container 1. In this embodiment, as a storage operation of placing the item 4 to be stored into the second container 1b, the container 3 containing the item 4 for replenishment or the container 3 containing the newly added item 4 to be stored (in...) is also used for storage operations. Figure 3 The operation of placing container 3, indicated by the double-dotted line, into container 1b.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, as a storage operation in which the storage container 1 containing the item 4 to be stored is placed in the storage container configuration unit 24, the storage container 1, which contains the item 4 to be replenished or the item 4 to be newly stored in the container 3, is carried out from outside the first conveyor 41 to the storage container configuration unit 24.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the warehousing operation in warehousing area A2 is performed by a third operator 33 or more. Alternatively, it can be configured such that a robot performs the warehousing operation in place of the third operator 33, or that the third operator 33 and a robot cooperate in performing the warehousing operation. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the processing and sorting tasks are performed by the same operator (worker or robot). However, it is also possible for any two or more of the tasks—retrieval, processing, sorting, and storage—to be performed by the same operator. For example, it is possible to configure the retrieval and storage tasks to be performed by the same operator.

[0068] In this embodiment, the outgoing unit 60 transfers the stacked container group 10 to the conveyor 90. Therefore, the work area A is equipped with a stacking device 45 that generates the stacked container group 10 by stacking multiple storage containers 1 (in this embodiment, a predetermined number of storage containers 1 will be described later). The stacking device 45 is located downstream of the outgoing container arrangement unit 23 and the incoming container arrangement unit 24 and upstream of the outgoing unit 60. In this embodiment, the stacking device 45 is located in the aforementioned outgoing unit side section of the first conveyor 41. The stacked container group 10 generated by sequentially stacking multiple storage containers 1 in the stacking device 45 is conveyed to the outgoing unit 60. The stacking device 45 is configured, for example, to sequentially add the storage containers 1 that will be the objects of stacking to the stacked container group 10 as the bottom layer. For example, devices with a common configuration can be used as the destacking device 44 and the stacking device 45.

[0069] While not limited to this configuration, in this embodiment, the control system 5 is configured to enable the conveying system 40 to perform batch inbound processing. The sorting operation of a predetermined number of item collection containers 2 is grouped into one batch, and the batch inbound processing is the process of transporting the storage containers 1 required for the sorting operations of each of the multiple batches to the work area A in the processing order of the multiple batches. As described above, in this embodiment, the work area A has multiple item collection container placement units 25, each equipped with item collection containers 2. Furthermore, each of the multiple item collection container placement units 25 is equipped with item collection containers 2 belonging to different batches. Therefore, sorting operations included in multiple batches (specifically, the same number of batches as the number of item collection container placement units 25) can be performed in parallel. The maximum number of item collection containers 2 that can be placed in each of the item collection container placement units 25 (in...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, 6) is set to the same quantity as the maximum number of item collection containers 2 belonging to one batch. Furthermore, "item collection containers 2 belonging to a batch" means the item collection containers 2 included in that batch that become the sorting destination of the items 4 used in the sorting operation.

[0070] For example, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the sorting operation of the six item collection containers 2 configured in one item collection container configuration unit 25 is set as one batch. Moreover, in each of the two item collection container configuration units 25, there are item collection containers 2 belonging to two different batches (specifically, one batch and one batch processed immediately following that batch). If the sorting operation included in either of the two batches is completed, the item collection containers 2 belonging to that batch (in this example, six item collection containers 2) are transported out of the item collection container configuration unit 25, where the item collection containers 2 belonging to the batch processed immediately following the above two batches are configured.

[0071] In this embodiment, the conveying system 40 generates a predetermined set quantity (in Figure 4In the example shown, the storage container 1 in 8) is configured as a stacked container group 10 and transported to the work area A. When transporting the stacked container group 10 to the work area A in this way, it is also possible to configure it so that only one stacked container group 10 is generated from storage containers 1 belonging to the same batch, and no stacked container groups 10 belonging to different batches are mixed together (i.e., only stacked container groups 10 separate for each batch are generated). However, in this case, there is a need to generate fewer stacked container groups 10 than the set number, which may reduce the transport efficiency of the storage containers 1 using the transport system 40. Furthermore, "storage containers 1 belonging to a batch" means the storage containers 1 required for the sorting operations included in that batch.

[0072] In view of the above points, in this embodiment, the configuration is set as follows: instead of transporting only the stacked container groups 10 separate for each batch to the work area A, as described below, stacked container groups 10 containing multiple batches of storage containers 1 that are processed sequentially (continuously) are also transported to the work area A. This reduces the necessity of generating stacked container groups 10 with fewer layers than the set quantity, and easily improves the transport efficiency of the storage containers 1 using the transport system 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the "set quantity" is always set to a fixed quantity, but it is also possible to configure the configuration where the set quantity is changed to a different quantity according to the situation.

[0073] When the control system 5 causes the conveying system 40 to perform batch inbound processing, it controls the conveying system 40 as follows: One batch is designated as batch 1, and the batch immediately following batch is designated as batch 2. Between the first inbound processing, which involves transporting stacked container groups 10 of storage containers 1 belonging to batch 1 to work area A, and the third inbound processing, which involves transporting stacked container groups 10 of storage containers 1 belonging to batch 2 to work area A, the control system 5 causes the conveying system 40 to perform a second inbound processing, which involves transporting stacked container groups 10 of storage containers 1 belonging to batch 1 to work area A, with the remainder belonging to batch 2.

[0074] Furthermore, if in the first inbound process the stacked container group 10 transported to work area A is partly a stacked container group 10 belonging to the first batch of storage containers 1, the remaining storage containers 1 are, for example, set to belong to the batch of storage containers 1 processed before the first batch. That is, in this case, the remaining storage containers 1 are essentially not set to belong to the second batch of storage containers 1. Additionally, if in the third inbound process the stacked container group 10 transported to work area A is partly a stacked container group 10 belonging to the second batch of storage containers 1, the remaining storage containers 1 are, for example, set to belong to the batch of storage containers 1 processed immediately following the second batch. That is, in this case, the remaining storage containers 1 are essentially not set to belong to the first batch of storage containers 1.

[0075] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the first, second, and third inbound processes described above. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 6 As shown in (a), consider the following situation: there are 13 storage containers 1 belonging to the first batch (labeled as "1" surrounded by circles), and 11 storage containers 1 belonging to the second batch (labeled as "2" surrounded by circles). Furthermore, in Figure 6 In (b), the first stacked container group 11 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the first transport process; the second stacked container group 12 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the second transport process; and the third stacked container group 13 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the third transport process. Here, an example is shown where all storage containers 1 belonging to the first batch in the second stacked container group 12 are arranged continuously side-by-side along the Z-direction, and all storage containers 1 belonging to the second batch are also arranged continuously side-by-side along the Z-direction. However, as described above, in this embodiment, multiple batches can be processed in parallel (in... Figure 4 In the example shown, the sorting operations are included in the two batches. Therefore, it is also possible that in the second stacked container group 12, one or more storage containers 1 belonging to the first batch and one or more storage containers 1 belonging to the second batch are alternately arranged side by side along the Z direction.

[0076] Assume it is in Figure 6 In the scenario shown, only a separate stacked container group 10 is generated for each batch. Instead of the second stacked container group 12, two stacked container groups 10 with fewer layers than the set number are generated: one containing five storage containers 1 belonging to the first batch, and the other containing three storage containers 1 belonging to the second batch. In this case, it is necessary to perform relative to... Figure 6In the case shown in (b), the transfer of the stacked container group 10 from the transport vehicle 90 to the inlet 50 is carried out 3 times, or 1 more times, which may reduce the conveying efficiency of the storage container 1 using the transport system 40. In contrast, by configuring the stacked container group 10 to be generated not only separately for each batch, but also to be generated together with storage containers 1 belonging to different batches, the number of transfers of the stacked container group 10 from the transport vehicle 90 to the inlet 50 can be reduced, thereby improving the conveying efficiency of the storage container 1 using the transport system 40.

[0077] Furthermore, when the control system 5 causes the conveyor system 40 to perform batch inbound processing, it is not necessary for the conveyor system 40 to perform the first, second, and third inbound processes sequentially; it can also cause the conveyor system 40 to perform other inbound processes. For example, if one batch is designated as the third batch, the batch processed immediately following the third batch is designated as the fourth batch, and the batch processed immediately following the fourth batch is designated as the fifth batch, the control system 5 can be configured such that, when the number of storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch is less than or equal to the set number minus 2, the conveyor system 40 is controlled as follows. Between the fourth transport process, which transports a portion or all of the stacked container group 10 belonging to the third batch of storage containers 1 to the work area A, and the sixth transport process, which transports a portion or all of the stacked container group 10 belonging to the fifth batch of storage containers 1 to the work area A, the control system 5 causes the conveying system 40 to perform the fifth transport process, which transports a portion of the stacked container group 10 belonging to the third batch of storage containers 1, a portion of the fourth batch of storage containers 1, and the remaining portion of the fifth batch of storage containers 1 to the work area A.

[0078] Furthermore, if in the fourth inbound process, the stacked container group 10 transported to work area A is partly a stacked container group 10 belonging to the third batch of storage containers 1, the remaining storage containers 1 are, for example, set to belong to the batch processed before the third batch. That is, in this case, the remaining storage containers 1 are essentially not set to belong to the fourth or fifth batch of storage containers 1. Additionally, if in the sixth inbound process, the stacked container group 10 transported to work area A is partly a stacked container group 10 belonging to the fifth batch of storage containers 1, the remaining storage containers 1 are, for example, set to belong to the batch processed immediately following the fifth batch. That is, in this case, the remaining storage containers 1 are essentially not set to belong to the third or fourth batch of storage containers 1.

[0079] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the fourth, fifth, and sixth inbound processes described above. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 7As shown in (a), consider the following situation: there are 10 storage containers 1 belonging to batch 3 (labeled with "3" surrounded by circles), 5 storage containers 1 belonging to batch 4 (labeled with "4" surrounded by circles), and 9 storage containers 1 belonging to batch 5 (labeled with "5" surrounded by circles). That is, in Figure 7 In this context, the following conditions are met: the number of storage containers 1 belonging to batch 4 is 5, the number after subtracting 2 from the set number is 6, and the number of storage containers 1 belonging to batch 4 is less than the number after subtracting 2 from the set number. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 In (b), the fourth stacked container group 14 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the fourth transport process, the fifth stacked container group 15 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the fifth transport process, and the sixth stacked container group 16 is a stacked container group 10 transported to work area A through the sixth transport process.

[0080] Assume it is in Figure 7 In the illustrated configuration, only stacked container groups 10 are generated separately for each batch. Instead of the fifth stacked container group 15, three stacked container groups 10 with fewer layers than the predetermined number are generated: one containing two storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch; one containing five storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch; and one consisting of one storage container 1 belonging to the fifth batch. Furthermore, here, one storage container 1 is also referred to as a stacked container group 10. In this case, it is necessary to perform relative to... Figure 7 In the case shown in (b), the transfer of the stacked container group 10 from the transport vehicle 90 to the inlet 50 occurs 3 times, or more than 2 times, which may reduce the transport efficiency of the storage container 1 using the transport system 40. In contrast, by configuring the stacked container group 10 to be generated not only separately for each batch, but also to be generated together with storage containers 1 belonging to different batches, the number of transfers of the stacked container group 10 from the transport vehicle 90 to the inlet 50 can be reduced, thereby improving the transport efficiency of the storage container 1 using the transport system 40.

[0081] If the number of storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch is less than or equal to the set number minus 2, the control system 5 may not necessarily execute the fourth, fifth, and sixth loading processes sequentially by the conveying system 40 as described above. Specifically, if the fourth loading process cannot move all storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch to work area A, and the total number of remaining storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch and the number of storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch is less than the set number, the control system 5 executes the fourth, fifth, and sixth loading processes sequentially by the conveying system 40 as described above. On the other hand, if the total number of remaining storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch and the number of storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch is greater than or equal to the set number, a loading process is executed instead of the fifth loading process to move the stacked container group 10, which consists partly of storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch and the remainder of storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch, to work area A. In addition, if the fourth inbound process can transport all of the storage containers 1 belonging to the third batch to work area A, an inbound process is performed instead of the fifth inbound process to transport the stacked container group 10, which consists part of the storage containers 1 belonging to the fourth batch and part or the remaining part of the storage containers 1 belonging to the fifth batch, to work area A.

[0082] [Second Implementation] Refer to the attached diagram ( Figure 8 The second embodiment of the item sorting device will now be described. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points not specifically marked will be labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveying system 40 serves as a conveyor for transporting the storage container 1 within the work area A, and in addition to the first conveyor 41, it also includes a second conveyor 42. Figure 8 In the example shown, the second transmitter 42 is disposed adjacent to the first transmitter 41 on the second side X2 in the X direction.

[0084] The first conveyor 41 includes: a first infeed section 51, which receives the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) being transported from the container storage equipment 8 to the work area A; a first outfeed section 61, which transports the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) from the work area A toward the container storage equipment 8; and a first transport section 71, which transports the storage container 1 from the first infeed section 51 to the first outfeed section 61. The first infeed section 51, the first outfeed section 61, and the first transport section 71 correspond to the infeed section 50, the outfeed section 60, and the transport section 70 in the first embodiment, respectively. In this example, the first transport section 71 includes: a first inlet-side section extending from the first inlet section 51 toward a second side Y2 in the Y direction; a first outlet-side section extending toward the first outlet section 61 toward a first side Y1 in the Y direction; and a first intermediate section extending from the first inlet-side section toward a second side X2 in the X direction, connecting the first inlet-side section and the first outlet-side section. The first intermediate section differs from the intermediate section in the first embodiment, and is arranged in a straight line along the X direction.

[0085] The second conveyor 42 includes: a second infeed section 52, which receives the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) being transported from the container storage equipment 8 to the work area A; a second outfeed section 62, which transports the storage container 1 (here, the stacked container group 10) from the work area A toward the container storage equipment 8; and a second transport section 72, which transports the storage container 1 from the second infeed section 52 to the second outfeed section 62. The second infeed section 52, for example, receives an empty storage container 1 that does not contain an item 4. In this example, the second transport section 72 includes: a second inlet-side section extending from the second inlet section 52 in the Y direction towards a second side Y2; a second outlet-side section extending toward the second outlet section 62 in the Y direction towards a first side Y1; and a second intermediate section extending from the second inlet-side section in the X direction towards a second side X2, connecting the second inlet-side section and the second outlet-side section. Figure 8 In the example shown, the second conveyor 42 has the same configuration as the first conveyor 41. Therefore, the second inlet section 52, the second outlet section 62, the second transport section 72, the second inlet side section, the second outlet side section, and the second intermediate section correspond to the first inlet section 51, the first outlet section 61, the first transport section 71, the first inlet side section, the first outlet side section, and the first intermediate section, respectively.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outbound container configuration section 23 is a predetermined area within the first conveying section 71 (here, the first intermediate section), and the inbound container configuration section 24 is a predetermined area within the second conveying section 72 (here, the second intermediate section). Figure 8In the example shown, work area A is equipped with a destacking device 44 located downstream of the first inbound section 51 and upstream of the outbound container configuration section 23 (here, in the section to the first inbound section), and a stacking device 45 located downstream of the outbound container configuration section 23 and upstream of the first outbound section 61 (here, in the section to the first outbound section). Additionally, in Figure 8 In the example shown, work area A is provided with a destacking device 44 located downstream of the second inbound section 52 and upstream of the inbound container configuration section 24 (here, in the second inbound section area), and a stacking device 45 located downstream of the inbound container configuration section 24 and upstream of the second outbound section 62 (here, in the second outbound section area).

[0087] [Third Implementation] Refer to the attached diagram ( Figures 9 to 11 The third embodiment of the item sorting device will be described. Furthermore, Figure 9 It was omitted. Figure 10 The diagram shows a top view of the working area A of the third conveyor 43. The following description focuses on the differences from the first embodiment. Points not specifically marked are labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41 includes: a branch section 80 located downstream of the inlet section 50; multiple branch sections 82 branching off at the branch section 80; and a merging section 81 located upstream of the outlet section 60, where the multiple branch sections 82 merge. The number of branch sections 80 or merging sections 81 is not limited to one, and the number of branch sections 82 is not limited to two, but in this embodiment, the conveying section 70 includes one branch section 80, two branch sections 82, and one merging section 81.

[0089] exist Figures 9 to 11 In the example shown, the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41 includes: an inlet-side section extending from the inlet section 50 towards the second side Y2 in the Y direction; an outlet-side section extending towards the outlet section 60 towards the first side Y1 in the Y direction; and an intermediate section extending from the inlet-side section towards the second side X2 in the X direction, connecting the inlet-side section and the outlet-side section. The section of the first side X1 in the X direction in the intermediate section is composed of two branch sections 82 running parallel in the X direction, and the section of the second side X2 in the X direction in the intermediate section is composed of one section formed by the convergence of the two branch sections 82 at the confluence point 81.

[0090] like Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the outbound container configuration unit 23 for performing the retrieval operation is set in each of the plurality of branch sections 82. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, work area A has the same number of retrieval work areas A1 as the number of branch sections 82. Furthermore, multiple retrieval work areas A1 can be grouped together as one area, but in this example, two retrieval work areas A1, the same number as the branch sections 82, are positioned on opposite sides of each other in the Y direction, sandwiching two branch sections 82. The retrieval operation in retrieval work area A1 is performed on the storage container 1 (first container 1a) configured in the outbound container configuration unit 23 corresponding to that retrieval work area A1. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the example shown, the first operator 31 in the take-out work area A1 located on the first side Y1 of the Y direction performs a take-out operation on the first container 1a of the outbound container configuration unit 23 located on the first side Y1 of the Y direction, and the first operator 31 in the take-out work area A1 located on the second side Y2 of the Y direction performs a take-out operation on the first container 1a of the outbound container configuration unit 23 located on the second side Y2 of the Y direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the item 4 is retrieved (item picking) on ​​a per-item basis during the retrieval operation. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, item picking is not performed during the processing operation in this embodiment. The retrieval operation is set up as follows, for example: after the container 3 is removed from the storage container 1, the item 4 is removed from the container 3, and then the container 3 (the container 3 containing the item 4) is placed back into the same storage container 1. In the retrieval operation, the item 4 may also be retrieved from the container 3 without removing the container 3 from the storage container 1.

[0092] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the example shown, the first operator 31, performing the retrieval operation, places the item 4 retrieved through the retrieval operation into the processing item placement unit 20. Then, the second operator 32, performing processing and sorting operations, places the item 4 from the processing item placement unit 20 into the item collection container 2 after processing the item 4. In this example, two processing work areas A3 (in other words, two sorting work areas A4), the same number as the branch section 82, are positioned on opposite sides of the transport section 70 (specifically, the aforementioned intermediate section) of the first conveyor 41. Furthermore, two processing item placement units 20 are positioned on opposite sides of the transport section 70 (specifically, the aforementioned intermediate section) of the first conveyor 41.

[0093] In this embodiment, the item collection container configuration unit 25 is also configured such that multiple item collection containers 2 are arranged side-by-side parallel to the conveying direction T of the storage container 1 in the outbound container configuration unit 23. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the direction in which the storage container 1 is transported to the outgoing container configuration unit 23 is towards the second side (X2) of the X direction, and the direction in which the storage container 1 is transported out of the outgoing container configuration unit 23 is towards the first side (Y1) of the Y direction or the second side (Y2) of the Y direction. Therefore, the transport direction T of the storage container 1 in the outgoing container configuration unit 23 includes both the X and Y directions. Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveying direction T of the storage container 1 in the outbound container configuration section 23 is set to the X direction, and the item collection container configuration section 25 is configured with multiple item collection containers 2 arranged side by side parallel to the X direction. By configuring the item collection container configuration section 25 in this way, it is easy to arrange the item collection container configuration section 25 adjacent to the section of the first conveyor 41 that is arranged in a manner extending along the X direction and includes the outbound container configuration section 23 (here, the section on the first side X1 of the X direction in the aforementioned intermediate section, specifically, the section in which the storage container 1 is conveyed toward the outbound container configuration section 23 to the second side X2 of the X direction).

[0094] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the item sorting device 100 (specifically, the conveying system 40) includes a third conveyor 43. The third conveyor 43 is a conveyor (e.g., a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor) that transports empty item collection containers 2 into the item collection container arrangement section 25 and transports sorted item collection containers 2 out of the item collection container arrangement section 25. The third conveyor 43 is configured, for example, to continuously transport multiple item collection containers 2. Furthermore, the item collection container arrangement section 25 is a predetermined area on the third conveyor 43. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example shown, the area is set to a size that allows four item collection containers 2 to be arranged side by side. Figure 11 In the example shown, the item sorting device 100 has two third conveyors 43 at different positions in the Z direction, and these two third conveyors 43 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction. Thus, similarly to the first embodiment, two item collection container arrangement units 25 are arranged at different positions in the Z direction and are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction.

[0095] In this embodiment, the processing item placement unit 20 and the item collection container placement unit 25 are positioned offset in the horizontal direction so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Z direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 11As shown, the item collection container configuration unit 25 is positioned higher, at a position Z1, than the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the transport section 70 (specifically, the aforementioned intermediate section) and the item collection container configuration section 25 are arranged to overlap when viewed in the Z direction.

[0096] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the work area A does not have a storage container configuration unit 24 and a storage work area A2. However, in order to facilitate the replenishment of items 4 or the addition of new items 4 that become storage objects, in this embodiment, the work area A may also be configured to have a storage container configuration unit 24 and a storage work area A2.

[0097] [Fourth Implementation] Refer to the attached diagram ( Figures 12 to 13 The fourth embodiment of the item sorting device will now be described. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points not specifically marked will be labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0098] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41 includes: a branch section 80 located downstream of the inlet section 50; multiple branch sections 82 branching off at the branch section 80; and a merging section 81 located upstream of the outlet section 60, where the multiple branch sections 82 merge. In this embodiment, the conveying section 70 includes three branch sections 80, four branch sections 82, and three merging sections 81.

[0099] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, the conveying section 70 of the first conveyor 41 includes: an inlet-side section extending from the inlet section 50 towards the second side Y2 in the Y direction; an outlet-side section extending towards the outlet section 60 towards the first side Y1 in the Y direction; and an intermediate section extending from the inlet-side section towards the second side X2 in the X direction, connecting the inlet-side section and the outlet-side section. The intermediate section is composed of four branch sections 82 running parallel in the X direction.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the outbound container configuration unit 23 for performing the retrieval operation is set in each of the plurality of branch sections 82. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, work area A has the same number of take-out work areas A1 as branch section 82. Figure 12 and Figure 13In the example shown, the two retrieval operation areas A1 on the first side of the Y direction Y1 are grouped together as one area, and the two retrieval operation areas A1 on the second side of the Y direction Y2 are grouped together as one area.

[0101] The retrieval operation in retrieval operation area A1 is performed on the storage container 1 (first container 1a) configured in the outbound container configuration section 23 corresponding to retrieval operation area A1. In this example, the first operator 31 configured in retrieval operation area A1, which is closest to the first side Y1 in the Y direction, performs the retrieval operation on the first container 1a configured in the outbound container configuration section 23, which is closest to the first side Y1 in the Y direction, and the first operator 31 configured in the second retrieval operation area A1 from the first side Y1 in the Y direction performs the retrieval operation on the first container 1a configured in the second outbound container configuration section 23 from the first side Y1 in the Y direction. In addition, the first operator 31, located in the take-out work area A1 closest to the second side Y2 in the Y direction, performs a take-out operation on the first container 1a of the outbound container configuration section 23 located in the second side Y2 in the Y direction, and the first operator 31, located in the second take-out work area A1 from the second side Y2 in the Y direction, performs a take-out operation on the first container 1a of the second outbound container configuration section 23 from the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0102] As is the case in the third embodiment, although details are omitted, the retrieval operation involves retrieving items 4 piece by piece (item picking). Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, the processing item placement unit 20 includes a first item placement unit 21 and a second item placement unit 22. The first item placement unit 21 is configured such that it is positioned above the conveying section 70 (specifically, the aforementioned inlet section) of the first conveyor 41, overlapping the conveying section 70 when viewed in the Z direction. Furthermore, the item collection container placement unit 25 is positioned relative to the first conveyor 41 on the first side X1 in the X direction, and the second item placement unit 22 is positioned adjacent to the item collection container placement unit 25 on the second side X2 in the X direction. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, the first operator 31, who performs the retrieval operation, places the item 4 retrieved through the retrieval operation into the first item placement unit 21. Furthermore, the second operator 32, who performs processing and sorting operations, places the item 4 placed in the first item placement unit 21 into the item collection container 2 after processing the item 4 placed in the first item placement unit 21 or the second item placement unit 22.

[0103] In the first to third embodiments, the item collection container configuration unit 25 is configured such that multiple item collection containers 2 and the storage container 1 in the outbound container configuration unit 23 are arranged side by side in parallel with the conveying direction T. However, in this embodiment, the item collection container configuration unit 25 is configured such that multiple outbound container configuration units 23 are set up, and the multiple item collection containers 2 and the multiple outbound container configuration units 23 are arranged side by side in parallel with the arrangement direction. Specifically, as follows... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, four outbound container configuration sections 23 are provided, and the arrangement direction of these four outbound container configuration sections 23 is the Y direction. Moreover, multiple item collection containers 2 are arranged side by side parallel to the Y direction to form an item collection container configuration section 25. Here, the item collection container configuration section 25 is arranged on the first side X1 of the X direction relative to the four outbound container configuration sections 23. By configuring the item collection container configuration section 25 in this way, the item collection container configuration section 25 can be arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with the section (here, the aforementioned inbound section section) in the first conveyor 41 that is arranged in a way that extends along the Y direction and connects multiple outbound container configuration sections 23 (in other words, multiple branch sections 82). As a result, the space required for the installation of the outbound container configuration sections 23 and the item collection container configuration section 25 can be reduced.

[0104] In addition, with Figure 12 and Figure 13 Different from the example shown, the item collection container configuration unit 25 can also be configured such that multiple item collection containers 2 are arranged side by side with respect to the four outbound container configuration units 23 on the second side of the X direction (X2) and parallel to the Y direction. In this case, the item collection container configuration unit 25 can be arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with respect to the section of the first conveyor 41 that is arranged in a way that extends along the Y direction and connects the multiple outbound container configuration units 23 (here, the aforementioned outbound section).

[0105] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the work area A does not have a storage container configuration unit 24 and a storage work area A2. However, in order to facilitate the replenishment of items 4 or the addition of new items 4 that become storage objects, in this embodiment, the work area A may also be configured to have a storage container configuration unit 24 and a storage work area A2.

[0106] [Other Implementation Methods] (1) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the item 4 is contained in the storage container 1 in the form of a bag or other container 3 has been described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to configure it so that the item 4 is not contained in the container 3 but in the storage container 1. In the case of such a configuration in the first and second embodiments, the item 4 is picked up by the item in the retrieval operation (item picking), and the warehousing operation of placing the container 3 after the item 4 has been picked up by the processing operation into the second container 1b is not performed. Therefore, in this case, it is also possible to configure the work area A without the warehousing container placement unit 24 and the warehousing work area A2.

[0107] (2) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the container storage device 8 stores multiple storage containers 1 in a mutually separated state has been described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the container storage device 8 to store the stacked container group 10. In addition, it is also possible to configure the container storage device 8 to have both a region for storing multiple storage containers 1 in a mutually separated state and a region for storing the stacked container group 10.

[0108] (3) In the above embodiments, the container storage device 8 is described as having a storage rack 9 for storing the storage container 1 as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to configure it as follows: the container storage device 8 does not have a storage rack 9, and in the container storage device 8, the storage container 1 is stored in a state of being placed on the floor or the like.

[0109] (4) In the above embodiments, the example described is a conveying system 40 equipped with a conveyor 90 that conveys the storage container 1 outside the work area A. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to configure the conveying system 40 to replace the conveyor 90 or to have a container conveying device of a different form than the conveyor 90. In this case, it is also possible to configure the container conveying device to perform at least one of the following: the conveying of the storage container 1 or the stacked container group 10 into the inlet 50 and the conveying of the storage container 1 or the stacked container group 10 out of the outlet 60. For example, a container conveying device equipped with the following components can be configured to be a container conveying device of a different form than the conveyor 90: a gripping part that grips the storage container 1 or the stacked container group 10; a lifting part that raises and lowers the gripping part; and a horizontal moving part that moves the gripping part along two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions. Suitablely, the container conveying device is configured in a manner that allows for changes in the combination of storage containers 1 constituting the stacked container group 10.

[0110] (5) In the above embodiments, the configuration of work area A having a destacking device 44 and a stacking device 45 has been described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure it as follows: work area A does not have a destacking device 44, and the operation of separating the stacked container group 10 into individual storage containers 1 is performed manually by an operator or the like. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure it as follows: work area A does not have a stacking device 45, and the operation of stacking multiple storage containers 1 to generate the stacked container group 10 is performed manually by an operator or the like. In the case where work area A does not have a stacking device 45, it is also possible to configure it to transport the storage containers 1 out one by one from the transport section 60.

[0111] (6) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the item collection container configuration section 25 is positioned at an upper Z1 position than the processing item configuration section 20 has been described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the item collection container configuration section 25 at a lower Z2 position than the processing item configuration section 20. In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the processing item configuration section 20 and the item collection container configuration section 25 are arranged to overlap when viewed in the Z direction has been described as an example. However, in the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to configure the processing item configuration section 20 and the item collection container configuration section 25 at a position offset in the horizontal direction, so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Z direction, as in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0112] (7) In the above embodiments, the following configuration was described as an example: the work area A has multiple item collection container configuration units 25, which are arranged at different positions (heights) in the Z direction and are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the multiple item collection container configuration units 25 at positions offset in the horizontal direction so that they do not overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction. In this case, it is also possible to configure the multiple item collection container configuration units 25 to be arranged at the same position in the Z direction. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the work area A to have only one item collection container configuration unit 25.

[0113] (8) In the first to third embodiments, the case where the item collection container configuration unit 25 is configured such that multiple item collection containers 2 and the storage container 1 in the outbound container configuration unit 23 are arranged side by side in parallel with the transport direction T is described. In the fourth embodiment, the case where the item collection container configuration unit 25 is configured such that multiple outbound container configuration units 23 are set up, and the multiple item collection containers 2 and the multiple outbound container configuration units 23 are arranged side by side in parallel with the arrangement direction is described. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the configuration of the item collection container configuration unit 25 may be different from either of these two cases.

[0114] (9) Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as they do not create contradictions. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various changes can be made appropriately without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0115] [Summary of this implementation method] The following is a summary of the implementation methods of the item sorting device described above.

[0116] An item sorting device includes the following components: a container storage device for storing multiple storage containers; a work area for performing sorting operations of removing items contained in the storage containers and sorting them into multiple item collection containers; a conveying system for transporting the storage containers from the container storage device to the work area and from the work area to the container storage device; and a control system for controlling the conveying system. The storage containers are arranged in a way that allows them to be stacked vertically. The conveying system is configured to generate stacked container groups that set a predetermined number of the storage containers in a stacked state and transport them into the work area. The control system simultaneously sets the sorting operation of the predetermined number of item collection containers as a whole. In a batch, when the aforementioned conveying system performs batch transport processing to transport the aforementioned storage containers required for the aforementioned classification operations included in the plurality of aforementioned batches to the aforementioned work area in the processing order of the plurality of aforementioned batches, one of the aforementioned batches is designated as batch 1, and the aforementioned batch processed immediately following batch 1 is designated as batch 2. Between the first transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 1, to the aforementioned work area, and the third transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 2, to the aforementioned work area, the aforementioned conveying system performs a second transport processing to transport the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 1 and the remaining portion consists of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to batch 2, to the aforementioned work area.

[0117] According to this configuration, when multiple batches of storage containers required for each sorting operation are transported to the work area in a stacked container group with a predetermined number of layers, in the order of processing of multiple batches, it is possible to generate stacked container groups consisting of storage containers from two consecutive batches, rather than generating separate stacked container groups for each batch. Therefore, the necessity of generating stacked container groups with fewer layers than the predetermined number can be reduced, resulting in easier improvement of the conveying efficiency of the storage containers using the conveyor system. As described above, according to this configuration, the conveying efficiency of the storage containers using the conveyor system is easily improved when stacked container groups are transported to the work area via the control system.

[0118] Here, it is appropriate to designate one of the aforementioned batches as the third batch, the aforementioned batch processed immediately following the aforementioned third batch as the fourth batch, and the aforementioned batch processed immediately following the aforementioned fourth batch as the fifth batch. When the number of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned fourth batch is less than or equal to the number after subtracting 2 from the aforementioned set number, the aforementioned control system shall, between the fourth transport process which transports the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned third batch, to the aforementioned work area, and the sixth transport process which transports the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some or all of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned fifth batch, to the aforementioned work area, execute the fifth transport process which transports the aforementioned stacked container group, which consists of some of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned third batch, some of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned fourth batch, and the remaining portion of the aforementioned storage containers belonging to the aforementioned fifth batch, to the aforementioned work area.

[0119] According to this configuration, when storage containers required for each sorting operation in multiple batches are transported to the work area in a stacked container group with a predetermined number of layers according to the processing sequence of multiple batches, if the number of storage containers belonging to a certain batch is small, it is possible to generate a stacked container group in which storage containers belonging to three consecutive batches are mixed together. Therefore, regardless of the number of storage containers belonging to each batch, it is easy to improve the conveying efficiency of the storage container transport system.

[0120] Additionally, it is suitable that the aforementioned work area has multiple item collection container configuration units equipped with the aforementioned item collection containers, and each of the multiple aforementioned item collection container configuration units is equipped with the aforementioned item collection containers belonging to different batches.

[0121] Based on this configuration, multiple sorting operations included in a batch can be executed in parallel within the work area. Therefore, the efficiency of sorting operations can be easily improved.

[0122] Additionally, it is suitable that the aforementioned conveying system includes a conveyor for conveying the aforementioned storage containers within the aforementioned work area and a conveyor vehicle for conveying the aforementioned storage containers outside the aforementioned work area. The aforementioned conveyor includes an inlet section for receiving the aforementioned stacked container group transported from the aforementioned container storage equipment to the aforementioned work area. The aforementioned work area includes a destacking device for separating the aforementioned stacked container group received in the aforementioned inlet section into individual aforementioned storage containers. The aforementioned conveyor vehicle includes: a traveling body; a support section mounted on the aforementioned traveling body for supporting the aforementioned stacked container group; a first transfer device mounted on the aforementioned traveling body for transferring the aforementioned storage containers between the storage rack provided by the aforementioned container storage equipment and the aforementioned stacked container group supported by the aforementioned support section; and a second transfer device mounted on the aforementioned traveling body for transferring the aforementioned stacked container group between the aforementioned support section and the aforementioned inlet section.

[0123] According to this configuration, the required storage containers can be removed from the storage racks of the container storage equipment by a conveyor vehicle, forming a stacked container group, and transported to the work area. Furthermore, the stacked container group can be separated into individual storage containers for sorting within the work area. Therefore, multiple storage containers can be efficiently transported by the conveyor vehicle, and sorting operations can be performed appropriately within the work area simultaneously.

[0124] In the above configuration, it is appropriate that the aforementioned conveyor further includes an outgoing section that transports the aforementioned stacked container group from the aforementioned work area toward the aforementioned container storage equipment, the aforementioned second transfer device transfers the aforementioned stacked container group between the aforementioned support section and the aforementioned outgoing section, the aforementioned work area further includes a stacking device, the aforementioned stacking device is disposed upstream of the aforementioned outgoing section, and sets the aforementioned set number of the aforementioned storage containers in a stacked state to generate the aforementioned stacked container group.

[0125] Based on this configuration, the storage containers after the sorting operation can be stacked into a container group and handed over to the conveyor. Therefore, when returning the storage containers after the sorting operation to the storage rack of the container storage equipment, multiple storage containers can be efficiently transported by the conveyor.

[0126] The item sorting device involved in this disclosure only needs to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0127] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Storage container 2: Item collection container 4: Items 5: Control System 8: Container storage equipment 9: Storage rack 10: Stacked Container Groups 25: Item Collection Container Configuration Department 40: Conveying System 41: First Teleporter (Teleporter) 42: Second Teleporter (Teleporter) 44: Destacking device 45: Stacking device 50: Inbound Section 60: Outbound Department 90: Conveyor vehicle 91: First Transfer Device 92: Second transfer device 93: Driving body 94: Support section 100: Item sorting equipment A: Work Area Z: Z direction (up and down direction).

Claims

1. An item sorting device comprising: a container storage device for storing a plurality of storage containers; a work area for performing sorting operations of removing items contained in the storage containers and grouping the items into the containers; a conveying system for transporting the storage containers from the container storage device to the work area and from the work area to the container storage device; and a control system for controlling the conveying system. The storage container is configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The conveying system is configured to generate a stacked container group in which a predetermined number of the storage containers are stacked and transport it into the work area. The control system: The sorting operation of collecting a predetermined number of the items into containers is set as one batch, and the conveying system performs batch inbound processing, transporting the storage containers required for each of the sorting operations in multiple batches into the work area in the processing order of the multiple batches. One of the batches is designated as batch 1, and the batch immediately following batch 1 is designated as batch 2. Between the first loading process, which loads a portion or all of the stacked container group consisting of storage containers belonging to batch 1 into the work area, and the third loading process, which loads a portion or all of the stacked container group consisting of storage containers belonging to batch 2 into the work area, the conveying system performs a second loading process, which loads a portion of the storage containers belonging to batch 1 and the remainder of the storage containers belonging to batch 2 into the work area.

2. The item sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, One of the batches is designated as the third batch, the batch immediately following the third batch is designated as the fourth batch, and the batch immediately following the fourth batch is designated as the fifth batch. When the number of storage containers belonging to the fourth batch is less than or equal to the set number minus 2, the control system, between the fourth transport process (which transports a portion or all of the stacked container group belonging to the third batch of storage containers to the work area) and the sixth transport process (which transports a portion or all of the stacked container group belonging to the fifth batch of storage containers to the work area), causes the conveying system to perform a fifth transport process (which transports a portion of the stacked container group belonging to the third batch of storage containers, a portion of the fourth batch of storage containers, and the remaining portion of the fifth batch of storage containers to the work area).

3. The item sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The work area has multiple item collection container configuration units equipped with the item collection containers. Each of the multiple item collection container configuration units is configured with an item collection container belonging to a different batch.

4. The item sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying system includes a conveyor for transporting the storage containers within the work area and a transport vehicle for transporting the storage containers outside the work area. The conveyor includes an inlet section for receiving the stacked container assembly transported from the container storage equipment to the work area. The work area is equipped with a destacking device that separates the stacked container group incorporated in the receiving section into individual storage containers. The transport vehicle is equipped with: A moving vehicle; A support portion, mounted on the traveling body, supports the stacked container assembly; The first transfer device is mounted on the traveling body and performs the transfer of the storage container between the storage rack of the container storage equipment and the stacked container group supported by the support. as well as The second transfer device, mounted on the traveling body, transfers the stacked container assembly between the support section and the transport section.

5. The item sorting device according to claim 4, wherein, The conveyor also includes an outlet section for transporting the stacked container assembly from the work area toward the container storage equipment. The second transfer device transfers the stacked container assembly between the support section and the transport section. The work area also includes a stacking device, which is located upstream of the transport section to stack the set number of storage containers to generate the stacked container group.

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