Conveyance system

Abstract

To provide a conveyance system which can improve treatment efficiency.SOLUTION: A conveyance system 20 comprises plural conveyance zones 23 arranged in parallel in a first direction X along a main conveyance direction X1 from the side of a carrying-in conveyor 21 toward the side of a carrying-out conveyor 22. Each conveyance zone 23 has: a first conveyance device 26 for conveying a container 15 by switching between the first direction X and a second direction Y intersecting therewith; and a second conveyance device 27 for conveying the container 15 in the second direction Y to and from the first conveyance device 26. The carrying-in and carrying-out of the container 15 to the second conveyance device 27 are executed. When the container 15 to be carried-out next is present in a third conveyance zone 23c, the container 15 to be carried into the third conveyance zone 23c next is conveyed to the first conveyance device 26 of a second conveyance zone 23b on the upstream side of the main conveyance direction X1 than the third conveyance zone 23c and is waited therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting an object. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a conveying system is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below. In this conveying system, first conveying devices of a plurality of conveying zones are arranged in parallel along a main conveying direction from an entrance side where the conveyed object is brought in toward an exit side where the conveyed object is brought out, and a second conveying device is disposed on one side of the first conveying device of each conveying zone in a second direction intersecting with the main conveying direction, and the conveyed object brought in from the entrance side is conveyed from the first conveying device of an empty conveying zone to the second conveying device, and after the processing of the conveyed object on the second conveying device is completed, the second conveying device sends it out to the first conveying device and carries it out to the exit side. The first conveying device of the conveying zone has a structure that switches the conveying direction when conveying the conveyed object in the main conveying direction and when conveying it between the second conveying device and the first conveying device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,713,899 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conveying system having a plurality of conveying zones between the loading section and the unloading section as described above, it is sometimes desired to improve the efficiency of the processing of conveying objects into and out of the conveying device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a transport system capable of improving processing efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The conveying system of the present invention includes a plurality of conveying zones arranged in parallel in a first direction along a main conveying direction from an entrance section side where an object is brought in to an exit section side where the object is brought out, and a control section that controls operation of equipment arranged in the conveying zones, the conveying zones including a first conveying device that is switchable between a first conveying state in which the object is conveyed in the first direction and a second conveying state in which the object is conveyed in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second conveying device that is arranged on a first end side of the first conveying device in the second direction and conveys the object in the second direction between the first conveying device and the second conveying device, the control section controlling operation of equipment arranged in the conveying zones by operating the adjacent first conveying device in the first conveying state. The transport object can be transported in the main transport direction, and the first transport device and the second transport device in the second transport state arranged in the same transport zone are operated to load and unload the transport object to and from the second transport device, and if the transport object in a specific transport zone downstream of the most upstream transport zone in the main transport direction is the next transport object to be unloaded to the unloading section, one or more of the first transport devices upstream of the specific first transport device in the specific transport zone in the main transport direction are operated to transport the next transport object to the first transport device upstream of the specific first transport device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the transport system of the present invention, processing efficiency can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view of a picking system using a transport system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the conveying system with a portion thereof omitted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the above-mentioned conveying system. [Figure 6] 5(a) to 5(e) are schematic plan views showing a first control operation in the transfer system. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are schematic plan views showing another embodiment of the first control operation in the transfer system. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the transport system. [Figure 9] 6(a) to 6(d) are schematic plan views showing a second control operation in the transfer system. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a second control operation of the transport system. [Figure 11] 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic plan views showing a third control operation in the transfer system. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a third control operation of the transport system. [Figure 13] 13(a) to 13(c) are schematic plan views showing a fourth control operation in the transfer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 shows a schematic plan view of a picking system 10. The picking system 10 is used for picking work in which an operator 13 picks out ordered items from storage containers 12 that are sequentially supplied to a supply position 11a, which is a predetermined position of a supply device 11, and places the items in a container (collection container) 15 for each order, which is a transported item transported to a picking station 14.

[0011] The supply device 11 supplies the storage container 12, which contains the items to be put into the container 15, to the supply position 11a of the picking station 14. The supply device 11 uses a transport vehicle 16 that autonomously travels carrying the storage container 12, and the transport vehicle 16 travels along a predetermined travel path 17 toward the picking station 14, and transports the storage container 12 to the supply position 11a on the travel path 17. After the removal of the items from the storage container 12 is completed, the transport vehicle 16 moves from the supply position 11a, and the transport vehicle 16 carrying the storage container 12 containing the items to be put into the container 15 is sequentially moved to the supply position 11a. The supply device 11 may use a general conveyor or shelf for transporting the storage container 12, and any transport form may be used as long as the storage container 12 is transported to the picking station 14.

[0012] The picking station 14 uses a transport system 20 that automatically carries out the transport of the container 15 to the loading position where the items taken out of the storage container 12 are loaded, and the transport of the container 15 after the loading operation (loading operation of all the items to be loaded) is completed. The container 15 that is loaded into the picking station 14 is an empty container 15, but it may also be a container 15 that contains other items of one order stored in another picking station, etc.

[0013] The conveying system 20 includes an input conveyor 21 which is an input section for inputting the container 15, an output conveyor 22 which is an output section for outputting the container 15, and a plurality of conveying zones 23 arranged in a first direction X along a main conveying direction X1 for conveying the container 15 from the input conveyor 21 to the output conveyor 22. The conveying zones 23 are, for example, four in number, and are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main conveying direction X1, namely, a first conveying zone 23a, a second conveying zone 23b, a third conveying zone 23c, and a fourth conveying zone 23d. The number of conveying zones 23 is not limited to four in this example, and may be three or five or more.

[0014] The carry-in conveyor 21 is an accumulation conveyor that stores a plurality of containers 15 that are successively carried in, and sends out the containers 15 successively according to the availability of the transport zone 23 in the picking station 14.

[0015] Each transport zone 23 has a first transport device 26 capable of transporting the container 15 by switching between a first transport state in which the container 15 is transported in a first direction X (main transport direction X1) and a second transport state in which the container 15 is transported in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X, and a second transport device 27 disposed on a first end side (one side) of the first transport device 26 in the second direction Y and capable of transporting the container 15 in the second direction Y between the first transport device 26. The first transport devices 26 of the multiple transport zones 23 are arranged in parallel in the first direction X, and the container 15 can be transported in the first direction X (main transport direction X1) between the first transport devices 26 in the first transport state of the multiple transport zones 23. The positions of the second transport devices 27 of the multiple transport zones 23 are input positions where the worker 13 inputs an article into the container 15.

[0016] In addition, the first conveying device 26 can convey the container 15 in the forward and reverse directions in the first direction X in the first conveying state, can convey the container 15 in the forward and reverse directions in the second direction Y in the second conveying state, and the second conveying device 27 can convey the container 15 in the forward and reverse directions in the second conveying direction Y. In this embodiment, the case in which the first conveying device 26 receives the container 15 in the same direction as the direction in which it sends it out is called a straight forward operation, and the case in which the first conveying device 26 receives the container 15 in the first conveying state and then sends out the container 15 in the second conveying state, and the case in which the first conveying device 26 receives the container 15 in the first conveying state and then sends out the container 15 in the first conveying state are collectively called a conversion operation, and more specifically, the former is called a branching operation and the latter is called a joining operation.

[0017] The carry-in conveyor 21 is disposed on a second end side (the other side) in the second direction Y, opposite the second conveyor 27, with respect to the first conveyor 26 in the first conveying zone 23a, which is the most upstream in the main conveying direction X1. The carry-out conveyor 22 is disposed on a second end side in the second direction Y, opposite the second conveyor 27, with respect to the first conveyor 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, which is the most downstream in the main conveying direction X1. At least one of the carry-in conveyor 21 and the carry-out conveyor 22 may be disposed in the first direction X with respect to the first conveyor 26 in the conveying zone 23, and configured to carry in and carry out the containers 15 from the first direction X.

[0018] Between the supply position 11a on the running path 17 of the supply device 11 and the picking station 14, a work space 28 is formed where an operator 13 performs the work of removing items from a storage container 12 that has arrived at the supply position 11a and placing them into a container 15 that has been brought into the second conveying device 27 of each conveying zone 23.

[0019] In the following, when looking at the conveying system 20 from the worker 13 in the work space 28 in a plan view, the upstream side of the carry-in conveyor 21 in the main conveying direction X1 is referred to as the right side, the downstream side of the carry-out conveyor 22 in the main conveying direction X1 is referred to as the left side, the side in front of the worker 13 on the second conveying device 27 side of the conveying zone 23 is referred to as the front side, and the side behind the worker 13 on the first conveying device 26 side of the conveying zone 23 is referred to as the rear side. Thus, the first conveying device 26 can convey the containers 15 by switching the conveying direction between the left-right direction toward the left and right sides and the front-rear direction toward the front and rear sides, and the second conveying device 27 can convey the containers 15 in the front-rear direction toward the front and rear sides.

[0020] 2 to 4 show the configuration of the transport system 20. FIG.

[0021] The first conveying device 26 of each conveying zone 23 includes a plurality of rollers 29 for conveying the containers 15 in a first direction X (left-right direction), and a plurality of belts 30 arranged between the rollers 29 for conveying the containers 15 in a second direction Y (front-back direction), and is configured by a switch that can switch the conveying direction to an orthogonal direction. The plurality of rollers 29 are rotated integrally by a torque transmitted from a motor, and the plurality of belts 30 are each rotatably supported by a plurality of pulleys, and are rotated integrally by a torque transmitted from a motor.

[0022] In the first conveying device 26, when conveying the containers 15 in the first direction X, the rollers 29 are raised and the belt 30 is lowered, and when conveying the containers 15 in the second direction Y, the rollers 29 are lowered and the belt 30 is raised. The raising and lowering of the rollers 29 and the lowering and raising of the belt 30 are performed in conjunction with each other. The driving of the rollers 29 or the belt 30 is stopped when they are lowered, and can be driven when they are raised.

[0023] The first conveying device 26 is in a first conveying state in the first direction X during standby, switches to a second conveying state in the second direction Y when conveying the container 15 in the second direction Y, and returns to the standby state after conveying the container 15 in the second direction Y. Note that the second conveying state in the second direction Y may be the standby state, and the state after switching may be the standby state.

[0024] The first transport device 26 may be configured to switch the transport direction between the first direction X and the second direction Y by rotating a transport mechanism that transports in one direction by 90 degrees.

[0025] Further, the second conveying device 27 in each conveying zone 23 is a belt conveyor or the like that can rotate forward and backward in the second direction Y. The second conveying device 27 is inclined downward toward the front, and the upper opening of the container 15 carried into the second conveying device 27 is disposed facing the working space 28 diagonally forward. This allows the worker 13 to see the entire inside of the container 15, making it easy to insert an article.

[0026] The second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, which is the most downstream side, has an extension 31 that extends so as to protrude further forward than the other second conveying devices 27. The inclination angle of the second conveying device 27 having this extension 31 is the same as that of the other second conveying devices 27. The container 15 conveyed to the extension 31 of the second conveying device 27 is positioned on the left side of the working space 28 and further forward than the container 15 conveyed to the other second conveying devices 27, and its top opening is positioned at a lower position than the top openings of the containers 15 conveyed to the other second conveying devices 27.

[0027] Side wall portions 32 are provided on both the left and right sides of the second conveying device 27 to regulate the left-right position of the container 15 transported by the second conveying device 27, and a front wall portion 33 is provided at the front end of the second conveying device 27 to regulate the loading position of the container 15 to be transported to the loading position.

[0028] Between the first conveying device 26 and the second conveying device 27, a transfer roller 34 for guiding the transfer of the container 15 is disposed.

[0029] Moreover, above the second transport device 27 of each transport zone 23, a display operation unit 35 is mounted by a support frame 36.

[0030] The display operation unit 35 includes a display unit 37 that lights up and displays the container 15 in the transport zone 23 where the items removed from the storage container 12 are to be inserted, and an operation unit 38, such as a touch sensor, that is disposed at a position corresponding to the display unit 37 and that is operated by the worker 13 after the items are inserted. The display operation unit 35 further includes a display unit 39 and an operation unit 40 similar to the display unit 37 and the operation unit 38. The display unit 39 and the operation unit 40 are used, for example, when the container 15 becomes full of stored items, to operate the operation unit 40 to instruct the replacement of the container 15 and to light up the display unit 39 corresponding to the replaced container 15.

[0031] The support frame 36 includes vertical frames 41 installed on the floor surface on both the left and right sides of the area of ​​the multiple transport zones 23, and a horizontal frame 42 installed between the upper ends of these vertical frames 41. Auxiliary frames 43, 44 inclined to face each other toward the center of the work space 28 are attached to the front side of the horizontal frame 42 facing the work space 28 and above the second transport devices 27 of the left and right transport zones 23a, 23d. The left auxiliary frame 44 is disposed above the extension portion 31 of the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d, and has a larger angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal frame 42 than the right auxiliary frame 43.

[0032] Display operation unit 35 for the two central transport zones 23b, 23c are respectively installed above the two central transport zones 23b, 23c in the central area on the front of the horizontal frame 42, a display operation unit 35 for the first transport zone 23a is installed on the front side of the right auxiliary frame 43, and a display operation unit 35 for the fourth transport zone 23d is installed on the front side of the left auxiliary frame 44.

[0033] Therefore, the display operation unit 35 for the first transport zone 23a and the display operation unit 35 for the fourth transport zone 23d face and approach the worker 13 working in the work space 28. The worker 13 who takes out the article from the storage container 12 at the supply position 11a in the work space 28 can easily see the display units 37, 39 of the corresponding display operation unit 35 and easily operate the operation units 38, 40 even if the first transport zone 23a, which is the most upstream, is the farthest from the supply position 11a, and can easily see the display units 37, 39 of the corresponding display operation unit 35 and easily operate the operation units 38, 40 even if the extension part 31 of the fourth transport zone 23d, which is the most downstream, protrudes into the left area of ​​the work space 28. Moreover, the moving distance of the worker 13 can be shortened, which improves work efficiency and reduces fatigue of the worker.

[0034] The horizontal frame 42 and the auxiliary frames 43, 44 are positioned at a height that allows the container 15 transported by the second conveying device 27 to pass underneath, and are also positioned at a height that allows the worker 13 positioned in the work space 28 to operate the operation units 38, 40 of each display operation unit 35.

[0035] Furthermore, the support frame 36 is provided with a detection unit 46 that detects whether a protrusion, which is part of an article, protrudes from the container 15 to a predetermined height or more as a condition detection unit that detects the condition of the container 15 being carried out from the second conveying device 27 of the conveying zone 23 to the first conveying device 26. The detection unit 46 uses a photoelectric sensor having a light-projecting unit that projects detection light and a light-receiving unit that receives the detection light, and these light-projecting unit and light-receiving unit are provided on the vertical frames 41 on both sides of the support frame 36, so that the detection light traverses all the conveying zones 23 to perform detection for all the conveying zones 23.

[0036] A status display unit 47 is provided on the upper portion of the support frame 36 to indicate an operating status, an abnormal status, or the like by lighting up or flashing in a predetermined luminous color.

[0037] Although not shown, there are sensors that detect containers 15 at each predetermined position on the loading conveyor 21 and the unloading conveyor 22, as well as sensors that detect containers 15 being transported to the positions of each first conveying device 26 and each second conveying device 27.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the transport system 20.

[0039] The conveying system 20 includes a control unit 50 that controls the conveying system 20. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the first conveying device 26 and the second conveying device 27, which are devices arranged in the conveying zone 23. The control unit 50 operates the adjacent first conveying device 26 in the first conveying state to enable the container 15 to be conveyed in the main conveying direction X1, and operates the first conveying device 26 and the second conveying device 27 in the second conveying state arranged in the same conveying zone 23 to carry out the loading and unloading of the container 15 into and from the second conveying device 27.

[0040] The control unit 50 inputs picking information from a host control device of the picking system 10, controls the container 15 brought in from the carry-in conveyor 21 to be brought in ready to be carried in to the second conveyor 27 of an empty transport zone 23, and controls the container 15 to be carried out from the transport zone 23 to the carry-out conveyor 22 after the input operation, which is the completion of processing, is completed. The control unit 50 inputs detection signals from a sensor group 51 including a plurality of sensors that detect the position of the container 15 and a detection unit 46 for detecting protruding objects, together with the picking information from the host control device, and inputs operation signals from the operation units 38, 40 of each display operation unit 35, and controls the display units 37, 39 of the display operation unit 35, the carry-in conveyor 21, the carry-out conveyor 22, and the first conveyor 26 and second conveyor 27 of each transport zone 23.

[0041] Next, the control operation of the transfer system 20 by the control unit 50 will be described.

[0042] First, the first control operation (container 15 replacement standby control operation) of the transfer system 20 by the control unit 50 will be described with reference to the operation diagrams of Figures 6(a) to (e) and Figures 7(a) to (b), and the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0043] When a container 15 in a specific conveying zone 23 downstream of the first conveying zone 23a at the most upstream side in the main conveying direction X1 is the next container 15 to be transported to the discharge conveyor 22 side (when the control unit 50 recognizes it as the next container 15 to be transported out), it has the function of operating one or more first conveying devices 26 upstream of the specific first conveying device 26 in the specific conveying zone 23 in the main conveying direction X1 to transport the next container 15 to be brought in toward the first conveying device 26 upstream of the specific first conveying device 26, and if the next container 15 to be transported out has not yet been transported, controlling the next container 15 to be brought in to wait in the first conveying device 26 upstream of the specific first conveying device 26. Furthermore, the control unit 50 has the function of operating a specific first conveying device 26 and a second conveying device 27 so that a container 15 to be transported moves from the second conveying device 27 to the first conveying device 26 within a specific conveying zone 23, and of operating both the specific first conveying device 26 and the first conveying device 26 upstream of the specific first conveying device 26 in the main conveying direction X1 in a first conveying state, thereby controlling the container 15 to be transported and the next container 15 to be loaded to move in conjunction with each other in the main conveying direction X1.

[0044] Figure 6(a) shows an example in which containers 15 are placed on the second conveying devices 27 in all conveying zones 23, and containers 15 to be transported to the picking station 14 are waiting on the input conveyor 21.

[0045] Based on picking information from a higher-level control device, the supply device 11 determines whether the next storage container 12 scheduled to arrive at the supply position 11a contains the last item to be inserted into any of the containers 15 (step S1).

[0046] If the item stored in the next storage container 12 scheduled to arrive is not the last item for which the loading operation is completed (NO in step S1), the container 15 remains in its position. Then, the worker 13 removes the item from the arrived storage container 12 and loads it into the container 15 in the transport zone 23 where the display unit 37 of the display operation unit 35 is lit, and after loading, operates the operation unit 38 corresponding to the display unit 37. If there are containers 15 in multiple transport zones 23 to which items are to be loaded, the same operation is performed for each of them. The container 15 into which the item has been loaded will not be taken out even if the operation unit 38 is operated, because the loading operation has not yet been completed.

[0047] If the item in the next storage container 12 scheduled to arrive is the last item in any of the containers 15 for which loading work will be completed (YES in step S1), the first conveying device 26 in the transport zone 23 in which the next container 15 for which loading work will be completed is located is reserved for use in transporting the container 15 from the transport zone 23 (step S2). For example, when transporting a container 15 (container 15 to be transported, shown as A1 in the figure) in the third transport zone 23c, the first conveying device 26 in the third transport zone 23c is reserved.

[0048] Furthermore, it is determined whether there is one container 15 to be carried out and for which the loading operation will be completed next time (step S3).

[0049] If the next container 15 to be removed, for example the container 15 (A1) in the third transfer zone 23c, is the only one to be loaded (YES in step S3), as shown in Fig. 6(b), the first transfer device 26 in the first transfer zone 23a and the second transfer zone 23b is operated to move the next container 15 to be loaded (shown as B1 in the figure) from the loading conveyor 21 onto the first transfer device 26 in the second transfer zone 23b, which is one zone upstream of the reserved first transfer device 26 in the third transfer zone 23c, and make it wait (step S4). In addition, the first transfer device 26 in the reserved third transfer zone 23c is switched to the second transfer state in the second direction Y.

[0050] The worker 13 removes the item from the storage container 12 that has arrived at the supply position 11a, and places it into the container 15 (A1) in the third transport zone 23c where the display unit 37 of the display operation unit 35 is lit, and after placing it, operates the operation unit 38 corresponding to the display unit 37. In response to this operation, if there is another container 15 to be placed into, other than the container 15 (A1) in the third transport zone 23c, in another transport zone 23 where the placing work is not completed this time, the worker 13 performs the same operation on the containers 15 to be placed in the other transport zones 23.

[0051] After the items are loaded into the container 15 (A1) in the third conveying zone 23c where the loading operation is completed, the corresponding operating unit 38 is operated to start the unloading operation of the container 15 (A1) to be unloaded from the third conveying zone 23c.

[0052] 6(c), the container 15 (A1) to be removed from the third transfer zone 23c is moved from the second transfer device 27 to the first transfer device 26. At this time, the first transfer device 26 in the third transfer zone 23c is switched in advance to the second transfer state in the second direction Y, and the container 15 (A1) to be removed from the third transfer zone 23c is moved from the second transfer device 27 to the first transfer device 26 without waiting for the transfer direction to be switched.

[0053] 6(d), the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c is switched to a first conveying state in the main conveying direction X1, and the container 15 (A1) to be removed from the first conveying device 26 is moved in the main conveying direction X1 to the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d. This clears the path for carrying the container 15 into the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c (step S5). With the path cleared, the next container 15 (B1) to be carried in, which has been waiting in the first conveying device 26 in the second conveying zone 23b, is moved to the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c (step S6).

[0054] At this time, when a "ready to accept" signal is issued at the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c and a "transport request" signal is issued at the first conveying device 26 in the second conveying zone 23b, the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c and the first conveying device 26 in the second conveying zone 23b operate in conjunction with each other to move the next container 15 (B1) to be loaded, which has been waiting in the second conveying zone 23b across the gap between the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b, to the third conveying zone 23c.

[0055] 6(e), the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is switched to the second direction Y, and the container 15 (A1) to be unloaded on this first conveying device 26 is transported to the unloading conveyor 22. In addition, the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c is switched to the second direction Y, and the next container 15 (B1) to be loaded on this first conveying device 26 is transported into the second conveying device 27 (step S7).

[0056] In addition, if there is a container 15 to be loaded in the first transport zone 23a at the most upstream position, whose loading operation will be completed the next time, the next container 15 to be loaded into the first transport zone 23a will be made to wait at the most downstream position in the loading direction of the loading conveyor 21.

[0057] Based on the picking information from the upper control device, if there is a next insertion operation (YES in step S8), the process returns to step S1 and the insertion operation is continued.

[0058] In addition, in step S3, if there is more than one container 15 to be loaded next time and the loading operation will be completed (NO in step S3), for example, as shown in Figure 7(a), if the container 15 is located downstream of the first conveying zone 23a and away from the fourth conveying zone 23d and the second conveying zone 23b (container 15 (A1) (A2)), since the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d and the first conveying device 26 in the second conveying zone 23b are reserved in step S2, the container 15 (B1) (B2) to be loaded next is moved from the input conveyor 21 to the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c, which is one zone upstream of the fourth conveying zone 23d, and to the first conveying device 26 in the first conveying zone 23a, which is one zone upstream of the second conveying zone 23b, and made to wait there (step S9).

[0059] In this case, the container 15 (A1) to be removed from the fourth conveying zone 23d is removed to the output conveyor 22, and the next container 15 (B1) to be brought in, which was waiting in the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c, is brought into the second conveying device 27 via the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, and then the container 15 (A2) to be removed from the second conveying zone 23b is removed to the output conveyor 22 via the third conveying zone 23c and the fourth conveying zone 23d, and the next container 15 (B2) to be brought in, which was waiting in the first conveying device 26 in the first conveying zone 23a, is brought into the second conveying device 27 via the first conveying device 26 in the second conveying zone 23b. In addition, the container 15 (A1) to be removed from the fourth conveying zone 23d may be removed to the output conveyor 22, and the container 15 (A2) to be removed from the second conveying zone 23b may be moved from the second conveying device 27 to the first conveying device 26, and then each container 15 (B1) (A2) (B2) on each of the first conveying devices 26 in the third to first conveying zones 23c, 23b, 23a may be moved at once in conjunction with the main conveying direction X1.

[0060] In addition, if the containers 15 to be loaded next time, for which the loading operation will be completed, are located, for example, between the fourth conveying zone 23d or the third conveying zone 23c and the first conveying zone 23a, the next container 15 to be brought in is moved to the third conveying zone 23c or the second conveying zone 23b to wait there, and the other container 15 to be brought in is made to wait at the most downstream position in the loading direction of the input conveyor 21.

[0061] Furthermore, in step S3, if there is more than one container 15 to be loaded next time and the loading operation will be completed (NO in step S3), and the containers 15 are located next to each other in the fourth conveying zone 23d and the third conveying zone 23c, for example as shown in Figure 7(b), then since the first conveying devices 26 in the conveying zones 23d and 23c are reserved in step S2, the containers 15 to be loaded next from the input conveyor 21 are moved to the conveying zones 23b and 23a upstream of the reserved conveying zones 23d and 23c and made to wait there (step S9).

[0062] In this case, the containers 15 to be unloaded may be unloaded from the transport zones 23d and 23c onto the output conveyor 22, and then the next containers 15 (B1) and (B2) to be loaded that were waiting in the transport zones 23b and 23a may be moved to the transport zones 23d and 23c; alternatively, the container 15 (A1) to be unloaded may be unloaded from the fourth transport zone 23d onto the output conveyor 22, and the container 15 (A2) to be unloaded from the third transport zone 23c may be moved to the fourth transport zone 23d to free up the third transport zone 23c, after which the next container 15 (B1) to be loaded that was waiting in the second transport zone 23b may be transported to the second transport device 27 of the third transport zone 23c, and then the next container 15 (B2) to be loaded that was waiting in the first transport zone 23a may be transported to the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d.

[0063] In addition, if the containers 15 to be loaded next time, for which the loading operation will be completed, are located in two places, for example, the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b, the next container 15 to be loaded is moved from the input conveyor 21 to the first conveying device 26 in the first conveying zone 23a and made to wait, and the other container 15 to be loaded next is made to wait at the most downstream position in the input direction of the input conveyor 21.

[0064] In addition, in the event that the next container 15 to be brought in is moved from the input conveyor 21 to a conveying zone 23 upstream of the conveying zone 23 where the container 15 to be removed is located and left waiting, a zone may be left empty at the most downstream side in the input direction of the input conveyor 21 for the number of containers 15 to be brought in that have been moved to the first conveying device 26 of the conveying zone 23 and are waiting, so that the next container 15 to be brought in that has been moved to the conveying zone 23 and is waiting there can be returned to the input conveyor 21.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the first control operation described above, the time required to switch between the containers 15 being transported out of the transport zone 23 and the containers 15 being transported in can be shortened, thereby reducing delays in the transport of containers 15 to and from other transport zones 23 and improving the processing efficiency of the transport system 20.

[0066] Next, a second control operation of the conveying system 20 by the control unit 50 (priority control operation taking into consideration the switching time of the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 in the most downstream conveying zone 23) will be described. Figures 9(a) to (d) show operational diagrams of the second control operation.

[0067] When containers 15 in a plurality of transport zones 23 upstream of the fourth transport zone 23d at the most downstream in the main transport direction X1 are to be transported out, the control unit 50 causes the most downstream fourth transport zone 23d to execute a branching operation for each container 15 to be transported out, the container 15 being transported out from the upstream first transport device 26 by the first transport device 26 in the first transport state, onto the first transport device 26, and an operation of switching the first transport device 26 to the second transport state to transport the container 15 to be transported out to the transport conveyor 22 side, and causes the preceding container 15 among the plurality of containers to be transported out to the transport conveyor 22 side to be transported out. When a container 15 to be removed is to be transported to the unloading conveyor 22, if the container 15 in the second transport device 27 in the most downstream fourth transport zone 23d is the container to be removed, the first transport device 26 in the second transport state first transports the container 15 to be removed to the unloading conveyor 22, and then the container 15 to be removed is transported from the second transport device 27 in the most downstream fourth transport zone 23d to the first transport device 26 in the second transport state and removed to the unloading conveyor 22, and then the first transport device 26 has the function of controlling the first transport device 26 to perform a branching operation for the subsequent container 15 to be removed.

[0068] In addition, the first conveying device 26 in the downstream fourth conveying zone 23d performs a two-step branching operation to move the container 15 to the discharge conveyor 22, in which the container 15 is received in the first conveying state from the upstream first conveying device 26 and then switched to the second conveying state and sent out, and a one-step straight-line operation to receive the container 15 in the second conveying state from the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d to which the first conveying device belongs and then sends it out.

[0069] FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which containers 15 have been carried into the second transport devices 27 of all transport zones 23, and the next container 15 to be sent to the picking station 14 is being transported onto the carry-in conveyor 21.

[0070] For example, if there are containers 15(A1)(A2) in the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b, the next time the containers 15 are inserted, and the corresponding operation units 38 are operated in the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b in that order in the next insertion operation, the containers 15(A1)(A2) to be removed from the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b are removed, as shown in FIG. 9(b). In this removal operation, the containers 15(A1)(A2) to be removed are moved from the second conveying device 27 to the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c and the second conveying zone 23b in that order. In addition, the next container 15(B1) is brought into the first conveying device 26 of the first conveying zone 23a from the carry-in conveyor 21 and is kept waiting.

[0071] 9(c), each of the containers 15 (A1), (A2), (B1) on the first conveying devices 26 in the third, second, and first conveying zones 23c, 23b, and 23a is conveyed in the main conveying direction X1 to the first conveying devices 26 in the downstream fourth, third, and second conveying zones 23d, 23c, and 23b. In addition, the next container 15 (B2) is conveyed from the input conveyor 21 to the first conveying device 26 in the first conveying zone 23a.

[0072] The first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is switched from a first conveying state in the main conveying direction X1 to a second conveying state in the second direction Y, and the preceding item 15 (A1) to be removed that has been moved onto the first conveying device 26 is removed to the discharge conveyor 22.

[0073] Furthermore, if, from the time when the preceding container 15 (A1) to be transported is moved from the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c described above to the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, while the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is switched to the second direction Y in order to transport the preceding container 15 (A1) to be removed, a container 15 arranged on the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d becomes the container to be removed, as shown in Figure 9 (d), the container 15 (A3) to be removed arranged on the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is transported in priority over the subsequent container 15 (A2) to be removed that has been moved to the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c.

[0074] In this priority removal, the container 15 (A1) to be removed first and moved onto the first conveying device 26 is removed to the output conveyor 22, and then the container 15 (A3) to be removed and positioned on the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is conveyed to the first conveying device 26 and removed to the output conveyor 22.

[0075] Then, the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is switched from the second direction Y to the main conveying direction X1, and the subsequent container 15 (A2) to be transported is moved from the third conveying zone 23c to the first conveying device 26, and then the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 is switched to the second direction Y, and the subsequent container 15 (A2) to be transported is transported to the output conveyor 22.

[0076] Next, the control operation of the first transfer device 26 in the fourth transfer zone 23d, which is the most downstream, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0077] The first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, which is the most downstream, is switched to the second conveying state in the second direction Y, and it is determined whether it is being driven to convey the container 15 to be conveyed toward the discharge conveyor 22, or whether it is scheduled to be driven to convey the container 15 to be conveyed toward the discharge conveyor 22 (step S11). Furthermore, if it is being driven or is scheduled to be driven (YES in step S11), it is determined whether there is a conveying request from the upstream side (the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c in the first direction X, or the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d in the second direction Y) that can convey the container 15 to the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d (step S12).

[0078] If the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is not being driven in the second direction Y and is not scheduled to be driven (NO in step S11), or if it is being driven or is scheduled to be driven but there is no conveying request from the upstream side (NO in step S12), normal processing is executed in the subsequent processing. In this normal processing, the container 15 is received by the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d in the order in which the "acceptance possible" signal from the first conveying device 26 in the downstream fourth conveying zone 23d and the "conveyance request" signal from the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c or the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d are established. That is, when there is a transport request from the first transport device 26 of the third transport zone 23c in the first direction X (including the case where the priority of the transport request is lowered in step S16 described later), the first transport device 26 of the fourth transport zone 23d switches to the first transport state in the first direction X and receives the container 15 sent from the first transport device 26 of the third transport zone 23c, and when there is a transport request from the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d in the second direction Y, it switches to the second transport state in the second direction Y and receives the container 15 sent from the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d. When there is no transport request, it switches to the first transport state in the first direction X (rollers 29 raised, driving stopped) and waits.

[0079] In addition, if the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is driving or scheduled to drive in the second direction Y and there is a transport request from the upstream side (YES in step S12), the transport request is accepted and it is determined whether the transport request is from the first conveying device 26 in the third conveying zone 23c in the first direction X or the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d in the second direction Y (step S13).

[0080] If the transport request is from the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d in the second direction Y ("Second transport device in second direction" in step S13), the first transport device 26 of the fourth transport zone 23d continues the second transport state in the second direction Y, accepts the container 15 moving from the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d (step S14), and transitions to the normal processing described above.

[0081] In addition, if the transport request is from the first transport device 26 of the third transport zone 23c in the first direction X ("First transport device in first direction" in step S13), while the first transport device 26 of the fourth transport zone 23d is still driving or scheduled to drive in the second direction Y, it is determined whether there is a transport request from the second transport device 27 of the fourth transport zone 23d in the second direction Y (step S15).

[0082] When there is no transfer request from the second transfer device 27 in the fourth transfer zone 23d in the second direction Y (NO in step S15), the process proceeds to the normal process described above.

[0083] On the other hand, if a transport request is received from the second transport device 27 in the fourth transport zone 23d in the second direction Y (YES in step S15), the transport request from the second transport device 27 in the fourth transport zone 23d is accepted as a priority, and the transport request from the first transport device 26 in the third transport zone 23c in the first direction X, which was accepted earlier, is lowered in priority (step S16).

[0084] Therefore, the process proceeds to step S14, and the first transport device 26 in the fourth transport zone 23d continues the second transport state in the second direction Y and receives the container 15 moving from the second transport device 27 in the fourth transport zone 23d.

[0085] Thereafter, the process shifts to the normal process described above, and the container 15 is received from the first conveying device 26 of the third conveying zone 23c in the first direction X for which the conveying request has been postponed.

[0086] According to the second control operation as described above, since the first conveying device 26 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, which is the most downstream, takes time to switch its conveying direction between the first direction X and the second direction Y, if a container 15 placed on the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d is to be transported in the second conveying state in the second direction Y, the container 15 can be transported without switching the conveying direction of the first conveying device 26 by giving priority to the transport of the container 15 from the second conveying device 27 in the fourth conveying zone 23d, and further, after the subsequent container 15 to be transported, which has a lower priority, is transported, the next container 15 can be immediately transported into the fourth conveying zone 23d, which is already empty, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the conveying system 20.

[0087] It is also possible to give priority to carrying containers 15 carried in from the carry-in conveyor 21 into an empty transfer zone 23, and to give a lower priority to carrying containers 15 out of the fourth transfer zone 23d, which is the most downstream.

[0088] Next, a third control operation of the transfer system 20 by the control unit 50 will be described with reference to the operation diagrams of FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) and the flowchart of FIG.

[0089] The control unit 50 has a function of controlling the operation of the second conveying device 27 and / or the first conveying device 26 to stop conveying the container 16 and return it to the second conveying device 27 if the detection unit 46 detects a protrusion protruding from the container 16 when the container 16 is being conveyed from the second conveying device 27 to the first conveying device 26.

[0090] As shown in Figure 11(a), after an item is loaded into a container 15 in, for example, the third conveying zone 23c, for which the loading operation will be completed next time, the corresponding operating unit 38 is operated to start the unloading operation of the container 15 (A1) to be unloaded from the third conveying zone 23c (step S21), as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0091] During the process of the container 15 (A1) moving from the second conveyor 27 to the first conveyor 26 in the third conveying zone 23c, the detection unit 46 detects whether there is an abnormality in height (step S22). This is to detect that a part of the article put into the container 15 protrudes from the top opening of the container 15 by a predetermined height or more. If the article protrudes significantly from the container 15, there is a risk that the balance of the article will change due to vibration during conveyance, acceleration / deceleration forces of conveyance, centrifugal force, etc., causing the article to fall from the container 15, or that the article will get caught on conveyance equipment, etc. and fall from the container 15.

[0092] If no height abnormality is detected (NO in step S22), the unloading operation of the container 15 (A1) continues.

[0093] If a height abnormality is detected (YES in step S22), an abnormality is displayed (step S23). The abnormality is displayed by lighting or blinking the status display unit 47 on the support frame 36, or by displaying the abnormality on the screen of a monitor installed in the picking station 14.

[0094] Furthermore, the second conveying device 27 and the first conveying device 26 of the corresponding third conveying zone 23c are reversed, and the container 15 (A1) is returned onto the second conveying device 27 (step S24).

[0095] The worker who confirms the abnormality display removes the items from the top opening of the container 15 or reduces the amount of protrusion by, for example, rearranging the items in the container 15 that has been returned to the second conveying device 27, and then operates the corresponding operation unit 38 of the display operation unit 35 or the touch panel of the monitor installed in the picking station 14 to input the removal of the container 15 (step S25).

[0096] Thereafter, the unloading operation of the container 15 in the third transfer zone 23c is started again.

[0097] The third control operation described above can prevent the object protruding from the container 15 from falling during transport, resulting in a shortage of objects to be stored in the container 15, or the object protruding from the container 15 from getting caught on the transport equipment, causing an abnormality in the transport of the container 15 and causing an abnormal stop of the transport path and transport system 20. Furthermore, by having the detector 46 detect the abnormality when the container 15 is transported from the second transport device 27 to the first transport device 26, the container 15 with the abnormality can be returned immediately to the second transport device 27, and the state of the objects in the container 15 can be confirmed and the protruding object can be eliminated.

[0098] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0099] The system includes a plurality of transport zone groups 60 arranged side by side in a first direction X along a main transport direction X1 for transporting containers 15 from an input conveyor 21 to an output conveyor 22. In this embodiment, the system includes a first transport zone group 60a on the upstream side of the main transport direction X1 and a second transport zone group 60b on the downstream side. Each transport zone group 60 includes a plurality of transport zones 23 arranged side by side in the first direction X.

[0100] A work space 28 is provided in front of the first transport zone group 60a and in front of the second transport zone group 60b, where one worker 13 is stationed to perform input work. Although not shown, a supply position 11a of a supply device 11 that supplies storage containers 12 is provided for each of the first transport zone group 60a and the second transport zone group 60b.

[0101] An in-loading switch 61 and an out-loading switch 62 capable of conveying containers 15 by switching between the first direction X and the second direction Y are installed at the most downstream position in the in-loading direction of the in-loading conveyor 21 and the most upstream position in the out-loading direction of the out-loading conveyor 22, similar to the first conveying device 26. A loop conveying device 63 is installed between the in-loading switch 61 and the out-loading switch 62, for conveying containers 15 from the out-loading side to the in-loading side in the direction opposite to the main conveying direction X1.

[0102] Next, a fourth control operation (inter-transfer zone movement control) of the transfer system 20 by the control unit 50 will be described with reference to the operation diagrams of FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c).

[0103] The control unit 50 has a function of controlling, when a container 15 to be processed that is to undergo the same processing as the container 15 to be processed in the downstream transport zone group 60b in the main transport direction X1 is in the upstream transport zone group 60a and is capable of being transported to a transport zone 23 in the downstream transport zone group 60b, to operate the first transport device 26 up to the transport zone 23 that is capable of being transported, and move the container 15 to be processed in the upstream transport zone group 60a to the second transport device 27 in the transport zone 23 that is capable of being transported in the downstream transport zone group 60b. Furthermore, when a container 15 to be processed that is to be treated in the same manner as the container 15 to be treated in the upstream transport zone group 60a is in the downstream transport zone group 60b in the main transport direction X1 and the second transport device 27 of the transport zone 23 of the upstream transport zone group 60a is available for loading, the control unit 50 has the function of operating the first transport device 26 to move the container 15 to be processed in the downstream transport zone group 60b from the discharge side to the load side via the loop transport device 63, and to move it to the second transport device 27 of the loadable transport zone 23 of the upstream transport zone group 60a.

[0104] Figure 13(a) shows an example in which the targets for depositing items stored in storage containers 12 supplied to the second transport zone group 60b include not only container 15 (C1) in the second transport zone group 60b, but also container 15 (C2) being brought into the first transport zone group 60a.

[0105] As shown in Figure 13(b), when another container 15 (A1) to be removed is removed from the transport zone 23 of the second transport zone group 60b and a vacancy occurs in the transport zone 23 of the second transport zone group 60b, a container 15 (C2) to be added is removed from the transport zone 23 of the first transport zone group 60a and transported toward the vacant transport zone 23 of the second transport zone group 60b.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 13(c), the container 15 (C2) to be inserted is moved from the first transport zone group 60a to an empty transport zone 23 of the second transport zone group 60b.

[0107] The worker 13 removes the articles from the storage container 12 supplied to the second transport zone group 60b, and deposits them into the two target containers 15 (C1) and (C2), respectively.

[0108] 13(a), when the container 15(C1) of the second transport zone group 60b is also a container 15(C2) of the first transport zone group 60a, if there is a vacant zone in the transport zone 23 of the first transport zone group 60a, the container 15(C1) of the container is removed from the transport zone 23 of the second transport zone group 60b, and is moved from the exit-side switch 62 to the loop transport device 63 and the entry-side switch 61 to the upstream side of the first transport zone group 60a, and is moved to the vacant transport zone 23 of the first transport zone group 60a. In this case, the worker 13 also removes the container 12 from the storage container 12 to be supplied to the first transport zone group 60a and puts the container 15(C1)(C2) of the container 15 into each of the two containers.

[0109] In addition, a container 15 (C2) that has been moved from the first conveying zone group 60a to the second conveying zone group 60b and has completed the loading of items may be returned to the first conveying zone group 60a via the loop conveying device 63, and similarly, a container 15 (C1) that has been moved from the second conveying zone group 60b to the first conveying zone group 60a and has completed the loading of items may be transported back to the downstream second conveying zone group 60b.

[0110] In addition, if the container 15 to be loaded, into which items to be stored in the storage container 12 to be supplied to the first conveying zone group 60a are also present in the second conveying zone group 60b, the control unit 50 may control the container 15 to be loaded in the second conveying zone group 60b to be moved from the second conveying device 27 to the first conveying device 26, and then the container 15 may be conveyed to the first conveying zone group 60a by driving the conveying direction of each of the first conveying devices 26 in the first conveying zone group 60a and the second conveying zone group 60b in the opposite direction to the main conveying direction X1, and then moved to an empty conveying zone 23 in the first conveying zone group 60a.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned fourth control operation, the containers 15 can be moved between multiple transport zone groups 60, so that even if the containers 15 to be loaded with items from the storage containers 12 to be supplied to one transport zone group 60 are located in multiple transport zone groups 60, the items can be loaded by moving the containers to one transport zone group 60, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the transport system 20.

[0112] In addition, the picking system 10 to which the conveying system 20 is applied may be configured to transport containers (corresponding to storage containers 12) containing items into the conveying system 20, supply containers (corresponding to containers 15) for each order by the supply device 11, and have a worker 13 remove the items from the containers 12 of the conveying system 20 and place them in the containers of the supply device 11.

[0113] Although the embodiment of the present invention and its modified examples have been described above, various combinations of configurations, partial omissions, substitutions and modifications are also possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 15 Containers as transported goods 20. Transport System 21. Intake conveyor as the intake section 22. Discharge conveyor as discharge section 23 Transport Zone 26 First conveying device 27 Second conveying device 46 Detection unit 50 Control section 60 Transport Zones 63 Loop conveyor X 1st direction X1 Main transport direction Y Second direction

Claims

1. A plurality of transport zones are arranged in parallel in a first direction along a main transport direction from an entrance side where the transported object is transported toward an exit side where the transported object is transported; A control unit that controls the operation of the equipment arranged in the transport zone, the transport zone includes a first transport device switchable between a first transport state in which the object is transported in the first direction and a second transport state in which the object is transported in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second transport device disposed on a first end side of the first transport device in the second direction and transporting the object in the second direction between the first transport device and the second transport device, The control unit is by operating the adjacent first conveying device in a first conveying state, the transported object can be transported in the main conveying direction, and by operating the first conveying device and the second conveying device in a second conveying state arranged in the same conveying zone, the transported object is loaded onto and unloaded from the second conveying device; When the transported object in the specific transport zone downstream of the most upstream transport zone in the main transport direction is the next transported object to be transported to the unloading section, one or more of the first transport devices upstream of the specific first transport device in the specific transport zone in the main transport direction are operated to transport the next transported object to the first transport device upstream of the specific first transport device. A transport system comprising:

2. The control unit operates the specific first conveying device and the second conveying device so that the transported object to be carried out moves from the second conveying device to the first conveying device within the specific conveying zone, and operates both the specific first conveying device and the first conveying device upstream of the specific first conveying device in the main conveying direction in a first conveying state, thereby moving the transported object to be carried out and the next transported object to be carried in in conjunction with each other in the main conveying direction.

2. The transport system according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of transport zones are arranged in parallel in a first direction along a main transport direction from an entrance side where the transported object is transported toward an exit side where the transported object is transported; A control unit that controls the operation of the equipment arranged in the transport zone, the transport zone includes a first transport device switchable between a first transport state in which the object is transported in the first direction and a second transport state in which the object is transported in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second transport device disposed on a first end side of the first transport device in the second direction and transporting the object in the second direction between the first transport device and the second transport device, the discharge section is disposed on a second end side in the second direction of the first transport device in the transport zone that is furthest downstream in the main transport direction and that is opposite to the second transport device, The control unit is by operating the adjacent first conveying device in a first conveying state, the transported object can be transported in the main conveying direction, and by operating the first conveying device and the second conveying device in a second conveying state arranged in the same conveying zone, the transported object is loaded onto and unloaded from the second conveying device; When the transported objects in a plurality of transport zones upstream of the most downstream transport zone in the main transport direction are to be transported, in the most downstream transport zone, a branching operation is performed for each of the objects to be discharged, the branching operation including an operation of receiving the object to be discharged from the first conveying device on the upstream side by the first conveying device in a first conveying state, and an operation of switching the first conveying device to a second conveying state to discharge the object to be discharged to the discharge section side; When a preceding transport object to be discharged among a plurality of transport objects to be discharged is discharged to the discharge section side, if the transport object in the second transport device in the most downstream transport zone is the transport object to be discharged, first, the first transport device in the second transport state discharges the preceding transport object to the discharge side, and then, the transport object to be discharged is transported from the second transport device in the most downstream transport zone to the first transport device in the second transport state and discharged to the discharge section side, and then, the first transport device performs a branching operation for the following transport object to be discharged. A transport system comprising:

4. A group of a plurality of transport zones arranged side by side in a first direction along a main transport direction from an entrance side where the transported object is transported toward an exit side where the transported object is transported; A control unit that controls the operation of the equipment arranged in the transport zone group, The transport zone group includes a plurality of transport zones arranged side by side in the first direction, the transport zone includes a first transport device switchable between a first transport state in which the object is transported in the first direction and a second transport state in which the object is transported in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second transport device disposed on a first end side of the first transport device in the second direction and transporting the object in the second direction between the first transport device and the second transport device, The control unit is the first conveying device is operated to the conveying zone where the transported object is to be transported from the carry-in section side, and then the transported object is transported to the second conveying device where the transported object is to be transported, and the transported object that is to be transported out is transported from the second conveying device and the first conveying device is operated to transport the object to the carry-out section side; When the transport object to be processed that is to be treated in the same manner as the transport object to be processed in the transport zone group downstream in the main transport direction is in the transport zone group upstream and can be brought into the transport zone of the transport zone group downstream, the first transport device is operated up to the transport zone that can be brought in, and the transport object to be processed that is in the transport zone group upstream is moved to the second transport device of the transport zone that can be brought in of the transport zone group downstream. A transport system comprising:

5. a loop conveying device capable of conveying the object in a direction opposite to the main conveying direction from the discharge section side to the load section side, When the transport object to be processed that is to be treated in the same manner as the transport object to be processed in the upstream transport zone group is in the transport zone group downstream in the main transport direction and the second transport device of the transport zone of the upstream transport zone group is available for introduction, the control unit operates the first transport device to move the transport object to be processed in the downstream transport zone group from the unloading section side to the loading section side through the loop transport device, and moves the transport object to the second transport device of the available transport zone of the upstream transport zone group.

5. The transport system according to claim 4.

6. When the transport object to be processed, which is to be subjected to the same processing as the transport object to be processed in the upstream transport zone group, is in the transport zone group downstream in the main transport direction and can be brought into the transport zone of the upstream transport zone group, the control unit operates the first transport devices of the downstream and upstream transport zones whose transport directions are opposite to the main transport direction, to move the transport object to be processed in the downstream transport zone group to the second transport device of the transport zone that can be brought into the upstream transport zone group.

5. The transport system according to claim 4.

7. A plurality of transport zones are arranged in parallel in a first direction along a main transport direction from an entrance side where the transported object is transported toward an exit side where the transported object is transported; a detection unit that detects a protruding object protruding from the transported object in the transport zone; A control unit that controls the operation of the equipment arranged in the transport zone, the transport zone includes a first transport device switchable between a first transport state in which the object is transported in the first direction and a second transport state in which the object is transported in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second transport device disposed on a first end side of the first transport device in the second direction and transporting the object in the second direction between the first transport device and the second transport device, The control unit is by operating the adjacent first conveying device in a first conveying state, the transported object can be transported in the main conveying direction, and by operating the first conveying device and the second conveying device in a second conveying state arranged in the same conveying zone, the transported object is loaded onto and unloaded from the second conveying device; When the detection unit detects a protruding object protruding from the transported object when the transported object is transported from the second transport device to the first transport device, the second transport device and / or the first transport device are operated to stop transporting the transported object and return it to the second transport device. A transport system comprising:

8. The transported object is a container that contains an item to be put into the interior of the second transport device or an item to be taken out from the interior of the container.

8. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport system comprises:

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