Sorter device

Abstract

To provide a sorter device capable of improving the operation rate of picking work and the utilization efficiency per floor area when sorting articles in a physical distribution facility.SOLUTION: A sorter device 1 comprises: a hollow housing 2 having a supply port 2a for feeding an article X and a take-out port 2b for taking out the article X; a plurality of round-bars 3 in which each of them suspends and supports a plurality of storage bags Y for storing the article X; and a moving mechanism 5 for circularly moving the round-bars 3 between the supply port 2a and the take-out port 2b by moving the round-bars 3 in the directions including the lifting direction inside the housing 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorter device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting device that sorts items. The sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a picking shelf on which storage containers containing items are placed. An operator takes out the required items from the storage containers placed on the picking shelf and places them in a collection container placed on a picking conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-356208 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an operator can only insert an item into a single collection container placed on the picking conveyor. Therefore, if the item to be inserted into the collection container is not present within the operator's assigned area, the operator is put into a standby state. Even when the same item is inserted from the same storage container into multiple collection containers, the operator needs to remove the item from each collection container. Therefore, the sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 may have a low operating rate. Furthermore, since the sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 only moves the collection container in a horizontal plane, it is not possible to utilize the upper space, and the utilization efficiency per floor area is low.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to improve the operating rate of picking operations and improve the utilization efficiency per unit of floor space when sorting items in a logistics facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention employs a configuration comprising a hollow housing having an input section into which items are input and an output section from which the items are output, a plurality of hanging sections each supporting a plurality of containers for housing the items, and a moving mechanism which moves the hanging sections in directions including the raising and lowering direction within the housing to cyclically move the hanging sections between the input section and the output section. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a plurality of suspending parts for suspending and supporting a plurality of containers are provided, and each suspending part is moved in a cyclical manner. Therefore, the same item can be continuously put into a plurality of containers suspended and supported by one suspending part. In addition, since a plurality of containers are suspended and supported by one suspending part, the possibility that a container that requires an item for which a worker is in charge does not exist can be reduced. Therefore, according to the present invention, when sorting items in a logistics facility, the operation rate of the picking operation can be improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the suspending part is moved in a direction including the lifting and lowering direction, the utilization efficiency per floor area can be improved compared to the case where the container is only moved horizontally. Therefore, according to the present invention, when sorting items in a logistics facility, the operation rate of the picking operation can be improved and the utilization efficiency per floor area can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sorter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic front view including a round bar and a hook portion provided in a sorter device in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3]1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view including a round bar and a hook portion provided in a sorter device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sorter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a first sprocket in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a second sprocket in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an opening / closing mechanism provided in a modified example of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sorter device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sorter apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The sorter apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is used, for example, in a logistics facility to sort objects X into storage bags Y (containers). In the sorter apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a worker or a robot puts predetermined objects X into the storage bags Y, thereby sorting the objects X.

[0012] Before being sorted by the sorter device 1, the items X are stored by type on racks or the like. The items X are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, daily necessities, clothing, food, etc. The storage bag Y is a storage body (container) that stores the items X. In this embodiment, the storage bag Y is deformable to match the shape of the item X to be stored. In other words, the storage bag Y is narrowed when it does not store the item X, and expands to match the shape of the item X by storing the item X. It should be noted that the storage body is not limited to the storage bag Y. For example, the storage body may be a cardboard box or a paper box.

[0013] 1, the sorter device 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 2, a plurality of round bars 3 (suspended portions), a hook portion 4, and a moving mechanism 5. The housing 2 is formed hollow, and has a room therein for accommodating the round bars 3 and the hook portion 4. This housing 2 forms the outer wall of the sorter device 1. For example, the housing 2 includes a frame portion that is a strength member, and a panel portion that is an exterior part that is attached to the frame portion.

[0014] In this embodiment, the housing 2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. One of the side surfaces of the housing 2 is provided with a supply port 2a (insertion section) for supplying the object X to the inside of the housing 2. This supply port 2a is provided penetrating the side wall of the housing 2 so as to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 2. Such a supply port 2a functions as an insertion section for inserting the object X into the housing 2. In other words, the object X is inserted into the storage bag Y located inside the housing 2 via the supply port 2a.

[0015] Further, on the side surface of the housing 2 opposite to the supply port 2a, an outlet 2b (removal portion) for removing the storage bag Y in which the object X is stored from the housing 2 is provided. This outlet 2b is provided penetrating the side wall of the housing 2 so as to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 2. Such an outlet 2b functions as an outlet portion for removing the object X from the housing 2. In other words, the object X is removed from the housing 2 together with the storage bag Y through the outlet 2b while it is stored in the storage bag Y.

[0016] A plurality of round bars 3 are provided inside the housing 2. Each round bar 3 is a bar member whose axis is in the horizontal direction, and is formed so that the cross section perpendicular to the axis is circular. In other words, each round bar 3 is arranged so that its axis is horizontal. Each round bar 3 is supported with both ends connected to chains (first chain 10a and second chain 10b) of the moving mechanism 5, which will be described later. These round bars 3 are arranged so that their axes are parallel to each other, and are moved inside the housing 2 with their axes parallel to each other.

[0017] 2 is a schematic front view including the round bar 3 and the hook portion 4. As shown in this figure, each round bar 3 supports a plurality of storage bags Y by suspending them via the hook portion 4. In other words, each round bar 3 supports a plurality of storage bags Y. The plurality of storage bags Y supported by one round bar 3 are arranged in a direction along the axis of the round bar 3.

[0018] 2, such a round bar 3 has a body 3a to which, for example, the hook 4 is hooked, and end portions 3b connected to both ends of the body 3a. Each end portion 3b is formed to have a smaller diameter than the body 3a, and is connected to a chain (first chain 10a or second chain 10b) described below.

[0019] The hook portion 4 is hooked onto the round bar 3, and is formed so that the storage bag Y can be hooked onto it. Fig. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view including the round bar 3 and the hook portion 4. As shown in this figure, the hook portion 4 is formed, for example, by bending an annular member made by connecting the ends of wires together.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the hook portion 4 has an upper portion 4a that is slidably hung on the circumferential surface of the round bar 3, and a lower portion 4b on which the storage bag Y can be hung. The upper portion 4a is curved so that it can be hung from above on the circumferential surface of the round bar 3. Since the upper portion 4a of this hook portion 4 is slidable on the circumferential surface of the round bar 3 as described above, the position of the hook portion 4 is maintained even when the round bar 3 rotates about its axis. The lower portion 4b is curved so that the storage bag Y can be hung from above.

[0021] In this embodiment, one hook portion 4 supports one storage bag Y. That is, in this embodiment, the same number of hook portions 4 as the maximum number of storage bags Y that can be suspended and supported by one round bar 3 are hung on the round bar 3. However, one storage bag Y may be suspended and supported by two hook portions. In this manner, the sorter device 1 of this embodiment includes hook portions 4 whose upper portions 4a are slidably hung on the circumferential surface of the round bar 3 and whose lower portions 4b are capable of hooking and supporting storage bags Y.

[0022] The movement mechanism 5 moves the round rods 3 in directions including the upward and downward directions inside the housing 2, thereby circulating the round rods 3 between the supply port 2a and the outlet 2b. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the movement mechanism 5 moves each of the round rods 3 horizontally toward the outlet 2b after being raised from the supply port 2a, and moves each of the round rods 3 horizontally toward the supply port 2a after being lowered at the outlet 2b.

[0023] Such a moving mechanism 5 includes a chain 10, a sprocket 11, and a drive unit 12. The chain 10 is connected to each end of the multiple round bars 3. The moving mechanism 5 includes a first chain 10a which is the chain 10 connected to one end of the round bars 3, and a second chain 10b which is the chain 10 connected to the other end of the round bars 3.

[0024] The first chain 10a is formed in an endless loop and is connected to one end of all the round bars 3. The second chain 10b is formed in an endless loop like the first chain 10a and is connected to the other end of all the round bars 3.

[0025] The sprockets 11 guide the chain 10. The sprockets 11 support and guide each chain 10 so that each round bar 3 connected to the chain 10 moves circulatingly as described above. The movement mechanism 5 includes a first sprocket 11a which is the sprocket 11 that guides the first chain 10a, and a second sprocket 11b which is the sprocket 11 that guides the second chain 10b.

[0026] For example, four first sprockets 11a are provided. For example, among these first sprockets 11a, one is a driving sprocket connected to the driving unit 12, and the remaining three are driven sprockets that are not directly connected to the driving unit 12.

[0027] For example, four second sprockets 11b are provided. For example, one of these second sprockets 11b is a driving sprocket connected to the drive unit 12, and the remaining three are driven sprockets not directly connected to the drive unit 12. Each of these second sprockets 11b is arranged overlapping each first sprocket 11a when viewed from the direction along the axis of the round bar 3. In other words, the same number of second sprockets 11b as the first sprockets 11a are provided, and when viewed from the direction along the axis of the round bar 3, they are arranged in the same arrangement pattern as the arrangement pattern of the multiple first sprockets 11a.

[0028] The driving unit 12 drives and rotates the sprocket 11. Such a driving unit 12 includes, for example, a motor that generates rotational power and a reducer connected to the output shaft of the motor. The movement mechanism 5 includes a first driving unit 12a that is the driving unit 12 connected to the first sprocket 11a, and a second driving unit 12b that is the driving unit 12 connected to the second sprocket 11b.

[0029] The first driving unit 12a is connected to one of the multiple first sprockets 11a. The second driving unit 12b is connected to one of the multiple second sprockets 11b. The first driving unit 12a and the second driving unit 12b are driven synchronously under the control of a control unit (not shown). In other words, the first driving unit 12a and the second driving unit 12b generate power so that the guide speed of the first chain 10a and the guide speed of the second chain 10b are the same.

[0030] In this embodiment, as described above, the movement mechanism 5 includes two drive units 12. However, it is also possible to generate rotational power using a single drive unit 12, and distribute the rotational power generated by this drive unit 12 to the first sprocket 11a and the second sprocket 11b via a transmission mechanism.

[0031] In the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, when the first drive unit 12a and the second drive unit 12b are driven under the control of a control unit (not shown), the multiple round bars 3 are circulated inside the housing 2.

[0032] The round bar 3 is circulated by being raised from the supply port 2a, then moved horizontally toward the outlet 2b, then lowered at the outlet 2b, and then moved horizontally toward the supply port 2a. As a result, the storage bag Y suspended and supported by the round bar 3 via the hook portion 4 is also circulated by being raised from the supply port 2a, then moved horizontally toward the outlet 2b, then lowered at the outlet 2b, and then moved horizontally toward the supply port 2a.

[0033] A worker or a robot puts objects X into the storage bag Y through the supply port 2a. At this time, multiple storage bags Y are suspended and supported by one round bar 3. This allows the worker or the robot to put the same type of objects X into multiple storage bags Y. When all the required objects X have been put into each storage bag Y, the storage bag Y is moved to the removal port 2b.

[0034] At the removal port 2b, a worker or robot different from the worker at the supply port 2a removes the storage bag Y containing the object X. Note that storage bags Y that do not contain all types of object X are moved back to the supply port 2a. At the removal port 2b, an empty storage bag Y is attached to the round bar 3 as necessary. Note that the work of attaching the storage bag Y to the round bar 3 may be performed automatically inside the housing 2, or may be performed by a worker or robot at the supply port 2a.

[0035] The sorter device 1 of this embodiment as described above includes a housing 2, multiple round bars 3, and a movement mechanism 5. The housing 2 is a hollow body having a supply port 2a through which the items X are inserted and an outlet 2b through which the items X are removed. Each of the round bars 3 supports a plurality of storage bags Y that contain the items X in a suspended manner. The movement mechanism 5 moves the round bars 3 inside the housing 2 in directions including the upward and downward directions, thereby circulating the round bars 3 between the supply port 2a and the outlet 2b.

[0036] According to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of round bars 3 are provided for supporting a plurality of storage bags Y in a suspended manner, and each of the round bars 3 is moved in a circulating manner. Therefore, the same article X can be continuously fed into a plurality of storage bags Y supported by a single round bar 3 in a suspended manner.

[0037] Furthermore, since a plurality of storage bags Y are suspended and supported by one round bar 3, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a storage bag Y that requires the item X that a worker is in charge of does not exist. Therefore, according to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the picking work when sorting the items X in a logistics facility.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, since the round bars 3 are moved in directions including the lifting and lowering directions, the utilization efficiency per unit of floor space can be improved compared to a case in which the storage bags Y are only moved horizontally. Therefore, according to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, when sorting the items X in a logistics facility, the operation rate of the picking work can be improved and the utilization efficiency per unit of floor space can be improved.

[0039] Furthermore, in the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, the storage bag Y is a bag that can be deformed to fit the shape of the item X. According to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dead space in the storage bag Y where no item X is present. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the storage body for storing the item X from becoming unnecessarily large.

[0040] In the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, the round bar 3 is formed in a bar shape with its axis in the horizontal direction. The sorter device 1 of this embodiment also includes a hook portion 4. An upper portion 4a of the hook portion 4 is slidably hooked onto the circumferential surface of the round bar 3, and a lower portion 4b is capable of hooking and supporting the storage bag Y.

[0041] Further, in the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, the moving mechanism 5 includes a chain 10, a sprocket 11, and a driving unit 12. The chain 10 is connected to the round bar 3. The sprocket 11 guides the chain 10. The driving unit 12 drives the sprocket 11 to rotate.

[0042] According to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, the round bars 3 can be circulated using the moving mechanism 5 having a simple structure. Therefore, the sorter device 1 of this embodiment has a simple structure.

[0043] The sorter apparatus 1 of this embodiment also includes a first chain 10a, which is a chain 10 connected to one end of the multiple round bars 3. The sorter apparatus 1 of this embodiment also includes a second chain 10b, which is a chain 10 connected to the other end of the multiple round bars 3. The sorter apparatus 1 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of first sprockets 11a, which are sprockets 11 that guide the first chain 10a. The sorter apparatus 1 of this embodiment also includes a second sprocket 11b, which is a sprocket 11 that guides the second chain 10b. The second sprocket 11b is arranged overlapping the first sprocket 11a when viewed from a direction along the axis of the round bars 3.

[0044] According to the sorter device 1 of this embodiment, the chain 10 and the sprocket 11 on one end side of the round bar 3 can be made to have the same shape as the chain 10 and the sprocket 11 on the other end side of the round bar 3. Therefore, the round bar 3 can be circulated while maintaining its posture.

[0045] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sorter apparatus 1A of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the sorter apparatus 1A of this embodiment is provided with an indicator 6. The indicator 6 indicates the storage bag Y into which the item X is to be placed at the supply port 2a. In this embodiment, the indicator 6 is a light projection device that indicates the storage bag Y into which the item X is to be placed by projecting light onto the storage bag Y. However, the indicator 6 is not limited to a light projection device. For example, a monitor or the like can also be used as the indicator 6.

[0047] The indicator 6 projects light onto the storage bag Y into which the article X is to be placed, under the control of a control unit (not shown). For example, a worker places the article X into the storage bag Y onto which the light is projected. Note that a robot may also identify the storage bag Y onto which the light is projected and place the article X into it.

[0048] The light projected by the indicator 6 onto the containing bag Y may simply be for the purpose of brightly illuminating the containing bag Y. In addition, the light projected by the indicator 6 onto the containing bag Y may also be for displaying letters, patterns, or the like on the containing bag Y.

[0049] For example, a control unit (not shown) controls the indicator 6 based on sorting data indicating what type and how many of the objects X are to be placed into which storage bag Y. For example, a strain gauge may be installed on the round bar 3, and the control unit may determine whether the object X has been placed into the storage bag Y based on the output of the strain gauge. Furthermore, the control unit may stop projecting light onto the storage bag Y when it is detected that the object X has been placed into the storage bag Y.

[0050] The sorter device 1A of this embodiment includes an indicator 6 that indicates the storage bag Y into which the item X is to be placed. Therefore, a worker or a robot can accurately sort the item X by placing the item X in the storage bag Y indicated by the indicator 6.

[0051] In addition, in the sorter apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the indicator 6 indicates the storage bag Y into which the item X is to be placed by projecting light onto the storage bag Y. According to the sorter apparatus 1A of this embodiment, for example, an operator can easily visually identify the storage bag Y into which the item X is to be placed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the configuration in which the indicator 6 is disposed at the supply port 2a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the indicator 6 may be disposed at the removal port 2b to indicate the storage bag Y to be removed or the storage bag Y to be left.

[0053] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0054] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the multiple first sprockets 11a in the third embodiment. As shown in this figure, the multiple first sprockets 11a guide the first chain 10a so that the first chain 10a meanders vertically when viewed from the direction along the axis of the round bar 3.

[0055] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, adjacent first sprockets 11a are disposed at different heights in the guiding direction of the first chain 10a. By being guided by such multiple first sprockets 11a, the first chain 10a is guided so as to meander in the up-down direction.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of second sprockets 11b when the first sprockets 11a are arranged as in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, when the first sprockets 11a are arranged as in Figure 5, the second sprockets 11b are also arranged in the same manner as the first sprockets 11a. In other words, when viewed from the direction along the axis of the round bar 3, each second sprocket 11b is arranged overlapping the first sprocket 11a. The second chain 10b is guided by such second sprockets 11b so as to snake up and down.

[0057] When the first chain 10a and the second chain 10b are guided in a serpentine manner as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connection positions of each round bar 3 with the chain 10 are set so that the storage bags Y suspended and supported by different round bars 3 do not interfere with each other.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the overall length of the chain 10 can be increased while preventing the sorter device from becoming large in size in plan view. Therefore, more round bars 3 can be provided and more storage bags Y can be suspended and supported than in the first embodiment.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] 7(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of an opening / closing mechanism 7 for opening and closing an entrance for an article X in a storage bag Y. For example, the sorter device of the present invention may be equipped with an opening / closing mechanism 7 as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the opening / closing mechanism 7 includes a suction pad 7a that sandwiches the storage bag Y and adsorbs it to the surface of the storage bag Y. The opening / closing mechanism 7 opens and closes the storage bag Y by moving this suction pad 7a. Such an opening / closing mechanism 7 is disposed, for example, inside the housing 2. Furthermore, a plurality of opening / closing mechanisms 7 may be provided inside the housing 2.

[0061] The above embodiment can also be described as, for example, the following supplementary notes.

[0062] (Appendix 1) a hollow housing having an input section into which an article is input and an output section from which the article is output; A plurality of hanging portions each of which supports a plurality of containers for housing the articles; a moving mechanism that moves the hanging part in a direction including a lifting direction inside the housing to circulate the hanging part between the insertion part and the removal part; A sorter apparatus comprising:

[0063] (Appendix 2) 2. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a bag that can be deformed to fit the shape of the items.

[0064] (Appendix 3) The hanging portion is formed in a rod shape with the horizontal direction as the axis direction, The upper part is slidably hung on the periphery of the hanging part, and the lower part is provided with a hook part that can hook and support the container. 3. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

[0065] (Appendix 4) The moving mechanism includes: A chain connected to the suspension portion; A sprocket for guiding the chain; a drive unit that drives and rotates the sprocket; 4. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0066] (Appendix 5) The moving mechanism includes: A first chain is the chain connected to one end of a plurality of the suspending portions; a second chain connected to the other ends of the plurality of suspending portions; a plurality of first sprockets which are the sprockets that guide the first chain; a plurality of second sprockets which guide the second chain and are arranged to overlap each of the first sprockets when viewed from a direction along the axis of the hanging portion; 5. The sorter apparatus according to claim 4, comprising:

[0067] (Appendix 6) The sorter device described in Appendix 5, characterized in that the multiple first sprockets and the multiple second sprockets guide the first chain and the second chain so that, when viewed from a direction along the axis of the hanging part, the first chain and the second chain snake in an up and down direction.

[0068] (Appendix 7) 7. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator that indicates the container into which the articles are to be inserted.

[0069] (Appendix 8) 8. The sorter apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the indicator is a light projection device that indicates the container into which the article is to be inserted by projecting light onto the container.

[0070] (Appendix 9) 9. The sorter apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing an article entrance / exit of the container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: sorter device, 1A: sorter device, 2: housing, 2a: supply port (supply section), 2b: removal port (removal section), 3: round bar (suspended section), 4: hook section, 4a: upper section, 4b: lower section, 5: moving mechanism, 6: indicator (light projection device), 7: opening / closing mechanism, 10: chain, 10a: first chain, 10b: second chain, 11: sprocket, 11a: first sprocket, 11b: second sprocket, 12: drive section, 12a: first drive section, 12b: second drive section, X: item, Y: storage bag (storage body)

Claims

1. a hollow housing having an input section into which an article is input and an output section from which the article is output; A plurality of hanging portions each of which supports a plurality of containers for housing the articles; a moving mechanism that moves the hanging part in a direction including a lifting direction inside the housing to circulate the hanging part between the insertion part and the removal part; A sorter apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a bag that can be deformed to match the shape of the articles.

3. The hanging portion is formed in a rod shape with the horizontal direction as the axis direction, The upper part is slidably hung on the periphery of the hanging part, and the lower part is provided with a hook part that can hook and support the container.

3. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The moving mechanism includes: A chain connected to the suspension portion; A sprocket for guiding the chain; a drive unit that drives and rotates the sprocket; 3. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The moving mechanism includes: a first chain connected to one end of each of the plurality of suspending portions; a second chain connected to the other ends of the plurality of suspending portions; a plurality of first sprockets which are the sprockets that guide the first chain; a plurality of second sprockets which guide the second chain and are arranged to overlap each of the first sprockets when viewed from a direction along the axis of the hanging portion; 5. The sorter apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. The sorter device according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of first sprockets and the plurality of second sprockets guide the first chain and the second chain so that, when viewed from a direction along the axis of the hanging portion, the first chain and the second chain snake in an up and down direction.

7. 3. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator that indicates the container into which the article is to be placed.

8. 8. The sorter apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the indicator is a light projection device that indicates the container into which the article is to be inserted by projecting light onto the container.

9. 3. The sorter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing an article entrance / exit of the container.

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