Article sorting installation

Abstract

To realize an article sorting installation in which congestion is less likely to occur.SOLUTION: An article sorting installation includes a plurality of carriers 20 traveling on a floor E and carrying articles W to thereby sort the articles W. In the floor E, a passage area E3 extending along a particular direction existing along the floor E, a feed area E1 in which a feed unit 15 is provided, and a connection area E2 connecting the passage area E3 and the feed area E1 are set. A plurality of accepting units 31 are arranged along the passage area E3 and, in an area other than the passage area E3, a standby area 72 is set for a carrier 20 to wait before entering the passage area E3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article sorting facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles transport articles. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, automation of article transport has been progressing in article sorting facilities in logistics warehouses, etc. For example, JP 2020-100482 A (Patent Document 1) describes an article sorting facility in which an article (W) is transported from a supply section (90) to a receiving section (80) by a transport vehicle (V). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-100482 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the article sorting equipment of Patent Document 1, when a transport vehicle (V) travels from a supply section (90) to a receiving section (80), for example, if another transport vehicle (V) is stopped on the travel route of the transport vehicle (V) or if the receiving section (80) to which the transport vehicle (V) is to be transported is in a state in which it cannot receive the article (W), the transport vehicle (V) must also be stopped on the travel route. If such transport vehicles are stopped frequently, congestion will occur on the travel route. However, Patent Document 1 does not specifically mention the problem of such congestion.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to develop an article sorting facility that is less likely to cause congestion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The item sorting equipment according to the present disclosure is an item sorting equipment that sorts items by having a plurality of transport vehicles each travel along a floor to transport the items, and includes a supply section that supplies the items to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving sections that are each configured to receive the items from the transport vehicles, and the floor is defined with an aisle area extending in a specific direction along the floor, a supply area in which the supply sections are provided, and a connection area that connects the aisle area and the supply area, the plurality of receiving sections are arranged along the aisle area, and a waiting area is defined in an area other than the aisle area for the transport vehicles to wait before entering the aisle area.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the receiving section to which the transport vehicle is to transport an item is in an unacceptable state and cannot accept the item, the transport vehicle can be made to wait in the waiting area without entering the aisle area. Therefore, by having the transport vehicle wait in a narrow aisle area that is provided to extend along a specific direction, the possibility of a traffic jam of transport vehicles occurring in the aisle area can be reduced. Alternatively, in order to prevent a traffic jam in the aisle area, the need to have the transport vehicle pass through an unacceptable receiving section and run through the aisle area multiple times can be reduced. In this way, according to this configuration, the possibility of a traffic jam of transport vehicles occurring can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article sorting facility according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Front view of the aisle area in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Control block diagram of the item sorting equipment in Figure 1 [Figure 4] A diagram showing the first level of the floor in Figure 1. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing the second level of the floor in Figure 1. [Figure 6] 1 is a top view of an article sorting facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] Front view of the aisle area in Figure 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, an article sorting facility according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a top view of an article sorting equipment 10 in which a plurality of transport vehicles 20 each travel on a floor E to transport an article W and sort the article W. In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes the transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies an article W to the transport vehicles 20, and a plurality of receiving units 31. Each of the plurality of receiving units 31 is configured to receive an article W from the transport vehicles 20.

[0011] In this embodiment, the work subject 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 at the supply unit 15. Here, the "work subject" refers to, for example, one or both of a worker and a work device. The work subject 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 from a supply conveying device 17 that conveys the item W from an automated warehouse (not shown). Examples of the supply conveying device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, and an arm-type robot.

[0012] Here, a specific direction among the directions along the floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor E is defined as the X direction. One side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side Y2. One side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side X2. The up-down direction is defined as the Z direction. Examples of the floor E include running surfaces and floors provided in facilities such as buildings and ships. In this embodiment, the floor E is a running surface provided on an indoor platform.

[0013] In this embodiment, a supply area E1 in which the supply unit 15 is provided and a passage area E3 extending along the Y direction are set on the floor E. The supply area E1 is disposed on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the passage area E3. A plurality of passage areas E3 are disposed so as to be lined up in the X direction. In addition, a connection area E2 that connects the passage area E3 and the supply area E1 is set on the floor E. The supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 set on the floor E may each be an area into which the floor E is actually divided, or may be a virtual area. In this embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on the floor E. In addition, in this embodiment, both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E.

[0014] In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. Here, the end of the passage area E3 on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is defined as a first end 51. The connection area E2 connects the first end 51 of the passage area E3 and the supply area E1.

[0015] In this embodiment, a plurality of aisle areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E, and first ends 51 of the plurality of aisle areas E3 are connected to each other via connection areas E2. A plurality of receiving units 31 are arranged along the aisle areas E3. The article sorting equipment 10 also includes a plurality of supply units 15. A plurality of supply areas E1, each equipped with a supply unit 15, are also arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the passage area E3. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged in line along the Y direction on both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a transfer section 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving section 31. The transfer section 21 is configured so that the placement surface 22 on which the article W is placed can be freely changed between a "horizontal position" and an "inclined position". The article W is placed on the placement surface 22 in a horizontal position and transported, and when the placement surface 22 is in an inclined position, the article W is transferred to the receiving section 31. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a running section 25. The running section 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on the running surface on the floor E. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from a storage battery, a fuel cell, or the floor E by contact power supply or non-contact power supply, and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the traveling section 25 of the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0017] In this embodiment, a receiving and conveying device 35 is provided in each of the multiple receiving sections 31. The goods W transferred to the receiving section 31 are conveyed in the X direction by this receiving and conveying device 35 and stored in the containers 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 31. In this embodiment, a shipping device 36 is arranged adjacent to the multiple receiving and conveying devices 35. The containers 38 are arranged side by side on the shipping device 36, and when the type and number of goods W specified in one order information are stored in the container 38, the shipping device 36 conveys the container 38 to the shipping location. Examples of the receiving and conveying device 35 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc. Examples of the shipping device 36 include a belt conveyor, a stacker crane, an automatic guided vehicle, etc.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a control system 45 that controls the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 includes a control device 46 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20, the supply transport device 17, the receiving transport device 35, and the shipping device 36. The control device 46 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a main storage device that can be referenced by the arithmetic processing device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 46 (for example, a function to control the travel of the transport vehicle 20) is realized by cooperation between the hardware included in the control device 46 and a program executed on the hardware such as the arithmetic processing device. Specifically, each function of the control device 46 is realized by the control device 46 executing a program stored in a storage device (such as a main storage device or a separately provided storage unit). In other words, a program (e.g., an article transport program) for causing a computer (a computer of the control system 45) to realize each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device that the computer can refer to. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. The provided program is stored in a storage device that the computer can refer to. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, an arithmetic processing device provided in the control device 46) functions as a "computer". The control device 46 may be configured not as a single piece of hardware, but as a set of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a host control device that is arranged in a control facility (not shown) and controls multiple transport vehicles 20, and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20.

[0019] In this embodiment, the floor E is divided into a plurality of virtual unit areas Au that form a lattice shape when viewed in the Z direction. The travel route of the transport vehicle 20 is set so as to connect a plurality of arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. In this embodiment, a position information detection unit 29 (see FIG. 3) is provided in each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20. In addition, a position information holding unit is provided in each of the virtual unit areas Au. When the transport vehicle 20 travels along the travel route, the position information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect position information held by a position information holder arranged in each of the virtual unit areas Au. Examples of the position information holder include a barcode (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code, and an IC tag. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the transport vehicle 20 to a control device 46 provided in the control system 45.

[0020] In this embodiment, the control system 45 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "origin" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the origin is the supply section 15, and the destination is the receiving section 31. The transport command also specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the origin to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 45, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified origin and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0021] In the transport command of this embodiment, an outgoing route 81 (see FIG. 4) for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the terminal end of the passage area E3 is set. In addition, in the transport command of this embodiment, a return route for traveling from the terminal end of the passage area E3 to the supply unit 15 is set. In this embodiment, a return passage 82 (see FIG. 5) described below is the return route. In this embodiment, the end of the passage area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is the terminal end of the passage area E3.

[0022] 4 is a diagram showing the first floor F1 of the article sorting equipment 10. In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicles 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. This allows efficient use of the connection area E2 where the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 are not located. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. Furthermore, the charging position 42 is arranged so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can stop there.

[0023] In this embodiment, when the amount of stored power in the transport vehicle 20 is less than a specified amount (for example, less than 50% based on the amount of stored power in a fully charged state), the transport vehicle 20 moves to and stops at the charging position 42. At the charging position 42, the storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport vehicle 20 can be quickly charged. The charger 41 may be configured as a non-contact power supply device or a contact power supply device. In this embodiment, a control device 46 provided in a control system 45 described later acquires the amount of stored power in the storage battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20, and controls the transport vehicle 20 with less than the specified amount of stored power to move to the charging position 42.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the second floor F2 of the article sorting equipment 10. In this embodiment, the floor E includes a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 arranged at different positions in the Z direction (vertical direction). In this embodiment, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second floor F2 is arranged above the first floor F1, but the second floor F2 may be arranged below the first floor F1. In this embodiment, a supply area E1 and a passage area E3 are provided on the first floor F1. Also, in this embodiment, a connection area E2 is provided on the first floor F1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a first lifter L1 that transports the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. The first lifter L1 is connected to the passage area E3 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a second lifter L2 that transports the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are connected to the second floor F2 via a return passage 82 described later so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the return passage 82 and the first floor F1. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 may be directly connected to the return passage 82 or indirectly connected to the return passage 82. The first lifter L1 and the passage area E3 may be directly connected to the passage area E3 or indirectly connected to the supply area E1. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 may transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously, or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 include a device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 by circulating a plurality of lifting platforms along a predetermined circular path, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, an elevator, and the like.

[0027] In this embodiment, a return passage 82 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifter L1 is connected to the start end 82a of the return passage 82 and the end end of the passage area E3. The second lifter L2 is connected to the end end 82b of the return passage 82 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 82 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. The return passage 82 is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting the article W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 82 is prohibited from being used as a waiting area. In the illustrated example, the return passage 82 is set to be one-way.

[0028] In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 that connects the multiple return passages 82 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel is provided on the second floor F2. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is disposed between the adjacent return passages 82 in the X direction. A charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E4. A waiting area 71, which will be described later, is set in the passage connection area E4. A travel-only area 72, which will be described later, is set in the passage connection area E4. A third lifter L3, which will be described later, is connected adjacent to the passage connection area E4 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel from the passage connection area E4.

[0029] In this embodiment, a waiting area 71 is set in an area other than the passage area E3, where the transport vehicle 20 waits before entering the passage area E3. In addition, a travel-only area 72 that is prohibited from being used as a waiting place is set on the floor E. In the illustrated example, the waiting area 71 is shown as a square area in the virtual unit area Au, and the travel-only area 72 is shown as an area in the virtual unit area Au with an arrow. Although a plurality of transport vehicles 20 may be able to wait in one waiting area 71, in this embodiment, one transport vehicle 20 waits in one waiting area 71. The travel-only area 72 is set as a one-way street. The waiting area 71 and the travel-only area 72 may be areas that are set to be changeable by the control system 45 or an operator, or may be areas that are set to be unchangeable. In the following, a description will be given assuming that the transport vehicle 20 is paused in all waiting areas 71, but it goes without saying that there may be waiting areas 71 in which the transport vehicle 20 is not paused.

[0030] In this embodiment, a waiting area 71 is set on the second floor F2. The waiting area 71 on the second floor F2 is directly or indirectly connected to the return passage 82. In the illustrated example, the waiting area 71 on the second floor F2 is connected to the return passage 82 via a travel-only area 72. In this embodiment, a waiting area 71 is also set in the connection area E2 on the first floor F1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the system further includes a third lifter L3 that transports the transport vehicle 20 in the vertical direction (Z direction). The third lifter L3 is connected to the waiting area 71 of the second floor F2 and the connection area E2 of the first floor F1. In the illustrated example, the transport vehicle 20 waiting in the waiting area 71 of the second floor F2 is transported to the second floor F2 by the third lifter L3. The transport vehicle 20 heading from the waiting area 71 of the second floor F2 to the passage area E3 is transported to the first floor F1 by the third lifter L3, but may be transported to the first floor F1 by the second lifter L2. The third lifter L3 may be directly or indirectly connected to the waiting area 71 and the connection area E2. The first lifter L1, the second lifter L2, and the third lifter L3 may transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously, or may be controlled by the control system 45.

[0032] In this embodiment, the third lifter L3 connects the waiting area 71 and the connection area E2. The first lifter L1 connects the end of the passage area E3 and the second floor F2. A return passage 82 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The second lifter L2 connects the end 82b of the return passage 82 and the first floor F1. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 connects the end 82b of the return passage 82 and the supply area E1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the waiting areas 71 are set to be arranged in a plurality of rows, and a travel-only area 72 through which the transport vehicle 20 can pass is set between adjacent rows of waiting areas 71. Moreover, all of the waiting areas 71 set in each row are set to be adjacent to at least one travel-only area 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, the waiting area 71 and the running-only area 72 are set so that the transport vehicle 20 supplied with the article W at the supply unit 15 can transport the article W to a plurality of receiving units 31. In addition, the waiting area 71 and the running-only area 72 are set so that the transport vehicle 20 can return to the supply unit 15 after transporting the article W to the receiving unit 31 in the passage area E3.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the state of any receiving section 31 is an unacceptable state in which the item W cannot be received, the control system 45 executes a "first waiting process" in which all transport vehicles 20 whose destination for the item W is the unacceptable receiving section 31 are made to wait in the waiting area 71.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs batch processing in which the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information are received in each of the multiple receiving units 31. Also, in this embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one piece of order information. The control system 45 stores the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information in a container 38 (see FIG. 2) arranged adjacent to the receiving unit 31 by batch processing. When the batch processing is performed, in other words, when all of the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information are stored in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to a shipping location. Thereafter, the next container 38 corresponding to the next order information is arranged adjacent to the receiving unit 31, and the control system 45 stores the type and number of items W specified in another piece of order information in the next container 38 by the next batch processing.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control system 45 is configured to perform a first batch process in each of the multiple receiving sections 31 to receive items W of a type and number specified in one piece of order information, and then a second batch process to receive items W of a type and number specified in another piece of order information. In addition, when the state of any of the receiving sections 31 is an incomplete state in which the first batch process has not been completed, the control system 45 executes a "second waiting process" in which all transport vehicles 20 transporting items W for the second batch process with the incomplete receiving section 31 as the destination of the items W are made to wait in the waiting area 71.

[0038] The second batch process may be the next batch process after the first batch process for one receiving section 31, or may be the next batch process after the first batch process for the receiving section 31. For example, the control system 45 may be configured to make all transport vehicles 20 transporting the items W for all batch processes from the next batch process after the first batch process wait in the waiting area 71 with the incomplete receiving section 31 as the destination of the items W in the second waiting process. For example, when the number of transport vehicles 20 transporting the items W for the first batch process or the transport vehicles 20 transporting the items W for the next batch process of the first batch process is less than a predetermined number, the second waiting process may be configured to permit the transport vehicles 20 transporting the items W for the first batch process and the transport vehicles 20 transporting the items W for the next batch process of the first batch process to enter the passage area E3.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the incomplete state of the receiving section 31 is resolved, the control system 45 directs the transport vehicle 20 transporting the items W for the second batch process from the waiting area 71 to the receiving section 31 where the incomplete state has been resolved as the destination of the items W. Note that, in the second waiting process, when the transport vehicle 20 is kept waiting for multiple batch processes, the control system 45 directs the transport vehicle 20 in the waiting area 71 for the batch process close to the first batch process to the receiving section 31.

[0040] Second Embodiment The article sorting equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the floor E on which the multiple transport vehicles 20 travel is one level. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0041] 5 and 6 are top views of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view of the aisle area E3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the turning position 53 is set closer to the second side Y2 in the Y direction than the first end 51. In the illustrated example, the turning position 53 is set at the end portion of the aisle area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the outgoing path 81 in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 51 to the turning position 53 in the passage area E3. In addition, the return path (return passage 82) in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20, which has made a U-turn at the turning position 53 in the passage area E3, travels from the turning position 53 to the first end 51. The outgoing path 81 and the return path (return path 82) are set side by side in the X direction in the passage area E3. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the return path (return path 82) in the X direction in the passage area E3 in the outgoing path 81, and delivers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the outgoing path 81 in the X direction in the return path (return path 82) in the passage area E3 in the return path.

[0043] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article sorting system 10 will be described.

[0044] (1) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which a plurality of supply areas E1, a connection area E2, and a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged on the floor E has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, there may be only one passage area E3. Also, for example, there may be only one supply area E1. Also, for example, there may be only one supply unit 15.

[0045] (2) In the first and second embodiments, the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may be separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E, and may be areas in which the transport vehicle 20 can move. In addition, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a wide floor E. In addition, an area different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3, such as a buffer area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up, may be provided on the floor E.

[0046] (3) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the control system 45 includes a host control device that controls a plurality of transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control system 45 may be, for example, a system in which the control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicates with the control devices of the other transport vehicles 20 and each makes an autonomous decision to operate. In addition, for example, a position information holder does not need to be provided on the floor E, and the position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or the facility.

[0047] (4) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Also, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may not be equipped with the transfer unit 21, and the work subject 16 may transfer the item W on the transport vehicle 20. Also, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with an accommodation chamber in which the item W is accommodated. Also, the control system 45 may be equipped to control a work device that is the work subject 16.

[0048] (5) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which the control system 45 performs the first standby process and the second standby process has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured, for example, in such a manner that the control system 45 does not perform the first standby process or the second standby process. Also, for example, the control system 45 may not perform the first batch process or the second batch process, and an operator may specify the receiving unit 31 for each transport vehicle 20.

[0049] (6) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the control system 45 directs the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving unit 31 when the incomplete state of the receiving unit 31 is resolved. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured, for example, to direct the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving unit 31 before the incomplete state of the receiving unit 31 is resolved. For example, the transport vehicle 20 that has waited in the waiting area 71 for a predetermined time may be configured to head to the receiving unit.

[0050] (7) In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the article sorting equipment 10 includes the supplying and conveying device 17, the receiving and conveying device 35, and the shipping device 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article sorting equipment 10 may not include the supplying and conveying device 17, the receiving and conveying device 35, and the shipping device 36, and an operator or a vehicle operated by the operator may transport the articles W or containers 38.

[0051] (8) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the charging position 42 may be set in, for example, the supply area E1, the passage area E3, another area accessible to the connection area E2, or the like.

[0052] (9) In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the third lifter L3 is arranged adjacent to the return passage 82 has been described as an example. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, a branching section and a junction section may be provided in the return passage 82, and the third lifter L3 may be arranged between the branching section and the junction section. In addition, for example, the third lifter L3 may be arranged adjacent to the waiting area 71. In addition, the article sorting equipment 10 does not need to be equipped with the third lifter L3.

[0053] (10) In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which the waiting area 71 is set in the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the waiting area 71 may be set in the supply area E1, for example. The waiting area 71 may also be set in another area provided on the floor E and connected to the supply area E1 or the connection area E2. For example, the waiting area 71 may also be set only in the second floor F2.

[0054] (11) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Summary of the above embodiment The article sorting equipment described above will now be described.

[0056] The item sorting equipment according to the present disclosure is an item sorting equipment that sorts items by having a plurality of transport vehicles each travel along a floor to transport the items, and includes a supply section that supplies the items to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving sections that are each configured to receive the items from the transport vehicles, and the floor is defined with an aisle area extending in a specific direction along the floor, a supply area in which the supply sections are provided, and a connection area that connects the aisle area and the supply area, the plurality of receiving sections are arranged along the aisle area, and a waiting area is defined in an area other than the aisle area for the transport vehicles to wait before entering the aisle area.

[0057] According to this configuration, when the receiving section to which the transport vehicle is to transport an item is in an unacceptable state and cannot accept the item, the transport vehicle can be made to wait in the waiting area without entering the aisle area. Therefore, by having the transport vehicle wait in a narrow aisle area that is provided to extend along a specific direction, the possibility of a traffic jam of transport vehicles occurring in the aisle area can be reduced. Alternatively, in order to prevent a traffic jam in the aisle area, the need to have the transport vehicle pass through an unacceptable receiving section and run through the aisle area multiple times can be reduced. In this way, according to this configuration, the possibility of a traffic jam of transport vehicles occurring can be reduced.

[0058] In one embodiment, the system is provided with a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, and when the state of any of the receiving sections is an unacceptable state in which the item cannot be received, the control system executes a first waiting process in which all of the transport vehicles whose destination is the unacceptable receiving section are caused to wait in the waiting area.

[0059] According to this configuration, when there is a receiving section that is not available for acceptance, all transport vehicles that are destined for that receiving section can be made to wait in the waiting area. Therefore, even if some receiving sections are not available for acceptance, the supply of articles to the transport vehicles by the supply section can be continued without being stopped. This also reduces the possibility of transport vehicles getting congested in the aisle area. Therefore, it is easy to improve the efficiency of sorting work in the article sorting equipment.

[0060] In one embodiment, the system includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, and the control system is configured to perform a first batch process at each of the multiple receiving sections to receive the items of a type and number specified in one order information, and then a second batch process to receive the items of a type and number specified in another order information, and when the state of any of the receiving sections is an incomplete state in which the first batch process has not been completed, the control system executes a second waiting process in which all of the transport vehicles transporting the items for the second batch process wait in the waiting area, with the incomplete receiving section as the destination of the items.

[0061] According to this configuration, it is possible to perform batch processing in a plurality of receiving sections, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of traffic congestion of transport vehicles in the passage areas due to waiting of the transport vehicles caused by the batch processing, which makes it easier to improve the efficiency of the sorting work in the article sorting equipment.

[0062] In one aspect, when the incomplete state of the receiving section is resolved, the control system preferably directs the transport vehicle transporting the items for the second batch processing from the waiting area to the receiving section where the incomplete state has been resolved as the destination of the items.

[0063] According to this configuration, when the receiving section becomes able to receive the article, the transport vehicle can be driven from the waiting area to the receiving section to transport the article. Therefore, compared to the case where the transport vehicle is made to pass through the receiving section that is not able to receive the article and travel through the passage area multiple times, the travel distance of the transport vehicle can be kept short, and the energy and time wasted by traveling the transport vehicle can be reduced.

[0064] In one embodiment, the system further includes a first lifter and a second lifter for transporting the transport vehicle in an up and down direction, the floor includes a first layer and a second layer arranged at different positions in the up and down direction, the first layer includes the aisle area and the supply area, and the second layer includes a return path along which the transport vehicle runs, the first lifter connects an end of the aisle area to the second layer, the second lifter connects an end of the return path to the first layer, and the waiting area is set on the second layer.

[0065] According to this configuration, a waiting area can be secured while ensuring a wide area for the route of the transport vehicle that receives the article and transports it to the receiving section.

[0066] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle is further provided with a third lifter for transporting the transport vehicle in an upward and downward direction, the connection area is provided on the first layer, the second lifter connects the end of the return passage to the supply area, and the third lifter connects the waiting area to the connection area.

[0067] According to this configuration, the transport vehicle waiting in the waiting area of ​​the second layer can be quickly transported to the connection area by the third lifter without having to pass through the supply section again. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10: Goods sorting equipment 15: Supply section 20: Transport vehicle 31:Reception Department 45: Control Systems 71: Waiting area 82: Return passage 82b :Terminal part E: Floor E1: Supply area E2: Connection area E3: Passage area F1: 1st layer F2: 2nd layer L1: First lifter L2: Second lifter L3: 3rd lifter W:Goods

Claims

1. An article sorting facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a floor to transport articles and sort the articles, supply units each supplying the article to the transport vehicle; a plurality of receivers, each configured to receive the items from the transport vehicle; Equipped with The floor includes: a passage area extending along a particular direction along the floor; a supply area in which the supply unit is provided; a connection area connecting the passage area and the supply area; is set, A plurality of the receiving portions are disposed along the passage area; The article sorting facility, wherein a waiting area is set in an area other than the aisle area, where the transport vehicle waits before entering the aisle area.

2. A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is provided. The item sorting equipment of claim 1, wherein the control system executes a first waiting process in which, when the state of any of the receiving sections is an unacceptable state in which the item cannot be accepted, all of the transport vehicles whose destination for the item is the unacceptable receiving section are made to wait in the waiting area.

3. A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is provided. the control system is configured to perform, in each of the plurality of receiving sections, a first batch process for receiving the items of a type and number specified in one piece of order information, and then a second batch process for receiving the items of a type and number specified in another piece of order information; The item sorting equipment of claim 1, wherein when the state of any of the receiving sections is an incomplete state in which the first batch process has not been completed, the control system executes a second waiting process in which all of the transport vehicles transporting the items for the second batch process are made to wait in the waiting area with the incomplete receiving section as the destination of the items.

4. The item sorting equipment of claim 3, wherein when the incomplete state of the receiving section is resolved, the control system directs the transport vehicle transporting the items for the second batch processing from the waiting area to the receiving section where the incomplete state has been resolved as the destination of the items.

5. The transport vehicle further includes a first lifter and a second lifter for transporting the transport vehicle in a vertical direction, The floor includes a first layer and a second layer disposed at different positions in a vertical direction, The first layer is provided with the passage area and the supply area, A return passage along which the transport vehicle travels is provided on the second level, The first lifter connects a terminal end of the passage area and the second layer, The second lifter connects a terminal end of the return passage and the first layer, The article sorting facility according to claim 1 , wherein the waiting area is set on the second floor.

6. Further, a third lifter is provided to transport the transport vehicle in a vertical direction, The first layer is provided with the connection area, The second lifter connects a terminal end of the return passage and the supply area, The article sorting facility according to claim 5 , wherein the third lifter connects the waiting area and the connection area.

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