Article sorting facility

Abstract

To provide an article sorting facility that is configured so that efficiency in conveying an article by a conveyance vehicle hardly deteriorates.SOLUTION: A plurality of X-direction paths which are paths for a conveyance vehicle 20 that travels along an X direction are set so as to be aligned in a plurality in a Y-direction in a connection area E2. Each one of the X-direction paths is associated with one of a plurality of exit parts 19 as an X-direction correspondence path 51 so that a difference is below one between a maximum value and a minimum value of numbers of exit parts 19 corresponding respectively to the plurality of X-direction paths. When traveling along the X-direction, the conveyance vehicle 20 coming out from the outlet parts 19 to the connection area E2 changes in direction toward an X-direction first side X1 or an X-direction second side X2 on the X-direction correspondence path 51 corresponding to the exit parts 19, and travels on the X-direction correspondence path 51.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] There is known an article sorting facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles transport articles in a logistics warehouse, etc. For example, JP 2020-100482 A (Patent Document 1) describes an article sorting facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles (V) transport articles from a plurality of supply units (90) to a plurality of receiving units (80). [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 system of Patent Document 1, since the transport vehicles (V) travel from one of a plurality of supply units (90) to one of a plurality of receiving units (80), the travel paths of the multiple transport vehicles (V) may overlap. If there are many transport vehicles (V) with overlapping travel paths, traffic congestion of the transport vehicles is likely to occur, resulting in a problem of reduced transport efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article sorting facility in which the efficiency of article transport by transport vehicles is not likely to decrease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The article sorting equipment according to the present disclosure is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles by having a plurality of transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport the articles, the article sorting equipment comprising a plurality of supply units each supplying the articles to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving units each configured to receive the articles from the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, one side of the X direction is defined as an X direction first side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as an X direction second side, and the floor includes a plurality of receiving areas each provided with the receiving unit and arranged in a line in the X direction, and a plurality of supply areas each provided with the supply unit and arranged on the Y direction first side with respect to the plurality of receiving areas, a connecting area is set, and each of the plurality of supply areas has an exit port arranged in the X direction, and the connecting area is an area having an extension in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the plurality of exit ports and the plurality of receiving areas to each other, and in the connecting area, a plurality of X-direction paths which are paths of the transport vehicles traveling along the X direction are set to be aligned in the Y direction, and one of the X-direction paths is associated with each of the plurality of exit ports as an X-direction corresponding path such that a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the number of the exit ports corresponding to each of the plurality of X-direction paths is 1 or less, and the transport vehicles that have come out of each of the exit ports into the connecting area, when traveling along the X direction, change direction toward the first X-direction side or the second X-direction side on the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to the exit port, and travel on the X-direction corresponding path.

[0007] According to this configuration, one X-direction route is associated with each of the multiple exits as an X-direction corresponding route so that the number of exits corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction routes is approximately equal, so that the routes taken by the transport vehicle in the X direction are distributed to the multiple X-direction routes and the degree of congestion of each X-direction route is easily made uniform. Therefore, according to this configuration, congestion of the transport vehicles traveling along the X direction can be prevented, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is not likely to decrease. [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 receiving area in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Control block diagram of the item sorting equipment in Figure 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a first layer of the article sorting installation of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows the second layer of the article sorting installation of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the corresponding connection paths of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a first layer of an article sorting facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first layer of an article sorting facility according to a third embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first layer of an article sorting facility according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 10] 5 is a top view of an article sorting facility according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] Front view of the receiving area in Figure 10 [Figure 12] 6 is a top view of an article sorting facility according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] An article sorting system 10 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a top view of an article sorting equipment 10 that transports articles W by a plurality of transport vehicles 20. The article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment sorts the articles W by each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 traveling on a floor E to transport the articles W. In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes the transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a plurality of supply units 15, and a plurality of receiving units 31. Each of the plurality of supply units 15 is configured to supply articles W to the transport vehicles 20. Each of the plurality of receiving units 31 is configured to receive articles 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] A supply area E1 in which a supply unit 15 is provided and a receiving area E3 in which a receiving unit 31 is provided 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 receiving area E3. A connection area E2 that connects the receiving area E3 and the supply area E1 is also set on the floor E. The connection area E2 is an area that spreads in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the multiple exit units 19 and the multiple receiving areas E3 to each other. The supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving 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 this embodiment, the receiving area E3 has both sides in the X direction that are the outer edges of the floor E.

[0014] In this embodiment, a plurality of supply areas E1 are arranged, each of which is provided with a supply unit 15. A plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged, each of which is provided with a receiving unit 31. The plurality of supply areas E1 are arranged to be aligned in the X direction. The plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged to be aligned in the X direction. The connection area E2 connects the supply areas E1 and the receiving areas E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel between them.

[0015] In this embodiment, the outlets 19 of the multiple supply areas E1 are arranged in line in the X direction on the floor E. In the illustrated example, each of the multiple supply areas E1 is provided with one outlet 19. The supply areas E1 are passage-like areas extending along the Y direction.

[0016] Each of the receiving areas E3 includes an aisle area extending along the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the receiving area E3 is an aisle area. The receiving units 31 are arranged to be lined up in the Y direction along each of the receiving areas E3.

[0017] In this embodiment, the multiple receiving areas E3 are connected to each other via the connection area E2. Here, the end of the receiving area E3 on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is the first end 33. In this embodiment, the multiple receiving areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the floor E, and the first ends 33 of the multiple receiving areas E3 are connected to each other via the connection area E2. In the illustrated example, each of the exits 19 of the multiple supply areas E1 overlaps with the first end 33 of the receiving area E3 when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction. In addition, the connection area E2 connects the exits 19 and the first ends 33 to each other so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged in a line along the Y direction on both sides of the receiving 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.

[0019] In this embodiment, a receiving conveying device 35 is provided for 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 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 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 transports the container 38 to the shipping location. Examples of the receiving 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 holder 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 the 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the transport command of this embodiment, an "outbound route" is set for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the terminal end of the receiving area E3. In addition, in the transport command of this embodiment, a "return route" is set for traveling from the terminal end of the receiving area E3 to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the terminal end of the receiving area E3 is the end of the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the receiving area E3.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In this embodiment, the floor E has a plurality of stories that are installed at different heights in the Z direction, and each story allows the transport vehicle 20 to travel on. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first story F1 of the article sorting equipment 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second story F2 of the article sorting equipment 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the floor E has a first story F1 and a second story F2 that are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second story F2 is arranged above the first story F1, but the second story F2 may also be arranged below the first story F1. In this embodiment, a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a receiving area E3 are provided on the first story F1.

[0026] In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 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 located adjacent to the connection area E2. In addition, the charging position 42 is located so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can stop there.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a first lifting device L1 that is provided to connect the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 and lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the first lifting device L1 is disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the multiple floors E. The first lifting device L1 is also connected to the receiving area E3 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 may autonomously transport the transport vehicle 20 or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the first lifting device L1 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20 along the Z direction, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, a crane, and the like.

[0029] In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a second lifting device L2 that is provided to connect the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 and lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the multiple floors E. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are disposed spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The second lifting device L2 may autonomously transport the transport vehicle 20 or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the second lifting device L2 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20 along the Z direction, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, a crane, and the like.

[0030] In this embodiment, a return passage 81 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other on the second floor F2 by the return passage 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel thereon. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is connected to the return passage 81 and the first floor F1. The second lifting device L2 and the return passage 81 may be directly or indirectly connected thereto. The second lifting device L2 and the supply area E1 may be directly or indirectly connected thereto. The return passage 81 is a part of the above-mentioned return path, and is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting the article W to the receiving section 31 in the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 81 is set to be one-way.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the start end of the return passage 81 and the end end of the receiving area E3. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the end end of the return passage 81 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 81 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 is provided on the second floor F2 to connect the plurality of return passages 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is disposed between the adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. In addition, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E4.

[0032] In the example shown in Fig. 4, in the connection area E2, a plurality of "X-direction routes" which are routes of the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the X direction are set to be lined up in the Y direction. Also, in the connection area E2, a plurality of "Y-direction routes" which are routes of the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the Y direction are set to be lined up in the X direction. In this embodiment, one X-direction route is associated with each of the plurality of exits 19 as an X-direction corresponding route 51. In Fig. 4 etc., an X-direction route which can be the X-direction corresponding route 51 is indicated by an outline arrow extending in the X direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, one X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple outlets 19 as the X-direction corresponding path 51 so that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numbers of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is equal to or less than 1. In the illustrated example, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​is 0.

[0034] 4, in the connection area E2, X-direction paths are set to be aligned in the Y direction in a number equal to or greater than the number of the exits 19. Furthermore, for each of the multiple exits 19, a mutually different X-direction path is associated as an X-direction corresponding path 51. Furthermore, the number of X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is set to be the same as the number of the exits 19, and is the same as the number of the X-direction corresponding paths 51.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the transport vehicle 20 exits from each exit 19 into the connection area E2 and travels along the X direction, it changes direction toward the first X-direction side X1 or the second X-direction side X2 on the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the exit 19, and travels along the X-direction corresponding path 51.

[0036] In this embodiment, the X-direction corresponding paths 51 corresponding to each of the multiple exit portions 19 are set to be closer to the second Y-direction side Y2 as the corresponding exit portion 19 approaches both ends in the X-direction in the connection area E2. Note that when each of the multiple adjacent exit portions 19 is associated with one X-direction corresponding path 51, the multiple exit portions 19 may be treated as one exit portion 19 (in other words, an exit portion set described later).

[0037] Here, the route of the transport vehicle 20 heading toward the exit 19 in each of the multiple supply areas E1 is defined as a supply path 61. Also, the route of the transport vehicle 20 that comes out of each of the multiple exits 19 into the connection area E2 and travels along the Y direction is defined as a Y-direction corresponding path 62. Also, the route of the transport vehicle 20 that travels from the first end 33 in each of the multiple receiving areas E3 toward the terminal end of the receiving area E3 is defined as an incoming receiving path 64. In this embodiment, the supply path 61 is a Y-direction path and is linearly connected to the Y-direction corresponding path 62. Also, the supply path 61 is a one-way path. Also, the incoming receiving path 64 is a one-way path.

[0038] In this embodiment, in the connection area E2, Y-direction paths are set to be aligned in the X-direction in a number equal to or greater than the number of first ends 33, and different Y-direction paths are associated with each of the first ends 33 as corresponding connection paths 63. In the illustrated example, the corresponding connection paths 63 and the receiving outward path 64 are connected in a straight line. Furthermore, the corresponding connection path 63 is a one-way path.

[0039] In this embodiment, the intersections of the Y-direction corresponding paths 62 and the X-direction corresponding paths 51 corresponding to each of the multiple exits 19 are turning positions 75 where the guided vehicles 20 that have come out of each of the exits 19 into the connection area E2 turn toward the first X-direction side X1 or the second X-direction side X2. In the illustrated example, each of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths 51 is a one-way path. At least one of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths 51 is a one-way path that runs in the opposite direction from the turning position 75. Each of the Y-direction paths that can be the Y-direction corresponding paths 62 is a one-way path.

[0040] In this embodiment, the multiple direction change positions 75 are arranged in a V-shape when viewed in the up-down direction. In the illustrated example, the direction change positions 75 are positions that overlap with the outlet portions 19 when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction. Note that when adjacent outlet portions 19 are each associated with one X-direction corresponding path 51 and the respective direction change positions 75 are adjacent to each other, the adjacent direction change positions 75 may be treated as one direction change position 75 (in other words, a direction change position set described later).

[0041] In this embodiment, when the transport vehicle 20 that has entered the connection area E2 from each exit 19 does not need to travel along the X-direction corresponding path 51, it heads toward the first end 33 without turning at the direction change position 75. In the illustrated example, when the transport vehicle 20 heads toward the first end 33 that overlaps with the exit 19 in question as viewed in the Y direction, it does not travel along the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the exit 19, but travels along the corresponding connection path 63 corresponding to the first end 33.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the corresponding connection path 63 and the position 76. FIG. 6 shows only the Y-direction corresponding path 62, the direction change position 75, and the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to one of the multiple exits 19. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51 changes direction toward the Y-direction second side Y2 at a position 76 corresponding to the receiving area E3 of the transport destination in the X direction, and enters the receiving area E3 of the transport destination. The position 76 and the first end 33 are connected by the corresponding connection path 63 corresponding to the first end 33 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In the illustrated example, the position 76 is a position that overlaps with the first end 33 when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the Y-direction corresponding path 62 corresponding to the exit 19 and the corresponding connection path 63 corresponding to the first end 33 are set to overlap when viewed in the Y direction.

[0043] Second Embodiment In the following, an article sorting equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, one X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple outlets 19 as the X-direction corresponding path 51. However, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that multiple outlets 19 are associated with one X-direction corresponding path 51. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first floor F1 of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4. Here, "N" is an integer of 1 or more. "N" may be an integer of 2 or more. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "N" is 2. In this embodiment, the number of the exit sections 19 is N times or more and N+1 times or less the number of X-direction paths that can become the X-direction corresponding paths 51. In addition, either N or N+1 exit sections 19 are associated with each of the X-direction corresponding paths 51. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the number of the exit sections 19 is N times the number of the X-direction corresponding paths 51, and N exit sections 19 are associated with each of the X-direction corresponding paths 51.

[0045] Here, "M" is either N or N+1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, M=N. A set of M outlets 19 associated with one X-direction route is referred to as a corresponding outlet set. In this embodiment, the X-direction corresponding route 51 is set so that the corresponding outlet sets are located on the second Y-direction side Y2 as they approach both ends in the X-direction in the connection area E2. The corresponding outlet set is composed of a plurality of outlets 19 (two in the illustrated example) that are consecutively arranged in the X-direction, for example.

[0046] For example, if N=2 and the number of X-direction paths that can become the X-direction corresponding paths 51 is 4, the number of the exits 19 is 8 to 12, and the number M of the exits 19 constituting the corresponding exit part sets is 2 or 3. Specifically, when the number of the exits 19 is 9, the M of one of the corresponding exit part sets is 3, and the M of the remaining three corresponding exit part sets is 2. When the number of the exits 19 is 10, the M of two of the corresponding exit part sets is 3, and the M of the remaining two corresponding exit part sets is 2. When the number of the exits 19 is 11, the M of three of the corresponding exit part sets is 3, and the M of the remaining one corresponding exit part set is 2. When the number of the exits 19 is 12, the M of all the corresponding exit part sets is 3.

[0047] Moreover, a set of M turnaround positions 75 corresponding to M exits 19 associated with one X-direction route is referred to as a turnaround position set. In this embodiment, a plurality of turnaround position sets are arranged in a V shape when viewed in the up-down direction. A turnaround position set is made up of a plurality of turnaround positions 75 (two in the illustrated example) consecutively lined up in the X direction, for example. In this embodiment, a portion of each of the X-direction routes that can be the X-direction corresponding route 51 is passable in both directions.

[0048] Third embodiment The following describes an article sorting equipment 10 according to the third embodiment with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a connection path 71 is provided. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the first floor F1 of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the M outlet sections 19 constituting the corresponding outlet section set are arranged so as to be continuously lined up in the X direction. Also, the M outlet sections 19 constituting the corresponding outlet section set are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path 51 is a one-way path. Furthermore, at least one of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path 51 is a one-way path that runs in the opposite direction from the specific position 75a. In the illustrated example, in a part of the connection area E2, each of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path 51 is a one-way path that runs in the opposite direction from the specific position 75a. Furthermore, the specific positions 75a are arranged so as to be lined up in a V shape when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, the X-direction path most likely to be the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the exit portion 19 on the first side X1 in the X-direction is a one-way path from the specific position 75a toward the second side X2 in the X-direction. Also, the X-direction path most likely to be the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the exit portion 19 on the second side X2 in the X-direction is a one-way path from the specific position 75a toward the first side X1 in the X-direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, for each of the multiple corresponding outlet section sets, a connection path 71 is set to connect M outlet sections constituting the corresponding outlet section set in the X direction. The connection path 71 is set to connect a Y direction path connected to the specific position 75a and a Y direction path not connected to the specific position 75a. In the illustrated example, the connection path 71 is set to connect a Y direction corresponding path 62 connected to the specific position 75a and a Y direction corresponding path 62 not connected to the specific position 75a. Moreover, the connection path 71 is a one-way path. Moreover, each of the connection paths 71 is a one-way path.

[0053] In this embodiment, the direction change position 75 includes a specific position 75a. The direction change position 75 also includes a one-way change position 75b. The one-way change position 75b is a position where the transport vehicle 20 changes direction in one direction, either the first side X1 in the X direction or the second side X2 in the X direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of direction change positions 75 are located on an X-direction path that can be the X-direction corresponding path 51, one of the plurality of direction change positions 75 is the specific position 75a, and the remaining direction change positions 75 are the one-way change positions 75b. In the illustrated example, the one-way change position 75b is a position where the transport vehicle 20 changes direction in the opposite direction to the direction toward the specific position 75a on the X-direction corresponding path 51.

[0054] [Fourth embodiment] The article sorting equipment 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the number of direction change positions 75 is less than the number of exit portions 19. The following will mainly describe the differences from the third embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the first floor F1 of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, at least one of the connection paths 71 is set to connect the Y-direction corresponding path 62 connected to the specific position 75a and the Y-direction corresponding path 62 that does not intersect with the X-direction corresponding path 51 and does not connect to the specific position 75a. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the connection path 71 is set to connect the first Y-direction corresponding path 62 from the end in the X direction in the connection area E2 and the second Y-direction corresponding path 62 from the end in the X direction in the connection area E2. Therefore, there is no direction change position 75 on the second Y-direction corresponding path 62 from the end in the X direction, and the number of intersections of the travel paths is reduced. In this case, the transport vehicle 20 traveling from the second exit 19 from the end in the X direction to the first end 33 second from the end in the X direction passes through the first Y-direction corresponding path 62 from the end in the X direction.

[0056] Fifth embodiment The following describes an article sorting system 10 according to the fifth embodiment 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 focuses on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a top view of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a front view of the receiving area E3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the turning position 134 is set on the second side Y2 in the Y direction from the first end 33. In the illustrated example, the turning position 134 is set at the terminal portion, which is the end of the receiving area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the receiving outbound path 64 is set in the receiving area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 33 to the turning position 134. Also, in the receiving area E3, the receiving return path 135 is set so that the transport vehicle 20 that has made a U-turn at the turning position 53 travels from the turning position 134 to the first end 33. Also, in the connection area E2, the return path 81 is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 33 to the supply area E1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the receiving outbound path 64 and the receiving return path 135 are set side by side in the X direction in the receiving area E3. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to the receiving section 31 arranged on the opposite side in the X direction to the receiving return path 135 in the receiving area E3 in the receiving outbound path 64, and delivers the article W to the receiving section 31 arranged on the opposite side in the X direction to the receiving outbound path 64 in the receiving area E3 in the receiving return path 135. In this embodiment, the receiving return path 135 is set as a one-way path.

[0060] Sixth embodiment The following describes an article sorting equipment 10 according to a sixth embodiment with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the receiving area E3 does not include an aisle area. The following mainly describes the differences from the fifth embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 12 is a top view of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are provided in each of the plurality of receiving areas E3, and are arranged so as to be lined up in the X direction. Moreover, the plurality of receiving sections 31 provided in the receiving area E3 are arranged so as to be lined up in the X direction. Moreover, a receiving path 164 extending in the X direction is set in the receiving area E3. In the receiving path 164, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to a plurality of receiving sections 31 arranged so as to be lined up in the X direction adjacent to the receiving path 164. In this embodiment, the receiving path 164 is set as a one-way street.

[0062] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article sorting system 10 will be described.

[0063] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the number of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is 0. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the number of outlets 19 corresponding to a certain X-direction path may be two, and the number of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the remaining multiple X-direction paths may be one. Also, for example, in the item sorting equipment 10, another area may be set in which the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the number of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is 2 or more. Also, for example, in the item sorting equipment 10, another area having a dedicated path connecting one outlet 19 in the supply area E1 and one first end 33 in the receiving area E3 may be set adjacent to the connection area E2.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, the number of X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is set to be the same as the number of outlets 19, and is the same as the number of X-direction corresponding paths 51. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the same or different number of X-direction corresponding paths 51 may be associated with each outlet 19. Also, for example, different numbers of X-direction corresponding paths 51 may be associated with one outlet 19, such as three paths and two paths with the remaining outlet 19. Also, for example, the X-direction corresponding paths 51, the Y-direction corresponding paths 62, or the corresponding connection paths 63 may be paths having curved portions rather than straight lines.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, the X-direction corresponding path 51 is set so that the corresponding outlet 19 is closer to the second Y-direction side Y2 as it approaches both ends in the X-direction in the connection area E2. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the X-direction corresponding path 51 may be set so that the corresponding outlet 19 is closer to the second Y-direction side Y2 as it approaches the end of the first X-direction side X1 or the second X-direction side X2 in the connection area E2. Also, for example, the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the outlet 19 at the center in the X-direction may be set so that it is closest to the second Y-direction side Y2. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged so as to be arranged in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged so as to be arranged in a W-shape instead of a V-shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged in a V-shape, which is the opposite of the above embodiment, when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0066] (4) In the above embodiment, the supply area E1 is described as an example of a passage-shaped area extending along the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the supply area E1 may have a planar shape extending in the Y direction and the X direction, and each supply area E1 may be provided with one outlet portion 19.

[0067] (5) In the above embodiment, the receiving area E3 is described as an example of a passage area extending along the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the receiving area E3 may have a planar shape extending in the Y direction and the X direction, and each receiving area E3 may be provided with one receiving section 31. Furthermore, for example, the receiving area E3 may have a passage area and an area other than the passage area.

[0068] (6) In the above embodiment, the floor E includes a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 do not have to be adjacent to each other in the Z direction. Also, for example, the floor E may include three or more floors arranged in the Z direction. Also, for example, a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a receiving area E3 may be provided on the second floor F2, and a return passage 81 may be provided on the first floor F1.

[0069] (7) In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which each of the exit portions 19 of the multiple supply areas E1 overlaps with the first end portion 33 of the receiving area E3 as viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction, and the connection area E2 connects the exit portions 19 and the first end portion 33 to each other so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel between them. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the number of the exit portions 19 of the supply area E1 and the first end portion 33 of the receiving area E3 may not be the same, and any of the exit portions 19 may not overlap with the first end portion 33 as viewed in the Y direction. In addition, for example, the connection area E2 may connect the supply area E1 and the receiving area E3 in a manner that the transport vehicle 20 cannot travel between them, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transferred between the supply area E1 and the receiving area E3 by a transfer device.

[0070] (8) In the above embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51 changes direction toward the Y-direction second side Y2 at a position 76 corresponding to the receiving area E3 of the destination in the X direction, and enters the receiving area E3 of the destination. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51 changes direction toward the Y-direction second side Y2 at an arbitrary position on the X-direction corresponding path 51, and enters the receiving area E3 of the destination. In addition, the position 76 does not have to be a position that overlaps with the first end 33 as viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction.

[0071] (9) In the above embodiment, the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both sides of the receiving 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, and may be, for example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 that are separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E and are areas in which the transport vehicle 20 can move. In addition, for example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a large floor E. In addition, for example, an area different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 may be provided on the floor E, such as a buffer area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up.

[0072] (10) In the above embodiment, 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 control vehicle 20 makes an autonomous decision and operates. In addition, for example, a position information holder may not be provided on the floor E, and position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be acquired by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or the facility. In addition, for example, the item sorting equipment 10 may not be provided with the control system 45.

[0073] (11) In the above embodiment, 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 a storage chamber in which the item W is stored. Also, the control system 45 may be equipped to control a work device that is the work subject 16.

[0074] (12) In the above embodiment, 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.

[0075] (13) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example 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 receiving area E3, or another area accessible to the connection area E2.

[0076] (14) In the above embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 is described as having a first lifting device L1 and a second lifting device L2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the article sorting equipment 10 may not have the first lifting device L1, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transported by a lifting device, passage, etc. that connects the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Also, for example, the second lifting device L2 may connect the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the passage connection area E4 of the second floor F2.

[0077] (15) 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.

[0078] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described article sorting equipment will now be described.

[0079] The article sorting equipment according to the present disclosure is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles by having a plurality of transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport the articles, the article sorting equipment comprising a plurality of supply units each supplying the articles to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving units each configured to receive the articles from the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, one side of the X direction is defined as an X direction first side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as an X direction second side, and the floor includes a plurality of receiving areas each provided with the receiving unit and arranged in a line in the X direction, and a plurality of supply areas each provided with the supply unit and arranged on the Y direction first side with respect to the plurality of receiving areas, a connecting area is set, and each of the plurality of supply areas has an exit port arranged in the X direction, and the connecting area is an area having an extension in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the plurality of exit ports and the plurality of receiving areas to each other, and in the connecting area, a plurality of X-direction paths which are paths of the transport vehicles traveling along the X direction are set to be aligned in the Y direction, and one of the X-direction paths is associated with each of the plurality of exit ports as an X-direction corresponding path such that a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the number of the exit ports corresponding to each of the plurality of X-direction paths is 1 or less, and the transport vehicles that have come out of each of the exit ports into the connecting area, when traveling along the X direction, change direction toward the first X-direction side or the second X-direction side on the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to the exit port, and travel on the X-direction corresponding path.

[0080] According to this configuration, one X-direction route is associated with each of the multiple exits as an X-direction corresponding route so that the number of exits corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction routes is approximately equal, so that the routes taken by the transport vehicle in the X direction are distributed to the multiple X-direction routes and the degree of congestion of each X-direction route is easily made uniform. Therefore, according to this configuration, congestion of the transport vehicles traveling along the X direction can be prevented, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is not likely to decrease.

[0081] In one embodiment, preferably, each of the multiple receiving areas includes an aisle area extending along the Y direction, and the multiple receiving sections are arranged in line in the Y direction along each of the multiple aisle areas.

[0082] According to this configuration, compared to a case where there is no aisle area in the receiving area, it is possible to increase the number of receiving sections of the article sorting equipment while keeping the number of routes for the transport vehicles traveling along the Y direction in the connecting area small. Therefore, it is possible to prevent congestion of the transport vehicles traveling in the connecting area, and it is easy to improve the efficiency of transporting articles by the transport vehicles.

[0083] In one aspect, it is preferable that the transport vehicle that has been traveling along the X-direction corresponding path changes direction toward the second side in the Y direction at a position corresponding to the receiving area of ​​the destination in the X direction, and enters the receiving area of ​​the destination.

[0084] According to this configuration, the transport vehicle that receives the supply of the article at any one of the plurality of supply units can transport the article to any one of the plurality of receiving units provided in the plurality of receiving areas, thereby making it possible to sort the articles into the plurality of receiving units.

[0085] As one aspect, it is preferable that, in the connection area, the X-direction paths are set so as to be aligned in the Y direction in a number equal to or greater than the number of the exit ports, and each of the plurality of exit ports is associated with a different X-direction path as the X-direction corresponding path.

[0086] According to this configuration, since each of the multiple exits is associated with a different X-direction path as an X-direction corresponding path, transport vehicles coming out of multiple exits do not travel the same X-direction path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a transport vehicle that has traveled along the X-direction path after leaving one exit has to stop and wait for a transport vehicle that has come out of another exit and is changing direction on the X-direction path. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of congestion of transport vehicles traveling along the X direction, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is less likely to decrease.

[0087] As one aspect, it is preferable that the number of the exit portions is N or more and N+1 or less times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) the number of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths, and that either N or N+1 of the exit portions are associated with each of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths.

[0088] According to this configuration, since the number of X-direction paths that can be X-direction corresponding paths can be kept small compared to the case where different X-direction paths are associated with each of the multiple exits as X-direction corresponding paths, the size of the connection area in the Y direction can be easily kept small. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for cases where the space that can be secured as the connection area is limited or where it is desired to secure a large length in the Y direction of the receiving area.

[0089] As one aspect, a set of M (M is either N or N+1) exit sections associated with one of the X-direction routes is defined as a corresponding exit section set, the M exit sections constituting the corresponding exit section set are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, a connection route is set for each of the corresponding exit section sets in the X direction to connect the M exit sections constituting the corresponding exit section set, at least one of the X-direction routes that can be the X-direction corresponding route is a one-way route running in opposite directions from a specific position, a plurality of Y-direction routes that are routes of the transport vehicles traveling along the Y direction are set in the connection area to be lined up in the X direction, and the connection route is set to connect the Y-direction route connected to the specific position and the Y-direction route not connected to the specific position.

[0090] According to this configuration, each of the M exits constituting one corresponding exit set can travel along a connecting path and move to a Y-direction path corresponding to another exit in the corresponding exit set. Therefore, for example, when two transport vehicles exit the same exit in succession, one of the transport vehicles can be moved to a Y-direction path corresponding to another exit via a connecting path, thereby making it possible to prevent congestion at a direction change position that is an intersection point between one Y-direction path and an X-direction path. Therefore, according to this configuration, even when one X-direction path is shared by multiple exits, congestion of transport vehicles can be prevented, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is unlikely to decrease.

[0091] As one aspect, it is preferable that a set of M (M is either N or N+1) outlet parts corresponding to one of the X-direction routes is defined as a corresponding outlet part set, and the X-direction corresponding route is set such that the corresponding outlet part sets are located on the second side in the Y direction as they approach both ends in the X direction in the connection area.

[0092] According to this configuration, as the distance in the Y direction from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases, the possibility that the transport vehicle will be blocked by other transport vehicles from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Also, as the transport vehicle approaches both ends in the X direction in the connection area, the possibility that the transport vehicle will be blocked by other transport vehicles from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is easy to adjust the ease of travel of the transport vehicle from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path for each of the multiple supply areas to the same degree. This reduces the possibility that transport vehicles that stop and wait for other transport vehicles will concentrate near the exit of a specific supply area, so that the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles in the entire article sorting facility is unlikely to decrease.

[0093] As one aspect, it is preferable that a route of the transport vehicle that comes out of each of the multiple exits into the connection area and travels along the Y direction is defined as a Y-direction corresponding route, and an intersection of the Y-direction corresponding route and the X-direction corresponding route corresponding to each of the multiple exits is a turning position where the transport vehicle that comes out of each of the exits into the connection area turns toward the first side in the X direction or the second side in the X direction, and a set of M of the turning positions corresponding to M of the exits (M is either N or N+1) that are associated with one of the X-direction routes is defined as a turning position set, and the multiple turning position sets are arranged so as to be aligned in a V shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0094] According to this configuration, as the distance in the Y direction from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases, the possibility that the transport vehicle will be blocked by other transport vehicles from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Also, as the transport vehicle approaches both ends in the X direction in the connection area, the possibility that the transport vehicle will be blocked by other transport vehicles from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is easy to adjust the ease of travel of the transport vehicle from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path for each of the multiple supply areas to the same degree. This reduces the possibility that transport vehicles that stop and wait for other transport vehicles will concentrate near the exit of a specific supply area, so that the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles in the entire article sorting facility is unlikely to decrease. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10: Goods sorting equipment 15: Supply section 19:Exit part 20: Transport vehicle 31:Reception Department 51: X-direction corresponding route 62: Y-direction corresponding path 71: Connection path 75: Turning position 75a:Specific position E: Floor E1: Supply area E2: Connection area E3: Reception area, aisle area 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, A plurality of supply units each supplying the article to the transport vehicle; a plurality of receivers, each configured to receive the item from the transport vehicle; Equipped with A specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, one side of the X direction is defined as an X direction first side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as an X direction second side, The floor includes: A plurality of receiving areas each including the receiving portion and arranged in the X direction; a plurality of supply areas each including the supply unit and disposed on a first side in the Y direction with respect to the plurality of receiving areas; The connection area, is set, The outlet portions of the plurality of supply areas are arranged to be aligned in the X direction, The connection area is an area extending in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the plurality of outlets and the plurality of receiving areas to each other, In the connection area, a plurality of X-direction paths, which are paths of the transport vehicles traveling along the X-direction, are set to be aligned in the Y-direction, one of the X-direction paths is associated with each of the plurality of outlets as an X-direction corresponding path such that a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the number of the outlets corresponding to each of the plurality of X-direction paths is 1 or less; When the transport vehicle exits the connection area from each of the exits and travels along the X direction, the transport vehicle changes direction toward the first side in the X direction or the second side in the X direction on the X-direction corresponding path that corresponds to the exit, and travels along the X-direction corresponding path.

2. Each of the receiving areas includes a passage area extending along the Y direction, The article sorting facility according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the receiving sections are arranged in line in the Y direction along each of the plurality of aisle areas.

3. 3. The item sorting equipment according to claim 1, wherein the transport vehicle traveling along the X-direction corresponding path changes direction toward the second side in the Y-direction at a position corresponding to the receiving area of ​​the destination in the X-direction and enters the receiving area of ​​the destination.

4. In the connection area, the X-direction paths are set so as to be aligned in the Y-direction in a number equal to or greater than the number of the outlets, The article sorting facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the X-direction paths different from one another are associated with each of the plurality of outlets as the X-direction corresponding paths.

5. the number of the outlets is N times or more and N+1 times or less (N is an integer of 2 or more) the number of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths, 3. The article sorting facility according to claim 1, wherein either N or N+1 of the exit ports are associated with each of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding paths.

6. A set of M (M is either N or N+1) outlets associated with one of the X-direction paths is defined as a corresponding outlet set, The M outlet portions constituting the corresponding outlet portion set are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, For each of the plurality of corresponding outlet portion sets, a connection path is set that connects the M outlet portions constituting the corresponding outlet portion set in the X direction, At least one of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path is a one-way path that runs in an opposite direction from a specific position, In the connection area, a plurality of Y direction paths, which are paths of the transport vehicles traveling along the Y direction, are set to be aligned in the X direction, The article sorting facility according to claim 5 , wherein the connection path is set to connect the Y direction path connected to the specific position and the Y direction path not connected to the specific position.

7. A set of M (M is either N or N+1) outlets associated with one of the X-direction paths is defined as a corresponding outlet set, The article sorting facility according to claim 5 , wherein the X-direction corresponding paths are set so that the corresponding pairs of outlet sections are positioned closer to the second Y-direction side as they approach both ends of the connection area in the X-direction.

8. a route of the transport vehicle that comes out of each of the plurality of exits into the connection area and travels along the Y direction is defined as a Y-direction corresponding route; an intersection of the Y-direction corresponding path and the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to each of the plurality of exits is a direction change position at which the transport vehicle that has come out of each of the exits into the connection area changes direction toward the first side in the X direction or the second side in the X direction, A set of M turning positions corresponding to M (M is either N or N+1) exit portions associated with one of the X-direction paths is defined as a turning position set, The article sorting facility according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of direction change position sets are arranged in a V shape when viewed in the up-down direction.

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