Goods sorting equipment

Abstract

To provide an article sorting facility which easily achieves a simple structure.SOLUTION: In a floor E where a plurality of carrying vehicles 20 travel, a first supply area E1a, a second supply area E1b, a connection area E2, a first passage area E3a where a first forward path 63a and a first return path 64a are aligned in an X direction, and a second passage area E3b where a second forward path 63b and a second return path 64b are aligned in the X direction are set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An article sorting facility in which articles are transported by multiple transport vehicles is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-100482 (Patent Document 1) describes an article sorting facility in which articles (W) are transported from a supply section (90) to a receiving section (80) by a transport vehicle (V) traveling on a floor (70). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-100482 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the article sorting equipment of Patent Document 1, a plurality of inlets 81 through which articles W are inserted are disposed in a dispersed manner, and paths for the transport vehicles V are provided surrounding each inlet 81. Therefore, when a plurality of transport vehicles are traveling, there are likely to be many intersections between their travel paths, and it is necessary to control each of the transport vehicles V to avoid interference between the transport vehicles V. This increases the frequency with which the transport vehicles V stop, which poses a problem of reducing the efficiency with which the transport vehicles V transport articles W.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article sorting facility that can easily increase the efficiency of article transportation using multiple transport vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An article sorting facility according to the present disclosure is an article sorting facility that sorts articles by having a plurality of transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport the articles, and includes a first supply unit and a second supply unit that each supply the articles to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving units that are each configured to receive the articles from the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction among directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction along the floor that is perpendicular to the Y direction 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 is provided with a first passage area extending along the Y direction, a second passage area that is arranged on the X direction second side with respect to the first passage area and the second passage area and that extends along the Y direction, a first supply area that is arranged on the Y direction first side with respect to the first passage area and the second passage area and that is provided with the first supply unit, and a second receiving unit that is arranged on the Y direction second side with respect to the first passage area and the second passage area, and a second supply area in which the second supply unit is provided and which is disposed on a first side in the X direction relative to the first supply area; and a connection area which connects the first passage area, the second passage area, the first supply area, and the second supply area to one another; a plurality of receiving units are disposed along the first passage area, and a plurality of receiving units are disposed along the second passage area; in the first passage area, a first outbound path along which the transport vehicle travels from an end of the first passage area on the first side in the Y direction to a first turning position set on the second side in the Y direction of the end, and a first return path along which the transport vehicle travels from the first turning position to the end, are set side by side in the X direction; and in the second passage area, a second outbound path along which the transport vehicle travels from the end of the second passage area on the first side in the Y direction to a second turning position set on the second side in the Y direction of the end, and a second return path along which the transport vehicle travels from the second turning position to the end, are set side by side in the X direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, a transport vehicle receiving an item from the first supply section or the second supply section can transport the item to one of multiple receiving sections arranged along the first aisle area or the second aisle area. This allows the items to be sorted into multiple receiving sections. Furthermore, since the first aisle area and the second aisle area extend along the Y direction, it is easy to arrange multiple receiving sections around the floor E. Furthermore, according to this configuration, each aisle area has an outbound route and a return route set side by side in the X direction, so multiple transport vehicles traveling back and forth within the aisle area are less likely to interfere with each other. Therefore, it is easy to improve the efficiency of transporting items using multiple transport vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article sorting facility according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a travel route of the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] Front view of the aisle area in Figure 1 [Figure 4] Control block diagram of the item sorting equipment in Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the article sorting equipment 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of the article sorting equipment 10. The article sorting equipment 10 sorts the articles W by having a plurality of transport vehicles 20 each travel on a floor E and transport the articles W. The article sorting equipment 10 includes a first supply unit 15a and a second supply unit 15b, each of which supplies the articles W to the transport vehicles 20. The article sorting equipment 10 also includes a plurality of receiving units 30, each of which is configured to receive the articles W from the transport vehicles 20.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a travel route of the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, a work entity 16 transfers an item W to the transport vehicle 20 at the first supply unit 15a and the second supply unit 15b. Here, the "work entity" refers to, for example, one or both of a worker and a work device. The work entity 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 from a supply conveyance device 17 that conveys the item W from an automated warehouse (not shown). Examples of the supply conveyance device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, and an arm-type robot.

[0011] A specific direction along the floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction along the floor E that is perpendicular to the Y direction 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 direction along the vertical 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.

[0012] A first supply area E1a in which a first supply unit 15a is provided and a second supply area E1b in which a second supply unit 15b is provided are defined on floor E. The second supply area E1b is disposed on a second side X2 in the X direction relative to the first supply area E1a. The first supply area E1a and the second supply area E1b are disposed on a first side Y1 in the Y direction relative to a first passage area E3a and a second passage area E3b (described later).

[0013] The floor E is defined with a first passage area E3a extending along the Y direction and a second passage area E3b disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the first passage area E3a and extending along the Y direction. A plurality of receiving units 30 are disposed along the first passage area E3a, and a plurality of receiving units 30 are disposed along the second passage area E3b.

[0014] A connection area E2 is set on floor E, connecting the first supply area E1a, the first passage area E3a, the second supply area E1b, and the second passage area E3b. In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects a first passage end 51a (described later), a second passage end 51b (described later), the first supply area E1a, and the second supply area E1b to each other. The first supply area E1a, the second supply area E1b, the connection area E2, the first passage area E3a, and the second passage area E3b set on floor E may each be an area into which floor E is actually divided, or may be a virtual area. In this embodiment, the boundary between the first supply area E1a and the connection area E2 and the boundary between the second supply area E1b and the connection area E2 are virtual boundaries set on floor E. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the boundary between the first supply area E1a and the second supply area E1b is a virtual boundary (not shown) set on floor E. In this embodiment, both sides of the first passage area E3a and the second passage area E3b in the X direction are outer edges of the floor E.

[0015] Here, the end of the first passage area E3a on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is referred to as the first passage end 51a. The connection area E2 connects the first passage end 51a and the first supply area E1a. In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the first passage end 51a and the first supply area E1a so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. A first connection outbound path 62a is defined in the connection area E2, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first supply area E1a toward the first passage area E3a. Furthermore, a first connection return path 65a is defined in the connection area E2, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first passage area E3a toward the first supply area E1a. In the illustrated example, the first connection outbound path 62a is a linear, continuous path along the Y direction.

[0016] Here, the end of the second passage area E3b on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is referred to as the second passage end 51b. The connection area E2 connects the second passage end 51b and the second supply area E1b. In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the second passage end 51b and the second supply area E1b so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. A second connection outbound route 62b is defined in the connection area E2, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the second supply area E1b to the second passage area E3b. Furthermore, a second connection return route 65b is defined in the connection area E2, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the second passage area E3b to the second supply area E1b. In the illustrated example, the second connection outbound route 62b is a linear, continuous route along the Y direction.

[0017] In the first passage area E3a, a first outbound path 63a along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first passage end 51a to a first turning position 53a set on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the first passage end 51a, and a first return path 64a along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first turning position 53a to the first passage end 51a are set side by side in the X direction. In this embodiment, the first supply area E1a and the first passage area E3a have an overlapping portion when viewed in the Y direction. In addition, the first connection outbound path 62a and the first outbound path 63a are continuous, linear paths along the Y direction.

[0018] In the second passage area E3b, a second outbound path 63b along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the second passage end 51b to a second turning position 53b set on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the second passage end 51b, and a second return path 64b along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the second turning position 53b to the second passage end 51b, are set side by side in the X direction. In this embodiment, the second supply area E1b and the second passage area E3b have an overlapping portion when viewed in the Y direction. In addition, the second connection outbound path 62b and the second outbound path 63b are continuous, linear paths along the Y direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first return path 64a is located closer to the second side X2 in the X direction than the first outbound path 63a, and the second return path 64b is located closer to the first side X1 in the X direction than the second outbound path 63b. The first turning position 53a is located at the end of the first passage area E3a on the second side Y2 in the Y direction. The second turning position 53b is located at the end of the second passage area E3b on the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, a first supply path 61a is set in the first supply area E1a, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side of the first return path 64a in the X direction where the first outgoing path 63a is located. In the example shown in the figure, the first supply path 61a is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels along the X direction. Note that the above-mentioned first supply unit 15a may be disposed at a starting end 81a of the first supply path 61a or at a terminal end 82a of the first supply path 61a. In this embodiment, the first supply unit 15a is disposed midway along the first supply path 61a. In other words, the first supply path 61a is set so as to pass through the first supply unit 15a.

[0021] In this embodiment, a second supply path 61b is set in the second supply area E1b, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side where the second outgoing path 63b is located relative to the second returning path 64b in the X direction. In the example shown, the second supply path 61b is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels along the X direction. Note that the above-mentioned second supply unit 15b may be disposed at a starting end 81b of the second supply path 61b or at a terminal end 82b of the second supply path 61b. In this embodiment, the second supply unit 15b is disposed midway along the second supply path 61b. In other words, the second supply path 61b is set to pass through the second supply unit 15b.

[0022] In this embodiment, a first standby path 71a is set in the first supply area E1a, where the transport vehicle 20 can wait before traveling on the first supply path 61a. This first standby path 71a is located between the starting end 81a and the ending end 82a of the first supply path 61a in the X direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, a second standby path 71b is set in the second supply area E1b, where the transport vehicle 20 can wait before traveling on the second supply path 61b. This second standby path 71b is located between the starting end 81b and the ending end 82b of the second supply path 61b in the X direction.

[0024] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the first passage area E3a, the first supply area E1a, and the first supply unit 15a is set so that the terminal end of the first supply path 61a is located on a linear extension of the first outbound path 63a toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the terminal end 82a of the first supply path 61a is located on a linear extension of the first outbound path 63a toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the second passage area E3b, the second supply area E1b, and the second supply unit 15b is set so that the terminal end of the second supply path 61b is located on a linear extension of the second outbound path 63b toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the terminal end 82b of the second supply path 61b is located on a linear extension of the second outbound path 63b toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 30 are arranged side by side in the Y direction on both sides of the first passage area E3a in the X direction. The transport vehicle 20 is configured to deliver the article W on the first outbound path 63a to a receiving section 30 arranged on the opposite side of the first inbound path 64a in the X direction, and to deliver the article W on the first inbound path 64a to a receiving section 30 arranged on the opposite side of the first outbound path 63a in the X direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving units 30 are arranged side by side in the Y direction on both sides of the second passage area E3b in the X direction. In addition, the transport vehicle 20 is configured to be able to deliver the article W on the second outbound path 63b to a receiving unit 30 arranged on the opposite side in the X direction from the second inbound path 64b, and to be able to deliver the article W on the second inbound path 64b to a receiving unit 30 arranged on the opposite side in the X direction from the second outbound path 63b.

[0028] In this embodiment, the travel path 60a of the transport vehicle 20 that travels from the first supply unit 15a through the first supply path 61a, the connection area E2, the first outbound path 63a, the first turning position 53a, the first return path 64a, the connection area E2, and the first supply path 61a in this order before returning to the first supply unit 15a does not have any intersecting portions. In the illustrated example, the travel path 60a includes the first supply path 61a, the first connection outbound path 62a, the first outbound path 63a, the first return path 64a, and the first connection return path 65a. Note that the travel path 60a does intersect with the travel path of the transport vehicle 20 traveling from the first supply unit 15a to the second passage area E3b.

[0029] In this embodiment, the travel path 60b of the transport vehicle 20 that travels from the second supply unit 15b through the second supply path 61b, the connection area E2, the second outgoing path 63b, the second turning position 53b, the second returning path 64b, the connection area E2, and the second supply path 61b in this order before returning to the second supply unit 15b does not have any intersecting portions. In the illustrated example, the travel path 60b includes the second supply path 61b, the second connecting outgoing path 62b, the second outgoing path 63b, the second returning path 64b, and the second connecting returning path 65b. Note that the travel path 60b does intersect with the travel path of the transport vehicle 20 traveling from the second supply unit 15b to the first passage area E3a.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a front view of the first passage area E3a. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a transfer unit 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving unit 30. The transfer unit 21 is configured so that the placement surface 21a 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 21a in a horizontal position and transported, and is transferred to the receiving unit 30 when the placement surface 21a is in an inclined position. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a running unit 25. The running unit 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on a 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 via contact or non-contact power supply, and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 4) is mounted on the running unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. The transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0031] In this embodiment, a receiving and conveying device 35 is provided in each of the multiple receiving sections 30. The items W transferred to the receiving section 30 are conveyed in the X direction by this receiving and conveying device 35 and stored in containers 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 30. 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 items W specified in one piece of order information are stored in the container 38, the shipping device 36 transports 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.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a charger 41 for charging multiple guided vehicles 20 is disposed between the first return path 64a and the second return path 64b in the X direction. The charger 41 is disposed adjacent to the connection area E2. A charging position 42 for charging the guided vehicles 20 by the charger 41 is also defined in the connection area E2. Charging standby paths 72a and 72b are also defined in the connection area E2, where multiple guided vehicles 20 can wait before being charged by the charger 41. This allows efficient use of the connection area E2, where the first supply unit 15a, the second supply unit 15b, and the receiving unit 30 are not disposed. The charging position 42 is disposed so that multiple guided vehicles 20 can stop there.

[0033] 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% of 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 included in the transport vehicle 20 can be quickly charged. In the example shown in the figure, the transport vehicle 20 moves from the first connection return path 65a or the second connection return path 65b to the charging position 42 and stops there. After charging is completed, the transport vehicle 20 returns to the first connection return path 65a or the second connection return path 65b. 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 included 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.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the article sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a position information detection unit 29 is provided in each of the multiple guided vehicles 20. Position information holders (not shown) are provided at regular intervals along the travel paths (60a, 60b) of the guided vehicles 20 set on the floor E. When the guided vehicles 20 travel along the travel paths (60a, 60b), the position information detection unit 29 of the guided vehicles 20 is configured to detect the position information held by these position information holders. Examples of position information holders include barcodes (one-dimensional codes), two-dimensional codes, and IC tags. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the guided vehicles 20 to a control device 46 included in a control system 45 (described later). In this embodiment, the floor E is divided into multiple virtual unit areas Au (see FIG. 4) that form a grid when viewed in the Z direction. The travel paths of the guided vehicles 20 are set to connect multiple arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. A position information holder is provided, for example, in each virtual unit area Au.

[0035] In this embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 includes a control system 45 that controls the transport vehicle 20. The control system 45 includes a control device 46 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. The control device 46 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main storage device accessible 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 (e.g., the function of controlling the travel of the transport vehicle 20) is realized by cooperation between 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 (e.g., a main storage device or a separately provided storage device). In other words, a program (e.g., an article sorting program) for causing a computer (the computer of the control system 45) to realize each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device accessible by the computer. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. The provided program is then stored in a storage device that can be referenced by a computer. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, the arithmetic processing device included in the control device 46) functions as the "computer." The control device 46 may be configured not as a single piece of hardware, but as a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a host control device that is located in a control facility (not shown) and controls multiple guided vehicles 20, and a control device installed in each guided vehicle 20.

[0036] 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 unit 15. The destination is the receiving unit 30. 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.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the first passage area E3a, the second passage area E3b, the first supply area E1a, and the second supply area E1b are defined as unit area groups, and multiple unit area groups are connected to each other via the connection area E2. In this manner, articles W can be transported by the transport vehicle 20 from multiple supply units (such as the first supply unit 15a and the second supply unit 15b) to multiple receiving units 30 for sorting. For example, articles W can be transported by the transport vehicle 20 from a supply unit (such as the first supply unit 15a and the second supply unit 15b) to a receiving unit 30 along a passage area (such as the first passage area E3a and the second passage area E3b) of a unit area group different from the unit area group in which the supply unit is located, for sorting. Furthermore, in this embodiment, articles W can be transported by the transport vehicle 20 from the first supply unit 15a provided in the first supply area E1a to the receiving unit 30 along the second passage area E3b for sorting. Furthermore, the articles W can be transported by the transport vehicle 20 from the second supply section 15b provided in the second supply area E1b to the receiving section 30 along the first passage area E3ba and sorted.

[0038] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article sorting equipment 10 will be described.

[0039] (1) In the above embodiment, the first inbound path 64a is located closer to the second X2 in the X direction than the first outbound path 63a, and the second inbound path 64b is located closer to the first X1 in the X direction than the second outbound path 63b. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first outbound path 63a may be located closer to the second X2 in the X direction than the first inbound path 64a, and the second inbound path 64b may be located closer to the first X1 in the X direction than the second outbound path 63b. Furthermore, for example, the first inbound path 64a and the first connecting inbound path 65a may be located closer to the first X1 in the X direction than the first outbound path 63a and the first connecting outbound path 62a, and the second inbound path 64b and the second connecting inbound path 65b may be located closer to the second X2 in the X direction than the second outbound path 63b and the second connecting outbound path 62b.

[0040] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the charger 41 for charging the multiple transport vehicles 20 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the charger 41 may be arranged within the connection area E2, or the charger 41 may be arranged adjacent to the first supply area E1a, etc. Furthermore, for example, the article sorting equipment 10 may not be equipped with the charger 41.

[0041] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a plurality of receiving units 30 are arranged on both sides of each of the first passage area E3a and the second passage area E3b in the X direction, and turning positions (first turning position 53a, second turning position 53b) are set at the ends of the second side Y2 in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, receiving units 30 may be arranged on only one side of the first passage area E3a in the X direction. Also, for example, receiving units 30 may be arranged on only one side of the second passage area E3b in the X direction. Also, for example, the first turning position 53a may be arranged midway through the first passage area E3a. Also, for example, the second passage area E3b may be arranged midway through the second passage area E3b.

[0042] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the travel path 60a of the transport vehicle 20 does not have any intersecting portions, and the travel path 60b of the transport vehicle 20 does not have any intersecting portions. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured, for example, so that the travel path 60a or the travel path 60b has an intersecting portion. Furthermore, for example, the first connection outbound path 62a, the first connection inbound path 65a, the second connection outbound path 62b, and the second connection inbound path 65b may overlap. Furthermore, for example, the travel path 60a may include a charging standby path 72a. Furthermore, for example, the travel path 60b may include a charging standby path 72b. Furthermore, for example, the travel path 60a and the travel path 60b do not need to be provided with a position information holder, and the position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be acquired by an image sensor or the like provided in the transport vehicle 20 or the facility.

[0043] (5) In the above embodiment, the first supply area E1a, the second supply area E1b, and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both sides of the first passage area E3a and the second passage area E3b in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the first supply area E1a, the second supply area E1b, the connection area E2, the first passage area E3a, and the second passage area E3b may each be separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E and may be areas within which the transport vehicle 20 can move. Also, for example, the first supply area E1a and the second supply area E1b do not have to be adjacent to each other. Also, for example, the first supply area E1a, the second supply area E1b, the connection area E2, the first passage area E3a, and the second passage area E3b may all be virtual areas set on a large floor E. Furthermore, for example, an area different from the first supply area E1a, the second supply area E1b, the connection area E2, the first passage area E3a, and the second passage area E3b may be provided on the floor E, such as a buffer area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up.

[0044] (6) In the above embodiment, the first supply area E1a and the first passage area E3a have overlapping portions when viewed in the Y direction, the second supply area E1b and the second passage area E3b have overlapping portions when viewed in the Y direction, and the transport vehicle 20 is connected by the connection area E2 to enable travel of the transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first supply area E1a and the first passage area E3a may not have overlapping portions when viewed in the Y direction, and the first connection outbound path 62a and the first outbound path 63a may not be linearly continuous. Furthermore, for example, the second supply area E1b and the second passage area E3b may not have overlapping portions when viewed in the Y direction, and the second connection outbound path 62b and the second outbound path 63b may not be linearly continuous. Furthermore, for example, the connection area E2 may connect the first supply area E1a and the first passage area E3a in a manner that prevents the transport vehicle 20 from traveling therethrough, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transferred by a transfer device between the first supply area E1a or the first passage area E3a and the connection area E2. Furthermore, for example, the connection area E2 may connect the second supply area E1b and the second passage area E3b in a manner that prevents the transport vehicle 20 from traveling therethrough, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transferred by a transfer device between the second supply area E1b or the second passage area E3b and the connection area E2.

[0045] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first supply path 61a and the second supply path 61b are set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels along the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first supply path 61a and the second supply path 61b may be set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels intersecting with the X direction. Furthermore, for example, the first supply path 61a may be set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side of the first outgoing path 63a in the X direction where the first returning path 64a is located. Furthermore, for example, the second supply path 61b may be set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side of the second outgoing path 63b in the X direction where the second returning path 64b is located.

[0046] (8) In the above embodiment, the terminal end 82a of the first supply path 61a is located on a linear extension of the first outgoing path 63a toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction, and the terminal end 82b of the second supply path 61b is located on a linear extension of the second outgoing path 63b toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal end 82a of the first supply path 61a does not have to be on a linear extension of the first outgoing path 63a toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. Also, for example, the terminal end 82b of the second supply path 61b does not have to be on a linear extension of the second outgoing path 63b toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0047] (9) In the above embodiment, the first standby path 71a is disposed between the start end 81a and the end end 82a of the first supply path 61a in the X direction, and the second standby path 71b is disposed between the start end 81b and the end end 82b of the second supply path 61b in the X direction. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the first standby path 71a may be disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the start end 81a of the first supply path 61a. Also, for example, the second standby path 71b may be disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the end end 82b of the second supply path 61b. Also, for example, the first standby path 71a and the second standby path 71b may be disposed in the connection area E2. Also, for example, the first standby path 71a and the second standby path 71b do not have to be provided.

[0048] (10) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article sorting equipment 10 includes multiple unit area groups. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the article sorting equipment 10 may include only one unit area group, for example.

[0049] (11) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 45 includes a host control device that controls a plurality of guided vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each guided vehicle 20. However, without being limited to such an example, the control system 45 may be, for example, a system in which the control device mounted on each guided vehicle 20 communicates with the control devices of other guided vehicles 20 and each makes autonomous decisions and operates.

[0050] (12) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling 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 traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Alternatively, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may not be equipped with the transfer unit 21, and the work entity 16 may transfer the item W on the transport vehicle 20. Alternatively, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with an accommodation chamber in which the item W is stored. Alternatively, for example, the control system 45 may be equipped with a work device that is the work entity 16.

[0051] (13) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article sorting equipment 10 includes a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a 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 a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a shipping device 36, and an operator or a vehicle operated by the operator may transport the articles W or containers 38.

[0052] (14) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first supply path 61a is set in the first supply area E1a and the second supply path 61b is set in the second supply area E1b. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the transport vehicle may be configured to travel so that the first supply path 61a or the second supply path 61b reciprocates in the Y direction. Furthermore, for example, the first supply path 61a may be configured so that the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side of the first outgoing path 63a in the X direction where the first returning path 64a is located. Furthermore, for example, the second supply path 61b may be configured so that the transport vehicle 20 travels toward the side of the second outgoing path 63b in the X direction where the second returning path 64b is located.

[0053] (15) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Summary of the embodiment The article sorting equipment described above will now be described.

[0055] The article sorting equipment according to the present disclosure is an article sorting equipment in which a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a floor to transport the articles, and the article sorting equipment includes a first supply unit and a second supply unit, each supplying the articles to the transport vehicles, and a plurality of receiving units, each configured to receive the articles from the transport vehicles, and the article sorting equipment is configured such that a specific direction along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction along the floor perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y one side in the X direction is an X-direction first side, and the other side in the X direction is an X-direction second side, and the floor is provided with a first passage area extending along the Y direction, a second passage area arranged on the second side in the X direction with respect to the first passage area and extending along the Y direction, a first supply area arranged on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the first passage area and the second passage area and in which the first supply unit is provided, and a second passage area arranged on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the first passage area and the second passage area and in front of the first supply area a second supply area that is disposed on the second side in the X direction and in which the second supply unit is provided; a first passage end that is an end of the first passage area on the first side in the Y direction; a second passage end that is an end of the second passage area on the first side in the Y direction; and a connection area that connects the first supply area and the second supply area to each other; a plurality of the receiving units are disposed along the first passage area, and a plurality of the receiving units are disposed along the second passage area; A first outbound path for the transport vehicle to travel from the end on the first side to a first turning position set on the second side in the Y direction of the end, and a first return path for the transport vehicle to travel from the first turning position to the end are set side by side in the X direction, and in the second passage area, a second outbound path for the transport vehicle to travel from the end on the first side in the Y direction of the second passage area to a second turning position set on the second side in the Y direction of the end, and a second return path for the transport vehicle to travel from the second turning position to the end are set side by side in the X direction.

[0056] According to this configuration, a transport vehicle receiving an item from the first supply section or the second supply section can transport the item to one of multiple receiving sections arranged along the first aisle area or the second aisle area. This allows the items to be sorted into multiple receiving sections. Furthermore, since the first aisle area and the second aisle area extend along the Y direction, multiple receiving sections can be arranged around the periphery of floor E, and sorted items can be moved from the receiving sections without passing through floor E. This makes it easy to simplify the structure of the sorting equipment. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since each aisle area has an outbound route and a return route set up side by side in the X direction, multiple transport vehicles traveling back and forth within the aisle area are less likely to interfere with each other. This makes it easy to improve the efficiency of transporting items using multiple transport vehicles.

[0057] In one embodiment, a first supply path is set in the first supply area along which the transport vehicle runs toward the side where the first outbound path is located relative to the first return path in the X direction, and a second supply path is set in the second supply area along which the transport vehicle runs toward the side where the second outbound path is located relative to the second return path in the X direction.

[0058] This configuration makes it easy to prevent the travel path of a transport vehicle from the first supply unit to the first outbound path in the first passage area from intersecting with the travel path of a transport vehicle from the first return path to the first supply unit. It also makes it easy to prevent the travel path of a transport vehicle from the second supply unit to the second outbound path in the second passage area from intersecting with the travel path of a transport vehicle from the second return path to the second supply unit. This reduces the possibility of a transport vehicle stopping at an intersection of its travel paths to avoid interference with other transport vehicles. This makes it easy to improve the efficiency of transporting items by multiple transport vehicles between the first supply unit or the second supply unit and multiple receiving units.

[0059] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the travel path of the transport vehicle that travels from the first supply unit through the first supply path, the connection area, the first outbound path, the first turning position, the first return path, the connection area, and the first supply path in this order before returning to the first supply unit does not have an intersecting portion, and that the travel path of the transport vehicle that travels from the second supply unit through the second supply path, the connection area, the second outbound path, the second turning position, the second return path, the connection area, and the second supply path in this order before returning to the second supply unit does not have an intersecting portion.

[0060] According to this configuration, the travel path of the transport vehicle from the first supply unit through the first passage area to return to the first supply unit, and the travel path of the transport vehicle from the second supply unit through the second passage area to return to the second supply unit do not intersect, which reduces the possibility of the transport vehicle stopping at an intersection of the travel path to avoid interference with other transport vehicles. Therefore, it is easy to improve the efficiency of transporting articles by the multiple transport vehicles between the first supply unit or the second supply unit and the multiple receiving units.

[0061] In one aspect, it is preferable that the positional relationship between the first passage area, the first supply area, and the first supply unit is set so that the terminal end of the first supply passage is located on a linear extension of the first outbound path toward the first side in the Y direction, and that the positional relationship between the second passage area, the second supply area, and the second supply unit is set so that the terminal end of the second supply passage is located on a linear extension of the second outbound path toward the first side in the Y direction.

[0062] According to this configuration, the first passage area can be reached in the shortest distance from the terminal end of the first supply path, and the second passage area can be reached in the shortest distance from the terminal end of the second supply path. Therefore, after the transport vehicle receives the item, it is easy to keep the travel distance to the receiving section short. Therefore, it is easy to improve the efficiency of transporting items by multiple transport vehicles between the first supply section or second supply section and multiple receiving sections.

[0063] In one aspect, preferably, a first waiting path is set in the first supply area where the transport vehicle can wait before traveling on the first supply path, and a second waiting path is set in the second supply area where the transport vehicle can wait before traveling on the second supply path, the first waiting path being arranged between the start and end of the first supply path in the X direction, and the second waiting path being arranged between the start and end of the second supply path in the X direction.

[0064] With this configuration, the first standby path can be set using the area between the travel path of the transport vehicle from the end of the first supply path to the first passage area and the travel path of the transport vehicle from the first passage area to the start of the first supply path, and the second standby path can be set using the area between the travel path of the transport vehicle from the end of the second supply path to the second passage area and the travel path of the transport vehicle from the second passage area to the start of the second supply path. Therefore, empty areas on the floor can be effectively used to set standby paths for the transport vehicles.

[0065] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the first return path is located on the second side in the X direction of the first outbound path, the second return path is located on the first side in the X direction of the second outbound path, and a charger for charging the plurality of transport vehicles is arranged between the first return path and the second return path in the X direction.

[0066] According to this configuration, when an empty transport vehicle is directed to a charger for charging after delivering an item to the receiving section, it can be directed to the charger along a route that does not intersect with the routes of other transport vehicles.

[0067] In one aspect, preferably, a plurality of the receiving sections are arranged side by side along the Y direction on each side of the first passage area in the X direction, and a plurality of the receiving sections are arranged side by side along the Y direction on each side of the second passage area in the X direction, and the transport vehicle is configured to deliver the item, on the first outbound path, to the receiving section arranged on the opposite side of the first return path in the X direction, and to deliver the item, on the first return path, to the receiving section arranged on the opposite side of the first outbound path in the X direction, and to deliver the item, on the second outbound path, to the receiving section arranged on the opposite side of the second return path in the X direction, and to deliver the item, on the second return path, to the receiving section arranged on the opposite side of the second outbound path in the X direction.

[0068] According to this configuration, in each of the first and second passage areas, articles can be input to the receiving sections on both the outbound and inbound routes, so that sorting of articles into a large number of receiving sections can be efficiently performed using a limited number of passage areas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10: Goods sorting equipment 15a: 1st supply section 15b: 2nd supply section 20: Transport vehicle 30: Acceptance Department 41: Charger 51a: First passage end (first end of the first passage area in the Y direction) 51b: Second passage end (first Y-direction end of second passage area) 53a: First turning position 53b: Second turning position 60a: Travel route 60b: Travel route 61a: 1st supply route 61b: 2nd supply path 63a: First outbound route 63b: 2nd outbound journey 64a: First return trip 64b: 2nd return trip 71a: First waiting route 71b: Second waiting route 81a: Beginning 81b: Beginning 82a: Termination 82b: Termination E: Floor E1a: First supply area E1b: Second supply area E2: Connection area E3a: 1st aisle area E3b: 2nd 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 first supply unit and a second supply unit, each of which supplies 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 has: a first passage area extending along the Y direction; a second passage area disposed on a second side in the X direction with respect to the first passage area and extending along the Y direction; a first supply area in which the first supply unit is provided, the first supply area being disposed on a first side in the Y direction relative to the first passage area and the second passage area; a second supply area in which the second supply unit is provided, the second supply area being disposed on a first side in the Y direction relative to the first passage area and the second passage area and on a second side in the X direction relative to the first supply area; a connection area that connects the first passage area, the second passage area, the first supply area, and the second supply area to one another; is set, A plurality of the receiving portions are arranged along the first passage area, and a plurality of the receiving portions are arranged along the second passage area; In the first passage area, a first outgoing path along which the transport vehicle travels from an end of the first passage area on a first side in the Y direction to a first turning position set on a second side in the Y direction relative to the end, and a first returning path along which the transport vehicle travels from the first turning position to the end are set side by side in the X direction, In the second passage area, a second outbound path for the transport vehicle to travel from an end of the second passage area on the first side in the Y direction to a second turning position set on the second side in the Y direction of the end, and a second return path for the transport vehicle to travel from the second turning position to the end, are set side by side in the X direction.

2. a first supply path along which the transport vehicle travels toward a side where the first outgoing path is disposed with respect to the first return path in the X direction is set in the first supply area; 2. The article sorting equipment according to claim 1, wherein a second supply path is set in the second supply area, along which the transport vehicle travels toward the side where the second outbound path is located relative to the second return path in the X direction.

3. a travel path of the transport vehicle that travels from the first supply unit through the first supply path, the connection area, the first outbound path, the first turning position, the first return path, the connection area, and the first supply path in this order and returns to the first supply unit does not have an intersecting portion; 3. The article sorting equipment according to claim 2, wherein the travel path of the transport vehicle that travels from the second supply section through the second supply path, the connection area, the second outbound path, the second turning position, the second return path, the connection area, and the second supply path in this order before returning to the second supply section does not have any intersecting portions.

4. a positional relationship between the first passage area, the first supply area, and the first supply unit is set so that an end portion of the first supply path is located on a linear extension line of the first outward path toward the first side in the Y direction; 3. The article sorting equipment according to claim 2, wherein the positional relationship between the second passage area, the second supply area, and the second supply section is set so that the end of the second supply path is located on a linear extension of the second outbound path toward the first side in the Y direction.

5. a first waiting path is set in the first supply area, on which the transport vehicle can wait before traveling on the first supply path; a second waiting path is set in the second supply area, on which the transport vehicle can wait before traveling on the second supply path; the first standby path is disposed between a start end and a finish end of the first supply path in the X direction, The article sorting facility according to claim 2 , wherein the second standby path is disposed between the start end and the end end of the second supply path in the X direction.

6. the first return path is located on a second side in the X direction relative to the first outgoing path, and the second return path is located on a first side in the X direction relative to the second outgoing path, The article sorting facility according to claim 1 , wherein a charger for charging the plurality of transport vehicles is disposed between the first return path and the second return path in the X direction.

7. a plurality of the receiving portions are arranged on both sides of the first passage area in the X direction so as to be aligned along the Y direction; a plurality of the receiving portions are arranged on both sides of the second passage area in the X direction so as to be aligned along the Y direction; The transport vehicle is In the first outward path, the article is delivered to the receiving unit that is disposed on the opposite side to the first return path in the X direction, In the first return path, the article is delivered to the receiving unit disposed on the opposite side to the first outward path in the X direction, In the second outward path, the article is delivered to the receiving unit that is disposed on the opposite side to the second return path in the X direction, 6. The article sorting equipment according to claim 1, wherein the second return path is configured to be capable of delivering the article to the receiving section located on the opposite side of the second outward path in the X direction.

Images