Sorting Station

Abstract

Provided is a sorting station (5) that allows a worker to perform sorting work for items (B1) to be conveyed, the sorting station comprising: a lower buffer line (51) including a circular first conveyance path (53) that conveys the items (B1) in one direction and having a work location (55) provided in a portion of the first conveyance path (53) for the worker to perform the sorting work; an upper buffer line (61) including a second conveyance path (63) that conveys the items (B1) in one direction from one end (61a) to the other end (61b) and that is connected, at said one end (61a) and said other end (61b), to a main conveyance device (3) that conveys the items (B1), the upper buffer line (61) being provided above the first conveyance path (53); and a lift device (71) that conveys the items (B1) in the vertical direction and transfers the items (B1) between the first conveyance path (53) and the second conveyance path (63).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a sorting station.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a picking system that takes out articles of a type and quantity that match the order of the destination from each of the storage sections provided for each type of article, aggregates them, and stores them in a container. The picking system includes a storage section where articles are stored by type, a sorting station (sorting section) where an operator sorts articles of a type and quantity based on an order, and a conveying device (conveying means) that conveys articles between the storage section and the sorting station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a picking system, there is a desire to arrange many storage shelves for temporarily storing products or containers for storing products for sorting work at the sorting station around the work location where the operator performs the sorting work, or to secure a wide space around the work location in order to improve the workability of the operator during the sorting work. However, in the above conventional picking system, the work location of the operator and the main conveying device are often installed at the same level (height), and the space around the work location may be restricted by the main conveying device. Furthermore, in order to increase the sorting volume in line with the recent increase in the number of shipments, there is a desire to store a large number of conveyed objects to be sorted.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a sorting station that can secure ample space around the work area where workers perform sorting tasks, and can also secure sufficient storage capacity for the transported items to be sorted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention is a sorting station in which workers perform sorting work on objects to be transported, and comprises a lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports objects to be transported in one direction, with a work area provided in a part of the first transport path where workers perform sorting work; an upper buffer line provided above the first transport path, having a second transport path that transports objects to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, with one end and the other end connected to a main transport device that transports objects to be transported; and a lift device that transports objects in a vertical direction and exchanges objects between the first transport path and the second transport path.

[0007] In this configuration, the materials to be sorted can be stored in separate upper and lower buffer lines, thus ensuring a sufficient storage capacity for the materials to be sorted. Furthermore, in this configuration, the work area where the worker performs the sorting is located on the lower buffer line, and since this lower buffer line is at a different level from the upper buffer line to which the main conveying device is connected, the main conveying device is positioned at a different level (height) than the work area. As a result, the space around the worker's work area is not restricted by the main conveying device, allowing for ample space around the work area.

[0008] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the second transport path may be formed in a U-shape in a plan view taken from the vertical direction. This configuration allows for space saving while ensuring sufficient storage capacity for the transported items.

[0009] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the drive unit of the lifting device may be located in an area surrounded by a circular first transport path. In this configuration, the drive unit can be positioned using the dead space surrounded by the circular first transport path. This prevents the space around the work area from being restricted by the drive unit.

[0010] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper buffer line may have a connecting transport path that connects a first relay section downstream of one end in the second transport path and a second relay section downstream of the first relay section and upstream of the other end in the second transport path. In this configuration, the items to be transported for the worker's sorting work can be transported back to the work area without being returned to the main transport device. This improves the processing capacity of the sorting work.

[0011] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the loading of items to be transported from the first transport path to the lift device and the unloading of items to be transported from the lift device to the first transport path may be performed simultaneously, and the loading of items to be transported from the second transport path to the lift device and the unloading of items to be transported from the lift device to the second transport path may also be performed simultaneously. In this configuration, the time required to transfer items to the lift device and the time required to transfer items from the lift device can be reduced.

[0012] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper buffer lines may be arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction. This configuration allows for the storage of more items in the sorting station.

[0013] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the lifting device may be provided to transport multiple items simultaneously. This configuration can improve the transporting capacity of the lifting device.

[0014] In a sorting station according to one aspect of the present invention, the work area in the lower buffer line may be located below the portion of the main conveying device that extends linearly in one direction. In this configuration, a path for workers to move can be secured below the linearly arranged main conveying device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to secure a wide space around the work area where the worker performs sorting work, and to secure a storage capacity for the transported items to be sorted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a sorting station according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sorting station shown in Figure 1, but from a different angle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing enlarged portions of the first and second transport paths. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the area around the sorting station in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the second transport path. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sorting station in the modified configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a modified picking system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The sorting station 5 according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0018] The sorting station 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a system that supports the sorting operation (picking) of accommodating articles of types and quantities according to the orders of the destinations in a delivery box (object to be conveyed) B1. More specifically, the sorting station 5 takes in the delivery box B1 conveyed in the main conveying device 3 and provides an operator with a working location 55 for accommodating articles of types and quantities according to the orders of the destinations in the taken-in delivery box B1. An example of an upstream process of the sorting operation is a process of assembling the foldable delivery box B1 into a box shape, and an example of a downstream process is a process of reloading the articles accommodated in the delivery box B1 onto a cardboard box for delivery.

[0019] The main conveying device 3 conveys the delivery box B1 conveyed from the upstream process to each sorting station 5 and conveys the delivery box B1 unloaded from each sorting station 5 to the downstream process. The main conveying device 3 conveys the delivery box B1 in one direction. The type of the main conveying device 3 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of types of conveying devices may be combined and configured. The main conveying device 3 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a main conveying roller 31 and a branch conveying roller 33.

[0020] The main conveying roller 31 is a roller conveyor that supports from below the bottom surface of the delivery box B1 and conveys it in one direction. The branch conveying roller 33 is disposed at a connection portion to the second conveying path 63 of the sorting station 5, which will be described in detail later. The branch conveying roller 33 conveys the delivery box B1 in the above-mentioned one direction and conveys the delivery box B1 in a direction (X direction) orthogonal to the above-mentioned one direction. That is, the branch conveying roller 33 can load and unload the delivery box B1 to and from the second conveying path 63. Since the configuration of the branch conveying roller 33 is the same as that of the first conversion conveying path 53B, which will be described in detail later, a detailed description here is omitted.

[0021] The sorting station 5 constitutes a working location 55 where the sorting operation of articles by an operator is carried out. The sorting station 5 includes a lower buffer line 51, an upper buffer line 61, and a lift device 71.

[0022] The lower buffer line 51 has a circular first transport path 53 that transports the delivery boxes B1 in one direction. The lower buffer line 51 is provided with a work area 55 in a part of the first transport path 53 where workers perform sorting work. The first transport path 53 is composed of a first straight transport path 53A and a first switching transport path 53B. The first straight transport path 53A supports the bottom surface of the delivery boxes B1 from below and transports them in only one direction. The type of the first straight transport path 53A is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor.

[0023] The first switching transport path 53B transports the delivery box B1 along one direction (X direction) and also transports the delivery box B1 by switching the transport direction to a direction perpendicular to the one direction (Y direction). More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first switching transport path 53B has long rollers 53Ba and rotating rollers 53Bb. The long rollers 53Ba are arranged along the transport direction (X direction) of the delivery box B1. Multiple rotating rollers 53Bb are arranged between adjacent long rollers 53Ba and along the extending direction (Y direction) of the long rollers 53Ba.

[0024] The long roller 53Ba is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction between an extended position located at a first height and a retracted position located at a second height lower than the first height. In the first switching conveying path 53B, when the long roller 53Ba is in the retracted position, the height position of the rotating roller 53Bb (the position that supports the delivery box B1 from below) is higher than the height position of the long roller 53Ba (the position that supports the delivery box B1 from below).

[0025] In the first switching transport path 53B, the delivery box B1 is transported in the X direction by rotating all or some of the long rollers 53Ba while the long rollers 53Ba are in their normal position. In the first switching transport path 53B, the delivery box B1 is transported in the Y direction by rotating the rotating rollers 53Bb while the long rollers 53Ba are in their retracted position. In other words, the delivery box B1 can be moved in both the Y and X directions in the first switching transport path 53B.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work area 55 is where workers perform sorting work on items, as described above. More specifically, it is the stopping position for the delivery box B1, with a workspace for workers located nearby. The work area 55 may also be equipped with a terminal device 81 and a completion button for indicating completion of work. The display unit of the terminal device 81 shows the type (product name) and number of items to be placed in the delivery box B1 by the worker based on the order described above. Based on the information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 81, the worker places the items into the delivery box B1 that is being transported and presses the completion button. Once the completion button is pressed, the type and number of items to be placed in the delivery box B1 next are displayed on the display unit. In this embodiment, the work area 55 is located below (directly below) the portion of the main transport device 3 that extends linearly in the Y direction.

[0027] The upper buffer line 61 has a second transport path 63 that transports the delivery box B1 in one direction from one end to the other. The second transport path 63 is connected to the main transport device 3 at one end 61a and the other end 61b. In this embodiment, the second transport path 63 is formed in a U shape in a plan view from the vertical direction, and the upper buffer line 61 is provided above the lower buffer line 51. In this embodiment, the lower buffer line 51 and the upper buffer line 61 are provided so that the first transport path 53 and the second transport path 63 overlap in a plan view.

[0028] The second conveying path 63 comprises a second straight conveying path 63A and a second switching conveying path 63B. The second straight conveying path 63A supports the delivery box B1 from below its bottom surface and conveys it in only one direction. The type of the second straight conveying path 63A is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor. The second switching conveying path 63B conveys the delivery box B1 along one direction (X direction) and also conveys the delivery box B1 by switching the conveying direction to a direction perpendicular to that direction (Y direction). More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the second switching conveying path 63B has long rollers 63Ba and rotating rollers 63Bb. The long rollers 63Ba are arranged along the conveying direction (X direction) of the delivery box B1. Multiple rotating rollers 63Bb are arranged between adjacent long rollers 63Ba and along the extending direction (Y direction) of the long rollers 63Ba. Since the configuration of the second switching transport path 63B, which allows the delivery box B1 to move in both the Y and X directions, is the same as that of the first switching transport path 53B, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lift device 71 transports the delivery box B1 in the vertical direction and exchanges the delivery box B1 between the first transport path 53 and the second transport path 63. In this embodiment, the lift device 71 is positioned slightly downstream of one end 61a of the second transport path 63. The position of the lift device 71 is not limited to this position, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a position where the delivery box B1 can be loaded into and unloaded from the second transport path 63 and the first transport path 53. The lift device 71 includes a movable body 73, a movable body drive unit (drive unit) 75, a transport roller 77, and a transport drive unit 79. The movable body 73 is provided to be movable in the vertical direction and moves in the vertical direction when the driving force of the movable body drive unit 75 is transmitted to it. The movable body drive unit 75 is positioned in the area surrounded by the circumferential first transport path 53.

[0030] Multiple transport rollers 77 are arranged on the mobile body 73. Some or all of the transport rollers 77 are drive wheels driven by a transport drive unit 79. The transport rollers 77 rotate when the driving force of the transport drive unit 79 is transmitted to the drive wheels, and the delivery box B1 is carried from the first transport path 53 or the second transport path 63 to the center of the mobile body 73. Similarly, the transport rollers 77 rotate when the driving force of the transport drive unit 79 is transmitted to the drive wheels, and the delivery box B1 is carried out from the center of the mobile body 73 to the first transport path 53 or the second transport path 63. The mobile body 73 moves in the Z direction with the delivery box B1 positioned in the center of the mobile body. The transport drive unit 79 is provided on the frame that constitutes the mobile body 73.

[0031] In this embodiment, the loading operation of the delivery box B1 from the first transport path 53 to the lift device 71 and the unloading operation of the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the first transport path 53 are performed simultaneously. Also, the loading operation of the delivery box B1 from the second transport path 63 to the lift device 71 and the unloading operation of the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the second transport path 63 are performed simultaneously. In this embodiment, the loading direction of the delivery box B1 from the first transport path 53 to the lift device 71 coincides with the unloading direction of the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the first transport path 53, and the loading direction of the delivery box B1 from the second transport path 63 to the lift device 71 coincides with the unloading direction of the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the second transport path 63. In Figures 1 and 2, the lift device 71 is shown as a box shape along the direction of movement of the movable body 73, but such a cover-like housing may or may not be provided.

[0032] The operation of loading the delivery box B1 from the first transport path 53 to the lift device 71 may be performed in conjunction with the operation of unloading the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the first transport path 53. Similarly, the operation of loading the delivery box B1 from the second transport path 63 to the lift device 71 may be performed in conjunction with the operation of unloading the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the second transport path 63.

[0033] Next, the movement of the delivery box B1 in the sorting station 5 described above will be explained. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the delivery box B1 brought in from the main conveying device 3 is transported along the second conveying path 63 to the lifting device 71. The delivery box B1 that has been transported to the lifting device 71 is transported downward by the lifting device 71 and brought out onto the first conveying path 53. The delivery box B1 brought out onto the first conveying path 53 is transported to the work area 55, where workers put items into the work area 55 according to the order. After that, the delivery box B1 is transported back to the lifting device 71 via the first conveying path 53. The delivery box B1 that has been transported to the lifting device 71 is transported upward by the lifting device 71 and brought out onto the second conveying path 63. The delivery box B1 that has been brought out onto the second conveying path 63 is transported to the other end 61b of the second conveying path 63 and brought out onto the main conveying device 3.

[0034] The effects and advantages of the sorting station 5 in the above embodiment will now be explained. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, the delivery boxes B1 to be sorted can be stored in an upper buffer line 61 and a lower buffer line 51, so that a sufficient amount of delivery boxes B1 to be sorted can be stored. In addition, in this configuration, the work area 55 where the worker performs the sorting work is provided on the lower buffer line 51, and the lower buffer line 51 is provided at a different level (height) than the upper buffer line 61 to which the main conveying device 3 is connected, so that the main conveying device 3 is positioned at a different level from the work area 55. As a result, the space around the work area 55 where the worker performs the sorting work is not restricted by the main conveying device 3, so that a wide space can be secured around the work area 55.

[0035] In the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, the second transport path 63 is formed in a U-shape in a plan view, so that space can be saved while still ensuring a sufficient storage capacity for the delivery boxes B1.

[0036] In the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, the mobile body drive unit 75 of the lift device 71 is positioned in an area surrounded by the circumferential first transport path 53. This allows the mobile body drive unit 75 to be positioned using the dead space surrounded by the circumferential first transport path 53. As a result, the restriction of space around the work area 55 by the mobile body drive unit 75 can be suppressed.

[0037] In the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, the loading of delivery boxes B1 from the first transport path 53 to the lift device 71 is performed simultaneously with the unloading of delivery boxes B1 from the lift device 71 to the first transport path 53, and the loading of delivery boxes B1 from the second transport path 63 to the lift device 71 is performed simultaneously with the unloading of delivery boxes B1 from the lift device 71 to the second transport path 63. This reduces the time required to transfer delivery boxes B1 to the lift device 71 and the time required to transfer delivery boxes B1 from the lift device 71. Furthermore, such operations can effectively increase the transport processing capacity in a configuration where only one lift device 71 is provided to connect the first transport path 53 and the second transport path 63. Furthermore, the operation of loading the delivery box B1 from the first transport path 53 to the lift device 71 may be performed in succession to the operation of unloading the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the first transport path 53, and the operation of loading the delivery box B1 from the second transport path 63 to the lift device 71 may be performed in succession to the operation of unloading the delivery box B1 from the lift device 71 to the second transport path 63.

[0038] In the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, the work area 55 in the lower buffer line 51 is located below the portion of the main conveying device 3 that extends linearly in one direction, so that a path for workers to move can be secured below the linearly arranged main conveying device 3.

[0039] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which items based on an order are placed at the work area 55 by a worker. However, the items based on the order may also be picked from the delivery box B1 by a worker. Even in this case, it is possible to provide a sorting station that can secure ample space around the work area where the worker performs the picking work, and that can also secure sufficient storage capacity for the items to be picked.

[0040] Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0041] (Variation 1) In the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment, an example was given in which the second transport path 63 constituting the upper buffer line 61 is formed in a U-shape in a plan view. However, in addition to this configuration, there may also be a connecting transport path 69 as shown in Figure 5. The second transport path 63 transports the delivery box B1 in one direction from one end 61a to the other end 61b, and both the one end 61a and the other end 61b are connected to the main transport device 3. The connecting transport path 69 connects the first relay section 61c downstream of the one end 61a in the second transport path 63 and the second relay section 61d upstream of the other end 61b in the second transport path 63. The configuration of the first relay section 61c and the second relay section 61d is the same as the configuration of the first switching transport path 53B.

[0042] In the sorting station 5 according to Modification 1, the delivery box B1 containing the items to be sorted by the worker can be transported to the work area 55 again by transporting it from the second relay section 61d through the connecting transport path 69 to the first relay section 61c, without returning it to the main transport device 3 from the other end 61b. This improves the processing capacity of the sorting work.

[0043] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment and modified sorting station 5, an example was given in which the upper buffer line 61 is configured as a single layer. However, it may also be configured as a multi-layer system, for example, as shown in Figure 6. That is, the second transport paths 63 constituting the upper buffer line 61 may be arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a lift device 71 may be provided to exchange the delivery boxes B1 between these multiple second transport paths 63 and the first transport path 53.

[0044] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment and modified sorting station 5, an example was given in which a delivery box B1 containing items based on an order at the work area 55 is used to circulate through the various parts of the sorting station 5. However, an item box B2 containing multiple items to be picked up at the work area 55 may also be used to circulate through the various parts of the sorting station 5. In this case, the system can be configured as a picking system 100 comprising the sorting station 5, a main conveying device 3, and an item box warehouse 1 where the item boxes B2 are stored.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the picking system 100 is a system that supports sorting work (picking) in which items of the type and quantity according to the order of the shipping destination are taken from each of the item box warehouses (storage units) 1, which are provided for each type of item, and these are consolidated and placed into shipping boxes (containers). More specifically, the picking system 100 transports item boxes B2 containing goods from each of the item box warehouses 1 that store goods to the sorting station 5. At the sorting station 5, workers perform sorting work in which items of the type and quantity according to the order are taken from the transported item boxes B2 and placed into shipping boxes. The picking system 100 transports the item boxes B2 from which the goods have been taken at the sorting station 5 back to the item box warehouse 1 from which the goods were shipped, and then returns them to the item box warehouse 1.

[0046] The goods box warehouse 1 is an automated warehouse that stores multiple goods boxes B2, each containing different types of goods, and can issue goods boxes B2 based on orders, as well as receive goods boxes B2 that have returned after being issued, and store goods boxes B2 again. The type of goods box warehouse 1 is not particularly limited, but the goods box warehouse 1 in this modified example includes a first rack 11, a first conveyor 12, a first transport device 13, a vertical conveyor 14, and a second conveyor 15.

[0047] The first rack 11 is a shelf for storing item boxes B2. In this modified example, the first rack 11 is provided so that multiple item boxes B2 can be placed along one horizontal direction (the X direction shown in Figure 7). Multiple racks 11 are arranged in a vertical direction (the Z direction shown in Figure 2). The first racks 11 are arranged facing each other with the first conveying device 13 in between, in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first rack 11 (the X direction) (the Y direction shown in Figure 7). The picking system 100 may have multiple item box warehouses 1 for storing item boxes B2 of the same type. The number of item box warehouses 1 provided by the picking system 100 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the type and size (number of item boxes B2 stored) of the item box warehouses 1 are not particularly limited, and the types and sizes of multiple item box warehouses 1 may differ from each other.

[0048] The first conveying device 13 transfers the item boxes B2 received from the first rack 11 and the first conveyor 12 to other locations on the first rack 11 and the first conveyor 12. The type of the first conveying device 13 is not particularly limited; for example, it is a stacker crane that can travel along the extending direction of the first rack 11 and has a transfer device capable of transferring item boxes B2 to each mounting section of the first rack 11 and the first conveyor 12. Alternatively, the first conveying device 13 may be a conveying device composed of rails laid at positions corresponding to each tier of the first rack 11 and trolleys arranged for each rail. The rails are arranged to extend along the first rack 11 to the first conveyor 12, and the trolleys reciprocate along the rails while holding the item boxes B2. The trolleys have a transfer device capable of transferring item boxes B2 between the first rack 11 and the first conveyor 12 and the trolleys.

[0049] The first conveyors 12 are positioned at locations corresponding to each tier of a pair of first racks 11, 11. One first conveyor 12 transports the item boxes B2 along the extending direction of one first rack 11 and delivers the item boxes B2 to the vertical conveyor 14. The other first conveyor 12 transports the item boxes B2 along the extending direction of the other first rack 11 and delivers the item boxes B2 received from the vertical conveyor 14 to the first conveying device 13. The type of first conveyor 12 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor.

[0050] The vertical conveyor 14 transports the item boxes B2 along the vertical direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, a pair of vertical conveyors 14, 14 are provided, each corresponding to a pair of first conveyors 12, 12. One vertical conveyor 14 transports the item boxes B2 brought in from the first conveyor 12 along the vertical direction and discharges them to the second conveyor 15. The other vertical conveyor 14 transports the item boxes B2 brought in from the second conveyor 15 in the Z direction and discharges them to the first conveyor 12 at a predetermined level.

[0051] The second conveyor 15 transports the item boxes B2 in the X direction between the main transport device 3 and the vertical conveyor 14. In this embodiment, a pair of second conveyors 15, 15 are provided, each corresponding to a pair of vertical conveyors 14, 14. One second conveyor 15 transports the item boxes B2 brought in from the vertical conveyor 14 in the X direction and delivers them to the main transport device 3. The other second conveyor 15 transports the item boxes B2 brought in from the main transport device 3 in the X direction and delivers them to the vertical conveyor 14.

[0052] The main transport device 3 transports the item boxes B2 that have been taken out (delivered) from the item box warehouse 1 to each sorting station 5, and also transports the item boxes B2 that have been taken out from each sorting station 5 back to the item box warehouse 1. The configuration of the main transport device 3 is the same as in the above embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. The sorting station 5 constitutes a work area 55 where workers perform sorting work on items. The configuration of the sorting station 5 is the same as in the above embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. In a sorting station 5 with such a configuration, workers take out the items displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 81 from the item boxes B2 at the work area 55 and put the taken items into the delivery boxes B1. In such a sorting station 5, workers can perform sorting work to place items of the type and quantity that match the order of the shipping destination into the delivery boxes B1.

[0053] (Other variations) Although the lift device 71 provided in the sorting station 5 of the above embodiment and modified example was described using a configuration that can transport only one delivery box B1 (item box B2) at a time, it may also be configured to transport multiple delivery boxes B1 (item boxes B2) simultaneously. Specifically, the length of the movable body 73 may be configured to be long enough to accommodate multiple delivery boxes B1 (item boxes B2), thereby enabling the simultaneous transport of multiple delivery boxes B1 (item boxes B2).

[0054] In the above embodiment and modified sorting station 5, a roller conveyor was used as an example of the main transport device 3, but it may also be a belt conveyor or a tracked trolley. Furthermore, the example of the main transport device 3 may also be a transport trolley such as a stacker crane that exchanges goods between the main transport device and the shelves where the goods are stored.

[0055] One aspect of the present invention can be described as follows: [1] A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. A sorting station comprising a lift device that transports the transported objects in a vertical direction and exchanges the transported objects between the first transport path and the second transport path. [2] The sorting station according to [1], wherein the second transport path is formed in a U-shape in a plan view taken from the vertical direction. [3] The sorting station according to [1] or [2], wherein the drive unit of the lift device is located in an area surrounded by the circumferential first transport path. [4] The sorting station according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the upper buffer line has a connecting transport path that connects a first relay section downstream of one end in the second transport path and a second relay section downstream of the first relay section and upstream of the other end in the second transport path. [5] A sorting station according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the operation of loading the object to be transported from the first transport path to the lift device and the operation of unloading the object to be transported from the lift device to the first transport path are performed simultaneously, and the operation of loading the object to be transported from the second transport path to the lift device and the operation of unloading the object to be transported from the lift device to the second transport path are performed simultaneously. [6] The aforementioned upper buffer line is arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction, and the sorting station is as described in any of [1] to [5]. [7] The sorting station according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the lifting device is provided to transport a plurality of the transported objects simultaneously. [8] The work area in the lower buffer line is located below the portion of the main conveying device that extends linearly in one direction, and is a sorting station according to any one of [1] to [7]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1...Storage box for goods, 3...Main conveying device, 5...Sorting station, 51...Lower buffer line, 53...First conveying path, 61...Upper buffer line, 63...Second conveying path, 71...Lifting device, 81...Terminal device, 100...Picking system, B1...Delivery box (for goods to be conveyed), B2...Goods box (for goods to be conveyed).

Claims

1. A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. The system includes a lifting device that transports the object to be transported in a vertical direction and exchanges the object between the first transport path and the second transport path, The second transport path is a sorting station formed in a U-shape when viewed from a vertical direction in a plan view.

2. A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. The system includes a lifting device that transports the object to be transported in a vertical direction and exchanges the object between the first transport path and the second transport path, The drive unit of the lifting device is located in a sorting station within an area surrounded by the circular first transport path.

3. A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. The system includes a lifting device that transports the object to be transported in a vertical direction and exchanges the object between the first transport path and the second transport path, A sorting station having an upper buffer line that, in addition to the second transport path, has a connecting transport path that connects a first relay section downstream of one end of the second transport path and a second relay section downstream of the first relay section and upstream of the other end of the second transport path.

4. A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. A lifting device that transports the object to be transported in a vertical direction and exchanges the object between the first transport path and the second transport path, A sorting station comprising control means for controlling the first transport path, the second transport path, and the lift device so as to simultaneously perform the operation of loading the object to be transported from the first transport path to the lift device and the operation of unloading the object to be transported from the lift device to the first transport path, and simultaneously perform the operation of loading the object to be transported from the second transport path to the lift device and the operation of unloading the object to be transported from the lift device to the second transport path.

5. A sorting station in which sorting work is performed by workers on items to be transported, A lower buffer line having a circular first transport path that transports the transported objects in one direction, and a work area where an operator performs sorting work is provided in a part of the first transport path, A second transport path is provided above the first transport path, which transports the object to be transported in one direction from one end to the other, and the first and second ends are connected to a main transport device that transports the object to be transported, and an upper buffer line is provided above the first transport path. The system includes a lifting device that transports the object to be transported in a vertical direction and exchanges the object between the first transport path and the second transport path, The aforementioned upper buffer line is a sorting station arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction.

Images