Goods sorting equipment

Abstract

To provide an article sorting facility that is configured so that efficiency in conveying an article by a conveyance vehicle hardly deteriorates.SOLUTION: A plurality of X-direction paths which are paths for a conveyance vehicle 20 that travels along an X direction are set so as to be aligned in a plurality in a Y-direction in a connection area E2. Each one of the X-direction paths is associated with one of a plurality of exit parts 19 as an X-direction correspondence path 51 so that a difference is below one between a maximum value and a minimum value of numbers of exit parts 19 corresponding respectively to the plurality of X-direction paths. When traveling along the X-direction, the conveyance vehicle 20 coming out from the outlet parts 19 to the connection area E2 changes in direction toward an X-direction first side X1 or an X-direction second side X2 on the X-direction correspondence path 51 corresponding to the exit parts 19, and travels on the X-direction correspondence path 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a logistics warehouse or the like, an article sorting facility in which a plurality of carrier vehicles convey articles is known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-100482 (Patent Document 1) describes an article sorting facility in which a plurality of carrier vehicles (V) convey articles from a plurality of supply units (90) to a plurality of receiving units (80).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the article sorting facility of Patent Document 1, since the carrier vehicle (V) travels from any one of the plurality of supply units (90) to any one of the plurality of receiving units (80), there is a case where the traveling routes of the plurality of carrier vehicles (V) overlap. And, when the number of carrier vehicles (V) whose traveling routes overlap increases, traffic jams of the carrier vehicles are likely to occur, and there is a problem that the conveyance efficiency decreases.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize an article sorting facility in which it is difficult for the conveyance efficiency of articles by the carrier vehicle to decrease.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The article sorting equipment according to this disclosure is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles by transporting articles by having each of a plurality of transport vehicles travel across a floor, comprising: a plurality of supply units each supplying articles to the transport vehicles; and a plurality of receiving units each configured to receive articles from the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor is defined as the X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, the other side of the Y direction is defined as the second Y direction side, one side of the X direction is defined as the first X direction side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second X direction side, the floor is provided with the receiving units and arranged in line in the X direction, and a plurality of supply units each provided with the supply units and arranged on the first Y direction side relative to the plurality of receiving units, A connection area is set up, and the outlets of each of the multiple supply areas are arranged in line in the X direction. The connection area is an area that extends in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the multiple outlets and the multiple receiving areas to each other. Multiple X-direction paths, which are the paths of the transport vehicle traveling along the X direction, are set up in line in the Y direction within the connection area. One X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple outlets as an X-direction corresponding path such that the difference between the maximum and minimum number of outlets corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is 1 or less. When a transport vehicle comes out of each outlet into the connection area and travels along the X direction, it changes direction on the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to that outlet towards the first side of the X direction or the second side of the X direction and travels along the X-direction corresponding path.

[0007] In this configuration, one X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple X-direction paths, so that the number of exits corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is nearly equal. As a result, when a transport vehicle moves in the X-direction, the paths are distributed across multiple X-direction paths, and the degree of congestion in each X-direction path is made more uniform. Therefore, with this configuration, congestion of transport vehicles traveling along the X-direction is less likely to occur, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is less likely to decrease. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Top view of the article sorting equipment according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Front view of the receiving area in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Control block diagram of the goods sorting equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the first layer of the goods sorting equipment. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows the second layer of the goods sorting equipment. [Figure 6] Figure 4 illustrates the corresponding connection paths. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the first layer of the article sorting equipment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the first layer of an article sorting equipment according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the first layer of the article sorting equipment according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Top view of the article sorting equipment according to the fifth embodiment [Figure 11] Front view of the receiving area in Figure 10 [Figure 12] Top view of the article sorting equipment according to the sixth embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] In the following description, the article sorting equipment 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of an article sorting facility 10 that transports articles W using multiple transport vehicles 20. In this embodiment, the article sorting facility 10 sorts articles W by transporting articles W by having each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 travel on the floor E. In this embodiment, the article sorting facility 10 comprises transport vehicles 20, a floor E, multiple supply units 15, and multiple receiving units 31. Each of the multiple supply units 15 is configured to supply articles W to the transport vehicles 20. Each of the multiple receiving units 31 is configured to receive articles W from the transport vehicles 20.

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

[0012] Here, a specific direction along floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along floor E is defined as the X direction. Furthermore, one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the second Y direction side Y2. Similarly, one side of the X direction is defined as the first X direction side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second X direction side X2. The vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. Examples of floor E include running surfaces and floors provided in facilities such as buildings and ships. In this embodiment, floor E is a running surface provided on a platform indoors.

[0013] On floor E, a supply area E1 provided with a supply unit 15 and a receiving area E3 provided with a receiving unit 31 are set. The supply area E1 is arranged on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the receiving area E3. Also, on floor E, a connection area E2 that connects the receiving area E3 and the supply area E1 is set. The connection area E2 is an area that extends in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect a plurality of outlet portions 19 and a plurality of receiving areas E3 to each other. The supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 set on floor E may each be an area where floor E is actually partitioned, or may be a virtual area. In the present embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on floor E. Also, in the present embodiment, both sides of the receiving area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of floor E.

[0014] In the present embodiment, a plurality of supply areas E1 are arranged, and a supply unit 15 is provided in each. Also, a plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged, and a receiving unit 31 is provided in each. Also, the plurality of supply areas E1 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Also, the plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Also, the connection area E2 connects the supply area E1 and the receiving area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the outlet portions 19 of each of the plurality of supply areas E1 on floor E are arranged side by side in the X direction. In the illustrated example, one outlet portion 19 is provided in each of the plurality of supply areas E1. Also, the supply area E1 is a passage-shaped area that extends along the Y direction.

[0016] The plurality of receiving areas E3 each include a passage area that extends along the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the receiving area E3 is a passage area. Also, the plurality of receiving units 31 are arranged side by side in the Y direction along each of the plurality of receiving areas E3.

[0017] In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving areas E3 are connected to each other via a connection area E2. Here, the end of the first side Y1 of the receiving area E3 in the Y direction is defined as the first end 33. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the floor E, and the first ends 33 included in each of the plurality of receiving areas E3 are connected to each other via the connection area E2. In the illustrated example, each of the outlet portions 19 of the plurality of supply areas E1 overlaps with the first end 33 of the receiving area E3 in a view in the Y direction along the Y direction. Further, the connection area E2 connects the outlet portion 19 and the first end 33 to each other so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therebetween.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving portions 31 are arranged along the Y direction on each of the two sides of the receiving area E3 in the X direction. Further, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a transfer portion 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving portion 31. The transfer portion 21 is configured to be capable of freely changing the posture of the placement surface 22 on which the article W is placed between a "horizontal posture" and an "inclined posture". The article W is placed and transported on the placement surface 22 in the horizontal posture, and is transferred to the receiving portion 31 when the placement surface 22 is set to the inclined posture. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a traveling portion 25. The traveling portion 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on the traveling surface on the floor E. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include an electric vehicle that travels by power supply such as a storage battery, a fuel cell, contact power supply from the floor E, non-contact power supply, etc., and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the traveling portion 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Further, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric automated guided vehicle.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the multiple receiving sections 31 is provided with a receiving and conveying device 35. Articles W transferred to the receiving section 31 are conveyed by the receiving and conveying device 35 in a direction along the X direction and placed in containers 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 31. In this embodiment, a shipping device 36 is also arranged adjacent to the multiple receiving and conveying devices 35. Containers 38 are arranged in a row on the shipping device 36, and when the type and number of articles W specified in one order information are placed in the containers 38, the shipping device 36 transports the containers 38 to the shipping location. Examples of receiving and conveying devices 35 include belt conveyors, cranes, and robotic arms. Examples of shipping devices 36 include belt conveyors, stacker cranes, and automated guided vehicles.

[0020] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of the goods sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the goods sorting equipment 10 includes a control system 45 that controls the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 includes a control device 46 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20, the supply transport device 17, the receiving transport device 35, and the shipping device 36. The control device 46 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory that the arithmetic processing unit can access, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 46 (for example, the function of controlling the movement of the transport vehicle 20) is realized through the cooperation of the hardware provided by the control device 46 and a program executed on the hardware such as the arithmetic processing unit. Specifically, each function of the control device 46 is realized by the control device 46 executing a program stored in a memory device (main memory or a separately provided memory unit, etc.). In other words, a program (for example, an item transport program) for a computer (the computer of the control system 45) to implement each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device accessible to 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 accessible to the computer. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, the arithmetic processing unit included in the control device 46) functions as a "computer". The control device 46 may not be a single piece of hardware, but rather a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other by wired or wireless means. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a higher-level control device located in a control facility (not shown) that controls multiple transport vehicles 20, and control devices mounted on each transport vehicle 20.

[0021] In this embodiment, floor E is divided into multiple virtual unit areas Au that form a grid when viewed in the Z direction. The travel path of the transport vehicle 20 is set to connect multiple arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. In this embodiment, each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 is provided with a location information detection unit 29 (see Figure 3). In addition, each of the virtual unit areas Au is provided with a location information holder. When the transport vehicle 20 travels along the travel path, the location information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect the location information held by the location information holders located in each of the virtual unit areas Au. Examples of location information holders include barcodes (1D codes), 2D codes, IC tags, etc. The location information detected by the location information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the transport vehicle 20 to the control device 46 of the control system 45.

[0022] In this embodiment, the control system 45 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "source" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the source is the supply unit 15, and the destination is the receiving unit 31. The transport command also specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the source to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 45, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified source and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0023] In this embodiment, the transport command sets up a "forward route" for travel from the supply unit 15 to the end of the receiving area E3. In addition, the transport command sets up a "return route" for travel from the end of the receiving area E3 to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the end of the receiving area E3 is the end of the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the receiving area E3.

[0024] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs batch processing in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to accept the type and number of items W specified in one order information. In this embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one order information. The control system 45 places the type and number of items W specified in one order information into a container 38 (see Figure 2) located adjacent to the receiving unit 31 through batch processing. Once this batch processing is performed, in other words, once all the type and number of items W specified in one order information have been placed in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to the shipping location. Subsequently, the next container 38 corresponding to the next order information is placed adjacent to the receiving unit 31, and the control system 45 places the type and number of items W specified in another order information into the next container 38 through the next batch processing.

[0025] In this embodiment, floor E comprises multiple levels, each on which a transport vehicle 20 can travel, and located at different heights in the Z direction relative to each other. Figure 4 shows the first layer F1 of the goods sorting equipment 10. Figure 5 shows the second layer F2 of the goods sorting equipment 10. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, floor E comprises the first layer F1 and the second layer F2 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second layer F2 is located above the first layer F1, but the second layer F2 may be located below the first layer F1. In this embodiment, the first layer F1 is provided with a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a receiving area E3.

[0026] In this embodiment, a charging position 42 is set up in the connection area E2 for charging the transport vehicle 20 using a charger 41. This allows for efficient use of the connection area E2, where the supply unit 15 and receiving unit 31 are not located. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is positioned adjacent to the connection area E2. The charging position 42 is also positioned to allow multiple transport vehicles 20 to park there.

[0027] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 moves to the charging position 42 and stops when its own charge level is below a specified charge level (for example, less than 50% of the charge level in a fully charged state). At the charging position 42, rapid charging is possible for the battery 27 (see Figure 3) equipped in the transport vehicle 20. The charger 41 may be a non-contact type power supply device or a contact type power supply device. In this embodiment, the control device 46 of the control system 45, which will be described later, acquires the charge level of the battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20 and controls the transport vehicle 20 with a charge level below a specified level to move to the charging position 42.

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

[0029] In this embodiment, the goods sorting equipment 10 is provided to connect the first layer F1 and the second layer F2 and includes a second lifting device L2 for raising and lowering the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is located on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of a plurality of floors E. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first layer F1 and the second layer F2. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are arranged horizontally apart from each other. The second lifting device L2 may autonomously transport the transport vehicle 20 or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the second lifting device L2 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined annular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 along the Z direction, a multicopter capable of transporting the transport vehicle 20, a crane, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, a return passage 81 is provided on the second layer F2 through which the transport vehicle 20 travels. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected on the second layer F2 via the return passage 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel through it. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is connected to the return passage 81 and the first layer F1. The second lifting device L2 and the return passage 81 may be directly connected or indirectly connected. The second lifting device L2 and the supply area E1 may also be directly connected or indirectly connected. The return passage 81 is part of the return route described above and is the passage through which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting the goods W to the receiving section 31 in the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 81 is set to be one-way.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the starting end of the return passage 81 and the ending end of the receiving area E3. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the ending end of the return passage 81 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, multiple return passages 81 are provided on the second layer F2, each extending along the Y direction. In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 is provided on the second layer F2 that connects the multiple return passages 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel between them. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is located between adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. A charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is also set in the passage connection area E4.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 4, the connection area E2 is configured such that multiple "X-direction paths," which are the paths of the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the X direction, are aligned in the Y direction. Similarly, the connection area E2 is configured such that multiple "Y-direction paths," which are the paths of the transport vehicle 20 traveling along the Y direction, are aligned in the X direction. In this embodiment, one X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple exit sections 19 as an X-direction corresponding path 51. In Figure 4 and other diagrams, X-direction paths that can become X-direction corresponding paths 51 are indicated by white arrows extending in the X direction.

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

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 4, the connection area E2 is configured such that the number of X-direction paths in the Y-direction is greater than or equal to the number of exit sections 19. Furthermore, each of the multiple exit sections 19 is associated with a different X-direction path as the X-direction corresponding path 51. The number of X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is set to be the same as the number of exit sections 19, and is the same as the number of X-direction corresponding paths 51.

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

[0036] In this embodiment, the X-direction corresponding path 51 for each of the multiple outlet sections 19 is set to become the second Y-direction side Y2 as the corresponding outlet section 19 approaches both ends in the X direction in the connection area E2. If each of the multiple adjacent outlet sections 19 is associated with one X-direction corresponding path 51, the multiple outlet sections 19 may be treated as a single outlet section 19 (in other words, an outlet section group as described later).

[0037] Here, the route of the transport vehicle 20 heading towards the exit 19 in each of the multiple supply areas E1 is defined as the supply route 61. The route of the transport vehicle 20 coming out of each of the multiple exit 19 into the connection area E2 and traveling along the Y direction is defined as the Y-direction corresponding route 62. The route of the transport vehicle 20 traveling from the first end 33 in each of the multiple receiving areas E3 towards the end of the receiving area E3 is defined as the receiving outbound route 64. In this embodiment, the supply route 61 is a Y-direction route and is linearly connected to the Y-direction corresponding route 62. The supply route 61 is a one-way route. The receiving outbound route 64 is also a one-way route.

[0038] In this embodiment, the connection area E2 is configured such that Y-direction paths are arranged in the X-direction at a rate equal to or greater than the number of first end points 33, and each of the multiple first end points 33 is associated with a different Y-direction path as a corresponding connection path 63. In the illustrated example, the corresponding connection path 63 and the receiving forward path 64 are connected in a straight line. Furthermore, the corresponding connection path 63 is a one-way path.

[0039] In this embodiment, the intersection of the Y-direction corresponding path 62 and the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to each of the multiple exit sections 19 is the direction change position 75 at which the transport vehicle 20 that has emerged from each exit section 19 into the connection area E2 changes direction toward the first X-direction side X1 or the second X-direction side X2. In the illustrated example, each X-direction path that can become an X-direction corresponding path 51 is a one-way path. Furthermore, at least one of the X-direction paths that can become an X-direction corresponding path 51 is a one-way path that is in opposite directions from the direction change position 75. Also, each Y-direction path that can become a Y-direction corresponding path 62 is a one-way path.

[0040] In this embodiment, multiple direction change positions 75 are arranged in a V-shape when viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the direction change positions 75 are positions that overlap with the exit section 19 when viewed from the Y direction along the Y direction. If each of the multiple adjacent exit sections 19 is associated with one X-direction corresponding path 51, and the respective direction change positions 75 are also adjacent, then the multiple adjacent direction change positions 75 may be treated as a single direction change position 75 (in other words, a set of direction change positions described later).

[0041] In this embodiment, if a transport vehicle 20 that has emerged from each exit 19 into the connection area E2 does not need to travel along the X-direction corresponding path 51, it proceeds towards the first end 33 without turning around at the direction change position 75. In the illustrated example, when proceeding towards the first end 33 which overlaps with the exit 19 in the Y-direction view, it travels along the corresponding connection path 63 corresponding to the first end 33, without traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the exit 19.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates the corresponding connecting path 63 and position 76. Figure 6 shows only the Y-direction corresponding path 62, direction change position 75, and X-direction corresponding path 51, which correspond to one of the multiple exit sections 19. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20, which has been traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51, changes direction toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction at position 76, which corresponds to the receiving area E3 of the destination in the X direction, and enters the receiving area E3 of the destination. Position 76 and the first end section 33 are connected by the corresponding connecting path 63 corresponding to the first end section 33, allowing the transport vehicle 20 to travel. In the illustrated example, position 76 is a position that overlaps with the first end section 33 in a Y-direction view along the Y direction. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the Y-direction corresponding path 62 corresponding to the exit section 19 and the corresponding connecting path 63 corresponding to the first end section 33 are set to overlap in a Y-direction view.

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

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

[0045] Here, "M" is either N or N+1. In the example shown in Figure 7, M=N. Also, a set of M outlet sections 19 associated with one X-direction path is called a corresponding outlet section set. In this embodiment, the X-direction corresponding path 51 is set such that as the corresponding outlet section sets approach both ends of the X-direction in the connection area E2, it becomes the second side Y2 in the Y-direction. A corresponding outlet section set consists of, for example, multiple (two in the illustrated example) outlet sections 19 arranged in a continuous line in the X-direction.

[0046] For example, if N=2 and the number of X-direction paths that can become the corresponding X-direction path 51 is 4, then the number of exit sections 19 is between 8 and 12, and the number M of the corresponding exit sections 19 constituting a pair of corresponding exit sections is 2 or 3. Specifically, if the number of exit sections 19 is 9, then one pair of corresponding exit sections has an M of 3 and the remaining three pairs have an M of 2. If the number of exit sections 19 is 10, then two pairs of corresponding exit sections have an M of 3 and the remaining two pairs have an M of 2. If the number of exit sections 19 is 11, then three pairs of corresponding exit sections have an M of 3 and the remaining one pair has an M of 2. If the number of exit sections 19 is 12, then all pairs of corresponding exit sections have an M of 3.

[0047] Furthermore, a set of M direction change positions 75 corresponding to M exit sections 19 associated with one X-direction path is defined as a direction change position set. In this embodiment, multiple direction change position sets are arranged in a V-shape when viewed from above. A direction change position set consists of, for example, multiple (two in the illustrated example) direction change positions 75 that are arranged continuously in the X-direction. In this embodiment, a portion of each X-direction path that can become an X-direction corresponding path 51 is passable in both directions.

[0048] [Third Embodiment] The following description will focus on the article sorting equipment 10 according to the third embodiment, with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a connection path 71 is provided. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the same principles apply as in the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the first layer F1 of the goods sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the M outlet sections 19 constituting the corresponding outlet section group are arranged to be continuously aligned in the X direction. In addition, the M outlet sections 19 constituting the corresponding outlet section group are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the X direction.

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

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

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

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

[0054] [Fourth Embodiment] The following describes the article sorting equipment 10 according to the fourth embodiment with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the number of direction change positions 75 is less than the number of outlets 19. The following description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the third embodiment.

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

[0056] [Fifth Embodiment] The following describes the article sorting equipment 10 according to the fifth embodiment with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the floor E on which the multiple transport vehicles 20 travel is a single level. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

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

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

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

[0060] [Sixth Embodiment] The article sorting equipment 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the receiving area E3 does not include the aisle area. The following description will focus on the differences from the fifth embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 12 is a top view of the goods sorting equipment 10 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 10. In this embodiment, multiple receiving sections 31 are provided in each of the multiple receiving areas E3 and are arranged in a line in the X direction. The multiple receiving sections 31 provided in the receiving area E3 are also arranged in a line in the X direction. In addition, a receiving path 164 extending in the X direction is set in the receiving area E3. The transport vehicle 20 delivers the goods W to the multiple receiving sections 31 arranged adjacent to the receiving path 164 and aligned in the X direction in the receiving path 164. In this embodiment, the receiving path 164 is set to be one-way.

[0062] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the goods sorting equipment 10 will be described.

[0063] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the difference between the maximum and minimum number of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is 0 was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, for example, there may be two outlets 19 corresponding to one X-direction path, and one outlet 19 corresponding to each of the remaining multiple X-direction paths. Also, for example, in the goods sorting equipment 10, another area may be set up in which the difference between the maximum and minimum number of outlets 19 corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is 2 or more. Also, for example, in the goods sorting equipment 10, another area having a dedicated path connecting one outlet 19 in the supply area E1 and one first end 33 in the receiving area E3 may be set up adjacent to the connection area E2.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, the number of X-direction paths in the connection area E2 is set to be the same as the number of exit sections 19, and the same as the number of X-direction corresponding paths 51 was described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, multiple X-direction corresponding paths 51 of the same or different number may be associated with each exit section 19. Also, for example, different numbers of X-direction corresponding paths 51 may be associated with one exit section 19, such as 3 paths and 2 paths to the remaining exit sections 19. Furthermore, for example, the X-direction corresponding paths 51, Y-direction corresponding paths 62, or corresponding connection paths 63 may be paths that have curved sections rather than being straight.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, an example configuration was described in which the X-direction corresponding path 51 is set such that the corresponding exit portion 19 becomes the second Y-direction side Y2 as it approaches both ends of the X-direction in the connection area E2. However, the example is not limited to such an example, and for example, the X-direction corresponding path 51 may be set such that the corresponding exit portion 19 becomes the second Y-direction side Y2 as it approaches the end of the first X-direction side X1 or the second X-direction side X2 in the connection area E2. Also, for example, the X-direction corresponding path 51 corresponding to the central exit portion 19 in the X-direction may be set so that it is the second Y-direction side Y2. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged in a W-shape instead of a V-shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the direction change positions 75 may be arranged in a V-shape opposite to that of the above embodiment when viewed in the vertical direction.

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

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

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

[0069] (7) In the above embodiment, an example configuration was described in which each of the outlets 19 of the multiple supply areas E1 overlaps with the first end 33 of the receiving area E3 in a Y-direction view along the Y direction, and the connecting area E2 connects the outlets 19 and the first end 33 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel between them. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, for example, the number of outlets 19 of the supply areas E1 and the first end 33 of the receiving area E3 do not have to be the same, and any of the outlets 19 may not overlap with the first end 33 in a Y-direction view. Also, for example, the connecting area E2 may connect the supply area E1 and the receiving area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 cannot travel between them, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transferred between the supply area E1 and the receiving area E3 by a transfer device.

[0070] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the transport vehicle 20, which has been traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51, changes direction toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction at a position 76 corresponding to the receiving area E3 of the destination in the X direction, and enters the receiving area E3 of the destination. However, the configuration is not limited to such an example, and for example, the transport vehicle 20, which has been traveling along the X-direction corresponding path 51, may change direction toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction at any position on the X-direction corresponding path 51, and enter the receiving area E3 of the destination. Also, position 76 does not have to be a position that overlaps with the first end 33 in a view in the Y direction along the Y direction.

[0071] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both sides of the receiving area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 may be separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E and may be areas in which the transport vehicles 20 can move. Alternatively, for example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a large floor E. Alternatively, for example, areas different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3 may be provided on the floor E, such as a buffer area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up.

[0072] (10) In the above embodiment, the control system 45 was described as having a configuration that includes a higher-level control device that controls a plurality of transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the control system 45 is not limited to such an example, and may be a system in which, for example, the control devices mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicate with the control devices of other transport vehicles 20 and each makes autonomous decisions and operates. Also, for example, a location information holder may not be provided on the floor E, and the location information of the transport vehicles 20 may be acquired by image sensors provided on the transport vehicles 20 or the facility. Also, for example, the item sorting equipment 10 may not be equipped with the control system 45.

[0073] (11) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20 was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Also, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may not have a transfer unit 21, and the work unit 16 may transfer the articles W on the transport vehicle 20. Also, the articles W may be stored in a storage compartment provided in the transport vehicle 20. Also, the control system 45 may be configured to control the work device which is the work unit 16.

[0074] (12) In the above embodiment, the article sorting equipment 10 was described as having a configuration comprising a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a shipping device 36. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article sorting equipment 10 may not have a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a shipping device 36, and a worker or a vehicle operated by a worker may transport the articles W or containers 38.

[0075] (13) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2 has been described as an example. However, the example is not limited to such an example, and for example, the charging position 42 may be set in the supply area E1, the receiving area E3, or another area that can enter and exit the connection area E2.

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

[0077] (15) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0078] [Summary of the above embodiment] The sorting equipment for goods described above will be explained below.

[0079] The article sorting equipment according to this disclosure is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles by transporting articles by having each of a plurality of transport vehicles travel across a floor, comprising: a plurality of supply units each supplying articles to the transport vehicles; and a plurality of receiving units each configured to receive articles from the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor is defined as the X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, the other side of the Y direction is defined as the second Y direction side, one side of the X direction is defined as the first X direction side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second X direction side, the floor is provided with the receiving units and arranged in line in the X direction, and a plurality of supply units each provided with the supply units and arranged on the first Y direction side relative to the plurality of receiving units, A connection area is set up, and the outlets of each of the multiple supply areas are arranged in line in the X direction. The connection area is an area that extends in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the multiple outlets and the multiple receiving areas to each other. Multiple X-direction paths, which are the paths of the transport vehicle traveling along the X direction, are set up in line in the Y direction within the connection area. One X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple outlets as an X-direction corresponding path such that the difference between the maximum and minimum number of outlets corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is 1 or less. When a transport vehicle comes out of each outlet into the connection area and travels along the X direction, it changes direction on the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to that outlet towards the first side of the X direction or the second side of the X direction and travels along the X-direction corresponding path.

[0080] In this configuration, one X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple X-direction paths, so that the number of exits corresponding to each of the multiple X-direction paths is nearly equal. As a result, when a transport vehicle moves in the X-direction, the paths are distributed across multiple X-direction paths, and the degree of congestion in each X-direction path is made more uniform. Therefore, with this configuration, congestion of transport vehicles traveling along the X-direction is less likely to occur, and the efficiency of transporting goods by the transport vehicles is less likely to decrease.

[0081] In one embodiment, it is preferable that each of the multiple receiving areas includes a passage area extending along the Y direction, and that the multiple receiving sections are arranged along each of the multiple passage areas in the Y direction.

[0082] This configuration allows for a greater number of receiving sections in the goods sorting equipment while minimizing the number of routes for transport vehicles traveling along the Y-direction in the connection area, compared to a case where there is no passage area in the receiving area. Therefore, congestion of transport vehicles traveling in the connection area is less likely to occur, and the efficiency of goods transport by transport vehicles can be easily improved.

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

[0084] According to this configuration, a transport vehicle that receives goods from one of several supply units can transport the goods to one of several receiving units located in multiple receiving areas. This allows the goods to be sorted into multiple receiving units.

[0085] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the connection area is configured such that the X-direction paths are arranged in the Y-direction at a rate equal to or greater than the number of outlets, and that each of the multiple outlets is associated with a different X-direction path as the corresponding X-direction path.

[0086] With this configuration, each of the multiple exit points is associated with a different X-direction path as the corresponding X-direction path. Therefore, transport vehicles exiting from multiple exit points will not travel along the same X-direction path. This prevents situations where a transport vehicle that has traveled along an X-direction path after exiting one exit point has to stop and wait for a transport vehicle that has exited another exit point and is changing direction on that X-direction path. Consequently, this configuration makes it less likely for transport vehicles traveling along the X-direction to become congested, and the efficiency of transporting goods by transport vehicles is less likely to decrease.

[0087] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the number of outlets is N times or more and N+1 times or less the number of X-direction paths that can be X-direction corresponding paths (where N is an integer of 2 or more), and that each of the X-direction paths that can be X-direction corresponding paths is associated with either N or N+1 of the outlets.

[0088] This configuration allows for a smaller number of X-direction paths that can be X-direction paths compared to a configuration where each of the multiple exit points has a different X-direction path associated with it. Therefore, the Y-direction size of the connection area can also be kept smaller. Consequently, this configuration is suitable for situations where the available space for the connection area is limited, or when it is desirable to secure a large Y-direction length for the receiving area.

[0089] In one embodiment, a set of M (where M is either N or N+1) of the exit sections associated with one X-direction path is designated as a corresponding exit section set, the M exit sections constituting the corresponding exit section set are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-direction, a connection path is set for each of the multiple corresponding exit section sets to connect the M exit sections constituting the corresponding exit section set in the X-direction, at least one of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path is a one-way path moving in opposite directions from a specific position, a plurality of Y-direction paths, which are the paths of the transport vehicle traveling along the Y-direction, are set to be arranged in the X-direction within the connection area, and the connection path is set to connect the Y-direction path that is connected to the specific position and the Y-direction path that is not connected to the specific position.

[0090] According to this configuration, each of the M exit sections constituting a single corresponding exit section group can travel along a connecting path and move to a Y-direction path corresponding to another exit section in the same corresponding exit section group. Therefore, for example, if two transport vehicles exit consecutively from the same exit section, one of the transport vehicles can be moved via the connecting path to a Y-direction path corresponding to the other exit section, making it less likely for congestion to occur at the turning point, which is the intersection of one Y-direction path and an X-direction path. Therefore, according to this configuration, even when one X-direction path is shared by multiple exit sections, congestion of transport vehicles is less likely to occur, and the efficiency of transporting goods by transport vehicles is less likely to decrease.

[0091] In one embodiment, it is preferable that a set of M (where M is either N or N+1) of the outlets associated with one X-direction path is defined as a corresponding outlet set, and that the X-direction corresponding path is set such that as the corresponding corresponding outlet sets approach both ends of the X-direction in the connection area, it becomes the second side in the Y-direction.

[0092] With this configuration, as the distance in the Y direction from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases, the likelihood of a transport vehicle being obstructed by other transport vehicles on its way from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Also, as the transport vehicle approaches both ends in the X direction within the connection area, the likelihood of it being obstructed by other transport vehicles on its way from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easy to ensure that the ease of transport vehicle travel from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path is roughly the same for each of the multiple supply areas. This reduces the likelihood of transport vehicles stopping and waiting for other transport vehicles to concentrate near the exit of a particular supply area, thus preventing a decrease in the overall efficiency of transport vehicle transport of goods in the goods sorting facility.

[0093] In one embodiment, the path of the transport vehicle that emerges from each of the multiple exits into the connection area and travels along the Y direction is defined as the Y-direction corresponding path, and the intersection points of the Y-direction corresponding path and the X-direction corresponding path corresponding to each of the multiple exits are direction change positions where the transport vehicle that emerges from each of the exits into the connection area changes direction toward the first X-direction side or the second X-direction side, and a set of M direction change positions corresponding to M (where M is either N or N+1) exits associated with one X-direction path is defined as a direction change position set, and a plurality of the direction change position sets are preferably arranged in a V-shape when viewed from above.

[0094] With this configuration, as the distance in the Y direction from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases, the likelihood of a transport vehicle being obstructed by other transport vehicles on its way from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Also, as the transport vehicle approaches both ends in the X direction within the connection area, the likelihood of it being obstructed by other transport vehicles on its way from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path decreases. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easy to ensure that the ease of transport vehicle travel from the exit to the X-direction corresponding path is roughly the same for each of the multiple supply areas. This reduces the likelihood of transport vehicles stopping and waiting for other transport vehicles to concentrate near the exit of a particular supply area, thus preventing a decrease in the overall efficiency of transport vehicle transport of goods in the goods sorting facility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10: Goods sorting equipment 15: Supply section 19:Exit part 20: Transport vehicle 31:Reception Department 51: X-direction corresponding path 62: Y-direction corresponding path 71: Connection path 75: Turning point 75a:Specific position E: Floor E1: Supply Area E2: Connection Area E3: Reception area, passageway area W:Goods

Claims

1. An article sorting system that sorts articles by having multiple transport vehicles travel across the floor and transport the articles, A plurality of supply units, each supplying the articles to the transport vehicle, A plurality of receiving units, each configured to receive the articles from the transport vehicle, Equipped with, Let a specific direction along the floor be the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor be the X direction, and let one side of the Y direction be the first Y direction side, and the other side of the Y direction be the second Y direction side, and let one side of the X direction be the first X direction side, and the other side of the X direction be the second X direction side, On the aforementioned floor, Each of the receiving sections is provided, and there are multiple receiving areas arranged in line in the X direction, Each of the above-mentioned supply units is provided, and there are multiple supply areas arranged on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the multiple receiving areas, Connection area and Set The outlets of each of the multiple supply areas are arranged so as to be aligned in the X direction. The connection area is an area that extends in the Y direction and the X direction so as to connect the plurality of outlets and the plurality of receiving areas to each other. In the aforementioned connection area, multiple X-direction paths, which are the paths of the transport vehicle traveling along the X-direction, are arranged in the Y-direction. One X-direction path is associated with each of the multiple X-direction paths as an X-direction corresponding path such that the difference between the maximum and minimum number of the corresponding exits for each of the multiple X-direction paths is 1 or less. A sorting facility for goods, wherein when a transport vehicle emerges from each of the aforementioned exits into the connection area, it changes direction toward the first side or the second side of the X direction on the X-direction corresponding path to the exit, and travels along the X-direction corresponding path.

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

3. The article sorting equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport vehicle, having traveled along the X-direction corresponding path, changes direction toward the second Y-direction at a position corresponding to the receiving area of ​​the destination in the X-direction, and enters the receiving area of ​​the destination.

4. In the aforementioned connection area, the X-direction paths are arranged in the Y-direction in a manner that is greater than or equal to the number of the exit sections. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple outlets is associated with a different X-direction path as the corresponding X-direction path.

5. The number of the aforementioned exits is N times or more and N+1 times or less the number of X-direction paths that can be X-direction corresponding paths (where N is an integer of 2 or more). The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the X-direction paths that can be X-direction corresponding paths is associated with either N or N+1 of the outlet sections.

6. A set of M (where M is either N or N+1) of the exit sections associated with one of the X-direction paths is defined as a corresponding exit section set. The M outlets constituting the aforementioned corresponding outlet set are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the X direction. For each of the multiple corresponding outlet section sets, a connection path is set that connects the M outlet sections constituting the corresponding outlet section set to each other in the X direction. At least one of the X-direction paths that can be the X-direction corresponding path is a one-way path that is in opposite directions from a specific position, In the aforementioned connection area, multiple Y-direction paths, which are the paths of the transport vehicle traveling along the Y-direction, are arranged in the X-direction. The article sorting equipment according to claim 5, wherein the connection path is configured to connect the Y-direction path connected to the specific location and the Y-direction path not connected to the specific location.

7. A set of M (where M is either N or N+1) of the exit sections associated with one of the X-direction paths is defined as a corresponding exit section set. The article sorting equipment according to claim 5, wherein the X-direction corresponding path is set such that the corresponding corresponding outlet assembly becomes the second side in the Y direction as it approaches both ends of the X direction in the connection area.

8. The path of the transport vehicle that exits the connection area from each of the multiple exit sections and travels along the Y direction is defined as the Y-direction corresponding path. The intersection of the Y-direction corresponding path and the X-direction corresponding path, corresponding to each of the multiple exit sections, is a direction change position where the transport vehicle that has emerged from each of the exit sections into the connection area changes direction toward the first X-direction side or the second X-direction side. A set of M directions changing positions corresponding to M exits (where M is either N or N+1) associated with one X-direction path is defined as a direction changing position set. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the aforementioned direction-changing position sets are arranged in a V-shape when viewed from above.

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