Sorting conveyor system

Abstract

This allows for the relocation of cargo to areas with sufficient processing capacity, thereby improving business continuity. [Solution] The system comprises an upstream conveyor 11 that places the conveyed objects on it and conveys them in a first direction, a sorting conveyor 12 that receives the conveyed objects conveyed in the first direction by the upstream conveyor 11 and selectively conveys the conveyed objects in a second direction or a third direction opposite to the second direction according to the destination of the conveyed objects, a first downstream conveyor 13 that is connected to the sorting conveyor 12 in a second direction and conveys the conveyed objects away from the sorting conveyor 12, and a second downstream conveyor 14 that is connected to the sorting conveyor 12 in a third direction and conveys the conveyed objects away from the sorting conveyor 12, and once the first downstream conveyor 1 The conveyed material transported downstream by 3 is received by the sorting conveyor 12 by switching the drive direction of the first downstream conveyor 13 in the reverse direction, and then transported from the sorting conveyor 12 to the downstream side of the second downstream conveyor 14. Alternatively, the conveyed material that has been transported downstream by the second downstream conveyor 14 is received by the sorting conveyor 12 by switching the drive direction of the second downstream conveyor 14 in the reverse direction, received from the sorting conveyor 12 to the first downstream conveyor 13, and then transported from the sorting conveyor 12 to the downstream side of the first downstream conveyor 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a sorting conveyor system, and particularly to a sorting conveyor system that combines a plurality of conveyors to sort conveyed items.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional conveyor system for transporting checked baggage at an airport, etc., sorting is performed according to the destination during the transportation of the conveyed items. In a conventional transportation sorting system, there is a problem of capacity overload where the checked baggage cannot be transported to a specific sorting area, such as when passengers converge on the airport concentratedly during a certain time period, including over-tourism and other factors. When an inspection machine fails in the airport check-in area, etc., it takes several days to repair, and during that time, the counter is closed. Alternatively, due to troubles in the airport information system, etc., the checked baggage is not transported to the original sorting area, but a large amount of checked baggage is mis-sorted to other sorting areas, or due to the influence of an overcrowded flight schedule with delays, cancellations, etc., when the baggage in the sorting area needs to be moved, it becomes heavy labor (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting conveyor system capable of evacuating baggage to an area with sufficient processing capacity and improving business continuity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a sorting conveyor system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an upstream conveyor that places objects on it and transports them in a first direction; a sorting conveyor that receives the objects transported in the first direction by the upstream conveyor and selectively transports the objects in a second direction or a third direction opposite to the second direction according to the destination of the objects; a first downstream conveyor connected to the sorting conveyor in the second direction and transporting the objects away from the sorting conveyor; and a second downstream conveyor connected to the sorting conveyor in the third direction and transporting the objects away from the sorting conveyor, wherein the objects are transported by the first downstream conveyor at a desired timing. The conveyed material can be received by the sorting conveyor by switching the drive direction of the first downstream conveyor in the reverse direction, received by the second downstream conveyor from the sorting conveyor, and transported to the second downstream conveyor in a direction away from the sorting conveyor. Furthermore, at a desired timing, the conveyed material transported by the second downstream conveyor can be received by the sorting conveyor by switching the drive direction of the second downstream conveyor in the reverse direction, received by the sorting conveyor from the first downstream conveyor, and transported to the first downstream conveyor in a direction away from the sorting conveyor.

[0006] As a sorting conveyor system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the system may include a return mechanism that selectively returns the conveyed objects received by the sorting conveyor to the upstream conveyor, and an upstream conveyor reversal mechanism that, when the return mechanism operates and the conveyed objects are returned from the sorting conveyor to the upstream conveyor, switches the drive direction of the upstream conveyor to the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby returning the conveyed objects to the upstream side of the upstream conveyor.

[0007] In a sorting conveyor system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the downstream end of the upstream conveyor may be located at a higher position than the sorting conveyor.

[0008] As a sorting conveyor system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the system may further include a control device that determines the destination of the conveyed object based on destination identification information associated with the conveyed object and controls the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

[0009] In a sorting conveyor system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the coefficient of friction at the contact point between the upstream conveyor and the conveyed object may be greater than the coefficient of friction at the contact point between the sorting conveyor and the conveyed object.

[0010] As a sorting conveyor system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, it may further include a restraining member positioned on the opposite side of the upstream conveyor of the sorting conveyor to suppress the ejection of the conveyed objects.

[0011] In the sixth embodiment of the sorting conveyor system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the restraining member may have a conveyor function that is linked to the sorting conveyor and assists the function of the sorting conveyor to selectively transport the transported objects in the second or third direction.

[0012] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, at least one of the upstream conveyor, the first downstream conveyor, and the second downstream conveyor may be a belt conveyor.

[0013] As a sorting conveyor system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the sorting conveyor may be a belt conveyor and may have physical guides to ensure the straightness of the belt and prevent deviation of the belt in the width direction in order to eliminate meandering of the conveyed objects in the direction of travel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above-described methods, business continuity is improved by diverting the deposited baggage to another line that is functioning normally. Alternatively, flexible operations are possible, such as moving the baggage to an area with excess processing capacity and returning it to the original line once the situation improves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A plan view of a sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Side cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor system shown in Figures 1 and 3, taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] Front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor system shown in Figures 1 and 2, taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] Plan view, part 2, of a sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Plan view, part 3, of a sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A side cross-sectional view of a sorting conveyor system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A plan view of a sorting conveyor system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A top view of the sorting conveyor 12 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, part 1. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12, taken along the line T-T. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12, taken along the line P-P. [Figure 11]Plan view of the sorting conveyor 12 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, part 2. [Figure 12] Front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12 shown in FIG. 11, taken along the line P2 - P2 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a sorting conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the same or similar parts are denoted by common reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0017] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor system taken along the line II-II of FIGS. 1 and 3 and viewed in the direction of the arrow, and FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor system taken along the line III-III of FIGS. 1 and 2 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

[0018] The sorting conveyor system according to this embodiment includes an upstream conveyor 11, a sorting conveyor 12, a first downstream conveyor 13, a second downstream conveyor 14, and a control device 15. The control device 15 controls a drive unit (not shown) and is configured to convey a conveyed object. The upstream conveyor 11, the sorting conveyor 12, the first downstream conveyor 13, and the second downstream conveyor 14 are, for example, belt conveyors or roller conveyors.

[0019] The upstream conveyor 11 is configured to transport the object L1 placed on it in the direction of arrow A (first direction, X direction). Normally, the first downstream conveyor 13 is configured to transport the object L2 placed on it in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction). The second downstream conveyor 14 is configured to transport the object L3 placed on it in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction). The direction of arrow C is opposite to the direction of arrow B. Furthermore, in the sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment, by switching the drive unit (not shown) under the control of the control device 15, the sorting conveyor 12, the first downstream conveyor 13, and the second downstream conveyor 14 are configured to transport objects in the same direction (Y direction, or -Y direction) in the three transport directions. Details will be described later.

[0020] The first downstream conveyor 13, the sorting conveyor 12, and the second downstream conveyor 14 are arranged in a straight line in that order, and the height of the conveying surfaces (position in the Z direction) of these conveyors 13, 12, and 14 is approximately the same.

[0021] The upstream conveyor 11 is positioned such that the objects L1 it transports face perpendicular to the side (-X side) of the sorting conveyor 12. The height of the transport surface of the upstream conveyor 11 is higher than the height of the transport surface of the sorting conveyor 12 by a step difference h.

[0022] The conveyed objects transported by the upstream conveyor 11 move towards the sorting conveyor 12 at a predetermined speed in the X direction at the downstream end of the upstream conveyor 11, while dropping down a step. After falling onto the transport surface of the sorting conveyor 12, the conveyed objects slide slightly in the X direction, and are then transported in the Y direction or -Y direction by the sorting conveyor 12. In order to achieve this, where the conveyed objects slide appropriately in the X direction on the sorting conveyor 12 and are then transported in the Y direction or -Y direction by the drive of the sorting conveyor 12, it is desirable that the friction of the contact surface between the sorting conveyor 12 and the conveyed objects be small in the X direction and large in the Y direction or -Y direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the coefficient of friction of the contact surface between the sorting conveyor 12 and the conveyed objects be smaller than the coefficient of friction of the contact surface between the upstream conveyor 11 and the conveyed objects.

[0023] When the transported goods L1 from the upstream conveyor 11 are processed by the sorting conveyor 12, the transported goods L1 are transferred to the sorting conveyor 12 in the same packaging as when they were transported from the upstream conveyor 11. Therefore, the processing time of the transported goods L1 by the sorting conveyor 12 is related to the width of the transported goods L1. Longer transported goods L1 will have a longer processing time (transit time) on the sorting conveyor 12, while shorter transported goods L1 will have a shorter processing time (transit time) on the sorting conveyor 12. Therefore, in order to minimize this processing time and increase the overall processing capacity of the system, it is necessary to shorten the length of the sorting conveyor 12. For example, this could be done by matching the length to the width of the upstream conveyor.

[0024] A restraining member 16 is positioned along the side of the sorting conveyor 12 opposite to the direction of the upstream conveyor 11 (the X side). The restraining member 16 is, for example, a metal or plastic wall, fence, or net. This restraining member 16 prevents the conveyed objects L4, which have been transported in the X direction by the upstream conveyor 11 and reached the sorting conveyor 12, from passing over the sorting conveyor 12 and falling in the X direction.

[0025] Figures 4 and 5 are plan views, part 2 and part 3, of a sorting conveyor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 15 switches the drive unit (not shown) by control, and the first downstream conveyor 13 transports the conveyed object L2 in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction), which is the opposite direction from the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction) in Figure 1, the sorting conveyor 12 transports the conveyed object L2 in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction), and the second downstream conveyor 14 transports the conveyed object L2 in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction). This control makes it possible to reroute the conveyed object L2 from the first downstream conveyor 13 to the second downstream conveyor 14. While the conveyed material is being diverted, the sorting conveyor 12 transports the conveyed material L1, which is to be transported from the upstream conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow A (first direction, X direction), in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction), and the second downstream conveyor 14 transports it in the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction). The sorting conveyor 12 does not transfer the conveyed material to the first downstream conveyor 13.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 15 switches the drive unit (not shown), and the second downstream conveyor 14 transports the conveyed object L3 in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction), which is the opposite direction from the direction of arrow C (third direction, Y direction) in Figure 1, the sorting conveyor 12 transports the conveyed object L3 in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction), and the first downstream conveyor 13 transports the conveyed object L3 in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction), causing the conveyed object L3 to be rerouted from the second downstream conveyor 14 to the first downstream conveyor 13. While the conveyed material is being diverted, the sorting conveyor 12 transports the conveyed material L1, which is to be transported from the upstream conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow A (first direction, X direction), in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction), and the first downstream conveyor 13 transports it in the direction of arrow B (second direction, -Y direction). The sorting conveyor 12 does not transfer the conveyed material to the second downstream conveyor 14.

[0027] Each conveyed object L1, L2, L3, and L4 is fitted with a barcode, RF tag, IC chip, or other device that displays destination identification information indicating its respective destination. Sensors (not shown) that read this destination identification information are positioned near the sorting conveyor 12. The control device 15 is configured to determine the driving direction of the sorting conveyor 12 based on the sensors' automatic reading of the destination identification information, thereby switching the driving direction of the sorting conveyor 12. The destination identification information can also be used to separate, for example, non-standard or hazardous materials from other conveyed objects by using the shape, dimensions, weight, radiation level, and electromagnetic wave intensity of each conveyed object L1, L2, L3, and L4 itself.

[0028] In the above description, it was assumed that the angle between the conveying direction of the upstream conveyor 11 (direction of arrow A) and the conveying direction of the first downstream conveyor 13 (direction of arrow B), and the angle between the conveying direction of the second downstream conveyor 14 (direction of arrow C) are approximately 90 degrees, but this invention is not limited to such angles.

[0029] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that the first downstream conveyor 13, sorting conveyor 12, and second downstream conveyor 14 are arranged in a straight line, this is not a mandatory requirement. The first downstream conveyor 13 and the second downstream conveyor 14 only need to further transport the items received from the sorting conveyor 12 in a direction away from the sorting conveyor 12.

[0030] As described above, according to this embodiment, the sorting conveyor system can be easily installed and modified, and operated efficiently.

[0031] [Second Embodiment] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a sorting conveyor system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A plan view of this conveyor system is omitted, but it is substantially the same as that of Figure 1, which shows the first embodiment.

[0032] In this second embodiment, the conveying surfaces of the upstream conveyor 11, the sorting conveyor 12, the first downstream conveyor 13, and the second downstream conveyor 14 are at approximately the same height, and there is no step difference h (Figures 2 and 3). Furthermore, a return mechanism 20 is installed to push the conveyed objects L4 placed on the sorting conveyor 12 back to the upstream conveyor 11. In addition, the upstream conveyor 11 is equipped with an upstream conveyor reversal mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible not only to convey the conveyed objects L1 on the upstream conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow A (X direction), but also to convey them in the opposite direction of arrow A (-X direction) by switching the upstream conveyor reversal mechanism.

[0033] In this second embodiment, during normal operation, similar to the first embodiment, the conveyed items transported by the upstream conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow A (X direction) are placed on the sorting conveyor 12. Subsequently, the sorting conveyor 12 transports the items in the direction of arrow B (-Y direction) or arrow C (Y direction), and further transports them away from the sorting conveyor 12 by the first downstream conveyor 13 or the second downstream conveyor 14.

[0034] In this second embodiment, due to some abnormality or other reason, it may become necessary to return the conveyed items placed on the sorting conveyor 12 to the upstream conveyor 11, and then to the upstream side of the upstream conveyor 11. In that case, the return mechanism 20 operates, and the conveyed items placed on the sorting conveyor 12 are returned to the upstream conveyor 11. At that time, the drive direction of the upstream conveyor 11 is switched by the upstream conveyor reversal mechanism, and the conveyed items placed on the upstream conveyor 11 are returned to the upstream side of the upstream conveyor 11.

[0035] The return mechanism 20, for example as shown in Figure 6, is positioned above the sorting conveyor 12 and can push the conveyed object L4 placed on the sorting conveyor 12 in the -X direction, moving it to the state where it is placed on the upstream conveyor 11.

[0036] As an example of another return mechanism, a sorting conveyor 12 can be used that has a structure that allows the conveyed objects L4 placed on the sorting conveyor 12 to be moved not only in the Y direction and the -Y direction, but also in the -X direction, by switching the drive device of the sorting conveyor 12.

[0037] The drive of the return mechanism 20 or the switching of the drive device for the sorting conveyor 12, as well as the operation of the upstream conveyor reversal mechanism, can be controlled by the control device 15.

[0038] In this second embodiment, since the conveying surfaces of the upstream conveyor 11 and the sorting conveyor 12 are at the same height and there is no step h, it is particularly desirable that the conveyed items slide easily on the sorting conveyor 12 in the direction of arrow A (X direction) in order to transfer the conveyed items from the upstream conveyor 11 to the sorting conveyor 12 during normal operation.

[0039] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 is a plan view of a sorting conveyor system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] This third embodiment is a variation of the first embodiment, in which a vertical conveyor (restraining member) 30 is installed in place of the restraining member 16 of the first embodiment. The vertical conveyor 30 is positioned along the side of the sorting conveyor 12 opposite to the direction of the upstream conveyor 11 (the X side), similar to the restraining member 16 of the first embodiment.

[0041] Furthermore, the vertical conveyor 30 operates in conjunction with the sorting conveyor 12 to transport the transported objects L4 in the same direction (Y direction or -Y direction) as the sorting conveyor 12 transports the transported objects L4.

[0042] This vertical conveyor 30, similar to the restraining member 16 in the first embodiment, prevents the conveyed objects L4, which have been transported in the X direction by the upstream conveyor 11 and reached the sorting conveyor 12, from passing over the sorting conveyor 12 and falling in the X direction. Furthermore, the vertical conveyor 30 assists the function of the sorting conveyor 12, enabling smooth distribution and transport of conveyed objects L4 that come into contact with the vertical conveyor 30 in the Y direction or -Y direction.

[0043] In the above description, a vertical conveyor 30 is installed in place of the restraining member 16 in the first embodiment, but a vertical conveyor 30 can also be installed in place of the restraining member 16 in the second embodiment.

[0044] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 8 is a top view of the sorting conveyor 12 (part 1). Figure 9 is a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12 shown in Figure 8, taken along the line T-T. Figure 10 is a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12 shown in Figure 8, taken along the line P-P.

[0045] The sorting conveyor 12 of the present invention solves the problems of the conveyed objects not being able to travel straight when they fall from the upstream conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow A (first direction, X direction) at a predetermined speed onto the conveying surface of the sorting conveyor 12, causing a force Fa to be generated on the belt, which causes it to shift in the X direction (belt width direction), meander as it is conveyed, and the belt to shift to one side, causing the belt end (edge) to be damaged as it comes into contact with the restraining member 16. These problems are solved by using a ribbed resin belt 53 for the belt.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the sorting conveyor 12 consists of a drive pulley 50, an end pulley 51, a ribbed resin belt 53, and a slider bed 52. The slider bed 52 supports the ribbed resin belt 53 between the drive pulley 50 and the end pulley 51 to prevent it from sinking due to the weight of the conveyed objects. The drive pulley 50 rotates under the control of the control device 15, and the friction between the outer circumference of the drive pulley 50 and the ribbed resin belt 53 pulls the ribbed resin belt 53 in the driving direction. The ribbed resin belt 53 moves toward the end pulley 51 with the side opposite to the conveying surface, and at the end pulley 51 it folds back, forming a continuous loop where the side facing the conveying surface returns to the drive pulley 50. The ribbed resin belt 53 is equipped with raised rib sections 53a and 53b, which are precisely fitted into the groove-shaped belt rib receiving sections 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b of the drive pulley 50, end pulley 51, and slider bed 52, thus maintaining the conveying surface of the ribbed resin belt 53 to be substantially flat. When an object falls onto the conveying surface, the force Fa generated in the X direction is received by the rib sections 53a and 53b of the ribbed resin belt 53 and the belt rib receiving sections 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b, thereby preventing the belt from shifting in the X direction. This anti-sway mechanism utilizes a "ridge and groove" interlocking structure that functions as a physical guide (stopper), fundamentally solving the problem of lateral displacement (X-direction, belt width direction) caused by the impact of objects being transferred onto the belt. The interlocking ridges and grooves forcibly maintain the belt's position, ensuring its straightness and eliminating swaying.

[0047] However, the belt rib receiving portion of the slider bed 52 is not limited to a groove shape. Figure 11 is a second top view of a sorting conveyor 12 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the sorting conveyor 12 shown in Figure 11, taken along the line P2-P2. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the shape of the belt rib receiving portions 52a and 52b of the slider bed 52 may be determined by utilizing the outer shape of the slider bed 52 in the width direction (X direction) to restrict the ribbed resin belt 53 from shifting in the width direction (X direction). In this case as well, when the conveyed object falls onto the conveying surface, the force Fa generated in the X direction is received by the ribs 53a and 53b of the ribbed resin belt 53, the drive pulley 50, the end pulley 51, and the belt rib receiving portions 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b of the slider bed 52, thereby restricting the belt from shifting in the X direction. This structure functions as a physical guide (stopper) for the meandering prevention mechanism, fundamentally solving the problem of the belt being pushed laterally (X direction, belt width direction) by the impact when conveyed objects are transferred, causing lateral displacement (X direction, belt width direction). The position of the belt is forcibly maintained by the raised ribs 53a and 53b of the ribbed resin belt 53 and the belt rib receiving parts 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b, ensuring the straightness of the belt and eliminating meandering.

[0048] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0049] The sorting conveyor systems according to each aspect of the present invention can re-sort items to a normal line when important equipment, such as inspection machines in the check-in area, malfunctions and the transport line becomes unusable, or when a problem occurs downstream of the destination conveyor. Alternatively, it can easily switch transport lines according to passenger priority, or switch overflow lines when the destination transport line is temporarily full. Therefore, the present invention has great industrial applicability in various industries, including manufacturing and logistics. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 11…Upstream conveyor 12... Sorting conveyor 13…First downstream conveyor 14…Second downstream conveyor 15…Control device 16…Restraining member 20...Return mechanism 30…Vertical conveyor (restraining member) 50... Drive pulley 50a, 50b... Belt rib support section 51... End pulley 51a, 51b... Belt rib support section 52... Slider bed 52a, 52b... Belt rib support section 53…Resin belt with cleats 53a, 53b...crosspiece

Claims

1. An upstream conveyor that places the object to be transported and transports it in a first direction, A sorting conveyor that receives the conveyed objects transported in the first direction by the upstream conveyor and selectively transports the conveyed objects in a second direction or a third direction opposite to the second direction, depending on the destination of the conveyed objects. A first downstream conveyor connected to the sorting conveyor in the second direction and transporting the conveyed items away from the sorting conveyor, A second downstream conveyor is connected to the sorting conveyor in the third direction and transports the conveyed items away from the sorting conveyor, Equipped with, At a desired timing, the conveyed objects transported by the first downstream conveyor can be received by the sorting conveyor by switching the drive direction of the first downstream conveyor in the reverse direction, received by the second downstream conveyor from the sorting conveyor, and transported to the second downstream conveyor in a direction away from the sorting conveyor. At a desired timing, the conveyed objects transported by the second downstream conveyor can be received by the sorting conveyor by switching the drive direction of the second downstream conveyor in the reverse direction, received by the first downstream conveyor from the sorting conveyor, and transported to the first downstream conveyor in a direction away from the sorting conveyor. A sorting conveyor system characterized by the following.

2. A return mechanism that selectively returns the conveyed items received by the sorting conveyor back to the upstream conveyor, An upstream conveyor reversal mechanism that, when the return mechanism operates and the conveyed material is returned from the sorting conveyor to the upstream conveyor, switches the drive direction of the upstream conveyor to the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby returning the conveyed material to the upstream side of the upstream conveyor, The sorting conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized by having the following:

3. The sorting conveyor system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the downstream end of the upstream conveyor is located at a higher position than the sorting conveyor.

4. The sorting conveyor system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a control device that determines the destination of the conveyed object based on destination identification information associated with the conveyed object and controls the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

5. A sorting conveyor system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the coefficient of friction at the contact point between the upstream conveyor and the conveyed object is greater than the coefficient of friction at the contact point between the sorting conveyor and the conveyed object.

6. The sorting conveyor system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a restraining member positioned on the opposite side of the upstream conveyor of the sorting conveyor to suppress the ejection of the conveyed objects.

7. The sorting conveyor system according to claim 6, characterized in that the restraining member has a conveyor function that assists the function of the sorting conveyor in conjunction with the sorting conveyor and selectively transports the transported objects in the second direction or the third direction.

8. The sorting conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the upstream conveyor, the first downstream conveyor, and the second downstream conveyor is a belt conveyor.

9. The sorting conveyor is a belt conveyor and is characterized by having a physical guide that ensures the straightness of the belt and prevents deviation of the belt in the width direction in order to eliminate meandering of the conveyed objects relative to the direction of travel, as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

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