Classification system and classification method

Abstract

To provide a sectioning system that improves processing efficiency in automatic delivery of a container containing one or more articles.SOLUTION: A sectioning system comprises a sorter, a container mount part, and an automatic moving device. The sorter has a sorting part which sections articles into a selected container, and a conveyance part for container delivery which conveys the sectioned container in a predetermined conveyance direction. The container mount part is located adjacently to the conveyance part in a direction crossing the conveyance direction of the conveyance part, on which a plurality of containers is mounted. The automatic moving device has an automatic moving part which moves to and away from the conveyance part and the container mount part, and a movable part which pushes or draws a container, selected out of the plurality of containers, out to or in from the conveyance part at a position close to the conveyance part and the container mount part to place the selected container on the conveyance part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sorting system and a sorting method.

Background Art

[0002] There is provided a sorting system that feeds articles into respective shoots using a sorter. Such a sorting system sorts articles through a shoot into a container such as a tote according to, for example, the destination of the articles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sorting system and a sorting method that improve processing efficiency when automatically dispensing a container that houses one or more articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the embodiment, the sorting system comprises a sorter having a sorting unit and a transport unit for dispensing containers, a container placement unit, and an automatic moving device. The sorting unit sorts articles into containers selected from a plurality of containers based on codes attached to the articles. The transport unit transports the containers into which the articles have been sorted by the sorting unit in a predetermined transport direction. The container placement unit is arranged adjacent to the transport unit in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the transport unit, and multiple containers are placed on it. The automatic moving device moves between a position adjacent to the transport unit on the opposite side from the container placement unit, or a position close to the container placement unit so as to sandwich it between the transport unit and the container placement unit, and a position spaced away from the transport unit and the container placement unit. The automatic moving device comprises an automatic moving unit and a movable unit. The automatic moving unit moves so as to be able to move closer to and away from the transport unit and the container placement unit. The movable part, positioned close to the transport section and the container placement section, pushes or pulls a selected container from among multiple containers towards the transport section and places the selected container on the transport section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a partitioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the partitioning system shown in Figure 1, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow II. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partitioning system shown in Figures 1 and 2, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow III. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the movable parts of the automated moving device for the compartmentalization system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the axial movement mechanism of the paddle and the rotation mechanism of the paddle, as shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the rotational movement of the paddle in the movable part shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the compartmentalized system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a compartment control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a sorter control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device for an automatic mobile device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an automatic mobile device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of classification destination information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when processing an item input operation in the sorting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when performing automatic container dispensing processing of the sorting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation of the automatic moving device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the automatic moving device following Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a sorting system according to the first embodiment when dispensing multiple containers. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation when dispensing multiple containers as shown in Figure 17. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when performing automatic simultaneous container dispensing processing of the sorting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when the automatic transfer device in Figure 19 performs a simultaneous dispensing process. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation when an automatic transfer device according to the first embodiment performs an automatic simultaneous dispensing process for containers. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the automatic moving device in Figure 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the automatic moving device in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the automatic moving device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the automatic moving device following FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the automatic moving device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the automatic moving device following FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic top view showing the sorting system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing the positional relationship between the Bombay sorter and the container when an article on the Bombay sorter shown in FIG. 28 is put into the container. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing the state where the opening / closing body of the Bombay sorter shown in FIG. 29 is opened. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining a series of processes for discharging a container that has reached a predetermined quantity or a predetermined height in the sorting system shown in FIG. 28. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process following the process shown in FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining different embodiments in the Bombay sorter. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process following the process shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram for explaining different embodiments in the Bombay sorter. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process following the process shown in FIG. 35.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0007] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The sorting system 100 according to this embodiment sorts each item into a box-shaped container 8, such as a tote bag or tray, which has an opening at least at the top. The sorting system 100 then transports the full container 8, for example, a container 8 containing a predetermined height or predetermined amount of items, in a predetermined direction and dispenses it.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a sorting system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the sorting system 100 includes an induction 3, a scanner 4, a sorter 5, a container placement section 6, a plurality of automatic moving devices 7, a plurality of containers 8, and the like.

[0009] Here, the sorting system 100 transports the items in the following order: induction 3, scanner 4, and sorter 5.

[0010] Induction unit 3 receives items that are fed in by an operator or robot. Induction unit 3 transports the fed items using a conveyor or the like and feeds them into scanner unit 4, and then feeds the items into sorter unit 5.

[0011] Scanner 4 reads the code attached to the item being fed into and transported by induction 3. Scanner 4 is positioned, for example, to capture the code of the item being transported to induction 3.

[0012] The code is obtained by encoding an ID that identifies the item. Alternatively, scanner 4 may read the string of the ID attached to the item using character recognition processing (OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing), etc.

[0013] In this embodiment, the sorter 5 is formed in multiple layers. Here, we will describe the case where the sorter 5 is formed in two layers as an example. That is, the sorter 5 has an upper part 5a and a lower part 5b.

[0014] In this embodiment, the upper section 5a includes an upper transport section 51, a chute (sliding chute) 52, and a pusher 53.

[0015] The upper transport section 51 is located above the lower transport section (container dispensing section) 55, which will be described later, and is a conveyor that receives items that have passed through the induction 3 and scanner 4.

[0016] In Figures 1 and 2, the upper transport section 51 is preferably formed in an annular (endless) shape, such as an oval shape. That is, it is preferable that the articles placed on the upper transport section 51 can circulate, for example, along a horizontal surface until they are sorted.

[0017] The chute 52 is provided adjacent to the upper conveying section 51 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the upper conveying section 51. As described above, the upper conveying section 51 is preferably formed in an annular shape, but the position of the chute 52 is preferably provided in an appropriate range, such as the area shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0018] Multiple chutes 52 are installed in the direction of transport of articles on the upper transport section 51. The chutes 52 are transport paths through which articles pushed out by the pushers 53 provided on the upper transport section 51 pass. The chutes 52 are formed in a sloping shape that extends downward from the upper transport section 51.

[0019] In this embodiment, the chute 52 is adjacent to two directions (upward and downward directions on the plane of Figure 2) that intersect the transport direction of the upper transport section 51.

[0020] The pusher 53 moves on the upper conveying section 51 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the upper conveying section 51, pushing the articles on the upper conveying section 51 into the chute 52. Therefore, the pusher 53 (feeding mechanism) feeds the articles being transported on the upper conveying section 51 through the chute 52 into the container 8 adjacent to the lower side of the chute 52. The pusher 53 pushes the articles into a specific chute 52 according to the destination of the articles. The pusher 53 is positioned in the direction opposite to the direction in which the articles are pushed, just before the induction 3 places the articles on the upper conveying section 51.

[0021] The pusher 53 is capable of pushing out articles in two directions (upward and downward on the plane of the paper in Figure 2) that intersect the conveying direction of the upper conveying section 51 where the chute 52 is located.

[0022] The sorter 5 is placed on the upper transport section 51, and when the transported articles arrive in front of a predetermined chute 52, it moves the pusher 53 to push the articles from the upper transport section 51 into the chute 52. At this time, the chute 52 and pusher 53 are used as guides to separate the articles being transported to the upper transport section 51 into the selected container 8. For this reason, the guides, the chute 52 and pusher 53, are located above the upper opening (article loading / unloading opening) of the selected container 8.

[0023] In this way, the sorter 5 places the items into a container 8, which will be described later, via its upper section 5a. This container 8 is one that has been pre-selected by the processor 11, which will be described later. Therefore, the upper section 5a of the sorter 5 is used as a sorting unit to place the items into a desired container 8, for example, as instructed by the processor 11, which will be described later. That is, the upper section 5a, as a sorting unit, sorts the items into a container 8 selected from among the multiple containers 8 based on the code attached to the items.

[0024] In this embodiment, an example is described in which articles are transported along the transport direction of the upper transport unit 51 and the articles are divided into the target container 8 via the chute 52 using a pusher 53. For example, articles may be transported using a transport tray, and when the transport tray reaches the target division container 8, the transport tray may be tilted to slide the articles on the transport tray towards the target division container 8. When a transport tray is used as the upper transport unit 51, the transport tray may move in a predetermined direction along a rail, for example.

[0025] The lower section 5b is located below the upper transport section 51, chute 52, and pusher 53 of the upper section 5a. The lower section 5b includes a lower transport section (a transport section for dispensing containers) 55 and a sensor 56.

[0026] The lower transport section 55 is a conveyor or the like that transports the containers 8 in a predetermined direction and dispenses them. That is, the lower transport section 55 transports the containers 8, which have been sorted by the upper section 5a as a sorting section, in a predetermined transport direction and dispenses them. In this embodiment, the lower transport section 55 is located directly below the upper transport section 51. The lower transport section 55 is formed, for example, in two parallel rows. The transport directions of the two rows of lower transport sections 55 may be the same direction or different (opposite) directions, and are set according to the destination of the containers 8.

[0027] The sensor 56 is supported, for example, by the upper transport section 51 or chute 52 of the upper section 5a, and outputs the quantity (stacked state) of items in the container 8. Various types of sensors can be used for the sensor 56, such as a camera or an optical sensor. In this embodiment, an example using a reflective sensor as a type of optical sensor will be described.

[0028] The number of sensors 56 may be the same as the number of chutes 52, or it may be fewer than the number of chutes 52, as long as it can output the quantity (stacked state) of items in each of the multiple containers 8, and there may even be one sensor for each of the multiple containers 8.

[0029] The container placement section 6 is positioned adjacent to the lower conveying section 55 of the sorter 5 in a direction that intersects the conveying direction of the lower conveying section 55 of the sorter 5. In this embodiment, a pair of container placement sections 6 are positioned so as to sandwich two rows of lower conveying sections 55.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the container mounting section 6 has a table 60a, legs 60b, hinges 60c, and support legs 60d.

[0031] Multiple containers 8 are placed on the table 60a. Preferably, the multiple containers 8 are arranged in the conveying direction of the lower conveying section 55. The same number of containers 8 as the number of chutes 52 can be placed on the table 60a of the container placement section 6. In this embodiment, the table 60a supports the containers 8 at a predetermined height that allows them to receive items from the chutes 52. Therefore, the containers 8 on the table 60a are positioned to receive items that are loaded into the containers 8 through the pusher 53 and the chutes 52.

[0032] The top surface (tabletop) of the table 60a is set to a height at which the container 8 can be slid to the adjacent lower transport section 55 by external force such as the movable part 704, while the table 60a is in a horizontal position. Furthermore, when the top surface of the table 60a is tilted, the top surface of the table 60a is formed as a suitable smooth surface that allows the container 8 to slide appropriately along the direction of the tilt due to gravity and be transferred to the lower transport section 55.

[0033] Table 60a includes guides 62 that form sections in which the code 61 and container 8 are placed.

[0034] Code 61 is a code obtained by encoding an identifier that indicates the corresponding chute 52. For example, code 61 may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Code 61 is attached to the bottom of chute 52.

[0035] The guides 62 are used to position the container 8 in a predetermined location or to restrict the range of movement of the container 8. The guides 62 are formed as protrusions that project from the upper surface of the table 60a to a predetermined height. As a result, the container 8 is placed on the table 60a between a pair of guides 62.

[0036] The leg portion 60b is connected to the table 60a via the hinge portion 60c. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the hinge portion 60c is parallel to the conveying direction of the lower conveying section 55. The hinge portion 60c is positioned on the table 60a adjacent to the lower conveying section 55. As a result, the hinge portion 60c allows the table 60a to rotate relative to the leg portion 60b, and the upper surface of the table 60a can be tilted. The direction of tilting the upper surface of the table 60a is such that the container 8 faces the lower conveying section 55.

[0037] Therefore, the table 60a is movable between a horizontal position on which multiple containers 8 are placed and an inclined position on which multiple containers 8 are tilted to place multiple containers 8 on the lower transport section 55 at the same time and slide.

[0038] The support legs 60d support the table 60a from below on the side opposite to the side where the hinge portion 60c is provided, keeping the upper surface of the table 60a horizontal during the automatic container dispensing process described later. Also, during the automatic simultaneous container dispensing process described later, the lower surface of the table 60a is separated from the support legs 60d. The support legs 60d are supported on the floor surface so as to maintain their positional relationship with the legs 60b even during the automatic simultaneous container dispensing process.

[0039] In this embodiment, the automatic moving device 7 moves between a position close to the container placement section 6, where the container 8 is placed, and a position away from the lower transport section 55 and the container placement section 6. The automatic moving device 7 then presses the container 8 on the table 60a of the container placement section 6, for example, and places it on the lower transport section (dispensing conveyor) 55 for transport in a predetermined direction.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a side view of the automatic mobile device 7 according to this embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic moving device 7 comprises an automatic moving section 701, a support column 702, a container stock section 703, and a movable section 704.

[0042] The automatic moving unit 701 functions as a moving mechanism that moves the entire automatic moving device 7. The automatic moving unit 701 moves so as to be able to move closer to and further away from the lower transport unit 55 and the container placement unit 6. The automatic moving unit 701 is equipped with tires 70, which will be described later. It is preferable that the automatic moving unit 701 be equipped with a camera, etc., that reads a code 9 attached to the floor surface. Therefore, the automatic moving unit 701 moves to a desired position and in a desired posture while reading the code 9 attached to the floor surface.

[0043] Furthermore, a support column 702, a container stock section 703, and a movable section 704 are provided at the top of the automatic moving section 701.

[0044] The support column 702 is formed as an extension member that extends vertically upward from the upper surface of the automatic moving section 701. The support column 702 is provided with a container stock section 703 and a movable section 704.

[0045] The container stock units 703 are arranged vertically on the automatic moving unit 701 so that, for example, one container 8 can be stacked in each of the multiple levels, such as six levels in Figure 3. Each container stock unit 703 has a transfer unit 7031, such as a belt conveyor, that operates independently. Therefore, the container stock units 703 can transfer containers 8 to the movable unit 704 using the transfer units 7031. The container stock units 703 can also receive containers 8 from a station (not shown) using the transfer units 7031. Thus, the container stock units 703 can receive containers 8 from a station (not shown) and transfer the received containers 8 one by one to the movable unit 704.

[0046] Each transfer unit 7031 has a drive unit 7032 (see Figure 11). Each transfer unit 7031 is driven by the drive unit 7032.

[0047] Here, it is assumed that the support column 702 has six container stock sections 703 formed on it. The number of container stock sections 703 formed on it is not limited to a specific number.

[0048] A movable part 704 is provided on the side of the support column 702 opposite to the container stock section 703. The movable part 704 can move up and down within a predetermined range relative to the support column 702 along the vertical direction in which the container stock sections 703 are arranged, by a drive unit 7041 (see Figure 11) or the like.

[0049] In this embodiment, the movable part 704, at a position close to the lower transport section 55 and the container placement section 6, pushes a selected container 8 from among the multiple containers 8 toward the lower transport section 55 and places the selected container 8 on the lower transport section 55.

[0050] Figures 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams showing the structure of each part of the movable part 704.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the movable part 704 has a pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b. In this embodiment, the shaft 775, which will be described later, can move linearly between the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b, and the shaft 775 can rotate within a predetermined range. The shaft 775 may be extendable or retractable. The distance between the shafts 775 of the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b is greater than the width in the width direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the pressing direction in which the container 8 is pressed by the movable part 704. On the other hand, when a pair of paddles 776, which will be described later and fixed to the shaft 775, are placed between the shafts 775, the pair of paddles 776 can cooperate to press the container 8 in a predetermined direction.

[0052] Since the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b have the same structure, we will describe one of the movable bodies, 770a.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the movable body 770a includes an extension (movable base) 771 extending from the support column 702 to the side opposite to the container stock section 703, a ball screw section 772, a rotating mechanism 774 that rotates the ball screw section 772, a shaft 775 that moves linearly by the rotating mechanism 774, and a paddle (rotating hook) 776.

[0054] In Figure 4, the extension portion 771 is depicted as a block shape, but it may also be a rectangular rod shape extending from the support column 702 to the opposite side of the container stock portion 703, or a cylindrical shape extending from the support column 702 to the opposite side of the container stock portion 703.

[0055] The extensions 771 are preferably arranged parallel to each other. For this reason, the distance between a pair of extensions 771 is preferably the same from the position proximal to the position distal to the support column 702. The pair of extensions 771 are spaced further apart than the width in the width direction of the container 8 that intersects the direction in which the container 8 is moved.

[0056] The movable part 704 is formed so that its extension 771 moves up and down relative to the support column 702 and the container stock section 703. The support column 702 or the movable part 704 is provided with a drive unit 7041 (see Figure 11) that moves the extension 771 of the movable part 704 up and down.

[0057] The drive unit 7041 moves the extension 771 up and down so that the lower end of the extension 771, the shaft 775, and the paddle 776 do not collide with the guide 62. In addition, the distal end of the shaft 775 relative to the support column 702 moves so as not to collide with the container mounting section 6, the container 8, and the sorter 5.

[0058] The extension portion 771 has an upper end portion 771a. A rotating mechanism 774 is provided at the upper end portion 771a. A ball screw portion 772 is supported by the rotating mechanism 774. The ball screw portion 772 is positioned along the direction in which the container 8 is moved.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the rotating mechanism 774 has a ball screw portion 772 and a support portion 781 that supports the extension of the rotation axis C of the shaft 775, and a rotating drive portion 782 that rotates the support portion 781 relative to the upper end portion 771a.

[0060] The ball screw section 772 includes a base 791, a guide rail 792, a screw shaft 793, a nut 794, and a drive unit 795. The base 791, the guide rail 792, and the screw shaft 793 extend along the longitudinal direction of the extension 771. One end and the other end of the screw shaft 793 are supported by the base 791. The screw shaft 793 is connected to the drive unit 795. Therefore, when the drive unit 795 rotates the screw shaft 793, the nut 794 moves along the guide rail 792 in the axial direction of the screw shaft 793. A gear may be disposed between the drive unit 795 and the screw shaft 793.

[0061] A shaft 775 is fixed to a nut 794. In this embodiment, the shaft 775 is preferably formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape. For example, the shaft 775 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 4, a paddle 776 is fixed to the vicinity of the tip (distal end) of the shaft 775. Therefore, the shaft 775 and the paddle 776 are movable along the axial direction of the screw shaft 793 as the nut 794 moves.

[0062] Furthermore, the base 791 can move toward and away from the upper end portion 771a by the operation of the rotation mechanism 774.

[0063] When the rotation drive unit 782 of the rotation mechanism 774 is operated, the entire ball screw unit 772, together with the support unit 781, rotates relative to the upper end unit 771a. As a result, the paddle 776 can move between a position where the paddle 776 is inserted between a pair of shafts 775, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, and a position where the paddle 776 is retracted to the outside of the pair of shafts 775, as shown in the lower part of Figure 6. At this time, the central axis C of the shaft 775 does not change.

[0064] Therefore, the paddle 776 rotates around the axis of the shaft 775 extending from the support column 702 and the container stock section 703, moving between a position where it contacts the container 8 on the container mounting section 6 and a position where it is retracted from contact with the container 8.

[0065] Furthermore, with the paddle 776 positioned between a pair of shafts 775, the container 8 can be pressed and transferred to the lower transport section 55 by moving the shafts 775 axially while the paddle 776 is in contact with the side of the container 8 closest to the support column 702. Alternatively, the container 8 can be pulled in and transferred to the lower transport section 55 by moving the shafts 775 axially while the paddle 776 is in contact with the side of the container 8 away from the support column 702.

[0066] The drive units 782 and 795 are controlled by processor 71 (see Figure 8) according to instructions from, for example, processor 11 (see Figure 11).

[0067] Therefore, when the processor 71 controls the drive unit 782, the paddle 776 rotates between the pair of shafts 775, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, and also outside the pair of shafts 775, as shown in the lower part of Figure 6. Also, when the processor 11 controls the drive unit 795, the paddle 776 moves along the longitudinal direction of the pair of shafts 775 due to the longitudinal movement of the pair of shafts 775. Thus, when the processor 71 controls the drive units 782 and 795, the paddle 776 can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the pair of shafts 775 while rotating between the pair of shafts 775 and outside the pair of shafts 775.

[0068] Furthermore, depending on their rotational position, the pair of paddles 776 can work together to press and hold (clamp) the sides of the container 8 from the width direction. The pair of paddles 776 are also movable along the axial direction of the shaft 775. Therefore, while the container 8 is held by the pair of paddles 776, it is possible to place the container 8 on a desired level in the container stock section 703, or to press another container 8 with the container 8 held by the pair of paddles 776. Depending on the position of the paddles 776, it is also possible to remove the container 8 from the container stock section 703 in cooperation with, for example, the transfer section (conveyor) 7031 of the container stock section 703.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, this embodiment describes an example in which a pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b are operated simultaneously, but the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b may also be operated individually.

[0070] A camera 705 (see Figure 11) is provided on the support column 702 or the movable part 704. The camera 705 is positioned to photograph the movable part 704 side (opposite the container stock section 703 side) and function as a scanner to read codes 61 and 81. That is, the camera 705 photographs code 61 of the container mounting section 6, code 81 of the container 8, etc. The camera 705 may also be equipped with lighting or the like. The camera 705 may also be used as a sensor to determine the degree of fullness of the container 8.

[0071] Each container 8 is formed as a rectangular box with an open top. In this embodiment, for example, containers 8 of the same standardized shape are used. Containers 8 are loaded into the lower transport section 55 of the lower part 5b of the sorter 5. It is preferable that multiple containers 8 are installed adjacent to the sorter 5. Containers 8 are positioned to receive items passing through the chute 52.

[0072] Each container 8 is equipped with a code 81 (see Figure 1), etc. The code 81 is a code obtained by encoding an identifier that identifies the container 8. For example, the code 81 may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. It is preferable that the code 81 is affixed to a predetermined surface.

[0073] The number of chutes 52 and containers 8 can be set as appropriate, and may be several hundred or more.

[0074] Next, the control system of the compartmentalization system 100 will be explained using Figures 7 to 12. Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the control system of the sorting system 100. As shown in Figure 7, the sorting system 100 includes a higher-level device 2, an induction device 3, a scanner 4, a sorter 5, an automatic moving device 7, a sorting control device 10, a sorter control device 20, and a control device 30 for the automatic moving device 7.

[0075] The sorting control device 10 is connected to the control device 30 of the upper-level device 2, induction device 3, scanner 4, sorter control device 20, and automatic moving device 7. The sorter control device 20 is connected to the sorter 5. The control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 is connected to the automatic moving device 7.

[0076] The higher-level device 2 transmits sorting destination information, which indicates the item and its sorting destination (destination), to the sorting control device 10. The sorting destination information will be described in detail later. For example, the higher-level device 2 is a WMS (Warehouse Management System). For example, the higher-level device 2 is composed of PCs, etc.

[0077] The sorting control device 10 controls the sorter 5 and the automatic moving device 7 according to the sorting destination information from the higher-level device 2. The sorting control device 10 controls the sorter 5 through the sorter control device 20. The sorting control device 10 also controls the automatic moving device 7 through the automatic moving device control device 30. For example, the sorting control device 10 is a WES (Warehouse Execution System). The sorting control device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0078] The sorter control device 20 controls the sorter 5 according to the control signals from the compartment control device 10. The sorter control device 20 functions as the controller for the sorter 5. For example, the sorter control device 20 is a Warehouse Control System (WCS). The sorter control device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0079] The control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 controls the automatic moving device 7 according to the control signals from the section control device 10. The control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 functions as the controller of the automatic moving device 7. For example, the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 is a WCS (Wall Control System). The control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 will be described in detail later.

[0080] Next, the classification control device 10 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of the partition control device 10. As shown in Figure 8, the partition control device 10 includes a processor 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, NVM (Non-volatile memory) 14, communication unit 15, operation unit 16, and display unit 17, etc.

[0081] The processor 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, NVM 14, communication unit 15, operation unit 16, and display unit 17 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 8, the classification control device 10 may have other necessary configurations, or certain configurations may be excluded from the classification control device 10.

[0082] The processor 11 has the function of controlling the operation of the entire partition control device 10. The processor 11 may also be equipped with an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 11 performs various processes by executing programs that are pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 12, or NVM 14.

[0083] Furthermore, some of the various functions realized by the execution of a program by the processor 11 may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, the processor 11 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0084] ROM12 is a non-volatile memory in which control programs and control data are pre-stored. The control programs and control data stored in ROM12 are pre-programmed according to the specifications of the compartmental control device 10.

[0085] RAM13 is volatile memory. RAM13 temporarily stores data being processed by processor 11. RAM13 stores various application programs based on instructions from processor 11. RAM13 may also store data necessary for the execution of application programs and the execution results of application programs.

[0086] NVM14 is a non-volatile memory that allows data to be written to and rewritten. NVM14 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. NVM14 stores control programs, applications, and various data according to the operational purpose of the partition control device 10.

[0087] The communication unit 15 is an interface for communicating with the induction unit 3, scanner 4, host device 2, sorter control device 20, and the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. For example, the communication unit 15 is an interface for sending and receiving data with the induction unit 3, scanner 4, host device 2, sorter control device 20, and the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 via a network. The communication unit 15 connects to the sorter 5 via the sorter control device 20. The communication unit 15 also connects to the automatic moving device 7 via the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. For example, the communication unit 15 is an interface that supports wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connections.

[0088] The communication unit 15 may consist of an interface for communicating with the induction unit 3, an interface for communicating with the scanner 4, an interface for communicating with the host device 2, an interface for communicating with the sorter control device 20, and an interface for communicating with the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7.

[0089] The control unit 16 receives various operation inputs from the operator. The control unit 16 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 11. The control unit 16 may be composed of a touch panel.

[0090] The display unit 17 displays image data from the processor 11. For example, the display unit 17 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor. If the operation unit 16 is composed of a touch panel, the display unit 17 may be formed integrally with the operation unit 16.

[0091] Next, the sorter control device 20 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the sorter control device 20. As shown in Figure 9, the sorter control device 20 includes a processor 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, NVM 24, communication unit 25, sorter interface 26, operation unit 27, and display unit 28, among others.

[0092] The processor 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, NVM 24, sorter interface 26, communication unit 25, operation unit 27, and display unit 28 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 9, the sorter control device 20 may have other necessary configurations, or certain configurations may be excluded from the sorter control device 20.

[0093] The processor 21 has the function of controlling the operation of the entire sorter control device 20. The processor 21 may also be equipped with an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 21 performs various processes by executing programs pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 22, or NVM 24.

[0094] Furthermore, some of the various functions realized by the execution of a program by the processor 21 may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, the processor 21 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0095] ROM22 is a non-volatile memory in which control programs and control data are pre-stored. The control programs and control data stored in ROM22 are pre-programmed according to the specifications of the sorter control device 20.

[0096] RAM23 is volatile memory. RAM23 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 21. RAM23 stores various application programs based on instructions from the processor 21. RAM23 may also store data necessary for the execution of application programs and the execution results of application programs.

[0097] NVM24 is a non-volatile memory that allows data to be written to and rewritten. NVM24 is composed of, for example, an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. NVM24 stores control programs, applications, and various data according to the operational use of the sorter control device 20.

[0098] The communication unit 25 is an interface for communicating with the sectional control device 10 and the like. For example, the communication unit 25 is an interface for sending and receiving data with the sectional control device 10 and the like via a network. For example, the communication unit 25 is an interface that supports wired or wireless LAN connections.

[0099] The sorter interface 26 is an interface for communicating with sorter 5.

[0100] The control unit 27 receives various operation inputs from the operator. The control unit 27 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 21. The control unit 27 may be composed of a touch panel.

[0101] The display unit 28 displays image data from the processor 21. For example, the display unit 28 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor. If the operation unit 27 is composed of a touch panel, the display unit 28 may be formed integrally with the operation unit 27.

[0102] The communication unit 25 and the sorter interface 26 may be formed as a single unit.

[0103] The processor 21 controls the sorter 5 according to a control signal from the sorting control device 10. For example, the processor 21 sorts predetermined items placed on the upper transport section 51 of the sorter 5 into predetermined chutes 52 using the pusher 53. For example, the processor 21 uses the pusher 53 to push the items into the chute 52 when they reach it. As a result, the items are placed in a container 8 adjacent to the chute 52.

[0104] Next, the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. As shown in Figure 10, the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 includes a processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, NVM 34, communication unit 35, automatic moving device interface 36, operation unit 37, and display unit 38.

[0105] The processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, NVM 34, automatic mobile device interface 36, communication unit 35, operation unit 37, and display unit 38 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. Furthermore, the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 may have additional configurations as needed, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 10, or certain configurations may be excluded from the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7.

[0106] The processor 31 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. The processor 31 may also be equipped with an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 31 performs various processes by executing programs pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 32, or NVM 34.

[0107] Furthermore, some of the various functions realized by the execution of a program by the processor 31 may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, the processor 31 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0108] ROM32 is a non-volatile memory in which control programs and control data are pre-stored. The control programs and control data stored in ROM32 are pre-programmed according to the specifications of the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7.

[0109] RAM33 is volatile memory. RAM33 temporarily stores data being processed by processor 31. RAM33 stores various application programs based on instructions from processor 31. RAM33 may also store data necessary for the execution of application programs and the execution results of application programs.

[0110] NVM34 is a non-volatile memory that allows data to be written to and rewritten. NVM34 is composed of, for example, an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. NVM34 stores control programs, applications, and various data according to the operational use of the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. For example, NVM34 stores a database related to the inventory location of containers 8.

[0111] The communication unit 35 is an interface for communicating with the sectional control device 10 and the like. For example, the communication unit 35 is an interface for sending and receiving data with the sectional control device 10 and the like via a network. For example, the communication unit 35 is an interface that supports wired or wireless LAN connections.

[0112] The automatic mobile device interface 36 is an interface for communicating with the automatic mobile device 7. The automatic mobile device interface 36 connects to the automatic mobile device 7 by wire or wireless connection. For example, the automatic mobile device interface 36 may support a wireless LAN connection.

[0113] The control unit 37 receives various operation inputs from the operator. The control unit 37 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 31. The control unit 37 may be composed of a touch panel.

[0114] The display unit 38 displays image data from the processor 31. For example, the display unit 38 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor. If the operation unit 37 is composed of a touch panel, the display unit 38 may be formed integrally with the operation unit 37.

[0115] The communication unit 35 and the automatic mobile device interface 36 may be formed as a single unit.

[0116] The processor 31 controls the automatic moving device 7 according to the control signals from the compartment control device 10. For example, the processor 31 causes the automatic moving device 7 to move to a predetermined position. The processor 31 also causes the automatic moving device 7 to acquire a container 8. The processor 31 also causes the automatic moving device 7 to set the container 8.

[0117] Next, the control system of the automatic moving device 7 will be explained using Figure 11.

[0118] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the automatic mobile device 7. The automatic mobile device 7 includes a processor 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, NVM 74, communication unit 75, drive unit 76 (drive mechanism), battery 78, charging mechanism 79, tires 70, and camera 705, among others.

[0119] The processor 71 has the function of controlling the operation of the entire automatic moving device 7. The processor 71 may also be equipped with an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 71 performs various processes by executing programs pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 72, or NVM 74.

[0120] For example, the processor 71 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 71 may also be implemented using hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0121] ROM 72 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores the above-mentioned program. ROM 72 also stores data or settings used by the processor 71 in performing various operations. RAM 73 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 73 is used as a so-called work area, storing data temporarily used by the processor 71 in performing various operations.

[0122] NVM74 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium and may store the aforementioned programs. NVM74 also stores data used by processor 71 in performing various operations, data generated by processing on processor 71, or various setting values.

[0123] The communication unit 75 is an interface that transmits and receives data with the control device 30 of the automatic mobile device 7 via a wireless LAN access point or the like. For example, the communication unit 75 supports wireless LAN connectivity.

[0124] The drive unit 76 drives the tire 70. The drive unit 76 is a motor or the like that rotates the tire 70, and rotates or stops the motor based on a drive signal output from the processor 71. The power of the motor is transmitted to the tire 70. With the power from this motor, the automatic moving device 7 moves to the target position.

[0125] In other words, the tire 70 rotates due to power from the drive unit 76. The automatic moving device 7 moves forward, backward, or changes direction based on the rotation of the tire 70.

[0126] Furthermore, the drive unit 7041 drives the movable part 704 to move within a predetermined vertical range. In addition, the drive units 782 and 795 cause the paddle 776 of the movable part 704 to move axially and rotate. The drive units 782 and 795 are, for example, motors that drive the movable part 704.

[0127] Battery 78 supplies the necessary power to the drive units 76, 7032, 7041, 782, 795, etc. The charging mechanism 79 is a mechanism that connects the charging station and the battery 78, and the battery 78 is charged by power supplied from the charging station or the like via the charging mechanism 79.

[0128] In addition to the configurations shown in Figures 10 and 11, the automatic moving device 7 may also have other necessary configurations, or certain configurations may be excluded from the automatic moving device 7.

[0129] The processor 71 performs calculations and control necessary for acceleration, deceleration, stopping, changing direction, and the operation of the movable part 704. Based on control signals from the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7, the processor 71 generates drive signals and outputs them to each part by executing a program stored in the ROM 72 or NVM 74, etc.

[0130] The processor 71 of the automatic moving device 7 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the control signal transmitted from the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7. As a result, the automatic moving device 7 performs operations such as moving from its current position to a predetermined position, and gripping, releasing, and loading containers 8.

[0131] Next, the functions implemented by the partition control device 10 will be described. The functions implemented by the partition control device 10 are achieved by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 12, or NVM 14, etc.

[0132] First, the processor 11 has a function to acquire classification destination information. As mentioned above, the classification information indicates the classification destination of the item.

[0133] Figure 12 shows an example of the structure of the destination information. As shown in Figure 12, the destination information stores records that associate "ID" and "destination".

[0134] "ID" is an identifier that identifies the item being categorized. In this case, "ID" is a numerical value. "Destination" is the destination of the corresponding item. "Destination" corresponds to the container 8 in which the item is stored. In other words, "Destination" is information that allows the processor 11 of the sorting control device 10 to identify the container 8 into which the item is placed.

[0135] For example, "destination" may be information indicating an address (or part of an address). Furthermore, the structure of the classification destination information is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0136] The processor 11 receives classification destination information from the higher-level device 2 via the communication unit 15. The processor 11 may also send a request to the higher-level device 2 via the communication unit 15 requesting classification destination information.

[0137] Here, the processor 11 uses a pusher 53 to press the articles passing through the upper transport section 51 of the sorter 5, causing them to be fed through a desired chute 52 into a desired container 8. In other words, the processor 11 sorts the articles into containers 8 that have been fed into the sorter 5 once.

[0138] The processor 11 acquires information identifying the chute 52 into which the items are loaded and the container 8, and transmits information associating the identifier of an item with the chute 52 into which the item is loaded into the container 8 to the sorter control device 20 via the communication unit 15.

[0139] Then, the processor 11 initiates the loading of items into the sorter 5 via the induction 3 and scanner 4.

[0140] Next, the functions implemented by the sorter control device 20 will be described. The functions implemented by the sorter control device 20 are achieved by the processor 21 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 22, or NVM 24, etc.

[0141] The processor 21 has the function of feeding items into the chute 52 based on the associated information described above.

[0142] First, the processor 21 receives the above-mentioned information from the sorting control device 10 via the communication unit 25. Upon receiving the above-mentioned information, the processor 21 generates sorting designation information that specifies the chute 52 into which each item is loaded, based on that information.

[0143] Once the sorting information is generated, the processor 21 instructs the sorter 5 to load the items fed in from the induction 3 onto the upper transport unit 51. When the sorter 5 loads the items onto the upper transport unit 51, the processor 21 obtains the ID read from the items by the scanner 4.

[0144] For example, the processor 21 obtains the ID read from the item by the scanner 4 from the sorting control device 10 via the communication unit 25. Alternatively, the processor 21 may obtain the ID from the scanner 4. Furthermore, the processor 21 may obtain an image from the scanner 4, decode the code in the image, and obtain the ID.

[0145] Upon obtaining the ID, the processor 21 refers to the classification information and identifies the chute 52 corresponding to the obtained ID. Once the chute 52 is identified, the processor 21, through the sorter interface 26, instructs the sorter 5 to feed the items loaded on the upper transport unit 51 into the chute 52.

[0146] For example, the processor 21 instructs the sorter 5 to use the pusher 53 to feed the articles from the upper transport unit 51 into the chute 52 when the articles on the upper transport unit 51 reach the chute 52. The articles then pass through the chute 52 and are fed into the container 8.

[0147] Furthermore, the processor 21 uses the output value of the sensor 56 to detect when the container 8 is full of goods, for example, when the amount of goods in the container 8 has reached a predetermined amount or a predetermined height. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the processor 21 uses the sensors (reflection sensors) 56 attached to each chute 52 to determine / detect that the amount of goods in a container 8 has reached a predetermined amount or a predetermined height when goods have accumulated above a certain set height. The processor 21 outputs the container 8 containing the predetermined amount or height of goods as a target for dispensing.

[0148] Furthermore, the processor 21 may determine / detect that the amount of goods in a container 8 has reached a predetermined quantity or height, even if the container 8 is not completely full of goods. The processor 21 outputs the container 8 containing the predetermined quantity or height of goods as a target for dispensing.

[0149] Furthermore, if volume information associated with the code of an item exists, the processor 21 may add the volume of each item placed in the container 8, and if the sum of the added volumes exceeds a volume threshold set in advance based on the internal volume of the container 8, it may determine / detect that the container 8 has been filled with a predetermined amount or to a predetermined height of items. The processor 21 outputs the container 8 containing the predetermined amount or height of items as a target for dispensing.

[0150] Furthermore, for example, if weight information associated with the code of an item exists, the processor 21 may add the weight of each item placed in the container 8, and if the sum of the added weights is equal to or greater than the weight predetermined for the container 8, it may determine / detect that the container 8 has been filled with a predetermined amount or to a predetermined height of items. The processor 21 outputs the container 8 containing the predetermined amount or height of items as a target for dispensing.

[0151] Based on one or more of these, the processor 21 determines / detects that an item has been placed in the container 8 in a predetermined quantity or to a predetermined height.

[0152] In this embodiment, an example is described in which, based on the output value of the sensor 56, the processor 21 outputs a container 8 containing a predetermined amount or a predetermined height of items as "container 8 is full of items" and outputs it as an item to be dispensed. Based on the output of the sensor 56, when the processor 21 detects that a certain amount or a predetermined height of items has been placed in a container 8, it transmits a control signal (determined amount detection signal) to the sorting control device 10 indicating that the container 8 has reached the predetermined amount or height. The predetermined amount detection signal is transmitted to the control device 30 of the automatic transfer device 7 via the sorting control device 10.

[0153] Next, the functions implemented by the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 will be described. The functions implemented by the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 are achieved by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 32, or NVM 34, etc.

[0154] The processor 31 has the function of dispensing, for example, a container 8 into which an amount or height of goods has been placed to a lower transport section (dispensing conveyor) 55.

[0155] The processor 31 receives information (amount detection signal) from the sorting control device 10 via the communication unit 35 regarding the amount of items placed in the container 8 to a predetermined amount or height. Upon receiving this information, the processor 31 formulates an operation plan for each automatic moving device 7.

[0156] Upon receiving a signal indicating a predetermined quantity, the processor 31 moves the automatic moving device 7 to the position of the container 8 where the contents have reached a predetermined quantity or height, based on the operation plan. For example, the processor 71 of the automatic moving device 7 uses the camera 705 to read the code 61 on the container mounting section 6 and / or the code 81 on the container 8, and moves to the front of the container 8 where the contents have reached a predetermined quantity or height.

[0157] In other words, the processor 31 operates one of the automatic moving devices 7 to press a container 8 containing a predetermined amount or height of goods toward the lower transport unit 55, and moves the container 8 toward the lower transport unit 55. The processor 31 moves the container 8 toward the lower transport unit 55 using the automatic moving device 7.

[0158] The processor 31 then sets a new empty container 8 in the empty space of the container mounting section 6.

[0159] The processor 31 may use the automatic transfer device 7 to place an empty container 8 located in the container stock section 703 in place of the dispensed container 8 in the container placement section 6. This will be described later with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

[0160] Furthermore, the processor 31 of the control device 30 of the automatic moving device 7 operates in a way that prevents each automatic moving device 7 from colliding with another.

[0161] Next, we will describe examples of the operation of the induction 3, scanner 4, sorter 5, and automatic moving device 7 of the sorting system 100. The sorting system 100 can perform an automatic container dispensing process, which automatically dispenses containers 8 into the lower transport unit 55 once a predetermined amount or height of goods has been accumulated in them, or an automatic simultaneous container dispensing process, which automatically dispenses all containers 8 into the lower transport unit 55 at once, regardless of whether or not a predetermined amount or height of goods has been accumulated in them.

[0162] First, the automatic container dispensing process will be explained using Figures 13 to 18. The processor 11 of the sorting control device 10, the processor 21 of the sorter control device 20, the processor 31 of the control device 30 of the automatic transfer device 7, and the processor 71 of the automatic transfer device 7 communicate with each other via the communication units 15, 25, 35, and 75. For the sake of simplicity, the following processing will be explained assuming that it is performed by the processor 11 of the sorting control device 10.

[0163] Using Figure 13, the item input process for the automatic container dispensing process using the sorting system 100 will be explained.

[0164] First, the processor 11 of the sorting control device 10 receives sorting destination information from the higher-level device 2 via the communication unit 15 and receives the items that have been fed into the induction 3 (step S101).

[0165] Upon receiving the item placed in induction 3, processor 11 reads the item's code with scanner 4 and obtains the item's ID (step S102).

[0166] The processor 11 identifies the chute 52 and container 8 corresponding to the item ID based on the item ID (step S103).

[0167] The processor 11 identifies the ID of the item, identifies the chute 52 and container 8 corresponding to the ID of the item, and places the item into the upper transport section 51 of the sorter 5, causing the item to be transported in a predetermined direction by the upper transport section 51 (step S104).

[0168] When the processor 11 transports an item to the chute 52 corresponding to the ID in the upper transport unit 51, it moves the pusher 53 to press the item and puts the item into the container 8 corresponding to the ID of the item through the chute 52 corresponding to the ID of the item (step S105).

[0169] Next, we will explain the automatic container dispensing process using the sorting system 100 with reference to Figure 14.

[0170] The processor 11 uses, for example, the output of the sensor 56 to output whether or not the container 8 containing the item is full of the item.

[0171] Here, "full" means a state in which the container 8, which previously contained a predetermined amount of goods or a stacking height of goods below a predetermined height, is filled with goods to an amount exceeding the predetermined amount or to a height exceeding the predetermined height. There may be one item or multiple items. Also, "not full" means a state in which the container 8 is not filled with goods to a predetermined amount or height.

[0172] If the processor 11 outputs that the container 8 is not full of goods (step S11-No), it performs the item loading process described above (see Figure 13), which loads goods into the specific container 8 through a specific chute 52.

[0173] If the processor 11 outputs that container 8 is full of goods (step S11-Yes), it notifies the sorting control device 10 that container 8 is full (step S12). At this point, the processor 11 can no longer select the chute 52 and the container 8 which has been output as full as destinations for sorting information.

[0174] In the background of the automatic container dispensing process, an item input process (see Figure 13) is performed, and items are sorted with destinations different from the aforementioned chute 52 and container 8, specifically those that are not full. At this time, if the processor 11 cannot identify the destination (container 8) of an item, it circulates that item onto the upper transport unit 51.

[0175] The processor 11 notifies the automatic transfer device 7 that the container 8 is full (step S13). At this time, the automatic transfer device 7 is selected from several options, but the one closest to the container 8 or the one that can press the container 8 against the lower transport unit 55 the fastest is selected.

[0176] Then, the processor 11 moves the selected automatic moving device 7 toward the front of the full container 8 (step S14).

[0177] The processor 11 checks whether or not another container 8 is on the lower transport section 55 (step S15).

[0178] If another container 8 is on the lower transport section 55 (step S15-Yes), the processor 11 times the movement of the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7 in relation to the other container 8 (step S16). The process in step S16 will be described later.

[0179] If there are no other containers 8 on the lower transport section 55 (step S15-No), the processor 11 moves the movable part 704 of the automatic transfer device 7 to press the container 8 on the container placement section 6 toward the lower transport section 55, and transfers the container 8 from the container placement section 6 to the lower transport section 55 (step S17).

[0180] The process in step S17 will be explained using Figures 15 and 16. The processor 11 moves the paddle 776 to a position close to, for example, the support column 702. Then, the processor 11 moves the movable part 704 of the automatic transfer device 7 so that the paddle 776 is positioned between the shafts 775 and the container 8 to be dispensed is positioned between the shafts 775 of the movable part 704.

[0181] As shown in Figure 15, the processor 11 moves the shaft 775 of the movable part 704, moving the paddle 776 away from the support column 702. As a result, the container 8 placed on the table 60a of the container placement section 6 is pressed from the table 60a toward the lower transport section 55. Consequently, as shown in Figure 16, the container 8 is moved from its position on the table 60a of the container placement section 6 to the lower transport section 55 and placed on the lower transport section 55. In other words, the container 8 is dispensed into the lower transport section 55.

[0182] Then, the processor 11 moves the shaft 775 to avoid contact between the paddle 776 and the container 8, and then moves the lower transport unit 55 to transport the container 8 toward its destination (step S18). The destination of the container 8 can be set to various things, such as a shelf or a cargo truck.

[0183] The processor 11 outputs whether or not the container 8 has reached its destination (step S19). At this time, the start time and end time of the processing in step S19 by the processor 11 are calculated based on the distance between the position where the container 8 is placed on the lower transport unit 55 and the destination, and the transport speed of the lower transport unit 55.

[0184] When the processor 11 outputs that the container 8 has not reached its destination (step S19-No), it continues to operate the lower transport unit 55.

[0185] When the processor 11 outputs that the container 8 has reached its destination (step S19-Yes), it outputs again whether there is another container 8 on the lower transport unit 55 (step S20).

[0186] When the processor 11 determines that another container 8 is on the lower transport unit 55 (step S20-Yes), it outputs whether or not the other container 8 has reached its destination (step S21).

[0187] When the processor 11 outputs that the other container 8 has not reached its destination (step S21-No), it continues to operate the lower transport unit 55.

[0188] When the processor 11 outputs that the other container 8 has reached its destination (step S21-Yes), it stops the operation of the lower transport unit 55 (step S22).

[0189] The processor 11 outputs whether or not there is a full container 8, performs the item loading process, and also performs a series of automatic container dispensing processes.

[0190] Thus, the method for separating one or more items into containers according to this embodiment involves: stacking a predetermined amount or a predetermined height of items in one of the multiple containers 8 arranged on the container placement section 6; moving the automatic moving device 7 to a position adjacent to that container 8 and placing the container 8 that has been pushed out by the automatic moving device 7 onto the lower transport section 55; and moving the lower transport section 55 on which the container 8 is placed to discharge the container 8 in a predetermined direction.

[0191] Here, the process of step 16 will be explained using Figures 17 and 18. Specifically, the timing for initiating the dispensing operation of the container 8 by the automatic transfer device 7 will be explained.

[0192] Assume that the processor 11 has already activated the first automatic moving device 7 and performed the dispensing operation of container 8a in the past time, so that container 8a is flowing from the upstream side of the lower transport section (dispensing conveyor).

[0193] The second automatic moving device 7, which is different from the first automatic moving device 7, may cause container 8b to collide with container 8a if it does not perform the dispensing operation at the appropriate time, potentially causing container 8a to deviate from the transport path of the lower transport section 55. Therefore, the processor 11 needs to take into account the passage time of container 8a flowing from the upstream side and move the second automatic moving device 7 to perform the automatic dispensing operation of container 8b at a timing when containers 8a and 8b do not interfere with (collide).

[0194] As shown in Fig. 17, the lower conveying unit 55 is moved, for example, at a predetermined conveying speed V (m / s) in a predetermined conveying direction. Also, it is assumed that the containers 8a and 8b are delivered to the lower conveying unit 55. Here, the distance between the containers 8a and 8b is L(n) (m).

[0195] As shown in Fig. 18, let the placement time of the upstream container 8a on the lower conveying unit 55 by the upstream automatic moving device 7 be T(n) (n is an integer of 0 or more).

[0196] Let the placement time of the downstream container 8b on the lower conveying unit 55 by the downstream automatic moving device 7 be TP(n). At this time, the placement time TP(n) can be expressed as TP(n) = T(n) + (L(n) / V). Here, L(n) is the distance between the containers 8a and 8b, that is, the distance between the chutes 52, and V is the conveying speed of the lower conveying unit 55.

[0197] Here, let α be the margin time before the container 8a passes the container 8b. Let β be the margin time after the container 8a passes the container 8b. At this time, after the upstream container 8a is placed on the lower conveying unit 55, the minimum time during which the container 8b can be placed on the lower conveying unit 55 while the container 8a maintains the upstream side with respect to the container 8b can be expressed as TP(n) - α. Similarly, after the upstream container 8a is placed on the lower conveying unit 55, the minimum time during which the container 8b can be placed on the lower conveying unit 55 when the container 8a is in a state downstream of the container 8b can be expressed as TP(n) + β.

[0198] Therefore, the processor 11 causes the automatic moving device 7 to perform the automatic discharge operation of the container 8b when t < TP(n) - α (before passing) or, t > TP(n) + β (after passing) This can be done at the specified time. Therefore, when the time t is indicated by "A" in Figure 18, the target container 8b can be discharged to the lower transport unit 55. Also, when the time t is indicated by "B" in Figure 18, the target container 8b can be discharged to the lower transport unit 55. On the other hand, when the time t is indicated by "C" in Figure 18, it is not possible to discharge the target container 8b to the lower transport unit 55.

[0199] The sorting system 100 configured as described above uses the sorter 5 to load items into the containers 8. When the amount of items in a container 8 reaches a predetermined amount or a predetermined height, the container 8 is transported to a predetermined area using the lower transport unit 55. That is, for example, if the processor 11 determines that the container 8 is full of items (for example, that a predetermined amount of items has been accumulated), it automatically transports the container 8 to a predetermined area (destination) using the lower transport unit 55 and dispenses the container 8.

[0200] In the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment, when dispensing a container 8, the container 8 on the container placement section 6 is pressed using the automatic moving device 7 and placed in the lower transport section 55, and the lower transport section 55 transports the container 8 in a predetermined direction. Therefore, in the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment, time-consuming tasks such as moving the automatic moving device 7 toward the container 8 to be dispensed, acquiring the container 8, and then moving the automatic moving device 7 again to place the acquired container on a shelf or conveyor can be omitted. Therefore, by using the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment, processing efficiency can be improved when dispensing containers 8 containing one or more items automatically.

[0201] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sorting system 100 can operate the automatic moving unit 701 of the automatic moving device 7 at the appropriate timing so that the multiple containers 8 do not interfere with each other when the multiple containers 8 are transported on the lower transport unit 55 and discharged from the sorter 5.

[0202] In the process from step S18 to step S22, the lower transport unit 55 may be kept in operation at all times. Alternatively, a reflective sensor or a transmissive sensor may be placed on the lower transport unit 55, and it may be activated when the container 8 is on the lower transport unit 55, as described above. Furthermore, the on / off operation of the lower transport unit 55 may be calculated based on the timing of loading the container 8 onto the lower transport unit 55 using the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7, the speed of the lower transport unit 55, and the distance between the current location of the container 8 and the destination.

[0203] Furthermore, an example has been described in which the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b in this embodiment move relative to the support column 702 and the container stock section 703. Alternatively, the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b may be fixed relative to the support column 702 and the container stock section 703, and the pair of movable bodies 770a and 770b may move along the axial direction of the shaft 775 by operating the automatic moving section 701 of the automatic moving device 7.

[0204] Next, the automatic simultaneous dispensing process of containers using the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 19 to 23.

[0205] Here are two examples of how to perform an automated, simultaneous container dispensing process: (1) When there are no more items to input into Sorter 5 (when all sorting processes have been completed) (2) When the cutoff time is reached The cutoff time mentioned in (2) above refers to cases where, for example, the departure time of a transport vehicle (truck) is fixed, and it is necessary to load the sorted items onto the truck before that time. In this case, even if the sorting process is not yet complete, the items sorted up to that point will be loaded onto the truck.

[0206] In this embodiment, the automatic simultaneous dispensing process for containers using the sorting system 100 will perform the dispensing process for all containers 8, even if each container 8 is not full of goods.

[0207] Figure 19 shows the operation of the sorting system 100 when it performs automatic simultaneous container dispensing. Figure 20 shows the operation of the automatic transfer device 7 when it performs automatic simultaneous container dispensing. Figures 21 to 23 show a series of operations using the automatic transfer device 7 to simultaneously place the containers 8 on the table 60a of the container placement section 6 onto the lower transport section 55.

[0208] As shown in Figure 19, when performing automatic simultaneous container dispensing, the processor 11 operates the automatic transfer device 7 as shown in Figure 20. The processing of the automatic transfer device 7 shown in Figure 20 (step S211) will be described later.

[0209] Then, as a result of the process in step S211, the multiple containers 8 that have been simultaneously dispensed from the container placement section 6 to the lower transport section 55 by the automatic moving device 7 are arranged in the transport direction in the lower transport section 55.

[0210] The processor 11 operates the lower transport unit 55 and transports the lower transport unit 55 to the destination (step S212).

[0211] The processor 11 outputs whether or not all containers 8 have reached their destination (step S213). If the processor 11 outputs that, for example, some of the containers 8 have not reached their destination (step S213-No), it continues to operate the lower transport unit 55.

[0212] When the processor 11 outputs that all containers 8 have reached their destination (step S213-Yes), it stops the operation of the lower transport unit 55 (step S214).

[0213] As shown in Figure 20, the processing of the automatic transfer device 7 when performing automatic simultaneous container dispensing processing using the sorting system 100 will be described.

[0214] First, the processor 11 moves a number of automatic moving devices 7 corresponding to the number of tables 60a in the container placement section 6 toward each container placement section 6 (step S2111). At this time, the shaft 775 and paddle 776 of each automatic moving device 7 are positioned below the table 60a.

[0215] The processor 11 moves the movable part 704 upward and lifts the table 60a of the container placement section 6 by the shaft 775 and paddle 776 (step S2112). At this time, the hinge part 60c between the table 60a and the leg part 60b causes the table 60a to rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft on the lower transport section 55 side. As a result, the table 60a tilts, and one or more containers 8 placed on the table 60a slide and are placed on the lower transport section 55. As a result, the containers 8 on the table 60a of the container placement section 6 adjacent to the lower transport section 55 are lined up along the transport direction of the lower transport section 55.

[0216] The processor 11 outputs whether or not all containers 8 have slid across the table 60a and been placed on the lower transport unit 55 (step S2113). The processor 11 can output whether or not containers 8 are present on the table 60a based, for example, on images obtained using the cameras 705 of each automatic transfer device 7.

[0217] If the processor 11 outputs that, for example, some of the containers 8 are not placed on the lower transport unit 55 (step S2113-No), it moves the movable unit 704 further upward. As a result, the tilt angle of the table 60a of the container placement unit 6 is increased. The processor 11 outputs whether or not all of the containers 8 have slid down the table 60a and been placed on the lower transport unit 55 (step S2113).

[0218] When the processor 11 outputs that all containers 8 have been placed on the lower transport unit 55 (step S2113-Yes), it returns to the automatic simultaneous container dispensing process using the sorting system 100 shown in Figure 19.

[0219] Thus, the method for separating one or more items into containers according to this embodiment involves directing an automatic moving device 7 towards a table 60a on which multiple containers 8 are arranged and placed, operating the automatic moving device 7 to tilt the table 60a so that the multiple containers 8 placed on the table 60a are placed simultaneously onto a lower transport unit 55 that dispenses the multiple containers 8 in a predetermined direction, and moving the lower transport unit 55 on which the multiple containers 8 are placed to dispense the multiple containers 8 in a predetermined direction.

[0220] Furthermore, in the process of step S17 shown in Figure 14, when the container 8 is discharged to the lower transport unit 55, or after it has been discharged, it is also preferable that another empty container 8 be placed on the container placement unit 6 in place of the container 8 that has been discharged to the lower transport unit 55. Here, an example in which another empty container 8 is placed on the container placement unit 6 in place of the container 8 that has been discharged to the lower transport unit 55 will be briefly explained using Figures 24 and 25. For example, the processor 11 moves the movable part 704 up and down to identify the container 8 in the container stock section 703 that it wants to place on the container placement section 6.

[0221] The processor 11 retracts the paddle 776 to the outside between the shafts 775 (see Figure 6, bottom diagram). The processor 11 also moves the paddle 776 to a position closer to, for example, the support column 702.

[0222] Then, the processor 11 drives a specific transfer unit (conveyor) 7031 of the container stock unit 703 to maintain the horizontal position of the empty container 8, and drives the rotation drive unit 782 of the movable unit 704 to rotate the paddle 776 to the position shown in the upper part of Figure 6, thereby gripping the empty container 8 between the paddles 776. At this time, the paddles 776 of the movable unit 704 are positioned so that when the movable unit 704 is moved up and down, the empty container 8 does not collide with other levels of the container stock unit 703 or other empty containers 8.

[0223] The processor 11 then moves the movable part 704 up and down as appropriate, and moves the shaft 775 of the movable part 704 in the axial direction, to position the empty container 8 held between the paddles 776 on the upper side of the table 60a of the container mounting section 6. That is, the processor 11 drives the drive unit 795, and with the empty container 8 held between the paddles 776, moves the shaft 775 of the movable part 704 in a straight line, placing one of the empty containers 8 that was in the container stock section 703 onto the table 60a of the container mounting section 6. In this way, the processor 11 moves the paddles 776 of the movable part 704 away from the support column 702. As a result, the empty container 8 that was in the container stock section 703 presses the full container 8 placed on the container mounting section 6 towards the lower transport section 55. Therefore, as shown in Figure 25, the full container 8 is moved from its position on the container placement section 6 to the lower transport section 55 and placed on the lower transport section 55. In other words, the full container 8 is dispensed to the lower transport section 55. Meanwhile, the empty container 8 that was in the container stock section 703 is placed on the table 60a of the container placement section 6 by the paddle 776.

[0224] The processor 11 then drives the rotation drive unit 782 to rotate the paddle 776 as shown in the lower part of Figure 6, thereby releasing the empty container 8 from between the paddles 776. The processor 11 then drives the drive unit 795 to retract the distal end of the shaft 775 away from the container 8. The processor 11 may also drive the drive unit 76 of the automatic moving unit 701 to move the automatic moving device 7 away from the container mounting unit 6.

[0225] Although not shown in the diagram, after pressing the full container 8 on the container placement section 6 to be dispensed using the paddle 776 and placing it on the lower transport section 55, the processor 11 may use the automatic transfer device 7 to place an empty container 8 from the container stock section 703 in place of the dispensed container 8. Alternatively, after dispensing the full container 8 to be dispensed, the processor 11 may use, for example, the automatic transfer device 7 to place an empty container 8 to be stocked below the table 60a of the container placement section 6 onto the table 60a of the container placement section 6.

[0226] According to this embodiment, when dispensing a container 8 from the sorting system 100, the container 8 is simply pushed out using the automatic moving device 7, or the container mounting section 6 is tilted. For example, by maintaining a position where the automatic moving device 7 has its movable part 704 facing the sorter 5 side and its container stock section 703 facing the opposite side of the sorter 5, the container 8 can be dispensed from the sorting system 100 without having to move the automatic moving device 7 in a complex manner. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a sorting system 100 that improves processing efficiency when dispensing containers 8 that contain articles automatically.

[0227] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the table 60a is tilted to an inclined position using the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7 when performing an automatic simultaneous dispensing process of containers. Actuators such as motors may be provided on the hinge parts 60c of the container placement section 6, and each table 60a may be tilted by controlling the actuator. Alternatively, multiple tables 60a of the container placement section 6 on one side of the lower transport section 55 may be tilted by a single actuator using gears or the like.

[0228] In this embodiment, an example was described in which one set of sorters 5 is formed by two layers, an upper part 5a and a lower part 5b. For example, multiple sets of sorters 5 may be formed on the upper side. There is no limit to the number of sets of sorters 5, but it is set by the ceiling of the building and the range of motion of the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7 according to this embodiment.

[0229] According to this embodiment, when performing automatic container dispensing processing, a container 8 selected by the processor 11, for example, when full, and placed on the container placement section 6, can be pushed out using the automatic transfer device 7 and placed on the lower transport section (container dispensing transport section) 55, and then transported to a predetermined destination by the lower transport section 55. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0230] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when performing automatic simultaneous dispensing of containers, the table 60a on which multiple containers 8 are placed side by side on the container placement section 6 is tilted to slide the containers 8 onto the lower transport section 55, and the lower transport section 55 transports them to a predetermined destination. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0231] (Second Embodiment) Next, the partitioning system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. The second embodiment is a modified version of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components or components having the same function as those described in the partitioning system 100 of the first embodiment, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0232] Figures 26 and 27 show the lower part 5b of the sorter 5, the container placement section 6, and the automatic moving device 7, while the upper part 5a of the sorter 5 is not shown.

[0233] In this embodiment, only one lower transport section (container dispensing section) 55 is shown for the lower part 5b of the sorter 5.

[0234] The automatic moving device 7 according to this embodiment moves between a position adjacent to the lower transport section 55 on the opposite side from the container placement section 6, and a position spaced apart from both the lower transport section 55 and the container placement section 6.

[0235] In this embodiment, the movable part 704, at a position close to the lower transport section 55 and the container placement section 6, pulls a selected container 8 from among the multiple containers 8 towards the lower transport section and places the selected container 8 on the lower transport section 55.

[0236] At this time, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the processor 11 moves the shaft 775 along the axial direction and rotates the paddle 776 appropriately as shown in the upper and lower parts of Figure 6, positioning the paddle 776 as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, so that it contacts the distal surface of the container 8 with the support column 702 of the automatic moving device 7. Then, while the paddle 776 is in contact with the distal surface of the container 8 with the support column 702 of the automatic moving device 7, the processor 11 operates to retract the shaft 775. As a result, the processor 11 can move the movable part 704 to discharge, for example, a full container 8 to the lower transport part 55.

[0237] Thus, the method for separating one or more items into containers according to this embodiment involves: stacking a predetermined amount or a predetermined height of items in one of the multiple containers 8 arranged on the container placement section 6; moving the automatic moving device 7 to a position that sandwiches the lower transport section 55, which transports the containers 8 between itself and the container 8 in a predetermined transport direction; placing one of the containers 8 onto the lower transport section 55 by pulling it in with the automatic moving device 7; and moving the lower transport section 55 on which one of the containers 8 is placed to discharge one of the containers 8 in a predetermined direction.

[0238] According to this embodiment, when performing automatic container dispensing processing, a container 8 selected by the processor 11, for example, when full, and placed on the container placement unit 6, can be pulled in using the automatic moving device 7, placed on the lower transport unit (container dispensing transport unit) 55, and transported to a predetermined destination by the lower transport unit 55. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improve processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0239] (Third embodiment) Next, the partitioning system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 36. The third embodiment is a modified version of the first and second embodiments, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components or components having the same function as those described in the partitioning system 100 in the first and second embodiments, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0240] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples were described in which, in addition to the upper transport unit 51, a chute 52 and a pusher 53 were used as guide units for the upper part (sorting unit) 5a. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 28 to 30, an example will be described in which a so-called Bombay sorter is used as a guide unit instead of using the chute 52 and pusher 53 of the upper part 5a.

[0241] Figure 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sorting system 100 from above. In Figure 28, the Bombay sorter 54 moves in the same transport direction as, for example, the lower transport unit 55 by the upper transport unit 51. Meanwhile, the container placement unit 6 is fixed to the floor surface. Note that the automatic moving device 7 is not shown in Figure 28.

[0242] Figures 29 and 30 are schematic perspective views showing the Bombay sorter 54 on the upper part 5a of the sorter 5 of the sorter 5 of the sorting system 100. As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the Bombay sorter 54 is formed as a transport tray whose bottom can be opened downwards. The Bombay sorter 54 has, for example, a rectangular frame 54a and a pair of hinged opening / closing bodies 54b supported by the frame 54a. The pair of hinged opening / closing bodies 54b can be deformed between the closed position shown in Figure 29 and the open position shown in Figure 30. The pair of hinged opening / closing bodies 54b may be opened and closed mechanically, or they may be opened and closed using an actuator such as a motor.

[0243] The Bombay sorter 54 places articles on the opening / closing body 54b and transports them in a predetermined direction by the upper transport section 51. The Bombay sorter 54 opens a pair of opening / closing bodies 54b when the articles reach directly above the target sorting container 8, allowing the articles to slide into the target sorting container 8. For this reason, the Bombay sorter 54, which acts as a guide, is positioned above the upper opening (article loading / unloading opening) of the selected container 8.

[0244] In this embodiment, the Bombay sorters 54 adjacent to each other vertically in Figure 28 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the paper, that is, along the transport direction of the upper transport unit 51.

[0245] The automatic moving device 7 according to this embodiment moves between a position adjacent to the lower transport unit 55 on the opposite side from the container mounting unit 6, or a position close to the container mounting unit 6 so as to sandwich the container mounting unit 6 between itself and the lower transport unit 55, and a position spaced apart from both the lower transport unit 55 and the container mounting unit 6.

[0246] Furthermore, the pair of movable parts 770a and 770b are assumed to move independently.

[0247] As shown in Figure 28, in this embodiment, a container placement section 6 is provided directly below the upper transport section 51, rather than a lower transport section 55. As described above, in this embodiment, the Bombay sorters 54 adjacent to each other vertically in Figure 28 are arranged in the left-right direction of the paper, that is, along the transport direction of the upper transport section 51.

[0248] On the other hand, the arrangement of the multiple containers 8 placed on the container placement section 6 differs from that of the Bombay sorter 54. In Figure 28, containers 8 adjacent to each other vertically are arranged offset in the left-right direction of the paper, that is, along the lower transport section 55. Therefore, in Figure 28, containers 8 adjacent to each other vertically are arranged offset in the left-right direction of the paper. In this case, a container 8 adjacent to the lower transport section 55 can be placed on the lower transport section 55 by pushing it out through the space between the containers 8 that are spaced apart from the lower transport section 55 using one of the movable bodies 770a, 770b of the automatic moving device 7. Alternatively, a container 8 adjacent to the lower transport section 55 can be placed on the lower transport section 55 by pulling the container 8 in using the movable body 704 of the automatic moving device 7 from the opposite side of the lower transport section 55 from the container placement section 6.

[0249] The operation of the automatic container dispensing process using the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 31 to 36. Note that the upper part 5a of the sorter 5 is not shown in Figures 31 to 36.

[0250] The sorting system 100 assumes that one container 8, on the side closest to the lower transport section 55, is full of goods. At this time, the other container 8, on the side further away from the lower transport section 55, may also be full of goods.

[0251] As shown in Figure 31, the processor 11 moves the shaft 775 and paddle 776 of the movable body 770b of the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7 through the space between the containers 8 that are spaced apart from the lower transport unit 55, causing the paddle 776 to come into contact with a certain container 8 that is close to the lower transport unit 55. As shown in Figure 32, the processor 11 moves the shaft 775 in a straight line to push the container 8 that has come into contact with the paddle 776 towards the lower transport unit 55. Then the processor 11 places the container 8 on the lower transport unit 55. The processor 11 drives the lower transport unit 55 to move the container 8 to its destination.

[0252] At this point, if an attempt is made to place the container 8 on the side that is moving away from the lower transport section 55 onto the lower transport section 55 so that it is perpendicular to the transport direction of the lower transport section 55, there is a high probability of collision with the container 8 on the side that is closer to the lower transport section 55. For this reason, the processor 11 of the sorting system 100 does not perform the operation to place the container 8 on the side that is moving away from the lower transport section 55 onto the lower transport section 55 at this time.

[0253] Let's assume that one of the containers 8, located near the lower transport section 55, is full of goods. As shown in Figure 33, the processor 11 moves the automatic moving device 7 and, as shown in Figure 34, uses the movable part 704 to pull the container 8 onto the lower transport unit 55. Then, the processor 11 places the container 8 on the lower transport unit 55. The processor 11 drives the lower transport unit 55 to move the container 8 to its destination.

[0254] Depending on the selection of the automatic transfer device 7, the processor 11 may also use the automatic transfer device 7 to push the container 8 and place it on the lower transport section 55, as explained with reference to Figures 31 and 32.

[0255] In the example shown in Figure 35, when attempting to place a container 8 on the side that is moving away from the lower transport section 55 onto the lower transport section 55 so that it is perpendicular to the transport direction of the lower transport section 55, some of the containers 8 will be placed on the lower transport section 55 without colliding with the containers 8 on the side that is closer to the lower transport section 55. Therefore, at this point, the processor 11 of the sorting system 100 can perform an operation to place a specific container 8 from among the containers 8 that are moving away from the lower transport section 55 onto the lower transport section 55.

[0256] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the processor 11 performs an operation to dispense the contents of a particular container 8 to the lower transport unit 55 when it is full of goods. At this time, the processor 11 uses the paddle 776 of the movable part 704 of the automatic transfer device 7 to place the container 8 on the lower transport unit 55. In this case, depending on the position of the automatic transfer device 7, the container 8 on the table 60a of the container placement unit 6 may be placed on the lower transport unit 55 by pushing, or by pulling.

[0257] In this manner, the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment first places the container 8 on the side closest to the lower transport section 55 onto the lower transport section 55. Then, even if the container 8 on the side further away from the lower transport section 55 is full, it waits until a path for it to be placed on the lower transport section 55 becomes available. When a path for it to be placed on the lower transport section 55 becomes available, the full container 8 on the side further away from the lower transport section 55 is placed on the lower transport section 55 by the automatic moving device 7.

[0258] In the sorting system 100 according to this embodiment, more containers 8 can be placed on a single container placement section 6, such as in two rows. Therefore, more sorting destinations for items can be set on a single container placement section 6.

[0259] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the Bombay sorter 54, which is transported by the upper transport unit 51, was described as being different from the arrangement of the container 8. However, the arrangement of the Bombay sorter 54 may be the same as the arrangement of the container 8. On the one hand, the chute 52 described in the above-described first embodiment was described as being spaced apart above and below the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2 with the upper conveyance unit 51 interposed therebetween. The chute 52 above the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2 and the container 8 corresponding to the chute 52 may be shifted along the conveyance direction of the upper conveyance unit 51 with respect to the chute 52 below the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2 and the container 8 corresponding to the chute 52.

[0260] As shown in FIG. 28, one container placement unit 6 has two divided tables 60a1 and 60a2. The table 60a1 is close to the lower conveyance unit 55. The table 60a2 is spaced apart from the lower conveyance unit 55. The tables 60a1 and 60a2 shall each have the table 60a, the leg portion 60b, the hinge portion 60c, and the support leg portion 60d (see FIGS. 21 to 23) described in the first embodiment.

[0261] A case where a container automatic simultaneous payout process in which the container 8 is arranged on the table 60a of one container placement unit 6 will be described.

[0262] First, the table 60a1 close to the lower conveyance unit 55 is tilted using the movable part 7'04 of the automatic moving device 7. At this time, the movable part 7'04 of the automatic moving device 7 may lift the lower side of the table 60a1 through the lower side of the table 60a2 from below the plane of the drawing in FIG. 28, or may lift the lower side of the table 60a1 from, for example, the left side of the plane of the drawing in FIG. 28. In this way, the container 8 placed on the table 60a1 close to the lower conveyance unit 55 is placed on the lower conveyance unit 55. Then, the processor 11 first conveys and pays out the container 8 placed on the table 60a1 close to the lower conveyance unit 55 toward a desired destination. At this time, the upper surface of the table 60a1 close to the lower conveyance unit 55 is returned to a horizontal state.

[0263] Subsequently, the table 60a2, which is separated from the lower transport section 55, is tilted using the movable part 704 of the automatic moving device 7. As a result, the containers 8 that were placed on the table 60a2 are moved from the table 60a2, through the table 60a1, and placed on the lower transport section 55. The containers 8 remaining on the table 60a1 are then tilted again, and the containers 8 that were placed on the table 60a2, which is separated from the lower transport section 55, are placed on the lower transport section 55. The processor 11 then transports the containers 8 that were placed on the table 60a2, which is separated from the lower transport section 55, to the desired destination first and discharges them.

[0264] Therefore, the processor 11 first transports the container 8 that was placed on the table 60a1 adjacent to the lower transport unit 55 towards its destination, and then transports the container 8 that was placed on the table 60a2 that is spaced further away from the lower transport unit 55, and then discharges them.

[0265] According to this embodiment, when performing automatic container dispensing processing, a container 8 selected by the processor 11, for example, when full, and placed on the container placement section 6, can be pushed out or pulled in using the automatic moving device 7, placed on the lower transport section (container dispensing transport section) 55, and transported to a predetermined destination by the lower transport section 55. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0266] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when performing automatic simultaneous dispensing of containers, the table 60a1 on which multiple containers 8 are placed side by side on the container placement section 6 can be tilted to slide the containers 8 onto the lower transport section 55, and the lower transport section 55 can then transport them to a predetermined destination. Similarly, the table 60a2 on which multiple containers 8 are placed side by side on the container placement section 6 can be tilted to slide the containers 8 onto the lower transport section 55, and the lower transport section 55 can then transport them to a predetermined destination. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0267] In the first to third embodiments described above, examples were given in which a combination of a chute 52 and a pusher 53, and a Bombay sorter 54 were used as guide units. As a guide unit, for example, a cross-belt sorter can also be used. A cross-belt sorter transports items on a transport tray made up of a belt conveyor, and sorts the items on the transport tray into the target sorting container 8, which is the destination for sorting, by changing the transport direction due to the rotation of the belt conveyor.

[0268] According to the first to third embodiments described above, when performing automatic container dispensing processing, a container 8, selected by the processor 11, for example, if it is full, and placed on the container placement section 6, can be pushed out or pulled in using the automatic moving device 7, placed on the lower transport section (container dispensing transport section) 55, and transported to a predetermined destination by the lower transport section 55. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0269] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments described above, when performing the automatic simultaneous dispensing of containers, the table 60a (60a1, 60a2) on which a plurality of containers 8 are placed side by side on the container placement section 6 is tilted to slide the containers 8 onto the lower transport section 55, and the lower transport section 55 transports them to a predetermined destination. Therefore, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improves processing efficiency when automatically dispensing containers containing one or more items.

[0270] According to at least one embodiment described above, a sorting system 100 and sorting method can be provided that improve processing efficiency when a container 8 containing one or more articles is automatically dispensed.

[0271] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made 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 of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0272] 2... Upper device, 3... Induction, 4... Scanner, 5... Sorter, 6... Container placement unit, 7... Automatic moving device, 8... Container (tote), 9... Code, 10... Sorting control device, 11... Processor, 20... Sorter control device, 21... Processor, 30... Automatic moving device control device, 31... Processor, 51... Upper transport unit, 52... Chute, 53... Pusher, 55... Lower transport unit, 56... Sensor, 60a... Table, 60b... Legs, 60c... Hinge, 60d... Support legs, 61... Code, 62... Guide, 71... Processor, 76... Drive unit, 81... Code, 100... Sorting system, 701... Automatic moving unit, 702... Support column, 703... Container stock unit, 704... Movable part, 705... Camera.

Claims

1. A sorter having a sorting unit that sorts articles into containers selected from a plurality of containers based on a code attached to the articles, and a container dispensing unit that transports the containers into which the articles have been sorted in a predetermined transport direction, A container mounting section is arranged adjacent to the transport section in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the transport section, and on which the plurality of containers are placed, An automatic moving device that moves between a position adjacent to the transport unit on the opposite side from the container placement unit, or a position close to the container placement unit so as to sandwich it between the transport unit and the container placement unit, and a position spaced apart from the transport unit and the container placement unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned automatic moving device is An automatic moving unit that can move closer to and further away from the transport unit and the container placement unit, A movable part located in close proximity to the transport unit and the container placement unit pushes or pulls a container selected from the plurality of containers toward the transport unit and places the selected container on the transport unit. Having, Classification system.

2. The container placement section includes a table that can move between a horizontal position on which the plurality of containers are placed and an inclined position on which the plurality of containers are tilted to place the plurality of containers on the transport section at the same time and slide. The movable part of the automatic moving device moves the table between the horizontal position and the inclined position. The sorting system according to claim 1.

3. The sorting unit is, An upper transport section is provided above the aforementioned transport section, and the articles are transported therein. The selected container has a guide section for separating the articles being transported by the upper transport section. It has, The guide portion is provided above the opening of the selected container. The sorting system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The sorter is provided in the sorting section and includes a sensor that outputs whether or not the stacking state of the items in the plurality of containers exceeds a certain set height. The sorting system includes a processor that outputs a container in which the articles are piled up above the set height based on the output of the sensor. The processor controls the automatic moving part and the movable part of the automatic moving device, and based on the output of the processor, Move the container to a position close to the container placed on the container mounting section, and push the container to the transport section with the movable section, or The movable part moves to a position close to the transport section and opposite the container placed on the container placement section, with the transport section in between, and the container is pulled into the transport section by the movable part. Make it work in that way The sorting system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. To pile a predetermined amount or a predetermined height of goods into one of several containers arranged in a container placement area, The automatic moving device is moved to a position adjacent to the aforementioned container, or to a position between the aforementioned container and a conveying section that conveys the aforementioned container in a predetermined conveying direction, and the aforementioned container is placed on the conveying section by pushing or pulling with the automatic moving device. Moving the transport unit on which the aforementioned container is placed, and discharging the aforementioned container in a predetermined direction, A classification method having the following characteristics.

6. To direct an automated moving device towards a table on which multiple containers are arranged and placed. The automatic moving device is operated to tilt the table, and the multiple containers placed on the table are placed simultaneously on the conveying unit that dispenses the multiple containers in a predetermined direction. The transport unit on which the plurality of containers are placed is moved to dispense the plurality of containers in a predetermined direction. A classification method having the following characteristics.

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