Automatic sorting system

Abstract

This automatic sorting system comprises: a rack that stores a plurality of containers into which an article is placed, and that includes an order rack for storing containers for which sorting work is in progress and a buffer rack for storing empty containers or containers for which sorting work is completed; and a crane that receives the articles and sorts the articles into the containers stored on the order rack, and that moves empty containers from the buffer rack to the order rack and moves containers for which sorting work is completed from the order rack to the buffer rack.

Description

Automatic sorting system CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-105691 (filed June 28, 2024), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to automated sorting systems.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a crane sorts items into containers on a rack.

[0004] Robotic put wall - Berkshire Grey, [online], [Retrieved May 2, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / www.berkshiregrey.com / solutions / robotic-put-wall / >

[0005] There is a demand to increase the amount of items to be sorted relative to the site area.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic sorting system that increases the amount of articles that can be sorted relative to the site area.

[0007] An automatic sorting system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: (1) a rack that stores a plurality of containers for holding items, including an order rack for storing containers in the process of sorting, and a buffer rack for storing empty containers or containers after sorting has been completed; and a crane that receives the items and sorts them into the containers stored in the order rack, and moves empty containers from the buffer rack to the order rack and moves containers after sorting has been completed from the order rack to the buffer rack.

[0008] An automatic sorting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the automatic sorting system described in (1) above, wherein: (2) the crane is a multi-tasking crane in which a conveyor that receives the items and sorts them into the containers and a lift that lifts the containers are integrated.

[0009] An automatic sorting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (3) the automatic sorting system according to (2) above, in which the conveyor transports the articles in a forward direction and a reverse direction.

[0010] An automatic sorting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the automatic sorting system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein (4) the rack is composed of multiple rows of racks, and further includes rails arranged between adjacent rows of racks and along which the crane slides.

[0011] An automatic sorting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (5) the automatic sorting system described in (2) or (3) above, in which the vertical sliding of the conveyor on the first rail and the vertical sliding of the lift on the second rail operate independently, and the first rail and the second rail are attached to a common base.

[0012] An automatic sorting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (6) the automatic sorting system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an automatic sorting system that increases the amount of articles that can be sorted relative to the site area.

[0014] 4 is a perspective view of an automated sorting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a view showing a crane of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1 sorting items into a container; FIG. 6 is a view showing a crane of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1 moving a container from the bottom of a rack; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-tasking crane of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the rails of the multi-tasking crane of FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a view showing a lift of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1 moving a container within a rack; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a rack of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a view showing an output conveyor of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1 moving a container from a rack; FIG. 12 is a view showing a modification of the automated sorting system of FIG. 1; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an automated sorting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic sorting system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] The automatic sorting system 100 includes a rack 10 and a crane 20. The automatic sorting system 100 may further include rails 40. The automatic sorting system 100 may be installed in any location, but in this embodiment, it is installed in a warehouse of a mail-order company. The automatic sorting system 100 may also be installed as a raw material warehouse or parts warehouse in a manufacturing industry. The automatic sorting system 100 is also called an "AS / RS (Automated Storage / Retrieval System)." The automatic sorting system 100 may further include an input conveyor 33 and output conveyors 18 and 19.

[0018] 2, the rack 10 stores a plurality of containers 210. Each container 210 holds one or more items 200.

[0019] In this embodiment, the item 200 is a product sold by a mail-order business. The types of the item 200 include, for example, food, daily necessities, and magazines, but there may be various other types, or conversely, there may be only one or two types. In this embodiment, the types of the item 200 are distinguished as SKUs. "SKU" is an abbreviation for stock keeping unit. The item 200 received by the user 230 may be a product that the user 230 will pack.

[0020] The vessel 210 is a container in this embodiment, but may also be, for example, a tote, carton, bag, box, pallet, case, or bucket.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , the rack 10 may be configured with multiple rows of racks. The rack 10 includes an order rack 16 and a buffer rack 17. The order rack 16 stores containers 210 during sorting. The buffer rack 17 temporarily stores empty containers 210 or containers 210 after sorting has been completed. The front row and lower rack that is accessible to users may be the order rack 16. The back row or upper rack that is inaccessible to users may be the buffer rack 17. The order rack 16 and the buffer rack 17 may have the same structure. Covers 10C may be provided on the front and rear sides of the buffer rack 17.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3 , the rack 10 includes columns 24 spaced at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction and one or more plate-like members 22 protruding laterally from the columns 24. A plurality of through-holes may be formed along the height of the columns 24. The height of the plate-like members 22 can be adjusted by screwing the through-holes formed in the plate-like members 22 into selected through-holes in the columns 24. Therefore, the rack 10 can accommodate containers 210 of various heights. Gaps 22S may exist between the plate-like members 22. In other words, in the rack 10, the container 210 may be supported by the plate-like members 22 only at both longitudinal edges from below, and may not be supported near the longitudinal center (gaps 22S) below. As described below, the crane 20 can use the gaps 22S between the plate-like members 22 to lift the container 210 from below and transport it in or out.

[0023] 1 , a user 220 may inspect an item 200 stored in a rack 10. The user 220 may read identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the item 200 using a scanner 31 or the like. The read identification information may be displayed on a display device 32. The user 220 may move the inspected item 200 onto an input conveyor 33.

[0024] The carry-in conveyor 33 transports the item 200 to the crane 20. The carry-in conveyor 33 may hand over the item 200 to the crane 20 when the crane 20 moves close to the carry-in conveyor 33. The carry-in conveyor 33 may be driven when the scanner 31 or the like is operated. The carry-in conveyor 33 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor using an omniwheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The carry-in conveyor 33 has one or more lanes (one in FIG. 1 ). In a configuration in which the carry-in conveyor 33 has multiple lanes, each lane of the carry-in conveyor 33 may be driven independently.

[0025] 4, the crane 20 may include a conveyor 21 and a lift 23. The conveyor 21 and the lift 23 may operate independently of each other.

[0026] The crane 20 may be a multi-task crane in which the conveyor 21 and the lift 23 are integrated. The pair of first vertical rails 21R of the conveyor 21 and the pair of second vertical rails 23R of the lift 23 may be attached at their upper ends to a common platform 25. The platform 25 may be flat. The pair of first vertical rails 21R of the conveyor 21 and the pair of second vertical rails 23R of the lift 23 may be attached at their lower ends to a common platform. This configuration improves the space efficiency of the automatic sorting system 100. In other words, if the conveyor and the lift are provided separately, two vertical rails are required. This increases the dimension in the extension direction of the rails 40. Furthermore, a crane that slides on the rails 40 must be provided for each of the conveyor 21 and the lift 23. Furthermore, a gap of, for example, one meter or more must be provided between the conveyor 21 and the lift 23 to prevent the conveyor 21 and the lift 23 from colliding with each other. For these reasons, if one were to achieve the same function as the automatic sorting system 100 of this embodiment (sorting onto the same racks 10), the installation length (in the extension direction of the rails 40) would be longer by more than one meter, resulting in a larger installation area. Furthermore, this configuration can reduce costs compared to a configuration in which both the conveyor 21 and the lift 23 are provided separately.

[0027] 5, the conveyor 21 may slide on a first vertical rail 21R. The lift 23 may include a pair of second vertical rails 23R extending in the vertical direction. The lift 23 may slide on the second vertical rails 23R. The sliding of the conveyor 21 and the sliding of the lift 23 may be independent of each other.

[0028] In the example of Fig. 1, the crane 20 is installed in the aisle between the front row of racks and the rear row of racks. This aisle may be narrow enough to prevent a person from passing through, as long as it is wide enough to accommodate the crane 20. In this embodiment, the crane 20 is a mini-load crane, but it may also be, for example, a unit load crane or a mid-load crane.

[0029] The crane 20 can slide on rails 40. The rails 40 may be disposed between adjacent rows of racks. More specifically, the rails 40 may be disposed between a front row of racks and a rear row of racks. A pair of rails 40A, 40B (see FIG. 1) may be provided that extend along the longitudinal direction of the rack 10 and are disposed at different heights.

[0030] The crane 20 may be provided with wheels. The wheels may be supported on the rails 40. The crane 20 may be detachable from the rails 40. The wheels of the crane 20 may be driven and braked by a motor. The wheels of the crane 20 may be controlled by the control device 120.

[0031] The conveyor 21 may transport the article 200 in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The forward direction here refers to the direction from inside the conveyor 21 to the outside of the conveyor 21. The reverse direction refers to the direction from the outside of the conveyor 21 to the inside of the conveyor 21. After receiving the article 200 from the input conveyor 33, the conveyor 21 may align the article 200 by transporting the article 200 in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

[0032] The crane 20 receives the items 200 and sorts them into containers 210 stored in the order rack 16. The conveyor 21 may sort the items 200 into the receiving containers 210, for example, by transporting the items 200 in a forward direction. When two or more types of items 200 are contained in the same container 210, the two or more types of items 200 may be sorted according to the destination or size of the items 200. For sorting, identification information of the items 200 read by a scanner 31 or the like may be used. Any sorting method may be used, but in this embodiment, a method may be used in which the container 210 is divided into multiple spaces by partitions and each item 200 is placed in a space corresponding to its destination. The sorting operation may be performed when the items 200 are carried into the containers 210 on the rack 10.

[0033] The crane 20 moves the containers 210 after the sorting operation has been completed from the order rack 16 to the buffer rack 17. The control device 120 may determine that the sorting operation is complete when all of the items 200 to be shipped to a specific destination have been sorted into containers 210.

[0034] The lift 23 may lift the container 210. The lift 23 may be a telescopic type. More specifically, referring to FIG. 6 , the lift 23 may have a plurality of overlapping tubular members 23C1, 23C2. The tubular members 23C1, 23C2 may be displaceable relative to each other. In a configuration in which the lift 23 is sandwiched between two rows of racks 10, the tubular members 23C1, 23C2 may be displaceable in both directions.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 6 , the procedure by which the lift 23 moves the container 210 within the rack 10 will be described. The lift 23 moves so that the upper surfaces of the tubular members 23C1 and 23C2 are positioned below and in front of the gap between the plate-like members 22 that support the container 210 in the rack 10. Specifically, the crane 20 may slide on the rails 40 and move horizontally. The lift 23 may slide on the second vertical rail 23R and move vertically. The crane 20 extends the tubular members 23C1 and 23C2 to just below the gap. The crane 20 raises the lift 23 so that the bottom surface of the container 210 is supported on the upper surface of the tubular member 23C2 at the tip end. The tubular members 23C1 and 23C2 are then retracted, thereby pulling the container 210 toward the lift 23. By changing the extending direction of the cylindrical members 23C1 and 23C2, the containers 210 in different rows of the rack 10 can be pulled to the lift 23.

[0036] The lift 23 then moves to a position above and in front of the gap between the plate-like members 22 that support the container 210 at the next storage position for the container 210. The crane 20 extends the tubular members 23C1 and 23C2 to directly below the gap. As a result, the container 210 moves above the plate-like member 22. The crane 20 lowers the lift 23 so that the bottom surface of the container 210 is supported on the upper surface of the plate-like member 22. The tubular members 23C1 and 23C2 are then retracted. Note that by changing the extension direction of the tubular members 23C1 and 23C2, the container 210 can be stored in a different row of the rack 10.

[0037] 7, the rack 10 may include a segment display 11 for displaying numerical values ​​and a completion button 12 equipped with a lamp. The segment display 11 may display the number of articles 200 stored in the container 210. The lamp equipped on the completion button 12 may be lit when the container 210 is stored after the sorting operation is completed. Specifically, the lighting of the lamp may indicate that the container 210 is being prompted to be removed.

[0038] 8, the bottom row of the order rack 16 may be equipped with output conveyors 18 and 19. The output conveyor 18 adjacent to the rack 10 may move the container 210 from within the order rack 16 to the output conveyor 19. The output conveyor 19 may move the container 210 close to the user 230 (FIG. 1) (to the right in FIG. 8). The output conveyors 18 and 19 may be driven by the user 230 pressing a switch.

[0039] Instead of the output conveyor 18, the user 230 may remove the container 210 from the order rack 16 for packing or the like. When removing the container 210 from the order rack 16, the user 230 presses the complete button 12 ( FIG. 7 ). After the complete button 12 is pressed, a lamp provided on the complete button 12 goes out. The lamp also goes out when the output conveyor 18 moves the container 210 for packing or the like. The lamp going out may indicate that sorting of the items 200 in the container 210 has not been completed and the container 210 should not be removed.

[0040] The crane 20 moves the empty container 210 from the buffer rack 17 to the order rack 16. The crane 20 may also move the container 210 after the sorting operation is completed from the buffer rack 17 to the order rack 16.

[0041] After the items 200 are removed from the container 210 removed from the order rack 16, the empty container 210 is returned to the order rack 16. The output conveyors 18, 19 or the user 230 may return the empty container 210 to the order rack 16.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a modified example of the rack. The order rack 16′ includes a cart 16C and a flow rack 16F. A user can move the cart 16C and the flow rack 16F together with the containers 210 stored therein for packaging or the like. This allows a large number of containers 210 to be moved efficiently. Furthermore, by storing fragile items 200 and the like in the flow rack 16F and then retrieving them, damage to the items 200 can be prevented. The other configurations of the order rack 16′ may be similar to those of the order rack 16.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, the automatic sorting system 100 further includes a control device 120 , a database 140 , an input device 150 , and an output device 160 .

[0044] The control device 120 is installed in the rack 10 or another area. The control device 120 is a computer. The control device 120 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a communication unit 123, an input unit 124, and an output unit 125.

[0045] The control unit 121 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 121 controls each part of the control unit 120 and executes information processing related to the operation of the control unit 120.

[0046] The memory unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The memory unit 122 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control device 120 and information obtained by the operation of the control device 120.

[0047] The communication unit 123 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 123 receives information used in the operation of the control device 120 from the database 140 or other external devices, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 to the database 140 or other external devices.

[0048] The input unit 124 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. "USB" is an abbreviation for universal serial bus. The input unit 124 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the control device 120 via the input device 150.

[0049] The output unit 125 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output unit 125 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 via the output device 160.

[0050] The functions of the control device 120 are realized by executing a control program according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 121. That is, the functions of the control device 120 are realized by software. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the operation of the control device 120, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. That is, the control program is a program that causes a computer to function as the control device 120.

[0051] The program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memories. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable recording media such as DVDs or CD-ROMs on which the program is recorded. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0052] A computer temporarily stores a program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may also be executed using a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions simply by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. Programs include information used for processing by a computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under the category of "equivalent to a program."

[0053] Some or all of the functions of the control device 120 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 121. In other words, some or all of the functions of the control device 120 may be implemented by hardware.

[0054] The database 140 is installed in the rack 10 or another area, similar to the control device 120. The database 140 is, for example, an RDBMS. "RDBMS" is an abbreviation for relational database management system. In this embodiment, the database 140 is separate from the control device 120, but may be integrated into the control device 120.

[0055] The database 140 holds inventory information 240 of the rack 10. The inventory information 240 includes identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each container 210, or a combination of information indicating the storage position of each container 210 on the rack 10 and information indicating the type of item 200 contained in each container 210. The inventory information 240 may be updated when each item 200 is sorted into a container 210.

[0056] The input device 150 is installed in an area where the users 220 and 230 can enter. The input device 150 is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone. The input device 150 may include the scanner 31 described above. The input device 150 may be separate from the control device 120 or may be integrated into the control device 120.

[0057] The output device 160, like the input device 150, is installed in an area where the users 220 and 230 can enter. The output device 160 is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescence. In this embodiment, the output device 160 may be separate from the control device 120, or may be integrated into the control device 120.

[0058] As an example of this embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 may change the storage position of each container 210 depending on the order frequency of the item 200 contained in each container 210. According to this example, the cycle time can be shortened.

[0059] In this embodiment, the rack 10, the crane 20, or a combination thereof is treated as a module, thereby enhancing the scalability of the automatic sorting system 100. In other words, the configuration of the automatic sorting system 100 can be easily determined or changed depending on various requirements, such as the site area of ​​the warehouse in which the automatic sorting system 100 is installed and the number of items required. Furthermore, the scalability of the entire automatic sorting system 100 may be enhanced by treating a combination of the components of the automatic sorting system 100 as a module. In other words, the overall configuration of the automatic sorting system 100 can be easily determined or changed depending on various requirements of the warehouse in which the automatic sorting system 100 is installed. For example, by configuring the components of the automatic sorting system 100 with a small number of modules or small-scale modules, the automatic sorting system 100 can be easily introduced into a warehouse. Alternatively, by configuring the components of the automatic sorting system 100 with a large number of modules or large-scale modules, the automatic sorting system 100 can be easily introduced into a warehouse. Furthermore, if a warehouse in which the automatic sorting system 100 is installed is closed, each module of the automatic sorting system 100 can be reused in another warehouse, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment, the rack 10 may store the plurality of containers 210 that have been brought in, by dividing them into two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the type of items 200 contained in each container 210. For example, the rack 10 may be divided into four compartments corresponding to four temperature ranges, namely, frozen, refrigerated, constant temperature, and room temperature, and the plurality of containers 210 that have been brought in may be stored in these four compartments according to the type of items 200 contained in each container 210. In this case, the frozen compartment stores containers 210 that contain products that require freezing, such as frozen foods. The refrigerated compartment stores containers 210 that contain products that require refrigeration. The constant temperature compartment stores containers 210 that contain products that require constant temperature storage, such as alcoholic beverages. The room temperature compartment stores containers 210 that contain other products.

[0061] As an example of this embodiment, a temperature zone management function may be added to each container 210. For example, of the four temperature zones of freezing, refrigeration, fixed temperature, and room temperature, the corresponding temperature zone may be different for each container 210. According to this modification, the temperature zones can be managed more reliably.

[0062] As an example of this embodiment, an API may be defined for connecting and coordinating various existing systems of a retailer, such as a payment system such as a POS system, an IMS, and an ERP system, with the automatic sorting system 100. "IMS" is an abbreviation for inventory management system. "ERP" is an abbreviation for enterprise resource planning. "API" is an abbreviation for application programming interface. According to this variation, the automatic sorting system 100 can be provided as a turnkey system via the API.

[0063] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps shown in the flowcharts in chronological order as described, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] 100 Automatic sorting system 10 Rack 10C Cover 11 Segment display 12 Complete button 16 Order rack 16C Cart 16F Flow rack 17 Buffer rack 18, 19 Discharge conveyor 20 Crane 21 Conveyor 21R First vertical rail 22 Plate-shaped member 23R Second vertical rail 22S Gap 220, 230 User 23 Lift 23C1, 23C2 Cylindrical member 24 Pillar 25 Stand 31 Scanner 32 Display device 33 Carry-in conveyor 40, 40A, 40B Rail 120 Control device 121 Control unit 122 Memory unit 123 Communication unit 124 Input unit 125 Output unit 140 Database 150 Input device 160 Output device 200 Article 210 Container 240 Inventory information 250 List

Claims

1. An automatic sorting system comprising: a rack that stores a plurality of containers for holding items, including an order rack that stores containers in the process of sorting, and a buffer rack that stores empty containers or containers after sorting has been completed; and a crane that receives the items and sorts them into the containers stored in the order rack, and moves empty containers from the buffer rack to the order rack and moves containers after sorting has been completed from the order rack to the buffer rack.

2. The automatic sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the crane is a multi-task crane in which a conveyor that receives the articles and sorts them into the containers and a lift that lifts the containers are integrated.

3. The automated sorting system according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor transports the articles in a forward direction and a reverse direction.

4. The automated sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the racks are configured in multiple rows, and further comprising rails disposed between adjacent rows of racks and along which the crane slides.

5. The automatic sorting system according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor slides vertically on the first rail and the lift slides vertically on the second rail independently, and the first rail and the second rail are attached to a common platform.

6. The automated sorting system according to claim 1, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

7. The automated sorting system according to claim 2, wherein the racks are configured in multiple rows, and further comprising rails disposed between adjacent rows of racks and along which the crane slides.

8. The automated sorting system according to claim 3, wherein the racks are configured in multiple rows, and further comprising rails disposed between adjacent rows of racks and along which the crane slides.

9. The automatic sorting system according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor slides vertically on the first rail and the lift slides vertically on the second rail independently, and the first rail and the second rail are attached to a common platform.

10. The automated sorting system according to claim 2, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

11. The automated sorting system according to claim 3, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the containers from the rack.

12. The automated sorting system according to claim 4, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

13. The automated sorting system according to claim 5, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

14. The automated sorting system according to claim 7, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

15. The automated sorting system according to claim 8, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

16. The automated sorting system according to claim 9, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the container from the rack.

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