JPH0419122B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to article sorting equipment used to sort a plurality of types of articles according to shipping destinations.

[Conventional technology]

Generally, in order to sort articles according to their shipping destination, a procedure is often followed in which multiple types of articles are stored on a shelf, and then the articles are sequentially taken out from the shelf and stored in containers destined for the same shipping destination.

There are the following two means for efficiently carrying out the work of taking out and storing articles from the shelves.

One means includes a conveyance line that conveys containers for storing articles, and shelves that store a plurality of types of articles and are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the conveyance line. This means that a plurality of workers are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and each worker takes out the articles from the shelf portion for which he/she is in charge, and stores the taken out articles in containers that are sequentially transported. (Refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-55005) Another method is to use a moving vehicle loaded with a plurality of containers for storing articles, and a vehicle that stores multiple types of articles.
In addition, the system is provided with a shelf arranged along the longitudinal direction of the traveling path of the moving vehicle, and a worker assigned to each moving vehicle can move the desired shelf portion along with the moving vehicle in charge. This is a means for storing the retrieved items in a container loaded on a moving vehicle. (Refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-7605) [Problem to be solved by the invention] Although the amount of each of multiple types of articles shipped varies depending on the shipping destination, overall, a large amount is shipped. The number of types of goods that are shipped in large quantities is greater than the number of types of goods that are shipped in small quantities. , it will be considerably less. Furthermore, while items that are shipped in large quantities are often ordered by different shipping destinations, items that are shipped in small quantities are often not ordered by each shipping destination.

However, in the past, the entire article was sorted using either a means of sorting using a conveyor line or a means of sorting using a moving vehicle, which resulted in the following disadvantages: It was hot.

In other words, if goods are sorted using only a means of sorting using a conveyance line, it is undeniable that there will be parts of the shelves where the amount of goods taken out is small. It is necessary to allocate workers, and as a result, there is a disadvantage in that a large number of workers are required, even though workers with a small amount of work are also required.

On the other hand, if goods are sorted using only a means of sorting using a mobile vehicle, the mobile vehicle must be stopped for a long time when retrieving from a shelf that stores a large number of goods. Furthermore, since there is an extremely high probability that each moving vehicle will have to drive to a shelf that stores items that are often taken out and take out items, A plurality of mobile vehicles were concentrated on the shelf where the equipment was stored, waiting for work, which resulted in a disadvantage of lowering work efficiency.

By the way, if each moving vehicle is loaded with one container, it is possible to avoid concentration of moving vehicles, but in that case, a large number of moving vehicles and a large number of workers are required. Therefore, it is difficult to put it into practical use.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the disadvantages of using only one of the two sorting means described above, a sorting section that automatically picks products that are taken out in a large amount,
For products that are taken out in small quantities, an order picking system was considered that is equipped with a sorting department that sorts products directly from the product storage ("Future Logistics Equipment - Picking, Automatic Sorting, and Reading Systems," edited by the Logistics Equipment Editorial Committee, Daily Edition). Kogyo Shinbunsha, (Showa
(first published March 28, 1954), see page 132).

However, in the above-mentioned picking system, the two sorting sections are configured to work completely independently, so if the products for one shipping destination are in both of the two sorting sections, each sorting section It is necessary to prepare separate storage containers for each item, and to combine the products in these storage containers into one shipping destination after picking.
At this time, there was also a risk that a work error would occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide article sorting equipment that solves the above-mentioned problems when articles destined for one shipping destination are located in both of the two sorting sections. It is in.

[Means for solving problems]

A characteristic configuration of the article sorting equipment according to the present invention includes a conveyance line that conveys containers for storing articles, and shelves that store a plurality of types of articles and are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the conveyance line. a first article sorting section, a moving vehicle loaded with a plurality of containers for storing articles, and a vehicle configured to store a plurality of types of articles and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the traveling path of the moving vehicle; A second article sorting section equipped with shelves for storage is provided, and a container conveying section is provided between the first article sorting section and the second article sorting section. It is as follows.

[Effect]

In other words, the first article sorting section using a conveyance line sorts articles that are shipped in large quantities and are likely to be ordered by each shipping destination, and conversely, items that are shipped in small quantities and that are likely to be ordered by each shipping destination are , the sorting of items that are unlikely to be ordered by each shipping destination is done in a second item sorting section using a mobile vehicle, and furthermore, items ordered from one shipping destination are sorted by both item sorting sections. In some cases, containers that have been sorted in one article sorting section can be transported to another article sorting section for this sorting operation to take place there; For example, the disadvantage mentioned above when the first article sorting department also sorts articles that are shipped in small quantities and that have a low probability of being ordered by each shipping destination, that is, the amount of work is small. The disadvantage of requiring a large number of workers can be suppressed, and the second product sorting department can ship products in large quantities and have a high probability of being ordered by each shipping destination. It is possible to suppress the disadvantage of having multiple vehicles sorted as well, that is, the disadvantage of reducing work efficiency caused by multiple moving vehicles concentrating on one shelf while waiting for work. 1 item sorted in the sorting department
This eliminates the need to consolidate all shipments into one shipping destination.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Therefore, each of the first article sorting section and the second article sorting section can be used according to the type of article, and at the same time, there is no need to generate extra work due to the provision of the article sorting section. This makes it possible for workers to efficiently sort articles, and it has also become possible to efficiently sort a large number of different types of articles shipped in different quantities.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, the article sorting equipment includes a first article sorting section A ₁ used for sorting articles that are shipped in large quantities, and a second article sorting section A 1 used for sorting articles that are shipped in small quantities. ₂ , and a container conveying section K that connects both the sorting sections A ₁ and A ₂ , and by the cooperation of both the sorting sections A ₁ and A ₂ , containers for storing goods destined for the same shipping destination can be separated. A plurality of types of articles are stored in the Z.

However, SP in the figure is a shipping table that also serves as an inspection table, and as shown in Figure 7,
It is provided so that a shipping worker can load the container Z into a cargo transport device such as a container car while inspecting the container Z containing the goods.

To explain the first article sorting equipment _A1 ,
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, there is a belt conveyor 2 serving as a conveyance line for conveying containers Z for storing articles, and a belt conveyor 2 for storing a plurality of types of articles Xa in a boxed state. Each shelf 1 is provided along the longitudinal direction.

The shelf 1 is divided into a plurality of sections along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 2, and each of the partitioned shelf sections 1A is provided with upper and lower loading sections B. , two types of articles Xa are stored in the horizontal direction. Note that each loading section B is inclined so that the front end is located lower, so that the article Xa supplied to the back side can be moved to the front side of the shelf by its own weight.

Therefore, a plurality of article retrieval workers are arranged on the front side of the shelf 1, with one person assigned to each shelf section 1A, and the retrieval workers take out the articles based on instructions from the article retrieval information described later. to take out the articles, and the removed articles are sequentially conveyed to the container Z.
By performing the work of storing items in the container Z, it is possible to store a plurality of types of items in the container Z to be shipped to the same destination.

To explain the instructions for product removal information, one main indicator light 3 is arranged at the top of each shelf section 1A, and auxiliary indicator lights 4 are arranged in correspondence with each of the upper and lower loading sections B of each shelf section 1A. is provided, and a display H is provided for each of the different types of articles Xa stored in each shelf portion 1A, and the display H is
As shown in FIG. 4, it is provided with a lamp 5 for indicating that there is an article to be taken out, a numerical display section 6 for indicating the amount of articles to be taken out, and a reset switch 7 for leaving the completion of taking out the articles.

Therefore, when the main indicator light 3 is lit, it is indicated that there is an article to be taken out on the shelf section 1A, and when the auxiliary indicator light 4 is lit, it is indicated whether the load area on either side of the upper or lower load area B is displayed. The indicator B indicates whether there is an article to be taken out, and the display H indicates the article to be taken out and the amount to be taken out.

However, the main and auxiliary indicator lights 3, 4 and the indicator H are operated by a picking controller PC, which will be described later. In other words,
As shown in FIG. 8, the picking controller PC includes a conveyance amount detection sensor 8 that detects the conveyance amount of the belt conveyor 2 and a container passage detection sensor that detects the passage of the container Z at a location on the start end side of the conveyance section of the belt conveyor 2. Based on the detection information of 9, the main and auxiliary indicator lights 3, 4 and the indicator H provided on the shelf section 1A where each container Z is located are controlled while managing the positions of the containers Z that are sequentially transported. It will operate based on work data. And each display H
When the reset switch 7 of the indicator H is operated, the lamp 5 provided in the loading area will be turned off, and the auxiliary indicator lamp 4 will be turned off when all articles have been removed from the corresponding loading area B. The main indicator light 3 will be turned off when all the articles on the corresponding shelf portion 1A have been taken out.

The display H also includes a stop switch 10 and a return switch 11, which are used when the belt conveyor 2 is brought to an emergency stop, as will be described later.

To explain the second article sorting section _A2 ,
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is a moving vehicle V loaded with a plurality of containers Z for storing articles, and a moving vehicle V carrying multiple types of articles Xb packed in boxes. A plurality of shelves 12 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the V running path.

Each of the shelves 12 is divided into a plurality of sections along its longitudinal direction, and each of the sectioned shelf portions 12A includes:
It is equipped with four upper and lower loading parts b, and each loading part b
Two types of articles Xb are housed in each of them in the horizontal direction.

However, each shelf portion 12'A of one sub-shelf 12' of the shelves 12 is allocated to each of a plurality of moving vehicles V, and each shelf portion 1
Items sorted in advance are stored in 2'A by the worker. In other words, a plurality of auxiliary shelves 13 are provided for storing articles of a type that are shipped in extremely small quantities, and articles collected by workers from the auxiliary shelves 13 are stored in each shelf portion 12'A. In addition, the worker in charge of the auxiliary shelf 13 is
Collection work will be performed based on the shipping slip, which will be described later.

The mobile vehicle V has a front wheel 16 that is rotated around a vertical axis by an electric motor 14 for steering and driven by an electric motor 15 for propulsion, and a pair of left and right free-rotating rear wheels 17. In order to automatically run along the running route, a steering sensor 18 for detecting the electromagnetic towpath wire Y buried along the running route, a branch mark Ma, a stop mark Tb, 1 for each of the shelf portions 12A.
It is equipped with a mark sensor 19 that detects each of the count marks Tc that are arranged one by one, and automatically travels to a desired shelf portion 12A based on operation data as described later.

Incidentally, the stop mark Tb is provided at the container unloading station Sa and the container loading station Sb.

The moving vehicle V loads containers Z using a pair of left and right container support frames 20 that support a plurality of containers Z in an aligned state, and has a pair of left and right container support frames 20 for carrying in and taking out the container support frames 20. It is equipped with a transport device 21.

Further, when the mobile vehicle V is stopped beside each shelf portion 12A, the plurality of shelf indicator lamps 22 indicating the positions of articles to be taken out and the plurality of numerical display sections 23 indicating the amount of articles to be taken out are moved. It is attached to a gate-shaped display frame 45 erected at both left and right ends of the vehicle V. However, in order to indicate the container in which the article taken out is to be stored by the above display, the container support frame 20 includes an order indication lamp 24 indicating the position of the container Z in which the article is to be stored, and an order indication lamp 24 indicating the position of the container Z in which the article is to be stored. A numerical display section 25 is provided to display the input amount.

As shown in FIG. 8, the moving vehicle V is equipped with a moving vehicle controller IC that manages its operation, as well as a start switch 26 used to start the moving vehicle V and an IC that controls the completion of article storage work. A work completion switch 27 is provided to notify the moving vehicle controller IC. Further, although not described in detail, the container support frame 20 is provided with a connector that is connected to a connector extended from the mobile vehicle controller IC when the container is loaded onto the mobile vehicle V, and by this connection, The order indication lamp 24 and input value display section 25 are connected to the mobile vehicle controller IC.

The container conveying section K includes a relay conveyor 28 following the belt conveyor 2 of the first article sorting section _A1 , two supply conveyors 29 branching from the relay conveyor 28 toward the second article sorting section _A2 , Further, a dedicated shipping conveyor 30 is provided for conveying stored containers Z that do not need to be supplied to the second article sorting section _A2 following the relay conveyor 28, and a conveyor 30 for conveying articles stored therein that does not need to be supplied to the second article sorting section A2.
Two branching devices 31 are provided to branch the container Z into two branches.

Note that various types of branching devices 31 can be used, such as one equipped with a pushing tool for pushing the container Z toward the supply conveyor side, and in order to control the operation of the branching device 31, A barcode reader La is installed in front of 31.

In addition, this container transport section K includes a relay device Ka for transferring containers to and from the mobile vehicle V, and a relay device Ka for transporting the stored containers Z to the shipping table SP.
A return conveyor 32 is attached for returning empty containers Z supplied by shipping workers to the first article sorting section _A1 .

To further explain the relay device Ka, as shown in FIG. 7, the container unloading station
Sa and the container loading station Sb,
A conveyor 33 for transporting the container support frame 20 is provided, a relay conveyor 34 is provided at the container unloading station Sa for delivering the container support frame 20 carried out from the moving vehicle V to the conveyor 33, and a container loading station Sb is provided. is provided with a relay conveyance body 35 that delivers the container support frame 20 from the conveyor 33 to the moving vehicle V. At an intermediate location between the container unloading station Sa and the container loading station Sb, there is a conveyor 32 for returning the containers Z stored in the container support frame 20.
It is provided with a take-out device 36 for taking out the containers, and a storage device 37 for storing the containers Z on the supply conveyor 29 in the container support frame 20 of the shell.

However, since the operation data for work on the newly loaded container Z will be sent to the moving vehicle V stopped at the container loading station Sb,
The presence detection sensor 38 detects that the moving vehicle V is stopped at the container loading station Sb, and the optical signal transmitting/receiving section 39B transmitting information with the optical signal transmitting/receiving section 39A on the moving vehicle side detects that the moving vehicle V is stopped at the container loading station Sb. Included station
It is provided in Sb.

The take-out device 36 includes a pushing tool 36a that can be raised and lowered and retracted, and a receiving tool 3 that can be raised and lowered and retracted.
The container Z is configured to be taken out while being held between the container Z and the container 6b.

The storage device 37 includes a container mounting tool 37a that can be raised and lowered and taken out and retracted, and is configured to store the containers Z conveyed along the supply conveyor 29 in a fixed order. That is, for example, two containers Z are stored in order from the bottom to the top.

Hereinafter, each part will be explained while describing the control configuration.

First, to briefly explain FIG. 8, when the contents of the order form 40 issued by a customer etc. are input to the host controller HC, the host controller HC processes the order form 41 according to the contents of the order form 40. is created, goods are purchased according to the contents of the purchase order 41, and warehousing data 42 of the purchased goods are also input to the host controller HC.

The host controller HC creates work data based on the contents of the order form 40 input in advance while managing the inventory of various items, and outputs the work data to the work controller SC.

The work controller SC is the first article sorting section A ₁
The picking controller PC that manages the
The goods sorting operation will be comprehensively managed while exchanging various information with the ground controller TC, which manages the goods sorting department _A2 and the container transport part K, and the picking controller PC and ground controller The TC will execute processing for the various devices it is responsible for, based on information from the work controller SC.

However, each container Z for storing articles is given an identification number in advance using a bar code, and by linking the above-mentioned work data and each container Z using the identification number, it is possible to access each container Z. Items will be stored. In other words, the above-mentioned work data is created in a format in which the amount of goods that can be stored in one container Z is divided into units, and shipping destination data is added to the data for each unit. Articles are stored in each container Z in a state in which the identification number of the container Z is combined with the identification number of the container Z.

First, the first article sorting section _A1 will be explained while describing the control operation of the picking controller PC.

As shown in Figure 9, the picking controller
After reading the work data transmitted via the work controller SC, the PC performs shipping list issuing processing, barcode reading processing, container position management processing, output processing of article removal information, and
Each process of the emergency stop process will be executed until the work is completed.

In the shipping list issuing process, the content of the work data corresponding to one unit described above (hereinafter referred to as a shipping list) is outputted by the printer 43.

Therefore, the worker will sequentially put the created shipping list into the empty containers Z and place the containers Z on the belt conveyor. still,
The shipping list is not used during article sorting work, but is required when performing the above-mentioned inspection.

In the barcode reading process, when the barcode of the containers Z placed on the belt conveyor 2 and conveyed to the shelf 1 side is detected by the barcode reader Lb as described above, the order of the containers Z to be sent is determined. While referring to the order in which each unit of work data is arranged, the identification number of each container Z and work data are combined, and the combined information is sent to the work controller SC.
will be notified. Incidentally, the above-mentioned combined information is necessary for the article sorting work in the second article sorting section _A2 , and also
This is necessary to convey containers Z that do not need to be sent to _A2 to the shipping conveyor 30.

The container position management process uses detection information from a container passage detection sensor 9 that detects the passage of a container Z that is subsequently conveyed to the shelf side after reading a bar code, and a conveyance amount that detects the amount of containers conveyed by the belt conveyor 2. Based on the detection information of the detection sensor 8, each container Z
is any shelf part 1 among the plurality of shelf parts 1A
Determine whether it is located in front of A.

The article retrieval information output process is performed by operating the main and auxiliary lamps 3 and 4 and the display H, as described above.
It outputs information for taking out articles to be stored in containers Z located in front of each shelf section 1A, and outputs the information determined in the container position management process, work data, and information for each shelf section 1A. Based on the information of stored items, whether or not to output retrieval information;
Then, the worker is instructed to take out the article while determining the output content, etc. when outputting.

In the emergency stop process, when the stop switch 10 provided on the display H is operated, the belt conveyor 2 is stopped, and when the return switch 11 provided on the display H is operated, the belt conveyor 2 is stopped. This is to restart the drive of the conveyor 2, and the containers Z before the article storage work is completed are placed on the next shelf section 1A.
This is provided as a safety measure in the event that a problem such as transportation occurs.

Next, the container transport section K and the second article sorting section _A2 will be explained while describing the control operation of the ground controller TC. However, as mentioned above, the management of the mobile vehicle V in the second article sorting section _A2 is performed by the mobile vehicle controller IC mounted on the mobile vehicle V, and the mobile vehicle controller IC is controlled as necessary. Control operations are also listed.

As shown in Figure 10, the ground controller TC
are a branching process in which the containers Z conveyed from the first article sorting section _A1 are branched to the respective conveyors 29, 29, and 30; a container unloading process in which the articles stored in the containers Z stored in the container support frame 20 are unloaded; Container loading process in which the containers Z transported from the first article sorting section A ₁ are loaded onto the container support frame 20, and container support frame loading in which the container support frame 20 loaded with the containers Z is loaded onto the mobile vehicle V. Processing and transmission/reception processing for exchanging various information with the mobile vehicle controller IC will be executed until the work is completed.

The branching process is performed by the second article sorting unit based on the detection information and work data by the barcode reader La arranged at the front side of the branching device 31.
The stored containers Z that do not need to be sent to A ₂ are sent to the shipping conveyor 30, and the second article sorting section
The branching device 31 is actuated so that the unfilled containers Z that need to be sent to _A2 are sent to the supply conveyor 29.

However, in order to branch the container Z to the two supply conveyors 29, basically the two supply conveyors 29
This means that the number of containers Z to be sent is the same, and the containers Z that require storing the same type of articles are branched to the same supply conveyor 29 as much as possible.

The container unloading process is carried out by the container support frame conveyor 3.
The container unloading device 36 is operated to unload the container Z stored in the container support frame 20 conveyed by the container support frame 20.

In the container loading process, containers Z are loaded onto the empty container support frame 20.
The storage device 38 is operated so that the items are loaded in a fixed order.

In the container support frame loading process, the relay carrier 35 is operated to load the container support frame 20 onto the mobile vehicle V while confirming the presence of the mobile vehicle V based on the detection information of the mobile vehicle presence detection sensor 38. It is something to be loaded.

The transmission/reception process is a process of transmitting operation data that is determined based on the work data managed by the work controller SC and information on the branched container Z to the mobile vehicle controller IC.
However, the operation data includes article storage data for each container Z loaded on the moving vehicle V, and information on each loaded container Z.
It consists of a combination of data indicating where on the left and right container support frames 20 are located, and data indicating where on the sub-shelf 12' the article corresponding to each container Z is located. be.

Incidentally, when the operation data is instructed to the mobile vehicle V, the work controller SC creates a shipping slip for the auxiliary shelf 13 using the printer 44. It goes without saying that the shipping slip also includes data indicating where on the sub-shelf 12' the collected items should be placed.

The operation of the mobile vehicle V will be explained while describing the control operation of the mobile vehicle controller IC.

As shown in Figure 11, the mobile vehicle controller
The IC performs a traveling process that controls the traveling of the mobile vehicle V, a take-out information output process that instructs information on taking out articles from the shelf 12, and a storage information output process that instructs which of the loaded containers Z the article is to be stored in. Processing and container unloading station Sa and container loading station
The container support frame transport process for operating the transport device 21 at Sb and the transmission/reception process for exchanging information with the ground controller TC as described above will be executed until the work is completed.

The travel process sets the next destination each time a travel command is given, based on pre-stored article information stored in the shelf 12, pre-stored travel route information, the aforementioned operation data, and completed work data. The vehicle travels based on the destination data, and the destination data instructs the branch position and direction based on the detected count number of the branch mark Ma, and the stop position at the side of the shelf is determined by the count mark Tc. The instruction will be given based on the number of detection counts.
However, when the stop mark Tb is detected, it will be stopped immediately.

To explain in detail based on the flowchart of FIG. 12, it is checked whether the vehicle is running or not, and if the vehicle is running, the process moves to mark detection processing.

If it is not running, it checks whether there is a start command, and if there is a start command, it starts running after executing the destination setting process described above, and then moves to mark detection process.

If a mark is detected while driving, a branch mark will be displayed.
Ma, count mark Tc, and stop mark Tb are checked.

If it is a branch mark Ma, it is checked whether it is a branch point or not, and the vehicle branches off in the direction set as a branch point.

If it is the count mark Tc, it is checked whether it is the stopping point or not, and if it is the stopping point, it is stopped.

Moreover, if it is a stop mark Tb, it will be stopped immediately.

In the retrieval information output process, the moving vehicle V
As it stops on the side of 2A, the shelf indicator lamp 2
2 and the numerical display section 23, each shelf section 12
This will instruct the information for taking out the article from A.
Then, when the work completion switch 27 is operated as the article retrieval work is completed, the operation of the shelf indicator lamp 22 and the numerical display section 23 is stopped.

However, one information instruction is for one item out of the plurality of types of items stored in the shelf section 12A, and therefore, when the work completion switch 27 is operated, It is checked whether there is any information instruction for other types of articles, and if there is, the article retrieval information is subsequently instructed as described above.

The storage information output process includes a container Z that stores the article taken out based on the above-mentioned article removal information, and
The input amount is instructed by operating the order indication lamp 24 and numerical display section 25.

Container support frame transportation processing is carried out at the container unloading station.
As the mobile vehicle V stops at Sa or the container loading station Sb, the transport device 21 is activated to carry out and carry in and out W and the container support frame 20.

The transmission/reception process corresponds to the transmission/reception process described in connection with the operation of the ground controller TC above.

[Another example]

In the above embodiment, _the container conveying section K is provided to further improve the efficiency of the sorting operation.
2nd article sorting section A ₂ using a forklift etc.
It is also possible to transport the materials in a timely manner.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the work in the first article sorting section _A1 is performed first is illustrated, but the work in the second article sorting section _A2 may be performed first.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second article sorting section
A ₂ is constructed using an automatically traveling vehicle V, but a manually operated vehicle may also be used.
Further, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary shelf 13 and the sub-shelf 12'
Although the case where the auxiliary shelf 13 and the sub-shelf 12' are not provided is shown as _an example, it may be implemented without providing the auxiliary shelf 13 and the sub-shelf 12'.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the article sorting equipment according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the article sorting equipment;
Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the first article sorting section, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the shelf, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the display, and Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the mobile vehicle stopped next to the shelf. 6 is a schematic plan view of the mobile vehicle, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the relay device portion, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control configuration, and FIGS. 9 to 12 are flowcharts showing control operation. It's a chat. 1...shelf, 2...conveyance line, 12...shelf,
_A1 ...First article sorting section, _A2 ...Second article sorting section, K...Container transport section, V...Moving vehicle, Z...
container.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A conveyance line 2 that conveys containers Z for storing articles, and a shelf 1 that stores a plurality of types of articles and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor line 2.
a first article sorting section _A1 comprising: a first article sorting section A1; a mobile vehicle V that travels with a plurality of containers Z for storing articles;
Shelf 12 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the running path.
A second article sorting section A ₂ is provided, and the first article sorting section A ₁ and the second article sorting section
An article sorting facility in which a container transport section K is installed between A and ₂ .