JP2011026050A - Sorting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting system capable of restraining reduction in efficiency of sorting work, even when a branch device becomes a state of not performing branch operation. <P>SOLUTION: This sorting system 10 for sorting a plurality of cargoes has a control part 15, a main conveyor 20, a first branch conveyor 21 and a second branch conveyor 22, a first branch device 11, a second branch device 12, a mode switching part for switching an automatic mode and a nonautomatic mode of the first branch device 11, and a mode switching part for switching an automatic mode and a nonautomatic mode of the second branch device 12. A control part 15 reduces a sorting quantity being the number of cargoes per unit time to be sent out to the first branch conveyor 21 or the second branch conveyor 22 corresponding to one, more than when the one is the automatic mode, when the one of the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12 becomes the nonautomatic mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting system for sorting packages by sending packages transported by a conveyor to a branch conveyor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a sorting system that sorts a plurality of packages conveyed by a conveyor such as a roller conveyor according to the type or destination of each package.

  The sorting system includes, for example, a main conveyor and a plurality of branch conveyors branched from the main conveyor. The goods conveyed by the main conveyor are sent out to the branch conveyor corresponding to the destination. In the sorting system, each package is sorted in this way.

  Further, in a sorting system that automatically sorts, a branching device is provided at each branching position on the main conveyor for sending the cargo on the main conveyor to the branching conveyor. Note that various types of direction changers such as a turn roller type, a diverter type, and a push type are adopted as the branching device that performs such an operation.

  There is also a sorting system having an automatic sorting line for automatically sorting and a manual sorting line for manually sorting.

  Conventionally, in such a sorting system, there is also disclosed a technique for automatically sorting a package conveyed from upstream by a conveyor or the like to either an automatic sorting line or a manual sorting line (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  According to this technology, it is determined whether each of the packages conveyed from the upstream by the conveyor should be put into an automatic sorting line or a manual sorting line according to the size and weight of each package. Further, according to the determination result, the sorting conveyor sorts each package to either the automatic sorting line or the manual sorting line.

JP 2006-290511 A

  Here, in the above-described sorting system for automatically sorting packages, for example, a state in which one branching device does not perform an operation (branching operation) to be sent to a branching conveyor by an operator's instruction or due to some trouble. In such a case, at least the sorting operation of the parcel by the branching device is not performed.

  Therefore, among the packages present on the main conveyor at the time of the stop, the packages to be sent to the branch conveyor at the branch position need to be collected, for example, at any location.

  In addition, the entire sorting system may be stopped for a long time in order to eliminate the problem and collect the luggage.

  In other words, when a branching device that constitutes a part of the sorting system does not perform a branching operation, the effect is not only the sorting work that the branching device should perform, but also the entire sorting work that the sorting system should perform. It will extend to.

  The present invention is a sorting system in which a plurality of packages are sorted by a branching device in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and even when the branching device does not perform a branching operation, the efficiency of sorting work is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting system that can suppress a decrease in the amount of water.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a sorting system according to the present invention is a sorting system that sorts a plurality of packages, and includes a control unit that controls the operation of the sorting system, and a main conveyor that transports the plurality of packages. A first branch device and a second branch conveyor branched from the main conveyor, a first branch device capable of performing a branching operation to send a predetermined bag of the plurality of loads to the first branch conveyor, A second branching device capable of performing a branching operation for sending a predetermined one of the plurality of loads to the second branching conveyor; an automatic mode in which the first branching device performs the branching operation; and the first branching A first switching unit that switches between a non-automatic mode in which the device does not perform the branch operation, an automatic mode in which the second branch device performs the branch operation, and the second branch A second switching unit that switches between a non-automatic mode that does not perform the branching operation, and the control unit is configured such that one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit is switched to the non-automatic mode, When one of the first branch device and the second branch device is in the non-automatic mode, the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the first branch conveyor or the second branch conveyor corresponding to the one The sorting quantity is made smaller than when the one is in the automatic mode.

  According to this configuration, even when one of the two branching devices does not perform the branching operation, the sorting quantity corresponding to the branching conveyor corresponding to the one branching device is reduced.

  Thereby, the goods which should be sent out to the said branch conveyor can be manually sent out to the said branch conveyor comfortably.

  In other words, even when one of the two branching devices does not perform the branching operation, manual sorting can be performed at the one branching position, and the sorting ability can be achieved at the other branching position. Automatic sorting by a branching device can be performed without dropping. That is, a decrease in the efficiency of sorting work is suppressed.

  Therefore, this invention can provide the sorting system which can suppress the fall of the efficiency of sorting work.

  In the sorting system of the present invention, when one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in a non-automatic mode, the control unit is configured so that the first branching conveyor or the second Only the sorting quantity, which is the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the branch conveyor, may be made smaller than when the one is in the automatic mode.

  In the sorting system of the present invention, when one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in a non-automatic mode, the control unit corresponds to the first branching conveyor or the second branching corresponding to the other. The sorting quantity, which is the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the conveyor, may not be changed.

  In addition, the sorting system of the present invention further includes an interval adjustment unit that adjusts an interval between packages that is a distance between two packages that are continuously sent to the main conveyor, and the control unit includes the interval adjustment unit, Assuming that the sorting quantity is reduced by making the package interval when the one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in the non-automatic mode longer than when the one is in the automatic mode. Also good.

  In addition, the control unit is configured to determine a conveyance speed of the luggage by the main conveyor when the one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in a non-automatic mode, than when the one is in an automatic mode. However, the sorting quantity may be reduced by slowing down.

  As described above, the control of the sorting quantity can be performed through the change of the baggage interval and the adjustment of the baggage conveyance speed. Therefore, for example, the sorting quantity can be appropriately controlled without preparing a special device for controlling the sorting quantity.

  Further, the sorting system of the present invention is further provided between the main conveyor and the first branch conveyor, and the automatic sorting conveyor for reaching the first branch conveyor with the cargo sent out from the first branch device; A manual sorting conveyor provided between the main conveyor and the first branch conveyor, wherein when the load on the main conveyor is moved onto the manual sorting conveyor, the load is transferred to the first branch A manual sorting conveyor that reaches the conveyor may be provided.

  With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently send the package to the first branch conveyor when automatic sorting is performed, and to efficiently send the package to the first branch conveyor even when manual sorting is performed.

  Further, for example, the first branch conveyor can be used by switching from one of a package sorting destination for automatic sorting and a package sorting destination for manual sorting to the other.

  The present invention can also be realized as a package sorting method including characteristic operation steps in the sorting system of the present invention. Also, it can be realized as a control program for causing the sorting system to execute each of these steps.

  According to the sorting system of the present invention, when the branching device does not perform the branching operation, the sorting quantity at the branching position can be reduced.

  Thereby, it is possible to manually sort the packages at the branch position. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the efficiency of the sorting work in the sorting system.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the sorting system of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the sorting system of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the sorting system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of adjustment of the load interval in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode switching part for the operator to switch automatic mode and manual mode in embodiment of this invention.

  A sorting system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the sorting system 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a sorting system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the sorting system 10 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The sorting system 10 according to the present embodiment executes a sorting operation for a plurality of packages by sending a predetermined package among packages transported by the main conveyor 20 to the first branch conveyor 21 or the second branch conveyor 22. System.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sorting system 10 includes a control unit 15, a main conveyor 20, a first branch conveyor 21 and a second branch conveyor 22 that branch from the main conveyor 20, a first branch device 11, and A second branch device 12, an ID recognition unit 16, and a feeding conveyor 18 are provided.

  The control unit 15 is a device that controls the operation of the sorting system 10. That is, the operation of each component of the sorting system 10 such as the main conveyor 20 is controlled by the control unit 15.

  The ID recognizing unit 16 is a component that recognizes each of a plurality of packages loaded on the main conveyor 20. Specifically, information such as a package identification number can be acquired from a barcode or the like attached to each package.

  The control unit 15 controls the operation of the feeding conveyor 18 and the like based on the information transmitted from the ID recognition unit 16.

  Each of the branching devices of the first branching device 11 and the second branching device 12 is a component that sends a predetermined baggage out of a plurality of loads to each branching conveyor.

  In the present embodiment, a turn roller type direction changer in which a plurality of rollers change the direction of the load by changing the direction in which the load is conveyed is employed as each branching device.

  In addition, the branching device may be a direction changing machine other than the turn roller type, for example, a diverter type or a push type direction changing machine.

  A sensor (not shown) is provided on the upstream side of each branching device, and which package is sent to each branch conveyor by exchanging information with the control unit 15 and detecting the package by each sensor. Judgment is made.

  An automatic sorting conveyor 21 a and a manual sorting conveyor 21 b are provided between the main conveyor 20 and the first branch conveyor 21.

  The automatic sorting conveyor 21 a is a component that allows the package delivered from the first branch device 11 to reach the first branch conveyor 21. The manual sorting conveyor 21b is a component that allows the package to reach the first branching conveyor 21 when the package on the main conveyor 20 is moved onto the manual sorting conveyor 21b.

  That is, the automatic sorting conveyor 21 a is a conveyor that sends out the package whose direction is automatically changed to the first branch conveyor 21. Further, the manual sorting conveyor 21 b is a conveyor that sends out the packages whose direction is manually changed to the first branching conveyor 21.

  An automatic sorting conveyor 22 a and a manual sorting conveyor 22 b are also provided between the main conveyor 20 and the second branch conveyor 22.

  In the present embodiment, the main conveyor 20 is a belt conveyor, and includes a first branch conveyor 21, a second branch conveyor 22, an automatic sorting conveyor 21a, a manual sorting conveyor 21b, an automatic sorting conveyor 22a, and a manual sorting. Each of the conveyors 22b is a roller conveyor. However, these conveyors may be other types of conveyors.

  In FIG. 1, the first branching device 11 is in a state where it does not perform a branching operation, and is manually operated by an operator at a position where the load is sent to the first branching conveyor 21 (hereinafter referred to as “first branching position”). The state where the package is sent to the first branch conveyor 21 is shown. In this case, the first branch device 11 is said to be in “manual mode”. The manual mode is an example of a non-automatic mode in the sorting system of the present invention.

  On the other hand, at the position where the package is sent to the second branch conveyor 22 (hereinafter referred to as “second branch position”), the package is automatically sent to the second branch conveyor 22 by the second branch device 12. In this case, the second branch device 12 is said to be in “automatic mode”.

  In the manual mode, for example, the operator visually confirms that the indicator lamp connected to the first branch device 11 is turned on, and immediately after that, the load that has reached the first branch position is directed toward the first branch conveyor 21. Extrude.

  Thereby, the said load is sent out to the 1st branch conveyor 21 via the conveyor 21b for manual sorting.

  For example, the indicator lamp is set to be turned on when the above-described sensor detects a package to be sent to the first branch conveyor 21.

  Moreover, the operator may be located on the same side as the first branching conveyor 21 with respect to the main conveyor 20, and may pull the load that has reached the first branching position toward the first branching conveyor 21.

  The feeding conveyor 18 is a component that adjusts a package interval, which is a distance between two packages that are continuously sent to the main conveyor 20.

  In the present embodiment, the feeding conveyor 18 is an example of an interval adjusting unit in the sorting system of the present invention, and is a conveyor capable of changing the conveyance speed independently of the main conveyor 20.

  In accordance with a control signal from the control unit 15, the feeding conveyor 18 sends the package conveyed from the upstream (left in FIG. 1) to the main conveyor 20, and then changes the conveyance speed to send the next package to the main conveyor 20. . Thereby, the space | interval between these loads can be made longer or shorter than before.

  In addition, as the feeding conveyor 18 changes the load interval in this way, each of the first branching device 11 and the second branching device 12 is a sorting that is the number of loads per unit time to be sent to the corresponding branching conveyor. The quantity can be changed.

  The feeding conveyor 18 may adjust the load interval by other methods. For example, a bar that can be opened and closed is provided on the main conveyor 20, and the movement of the load is stopped by the bar, so that the interval between the load and the load in front of the load may be adjusted.

  A specific example of the adjustment of the load interval by the feeding conveyor 18 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the control unit 15 in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, a personal computer including a CPU, a storage medium such as a memory, a network interface, and the like.

  For example, the CPU of the personal computer reads and executes a predetermined program from a storage medium. Further, the personal computer exchanges information such as the execution result of the program and variables necessary for the execution of the program with each component such as the main conveyor 20 via the network interface. Thereby, the operation of the sorting system 10 is controlled.

Next, an outline of the operation of the sorting system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the sorting system 10 according to the embodiment.

  The controller 15 monitors whether each of the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12 is in the manual mode (S10).

  Specifically, the control unit 15 confirms whether or not each is performing a branch operation by communicating with the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12, for example.

  For example, when the control unit 15 receives a signal indicating that the branch operation is not performed from the first branch device 11, the control unit 15 determines that the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode (Yes in S10).

  The state where the first branching device 11 does not perform the branching operation is a state where, for example, a failure occurs in the first branching device 11 and the direction of the load cannot be changed.

  When it is determined that the first branching device 11 is in the manual mode (Yes in S10), the control unit 15 executes control to reduce the sorting quantity that is the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the first branching conveyor 21. (S11).

  Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the feeding conveyor 18 as described above, and determines the front and rear baggage intervals of the baggage to be sent to the first branching conveyor 21 as compared with the case where the first branching device 11 is in the automatic mode. Also make it longer.

  Note that the control unit 15 changes the load interval by changing the conveyance speed of the feeding conveyor 18, and thus, the control of the sorting quantity is not performed by using other methods. Good.

  For example, the control unit 15 may control the sorting quantity by changing the conveyance speed of the main conveyor 20.

  For example, when a package to be sent to the first branch conveyor 21 is put into the main conveyor 20 and approaches a predetermined distance from the first branch conveyor 21, the package is detected by a sensor provided upstream of the first branch device 11. Is done.

  When receiving this detection signal, the control unit 15 reduces the conveyance speed of the main conveyor 20 to, for example, about half of the normal speed. In addition, for example, when the control unit 15 detects that the parcel is sent to the first branch conveyor 21 with another sensor or the like, the control unit 15 returns the conveyance speed of the main conveyor 20 to a normal speed. In addition, when the packages to be sent out to the first branching device 11 are continuous, the conveyance speed maintained at about half of the normal speed is maintained.

  The control unit 15 performs the above control on the transport speed of the main conveyor 20 for each package to be sent to the first branch device 11 during the period when the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode.

  Thereby, the operator can send out the said load to the 1st branch conveyor 21 without difficulty. Further, a decrease in the efficiency of the sorting operation of the entire sorting system 10 can be minimized.

  Further, the control unit 15 may perform control so that the branch operation is not suddenly resumed when the first branch device 11 or the second branch device 12 stops the branch operation. In other words, the control unit 15 maintains the first branch device 11 or the second branch device 12 once in the manual mode so as to remain in the manual mode until the series of sorting operations is completed. The second branch device 12 may be controlled.

  Further, for example, the first branching device 11 and the second branching device 12 may be switched from one of the automatic mode and the manual mode to the other by the operator's intention.

  That is, each of the first branching device 11 and the second branching device 12 may be in a state in which the branching operation is not performed according to the human intention, or in a state in which the branching operation is not performed due to a failure not based on the human intention. Sometimes it becomes.

  Mode switching between the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Even when the control unit 15 determines that the second branch device 12 is in the manual mode (Yes in S10), similarly, the sorting quantity that is the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the second branch conveyor 22 The control to reduce is executed (S11).

  Further, the control unit 15 indicates that, for example, a branch operation is performed from the first branch device 11 or the second branch device 12 after the first branch device 11 or the second branch device 12 enters the manual mode. When the signal is received, control is performed to return the sorted quantity once reduced.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the load interval according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, among the packages on the main conveyor 20, packages with [1] are packages to be sent to the first branch conveyor 21 (hereinafter referred to as packages [1]). Also, the package with [2] is a package to be sent to the second branch conveyor 22 (hereinafter referred to as package [2]).

For example, when the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode, the control unit 15 sets L ₁ and L ₂ that are the bag interval before and after the load [1] as compared to when the first branch device 11 is in the automatic mode. Lengthen.

For example, when the first branch device 11 is in the automatic mode, L ₁ and L ₂ are 300 mm, and when the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode, L ₁ and L ₂ are 900 mm.

Such a change of L ₁ and L ₂ is realized by the following processing, for example.
When the identification information received from the ID recognition unit 16 indicates the package [1], when the package [1] is put into the feeding conveyor 18, the control unit 15 moves the feeding speed of the feeding conveyor 18. Is reduced to a predetermined conveying speed. This makes it possible to distance the baggage inserted from the feeding conveyor 18 to the main conveyor 20 just before the (L ₁₎ at a predetermined distance (e.g., 900 mm).

Further, the control unit 15 maintains the state where the feeding conveyor 18 is operating at the predetermined conveyance speed. Thus, with the package [1], and immediately thereafter the luggage space (L ₂₎ it is also predetermined distance (e.g., 900 mm).

  Thereafter, if the next package passing through the ID recognition unit 16 is the package [1], the control unit 15 maintains the state where the feeding conveyor 18 is operating at the predetermined transport speed. Further, when the next package passing through the ID recognition unit 16 is not the package [1], the conveying speed of the feeding conveyor 18 is returned to the normal.

In this way, by increasing the luggage interval (L ₁ and L ₂ ) before and after the package [1], the number of packages [1] per unit time reaching the first branch position decreases. That is, the sorting quantity at the branch position decreases.

  Thereby, the worker who performs the sorting work at the first branch position can easily sort the work (work for sending the cargo [1] to the first branch conveyor 21) while confirming the lighting of the indicator light of the first branching device 11. It can be performed.

  That is, even when the first branching device 11 does not perform the branching operation, it is possible to perform the operation without stopping the operation of the entire sorting system 10 by enabling the manual sorting as described above.

  Furthermore, the load interval is set longer than usual only before and after the load [1], and the number of loads per unit time that the second branch device 12 should send out to the second branch conveyor 22, that is, the second A decrease in the sorting quantity corresponding to the branch position is minimized.

  In addition, although the case where the 1st branch apparatus 11 will be in the state which does not perform branch operation using FIG. 4, ie, the case where the 1st branch apparatus 11 is a manual mode, the 2nd branch apparatus 12 is manual. Similar control is executed also in the mode.

  That is, the package interval before and after the package [2] is made longer than the package interval in the automatic mode. As a result, the sorting quantity at the second branch position decreases.

  As described above, in the sorting system 10 according to the present embodiment, when one of the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12 is in a state in which no branch operation is performed and the other is in a state in which a branch operation is performed, The sorting quantity corresponding to is smaller than the sorting quantity in the case where the one is in a state of performing a branching operation.

  As a result, manual sorting work is practically possible at a branch position where the sorting work is not automatically performed, and a reduction in sorting efficiency at the branch position where the sorting work is automatically performed is suppressed.

  That is, even if the branching device constituting a part of the sorting system 10 is in a state where the branching operation is not performed due to some factor, the sorting system 10 as a whole can continue the sorting work. The decrease in efficiency is suppressed.

  In the above description, the control of the sorting quantity when the first branching device 11 or the second branching device 12 is in a state where the branching operation is not performed due to the occurrence of a problem has been described.

  However, the sorting system 10 can similarly control the sorting quantity even when the first branching device 11 or the second branching device 12 enters a state in which the branching operation is not performed according to an explicit instruction from the operator. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode switching unit for an operator to switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode.

  Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a front view of the mode switching unit 19 provided in the first branch device 11.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mode switching unit 19 includes a switch for switching between an automatic mode and a manual mode.

  When the operator switches the mode from the automatic mode to the manual mode by operating the mode switching unit 19, the first branching device 11 does not perform the operation of sending the package to the first branch conveyor 21, and moves the package from upstream to downstream. Only carry.

  In this case, a signal indicating that the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode is transmitted from the first branch device 11 to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 receives this signal and determines that the first branch device 11 is in the manual mode (Yes in S10 of FIG. 3).

  The control unit 15 further performs control to reduce the sorting quantity corresponding to the first branch device 11 (S11 in FIG. 3).

  Thereby, the worker can perform the sorting work without difficulty while confirming the lighting of the indicator lamp of the first branching device 11.

  Thereafter, when the manual mode is switched to the automatic mode by the operation of the mode switching unit 19 by the operator, the first branch device 11 divides the package into the first branch when the package to be sent to the first branch conveyor 21 arrives. The operation of feeding to the conveyor 21 is executed.

  Thereafter, when a signal indicating the automatic mode is transmitted from the first branching device 11 to the control unit 15, the control unit 15 performs control for returning the sorting quantity corresponding to the first branching device 11.

  As described above, when switching from one of the automatic mode and the manual mode to the other is possible, for example, when there is a possibility that the first branching device 11 may stop the branching operation due to a failure or the like, the manual mode is set in advance. I can keep it. As a result, a plan for the entire series of sorting operations can be formulated in advance, and the efficiency of the sorting operations can be improved.

  In addition, for example, when a plurality of packages to be sorted include a package to be manually sorted for reasons such as easy damage, the first branching device 11 is set to the manual mode so that the packages to be sorted manually can be safely In addition, the second branch device 12 can efficiently and automatically sort other packages.

  In addition, when the first branch device 11 is operating in the automatic mode and the branch operation is not performed due to a malfunction, the first branch device 11 is switched by switching the switch of the mode switching unit 19 to the manual mode, for example. Suddenly restarting the branching operation is prevented. Thereby, for example, manual sorting can be performed safely.

  FIG. 5 shows that the first branch device 11 has a mode switching unit 19. However, the second branching device 12 may similarly have the mode switching unit 19 and can switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode.

  Further, switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode of the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12 may not be performed by an operation from the individual mode switching unit 19.

  For example, the control unit 15 may switch each from the automatic mode and the manual mode to the other by controlling each of the first branch device 11 and the second branch device 12.

  In any case, the control unit 15 can control the sorting quantity corresponding to each of the first branching device 11 and the second branching device 12 depending on whether or not each is in the manual mode. .

  In the present embodiment, an automatic sorting conveyor 21a and a manual sorting conveyor 21b are provided at the first branch position. However, these conveyors may be realized by one conveyor.

  That is, a conveyor that allows the automatically sorted parcels to reach the first branch conveyor 21 and a conveyor that allows the manually sorted parcels to reach the first branch conveyor 21 may be combined.

  This also applies to the automatic sorting conveyor 22a and the manual sorting conveyor 22b, and these functions may be realized by a single conveyor.

  By doing so, for example, maintenance of the sorting system 10 is facilitated.

  The sorting system of the present invention is a system that sorts various types of parcels, and can perform efficient sorting work even when some devices of the system do not perform sorting work (branching operation). is there. Therefore, it is useful as a sorting system in a physical distribution site where sorting of a wide variety of packages is required.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sorting system 11 1st branching device 12 2nd branching device 15 Control part 16 ID recognition part 18 Feeding conveyor 19 Mode switching part 20 Main conveyor 21 First branching conveyor 21a, 22a Automatic sorting conveyor 21b, 22b Manual sorting conveyor 22 Second branch conveyor

Claims (4)

A sorting system for sorting a plurality of packages,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the sorting system;
A main conveyor for conveying the plurality of loads;
A first branch conveyor and a second branch conveyor branched from the main conveyor;
A first branching device capable of performing a branching operation for sending a predetermined one of the plurality of loads to the first branching conveyor;
A second branching device capable of performing a branching operation for sending a predetermined one of the plurality of loads to the second branch conveyor;
A first switching unit that switches between an automatic mode in which the first branch device performs the branch operation and a non-automatic mode in which the first branch device does not perform the branch operation;
A second switching unit that switches between an automatic mode in which the second branch device performs the branch operation and a non-automatic mode in which the second branch device does not perform the branch operation;
The control unit, when one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit is switched to the non-automatic mode, when one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in the non-automatic mode, A sorting system that reduces a sorting quantity, which is the number of packages per unit time to be sent to the first branch conveyor or the second branch conveyor corresponding to the one, as compared with the case where the one is in an automatic mode. Furthermore, an interval adjusting unit for adjusting an interval between packages which is a distance between two packages continuously sent to the main conveyor is provided,
The control unit causes the interval adjustment unit to set a load interval when the one of the first branch device and the second branch device is in a non-automatic mode longer than when the one is in an automatic mode. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the sorting quantity is reduced. The control unit is configured to lower a load transport speed of the main conveyor when one of the first branching device and the second branching device is in the non-automatic mode than when the one is in the automatic mode. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the sorting quantity is reduced. further,
An automatic sorting conveyor that is provided between the main conveyor and the first branch conveyor and that allows a package delivered from the first branch device to reach the first branch conveyor;
A manual sorting conveyor provided between the main conveyor and the first branch conveyor, wherein when the load on the main conveyor is moved onto the manual sorting conveyor, the load is transferred to the first branch The sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a manual sorting conveyor that reaches the conveyor.

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