JP2023119074A - Conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a conveyance device capable of solving cargo stoppage at a next position of a stopped cargo by circulating the stopped cargo before entry of the stopped cargo into a feed conveyor when the cargo stops at a branch position.SOLUTION: This conveyance device comprises: a circulation conveyor that circulates corresponding to a plurality of work areas and circulates cargos; a plurality of feed conveyors that store and move the cargos from branch positions respectively corresponding to the work areas on the feed conveyor to the work areas; a circulation conveyor control unit that controls the circulation of the feed conveyor; a feed conveyor control unit that controls the storage and the circulation on the feed conveyor; a circulation conveyor state detection unit that detects the circulation state of the cargo on the feed conveyor; and a stoppage control unit that controls the stoppage of the circulation at the branch positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying packages corresponding to storages to be stored in work areas such as storages such as automated warehouses.

2. Description of the Related Art In manufacturing factories, distribution centers, etc., various packages (packages) are often transported and stored in a storage box such as an automated warehouse. For example, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and the like are equipped with multiple warehouses. Each of the plurality of storages often has a role according to storage regulations, work processes, and the like.

Depending on such roles, transport devices are used to transport and store packages corresponding to a plurality of storages. A certain type of package A is stored in a corresponding storage box A. Another kind of cargo B is stored in the corresponding storage bin B. Corresponding to storage according to the correspondence relationship between the cargo and the storage, the conveying device transports the cargo to the corresponding storage.

Packages stored in the storage are transferred to the next manufacturing process or delivery process. That is, the next process, which is the next process, is awaited in the storage. Storage boxes in which packages are stored have a corresponding relationship according to the next process of the package.

For example, package A stored in storage A is used in the next manufacturing process. Package B stored in storage B is used in the next delivery process. 2. Description of the Related Art In a factory or a distribution center where a storage and a transport device are installed, packages transported by transportation equipment are transported by the transport device and stored in the storage. Alternatively, a package handed over from another process is stored in the corresponding storage by the conveying device.

A conveying device conveys a package corresponding to the corresponding storage.

Factories and distribution centers are equipped with a plurality of storages, and packages corresponding to any of the plurality of storages are stored. For this storage, a transport device is required to transport the corresponding cargo to the corresponding storage.

In response to such demands, a revolving conveyor that circulates (rounds) a plurality of storages and a supply conveyor that extends (branchs) from the revolving conveyor to the storages at positions corresponding to each of the storages is used for transportation. Equipment is provided. The cargo supplied to the revolving conveyor approaches the storage to be stored while revolving around the revolving conveyor.

When approaching, it moves to a supply conveyor branching from the revolving conveyor and moves the supply conveyor. The supply conveyor moves the bifurcated and incoming parcels to storage. Luggage can be stored in the storage by moving.

Such transport devices and related technologies have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

JP 2013-220362 A JP-A-2000-247406 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-2928

Patent Document 1 discloses a package detection device that detects a package destination, a video codec server that saves an image detected by the package detection device when the package detection device cannot detect the package destination, and an attendant. discloses a parcel sorting system comprising a video codec device or the like that allows inputting destinations while checking images received from the video codec server.

According to Patent Document 2, when a pallet taken out from a pallet warehouse is placed on a carry-in conveyor 13, the carry-in conveyor 13 delivers the pallet to the circulating transport conveyor side 11. In synchronism therewith, a conveyor is disclosed in which the corresponding conveying direction switching device 12 switches from the "passing mode" to the "merging mode".

In Patent Document 3, various commodities 1 whose delivery destinations and transportation order are random are brought in and transported along a main transportation route 11, and the commodities are automatically sorted according to a sorting plan, and a robot 30 is controlled to control a predetermined number of commodities. The product is automatically loaded and unloaded at the stacking locations (A1 to A3, B1 to B3), and the product is placed on the upstream side of the branch conveying paths 12a and 12b, which are the product pick-up locations for the robot 30. Disclosed is a sorting apparatus provided with a congestion buffering means 20 having a circulation path for circulating and temporarily shunting.

Patent Literature 1 allows a cargo (luggage) to be stored in a storage to be stored, including confirmation by a worker. Contrary to Patent Document 1, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique for sending a package taken out from a storage to a revolving conveyor to make the required circulation of the package.

None of Patent Literatures 1 to 3 directly discloses that the required cargoes are circulated in a plurality of storages, and the cargoes corresponding to the storages are conveyed by moving them from the required branches to the supply conveyor. . However, the delivery of packages between the circuit and the storage is disclosed.

However, the prior art has the following problems.

The revolving conveyor revolves around a plurality of receptacles. In the middle of this circulation, there are branches at a plurality of positions corresponding to the respective positions of the plurality of storages. A supply conveyor extends from each of the multiple branches toward a corresponding storage bin.

Multiple parcels are moving on the revolving conveyor. Each of the plurality of packages may be stored in the same or different storage compartments. A package A should be stored in storage A, and another package B should be stored in storage B. A plurality of packages to be stored in different storage compartments are moving on the revolving conveyor at the same time.

Also, there is an upper limit to the number of packages that can be moved on the supply conveyor. For this reason, it is possible that the supply conveyor may become full of packages. For example, the supply conveyor A leading to the storage A may be full of packages.

On the revolving conveyor, packages A to be stored in storage A and packages B and C to be stored in other storages are circulated. At this time, it is possible that the supply conveyor A is full and the next package A reaches the branching position between the supply conveyor A and the revolving conveyor. This package A is stuck at this branch position because the supply conveyor A is full.

A revolving conveyor, on the other hand, performs a revolving motion that moves packages in a certain direction. As a result, another package B or the like to be moved to a location other than the storage A may reach this branch position. This cargo B cannot move on the revolving conveyor by the cargo A, which is stopped at the branch position, and is stopped.

Of course, the next load may also be stranded.

In this way, in a state in which packages to be conveyed to a plurality of different storages are mixed and moving around the revolving conveyor, the storage, the ability to move to the storage, the capacity of the supply conveyor, the movement ability of the supply conveyor, etc. This can cause packages to become stranded at the point of divergence to a given supply conveyor.

Such a problem becomes more apparent when the size of a package storage system in a storage box using a conveying device increases, and the types and amounts of packages to be conveyed increase.

When a cargo is stranded, an empty state occurs in the supply conveyor causing the stranded cargo, and this stranded condition continues until the cargo A to enter the supply conveyor moves to the supply conveyor A. - 特許庁

In this case, there is a problem that a stagnation time occurs in the revolving motion of the revolving conveyor, and a stagnation time occurs in the entire transportation. As described above, as the size of the luggage storage system increases, the problem of occurrence and lengthening of the stagnant time becomes apparent.

Conventional technologies such as Patent Documents 1 to 3 assume that the luggage storage system does not become large, the types and amounts of luggage do not increase, and such stagnation and stagnation time occur. It was not.

Further, in Patent Document 3, packages are sorted into branches that branch off from a conveying path of a straight track. At this time, a luggage buffer is provided before the branch. However, it only has a buffer, and if the number of parcels exceeds the buffer, there is a problem that the sorting of parcels stops and a stagnation occurs. In particular, since the transport path of a straight track is used as a reference, if the buffer is punctured, the transport path will remain stagnant for a long time.

In view of the above problems, the present invention is designed to circulate the stagnant cargo before it enters the supply conveyor and stagnant at the position next to the stagnant cargo when it occurs at the branch position. An object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device that eliminates stagnation of cargo.

In view of the above problems, the conveying apparatus of the present invention includes a circulating conveyor that circulates corresponding to a plurality of work areas and circulates a load,
a plurality of supply conveyors for storing and moving packages to the work areas from branch positions respectively corresponding to the work areas on the revolving conveyor;
a circulating conveyor control unit that controls the circulating movement of the circulating conveyor;
a supply conveyor control unit that controls storage movement on the supply conveyor;
a revolving conveyor state detection unit that detects the revolving state of the package on the revolving conveyor;
a stagnation control unit that controls stagnation of the circular movement at the branch position,
The plurality of supply conveyors correspond to the first work area, the second work area, . N feed conveyor,
The cargo includes one or more first cargo of a type to be stored in the first work area, one or more second cargo of a type to be stored in the second work area, . one or more Nth packages of the type to be stored in the area,
The plurality of branch positions includes a first branch position, a second branch position, . . . an Nth branch position corresponding to the first supply conveyor, the second supply conveyor, .
The circulating conveyor control unit is
branching and moving the first cargo to the first supply conveyor at the first branching position;
branching and moving the second cargo to the second supply conveyor at the second branching position;
branching and moving the Nth cargo to the Nth supply conveyor at the Nth branch position;
The revolving conveyor state detection unit is capable of detecting a stopped cargo at any one of the first branch position to the Nth branch position and a staying cargo stopped behind the stopped cargo,
the stagnant cargo, when the stagnant cargo is detected, causes the stationary cargo to wait at the branch position where it is stopped for a predetermined time;
The stagnation control unit controls the number of parcels on the "stagnation supply conveyor" which is the supply conveyor corresponding to the stopped parcel, the density of the parcels, the relationship between the number of parcels and the upper limit number of parcels, and the position of the parcels on the stagnant supply conveyor. and based on at least one of the moving state of the stagnant feed conveyor, for the lapse of the predetermined time wait,
(Processing 1) Add an extension time to the predetermined time to extend the standby, or
(Process 2) After the predetermined time has elapsed, the stopped cargo is moved in a circular motion on the circular conveyor.

In the conveying apparatus of the present invention, when a branched cargo to enter the supply conveyor corresponding to the branching position is stopped at the branching position and another cargo behind the branched cargo is stuck and becomes a stagnant cargo, after a predetermined time has passed, , to flow the branched baggage to the revolving conveyor. That is, the diverted cargo is circulated again by the circulating conveyor.

As a result, even stagnant cargo that has been blocked by the branched cargo that has been stopped can move on the revolving conveyor. If the stagnant cargo is a cargo to be supplied to a conveyor other than the supply conveyor corresponding to the branched cargo, it can branch and move to the supply conveyor to be branched until the branched cargo makes another round.

This allows the stagnant cargo to move to the supply conveyor to be diverted. Similarly, the diverted cargo can be moved to the supply conveyor to be diverted by making another round of the revolving conveyor.

As described above, even when stagnation occurs in the branching movement from the revolving conveyor to the supply conveyor, the stopping time of the revolving conveyor due to the stagnation can be reduced and the transport efficiency can be improved.

It is a top view of a conveying device provided with a revolving conveyor and a branch conveyor. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a stopped cargo that stops at a branch position and a stagnant cargo that is stagnant behind the stopped cargo are generated on the revolving conveyor. It is a mimetic diagram of a conveying machine in an embodiment of the invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the stagnation state in embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of a part of the conveying device in the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stagnant supply conveyor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG.

A conveying apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a circulating conveyor that circulates corresponding to a plurality of work areas and circulates a load,
a plurality of supply conveyors for storing and moving packages to the work areas from branch positions respectively corresponding to the work areas on the revolving conveyor;
a circulating conveyor control unit that controls the circulating movement of the circulating conveyor;
a supply conveyor control unit that controls storage movement on the supply conveyor;
a revolving conveyor state detection unit that detects the revolving state of the package on the revolving conveyor;
a stagnation control unit that controls stagnation of the circular movement at the branch position,
The plurality of supply conveyors correspond to the first work area, the second work area, . N feed conveyor,
The cargo includes one or more first cargo of a type to be stored in the first work area, one or more second cargo of a type to be stored in the second work area, . one or more Nth packages of the type to be stored in the area,
The plurality of branch positions includes a first branch position, a second branch position, . . . an Nth branch position corresponding to the first supply conveyor, the second supply conveyor, .
The circulating conveyor control unit is
branching and moving the first cargo to the first supply conveyor at the first branching position;
branching and moving the second cargo to the second supply conveyor at the second branching position;
branching and moving the Nth cargo to the Nth supply conveyor at the Nth branch position;
The revolving conveyor state detection unit is capable of detecting a stopped cargo at any one of the first branch position to the Nth branch position and a staying cargo stopped behind the stopped cargo,
the stagnant cargo, when the stagnant cargo is detected, causes the stationary cargo to wait at the branch position where it is stopped for a predetermined time;
The stagnation control unit controls the number of parcels on the "stagnation supply conveyor" which is the supply conveyor corresponding to the stopped parcel, the density of the parcels, the relationship between the number of parcels and the upper limit number of parcels, and the position of the parcels on the stagnant supply conveyor. and based on at least one of the moving state of the stagnant feed conveyor, for the lapse of the predetermined time wait,
(Processing 1) Add an extension time to the predetermined time to extend the standby, or
(Process 2) After the predetermined time has elapsed, the stopped cargo is moved in a circular motion on the circular conveyor.

With this configuration, even in the case of a stagnation state caused by stopped cargoes and stagnant cargoes at the supply position, processing can be performed in consideration of the overall transportation efficiency.

In the conveying apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the stopped cargo is caused by the inability to branch and move from the stopped branch position to the corresponding supply conveyor.

With this configuration, when branch movement is not possible, it is possible to switch between waiting as it is or giving priority to the next cargo. As a result, the overall transport efficiency can be increased.

In the conveying apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the supply conveyor moves from the branch position to a first position, a second position, a third position, . . . has
said stationary load occurs when there is a load at said first position;
The stagnation control unit determines the predetermined time period based on how the first to M-th positions are filled with cargo.

With this configuration, it is possible to determine the predetermined time that is optimal for the overall transport efficiency. This makes it possible to optimize the waiting time.

In the conveying apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the third aspect, the stagnation control unit determines the extension time based on how the first position to the M-th position are filled with packages. do.

With this configuration, the extended time in process 1 can also be a time in consideration of the overall efficiency.

In the conveying apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect, if the stagnation control section can predict that the first position will become vacant, the first position becomes vacant. The extension time is defined as the time until the state is reached.

This configuration increases the possibility that the stopped cargo can branch and move after waiting for an extended period of time, thereby increasing the merit of waiting in terms of transport efficiency.

In the conveying apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the stagnation control unit controls the number relationship between the density of packages on the stagnant supply conveyor and the upper limit number of packages. is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the extension time is given.

This configuration enhances the merit of continuing the standby state by adding the extension time.

In the conveying apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the stagnation control section controls the extension of the load when there is movement of the cargo on the stagnant supply conveyor. give time.

This configuration enhances the merit of continuing the standby state by adding the extension time. This is because there is a high possibility that the stopped cargo will be able to branch and move by waiting for the extended time.

In the conveying apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the stagnation control unit controls at least one of the number relationship between the density of the articles on the stagnant supply conveyor and the upper limit number of articles. is larger than a predetermined value, the stopped cargo is moved in a circle by the revolving conveyor.

With this configuration, it is possible to prioritize the movement of the staying cargo over the continuation of the standby state, thereby improving the overall transportation efficiency.

In the conveying apparatus according to the ninth invention of the present invention, in addition to the first or second invention, the stagnation control unit, when no movement of the articles on the stagnant supply conveyor occurs, causes the stopped articles to be transported. Circular movement is performed by the circular conveyor.

With this configuration, it is possible to prioritize the movement of the staying cargo over the continuation of the standby state, thereby improving the overall transportation efficiency.

In the conveying apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the third aspect, the stagnation control section controls at least the first position, the second position and the third position among the first position to the Mth position. If there is a load at the position, the stopped load is rotated by the revolving conveyor.

With this configuration, rather than continuing the standby state, processing for branching movement of the staying baggage by the circular movement is performed.

In the conveying apparatus according to the eleventh invention of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to tenth inventions, the predetermined time includes the number of work areas, the storage capacity of the work areas, and the number of work areas on the supply conveyor. It is determined based on at least one of the movable number of articles, the movement capacity of the supply conveyor, the movable number of articles on the revolving conveyor, the movement capacity of the revolving conveyor, and the length of the revolving conveyor.

With this configuration, it is possible to perform a standby state in which the overall transport efficiency is improved.

A transport apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprises a storage crane that stores the cargo that has reached the work area side of the supply conveyor in the work area. Further prepare.

With this configuration, the cargo that has moved on the supply conveyor can be appropriately handed over to the next process.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, the transport apparatus is capable of branching the stopped cargo to the stagnant supply conveyor before the predetermined time elapses. In this case, the stagnation control unit diverts and moves the stopped cargo to the stagnation supply conveyor.

With this configuration, even in the standby state, if the branched movement occurs, the stopped cargo is branched and moved. As a result, the stagnant state can be resolved even during the standby state (within the predetermined time or within the extended time).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

(Analysis by inventor)
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conveying device with a revolving conveyor and a branch conveyor. Analysis by the inventor of the problems of the conventional transfer apparatus using the revolving conveyor and the branch conveyor will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the conveying device 100 is viewed from above. The conveying device 100 includes a revolving conveyor 110 and a plurality of supply conveyors 120 . Each of the supply conveyors 120 is connected to a storehouse for storing packages.

In the conveying apparatus 100, a revolving conveyor 110 for revolving the cargo is provided in the center. The revolving conveyor 110 is provided with a plurality of branching positions 111, and the branching positions 111 are connected to a supply conveyor 120 for storing and moving the articles to storage. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a revolving conveyor 110 having a revolving shape, and a plurality of supply conveyors 120 project from the revolving conveyor 110 . Each of the plurality of protruding supply conveyors 120 is connected to a storage and causes movement for storage of packages in the storage (conversely, movement for removal from the storage is also possible).

For example, when a package is to be stored in the storage, the following operation processing is performed. A package is thrown into the inlet of the revolving conveyor 110 . It is determined in advance in which storage box the package is to be stored, depending on the type of package and the like. A control unit that controls the entire conveying apparatus 100 grasps the storage box in which each package is to be stored, and performs a storage operation accordingly.

The thrown-in cargo travels around the revolving conveyor 110 . The revolving conveyor 110 can move the articles in the revolving direction, and the articles can revolve accordingly.

In the course of this circular movement, the load reaches a plurality of branching positions. A supply conveyor 120 is connected to the branch position. For example, the first branch position is connected to the first supply conveyor, the second branch position is connected to the second supply conveyor, and the Nth branch position is connected to the Nth supply conveyor. For example, a certain package A is stored in the first storage via the first supply conveyor. Another package B is stored in the second storage via the second supply conveyor.

Therefore, when the cargo A reaches the first branch position, it branches here and moves from the revolving conveyor to the first supply conveyor. When the cargo B reaches the second branch position, it branches here and moves from the revolving conveyor to the second supply conveyor. The cargo A moved to the first supply conveyor is stored and moved toward the first storage by the first supply conveyor. By this storage movement, the luggage A is stored in the first storage. Similarly, package B moves on the second supply conveyor and is stored in the second storage.

The same goes for other luggage.

A plurality of articles randomly circulates on the circulating conveyor 110.例文帳に追加Each of the plurality of parcels moves to the corresponding storage. Therefore, it branches at the corresponding branch position and moves to the corresponding supply conveyor 120 .

If the supply conveyor 120 is not congested, the articles traveling around the revolving conveyor 110 branch one after another at corresponding branch positions and move to the corresponding supply conveyor 120 .

However, any one of the plurality of supply conveyors 120 may become jammed. For example, the first supply conveyor 120 may be jammed, and the articles to enter the first supply conveyor may stop at the first branching position without being able to branch. On the revolving conveyor 110, packages move in a revolving manner one after another. For this reason, as long as there is a load stopped at the first branch position, the load moving around the revolving conveyor from behind the load stays behind the load stopped at the first branch. This is because the stopped cargo becomes an obstacle, and it becomes impossible to move around the revolving conveyor 110 any more.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a stopped cargo that stops at a branching position and a stagnant cargo that is stagnant behind the stopped cargo are generated on this revolving conveyor. The first supply conveyor 120A is jammed. The cargo A to be moved to the first supply conveyor 120A is stopped at the first branch position. It cannot enter the first supply conveyor 120A and is in the state of stopped cargo.

A cargo B that has moved on the revolving conveyor 110 is stagnating behind the cargo A that is the stopped cargo. Package B is a package that moves from another branch location to another supply conveyor. Although the package B should be advanced further, it remains stagnant due to the trouble of the first stop position of the revolving conveyor 110 . That is, the cargo B is a staying cargo.

The cargo A, which is the stopped cargo, and the cargo B, which is the staying cargo, are stagnant on the revolving conveyor 110 .

For this reason, in the conventional conveying apparatus 100, until the congestion of the first supply conveyor 110A ends (the congestion ends when the cargo on the first supply conveyor 110A moves to the first storage), The orbital movement on the orbital conveyor 110 remains stagnant. Unless the congestion on the first supply conveyor 110A is resolved, the cargo B cannot reach the position where it should be stored.

In other words, the efficiency of storing the packages in the conveying apparatus 100 as a whole is lowered. This is the problem of the prior art and the inventors have arrived at the present invention based on such analysis.

(Embodiment)

(overall overview)
Below, as an example of a work area, a storage will be described as an example. The work area may be equipment for light work other than the storage, or equipment that leads to the next process. Although described below as a storage, it is an example of a work area and is not limited to a storage.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The state which looked at the conveying apparatus 1 from the top is shown. The transport device 1 carries out transport for storing a package 200 corresponding to storage in one of the plurality of storages 10, or carries out transport for taking out the package 200 from one of the plurality of storages 10 and delivering it. It is decided in which storage box 10 among the plurality of storage boxes 10 the package 200 conveyed by the conveying device 1 is to be stored. The storage box 10 to be stored is determined according to the type, category, etc. of the luggage 200 . As described above, even in the case of work equipment, it is determined to which work area the load 200 should be moved.

For this reason, the conveying device 1 is provided so as to correspond to a plurality of storages 10 .

The conveying device 1 includes a revolving conveyor 2 , a plurality of supply conveyors 3 , a revolving conveyor control section 21 , a supply conveyor control section 31 , a revolving conveyor state detection section 6 and a stagnation control section 7 . Although not shown visually in FIG. For example, it may be incorporated in any of the mechanical parts of the conveying device 1, or may be incorporated in a control device, an operating device, or the like of the conveying device 1. FIG.

Further, the circulating conveyor control section 21, the supply conveyor control section 31, the circulating conveyor state detection section 6, and the stagnation control section 7 may be realized by a complex configuration of electronic, mechanical, software programs, and the like.

The revolving conveyor 2 has a form that revolves corresponding to a plurality of storages 10 and moves the articles 200 in a revolving manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the revolving conveyor 2 has a form that revolves around a plurality of storages 10 arranged around. For this reason, the circular shape and size are determined by the number and arrangement positions of the storages 10 arranged.

The revolving conveyor 2 has an inlet 51 and an outlet 52 . A package 200 is thrown into the revolving conveyor 2 from the inlet 51 . The thrown baggage 200 circulates on the revolving conveyor 2. - 特許庁In the process of going around, it branches to the supply conveyor 3 and is stored in the storage 10. - 特許庁

Equipment such as a forklift may be used to insert and eject the cargo 200 at the inlet 51 and the outlet 52 . Work by a worker, automatic work by automatic operation, etc. are performed, and the load 200 is put into the revolving conveyor 2 from the input port 51 and discharged from the discharge port 52 .

Conversely, the cargo 200 carried out from the storage 10 moves from the supply conveyor 3 to the revolving conveyor 2. - 特許庁After going around the revolving conveyor 2, it is discharged from the discharge port 52. - 特許庁The discharged cargo 200 is handed over to another process.

The revolving conveyor 2 circulates the articles 200 in this manner to store them in a predetermined storage shed 10 or carry them out from the storage shed 10 .

The circulating conveyor control unit 21 controls the circulating movement of the circulating conveyor 2 . When the load 200 moves around, or when a stopped load or a stagnant load, which will be described later, occurs, control is performed such as stopping these. It also controls the speed of circular movement. In addition, the stagnation control unit 7 can also control the resumption of the circulating movement of the stopped cargo after the lapse of a predetermined time.

A plurality of supply conveyors 3 are branched and connected in the middle of the revolving conveyor 2. - 特許庁The branch position is branch position 4 . That is, the revolving conveyor 2 is provided with branch positions 4 at a plurality of positions, and the supply conveyor 3 is connected from each of the branch positions 4 . Since the supply conveyors 3 correspond to the storages 10 , the number and positions of the supply conveyors 3 correspond to the number and positions of the storages 10 .

In FIG. 3 , since the storage shed 10 is outside the revolving conveyor 2 , the plurality of supply conveyors 3 protrude like corners toward the outer side of the revolving conveyor 2 . If the storage shed 10 is inside the revolving conveyor 2 , the plurality of supply conveyors 3 protrude toward the inner side of the revolving conveyor 2 .

The branching position 4 branches the cargo 200 that has circulated around the revolving conveyor 2 to the supply conveyor 3 . The supply conveyor 3 stores and moves the articles 200 branched and entered into the storage shed 10. - 特許庁Of course, when carrying out from the storage 10 , the cargo 200 carried out from the storage 10 is moved toward the revolving conveyor 2 . It is not intended to be limited to one or the other.

Whereas the revolving conveyor 2 moves the packages 200 in a circular fashion, the supply conveyor 3 moves the packages 200 in a linear fashion (a linear movement, not just a perfect straight line). The supply conveyor 3 stores and moves the packages 200, and the packages 200 that have reached the storage 10 are stored in the storage 10. - 特許庁

The supply conveyor control unit 31 controls storage movement of the packages 200 on the supply conveyor 3 . The baggage 200 entering from the branch position 4 is moved toward the storage 10. - 特許庁In addition, storage movement is performed while waiting for a storage ready state in the storage box 10.例文帳に追加This allows smooth and reliable storage (same for unloading).

The package 200 to be stored in the first storage 10A is the first package 200A. The package 200 to be stored in the second storage 10B is the second package 200B. The package 200 to be stored in the Nth storage 10N is the Nth package 200N (in FIG. 3, only the first storage 10A and the like are picked up and shown as symbols). It should be noted that there may be a plurality of first packages 200A and the like. In short, it is a package that should be put into the first storage 10A.

Thus, the branch positions 4 also include the first branch position 4A, the second branch position 4B, . also includes a first supply conveyor 3A, a second supply conveyor 3B, . . . an Nth supply conveyor 3N. The 1st, 2nd, .

The revolving conveyor control unit 21 branches and moves the corresponding article 200 to the supply conveyor 3 at the branch position 4 . At this time, the first cargo 200A to be stored in the first storage 10A is branched and moved to the first supply conveyor 3A at the first branch position 4A. The second cargo 200B to be stored in the second storage 10B is branched and moved to the second supply conveyor 3B at the second branch position 4B. The Nth cargo 200N to be stored in the Nth storage 10N is branched and moved to the Nth supply conveyor 3N at the Nth branch position 4N.

By the branching control by the revolving conveyor control unit 6, each of the packages 200 moves to the storage 10 to be stored (from the revolving conveyor 2 via the supply conveyor 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the revolving conveyor control unit 21, the supply conveyor control unit 31, and the like are provided as a control panel, and control within this control panel may be performed. Further, the control of the circulating conveyor control unit 21 and the supply conveyor 31 may be performed by the operator operating the control panel.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, there is a case where the stopped cargo stops at the branch position 4 because the supply conveyor 3 to enter is congested and cannot enter due to the branch movement. Furthermore, when the stopped cargo blocks the revolving conveyor 2, another cargo coming from the rear may become a staying cargo that cannot proceed any further. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a stagnation state in the embodiment of the present invention.

The conveyor state detector 6 detects this stagnant state. The stagnant supply conveyor 3 is a stagnant supply conveyor.

In FIG. 4, parcel A is the parcel to enter the first supply conveyor 3A from the first branch position 4A. The first supply conveyor 3A is congested with packages to be stored in the first storage 10A. As a result, the cargo A cannot be branched and moved from the first branch position 4A. Therefore, it is in a state of being stopped at the first branch position 4A. That is, the cargo A is the stopped cargo.

Due to the presence of this stopped cargo, the next cargo B that has moved around the revolving conveyor 2 cannot proceed any further. The cargo B becomes a stagnant cargo behind the stopped cargo. In FIG. 4, the cargo B is the staying cargo. Of course, if the package 200 continues to circulate on the revolving conveyor 2, another package 200 may reach the rear of the package B and the remaining packages may increase.

The conveyor state detection unit 6 detects such a state in which there are stopped cargo and stagnant cargo as a stagnation state. In other words, the conveyor state detection unit 6 detects staying cargo. This is because if there is a stagnant cargo, there is also a stopped cargo and the cargo is stagnant.

The conveyor state detection unit 6 notifies the stagnation control unit 7 of this detection result.

When a stagnant cargo is detected (when a stagnant state is detected), the stagnation control unit 7 first causes the following prerequisite processing to be performed.

(Prerequisite processing) At the branch position 4 where the stopped cargo is stopped, the cargo A is made to wait for a predetermined time (in FIG. 4, the cargo A is made to wait at the first branch position 4A).

In the stagnant state, package A cannot enter supply conveyor 3A from branching position 4A. Unless the congestion of the supply conveyor 3A, which is a stagnant supply conveyor, is resolved and it becomes possible to enter, the cargo A cannot be started to the supply conveyor 3A.

For this reason, the stagnation control unit 7 makes the cargo A, which is a stopped cargo, and the cargo B, which is a stagnant cargo, stand by for a predetermined time as a prerequisite process. This is performed as a premise process. When the congestion of the supply conveyor 3A is reduced during waiting for a predetermined time, and the cargo A, which is a stopped cargo, can branch and move, the stagnation control unit 7 causes the stopped cargo to branch and move.

However, there is a possibility that branch movement will not be possible within a predetermined period of time. In addition, there is also the question of how much branch movement becomes possible or not. For this reason, if the stopped cargo is kept waiting for a long time, the retained cargo cannot advance from the branch position 4A indefinitely, and the transportation efficiency of the transportation device 1 as a whole is lowered.

Therefore, in the case of a stagnant state in which a stagnant cargo occurs, the stopped cargo may be sent forward by the revolving conveyor 2, and the stagnant cargo stopped behind the stopped cargo may be advanced by the revolving conveyor 2. obtain. As a result, although the stopped cargo has to go around the revolving conveyor 2 to the original branch position 4A, the stagnant cargo can advance on the revolving conveyor 2 and reach the branch position where it should be branched. become.

However, in the latter case, immediately after the stopping cargo starts to circulate on the revolving conveyor 2, the congestion of the stagnant supply conveyor is resolved, and the stopped cargo can branch and move from the branch position 4A to the supply conveyor 4A. Sometimes. Therefore, it may not be preferable from the point of view of the overall efficiency to immediately cancel the waiting state and restart the circulation of the stopped cargo on the circulation conveyor.

Based on this premise, in the conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention, the stagnation control unit executes the following process following the process of waiting for a stopped cargo for a predetermined time in the premise process.

The stagnation control unit 7 determines the actual number of packages 200 on the "stagnation supply conveyor" (the supply conveyor 3A in FIG. 4), which is the supply conveyor 3 corresponding to the stopped packages, the density of the packages 200, and the upper limit of the number of packages 200. Based on at least one of the number relationship with the number, the position of the packages 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor, and the movement state of the stagnant supply conveyor, for the passage of a predetermined time,

(Processing 1) Add an extension time to the predetermined time to extend the standby state,
or,
(Processing 2) After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the stopped cargo 200 is moved in a circular motion by the circular conveyor 2.
process.

The stagnation control unit 7 selects and executes processing 1 and processing 2 based on the state of the stagnant supply conveyor. A stopped load (load A in FIG. 4) is caused by the inability to divert movement from a stopped branch position 4A to the corresponding supply conveyor 3A. A stagnant cargo occurs behind this.

For this reason, during the predetermined waiting time, the stagnation control unit 7 will reduce the stagnation control unit 7 if the degree of clogging of the products on the stagnant supply conveyor (density, number of items, etc.) is low or if the movement state is favorable. grants an extra time to prolong the wait. This is because there is a high possibility that the congestion state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A will eventually be resolved and the stopped cargo can be branched and moved from the branch position 4A. In this state, the efficiency of the transport apparatus 1 as a whole is increased by giving priority to branching and moving the stopped cargo, even if the staying cargo is kept on standby, rather than recirculating the stopped cargo on the revolving conveyor 2. is. If it becomes possible to branch and move within the extended time, the stopped cargo is branched and moved to the supply conveyor 3 as it is.

Conversely, when the density of the cargoes on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A is high or the movement remains stopped, the stagnation control unit 7 rotates the stopped cargoes on the revolving conveyor 2 after the lapse of a predetermined time. . In other words, the stopped load is shifted to circular movement. This is because it can be judged that the congestion of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A will not be resolved even if the extended time is given and the waiting time is given, and the transport efficiency of the transport apparatus 1 as a whole will be lowered.

In this case, priority is given to shifting to circular movement and circularly moving the stagnant cargo behind the stopped cargo to the desired branch position 4 . As a result, the stagnant cargo is diverted to the supply conveyor 3 and stored in the storage 10 (of course, it can be used for work in a target work area other than the storage 10).

The stopped cargo that has been transferred to the revolving movement further circulates around the revolving conveyor 2, returns to the corresponding branching position 4, and can be branched to the supply conveyor 3. - 特許庁At this time, when the cargo is stopped at the returned branch position 4, the same processing by the stagnation control unit 7 is executed.

Thus, even in the case of process 2, the transport efficiency of the transport apparatus 1 as a whole can be improved.

In this way, when a stagnation state (a state in which stagnated cargo follows a stopped cargo) occurs, the stagnation control unit 7 performs either processing 1 or processing 2 after performing precondition processing. selectively. Of course, if the stagnant supply conveyor 3A can accept the branched movement during this period, the stopped cargo will be branched and moved even within the predetermined time.

By this control, the transportation efficiency of the entire transportation device 1 composed of the revolving conveyor 2 and the supply conveyor 3 can be improved.

Next, details and variations of each part will be described.

(Suspended baggage and staying baggage)
As shown in FIG. 4, cargo A is the stopped cargo. A stalled load is caused by the inability to divert movement from a stationary divergence position 4 to the corresponding supply conveyor 3 . As shown in FIG. 4, the supply conveyor 3 is congested and this causes a branching movement that prevents entry.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of part of the transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The conveying apparatus 1 of FIG. 5 further includes a supply conveyor state detector 33 . The supply conveyor state detection unit 33 detects at least one of the movement state and the number upper limit state of the packages 200 on the supply conveyor 3 . The movement state is the state of movement of the articles 200 on the supply conveyor 3 toward the storage 10 . The number upper limit state is the upper limit of the number of items accommodated on the supply conveyor 3 . Since the supply conveyor 3 also moves the articles 200, there is an upper limit to the number of articles that can be moved. The state with respect to this upper limit number is referred to as the number upper limit state.

The supply conveyor state detection unit 33 detects an abnormal state in the supply conveyor 3 (abnormality in which branch movement from the branch position 4 is impossible). This abnormal state indicates a state in which branch movement cannot be accepted.

For one, the supply conveyor state detection unit 33 determines that when the movement state of the supply conveyor 3 is abnormal, it is in an abnormal state in which the branch movement cannot be performed. For example, there is a case where the articles 200 cannot be moved toward the storage 10 on the supply conveyor 3 because the supply conveyor 3 is clogged or malfunctions. Alternatively, a state in which the article 200 immediately after the branch position 4 of the supply conveyor 3 does not move is determined as an abnormal state.

Another method is to determine that the branch movement is not possible even when the number of packages reaches the upper limit of the number that can be accommodated by the supply conveyor 3 . When the number of packages 200 on the supply conveyor 3 reaches the upper limit, the next package 200 cannot enter. Also at this time, the supply conveyor state detection unit 33 determines that the branch movement is not possible.

Based on such determination, the parcel 200 that cannot branch and move becomes the stopped parcel.

Due to the occurrence of this stopped cargo, a staying cargo is generated behind the revolving conveyor 2 . The staying cargo may be the cargo 200 entering from the branching position 4 where the stopped cargo is stopped, or may be the cargo 200 entering from the branching position 4 ahead of this branching position 4 .

During the standby state (during a predetermined time period or during an extended time period), if branch movement to the stagnant supply conveyor 3A becomes possible, the stagnation control unit 7 causes the stopped cargo to branch and move. As a result, the stopped cargo moves to the supply conveyor 3 into which it should enter and moves to be stored.

At the same time, the stagnant cargo stagnating behind the stopped cargo moves around the revolving conveyor 2 and can reach the branch position 4 where it should be branched. When it arrives, it branches and moves from the branch position 4 to the supply conveyor 3 . At this time, if the branch conveyor 3 is congested, the moving stagnant cargo may become the stopped cargo.

(prerequisite processing and predetermined time)
In the stagnation state, the stagnation control unit 7 puts the stopped cargo in the standby state for a predetermined time (prerequisite processing described above). This is because the branching movement from the branching position 4 to the branching conveyor 3 is made to wait, and if possible, the branching movement is carried out. As for the processing after the predetermined time has elapsed, either processing 1 or processing 2 is performed according to the state of the stagnant supply conveyor, as described above.

The predetermined time in this prerequisite process may be determined according to the stagnant state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a stagnant supply conveyor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The supply conveyor 3 has a first position, a second position, . . . Mth position from a branch position 4 . The cargo 200 moves while the cargo 200 enters each position. There may be a load 200 in the first position that has not moved to the second position. Therefore, this supply conveyor 3 is a stagnant supply conveyor 3A.

In this state, the cargo 200 arrives at the branch position 4A. This cargo 200 is a cargo to be branched and moved from the branching position 4A to the stagnant supply conveyor 3A. However, branch movement is not possible. Also, the parcel 200 that comes behind the stopped parcel 200A becomes a staying parcel.

The stagnation control unit 7 puts the suspended cargo 200A in a standby state for a predetermined time. At this time, the predetermined time may be determined according to the degree of filling of the articles 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A. That is, the predetermined time is determined according to the degree of filling of the articles 200 from the first position to the Mth position. This is because it is possible to predict the time until branch movement to the stagnant supply conveyor 3A becomes possible depending on the degree of filling.

If the degree of filling is high, priority is given to the stopping cargo 200A branching and moving from the branching position 4A by lengthening the predetermined time. Alternatively, if it can be determined that the predetermined time is too long due to a high degree of filling and the overall transport efficiency is lowered, the predetermined time may be set short.

Even when the degree of filling is low, the predetermined time may be determined with the same directionality.

The predetermined time is preferably determined in consideration of the transport efficiency of the transport device 1 as a whole. For example, the predetermined time is the number of storage containers 10, the storage capacity of the storage container 10, the number of packages 200 that can be moved on the supply conveyor 3, the capacity of the supply conveyor 3, the number of packages 200 that can be moved by the circulating conveyor 2, and the number of packages 200 that can be moved by the circulating conveyor 2. It may be determined based on at least one of the moving capacity of the conveyor 2 and the length of the revolving conveyor 2 .

Based on at least one of these, the predetermined time corresponding to the transport efficiency of the transport apparatus 1 as a whole can be set.

For example, if the number of storages 10 and the storage capacity of the storages 10 are high, even if a stopped cargo occurs, it is likely to be able to branch and move to the supply conveyor 3 . For this reason, even if the predetermined time is longer than the fixed time, it is likely that the stopped cargo can be branched and moved during that time. Conversely, if the number of storages 10 or the storage capacity of the storages 10 is low, it will be difficult to branch and move even if the predetermined time is lengthened. It is also preferable to shorten the predetermined period of time so as to make the circulating movement to the circulating conveyor 2 earlier.

Conversely, when the storage capacity is high, the predetermined time may be determined based on the idea that the predetermined time is shortened because the branching movement is likely to occur even if the predetermined time is shortened.

Even when the capacity of the supply conveyor 3 or the revolving conveyor 2 is used as a reference, the predetermined time may be similarly determined.

The predetermined time may be variable. This means that the set predetermined time is different each time the transport operation is performed by the transport device 1, or that the predetermined time is changed while the transport operation is being performed.

In the former case, for example, when the total number of packages 200 to be accommodated is large during a certain transportation operation routine, the predetermined time is set to a certain time, and when switching to another transportation operation routine, the packages are stored. When the total number of 200 is reduced, the predetermined time is set accordingly.

In the latter case, the predetermined time is changed in one transport operation routine.

For example, the stagnation control unit 7 can change the predetermined time based on the number of stagnant cargo behind the stopped cargo. When the number of staying cargoes is large, the predetermined time is shortened, and rather than waiting for the branching movement of the stopped cargoes to the supply conveyor 3, the remaining cargoes are circularly moved by the revolving conveyor 2 to reach each branch position 4. give priority to

Conversely, if the number of staying cargoes is small, the predetermined time is lengthened to wait for the branching movement of the stopped cargoes to the supply conveyor 3 . This is because the efficiency as a whole is better.

In this way, it is also suitable for improving the overall efficiency to change the predetermined time (time during which stopped cargo waits) depending on the number of staying cargo.

(Processing 1 and extension time)
The stagnation control unit 7 controls the number of packages 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A, the density of the packages 200, the relationship between the number of packages 200 and the upper limit number of packages 200, the position of the packages 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A, and the movement state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A. Either processing 1 or processing 2 is determined based on at least one of

When judging from the stagnation state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A that it is better to make the stopped cargo 200A stand by, the process 1 is performed. Conversely, when it is determined that the waiting time is too long and the overall transport efficiency is lowered, the process 2 is performed.

When at least one of the density and the upper limit number of articles 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A and the number relationship is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the stagnation control unit 7 shifts to process 1 and gives an extension time. This is because, if it is equal to or less than the predetermined value, there is a high possibility that the stopped cargo 200A can branch and move by extending the standby by the extension time. Waiting for the branch movement increases the transport efficiency as a whole.

Alternatively, the stagnation control unit 7 gives an extension time and shifts to process 1 when the cargo 200 moves on the stagnation supply conveyor 3A. This is because even if the stagnant supply conveyor 3A is congested, there is a high possibility that there will be a vacant position at the first position if there is movement, and it is efficient to wait for the branch movement by giving an extension time. be.

The stagnation control unit 7 may also determine the extension time based on the degree of occupancy of the cargoes 200 from the first position to the Mth position. The extension time may also be determined according to the degree of filling of the articles 200 from the first position to the Mth position on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A. The length of the extension time may be determined based on the same concept as the predetermined time.

Further, when it can be predicted that the first position of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A will become vacant, the stagnation control unit 7 sets the time until the first position becomes vacant as an extension time. As a result, even if the stagnant supply conveyor 3A remains in a congested state, if the stopped cargo 200A can be branched and moved, the extended time can be maintained until then.

The stagnation control unit 7 can also increase or decrease the extension time. By increasing or decreasing the extension time according to the change in the state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A, switching is made between waiting for the branching movement of the stopped cargo 200A from the state of processing 1 and changing to processing 2 before waiting for the branching movement. . As a result, the overall transport efficiency can be increased.

(Processing 2 and circular movement)
The stagnation control unit 7 may cause the process 2 to be performed based on the state of the stagnation supply conveyor 3A. This may be shifted to process 2 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or may be shifted to process 2 during the extended time of process 1. The state of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A is the density of the packages 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A described above.

If the congestion of the stagnant supply conveyor 3A is not likely to be resolved after waiting for a predetermined period of time, the stagnation control unit 7 determines that making the stopped cargo 200A wait any longer reduces the overall efficiency. In this case, the stopped cargo 200A is shifted to the circular movement, and priority is given to the circular movement of the staying cargo 200B in the latter stage and the branching movement at the branch position 4.例文帳に追加This is because the transport efficiency as a whole is improved. In particular, if the stopped cargo 200A continues to stop at the branch position 4A, the number of remaining cargoes in the latter stage will increase.

Such an increase is undesirable because it makes the stagnation situation more complicated.

Therefore, the stagnation control unit 7 shifts to process 2 . This is because when the process 2 is shifted to, the stopped cargo 200A circulates on the revolving conveyor 2, and the remaining cargo 200B in the latter stage can reach the branch position 4 of itself. Further, the stagnation control unit 7 may cause the transition to the process 2 even before the extension time in the process 1 elapses.

The stagnation control unit 7 shifts to process 2 when at least one of the relationship between the density of the articles 200 on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A, the upper limit number of articles 200, and the actual number is greater than a predetermined value. That is, the stopped cargo 200A is moved in a circular motion by the circular conveyor 2 .

In such a state, it takes a considerable amount of time until the waiting state is resolved (a state of branch movement). This is because overall efficiency is increased by giving priority to the movement of the remaining cargo 200B to the branch position 4 and the branch movement rather than continuing the standby state.

The stopped cargo 200A further goes around the revolving conveyor 2 by shifting to revolving movement. During this time, the staying cargo 200B can reach the branch position 4 where it should be branched. Branch movement from this branch position 4 is performed. As a result, it is possible to store and move the stagnant cargo 200B from the supply conveyor 3 to the storage shed 10 (work area). It should be noted that storage movement indicates movement to the work area, and is not intended to be limited to storage in the storage shed 10 .

Alternatively, if the stagnant supply conveyor 3A does not move the cargo, the stagnation control unit 7 shifts to the processing 2 to circularly move the stopped cargo 200A. This is because, in a state in which cargo movement has not occurred, it is more advantageous to give priority to branching movement of the staying cargo 200B than to give extension time or wait for the end of the extension time.

Alternatively, if the cargo 200 is at least at the first, second and third positions among the first position to the Mth position, the stagnation control unit 7 shifts to process 2 to remove the stopped cargo 200A. It can also be moved around. As an example, when there are packages 200 from the first position to the third position, it may be difficult to eliminate congestion on the stagnant supply conveyor 3A. In such a case, it is better to move the stopped cargo 200A in a circular motion to cause the staying cargo 200B to reach the branch position 4 rather than to continue the waiting state.

Of course, the determination may be made based on the degree of occupancy of the packages 200 including the fourth and subsequent positions instead of the occupancy of the first to third positions, or the density of the packages 200 may be used.

When the stagnation control unit 7 judges that it takes time for the stopped cargo 200A to branch and move, and the overall conveying efficiency is reduced, the stagnation control unit 7 shifts to processing 2 and moves the stopped cargo 200A in a circular motion. As a result, the overall transport efficiency can be improved.

Further, the stagnation control unit 7 may select which of the processing 1 and the processing 2 is to be performed based on the judgment criteria including the number of the staying cargoes 200B. This is because, when the number of staying cargoes 200B is large, it is also good overall to shift to process 2 and prioritize the movement of the staying cargoes 200B.

As described above, the stagnation control unit 7 may shift to process 2 for overall efficiency. Control may be performed while selecting processing 1 or processing 2, and processing may be shifted to processing 2 depending on the situation even during the extension time of processing 1. FIG. Of course, when it becomes possible to branch and move, the stopped cargo 200A is branched and moved to eliminate the stagnant state.

(Transfer to storage on supply conveyor)
The supply conveyor 3 moves and stores the articles 200 in the storage shed 10 . Due to this storage movement, the cargo that has entered the supply conveyor 3 can be stored in the storage 10. - 特許庁Of course, the luggage 200 is also taken out from the storage box 10 and carried out.

The supply conveyor control section 31 controls the storage movement of the supply conveyor 3 . When a cargo 200 enters the supply conveyor 3 from the branching position 4, storage movement on the supply conveyor 3 is controlled so as to move the cargo 200 to the storage 10. - 特許庁

Moreover, it is preferable to further include a storage crane 8 for storing the cargo 200 that has reached the storage 10 side of the supply conveyor 3 in the storage 10 . A storage crane 8 is shown in FIG.

By providing the storage crane 8, delivery of the cargo 200 to the storage shed 10 is performed. When stored in the storage 10, the cargo 200 is taken out from the supply conveyor 3 and stored in the storage 10. - 特許庁Also, it is taken out from the storage 10 and transferred to the supply conveyor 3.

The supply conveyor 3 moves to store the articles 200 one after another, and stores the articles 200 coming from the branch position 4 in the storage 10. - 特許庁If the supply conveyor 3 becomes full because the storage is not done in time, there will be stopped cargo and stagnant cargo.

The conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention controls this stagnant state in consideration of the overall conveying efficiency. As described above, the conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention can cope with the stagnation state while improving the overall conveying efficiency.

As described above, the storage 10 is an example of a work area and includes other work processes.

It should be noted that the conveying device described in the embodiment is an example for explaining the gist of the present invention, and includes variations and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

It should be noted that the conveying device described in the embodiment is an example for explaining the gist of the present invention, and includes variations and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 conveying device 2 circulating conveyor 3 supply conveyor 4 branching position 51 input port 52 carry-out port 6 circulating conveyor state detector 7 stagnation control unit 8 storage crane 10 storage 200 package

Claims (13)

a circulating conveyor that circulates corresponding to a plurality of work areas and circulates the load;
a plurality of supply conveyors for storing and moving packages to the work areas from branch positions respectively corresponding to the work areas on the revolving conveyor;
a circulating conveyor control unit that controls the circulating movement of the circulating conveyor;
a supply conveyor control unit that controls storage movement on the supply conveyor;
a revolving conveyor state detection unit that detects the revolving state of the package on the revolving conveyor;
a stagnation control unit that controls stagnation of the circular movement at the branch position,
The plurality of supply conveyors correspond to the first work area, the second work area, . N feed conveyor,
The cargo includes one or more first cargo of a type to be stored in the first work area, one or more second cargo of a type to be stored in the second work area, . one or more Nth packages of the type to be stored in the area,
The plurality of branch positions includes a first branch position, a second branch position, . . . an Nth branch position corresponding to the first supply conveyor, the second supply conveyor, .
The circulating conveyor control unit is
branching and moving the first cargo to the first supply conveyor at the first branching position;
branching and moving the second cargo to the second supply conveyor at the second branching position;
branching and moving the Nth cargo to the Nth supply conveyor at the Nth branch position;
The revolving conveyor state detection unit is capable of detecting a stopped cargo at any one of the first branch position to the Nth branch position and a staying cargo stopped behind the stopped cargo,
the stagnant cargo, when the stagnant cargo is detected, causes the stationary cargo to wait at the branch position where it is stopped for a predetermined time;
The stagnation control unit controls the number of parcels on the "stagnation supply conveyor" which is the supply conveyor corresponding to the stopped parcel, the density of the parcels, the relationship between the number of parcels and the upper limit number of parcels, and the position of the parcels on the stagnant supply conveyor. and based on at least one of the moving state of the stagnant feed conveyor, for the lapse of the predetermined time wait,
(Processing 1) Add an extension time to the predetermined time to extend the standby, or
(Processing 2) A conveying device, wherein after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the stopped article is circularly moved by the circular conveyor. 2. The conveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stationary load is caused by an inability to divert movement from a stationary divergence position to the corresponding supply conveyor. The supply conveyor has a first position, a second position, a third position . . . , an Mth position from the branch position,
said stationary load occurs when there is a load at said first position;
3. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stagnation control unit determines said predetermined time period based on the degree to which said first position to said Mth position are filled with articles. 4. The conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said stagnation control unit determines said extension time based on the degree to which said first to Mth positions are filled with articles. 5. The conveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when it can be predicted that said first position will become vacant, said stagnation control unit sets the extended time until said first position becomes vacant. 6. The stagnation control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when at least one of the number relationship between the density of packages on the stagnant supply conveyor and the upper limit number of packages is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the stagnation control unit provides the extension time. A transport device according to any preceding claim. 6. The conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said stagnation control unit provides said extension time when there is movement of a cargo on said stagnation supply conveyor. 3. The stagnation control unit moves the stopped articles in a circular motion on the revolving conveyor when at least one of a number relationship between a density of articles on the stagnant supply conveyor and an upper limit number of articles is greater than a predetermined value. 3. The conveying device according to 1 or 2. 3. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stagnation control unit circulates said stopped cargo on said revolving conveyor when no cargo movement occurs on said stagnant supply conveyor. The stagnation control unit rotates the stopped cargo on the revolving conveyor when the cargo is at least at the first, second and third positions among the first to Mth positions. 4. The conveying device according to claim 3. The predetermined time includes the number of work areas, the storage capacity of the work area, the number of items that can be moved on the supply conveyor, the movement capacity of the supply conveyor, the number of items that can be moved on the revolving conveyor, and the number of items that can be moved on the revolving conveyor. 11. Conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, determined based on at least one of movement capacity and length of the circulating conveyor. 2. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage crane that stores the cargo that has reached the work area side of the supply conveyor in the work area. 2. The stagnation control unit diverts and moves the stopped cargo to the stagnant supply conveyor when the stopped cargo can be diverted to the stagnant supply conveyor before the predetermined time elapses. 13. The transport device according to any one of 12 to 12.