WO2024080328A1

WO2024080328A1 - Charging device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2024080328A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/037036
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雄飛南埜; 孝平山; 幸次郎坂田; 聡澁谷
Original assignee: 株式会社東芝; 東芝インフラシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2022-10-12
Filing date: 2023-10-12
Publication date: 2024-04-18
Also published as: JP2024057399A

Abstract

Provided is a charging device for effectively charging articles onto a lane. A charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a charging mechanism, a delivery conveyor, and a processor. The charging mechanism is formed so as to be inclined to a lane on which articles are conveyed, and charges articles onto the lane, and retracts at a timing when an article with a height higher than a prescribed threshold passes therebeneath on the lane. The delivery conveyor supplies articles to the charging mechanism. The processor controls the delivery conveyor such that no article is loaded to the charging mechanism at a timing when the charging mechanism retracts upward.

Description

Insertion Devices and Systems

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an input device and system.

　A loading device is provided that loads items into a sorter from above. Such a loading device loads items onto the sorter's lanes from a conveyor formed along the lanes. The loading device loads items onto the lanes through a loading mechanism, such as a ramp that descends toward the lanes to reduce the height from which the items fall.

In addition, items may pass under a slope on the lane. For this reason, conventional loading devices have the problem of being unable to load items onto the lane from a position lower than the height of the items being transported by the lane.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-11193

To solve the above problem, we provide a loading device that effectively loads items into the lane.

According to an embodiment, the input device includes an input mechanism, a transport conveyor, and a processor. The input mechanism is formed at an incline toward a lane along which items are transported, inputs items into the lane, and retreats when an item higher than a predetermined threshold passes underneath the lane. The transport conveyor supplies items to the input mechanism. The processor controls the transport conveyor so that no items are loaded onto the input mechanism when the input mechanism retreats.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a feed-in system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a transport lane and a conveyor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the input conveyor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the input system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the input system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the input system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the input system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the input conveyor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a feeding device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a feeding device according to the third embodiment.

Embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
First, the first embodiment will be described.
An input system according to an embodiment inputs articles into a sorter. The input system includes an input device that is parallel to and above a transport lane of the sorter. The input system inputs articles from the input device into the transport lane. The input device includes a conveyor that descends toward the transport lane. The input device uses the conveyor to input articles from a predetermined height into the transport lane of the sorter.
For example, input systems are used in logistics sensors, postal sorters, or warehouses.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of an input system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an input section where items are input from an input device to a sorter.

As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding system 1 includes a height sensor 2, a sorter 10, and a feeding device 20.

The sorter 10 transports and sorts the items 3. For example, the sorter 10 sorts the items 3 according to the delivery destination of the items 3, etc.

The sorter 10 is composed of a transport lane 13. Here, the transport lane 13 is composed of two

transport lanes

13a and 13b. The

transport lanes

13a and 13b are formed in the shape of a track. The

transport lanes

13a and 13b are formed parallel to each other. Here, the transport lane 13a is formed outside the transport lane 13b.

As shown in Figure 2, the transport lane 13a is composed of multiple trays 14a.

The transport lane 13a transports the tray 14a in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 1). The tray 14a transports the loaded items 3. The tray 14a drops the loaded items 3 into a chute formed below. For example, the tray 14a has a structure that opens downward.

Similarly, the transport lane 13a is made up of multiple trays 14b. Trays 14b are similar to trays 14a, so a description of them will be omitted.

The input device 20 inputs the items 3 into the sorter 10. For example, the input device 20 receives the items 3 from an operator, a robot, or another conveyor. The input device 20 inputs the received items 3 into the conveying lane 13 of the sorter 10.

The input device 20 is composed of an input lane 23. The input lane 23 is composed of two

input lanes

23a and 23b. The

input lanes

23a and 23b are formed in a straight line parallel to each other. The

input lanes

23a and 23b carry and transport the items 3.

Here, the distance between the end of the input lane 23 and the transport lane 13 (i.e., the minimum ground clearance of the input lane 23) is defined as the lane height.

The input lane 23a inputs the items 3 from its tip into the transport lane 13a of the sorter 10. The input lane 23b inputs the items 3 from its tip into the transport lane 13b of the sorter 10. The

input lanes

23a and 23b will be described in detail later.

The height sensor 2 is connected to the input device 20. The height sensor 2 detects that an item 3 has passed through the conveying

lane

13a or 13b of the sorter 10. The height sensor 2 also detects whether the passing item 3 is higher than the lane height (or a predetermined threshold value smaller than the lane height).

When the height sensor 2 detects that an item 3 has passed through the

transport lane

13a or 13b, it transmits a detection signal indicating that the item 3 has passed through the

transport lane

13a or 13b to the input device 20. The detection signal also includes a flag indicating whether the passed item 3 is higher than the lane height.

For example, the height sensor 2 is an infrared sensor that emits infrared rays in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the item 3 at the lane height and a specified height. When the infrared rays are blocked by the item 3, the height sensor 2 transmits a detection signal to the feeding device 20.

The height sensor 2 may also transmit a detection signal based on a captured image showing the object 3. The configuration of the height sensor 2 is not limited to a specific configuration.

For example, the transport time from the height sensor 2 to the input conveyor 25 in the transport lane 13 is longer than the time from when the item 3 is loaded onto the transport conveyor 24 to when it is input into the transport lane 13.

In addition, the input system 1 may include configurations as necessary in addition to the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2, and certain configurations may be excluded from the input system 1.

Next,

input lanes

23a and 23b will be described. Since

input lanes

23a and 23b have the same configuration, they will be described here as input lane 23.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration example of the input lane 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the input lane 23 includes a transport conveyor 24, an input conveyor 25, a rotating shaft 26, and a drive mechanism 27.

The transport conveyor 24 is formed above and parallel to the transport lane 13 that extends in the longitudinal direction. The transport conveyor 24 transports the items 3 that are input by an operator, a robot, or another conveyor. The transport conveyor 24 may also be made up of multiple conveyors.

An input conveyor 25 is formed at the end of the transport conveyor 24. The transport conveyor 24 supplies items 3 to the input conveyor 25.

The input conveyor 25 (input mechanism) is formed on an extension of the transport conveyor 24. The input conveyor 25 is formed inclined toward the transport lane 13 at a predetermined angle (for example, 10 to 15 degrees). The input conveyor 25 inputs the item 3 from the transport conveyor 24 into the transport lane 13. When the item 3 is input (Figure 3(a)), the distance between the tip of the input conveyor 25 and the transport lane 13 is the lane height. Here, the state of the input conveyor 25 at the time of input is considered to be the initial state.

A rotating shaft 26 is formed at the base of the input conveyor 25 (the connection point with the transport conveyor 24). The rotating shaft 26 supports the input conveyor 25 so that it can rotate.

In addition, a drive mechanism 27 is formed below the feed conveyor 25. The drive mechanism 27 retracts the feed conveyor 25 by flipping it upward. In other words, the drive mechanism 27 rotates the feed conveyor 25 around the rotation shaft 26. For example, the drive mechanism 27 is composed of a motor that rotates the feed conveyor 25.

When the input conveyor 25 jumps (FIG. 3(b)), the distance between the tip of the input conveyor 25 and the transport lane 13 becomes greater than the lane height. Here, the state of the input conveyor 25 when it jumps is referred to as the jumped state.

Next, a control system for the input device 20 will be described.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the input device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the input device 20 includes a control unit 21, a transport conveyor 24, an input conveyor 25, a drive mechanism 27, a sensor interface 28, a lamp 29, and the like.

The input device 20 may include components as necessary in addition to the components shown in FIG. 4, or certain components may be excluded from the input device 20.
The transport conveyor 24, the input conveyor 25 and the drive mechanism 27 are as described above.

The control unit 21 (processor) has the function of controlling the operation of the entire input device 20. The control unit 21 may include an internal cache and various interfaces. The control unit 21 realizes various processes by executing programs stored in advance in an internal memory or the like. For example, the control unit 21 is composed of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or the like.

The control unit 21 is also connected to the sorter 10. The control unit 21 transmits and receives various data to and from the sorter 10 in order to operate in conjunction with the sorter 10.

The sensor interface 28 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the height sensor 2. The sensor interface 28 receives a detection signal from the height sensor 2. The sensor interface 28 supplies the received detection signal to the control unit 21. The sensor interface 28 may also transmit a control signal from the control unit 21 to the height sensor 2.

Lamp 29 is turned on according to the control of control unit 21. Lamp 29 controls the loading of items 3 onto transport conveyor 24. Lamp 29 will be described in detail later.

Next, we will explain the functions realized by the input device 20. The functions realized by the input device 20 are realized by the control unit 21 executing a program stored in an internal memory or the like.

First, the control unit 21 has the function of inserting the item 3 from the input lane 23 into the transport lane 13 .
Here, it is assumed that the transport conveyor 24 of the input lane 23 is loaded with the goods 3. Also, it is assumed that the input conveyor 25 is in the initial state.

The control unit 21 drives the transport conveyor 24 and the input conveyor 25 at a predetermined speed (for example, the speed at which the tray 14 moves). That is, the control unit 21 transports the items 3 at a predetermined speed. The control unit 21 may also drive the input conveyor 25 so that the horizontal movement speed of the items 3 becomes a predetermined speed.

The control unit 21 supplies the items 3 from the transport conveyor 24 to the input conveyor 25. The control unit 21 continues to drive the input conveyor 25, and inputs the items from the tip of the input conveyor 25 into the transport lane 13.

Here, the loading positions of the items 3 on the transport conveyor 24 and the trays 14 are associated in advance. That is, when the items 3 are loaded onto the transport conveyor 24, the trays 14 into which the loaded items are inserted are determined.

The control unit 21 also has the function of detecting that an item 3 is being transported in the transport lane 13.

The control unit 21 receives the detection signal through the sensor interface 28. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control unit 21 detects that the item 3 is being transported in the transport lane 13.

The control unit 21 also has the function of setting a no-loading area in which loading of items 3 is prohibited on the transport conveyor 24 based on the detection signal.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 21 to set a no-loading area. In FIG. 5, the trays 14 are numbered from N-4 to N+4. In other words, the transport lane 13 is made up of the N-4 to N+4th trays 14.

Furthermore, the Nth tray 14 is intended to carry an item 3a that is higher than the lane height.

The control unit 21 also sets the loading positions on the transport conveyor 24 at which the items 3 are to be loaded. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 sets loading positions N-4 to N+4. Here, the N-4 to N+N loading positions correspond to the N-4 to N+N trays 14, respectively. That is, the items 3 loaded at the N-4 to N+N loading positions are placed into the N-4 to N+N trays 14, respectively.

The control unit 21 receives the detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height based on the detection signal. Here, it is assumed that the control unit 21 determines that the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height.

If it is determined that the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height, the control unit 21 sets a no-loading zone so that the item 3 is not loaded onto the input conveyor 25 during the period when the input conveyor 25 bounces up as the item 3a passes through the input lane 23.

For example, the control unit 21 sets the tray 14 carrying the article 3a that is higher than the lane height and a predetermined number of trays 14 in front and behind as an input-prohibited section into which the article 3 is not input. Here, the control unit 21 sets the tray 14 carrying the article 3a that is higher than the lane height and two trays 14 in front and behind as an input-prohibited section into which the article 3 is not input.
The control unit 21 sets the loading position corresponding to the loading prohibited section as the loading prohibited section.

As mentioned above, the Nth tray 14 carries an item 3a that is higher than the lane height. In other words, the control unit 21 sets the N-2 to N+2th loading positions as prohibited loading zones.

When the control unit 21 determines that the height of the item 3a is lower than the lane height, it sets the tray 14 on which the item 3a is loaded to the prohibited loading area. That is, the control unit 21 sets one tray 14 to the prohibited loading area. The control unit 21 sets the loading position corresponding to the prohibited loading area to the prohibited loading area.

The control unit 21 also has a function of outputting the set no-loading zones.
When a robot or another conveyor loads an item 3 onto the transport conveyor 24, the control unit 21 transmits a no-loading section to the controller of the robot or other conveyor as information indicating a position where the item 3 cannot be loaded.

In addition, when the operator loads the items 3 onto the transport conveyor 24, the control unit 21 displays the no-loading zones via lamps 29. As shown in FIG. 5, the lamps 29 are installed at positions corresponding to the loading positions.

The control unit 21 displays information on the lamp 29 of the loading position included in the prohibited loading area that instructs not to load the item 3 at the loading position. For example, the control unit 21 turns the lamp 29 on or off. The control unit 21 may also light up the lamp 29 in a specified color.

The control unit 21 also has the function of lifting up the input conveyor 25 when an item 3a on the transport lane 13 passes under the input conveyor 25.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 21 to flip up the input conveyor 25. In FIG.
In the initial state ( FIG. 6( a )), it is assumed that the articles 3 are loaded on the input conveyor 25 .

The control unit 21 continues to drive the input conveyor 25 in (a). By continuing to drive the input conveyor 25, the control unit 21 inputs the items 3 from the input conveyor 25 into the transport lane 13 ((b) and (c) in FIG. 6).

Also, as shown in FIG. 6(c), a prohibited insertion zone 5 is set around the item 3a.

The control unit 21 continues to drive the input conveyor 25 until the items 3 on the input conveyor 25 are input into the transport lane 13 (Figure 6 (d)).

Once the item 3 on the input conveyor 25 has been input into the transport lane 13, the control unit 21 waits until the item 3a reaches the input conveyor 25 (for example, a predetermined position just before the end of the input conveyor 25). For example, the control unit 21 determines that the item 3a has reached the input conveyor 25 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control unit 21 received a detection signal from the height sensor 2.

When the item 3a reaches the input conveyor 25, the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism 27 to cause the input conveyor 25 to bounce upward (FIG. 6(e)). When the input conveyor 25 is in the bounced state (FIG. 6(f)), the item 3a passes under the input conveyor 25.

Here, the control unit 21 raises the input conveyors 25 of both

input lanes

23a and 23b. That is, regardless of whether the item 3a is being transported to the

transport lane

13a or 13b, the control unit 21 raises the input conveyors 25 of both

input lanes

23a and 23b.

When the article 3a passes under the feed conveyor 25, the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism 27 to return the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state (FIG. 6(g)). For example, the control unit 21 returns the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the feed conveyor 25 entered the flip-up state.

In addition, if the prohibited loading sections overlap due to consecutive items 3a that are higher than the lane height, the control unit 21 will not load items 3 in either prohibited loading section.

Figure 7 shows an example of a case where no-loading sections overlap. In Figure 7, the no-loading sections overlap, causing the no-entry sections 5 to overlap. The control unit 21 does not allow items 3 to be input into the transport lane 13 in both no-entry sections 5.

The control unit 21 may also maintain the input conveyor 25 in the jumped up state until the following item 3a passes through.

Next, an example of the operation of the input device 20 will be described.
8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the input device 20. Here, it is assumed that the input device 20 inputs the items 3 loaded on the transport conveyor 24 into the transport lane 13 via the input conveyor 25.

First, the control unit 21 of the insertion device 20 determines whether a detection signal has been received through the sensor interface 28 (S10). If it determines that a detection signal has not been received (S10, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S10.

When it is determined that a detection signal has been received (S10, YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height based on the detection signal (S11). When it is determined that the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height (S11, YES), the control unit 21 sets no-loading zones corresponding to the five trays 14 based on the detection signal (S12). When the no-loading zones are set, the control unit 21 outputs the no-loading zones (S13).

When the no-loading section is output, the control unit 21 determines whether an item 3a higher than the lane height has reached the input conveyor 25 (S14). If it determines that the item 3a has not reached the input conveyor 25 (S14, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S14.

When it is determined that the item 3a has reached the input conveyor 25 (S14, YES), the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism 27 to flip up the input conveyor 25 (S15). When the input conveyor 25 is flipped up, the control unit 21 determines whether the item 3a has passed through the input conveyor 25 (S16).

If it is determined that the item 3a has not passed through the input conveyor 25 (S16, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S16.

When it is determined that the article 3a has passed through the feed conveyor 25 (S16, YES), the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism to return the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state (S17).
When it is determined that the height of the article 3a is lower than the lane height (S11, NO), a no-loading section corresponding to one tray 14 is set (S18). When the no-loading section is set, the control unit 21 outputs the no-loading section (S19).

When the input conveyor 25 is returned to its initial state (S17) or when a no-loading zone is output (S19), the control unit 21 ends the operation.

Next, a modified example of the input lane 23 will be described.
Fig. 9 shows a schematic configuration example of a feed lane 23' which is a modified example of the feed lane 23. As shown in Fig. 9, the feed lane 23' includes a transport conveyor 24, a feed conveyor 25, a rotating shaft 26, a drive mechanism 27, and the like.

In the feeding lane 23', a drive mechanism 27 is installed above the feeding conveyor 25. By installing the drive mechanism 27 above the feeding conveyor 25, the drive mechanism 27 does not interfere with the items 3a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the feeding system 1 can pass the items 3a even if the length of the feeding conveyor 25 is shortened or the rotation angle is reduced.

The height sensor 2 may transmit a first detection signal indicating that an object 3a higher than the lane height has been detected in the transport lane 13a, and a second detection signal indicating that an object 3a higher than the lane height has been detected in the transport lane 13b. In this case, when the control unit 21 receives the first detection signal, it may raise the input conveyor 25 of the input lane 23a to maintain the input conveyor 25 of the input lane 23b in its initial state. When the control unit 21 receives the second detection signal, it may raise the input conveyor 25 of the input lane 23b to maintain the input conveyor 25 of the input lane 23a in its initial state.

The sorter 10 may also be configured with one transport lane 13. In this case, the input device 20 may also be configured with one input lane 23.

The feed conveyor 25 may also be retracted horizontally. The direction in which the feed conveyor 25 retracts is not limited to a specific direction.

The input system configured as described above inputs items into the sorter from a low position using the input conveyor. Furthermore, the input system sets an input-prohibited section when an item that interferes with the input conveyor is transported by the sorter. Therefore, no items are loaded on the input conveyor at the time when the item is transported to the input conveyor in the sorter. Thus, the input system can retract the input conveyor upward in a state where no items are loaded on the input conveyor. As a result, the input system can input items into the sorter from a low position while allowing the items transported by the sorter to pass under the input conveyor. Thus, the input system can effectively input items from the input device into the sorter.
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The input system according to the second embodiment differs from that according to the first embodiment in that the timing of inputting the items 3 is adjusted by stopping the transport conveyor 24. Therefore, the other points are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of a feeding system 1' according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the height sensor 2 of the feeding system 1' is installed in a position relatively close to the feeding conveyor 25.

For example, the transport time from the height sensor 2 to the input conveyor 25 in the transport lane 13 only needs to be longer than the time it takes for the item 3 loaded on the input conveyor 25 to be input into the transport lane 13.

The functions realized by the input device 20 according to the second embodiment are the same as those realized by the input device 20 according to the first embodiment, and also include the following functions:

The control unit 21 uses a sensor (not shown) or the like to determine whether the trays 14 in the transport lane 13 are loaded with items 3. If there is a tray 14 that is not loaded with items 3, the control unit 21 controls the transport conveyor 24 to load items 3 onto that tray 14. In other words, the control unit 21 controls the transport conveyor 24 so that items 3 are fed from the feed conveyor 25 at the timing when the tray 14 reaches the tip of the feed conveyor 25. The control unit 21 drives or stops the transport conveyor 24, or controls the transport speed of the transport conveyor 24.

The control unit 21 also has the function of stopping the transport conveyor 24 based on the detection signal.

The control unit 21 receives the detection signal. Here, the detection signal indicates that the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height. Based on the detection signal, the control unit 21 stops the transport conveyor 24 so that no items are loaded onto the input conveyor 25 when the item 3a reaches the input conveyor 25 (for example, a predetermined position before the tip of the input conveyor 25). For example, the control unit 21 stops the transport conveyor 24 when a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the detection signal.

The control unit 21 also continues to drive the input conveyor 25 even while the transport conveyor 24 is stopped. By continuing to drive the input conveyor 25, the control unit 21 inputs the items 3 loaded on the input conveyor 25 into the transport lane 13.

The control unit 21 waits until the item 3a reaches the input conveyor 25 (for example, a predetermined position just before the end of the input conveyor 25). For example, the control unit 21 determines that the item 3a has reached the input conveyor 25 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control unit 21 received a detection signal from the height sensor 2.

When the item 3a reaches the feed conveyor 25, the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism 27 to flip the feed conveyor 25 upward. When the feed conveyor 25 is in the flipped-up state, the item 3a passes under the feed conveyor 25.

Here, the control unit 21 raises the input conveyors 25 of both

input lanes

transport lane

13a or 13b, the control unit 21 raises the input conveyors 25 of both

input lanes

23a and 23b.

When the item 3a passes under the feed conveyor 25, the control unit 21 returns the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state using the drive mechanism 27. For example, the control unit 21 returns the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the feed conveyor 25 entered the flip-up state.

In addition, the control unit 21 returns the input conveyor 25 to its initial state and drives the transport conveyor 24.

Next, an example of the operation of the input device 20 will be described.
11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the insertion device 20. Here, it is assumed that the insertion device 20 inserts the items 3 into the transport lane 13 by driving the transport conveyor 24 and the insertion conveyor 25.

First, the control unit 21 of the insertion device 20 determines whether a detection signal has been received through the sensor interface 28 (S21). If it is determined that a detection signal has not been received (S21, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S21.

When it is determined that a detection signal has been received (S21, YES), the control unit 21 stops the transport conveyor 24 based on the detection signal (S22). Here, the detection signal indicates that the height of the item 3a is higher than the lane height.

When the transport conveyor 24 is stopped, the control unit 21 determines whether an item 3a that is higher than the lane height has reached the input conveyor 25 (S23). If it is determined that the item 3a has not reached the input conveyor 25 (S23, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S23.

When it is determined that the item 3a has reached the input conveyor 25 (S23, YES), the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism 27 to flip up the input conveyor 25 (S24). When the input conveyor 25 is flipped up, the control unit 21 determines whether the item 3a has passed through the input conveyor 25 (S25).

If it is determined that the item 3a has not passed through the input conveyor 25 (S25, NO), the control unit 21 returns to S25.

When it is determined that the article 3a has passed through the feed conveyor 25 (S25, YES), the control unit 21 uses the drive mechanism to return the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state (S26). After returning the feed conveyor 25 to its initial state, the control unit 21 drives the transport conveyor 24 (S27).
After driving the transport conveyor 24, the control unit 21 ends the operation.

The control unit 21 may reduce the transport speed of the transport conveyor 24 in S22.
Moreover, the control unit 21 may execute S26 and S27 simultaneously, or may execute S26 after executing S27.

The input system configured as described above does not supply items to the input conveyor by stopping the transport conveyor when it receives a detection signal. Therefore, when the items are transported to the input conveyor in the sorter, no items are loaded on the input conveyor. Therefore, the input system can retract the input conveyor upward when no items are loaded on the input conveyor.
Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
The feeding system according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first embodiment in that a slope that is pushed back by the article 3 is provided instead of the feeding conveyor 25. Therefore, the other points are given the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic configuration example of a feeding system 1'' according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the feeding lane 23'' of the feeding system 11'' includes a transport conveyor 24, a slope 31, a rotating shaft 32, and a counterweight 33.

The transport conveyor 24 supplies the items 3 to the slope 31.
The slope 31 (feed mechanism) is formed on an extension of the transport conveyor 24. The slope 31 is formed downward at a predetermined angle. The slope 31 feeds the articles 3 supplied from the transport conveyor 24 into the transport lane 13. For example, the slope 31 is formed of a flat plate member.

A rotating shaft 32 is formed at the base of the slope 31 (the connection point with the transport conveyor 24). The rotating shaft 32 supports the slope 31 so that it can rotate. The rotating shaft 32 may also have a member that limits the rotation angle of the slope 31.

A counterweight 33 (biasing mechanism) is connected to the slope 31 across the rotating shaft 32. The counterweight 33 is a weight of a predetermined weight.
The counterweight 33 makes it easier for the slope 31 to retreat upward when pushed by the article 3. That is, the counterweight 33 biases the slope 31 in the retreating direction.

In addition, instead of the counterweight 33, a spring (biasing mechanism) that biases the slope 31 in the retracting direction may be connected to the slope 31. The biasing mechanism that biases the slope 31 in the retracting direction is not limited to a specific configuration.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in the initial state, the distance between the end of the slope 31 and the transport lane 13 is the lane height (FIG. 12A).
When the article 3a being transported by the transport lane 13 reaches the slope 31, the article 3a pushes against the slope 31. As a result, the slope 31 retreats upward, as shown in FIG. 12(b).
Once the article 3a has passed, the slope 31 returns to its initial state.

The control unit 21 does not need to execute steps S14 to S17.

In addition, the input system 1 according to the second embodiment may have the features of the input system 1 according to the third embodiment. In this case, the control unit 21 does not need to execute S23, S24, and S26.

The slope 31 may also retract horizontally. The direction in which the slope 31 retracts is not limited to a specific direction.

The loading system configured as described above can create a state in which no items are loaded on the slope when the items reach the slope in the sorter lane. Therefore, the loading system can smoothly move the slope away by having the items being transported to the sorter push against it. In addition, the loading system can allow the items to pass under the slope without controlling the slope's jump.

The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

Claims

an input mechanism that is formed at an incline toward a lane along which an article is transported, inputs an article into the lane, and retracts when an article that is higher than a predetermined threshold passes underneath the lane;
A transport conveyor for supplying articles to the input mechanism;
a processor for controlling the transport conveyor so that no articles are loaded onto the insertion mechanism when the insertion mechanism is retracted;
An input device comprising:
a sensor interface for receiving a detection signal indicative of a detection of an article at the lane that is higher than a predetermined threshold;
The processor controls the transport conveyor based on the detection signal.
The dosing device according to claim 1.
The lane is composed of a plurality of trays,
The processor sets loading positions for loading articles onto a tray on which an article having a height higher than the predetermined threshold is loaded and onto a predetermined number of trays before and after the tray on the transport conveyor based on the detection signal, to prohibited loading sections where no articles are loaded.
The dosing device according to claim 2.
The processor stops the transport conveyor based on the detection signal.
The dosing device according to claim 2.
The processor stops the transport conveyor after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the detection signal.
The dosing device according to claim 4.
A drive mechanism for retracting the insertion mechanism;
Equipped with
The processor causes the drive mechanism to retract the input mechanism.
A dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The drive mechanism is formed above the input mechanism.
The dosing device according to claim 6.
The feeding mechanism is composed of a conveyor.
The dosing device according to claim 1.
The insertion mechanism is a slope that is pushed by an item higher than the predetermined threshold to retreat.
The dosing device according to claim 1.
A biasing mechanism is provided to bias the slope in a retracting direction.
The dosing device according to claim 9.
A rotation shaft is provided to rotatably support the slope,
The biasing mechanism is a counterweight provided upstream of the slope in the article input direction across the rotation shaft.
The dosing device according to claim 10.
The lane is composed of two parallel lanes,
The input mechanism is composed of two parallel input mechanisms,
The two insertion mechanisms are retracted when an article having a weight higher than the predetermined threshold passes under one of the two insertion mechanisms.
The dosing device according to claim 6.
The drive mechanism retracts one of the insertion mechanisms when an article having a weight higher than the predetermined threshold passes under the one of the insertion mechanisms.
The dosing device according to claim 12.
A system including a sorter and an input device,
the sorter includes lanes for transporting articles;
The input device is
an input mechanism that is formed at an angle toward the lane, inputs an item into the lane, and retracts when an item higher than a predetermined threshold passes underneath the lane; and a transport conveyor that supplies the items to the input mechanism.
a processor for controlling the transport conveyor so that no articles are loaded onto the insertion mechanism when the insertion mechanism is retracted;
Equipped with
system.