Storage equipment

Abstract

The article storage equipment includes: an article container that stores a single type or multiple types of articles; a container storage body that can store multiple layers of article containers in the upper and lower directions; a storage body conveying device that conveys the container storage body between a storage section and a retrieval position; a container retrieval device that removes the article container from the container storage body at the retrieval position; and a container conveying device that conveys the article container removed from the container storage body by the container retrieval device to a picking section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to article storage equipment including an article container for storing articles, a container storage body capable of storing the article containers in multiple layers in the vertical direction, and a transport device for transporting the article containers stored in the container storage body to a picking section for performing a picking operation. Background Art

[0002] An example of an article storage device as described above is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-137543 (Patent Document 1). In the following, the reference numbers shown in parentheses in the description of the background technology are the reference numbers of Patent Document 1. In the article storage device of Patent Document 1, a storage box (103) storing articles is stored in a storage rack (102) having multiple layers (202). In a storage area (101) for storing articles shipped to various delivery destinations, a plurality of storage racks (102) are placed, and the storage racks (102) storing the storage boxes (103) that become the objects of picking operations are transported by a transport vehicle (111) to a manual operation area (104) where an operator (105) performs picking operations or a robot operation area (109) where a robot (110) performs picking operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] As described above, in the article storage device of Patent Document 1, article containers (storage boxes in Patent Document 1) are stored in a container storage body (storage rack in Patent Document 1) capable of accommodating multiple layers of article containers. Therefore, multiple article containers can be stored in the container storage body so that they overlap when viewed from above (in the vertical direction), utilizing vertical space and improving the storage efficiency of the article containers. However, in the article storage device of Patent Document 1, each container storage body containing an article container subject to a picking operation is transported to the picking unit. Therefore, when an article container not subject to a picking operation is stored in the container storage body, the article container not subject to the picking operation is also transported to the picking unit. It is desirable to efficiently transport multiple article containers subject to a picking operation (e.g., multiple article containers corresponding to an order) to the picking unit. However, in the article storage device of Patent Document 1, the transport of article containers not subject to a picking operation to the picking unit may reduce transport efficiency or hinder improvement in transport efficiency. Furthermore, there is a possibility that energy will be wasted in vain.

[0004] Therefore, it is desired to realize an article storage facility that can improve the storage efficiency of article containers while preventing article containers that are not the subject of picking operations from being transported to a picking unit.

[0005] The article storage equipment involved in the present disclosure comprises: an article container, which stores a single type or multiple types of articles; a container storage body, which has a storage chamber that can store the aforementioned article containers in multiple layers in the upper and lower directions, and an opening portion for allowing the aforementioned article containers to enter and exit the aforementioned storage chamber is formed on the side of the aforementioned storage chamber; a storage body conveying device, which conveys the aforementioned container storage body between a storage portion where the aforementioned container storage body is stored and a retrieval position; a container retrieval device, which retrieves the aforementioned article container from the aforementioned container storage body through the aforementioned opening portion at the aforementioned retrieval position; and a container conveying device, which conveys the aforementioned article container retrieved from the aforementioned container storage body by the aforementioned container retrieval device to a picking portion that performs a picking operation on the aforementioned article container.

[0006] According to this structure, a plurality of article containers can be stored in the storage section in a state where they are stored in a container storage body that can store multiple layers of article containers in the vertical direction. Therefore, the space in the vertical direction can be effectively utilized to seek to improve the storage efficiency of the article containers. Moreover, according to this structure, the storage body conveying device that conveys the container storage body does not convey the container storage body between the storage section and the picking section, but conveys the container storage body between the storage section and the removal position, and the container conveying device conveys the article container taken out from the container storage body by the container removal device at the removal position to the picking section. Therefore, even in a case where an article container that is not the object of the picking operation is stored in a container storage body that contains an article container that is the object of the picking operation, only the article container that is the object of the picking operation can be conveyed to the picking section.

[0007] As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to seek to improve the storage efficiency of article containers and at the same time avoid unnecessary transportation of article containers to the picking section. In addition, in this configuration, the container storage body can be stored in a storage section that is located at a position different from the extraction position where the article containers are extracted from the container storage body by the container extraction device. Therefore, the storage section and the extraction position are appropriately separated and used to configure the container storage body in such a way that the container storage body containing article containers with a low possibility of becoming the object of picking operations (for example, article containers containing seasonal goods that have passed the peak period) are stored in the storage section, and the container storage body containing article containers with a high possibility of becoming the object of picking operations (for example, article containers containing seasonal goods that have passed the peak period) are arranged at the extraction position, thereby having the advantage of being able to seek to improve the transportation efficiency of article containers that are the object of picking operations to the picking section. In addition, by storing the container storage body in a storage section located at a position different from the removal position, the storage section can be set without considering the ease of taking out the item container from the container storage body. Therefore, there is also such an advantage: for example, the storage section is also arranged at a relatively high height, and the storage section can be easily set in a manner that improves the storage efficiency of the item container.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the article storage facility will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view of the article storage facility according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the vicinity of a storage rack in the article storage facility according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of a picking unit in the article storage facility according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the container storage body and the container taking-out device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a side view of the container storage body and the container taking-out device according to the first embodiment with parts removed.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a side view of the container taking-out device and the lifting-type transport device according to the first embodiment with parts removed.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a schematic plan view of an article storage facility according to a second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a side view of a container storage body and a lifting and transporting device according to a second embodiment with parts removed.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic plan view of an article storage facility according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] [First embodiment]

[0019] Refer to the attached figure ( Figures 1 to 6 ) to describe a first embodiment of the article storage device.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the article storage equipment 100 includes an article container 2, a container storage rack 30, a storage rack transport device 50, a container collection rack 40, and a rack transport vehicle 60. The article storage equipment 100 is a device for storing multiple types of articles 1. Specifically, the article storage equipment 100 is a device that stores the article container 2 containing the article 1 and transports the article container 2 that will be the object of the picking operation to the picking unit 20 for performing the picking operation. The article container 2 containing the type of article 1 specified by the order is transported to the picking unit 20, and in the picking unit 20, the number of articles 1 specified by the order is taken out from the article container 2. The quantity specified in the order is the number of articles 1 of each type. For example, an order is generated by the control device 90 or other devices (management device, etc.) described later based on an order from a shipping destination. In Figure 1 In FIG, the case where the picking operation is performed by the operator H is illustrated, but the picking operation may be performed not by the operator H but by a robot or the like.

[0021] The article container 2 stores a single type or multiple types of articles 1. The article 1 stored in the article container 2 is supported by the bottom surface of the article container 2 or by the upper surface of other articles 1 stored in the article container 2. Figure 3 In the example shown, an article container 2 stores multiple types of articles 1. Specifically, the article container 2 has multiple storage sections divided into a grid pattern by dividers, and the multiple types of articles 1 are stored in the same storage section for each type. The article container 2 is formed in a box shape (here, a shallow box shape) with an open top surface. Here, the article container 2 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above (viewed along the vertical direction V). During the picking operation of the article container 2, the articles 1 stored in the article container 2 are removed through the opening in the top surface of the article container 2. The articles 1 removed from the article container 2 during the picking operation are stored in, for example, a shipping container.

[0022] like Figure 5 As shown, the container storage rack 30 has a storage chamber 33 that can store multiple layers of article containers 2 in the vertical direction V. That is, in the storage chamber 33, shelves that can store article containers 2 are formed at multiple positions in the vertical direction V. The multiple article containers 2 are separated and stored in different shelves in the storage chamber 33 in a manner that overlaps each other when viewed from above. The storage chamber 33 can store a maximum of the same number of article containers 2 as the number of shelves. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated example, five shelf levels arranged in parallel in the vertical direction V are formed in the storage chamber 33. In the present embodiment, the container storage rack 30 corresponds to a "container storage body."

[0023] like Figure 5As shown, an opening 34 is formed on the side of the storage chamber 33 for inserting and removing the article container 2 into and out of the storage chamber 33. The storage chamber 33 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces, with an opening 34 formed on each of two opposing side surfaces. Specifically, the container storage rack 30 has openings 34 on both sides of the storage chamber 33 in the direction D in which the article container 2 is inserted and removed. In other words, an opening 34 is formed on each side of the storage chamber 33 in the direction D in which the article container 2 is inserted and removed.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the direction perpendicular to the inlet and outlet direction D and along the horizontal direction is referred to as the width direction W, one side of the width direction W is referred to as the first side W1, and the other side of the width direction W is referred to as the second side W2. In this embodiment, the container storage rack 30 includes a first upper and lower frame 31A provided on the first side W1 relative to the storage chamber 33 and extending along the vertical direction V, and a second upper and lower frame 31B provided on the second side W2 relative to the storage chamber 33 and extending along the vertical direction V. The first upper and lower frame 31A and the second upper and lower frame 31B are connected to each other at the upper side and the lower side relative to the storage chamber 33. The opening portion 34 of the storage chamber 33 is formed between the first upper and lower frame 31A and the second upper and lower frame 31B in the width direction W. Here, the first upper and lower frame 31A and the second upper and lower frame 31B are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the direction along the width direction W.

[0025] Moreover, in this embodiment, the container storage rack 30 includes a first support portion 32A protruding toward the second side W2 from a portion of the first upper and lower frames 31A corresponding to each layer (each shelf layer) of the storage chamber 33, and a second support portion 32B protruding toward the first side W1 from a portion of the second upper and lower frames 31B corresponding to each layer (each shelf layer) of the storage chamber 33. Figure 4 As shown, the article container 2 is supported in the storage chamber 33 by the first support portion 32A and the second support portion 32B from both sides in the width direction W. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first support portion 32A is formed to protrude from the first upper and lower frame bodies 31A to the second side W2 over the entire area in the inlet and outlet direction D, and the second support portion 32B is formed to protrude from the second upper and lower frame bodies 31B to the first side W1 over the entire area in the inlet and outlet direction D.

[0026] In this embodiment, the position of the first support portion 32A in the up-down direction V (specifically, the relative position in the up-down direction V relative to the first upper and lower frame bodies 31A) is fixed, and the position of the second support portion 32B in the up-down direction V (specifically, the relative position in the up-down direction V relative to the second upper and lower frame bodies 31B) is fixed. Therefore, the spacing between adjacent shelves along the up-down direction V in the storage chamber 33 is fixed. Moreover, the plurality of first support portions 32A are arranged at equal intervals along the up-down direction V, and the plurality of second support portions 32B are arranged at equal intervals along the up-down direction V. Therefore, in the storage chamber 33, the plurality of shelves (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, five shelves are formed at equal intervals along the vertical direction V.

[0027] As such, in this embodiment, a plurality of shelves are formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction V in the storage chamber 33. When the article container 2 is stored in the container storage rack 30, a shelf for the storage object is selected according to the height of the article 1 stored in the article container 2, and the article container 2 is stored in the selected shelf for the storage object. For example, Figure 5 When an article 1 having a height that interferes with the article container 2 stored in the upper shelf layer is stored in the article container 2 to be stored in the container storage rack 30, such as the article container 2 being taken out from the container storage rack 30, the shelf layer in which no article container 2 is stored in the upper shelf layer is selected as the shelf layer for storage.

[0028] The container storage rack 30 is stored in the storage section 11. In this embodiment, the article storage facility 100 includes a storage rack 10 having a plurality of storage sections 11. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of storage sections 11 formed in a single storage rack 10 are arranged in multiple layers along the vertical direction V and in multiple rows horizontally (the rack widthwise). The storage rack 10 includes a plurality of pillars 13 extending along the vertical direction V and a plurality of brackets 14 (an example of a support member) extending along the rack depth direction (a horizontal direction perpendicular to the rack widthwise direction). The plurality of brackets 14 are mounted on the pillars 13 at intervals along the vertical direction V, with the storage sections 11 being divided along the rack widthwise direction and also divided along the vertical direction V by the brackets 14. The container storage rack 30 is stored in the storage section 11 while being supported from below by a pair of brackets 14 arranged separately along the rack widthwise direction. In this embodiment, a pair of storage racks 10 are provided, facing each other in the rack front-to-back direction.

[0029] The storage rack transport device 50 transports the container storage rack 30 between the storage unit 11 and the take-out position P. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the retrieval position P is located outside the storage rack 10. Specifically, a plurality of retrieval positions P are set in the rack arrangement area A provided outside the storage rack 10. The storage rack transport device 50 transports the container storage racks 30 within the storage rack 10 (specifically, in front of the storage rack 10) and also transports the container storage racks 30 outside the storage rack 10 between the storage rack 10 and the retrieval position P. The article storage facility 100 includes a support portion 12 that supports the container storage racks 30 as they are loaded into or unloaded from the storage section 11. The storage rack transport device 50 transports the container storage racks 30 between the storage section 11 and the support portion 12 within the storage rack 10 and also transports the container storage racks 30 outside the storage rack 10 between the support portion 12 and the retrieval position P. In this embodiment, the storage rack transport device 50 corresponds to a "storage object transport device."

[0030] In this embodiment, the storage rack transport device 50 includes a stacker crane 51 as a transport device for transporting the container storage racks 30 in the storage racks 10. The stacker crane 51 transports the container storage racks 30 in front of the storage racks 10. In this embodiment, the stacker crane 51 transports the container storage racks 30 between a pair of storage racks 10. The stacker crane 51 transports the container storage racks 30 between the storage section 11 and the support section 12. Figure 2 As shown, the tower crane 51 includes: a traveling body 53, which is guided by a rail 52 provided on the bottom plate and travels in the horizontal width direction of the frame; a lifting body 55, which is guided by a column 54 provided upright on the traveling body 53 and raised and lowered (i.e., moves in the up and down direction V); and a rack transfer machine 56, which is supported by the lifting body 55. The rack transfer machine 56 transfers the container storage rack 30 between the lifting body 55 and the transfer target location (storage unit 11 or support unit 12). Figure 2 In the example shown, the rack transfer machine 56 includes a support portion that supports the container storage rack 30 from below and an exit mechanism that causes the support portion to exit. The lifting body 55 is raised and lowered in a state in which the support portion protrudes toward the side of the transfer object, thereby transferring the container storage rack 30 between the lifting body 55 and the transfer object.

[0031] In this embodiment, the storage rack transport device 50 includes a rack transport vehicle 60 as an external transport device for transporting the container storage rack 30 between the storage rack 10 (specifically, the support portion 12) and the retrieval position P outside the storage rack 10. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the article storage facility 100 includes a rack transport vehicle 60 as a container transport device for transporting the container collection rack 40 between a position corresponding to the retrieval position P and a position corresponding to the picking unit 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the external transport device and the container transport device can utilize the same transporting machine, with the rack transport vehicle 60 serving as a common transporting machine being used as either the external transport device or the container transport device. Specifically, the article storage facility 100 includes a plurality of rack transport vehicles 60, each of which can be used to transport both the container storage rack 30 and the container collection rack 40. In this embodiment, the rack transport vehicle 60 corresponds to the "external transport device."

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the rack transport vehicle 60 is a self-propelled transport vehicle that travels on the ground. It includes a traveling body 61 having a traveling mechanism such as running wheels, and a lifting body 62 supported so as to be raised and lowered relative to the traveling body 61. The lifting body 62 supports the container storage rack 30 or the container collection rack 40 from below. With the lifting body 62 lowered, the rack transport vehicle 60 moves below the container storage rack 30 to be transported. The lifting body 62 then raises the lifting body 62 to lift the container storage rack 30, thereby loading the container storage rack 30. The rack transport vehicle 60 moves with the container storage rack 30 loaded, thereby transporting the container storage rack 30. Then, after reaching the destination, the lifting body 62 lowers and unloads the container storage rack 30 at the destination. Similarly, with the lifting body 62 lowered, the rack transport vehicle 60 moves below the container collection rack 40 to be transported. The lifting body 62 then raises the lifting body 62 to lift the container collection rack 40, thereby loading the container collection rack 40. The rack transport vehicle 60 moves while loading the container collecting rack 40, thereby transporting the container collecting rack 40. After moving to the position of the transport destination, the rack transport vehicle 60 lowers the lifting body 62 to unload the container collecting rack 40 to the transport destination.

[0033] In this embodiment, a support body 12a having a fixed height is provided on the support portion 12, and the container storage rack 30 is supported from below by the support body 12a in the support portion 12. The rack transporter 60 raises the lifting body 62 while being located on the support portion 12 and lifts the container storage rack 30 from the support body 12a to load the container storage rack 30, and lowers the lifting body 62 while being located on the support portion 12 and carries the container storage rack 30 on the support body 12a to unload the container storage rack 30 from the support portion 12. In addition, a configuration in which the height of the support surface of the support body 12a is not fixed and the support surface can be raised and lowered is also possible. For example, in the case where the container storage rack 30 has legs extending downward from the lowest shelf layer, a configuration in which the support surface of the support body 12a can be raised and lowered is possible.

[0034] In this embodiment, a support body 4 of a fixed height is provided at the removal position P, and the container storage rack 30 is supported from below by the support body 4 at the removal position P. When the rack transporter 60 is at the removal position P, the lifter 62 is raised to lift the container storage rack 30 from the support body 4 to load the container storage rack 30. When the rack transporter 60 is at the removal position P, the lifter 62 is lowered to carry the container storage rack 30 on the support body 4 to unload the container storage rack 30 to the removal position P. Alternatively, a configuration is possible in which the height of the support surface of the support body 4 is not fixed and the support surface can be raised or lowered, or a configuration in which the container storage rack 30 is placed directly on the ground at the removal position P without a support body 4. For example, if the container storage rack 30 has legs extending downward from the lowest shelf layer, the container storage rack 30 can be placed directly on the ground.

[0035] In this embodiment, the article storage facility 100 includes a container collection rack 40 as a container removal device that removes the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30 through the opening 34 at the removal position P. That is, the container collection rack 40 removes the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30 through the opening 34 at the removal position P. Figure 5 As shown, the container collection rack 40 has a storage section 43 that can store multiple layers of article containers 2 in the vertical direction V. That is, the shelves that can store article containers 2 are formed at multiple positions in the vertical direction V in the storage section 43. The multiple article containers 2 are stored separately in different shelves in the storage section 43 in a manner that overlaps with each other when viewed from above. The storage section 43 can store a maximum of the same number of article containers 2 as the shelves. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated example, five shelf levels arranged side by side in the vertical direction V are formed in the storage portion 43. In the present embodiment, the container collecting rack 40 corresponds to a "container taking-out device."

[0036] The container collection rack 40 is provided with a transfer machine 45, and the container collection rack 40 uses the transfer machine 45 to take out the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30. The transfer machine 45 transfers the article container 2 between any layer (shelf layer) in the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 and the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40. In this embodiment, the number of shelf layers (number of layers) in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40 is equal to the number of shelf layers (number of layers) in the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30, and the transfer machine 45 transfers the article container 2 between any layer in the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 and the layer identical to the arbitrary layer in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40. Therefore, the article container 2 taken out from the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 is transferred by the transfer machine 45 to the layer in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40 that is identical to the layer where the article container 2 is stored in the storage chamber 33. Figure 5 , the article container 2 stored in the third layer from the top of the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 is transferred by the transfer machine 45 to the third layer from the top of the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40 .

[0037] The container collection rack 40 includes a connecting portion 44 that connects the interior and exterior of the storage portion 43. The transfer mechanism 45 is configured to move the article container 2 between the interior and exterior of the storage portion 43 via the connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is formed on a side surface of the storage portion 43. The transfer mechanism 45 moves the article container 2 in a transfer direction T along a horizontal plane, thereby moving the article container 2 between the interior and exterior of the storage portion 43 via the connecting portion 44. The storage portion 43 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces. Figure 5 As shown, communication portions 44 are formed on two opposing side surfaces. Specifically, the container collection rack 40 has communication portions 44 on both sides of the transfer direction T of the article containers 2 by the transfer mechanism 45. In other words, communication portions 44 are formed on both side surfaces of the storage section 43 in the transfer direction T.

[0038] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated example, the transfer machine 45 includes an engaging portion 45a that engages with the engaged portion 3 provided on the article container 2, and a disengaging mechanism 45b that disengages the engaging portion 45a in the transfer direction T. The engaged portion 3 is formed in the shape of a rod that protrudes horizontally from the side of the article container 2. The engaging portion 45a switches between a state in which it is engaged with the engaged portion 3 and a state in which it is disengaged from the engaged portion 3 by moving it up and down or rotating it. When the engaging portion 45a is engaged with the engaged portion 3, the disengaging mechanism 45b disengages the engaging portion 45a, thereby pushing or pulling the article container 2 in, thereby moving the article container 2 in the transfer direction T. The container collection rack 40 includes an elevating body 46, on which the transfer machine 45 is supported. The elevating body 46 is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism 47 constructed using a cable-like structure such as a chain. The transfer machine 45 moves up and down the lifting body 46 to the same level as the transfer object (in Figure 5 In the illustrated condition, the article container 2 is moved in the transfer direction T at a height (position V in the vertical direction) corresponding to the third shelf layer from the top.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction T and along the horizontal direction is referred to as the width direction X, one side of the width direction X is referred to as the first side X1, and the other side of the width direction X is referred to as the second side X2. In this embodiment, the container collection rack 40 includes a first upper and lower frame 41A provided on the first side X1 relative to the storage portion 43 and extending in the vertical direction V, and a second upper and lower frame 41B provided on the second side X2 relative to the storage portion 43 and extending in the vertical direction V. The first upper and lower frame 41A and the second upper and lower frame 41B are connected to each other at the upper and lower sides relative to the storage portion 43. A connecting portion 44 is formed between the first upper and lower frame 41A and the second upper and lower frame 41B in the width direction X. Here, the first upper and lower frame 41A and the second upper and lower frame 41B are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed along the width direction X.

[0040] Moreover, in this embodiment, the container collection rack 40 has a first support portion 42A protruding toward the second side X2 from a portion of the first upper and lower frames 41A corresponding to each layer (each shelf layer) of the storage portion 43; and a second support portion 42B protruding toward the first side X1 from a portion of the second upper and lower frames 41B corresponding to each layer (each shelf layer) of the storage portion 43. The article container 2 is supported from both sides of the width direction X by the first support portion 42A and the second support portion 42B in the storage portion 43. Figure 4In the illustrated example, the first support portion 42A is formed to protrude from the first upper and lower frames 41A to the second side X2 over the entire area in the transfer direction T, and the second support portion 42B is formed to protrude from the second upper and lower frames 41B to the first side X1 over the entire area in the transfer direction T.

[0041] In this embodiment, the position of the first support portion 42A in the up-down direction V (specifically, the relative position in the up-down direction V relative to the first upper and lower frame bodies 41A) is fixed, and the position of the second support portion 42B in the up-down direction V (specifically, the relative position in the up-down direction V relative to the second upper and lower frame bodies 41B) is fixed. Therefore, the spacing between adjacent shelf layers along the up-down direction V in the storage portion 43 is fixed. Moreover, the plurality of first support portions 42A are arranged at equal intervals along the up-down direction V, and the plurality of second support portions 42B are arranged at equal intervals along the up-down direction V. Therefore, in the storage portion 43, the plurality of shelf layers (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, five shelves are formed at equal intervals along the vertical direction V.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the article storage facility 100 includes a rack transport vehicle 60 as a container transport device that transports the article containers 2 removed from the container storage rack 30 by the container removal device to the picking unit 20. That is, the rack transport vehicle 60 transports the article containers 2 removed from the container storage rack 30 by the container collection rack 40 to the picking unit 20. The rack transport vehicle 60 transports the container collection rack 40, which has removed the article containers 2 from the container storage rack 30 and stored the article containers 2 in the storage unit 43, to the picking unit 20, thereby transporting the article containers 2 removed from the container storage rack 30 by the container collection rack 40 to the picking unit 20. By transporting each container collection rack 40 to the picking unit 20 in this manner, a plurality of article containers 2 stored in the container collection rack 40 can be transported to the picking unit 20 at once. In the present embodiment, the rack transport vehicle 60 corresponds to the "container transport device."

[0043] The rack transporter 60 transports the container collection rack 40 from the position corresponding to the take-out position P to the position corresponding to the picking unit 20. The container collection rack 40 uses the transfer machine 45 at the position corresponding to the take-out position P to take out the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30 located at the take-out position P. In addition, the container collection rack 40 uses the transfer machine 45 at the position corresponding to the take-out position P to store the article container 2 in the container storage rack 30 located at the take-out position P. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the position corresponding to the take-out position P is a position adjacent to the container storage rack 30 located at the take-out position P along the entry and exit direction D. Regarding the container collection rack 40, at the position corresponding to the take-out position P, the transfer direction T of the container collection rack 40 is configured in a direction parallel to the entry and exit direction D of the container storage rack 30 located at the take-out position P.

[0044] In this embodiment, a support body that supports the container collection rack 40 from below is not provided at a position corresponding to the removal position P. Instead, the container collection rack 40 remains loaded on the rack transport vehicle 60 (specifically, remains supported from below by the lifter 62 of the rack transport vehicle 60) at the position corresponding to the removal position P, while transferring the article containers 2 between the storage portion 43 and the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30. If a support body that supports the container collection rack 40 from below is provided at a position corresponding to the removal position P, or if the container collection rack 40 includes legs extending downward from the lowest shelf layer, the container collection rack 40 can also be configured to transfer the article containers 2 between the storage portion 43 and the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 while being supported by the support body or the ground at the position corresponding to the removal position P.

[0045] The container collection rack 40 uses a transfer machine 45 at a position corresponding to the picking section 20 to transfer the article container 2 between the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40 and the picking section 20. That is, the transfer machine 45 not only transfers the article container 2 between the storage section 43 and the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30, but also transfers the article container 2 between the storage section 43 and the picking section 20. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a support body 5 that supports the container collection rack 40 from below is provided at a position corresponding to the picking part 20. The container collection rack 40 transfers the article container 2 between the storage part 43 and the picking part 20 while being supported by the support body 5 at a position corresponding to the picking part 20.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the picking section 20 is provided with a lifting platform 71 that can be raised and lowered. Moreover, the transfer machine 45 is configured to move the article container 2 between the storage section 43 and the lifting platform 71, thereby transferring the article container 2 between the storage section 43 and the picking section 20. Specifically, the picking section 20 is provided with an operating conveyor 22 provided on an operating table 21 for performing picking operations and a lifting transport device 70 for transporting the article container 2 between the container collection rack 40 and the operating conveyor 22. Moreover, the lifting platform 71 is provided on the lifting transport device 70. Therefore, the position corresponding to the picking section 20 is the position corresponding to the lifting transport device 70. As shown Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the position corresponding to the lifting conveying device 70 is a position adjacent to the lifting conveying device 70 along the conveying direction C described later. Regarding the container collection rack 40, at the position corresponding to the lifting conveying device 70, the transfer direction T of the container collection rack 40 is configured to be parallel to the conveying direction C.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the lifting transport device 70 includes a lifting mechanism 72 for lifting a lifting platform 71 and a transport mechanism 73 for transporting the article container 2 along the transport direction C. The lifting mechanism 72 is constructed using a rope-like body such as a chain, and the transport mechanism 73 is constructed using a conveyor such as a roller conveyor. The transfer machine 45 is raised and lowered on the lifting platform 71 to a height corresponding to the article container 2 to be transferred (at a height of 100 mm). Figure 6 In the illustrated example, as indicated by the two-dot chain line at the position of the lift table 71, the article container 2 is moved in the transfer direction T at a height corresponding to the second shelf level from the top in the storage section 43, thereby moving the article container 2 between the storage section 43 and the lift table 71. The transport mechanism 73 is provided on the lift table 71, and the lift-type transport device 70 drives the transport mechanism 73 so that the transport direction and transport speed of the article container 2 by the transport mechanism 73 match the transport direction and transport speed of the article container 2 by the transfer machine 45.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the article container 2 carried on the lifting platform 71 is in a state where the lifting platform 71 is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor 22 (see FIG. Figure 6 The lifting platform 71 is shown by the solid line in the figure and delivered to the operating conveyor 22. The lifting transport device 70 is in a state where the lifting platform 71 is lifted to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor 22 by the lifting mechanism 72, and the transport mechanism 73 transports the article container 2 carried on the lifting platform 71 to the operating conveyor 22 side, thereby delivering the article container 2 carried on the lifting platform 71 to the operating conveyor 22. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the operation conveyor 22 is configured using a roller conveyor.

[0049] The operating conveyor 22 transports the article container 2 along a transport path passing through a picking operation portion 23 where a picking operation is performed. The operating conveyor 22 is provided at a height at which the operator H can approach the articles 1 stored in the article container 2 from above, thereby making it easier for the operator H to perform the picking operation. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the example shown, a plurality (here, two) of article containers 2 are arranged side by side in the transport direction of the handling conveyor 22 at the picking operation site 23, thereby allowing a plurality (here, two) of operators H to perform picking operations simultaneously.

[0050] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the handling conveyor 22 is provided so as to carry the article container 2 along a circular path (loop path) passing through the picking operation portion 23. Thus, the article container 2 after the picking operation can be carried out as in Figure 1 and Figure 3 As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 , the article container 2 is transported along a circular path to a position corresponding to the lifting and transporting device 70, and the lifting and transporting device 70 returns the article container 2 to the container collection rack 40. In this case, the article container 2 transported to the position corresponding to the lifting and transporting device 70 is delivered to the lifting platform 71 after the lifting platform 71 is raised to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor 22. Then, after the lifting platform 71 is raised to a height corresponding to the shelf level of the storage target in the storage section 43, the article container 2 is moved from the lifting platform 71 to the storage section 43. In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of shelves are formed at equal intervals along the vertical direction V in the storage section 43. Moreover, when the article container 2 is stored in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40, the shelf level of the storage target is selected based on the height of the article 1 stored in the article container 2, and the article container 2 is stored in the selected shelf level of the storage target.

[0051] As in Figure 1 As shown in the simplified diagram, the article storage facility 100 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 includes a CPU and other processing units, as well as peripheral circuits such as memory. The various functions of the control device 90 are implemented through the cooperation of these hardware components and programs executed on the processing unit and other hardware components. The control device 90 manages, for each container storage rack 30, information about the current position of the container storage rack 30 (e.g., information about the storage section 11 where the container storage rack 30 is stored, or information about the retrieval position P where the container storage rack 30 is placed) in association with information about the article containers 2 stored in the container storage rack 30 (e.g., information about the type and number of articles 1 stored in the article containers 2). Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the operation of the various devices included in the article storage facility 100 so that the article containers 2 containing the type of articles 1 specified in the order (i.e., the article containers 2 to be picked) are transported to the picking unit 20 (specifically, the picking operation area 23). Each device included in the article storage facility 100 operates under the control of the control device 90. Specifically, each device included in the article storage facility 100 is provided with a device controller. The device controller controls the driving of a driving force source such as a motor in response to instructions from the control device 90, thereby controlling the operation of the device provided with the device controller.

[0052] The rack transport device 50, under the control of the control device 90, transports the container racks 30 stored in the storage unit 11 to the retrieval position P. For example, a container rack 30 containing an article container 2 that is likely to be the subject of a picking operation (e.g., an article container 2 containing seasonal merchandise during peak periods as article 1) is transported from the storage unit 11 to the retrieval position P by the rack transport device 50 (in this embodiment, the stacker crane 51 and the rack transport vehicle 60). Furthermore, the rack transport device 50, under the control of the control device 90, transports the container rack 30 placed at the retrieval position P to the storage unit 11. For example, a container rack 30 containing an article container 2 that is unlikely to be the subject of a picking operation (e.g., an article container 2 containing seasonal merchandise during peak periods as article 1) is transported from the retrieval position P to the storage unit 11 by the rack transport device 50 (in this embodiment, the stacker crane 51 and the rack transport vehicle 60). In addition, for example, a container storage rack 30 that stores item containers 2 that are the subject of a replacement operation for item 1, a container storage rack 30 that stores item containers 2 that are the subject of a replenishment operation for item 1, or a container storage rack 30 that stores item containers 2 that are the subject of a confirmation operation (inventory operation) for item 1 is transported from the retrieval position P to the storage section 11 by the storage rack transport device 50.

[0053] The rack transport vehicle 60 is controlled by the control device 90, and after transporting the container collecting rack 40 to a position corresponding to the take-out position P of the container storage rack 30 on which the article container 2 to be taken out is arranged, the container collecting rack 40 is transported to a position corresponding to the picking section 20. In addition, the container storage rack 30 to which the article container 2 is to be taken out is a container storage rack 30 that stores the article container 2 to be the subject of the picking operation. The container collecting rack 40 is controlled by the control device 90, and at a position corresponding to the take-out position P, the article container 2 to be the subject of the picking operation is taken out from the container storage rack 30 and stored in the storage section 43. For example, the container collecting rack 40 in a state where all the shelf layers of the storage section 43 store the article container 2 to be the subject of the picking operation is transported to a position corresponding to the picking section 20. In addition, when the article containers 2 that are the objects of the picking operation are stored separately in multiple container storage racks 30, the rack transporter 60 transports the container collection rack 40 in sequence to each position corresponding to the multiple take-out positions P where multiple container storage racks 30 are configured. At each position, the container collection rack 40 takes out the article containers 2 that are the objects of the picking operation from the container storage rack 30 and stores them in the storage section 43.

[0054] The container collection rack 40 is controlled by the control device 90 to deliver the article containers 2 stored in the storage section 43 to the lift platform 71 at a position corresponding to the picking section 20. The lifting transport device 70 is also controlled by the control device 90 to deliver the article containers 2 carried on the lift platform 71 to the handling conveyor 22. Thus, the article containers 2 stored in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40 are delivered one by one via the lift platform 71 to the handling conveyor 22. Although details are omitted, the article containers 2 that have undergone the picking operation are delivered from the handling conveyor 22 to the lift platform 71 and then stored in the storage section 43 of the container collection rack 40, which is located at a position corresponding to the picking section 20. Moreover, the container collection rack 40 containing the article containers 2 after the picking operation is transported by the rack transport vehicle 60 to a position corresponding to the take-out position P, and the container collection rack 40 stores the article containers 2 stored in the storage section 43 at the position corresponding to the take-out position P in the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 located at the take-out position P.

[0055] [Second embodiment]

[0056] Refer to the attached figure ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and a second embodiment of the article storage device will be described. The article storage device of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points not specifically noted are the same as those in the first embodiment and are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the retrieval position P is not located outside the storage rack 10, but is provided within the storage rack 10, replacing a portion of the storage sections 11. Specifically, a portion of the plurality of storage sections 11 located at the bottom of the storage rack 10 serves as the retrieval position P for removing article containers 2 from the container storage rack 30, rather than as a location for storing the container storage rack 30. Furthermore, the storage rack transport device 50 (specifically, the stacker crane 51) transports the container storage rack 30 between the storage sections 11 and the retrieval position P.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the article storage equipment 100 includes a container transfer device 80 as a container removal device that removes the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30 through the opening 34 at the removal position P. That is, the container transfer device 80 removes the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30 through the opening 34 at the removal position P. In addition, in the present embodiment, the article storage equipment 100 includes a lifting conveying device 70 as a container conveying device that conveys the article container 2 removed from the container storage rack 30 by the container removal device to the picking section 20. That is, the lifting conveying device 70 conveys the article container 2 removed from the container storage rack 30 by the container transfer device 80 to the picking section 20. The container transfer device 80 is provided in the lifting conveying device 70. In the present embodiment, the container transfer device 80 is equivalent to the "container removal device", and the lifting conveying device 70 is equivalent to the "container conveying device".

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the lifting platform 71 of the lifting transport device 70 is arranged at a position corresponding to the removal position P. That is, the lifting transport device 70 includes the lifting platform 71, which is provided at a position corresponding to the removal position P and can be raised and lowered. The lifting platform 71 is located adjacent to the side of the removal position P opposite to the travel path of the stacker crane 51 (i.e., the back side of the storage rack 10). With respect to the container storage rack 30, at the removal position P, the inlet and outlet direction D of the container storage rack 30 is arranged parallel to the rack front-to-back direction of the storage rack 10.

[0060] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the lifting platform 71 is provided with: a transfer machine 81 of the container transfer device 80; and a transport mechanism 73 that transports the article container 2 along the transport direction C (here, along the front-to-back direction of the storage rack 10). In other words, the container transfer device 80 includes a "transfer machine" that is provided on the lifting transport device 70 (specifically, the lifting platform 71) and transfers the article container 2 between any floor in the storage room 33 and the lifting platform 71. Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the transfer machine 81 and the transport mechanism 73 are equivalent to a "transfer machine." When transferring the article container 2, the transport mechanism 73 is driven so that the direction and speed of transport of the article container 2 by the transport mechanism 73 match the direction and speed of movement of the article container 2 by the transfer machine 81.

[0061] The transfer machine 81 moves the article container 2 in a transfer direction T along a horizontal plane (here, along the front-to-back direction of the storage rack 10), thereby moving the article container 2 between the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 located at the removal position P and the lifting platform 71 through the opening 34. The transfer direction T is a direction parallel to the conveying direction C. When the transfer machine 81 is used to remove the article container 2 from the container storage rack 30, the transfer machine 81 is raised and lowered on the lifting platform 71 to a height corresponding to the article container 2 to be transferred (at a height of 100 mm). Figure 8 In the illustrated example, as indicated by the double-dashed line at the position of the lift table 71, the article container 2 is moved in the transfer direction T while being at a height corresponding to the second shelf level from the top in the storage room 33, thereby moving the article container 2 from the storage room 33 to the lift table 71. Furthermore, when the transfer machine 81 is used to return the article container 2 to the container storage rack 30, the transfer machine 81 moves the article container 2 in the transfer direction T while the lift table 71 is being raised or lowered to a height corresponding to the shelf level of the storage object in the storage room 33, thereby moving the article container 2 from the lift table 71 to the storage room 33.

[0062] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the transfer machine 81 includes an engaging portion 81a that engages with the engaged portion 3 provided on the article container 2, and an ejection mechanism 81b that causes the engaging portion 81a to be ejected along the transfer direction T. The engagement portion 81a is switched between a state in which the engaging portion 81a is engaged with the engaged portion 3 and a state in which the engagement of the engaging portion 81a with respect to the engaged portion 3 is released by moving the engaging portion 81a up and down or rotating the engaging portion 81a. When the engaging portion 81a is engaged with the engaged portion 3, the transfer machine 81 uses the ejection mechanism 81b to eject the engaging portion 81a, thereby pressing or pulling the article container 2 in, and thereby moving the article container 2 along the transfer direction T. Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the transfer machine 81 is provided on the lifting platform 71 and is moved up and down together with the lifting platform 71 by the lifting mechanism 72 .

[0063] like Figure 8As shown, in the present embodiment, the picking section 20 is provided at a position corresponding to the container transfer device 80. Moreover, the container transfer device 80 uses a transfer machine 81 and a conveying mechanism 73 to transfer the article container 2 between the lifting conveying device 70 (specifically, the lifting platform 71) and the picking section 20. That is, the transfer machine 81 and the conveying mechanism 73 not only transfer the article container 2 between the storage chamber 33 of the container storage rack 30 and the lifting platform 71, but also transfer the article container 2 between the lifting platform 71 and the picking section 20. Specifically, the transfer machine 81 and the conveying mechanism 73 are configured to transfer the article container 2 between the lifting platform 71 and the picking section 20 by moving the article container 2 between the lifting platform 71 and the operating conveyor 22. The transfer machine 81 and the conveying mechanism 73 are in a state where the lifting platform 71 is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor 22 (refer to Figure 8 The article container 2 is moved between the lifting platform 71 and the operating conveyor 22.

[0064] As mentioned above, in Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the transfer machine 81 and the transport mechanism 73 constitute the "transfer machine." However, when transferring the article container 2, only a portion of the transfer machine (specifically, only the transfer machine 81 or only the transport mechanism 73) may be operated. For example, a configuration may be employed in which only the transport mechanism 73 of the transfer machine 81 and the transport mechanism 73 is operated to transfer the article container 2 between the lift table 71 and the picking unit 20. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the transport mechanism 73 is not provided on the lift table 71.

[0065] In this embodiment, the storage rack transport device 50 (specifically, the stacker crane 51) is controlled by the control device 90 to transport the container storage rack 30 containing the article containers 2 to be picked from the storage unit 11 to the retrieval position P. Then, the lift transport device 70, equipped with a container transfer device 80, is controlled by the control device 90 to remove the article containers 2 to be picked from the container storage rack 30 located at the retrieval position P, place them on the lift platform 71, and deliver the article containers 2 carried on the lift platform 71 to the handling conveyor 22. Thus, the article containers 2 stored in the storage chambers 33 of the container storage rack 30 are delivered one by one via the lift platform 71 to the handling conveyor 22. Although details are omitted, the article containers 2 that have undergone the picking operation are delivered from the handling conveyor 22 to the lift platform 71 and then stored in the storage chambers 33 of the container storage rack 30 located at the retrieval position P. Then, the container storage rack 30 storing the article containers 2 after the picking operation is transported to the storage unit 11 by the storage rack transport device 50 (specifically, the stacker crane 51 ).

[0066] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0067] Next, other embodiments of the article storage facility will be described.

[0068] (1) In the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which a take-out position P is provided in place of a portion of the storage unit 11 in the storage rack 10 is described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In the configuration of the second embodiment, for example, Figure 9 As shown in the example, the take-out position P is provided outside the storage rack 10. Figure 9 In the example shown, a carry-out section 15 and a carry-in section 16 are provided in the storage rack 10 instead of a part of the storage section 11, and a buffer conveyor 24 is provided for transporting the container storage rack 30 from the carry-out section 15 to the carry-in section 16 via the take-out position P. In this example, the storage rack transporting device 50 (specifically, a tower crane 51) transports the container storage rack 30 containing the article container 2 to be the object of the picking operation from the storage section 11 to the carry-out section 15, and transports the container storage rack 30 containing the article container 2 after the picking operation is performed from the carry-in section 16 to the storage section 11. In this example, the container storage rack 30 transported to the take-out position P can be stored on the buffer conveyor 24 in advance, thereby shortening the time from when the container storage rack 30 is transported from the take-out position P to when the next container storage rack 30 is transported to the take-out position P, and improving the transport efficiency. Figure 9 In the illustrated example, the stacker crane 51 and the buffer conveyor 24 correspond to a “storage body transport device” that transports the container storage rack 30 between the storage section 11 and the take-out position P.

[0069] (2) In the first embodiment, the transfer machine 45 is described as an example in which the engaging portion 45a engaged with the engaged portion 3 of the article container 2 is moved outward, thereby moving the article container 2 in the transfer direction T. However, in the second embodiment, the transfer machine 81 is described as an example in which the engaging portion 81a engaged with the engaged portion 3 of the article container 2 is moved outward. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the transfer machine 45 or the transfer machine 81 may be a configuration in which the article container 2 is moved in the transfer direction T by moving outward a support body that clamps the article container 2, a support body that supports the article container 2 from below, or a support body that supports the article container 2 by suction.

[0070] (3) In the first embodiment described above, a configuration is described as follows: the external transport device and the container transport device can share the same transport machine, and the rack transport vehicle 60, which is a common transport machine, can be used as either the external transport device or the container transport device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the transport machine used as the external transport device and the transport machine used as the container transport device are provided separately is also possible.

[0071] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the rack transport device 50 is described as an example in which the stacker crane 51 is provided as a transport device for transporting the container racks 30 in the storage rack 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the rack transport device 50 is provided as a transport device for transporting the container racks 30 in the storage rack 10 and includes a transport device other than the stacker crane 51 is also possible. As an example of a transport device other than the stacker crane 51, a transport device provided corresponding to each layer of the storage rack 10 and transporting the container racks 30 in the rack width direction can be exemplified.

[0072] (5) In addition, the configurations disclosed in each of the above-mentioned embodiments can also be combined and applied with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of the embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradiction arises. With respect to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] [Overview of the above embodiment]

[0074] Hereinafter, the outline of the article storage facility described above will be described.

[0075] The article storage equipment includes: an article container that stores a single type or multiple types of articles; a container storage body that has a storage chamber that can store the aforementioned article containers in multiple layers in the upper and lower directions, and an opening portion for allowing the aforementioned article containers to enter and exit the aforementioned storage chamber is formed on the side of the aforementioned storage chamber; a storage body conveying device that conveys the aforementioned container storage body between a storage portion that stores the aforementioned container storage body and a retrieval position; a container retrieval device that retrieves the aforementioned article container from the aforementioned container storage body through the aforementioned opening portion at the aforementioned retrieval position; and a container conveying device that conveys the aforementioned article container retrieved from the aforementioned container storage body by the aforementioned container retrieval device to a picking portion that performs a picking operation on the aforementioned article container.

[0076] According to this structure, a plurality of article containers can be stored in the storage section in a state where they are stored in a container storage body that can store multiple layers of article containers in the vertical direction. Therefore, the space in the vertical direction can be effectively utilized to seek to improve the storage efficiency of the article containers. Moreover, according to this structure, the storage body conveying device that conveys the container storage body does not convey the container storage body between the storage section and the picking section, but conveys the container storage body between the storage section and the removal position, and the container conveying device conveys the article container taken out from the container storage body by the container removal device at the removal position to the picking section. Therefore, even in a case where an article container that is not the object of the picking operation is stored in a container storage body that contains an article container that is the object of the picking operation, only the article container that is the object of the picking operation can be conveyed to the picking section.

[0077] As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to seek to improve the storage efficiency of article containers while avoiding the transportation of unnecessary article containers to the picking section. In addition, in this configuration, the container storage body can be stored in a storage section that is located at a position different from the removal position where the article containers are removed from the container storage body by the container removal device. Therefore, the storage section and the removal position are appropriately separated and used to configure the container storage body in such a way that the container storage body containing article containers with a low possibility of becoming the object of picking operations (for example, article containers containing seasonal goods that have passed the peak period) are stored in the storage section, and the container storage body containing article containers with a high possibility of becoming the object of picking operations (for example, article containers containing seasonal goods that have passed the peak period) are arranged at the removal position, thereby having the advantage of being able to seek to improve the transportation efficiency of article containers that are the object of picking operations to the picking section. In addition, by storing the container storage body in a storage section located at a position different from the removal position, the storage section can be set without considering the ease of taking out the item container from the container storage body. Therefore, there is also such an advantage: for example, the storage section is also arranged at a relatively high height, and the storage section can be easily set in a manner that improves the storage efficiency of the item container.

[0078] Here, it is preferred that a storage rack is further provided with a plurality of the aforementioned storage sections, the aforementioned container taking-out device is provided with a storage section capable of storing the aforementioned article containers in multiple layers in the aforementioned up and down directions, and a transfer machine for transferring the aforementioned article containers between any layer in the aforementioned storage room and the aforementioned storage section, the aforementioned container conveying device conveys the aforementioned container taking-out device from a position corresponding to the aforementioned taking-out position to a position corresponding to the aforementioned picking section, and the aforementioned transfer machine also transfers the aforementioned article container between the aforementioned storage section and the aforementioned picking section.

[0079] According to this configuration, the article storage device includes a storage rack having multiple storage sections, making it easy to arrange the multiple storage sections adjacent to each other, thereby improving the storage efficiency of the article containers. In addition, according to this configuration, the container removal device includes a storage section that can store multiple layers of article containers in the vertical direction, and the container conveying device conveys the container removal device from a position corresponding to the removal position (hereinafter referred to as the "first position") to a position corresponding to the picking section (hereinafter referred to as the "second position"). Therefore, the container conveying device conveys the container removal device, which is in a state where multiple article containers that are the subject of the picking operation are removed from the container storage body and stored in the storage section, from the first position to the second position, thereby conveying the multiple article containers that are the subject of the picking operation to the second position for each container removal device that stores these article containers. As a result, even in the case where the distance between the first position and the second position is particularly long, it is possible to improve the conveying efficiency of the article containers that are the subject of the picking operation to the picking section. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the transfer machine included in the container removal device can be used to directly transfer the container between the container removal device and the container storage unit, and also to directly transfer the container between the container removal device and the picking unit. This also improves the efficiency of container handling.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferable that the container taking-out device includes a communication portion connecting the inside and outside of the storage section, and the transfer mechanism moves the article container between the inside and outside of the storage section via the communication portion.

[0081] According to this configuration, a container taking-out device capable of taking an article container into and out of a storage unit using a transfer machine can be appropriately realized.

[0082] Furthermore, it is preferable that the storage body transport device includes an external transport device for transporting the container storage bodies between the storage rack and the removal position outside the storage rack, and the external transport device and the container transport device can use the same transporting machine.

[0083] According to this configuration, a common transport machine can be used as either the external transport device or the container transport device, thereby reducing the total number of transport devices required for the entire facility and achieving cost reduction.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferred that the picking section includes a lift table that can be raised and lowered, and the transfer mechanism transfers the article container between the storage section and the picking section by moving the article container between the storage section and the lift table.

[0085] According to this configuration, with the lifting platform raised or lowered to a height corresponding to the object container to be transferred, the transfer machine can be used to transfer the object container between the storage section and the sorting section of the container removal device. Therefore, during this transfer, the object container can be maintained in a horizontal position, and the object container containing the object can be appropriately transferred between the storage section and the sorting section of the container removal device.

[0086] In addition, it is preferred that there is also a storage rack having a plurality of the aforementioned storage parts, the aforementioned container transporting device has a lifting platform which is arranged at a position corresponding to the aforementioned taking-out position and can be raised and lowered, the aforementioned container taking-out device is arranged on the aforementioned container transporting device, and has a transfer machine which transfers the aforementioned article container between any layer in the aforementioned storage room and the aforementioned lifting platform, the aforementioned picking part is arranged at a position corresponding to the aforementioned container taking-out device, and the aforementioned transfer machine also transfers the aforementioned article container between the aforementioned lifting platform and the aforementioned picking part.

[0087] According to this configuration, the article storage device is provided with a storage rack having a plurality of storage sections, making it easy to arrange the plurality of storage sections adjacent to each other, and thus improving the storage efficiency of the article containers. In addition, according to this configuration, when the lifting platform of the container transport device is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the article container to be transferred, the transfer machine of the container removal device can be used to transfer the article container between the storage chamber of the container storage body and the lifting platform of the container transport device. Therefore, during this transfer, the shape of the article container can be maintained in a horizontal shape, and the article container containing the articles can be appropriately removed from the storage chamber of the container storage body to the lifting platform of the container transport device. Moreover, in this configuration, the transfer machine of the container removal device can be used to directly transfer the article container taken out to the lifting platform of the container transport device to the picking section. Therefore, the article container taken out to the lifting platform of the container transport device can achieve improved transportation efficiency compared to the case where the article container is transferred to the picking section via other transport devices.

[0088] In addition, it is preferred that the picking section includes an operating conveyor provided on an operating platform for performing the picking operation, and the article container carried on the lifting platform is delivered to the operating conveyor when the lifting platform is raised or lowered to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor.

[0089] According to this configuration, by raising and lowering the lift table to a height corresponding to the operating conveyor, the container can be maintained in a horizontal position while being transferred between the lift table and the operating conveyor. This allows the operating conveyor to be positioned at a height suitable for picking operations while simultaneously transferring the filled container from the lift table to the operating conveyor.

[0090] In addition, it is preferred that the direction perpendicular to the entry and exit direction of the article container relative to the aforementioned storage chamber and along the horizontal direction be defined as the width direction, one side of the aforementioned width direction be defined as the first side, and the other side of the aforementioned width direction be defined as the second side, the aforementioned container storage body be provided with a first upper and lower frame body provided on the aforementioned first side relative to the aforementioned storage chamber and extending along the aforementioned up-down direction, a second upper and lower frame body provided on the aforementioned second side relative to the aforementioned storage chamber and extending along the aforementioned up-down direction, a first support portion protruding toward the aforementioned second side from a portion of the aforementioned upper and lower frame body corresponding to each layer of the aforementioned storage chamber, and a second support portion protruding toward the aforementioned first side from a portion of the aforementioned upper and lower frame body corresponding to each layer of the aforementioned storage chamber, and the aforementioned article container is supported from both sides of the aforementioned width direction in the aforementioned storage chamber by the aforementioned first support portion and the aforementioned second support portion.

[0091] According to this configuration, a container storage body having a storage chamber capable of storing multiple layers of containers in the vertical direction and having an opening formed on a side surface of the storage chamber for inserting and removing containers from the storage chamber can be appropriately realized.

[0092] The article storage device involved in the present disclosure only needs to be able to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0093] Description of labels

[0094] 1: Item

[0095] 2: Item Container

[0096] 10: Storage rack

[0097] 11: Storage Department

[0098] 20: Picking Department

[0099] 21: Operation table

[0100] 22: Operation conveyor

[0101] 30: Container storage rack (container storage body)

[0102] 31A: First upper and lower frame

[0103] 31B: Second upper and lower frame

[0104] 32A: First support part

[0105] 32B: Second support part

[0106] 33: Storage Room

[0107] 34: Opening

[0108] 40: Container collection rack (container removal device)

[0109] 43: Storage Department

[0110] 44: Connecting part

[0111] 45: Transfer machine

[0112] 50: Storage rack transport device (storage body transport device)

[0113] 60: Carrier (container handling device, external handling device)

[0114] 70: Lifting transport device (container transport device)

[0115] 71: Lifting platform

[0116] 73: Transport mechanism (transfer machine)

[0117] 80: Container transfer device (container removal device)

[0118] 81: Transfer machine

[0119] 100: Storage equipment

[0120] D: Entry and exit direction

[0121] P: Take out position

[0122] V: Up and down direction

[0123] W: width direction

[0124] W1: First side

[0125] W2: Second side.

Claims

1. An article storage device having the following characteristics: The article storage device comprises: Article containers, which hold articles of a single type or multiple types; a container storage body having a storage chamber capable of storing the article containers in multiple layers in the vertical direction, and an opening formed on a side of the storage chamber for allowing the article containers to enter and exit the storage chamber; a container transport device for transporting the container container between a storage portion storing the container container and a take-out position; a container taking-out device for taking out the article container from the container storage body through the opening at the taking-out position; and a container transport device that transports the article container taken out from the container storage body by the container taking-out device to a picking unit that performs a picking operation on the article container; The container transport device transports the container takeout device from a position corresponding to the takeout position to a position corresponding to the picking unit.

2. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The article storage facility further comprises a storage rack having a plurality of the storage portions formed thereon. The container taking-out device includes a storage portion capable of storing the article containers in multiple layers in the vertical direction and a transfer machine, and the transfer machine transfers the article containers between any layer in the storage chamber and the storage portion. The transfer machine also transfers the article container between the storage unit and the picking unit.

3. The article storage device according to claim 2, wherein: The container taking-out device includes a communication portion for connecting the interior and the exterior of the storage portion. The transfer mechanism is configured to move the article container between the inside and the outside of the storage portion via the communication portion.

4. The article storage device according to claim 2, wherein: The storage body transport device includes an external transport device that transports the container storage body between the storage rack and the take-out position outside the storage rack. The external transport device and the container transport device can share the same transport machine.

5. The article storage device according to claim 3, wherein: The storage body transport device includes an external transport device that transports the container storage body between the storage rack and the take-out position outside the storage rack. The external transport device and the container transport device can share the same transport machine.

6. The article storage facility according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The picking unit is provided with a lifting platform that can be raised and lowered. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the article container between the storage section and the picking section by moving the article container between the storage section and the lifting platform.

7. The article storage device according to claim 6, wherein: The picking unit includes an operation conveyor provided on an operation platform where the picking operation is performed. The article container placed on the lifting platform is delivered to the handling conveyor in a state where the lifting platform is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the handling conveyor.

8. An article storage device having the following characteristics: The article storage device comprises: Article containers, which hold articles of a single type or multiple types; a container storage body having a storage chamber capable of storing the article containers in multiple layers in the vertical direction, and an opening formed on a side of the storage chamber for allowing the article containers to enter and exit the storage chamber; a container transport device for transporting the container container between a storage portion storing the container container and a take-out position; a container taking-out device for taking out the article container from the container storage body through the opening at the taking-out position; and a container transport device that transports the article container taken out from the container storage body by the container taking-out device to a picking unit that performs a picking operation on the article container; The article storage facility further comprises a storage rack having a plurality of the storage portions formed thereon. The container transport device includes a lifting platform that is provided at a position corresponding to the take-out position and is capable of being raised and lowered. The container taking-out device is provided on the container transporting device and includes a transfer machine for transferring the article container between any layer in the storage room and the lifting platform. The picking portion is arranged at a position corresponding to the container taking-out device. The transfer machine also transfers the article container between the lifting platform and the picking unit.

9. The article storage device according to claim 8, wherein: The picking unit includes an operation conveyor provided on an operation platform where the picking operation is performed. The article container placed on the lifting platform is delivered to the handling conveyor in a state where the lifting platform is raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the handling conveyor.

10. The article storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 8, and 9, wherein: A direction perpendicular to the direction in which the article container enters and exits the storage chamber and along the horizontal direction is defined as a width direction, one side of the width direction is defined as a first side, and the other side of the width direction is defined as a second side. The container storage body includes a first upper and lower frame body provided on the first side relative to the storage chamber and extending in the up-down direction, a second upper and lower frame body provided on the second side relative to the storage chamber and extending in the up-down direction, a first support portion protruding from a portion of the first upper and lower frame body corresponding to each layer of the storage chamber toward the second side, and a second support portion protruding from a portion of the second upper and lower frame body corresponding to each layer of the storage chamber toward the first side. The article container is supported in the storage chamber by the first support portion and the second support portion from both sides in the width direction.

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