Visiting device

Abstract

The present application provides a visit facility that can further improve a reduction in waiting time of a visitor even in a situation where the number of visitors is large, for example. The visit facility includes: a storage rack having a plurality of storage areas arranged along a conveyance path extending in a direction intersecting a first direction, the plurality of storage areas each being capable of storing an article; a first conveyance mechanism; a second conveyance mechanism; a plurality of third conveyance mechanisms each being capable of conveying an article between a visit location and a handover location, the visit locations each being provided in a plurality of visit rooms arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the handover locations each being provided in correspondence with the visit locations and being capable of handing over an article between the first conveyance mechanism or the second conveyance mechanism; and a conveyance control unit that controls at least one of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism and the third conveyance mechanisms in a manner of conveying an article between the visit locations and the storage rack.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a visiting facility. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, in a visiting facility provided with a storage rack that stores an article such as a bone, a visiting facility in which a plurality of visiting rooms are provided and in which a plurality of visitors can simultaneously perform visiting is known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-234616 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, for example, in order to cope with a period in which the number of visitors increases greatly like the Qingming Festival in China, more visiting rooms are needed and more rapid article transport is needed.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a visiting facility in which, for example, even in a case in which the number of visitors is large, the waiting time of the visitors can be shortened and the like, and in which further improvements are made.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The present application provides a visiting facility including: a storage rack having a plurality of storage areas arranged along a conveyance path extending in a direction intersecting a first direction, the plurality of storage areas each being capable of storing an article; a first conveyance mechanism having a first support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveyance path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a first support position within the conveyance path at which the article is supported by the first support portion; a second conveyance mechanism capable of operating independently of the first conveyance mechanism, having a second support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveyance path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a second support position within the conveyance path at which the article is supported by the second support portion; a plurality of third conveyance mechanisms each being capable of conveying the article between a visiting position and a handover position, the visiting positions each being arranged in a plurality of visiting rooms arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the handover positions each being arranged in correspondence with the visiting positions and being capable of handing over the article between the first conveyance mechanism or the second conveyance mechanism; and a conveyance control portion that controls at least one of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism and the third conveyance mechanisms in a manner that conveys the article between the visiting positions and the storage rack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is an explanatory and schematic plan view of one floor of a visiting facility of an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic and explanatory side view of a storage rack and a stacker crane of a visiting facility of an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic and explanatory side view of a storage rack of a visiting facility of an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a sectional view of IV-IV of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a visiting facility of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing sequence at the time of visiting in a visiting facility of an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of VII of Figure 1

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic and explanatory side view of a visiting facility of a first modification example in a direction​​Figure 7 Exemplary and schematic plan view at the same position.

[0019] Figure 9 Exemplary and schematic plan view at the position of the visiting facility of the second modification example on the side opposite to the X direction. Figure 7 Exemplary and schematic plan view at the same position.

[0020] Figure 10 Exemplary and schematic plan view at the position of the visiting facility of the second modification example on the side opposite to the X direction. Figure 9 Exemplary and schematic plan view at the same position.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0022] 1, 1a Storage area

[0023] 3 Visiting room

[0024] 3A Visiting room (first visiting room)

[0025] 4 Conveyor (third conveying mechanism)

[0026] 5a Processing decision section (first distribution decision section, second distribution decision section)

[0027] 5b Conveying control section

[0028] 6 Area

[0029] 10, 10A, 10B Visiting facility

[0030] 20-1 Stacking crane (first conveying mechanism)

[0031] 20-2 Stacking crane (second conveying mechanism)

[0032] 24a Support section (first support section, second support section)

[0033] A Article

[0034] Cn1 Non-accessible range (first non-accessible range)

[0035] Cn2 Non-accessible range (second non-accessible range)

[0036] Co Repeated range (intermediate range)

[0037] L, L1 to L4 Row

[0038] Pd Handover position

[0039] Pd1 Handover position (first handover position)

[0040] Pd2 Handover position (second handover position)

[0041] Pd3 handover position (third handover position)

[0042] Ph support position (first support position, second support position)

[0043] Pr relay position (first relay position, second relay position)

[0044] R shelf

[0045] R1 first shelf

[0046] R2 second shelf

[0047] Se1 first avoidance space

[0048] Se2 second avoidance space

[0049] T, T1 to T4 conveyance path

[0050] W, W1 length

[0051] X direction (second direction)

[0052] Y direction (first direction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present application are disclosed. The structure of the embodiments and modifications shown below, and the effects and results (effects) obtained from the structure are one example. The present application can also be realized by a structure other than the structure disclosed in the embodiments and modifications below. In addition, according to the present application, at least one of various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the following structure can be obtained.

[0054] Note that in the present specification, ordinal numbers are arbitrarily assigned to distinguish components, parts, and the like, and do not indicate priority order, sequence.

[0055] In addition, in each drawing, each direction in the visiting device is indicated by an arrow. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction intersect each other and are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is substantially along the vertical direction, and the arrow Z points to the vertically upward direction. The X direction and the Y direction are substantially along the horizontal direction. In addition, the X direction is referred to as the left-right direction or the long-side direction, the Y direction is referred to as the front-rear direction or the short-side direction, and the Z direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0056] In addition, in each drawing, the reference numerals indicating each position of the article A are sometimes indicated in parentheses attached to the reference numerals indicating the article A.

[0057] [Embodiments]

[0058] [Article, conveyance path, shelf, storage area, and visiting room]

[0059] Figure 1 is a plan view of one floor of the worship facility 10, and more specifically, a plan view obtained by observing the worship facility 10 in the opposite direction of the Z direction at the I-I line. Figure 4 As shown in the drawing, the worship facility 10 is provided with a plurality of storage shelves R. In addition, the storage shelves R each have a plurality of storage areas 1 that store the articles A. Note that in each of the drawings below, the storage areas 1 are represented by simple quadrilaterals for simplicity. Figure 1

[0060] In the worship facility 10, the articles A are, for example, containers that house cremated remains, mementos, memorial tablets, and the like.

[0061] The articles A each have an identification body (not shown) that represents identification information of the article A, and a reader 51 (see FIG. 2) that acquires the identification information is provided in each of the storage areas 1. The identification body is, for example, a label to which a code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code is assigned, or an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag that holds identification information. The reader 51 is, for example, a code reader that has a camera that captures a code image, or an RFID reader that acquires identification information through wireless communication with an RFID tag. Note that in the present embodiment, one storage position for one article A is provided in each of the storage areas 1, but the present technology is not limited to this, and a plurality of storage positions that are offset from each other in the Y direction can be provided in each of the storage areas 1. Figure 5

[0062] In the worship facility 10, a transport path T is provided as a space through which the articles A are transported by the stacking crane 20. The transport path T extends in the X direction with a width that is substantially constant in the Y direction and extends in the Z direction. That is, the transport path T extends in the X direction and the Z direction, or in other words, the transport path T extends across the Y direction. The stacking crane 20 is an example of a transport mechanism that transports the articles A. The Y direction is an example of a first direction.

[0063] As shown in the drawing, four transport paths T (T1 to T4) are provided in the worship facility 10. The storage shelves R are provided on both sides in the Y direction of each of the transport paths T. A plurality of storage areas 1 are provided in each of the storage shelves R along the transport paths T. The storage shelves R have a first storage shelf R1 and a second storage shelf R2. Figure 1

[0064] ​​​Corresponding to each of the conveyance paths T (T1 to T4) and the respective storage shelves R on both sides of the conveyance paths T, there are provided rows L (L1 to L4) of the visit rooms 3. The rows L of the visit rooms 3 are provided on the side opposite to the conveyance paths T with respect to the first storage shelves R1 in the Y direction. In other words, the first storage shelves R1 are provided between the conveyance paths T and the rows L of the visit rooms 3. In addition, the second storage shelves R2 are provided on the side opposite to the first storage shelves R1 and the rows L of the visit rooms 3 with respect to the conveyance paths T.

[0065] In each of the rows L, as an example, a plurality of the visit rooms 3 are arranged in a row at substantially constant intervals along the X direction. That is, the lengths W of the visit rooms 3 in the X direction are substantially the same. Note that, in each of the visit rooms 3, there is provided a reader 52 that reads identification information of a visitor from a portable information terminal, an RFID tag, or the like held by the visitor through wireless communication (refer to FIG. 2). Figure 5 ) The X direction is an example of the second direction.

[0066] Corresponding to each of the visit rooms 3, there is provided a conveyer 4 that penetrates the first storage shelves R1 in the Y direction. The conveyer 4 conveys the articles A between each of the visit rooms 3 and the conveyance paths T. Specifically, the conveyer 4 conveys the articles A between the handover positions Pd and visit positions Po corresponding to the visit rooms 3. The visit positions Po are, for example, located inside the visit rooms 3, face the visit rooms 3, or are adjacent to the visit rooms 3. Note that, in the first storage shelves R1, the storage areas 1 are not provided in the conveyance spaces in which the conveyer 4 conveys the articles A. The conveyer 4 is an example of the third conveyance mechanism.

[0067] In the first storage shelves R1, in addition to the portions in which the conveyer 4 is provided, a plurality of the storage areas 1 are arranged in a matrix shape with the X direction as the rows and the Z direction as the columns. In other words, in the first storage shelves R1, the plurality of the storage areas 1 are arranged in the X direction and also in the Z direction.

[0068] Also in the second storage shelves R2, as in the first storage shelves R1, a plurality of the storage areas 1 are arranged in a matrix shape with the X direction as the rows and the Z direction as the columns. In other words, also in the second storage shelves R2, the plurality of the storage areas 1 are arranged in the X direction and also in the Z direction. In addition, the storage areas 1 of the first storage shelves R1 and the storage areas 1 included in the second storage shelves R2 are arranged in the Y direction across the conveyance paths T.

[0069] [Stacker Crane]

[0070] As Figure 1As shown, the visiting facility 10 is provided with two stacker cranes 20 (20-1, 20-2) for each transport path T. In the present embodiment, the two stacker cranes 20-1, 20-2 have the same structure as an example, but are not limited thereto and can have different structures, respectively. The stacker crane 20-1 is an example of a first transport mechanism, and the stacker crane 20-2 is an example of a second transport mechanism.

[0071] Figure 2 is a side view of the storage rack R (R1, R2) and the stacker crane 20. As shown in Figure 1 、 2 The stacker crane 20 has a traveling body 21, a mast 22, a pallet 23, and a transfer device 24, respectively. A guide rail 25 extending in the X direction is provided in at least one of the lower and upper portions of the transport path T. The stacker crane 20 is movable in the X direction along the guide rail 25.

[0072] The traveling body 21 is supported to the guide rail 25 so as to be movable in the X direction. Two masts 22 are fixed to the traveling body 21, and the two masts 22 are separated from each other in the X direction and extend in the Z direction. The traveling body 21 and the masts 22 are movable in the X direction along the guide rail 25 in response to rotation of a motor (not shown) as a drive source for moving the traveling body 21 and the masts 22 in the X direction, and are stoppable at a plurality of positions in the X direction in response to stop of the motor.

[0073] The pallet 23 is supported to the two masts 22 so as to be movable in the Z direction. The pallet 23 is erected between the two masts 22. The pallet 23 is movable in the Z direction along the masts 22 in response to rotation of a motor (not shown) as a drive source for moving the pallet 23 in the Z direction, and is stoppable at a plurality of positions in the Z direction in response to stop of the motor.

[0074] The transfer device 24 is installed to the pallet 23 so as to be extendable and retractable in the Y direction. The transfer device 24 has a support portion 24a that supports the article A. The position of the support portion 24a and the article A supported to the support portion 24a in the Y direction changes in response to extension and retraction of the transfer device 24 in the Y direction. The extension and retraction state of the transfer device 24 changes in response to rotation of a motor (not shown). That is, the support portion 24a is movable in the Y direction in response to rotation of the motor, and is stoppable at a plurality of positions in the Y direction in response to stop of the motor. Note that the support portion 24a of the stacker crane 20-1 is an example of a first support portion, and the support portion 24a of the stacker crane 20-2 is an example of a second support portion.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2As shown, in the retracted state (accommodated state) of the transfer device 24, the support portion 24a and the article A are located in the transport path T. By controlling the motors that drive the traveling body 21 and the mast 22 in the retracted state, and controlling the motor that drives the pallet 23, the article A can be moved to and stopped at the facing position Pf facing each storage area 1 in the transport path T. Each facing position Pf is also a support position Ph in the transport path T where the support portion 24a supports the article A. Note that the support position Ph in the stacker crane 20-1 is an example of a first support position, and the support position Ph in the stacker crane 20-2 is an example of a second support position.

[0076] The movement of the article A between the support portion 24a and each storage area 1 can be achieved by a combination of movement of the support portion 24a in the Y direction and movement of at least a portion of the transfer device 24 in a direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0077] As an example, the conveyance of the article A in the case where the transfer device 24 is a publicly known fork having a plurality of members capable of sliding in the Y direction with respect to each other, the support portion 24a is a front end member of the fork, and the transfer device 24 is configured to be capable of moving in the Z direction without interfering with each storage area 1 will be described. In this case, by a combination of the movement of the support portion 24a in the Y direction caused by the extension and contraction of the transfer device 24, and the movement of the support portion 24a in the Z direction accompanying the movement of the pallet 23 in the Z direction, the article A can be handed over between the support portion 24a and each storage area 1. The transfer device 24 is capable of extending and contracting in the Y direction with respect to both sides of the conveyance path T, and is capable of extending to a length corresponding to the storage position of the article A in the storage area 1 with respect to both the first storage rack Rl and the second storage rack R2. When the article A is carried out from the storage area 1 to the facing position Pf, the support portion 24a which does not support the article A first moves to the slightly lower side of the article A stored in the storage area 1 in correspondence with the extension of the transfer device 24 in the Y direction. Next, the support portion 24a slightly moves to the upper side accompanying the movement of the pallet 23 in the Z direction (upward), and receives the article A from the storage area 1. Next, the support portion 24a moves in the Y direction toward the inside of the conveyance path T accompanying the contraction of the transfer device 24 in the Y direction, and moves the article A to the facing position Pf. On the other hand, when the article A is carried into the storage area 1 from the facing position Pf, the support portion 24a which supports the article A first moves to the slightly upper side of the storage intended position of the article A in the empty storage area 1 in correspondence with the extension of the transfer device 24 in the Y direction. Next, the support portion 24a moves to the slightly lower side of the storage area 1 and delivers (places) the article A to the storage area 1 accompanying the movement of the pallet 23 in the opposite direction (downward) in the Z direction. Next, the support portion 24a moves in the Y direction toward the inside of the conveyance path T accompanying the contraction of the transfer device 24 in the Y direction. The transfer device 24 is capable of conveying the article A between the support position Ph (facing position Pf) of the article A in the conveyance path T and the storage area 1 with respect to both sides of the Y direction of the conveyance path T.

[0078] It should be noted that the mechanism for conveying item A between the support position Ph (opposite position Pf) and each storage area 1 is not limited to a sliding fork. For example, if the storage area 1 and the platform 23 are equipped with a free roller conveyor that assists in the movement of item A in the Y direction, the item A can be moved on the free roller conveyor by extending and retracting the transfer device 24. In this case, at least a part of the connecting portion of the transfer device 24 can be moved in a direction intersecting the Y direction, such as the Z direction, thereby switching between a connected state where the connecting portion is connected to item A and a separated state where the connecting portion is separated from item A. In the connected state, the transfer device 24 can move item A; in the separated state, the transfer device 24 cannot move item A.

[0079] In addition, similar to the transport between the support position Ph and the storage area 1, the stacking crane 20 can also transport item A between the support position Ph and the junction position Pd on the conveyor 4.

[0080] [Working range of stacker cranes and relay of goods]

[0081] from Figure 1 It is clear that the stacker crane 20-1 (support 24a) and the stacker crane 20-2 (support 24a) moving on the same guide rail 25 cannot overtake each other in the X direction.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a side view obtained by observing the storage area 1 of the first storage rack R1 corresponding to the conveyor path T4 from the opposite direction of the Y direction. The working ranges of each stacking crane 20 are set to not interfere with each other. Figure 3 In the example, Figure 3 The stacker crane 20-1, located relatively on the left side, is in the middle. Figure 3 The working range C1 (not shown in the figure) is Figure 3 The range extends from the leftmost column of storage area 1 to a column five columns to the left of the rightmost column, to avoid conflict with the stacking crane 20-2 located on the opposite right (in Figure 3 Interference (not shown in the image). Additionally, also in... Figure 3 In the middle, the working range C2 of the stacker crane 20-2 on the right is... Figure 3from the rightmost column of the storage area 1 to the column five columns to the right of the leftmost column, so as to avoid interference with the left-side stacking crane 20-1. That is, the stacking crane 20-1 cannot perform the conveyance of the article A between the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn1 located at the front end in the X direction outside the workable range Cl, and the stacking crane 20-2 cannot perform the conveyance of the article A between the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn2 located at the rear end in the X direction outside the workable range C2. Note that, in Figure 3 the first storage rack Rl, the workable ranges Cl, C2, the repeated range Co, and the unattainable ranges Cn1, Cn2 are shown, but for the storage area 1 belonging to the second storage rack R2, the workable ranges Cl, C2, the repeated range Co, and the unattainable ranges Cn1, Cn2 are also set, for example, in ranges that are roughly aligned in the Y direction with respect to the illustrated workable ranges Cl, C2, the repeated range Co, and the unattainable ranges Cn1, Cn2, respectively. The unattainable range Cn1 is an example of the first unattainable region, the unattainable range Cn2 is an example of the second unattainable region, and the repeated range Co is an example of the intermediate region.

[0083] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 , a relay position Pr is assigned to the empty storage area 1 located in the repeated range Co in which the workable range Cl of the stacking crane 20-1 and the workable range C2 of the stacking crane 20-2 overlap. Thereby, the stacking crane 20-1 conveys the article A between the support portion 24a and the relay position Pr, and the stacking crane 20-2 conveys the article A between the relay position Pr and the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn1, so that the article A can move between the support portion 24a of the stacking crane 20-1 and the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn1. Likewise, the stacking crane 20-2 conveys the article A between the support portion 24a and the relay position Pr, and the stacking crane 20-1 conveys the article A between the relay position Pr and the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn2, so that the article A can move between the support portion 24a of the stacking crane 20-2 and the storage area 1 in the unattainable range Cn2. Note that the assignment of the relay position Pr to the empty storage area 1 can be changed according to the storage state of the article A in the visiting facility 10, that is, the free state of the storage area 1 of the storage rack R. The relay position Pr can be set to an arbitrary position in the repeated range Co. The relay position Pr is an example of the second relay position.

[0084] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the visiting facility 10, and more specifically, a sectional view of the visiting facility 10 as viewed in the X direction at the IV-IV line of Figure 4 . As shown in Figure 1As shown, a plurality of floors F are stacked in the visiting facility 10. The visiting facility 10 has the same structure in each floor F. Figure 1 The visitor can access each floor F via stairs, escalators, elevators, and the like, which are not shown. The stacker cranes 20 (20-1, 20-2) extend in the Z direction and can deliver the articles A between the delivery positions Pd of the conveyors 4 provided corresponding to the visiting rooms 3 of the plurality of floors F. As an example, in the visiting facility 10 of the present embodiment, the number of visiting rooms per floor F is 8 as shown for the conveyance path T1, Figure 4 as shown, and the number of floors F is 4 as shown, Figure 5 so the stacker cranes 20 operate corresponding to the visiting rooms 3 totaling 32 (= 8 x 4). Note that the number of visiting rooms 3 and the number of floors F are not limited thereto.

[0085] [Control device]

[0086] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the visiting facility 10. As shown, Figure 6 the visiting facility 10 has a control device 5. The control device 5 has a process decision section 5a, a conveyance control section 5b, reading sections 5c, 5d, an input control section 5e, and an output control section 5f.

[0087] The process decision section 5a decides the processing order by the stacker cranes 20 (20-1, 20-2) and the conveyors 4 as conveyance mechanisms, the allocation of the articles A to each storage area 1, the allocation of the relay positions Pr to the storage areas 1, and the like.

[0088] The conveyance control section 5b controls in such a manner that the stacker cranes 20 (20-1, 20-2) and the conveyors 4 operate in accordance with the processing order and settings decided by the process decision section 5a.

[0089] The reading section 5c acquires information read by the reader 51, and the reading section 5d acquires information read by the reader 52.

[0090] The input control section 5e acquires information input by the operation of the input device 53 such as a touch panel, a switch, a button, a keyboard, and the like by the visitor.

[0091] The output control section 5f controls in such a manner that the output device 54 such as a display, a lamp, and a speaker performs a prescribed output.

[0092] The control device 5 can be constituted by a computer. The computer has at least a processor (circuit), a main storage section 5g such as a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), and an auxiliary storage device 5h such as an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), and the like, and the processor reads out and executes a program (application) stored in the ROM of the main storage section 5g or the auxiliary storage device 5h. The processor functions as the processing decision section 5a, the conveyance control section 5b, the reading sections 5c, 5d, the input control section 5e, and the output control section 5f by acting in accordance with the program. In this case, the program includes program modules corresponding to the processing decision section 5a, the conveyance control section 5b, the reading sections 5c, 5d, the input control section 5e, and the output control section 5f. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 5h stores information indicating the presence or absence (storage or empty) of the article A for each storage region 1, information indicating the article A stored in the storage region 1 (hereinafter referred to as storage state information), identification information of the article A in conveyance, identification information of the article A located at the visiting position Po, identification information of the storage region 1 allocated as the relay position Pr (hereinafter referred to as allocation information), attribute information of the article A stored in the visiting device 10 (hereinafter referred to as article database), and the like. Each information can be rewritten by, for example, the processing decision section 5a at any time. Note that the storage state information can also be referred to as empty state information.

[0093] The program can be provided in a file in an installable format or an executable format recorded in a recording medium that can be read by the computer. The recording medium can also be referred to as a program product. In addition, the program can be imported into the computer by being stored in a storage section of the computer connected to a communication network and downloaded via the network. In addition, the program can also be incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

[0094] In addition, in a case where at least a part of the computer is constituted by hardware, for example, an FPGA (field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), or the like can also be included in the computer.

[0095] Information used in the arithmetic processing performed by the processing decision section 5a, the conveyance control section 5b, the reading sections 5c, 5d, the input control section 5e, and the output control section 5f is stored in the ROM of the main storage section 5g or the auxiliary storage device 5h. In addition, the information used in the arithmetic processing can also be described in the program.

[0096] [Processing sequence at the time of visiting]

[0097] Figure 6 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing order at the time of visit. In Figure 7 the example, in a prescribed start standby state, when the reading section 5d acquires information corresponding to the detection signal of the reader 52 provided in the visit room 3, or the input control section 5e acquires information input to the input device 53 (Sl), the processing decision section 5a searches the article database for the information acquired in step Sl (S2). The information acquired in step Sl is, for example, attribute information of the article A such as the identification information of the visitor.

[0098] In the search in step S2, in a case where it is ascertained that the information acquired in step Sl exists within the article database, and that the article A corresponding to the information acquired in this step Sl is present within the visit device 10 (YES in S3), the processing decision section 5a decides the processing order at the time of transport of the article A from the storage area 1 to the visit position Po of the corresponding visit room 3 (S4). In this step S4, the processing decision section 5a decides the stacker crane 20 and the conveyer 4 used in the transport of the article A, and the order of their actions. In addition, in a case where relaying is necessary, the processing decision section 5a refers to the storage status information (free status information) to allocate a relaying position Pr from among the empty storage areas 1 in which the article A is not stored within the repeating range Co. In other words, the processing decision section 5a decides the storage area 1 to be used as the relaying position Pr from among the empty storage areas 1 in which the article A is not stored within the repeating range Co. The processing decision section 5a is an example of a second allocation decision section.

[0099] Further, in this step S4, after the decision of the processing order, the processing decision section 5a releases the allocation of the storage area 1 in which the article A is stored. Specifically, the processing decision section 5a changes the current status of this storage area 1 from "storage" to "free" in the storage status information, for example, and eliminates the association of this storage area 1 with the article A by deleting the identification information of the article A stored therein, or the like. The processing decision section 5a is an example of a first allocation decision section.

[0100] Next, the transport control section 5b controls the stacker cranes 20-1, 20-2 and the conveyer 4 in such a manner that the article A is transported from the storage area 1 to the visit position Po in accordance with the processing order decided in step S4 (S5). Thereafter, the input control section 5e becomes a standby state in which information indicating the end of visit is acquired.

[0101] When the worshipper finishes their worship and the input control unit 5e receives information indicating the end of worship corresponding to the worshipper's operation on the input device 53 (S6), the transport control unit 5b determines the storage area 1 for the stored item A and the processing order for transporting item A from the worship location Po to the storage area 1 (S7). In step S7, the processing decision unit 5a can allocate the storage of item A to an empty storage area 1 in the storage rack R by referring to the storage status information (idle status information). In other words, the processing decision unit 5a can determine the storage area 1 for the item A that is to be moved from the worship location Po to the storage rack R. Specifically, the processing decision unit 5a, for example, changes the status of the storage area 1 from "idle" to "stored" in the storage status information, and adds identification information of the stored item A as information corresponding to the storage area 1, thereby establishing an association between the storage area 1 and the item A.

[0102] Next, the transport control unit 5b controls the stacking cranes 20-1, 20-2 and the conveyor 4 in a manner that the item A is transported from the worship location Po to the determined (assigned) storage area 1 in accordance with the processing order determined in step S7 (S8).

[0103] In the retrieval process of step S2, if the information obtained in step S1 does not exist in the item database ("No" in S3), the output control unit 5f controls the display, speaker, etc. by outputting an error message (S9).

[0104] After step S8 or S9, the series of processing steps ends. It should be noted that the conveying control unit 5b can also determine the conveying order of item A upon its return in step S4. In this case, step S7 is omitted, and in step S8, the conveying control unit 5b controls the stacking cranes 20-1, 20-2, and conveyor 4 to convey item A from the worship location Po to the determined (assigned) storage area 1 according to the processing order determined in step S4.

[0105] Figure 1 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of Part VII. Figure 7 In this configuration, the stacker crane 20-2 is located at position Pe22, which allows for the transfer of item A between itself and the storage area 1a located at the front in the X direction. The control device 5 controls the stacker crane 20-2 to prevent it from moving forward in the X direction beyond position Pe22. Therefore, the stacker crane 20-1, which is adjacent to or separated from the stacker crane 20-2 at its rear in the X direction, also cannot move forward in the X direction. Figure 1The position Pe12 shown is moved forward in the X direction. Positions Pe12 and Pe22 are the extreme forward positions in the X direction.

[0106] Here, at the junction Pd corresponding to the worship room 3, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, they are arranged in a manner corresponding to the multiple worship rooms 3 arranged in the X direction. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, in the first storage rack R1, multiple handover locations Pd (and conveyor 4) are arranged in the X direction. The handover locations Pd and conveyor 4 can each replace a storage area 1. Figure 7 The shown intersection point Pd2 is located at the front end of one of the multiple intersection points Pd arranged along the X direction. As described above, in Figure 7 The diagram shows the extreme forward positions of stacker cranes 20-1 and 20-2 in the X direction. Therefore, from... Figure 3 It is understood that, between the handover position Pd2 and the handover location, stacker crane 20-2 can hand over item A, but stacker crane 20-1 cannot. Conversely, in this embodiment, in... Figure 1 In the example, among multiple handover positions Pd arranged along the X direction, the stacker crane 20-1 can handle item A, but the stacker crane 20-2 cannot. Furthermore, regarding the handover position Pd3 between handover positions Pd1 and Pd2, both stacker cranes 20-1 and 20-2 can handle item A. Handover position Pd1 is an example of a first handover position, handover position Pd2 is an example of a second handover position, and handover position Pd3 is an example of a third handover position.

[0107] Therefore, in the structure described above, transport via relay position Pr is required in the following situations: when transporting item A between storage area 1 within the reach range Cn1 of stacker crane 20-1 and transfer position Pd1 where item A cannot be transferred by stacker crane 20-2; and when transporting item A between storage area 1 within the reach range Cn2 of stacker crane 20-2 and transfer position Pd2 where item A cannot be transferred by stacker crane 20-1. In this case, the processing decision unit 5a also refers to storage status information (idle status information) and assigns relay position Pr to an empty storage area 1 within the repeating range Co where item A is not stored. In other words, the processing decision unit 5a determines the storage area 1 to be used as relay position Pr from the empty storage area 1 where item A is not stored within the repeating range Co. In this case, relay position Pr can also be set to any position within the repeating range Co. The relay position Pr is an example of the first relay position, and the processing decision unit 5a is an example of the first allocation decision unit.

[0108] Further, in a case where the position Pn at which the end portion 25a in the X direction (length direction) with respect to the guide rail 25 is arranged in the Y direction is provided with a worship room, it is difficult to transport the article A by the conveyer 4 extending in the Y direction, and a conveyer that transports the article A in a path inclined with respect to the Y direction or a bent path is required, and thus the manufacturing cost can increase. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 27 and 28, the areas 6 different from the worship room 3 are provided at positions adjacent to the front and rear of the rows L2, L3 in the X direction with respect to the worship room 3. The area 6 can be, for example, a toilet, a storage room, a machine room, or the like. Thus, the space adjacent to the end portion of the X direction of the conveyance path T and the guide rail 25 can be more effectively utilized. Note that the area 6 can be provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the front end and the rear end of the row L2, L3. Figure 8 , 7 As described above, the worship facility 10 of the present embodiment is provided with the stacker crane 20-1 (first conveyance mechanism) and the stacker crane 20-2 (second conveyance mechanism) that can transport the article A in the conveyance path T.

[0109] As described above, the worship facility 10 of the present embodiment is provided with the stacker crane 20-1 (first conveyance mechanism) and the stacker crane 20-2 (second conveyance mechanism) that can transport the article A in the conveyance path T.

[0110] According to such a structure, compared to a case where only one stacker crane 20 is provided, the transport capacity of the article A can be improved by the two stacker cranes 20-1, 20-2. Therefore, even in a case where many worshipers visit the worship facility 10 provided with a plurality of worship rooms 3, the waiting time of each of the worshipers can be further shortened. That is, according to the present embodiment, a further improved worship facility 10 can be obtained.

[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the processing decision unit 5a (first allocation decision unit) decides the allocation of the article A to the storage area 1 that is intended to be carried into the storage shelf R in accordance with the free condition of the plurality of storage areas 1, and releases the allocation of the article A carried out from the storage shelf R to the storage area 1.

[0112] In a case where the storage position of the article A is fixedly allocated to the storage area 1, there is a case where the transport distance between the article A and the worship position Po becomes long, and further, the transport time becomes long. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the allocation of the article A to the storage position of the storage area 1 can be released when the article A is carried out from the storage shelf R, and the storage area 1 can be appropriately selected from the empty storage areas 1 when the article A is carried into the storage shelf R. Therefore, for example, by allocating the storage area 1 with a short distance, and the like, the transport time can be further shortened.

[0113] Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the support portion 24a (first support portion) of the stacking crane 20-1 and the support portion 24a (second support portion) of the stacking crane 20-2 are configured not to be able to pass each other in the X direction (second direction).

[0114] According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the worship facility 10 can be configured more compactly, or that the effort and cost of manufacturing the worship facility 10 can be reduced, compared to a case where the support portion 24a of the stacking crane 20-1 and the support portion 24a of the stacking crane 20-2 are configured to be able to pass each other.

[0115] Further, in the present embodiment, a relay position Pr (first relay position, second relay position) at which the article A is placed, for example, when the article A is handed over between the stacking crane 20-1 and the stacking crane 20-2, is set.

[0116] According to such a configuration, for example, even if the stacking crane 20-1 is configured not to be able to hand over the article A between the relay position Pr1 (first relay position) and the stacking crane 20-2 is configured not to be able to hand over the article A between the relay position Pr2 (second relay position), it is possible to hand over the article A between the relay positions Pr1, Pr2 and the two stacking cranes 20-1, 20-2.

[0117] Further, according to such a configuration, for example, even if the stacking crane 20-1 is configured not to be able to hand over the article A between the storage area 1 within the reach range Cn1 and the stacking crane 20-2 is configured not to be able to hand over the article A between the storage area 1 within the reach range Cn2, it is possible to hand over the article A between the storage areas 1 within the reach ranges Cn1, Cn2 and the two stacking cranes 20-1, 20-2.

[0118] Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the area 6 different from the worship room 3 is provided adjacent to at least one of the front and the rear in the X direction (second direction) with respect to the columns L2, L3 of the worship room 3.

[0119] According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to more effectively utilize the space adjacent to the end portion of the X direction of the transport path T and the guide rail 25.

[0120] [First Modification]

[0121] Figure 7 is a plan view of the worship facility 10A of the first modification at a position equivalent to the position of the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment. The worship facility 10A of the first modification is different from the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment in that the stacking crane 20-1 is not provided with the support portion 24a. Figure 8 is a plan view of the worship facility 10A of the first modification at a position equivalent to the position of the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment. The worship facility 10A of the first modification is different from the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment in that the stacking crane 20-1 is not provided with the support portion 24a. Figure 7 is a plan view of the worship facility 10A of the first modification at a position equivalent to the position of the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment. The worship facility 10A of the first modification is different from the worship facility 10 of the first embodiment in that the stacking crane 20-1 is not provided with the support portion 24a. Figure 1As is clear from the comparison, in the present modification example, the part of the area 6 is assembled to the worship room 3A at the front end in the X direction, and the length Wl of the worship room 3A in the X direction is made longer than the length W of the other worship rooms 3 (see Figure 9 , 7 ). Other than this, the worship facility 10A has the same structure as the worship facility 10. The worship room 3A is an example of the first worship room. As with the above embodiment, according to the present modification example, it is also possible to more effectively utilize the space adjacent to the end in the X direction of the transport path T and the guide rail 25.

[0122] [Second Modification Example]

[0123] Figure 7 is a plan view of the worship facility 10B of the second modification example at the same position as Figure 9 . As shown in Figure 9 , in the present modification example, the stacking crane 20-1 located at the limit position in the front in the X direction, i.e., the position Pe12, is able to perform the transfer of the article A between the transfer position Pd2 at the end in the X direction. The stacking crane 20-2 is also able to perform the transfer of the article A between the transfer position Pd2.

[0124] As shown in Figure 10 , a second avoidance space Se2 is provided in the transport path T, and the second avoidance space Se2 is able to provide a position for the stacking crane 20-2 adjacent to or separated from the stacking crane 20-1 in the front in the X direction with respect to the stacking crane 20-1 in a state where the stacking crane 20-1 is located at the position Pe12 at which the transfer of the article A between the transfer position Pd2 is possible. By the provision of such a second avoidance space Se2, both the stacking crane 20-1 and the stacking crane 20-2 are able to perform the transfer of the article A between the transfer position Pd2.

[0125] Figure 9 is a plan view of the worship facility 10B on the side opposite to Figure 10 in the X direction. In Figure 10 , the stacking crane 20-1 is located at the limit position in the rear in the X direction, i.e., the position Pe11, and the stacking crane 20-2 is located at the limit position in the rear in the X direction, i.e., the position Pe21. As is clear from Figure 10 , the stacking crane 20-2 is able to perform the transfer of the article A between the transfer position Pd1 at the end in the X direction, and the stacking crane 20-1 is also able to perform the transfer of the article between the transfer position Pd1.

[0126] As shown in ​As shown, the first avoidance space Se1 is provided in the transport path T, which allows the stacking crane 20-1 to be positioned adjacent to or separated from the stacking crane 20-2 in the rear direction in the X direction in a state where the stacking crane 20-2 is positioned at the position Pe21 capable of transferring the article A with the transfer position Pdl. With the provision of such a first avoidance space Se1, both the stacking crane 20-1 and the stacking crane 20-2 can transfer the article A with the transfer position Pdl.

[0127] As described above, in the present modification example, both the stacking crane 20-1 and the stacking crane 20-2 can transfer the article A with all the transfer positions Pd that pass through the first storage rack Rl in the Y direction. According to such a configuration, since the relay of the article A at the relay position Pr is not required, the article A can sometimes be transported more quickly.

[0128] The above describes an embodiment of the present application, but the above embodiment is only an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the application. In addition, the specifications (structure, type, direction, type, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) of each structure, shape, etc. can be appropriately changed and implemented.

[0129] For example, the article is not limited to a container. On the other hand, in the case where the article is a container, the visiting device can also manage the storage state of the storage portion stored in the container.

[0130] In addition, the layout of the article visiting device can also be variously set.

[0131] In addition, a plurality of transport mechanisms that can pass in the second direction can also be included in the visiting device. In this case, the present application can also be applied to the plurality of transport mechanisms that require relay and the plurality of transport mechanisms that cannot pass in the second direction. In addition, the transport mechanism is not limited to a stacking crane, and can be, for example, a self-propelled trolley having a lifting device, etc.

Claims

1. A visitation apparatus, wherein the visitation apparatus is provided with: a storage rack having a plurality of storage areas arranged along a conveyance path extending in a first direction, the plurality of storage areas each being capable of storing an article; a first conveyance mechanism having a first support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveyance path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a first support position within the conveyance path at which the article is supported by the first support portion; a second conveyance mechanism capable of acting independently of the first conveyance mechanism, and having a second support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveyance path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a second support position within the conveyance path at which the article is supported by the second support portion; a plurality of third conveyance mechanisms each being capable of conveying the article between a visitation position arranged in each of a plurality of visitation rooms arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a handover position arranged in correspondence with the visitation position and capable of handing over the article between the first conveyance mechanism or the second conveyance mechanism; and a conveyance control portion that controls at least one of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism, and the third conveyance mechanisms, in a manner that conveys the article between the visitation positions and the storage rack, the first support portion and the second support portion are configured not to be able to pass each other in the second direction.

2. The visitation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first conveyance mechanism is not capable of conveying the article between the storage areas within a first non-reachable region of the plurality of storage areas located at a front end in the second direction, the second conveyance mechanism is not capable of conveying the article between the storage areas within a second non-reachable region of the plurality of storage areas located at a rear end in the second direction, both the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism are capable of conveying the article between the storage areas within an intermediate region located between the first non-reachable region and the second non-reachable region, a second relay position is provided within the intermediate region, the second relay position temporarily placing the article when the article is handed over between the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism.

3. The visitation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the visitation apparatus is provided with a second allocation decision portion that allocates the second relay position to any of the storage areas within the intermediate region that is vacant, in accordance with a vacant condition of the plurality of storage areas, when the article is relayed between the first support portion and the second support portion.

4. The visitation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first conveyance mechanism is not capable of handing over the article between first handover positions of the handover positions located at a rear end in the second direction, the second conveyance mechanism is not capable of handing over the article between second handover positions of the handover positions located at a front end in the second direction, both the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism are capable of handing over the article between the handover positions within an intermediate region located between the first handover positions and the second handover positions, a third relay position is provided within the intermediate region, the third relay position temporarily placing the article when the article is handed over between the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism. the second conveying mechanism cannot convey the article between the second transfer position which is the front end of the transfer positions in the second direction, both the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism can convey the article between the third transfer position which is between the first transfer position and the second transfer position among the transfer positions, the visiting apparatus is provided with a first relay position which temporarily places the article when the article is transferred between the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism.

5. The visiting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the visiting apparatus is provided with at least one of a first avoidance space and a second avoidance space, the first avoidance space is a space in which the first conveying mechanism is positioned adjacent to or separated from the second conveying mechanism in a position behind the second conveying mechanism in the second direction when the second conveying mechanism is in a position in which the article can be transferred between the first transfer position which is a position of the transfer positions at the rear end in the second direction, the second avoidance space is a space in which the second conveying mechanism is positioned adjacent to or separated from the first conveying mechanism in a position in front of the first conveying mechanism in the second direction when the first conveying mechanism is in a position in which the article can be transferred between the second transfer position which is a position of the transfer positions at the front end in the second direction.

6. A visiting apparatus, wherein the visiting apparatus comprises: a storage rack having a plurality of storage areas which are arranged along a conveying path which extends in a first direction, the plurality of storage areas each being capable of storing an article; a first conveying mechanism having a first support portion which supports the article and conveys the article along the conveying path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a first support position in the conveying path at which the article is supported by the first support portion; a second conveying mechanism which is capable of operating independently of the first conveying mechanism, and having a second support portion which supports the article and conveys the article along the conveying path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a second support position in the conveying path at which the article is supported by the second support portion; a plurality of third conveying mechanisms each being capable of conveying the article between a visiting position and a transfer position, the visiting position being provided in each of a plurality of visiting rooms which are arranged in a second direction which crosses the first direction, the transfer position being provided in correspondence with the visiting position and being capable of transferring the article between the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism; and a conveying control portion which controls at least one of the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism, and the third conveying mechanisms, in such a manner that the article is conveyed between the visiting positions and the storage rack, the visiting apparatus is provided with at least one of a first avoidance space and a second avoidance space, the first avoiding space is for the first conveying mechanism to be positioned adjacent to or separated from the second conveying mechanism in a position behind the second conveying mechanism in the second direction, in a state where the second conveying mechanism is positioned in a position capable of transferring the article between the first transfer position, which is a position at a rear end in the second direction among the transfer positions, the second avoiding space is for the second conveying mechanism to be positioned adjacent to or separated from the first conveying mechanism in a position in front of the first conveying mechanism in the second direction, in a state where the first conveying mechanism is positioned in a position capable of transferring the article between the second transfer position, which is a position at a front end in the second direction among the transfer positions.

7. The visiting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, wherein the third conveying mechanisms respectively extend in the first direction between the visiting positions and the transfer positions capable of directly transferring the article between the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism.

8. A visiting apparatus, wherein the visiting apparatus comprises: a storage rack having a plurality of storage areas provided along a conveying path extending in a first direction, the plurality of storage areas each being capable of storing an article; a first conveying mechanism having a first support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveying path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a first support position in the conveying path at which the article is supported by the first support portion; a second conveying mechanism capable of independently operating from the first conveying mechanism, and having a second support portion that supports the article and conveys the article along the conveying path, and being capable of conveying the article between each of the storage areas and a second support position in the conveying path at which the article is supported by the second support portion; a plurality of third conveying mechanisms each extending in the first direction between a visiting position and a transfer position, the visiting position being provided in each of a plurality of visiting rooms arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the transfer position being provided corresponding to the visiting position and being capable of directly transferring the article between the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism; and a conveying control portion that controls at least one of the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism, and the third conveying mechanisms, in a manner to convey the article between the visiting positions and the storage rack.

9. The visiting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 8, wherein both the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are capable of transferring the article between all of the transfer positions.

10. The visiting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 8, wherein The visiting device is provided with a first allocation decision unit that decides allocation of the article to the storage area for the article moved in from the storage rack in accordance with the free condition of the plurality of storage areas, and releases allocation of the article to the storage area for the article moved out from the storage rack.

11. The visiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 8, wherein As the visiting room, at least either one of the front end and the rear end of the column of the second direction of the visiting room is provided with a first visiting room whose length in the second direction is longer than the length in the second direction of any other visiting room.

12. The visiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 8, wherein The visiting device is provided with an area different from the visiting room, which is adjacent to at least either one of the front and the rear in the second direction with respect to the column of the second direction of the visiting room.

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