Storage rack supply system, delivery system, and storage rack sub-processing device

Abstract

A shelving supply system for supplying shelving units each having a base and a partition portion foldable with respect to the base and capable of being switched between an incapable state in which the partition portion is folded with respect to the base and a capable state in which the partition portion is erected with respect to the base, the shelving supply system comprising: a unit supply portion for supplying the shelving units in the incapable state; a unit preparation portion for making the shelving units in the incapable state into the shelving units in the capable state; a transfer device for transferring the shelving units in the incapable state from the unit supply portion to the unit preparation portion; and a unit take-out portion for taking out the shelving units in the capable state from the unit preparation portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage rack supply system, a shipping system, and a storage rack processing device. The storage rack supply system supplies storage racks that can be switched between a non-storable state with the partitions folded and a storable state with the partitions erected. The shipping system ships the stored items stored in the storable storage racks. The storage rack processing device processes the storage racks that can be switched between a non-storable state and a storable state. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, for example, Patent Document 1 disclosed a technique for transferring large tires (the stored items) used in buses and trucks using a foldable storage rack. After the support pillars (dividers) of the storage rack are erected to a storage-capable state, the storage rack is tilted, thereby storing the tires into the storage rack using a forklift. Furthermore, after the storage rack's posture is converted to horizontal using a posture conversion device, multiple large tires stored together with the storage rack are transferred to a storage section using a forklift.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the change of the storage form of the storage rack is not specifically described, but it is conceivable that it is done by the operator.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for transferring a stacked tire assembly from a storage unit while maintaining its stacked state. During the transfer, the tires are separated one by one for inspection. Then, multiple tires of the same type and size are stacked together to form a stacked tire assembly again, and then transferred to the shipping unit. The stacked tire assemblies transferred to the shipping unit are then positioned horizontally, arranged in a horizontal direction. The stacked tire assemblies are then stored in a storage rack in a horizontal position. Finally, the storage racks containing the tire assemblies are stacked.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-310208

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 2539241 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In Patent Document 1, a receiving rack capable of switching between a non-receiving state and a receiving state is used for transferring tire assemblies. It is conceivable that the operator using the forklift would switch the receiving rack's state each time before receiving the tires. In this case, work efficiency may decrease. Furthermore, when handling heavy objects (e.g., large tires, rolls formed by winding continuous sheet-like components into rolls), using a strong and rigid receiving rack increases the mass of the movable divider itself. In this case, the operator's physical burden may increase when switching the receiving rack's state.

[0011] Patent document 2 discloses a shipping system using storage racks capable of being accommodated. In this shipping system, space needs to be prepared in advance for preparing multiple storage racks capable of being accommodated.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and its object is to provide a rack supply system, a shipping system, and a rack handling device that efficiently switches racks from a non-receivable state to a receivable state.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention proposes the following solution.

[0015] (1) A first aspect of the present invention relates to a storage shelf supply system for supplying storage shelves, the storage shelf having a base and a partition that can be folded relative to the base, and being switchable to a non-storable state in which the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state in which the partition is upright relative to the base, the storage shelf supply system comprising: a shelf supply unit for supplying the storage shelf in the non-storable state; a shelf preparation unit for converting the storage shelf in the non-storable state into the storage shelf in the storable state; a transfer device for transferring the storage shelf in the non-storable state from the shelf supply unit to the shelf preparation unit; and a shelf removal unit for removing the storage shelf in the storable state from the shelf preparation unit.

[0016] According to this structure, storage shelves that cannot be stored can be supplied through the shelf supply unit, and the storage shelves that cannot be stored can be transferred from the shelf supply unit to the shelf preparation unit via a transfer device. Then, the storage shelves that cannot be stored are transformed into storage shelves that can be stored by the shelf preparation unit. Finally, the storage shelves that can be stored are removed from the shelf preparation unit by the shelf removal unit.

[0017] In this way, by using specialized machinery such as the shelf preparation department to switch the storage shelves from a state where they cannot be stored to a state where they can be stored, the switching of storage shelves from a state where they cannot be stored to a state where they can be stored can be done efficiently.

[0018] (7) In any of the storage rack supply systems described in (2) to (6), the storage rack may also have a first partition and a second partition as the partition, wherein in the unacceptable storage state, one of the first partition and the second partition is positioned above the other, the rack preparation unit has an upper partition detection unit that detects the upper partition of the first partition and the second partition, the storage rack supply system has a control unit that controls the partition movement unit, and the engaging part is disposed on the first partition. The locking portion of a partition, namely the first locking portion, is engaged, and the locking portion is engaged with the locking portion of the second partition, namely the second locking portion. The control unit includes: a discrimination unit that, based on the detection result of the upper partition detection unit, determines which of the first partition and the second partition in the non-accommodating state relative to the base is located at the top; and a locking position determination unit that, based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit, determines a first locking position relative to the first locking portion or a second locking position relative to the second locking portion for engaging the locking portion.

[0019] (9) A second aspect of the present invention relates to a shipping system used in shipping an item to be stored in a storage rack, the storage rack having a base and a foldable partition relative to the base, and being switchable to a non-storable state where the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state where the partition is upright relative to the base, wherein the shipping system comprises: a rack supply unit that supplies the storage rack in the non-storable state; a rack preparation unit that converts the storage rack in the non-storable state into the storage rack in the storable state; a transfer device that transfers the storage rack in the non-storable state from the rack supply unit to the rack preparation unit; a rack removal unit that removes the storage rack in the storable state from the rack preparation unit; and a storage unit that stores the item in the storage rack in the storable state.

[0020] According to this structure, storage shelves that cannot be stored can be supplied through the shelf supply unit, and the storage shelves that cannot be stored can be transferred from the shelf supply unit to the shelf preparation unit via a transfer device. Then, the storage shelves that cannot be stored are transformed into storage shelves that can be stored by the shelf preparation unit. Finally, the storage shelves that can be stored are removed from the shelf preparation unit by the shelf removal unit.

[0021] In this way, by using specialized machinery such as the shelf preparation department to switch the storage shelves from a state where they cannot be stored to a state where they can be stored, the switching of storage shelves from a state where they cannot be stored to a state where they can be stored can be done efficiently.

[0022] Furthermore, the containment unit allows the contained object to be housed in a containment rack in a containment-ready state.

[0023] (17) A third aspect of the present invention relates to a storage rack processing apparatus for processing a storage rack having a base and a partition that can be folded relative to the base, and being switchable to a non-storable state in which the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state in which the partition is upright relative to the base. The storage rack processing apparatus includes: a preparation positioning unit for positioning the storage rack in the non-storable state; and a partition moving unit having an engaging portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the partition, thereby moving the engaging portion.

[0024] According to this structure, a positioning unit is used to position a storage rack that cannot be accommodated. Then, a separating moving unit moves the engaging part, thereby moving the engaged part of the separating part that engages with the engaging part. As a result, the separating part of the storage rack can be raised relative to the base, transforming it into a storage rack that can be accommodated.

[0025] As described above, the positioning of the storage rack and the switching to the storage state can be performed separately by the positioning preparation unit and the separation movement unit.

[0026] Furthermore, by using specialized machinery such as a storage rack handling device to switch the storage rack from a state where it cannot be stored to a state where it can be stored, the switching of the storage rack from a state where it cannot be stored to a state where it can be stored can be done efficiently.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] The rack supply system, shipping system, and rack processing device according to the present invention can efficiently switch the rack from a non-acceptable state to an acceptable state. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a shipping system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the tires used in this shipping system.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the storage racks used by the shipping system to accommodate different states.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the storage rack.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of the containment rack in an uncontainable state.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the storage rack when the second partition is in the middle position.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0037] Figure 9 Is Figure 8 The diagram does not show the storage rack.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the rack preparation section of the shipping system.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a sectional view of the main part of the shelf preparation section.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a diagram that shows a summary of the operations of the preparation section of the shelf.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a 3D view of the receiving section of the shipping system.

[0043] Figure 15 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the operation of the containment unit.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the overview of the control unit of the shipping system.

[0045] Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the operation of the preparation section of the frame.

[0046] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged 3D view of the main parts.

[0047] Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the operation of the preparation section of the frame.

[0048] Figure 20 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the operation of the preparation section of the frame.

[0049] Figure 21 This is a top view of a separating moving unit in a receiving rack supply system according to a first variation of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the housing rack of the second modification of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 22 This describes one embodiment of the shipping system of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 1 The shipping system 1 shown is used when shipping a tire (the item being stored) T, which is stored in the storage unit 10 described later, by storing it in the storage rack 200. Figure 1 The number of tires T is reduced in the text. The tires T and the housing rack 200 will be described first below.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first tire (first contained object) T1, a second tire (second contained object) T2, and a third tire T3 are used as tires T. For example, the first tire T1, the second tire T2, and the third tire T3 are of the same type but different sizes. The outer diameter of the tires T in this embodiment increases in the order of the first tire T1, the second tire T2, and the third tire T3. The first tire T1 is a tire T of the first category in terms of type and size. The second tire T2 is a tire T of the second category in terms of size, which is different from the first category. The third tire T3 is a tire T of the third category in terms of size, which is different from both the first and second categories.

[0054] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 From now on, tires T1, T2, and T3 will be designated as having the same size.

[0055] As for the types of tires (T), examples include summer tires, winter tires, radial tires, and bias-ply tires. For instance, the size of a tire (T) can be represented by a combination of its width, aspect ratio, and the rim diameter used with it.

[0056] It should be noted that tires T1, T2, and T3 can also be different types. In this case, the first, second, and third categories are all different.

[0057] More generally, tires T1, T2, and T3 only need to be different in at least one of the following aspects: type and size.

[0058] In this embodiment, tires T1, T2, and T3 are used as tires with three categories. However, the classification of tires T used by the shipping system 1 is not limited to this; it can also be one category, two categories, or even four or more categories.

[0059] Figure 2 The diagram shows a first tire T1 as an example of a tire T. Tire cords T6 containing tire information (accommodated information) are installed on the first tire T1. The tire information includes information used to identify the type and size of the first tire T1.

[0060] In the example shown, tire information is represented by a barcode, but tire information can also be represented by a QR code (registered trademark) or recorded in an IC tag installed on the tire.

[0061] Tires T2 and T3 are also equipped with the same tire cords as the first tire T1, T6.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the storage rack 200 includes a first storage rack 200A, a second storage rack 200B, and a third storage rack 200C capable of storing tires T1, T2, and T3. For example, the first storage rack 200A is a storage rack for the first tire T1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the structure of the first storage shelf 200A is identical to that of the storage shelves 200B and 200C, except for the mounting section 203A described later. Therefore, the structure of the first storage shelf 200A is indicated by adding the uppercase letter "A" to the numbers or lowercase letters in the designation. The structures in the storage shelves 200B and 200C corresponding to the first storage shelf 200A are indicated by adding the uppercase letters "B" or "C" to the numbers or lowercase letters that are the same as those in the designation of the first storage shelf 200A. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted. When describing the storage shelves 200A, 200B, and 200C without distinction, they are referred to as storage shelf 200.

[0064] The same applies to the shelf supply departments 40A, 40B, 40C, etc., which will be described later.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the first receiving rack 200A includes a bottom 201A, a first partition (partition) 211A, and a second partition (partition) 221A. Figure 3 The diagram shows a first receiving shelf 200A in a receiving state P1 in which the supporting end of one of the partitions 211A and 221A is supported separately from the base 202A, and the moving end of the other is moved and erected relative to the base 202A.

[0066] The bottom part 201A has a base part 202A, a mounting part 203A, and a support part 204A.

[0067] The base 202A is a rectangular flat plate when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the first outer edge 202aA of the base 202A is longer than the second outer edge 202bA, which is orthogonal to the first outer edge 202aA. Hereinafter, in the first housing shelf 200A, the direction along the first outer edge 202aA will be designated as the first direction and referred to as the length direction. The direction along the second outer edge 202bA will be designated as the second direction and referred to as the width direction.

[0068] A pair of through holes 202cA are formed at intervals along the length of the base 202A. The pair of through holes 202cA are rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0069] The mounting portion 203A has a pair of mounting members 206A. The pair of mounting members 206A are rod-shaped members that extend along the length direction. The pair of mounting members 206A are arranged with a gap between them along the width direction. The pair of mounting members 206A are respectively fixed to the upper surface of the base portion 202A.

[0070] The bottom 201A has four support portions 204A. Each support portion 204A has a first support portion 207A and a bearing portion 208A. The first support portion 207A is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. The middle portion of the first support portion 207A in the vertical direction is fixed to each corner portion of the base 202A.

[0071] The bearing portion 208A is provided at the lower end of the first support portion 207A. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a recess 208aA is formed on the lower surface of the bearing portion 208A, which includes an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the first support portion 207A and is recessed therein.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the first partition 211A is installed at the first end of the base 202A in the longitudinal direction. The first partition 211A has a pair of rotating parts 212A, a pair of second support parts 213A, and a connecting part 214A.

[0073] A pair of rotating parts 212A are arranged such that they sandwich the base 202A in the width direction. Each rotating part 212A is rotatably connected to the base 202A at its first end via a rotating shaft 216A.

[0074] The second support portion 213A is fixed to the second end of the rotating portion 212A opposite to the first end. The second support portion 213A is a rod-shaped member extending upward from the rotating portion 212A. The lower end of the second support portion 213A engages with the upper end of the first support portion 207A of the support portion 204A.

[0075] The connecting part 214A is composed of multiple rod-shaped members (notation omitted). The connecting part 214A connects a pair of second support parts 213A.

[0076] The second partition 221A has a pair of rotating portions 222A, a pair of second support portions 223A, and a connecting portion 224A, which are configured similarly to the pair of rotating portions 212A, the pair of second support portions 213A, and the connecting portion 214A of the first partition 211A. The second partition 221A is mounted on a second end portion of the base 202A located on the opposite side to the first end portion located on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] In the first receiving rack 200A constructed as described above, as Figure 5 As shown, the support ends of the partitions 211A and 221A are supported around the rotation axes 216A and 226A, thereby allowing them to rotate. When the partitions 211A and 221A rotate, the moving ends of each partition 211A and 221A move close to the base 202A and are positioned approximately along the base 202A, thereby folding the partitions 211A and 221A relative to the base 202A. Furthermore, the first storage rack 200A becomes an unaccommodating state P2 by folding the partitions 211A and 221A relative to the base 202A. In this embodiment, the partitions 211A and 221A are longer than half the length of the base 202A in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the unaccommodating state P2 of the first storage rack 200A, one of the partitions 211A and 221A is positioned above the other. There are cases where the first partition 211A is positioned above the second partition 221A, and there are also cases where the second partition 221A is positioned above the first partition 211A.

[0078] In this way, the first receiving rack 200A can switch between a receiving state P1 and a non-receiving state P2 by changing the configuration state of the partitions 211A and 221A.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, the second partition 221A can be moved to the middle position P3. The middle position P3 is the position of the second partition 221A between the position of the second partition 221A in the first storage rack 200A that cannot accommodate state P2 and the position of the second partition 221A in the storage rack 200A that can accommodate state P1.

[0080] The same applies to the first dividing section 211A.

[0081] It should be noted that the preferred structure is as follows: after the second support portion 213A is mated with the first support portion 207A to make the first receiving shelf 200A capable of receiving (P1), the second support portion 213A can be fixed in the first receiving shelf 200A within the first support portion 207A. As an example of this structure, a structure in which the second support portion 213A falls into the first support portion 207A and is engaged by a groove and a pin can be cited.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second storage shelf 200B, the distance between a pair of mounting rods 206B is longer than the distance between a pair of mounting members 206A in the first storage shelf 200A. In the third storage shelf 200C, the distance between a pair of mounting rods 206C is longer than the distance between a pair of mounting rods 206B in the second storage shelf 200B.

[0083] Preferably, the storage shelves 200A, 200B, and 200C are equipped with shelf codes that record shelf information used to identify them respectively.

[0084] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the shipping system 1 includes a shelf supply unit 40, a transfer device 55, a shelf preparation unit (shelf handling device) 65 according to this embodiment, and a shelf removal unit 110. Furthermore, the shipping system 1 includes a storage unit 10, a storage and transfer unit 30, and a storage unit 115. Additionally, the shipping system 1 includes a control unit 140.

[0085] It should be noted that the shelving supply system 2 of this embodiment is composed of the shelving supply unit 40, the transfer device 55, the shelving preparation unit 65, the shelving removal unit 110, and the control unit 140. The shelving supply system 2 is used to supply the shelving 200.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, tires T1, T2, and T3 are stored in the containment storage section 10. The containment storage section 10 has a storage area 11, an infeed tire transfer unit 12, a tire transfer unit 13, and an outfeed tire transfer unit 14.

[0087] Storage area 11 is capable of storing a stacked tire T10 (multiple tires T) obtained by stacking multiple tires T of the same type and size. In the stacked tire T10, multiple tires T are stacked along the stacking direction. The stacking direction is along the central axis of the tire T.

[0088] A first stacked tire T11, which is a stacked tire T10, is constructed by stacking multiple first tires T1 along the stacking direction. A second stacked tire T12, which is a stacked tire T10, is constructed by stacking multiple second tires T2 along the stacking direction. A third stacked tire T13, which is a stacked tire T10, is constructed by stacking multiple third tires T3 along the stacking direction.

[0089] Here, a first setting direction X and a second setting direction Y are defined along the setting surface F of the shipping system 1. The first setting direction X and the second setting direction Y are orthogonal to each other. The first setting direction X and the second setting direction Y are directions along the horizontal plane.

[0090] Storage area 11 includes storage tables 17A and 17B. Furthermore, storage area 11 includes storage positions P6A and P6B ​​for actually storing tires T, retrieval positions P7A and P7B for transferring tires T from storage area 11 to storage positions P6A and P6B, and delivery positions P8A and P8B for sending tires T from storage positions P6A and P6B ​​to outside storage area 11. Additionally, storage area 11 includes retrieval waiting positions P9A and P9B for retrieving stored tires T.

[0091] Storage platforms 17A and 17B, when viewed from above, are rectangular shapes that are longer in the first setting direction X. Storage platforms 17A and 17B are arranged along the second setting direction Y. Storage positions P6A and P6B ​​are set on the upper surfaces of storage platforms 17A and 17B. Specifically, storage positions P6A and P6B ​​are assigned by the control unit 140 as part of storage platforms 17A and 17B, based on the size of storage platforms 17A and 17B and the size of tires T. Stacked tires T11, T12, and T13 are stored in storage positions P6A and P6B.

[0092] The tire transfer unit 12 delivers tires T from outside the storage area 11 to the retrieval positions P7A and P7B. For example, the retrieval positions P7A and P7B are located at one end of the storage area 11, which is closer to the first side X1 in the first setting direction X than the storage positions P6A and P6B. Furthermore, the tire transfer unit 12 delivers tires T to the retrieval waiting positions P9A and P9B, where tires T are retrieved from the storage area 11. For example, the retrieval waiting positions P9A and P9B are different from the retrieval positions P7A and P7B, and are located at one end of the storage area 11, which is closer to the first side X1 in the first setting direction X than the storage positions P6A and P6B.

[0093] The tire transfer unit 12 includes infeed conveyors 19A and 19B and waiting conveyors 20A and 20B. For example, the infeed conveyors 19A and 19B and the waiting conveyors 20A and 20B are known roller conveyors. The infeed conveyors 19A and 19B are arranged throughout the interior and exterior of the storage area 11 at one end of the storage area 11, which is closer to the first side X1 than the storage tables 17A and 17B. Furthermore, the waiting conveyors 20A and 20B are arranged at one end of the storage area 11, which is closer to the first side X1 than the storage tables 17A and 17B, facing the connection position that connects to the interior and exterior of the storage area 11.

[0094] Conveyors 19A and 19B transport tires T from outside storage area 11 to retrieval positions P7A and P7B. Conveyors 20A and 20B transport tires T from retrieval positions P7A and P7B or storage positions P6A and P6B ​​to outside storage area 11. Conveyors 20A and 20B are used when the type and size of tires T delivered to retrieval positions P7A and P7B differ from the type and size of tires T that should be stored in storage area 11, or when tires T are forcibly excluded from storage.

[0095] The tire transfer unit 13 is disposed above the storage area 11. The tire transfer unit 13 removes the tire T from the removal positions P7A and P7B and can transfer the tire T from the removal positions P7A and P7B to the delivery positions P8A and P8B.

[0096] It should be noted that the tire transfer unit 13 can also be configured to transfer tire T from storage area 11 to delivery positions P8A and P8B.

[0097] The tire transfer unit 13 includes first transfer units 22A and 22B, and second transfer units 23A and 23B. Transfer units 22A, 22B, 23A, and 23B use known transfer devices that transfer tires T along a first setting direction X and a second setting direction Y, respectively. The first transfer units 22A and 22B remove tires T from removal positions P7A and P7B and transfer them to storage positions P6A and P6B. The second transfer units 23A and 23B transfer the stacked tires T10 (tire T) from storage positions P6A and P6B ​​to delivery positions P8A and P8B. Delivery positions P8A and P8B are located at the opposite end of the storage area 11 in the first setting direction X, on a second side X2 opposite to the first side X1, compared to storage positions P6A and P6B.

[0098] The tire transfer unit 14 of the delivery section transfers the stacked tires T10 from the delivery positions P8A and P8B located within the storage area 11 to the receiving and transfer section 30 located outside the storage area 11. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the tire transfer unit 14 of the delivery section includes delivery conveyors 25A and 25B and a first rotary / transfer table 26. The delivery conveyors 25A and 25B and the first rotary / transfer table 26 are arranged at the other end of the storage area 11, which is located on the second side X2 of the storage tables 17A and 17B.

[0099] Conveyor 25A conveys stacked tires T10 to one side of storage platforms 17A and 17B, which is the center side of the second setting direction Y, in the first direction. Conveyor 25B conveys stacked tires T10 to the other side of storage platforms 17A and 17B, which is the center side of the second setting direction Y, in the first direction. The stacked tires T10 are conveyed in a vertical orientation along the stacking direction.

[0100] The first rotary / transfer table 26 is positioned between the delivery conveyor 25A and the delivery conveyor 25B. The first rotary / transfer table 26 changes the orientation of the stacked tire T10 and transfers the stacked tire T10 along the orientation specified by the second side X2, that is, the second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0101] The receiving and transferring unit 30 transfers the stacked tires T11, T12, and T13 to the receiving unit 115. The receiving and transferring unit 30 has a first transfer conveyor 31, a second rotary / transfer table 32, and a second transfer conveyor 33.

[0102] The first transfer conveyor 31 is positioned on the second direction side, which is the second side X2, closer to the first rotary / transfer table 26. The first transfer conveyor 31 transfers the stacked tires T10 in the second direction, which is the second side X2.

[0103] The second rotary / transfer table 32 is configured similarly to the first rotary / transfer table 26. The second rotary / transfer table 32 is positioned closer to the first transfer conveyor 31 in a second direction (X2). The second transfer conveyor 33 is positioned closer to the second rotary / transfer table 32 in a first direction (Y1) in a second setting direction (Y). The second transfer conveyor 33 transfers the stacked tires T10 towards the side in the first direction (Y1).

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, the shelf supply unit 40 supplies the storage shelf 200 that cannot accommodate the P2 state. The shelf supply unit 40 has a first shelf supply unit 40A, a second shelf supply unit 40B, and a third shelf supply unit 40C corresponding to the first storage shelf 200A, the second storage shelf 200B, and the third storage shelf 200C, respectively. Hereinafter, the first shelf supply unit 40A among the shelf supply units 40A, 40B, and 40C will be described as an example.

[0105] In this embodiment, the shelf supply unit 40 has three shelf supply units, namely shelf supply units 40A, 40B, and 40C, corresponding to the three categories of the first category to the third category. However, the shelf supply unit 40 only needs to have a number of shelf supply units corresponding to the number of categories of tires T.

[0106] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first shelf supply unit 40A supplies the first receiving shelf 200A in the non-receiving state P2. The first shelf supply unit 40A has a shelf placement unit 41A and a stacking separation unit 42A.

[0107] The shelf placement section 41A includes a shelf transfer unit 41aA for transferring the first receiving shelf 200A. The shelf transfer unit 41aA uses a known conveyor, such as a wheeled conveyor. The shelf placement section 41A includes a placement position provided on the shelf transfer unit 41aA. Multiple receiving shelves 200A in a stacked state (not shown) are transferred to the shelf placement section 41A via a transfer mechanism and placed in the shelf transfer unit 41aA. Specifically, the receiving shelves 200A are placed at the placement positions provided on the shelf transfer unit 41aA.

[0108] Hereinafter, the stacked multiple non-accommodating storage racks 200A will be referred to as stacked storage racks 230A. In the stacked storage rack 230A, the recess 208aA in the support portion 204A of the upper storage rack 200A engages with the upper end of the support portion 204A of the lower storage rack 200A, thereby maintaining the stacked state.

[0109] The shelf transfer unit 41aA transfers the stacked storage shelf 230A placed in the placement position to the first side X1, which becomes the transfer direction.

[0110] The stacking separation unit 42A separates a receiving shelf 200A that cannot accommodate state P2 from the stacked receiving shelf 230A and transfers the separated receiving shelf 200A. Specifically, it separates the bottommost receiving shelf 200A of the stacked receiving shelf 230A and transfers the separated receiving shelf 200A in the transfer direction. The stacking separation unit 42A includes a shelf separation unit 42aA and a shelf transfer unit 48A.

[0111] The shelf separation unit 42aA includes a shelf engaging portion 45A and a shelf lifting portion 46A. Furthermore, the shelf separation unit 42aA includes a support base member 42bA that fixes the shelf engaging portion 45A and the shelf lifting portion 46A together and supports them integrally. The support base member 42bA is a plate-shaped member formed in a rectangular shape.

[0112] The shelf engaging part 45A has a pair of shelf engaging mechanisms 49aA, which are spaced apart by a predetermined interval in a second setting direction Y that is the width direction and is orthogonal to the conveying direction of the shelf transfer unit 48A.

[0113] The shelf engaging mechanisms 49aA, 49aA include: a pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction and capable of approaching / separating from each other in the width direction; and a drive unit 49bA, 49bA for moving the pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A forward and backward between an engaging position and a waiting position. The pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A are each a rod-shaped member extending along a second setting direction Y, which is the width direction. The pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A are arranged at a distance from each other in a first setting direction X. The pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A move downwards towards the base 202A of the receiving shelf 200A, which rises via the shelf lifting unit 46A, by entering movement. Then, the receiving shelf 200A, mounted on the lifting unit 46A, moves downwards, engaging and supporting the pair of engaging portions 49A, 49A waiting below the base 202A of the receiving shelf 200A. More specifically, a pair of engaging parts 49A, 49A move downwards towards the base 202A of the second storage shelf 200A from the bottom in the stacked storage shelf 230A, waiting in an engaged state. The shelf lifting part 46A moves downwards and engages with the base 202A of the second storage shelf 200A from the bottom in the stacked storage shelf 230A (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0114] The shelving lifting unit 46A includes a lifting platform 47A and a shelving lifting mechanism 46aA for moving the lifting platform 47A up and down. The shelving lifting mechanism 46aA is, for example, a hydraulic jack. The shelving lifting unit 46A moves the lifting platform 47A vertically to abut against the lowest shelf 200A of the stacked storage shelf 230A, thereby providing support and raising or lowering the stacked storage shelf 230A, and maintaining it in a separated position.

[0115] The lifting platform 47A is positioned below the frame engagement part 45A.

[0116] Shelf transfer unit 48A is configured in the same way as shelf transfer unit 41aA. Shelf transfer unit 48A transfers a receiving shelf 200A that cannot be received in state P2 to the first side X1 that becomes the transport direction.

[0117] Similar to the first shelf supply unit 40A, the second shelf supply unit 40B supplies the second storage shelf 200B. The third shelf supply unit 40C supplies the third storage shelf 200C.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, the transfer device 55 transfers the storage rack 200, which cannot be contained in state P2, from the rack supply section 40 to the rack preparation section 65.

[0119] The transfer device 55 includes a first transfer conveyor 56, a second transfer conveyor 57, and a third transfer conveyor 58. The transfer conveyors 56, 57, and 58 are configured in the same way as the rack mounting section 41A.

[0120] The first transfer conveyor 56 extends along a second setting direction Y, which is orthogonal to the transfer direction of the shelf supply unit 40. The first transfer conveyor 56 is positioned on a first side X1 downstream of the shelf transfer units 48A, 48B, and 48C of the shelf supply units 40A, 40B, and 40C, in their respective transfer directions. The first transfer conveyor 56 transfers the receiving shelves 200A, 200B, and 200C in the non-receiving state P2, which are transferred through the shelf transfer units 48A, 48B, and 48C of the shelf supply units 40A, 40B, and 40C, toward the first side Y1, respectively.

[0121] Furthermore, the first transfer conveyor 56 has a first transfer auxiliary unit (notation omitted) at each connecting part of the connecting shelf transfer units 48A, 48B, and 48C, which receives the receiving shelves 200A, 200B, and 200C transferred from the respective shelf transfer units 48A, 48B, and 48C and places them onto the first transfer conveyor 56. Moreover, the first transfer conveyor 56 has a second transfer auxiliary unit (notation omitted) at the connecting part with the second transfer conveyor 57, which transfers the receiving shelves 200 from the first transfer conveyor 56 to the second transfer conveyor 57.

[0122] The second transfer conveyor 57 is disposed at the end of the first side Y1, which is the transfer direction of the first transfer conveyor 56, and is also disposed on the first side X1, which is orthogonal to the transfer direction of the first transfer conveyor 56. The second transfer conveyor 57 transfers the housing rack 200 toward the first side X1, which is the transfer direction.

[0123] The third transfer conveyor 58 is disposed at the end of the first side X1, which is the transfer direction of the second transfer conveyor 57. The third transfer conveyor 58 transfers the housing rack 200 to the second side Y2, which is the direction opposite to the transfer direction of the first transfer conveyor 56. Furthermore, the third transfer conveyor 58 has a third transfer auxiliary unit (notation omitted) at the connection point with the second transfer conveyor 57 for transferring the housing rack 20 transferred from the second transfer conveyor 57 to the third conveyor 58.

[0124] The shelf preparation unit 65 processes the receiving shelf 200. The shelf preparation unit 65 performs operations to change the state of the receiving shelf 200 from a state where it cannot accommodate shelf 200 (P2) to a state where it can accommodate shelf 200 (P1). For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the shelf preparation unit 65 includes a preparation positioning unit 66 and a separation movement unit 67. Furthermore, the shelf preparation unit 65 includes a movement assistance unit 68 and an upper separation detection unit 69. Additionally, the shelf preparation unit 65 includes a preparation transfer unit 70, which is disposed on the transfer path of the third transfer conveyor 58, transfers the receiving shelf 200, and sets a preparation position for preparing the receiving shelf 200.

[0125] The positioning preparation unit 66 positions the receiving rack 200, which is positioned in the preparation position. The positioning preparation unit 66 includes a stop unit 72 and a positioning part 73.

[0126] The stopping unit 72 has a locking part 76 and a driving part 77. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the locking part 76 engages with one end of the second side Y2 (downstream side in the transfer direction) of the base 202 of the receiving shelf 200. The drive part 77 is an actuator that moves the locking part 76 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the stop unit 72, through the operation of the drive part 77, can move the locking part 76 between a locking position above the transport surface of the receiving shelf 200 transferred by the preparation transfer unit 70 and an avoidance position below the transport surface. Furthermore, by moving the locking part 76 to the locking position and waiting, the receiving shelf 200 transferred by the preparation transfer unit 70 can be locked in the locking part 76, thereby stopping the receiving shelf 200 in the preparation position.

[0127] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning preparation unit 66 has a pair of positioning portions 73. The pair of positioning portions 73 are arranged with a gap between them in a first setting direction X, which is the width direction and is orthogonal to the transfer direction of the preparation transfer unit 70. Moreover, the positioning portions 73 are arranged at a position upstream of the stop unit 72 in the conveying direction.

[0128] It should be noted that the number of positioning parts 73 in the positioning unit 66 can also be one.

[0129] The positioning part 73 has an abutment part 80 and a driving part 81. It should be noted that, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 In simplified representation, the abutment portion 80 is indicated. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the abutting part 80 has a support part 84, an abutting piece 85, and a force-applying member 86.

[0130] One end of the abutment piece 85, which is the first side Y1 in the conveying direction, is rotatably connected to the support portion 84 via the shaft member 87, and the other end in the conveying direction is configured to be able to swing.

[0131] The drive unit 81 is an actuator that reciprocates the contact unit 80 along the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the drive unit 81 is a pressure cylinder that uses fluid as a drive source. The contact unit 80 moves between a positioning position set downstream in the conveying direction and a waiting position set upstream in the conveying direction through the operation of the drive unit 81.

[0132] The force-applying member 86 is a spring or the like. The force-applying member 86 applies upward force to the other end of the abutment piece 85 on the second side Y2, which is in the conveying direction. The abutment piece 85 has one end supported at a position lower than the conveying surface, and the other end supported by the force-applying member 86 at a position higher than the conveying surface. The upper surface of the abutment piece 85 is supported on the support portion 84 in a manner that gradually slopes upward from the upstream side in the conveying direction toward the second side Y2, which is in the downstream direction. The abutment piece 85 can engage with the other end of the first side Y1 (upstream side in the transfer direction) in the base 202 of the receiving rack 200, which is in the upstream side of the conveying direction.

[0133] When the receiving rack 200 is moved to the ready position by the preparation transfer unit 70, if the base 202 of the receiving rack 200 abuts against the abutment piece 85, then under the action of the mass of the receiving rack 200, overcoming the force of the force-applying member 86, the other end of the second side Y2 of the abutment piece 85 gradually moves downward around the shaft member 87, moving to a position lower than the conveying surface. Figure 12(The position is shown by the dotted line in the image). The storage rack 200 can be moved while the base 202 of the storage rack 200 passes over the abutment piece 85 of the positioning part 73 to the second side Y2.

[0134] When the abutment piece 85 has passed over the base 202 of the receiving rack 200 and the resistance generated by the receiving rack 200 towards the lower part of the conveying surface is released, the other end of the second side Y2 of the abutment piece 85 moves upward with the shaft member 87 as the fulcrum by the force applied by the force member 86, and the other end of the abutment piece 85 moves to a position above the conveying surface. The abutment piece 85 moves from the waiting position on the upstream side of the conveying direction to the downstream side of the conveying direction by the operation of the drive unit 81, thereby abutting against the other end of the first side Y1 of the base 202 of the receiving rack 200, which is the upstream side of the conveying direction, and pressing the base 202 towards the downstream side of the conveying direction.

[0135] The abutting portion 80, which includes the abutting piece 85 that abuts against the base 202, continues to press downstream in the conveying direction under the working force of the driving portion 81, thereby pressing the base 202 of the receiving shelf 200 against the locking portion 76 of the stop unit 72. Furthermore, the receiving shelf 200 is positioned and held in the ready position by the stop unit 72 and the positioning portion 73.

[0136] like Figure 10 As shown, the separating moving unit 67 is supported on a support member 67a having a specified height. The support member 67a has two support bodies 67b, 67b and a beam member 67c supported over the two support bodies 67b, 67b.

[0137] Two supports 67b, 67b are separately arranged on the side of the transfer unit 70 along the conveying direction, and are configured such that the extension direction of the beam member 67c is parallel to the conveying direction of the transfer unit 70.

[0138] The separating moving unit 67 has a first engaging portion (engaging portion) 211a and a second engaging portion (engaging portion) 221a disposed on the first separating portion 211 and the second separating portion 221 (see reference). Figure 3 ) The engaging part 90 and the engaging moving mechanism 90A that moves the engaging part 90.

[0139] The engaging part 90 is a rod-shaped component with a specified length and diameter. The engaging part 90 is provided at the lower end of the first movable support member 91 that extends in the vertical direction, with its central axis extending in the horizontal direction (along the direction of the horizontal plane), and is rotatably supported on the engaging moving mechanism 90A with the central axis as the center.

[0140] The engaging and moving mechanism 90A has a first moving mechanism 94, a second moving mechanism 95, and an engaging position moving mechanism 96.

[0141] The first moving mechanism 94 includes: a first moving support member 91 having a predetermined length in the vertical direction; and a first drive motor 94M that moves the first moving support member 91 in the vertical direction.

[0142] The second moving mechanism 95 includes: a fixed support member 95A having a predetermined length in the horizontal direction; a second moving support member 94A capable of moving along a guide rail provided on the fixed support member 95A; and a second drive motor 95M fixed to the second moving support member 94A and moving the second moving support member 94A.

[0143] Fixed support member 95A is supported on beam member 67c. Moreover, second movable support member 94A supports first movable support member 91 so that it can move in the vertical direction.

[0144] like Figure 13 As shown, the engagement position moving mechanism 96 includes: an engagement support member 96A that supports the engagement portion 90 so that it can rotate; and an engagement position changing mechanism 96B that moves the engagement support member 96A between an engagement position P11 and a non-engaged position P12.

[0145] The engaging support member 96A is an L-shaped member. In the engaging support member 96A, one part extending in the horizontal direction is fixed to the engaging position changing mechanism 96B, and the engaging part 90 is rotatably mounted on the other part extending in the vertical direction.

[0146] The engagement position changing mechanism 96B includes: a changing fixing part 96B1 fixed to the first movable support member 91; and a changing moving part 96B2 movably supported on the changing fixing part 96B1 and fixing the engagement support member 96A. The changing moving part 96B2 is driven by a drive motor (not shown). In the engagement position changing mechanism 96B of this embodiment, a rotation mechanism is used to change the position by rotating the changing moving part 96B2. The engagement position changing mechanism 96B rotatably supports the changing moving part 96B2 on the changing fixing part 96B1.

[0147] In the engaged position P11 and the non-engaged position P12, which are the postures of the engaging part 90, the position of the first movable support member 91 about the axis C1 and the extension direction of the central axis of the engaging part 90 are different. The engaging position moving mechanism 96 rotates the engaging part 90 about the axis C1.

[0148] The engaging portion 90 at engagement position P11 is configured to extend to a first side X1 in a first setting direction X, which is within the range of the transport movement track of the receiving shelf 200, and can engage with the partitions 211 and 221. This first setting direction X is a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the preparation transfer unit 70. Engaging position P11 is set as a first engagement position P26A at a position corresponding to the engagement position of one partition, and as a second engagement position P26B at a position corresponding to the engagement position of the other partition. The engaging portion 90 at non-engaging position P12 is configured to extend to a second setting direction Y, which is outside the range of the transport movement track of the receiving shelf 200, and cannot engage with the partitions 211 and 221 of the receiving shelf 200. This second setting direction Y is a direction parallel to the transport direction of the preparation transfer unit 70.

[0149] The engaging position moving mechanism 96 pre-positions the engaging part 90 in the non-engaging position P12.

[0150] like Figure 11 As shown, the shelf preparation unit 65 has a first movement auxiliary unit 99A and a second movement auxiliary unit 99B as a movement auxiliary unit 68. The first movement auxiliary unit 99A is positioned at a position on the second side Y2 (downstream of the transfer direction of the preparation transfer unit 70) compared to the second movement auxiliary unit 99B.

[0151] Furthermore, the second movement assist unit 99B is positioned closer to the first movement assist unit 99A on the first side Y1 (upstream of the transfer direction of the transfer unit 70). In this embodiment, the first movement assist unit 99A and the second movement assist unit 99B are disposed between the stop unit 72 and the positioning part 73. Specifically, the first movement assist unit 99A is disposed on the stop unit 72 side, and the second movement assist unit 99B is disposed on the positioning part 73 side.

[0152] The first moving auxiliary unit 99A includes a first auxiliary engaging portion (auxiliary engaging portion) 100A and a first driving portion 101A. The first auxiliary engaging portion 100A is a flat member with a planar portion, arranged such that the planar portion is along a horizontal plane. The first auxiliary engaging portion 100A is configured to move between a first auxiliary waiting position below the conveying surface and a first auxiliary engaging position above the conveying surface, passing through a through hole 202cA in the base 202 of the receiving rack 200 positioned by the preparation positioning unit 66 and between a pair of mounting members 206A. The first auxiliary engaging portion 100A moves the first partition portion 211 in the non-receiving state P2 to the first auxiliary waiting position.

[0153] The first drive unit 101A causes the first auxiliary engaging unit 100A to move in the vertical direction.

[0154] The second movement assist unit 99B includes a second assist engagement portion 100B and a second drive portion 101B. The second assist engagement portion 100B is a flat plate with a planar portion, arranged such that the planar portion is along a horizontal plane. The second assist engagement portion 100B is configured to move between a second assist waiting position below the conveying surface and a second assist engagement position above the conveying surface, passing through a through hole 202cA in the base 202 of the receiving rack 200 positioned by the second preparation positioning unit 66 and between a pair of mounting members 206A. The second assist engagement portion 100B moves the second partition portion 221 in the non-receiving state P2 to the second assist waiting position.

[0155] The second drive unit 101B causes the second auxiliary engaging unit 100B to move in the vertical direction.

[0156] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, the upper separation detection unit 69 has a first detection unit 104A and a second detection unit 104B. The upper separation detection unit 69 detects the upper separation portion of the first separation portion 211 and the second separation portion 221. Detection units 104A and 104B are proximity sensors, laser sensors, etc. The first detection unit 104A and the second detection unit 104B are arranged at a predetermined position between the stop unit 72 and the positioning unit 73, and above the conveying surface. Figure 5 As shown, the storage rack 200 of this embodiment, for example, in a storage rack 200 that cannot accommodate state P2, is a storage rack 200 in which either the first partition 211 or the second partition 221 is disposed on the lower side and either of the other is disposed on the upper side in an overlapping manner. In this embodiment, the case in which the first partition 211 is disposed on top of the second partition 221 in an overlapping manner will be described.

[0157] In the region 211b on the base end side of the upper first partition 211, the gap between it and the mounting portion 203 is easily widened. In the region 221b on the base end side of the lower second partition 221, it is difficult to form a gap between it and the mounting portion 203. Moreover, the lower second partition 221 is positioned at a fixed distance from the mounting portion 203.

[0158] The first detection unit 104A is disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction and detects the state of either the first partition 211 or the second partition 221, which is on the downstream side of the conveying direction. In this embodiment, when the first partition 211 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction and is disposed above the second partition 221 in an overlapping state, the first detection unit 104A detects the gap formed between the mounting portion 203 and the first partition 211.

[0159] Furthermore, the second detection unit 104B is disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction and detects the state of either the first partition 211 or the second partition 221, which is on the upstream side of the conveying direction. In this embodiment, when the second partition 221 is disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction and the first partition 211 is disposed above the second partition 221 in an overlapping state, the second detection unit 104B detects the second partition 221.

[0160] The shelf removal unit 110 removes the storage shelf 200, capable of accommodating state P1, from the shelf preparation unit 65. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the shelf removal unit 110 has a removal and transfer unit 110A disposed on the transfer path of the third transfer conveyor 58 and for transferring the receiving shelf 200. Figure 7 As shown, the take-out and transfer unit 110A uses a known roller conveyor. The shelf take-out unit 110 is positioned on the second side Y2, which is downstream of the shelf preparation unit 65 in the conveying direction. The shelf take-out unit 110 cooperates with the preparation and transfer unit 70 of the shelf preparation unit 65 to transfer the receiving shelf 200, which is capable of accommodating state P1, to the second side Y2, which is downstream of the conveying direction.

[0161] like Figure 7 and Figure 14 As shown, the receiving unit 115 houses the stacked tires T10 (tire T) in a receiving rack 200 capable of receiving in state P1. The receiving unit 115 includes a receiving positioning unit 116, a receiving transfer unit 118, a receiving object positioning unit (posture conversion unit) 119, and a receiving transfer unit 120. Furthermore, the receiving unit 115 includes a receiving rack transfer unit 123 for transferring the receiving rack 200 capable of receiving in state P1. Additionally, the receiving unit 115 includes a receiving information acquisition unit 121 for acquiring information about the tire T.

[0162] The containment positioning unit 116 positions the containment rack 200, which is capable of containing state P1, at the containment position P16 for the containment operation of the stacked tire T10.

[0163] The containment positioning unit 116 has a positioning unit (not shown).

[0164] The shelving transfer unit 123 is positioned at a second side Y2, which is the transport direction, closer to the shelving removal unit 110. The shelving transfer unit 123 transfers the shelving 200, which is capable of being in the storage state P1, towards the second side Y2, which is the transport direction. For example, the positioning unit is configured similarly to the aforementioned pre-positioning unit 66. The positioning unit positions the shelving 200, capable of being in the storage state P1, at the storage position P16.

[0165] The receiving and preparing transfer unit 117 is located downstream of the second rotary / transfer table 32 and performs a relay transfer of the stacked tires T10 transferred from the second rotary / transfer table 32 to the receiving and preparing transfer unit 118. The receiving and preparing transfer unit 117 uses, for example, a known roller conveyor.

[0166] The receiving and transferring unit 118 transfers the stacked tire T10 to the receiving object positioning unit 119. The receiving and transferring unit 118 is configured similarly to the first rotary / transfer stage 26. The receiving and transferring unit 118 is positioned at a second side X2 position relative to the receiving preparation and transferring unit 117. The receiving and transferring unit 118 cooperates with the receiving preparation and transferring unit 117 to transfer the stacked tire T10. The receiving and transferring unit 118 changes the orientation of the stacked tire T10 and transfers the stacked tire T10 to the second side Y2, delivering it to the receiving object positioning unit 119.

[0167] The containment positioning unit 119 positions the stacked tire T10 before it is stored at the removal position P18 for the removal operation of the stacked tire T10.

[0168] like Figure 14 As shown, the attitude conversion unit 119, which serves as the object positioning unit, includes an attitude transfer unit 119A (see reference). Figure 7 ), holding mechanism 124, posture conversion mechanism 125.

[0169] like Figure 7 As shown, the posture transfer unit 119A uses a known roller conveyor. The posture transfer unit 119A is arranged adjacent to the receiving transfer unit 118 on the downstream side (second side Y2) of the conveying direction. A pair of roller conveyors 119Aa are arranged in the posture transfer unit 119A, spaced apart in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pair of roller conveyors 119Aa transfer the stacked tires T10 at the same speed. The posture transfer unit 119A and the receiving transfer unit 118 cooperate to transfer the stacked tires T10 in the conveying direction.

[0170] like Figure 14 As shown, the holding mechanism 124 has a pair of holding members 128 and a holding movement mechanism (not shown) for moving the pair of holding members 128. The pair of holding members 128 are rod-shaped members of a predetermined length extending along a direction intersecting the stacking direction of the held laminated tire T10, and are arranged with a gap between them in the stacking direction. The holding movement mechanism moves the pair of holding members 128 in a manner that brings them closer together. The pair of holding members 128 are configured to move from one side and the other side of the stacking direction respectively, clamping the laminated tire T10. The holding mechanism 124 holds the laminated tire T10 between the pair of holding members 128 from the stacking direction.

[0171] The posture conversion mechanism 125 includes a support platform 131, a moving platform 132, and a drive unit 125A. The support platform 131 is disposed on the setting surface F. It should be noted that... Figure 14 From now on, the pair of conveyor rollers on the support platform 131 will be simplified. Furthermore, the support platform 131 is provided with a waiting position P17 for the stacked tires T10 to wait for a posture change before being held by a pair of holding members 128.

[0172] The movable stage 132 extends upward from the support platform 131. The movable stage 132 is configured such that its lower end is supported on the support platform 131, and its upper end is movable within a specified angle range, centered on the lower end side. A drive unit 125A moves the movable stage 132; in this embodiment, a drive motor is used. The movable stage 132 can be moved to an upright state P21, which is perpendicular to the support platform 131, and from... Figure 15 The support platform 131 shown extends along the horizontal plane and is tilted in a horizontal state P22, which is moved by the drive unit 125A. The holding mechanism 124 is mounted on the moving platform 132 such that the direction of movement of a pair of holding members 128 is the same as the direction of extension of the moving platform 132.

[0173] The posture conversion mechanism 125 converts the posture of the stacked tire T10 held by the holding mechanism 124 by moving the holding mechanism 124 to a predetermined angle. The posture conversion unit 119, which is a container positioning unit, converts the posture of the stacked tire T10 from a posture along the vertical direction of the stacking direction to a posture along the horizontal direction of the stacking direction.

[0174] When the moving platform 132 is in the tilted state P22, the position of the stacked tire T10 is the removal position P18.

[0175] like Figure 14 As shown, the receiving and transfer unit 120 has a receiving and holding part 135 and a three-axis moving mechanism 136.

[0176] The receiving and holding unit 135 holds the stacked tire T10 whose stacking direction has been changed to a horizontal direction, and then releases the holding. The three-axis moving mechanism 136 moves the receiving and holding unit 135 along the vertical direction, the first setting direction X, and the second setting direction Y, respectively. The receiving and transferring unit 120 moves the receiving and holding unit 135 between the receiving position P16 and the taking-out position P18, and transfers the stacked tire T10 to the receiving rack 200 that can receive the tire in the receiving state P1.

[0177] It should be noted that the receiving and transferring unit 120, as a moving mechanism for moving the receiving and holding part 135, can be any moving mechanism that moves the receiving and holding part 135 between the receiving position P16 and the taking-out position P18 to transfer the stacked tires T10 to the receiving rack 200 in the receiving state P1. As the moving mechanism in this embodiment, a three-axis moving mechanism that moves the receiving and holding part 135 in an orthogonal direction is adopted, but other moving mechanisms may also be used, for example, a robot with a multi-joint moving mechanism may also be adopted.

[0178] like Figure 7 As shown, the containment information acquisition unit 121 is a sensor that reads the tire cords T6. A two-dimensional reader, an IC reader, or the like can be used as the sensor for reading the tire cords T6. The containment information acquisition unit 121 is positioned to the side of the second rotary / transfer stage 32. The containment information acquisition unit 121 acquires tire information from the stacked tires T10 on the second rotary / transfer stage 32.

[0179] The control unit 140 controls the operation of the separation moving unit 67 and the management of the shipping system 1, which includes the storage rack supply system 2. Based on the tire information obtained by the storage information acquisition unit 121, the control unit 140 identifies the type and size of the tire T, determines the rack supply unit 40 that corresponds to the storage rack 200 suitable for storing the identified tire T, and controls the transfer of the storage rack 200 from the determined rack supply unit 40.

[0180] like Figure 16 As shown, for example, a computer is used as the control unit 140. The control unit 140 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 141, a main storage device 150, an auxiliary storage device 151, and an input / output interface (IO / I / F) 152. The CPU 141, the main storage device 150, the auxiliary storage device 151, and the input / output interface 152 are interconnected via a bus 153.

[0181] The main storage device 150 is RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, which serves as the working area for the CPU 141.

[0182] The input / output interface 152 is connected to input devices 152a such as keyboards and mice, display devices 152b such as monitors, and input / output devices 152c such as sensors, buttons, motors, and solenoid valves.

[0183] The auxiliary storage device 151 is a hard disk drive or similar device that stores various data and programs. The auxiliary storage device 151 stores various programs such as control program 151a and OS program that enable the aforementioned CPU 141 to function as the discrimination unit 142, engagement position determination unit 143, shelf determination unit 144 and shelf supply determination unit 145.

[0184] CPU 141 performs various arithmetic operations. Functionally, CPU 141 includes a discrimination unit 142, a locking position determination unit 143, a shelf determination unit 144, and a shelf supply determination unit 145. The discrimination unit 142, locking position determination unit 143, shelf determination unit 144, and shelf supply determination unit 145, which are functional components of CPU 141, function by CPU 141 executing control programs 151a stored in auxiliary storage device 151.

[0185] Based on the detection result of the upper partition detection unit 69, the discrimination unit 142 determines which of the first partition 211 and the second partition 221 is located at the top relative to the unacceptable state P2 of the base 202.

[0186] Based on the determination result of the determination unit 142, the engagement position determination unit 143 determines the first engagement position relative to the first engagement part 211a or the second engagement position relative to the second engagement part 221a of the engagement part 90 of the shelf preparation unit 65.

[0187] The shelf determination unit 144 determines the shelf supply units 40A, 40B, and 40C for placing the shelf 200 corresponding to the type and size of the tire T based on the tire information.

[0188] Shelf supply department decision department 145 selects shelf supply departments 40A, 40B, and 40C to supply the storage shelf 200 determined by the storage shelf decision department 144.

[0189] Next, the operation of the shipping system 1, as described above, will be explained with a focus on the shelf preparation section 65 and the receiving section 115.

[0190] For example, when the upper partition detection unit 69 detects the upper partition 221 of the first partition 211 and the upper partition 221 in the receiving shelf 200 which is in an unacceptable state P2 after being moved to the shelf preparation unit 65 and positioned, the determination unit 142 determines that the second partition 221 is located at the top. Figure 17 As shown, the receiving shelf 200 of the shelf preparation section 65 in the non-receiving state P2 is positioned such that a first partition 211 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction and a second partition 221 is arranged on the upstream side of the conveying direction.

[0191] like Figure 6 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, based on the determination result of the determination unit 142, the engagement position determination unit 143 activates the second movement auxiliary unit 99B corresponding to the second separation unit 221, causing the second separation unit 221 to move to the intermediate position P3. Specifically, the intermediate position P3 is the position above the second movement auxiliary unit 99B, and is set as the second intermediate position P3B.

[0192] In addition, the engagement position determination unit 143 determines the second engagement position P26B relative to the second engaged part 221a, which is the engagement position P11 that engages the engagement part 90 of the separation moving unit 67.

[0193] like Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 140 activates the first moving mechanism 94 by controlling the partition moving unit 67, causing the engaging portion 90, which is in the non-engaged position P12, to move downwards. When the height of the engaging portion 90 reaches the position between the bottom 201 of the receiving shelf 200 and the second partition 221 at the intermediate position P3, the control unit 140 activates the engaging position moving mechanism 96. The engaging portion 90 moves around the axis C1 of the first moving support member 91 by the action of the engaging position moving mechanism 96, and moves to the engaging position P11 (first engaging position P26A), thus positioning itself below the second partition 221 at the intermediate position P3. Next, the first moving mechanism 94 operates, and the engaging portion 90 moves upwards. The engaging portion 90 engages with the second engaged portion 221a of the second partition 221 midway through its upward movement. Furthermore, the second moving mechanism 95 also operates, thereby causing the engaging part 90 to move appropriately along the second setting direction Y, so that the second partition 221 is erected relative to the base 202.

[0194] Next, the control unit 140 activates the first movement assist unit 99A corresponding to the first partition 211, moving the first partition 211 to an intermediate position P3. Specifically, the intermediate position P3 is the position above the first movement assist unit 99A, and is set as the first intermediate position P3A. The control unit 140 determines the first engagement position P26A relative to the first engaged portion 211a, which is the engagement position P11 for engaging the engaging portion 90 of the partition movement unit 67. The control unit 140 activates the first movement mechanism 94 and the second movement mechanism 95, moving the engaging portion 90 in the same way as the second partition 221, thereby raising the first partition 211 relative to the base 202. Then, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first containment rack 200 is switched to containment state P1.

[0195] like Figure 14As shown, the receiving section 115 moves a pair of retaining members 128 by activating the holding mechanism 124 of the posture conversion unit 119, which serves as a receiving object positioning unit, thereby holding the stacked tire T10, which has been moved to the waiting position P17, from the stacking direction of the stacked tire T10. Figure 15 As shown, the movable platform 132 is moved to a tilted state P22 by the operation of the posture conversion mechanism 125. Figure 19 As shown, the stacked tire T10, held at the take-out position P18 by the holding mechanism 124 formed by the moving platform 132 in the tilted state P22, is held by the receiving and holding part 135. The holding of the stacked tire T10 by the receiving and holding part 135 is completed by releasing the holding mechanism 124 from holding the stacked tire T10. Figure 20 As shown, the storage and holding part 135 is moved between the storage position P16 and the removal position P18 to transfer the stacked tire T10 to the storage rack 200 that can store the tire in the storage state P1.

[0196] Then, the storage rack 200 containing the stacked tires T10 is transferred from the storage section 115 by the storage section rack transfer unit 123 and transported to the outside of the shipping system 1, thus shipping the stacked tires T10.

[0197] As described above, according to the shelving supply system 2 of this embodiment, a shelving unit 400 that cannot accommodate state P2 is supplied with a shelving unit 40, and a transfer device 55 transfers the shelving unit 400 to the shelving preparation unit 65. Then, the shelving preparation unit 65 changes the state of the shelving unit 200 from the state P2 that cannot accommodate a shelving unit 200 to the state P1 that can accommodate a shelving unit 200. Then, the shelving unit 110 transfers the shelving unit 110 from the shelving preparation unit 65 and removes the shelving unit 200 that can accommodate a shelving unit 200 from the shelving preparation unit 65.

[0198] In this way, the storage shelf 200 can be switched from an unacceptable state P2 to an acceptable state P1 by a special machine such as the shelf preparation unit 65, thereby enabling efficient switching of the storage shelf 200 from an unacceptable state P2 to an acceptable state P1.

[0199] The shelf preparation unit 65 includes a preparation positioning unit 66 and a partition movement unit 67. The preparation positioning unit 66 positions the receiving shelf 200, which cannot accommodate state P2. Then, the partition movement unit 67 moves the engaging part 90, thereby moving the engaged parts 211a and 221a of the partitions 211 and 221 that engage with the engaging part 90. As a result, the partitions 211 and 221 of the receiving shelf 200 can be erected relative to the base 202, making it a receiving shelf 200 capable of accommodating state P1.

[0200] The separating moving unit 67 has an engaging portion 90 that engages the separating portions 211 and 221, and an engaging position moving mechanism 96 that moves the engaging portion 90. With this structure, the engaging portion 90 can be moved to an engaging position P11 that engages with the separating portions 211 and 221, and a non-engaging position P12 that does not engage with the separating portions 211 and 221.

[0201] The separating moving unit 67 includes an engaging portion 90 that engages the separating portions 211 and 221, a first moving mechanism 94 that moves the engaging portion 90 in the vertical direction, and a second moving mechanism 95 that moves the engaging portion 90 in the horizontal direction. With this structure, the vertical movement of the engaging portion 90 and the horizontal movement of the engaging portion 90 can be performed separately by the first moving mechanism 94 and the second moving mechanism 95.

[0202] The shelf preparation unit 65 includes: a locking part 90 that engages with the partitions 211 and 221 respectively; and a movement auxiliary unit 68 that moves towards the middle positions P3, P3 of the partitions 211 and 221 respectively by moving the locking part 90. With this structure, the partitions 211 and 221 move to their respective middle positions P3, P3, thereby separating the base 202 from each partition 211 and 221, and making it easy to position the locking part 90 in the separated space and engage with each partition 211 and 221.

[0203] The shelf preparation unit 65 has an upper partition detection unit 69 for the upper partition 211 of the two overlapping partitions 211 and 221, and the control unit 140 has a discrimination unit 142 and a locking position determination unit 143.

[0204] With this structure, it is possible to distinguish the upper partition 211 among the two overlapping partitions 211 and 221. Furthermore, based on the determination result of the determination unit 142 of the control unit 140, the engagement position determination unit 143 can determine the second engagement position P26B (see reference) that engages the engagement part 90 relative to the engagement position of the second engaged part 221a. Figure 17 and Figure 18 Then, the separating moving unit 67 moves the engaging part 90 to the second engaging position P26B, which is determined by the engaging position determining unit 143, so that the second separating part 221 of the initially moved receiving shelf 200 can be erected relative to the base 202.

[0205] The shelf supply unit 40 has a shelf placement unit 41 and a stacking separation unit 42. The stacking separation unit 42 has a shelf separation unit 42aA including a shelf engagement unit 45 and a shelf lifting unit 46; and a shelf transfer unit 48.

[0206] With this structure, it is possible to separate a single storage rack 200 that is in a non-storable state P2 from a stack of multiple storage racks 200 that are in a non-storable state P2.

[0207] Furthermore, the shipping system 1 according to this embodiment includes: a shelf supply unit 40 for supplying a storage shelf 200 in a non-storable state P2; a shelf preparation unit 65 for changing the state of the storage shelf 200 from a non-storable state P2 to a storable state P1; and a shelf removal unit 110 for removing the storage shelf 200 in the storable state P1 from the shelf preparation unit 65. With this structure, the switching of the storage shelf 200 from the non-storable state P2 to the storable state P1 can be performed efficiently and continuously. In addition, the shipping system 1 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 115, which stores the stored item in the storage shelf 200 that has been switched from the non-storable state P2 to the storable state P1 by the shelf preparation unit 65. With this structure, for example, for storing a tire T, which is the stored item, storage shelves 200 in the storable state P1 can be prepared continuously for efficient storage.

[0208] According to the shipping system 1 of this embodiment, the receiving unit 115 has a receiving information acquisition unit 121 that acquires receiving information assigned to the received item, and the shelf supply unit 40 has a first shelf supply unit 40A, a second shelf supply unit 40B, and a third shelf supply unit 40C as supply units for multiple receiving shelves 200 corresponding to the types of received items. With this structure, even if there are multiple types and sizes of received items, the receiving information assigned to the received item can be acquired by the receiving information acquisition unit 121. Based on the acquired receiving information (tire information) of the received item (tire T), the shelf supply unit 40 that is most suitable for receiving the received item is selected from the receiving shelves 200 supplied by each shelf supply unit 40 and the receiving shelf 200 is supplied according to the type of received item.

[0209] According to the shipping system 1 of this embodiment, the rack supply system 2 includes a control unit 140 that controls the transfer of racks 200 from the rack supply unit 40 based on tire information. The control unit 140 includes a rack determination unit 144 and a rack supply unit determination unit 145. The control unit 140, based on the information of the item to be stored (tire information), determines the most suitable rack 200 for storage from among a plurality of racks 200 prepared according to the type and size of the item to be stored (tire T), and determines any one of the first rack supply unit 40A, the second rack supply unit 40B, and the third rack supply unit 40C to which the determined rack 200 is placed, thereby enabling the transfer of the rack 200 most suitable for storing the item to be stored.

[0210] The shipping system 1 includes a storage unit 10 and a transfer unit 30. With this structure, tires T1, T2, and T3 can be stored in the storage unit 10, and tires T1, T2, and T3 can be transferred from the storage unit 10 to the transfer unit 115 via the transfer unit 30.

[0211] The storage unit 10 includes a storage area 11, an infeed tire transfer unit 12, a tire transfer unit 13, and an outfeed tire transfer unit 14. With this structure, tires T can be transported from the outside of the storage area 11 to the retrieval positions P7A and P7B inside the storage area 11, allowing multiple tires T of the same type and size to be stacked and stored in the storage area 11.

[0212] In addition, tire T can be transferred between the removal positions P7A and P7B, the delivery positions P8A and P8B, and the storage area 11. Moreover, the stacked tire T10 can be transferred from the delivery positions P8A and P8B to the receiving section 115.

[0213] The storage rack supply system 2 and the like of this embodiment can be modified in various ways as described below.

[0214] exist Figure 21 The shelf preparation unit 65 of the first modified shelf supply system 2A shown has two separating moving units 155. The separating moving unit 155 has a first separating moving unit 156A and a second separating moving unit 156B.

[0215] The first separating moving unit 156A and the second separating moving unit 156B are respectively configured in the same way as the separating moving unit 67. The first separating moving unit 156A is disposed on one side of the width direction of the preparing to transfer unit 70, and the second separating moving unit 156B is disposed on the other side of the width direction of the preparing to transfer unit 70.

[0216] The first partition moving unit 156A includes a first engaging portion 157A capable of engaging with either a first engaging portion 211a provided in the first partition 211 or a second engaging portion 221a provided in the second partition 221.

[0217] In the first modified example, the first engaging portion (engaging portion) 157A of the first separating moving unit 156A engages with the first engaged portion (engaged portion) 211a disposed on the first separating portion 211. The first separating moving unit 156A moves the first engaging portion 157A along the vertical direction and the second setting direction Y, respectively.

[0218] The second partition moving unit 156B includes a second engaging part 157B capable of engaging with either the first engaging part 211a disposed on the first partition 211 or the second engaging part 221a disposed on the second partition 221.

[0219] In the first modified example, the second engaging part (engaging part) 157B of the second separating moving unit 156B engages with the second engaged part (engaged part) 221a provided in the second separating part 221.

[0220] The second separating moving unit 156 causes the second engaging part 221a to move along the vertical direction and the second setting direction Y, respectively.

[0221] In the first modified example, in the partition moving unit 155 of the shelf preparation section 65, the first partition moving unit 156A moves either the first partition 211 or the second partition 221, and the second partition moving unit 156B moves the other of the first partition 211 or the second partition 221. Figure 21 In this process, the first separating moving unit 156A moves the first separating part 211 disposed on the side of the positioning part 73, and the second separating moving unit 156B moves the second separating part 221 disposed on the side of the stopping unit 72.

[0222] It should be noted that, in Figure 21 The stop unit 72 and the positioning part 73 are not shown in the figure.

[0223] In the rack supply system 2A configured as described above, the first partition moving unit 156A moves the first engaging portion 157A, thereby engaging the first engaging portion 157A with the first engaging portion 211a of the first partition portion 211 disposed on the positioning portion 73 side, thus moving the first partition portion 211. This allows the first partition moving unit 156A to be specifically used for erecting the first partition portion 211 of the rack 200 relative to the base 202.

[0224] Similarly, the second partition moving unit 156B moves the second engaging portion 157B, thereby engaging the second engaging portion 221a of the second partition portion 221 disposed on the side of the stop unit 72, thus moving the second partition portion 221. This allows the second partition moving unit 156B to be used specifically for raising the second partition portion 221 of the receiving shelf 200 relative to the base 202.

[0225] The shelf preparation section 65 of the rack supply system 2A employs a partitioning and moving unit 155, which moves the first partition section 211 and the second partition section 221 in a shared manner through the first partitioning and moving unit 156A and the second partitioning and moving unit 156B, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0226] It should be noted that the movement assist unit 68 formed in the shelf preparation section 65 may be omitted. Either the first partition movement unit 156A or the second partition movement unit 156B may be used to perform the operation based on the movement assist unit 68, while the other party may be used to move the first partition 211 and the second partition 221. Furthermore, the first partition movement unit 156A and the second partition movement unit 156B may be replaced by a dual-arm robot that replaces the movement mechanism that moves the first engagement part 157A and the second engagement part 157B respectively with a multi-joint movement mechanism and sets these multi-joint movement mechanisms on a single support.

[0227] In this embodiment, the storage rack only needs to have a base and a partition; there are no particular limitations. For example, it can also be as follows: Figure 22 As shown in the second variant, the storage rack 235 has a base 236 and four partitions 237.

[0228] Each partition 237 can be folded relative to the base 236. The partition moving unit in this embodiment can also be used when moving the four partitions 237 of such a housing shelf 235 in sequence.

[0229] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details one embodiment of the present invention. However, the specific structure is not limited to this embodiment, and may include changes, combinations, deletions, etc., of the structure without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0230] For example, in the aforementioned embodiments, the separating moving unit 67 may not have an engaging position moving mechanism 96.

[0231] The separating moving unit 67 can also replace the moving mechanisms 94 and 95 and have an integral mechanism that moves the engaging part 90 in the vertical direction and the second setting direction Y.

[0232] The shipping system 1 may also be without the discrimination unit 142, the engagement position determination unit 143, the storage shelf determination unit 144, and the shelf supply determination unit 145.

[0233] The shelf preparation section 65 may also be without the upper partition detection section 69.

[0234] The engaging part can also engage with the separating part by adsorption, electricity or magnetism.

[0235] The contained object is a tire. However, the contained object is not limited to a tire; it may also be paper or cloth wound into a roll, or a plate-shaped component such as a rectangle or a circle.

[0236] Industrial availability

[0237] According to the present invention, a rack supply system, a shipping system, and a rack handling device are provided that can efficiently switch racks from a non-rare state to a rare state. Therefore, they have high industrial applicability.

[0238] It should be noted that the invention described below is also disclosed in this specification.

[0239] (Appendix: Option 1)

[0240] A storage rack processing apparatus processes a storage rack having a base and a foldable partition relative to the base, and is switchable between a non-storable state where the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state where the partition is upright relative to the base. The storage rack processing apparatus includes:

[0241] A positioning unit is prepared to position the receiving rack in the non-receiving state; and

[0242] A separating moving unit has an engaging part that engages with an engaging part disposed on the separating portion, thereby moving the engaging part.

[0243] (Appendix: Option 2)

[0244] According to the rack handling device described in Appendix Scheme 1, wherein,

[0245] The storage rack processing device includes a movement assist unit with an assist engagement part that moves the partition in the non-acceptable state to a position between the position of the partition in the non-acceptable state and the position of the partition in the acceptable state.

[0246] (Appendix: Option 3)

[0247] A storage rack supply system for supplying the storage rack, comprising:

[0248] A shelf supply unit that supplies the storage shelves in the non-accommodating state;

[0249] Appendix 1 or 2 describes the rack handling device;

[0250] A transfer device that transfers the storage rack in the non-acceptable state from the rack supply unit to the storage rack processing device; and

[0251] The shelf removal unit removes the storage shelf in the storage state from the storage shelf processing device.

[0252] (Appendix: Option 4)

[0253] According to the rack supply system described in Appendix Scheme 3, in which,

[0254] The storage rack has a first partition and a second partition as the partition.

[0255] In the first and second partitions that are in a non-accommodating state, one is positioned above the other.

[0256] The receiving rack handling device has an upper partition detection unit that detects the upper partition of the first partition and the second partition.

[0257] The receiving rack supply system includes a control unit for controlling the separating movement unit.

[0258] The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion, i.e., the first engaging portion, which is located in the first partition portion.

[0259] The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion, i.e., the second engaging portion, which is provided in the second partition portion.

[0260] The control unit has:

[0261] The discrimination unit, based on the detection result of the upper separation detection unit, determines which of the first and second separation portions, in the non-acceptable state relative to the base, is located above; and

[0262] The engagement position determination unit determines, based on the determination result of the determination unit, a first engagement position relative to the first engaged part or a second engagement position relative to the second engaged part, so that the engagement part engages.

[0263] (Appendix: Option 5)

[0264] A shipping system that includes:

[0265] Appendix 3 or 4 describes the racking supply system; and

[0266] A containment section that houses the object to be contained within the containment rack in its containment-capable state.

[0267] The receiving section has:

[0268] A containment positioning unit that positions the containment rack in its containment state at a containment position for the containment operation of the contained object;

[0269] An object positioning unit that positions the object to be contained before containment at a retrieval position for the retrieval operation; and

[0270] The receiving and transferring unit moves the receiving and holding part that holds the received item between the receiving position and the taking-out position, and transfers the received item to the receiving shelf in the receiving state.

[0271] (Appendix: Option 6)

[0272] According to the shipping system described in Appendix Scheme 5, in which,

[0273] The containment unit includes a containment information acquisition unit, which acquires containment information including the type and size of the contained object.

[0274] The shelf supply unit has:

[0275] A first shelf supply unit supplies a first receiving shelf, which is capable of accommodating the items of the first category in terms of type and size; and

[0276] The second shelf supply unit supplies a second storage shelf, which is capable of accommodating the contained items of a second category that is different from the first category in terms of at least one of type and size.

[0277] (Appendix: Scheme 7)

[0278] According to the shipping system described in Appendix Scheme 5 or 6, in which,

[0279] The containment unit includes a containment information acquisition unit, which acquires containment information including the type and size of the contained object.

[0280] The shelf supply unit has:

[0281] A first shelf supply unit supplies a first receiving shelf, which is capable of accommodating the items of the first category in terms of type and size; and

[0282] The second shelf supply unit supplies a second storage shelf, which is capable of accommodating the contained items of a second category that is different from the first category in terms of at least one of type and size.

[0283] (Appendix: Scheme 8)

[0284] According to the shipping system described in any one of Appendix Schemes 5 to 7, among which,

[0285] The shipping system has the following features:

[0286] A containment storage department, which stores a first contained item and a second contained item, wherein the first contained item is a contained item belonging to a first category in terms of type and size, and the second contained item is a contained item belonging to a second category, which differs from the first category in at least one of type and size; and

[0287] The containment and transfer unit transfers the first contained item and the second contained item to the containment unit.

[0288] The contained object is a tire.

[0289] The storage unit for the contained items has:

[0290] A storage area that allows multiple tires of the same type and size to be stacked together for storage;

[0291] A tire transfer unit is disposed above the storage area and is capable of removing the tire from a retrieval position disposed within the storage area and transferring the tire from the storage area or the retrieval position to a delivery position disposed within the storage area.

[0292] A tire transfer unit for conveying a tire from outside the storage area to the retrieval position; and

[0293] The tire transfer unit of the delivery section transfers the tire from the delivery position to the receiving and transfer section.

[0294] (Appendix: Scheme 9)

[0295] According to the shipping system described in Appendix Scheme 7, in which,

[0296] The contained object is a tire.

[0297] The receiving section has:

[0298] An attitude conversion unit converts the attitude of a stack of tires, which have multiple tires stacked along a stacking direction, from an attitude along the vertical direction of the stacking direction to an attitude along the horizontal direction of the stacking direction; and

[0299] A receiving and transferring unit that transfers the stacked tires to the posture conversion unit.

[0300] The posture conversion unit has:

[0301] A retaining mechanism that retains the stacked tires from the stacking direction; and

[0302] A posture conversion mechanism that converts the posture of the stacked tires by moving the holding mechanism.

[0303] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0304] 1. Shipping System

[0305] 2.2A Shelf Supply System

[0306] 10. Containment Item Storage Department

[0307] 11 Storage Area

[0308] 12 Tire Transfer Unit for Feeding Section

[0309] 13 Tire Transfer Unit

[0310] 14. Tire transfer unit for delivery section

[0311] 30. Containment and Transfer Department

[0312] 40 Shelves Supply Department

[0313] 40A First Shelf Supply Department

[0314] 40B Second Shelf Supply Department

[0315] 41A Shelf Loading Section

[0316] 42A Lamination Separation Section

[0317] 45A frame clamping part

[0318] 46A Frame Lifting Unit

[0319] 48A Shelf Transfer Unit

[0320] 55 transfer device

[0321] 65. Shelf Preparation Department (Shelf Handling Unit)

[0322] 66. Prepare the positioning unit

[0323] 67 Separated Moving Unit

[0324] 68 mobile auxiliary units

[0325] 69. Upper Separation Detection Section

[0326] 90 Card Section

[0327] 90A card-operated moving mechanism

[0328] 94 First Mobile Mechanism

[0329] 95 Second Moving Mechanism

[0330] 100A and 100B auxiliary card assembly

[0331] 110 Shelf Removal Section

[0332] 116 Containment and Positioning Unit

[0333] 117 Containment Preparation and Transfer Unit

[0334] 118 Containment and Transfer Unit

[0335] 119 Item Positioning Unit (Posture Conversion Unit)

[0336] 121 Containment Information Acquisition Department

[0337] 120 containment and transfer units

[0338] 124 Maintenance mechanism

[0339] 125 Posture Conversion Mechanism

[0340] 140 Control Department

[0341] 142 Discriminant Department

[0342] 143. Position Determination Unit

[0343] 144 Containment Shelf Decision Department

[0344] 145 Shelf Supply Department Decision Department

[0345] 156A First Separating Moving Unit

[0346] 156B Second Separating Moving Unit

[0347] 157A First Connecting Part (Connecting Part)

[0348] 157B Second Connecting Part (Connecting Part)

[0349] 200 containment racks

[0350] 200A First Containment Rack

[0351] 200B Second Containment Rack

[0352] 202, 202A base

[0353] 211, 211A First Separator (Separator)

[0354] 211a, 211aA First locking part (locking part)

[0355] 221, 221A Second Separator (Separator)

[0356] 221a, 221aA Second locking part (locking part)

[0357] P1 is capable of being contained.

[0358] P2 Uncontainable Status

[0359] P11 Engagement Position

[0360] P12 Non-locking position

[0361] P16 Containment Location

[0362] P18 Retrieval Location

[0363] P7A and P7B removal locations

[0364] P8A, P8B delivery locations

[0365] T-tire (the contained item)

Claims

1. A storage rack supply system for supplying storage racks, the storage rack having a base and a foldable partition relative to the base, and switchable to a non-storable state where the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state where the partition is upright relative to the base, wherein... The rack supply system includes: A shelf supply unit that supplies the storage shelves in the non-accommodating state; A shelf preparation unit that transforms a shelf that is in an unacceptable state into a shelf that is capable of being accommodated. A transfer device that transfers the storage shelf in a non-storable state from the shelf supply section to the shelf preparation section; and The shelf removal unit removes the storage shelf in its storage-ready state from the shelf preparation unit. The shelf preparation section has: Prepare a positioning unit, which positions the receiving rack; and The separating moving unit has an engaging part that engages with an engaging part disposed on the separating portion, thereby moving the engaging part. The separating moving unit has a locking and moving mechanism. The engaging and disengaging mechanism moves the engaging portion between an engaged position and a non-engaged position. The engaging position is the position where the engaging part can engage with the separating part. The non-engaging position is the position where the engaging part cannot engage with the separating part.

2. The rack supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The storage rack has a first partition and a second partition as the partition. In the first and second partitions that are in a non-accommodating state, one is positioned above the other. The shelf preparation unit has an upper partition detection unit that detects the upper partition of the first partition and the second partition. The receiving rack supply system includes a control unit for controlling the separating movement unit. The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion, i.e., the first engaging portion, which is located in the first partition portion. The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion, i.e., the second engaging portion, which is provided in the second partition portion. The control unit has: The discrimination unit, based on the detection result of the upper separation detection unit, determines which of the first and second separation portions, in the non-acceptable state relative to the base, is located above; and The engagement position determination unit determines, based on the determination result of the determination unit, a first engagement position relative to the first engaged part or a second engagement position relative to the second engaged part, so that the engagement part engages.

3. The rack supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The shelf supply unit has: A shelf-mounting section that loads and holds multiple storage shelves in the non-accommodating state; and A stacking separation section that separates one of the storage racks in a non-retaining state from the plurality of storage racks in a non-retaining state. The stacking separation section has: A shelf separation unit includes a shelf engaging portion that engages with the base of the receiving shelf and a shelf lifting portion that raises and lowers the plurality of receiving shelves in the non-receiving state; and A shelf transfer unit that transfers the receiving shelf in the aforementioned non-receiving state.

4. A shipping system used for shipping an item to be housed in a receiving rack, the receiving rack having a base and a foldable partition relative to the base, and being switchable between a non-accepting state where the partition is folded relative to the base and an accepting state where the partition is upright relative to the base, wherein... The shipping system has the following features: A shelf supply unit that supplies the storage shelves in the non-accommodating state; A shelf preparation unit that transforms a shelf that is in an unacceptable state into a shelf that is capable of being accommodated. A transfer device that transfers the storage shelf in a non-storable state from the shelf supply section to the shelf preparation section; A shelf removal unit removes the storage shelf in its storage-ready state from the shelf preparation unit; and A containment section that houses the object to be contained within the containment rack in its containment-capable state. The shelf preparation section has: Prepare a positioning unit, which positions the receiving rack; and The separating moving unit has an engaging part that engages with an engaging part disposed on the separating portion, thereby moving the engaging part. The separating moving unit has a locking and moving mechanism. The engaging and disengaging mechanism moves the engaging portion between an engaged position and a non-engaged position. The engaging position is the position where the engaging part can engage with the separating part. The non-engaging position is the position where the engaging part cannot engage with the separating part.

5. The shipping system according to claim 4, wherein, The receiving section has: A containment positioning unit that positions the containment rack in its containment state at a containment position for the containment operation of the contained object; An object positioning unit that positions the object to be contained before containment at a retrieval position for the retrieval operation; and The receiving and transferring unit moves the receiving and holding part that holds the received item between the receiving position and the taking-out position, and transfers the received item to the receiving shelf in the receiving state.

6. The shipping system according to claim 4, wherein, The containment unit includes a containment information acquisition unit, which acquires containment information including the type and size of the contained object. The shelf supply unit has: A first shelf supply unit supplies a first receiving shelf, which is capable of accommodating the items of the first category in terms of type and size; and The second shelf supply unit supplies a second storage shelf, which is capable of accommodating the contained items of a second category that is different from the first category in terms of at least one of type and size.

7. The shipping system according to claim 6, wherein, The shipping system also includes a control unit that controls the transfer of the receiving shelves from the shelf supply unit based on the received information obtained through the receiving information acquisition unit. The control unit has: A shelf-determining unit, which, based on the contained information, determines the shelf supply unit that holds the shelf corresponding to the type and size of the contained item; and The shelf supply department is the department that selects the shelf supply department that decides to supply the storage shelves.

8. The shipping system according to claim 4, wherein, The shipping system has the following features: The containment storage department stores a first contained item and a second contained item, wherein the first contained item is a contained item of a first category in terms of type and size, and the second contained item is a contained item of a second category in terms of at least one of type and size that is different from the first category; and The containment and transfer unit transfers the first contained item and the second contained item to the containment unit.

9. The shipping system according to claim 6, wherein, The contained object is a tire. The receiving section has: A posture conversion unit converts the posture of a stack of tires, which have multiple tires stacked along a stacking direction, from a posture along the vertical direction of the stacking direction to a posture along the horizontal direction of the stacking direction; and A receiving and transferring unit that transfers the stacked tires to the posture conversion unit. The posture conversion unit has: A retaining mechanism that retains the stacked tires from the stacking direction; and A posture conversion mechanism that converts the posture of the stacked tires by moving the holding mechanism.

10. The shipping system according to claim 8, wherein, The contained object is a tire. The storage unit for the contained items has: Storage area, which allows multiple tires of the same type and size to be stacked and stored; A tire transfer unit is disposed above the storage area and is capable of transferring the tire to the delivery position of the tire disposed in the storage area. A tire transfer unit for feeding in, which transports the tire from outside the storage area to a retrieval position located within the storage area; and The tire transfer unit of the delivery section transfers the tire from the delivery position to the receiving and transfer section.

11. A storage rack processing apparatus for processing a storage rack having a base and a foldable partition relative to the base, and capable of switching between a non-storable state in which the partition is folded relative to the base and a storable state in which the partition is upright relative to the base, wherein... The rack handling device includes: Prepare a positioning unit, which positions the receiving rack; and The separating moving unit has an engaging part that engages with an engaging part disposed on the separating portion, thereby moving the engaging part. The separating moving unit has a locking and moving mechanism. The engaging and disengaging mechanism moves the engaging portion between an engaged position and a non-engaged position. The engaging position is the position where the engaging part can engage with the separating part. The non-engaging position is the position where the engaging part cannot engage with the separating part.

12. The rack handling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The engagement / movement mechanism has: A first moving mechanism that moves the engaging portion in a vertical direction; and The second moving mechanism moves the engaging part horizontally.

13. The rack handling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The receiving rack handling device also includes a movement assist unit, which has an assist engagement part for moving the partition when it cannot be received. The movement assist unit moves the partition to a position between the position of the partition in the storage rack in the non-acceptable state and the position of the partition in the storage rack in the acceptable state.

14. The rack handling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The storage rack has a first partition and a second partition as the partition. The separating moving unit has: A first separating moving unit, wherein the engaging portion is a first engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion (i.e., the first engaging portion) disposed on the first separating portion, and the first separating moving unit causes the first engaging portion to move; and The second separating moving unit, wherein the engaging part is a second engaging part that engages with the engaging part, i.e. the second engaging part, which is provided on the second separating part, and the second separating moving unit causes the second engaging part to move.

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