Container conveying device

Abstract

A container transport facility (F) is provided with: a transport vehicle (100) that transports containers configured so as to be capable of being stacked in the vertical direction; a storage rack (8) that stores the containers; and a work area (9A) in which an object work is performed. A stacked storage area (6A) is provided in a place different from the work area (9A) and the storage rack (8). The stacked storage area (6A) is provided with: an arrangement field (60) in which a plurality of stacked container groups (Gc) can be arranged; a second transfer unit (62) that transfers the stacked container group (Gc) to and from the support unit; and a container group conveyance device that performs an extraction operation for moving the stacked container group (Gc) from the placement field (60) to the second transfer unit (62), and an extraction operation for moving the stacked container group (Gc) from the second transfer unit (62) to the placement field (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container conveying device comprising a conveying vehicle for conveying containers configured to be stacked in an up-and-down direction, a storage rack for storing the containers, and a work area for performing at least one of an operation of taking out an article from the container and an operation of putting an article into the container. Background Art

[0002] Such equipment constitutes a part of the logistics system. In recent years, the demand for logistics systems has been increasing, and various studies are being conducted to achieve smooth logistics.

[0003] As one of the studies, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-297140 (Patent Document 1), among the items handled by the equipment, the items with a high frequency of entering and leaving the warehouse are stored in a position where they are easier to leave the warehouse than the items with a low frequency of entering and leaving the warehouse. In this way, it is expected that the transportation efficiency in the equipment will be improved. However, in Patent Document 1, no specific structure for improving the transportation efficiency is disclosed. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, it is desired to realize a container conveying device that can improve the conveying efficiency.

[0005] The technology for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows. A container conveying device comprising a conveying vehicle for conveying containers configured to be stacked in an up-and-down direction, a storage rack for storing the containers, and a work area for performing at least one of an operation of taking out an article from the container and an operation of putting an article into the container. The storage rack includes multiple layers of racks for supporting the containers in the vertical direction, so as to store the plurality of containers in a state of being separated from each other. The above-mentioned transport vehicle has: A moving body; A support unit mounted on the traveling body and supporting the plurality of containers as a stacked container group in a stacked state; a first transfer device mounted on the traveling body and transferring the container between the storage rack and the stacked container group supported by the supporting portion; and a second transfer device, which is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; In the working area, a first delivery section is provided for delivering the stacked container group between the supporting section and the stacked container group. A stacked storage area is provided at a location different from the aforementioned work area and the aforementioned storage rack. The aforementioned stacked storage area has: A configuration field, which can configure a plurality of the aforementioned stacked container groups; a second delivery portion for delivering the stacked container group to the support portion; and A container group conveying device performs a take-out operation to move the stacked container group from the arrangement area to the second delivery portion and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second delivery portion to the arrangement area.

[0006] According to this configuration, stacked container groups can be temporarily stored in the stacked storage area. Therefore, for example, by storing specific containers such as predetermined containers to be transported to the operating area or containers that are frequently transported to the operating area in the stacked storage area, the operation frequency of the transport vehicle used to return the container to the storage rack or to take out the container from the storage rack can be suppressed to a small amount. Therefore, it is easy to improve the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle to the container. In addition, according to this configuration, stacked container groups are stored in the stacked storage area, so that multiple containers in a stacked state can be transferred at one time between the support portion of the transport vehicle and the second handover portion of the stacked storage area. Furthermore, the stacked container group is also handed over at the first handover portion of the operating area. Therefore, in these aspects, it is also easy to improve the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle to the container.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the technology according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a top view of the container conveying equipment. Figure 2 This is the front view of the storage rack. Figure 3 It is a control block diagram. Figure 4 This is a view of the conveyor vehicle in the width direction. Figure 5 It is a plan view showing a first posture and a second posture of the transfer device. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the transfer operation with respect to the stacking area. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the transfer operation with respect to the stacking area. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the transfer operation with respect to the stacking area. Fig. 9 2 is a diagram showing a holding portion of a holding area. Fig.10 It is a plan view showing a state of transfer of a stacked container group between a transport vehicle and a holding unit. Fig.11 This is a perspective view of the stacked storage area. Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the operation of the gripping mechanism. Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the container separation operation of the container group conveying device. Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the assembly operation of the container group conveying device on the containers. Fig.15 The diagram shows an example of a transportation destination of a stacked container group using a transportation vehicle. Fig.16 It is a top view of the container conveying equipment concerning the 2nd Embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the container conveying equipment will be described.

[0010] like Figure 1 As shown, the container conveying equipment F comprises: a conveying vehicle 100, which conveys a container C (see Figure 2 ); a storage rack 8 that stores the container C; and an operation area 9A that performs at least one of an operation of taking out an object (not shown) from the container C and an operation of putting an object into the container C. In the present embodiment, the container conveying equipment F includes a storage area 8A. A plurality of storage racks 8 are provided in the storage area 8A. In addition, the container conveying equipment F further includes a control device H that controls the conveying vehicle 100. In this specification, the control device H is equivalent to a "control system." However, the control device H only needs to constitute at least a part of the control system. The control device H is configured in a manner that communicates with each of the conveying vehicle control units (not shown) mounted on the plurality of conveying vehicles 100 (see also). Figure 3 ).

[0011] The container C is configured to be able to contain articles. The container C is in a shape with an upper opening. Articles are put into or taken out of the container C through the upper opening of the container C. Examples of articles include various commodities such as food and daily necessities, or parts or semi-finished products used in a production line of a factory. One container C is configured to contain articles of the same type.

[0012] The containers C are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction with articles contained therein (see Figure 4 The stacked container group Gc is formed by stacking a plurality of containers C in the vertical direction. In this example, the bottom of a container C is fitted from above with respect to the opening of another container C, so that two containers C are stacked in the vertical direction.

[0013] In the work area 9A, a support portion 2 (see Figure 4 ) are stacked. The first delivery section 91 is used to deliver the stacked container group Gc between the first and second delivery sections. The containers C are carried in and out at the first delivery section 91. The transport vehicle 100 transports the container C carried in to the first delivery section 91 to the storage rack 8, or transports the container C stored in the storage rack 8 to the first delivery section 91 for carrying out.

[0014] In this embodiment, a separation device 90 is provided in the work area 9A for separating the containers C constituting the stacked container group Gc. The stacked container group Gc delivered to the first delivery section 91 is separated into a plurality of containers C by the separation device 90. In the work area 9A, an operation of taking out articles from the container C or an operation of putting articles into the container C is performed for each of the separated plurality of containers C. However, the separation device 90 is not an essential configuration. The separation of the containers C from the stacked container group Gc may also be performed manually.

[0015] In this embodiment, a plurality of storage racks 8 are arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals. Each of the plurality of storage racks 8 has at least a front opening, and containers C are stored and retrieved from the front. In this example, a pair of storage racks 8 are arranged so that their back surfaces face each other and are close to each other. In addition, a plurality of pairs of storage racks 8 with their back surfaces facing each other are arranged in the storage area 8A.

[0016] A portion of the travel path of the transport vehicle 100 is set in a manner extending along each of the plurality of storage racks 8. In the present embodiment, the path of the transport vehicle 100 extending along the storage racks 8 is the rack-area path R8. The transport vehicle 100 can travel on the rack-area path R8, thereby being able to move in the storage area 8A and transfer the container C relative to the storage rack 8. In the present example, the rack-area path R8 is provided along the front face (the face for accessing the container C) of each of the plurality of storage racks 8. A pair of storage racks 8 arranged with their front faces facing each other share one rack-area path R8.

[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage rack 8 has multiple layers of racks 80 in the vertical direction, each of which supports the container C, and is configured to store multiple containers C in a mutually separated state. Multiple racks 80 are provided on each layer. Each of the multiple racks 80 can store one container C.

[0018] like Figure 3As shown, the control device H is configured to be able to communicate with the transport vehicle 100. The control device H is configured to issue a transport instruction to the transport vehicle 100 that specifies the container C to be transported and the transport start point and the transport destination of the container C. The control device H includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, a peripheral circuit such as a memory, and the like. Each function is realized by the cooperation of these hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer.

[0019] The control device H is configured to manage containers C whose frequency of transport to the work area 9A is greater than or equal to a first threshold as first-type containers C1, and containers C whose frequency is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold as second-type containers C2, based on the types of articles contained in the containers C. In the present embodiment, the control device H is configured to manage containers C whose frequency of transport to the work area 9A is less than the second threshold as general containers C3. The above-mentioned transport frequency can also be referred to as the scheduled number of transports.

[0020] The first threshold and the second threshold are set based on the necessity of performing the target operation (article removal operation or article insertion operation) in the operation area 9A. Among the first type container C1, the second type container C2, and the general container C3, the first type container C1, which has the highest frequency of being transported to the operation area 9A and is above the first threshold, can be said to have the highest necessity of performing the target operation in the operation area 9A among these various containers C. Next, the second type container C2, which has a frequency of being transported to the operation area 9A of less than the first threshold and more than the second threshold, can be said to have a high necessity of performing the target operation. Among these various containers C, the general container C3, which has a frequency of being transported to the operation area 9A of less than the second threshold, can be said to have a relatively low necessity of performing the target operation.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control device H is configured to periodically re-evaluate the management of the first type container C1 and the second type container C2. In addition, in this example, the control device H is configured to periodically re-evaluate the management of the general container C3. As a result, the container C that has been determined to be the first type container C1 may be changed to the second type container C2 or the general container C3. The same is true for the second type container C2 or the general container C3, which may be changed to another type of container C through the re-evaluation of the management performed by the control device H. In addition, the cycle of re-evaluation of management can be appropriately determined according to the purpose, capacity, scale, etc. of the container conveying equipment F.

[0022] Next, the structure of the transport vehicle 100 will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the direction in which the traveling body 10 travels is referred to as the "vehicle longitudinal direction L", and the direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction L when viewed in the vertical direction is referred to as the "vehicle width direction W".

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transport containers C that are stacked in the vertical direction.

[0024] The transport vehicle 100 includes: a traveling body 10 for traveling; a support portion 2 mounted on the traveling body 10 and supporting a plurality of containers C as a stacked container group Gc in a stacked state; a first transfer device 4 mounted on the traveling body 10 and transferring the containers C between the storage rack 8 and the stacked container group Gc supported on the support portion 2; and a second transfer device 22 mounted on the traveling body 10 and transferring the stacked container group Gc. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 further includes a lifting device 3 mounted on the traveling body 10 and capable of lifting a part or all of the containers C in the stacked container group Gc supported on the support portion 2.

[0025] The traveling body 10 is configured to travel on a floor surface. The traveling body 10 includes a plurality of traveling wheels 11. The plurality of traveling wheels 11 include a pair of driving wheels 11a that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle body width direction W, and a plurality of driven wheels 11b.

[0026] Each of the pair of driving wheels 11a is independently driven by a wheel driving source (not shown) such as a motor. For example, each of the pair of driving wheels 11a is rotationally driven in opposite directions, so that the traveling body 10 can turn in place around the vertical axis.

[0027] Each of the plurality of driven wheels 11b is rotatably supported on the traveling body 10 about an axis extending in the vertical direction. That is, the direction along which the rotation axis of each driven wheel 11b extends can be changed in a horizontal plane. In this example, each driven wheel 11b is configured as a caster.

[0028] The support portion 2 is configured to support a plurality of containers C as a stacked container group Gc in a stacked state. The support portion 2 can also support a single container C. In the present embodiment, a stacking area 2A in which the stacked container group Gc is arranged is defined above the support portion 2. The stacking area 2A is a three-dimensional virtual area extending upward from the support portion 2.

[0029] The second transfer device 22 is configured to transfer the stacked container group Gc supported by the support portion 2 along the vehicle body width direction W. The second transfer device 22 is configured using a conveyor. Such a conveyor may be a well-known conveyor such as a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or a belt conveyor. In the present embodiment, the second transfer device 22 and the support portion 2 are integrally configured.

[0030] The lifting device 3 includes a lifting mast 30 erected upward from the traveling body 10, a lifting elevating body 30B connected to the lifting mast 30, a frame member 31 connected to the lifting elevating body 30B, and a lifting elevating body driving unit (not shown) that elevates the lifting elevating body 30B and the frame member 31 along the lifting mast 30. Although not shown in detail, the lifting elevating body driving unit is configured as a motor for rotating a rotating body around which an endless body such as a belt is wound, for example.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in the present embodiment, the lifting device 3 includes: a first lifting and holding portion 311 that lifts a container C at any height in the stacked container group Gc stacked in the stacking area 2A relative to a container C adjacent to the container C below the container C; and a second lifting and holding portion 312 that lifts a container C below the container C lifted by the first lifting and holding portion 311 relative to a container C adjacent to the container C below the container C. The first lifting and holding portion 311 and the second lifting and holding portion 312 are supported by the frame member 31.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first lifting and holding portion 311 and the second lifting and holding portion 312 are arranged to be separated in the vertical direction. Thus, a space can be formed in the vertical direction between the container C lifted by the first lifting and holding portion 311 and the container C lifted by the second lifting and holding portion 312. In addition, a space in the vertical direction can also be formed below the container C lifted by the second lifting and holding portion 312.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the first transfer device 4 includes: a transfer mast 40 that is fixed to the traveling body 10 and arranged in the up-down direction; a transfer elevating body 40B that is raised and lowered along the transfer mast 40; and a transfer elevating body driving unit (not shown) that elevates the transfer elevating body 40B along the transfer mast 40. Although not shown in detail, the transfer elevating body driving unit is configured as, for example, a motor for rotationally driving a rotating body around which an endless body such as a belt is wound.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 includes an upper transfer unit 41, a lower transfer unit 42 disposed below the upper transfer unit 41, and a rotating device 5. The upper transfer unit 41, the lower transfer unit 42, and the rotating device 5 are connected to the transfer lifting body 40B. The upper transfer unit 41 and the lower transfer unit 42 are configured in such a manner that they are lifted and lowered as a whole by the lifting and lowering of the transfer lifting body 40B, rotated as a whole around the upper and lower axes by the rotating device 5, and transfer the container C separately.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 is configured to transfer the container C in the horizontal direction by the upper transfer unit 41 and the lower transfer unit 42. If the direction in which the container C is transferred by the first transfer device 4 is referred to as the "transfer direction T", then Figure 4 In the example shown, the transfer direction T is identical to the front-rear direction L of the vehicle body.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the first transfer device 4 is configured as follows: the upper transfer unit 41 and the lower transfer unit 42 are rotated around the vertical axis by the rotating device 5, and the postures are changed to a first posture P1 in which the transfer direction T is directed toward the stacking area 2A and a second posture P2 in which the transfer direction T is directed toward the storage rack 8. In this way, in this embodiment, the transfer direction T can be changed in the horizontal plane by the rotating device 5.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 changes its posture according to the position of the transfer target part. Specifically, the first transfer device 4 is in the first posture P1 when the transfer target part is the stacking area 2A, and is in the second posture P2 when the transfer target part is the storage rack 8 (rack portion 80). Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the rotating device 5 includes: a rotating table 50, which supports the upper side transfer part 41 and the lower side transfer part 42; a rotating shaft 51, which supports the rotating table 50 to rotate freely relative to the transfer lifting body 40B; and a rotating driving part (not shown) which drives the rotating shaft 51.

[0038] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 8 , the transfer operation of the first transfer device 4 when transferring the container C between the stacking area 2A is described. The transfer operation includes a delivery operation of the delivery container C and a reception operation of the reception container C. In the following, one side in the transfer direction T is referred to as "the first side T1 in the transfer direction", and the other side is referred to as "the second side T2 in the transfer direction".

[0039] In the present embodiment, the upper transfer unit 41 includes: an upper pressing unit 41a, which pushes the container C toward the first side T1 in the transfer direction when the container C is delivered; and an upper locking unit 41b, which locks the container C and pulls the container C toward the second side T2 in the transfer direction when the container C is received. Thus, in the present embodiment, the upper transfer unit 41 is configured in a so-called push-pull type. However, the upper transfer unit 41 is not limited to such a configuration, and may also be configured in a fork type.

[0040] Similarly, the lower transfer unit 42 includes: a lower pressing portion 42a that pushes the container C toward the first side T1 in the transfer direction when the container C is delivered; and a lower locking portion 42b that locks the container C and pulls the container C toward the second side T2 in the transfer direction when the container C is received. Thus, in this embodiment, the lower transfer unit 42 is configured in a so-called push-pull type. However, it is not limited to such a configuration, and the lower transfer unit 42 may also be configured in a fork type.

[0041] In the present embodiment, each of the upper locking portion 41b and the lower locking portion 42b is driven by a driving unit (not shown) and is configured to be able to change its position between a locking position in which the container C is locked and a non-locking position in which the container C is not locked.

[0042] Figures 6 to 8 The transfer action of the container C relative to the stacking area 2A is shown. As described above, in this embodiment, the lifting device 3 can form a space between the plurality of containers C stacked in the stacking area 2A in the vertical direction. And the first transfer device 4 uses these spaces to transfer the container C relative to the stacking area 2A. In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 is configured to perform the delivery action and the reception action of the container C relative to the stacking area 2A. The first transfer device 4 can perform the parallel action of delivering and receiving the container C relative to the stacking area 2A in parallel.

[0043] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the figure, an example of a stacked container group Gc in which five layers of containers C are stacked in the stacking area 2A is shown. In the figure, the stacked containers C are labeled with numbers "1 to 5" in order from bottom to top. In addition, the container C of the delivery object held in the upper side transfer unit 41 is labeled with the letter "α". In the example shown below, the delivery object container C (container "α") is delivered to the container C (container "4") of the 4th layer by using the space formed in the upper and lower directions between the container C of the 5th layer (container "5") and the container C (container "4") of the 4th layer by the lifting device 3. In addition, in parallel with this, the container C (container "3") of the 3rd layer is received by using the space formed below the container C (container "4") of the 4th layer by the lifting device 3.

[0044] like Figure 7As shown, the first transfer device 4 moves the lower locking portion 42b in the locking posture to the second side T2 in the transfer direction while being locked to the container C (container "3"). In parallel with this, the first transfer device 4 moves the upper pressing portion 41a to the first side T1 in the transfer direction while the upper pressing portion 41a is pressing the container C (container "α") held by the upper transfer portion 41. As a result, the lower locking portion 42b pulls the container C (container "3") to be received to the second side T2 in the transfer direction, and the upper pressing portion 41a presses the container C (container "α") to be delivered to the first side T1 in the transfer direction.

[0045] Then, the lower transfer unit 42 receives the container C (container "3") of the receiving object pulled in by the lower locking unit 42b, and the upper transfer unit 41 arranges the container C (container "α") of the delivery object pushed by the upper pressing unit 41a above the container C (container "4") lifted by the second lifting and holding unit 312 so that it fits into the container C (container "4"). As a result, the stacked container group Gc of the stacking area 2A becomes as follows: Figure 8 That is, a part of the containers C (container "3") among the plurality of containers C arranged in the stacking area 2A is replaced with a new container C (container "α").

[0046] In this way, the transport vehicle 100 can change the stacked container group Gc supported by the support portion 2 into a new stacked container group Gc by making the lifting device 3 cooperate with the first transfer device 4. For example, the transport vehicle 100 can make a new stacked container group Gc by removing a part of the containers C from the stacked container group Gc supported by the support portion 2 using a plurality of containers C other than the removed containers C. For example, a stacked container group Gc consisting of only the first type of containers C1, a stacked container group Gc consisting of only the second type of containers C2, or a stacked container group Gc consisting of only general containers C3 can be made.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the container conveying equipment F further includes a holding area 7A, which is arranged in the area between the storage rack 8 and the working area 9A and includes a holding unit 70 for holding the stacked container group Gc. The holding area 7A is different from the storage rack 8 that stores a plurality of containers C in a separated state, and is an area that can hold a plurality of containers C as a stacked container group Gc.

[0048] In this embodiment, the holding portion 70 is configured to hold a plurality of stacked container groups Gc (see also Fig. 9 The holding area 7A includes a plurality of such holding portions 70.

[0049] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the holding portion 70 is configured so that the stacked container group Gc can be transferred between the holding portion 70 and the supporting portion 2 by the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the holding portion 70 is provided with a single or a plurality of third transfer devices 73. In the example shown in the figure, the holding portion 70 is provided with three third transfer devices 73. In this example, the third transfer device 73 is configured using a conveyor. As such a conveyor, a well-known conveyor such as a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or a belt conveyor can be used.

[0050] The third transfer device 73 of the holding portion 70 and the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 are configured to transfer the stacked container group Gc to each other. That is, in the present embodiment, the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc supported by the support portion 2 to the holding portion 70 and to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc held by the holding portion 70 to the support portion 2.

[0051] like Fig.10 As shown, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the holding portion 70 along the vehicle width direction W, the stacked container group Gc of the transfer object is transferred along the vehicle width direction W. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 and the holding portion 70 are configured in a manner that can communicate with each other, and are configured in a manner that the stacked container group Gc is transferred in a collaborative manner. For example, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the holding portion 70 along the vehicle width direction W, the transport vehicle 100 sends a transfer signal indicating the transfer of the stacked container group Gc to the holding portion 70, so that the second transfer device 22 is actuated. The holding portion 70 that receives the transfer signal causes the third transfer device 73 to actuate. As a result, the third transfer device 73 of the holding portion 70 and the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 mutually transfer the stacked container group Gc.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in the present embodiment, the holding area 7A is arranged in an area between the storage racks 8 and the work area 9A in the direction in which the storage racks 8 extend (that is, in the direction in which the path R8 in the rack area extends).

[0053] In the present embodiment, the holding portion 70 of the holding area 7A is arranged at a position along the connection path R7 connecting the path R8 in the rack area with the first intersection 91 of the work area 9A. The path R8 in the rack area and the connection path R7 are in the shape of a straight line. In this example, a plurality of paths R8 in the rack area are provided in accordance with the number of storage racks 8, and the same number of connection paths R7 as the plurality of paths R8 in the rack area are provided. Each of the plurality of holding portions 70 provided in the holding area 7A is arranged at a position along any one of the plurality of connection paths R7.

[0054] Here, if Figure 1As shown, in the container conveying facility F according to the present disclosure, a stacking storage area 6A is provided at a location different from the work area 9A and the storage rack 8. The stacking storage area 6A is an area capable of storing a plurality of stacked container groups Gc.

[0055] like Fig.11 As shown, the stacked storage area 6A includes: a configuration area 60, which can configure multiple stacked container groups Gc; a second delivery portion 62, which performs the delivery of the stacked container group Gc between the support portion 2 of the transport vehicle 100; and a container group conveying device 63, which performs a take-out action to move the stacked container group Gc from the configuration area 60 to the second delivery portion 62 and a take-in action to move the stacked container group Gc from the second delivery portion 62 to the configuration area 60.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the stacking storage area 6A is configured so that a single container C or a stacked container group Gc is placed and stored in the arrangement area 60. In the present example, at least a portion of the floor surface of the stacking storage area 6A serves as the arrangement area 60.

[0057] Hereinafter, the configuration of the stack storage region 6A will be described with directions along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to each other being defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0058] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, in this embodiment, the container group conveying device 63 includes: a gripping mechanism 630, which grips the container C; an X-direction moving body 631X, which moves the gripping mechanism 630 along the X-direction; a Y-direction moving body 631Y, which moves the gripping mechanism 630 along the Y-direction; and a lifting mechanism 632, which lifts the gripping mechanism 630 in the up and down directions.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the container group conveying device 63 includes a pair of fixed rails 631 fixed to the arrangement area 60. The pair of fixed rails 631 extend in the Y direction and are arranged to be separated from each other in the X direction.

[0060] The Y-direction moving body 631Y is supported by a pair of fixed rails 631 and is configured to move the gripping mechanism 630 in the Y direction. The X-direction moving body 631X is supported by the Y-direction moving body 631Y and is configured to move the gripping mechanism 630 in the X direction. The lifting mechanism 632 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X and is configured to lift the gripping mechanism 630 in the up-down direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the X-direction moving body 631X is composed of a carriage that travels along a movable rail constituting the Y-direction moving body 631Y. The X-direction moving body 631X moves in the X-direction by traveling along the Y-direction moving body 631Y extending in the X-direction.

[0062] The gripping mechanism 630 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X. Therefore, when the X-direction moving body 631X moves in the X-direction, the gripping mechanism 630 also moves in the X-direction. In addition, as described above, the X-direction moving body 631X is supported by the Y-direction moving body 631Y. Therefore, when the Y-direction moving body 631Y moves in the Y-direction, the gripping mechanism 630 also moves in the Y-direction. In this way, the gripping mechanism 630 is configured to be movable in the X-direction and the Y-direction.

[0063] The lifting mechanism 632 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X. Although not shown in detail, the lifting mechanism 632 includes a belt connected to the gripping mechanism 630 and a lifting drive unit (not shown) that is composed of, for example, a motor and drives the belt. The lifting drive unit drives the belt, and the gripping mechanism 630 is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 630 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X via the lifting mechanism 632.

[0064] like Fig.12 As shown, the gripping mechanism 630 includes a pair of gripping units 630U that approach or separate from each other in the X direction. When the pair of gripping units 630U approach each other, the gripping mechanism 630 is in a gripping state of gripping the container C. When the pair of gripping units 630U separate from each other, the gripping mechanism 630 is in a non-gripping state of not gripping the container C.

[0065] Each of the pair of gripping units 630U is provided with a pair of rail portions 631Ya (see Fig.11 ) are supported on the X-direction moving body 631X via the lifting mechanism 632 in a manner of synchronously lifting and lowering between the two. Each of the pair of gripping units 630U includes: a pair of positioning members 630a arranged side by side along the Y direction and approaching or separating from each other along the Y direction; and a gripping member 630b arranged between the pair of positioning members 630a arranged side by side along the Y direction.

[0066] When the pair of gripping units 630U approach each other, the gripping pieces 630b of each of the pair of gripping units 630U sandwich the container C from both sides. Thus, the container C is gripped. On the contrary, when the pair of gripping units 630U separate from each other, the grip of the container C is released.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the positioning member 630a is configured so as to contact the outer edge of the container C from the outside to position the container C in the gripping state of the gripping mechanism 630. In the present example, the pair of positioning members 630a provided in each of the pair of gripping units 630U (i.e., a total of four positioning members 630a) are configured so as to contact the four corners of the container C having a rectangular planar shape. In the illustrated example, the plurality of positioning members 630a are configured as columnar bodies having an L-shaped cross section along a horizontal plane in a manner consistent with the outer edge shape of each of the four corners of the container C.

[0068] like Fig.11 As shown, in this embodiment, the second delivery section 62 includes: a carry-out conveyor 621 for carrying out the stacked container group Gc from the stacking storage area 6A; and an carry-in conveyor 622 for carrying in the stacked container group Gc into the stacking storage area 6A.

[0069] The stacked container group Gc arranged in the arrangement area 60 of the stack storage region 6A is transported to the carry-out conveyor 621 by the container group transport device 63. The stacked container group Gc is delivered to the transport vehicle 100 by the carry-out conveyor 621, for example.

[0070] For example, the stacked container group Gc transported to the carry-in conveyor 622 by the transport vehicle 100 is delivered to the container group transport device 63 by the carry-in conveyor 622. The stacked container group Gc is transported to the arrangement area 60 by the container group transport device 63.

[0071] like Fig.13 As shown, the container group conveying device 63 is configured to be able to perform a separation operation to separate a part of the containers C (a plurality of containers or a single container C) from one stacked container group Gc. The container group conveying device 63 can produce a stacked container group Gc composed of an arbitrary number of containers C by performing the separation operation. The container group conveying device 63 is configured to move a part of the containers C separated from one stacked container group Gc by the separation operation to a place different from the place where the stacked container group Gc is placed.

[0072] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the container group conveying device 63 separates a plurality of containers C of container type "A" from a stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of containers C of container type "A" and a plurality of containers C of container type "B". Then, the container group conveying device 63 conveys the separated plurality of containers C (container type "A") to the second delivery section 62. The plurality of containers C (container type "A") conveyed to the second delivery section 62 are delivered to, for example, the transport vehicle 100, and are transported to the destination by the transport vehicle 100.

[0073] like Fig.14As shown, the container group conveying device 63 is configured to be able to perform a combining operation to combine a stacked container group Gc or a single container C with another stacked container group Gc or a single container C. The container group conveying device 63 can produce a stacked container group Gc composed of an arbitrary number of containers C by performing the combining operation. The container group conveying device 63 is configured to move the stacked container group Gc produced by the combining operation.

[0074] exist Fig.14 In the example shown, the container group conveying device 63 combines a part of the stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of containers C of container type "A", a part of the stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of containers C of container type "B", and a part of the stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of containers C of container type "D" through a combining action. Then, the container group conveying device 63 conveys the new stacked container group Gc formed by the combining action to the second delivery section 62. The stacked container group Gc conveyed to the second delivery section 62 is delivered to, for example, the transport vehicle 100, and is transported to the destination by the transport vehicle 100.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the holding area 7A is arranged between the storage area 8A where the storage racks 8 are arranged and the work area 9A. In the present embodiment, the stacking storage area 6A is arranged adjacent to the holding area 7A.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the arrangement area 60 is arranged at a position deviated from the connection path R7. Furthermore, the second delivery portion 62 is arranged at a position along the connection path R7. Thus, the stacking storage area 6A can be arranged at a position that does not hinder the travel of the transport vehicle 100 traveling on the connection path R7 and can deliver the stacked container group Gc to the transport vehicle 100 traveling on the connection path R7.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 is configured to be able to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc supported by the support portion 2 to the second delivery portion 62 and to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc held by the second delivery portion 62 to the support portion 2 .

[0078] When the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the second handover portion 62 along the vehicle width direction W, the stacked container group Gc of the transfer object is transferred along the vehicle width direction W. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 and the second handover portion 62 are configured in a manner that can communicate with each other, and are configured in a manner that cooperatively transfers the stacked container group Gc. For example, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the second handover portion 62 along the vehicle width direction W, a transfer signal indicating the transfer of the stacked container group Gc is sent to the second handover portion 62, so that the second transfer device 22 is actuated. The second handover portion 62 that receives the transfer signal causes the outgoing conveyor 621 or the incoming conveyor 622 to actuate. Thus, the second handover portion 62 and the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 mutually transfer the stacked container group Gc.

[0079] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 is configured as follows: based on instructions from the control device H, the stacked container group Gc is transported from the storage rack 8 to the working area 9A, the stacked container group Gc is transported from the stacked storage area 6A to the working area 9A, and the stacked container group Gc is transported from the holding area 7A to the working area 9A.

[0080] like Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 is configured as follows: based on the command from the control device H, the stacked container group Gc including the first type container C1 in at least a part is transported to the holding area, or the stacked container group Gc including the second type container C2 in at least a part without the first type container C1 is transported to the stacked storage area 6A. As a result, the first type container C1 with a high frequency of being transported to the working area 9A can be preferentially held in the holding area 7A. In addition, the second type container C2 with a lower frequency of being transported to the working area 9A than the first type container C1 but with a relatively high frequency can be preferentially stored in the stacked storage area 6A. Therefore, the stacked container group Gc including each container C can be placed at an appropriate location according to the frequency of transporting the container C to the working area.

[0081] exist Fig.15 In the example shown in (a), the transport vehicle 100 supports a stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of first-type containers C1. In this case, the control device H issues a transport instruction to the transport vehicle 100, which specifies the transport destination of the stacked container group Gc as the holding area 7A. Based on the instruction from the control device H, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of first-type containers C1 to the holding area 7A.

[0082] exist Fig.15In the example shown in (b), the transport vehicle 100 supports a stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of second type containers C2. In this case, the control device H issues a transport instruction to the transport vehicle 100, designating the stacked storage area 6A as the transport destination of the stacked container group Gc. Based on the instruction from the control device H, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc composed of a plurality of second type containers C2 to the stacked storage area 6A.

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device H is configured to periodically re-evaluate the management of the first type container C1 and the second type container C2. In this example, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transport the stacked container group Gc between the holding area 7A and the stacked storage area 6A based on the command from the control device H after the re-evaluation of the management of the container C, and to replace the stacked container group Gc held in the holding portion 70 of the holding area 7A with the stacked container group Gc stored in the stacked storage area 6A.

[0084] That is, when the result of the re-evaluation of the management performed by the control device H is that the stacked container group Gc held in the holding portion 70 of the holding area 7A does not include the first type of container C1 but at least partially includes the second type of container C2, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc from the holding area 7A to the stacked storage area 6A.

[0085] Furthermore, when the result of management re-evaluation by the control device H indicates that at least a portion of the stacked container group Gc stored in the stacked storage area 6A includes the first type container C1, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc from the stacked storage area 6A to the holding area 7A.

[0086] With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain a state in which an appropriate stacked container group Gc is stored in each of the holding area 7A and the stacked storage area 6A for a long period of time.

[0087] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the container conveying facility F will be described. Points not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0088] like Fig.16 As shown, in the present embodiment, the container conveying facility F further includes an inter-area conveying device 200 for conveying the stacked container group Gc between the stacking storage area 6A and the working area 9A.

[0089] In this embodiment, the inter-regional transport device 200 is constructed using a conveyor. The inter-regional transport device 200 forms a transport path connecting the stacked storage area 6A and the work area 9A. In this example, the transport path is formed in a manner that connects the stacked storage area 6A and the work area 9A without passing through the holding area 7A. In this example, the inter-regional transport device 200 includes: a transport-out section 201 for transporting the stacked container group Gc out of the stacked storage area 6A; and a transport-in section 202 for transporting the stacked container group Gc into the stacked storage area 6A. The transport path formed by the inter-regional transport device 200 is in a loop shape, returning from the transport-out section 201 through the work area 9A to the transport-in section 202.

[0090] The stacked container group Gc transported from the transport-out section 201 is delivered to the work area 9A, where the target work is performed. The stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) that has completed the target work in the work area 9A is transported by the inter-area transport device 200 and arrives at the transport-in section 202. The stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) that has arrived at the transport-in section 202 is delivered to the stack storage area 6A.

[0091] With this configuration, the stacked container group Gc in the stacking storage area 6A can be transported to the work area 9A without using the transport vehicle 100. In addition, the stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) in the work area 9A can be transported to the stacking storage area 6A without using the transport vehicle 100.

[0092] [Other implementation methods] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0093] (1) In the above embodiment, the second delivery section 62 of the stacking storage area 6A is described as including the outgoing conveyor 621 and the incoming conveyor 622. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the second delivery section 62 may include a placement table for placing only the stacked container group Gc.

[0094] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the stacked storage area 6A is arranged between the storage area 8A where the storage racks 8 are arranged and the work area 9A. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and a part of the stacked storage area 6A may overlap a part of the storage area 8A. According to this configuration, the container group conveying device 63 of the stacked storage area 6A can receive the container C stored in the uppermost shelf 80 of the storage rack 8. In addition, the container group conveying device 63 can deliver the container C stored in the stacked storage area 6A to the uppermost shelf 80 of the storage rack 8. The form in which the stacked storage area 6A is provided so as to overlap a part of the storage area 8A in this way also includes "the stacked storage area 6A is provided in a place different from the work area 9A and the storage rack 8".

[0095] (3) In the above embodiment, the rack region path R8 and the connection path R7 are linear. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of the rack region path R8 and the connection path R7 may be curved or bent.

[0096] (4) In the above embodiment, an example in which the second transfer device 22 is configured using a conveyor has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the second transfer device 22 may be configured using a fork. Alternatively, the second transfer device 22 may be configured using a robot arm.

[0097] (5) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the third transfer device 73 is configured using a conveyor has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the third transfer device 73 may be configured using, for example, a robot arm.

[0098] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the container conveying equipment F includes the holding area 7A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the container conveying equipment F may not include the holding area 7A.

[0099] (7) In addition, the configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be combined with the configuration disclosed in other embodiments and applied as long as no contradiction occurs. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all points. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] [Summary of this embodiment] Hereinafter, a summary of this embodiment will be described.

[0101] A container conveying device comprising a conveying vehicle for conveying containers configured to be stacked in an up-and-down direction, a storage rack for storing the containers, and a work area for performing at least one of an operation of taking out an article from the container and an operation of putting an article into the container. The storage rack includes multiple layers of racks for supporting the containers in the vertical direction, so as to store the plurality of containers in a state of being separated from each other. The above-mentioned transport vehicle has: A moving body; A support unit mounted on the traveling body and supporting the plurality of containers as a stacked container group in a stacked state; a first transfer device mounted on the traveling body and transferring the container between the storage rack and the stacked container group supported by the supporting portion; and a second transfer device, which is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; In the working area, a first delivery section is provided for delivering the stacked container group between the supporting section and the stacked container group. A stacked storage area is provided at a location different from the aforementioned work area and the aforementioned storage rack. The aforementioned stacked storage area has: A configuration field, which can configure a plurality of the aforementioned stacked container groups; a second delivery portion for delivering the stacked container group to the support portion; and A container group conveying device performs a take-out operation to move the stacked container group from the arrangement area to the second delivery portion and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second delivery portion to the arrangement area.

[0102] According to this configuration, stacked container groups can be temporarily stored in the stacked storage area. Therefore, for example, by storing specific containers such as predetermined containers to be transported to the operating area or containers that are frequently transported to the operating area in the stacked storage area, the operation frequency of the transport vehicle used to return the container to the storage rack or to take out the container from the storage rack can be suppressed to a small amount. Therefore, it is easy to improve the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle to the container. In addition, according to this configuration, stacked container groups are stored in the stacked storage area, so that multiple containers in a stacked state can be transferred at one time between the support portion of the transport vehicle and the second handover portion of the stacked storage area. Furthermore, the stacked container group is also handed over at the first handover portion of the operating area. Therefore, in these aspects, it is also easy to improve the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle to the container.

[0103] Preferably, the container group conveying device is configured to be capable of performing a separation operation of separating a part of the containers from one of the stacked container groups and a combining operation of combining the stacked container group or a single container with another stacked container group or a single container.

[0104] According to this configuration, for the stacked container group in the stacked storage area, the combination of containers constituting the stacked container group can be changed. Thus, a stacked container group having a different combination of containers from the stacked container group received from the transport vehicle can be newly manufactured in the stacked storage area, and the manufactured stacked container group can be handed over to the transport vehicle from the second delivery portion. Therefore, it is easy to transport the stacked container group in which a plurality of containers are appropriately combined to the work area in accordance with the necessity in the work area, and it is easy to improve the efficiency of the work in the work area.

[0105] Preferably, there is further provided an inter-area transport device for transporting the stacked container group between the stacked storage area and the work area.

[0106] According to this configuration, it is possible to transport the stacked container group in the stacked storage area to the working area without using a transport vehicle, or to transport the stacked container group in the working area to the stacked storage area without using a transport vehicle. In addition, the inter-area transport device can collect and transport the stacked container groups. Therefore, it is easy to improve the overall container transport efficiency in the container transport equipment.

[0107] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a holding area disposed in a region between the storage rack and the work area, and comprising a holding portion for holding the stacked container group. The holding portion is configured so that the stacked container group can be transferred between the holding portion and the supporting portion by the second transfer device.

[0108] According to this configuration, a stacked container group can be held in the holding area. Therefore, for example, by holding specific containers such as containers that are scheduled to be transported to the work area or containers that are frequently transported to the work area in the holding area, the operation frequency of the transport vehicle for returning the container to the storage rack or taking the container out of the storage rack can be reduced, and the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle for the container can be easily improved. In addition, according to this configuration, a plurality of containers are held in a stacked state in the holding area, so that the floor area occupied by the holding area can be easily suppressed.

[0109] Preferably, the path of the transport vehicle extending along the storage rack is the path within the rack area. The holding portion of the holding area is arranged at a position along a connecting path connecting the path within the rack area and the first connecting portion. The configuration area is configured at a position deviated from the connection path. The second junction is arranged at a position along the connection path.

[0110] According to this configuration, the stacked storage area can be arranged at a position that does not hinder the travel of a transport vehicle traveling on a connection path connecting the storage rack to the first delivery portion and can deliver the stacked container group to the transport vehicle traveling on the connection path. In addition, according to this configuration, the transport vehicle traveling on the connection path can appropriately deliver the stacked container group to the holding portion of the holding area and to the second delivery portion of the stacked storage area.

[0111] Preferably, the device further comprises a control system for controlling the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle transports the stacked container group from the storage rack to the work area, transports the stacked container group from the stacking storage area to the work area, and transports the stacked container group from the holding area to the work area based on instructions from the control system.

[0112] According to this configuration, containers stored in storage racks can be transported to the work area as stacked container groups by a transport vehicle, and the transport of stacked container groups stored in the stacked storage area to the work area and the transport of stacked container groups held in the holding area to the work area can also be appropriately performed by the transport vehicle.

[0113] Preferably, the device further comprises a control system for controlling the transport vehicle. The control system is configured as follows: based on the types of articles contained in each of the containers, the containers whose frequency of transport to the work area is greater than a first threshold value are managed as first-type containers, and the containers whose frequency is less than the first threshold value and greater than a second threshold value are managed as second-type containers; The transport vehicle, based on instructions from the control system, transports the stacked container group including at least a portion of the first type of container to the holding area, or transports the stacked container group including no first type of container but including at least a portion of the second type of container to the stacked storage area.

[0114] According to this configuration, the first type of container, which is frequently transported to the working area, can be preferentially kept in the holding area. In addition, the second type of container, which is less frequently transported to the working area than the first type of container but has a relatively high frequency, can be preferentially kept in the stacking storage area. Therefore, the stacking container group including each container can be placed in an appropriate place according to the frequency of transporting the container to the working area. Therefore, it is easy to improve the transport efficiency of the transport vehicle for the container.

[0115] Suitably, the control system periodically re-evaluates the management of the first container and the second container. The aforementioned transport vehicle transports the aforementioned stacked container group between the aforementioned holding area and the aforementioned stacked storage area based on instructions from the aforementioned control system after re-evaluation of the aforementioned management, and replaces the aforementioned stacked container group held in the aforementioned holding portion in the aforementioned holding area with the aforementioned stacked container group stored in the aforementioned stacked storage area.

[0116] According to this configuration, it is possible to maintain a state in which appropriate stacked container groups are stored in each of the holding area and the stacked storage area for a long period of time. Industrial Applicability

[0117] The technology involved in the present disclosure can be used in a container conveying equipment comprising: a conveying vehicle that conveys containers configured to be stacked in an up-and-down direction; a storage rack that stores the aforementioned containers; and an operation area that performs at least one of an operation of removing an article from the aforementioned container and an operation of putting an article into the aforementioned container. Explanation of symbols

[0118] F: Container conveying equipment 100: Transport vehicle 10: Driving body 2: Support part 22: Second transfer device 4: First transfer device 6A: Stacked storage area 60: Configuration Field 62: Second junction 63: Container group conveyor 7A: Holding Area 70: Maintaining Department 8A: Storage Area 8: Storage rack 80: Shelf 9A: Operation Area 91: First Intersection 200: Inter-area transport device C: Container C1: Type 1 container C2: Type 2 container Gc: Cascading container group R7: Connecting Paths R8: Path within the frame area.

Claims

1. A container conveying device comprising a conveying vehicle for conveying containers configured to be stacked in an up-and-down direction, a storage rack for storing the containers, and a work area for performing at least one of an operation of taking out an article from the container and an operation of putting an article into the container, The container conveying device has the following characteristics: The storage rack includes multiple layers of rack parts for supporting the containers in the vertical direction, so as to store the plurality of containers in a state of being separated from each other. The transport vehicle has: A moving body; a support portion mounted on the traveling body and supporting a stacked container group in which the plurality of containers are stacked as a container group; a first transfer device mounted on the traveling body and transferring the container between the storage rack and the stacked container group supported by the support portion; and a second transfer device, which is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; The working area is provided with a first delivery portion for delivering the stacked container group to the support portion. A stacked storage area is provided at a location different from the work area and the storage rack. The stacked storage area comprises: a configuration field, which can configure a plurality of said stacked container groups; a second delivery portion for delivering the stacked container group to the support portion; and A container group conveying device performs a take-out operation to move the stacked container group from the arrangement area to the second delivery portion and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second delivery portion to the arrangement area.

2. The container conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: The container group conveying device is configured to be capable of performing a separation operation of separating a part of the containers from one of the stacked container groups and a combining operation of combining the stacked container group or a single container with another stacked container group or a single container.

3. The container conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further includes an inter-area transport device for transporting the stacked container group between the stacked storage area and the work area.

4. The container conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The device further comprises a holding area disposed in a region between the storage rack and the working area and comprising a holding portion for holding the stacked container group. The holding portion is configured so that the stacked container group can be transferred between the holding portion and the supporting portion by the second transfer device.

5. The container conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: The path of the transport vehicle extending along the storage rack is defined as the path within the rack area. The holding portion of the holding area is arranged at a position along a connection path connecting the path within the rack area and the first connection portion. The configuration area is configured at a position deviated from the connection path, The second junction is arranged at a position along the connection path.

6. The container conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: It also includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle transports the stacked container group from the storage rack to the work area, from the stack storage area to the work area, and from the holding area to the work area based on a command from the control system.

7. The container conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: It also includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicle. The control system is configured as follows: based on the types of articles contained in each of the containers, the containers whose frequency of transport to the work area is greater than a first threshold value are managed as first-type containers, and the containers whose frequency is less than the first threshold value and greater than a second threshold value are managed as second-type containers. Based on instructions from the control system, the transport vehicle transports the stacked container group including at least a portion of the first type of container to the holding area, or transports the stacked container group including no first type of container but including at least a portion of the second type of container to the stacked storage area.

8. The container conveying device according to claim 7, wherein: The control system periodically re-evaluates the management of the first container and the second container, The transport vehicle transports the stacked container group between the holding area and the stacked storage area based on instructions from the control system after re-evaluation of the management, and replaces the stacked container group held by the holding portion of the holding area with the stacked container group stored in the stacked storage area.

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