Automatic warehouse, maintenance work method for automatic warehouse, and scaffold component

Abstract

To easily perform a high-place work in an automatic warehouse.SOLUTION: An automatic warehouse of the present invention comprises: a first storage unit 50U1 and a second storage unit 50U2 arranged side by side with a space for a horizontal transport vehicle to travel therebetween; and scaffolding components 70, 80 hung between the first and second storage units. Each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit includes a plurality of shelf plates 52, a storage shelf 50 having a shelf support frame 54, and a plurality of rails 48. The plurality of rails of the first storage unit and the plurality of rails of the second storage unit are provided one by one in accordance with respective upper and lower positions of a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles, and the scaffolding components include a scaffolding main body portion arranged across the travel space, a first support end portion removably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion removably supported on the second storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated warehouse, a maintenance work method for an automated warehouse, and a scaffolding component. [Background technology]

[0002] The automated warehouse disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a storage unit in which a plurality of front support groups are arranged in two rows in a plan view between two transfer aisles that run parallel to each other in a plan view, with the groups of front support columns being erected at an appropriate interval along the direction in which the transfer aisles run, and each row of the front support groups is connected by a horizontally extending beam-shaped rail, and a plurality of intermediate shelves are supported by the two opposing rails. A self-propelled cart traveling on the transfer aisle can load and unload goods into the storage unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-206300 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this regard, it is desirable to make it easier to carry out work in high places.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make it easy to perform work at height in an automated warehouse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated warehouse is an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles that travel horizontally are installed one above the other, and comprises a first storage unit and a second storage unit arranged side by side with a space for the horizontal transport vehicles to travel between them, and a scaffolding component member that is hung between the first storage unit and the second storage unit, each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit including a storage shelf having a plurality of shelves and a shelf support frame that supports the plurality of shelves arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and a plurality of rails that are supported at intervals in the vertical direction at a position on the travel space side of the storage shelf, the plurality of rails of the first storage unit and the plurality of rails of the second storage unit are provided one by one in accordance with each of the upper and lower positions of the plurality of horizontal transport vehicles, and the scaffolding component member includes a scaffolding main body portion that is arranged to cross the travel space, a first support end portion that is detachably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion that is detachably supported on the second storage unit.

[0007] In addition, a maintenance work method for an automated warehouse is a maintenance work method for an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles running horizontally are installed above and below in a running space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, in which a scaffolding component is hung between the first storage unit and the second storage unit and positioned so that the scaffolding component crosses the running space, and maintenance work is carried out using the scaffolding component as a scaffold.

[0008] In addition, the scaffolding component is a scaffolding component installed to form a scaffold for workers in an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles running horizontally are installed above and below in the running space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, and comprises a scaffolding main body portion arranged to cross the running space, a first support end portion removably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion removably supported on the second storage unit, and at least one of the first support end and the second support end portion includes a positioning protrusion portion that is positioned in the extension direction of the running space between two adjacent shelves at the same height position in the first storage unit or the second storage unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, with the scaffolding components supported by the first storage unit and the second storage unit, the scaffolding main body is disposed so as to cross the travel space. Therefore, workers can carry out various tasks in the travel space using the scaffolding components as a scaffold. This allows workers to easily carry out high-altitude work in the automated warehouse. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an automated warehouse according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the above-mentioned automated warehouse. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the storage shelf and a scaffolding component. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a scaffolding component. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a scaffolding component. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a scaffolding component. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII showing a scaffolding component. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another scaffolding component. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX showing the scaffolding component of the above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] {Embodiment} The automated warehouse, the maintenance work method for the automated warehouse, and the scaffolding components according to the embodiments will be described below.

[0012] <Overall configuration of the automated warehouse> The overall configuration of the automated warehouse will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view showing the automated warehouse, and Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the automated warehouse.

[0013] The automated warehouse 20 includes a first storage unit 50U1, a second storage unit 50U2, and a horizontal transport vehicle 40. A plurality of horizontal transport vehicles 40 are installed vertically between the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2. The horizontal transport vehicles 40 travel horizontally between the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2. This allows the horizontal transport vehicle 40 to take in and out objects 10 at any horizontal position in the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2 at the height position at which it travels.

[0014] The first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2 are arranged side by side with a travel space 50S for the horizontal transport vehicle 40 in between. For example, the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2 are arranged side by side with a gap between them.

[0015] Each of the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit includes a storage shelf 50 and a plurality of rails 48.

[0016] The storage shelf 50 includes a plurality of shelves 52 and a shelf support frame 54 .

[0017] The shelves 52 are formed in a plate shape, for example, a rectangular plate shape. An object 10 is placed and supported on each shelf 52. The shelves 52 are supported at intervals in the vertical direction. Thus, the objects 10 can be stored in a plurality of tiers in the vertical direction. The shelves 52 are also arranged so as to be lined up in the running direction of the horizontal transport vehicle 40. Thus, the objects 10 can be stored so as to be lined up in the running direction of the horizontal transport vehicle 40. In other words, when viewed as a whole, the storage shelf 50 stores the objects 10 in a state of being arranged vertically and horizontally. In the storage shelf 50, the space in which the objects 10 are stored is the storage space.

[0018] The shelf support frame 54 is a frame that supports the multiple shelf boards 52 arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The shelf support frame 54 supports the multiple shelf boards 52 arranged in a line even in the traveling direction of the horizontal transport vehicle 40. Note that in FIG. 6, the shelf boards 52 arranged in the horizontal direction are shown.

[0019] The rails 48 are supported at intervals in the vertical direction at a position on the traveling space 50S side of the storage shelf 50. Each rail 48 extends horizontally along the extension direction of the storage shelf 50.

[0020] The multiple rails 48 of the first storage unit 50U1 and the multiple rails 48 on the second storage unit 50U2 side are provided one each corresponding to the vertical positions of the multiple horizontal transport vehicles 40. That is, a pair of left and right rails 48 is provided for each of the multiple vertical stages of horizontal transport vehicles 40. The horizontal transport vehicles 40 can travel horizontally on the pair of left and right rails 48 of the corresponding stage.

[0021] The horizontal transport vehicle 40 is a device also called a picker or dolly, and is configured to be able to travel back and forth along the pair of rails 48 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 is provided with an object insertion / removal mechanism for inserting and removing the object 10 into and from the storage shelf 50. The object insertion / removal mechanism has, for example, a pair of arms that can be moved in and out of the storage shelf 50. A pair of claws is provided at the tip end side in the advancing direction of the pair of arms and at the front of the tip end. It is considered that the positional relationship between the tip end and the front end of the pair of claws at the tip end side in the advancing direction of the pair of arms and the pair of claws at the front of the tip end will be reversed if the advancing direction of the pair of arms is reversed. By moving the pair of arms forward with the pair of claws at the front end protruding, the object on the horizontal transport vehicle is pushed toward the storage shelf 50. With the pair of arms advanced, the pair of claws at the tip end are protruding, and then the pair of arms are moved back. As a result, the object 10 on the storage shelf 50 side is pulled into the horizontal transport vehicle 40 side. This allows the object 10 to be moved between the horizontal transport vehicle 40 and the storage shelf 50. The object 10 is taken in and out of the storage shelf 50 from the side of the rails 48. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 traveling on the pair of rails 48 can take in and out the object 10 from both the storage shelf 50 on the first storage unit 50U1 side and the storage shelf 50 on the second storage unit 50U2 side.

[0022] The automated warehouse 20 may further include a lifting device 30, an inlet conveyor 16, an outlet conveyor 18, and a transfer shelf 60 including a transfer table 62.

[0023] The incoming conveyor 16 is an example of an outer conveying device that conveys the object 10 from a position outside the storage shelf 50 to a position closer to the storage shelf 50. The outgoing conveyor 18 is an example of an outer conveying device that conveys the object 10 from a position close to the storage shelf 50 to an outer position farther away from the storage shelf 50. The incoming conveyor 16 and the outgoing conveyor 18 are, for example, roller conveyors or belt conveyors.

[0024] The incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18 may be omitted. For example, the object 10 may be directly carried into the lifting device 30 by a robot device, a worker, or the like. Also, for example, the object 10 may be directly carried out from the lifting device 30 to the outside by a robot device, a worker, or the like.

[0025] The lifting device 30 and the transfer shelf 60 are provided, for example, at a part of the extension direction of the storage shelf 50. In this embodiment, the transfer shelf 60 for receiving, the lifting device 30 for receiving, and the receiving conveyor 16 are provided at one end of each of the pair of storage shelves 50. In addition, the transfer shelf 60 for retrieval, the lifting device 30 for retrieval, and the receiving conveyor 18 are provided at the other end of each of the pair of storage shelves 50. The transfer shelf, the lifting device, and the receiving / retrieving conveyor may be provided at the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the pair of storage shelves 50. The transfer shelf, the lifting device, and the conveyor do not need to be separated for receiving and retrieving, and may be used for both receiving and retrieving.

[0026] The transfer shelf 60 is also called a temporary storage shelf, and is a device that relays objects between the lifting device 30 and the horizontal transport vehicle 40. The transfer shelf 60 has a plurality of transfer tables 62 corresponding to each of a plurality of shelf levels. The plurality of transfer tables 62 are provided at positions adjacent to the storage shelf 50 and at the same height as the corresponding shelf boards 52. The transfer table 62 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers. The object 10 can be moved along the conveying direction by rotating a motor built into the roller. The object 10 on the transfer table 62 may be moved by being pushed along the conveying direction by a pusher driven by a separately provided actuator such as a cylinder. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 provided corresponding to each shelf level can transfer the object 10 to the transfer table 62 and the shelf board 52 at the shelf level. The object 10 is transferred from the lifting table 32 to the horizontal transport vehicle 40 via the transfer table 62 of the transfer shelf 60.

[0027] The lifting device 30 is a lifting device that directly or indirectly delivers or receives the object 10 to the horizontal transport vehicle 40 or the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18, which are external transport devices. In this embodiment, the incoming lifting device 30 receives the object 10 directly from the incoming conveyor 16. The incoming lifting device 30 delivers the object 10 indirectly to the horizontal transport vehicle 40 via the incoming transfer shelf 60. The outgoing lifting device 30 receives the object indirectly from the horizontal transport vehicle 40 via the outgoing transfer shelf 60. The outgoing lifting device 30 delivers the object directly to the outgoing conveyor 18. The lifting device 30 may deliver or receive the object 10 directly to the transfer shelf 60.

[0028] The lifting device 30 is a device that lifts and lowers the object 10, and is also called a reservoir. The lifting device 30 includes a lifting platform 32 on which the object 10 is placed. The lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered while supporting the object 10. The lifting platform 32 can move the object 10 along a conveying direction connecting the incoming conveyor 16 and the transfer platform 62, or along a conveying direction connecting the outgoing conveyor 18 and the transfer platform 62.

[0029] The lifting platform 32 is driven to move up and down by the lifting drive mechanism 33. The lifting drive mechanism 33 has, for example, a drive source 33a and a circulating rotator 33b. The drive source 33a is, for example, a motor that is electrically driven and controlled. The circulating rotator 33b is a chain or a circulating belt that is wound around a sprocket or a pulley that is rotatably supported above and below the column 31. By rotating the drive source 33a, the circulating rotator 33b is circulated and rotated, and the lifting platform 32 connected to the circulating rotator 33b is lifted and lowered. By driving the lifting platform 32 to move up and down in conjunction with the operation of the drive source 33a, the lifting platform 32 is lifted and lowered to a position corresponding to each of the multiple transfer platforms 62 at a position next to the transfer shelf 60. By positioning the lifting platform 32 at a height corresponding to one of the transfer platforms 62, the object 10 can be transferred by moving horizontally between the lifting platform 32 and the transfer platform 62. In addition, the lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered to a position adjacent to the end of the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18 that is closer to the storage shelf 50, and corresponds to the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18. By positioning the lifting platform 32 at a height corresponding to the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18, the object 10 can be transferred by moving horizontally between the lifting platform 32 and the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18.

[0030] The control unit controls the lifting and lowering operation and transfer operation of the lifting device 30, the transfer operation on the transfer shelf 60, the traveling operation of the horizontal transport vehicle 40, and the loading and unloading operation of the object 10. In this automated warehouse 20, the object 10 is stored and removed under the control of the control unit.

[0031] <Location of shelves and scaffolding> 3 is a side view showing a part of the storage shelf 50 and the scaffolding components 70, 80. The automated warehouse 20 is equipped with the scaffolding components 70, 80.

[0032] The scaffolding components 70, 80 are members that are stretched across the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2. In the automated warehouse 20, the scaffolding components 70, 80 are used when maintenance work is performed at a height that cannot be reached by a worker P standing on the floor. The worker P can perform maintenance work standing on the scaffolding components 70, 80 that are stretched across the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2 at a height above the floor. This makes it easy to perform maintenance work at a high position.

[0033] During the automatic storage and retrieval operations of the item 10, the scaffolding components 70, 80 should be stored in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the horizontal transport vehicle 40, for example, on the floor.

[0034] A plurality of scaffolding components 70, 80 are prepared, and the plurality of scaffolding components 70, 80 are preferably configured to be supported in a stepped manner by changing the height position and the position in the extension direction of the running space 50S. In the example shown in Fig. 3, four scaffolding components 70, 80 are shown. The four scaffolding components 70, 80 are supported in successively higher positions toward one side in the extension direction of the running space 50S, and are arranged in a stepped manner.

[0035] The worker P can move successively onto higher scaffolding components 70, 80 by moving to one side in the extension direction of the running space 50S and placing his / her feet on successively higher scaffolding components 70, 80.

[0036] Scaffolding components 70, 80 of different sizes may be prepared. For example, the length of the scaffolding component 80 in the extension direction of the running space 50S is longer than the length in the same direction as the scaffolding component 70. Also, for example, the thickness of the scaffolding component 80 in the up-down direction is greater than the thickness of the scaffolding component 70.

[0037] The large scaffolding component 80 may be installed at a position where it is expected that the worker will stand when performing the work. For example, the large scaffolding component 80 is installed at the top position. The small scaffolding components 70 are installed at other height positions.

[0038] In this case, the worker P can perform work by standing on the large-sized scaffolding component 80. The scaffolding component 80 has a large length in the traveling space 50S and is also thick, so that it can stably support the worker P. In addition, the worker P can perform work while standing stably in a large space.

[0039] The scaffolding components 70 on the way to the scaffolding component 80 can be made small and lightweight, so that the scaffolding components 70 can be easily positioned to form a travel path to reach the scaffolding component 80.

[0040] <Scaffolding components> The scaffolding components 70, 80 will now be described in more detail.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the scaffolding component member 70, Fig. 5 is a front view showing the scaffolding component member 70, Fig. 6 is a side view showing the scaffolding component member 70, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII showing the scaffolding component member 70. In Figs. 4 to 7, the columns 55, beams 56, rails 48 and shelf boards 52 of the shelf support frame 54 may be illustrated.

[0042] Here, a description will be given of an example configuration of the shelf support frame 54. The shelf support frame 54 of the storage shelf 50 has a support post 55 and a plurality of beams 56.

[0043] The support pillars 55 are elongated members extending in the up-down direction. For example, the support pillars 55 are arranged at intervals in a plurality of locations in the extension direction of the travel space 50S. FIG. 5 illustrates the support pillars 55 on one side of the travel space 50S.

[0044] The beams 56 are supported by the columns 55 so as to extend along the extension direction of the travel space 50S at positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions where the upper and lower shelves 52 are arranged.

[0045] The pillars 55 and the beams 56 are installed at a position directly beside the rail 48 and at a position spaced apart from the rail 48 .

[0046] For example, the beam 56 includes a slender main plate portion 56a extending along the horizontal direction, an upper end extension piece 56b extending from the upper end edge of the main plate portion 56a, and a lower end extension piece 56c. The upper end extension piece 56b extends from the upper end edge of the main plate portion 56a toward the traveling space 50S side and is bent downward at its tip. The upper end extension piece 56b is adjacent to the rail 48. The lower end extension piece 56c extends from the lower end edge of the main plate portion 56a toward the bottom of the shelf board 52 and is bent upward at its tip.

[0047] The plurality of shelf boards 52 are supported by the plurality of stages of beams 56 in a state where they are lined up along the extending direction of the travel space 50S and spaced apart vertically.

[0048] The shelf board 52 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The shelf board 52 may be made of wood or resin. The shelf board 52 may be supported on the beam 56 by a recess-projection fitting structure, screws, welding, or the like.

[0049] In this embodiment, the side surface of the shelf board 52 is connected to the main board portion 56a by a concave-convex fitting structure, screw fastening, etc. The lower surface of the shelf board 52 may be supported by a lower end side extension piece 56c.

[0050] The upper surface of the shelf 52 may be located on an extension of the upper surface of the upper extension piece 56b. The upper surface of the upper extension piece 56b may be inclined downward from the upper surface of the shelf 52 toward the rail 48. In this case, the position of the upper surface of the rail 48 can be set at a position lower than the upper edge of the upper extension piece 56b and the upper surface of the shelf 52.

[0051] The rails 48 may be supported at positions adjacent to the multiple stages of beams 56. The rails 48 may be supported by the posts 55.

[0052] The scaffolding component 70 includes a scaffolding main body 72, a first support end 74, and a second support end 76. The scaffolding main body 72 is a portion disposed so as to cross the traveling space 50S. The first support end 74 is a portion detachably supported by the first storage unit 50U1. The second support end 76 is a portion detachably supported by the second storage unit 50U2.

[0053] More specifically, the scaffolding component 70 is a component made of a metal such as aluminum, etc. The scaffolding component 70 has a base plate portion 70a and a reinforcing portion 70b.

[0054] The base plate portion 70a is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The base plate portion 70a may have a non-slip structure. For example, a plurality of openings may be formed in the base plate portion 70a, and the opening edges may be protruded upward to form non-slip protrusions 70ap. When the worker P stands on the base plate portion 70a, the non-slip protrusions 70ap come into contact with the soles of the worker's shoes to prevent slipping. The non-slip structure may be realized by a tape attached to the scaffolding component. As the non-slip tape, a rubber tape, a tape having a concave-convex structure, or the like may be used.

[0055] The reinforcing portion 70b is a convex portion extending along the width direction on the lower surface of the base plate portion 70a. In this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 70b and the base plate portion 70a form a rectangular cylindrical shape. The reinforcing portion 70b reinforces the scaffolding component 70 so that it is difficult to bend in the vertical direction between the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2. The position and number of the reinforcing portions 70b are arbitrary. In this embodiment, three reinforcing portions 70b are provided at both ends and the middle position of the base plate portion 70a in the extension direction of the traveling space 50S. The protruding dimensions of the multiple reinforcing portions 70b relative to the base plate portion 70a are the same.

[0056] The scaffolding component 70 may have side walls 70c that close the ends of the reinforcing parts 70b on both sides of the running space 50S. The protruding dimensions of the multiple reinforcing parts 70b and the side walls 70c relative to the base plate part 70a are the same.

[0057] Of the base plate portion 70a, the multiple reinforcing portions 70b and the side walls 70c, the portions that are supported on a pair of storage shelves 50 at both widthwise ends of the running space 50S are the first support end 74 and the second support end 76, and the portion that is positioned between them in the running space 50S is the scaffolding main body portion 72.

[0058] The first support end 74 includes one end of the plurality of reinforcing parts 70b and one side wall 70c. The first support end 74, i.e., one end of the plurality of reinforcing parts 70b and one side wall 70c are placed on the upper edge of the main plate part 56a of the beam 56, so that the first support end 74 is detachably supported by the beam 56.

[0059] Similarly, the second support end 76 includes the other ends of the plurality of reinforcing parts 70b and the other side wall 70c. The second support end 76, i.e., the other ends of the plurality of reinforcing parts 70b and the other side wall 70c, are placed on the upper edge of the main plate part 56a of the beam 56, whereby the second support end 76 is detachably supported by the beam 56.

[0060] It should be noted that the first support end 74 and the second support end 76 do not have to be supported by the beam 56, and may be supported on the shelf board 52, for example.

[0061] The first support end 74 and the second support end 76 may be positioned in a direction crossing the traveling space 50S, in contact with the beam 56 in a direction intersecting the beam 56 in a plan view.

[0062] In this embodiment, at least one of the first support end 74 and the second support end 76 has a positioning protrusion 74p, 76p. In this embodiment, both the first support end 74 and the second support end 76 have a positioning protrusion 74p, 76p.

[0063] The positioning protrusion 74p is formed in a pin shape that protrudes outward and downward at the center position in the extending direction of one side wall 70c.

[0064] The positioning protrusion 76p is formed in a pin shape that protrudes outward and downward at the center position in the extending direction of the other side wall 70c.

[0065] The positioning protrusions 74p, 76p may be, for example, screwed or welded to the side wall 70c.

[0066] With the first support end 74 and the second support end 76 each placed on the upper edge of the main plate portion 56a of the beam 56, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p are disposed on the outer side of the main plate portion 56a.

[0067] The positioning protrusions 74p, 76p can contact the beam 56 in a direction intersecting the beam 56 in a plan view. More specifically, one positioning protrusion 74p can contact the outward surface of the main plate portion 56a of one beam 56, and the other positioning protrusion 76p can contact the outward surface of the main plate portion 56a of one beam 56. The positioning protrusions 74p, 76p can contact the beam 56 from opposite sides in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the running space 50S. This positions the scaffolding component 70 in a direction intersecting the running space 50S.

[0068] Furthermore, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p can be disposed outside the main plate portion 56a in the gap between two adjacent shelf boards 52 at the same height position among the multiple shelf boards 52. As a result, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p are positioned between the two adjacent shelf boards 52, and the scaffolding component 70 is positioned in the extension direction of the traveling space 50S.

[0069] For example, the foothold component 70 may be positioned in the width direction of the travel space 50S by contacting the shelf board 52 or the rail 48 in that direction.

[0070] The scaffolding component 70 may have a rail protection member 79. The rail protection member 79 may be attached to a portion of the scaffolding component 70 that faces the rail 48. The rail protection member 79 may be a member that is softer than the scaffolding component, for example, an elastic member such as rubber. The rail protection member 79 may be omitted.

[0071] In this embodiment, mounting grooves 70bg are formed in the bottoms of the reinforcing parts 70b on both ends. A thin and flexible rail protection member 79 is attached to the mounting grooves 70bg. The rail protection member 79 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the reinforcing parts 70b.

[0072] The rail 48 is positioned inside the first support end 74 and the second support end 76, each of which is placed on the upper edge of the main plate portion 56a of the beam 56. When the reinforcing portion 70b tries to contact the upper surface of the rail 48, the rail protection member 79 contacts the upper surface of the rail 48, not the bottom surface of the reinforcing portion 70b. This prevents the bottom surface of the reinforcing portion 70b from coming into direct contact with the rail 48, and protects the running surface of the rail 48 on which the horizontal transport vehicle 40 runs.

[0073] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a scaffolding component 80 that is larger in size than the scaffolding component 70. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the scaffolding component 80, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the scaffolding component 80 along line IX-IX.

[0074] The scaffolding component 80 is configured by connecting two connecting members 81. The connection may be achieved by, for example, screw S fastening.

[0075] Similar to the scaffolding component 70, the connecting member 81 has a base plate portion 81a, a reinforcing portion 81b, and a side wall 81c.

[0076] The vertical dimensions of the reinforcing portion 81b and the side wall 81c are greater than those of the reinforcing portion 70b and the side wall 70c. Therefore, the thickness T2 of the scaffolding component 80 is greater than the thickness T1 of the scaffolding component 70. Furthermore, in the extension direction of the running space 50S, the length of the base plate portion 81a is less than the length L1 of the base plate portion 70a. By connecting two connecting members 81, the length L2 of the scaffolding component 80 is set to be greater than the length L1 of the scaffolding component 70.

[0077] Therefore, the length L2 and thickness T2 of the scaffolding component 80 are smaller than the length L1 and thickness T1 of the scaffolding component 70.

[0078] Of the base plate portion 81a, the multiple reinforcing portions 81b and the side walls 81c of the connecting member 81, the portions that are supported on a pair of storage shelves 50 at both widthwise ends of the running space 50S are the first support end portion 84 and the second support end portion 86, and the portion that is positioned between them in the running space 50S is the scaffolding main body portion 82.

[0079] The positioning protrusions 84p, 86p are attached to the side wall 81c at the connecting points of the connecting member 81 by means of screws, welding, or the like.

[0080] Like the scaffolding component 70, the scaffolding component 80 can be placed and supported on the pair of left and right beams 56. Furthermore, by bringing the positioning protrusions 84p, 86p into contact with the outward faces of the pair of left and right beams 56 and arranging them between adjacent shelf boards 52, the scaffolding component 80 is positioned in the extension direction and width direction of the traveling space 50S.

[0081] <Maintenance work method> An example of a maintenance work method for the automated warehouse 20 using the above-mentioned scaffolding components 70, 80 will be described.

[0082] During the loading and unloading of the items 10 in the automated warehouse 20, the scaffolding components 70, 80 are stored in positions that do not interfere with the movement of the horizontal transport vehicle 40.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, in the automated warehouse 20, when maintenance work is performed at a height position away from the floor, scaffolding components 70, 80 are used.

[0084] For example, the scaffolding component 70 is placed and supported on the lowest pair of beams 56. The scaffolding component 70 is placed between the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2 and arranged so as to cross the running space 50S. At this time, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p are brought into contact with the beams 56 and arranged between the shelf boards 52, so that the scaffolding component 70 is positioned in the extension direction and width direction of the running space 50S.

[0085] Another scaffolding component 70 is placed and supported on the pair of beams 56 that is the second level from the bottom. Similarly, another scaffolding component 70 is placed and supported on the pair of beams 56 up to a height position one level below the target height position desired by the worker P.

[0086] A large-sized scaffolding component 80 is placed and supported on a pair of beams 56 at a target height position desired by the worker P. The multiple scaffolding components 70, 80 may be arranged in a staircase shape with different height positions and positions in the extension direction of the travel space 50S. This allows the worker P to move sequentially over the multiple scaffolding components 70, 80 as if climbing a staircase. The scaffolding components 70, 80 do not have to be arranged in a staircase shape. For example, the scaffolding components 70, 80 may be arranged at the same position in the extension direction of the travel space 50S.

[0087] A worker P can carry out maintenance work at a target height position by using the large-sized scaffolding component 80 as a scaffold. The maintenance work may be work on the horizontal transport vehicle 40, work on the storage shelf 50 or the rails 48, or work on the object 10 stored in the storage shelf 50.

[0088] <Effects, etc.> According to the automated warehouse 20, the maintenance work method for the automated warehouse 20, and the scaffolding components 70, 80 configured as described above, the first support end 74, 84 is detachably supported on the first storage unit 50U1, and the second support end 76, 86 is detachably supported on the second storage unit 50U2. With the scaffolding components 70, 80 supported on the first storage unit 50U1 and the second storage unit 50U2, the scaffolding main body 72, 82 is disposed so as to cross the travel space 50S. Therefore, the worker P can carry out various works in the travel space 50S using the scaffolding components 70, 80 as a scaffold. Therefore, the worker P can easily carry out high-altitude work in the automated warehouse 20.

[0089] In addition, since the worker P does not need to step on the rails 48, the rails 48 are less likely to become dirty.

[0090] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple scaffolding components 70, 80 in a staircase-like manner, the worker P can move to the upper step of the scaffolding components 70, 80 as if climbing a staircase. This allows the worker P to more easily work at height.

[0091] In addition, the first support ends 74, 84 and the second support ends 76, 86 of the scaffolding components 70, 80 are detachably supported by the beam 56. Therefore, the beam 56 can support the gravity of the scaffolding components 70, 80 and the worker P standing on the scaffolding components 70, 80, and the force applied to the rail 48 can be reduced.

[0092] In addition, the first support ends 74, 84 and the second support ends 76, 86 contact the beam 56 in a direction intersecting the beam 56 when viewed in a plan view, and are positioned in a direction across the running space 50S, so that the scaffolding components 70, 80 are stably supported.

[0093] In addition, a rail protection member 79 which is softer than the scaffolding components 70, 80 is attached to the portion of the scaffolding components 70, 80 facing the rail 48, so that the rail protection member 79 protects the rail 48 from the scaffolding components 70, 80.

[0094] The first support end 74, 84 and the second support end 76, 86 include positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, 86p. The positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, 86p are positioned between two adjacent shelf boards 52 at the same height in the extension direction of the travel space 50S, thereby stabilizing the positions of the scaffolding components 70, 80.

[0095] Since the positioning in the extension direction of the traveling space 50S is performed by utilizing the gaps between the adjacent shelf boards 52, the degree of freedom in positioning in that direction is improved.

[0096] The positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, and 86p contact the beam 56 in a direction intersecting the beam 56 in a plan view, and are positioned in a direction across the running space 50S. Therefore, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, and 86p are used to position the scaffolding components 70 and 80 in a direction across the running space. Therefore, the scaffolding components are supported in more stable positions.

[0097] In addition, since the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, and 86p fit between the two shelf boards 52 from above, positioning can be easily achieved by placing the scaffolding components 70, 80. Moreover, when the worker P is standing on the scaffolding components 70, 80, the positioning protrusions 74p, 76p, 84p, and 86p are unlikely to slip out from between the two shelf boards 52, providing excellent stability.

[0098] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0099] The present disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0100] A first aspect is an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles running horizontally are installed one above the other, the automated warehouse comprising a first storage unit and a second storage unit arranged side by side with a running space for the horizontal transport vehicles therebetween, and a scaffolding component member spanning the first storage unit and the second storage unit, each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit including a storage shelf having a plurality of shelves and a shelf support frame that supports the plurality of shelves arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and a plurality of rails supported at intervals in the vertical direction at a position on the running space side of the storage shelf, the plurality of rails of the first storage unit and the plurality of rails of the second storage unit being provided one each in accordance with the upper and lower positions of the plurality of horizontal transport vehicles, and the scaffolding component member including a scaffolding main body portion arranged to cross the running space, a first support end portion removably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion removably supported on the second storage unit.

[0101] In this automated warehouse, a first support end of a scaffolding component is detachably supported by the first storage unit, and a second support end is detachably supported by the second storage unit. With the scaffolding component supported by the first storage unit and the second storage unit, the scaffolding main body is disposed so as to cross the travel space. Therefore, a worker can carry out various tasks in the travel space using the scaffolding component as a scaffold. Therefore, a worker can easily carry out work at height in the automated warehouse.

[0102] A second aspect is an automated warehouse according to the first aspect, comprising a plurality of scaffolding components, the plurality of scaffolding components being configured so as to be supported in a stepped manner by varying their height positions and their positions in the extension direction of the traveling space.

[0103] In this way, by arranging a plurality of scaffolding components in a staircase-like manner, a worker can move to a scaffolding component on a higher level as if climbing a staircase, which makes it easier for the worker to work at height.

[0104] A third aspect is an automated warehouse according to the first or second aspect, wherein the storage shelf includes a support pillar and a plurality of beams supported by the support pillar so as to extend along the extension direction of the traveling space, the plurality of beams are arranged at positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions at which the plurality of shelves are arranged, the plurality of shelves are supported by the plurality of beams in a state in which they are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the first support end and the second support end are supported removably by the beam.

[0105] In this case, the beam can support the gravity of the scaffolding component and the worker standing on the scaffolding component, thereby reducing the force applied to the rail.

[0106] A fourth aspect is an automated warehouse according to the third aspect, wherein the first support end and the second support end, in a plan view, contact the beam in a direction intersecting the beam and are positioned in a direction across the running space.

[0107] In this case, the first support end and the second support end are positioned by the beam in a direction transverse to the running space, so that the scaffolding component is stably supported.

[0108] A fifth aspect is an automated warehouse according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein a rail protection member that is softer than the scaffolding component is attached to a portion of the scaffolding component that faces the rail.

[0109] In this case, the rail protection member protects the rail from the scaffolding components.

[0110] A sixth aspect is an automated warehouse according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the plurality of shelves are arranged along the extension direction of the traveling space even at the same height position, and at least one of the first support end and the second support end includes a positioning protrusion that is positioned in the extension direction of the traveling space between two adjacent shelves among the plurality of shelves that are at the same height position.

[0111] In this case, at least one of the first support end and the second support end is positioned in the extension direction of the traveling space between two adjacent shelf boards at the same height position, so that the position of the scaffolding component is stable.

[0112] A seventh aspect is an automated warehouse according to the sixth aspect, wherein the storage shelf includes a support pillar and a plurality of beams supported by the support pillar so as to extend along the extension direction of the traveling space, the plurality of beams are arranged at positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions at which the plurality of shelves are arranged, the plurality of shelves are supported by the plurality of beams in a state in which they are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the positioning convex portion contacts the beam in a direction intersecting the beam in a plan view, and is positioned in a direction across the traveling space.

[0113] In this case, the positioning protrusions come into contact with the beams, thereby positioning the scaffolding component in the direction across the travel space, thereby supporting the scaffolding component in a more stable position.

[0114] A maintenance work method for an automated warehouse according to an eighth aspect is a maintenance work method for an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles running horizontally are installed above and below in a running space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, in which a scaffolding component is hung between the first storage unit and the second storage unit and positioned so that the scaffolding component crosses the running space, and maintenance work is carried out using the scaffolding component as a scaffold.

[0115] According to this maintenance work method for an automated warehouse, workers can carry out various tasks in the travel space using the scaffolding components as scaffolding. Therefore, workers can easily carry out work at height in the automated warehouse.

[0116] A ninth aspect is a maintenance work method for an automated warehouse relating to the eighth aspect, in which a plurality of scaffolding components are prepared and arranged in a stepped manner by changing their height positions and their positions in the extension direction of the traveling space.

[0117] In this case, by arranging a plurality of scaffolding components in a staircase-like manner, a worker can move to a scaffolding component on a higher level as if climbing up a staircase, which makes it easier for the worker to work at height.

[0118] The scaffolding component of the tenth aspect is a scaffolding component installed to form a scaffold for workers in an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles running horizontally are installed above and below in the running space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, and comprises a scaffolding main body arranged to cross the running space, a first support end portion removably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion removably supported on the second storage unit, and at least one of the first support end and the second support end portion includes a positioning protrusion portion that is positioned in the extension direction of the running space between two adjacent shelves at the same height position in the first storage unit or the second storage unit.

[0119] According to this scaffolding component, the scaffolding main body is arranged to cross the travel space while the scaffolding component is supported by the first storage unit and the second storage unit. Therefore, workers can perform various tasks in the travel space using the scaffolding component as a scaffold. This allows workers to easily work at height in the automated warehouse. In addition, the positioning protrusions are positioned between two adjacent shelves at the same height in the extension direction of the travel space, so the position of the scaffolding component is stable.

[0120] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10 Things 20 Automated Warehouse 40 Horizontal transport vehicle 48 Rail 50 Storage Shelf 50S Travel space 50U1 First storage unit 50U2 Second storage unit 52 Shelf 54 Shelf support frame 55 Post 56 Beam 70, 80 Scaffolding components 72, 82 Scaffolding body 74, 84 First support end 74p, 84p Positioning protrusions 76, 86 2nd support end 76p, 86p Positioning protrusions 79 Rail protection material

Claims

1. An automated warehouse in which multiple horizontal transport vehicles that travel horizontally are installed vertically, A first storage unit and a second storage unit arranged side by side with a space for the horizontal transport vehicle to travel therebetween; A scaffolding component that is hung between the first storage unit and the second storage unit; Equipped with Each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit is A storage shelf having a plurality of shelf boards and a shelf support frame that supports the plurality of shelf boards in a state in which the shelf boards are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction; a plurality of rails supported at intervals in the vertical direction at a position on the traveling space side with respect to the storage shelf; The plurality of rails of the first storage unit and the plurality of rails of the second storage unit are provided one by one in accordance with each of the upper and lower positions of the plurality of horizontal transport vehicles, The scaffolding component of the automated warehouse includes a scaffolding main body portion arranged across the running space, a first support end portion removably supported on the first storage unit, and a second support end portion removably supported on the second storage unit.

2. The automated warehouse according to claim 1, A plurality of the scaffolding components are provided, The automated warehouse is configured so that the multiple scaffolding components can be supported in a stepped manner by changing their height positions and their positions in the extension direction of the traveling space.

3. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, The storage shelf includes a support column and a plurality of beams supported by the support column so as to extend along an extension direction of the traveling space, The plurality of beams are disposed at positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions at which the plurality of shelf boards are disposed, The plurality of shelf boards are supported by the plurality of beams in a vertically spaced-apart state, An automated warehouse, wherein the first support end and the second support end are removably supported on the beam.

4. The automated warehouse according to claim 3, An automated warehouse, wherein the first support end and the second support end, when viewed in a plan view, contact the beam in a direction intersecting the beam and are positioned in a direction across the traveling space.

5. The automated warehouse according to claim 3, An automated warehouse, wherein a rail protection member that is softer than the scaffolding component is attached to a portion of the scaffolding component that faces the rail.

6. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of shelf boards are arranged along the extension direction of the travel space even at the same height position, At least one of the first support end and the second support end includes a positioning protrusion that is positioned in the extension direction of the traveling space between two adjacent shelves at the same height position among the plurality of shelves.

7. The automated warehouse according to claim 6, The storage shelf includes a support column and a plurality of beams supported by the support column so as to extend along an extension direction of the traveling space, The plurality of beams are disposed at positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions at which the plurality of shelf boards are disposed, The plurality of shelf boards are supported by the plurality of beams in a vertically spaced-apart state, The positioning protrusion, in a plan view, contacts the beam in a direction intersecting the beam and is positioned in a direction crossing the traveling space, in an automated warehouse.

8. A maintenance work method for an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles that travel horizontally are installed above and below in a travel space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, comprising: A scaffolding component is hung between the first storage unit and the second storage unit so that the scaffolding component crosses the travel space; A maintenance work method for an automated warehouse, in which maintenance work is carried out using the scaffolding component as a scaffolding.

9. A maintenance work method for an automated warehouse according to claim 8, A plurality of the scaffolding components are prepared; A maintenance work method for an automated warehouse, comprising: arranging the plurality of scaffolding components in a stepped manner by changing their height positions and their positions in the extension direction of the traveling space.

10. A scaffolding component that is installed to form a foothold for workers in an automated warehouse in which a plurality of horizontal transport vehicles that travel horizontally are installed one above the other in a travel space between a first storage unit and a second storage unit, A scaffolding main body portion arranged to cross the running space; A first support end portion that is detachably supported on the first storage unit; A second support end portion that is detachably supported by the second storage unit; Equipped with A scaffolding component, wherein at least one of the first support end and the second support end includes a positioning protrusion that is positioned in the extension direction of the running space between two adjacent shelves at the same height position in the first storage unit or the second storage unit.

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