Container conveyance facility

Abstract

To realize a container conveyance facility which enables improvement of conveyance efficiency.SOLUTION: A container conveyance facility F includes: a transport vehicle 100 which transports containers each configured to enable stacking in a vertical direction; storage shelves 8 for storing the containers; and a work area 9A at which object work is conducted. A stacking storage area 6A is provided in a place other than the work area 9A and the storage shelves 8. The stacking storage area 6A includes: an arrangement area 60 in which a plurality of stacking container groups Gc can be arranged; a second delivery part 62 where delivery of the stacking container groups Gc is performed between itself and a support part; and a container group transport device which performs take-out operation in which the stacking container groups Gc are moved from the arrangement area 60 to the second delivery part 62 and take-in operation in which the stacking container groups Gc are moved from the second delivery part 62 to the arrangement area 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container transport facility comprising a transport vehicle for transporting containers configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, a storage shelf for storing the containers, and a work area in which a target operation, which is at least one of the operation of removing items from the container and the operation of putting items into the container, is performed. [Background technology]

[0002] Such facilities constitute a part of the logistics system. In recent years, the demand for logistics systems has been increasing, and various innovations are being made to ensure smooth logistics.

[0003] As one such measure, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-297140 (Patent Document 1) describes a method in which items handled in a facility that are frequently stored and retrieved are stored in a location that makes them easier to retrieve than items that are less frequently stored and retrieved. This is expected to improve the efficiency of transportation within the facility. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any specific configuration for improving the efficiency of transportation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-297140 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, it is desirable to realize a container transport facility capable of improving the transport efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A container transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports containers configured to be vertically stackable, a storage shelf that stores the containers, and a work area in which a target operation is performed, the target operation being at least one of an operation of removing an item from the container and an operation of putting an item into the container, The storage shelf is configured to include a plurality of shelves in a vertical direction, each of which supports the container, and to store the plurality of containers in a state separated from one another; The transport vehicle is A traveling vehicle; A support unit that is mounted on the traveling body and supports the plurality of containers as a stacked container group, which is a group of containers in a stacked state; A first transfer device is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the container between the storage shelf and the stacked container group supported by the support portion; A second transfer device that is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; Equipped with a first transfer section for transferring the stacked container group between the work area and the support section; A stacking storage area is provided in a location separate from the work area and the storage shelf, The stacking storage area includes: an arrangement area in which a plurality of the stacked container groups can be arranged; a second transfer section in which the stacked container group is transferred between the second transfer section and the support section; a container group conveying device that performs a removal operation to move the stacked container group from the placement area to the second transfer section, and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second transfer section to the placement area.

[0007] According to this configuration, the stacked container group can be temporarily stored in the stacked storage area. Therefore, by storing specific containers, such as containers scheduled to be transported to the work area or containers that are frequently transported to the work area, in the stacked storage area, the frequency of transport vehicle operations for returning the containers to the storage shelf or removing them from the storage shelf can be reduced. This makes it easier to improve the efficiency of transporting containers by the transport vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the stacked container group is stored in the stacked storage area, multiple stacked containers can be transferred at once between the support part of the transport vehicle and the second transfer part of the stacked storage area. Furthermore, the stacked container group is also transferred at the first transfer part of the work area. Therefore, these points also make it easier to improve the efficiency of transporting containers by the transport vehicle.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view of container transport equipment [Diagram 2] Front view of storage shelf [Diagram 3] Control Block Diagram [Figure 4] View of the width of the transport vehicle [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first posture and a second posture of the transfer device; [Figure 6] A diagram showing a transfer operation for a stacking area. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a transfer operation for a stacking area. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a transfer operation for a stacking area. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the holding portion in the holding area. [Figure 10] A plan view showing the transfer of stacked containers between the transport vehicle and the holding unit. [Figure 11] Perspective view of stacked storage area [Figure 12] A diagram showing the operation of the gripping mechanism [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a container separation operation by the container group transport device. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a container combination operation performed by the container group transport device. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a destination of a stacked container group by a transport vehicle. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the container conveying equipment according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the container transport equipment will be described.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the container transport equipment F includes a transport vehicle 100 that transports a container C (see FIG. 2), a storage shelf 8 that stores the container C, and a work area 9A in which a target operation is performed, which is at least one of an operation of removing an item (not shown) from the container C and an operation of putting an item into the container C. In this embodiment, the container transport equipment F includes a storage area 8A. A plurality of storage shelves 8 are provided in the storage area 8A. The container transport equipment F also includes a control device H that controls the transport vehicle 100. In this specification, the control device H corresponds to a "control system." However, it is sufficient that the control device H constitutes at least a part of the control system. The control device H is configured to communicate with a transport vehicle control unit (not shown) mounted on each of the plurality of transport vehicles 100 (see also FIG. 3).

[0012] The container C is configured to be able to contain an item. The container C has an opening at the top. The item is put into the container C or taken out from the container C through the opening at the top of the container C. The item may be, for example, various products such as food or daily necessities, or parts or work in progress used in a factory production line. One container C is configured to contain the same type of item.

[0013] The containers C are configured to be vertically stackable with articles stored therein (see FIG. 4, etc.). A stacked container group Gc is formed by stacking a plurality of containers C vertically. In this example, the bottom of a container C fits into the opening of another container C from above, so that two containers C are stacked vertically.

[0014] The work area 9A is provided with a first transfer section 91 where the stacked container group Gc is transferred to and from the support section 2 (see FIG. 4) of the transport vehicle 100. The first transfer section 91 is where containers C are loaded and unloaded. The transport vehicle 100 transports the containers C loaded into the first transfer section 91 to the storage shelf 8, or transports the containers C stored on the storage shelf 8 to the first transfer section 91 for unloading.

[0015] In this embodiment, the work area 9A is provided with a separation device 90 that separates each container C that constitutes the stacked container group Gc. The stacked container group Gc delivered to the first transfer section 91 is separated into multiple containers C by the separation device 90. In the work area 9A, for each of the multiple separated containers C, an operation of removing an item from the container C and an operation of putting an item into the container C are performed. However, the separation device 90 is not a required component. Each container C may be separated from the stacked container group Gc manually.

[0016] In this embodiment, a plurality of storage shelves 8 are arranged parallel to each other with a specified interval therebetween. Each of the plurality of storage shelves 8 is open at least at the front, and containers C are inserted and removed from the front. In this example, a pair of storage shelves 8 are arranged close to each other with their back faces facing each other. A plurality of pairs of storage shelves 8 with their back faces facing each other are arranged in the storage area 8A.

[0017] A portion of the travel path of the transport vehicle 100 is set so as to extend along each of the multiple storage shelves 8. In this embodiment, the path of the transport vehicle 100 that extends along the storage shelves 8 is set as an intra-shelf area path R8. The transport vehicle 100 is capable of traveling along the intra-shelf area path R8, thereby enabling it to move within the storage area 8A and transfer containers C to and from the storage shelves 8. In this example, the intra-shelf area path R8 is provided along the front surface (the surface where containers C are inserted and removed) of each of the multiple storage shelves 8. A single intra-shelf area path R8 is shared between a pair of storage shelves 8 that are arranged with their front surfaces facing each other.

[0018] 2, the storage shelf 8 is configured to have multiple vertical stages of shelf sections 80, each supporting a container C, and to store multiple containers C in a separated state. Each stage is provided with multiple shelf sections 80. Each of the multiple shelf sections 80 is capable of storing one container C.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, 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 command to the transport vehicle 100 specifying the container C to be transported and the origin and destination of the container C. The control device H includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as a memory, and the like. Each function is realized by cooperation between these hardware components and a program executed on a processor such as a computer.

[0020] The control device H is configured to manage containers C whose frequency of being transported to the work area 9A is equal to or greater than a first threshold as first type containers C1, and containers C whose frequency is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold as second type containers C2, based on the type of item contained in each container C. In this embodiment, the control device H is configured to manage containers C whose frequency of being transported to the work area 9A is less than the second threshold as general containers C3. The above frequency of transport can also be rephrased as the planned number of transports.

[0021] The first threshold value and the second threshold value are set based on the degree of necessity to perform the target work (item removal work or item insertion work) in the work area 9A. Among the first type container C1, the second type container C2, and the general container C3, the first type container C1, which is the container that is most frequently transported to the work area 9A and is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, can be said to have the highest necessity of performing the target work in the work area 9A among these various containers C. The container that is next most necessary to perform the target work is the second type container C2, which is transported to the work area 9A less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Among these various containers C, the container that is relatively less necessary to perform the target work is the general container C3, which is transported to the work area 9A less than the second threshold value.

[0022] In this embodiment, the control device H is configured to periodically review the management of the first type container C1 and the second type container C2. In addition, in this example, the control device H is also configured to periodically review the management of the general container C3. As a result, a container C that has been determined to be a first type container C1 may be changed to a second type container C2 or a general container C3. The same applies to the second type container C2 and the general container C3, and they may be changed to a different type of container C by the review of their management by the control device H. The period for reviewing the management may be appropriately determined depending on the purpose, capacity, scale, etc. of the container transport equipment F.

[0023] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the transfer vehicle 100. In the following, the direction in which the travelling body 10 travels is referred to as the "vehicle body longitudinal direction L", and the direction perpendicular to the vehicle body longitudinal direction L when viewed from the up-down direction is referred to as the "vehicle body width direction W".

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transport containers C that are configured to be vertically stackable.

[0025] The transport vehicle 100 includes a traveling vehicle 10, a support unit 2 mounted on the traveling vehicle 10 and supporting a plurality of containers C as a stacked container group Gc, which is a container group in a stacked state, a first transfer device 4 mounted on the traveling vehicle 10 and transferring the containers C between the storage shelf 8 and the stacked container group Gc supported by the support unit 2, and a second transfer device 22 mounted on the traveling vehicle 10 and transferring the stacked container group Gc. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 further includes a lifting device 3 mounted on the traveling vehicle 10 and capable of lifting some or all of the containers C of the stacked container group Gc supported by the support unit 2.

[0026] The running body 10 is configured to run on a floor surface. The running body 10 is equipped with a plurality of running wheels 11. The plurality of running wheels 11 includes a pair of drive wheels 11a and a plurality of driven wheels 11b that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction W.

[0027] Each of the pair of drive wheels 11a is independently driven by a wheel drive source (not shown) such as a motor. For example, each of the pair of drive wheels 11a is driven to rotate in opposite directions, so that the running body 10 can turn on the spot around a vertical axis.

[0028] Each of the multiple driven wheels 11b is supported by the running body 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction. That is, the direction along which the rotation axis of each driven wheel 11b runs can be changed within a horizontal plane. In this example, each driven wheel 11b is configured as a caster.

[0029] The support section 2 is configured to be capable of supporting a plurality of containers C as a stacked container group Gc in a stacked state. The support section 2 is also capable of supporting a single container C. In this embodiment, a stacked area 2A in which the stacked container group Gc is arranged is defined above the support section 2. The stacked area 2A is a three-dimensional virtual area extending upward from the support section 2.

[0030] The second transfer device 22 is configured to transfer the stacked container group Gc supported by the support unit 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 this embodiment, the second transfer device 22 and the support unit 2 are configured integrally.

[0031] The lifting device 3 includes a lifting mast 30 erected upward from the traveling body 10, a lifting lifting body 30B connected to the lifting mast 30, a frame member 31 connected to the lifting lifting body 30B, and a lifting lifting body drive unit (not shown) that raises and lowers the lifting lifting body 30B and the frame member 31 along the lifting mast 30. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the lifting lifting body drive unit is configured as a motor for rotating a rotating body around which an endless body such as a belt is wound, for example.

[0032] 6 and other figures, in this embodiment, the lifting device 3 includes a first lifting and holding part 311 that lifts a container C of any height among the stacked container group Gc stacked in the stacking area 2A, relative to an adjacent container C below the container C, and a second lifting and holding part 312 that lifts a container C lower than the container C lifted by the first lifting and holding part 311, relative to an adjacent container C below the container C. The first lifting and holding part 311 and the second lifting and holding part 312 are supported by a frame member 31.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first lifting and holding part 311 and the second lifting and holding part 312 are disposed to be spaced apart in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to form a space in the vertical direction between the container C lifted by the first lifting and holding part 311 and the container C lifted by the second lifting and holding part 312. In addition, it is possible to form a space in the vertical direction below the container C lifted by the second lifting and holding part 312.

[0034] 4, the first transfer device 4 includes a transfer mast 40 fixed to the traveling body 10 and arranged along the up-down direction, a transfer lifting body 40B that rises and falls along the transfer mast 40, and a transfer lifting body drive unit (not shown) that raises and lowers the transfer lifting body 40B along the transfer mast 40. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the transfer lifting body drive 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.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 includes an upper transfer loading section 41, a lower transfer loading section 42 arranged below the upper transfer loading section 41, and a turning device 5. The upper transfer loading section 41, the lower transfer loading section 42, and the turning device 5 are connected to a transfer lifting body 40B. The upper transfer loading section 41 and the lower transfer loading section 42 are raised and lowered together by the raising and lowering of the transfer lifting body 40B, are turned together around a vertical axis by the turning device 5, and are configured to transfer containers C independently.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 is configured to transfer the container C in the horizontal direction by the upper transfer device 41 and the lower transfer device 42. If the direction in which the container C is transferred by the first transfer device 4 is defined as the "transfer direction T", in the example shown in Fig. 4, the transfer direction T is equal to the vehicle body front-rear direction L.

[0037] 5, the first transfer device 4 is configured to change the transfer direction T between a first position P1 facing the stacking area 2A and a second position P2 facing the storage shelf 8 by rotating the upper transfer section 41 and the lower transfer section 42 about a vertical axis using the turning device 5. In this manner, in this embodiment, the transfer direction T can be changed within a horizontal plane by the turning device 5.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 changes its posture depending on the position of the transfer target location. Specifically, the first transfer device 4 takes a first posture P1 when the transfer target location is the stacking area 2A, and takes a second posture P2 when the transfer target location is the storage shelf 8 (shelf section 80). As shown in Fig. 4, in this example, the swivel device 5 includes a swivel table 50 that supports the upper transfer section 41 and the lower transfer section 42, a swivel shaft 51 that rotatably supports the swivel table 50 with respect to the transfer lift body 40B, and a swivel drive section (not shown) that drives the swivel shaft 51.

[0039] Next, with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, a transfer operation when the first transfer device 4 transfers a container C between the stacking area 2A will be described. The transfer operation includes a delivery operation for handing over the container C and a receiving operation for receiving the container C. In the following, one side in the transfer direction T is referred to as the "transfer direction first side T1" and the other side is referred to as the "transfer direction second side T2".

[0040] In this embodiment, the upper transfer loading unit 41 includes an upper pressing unit 41a that presses the container C toward the first side T1 in the transfer direction when performing a delivery operation of the container C, and an upper locking unit 41b that is locked to the container C and pulls the container C toward the second side T2 in the transfer direction when performing a receiving operation of the container C. Thus, in this embodiment, the upper transfer loading unit 41 is configured as a so-called push-pull type. However, the upper transfer loading unit 41 is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured as a fork type.

[0041] Similarly, the lower transfer unit 42 includes a lower pressing unit 42a that presses the container C toward the first side T1 in the transfer direction when performing a delivery operation of the container C, and a lower locking unit 42b that is locked to the container C and pulls the container C toward the second side T2 in the transfer direction when performing a receiving operation of the container C. Thus, in this embodiment, the lower transfer unit 42 is configured as a so-called push-pull type. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the lower transfer unit 42 may be configured as a fork type.

[0042] In this embodiment, each of the upper locking portion 41b and the lower locking portion 42b is configured to be driven by a drive unit not shown in the figure so as to be able to change its position between an locking position in which it is locked to the container C and an unlocking position in which it is not locked to the container C.

[0043] 6 to 8 show the operation of transferring a container C to the stacking area 2A. As described above, in this embodiment, the lifting device 3 can form spaces between the multiple containers C stacked in the stacking area 2A in the vertical direction. The first transfer device 4 then utilizes these spaces to transfer the container C to the stacking area 2A. In this embodiment, the first transfer device 4 is configured to perform a delivery operation and a receiving operation of the container C to the stacking area 2A. The first transfer device 4 is capable of performing a parallel operation of delivering and receiving the container C to the stacking area 2A in parallel.

[0044] 6 to 8 show an example in which five containers C are stacked in the stacking area 2A as a stacked container group Gc. In the figures, the numbers "1 to 5" are attached to the stacked containers C in order from bottom to top. Also, the letter "α" is attached to the container C to be delivered held by the upper transfer unit 41. In the example shown below, the container C to be delivered (container "α") is delivered on top of the container C in the fourth tier (container "4") by utilizing the space formed by the lifting device 3 between the container C in the fifth tier (container "5") and the container C in the fourth tier (container "4") in the vertical direction. In parallel with this, the container C in the third tier (container "3") is received by utilizing the space formed by the lifting device 3 below the container C in the fourth tier (container "4").

[0045] As shown in Fig. 7, the first transfer device 4 moves the lower locking portion 42b in the locking position 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 pressing the container C (container "α") held by the upper transfer device 41 with the upper pressing portion 41a. As a result, the lower locking portion 42b pulls the container C (container "3") to be received toward the second side T2 in the transfer direction, and the upper pressing portion 41a presses the container C (container "α") to be delivered toward the first side T1 in the transfer direction.

[0046] Then, the lower transfer unit 42 receives the container C (container "3") to be received that is pulled in by the lower locking unit 42b, and the upper transfer unit 41 places the container C (container "α") to be delivered that is pressed by the upper pressing unit 41a above the container C (container "4") lifted by the second lifting and holding unit 312, and fits it into the container C (container "4"). As a result, the stacked container group Gc in the stacking area 2A becomes in the state shown in Fig. 8. That is, some of the containers C (containers "3") among the multiple containers C arranged in the stacking area 2A are replaced with new containers C (containers "α").

[0047] In this way, the transport vehicle 100 can convert the stacked container group Gc supported by the support unit 2 into a new stacked container group Gc by cooperating the lifting device 3 and the first transfer device 4. For example, the transport vehicle 100 can remove some of the containers C from the stacked container group Gc supported by the support unit 2, and create a new stacked container group Gc using a plurality of containers C other than the removed containers C. For example, it is possible to create a stacked container group Gc consisting of only first type containers C1, to create a stacked container group Gc consisting of only second type containers C2, or to create a stacked container group Gc consisting of only general containers C3.

[0048] 1, in this embodiment, the container transport equipment F is disposed in an area between the storage shelf 8 and the work area 9A, and further includes a holding area 7A equipped with a holding unit 70 for holding a stacked container group Gc. Unlike the storage shelf 8 which stores multiple containers C in a separated state, the holding area 7A is an area capable of holding multiple containers C as a stacked container group Gc.

[0049] In this embodiment, the holding portion 70 is configured to be able 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.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the holding section 70 is configured to enable the stacked container group Gc to be transferred between the support section 2 by the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the holding section 70 is provided with one or more third transfer devices 73. In the illustrated example, three third transfer devices 73 are provided in the holding section 70. In this example, the third transfer device 73 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.

[0051] The third transfer device 73 of the holding unit 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 this 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 unit 2 to the holding unit 70, and to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc held by the holding unit 70 to the support unit 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the holding unit 70 in the vehicle width direction W, the stacked container group Gc to be transferred is transferred along the vehicle width direction W. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 and the holding unit 70 are configured to be able to communicate with each other and are configured to transfer the stacked container group Gc in cooperation with each other. For example, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the holding unit 70 in the vehicle width direction W, the transport vehicle 100 transmits a transfer signal to the holding unit 70 to transfer the stacked container group Gc, and operates the second transfer device 22. The holding unit 70, which has received the transfer signal, operates the third transfer device 73. As a result, the third transfer device 73 of the holding unit 70 and the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 transfer the stacked container group Gc to each other.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the holding area 7A is arranged in the area between the storage shelf 8 and the work area 9A in the direction in which the storage shelf 8 extends, i.e., in the direction in which the shelf area path R8 extends.

[0054] In this embodiment, the holding section 70 in the holding area 7A is disposed at a position along the connection path R7 that connects the intra-shelf area path R8 and the first delivery section 91 in the work area 9A. The intra-shelf area path R8 and the connection path R7 have a linear shape. In this example, a plurality of intra-shelf area paths R8 are provided according to the number of storage shelves 8, and the same number of connection paths R7 as the plurality of intra-shelf area paths R8 are provided. Each of the plurality of holding sections 70 provided in the holding area 7A is disposed at a position along one of the plurality of connection paths R7.

[0055] 1, in the container transport equipment F according to the present disclosure, a stacked storage area 6A is provided in a location separate from the work area 9A and the storage shelf 8. The stacked storage area 6A is an area capable of storing a plurality of stacked container groups Gc.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, the stacked storage area 6A is equipped with a placement area 60 in which multiple stacked container groups Gc can be placed, a second transfer section 62 in which the stacked container groups Gc are transferred between the support section 2 of the transport vehicle 100, and a container group transporting device 63 that performs a removal operation to move the stacked container group Gc from the placement area 60 to the second transfer section 62, and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group Gc from the second transfer section 62 to the placement area 60.

[0057] In this embodiment, the stacked storage area 6A is configured to store a single container C or a stacked container group Gc placed in the arrangement area 60. In this example, at least a portion of the floor surface in the stacked storage area 6A is configured as the arrangement area 60.

[0058] In the following, the configuration of the stacked storage area 6A will be described, with directions along a horizontal plane that are perpendicular to each other defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in this embodiment, the container group conveying device 63 includes a gripping mechanism 630 that grips a container C, an X-direction moving body 631X that moves the gripping mechanism 630 in the X direction, a Y-direction moving body 631Y that moves the gripping mechanism 630 in the Y direction, and a lifting mechanism 632 that raises and lowers the gripping mechanism 630 in the vertical direction.

[0060] In this embodiment, the container group transport device 63 includes a pair of fixed guide rails 631 fixed to the arrangement area 60. Each of the pair of fixed guide rails 631 extends along the Y direction and is disposed spaced apart from each other in the X direction.

[0061] The Y-direction moving body 631Y is supported by a pair of fixed guide rails 631 and configured to move the gripping mechanism 630 along the Y direction. The X-direction moving body 631X is supported by the Y-direction moving body 631Y and configured to move the gripping mechanism 630 along the X direction. The lifting mechanism 632 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X and configured to lift and lower the gripping mechanism 630 in the up-down direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the X-direction moving body 631X is configured by a dolly that runs along a movable rail that constitutes the Y-direction moving body 631Y. The X-direction moving body 631X moves in the X direction by running along the Y-direction moving body 631Y that extends in the X direction.

[0063] The gripping mechanism 630 is supported by an X-direction moving body 631X. Therefore, when the X-direction moving body 631X moves along the X direction, the gripping mechanism 630 also moves along the X direction. As described above, the X-direction moving body 631X is supported by a Y-direction moving body 631Y. Therefore, when the Y-direction moving body 631Y moves along the Y direction, the gripping mechanism 630 also moves along the Y direction. In this way, the gripping mechanism 630 is configured to be movable along the X and Y directions.

[0064] The lifting mechanism 632 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the lifting mechanism 632 includes a belt connected to the gripping mechanism 630 and a lifting drive unit (not shown) configured by, for example, a motor or the like, that drives the belt. The belt is driven by the lifting drive unit, so that the gripping mechanism 630 moves up and down. Thus, in this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 630 is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X via the lifting mechanism 632.

[0065] 12, the gripping mechanism 630 includes a pair of gripping units 630U that approach or move away from each other in the X direction. When the pair of gripping units 630U approach each other, the gripping mechanism 630 enters a gripping state in which it grips a container C. When the pair of gripping units 630U move away from each other, the gripping mechanism 630 enters a non-gripping state in which it does not grip a container C.

[0066] Each of the pair of gripping units 630U is supported by the X-direction moving body 631X via a lifting mechanism 632 so as to rise and fall synchronously between a pair of rail portions 631Ya (see FIG. 11) of the Y-direction moving body 631Y. Each of the pair of gripping units 630U includes a pair of positioning tools 630a arranged side by side in the Y direction and moving toward or away from each other in the Y direction, and a gripping tool 630b arranged between the pair of positioning tools 630a arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0067] When the pair of gripping units 630U approach each other, the gripping tools 630b provided on each of the pair of gripping units 630U sandwich the container C from both sides, thereby gripping the container C. Conversely, when the pair of gripping units 630U move away from each other, gripping of the container C is released.

[0068] In this embodiment, the positioning tool 630a is configured to contact the outer edge of the container C from the outside when the gripping mechanism 630 is in the gripping state, thereby positioning the container C. In this example, a pair of positioning tools 630a provided on each of the pair of gripping units 630U, i.e., a total of four positioning tools 630a, are configured to contact the four corners of the container C, which has a rectangular planar shape. In the example shown in the figure, the multiple positioning tools 630a are configured as columnar bodies whose cross-sectional shape along the horizontal plane is L-shaped so as to match the outer edge shapes of the four corners of the container C.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the second transfer section 62 is equipped with an output conveyor 621 for transporting the stacked container group Gc out of the stacked storage area 6A, and an input conveyor 622 for transporting the stacked container group Gc into the stacked storage area 6A.

[0070] The stacked container group Gc arranged in the arrangement area 60 of the stacking storage area 6A is transported to the discharge conveyor 621 by the container group transport device 63. The stacked container group Gc is delivered to the transport vehicle 100 by the discharge conveyor 621, for example.

[0071] For example, the stacked container group Gc transported to the carry-in conveyor 622 by the transport vehicle 100 is handed over 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.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 13, the container group transport device 63 is configured to be able to perform a separation operation to separate some of the containers C (multiple or single containers C) from one stacked container group Gc. By performing the separation operation, the container group transport device 63 can create a stacked container group Gc consisting of any number of containers C. The container group transport device 63 is configured to move some of the containers C separated from one stacked container group Gc by the separation operation to a location different from the location where the stacked container group Gc is placed.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the container group transport device 63 separates multiple containers C of container type "A" from a stacked container group Gc composed of multiple containers C of container type "A" and multiple containers C of container type "B". Then, the container group transport device 63 transports the separated multiple containers C (container type "A") to the second transfer section 62. The multiple containers C (container type "A") transported to the second transfer section 62 are, for example, handed over to the transport vehicle 100 and transported to the destination by the transport vehicle 100.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 14, the container group transport device 63 is configured to be able to perform a combination operation of combining a stacked container group Gc or a single container C with another stacked container group Gc or a single container C. By performing the combination operation, the container group transport device 63 can create a stacked container group Gc consisting of any number of containers C. The container group transport device 63 is configured to move the stacked container group Gc created by the combination operation.

[0075] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the container group transport device 63 combines, through a combination operation, a portion of the stacked container group Gc consisting of multiple containers C having a container type of "A", a portion of the stacked container group Gc consisting of multiple containers C having a container type of "B", and a portion of the stacked container group Gc consisting of multiple containers C having a container type of "D". Then, the container group transport device 63 transports the new stacked container group Gc created through the combination operation to the second transfer section 62. The stacked container group Gc transported to the second transfer section 62 is, for example, handed over to the transport vehicle 100 and transported to the destination by the transport vehicle 100.

[0076] 1, the holding area 7A is disposed between a storage area 8A in which storage shelves 8 are disposed, and a working area 9A. In this embodiment, the stacked storage area 6A is disposed adjacent to the holding area 7A.

[0077] In this embodiment, the placement area 60 is disposed at a position off the connection path R7. The second delivery section 62 is disposed at a position along the connection path R7. This allows the stacked storage area 6A to be disposed at a position that does not interfere with the travel of the transport vehicle 100 traveling on the connection path R7 and allows the stacked container group Gc to be delivered to and from the transport vehicle 100 traveling on the connection path R7.

[0078] In this 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 section 2 to the second transfer section 62, and to transfer the entire stacked container group Gc held in the second transfer section 62 to the support section 2.

[0079] When the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the second transfer section 62 in the vehicle width direction W, the stacked container group Gc to be transferred is transferred along the vehicle width direction W. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 and the second transfer section 62 are configured to be able to communicate with each other and are configured to transfer the stacked container group Gc in cooperation with each other. For example, when the transport vehicle 100 stops at a position adjacent to the second transfer section 62 in the vehicle width direction W, the transport vehicle 100 transmits a transfer signal to the second transfer section 62 to transfer the stacked container group Gc, and operates the second transfer device 22. The second transfer section 62 that receives the transfer signal operates the carry-out conveyor 621 or the carry-in conveyor 622. As a result, the second transfer section 62 and the second transfer device 22 of the transport vehicle 100 transfer the stacked container group Gc to each other.

[0080] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transport the stacked container group Gc from the storage shelf 8 to the work area 9A, transport the stacked container group Gc from the stacked storage area 6A to the work area 9A, and transport the stacked container group Gc from the holding area 7A to the work area 9A based on instructions from the control device H.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to transport a stacked container group Gc including at least a first type container C1 to a holding area, or transport a stacked container group Gc including at least a second type container C2 but not a first type container C1 to a stacked storage area 6A based on a command from the control device H. This allows the first type container C1, which is frequently transported to the work area 9A, to be preferentially stored in the holding area 7A. Also, the second type container C2, which is transported to the work area 9A less frequently than the first type container C1 but is relatively frequent, can be preferentially stored in the stacked storage area 6A. Therefore, the stacked container group Gc including each container C can be placed in an appropriate location depending on the frequency of transport of the container C to the work area.

[0082] 15(a), the transport vehicle 100 supports a stacked container group Gc consisting of a plurality of first-type containers C1. In this case, the control device H issues a transport command to the transport vehicle 100 specifying the destination of the stacked container group Gc as the holding area 7A. Based on the command from the control device H, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc consisting of a plurality of first-type containers C1 to the holding area 7A.

[0083] 15(b), the transport vehicle 100 supports a stacked container group Gc consisting of a plurality of second-type containers C2. In this case, the control device H issues a transport command to the transport vehicle 100 specifying the destination of the stacked container group Gc as the stacked storage area 6A. Based on the command from the control device H, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc consisting of a plurality of second-type containers C2 to the stacked storage area 6A.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device H is configured to periodically review the management of the first type containers C1 and the second type containers 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 a command from the control device H after reviewing the management of the containers C, and to replace the stacked container group Gc held in the holding section 70 of the holding area 7A with the stacked container group Gc stored in the stacked storage area 6A.

[0085] In other words, if, as a result of reviewing management by the control device H, the stacked container group Gc held in the holding section 70 of the holding area 7A does not include any first-type containers C1 but does include at least some second-type containers C2, the transport vehicle 100 transports the stacked container group Gc from the holding area 7A to the stacked storage area 6A.

[0086] Furthermore, if, as a result of a review of management by the control device H, the stacked container group Gc stored in the stacked storage area 6A is found to contain at least a portion of 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.

[0087] With this configuration, it is possible to maintain a state in which appropriate stacked container groups Gc are stored in each of the holding area 7A and the stacked storage area 6A for a long period of time.

[0088] Second Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the container transport equipment F. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the container transport facility F further includes an inter-area transport device 200 that transports the stacked container group Gc between the stacking storage area 6A and the work area 9A.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inter-area transport device 200 is configured using a conveyor. The inter-area transport device 200 forms a transport path connecting the stacked storage area 6A and the working area 9A. In this example, this transport path is formed to connect the stacked storage area 6A and the working area 9A without passing through the holding area 7A. In this example, the inter-area transport device 200 includes an unloading section 201 for unloading the stacked container group Gc from the stacked storage area 6A, and an inlet section 202 for loading the stacked container group Gc into the stacked storage area 6A. The transport path formed by the inter-area transport device 200 forms a loop that runs from the outlet section 201 through the working area 9A and returns to the inlet section 202.

[0091] The stacked container group Gc carried out from the unloading section 201 is delivered to the work area 9A, where the target work is carried out. After the target work is completed in the work area 9A, the stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) is transported by the inter-area transport device 200 and reaches the loading section 202. The stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) that has reached the loading section 202 is delivered to the stacked storage area 6A.

[0092] With this configuration, the stacked container group Gc in the stacked storage area 6A can be transported to the work area 9A without using the transport vehicle 100. Also, the stacked container group Gc (or a single container C) in the work area 9A can be transported to the stacked storage area 6A without using the transport vehicle 100.

[0093] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0094] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second transfer section 62 of the stacked storage area 6A includes the outgoing conveyor 621 and the incoming conveyor 622. However, without being limited to such an example, the second transfer section 62 may include a platform on which the stacked container group Gc is simply placed.

[0095] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the stacked storage area 6A is arranged between the storage area 8A in which the storage shelves 8 are arranged and the work area 9A. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a part of the stacked storage area 6A may overlap with a part of the storage area 8A. According to this configuration, the container C stored on the top shelf 80 of the storage shelf 8 can be received by the container group transport device 63 of the stacked storage area 6A. In addition, the container C stored in the stacked storage area 6A can be delivered to the top shelf 80 of the storage shelf 8 by the container group transport device 63. The form in which the stacked storage area 6A is provided so as to overlap with the storage area 8A in this way is also included in "the stacked storage area 6A is provided in a place separate from the work area 9A and the storage shelves 8."

[0096] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the shelf area intra-path R8 and the connection path R7 have a linear shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of the shelf area intra-path R8 and the connection path R7 may have a curved or bent shape.

[0097] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second transfer device 22 is configured using a conveyor. However, without being limited to such an example, the second transfer device 22 may be configured using a fork. Alternatively, the second transfer device 22 may be configured using a robot arm.

[0098] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the third transfer device 73 is configured using a conveyor. 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.

[0099] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the container transport equipment F includes the holding area 7A. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the container transport equipment F does not necessarily have to include the holding area 7A.

[0100] (7) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0102] A container transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports containers configured to be vertically stackable, a storage shelf that stores the containers, and a work area in which a target operation is performed, the target operation being at least one of an operation of removing an item from the container and an operation of putting an item into the container, The storage shelf is configured to include a plurality of shelves in a vertical direction, each of which supports the container, and to store the plurality of containers in a state separated from one another; The transport vehicle is A traveling vehicle; A support unit that is mounted on the traveling body and supports the plurality of containers as a stacked container group, which is a group of containers in a stacked state; A first transfer device is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the container between the storage shelf and the stacked container group supported by the support portion; A second transfer device that is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; Equipped with a first transfer section for transferring the stacked container group between the work area and the support section; A stacking storage area is provided in a location separate from the work area and the storage shelf, The stacking storage area includes: an arrangement area in which a plurality of the stacked container groups can be arranged; a second transfer section in which the stacked container group is transferred between the second transfer section and the support section; a container group conveying device that performs a removal operation to move the stacked container group from the placement area to the second transfer section, and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second transfer section to the placement area.

[0103] According to this configuration, the stacked container group can be temporarily stored in the stacked storage area. Therefore, by storing specific containers, such as containers scheduled to be transported to the work area or containers that are frequently transported to the work area, in the stacked storage area, the frequency of transport vehicle operations for returning the containers to the storage shelf or removing them from the storage shelf can be reduced. This makes it easier to improve the efficiency of transporting containers by the transport vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the stacked container group is stored in the stacked storage area, multiple stacked containers can be transferred at once between the support part of the transport vehicle and the second transfer part of the stacked storage area. Furthermore, the stacked container group is also transferred at the first transfer part of the work area. Therefore, these points also make it easier to improve the efficiency of transporting containers by the transport vehicle.

[0104] It is preferable that the container group conveying device is configured to perform a separation operation to separate some of the containers from one of the stacked container groups, and a combination operation to combine the stacked container group or a single container with another stacked container group or a single container.

[0105] According to this configuration, the combination of containers constituting a stacked container group in the stacked storage area can be changed. This allows a new stacked container group with a different container combination from the stacked container group received from the transport vehicle to be created in the stacked storage area, and the created stacked container group can be handed over to the transport vehicle from the second delivery section. This makes it easy to transport a stacked container group with an appropriate combination of containers to the work area according to the needs of the work area, making it easy to improve the efficiency of work in the work area.

[0106] It is preferable that the storage facility further comprises an inter-area transport device that transports the stacked container group between the stacked storage area and the work area.

[0107] According to this configuration, a group of stacked containers in a stacked storage area can be transported to a work area without using a transport vehicle, or a group of stacked containers in a work area can be transported to a stacked storage area without using a transport vehicle. In addition, the inter-area transport device can transport the group of stacked containers together. Therefore, it is easy to improve the container transport efficiency of the entire container transport facility.

[0108] A holding area is disposed in an area between the storage shelf and the work area, and the holding area has a holding section for holding the stacked container group, It is preferable that the holding section is configured so that the stacked container group can be transferred between the holding section and the support section by the second transfer device.

[0109] According to this configuration, a group of stacked containers can be held in the holding area. Therefore, by holding specific containers in the holding area, such as containers scheduled to be transported to the work area or containers that are frequently transported to the work area, the frequency of transport vehicles returning containers to the storage shelves and removing containers from the storage shelves can be reduced, and the efficiency of transporting containers by the transport vehicles can be improved. Furthermore, according to this configuration, multiple containers are held in a stacked state in the holding area, so the floor area occupied by the holding area can be easily reduced.

[0110] A path of the transport vehicle extending along the storage shelf is defined as a shelf area path, the holding section of the holding area is disposed at a position along a connection path that connects the shelf area path and the first delivery section, the placement area is disposed at a position deviated from the connection path, It is preferable that the second transfer portion is disposed at a position along the connection path.

[0111] According to this configuration, the stacked storage area can be located at a position that does not interfere with the travel of transport vehicles traveling on the connecting path connecting the storage shelves and the first delivery section, and allows the stacked container group to be delivered to and from the transport vehicles traveling on the connecting path. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the transport vehicles traveling on the connecting path can appropriately deliver the stacked container group to and from the holding section of the holding area, and also to and from the second delivery section of the stacked storage area.

[0112] A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is further provided. It is preferable that the transport vehicle transports the stacked container group from the storage shelf to the work area, transports the stacked container group from the stacked 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.

[0113] According to this configuration, containers stored on storage shelves can be transported to the work area as a stacked container group 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.

[0114] A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is further provided. the control system is configured to manage, based on the type of item contained in each of the containers, the containers whose frequency of being transported to the work area is equal to or greater than a first threshold as first type containers, and the containers whose frequency is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold as second type containers; It is preferable that the transport vehicle transports the stacked container group, at least some of which include the first type containers, to the holding area, or transports the stacked container group, which does not include the first type containers but at least some of which include the second type containers, to the stacked storage area based on instructions from the control system.

[0115] According to this configuration, first type containers that are frequently transported to the work area can be preferentially held in the holding area. Also, second type containers that are transported to the work area less frequently than first type containers but are transported relatively frequently can be preferentially stored in the stacked storage area. Therefore, a stacked container group including each container can be placed in an appropriate location depending on the frequency with which the container is transported to the work area. This makes it easier to improve the efficiency with which the containers are transported by the transport vehicle.

[0116] The control system periodically reviews the management of the first type container and the second type container, It is preferable that 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 the management review, and replaces the stacked container group held in the holding section of the holding area with the stacked container group stored in the stacked storage area.

[0117] According to this configuration, it is possible to maintain the appropriate stacked container groups stored in each of the holding area and the stacked storage area for a long period of time. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The technology disclosed herein can be utilized in a container transport facility that includes a transport vehicle that transports containers that are configured to be stacked vertically, a storage shelf for storing the containers, and a work area in which a target task, which is at least one of the task of removing items from the containers and the task of putting items into the containers, is performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] F: Container transport equipment 100: Transport vehicle 10: Running body 2: Support part 22:Second transfer device 4:First transfer device 6A: Stacking storage area 60: Placement area 62:Second delivery department 63: Container group transport device 7A: Holding area 70: Holding part 8A: Storage area 8: Storage shelf 80:Shelf 9A:Work area 91: 1st delivery department 200: Inter-area transport device C: Container C1: First class container C2: 2nd class container Gc: Stacked container group R7: Connection route R8: Route within shelf area

Claims

1. A container transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports containers configured to be vertically stackable, a storage shelf that stores the containers, and a work area in which a target operation is performed, the target operation being at least one of an operation of removing an item from the container and an operation of putting an item into the container, The storage shelf is configured to include a plurality of shelves in a vertical direction, each of which supports the container, and to store the plurality of containers in a state separated from one another; The transport vehicle is A traveling vehicle; A support unit that is mounted on the traveling body and supports the plurality of containers as a stacked container group, which is a group of containers in a stacked state; a first transfer device mounted on the traveling body and configured to transfer the container between the storage shelf and the stacked container group supported by the support portion; A second transfer device that is mounted on the traveling body and transfers the stacked container group; Equipped with a first transfer section for transferring the stacked container group between the work area and the support section, A stacking storage area is provided in a location separate from the work area and the storage shelf, The stacking storage area includes: an arrangement area in which a plurality of the stacked container groups can be arranged; a second transfer section for transferring the stacked container group between the second transfer section and the support section; a container group transport device that performs a removal operation to move the stacked container group from the placement area to the second transfer section, and a take-in operation to move the stacked container group from the second transfer section to the placement area.

2. The container transport equipment of claim 1, wherein the container group transport device is configured to perform a separation operation to separate some of the containers from one of the stacked container groups, and a combination operation to combine the stacked container group or a single container with another stacked container group or a single container.

3. The container transport facility according to claim 1 , further comprising an inter-area transport device that transports the stacked container group between the stacked storage area and the work area.

4. A holding area is disposed in an area between the storage shelf and the work area, and the holding area has a holding section for holding the stacked container group, The container transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the holding unit is configured to allow the stacked container group to be transferred between the holding unit and the support unit by the second transfer device.

5. A path of the transport vehicle extending along the storage shelf is defined as a shelf area path, the holding section of the holding area is disposed at a position along a connection path that connects the shelf area intra-path and the first transfer section, the placement area is disposed at a position deviated from the connection path, The container transport facility according to claim 4 , wherein the second transfer section is disposed at a position along the connection path.

6. A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is further provided. The container transport equipment of claim 4, wherein the transport vehicle transports the stacked container group from the storage shelf to the work area, transports the stacked container group from the stacked 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.

7. A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is further provided. the control system is configured to manage, based on the type of item contained in each of the containers, the containers whose frequency of being transported to the work area is equal to or greater than a first threshold as first type containers, and the containers whose frequency is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold as second type containers; The container transport equipment described in claim 4, wherein the transport vehicle transports the stacked container group at least some of which include the first type container to the holding area, or transports the stacked container group which does not include the first type container but at least some of which include the second type container to the stacked storage area based on instructions from the control system.

8. The control system periodically reviews the management of the first type container and the second type container, The container transport equipment described in claim 7, wherein 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 the management review, and replaces the stacked container group held in the holding section of the holding area with the stacked container group stored in the stacked storage area.

Images