Automated warehouse for physical distribution facilities

Abstract

To provide an automated warehouse for physical distribution facilities that improves the efficiency of cargo storage in comparison with the case of using a stacker crane and enables securing a wider space for receiving and delivering cargoes.SOLUTION: The automated warehouse is equipped with a plurality of individual transfer units 3, each of which can move luggage X horizontally in the first and second horizontal directions that intersect each other, a skeleton frame 2 made of strong materials that support the plurality of individual transfer units 3, and a control device that controls the individual transfer units 3. The individual transfer units 3 can transfer the cargo X to a plurality of cargo storage compartments R arranged in a checker board pattern on the same floor, and the frame 2 has a plurality of openings 2c on the outer edge of the frame 2 in a planar view to allow the cargo X to be delivered to the individual transfer units 3. Based on the position of the cargo compartment R where the cargo X is not located, the control device transfers the cargo X to be delivered horizontally to the opening 2c by the individual transfer unit 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse for logistics facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse equipped with a stacker crane. The automated warehouse disclosed in the patent document is equipped with a plurality of racks on which luggage can be placed, and a stacker crane is installed between the racks so that it can travel. The automated warehouse disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a large number of racks and a plurality of stacker cranes in order to be able to store a large number of luggage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-39596 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in order to run a stacker crane, it is necessary to secure a running space for the stacker crane within the automated warehouse. Rails are laid in such a running space, and it is not possible to store luggage. The automated warehouse disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with multiple stacker cranes, so it is necessary to secure a wide running space within the automated warehouse, making it difficult to improve the storage efficiency of luggage. In addition, with a stacker crane, the places where luggage can be delivered are limited. Generally, luggage can be delivered only at one end of the running space of the stacker crane. For this reason, for example, when there is a large amount of luggage to be delivered, it takes time to deliver the luggage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to increase the luggage storage efficiency and to make it possible to secure a larger luggage delivery area compared to the case where a stacker crane is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an automated warehouse for logistics facilities, comprising a plurality of moving devices, each capable of horizontally moving luggage in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction that intersect with each other, a skeletal frame consisting of strength members supporting the plurality of moving devices, and a control device that controls the moving devices, wherein the moving devices are capable of moving the luggage to a plurality of luggage storage sections arranged in a grid pattern on the same plane, the skeletal frame has a plurality of openings at its outer edge when viewed in a plane, allowing the luggage to be transferred to the moving devices, and the control device adopts a configuration in which the luggage to be transferred is moved horizontally to the openings by the moving devices based on the position of the luggage storage section in which the luggage is not located. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, luggage can be stored in each of the luggage storage compartments arranged in a grid pattern. Furthermore, luggage can be moved to an adjacent luggage storage compartment by a moving device capable of moving luggage in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction that intersect. According to the present invention, luggage can be stored without securing a travel space for a stacker crane, and luggage storage efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, luggage can be handed over at the outer edge of the skeleton frame in a plan view, and a wide luggage handover area can be secured. Therefore, the present invention can improve luggage storage efficiency and secure a wide luggage handover area compared to the case of using a stacker crane. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged front view of a portion of the automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the external shape of a skeleton frame provided in the automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a total of nine luggage storage compartments arranged in threes in the front-rear and left-right directions. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automated warehouse 1 for a logistics facility according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged front view of a portion of the automated warehouse 1 for a logistics facility according to this embodiment. The automated warehouse 1 for a logistics facility according to this embodiment is a warehouse that stores a large amount of relatively large and heavy luggage X in a logistics facility. The luggage X is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a pallet P, a container C placed on the pallet P, and articles (not shown) contained inside the container C. However, the luggage X does not have to include the pallet P. Furthermore, the luggage X does not have to include the container C. The size of such luggage X in a plan view is such that it can be contained in a luggage storage section R described below.

[0012] The automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1 of this embodiment includes a skeleton frame 2, an individual moving device 3, and a lifting device 4. The skeleton frame 2 is a strength member that supports the multiple individual moving devices 3 and the multiple pieces of luggage X. As shown in FIG. 2, the skeleton frame 2 has pillars 2a and a floor 2b. The pillars 2a are erected on a floor surface M, and multiple pillars 2a are arranged in a horizontal direction. The floor 2b is fixed to the multiple pillars 2a. The pillars 2a and floor 2b are formed of, for example, a steel frame.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a plurality of floor sections 2b are arranged in the height direction. That is, the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities in this embodiment is provided with floor sections 2b at different positions in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, three floor sections 2b are provided.

[0014] A plurality of luggage storage compartments R are provided on each floor portion 2b. The luggage storage compartments R provided on one floor portion 2b are arranged in a grid pattern (a lattice pattern). In other words, on one floor portion 2b, the luggage storage compartments R are arranged adjacent to each other in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction that are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the first horizontal direction is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the second horizontal direction is referred to as the left-right direction.

[0015] One luggage storage area A is formed by multiple luggage storage compartments R provided on one floor 2b. In other words, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1 of this embodiment has three luggage storage areas A arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. The number of luggage storage areas A can be changed. For example, the number of luggage storage areas A may be one, or four or more.

[0016] 3 is a schematic plan view showing the outer shape of the skeleton frame 2. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the skeleton frame 2 is formed so that its outer shape is substantially C-shaped. At least the lowest luggage storage area A among the above-mentioned three luggage storage areas A has an opening 2c for putting in and taking out luggage X at the outer edge of the skeleton frame 2 in a plan view (see FIG. 2). Such openings 2c are provided over the entire outer edge of the outer shape of the skeleton frame 2 shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the openings 2c are arranged adjacent to each other at the outer edge of the skeleton frame 2.

[0017] Such an opening 2c is a portion that enables the delivery of the luggage X to the individual moving device 3. That is, in this embodiment, the delivery of the luggage X can be performed over the entire outer edge of the outer shape of the skeletal frame 2 shown in FIG.

[0018] In this embodiment, an opening 2c is provided in the lowest luggage storage area A so that a worker can easily transfer the luggage X to the individual moving device 3. However, for example, when transferring the luggage X using a forklift truck, the outer edge of the luggage storage area A other than the lowest one can also be used as the opening 2c in the same way as the lowest luggage storage area A.

[0019] 3, the outer edge of the skeleton frame 2 has five outward surfaces 2d and three inward surfaces 2e. The outward surfaces 2d are connected to adjacent outward surfaces 2d or adjacent inward surfaces 2e at an angle of 180° or more. The inward surfaces 2e are connected to adjacent outward surfaces 2d or adjacent inward surfaces 2e at an angle smaller than 180°.

[0020] In addition, at least one of the two sides of the inward surface 2e is connected to another inward surface 2e. The inward surface 2e is connected to the other inward surface 2e at an angle smaller than 180°. In other words, when a certain inward surface 2e is the first surface and the other inward surface 2e connected to it is the second surface, these inward surfaces 2e are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° (90° in this embodiment) in a plan view. Thus, in this embodiment, the skeleton frame 2 has, as a part of the outer edge portion, a first surface and a second surface that are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° in a plan view.

[0021] In this embodiment, the openings 2c are provided in the entire outer edge of the skeleton frame 2, and therefore the openings 2c are also provided in each of the three inward surfaces 2e. That is, in this embodiment, the openings 2c are provided in each of the inward surfaces 2e that are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° in a plan view. Therefore, a worker positioned between the mutually connected inward surfaces 2e can easily put in and take out the luggage X from both of these inward surfaces 2e. That is, in this embodiment, a worker positioned in an area surrounded by the three inward surfaces 2e can easily pass the luggage X through the openings 2c provided in the three inward surfaces 2e.

[0022] In this embodiment, the inward surfaces 2e are connected at an angle of 90° in a plan view. However, if the angle between the inward surfaces 2e is smaller than 180°, the handover and receipt of the luggage X can be simplified as in this embodiment.

[0023] Returning to Fig. 2, the individual moving device 3 is a device capable of moving the luggage X in the front-back direction (i.e., the first horizontal direction) and the left-right direction (i.e., the second horizontal direction). Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a control device 5. The individual moving device 3 is connected to the control device 5, and moves the luggage X in either the front-back direction or the left-right direction under the control of the control device 5.

[0024] In this embodiment, one individual moving device 3 is provided for each luggage storage section R. However, the present invention may also be configured to include an individual moving device provided to straddle multiple luggage storage sections R. Also, the present invention may be configured to move luggage X by the individual moving device 3 itself moving through multiple luggage storage sections R.

[0025] The individual moving device 3 of this embodiment may be, for example, a roller conveyor having a motor that generates power and rollers rotated by the motor. The individual moving device 3 of this embodiment may also be a belt conveyor having a motor that generates power and an endless belt that is rotated by the motor. The individual moving device 3 of this embodiment may also be a linear motor.

[0026] As described above, in the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, one individual moving device 3 is provided for each baggage storage section R. In other words, a plurality of individual moving devices 3 are provided in one baggage storage area A and arranged in a grid pattern (lattice pattern). These plurality of individual moving devices 3 are supported by the skeleton frame 2.

[0027] By horizontally moving luggage X by an individual moving device 3 arranged in one luggage storage area A, the luggage X is transferred to another adjacent individual moving device 3. By repeating this process, luggage X can be moved to any luggage storage section R.

[0028] The lifting device 4 is a device that moves the luggage X in the vertical direction. In other words, the lifting device 4 moves luggage to luggage storage areas A at different positions in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, one lifting device 4 is provided in an area surrounded by three inward surfaces 2e. The lifting device 4 is disposed adjacent to the skeleton frame 2. Note that, in the skeleton frame 2, openings 2c are provided at locations adjacent to the lifting device 4 for all luggage storage areas A. Note that the number of lifting devices 4 can be changed. A plurality of lifting devices 4 may be provided.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the lifting device 4 is connected to the control device 5, and under the control of the control device 5, receives luggage X from the opening 2c of one of the luggage storage areas A and moves the received luggage X to another luggage storage area A.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the skeleton frame 2 is integrated with the entire automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1. However, the skeleton frame 2 may be disassembled into a plurality of separate parts. For example, a large skeleton frame 2 may be formed by connecting separate parts having a single or a small number of baggage storage compartments R to each other. The skeleton frame that can be formed by combining the separate parts in this way can be formed to fit various shapes depending on the layout of the separate parts. For this reason, it is possible to install the skeleton frame even in a space where there are obstacles such as building pillars.

[0031] 4, the control device 5 is connected to each individual moving device 3 and lifting device 4, and stores and moves the luggage X by controlling each individual moving device 3 and lifting device 4. The automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities is equipped with a sensor (not shown), and is able to identify luggage storage sections R in which luggage X is not placed based on signals input from the sensor (not shown) or signals input from the outside. The control device 5 also identifies the position of the luggage storage section R in which each luggage X is stored.

[0032] The movement of the luggage X in the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that the control device 5 is the main actor in this movement.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating a total of nine luggage storage compartments R arranged in threes in the front-rear and left-right directions. In the description of this movement operation, for convenience of explanation, the movement of luggage X in the nine luggage storage compartments R shown in Fig. 5 will be described. However, in reality, luggage X is moved throughout each luggage storage area A.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5(a), nine luggage storage compartments R (luggage storage compartments R1 to R9) are arranged in a grid (grid) pattern, and luggage X1 to X8 are stored in luggage storage compartments R1 to R8. No luggage X is stored in luggage storage compartment R9. In this operation description, the control device 5 moves multiple luggage X based on an external command so that luggage X5 can be removed from an opening 2c provided in luggage storage compartment R2.

[0035] First, the control device 5 controls the individual moving device 3 of the luggage storage section R6 to move the luggage X6 to the luggage storage section R9. As a result, as shown in FIG 5(b), the luggage X6 is moved to the luggage storage section R9, and the luggage storage section R6 becomes empty.

[0036] Next, the control device 5 controls the individual moving device 3 in the luggage storage section R3 to move the luggage X3 to the luggage storage section R6. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(c), the luggage X3 is moved to the luggage storage section R6, and the luggage storage section R3 becomes empty.

[0037] Next, the control device 5 controls the individual moving device 3 of the luggage storage section R2 to move the luggage X2 to the luggage storage section R3. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(d), the luggage X2 is moved to the luggage storage section R3, and the luggage storage section R2 becomes empty.

[0038] Next, the control device 5 controls the individual moving device 3 of the luggage storage section R5 to move the luggage X5 to the luggage storage section R5. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(e), the luggage X5 is moved to the luggage storage section R5, and it becomes possible to remove the luggage X5 from the opening 2c provided in the luggage storage section R2.

[0039] The automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of the present embodiment as described above includes an individual moving device 3, a skeleton frame 2, and a control device 5. The individual moving devices 3 are provided in plurality, each capable of horizontally moving the luggage X in the front-rear and left-right directions. The skeleton frame 2 is made of a strength member that supports the plurality of individual moving devices 3. The control device 5 controls the individual moving devices 3. The individual moving devices 3 are capable of moving the luggage X to the plurality of luggage storage compartments R arranged in a grid pattern (lattice pattern) on the same plane. The skeleton frame 2 has a plurality of openings 2c at the outer edge in a plan view that enable the luggage X to be delivered to the individual moving devices 3. The control device 5 causes the individual moving devices 3 to horizontally move the luggage X to be delivered to the openings 2c based on the position of the luggage storage compartment R where the luggage X is not placed.

[0040] According to the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, the luggage X can be stored in each of the luggage storage sections R arranged in a grid pattern. Furthermore, the luggage X can be moved to an adjacent luggage storage section R by the individual moving device 3 capable of moving the luggage X in the front-rear and left-right directions. According to the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, the luggage X can be stored without securing a travel space for the stacker crane, and the storage efficiency of the luggage X can be improved. Furthermore, according to the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, the luggage X can be delivered at the outer edge of the skeleton frame 2 in a plan view, and a wide delivery area for the luggage X can be secured. Therefore, the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment can improve the storage efficiency of the luggage X and secure a wide delivery area for the luggage X compared to the case where a stacker crane is used.

[0041] Moreover, in the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, the openings 2c are provided over the entire outer edge of the skeleton frame 2 in a plan view. According to the automated warehouse 1 for logistics facilities of this embodiment, it is possible to provide picking spaces at various positions around the skeleton frame 2.

[0042] Further, in the automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment, the skeleton frame 2 includes a plurality of inward-facing surfaces 2e that are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° in a plan view as a part of the outer edge portion, and each has an opening 2c.

[0043] According to such an automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment, an operator positioned between the inward-facing surfaces 2e connected to each other can easily load and unload the package X with respect to both of these inward-facing surfaces 2e. Therefore, the automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment can improve the efficiency of the transfer operation of the package X.

[0044] Further, in the automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment, the skeleton frame 2 forms a plurality of cargo storage areas A in the vertical direction, in which a plurality of cargo storage compartments R are arranged in a grid pattern on the same plane. Also, the individual transfer devices 3 are provided for each cargo storage area A.

[0045] According to such an automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment, a plurality of packages X can be stored by arranging them in the vertical direction. Therefore, the automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment can further improve the storage efficiency of the package X.

[0046] Further, the automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment includes a lifting device 4 that moves the package X to cargo storage areas A at different positions in the vertical direction. According to such an automated warehouse 1 for logistics equipment of the present embodiment, the lifting device 4 can move the package X in the vertical direction. Therefore, the vertical movement operation of the package X can be simplified.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment above will be omitted or simplified.

[0048] 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A includes a building 10 having a plurality of floors F. Also, each floor F is provided with a skeleton frame 2 and an individual moving device 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of this embodiment is equipped with an inter-floor lifting device 6 that is provided penetrating the floor F in the vertical direction. This inter-floor lifting device 6 lifts and lowers luggage X between individual moving devices 3 installed on different floors F. The inter-floor lifting device 6 is also capable of lifting and lowering luggage X on the same floor F, and has the function of the lifting device 4 of the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of this embodiment is not equipped with the lifting device 4. However, the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of this embodiment may be equipped with the lifting device 4 in addition to the inter-floor lifting device 6.

[0050] According to the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of this embodiment, since it is possible to store luggage X on multiple floors F, it becomes possible to store a larger number of luggage X. Furthermore, according to the automated warehouse for logistics facilities 1A of this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily move luggage X between floors F by the inter-floor lifting device 6.

[0051] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] The above embodiment can also be described as, for example, the following supplementary notes.

[0053] (Appendix 1) A plurality of moving devices each capable of horizontally moving a load in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction intersecting each other; A skeleton frame including strength members for supporting a plurality of the moving devices; A control device for controlling the moving device; Equipped with The moving device is capable of moving the luggage to a plurality of luggage storage compartments arranged in a grid pattern on the same plane, the skeletal frame has a plurality of openings at an outer edge portion in a plan view to allow the luggage to be delivered to the moving device; The control device controls the moving device to horizontally move the baggage to be handed over to the opening based on the position of the baggage storage section where the baggage is not placed. An automated warehouse for logistics facilities.

[0054] (Appendix 2) The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided over the entire outer edge of the skeletal frame in a plan view.

[0055] (Appendix 3) The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skeletal frame comprises, as part of the outer edge, a first surface and a second surface that are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° in a plan view and each have the opening.

[0056] (Appendix 4) The framework frame defines a plurality of luggage storage areas in the vertical direction, each of which is formed by arranging the luggage storage compartments in a grid pattern on the same plane, The moving device is provided for each of the luggage storage areas. 4. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0057] (Appendix 5) 5. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 4, further comprising a lifting device that moves the luggage to the luggage storage areas at different positions in the vertical direction.

[0058] (Appendix 6) A building having multiple floors, The skeleton frame and the moving device are installed on a plurality of the floors. 6. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0059] (Appendix 7) 7. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 6, further comprising an inter-floor lifting device that is provided penetrating the floor in the vertical direction and lifts and lowers the luggage between the moving devices installed on different floors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...automated warehouse for logistics equipment, 1A...automated warehouse for logistics equipment, 2...skeletal frame, 2c...opening, 2d...outward surface (first surface), 2e...inward surface (second surface), 3...individual moving device (moving device), 4...lifting device, 5...control device, 6...inter-floor lifting device, 10...building, A...baggage storage area, F...floor, R...baggage storage section, X...baggage

Claims

1. a plurality of moving devices each capable of horizontally moving a load in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction intersecting each other; A skeleton frame including strength members for supporting a plurality of the moving devices; A control device for controlling the moving device; Equipped with The moving device is capable of moving the luggage to a plurality of luggage storage compartments arranged in a grid pattern on the same plane, the skeletal frame has a plurality of openings at an outer edge portion in a plan view to allow the luggage to be delivered to the moving device; The control device controls the moving device to horizontally move the baggage to be handed over to the opening based on the position of the baggage storage section where the baggage is not placed. An automated warehouse for logistics facilities.

2. 2. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided over the entire outer edge of the skeleton frame in a plan view.

3. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the skeletal frame has, as part of the outer edge, a first surface and a second surface that are connected to each other at an angle smaller than 180° in a plan view and each have the opening.

4. The framework frame defines a plurality of luggage storage areas in the vertical direction, each of which is formed by arranging the luggage storage compartments in a grid pattern on the same plane, The moving device is provided for each of the luggage storage areas.

3. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1 or 2.

5. 5. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 4, further comprising a lifting device for moving the luggage to the luggage storage areas at different positions in the vertical direction.

6. A building having multiple floors, The skeleton frame and the moving device are installed on a plurality of the floors.

3. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 1 or 2.

7. 7. The automated warehouse for logistics facilities according to claim 6, further comprising an inter-floor lifting device that is provided penetrating the floor in the vertical direction and lifts and lowers the luggage between the moving devices installed on different floors.

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