Warehouse

Abstract

To realize a warehouse equipped with a monitoring system that can output an appropriate warning before a major malfunction occurs in a storage shelf.SOLUTION: There is provided a warehouse equipped with a storage shelf (2) having a plurality of storage sections (3) and a frame (4), and a monitoring system (5) for monitoring the storage shelf (2). The monitoring system 5 includes a strain detection unit 11 and a warning unit that outputs a warning about the storage shelf 2 based on a detection result by the strain detection unit 11, and the frame 4 includes multiple columns 21 and braces 23. The braces 23 are arranged in a direction inclined relative to a vertical direction and are configured to connect different vertical positions of the multiple columns 21. The strain detection unit 11 is configured to detect a magnitude of strain in the brace 23, and the warning unit outputs a warning when a predetermined warning condition is met based on the detection results by the strain detection unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a warehouse. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-137575 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology relating to warehouses. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The warehouse in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a storage shelf (rack 1). This storage shelf has multiple storage sections in which items are stored, and a frame that supports the storage sections. The frame has multiple pillars (front support members 8, rear support members 9) that are arranged at a distance from each other, horizontal connecting frames (5) that connect adjacent pillars, and vertical braces (6). Multiple horizontal connecting frames (5) are arranged horizontally and separated in the vertical direction. The vertical braces (6) are arranged in an inclined position relative to the vertical direction so as to connect the multiple pillars. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-137575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In warehouses such as the one described in Patent Document 1, for example, external forces caused by earthquake shaking or deterioration over many years of use can cause the frames to deform, which can result in problems such as items no longer being able to be stored properly on the shelves or it becoming difficult to properly take items in and out of the shelves. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to understand the condition of the shelves before such problems occur and to take measures such as maintenance and repairs.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a warehouse equipped with a monitoring system that can output appropriate warnings before a major problem occurs with the storage shelves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A warehouse according to the present disclosure is a warehouse comprising a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections each storing an item and a frame supporting the plurality of storage sections, and a monitoring system that monitors the storage shelf, the monitoring system includes a strain detection unit and a warning unit that outputs a warning about the storage shelf based on a detection result by the strain detection unit, The frame includes a plurality of columns and braces arranged along the vertical direction, The brace is arranged along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction and is configured to connect different vertical positions of the plurality of columns that are arranged apart from each other when viewed in the vertical direction, The strain detection unit is attached to the brace and configured to detect a magnitude of strain in the brace, The warning unit outputs the warning when a predetermined warning condition is satisfied based on the detection result by the strain detection unit.

[0008] This configuration makes it possible to detect the magnitude of strain occurring in the braces, which are parts of the storage shelf frame that are relatively susceptible to strain due to load. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect strain occurring in the frame. Furthermore, the warning unit outputs a warning about the storage shelf based on the detection results of the brace strain, so it is possible to output a warning before a major problem occurs with the storage shelf. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately take measures such as maintenance and repairs on the storage shelf. In this way, with this configuration, it is possible to appropriately output a warning before a major problem occurs in the storage shelf.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the warehouse will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic floor plan showing the overall outline of the warehouse [Figure 2] Side view of storage shelf [Figure 3] Rear view of storage shelf [Figure 4] Enlarged view of the main part of the brace [Figure 5] Control Block Diagram [Figure 6] Control Flow Diagram [Figure 7] Control Flow Diagram DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the warehouse will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the warehouse 1 includes a storage shelf 2 having a plurality of storage sections 3 each storing an item W and a frame 4 supporting the plurality of storage sections 3, and a monitoring system 5 that monitors the storage shelf 2. The warehouse 1 further includes a conveying device 60, a loading / unloading conveyor 70, a first control device H1 that controls the conveying device 60 and the loading / unloading conveyor 70, and a second control device H2 (FIG. 5). The conveying device 60 transports the item W between the loading / unloading conveyor 70 and the storage shelf 2. In this example, the conveying device 60 moves along a conveying path 61 to transport the item W. The warehouse 1 also includes a pair of storage shelves 2. The pair of storage shelves 2 are arranged along the conveying path 61 and facing each other across the conveying path 61. The loading / unloading conveyor 70 is arranged along the conveying path 61 and adjacent to the pair of storage shelves 2.

[0013] The conveying device 60 includes a traveling section that travels while being guided by rails R laid along the conveying path 61, a mast erected from the traveling section, a lifting platform that rises and falls while being guided by the mast, and a transfer device provided on the lifting platform. That is, in this example, the conveying device 60 is a stacker crane. The conveying device 60 transfers the item W between the loading / unloading conveyor 70 and the plurality of storage sections 3 on the storage shelf 2. The plurality of storage sections 3 are arranged in multiple rows along the conveying path 61 and in multiple tiers in the vertical direction. When the conveying device 60 receives the item W from the loading / unloading conveyor 70, it moves to the front of the storage section 3 to which the item W is to be transferred. Thereafter, the lifting platform is raised and lowered as necessary to transfer the item W to the storage section 3 to which the item W is to be transferred. Here, the transfer device is a fork type, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a conveyor type. The transport device 60 may be a trackless transport vehicle that travels autonomously along the transport path 61, or may be a tracked transport vehicle that travels while being guided by rails R. In the following description, the direction along the depth of the storage shelf 2 is referred to as the depth direction X, and the direction perpendicular to the depth direction X when viewed from the top to bottom is referred to as the width direction Y.

[0014] As described above, the storage shelf 2 includes a frame 4. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the frame 4 includes a plurality of columns 21 arranged along the vertical direction and braces 23. In this embodiment, the frame 4 includes a plurality of braces 23. The frame 4 also includes a plurality of beams 25 and a plurality of lattice members 22.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the multiple pillars 21 are arranged at predetermined intervals from each other in the depth direction X and the width direction Y. Here, two pillars 21 (here, a pair of pillars 21) are arranged side by side along the depth direction X, and the pair of pillars 21 are arranged in multiple sets along the width direction Y. Then, multiple storage sections 3 (multiple tiers) lined up in the vertical direction are formed in a space surrounded by four pillars 21 adjacent to each other in the depth direction X and the width direction Y. In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, five storage sections 3 (five tiers) are formed lined up in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the multiple storage sections 3 lined up in the vertical direction are formed in multiple rows lined up in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the storage section 3 includes a pair of support members 33 that support the article W. The support members 33 are arranged horizontally (here, the depth direction X) and are supported by two pillars 21 (a pair of pillars 21) lined up in the depth direction X. Here, a pair of support members 33 are supported at the same vertical position on two sets of pillars 21 adjacent to each other in the width direction Y, facing each other. The article W is stored in the storage section 3 by being supported from below by the pair of support members 33 arranged in this manner. A plurality of pairs of support members 33 (here, five pairs to form five stages of the storage section 3) are arranged on the two sets of pillars 21 at a specified vertical interval (an interval larger than the vertical dimension of the article W).

[0016] The beams 25 connect the columns 21 lined up in the width direction Y to each other. The beams 25 are arranged along the width direction Y and at intervals in the vertical direction. In this example, the beams 25 are arranged to correspond to the front side and the back side of the storage shelf 2. Specifically, the beams 25 are provided on one side in the depth direction X (the front side of the storage shelf 2) to connect the columns 21 lined up in the width direction Y to each other. Similarly, the beams 25 are provided on the other side in the depth direction X (the back side of the storage shelf 2) to connect the columns 21 lined up in the width direction Y to each other. In the example shown in the figure, the front side of the storage shelf 2 is the side facing the transport path 61 of the transport device 60, and the back side of the storage shelf 2 is the opposite side.

[0017] In the example of FIG. 3, three beams 25 arranged in the vertical direction divide the back surface of the storage shelf 2 into two areas, a first area 1F and a second area 2F. Here, the second area 2F is an area above the first area 1F. The vertical dimension of the second area 2F is longer than the vertical dimension of the first area 1F. In other words, of the three beams 25 arranged in the vertical direction, the distance between the upper two beams 25 is greater than the distance between the lower two beams 25. The "back surface of the storage shelf 2" is an imaginary surface formed by the surfaces of multiple pillars 21 arranged on the other side in the depth direction X (the side opposite to the side where the transport device 60 is arranged) that face the other side in the depth direction X.

[0018] The lattice material 22 is provided to connect two columns 21 (a set of columns 21) lined up in the depth direction X. In this example, a lattice material 22 is provided on each of a set of columns 21 lined up in the width direction Y. A plurality of lattice materials 22 are arranged so as to connect a set of columns 21 to each other in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane. The plurality of lattice materials 22 are arranged in a zigzag pattern when viewed in the width direction Y. This reinforces the plurality of columns 21 lined up in the depth direction X.

[0019] The braces 23 are arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and are configured to connect different vertical positions of the multiple pillars 21 that are arranged spaced apart from one another when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the braces 23 are arranged to connect the multiple pillars 21 that are arranged on the back side (the other side in the depth direction X) of the storage shelf 2. In the example of FIG. 3, multiple braces 23 are arranged in each of the first area 1F and the second area 2F. The braces 23 are rod-shaped members that reinforce the multiple pillars 21.

[0020] In this embodiment, a pair of braces 23 is supported by multiple columns 21 while intersecting each other as viewed in the depth direction X. Here, the pair of braces 23 is supported by two columns 21 arranged along the width direction Y. One of the pair of braces 23 is arranged in a position that slopes upward from one side to the other in the width direction Y, and the other of the pair of braces 23 is arranged in a position that slopes downward from one side to the other in the width direction Y. The pair of braces 23 are arranged such that the central regions in the extension direction of their respective rod-shaped members intersect each other as viewed in the depth direction X. In the example of FIG. 3 , in each of the first region 1F and the second region 2F, another column 21 is arranged between the two columns 21 supporting the pair of braces 23. The intersecting portion of the pair of braces 23 and the another column 21 overlap as viewed in the depth direction X. The pair of braces 23 may also be supported by the other column 21, and in that case, it is preferable that the intersecting portion is fixed to the other column 21.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the brace 23 includes a brace main body 23a. The brace 23 also includes a first connecting portion 31 that is a connecting portion 6 to the first column 21, and a second connecting portion 32 that is a connecting portion 6 to the second column 21. In this example, the brace main body 23a is a rod-shaped member. The connecting portions 6 are provided at both ends of the brace main body 23a in the extension direction. Here, the first connecting portion 31 is the connecting portion 6 that is lower in the vertical direction of the two connecting portions 6 provided on the brace 23. In other words, the first connecting portion 31 is located lower than the second connecting portion 32.

[0022] The connecting portion 6 includes a connecting plate portion 28 that connects the brace main body portion 23a to the column 21, and an engaging portion 29. The engaging portion 29 engages with an end portion of the brace main body portion 23a in the extension direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "end portion"), thereby connecting the brace main body portion 23a to the connecting plate portion 28. The connecting plate portion 28 is a plate-like member formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the depth direction X, and the surface facing the other side (outside) in the depth direction X is a flat surface. The engaging portion 29 is provided on this flat surface. In this example, the engaging portion 29 is formed in an annular shape. The end portion of the brace main body portion 23a is inserted into the engaging portion 29, thereby engaging the brace main body portion 23a with the engaging portion 29. When the brace main body portion 23a and the engaging portion 29 are engaged, the end portion of the brace main body portion 23a is positioned facing the flat surface of the connecting plate portion 28. In the illustrated example, the connecting plate portion 28 is fixed to the column 21 together with the beam 25 by fastening members. When the brace 23 is connected to three or more columns 21, it is preferable that the brace 23 be provided with connecting portions 6 other than the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the monitoring system 5 includes a strain detection unit 11 and a warning unit 12 that outputs a warning about the storage shelf 2 based on the detection results by the strain detection unit 11. In this embodiment, the monitoring system 5 includes a plurality of strain detection units 11. The monitoring system 5 also includes a recording unit 14. In this example, the warning unit 12 and the recording unit 14 are provided in the second control device H2. The first control device H1 and the second control device H2 each include a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as a memory, and the like. Each function is realized by cooperation between this hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer.

[0024] The strain detection unit 11 is attached to the brace 23 and is configured to detect the magnitude of strain in the brace 23. In this embodiment, multiple strain detection units 11 are attached to different braces 23. The detection information detected by each of the multiple strain detection units 11 is transmitted from the strain detection unit 11 to the second control device H2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to each of the multiple braces 23 provided in the first region 1F. On the other hand, the strain detection unit 11 is not attached to each of the multiple braces 23 provided in the second region 2F above the first region 1F. In this embodiment, the strain detection unit 11 is a strain gauge that measures the magnitude of strain in the brace 23 and the value of the stress acting on it.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the brace 23 along the reference line 8 connecting the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The strain detection unit 11 is attached to the lowest connecting portion 6 of each brace 23 to each of the multiple columns 21. Specifically, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the first connecting portion 31 of each brace 23 provided in the first region 1F. In this example, the strain detection unit 11 (here, a strain gauge) is formed by forming a resistive foil (metal foil) on a sheet-like base material that is an electrical insulator. The strain detection unit 11 (here, the base material) is attached to a flat surface (the surface facing outward in the depth direction X) of the connecting plate portion 28 of the first connecting portion 31, in a position along the reference line 8. This detects the magnitude of local strain in the brace 23, more specifically, the magnitude of strain at the attachment position of the strain detection unit 11 on the connecting plate portion 28 of the first connecting portion 31. In the example of Fig. 4, the base material of the strain detection unit 11 is further arranged so as to overlap the reference line 8 and the brace main body 23a when viewed in an orthogonal direction (here, viewed from the depth direction X) along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the brace main body 23a. In other words, the base material of the strain detection unit 11 is arranged between the connecting plate portion 28 and the end of the brace main body 23a on the first connecting portion 31 side.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the warning unit 12 outputs a warning when a predetermined warning condition is satisfied based on the detection result by the strain detection unit 11. In this embodiment, the monitoring system 5 includes a warning device 81. The warning device 81 is a device that issues an alarm in response to the warning output by the warning unit 12. Specifically, the warning device 81 is configured to issue an alarm when it receives command information for issuing a warning from the warning unit 12. In this example, the warning device 81 includes a rotating warning light. The rotating warning light issues an alarm by rotating while emitting light. The warning device 81 may be installed in the work area of the worker in the warehouse 1, or in another location. The warning device 81 may be configured to issue an alarm by sound, or by both sound and light. Alternatively, the function of the warning device 81 may be installed in an external terminal (such as a tablet or PC) owned by the worker, and the warning may be displayed on a display unit (such as a monitor) of the external terminal.

[0027] When the warning unit 12 acquires detection information from the multiple strain detection units 11, it performs calculation processing based on each piece of detection information and determines whether the result of the calculation processing satisfies predetermined warning conditions. The second control device H2 can manage each piece of detection information received from the multiple strain detection units 11 by associating it with the first connecting unit 31, which is the monitored location 9 of the brace 23. The detection information includes data indicating the magnitude (amount of strain) of the strain detected by the strain detection unit 11.

[0028] In this embodiment, the warning condition is that the estimated stress value, which is the value of the stress acting on the monitored location 9 of the brace 23 by the monitoring system 5, calculated based on the detection results by the strain detection unit 11, exceeds a predetermined stress threshold. In this example, the warning unit 12 calculates the estimated stress value acting on the monitored location 9 based on the detection information (strain magnitude) acquired from the strain detection unit 11. The monitored location 9 is the first connecting unit 31 (more specifically, the connecting plate unit 28) to which the strain detection unit 11 is attached. The warning unit 12 calculates the estimated stress value from the strain magnitude of each first connecting unit 31 to which the strain detection unit 11 is attached. The second control device H2 pre-stores basic information regarding the physical properties of the first connecting unit 31. Specifically, the second control device H2 stores basic information such as the correlation between the strain magnitude (strain amount) and stress (stress-strain curve) for the first connecting unit 31. The warning unit 12 calculates an estimated stress value from such basic information and the magnitude of strain actually measured by the strain detection unit 11, and determines whether the calculated estimated stress value is equal to or greater than a predetermined stress threshold. If the estimated stress value of any one of the first connecting parts 31 is equal to or greater than the stress threshold, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning to the warning device 81.

[0029] In this embodiment, the stress threshold is set based on the yield point of the monitored location 9. The stress threshold includes two thresholds: a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold is set to a value lower than the yield point of the first connecting portion 31. The first threshold is set to a value higher than the second threshold. For example, the first threshold may be set to a value 90% of the yield point, and the second threshold may be set to a value 80% of the yield point. The warning unit 12 outputs a warning to the warning device 81 when it determines that any estimated stress value at each monitored location 9 is equal to or greater than the first threshold or the second threshold. In this example, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the first connecting portion 31 of the brace 23 arranged in the first region 1F as described above. That is, the stress threshold is set for the portion of the brace 23 that is expected to be most heavily loaded due to earthquake shaking or the like (here, the first connecting portion 31) based on the allowable stress (yield point) of the first connecting portion 31. In this way, it is preferable to set the stress threshold based on the allowable stress of a portion of the storage shelf 2 that is subjected to a relatively large load. This allows a warning to be output at an appropriate time before significant deformation occurs in the frame 4 of the storage shelf 2, etc. In this embodiment, the warning output includes outputting a warning requesting restriction of use of the storage shelf 2. In this example, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that loading of the item W onto the storage shelf 2 is prohibited when it determines that the estimated stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold and less than the first threshold. Furthermore, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that loading and unloading of the item W onto and from the storage shelf 2 is prohibited when it determines that the estimated stress value is equal to or greater than the first threshold. When issuing warnings of different contents, the warning device 81 can emit light in different colors depending on the contents of the warning. Furthermore, if the warning device 81 is configured to output the warning content using sound, the tone, etc., can be changed depending on the contents of the warning. When the warning content is output on a display unit, etc. of an external terminal, the specific warning content can also be displayed in text, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, the warning unit 12 is configured to record the estimated stress value in the recording unit 14 when the estimated stress value, which is the value of the stress acting on the monitored location 9 of the brace 23 by the monitoring system 5 and calculated based on the detection results by the strain detection unit 11, exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In this example, the threshold value is set lower than the first and second threshold values. Here, the threshold value is set to 50% of the yield point. Therefore, the warning unit 12 records the estimated stress value in the recording unit 14 when the estimated stress value at the monitored location 9 exceeds a value lower than the first and second threshold values, which is 50% of the yield point. Note that the threshold value for recording the estimated stress value in the recording unit 14 may be the same as the first and second threshold values, or may be a value different from the first and second threshold values, as described above. In this embodiment, the warning condition is that the integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit 14 exceeds a predetermined judgment threshold value (third threshold value). In this example, the warning unit 12 calculates an integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit 14, and outputs a warning to the warning device 81 when the integrated value becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold value. The warning unit 12 can set the third threshold value to, for example, a value several times the value of 50% of the yield point of the first connecting portion 31. The warning unit 12 can also change the third threshold value as appropriate. When the integrated value becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold value, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that the loading of the item W onto the storage shelf 2 is prohibited. The warning unit 12 can also change the content of the warning output as appropriate depending on the set third threshold value.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, when the warning unit 12 determines that the estimated stress value of each monitored location 9 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S01: Yes), it determines whether the estimated stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold and less than the first threshold (S02). When the warning unit 12 determines that the estimated stress value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold and less than the first threshold, i.e., equal to or greater than the first threshold (S02: No), it executes first warning control (S04). In the first warning control, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that the loading and unloading of the item W onto the shelf 2 is prohibited. Furthermore, when the warning unit 12 determines that the estimated stress value is equal to or greater than the second threshold and less than the first threshold (S02: Yes), it executes second warning control (S03). In the second warning control, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that only the loading and unloading of the item W onto the shelf 2 is prohibited. Thereafter, when it is determined that the estimated stress value, which was equal to or greater than the second threshold value and less than the first threshold value, has become equal to or greater than the first threshold value (S05::Yes), the warning unit 12 executes the first warning control. In this case, it is preferable to execute the first warning control after completing the second warning control.

[0032] 7, when the warning unit 12 determines that the integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit 14 of each monitored location 9 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (S11: Yes), the warning unit 12 executes third warning control (S12). In the third warning control, the warning unit 12 outputs a warning indicating that the loading of the item W onto the storage shelf 2 is prohibited.

[0033] Furthermore, when executing the first warning control, the first control device H1 may stop the operation of the transport device 60 and the carry-in / out conveyor 70. This makes it possible to forcibly stop the carrying-in and carrying-out of items W to and from the storage shelf 2. Also, when executing the second warning control and the third warning control, the first control device H1 may stop only the operation of the transport device 60 and the carry-in / out conveyor 70 to carry in items W. This makes it possible to forcibly stop the carrying-in of items W to and from the storage shelf 2 while still allowing the carrying-out of items W from the storage shelf 2. In this way, the first control device H1, which controls the transport device 60 and the carry-in / out conveyor 70, can also fulfill some of the functions of the monitoring system 5.

[0034] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the brace 23 to detect the magnitude of strain in the brace 23, but this is not limiting. The strain detection unit 11 may be attached to a member of the frame 4 other than the brace 23, specifically, the column 21, the beam 25, the lattice member 22, etc. In this way, the strain detection unit 11 may also be configured to detect the magnitude of strain in a member of the frame 4 other than the brace 23.

[0035] (2) In the above embodiment, the strain detector 11 is attached to each of the plurality of braces 23 arranged in the first region 1F, but this is not limiting. The strain detector 11 may also be attached to each of the plurality of braces 23 arranged in the second region 2F above the first region 1F.

[0036] (3) In the above embodiment, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the brace 23 along the reference line 8 that connects the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The strain detection unit 11 may be attached in a position that is inclined or perpendicular to the reference line 8 when viewed in the depth direction X.

[0037] (4) In the above embodiment, the strain detection unit 11 is attached to the lowest connecting portion 6 (first connecting portion 31) among the connecting portions 6 between a single brace 23 and each of the multiple columns 21, but this is not limiting. The strain detection unit 11 may also be attached to the second connecting portion 32. The strain detection unit 11 may also be attached to both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. Furthermore, the strain detection unit 11 may also be attached to the brace main body 23a. In this case, it is preferable that at least a portion of the brace main body 23a has a flattened shape.

[0038] (5) In the above embodiment, the first threshold value as the stress threshold value is set to a value lower than the yield point, but this is not limiting. For example, the first threshold value may be set to the same value as the yield point or may be set to a value higher than the yield point.

[0039] (6) In the above embodiment, the warning output includes outputting a warning requesting a restriction on the use of the storage shelf 2, but this is not limited to this. The warning output does not necessarily have to include outputting a warning requesting a restriction on the use of the storage shelf 2. Furthermore, the warning output may include, for example, outputting a warning requesting that workers evacuate the warehouse 1. In this way, the content of the warning output can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] (7) In the above embodiment, the warning unit 12 records the estimated stress value in the recording unit 14 when the estimated stress value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the warning condition is that the integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit 14 is equal to or greater than a third threshold. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the warning unit 12 may record all calculated estimated stress values in the recording unit 14. In this case, the warning condition can be that the integrated value of all calculated estimated stress values is equal to or greater than the third threshold.

[0041] (8) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding 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.

[0042] Summary of the above embodiment Below, we will explain the summary of the warehouse explained above.

[0043] A warehouse according to the present disclosure is a warehouse comprising a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections each storing an item and a frame supporting the plurality of storage sections, and a monitoring system that monitors the storage shelf, the monitoring system includes a strain detection unit and a warning unit that outputs a warning about the storage shelf based on a detection result by the strain detection unit, The frame includes a plurality of columns and braces arranged along the vertical direction, The brace is arranged along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction and is configured to connect different vertical positions of the plurality of columns that are arranged apart from each other when viewed in the vertical direction, The strain detection unit is attached to the brace and configured to detect a magnitude of strain in the brace, The warning unit outputs the warning when a predetermined warning condition is satisfied based on the detection result by the strain detection unit.

[0044] This configuration makes it possible to detect the magnitude of strain occurring in the braces, which are parts of the storage shelf frame that are relatively susceptible to strain due to load. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect strain occurring in the frame. Furthermore, the warning unit outputs a warning about the storage shelf based on the detection results of the brace strain, so it is possible to output a warning before a major problem occurs with the storage shelf. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately take measures such as maintenance and repairs on the storage shelf. In this way, with this configuration, it is possible to appropriately output a warning before a major problem occurs in the storage shelf.

[0045] Here, the monitoring system includes a plurality of the strain detection units, the frame includes a plurality of the braces; It is preferable that the plurality of strain sensors are attached to different braces.

[0046] According to this configuration, since a plurality of strain detectors are attached to different braces, it is possible to appropriately monitor the state of the load acting on each part of the storage shelf.

[0047] The brace also includes a first connecting portion that is a connecting portion with the first column and a second connecting portion that is a connecting portion with the second column, It is preferable that the strain detector is attached to the brace along a reference line that connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0048] This configuration makes it easier to improve the accuracy of detecting strain caused by tensile stress acting on the brace.

[0049] It is also preferable that the strain detection unit be attached to the lowest connecting portion of each of the braces connected to the plurality of columns.

[0050] Generally, because the lower part of a pillar is fixed to the floor or other surface, shaking and vibration tend to increase as it moves upward. With this configuration, the strain detection unit is attached to the lowest connecting part of multiple connecting parts in one brace. Therefore, compared to when strain detection units are attached to other connecting parts, it is easier to minimize the influence of disturbances such as shaking and vibration when detecting strain occurring in the frame. This makes it easier to improve the detection accuracy of strain occurring in the frame.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferable that the warning condition is that the estimated stress value, which is the value of the stress acting on the part of the brace being monitored by the monitoring system, calculated based on the detection result by the strain detection unit, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined stress threshold value.

[0052] With this configuration, the warning unit can output an appropriate warning based on the value of the stress estimated to be acting on the monitored portion of the brace, making it possible to appropriately take measures such as maintenance and repair of the storage shelf before a major malfunction occurs in the storage shelf.

[0053] Further, the stress threshold value is set based on a yield point of the monitoring target portion, The warning output preferably includes outputting a warning requesting a restriction on use of the storage shelf.

[0054] According to this configuration, the warning unit can output a warning, including a warning to restrict the use of the storage shelf, based on the relationship between the yield point and the stress estimated to be acting on the monitored portion of the frame. Therefore, a warning about the storage shelf can be output at an appropriate timing before a major problem occurs with the storage shelf.

[0055] The monitoring system further includes a recording unit, the warning unit is configured to record an estimated stress value in the recording unit when the estimated stress value, which is a value of the stress acting on the portion of the brace to be monitored by the monitoring system and calculated based on the detection result by the strain detection unit, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; The warning condition is preferably that the integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold value.

[0056] According to this configuration, the warning unit outputs a warning when the integrated value of the estimated stress value when the stress exceeds a predetermined stress threshold value exceeds a judgment threshold value. This makes it possible to take appropriate measures such as maintenance or repair of the storage shelf before a malfunction such as fatigue fracture occurs due to repeated stress acting on the storage shelf frame.

[0057] The warehouse according to the present disclosure may have at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: Warehouse 2: Storage shelf 3: Storage section 4: Frame 5: Surveillance system 6:Connection part 8: Reference line 9: Monitoring location 11: Detection unit 12: Warning part 14: Recording section 21: Pillar 23: Brace 31: 1st connection part 32:Second connection part W:Goods

Claims

1. A warehouse comprising: a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections each storing an item, and a frame supporting the plurality of storage sections; and a monitoring system for monitoring the storage shelf, the monitoring system includes a strain detection unit and a warning unit that outputs a warning about the storage shelf based on a detection result by the strain detection unit, The frame includes a plurality of columns and braces arranged along the vertical direction, The brace is arranged along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction and is configured to connect different vertical positions of the plurality of columns that are arranged apart from each other when viewed in the vertical direction, The strain detection unit is attached to the brace and configured to detect a magnitude of strain in the brace, The warning unit outputs the warning when a predetermined warning condition is satisfied based on the detection result by the strain detection unit.

2. the monitoring system includes a plurality of the strain detection units, the frame includes a plurality of the braces; The warehouse according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of strain sensors are attached to different braces.

3. The brace includes a first connecting portion that is a connecting portion with the first column and a second connecting portion that is a connecting portion with the second column, The warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the strain detection unit is attached along a reference line connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of the brace.

4. The warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the strain detection unit is attached to the lowest connection of one of the braces with each of the plurality of columns.

5. The warehouse of claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning condition is that an estimated stress value, which is the value of the stress acting on the portion of the brace monitored by the monitoring system, calculated based on the detection result by the strain detection unit, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined stress threshold value.

6. The stress threshold is set based on a yield point of the monitored portion; The warehouse according to claim 5 , wherein the warning output includes outputting a warning requesting a restriction on use of the storage shelf.

7. The monitoring system further includes a recording unit, the warning unit is configured to record an estimated stress value in the recording unit when the estimated stress value, which is a value of the stress acting on the portion of the brace to be monitored by the monitoring system and calculated based on the detection result by the strain detection unit, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; The warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning condition is that the integrated value of the estimated stress values recorded in the recording unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment threshold value.

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