Work facility

Abstract

To provide a work facility which is also excellent in maintainability of a detector, while appropriately detecting in-and-out work of an article by a worker.SOLUTION: A work facility (1) comprises a work shelf (2) comprising a shelf part having a plurality of stages on which an article can be placed, a detector (6) which detects movement of a worker who performs in-and-out work of the article, and a support mechanism (7) which supports the detector (6). The support mechanism (7) is configured so that its posture can be changed to a fixed posture in which the detector (6) is fixed at a fixed position (Pf) set at an upper side, and a maintenance posture in which the detector (6) is arranged at a maintenance position (Pm) below the fixed position (Pf).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In logistics facilities such as distribution centers, for example, work equipment equipped with work shelves is used to perform picking work. An example of such work equipment is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-75797 (Patent Document 1). This work equipment (picking equipment) includes a work shelf (flow shelf 1) with multiple shelves (flow shelf boards 6) on which items to be worked on (items W) can be placed, and a detection device (imaging device 23) that detects the movement of a worker (worker M) who moves items into and out of the work shelf.

[0003] Regarding the installation of the detection device, Patent Document 1 only states that it should be located in a position that can detect the entire work area and the worker's hands, but does not provide any specifics. From Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 1, it can only be inferred that the detection device is fixed to the ceiling or the like of the building where the work equipment is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-75797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if the detection device is fixedly installed in a high position such as on the ceiling, it is difficult for workers to reach it, which makes it difficult to perform maintenance on the detection device, which is inconvenient.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a work facility that can properly detect the loading and unloading of articles by workers and that also has excellent maintainability for the detection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The work equipment according to the present disclosure includes: a work shelf having a plurality of shelf sections on which items to be worked on can be placed; a detection device for detecting the movement of a worker who is performing the work of putting the item into or taking the item out of the work shelf; a support mechanism for supporting the detection device, The support mechanism is configured to be able to change its position between a fixed position in which the detection device is fixed at a fixed position set above the uppermost shelf portion, and a maintenance position in which the detection device is placed at a maintenance position below the fixed position.

[0008] With this configuration, by setting the support mechanism in the fixed position, the detection device supported by the support mechanism can appropriately detect the loading and unloading of items by a worker from a position even higher than the top shelf. Also, by setting the support mechanism in the maintenance position, the detection device can be lowered to a position lower than the fixed position, improving the maintainability of the detection device.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a picking facility including a work facility according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Plan of work equipment [Figure 3] Side view of work equipment [Figure 4] Perspective view of work equipment [Figure 5] Enlarged perspective view of the support mechanism [Figure 6] A side view showing the change in posture of the support mechanism [Figure 7] Perspective view of the fixing mechanism [Figure 8] Perspective view of the fixing mechanism [Figure 9] Front view of the work equipment of the second embodiment [Figure 10] A perspective view of a swing linkage mechanism [Figure 11] Perspective view of the fixing mechanism DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the work equipment will be described with reference to the drawings. The work equipment 1 of this embodiment is incorporated into a picking equipment 100 installed in a logistics facility such as a distribution center. As shown in FIG. 1, the picking equipment 100 includes, in addition to the work equipment 1, a picking work unit 11, a storage unit 12, a shipping work unit 13, and a conveying device 14.

[0012] The picking work unit 11 is an area for performing picking work, which involves removing target item A from a box B (see Figure 2) held in the work equipment 1 based on order information and placing it in a container C. The storage unit 12 is a device for storing containers C containing collected items A. For example, an automated warehouse using a stacker crane or a shuttle cart can be used as the storage unit 12. The shipping work unit 13 is an area for performing shipping work, which involves linking collected items A to each delivery destination.

[0013] The transport device 14 transports the container C. For example, a conveyor or an unmanned transport vehicle can be used as the transport device 14. The transport device 14 includes a main transport section 15, and a first sub-transport section 16, a second sub-transport section 17, a third sub-transport section 18, and a shipping transport section 19 connected to the main transport section 15.

[0014] The main conveying section 15 conveys the container C toward the shipping work section 13. The first sub-conveying section 16 branches off from the main conveying section 15, passes through the picking work section 11, and then conveys the container C so that it rejoins the main conveying section 15. The second sub-conveying section 17 branches off from the main conveying section 15 and conveys the container C toward the storage section 12. The third sub-conveying section 18 conveys the container C that has been removed from the storage section 12 so that it rejoins the main conveying section 15. The shipping conveying section 19 is connected to the downstream end of the main conveying section 15 and conveys the container C to the shipping work section 13.

[0015] The picking equipment 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of work equipment 1. The plurality of work equipment 1 are arranged so as to surround the periphery of a loop-shaped first sub-conveyor 16. A space (work area) is provided between the work equipment 1 and the first sub-conveyor 16 for a worker W to perform picking work. The work area is arranged adjacent to the front of the work shelf 2 of the work equipment 1.

[0016] 2 to 4, the work equipment 1 of this embodiment includes a work shelf 2, a projection device 5, a detection device 6, and a support mechanism 7. In the following, the horizontal direction when a worker W performing a picking operation is facing the work shelf 2 will be referred to as the "width direction X," the depth direction will be referred to as the "front-rear direction Y," and the height direction will be referred to as the "up-down direction Z." In this embodiment, the width direction X coincides with the arrangement direction of the multiple work equipment 1 and the extension direction of the first sub-conveyor unit 16, and the front-rear direction Y coincides with the arrangement direction of the work equipment 1 and the first sub-conveyor unit 16.

[0017] The work shelf 2 is a shelf for supplying the item A to be worked on to the worker W. In this embodiment, the item A to be worked on is supplied in a state where it is contained in a box B. The box B can be, for example, a cardboard box or the like, and can be used with the top open.

[0018] The work shelf 2 comprises a first support frame body 20, a second support frame body 25, a connecting frame body 30, a reinforcing frame 35, and a shelf portion 40. The first support frame body 20 and the second support frame body 25 are erected separately on both sides in the width direction X. The connecting frame body 30, the reinforcing frame 35, and the shelf portion 40 are provided across the first support frame body 20 and the second support frame body 25.

[0019] The first support frame body 20 includes a front frame 21, a rear frame 22, an upper frame 23, and a lower frame 24. The front frame 21 is erected on the front side in the front-to-rear direction Y. The front frame 21 is disposed so as to incline slightly rearward as it extends upward. The rear frame 22 is erected on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction Y. The rear frame 22 is disposed upright in the up-down direction Z. The upper frame 23 connects the upper end of the front frame 21 to the upper end of the rear frame 22 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The lower frame 24 connects the lower end of the front frame 21 to the lower end of the rear frame 22 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The first support frame body 20 is formed in the shape of a vertically elongated right-angled trapezoid as a whole when viewed along the width direction X.

[0020] The second support frame body 25 includes a front frame 26, a rear frame 27, an upper frame 28, and a lower frame 29. The front frame 26 is erected on the front side in the front-to-rear direction Y. The front frame 26 is disposed so as to incline slightly rearward as it extends upward. The rear frame 27 is erected on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction Y. The rear frame 27 is disposed upright in the up-down direction Z. The upper frame 28 connects the upper ends of the front frame 26 and the rear frame 27 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The lower frame 29 connects the lower ends of the front frame 26 and the rear frame 27 in the front-to-rear direction Y. When viewed along the width direction X, the second support frame body 25 is formed in an overall vertically elongated right-angled trapezoidal shape similar to that of the first support frame body 20.

[0021] The connecting frame body 30 includes a right frame 31, a left frame 32, and a front frame 33. The right frame 31 is connected to the upper part of the first support frame body 20 (slightly below the upper frame 23). The right frame 31 is fixed in a state where it protrudes forward from the front frame 21 of the first support frame body 20 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The left frame 32 is connected to the upper part of the second support frame body 25 (slightly below the upper frame 28). The left frame 32 is fixed in a state where it protrudes forward from the front frame 26 of the second support frame body 25 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The front frame 33 connects the front ends of the right frame 31 and the left frame 32 in the width direction X.

[0022] The front frame 33 may directly connect the front end of the right frame 31 to the front end of the left frame 32, or may connect them via a separate member such as a short frame member extending along the vertical direction Z as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the front frame 33 directly or indirectly connects the front end of the right frame 31 to the front end of the left frame 32. The projection device 5 is fixed to the front frame 33 via a connecting bracket 34.

[0023] The reinforcing frame 35 connects the rear frame 22 of the first support frame body 20 and the rear frame 27 of the second support frame body 25 in the width direction X. The reinforcing frame 35 is provided at multiple locations in the up-down direction Z (in this example, at two locations, the upper and lower end portions).

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shelf section 40 is provided in multiple tiers. Each of the multiple tiers of shelf sections 40 is connected to the first support frame body 20 and the second support frame body 25 in a forward-leaning position (a position inclined downward as it goes forward). The shelf section 40 is capable of placing an item A to be worked on, and more specifically, a box B containing the item A to be worked on. In this manner, an item placement area is set on the shelf section 40 in which the item A (the box B containing the item A) is placed. In this embodiment, a plurality of boxes B containing the item A can be placed side by side in the width direction X on each shelf section 40, but only one box may be set.

[0025] Each shelf section 40 has a shelf board 41 and a plurality of rollers 42. The rollers 42 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction Y, and a row of the plurality of rollers 42 is arranged in the width direction X. The shelf section 40 of this embodiment is fixed in a forward-leaning position and has a plurality of rollers 42, so that the placed item A (box B containing the item A) is pushed forward by its own weight. The shelf section 40 of this embodiment is configured as a so-called flow shelf section.

[0026] The projection device 5 projects information (order information) regarding the type and quantity of the item A to be picked. For example, a projector 50 or the like can be used as the projection device 5. The projection device 5 is fixed to the front frame 33 of the connecting frame body 30 via a connecting bracket 34. The projection device 5 projects the order information onto, for example, a wall near the installation position of the work shelf 2, the front surface of the shelf section 40, or a dedicated screen that may be installed on the work shelf 2. While viewing the projected order information, the worker W can perform picking work in accordance with the order information.

[0027] The detection device 6 detects the movement of the worker W who takes in and out the item A from the work shelf 2. The detection device 6 detects the movement of the worker W who takes in and out the item A from the work shelf 2 in association with the picking operation. The detection device 6 can be, for example, a camera 60 (CCD camera or CMOS camera). However, without being limited to such a configuration, the detection device 6 can also be, for example, a millimeter wave radar or laser radar, as long as it is capable of detecting the movement of the worker W. The picking equipment 100 of this embodiment can determine whether the worker W is correctly performing the picking operation in accordance with the order information, based on the movement of the worker W detected by the detection device 6.

[0028] The support mechanism 7 supports the detection device 6. The support mechanism 7 supports the detection device 6 so that the area where the worker W performs the work of taking in and out the item A from the work shelf 2 can be detected from above. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 7 supports the detection device 6 with respect to the work shelf 2. By supporting the detection device 6 with respect to the work shelf 2 via the support mechanism 7, the detection device 6 can be easily installed in an appropriate position suitable for detecting the work of the worker W performing the work of taking in and out the item A.

[0029] The support mechanism 7 of this embodiment does not always support the detection device 6 in a fixed position, but supports the detection device 6 in a position that can be changed. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support mechanism 7 includes a support member 70, a swing arm 75, a swing linkage mechanism 80, and a fixing mechanism 90.

[0030] The support member 70 is fixed to the work shelf 2. The support member 70 includes a first support portion 71 and a second support portion 72. The first support portion 71 and the second support portion 72 are both made up of frame materials arranged along the vertical direction Z. The first support portion 71 and the second support portion 72 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction X. The first support portion 71 is fixed to the right frame 31 of the connecting frame body 30 via a fixing bracket 73. The second support portion 72 is fixed to the left frame 32 of the connecting frame body 30 via a fixing bracket 74.

[0031] The first support part 71 is fixed to a portion of the right frame 31 of the connecting frame body 30 that protrudes further forward than the first support frame body 20. The first support part 71 is fixed to the inside of the right frame 31 (toward the left frame 32). The first support part 71, which is perpendicular to the right frame 31, is fixed so that the portion positioned above the right frame 31 is longer than the portion positioned below it.

[0032] The second support part 72 is fixed to a portion of the left frame 32 of the connecting frame body 30 that protrudes further forward than the second support frame body 25. The second support part 72 is fixed to the inside of the left frame 32 (towards the right frame 31). The second support part 72, which is perpendicular to the left frame 32, is fixed so that the portion positioned above the left frame 32 is longer than the portion positioned below it. The second support part 72 is fixed at the same height as the first support part 71.

[0033] The swing arm 75 is swingably supported by the support member 70. In this embodiment, the swing arm 75 is swingable around a swing axis S parallel to the width direction X. The swing arm 75 includes a first arm portion 76, a second arm portion 77, and a connecting arm portion 78.

[0034] The first arm portion 76 is disposed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the swing axis S. In this embodiment, the first arm portion 76 is disposed so as to extend along a YZ plane (a plane along the front-rear direction Y and the up-down direction Z), which is a plane perpendicular to the width direction X. The first arm portion 76 is disposed adjacent to the first support portion 71 on the opposite side of the right frame 31 of the connecting frame body 30 in the width direction X. The first arm portion 76 is swingably connected to the first support portion 71 by a first pivot shaft portion 83 that constitutes the swing connecting mechanism 80, at a position slightly closer to the open end than the center (the opposite side to the side connected to the connecting arm portion 78).

[0035] The second arm portion 77 is also arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the swing axis S. In this embodiment, the second arm portion 77 is arranged to extend along a YZ plane (a plane along the front-rear direction Y and the up-down direction Z), which is a plane perpendicular to the width direction X. The second arm portion 77 is arranged adjacent to the second support portion 72 on the opposite side of the left frame 32 of the connecting frame body 30 in the width direction X. The second arm portion 77 is swingably connected to the second support portion 72 by a second pivot shaft portion 84 that constitutes the swing connecting mechanism 80, at a position slightly closer to the open end than the center (the opposite side to the side connected to the connecting arm portion 78).

[0036] The connecting arm portion 78 connects the first arm portion 76 and the second arm portion 77 in the width direction X. In this embodiment, the connecting arm portion 78 connects, in the width direction X, an end portion of the first arm portion 76 that is longer from the oscillation axis S and an end portion of the second arm portion 77 that is longer from the oscillation axis S. A detection device 6 is fixed to the connecting arm portion 78. The detection device 6 is fixed to the center of the connecting arm portion 78 in the width direction X via a support bracket 79. The detection device 6 is fixed in a fixed position of the support mechanism 7 described below so as to face downward (toward the worker W performing the picking operation between the work shelf 2 and the first sub-conveyor 16).

[0037] The swing linking mechanism 80 swingably links the swing arm 75 to the support member 70. The swing linking mechanism 80 of this embodiment links the swing arm 75 swingably around a swing axis S parallel to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the swing axis S is arranged along the width direction X when viewed in the up-down direction (specifically, parallel to the width direction X), and the swing linking mechanism 80 links the swing arm 75 swingably around the swing axis S along the width direction X.

[0038] The swing link mechanism 80 includes a first linking portion 81 and a second linking portion 82. The first linking portion 81 swingably links the first arm portion 76 to the first support portion 71. The first linking portion 81 includes a first pivot shaft portion 83. The first pivot shaft portion 83 is inserted through the first support portion 71 and the first arm portion 76 in the width direction X, allowing the first arm portion 76 to swing freely relative to the first support portion 71. The second linking portion 82 swingably links the second arm portion 77 to the second support portion 72. The second linking portion 82 includes a second pivot shaft portion 84. The second pivot shaft portion 84 is inserted through the second support portion 72 and the second arm portion 77 in the width direction X, allowing the second arm portion 77 to swing freely relative to the second support portion 72.

[0039] By including such a swinging linkage mechanism 80, the support mechanism 7 is configured to be able to change its position between a fixed position (upper shelf state) and a maintenance position (lower shelf state), as shown in FIG. 6 . The fixed position of the support mechanism 7 is a position in which the detection device 6 is fixed to a fixed position Pf set above the top shelf 40. In this embodiment, the uppermost position in the movement trajectory of the connecting arm 78 is the fixed position Pf, and the fixed position of the support mechanism 7 is a state in which the swing arm 75 is in an upright position (a position in which the first arm 76 and the second arm 77 are aligned in the vertical direction Z). In the fixed position of the support mechanism 7, the detection device 6 can appropriately detect the loading and unloading of an item A by a worker W from a position above the top shelf 40.

[0040] The maintenance posture of the support mechanism 7 is a posture in which the detection device 6 is disposed at a maintenance position Pm that is lower than the fixed position Pf. In this embodiment, the maintenance position Pm is a position near the lowest point of the movement trajectory of the connecting arm portion 78. This maintenance position Pm is located further below the connecting frame body 30 of the work shelf 2. In this embodiment, the maintenance posture of the support mechanism 7 is a posture in which the swing arm 75 is slightly inclined so that it tilts rearward as it moves upward with the connecting arm portion 78 side facing downward. By placing the support mechanism 7 in the maintenance posture, the detection device 6 can be lowered to a position lower than the connecting frame body 30, making it easy to perform maintenance of the detection device 6.

[0041] The maintenance position Pm may be at least lower than the fixed position Pf, but from the viewpoint of improving the maintainability of the detection device 6, it is preferable that it be set at a height that can be reached by the worker W (for example, within 1.8 m from the floor).

[0042] The fixing mechanism 90 fixes the swing arm 75 to the support member 70. The fixing mechanism 90 also fixes and releases the swing arm 75 to and from the support member 70. The fixing mechanism 90 of this embodiment fixes the swing arm 75 to the support member 70 in a fixed position of the support member 70 (an upright position of the swing arm 75). The fixing mechanism 90 also allows the swing arm 75 to swing relative to the support member 70 when the swing arm 75 is released from the fixed position of the support member 70.

[0043] 7 and 8, the fixing mechanism 90 includes a first restricting member 91, a second restricting member 92, a first fastening member 93, and a second fastening member 94. The first restricting member 91 is fixed to one of the first arm portion 76 and the first support portion 71, and as shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, it is fixed to the first arm portion 76. The first restricting member 91 is fixed to the end of the first arm portion 76 on the open end side (the side opposite to the side connected to the connecting arm portion 78). In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the flat first restricting member 91 is fixed to the first arm portion 76 by welding, but any fixing means can be used, such as a set of bolts and nuts, screws, adhesive, etc.

[0044] The first restricting member 91 protrudes outward in the width direction X (toward the first support portion 71) beyond the first arm portion 76. The portion of the first restricting member 91 that protrudes beyond the first arm portion 76 in the width direction X is capable of abutting against the other of the first arm portion 76 and the first support portion 71, that is, the first support portion 71, from the front side of the first support portion 71. The other of the first arm portion 76 and the first support portion 71 to which the first restricting member 91 is not fixed is referred to as the "first target portion T1," and in this embodiment, this corresponds to the first support portion 71.

[0045] The second restricting member 92 is fixed to one of the second arm portion 77 and the second support portion 72, and in this embodiment is fixed to the second arm portion 77 as shown in Fig. 8. The second restricting member 92 is fixed to an end portion on the open end side of the second arm portion 77 (the side opposite to the side connected to the connecting arm portion 78). Any means can be used to fix the flat plate-shaped second restricting member 92 to the second arm portion 77.

[0046] The second restricting member 92 protrudes outward in the width direction X (toward the second support portion 72) beyond the second arm portion 77. The portion of the second restricting member 92 that protrudes in the width direction X beyond the second arm portion 77 is capable of abutting against the other of the second arm portion 77 and the second support portion 72, that is, the second support portion 72, from the front side of the second support portion 72. The other of the second arm portion 77 and the second support portion 72 to which the second restricting member 92 is not fixed is referred to as the "second target portion T2," and in this embodiment, this corresponds to the second support portion 72.

[0047] When the support mechanism 7 is in the fixed position, the first restricting member 91 fixed to the first arm portion 76 abuts against the first target portion T1 (the first support portion 71 in this example) from its front side, which is also in the circumferential direction of the oscillation axis S. In this state, by fastening a first fastening member 93 across the first restricting member 91 and the first target portion T1, the first arm portion 76 can be fixed to the first support portion 71 in an upright position along the first support portion 71. An example of the first fastening member 93 is a combination of a bolt and a nut. When a tap is provided on the first support portion 71 or the first restricting member 91, a bolt that screws into the tap may be used alone.

[0048] When the support mechanism 7 is in the fixed position, the second restricting member 92 fixed to the second arm portion 77 abuts against the second target portion T2 (the second support portion 72 in this example) from the front side, which is also in the circumferential direction of the oscillation axis S. In this state, by fastening a second fastening member 94 across the second restricting member 92 and the second target portion T2, the second arm portion 77 can be fixed to the second support portion 72 in an upright position along the second support portion 72. The second fastening member 94 can be the same as the first fastening member 93.

[0049] The first fastening member 93 and the second fastening member 94 may each be one or more. Furthermore, both the first fastening member 93 and the second fastening member 94 may be fastened, or only one of them may be fastened. However, fastening both the first fastening member 93 and the second fastening member 94 is preferable because this stabilizes the fixed posture of the support mechanism 7 and reduces shaking of the detection device 6.

[0050] The first restricting member 91, which abuts against the first target portion T1 from the front side, and the second restricting member 92, which abuts against the second target portion T2 from the front side, also function to cause the swing arm 75 to swing around the swing axis S at the rear side in the front-to-rear direction Y when in an unlocked state (see FIG. 6). The position of the swing axis S is set slightly closer to the open end than the center of the swing arm 75 (first arm portion 76, second arm portion 77). Therefore, by restricting the swing space of the swing arm 75 as described above, it is possible to change the position while appropriately avoiding interference with the projection device 5.

[0051] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the working equipment will be described with reference to the drawings. The working equipment 1 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the manner in which the support mechanism 7 changes its attitude, and the specific configuration associated with this also differs in part from the first embodiment. Below, the working equipment 1 of this embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically mentioned are the same as those in the first embodiment, and so the same reference numerals will be used and detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] 9, in the swing arm 75 of this embodiment, a first arm portion 76 and a second arm portion 77 are connected to a connecting arm portion 78 at obtuse angles. The swing arm 75 is formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front (when viewed along the front-rear direction Y).

[0053] In this embodiment, the swing axis S is disposed on one side in the width direction X (the first support frame body 20 side in this example) so as to extend along the front-to-rear direction Y when viewed in the up-down direction. The swing axis S is disposed near the upper end of the work shelf 2 in the up-to-down direction Z. The swing arm 75 in this embodiment is freely swingable around the swing axis S parallel to the front-to-rear direction Y, and swings along the XZ plane (a plane along the width direction X and the up-to-down direction Z), which is a plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction Y.

[0054] To enable such swinging of the swing arm 75 along the XZ plane, in the support mechanism 7 of this embodiment, a part of the support member 70 and the swing linking mechanism 80 are shared, and another part of the support member 70 and the fixing mechanism 90 are shared. On one side in the width direction X, a part of the support member 70 and the swing linking mechanism 80 are shared, and on the other side in the width direction X, another part of the support member 70 and the fixing mechanism 90 are shared.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first support portion 71 constituting the support member 70 of this embodiment is formed of a member having a U-shape in a vertical view, similar to the fixed bracket 73 (see FIG. 7 ) in the first embodiment. The first support portion 71 is fixed to the right frame 31 of the connecting frame body 30 and is disposed so as to cover the first arm portion 76 of the swing arm 75 from both sides in the front-rear direction Y. The first support portion 71 also serves as a support member 86 constituting the swing linkage mechanism 80. With the first arm portion 76 housed in the first support portion 71, a pivot shaft portion 87 constituting the swing linkage mechanism 80 is inserted through the first support portion 71 (support member 86) and the first arm portion 76 in the front-rear direction Y, thereby allowing the first arm portion 76 to swing freely relative to the first support portion 71 (support member 86). As a result, the entire swing arm 75 swings (pivots) around the swing axis S relative to the first support portion 71 (see FIG. 9).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 11 , the second support portion 72 constituting the support member 70 of this embodiment is configured as a member having a U-shape when viewed in the up-down direction, similar to the fixed bracket 74 (see FIG. 8 ) in the first embodiment. The second support portion 72 is fixed to the left frame 32 of the connecting frame body 30 and is disposed so as to cover the second arm portion 77 of the swing arm 75 from both sides in the front-rear direction Y. The second support portion 72 also serves as a contact member 96 constituting the fixing mechanism 90. With the second arm portion 77 housed in the second support portion 72, a fastening member 97 constituting the fixing mechanism 90 is fastened across the second support portion 72 (contact member 96) and the second arm portion 77, thereby fixing the second arm portion 77 to the second support portion 72 (contact member 96).

[0057] The fixing mechanism 90 of this embodiment further includes an auxiliary fastening member 98 in addition to the above-described contact member 96 and fastening member 97. The auxiliary fastening member 98 is fastened across the first support portion 71 (support member 86) and the first arm portion 76 when the support mechanism 7 is in a fixed position, thereby further stabilizing the fixed position of the support mechanism 7.

[0058] The fixing mechanism 90 allows the swing arm 75 to swing after the fastening member 97 has been removed, and when an auxiliary fastening member 98 is used as in this embodiment, the auxiliary fastening member 98 is also removed. Then, from the fixed posture of the support mechanism 7, the entire swing arm 75 rotates downward about the base end of the first arm portion 76, causing the support mechanism 7 to assume the maintenance posture (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 ). Note that the swing arm 75 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the first arm portion 76 and the second arm portion 77 are each inclined inward in the width direction X, so that the posture can be changed while appropriately avoiding interference with the connecting frame body 30 (left frame 32).

[0059] In this embodiment as well, by placing the support mechanism 7 in the maintenance posture, the detection device 6 can be lowered to a position lower than the connecting frame body 30, and maintenance of the detection device 6 can be easily performed.

[0060] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the oscillation axis S is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (parallel to the width direction X in the first embodiment, and parallel to the front-rear direction Y in the second embodiment) has been described as an example. However, without being limited to such a configuration, the oscillation axis S may be arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the oscillation axis S may be arranged so as to be inclined at an angle of 30° or less with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0061] (2) In the above first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first restricting member 91 is fixed to the first arm portion 76 and is capable of abutting against the first support portion 71, and the second restricting member 92 is fixed to the second arm portion 77 and is capable of abutting against the second support portion 72. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the first restricting member 91 may be fixed to the first support portion 71 and be capable of abutting against the first arm portion 76. In this case, the first arm portion 76 becomes the first target portion T1. Furthermore, the second restricting member 92 may be fixed to the second support portion 72 and be capable of abutting against the second arm portion 77. In this case, the second arm portion 77 becomes the second target portion T2.

[0062] (3) In the first embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the swing arm 75 swings around the swing axis S on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction Y. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the swing arm 75 may swing on the front side in the front-to-rear direction Y as long as the swing arm 75 does not interfere with other components such as the work shelf 2 or the projection device 5.

[0063] (4) The specific shapes of the swing arm 75, swing linkage mechanism 80, and fixing mechanism 90 described in the above embodiments with reference to the drawings are merely examples and are not limited to such configurations. Any specific configuration can be adopted as long as the required functions of each can be realized.

[0064] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the support mechanism 7 is fixed to the work shelf 2. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the support mechanism 7 may be fixed to any part (e.g., ceiling, wall, floor, etc.) of the building in which the work equipment 1 is installed.

[0065] (6) In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the item A to be worked on is placed on the shelf unit 40 while being contained in a box B. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the item A to be worked on may be placed directly on the shelf unit 40.

[0066] (7) In each of the above embodiments, the work equipment 1 for performing picking work has been described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the technology of the present disclosure can be similarly applied to work equipment 1 for performing other work as long as it includes at least a work shelf 2, a detection device 6, and a support mechanism 7.

[0067] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] Summary of the embodiment To summarize the above, the work equipment according to the present disclosure preferably has the following configurations.

[0069] A work facility comprising: a work shelf having a plurality of shelf sections on which items to be worked on can be placed; a detection device for detecting the movement of a worker who is performing the work of putting the item into or taking the item out of the work shelf; a support mechanism for supporting the detection device, The support mechanism is configured to be able to change its position between a fixed position in which the detection device is fixed at a fixed position set above the uppermost shelf portion, and a maintenance position in which the detection device is placed at a maintenance position below the fixed position.

[0070] With this configuration, by setting the support mechanism in the fixed position, the detection device supported by the support mechanism can appropriately detect the loading and unloading of items by a worker from a position even higher than the top shelf. Also, by setting the support mechanism in the maintenance position, the detection device can be lowered to a position lower than the fixed position, improving the maintainability of the detection device.

[0071] In one embodiment, the support mechanism includes a support member fixed to the work shelf, a swing arm to which the detection device is fixed, a swing connection mechanism that swingably connects the swing arm to the support member, and a fixing mechanism that fixes the swing arm to the support member, The swing linking mechanism preferably links the swing arm so as to be swingable about a swing axis parallel to or inclined to a horizontal plane.

[0072] With this configuration, the swing arm to which the detection device is fixed can be swung relative to the support member, making it easy to change the position of the support mechanism between the fixed position and the maintenance position. Furthermore, since the support mechanism is fixed to the work shelf, the detection device can be easily installed in an appropriate position suitable for detecting the insertion and removal of items by a worker. Furthermore, by fixing the swing arm to the support member with a fixing mechanism, the fixed position of the support mechanism can be stabilized, minimizing the swing of the detection device, even though the support mechanism itself is movable.

[0073] In one embodiment, The swing axis is arranged along the width direction of the work shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, The support member includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are spaced apart in the width direction, the swing arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the swing axis, and a connecting arm portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion in the width direction, the swing linking mechanism includes a first linking portion that links the first arm portion to the first support portion, and a second linking portion that links the second arm portion to the second support portion, It is preferable that the detection device is fixed to the connecting arm portion.

[0074] With this configuration, the support mechanism can be easily and appropriately changed between a fixed position and a maintenance position by rotating the swing arm back and forth around a swing axis arranged along the width direction.

[0075] In one embodiment, The fixing mechanism includes: a first restricting member fixed to one of the first arm portion and the first support portion, and abutting against a first target portion, which is the other of the first arm portion and the first support portion, in a circumferential direction of the oscillation axis when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a second restricting member fixed to one of the second arm portion and the second support portion, and abutting against a second target portion, which is the other of the second arm portion and the second support portion, from the circumferential direction when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a first fastening member fastened between the first restricting member and the first target portion; a second fastening member fastened between the second restricting member and the second target portion; It is preferable to have:

[0076] With this configuration, the first restricting member and the second restricting member come into contact with the first target portion, thereby restricting the rotation of the swing arm and appropriately guiding the fixed posture of the support mechanism. In addition, by fastening the first fastening member between the first restricting member and the first target portion and the second fastening member between the second restricting member and the second target portion in this state, the swing arm can be reliably fixed to the support member.

[0077] In one embodiment, The swing axis is arranged along the front-rear direction of the work shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, The support member includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are spaced apart in the width direction of the work shelf, the swing arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the swing axis, and a connecting arm portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion in the width direction, the swing coupling mechanism couples the first arm portion to the first support portion so as to be swingable about the swing axis; the fixing mechanism fixes and releases the second arm portion to and from the second support portion; It is preferable that the detection device is fixed to the connecting arm portion.

[0078] According to this configuration, the support mechanism can be easily and appropriately changed between a fixed position and a maintenance position by rotating the swing arm in the width direction, with the first arm portion as its base end, around a swing axis arranged along the front-to-rear direction.

[0079] In one embodiment, The fixing mechanism includes: a contact member fixed to the work shelf and contacting the second arm portion from the front-rear direction when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a fastening member that fastens the contact member and the second arm portion; It is preferable to have:

[0080] According to this configuration, by fastening a fastening member across the abutment member and the second arm portion while the abutment member and the second arm portion are in abutment, the oscillating arm can be securely fixed to the second arm portion that constitutes the support member.

[0081] It is sufficient for the work equipment according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Work equipment 2 Work Shelves 6. Detection equipment 7 Support mechanism 40 Shelf 70 Support member 71 1st support part 72 Second support part 75 Swing arm 76 First arm 77 Second arm 78 Connecting arm 80 Swinging linkage mechanism 81 1st connection part 82 2nd connection part 86 Support member 90 Fixing mechanism 91 First restricting member 92 Second restricting member 93 First fastening member 94 Second fastening member 96 Contact member 97 Fastening members A Goods W Worker T1 First target section T2 Second target section S Swing axis Pf fixed position Pm Maintenance Location X Width direction Y Front-to-rear direction Z vertical direction

Claims

1. a work shelf having a plurality of shelf sections on which items to be worked on can be placed; a detection device for detecting the movement of a worker who is performing the work of putting the item into or taking the item out of the work shelf; a support mechanism for supporting the detection device, The work equipment is configured so that the support mechanism can be changed between a fixed position in which the detection device is fixed at a fixed position set above the uppermost shelf portion, and a maintenance position in which the detection device is placed at a maintenance position below the fixed position.

2. the support mechanism includes a support member fixed to the work shelf, a swing arm to which the detection device is fixed, a swing connection mechanism that swingably connects the swing arm to the support member, and a fixing mechanism that fixes the swing arm to the support member, 2. The work facility according to claim 1, wherein the swing linking mechanism links the swing arm so as to be swingable about a swing axis that is parallel to or inclined to a horizontal plane.

3. The swing axis is arranged along the width direction of the work shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, The support member includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are spaced apart in the width direction, the swing arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the swing axis, and a connecting arm portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion in the width direction, the swing linking mechanism includes a first linking portion that links the first arm portion to the first support portion, and a second linking portion that links the second arm portion to the second support portion, The work facility according to claim 2 , wherein the detection device is fixed to the connecting arm portion.

4. The fixing mechanism includes: a first restricting member fixed to one of the first arm portion and the first support portion, and abutting against a first target portion, which is the other of the first arm portion and the first support portion, in a circumferential direction of the oscillation axis when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a second restricting member fixed to one of the second arm portion and the second support portion, and abutting against a second target portion, which is the other of the second arm portion and the second support portion, from the circumferential direction when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a first fastening member fastened between the first restricting member and the first target portion; a second fastening member fastened between the second restricting member and the second target portion; The work facility according to claim 3, comprising:

5. The swing axis is arranged along the front-rear direction of the work shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, The support member includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are spaced apart in the width direction of the work shelf, the swing arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the swing axis, and a connecting arm portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion in the width direction, the swing coupling mechanism couples the first arm portion to the first support portion so as to be swingable about the swing axis; the fixing mechanism fixes and releases the second arm portion to and from the second support portion; The work facility according to claim 2 , wherein the detection device is fixed to the connecting arm portion.

6. The fixing mechanism includes: a contact member fixed to the work shelf and contacting the second arm portion from the front-rear direction when the support mechanism is in the fixed posture; a fastening member fastened between the contact member and the second arm portion; The work facility according to claim 5, comprising:

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