Office storage apparatus

Abstract

To provide an office storage apparatus which can increase the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: An office storage apparatus 1 to be installed in an office space comprises: a storage 10 having a storage shelf 11 for storing a storage box 100; and a transfer unit 20 for taking the storage box 100 in and out of the storage 10. The transfer unit 20 comprises: a conveyor device 30 supporting the storage box 100 and capable of endlessly forwarding in a cross direction facing the storage shelf 11; and a hook device 40 executing an extrusion operation of extruding the storage box 100 from the conveyor device 30 to the storage shelf 11 and a drawing operation of drawing the storage box 100 from the storage shelf 11 to the conveyor device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to office storage equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, in work spaces such as offices, each user was assigned a desk in advance to perform their work. In contrast, in recent years, a so-called free address system has been introduced, whereby users are free to choose and use any available desk from a number of desks.

[0003] In this case, users store their documents, stationery, laptops (personal computers), and other items in storage fixtures such as lockers or shelves. When using a desk, users take the items from the storage fixtures and carry them to the desk they wish to use. When they finish using the desk, users return the items from the desk to the storage fixtures.

[0004] As an example of a storage fixture for storing such items, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the fixture is assigned to each user (employee), can store items (storage items), and has a lockable door. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7372400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when taking items into or out of the storage fixture, it is not only time-consuming to take the items in and out, but also time-consuming to open and close the key door. Furthermore, depending on the height of the storage cabinet, the user may need to crouch or stretch their back, which can be physically demanding.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an office storage device that can improve user convenience. Specifically, the object is to provide convenience that can solve the problems of not only the effort of taking items in and out, but also the physical strain caused by opening and closing the lock door and the posture required to take items in and out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) An office storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is an office storage device installed in an office space, and comprises: a storage cabinet having storage shelves for storing storage boxes; and a transfer device for transferring the storage boxes in and out of the storage cabinet. The transfer device comprises a conveyor device that supports the storage boxes and is capable of endless forward and backward movement opposite the storage shelves; and a hook device that performs a push-out operation to push the storage boxes from the conveyor device to the storage shelves, and a pull-out operation to pull the storage boxes from the storage shelves to the conveyor device.

[0009] According to this aspect, the storage box can be automatically put in and taken out, which saves time and effort and reduces physical strain on the user.

[0010] (2) In the office storage device according to the aspect (1) above, the hook device may, in the pushing operation, contact the side wall of the storage box facing the front-to-rear direction to push the storage box from the conveyor device to the storage shelf, and, in the pulling operation, enter the storage box through an opening formed in the side wall and contact the opening periphery of the opening to pull the storage box from the storage shelf to the conveyor device. According to this aspect, by utilizing the opening of the storage box, the storage box can be pushed and pulled without the hook device moving to the back of the storage shelf.

[0011] (3) In the office storage device according to the aspect (2) above, the conveyor device may be provided in pairs on both the left and right sides of the hook device, and the hook device may include a hook member that contacts the storage box, a first moving device that moves the hook member in a forward and backward direction, and a second moving device that moves the hook member up and down between a first position that positions the hook member below the support surface of the conveyor device, a second position that is above the first position and can face the opening of the storage box in the forward and backward direction, and a third position that is above the second position and can face the side wall of the storage box in the forward and backward direction. According to this aspect, the storage box can be pushed and pulled by combining the forward and backward movement of the hook member with the three-stage up and down movement.

[0012] (4) In the office storage device according to the aspect (3) above, the hook member may include a bent portion extending in the front-to-rear direction, one end of which is bent upward, a pair of extending portions extending from the upper end of the bent portion to both the left and right, and contact portions provided on both the front and rear of each of the pair of extending portions, which make point contact with the storage box. According to this aspect, the hook device can make point contact with the storage box at two points as far apart as possible in the left-right direction, so that tilting of the storage box in the left-right direction can be suppressed when the storage box is pushed or pulled.

[0013] (5) In the office storage device according to the aspect (4) above, the contact surface of the contact portion may be formed in a hemispherical shape. According to this aspect, point contact with the storage box is facilitated.

[0014] (6) In the office storage device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (5), the storage cabinet may have a loading / unloading platform for loading and unloading the storage boxes, the loading / unloading platform may have a recess for placing the storage boxes, and the inner wall surface of the recess may be tapered downwardly toward the bottom wall surface of the recess. According to this aspect, when the storage box is placed in the recess of the carry-in / carry-out platform, the storage box can be positioned in a fixed position.

[0015] (7) In an office storage device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (6), the storage box may have an identification code on a side wall facing forward and backward, and may be equipped with a camera device that reads the identification code, and a control device that identifies the storage box and positions the transfer device relative to the storage box based on the reading results of the camera device. According to this aspect, the identification code can be used to identify the storage box and to position the transfer device relative to the storage box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the above aspects, an office storage device that can improve user convenience can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an office storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of an office storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an area A shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a top perspective view of a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of the transfer device according to the embodiment of the present invention with an end plate removed. [Figure 9] 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of a hook device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a pushing operation of the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a pushing operation of the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a pushing operation of the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a pushing operation of the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of pulling out the storage box according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an office storage apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan cross-sectional view of the office storage apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of area A shown in Fig. 1. The office storage apparatus 1 is installed, for example, on the floor of an office space such as an office room. The office storage apparatus 1 stores storage boxes 100 (see FIG. 2) containing items used by users of the indoor space, and transports them to a predetermined location (a loading / unloading platform 15, described below) as needed, constituting a so-called automated transport storage system.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the office storage device 1 includes a storage cabinet 10 having storage shelves 11 for storing storage boxes 100, and a transfer device 20 for moving the storage boxes 100 in and out of the storage cabinet 10. The storage cabinet 10 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box in a plan view. The ceiling of the storage cabinet 10 is open as shown in Fig. 1, but may also be covered with a roof or the like.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a movement path 17 for the transfer device 20 is provided in the center of the storage facility 10 along the longitudinal direction of the storage facility 10. Storage shelves 11 are arranged on both sides of the movement path 17. The storage shelves 11 are arranged in multiple levels in the vertical direction. A plurality of storage boxes 100 are placed on the storage shelves 11. The storage boxes 100 store items used by users (for example, documents, stationery, notebook PCs, tablet devices, etc.).

[0022] In the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each component is sometimes described with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. As shown in Fig. 2, the X-axis direction is set to the front-to-rear direction (also referred to as the first horizontal direction) in which the transfer device 20 and the storage shelf 11 face each other. The Y-axis direction is set to the left-to-right direction (also referred to as the second horizontal direction) that is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The Z-axis direction is set to the up-down direction (also referred to as the vertical direction) that is perpendicular to the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions.

[0023] The storage cabinet 10 is provided with a protrusion 12 that protrudes on the -Y side. A maintenance door 13 is provided on the -Y side of the protrusion 12, allowing a manager of the office storage unit 1 or the like to enter the storage cabinet 10. In addition, a pair of loading / unloading openings 14 for the storage boxes 100 are provided on both side surfaces of the protrusion 12 in the X-axis direction. The loading / unloading openings 14 can be opened and closed by automatic shutters.

[0024] A loading / unloading platform 15 for loading and unloading storage boxes 100 is installed outside the loading / unloading opening 14. The loading / unloading platform 15 has a recess 16 on which the storage box 100 is placed. The recess 16 positions the storage box 100, and the storage box 100 is transferred to and from the transfer device 20 via the loading / unloading opening 14.

[0025] 3, the recess 16 has a bottom wall surface 16a and an inner wall surface 16b extending from the periphery of the bottom wall surface 16a. The bottom wall surface 16a is formed in a planar shape along the XY plane. The inner wall surfaces 16b are provided on three sides excluding the side facing the loading / unloading port 14 (+X side), and are formed in a tapered shape that slopes downward toward the bottom wall surface 16a.

[0026] When storage box 100 is placed in recess 16 of loading / unloading platform 15, inner wall surface 16b uses its tapered surface to position storage box 100 in a fixed position. The slope on the -X side of inner wall surface 16b also functions as a stopper to prevent storage box 100 from falling. The slopes on both sides of inner wall surface 16b in the Y-axis direction also function as guides to guide the sliding of storage box 100 as it is loaded or unloaded through loading / unloading opening 14.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the top side of the storage box 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the storage box 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the storage box 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage box 100 is formed in the shape of a box with a bottom, and includes a bottom wall 101 and side walls 102 standing on all four sides of the bottom wall 101.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 5, the bottom wall 101 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view extending in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). Both left and right sides (both sides in the Y-axis direction) of the bottom wall 101 curve upward and are smoothly connected to the lower ends of the side walls 102. A pair of rail portions 103 extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided on the underside of the bottom wall 101. The pair of rail portions 103 protrude downward (to the -X side) from the underside of the bottom wall 101 and extend parallel to the front-to-rear direction. The pair of rail portions 103 reduce friction of the storage box 100 when it is pushed or pulled, making it easier to move.

[0029] 4, the side wall 102 has a pair of first opposing walls 110 opposing each other in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) and a pair of second opposing walls 120 opposing each other in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction). A first opening 111 that opens in the front-to-rear direction is formed in the lower part of the first opposing walls 110. The first opening 111 serves both as a portion with which the transfer device 20 engages and as a portion that is held by the user.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, a first inner wall 130 is provided inside the storage box 100, facing the first opening 111 with a gap in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first inner wall 130 stands upright from the upper surface of the bottom wall 101 and extends to a height near the upper end of the first opening 111. Both left and right sides (both sides in the Y-axis direction) of the first inner wall 130 are connected to the inner wall surfaces of the second opposing wall 120. The first inner wall 130 serves as a partition between a space for a hook member 41 (described below) of the transfer device 20 or a user's fingers to enter, and a space for an article to enter.

[0031] A second inner wall 131 is provided inside the storage box 100. The second inner wall 131 extends in the X-axis direction from above the first opening 111 in the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110 toward the inside of the storage box 100. Both left and right sides (both sides in the Y-axis direction) of the second inner wall 131 are connected to the inner wall surfaces of the second opposing wall 120.

[0032] The lower surface of the second inner wall 131 faces the gap between the first opposing wall 110 and the first inner wall 130 in the vertical direction (a space into which the hook member 41 (described later) of the transfer device 20 and the user's fingers can fit). The second inner wall 131 is formed in a roof or eave shape on the inside of the storage box 100. The second inner wall 131 serves as a receiving portion that receives, for example, the fingertips of a user that have entered the storage box 100 from the first opening 111 from below.

[0033] A reinforcing wall 132 is provided on the upper surface of the second inner wall 131. A plurality of reinforcing walls 132 are provided at intervals in the Y-axis direction, and connect the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110 and the upper surface of the second inner wall 131. The reinforcing wall 132 is formed in the shape of a right triangle when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The reinforcing wall 132 is provided with an inclined surface 132a that prevents articles from being placed on the second inner wall 131. The inclined surface 132a is inclined downward as it moves away from the first opposing wall 110 inward.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 4, a label mounting section 114 is provided on the outer wall surface of the first opposing wall 110 above the first opening 111. The label mounting section 114 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The label mounting section 114 is recessed toward the inside of the storage box 100, and has slits 114a formed on two sides extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). A card or business card identifying the user can be inserted into the slit 114a.

[0035] An identification code 115 is provided on the +Y side of the label installation section 114 on the outer wall surface of the first opposing wall 110. The identification code 115 is provided so that the transfer device 20 can read it to identify the storage box 100 and position the transfer device 20 relative to the storage box 100. A two-dimensional code is suitable as the identification code 115.

[0036] A second opening 112 that opens in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed in the upper part of the first opposing wall 110. The second opening 112 is the part that the user holds in their hand. The user can use different parts to hold the storage box 100, for example, by using the first opening 111 when the item in the storage box 100 is heavy and the second opening 112 when the item is light.

[0037] A third opening 121 that opens in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is formed in the upper part of the second opposing wall 120. The third opening 121 is also a part that is held by the user. In other words, the storage box 100 has the first opening 111, the second opening 112, and the third opening 121 as parts that are held by the user. This allows the storage box 100 a high degree of freedom in which part is held by the user.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transfer device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the transfer device 20 is equipped with a conveyor device 30 that supports the storage box 100 and can be endlessly transported in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) facing the storage shelf 11, and a hook device 40 that performs a push-out operation to push the storage box 100 from the conveyor device 30 to the storage shelf 11, and a pull-out operation to pull the storage box 100 from the storage shelf 11 to the conveyor device 30.

[0039] The transfer device 20 also includes a camera device 50 that reads the identification code 115 of the storage box 100, and a control device 60 that identifies the storage box 100 and positions the transfer device 20 relative to the storage box 100 based on the results of the reading by the camera device 50. An illumination device 51 is provided near the camera device 50. The illumination device 51 has, for example, an LED light source and illuminates the identification code 115. The control device 60 controls the overall operation of the transfer device 20 in accordance with a pre-stored operating program.

[0040] The transfer device 20 is mounted on a transport device (not shown) and is moved by the transport device in at least the Y-axis and Z-axis directions within the storage facility 10 shown in Fig. 2. The transfer device 20 includes a base unit 21 fixed to the transport device. The base unit 21 includes a bottom plate 22, a pair of end plates 23 provided in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction), and a pair of side plates 24 provided in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0041] Fig. 8 is a front view of the transfer device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention with the end plate 23 removed. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the hook device 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of conveyor devices 30 are provided on both the left and right sides of the hook device 40 (on both sides in the Y-axis direction).

[0042] The conveyor device 30 is provided on the side plate 24. The conveyor device 30 includes a motor 31, a drive pulley connected to the motor 31, a plurality of driven pulleys supported on the side plate 24, and a conveyor belt stretched across the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys. The conveyor belt forms a support surface that supports the bottom wall 101 of the storage box 100. The conveyor device 30 provided on the -Y side of the hook device 40 is connected to the conveyor device 30 provided on the +Y side of the hook device 40 via a connecting shaft (not shown), and can be driven synchronously by a single motor 31.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, the hook device 40 includes a hook member 41 that contacts the storage box 100, a first moving device 70 that moves the hook member 41 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), and a second moving device 80 that moves the hook member 41 in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the hook member 41 extends in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) and includes a bent portion 42 with one end extending in the front-to-rear direction bent upward, a pair of extending portions 43 extending from the upper end of the bent portion 42 to both the left and right sides (both sides in the Y-axis direction), and contact portions 44 provided on both the front and rear sides (both sides in the X-axis direction) of each of the pair of extending portions 43 and making point contact with the storage box 100.

[0045] The bent portion 42 is bent in an L-shape when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). A pair of elongated holes 42a extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed in the horizontal portion of the bent portion 42. The bent portion 42 is fixed to the fixing member 89 via a pair of screw members 45 that are inserted through the pair of elongated holes 42a. The pair of elongated holes 42a makes it possible to adjust the position of the bent portion 42 in the front-rear direction. Taking into consideration the pushing and pulling of the storage box 100, it is preferable that the vertical portion of the bent portion 42 is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, but depending on the shape of the contact portion 44, it may be oblique to the horizontal portion.

[0046] The pair of extending portions 43 extend in a T-shape from the bent portion 42 when viewed in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The dimension of the pair of extending portions 43 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is set to be equal to or less than the dimension of the storage box 100 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, the pair of extending portions 43 have a dimension that allows them to face both left and right ends of the outer wall surface (flat portion) of the first opposing wall 110 between the first opening 111 and the label mounting portion 114 in the front-rear direction.

[0047] The contact surface of the contact portion 44 is formed in a hemispherical shape. Note that the term "semispherical" includes a flat hemispherical shape, a dome shape, and other protruding shapes with curved surfaces. Since the hook member 41 pushes and pulls the storage box 100, the contact portion 44 is provided on both the front and rear sides (both sides in the X-axis direction) of each of the pair of extension portions 43.

[0048] The contact portion 44 makes point contact with the storage box 100, thereby preventing the storage box 100 from tilting left and right when the storage box 100 is pushed or pulled. Note that point contact is not limited to contact at a strict point, but also includes surface contact over a small area within a range that can prevent the storage box 100 from tilting left and right. The contact portion 44 should have a certain degree of hardness so that it can make suitable point contact with the storage box 100. For this reason, the contact portion 44 should be made of a rigid material rather than an elastic material such as rubber. Note that the contact portion 44 may be made of an elastic material as long as it is harder than the storage box 100.

[0049] The hook members 41 configured as described above are provided in pairs on both sides in the X-axis direction. This allows the hook members 41 to access the storage boxes 100 placed on the storage shelves 11 on both sides in the X-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 2. The camera device 50 and lighting device 51 described above are also provided in pairs on both sides in the X-axis direction.

[0050] 8, the first moving device 70 includes a slide unit 71 that moves in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The slide unit 71 is guided in the front-rear direction by a ball spline shaft 72A and a guide shaft 72B. Both ends of the ball spline shaft 72A are rotatably supported by a pair of end plates 23. A spline groove extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the circumferential surface of the ball spline shaft 72A.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, a ball bushing 75A provided on the slide unit 71 is engaged with the ball spline shaft 72A so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The guide shaft 72B extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the ball spline shaft 72A. Both ends of the guide shaft 72B are fixed non-rotatably to a pair of end plates 23. A bushing 75B provided on the slide unit 71 is engaged with the guide shaft 72B so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, the first moving device 70 is connected to a slide unit 71 and includes a belt mechanism 73 that is endlessly moved in the front-to-rear direction. The belt mechanism 73 includes a drive pulley, a plurality of driven pulleys, and a timing belt that is stretched around the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys. The drive pulley is connected to a motor 74 shown in Fig. 8. The slide unit 71 includes a gripping member (not shown) that grips the timing belt, and moves in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) as the timing belt is moved.

[0053] 8, the second movement device 80 includes a lifting unit 81 that moves in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the slide unit 71. The lifting unit 81 is formed in an inverted U shape that straddles the slide unit 71 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The lifting unit 81 has an elongated hole 81a that extends in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) in a portion that covers the slide unit 71 in the front-to-back direction. A tip end 82a of a swing arm 82 engages with the elongated hole 81a.

[0054] The swing arm 82 is rotatable around an axis extending in the X-axis direction. A tip end 82a of the swing arm 82 has a roller shape and is rotatable around an axis extending in the X-axis direction. A pair of swing arms 82 is provided on both sides of the slide unit 71 in the X-axis direction. The rotation axes (not shown) of the pair of swing arms 82 are connected to each other.

[0055] The second movement device 80 includes a motor 84, a reducer (not shown), a first gear (not shown), and a second gear (not shown) that rotate the rotation shaft of the pair of swing arms 82. The motor 84 is connected to the ball spline shaft 72A via the reducer. The first gear is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of a ball bushing 75A that engages with the ball spline shaft 72A. The second gear meshes with the first gear and is fixed to the rotation shaft of the pair of slide units 71.

[0056] According to this configuration, when the motor 84 rotates the ball spline shaft 72A via the reducer, the ball bushing 75A engaged with the ball spline shaft 72A also rotates. When the ball bushing 75A rotates, the torque is transmitted to the rotation shaft of the pair of swing arms 82 via the first gear and the second gear, causing the rotation shaft to rotate.

[0057] 8, when the rotation shaft rotates, the swing arm 82 rotates between a horizontal position along the Y-axis direction and a vertical position along the Z-axis direction, and the tip end 82a moves in the elongated hole 81a, causing the lifting unit 81 to move in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the slide unit 71. A hook member 41 is fixed to the lifting unit 81 via a fixing member 89, and the hook member 41 moves in the vertical direction together with the lifting unit 81.

[0058] The slide unit 71 is provided with a pair of guide shafts (not shown) that guide the lifting unit 81 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The pair of guide shafts are arranged spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) at the center position in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the slide unit 71. A pair of bushes (not shown) provided on the lifting unit 81 are engaged with the pair of guide shafts so as to be slidable in the up-down direction.

[0059] The slide unit 71 is also provided with a pair of support columns 90 that penetrate the lifting unit 81 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The pair of support columns 90 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the slide unit 71. As shown in FIG. 8, stoppers 91 that restrict the upward movement of the lifting unit 81 are provided at the upper ends of the pair of support columns 90. The stoppers 91 have flanges that are radially larger than the support columns 90 and face the upper surface of the lifting unit 81.

[0060] The second moving device 80 moves the hook member 41 in the vertical direction between a first position H1 (described later) that positions the hook member 41 below the support surface of the conveyor device 30, a second position H2 (described later) that is above the first position H1 and can face the first opening 111 of the storage box 100 in the front-to-rear direction, and a third position H3 (described later) that is above the second position H2 and can face the side wall 102 of the storage box 100 in the front-to-rear direction. As described later, the hook device 40 pushes and pulls the storage box 100 by combining the front-to-rear movement of the hook member 41 by the first moving device 70 with the three-stage up-and-down movement by the second moving device 80.

[0061] When carrying the storage box 100 into the storehouse 10, the transfer device 20 reads the identification code 115 of the storage box 100 placed on the carry-in / carry-out platform 15, and moves the storage box 100 to a storage position on the storage shelf 11 linked to the identification information of the identification code 115. Then, the transfer device 20 executes the push-out operation of the storage box 100 shown in Figs. 10 to 13.

[0062] Furthermore, when carrying out a storage box 100 from the storage facility 10, the transfer device 20 moves to the storage position on the storage shelf 11 where the storage box 100 linked to the identification information is stored, based on the identification information input from an operation panel (not shown) or the like. The transfer device 20 then reads and collates the identification code 115 of the storage box 100 placed at the storage position, and positions the storage box 100. Then, the transfer device 20 performs the operation of drawing out the storage box 100 shown in Figures 14 to 19.

[0063] 10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the pushing-out operation of the storage box 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 10, when pushing out the storage box 100, the transfer device 20 faces the storage shelf 11 on which the storage box 100 is placed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). The conveyor device 30 supports the bottom wall 101 of the storage box 100 at approximately the same height as the storage shelf 11. The hook device 40 positions the hook member 41 at a first position H1 below the support surface of the conveyor device 30 so as not to interfere with the storage box 100.

[0064] In the pushing operation of the storage box 100, first, the conveyor device 30 is driven as shown in Fig. 11. The conveyor device 30 endlessly transports the storage box 100 toward the storage shelf 11 and places the front side (+X side) of the storage box 100 on the storage shelf 11. Next, the hook device 40 is driven as shown in Fig. 12. The hook device 40 raises the hook member 41 on the rear side (-X side) of the storage box 100 from the first position H1 to the third position H3.

[0065] At the third position H3, the hook member 41 faces the outer wall surface (flat portion) of the first opposing wall 110 between the first opening 111 and the label placement section 114, as shown in Fig. 4. Next, as shown in Fig. 13, the hook device 40 moves the hook member 41 forward (towards the +X side) toward the storage shelf 11. The movement of the hook member 41 pushes the storage box 100 onto the storage shelf 11. With the above, the pushing-out operation of the storage box 100 is completed.

[0066] 14 to 19 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of pulling out the storage box 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 14, when the storage box 100 is to be pulled out, the transfer device 20 faces the storage shelf 11 on which the storage box 100 is placed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). The conveyor device 30 is on standby at approximately the same height as the storage shelf 11. The hook device 40 positions the hook member 41 at a first position H1 below the support surface of the conveyor device 30.

[0067] When the storage box 100 is pulled out, first, the hook device 40 is actuated as shown in Fig. 15. The hook device 40 raises the hook member 41 from the first position H1 to the second position H2. At the second position H2, the hook member 41 faces the first opening 111 provided in the lower part of the storage box 100. Next, the hook device 40 moves the hook member 41 forward (toward the +X side) toward the storage box 100. As a result, the hook member 41 is inserted into the first opening 111.

[0068] 16, the hook device 40 raises the hook member 41 from the second position H2 to a third position H3. At the third position H3, the hook member 41 faces the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110 of the storage box 100. Next, the hook device 40 moves the hook member 41 rearward (toward the -X side) toward the first opposing wall 110. This causes the hook member 41 to come into contact with (engage with) the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110.

[0069] Next, as shown in Fig. 17, the hook device 40 moves the hook member 41 engaged with the storage box 100 rearward (-X side). As the hook member 41 moves, the storage box 100 is pulled out from the storage shelf 11 onto the conveyor device 30. Next, as shown in Fig. 18, the hook device 40 releases the engagement of the hook member 41 with the storage box 100. Specifically, the hook device 40 moves the hook member 41 from the third position H3 to the second position H2, and then moves it rearward to pull the hook member 41 out of the first opening 111.

[0070] Then, the hook device 40 positions the hook member 41 at a first position H1 below the support surface of the conveyor device 30 so as not to interfere with the storage box 100. Next, the conveyor device 30 is driven as shown in Figure 19. The conveyor device 30 performs endless forwarding in a direction away from the storage shelf 11, and the storage box 100 is completely pulled out from the storage shelf 11. With the above, the operation of drawing out the storage box 100 is completed.

[0071] As described above, the office storage device 1 according to this embodiment is an office storage device 1 installed in an office space, and comprises a storage cabinet 10 having a storage shelf 11 for storing storage boxes 100, and a transfer device 20 for transferring the storage boxes 100 in and out of the storage cabinet 10. The transfer device 20 comprises a conveyor device 30 that supports the storage boxes 100 and is capable of endless forward and backward movement opposite the storage shelf 11, and a hook device 40 that performs a push-out operation to push the storage boxes 100 from the conveyor device 30 to the storage shelf 11, and a pull-out operation to pull the storage boxes 100 out of the storage shelf 11 to the conveyor device 30.

[0072] This configuration makes it possible to automate the taking in and out of the storage box 100. This saves time and effort and reduces the physical strain on the user.

[0073] In this embodiment, in a pushing operation, the hook device 40 contacts the side wall 102 facing the front-to-rear direction of the storage box 100 to push the storage box 100 from the conveyor device 30 to the storage shelf 11, and in a pulling operation, the hook device 40 enters the storage box 100 through a first opening 111 (opening) formed in the side wall 102 and contacts the opening periphery of the first opening 111 to pull the storage box 100 from the storage shelf 11 to the conveyor device 30. With this configuration, by using the first opening 111 of the storage box 100, the hook device 40 can push and pull the storage box 100 without moving all the way to the back of the storage shelf 11.

[0074] In this embodiment, the conveyor device 30 is provided in pair on both the left and right sides of the hook device 40, and the hook device 40 includes a hook member 41 that contacts the storage box 100, a first moving device 70 that moves the hook member 41 in the front-to-rear direction, and a second moving device 80 that moves the hook member 41 up and down between a first position H1 that positions the hook member 41 below the support surface of the conveyor device 30, a second position H2 that is above the first position H1 and can face the first opening 111 of the storage box 100 in the front-to-rear direction, and a third position H3 that is above the second position H2 and can face the side wall 102 of the storage box 100 in the front-to-rear direction. With this configuration, the storage box 100 can be pushed and pulled by combining the front-to-rear movement of the hook member 41 with the three-stage up-and-down movement.

[0075] In this embodiment, the hook member 41 extends in the front-rear direction and includes a bent portion 42 with one end portion extending in the front-rear direction bent upward, a pair of extending portions 43 extending to the left and right from the upper end of the bent portion 42, and contact portions 44 provided on the front and rear sides of each of the pair of extending portions 43 and making point contact with the storage box 100. With this configuration, the hook device 40 can make point contact with the storage box 100 at two points as far apart as possible in the left-right direction, so that tilting of the storage box 100 in the left-right direction can be suppressed when the storage box 100 is pushed or pulled.

[0076] In this embodiment, the contact surface of the contact portion 44 is formed in a hemispherical shape. This configuration makes it easier to make point contact with the storage box 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, the storage facility 10 has a loading / unloading platform 15 for loading and unloading the storage box 100, and the loading / unloading platform 15 has a recess 16 for placing the storage box 100, and the inner wall surface 16b of the recess 16 is tapered downward toward the bottom wall surface 16a. With this configuration, when the storage box 100 is placed in the recess 16 of the loading / unloading platform 15, the storage box 100 can be positioned in a fixed position.

[0078] In this embodiment, the storage box 100 has an identification code 115 provided on the side wall 102 facing the front-to-rear direction, and is equipped with a camera device 50 that reads the identification code 115, and a control device 60 that identifies the storage box 100 and positions the transfer device 20 relative to the storage box 100 based on the reading result of the camera device 50. According to this configuration, the identification code 115 can be used to identify the storage box 100 and position the transfer device 20 relative to the storage box 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the storage box 100 according to the present embodiment described above comprises a bottom wall 101 and side walls 102 erected on all four sides of the bottom wall 101, the side walls 102 having a pair of first opposing walls 110 facing each other in the front-to-rear direction, the first opposing walls 110 having a first opening 111 that opens in the front-to-rear direction formed therein, a first inner wall 130 erected inward from the first opposing wall 110, and a second inner wall 131 extending inward from above the first opening 111 on the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110.

[0080] With this configuration, the part that engages with the transfer device 20 and the part that the user holds can be used together. For example, by inserting and hooking the hook member 41 of the transfer device 20 into the first opening 111, it becomes possible to automate the taking in and out of the storage box 100. In addition, by hooking the user's finger into the first opening 111, the storage box 100 can be carried. Additionally, because the first inner wall 130 is disposed inside the first opening 111, the hook member 41 or fingers will not collide with the items inside the storage box 100. Furthermore, inside the storage box 100, the second inner wall 131 disposed above the first opening 111 protrudes like a roof, and by placing the fingertips against the second inner wall 131 from below, the weight of the storage box 100 can be easily supported.

[0081] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a reinforcing wall 132 that connects the inner wall surface of the first opposing wall 110 and the upper surface of the second inner wall 131. With this configuration, it is possible to reinforce the second inner wall 131 that receives the load from the fingertip.

[0082] In this embodiment, the reinforcing wall 132 is provided with an inclined surface 132a. This configuration makes it possible to prevent articles from being placed on the second inner wall 131 inside the storage box 100.

[0083] In this embodiment, a pair of rails 103 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 101. This configuration makes it easier for the storage box 100 to move when it is pushed or pulled.

[0084] In this embodiment, an identification code 115 is provided on the outer wall surface of the first opposing wall 110. According to this configuration, the identification code 115 can be used to identify the storage box 100 and to position the transfer device 20 relative to the storage box 100.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first opening 111 is formed in the lower part of the first opposing wall 110. With this configuration, the storage box 100 is less likely to tip over when it is pushed or pulled.

[0086] In this embodiment, a second opening 112 that opens in the front-rear direction is formed in the first opposing wall 110 above the first opening 111. This configuration increases the portion that the user holds in their hand, improving convenience.

[0087] In this embodiment, the side wall 102 has a pair of second opposing walls 120 that face each other in the left-right direction, and a third opening 121 that opens in the left-right direction is formed in the second opposing walls 120. This configuration increases the portion that the user holds in their hands, improving convenience.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the office storage device 1 and storage box 100 that can improve convenience for the user.

[0089] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Office storage equipment 10 Storage 11 Storage Shelves 12 Protrusion 13 Maintenance door 14 Loading / unloading entrance 15 Loading and unloading platform 16 Recess 16a Bottom wall surface 16b Inner wall 17 Travel Route 20 Transfer equipment 21 Base Unit 22 Bottom plate 23 End plate 24 Side Plate 30 Conveyor equipment 31 Motor 40 Hook device 41 Hook member 42 Bend 42a long hole 43 Extension 44 Contact area 45 Screw material 50 Camera equipment 51 Lighting equipment 60 Control device 70 1st mobile device 71 Slide unit 72A Ball spline shaft 72B guide shaft 73 Belt mechanism 74 Motor 75A Ball Bush 75B Bush 80 Second mobile device 81 Lifting unit 81a Long hole 82 swingarm 82a Tip 84 Motor 89 Fixing member 90 Post section 91 Stopper 100 storage boxes 101 Bottom wall 102 Side wall 103 Rail section 110 First opposing wall 111 First Opening 112 Second Opening 114 Label installation section 114a Slit 115 Identification Code 120 Second opposing wall 121 Third Opening 130 First Inner Wall 131 Second Inner Wall 132 Reinforced Wall 132a Slope H1 1st position H2 2nd position H3 3rd position

Claims

1. An office storage device installed in an office space, a storage cabinet having a storage shelf for storing storage boxes; a transfer device that takes the storage box in and out of the storage facility, The transfer device is A conveyor device that supports the storage box and is endlessly movable in a front-rear direction facing the storage shelf; a hook device that performs a push-out operation of pushing the storage box from the conveyor device to the storage shelf, and a pull-out operation of pulling the storage box from the storage shelf to the conveyor device, Office storage equipment.

2. The hook device In the pushing operation, the storage box is pushed out from the conveyor device to the storage shelf by contacting a side wall of the storage box facing the front-rear direction, In the pulling-out operation, the operator enters the storage box through the opening formed in the side wall, contacts the periphery of the opening, and pulls the storage box out of the storage shelf onto the conveyor device.

10. The office storage device of claim 1.

3. a pair of conveyor devices are provided on both the left and right sides of the hook device, The hook device a hook member that contacts the storage box; a first moving device that moves the hook member in a front-rear direction; a second moving device that moves the hook member in the up-and-down direction between a first position that positions the hook member below a support surface of the conveyor device, a second position that is above the first position and can face the opening of the storage box in the front-to-back direction, and a third position that is above the second position and can face the side wall of the storage box in the front-to-back direction.

3. The office storage device of claim 2.

4. The hook member is a bent portion extending in the front-rear direction and having one end portion extending in the front-rear direction bent upward; a pair of extending portions extending to both the left and right sides from an upper end of the bent portion; and contact portions provided on both the front and rear sides of each of the pair of extension portions, the contact portions making point contact with the storage box.

4. The office storage device of claim 3.

5. The contact surface of the contact portion is formed in a hemispherical shape.

5. The office storage device of claim 4.

6. The storage facility has a loading / unloading platform for loading and unloading the storage box, the loading / unloading platform has a recess on which the storage box is placed, The inner wall surface of the recess is formed in a tapered shape that slopes downward toward the bottom wall surface of the recess. An office storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The storage box has an identification code on a side wall facing the front-rear direction, a camera device for reading the identification code; and a control device that identifies the storage box and positions the transfer device relative to the storage box based on the reading result of the camera device. An office storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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