Storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device whose storage efficiency and convenience for a user have been enhanced.SOLUTION: A storage device includes: a storage shelf having a plurality of stages of shelf parts for storing a storage box capable of storing articles; a conveyance mechanism equipped with a conveyance implement that can take in and out the storage box stored in the storage shelf for the storage shelf along a second horizontal direction, and can convey the storage box in a first horizontal direction and in a vertical direction; and a storage space forming part surrounding at least an entire circumference of a lateral side of the storage shelf and the conveyance mechanism for forming a storage space in which the storage shelf and the conveyance mechanism are stored. The storage space forming part is formed with a communication opening that communicates the inside and outside of the storage space, through which the storage box can be transferred between a cart that can convey the storage box along a floor surface by the conveyance implement and the conveyance implement, and is equipped with a restraint mechanism for restraining the movement of the cart in a direction of the storage box transfer by the conveyance implement in the state that the cart is facing the communication opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device. [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] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, storage cabinets are required according to the number of users in the office space, which means that the storage fixtures end up being large depending on the number of users. For this reason, it is desirable to improve the storage efficiency of the storage fixtures. Furthermore, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user takes an item out of or puts it back into a storage unit, the user must go to the storage unit assigned to them. To efficiently utilize the office space, storage units are often installed along the walls of the office. This results in a long distance from the storage unit to the desk, which can make it difficult to carry the item to the desk. Furthermore, when taking items in and out of storage fixtures, it takes time not only to take the items in and out but also to open and close the locking door. Furthermore, depending on the height of the storage unit, you may need to crouch or stretch your back, which can put strain on your body. For these reasons, it is desirable to improve storage efficiency and convenience for users. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage device that can increase storage efficiency and improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A storage device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a storage shelf having multiple vertically arranged shelf sections that can store multiple storage boxes capable of holding items lined up in a first horizontal direction parallel to the floor surface; a transport mechanism that is arranged adjacent to the storage shelf in a second horizontal direction that intersects the first horizontal direction and the up-down direction, and that is equipped with a transporter that can move the storage boxes stored in the storage shelf into and out of the storage shelf along the second horizontal direction and transport the storage boxes in the first horizontal direction and the up-down direction; and a storage space forming section that surrounds at least the entire lateral periphery of the storage shelf and the transport mechanism and forms a storage space in which the storage shelf and the transport mechanism are housed. The storage space forming section has a communication opening that connects the inside and outside of the storage space and through which the storage boxes can be transferred between a cart that can transport the storage boxes along the floor surface by the transporter and the transporter, and is equipped with a restraint mechanism that holds the cart facing the communication opening and restrains movement of the cart in the direction in which the storage boxes are transferred. According to this aspect, the transporter moves the storage box in and out between the storage shelf and the transport mechanism, and between the cart and the transporter through the connecting opening, which is hassle-free and reduces the physical strain on the user. Furthermore, because the storage boxes are stored on the storage shelves, they can be transported by a carrier to store them in low or high places that are difficult to reach, compared to individual storage cabinets, resulting in superior storage efficiency. Because of this superior storage efficiency, the overall storage device can be made smaller in size in plan view, increasing the flexibility of the storage device layout, rather than being limited to a location along the wall of the office space. This also reduces the effort required for users to transport storage boxes between the storage device and their desks. Furthermore, when the storage box is transferred between the cart and the conveyor by the conveyor, the cart is placed facing the communication opening, and the restraining mechanism restricts the movement of the cart in the transfer direction, thereby preventing the cart from shifting in the transfer direction. This prevents an excessive gap from occurring between the cart and the conveyor. Therefore, when the storage box is transferred between the cart and the conveyor, the storage box can be transferred smoothly between the cart and the conveyor. Such a storage device can improve storage efficiency and convenience for users.

[0008] (2) In the storage device according to the aspect (1) above, it is preferable that the restraining mechanism restrains the movement of the cart in a direction intersecting the transfer direction within a horizontal plane. According to this aspect, when the storage box is transferred between the cart and the transporter by the transporter, the restraining mechanism restrains the movement of the cart in the intersecting direction that intersects with the transfer direction, thereby preventing excessive positional deviation between the cart and the transporter in the intersecting direction, thereby enabling smooth transfer of the storage box between the cart and the transporter.

[0009] (3) In the storage device according to the above aspect (1) or (2), it is preferable that the restraint mechanism includes a movement restriction section that restricts the movement of the cart toward the conveyor in the transfer direction, and a cart restraint section that restricts the movement of the cart toward the conveyor in the transfer direction. According to this aspect, the movement restriction section restricts the movement of the cart toward the conveyor in the transfer direction, while the cart restraint section restricts the movement of the cart toward the conveyor in the transfer direction, thereby restricting the movement of the cart in the transfer direction while determining the position of the cart relative to the conveyor in the transfer direction.

[0010] (4) In the storage device according to the aspect (3) above, it is preferable that the cart has a pair of pillar-shaped portions extending vertically at an interval in a direction intersecting the transfer direction in a horizontal plane, and the cart restraint portion has a pressing member that presses the pair of pillar-shaped portions against the movement regulating portion in the transfer direction. According to this aspect, the pressing member presses the pair of pillars against the movement restricting portion in the transfer direction, thereby restricting the movement of the cart in the transfer direction.

[0011] (5) In the storage device according to the aspect (4) above, it is preferable that the pressing member has a pair of arms spaced apart in the intersecting direction and rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, and that the restraint mechanism rotates the pair of arms in contact with the pair of columnar portions, thereby pressing the cart against the movement regulating portion via the pair of columnar portions. According to this aspect, the pair of arms rotate while in contact with the pair of pillars, and press the cart against the movement restricting portion via the pair of pillars, thereby restricting the movement of the cart in the transfer direction.

[0012] (6) In a storage device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (5), a cart capable of transporting the storage box along the floor surface can be stored below the lowest shelf among the multiple shelf sections, and a cart storage section is provided that communicates with the storage space through the communication opening, and the storage space forming section is formed with a cart entrance / exit that connects the inside and outside of the cart storage section and allows the cart to enter and exit, and it is preferable that the restraint mechanism restrains movement of the cart stored in the cart storage section in the transfer direction. According to this aspect, the storage box can be taken in and out between the transporter in the storage space and the cart stored in the cart storage section through the communication opening. In addition, since the storage boxes can be transported using carts stored in the cart storage section through the cart entrance, the burden of carrying the storage boxes on users can be reduced.Moreover, since the carts can be stored in the cart storage section through the cart entrance when not in use, the interior space can be used effectively.

[0013] (7) In the storage device according to the aspect (6) above, it is preferable that the transporter is capable of inserting and removing the storage box in a second horizontal direction through the communication opening relative to the cart stored in the cart storage section. According to this aspect, the directions of the transfer of the storage box between the storage shelf and the transfer mechanism, and the transfer of the storage box between the storage space and the cart through the communication opening are all the second horizontal direction, which simplifies the configuration of the transporter for transferring the storage box between the storage shelf and the transfer mechanism, and the transfer of the storage box between the storage space and the cart through the communication opening.

[0014] (8) In a storage device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (7), the storage space forming portion comprises a first wall portion provided on one side of the storage shelf in a first horizontal direction, and a protrusion portion provided on one side of the transport mechanism in the first horizontal direction and protruding further than the first wall portion on one side of the first horizontal direction, and it is preferable that the protrusion portion has an opening that connects the inside and outside of the storage space at a position different from the communication opening and that allows the storage box transported by the transport device to be inserted and removed in a second horizontal direction. According to this aspect, the storage box is taken in and out through an opening formed in the protruding portion that protrudes to one side in the horizontal first direction beyond the first wall portion, so no space is required on one side in the horizontal first direction relative to the protruding portion for taking the storage box in and out, and the space in the interior space can be used effectively. Moreover, the directions of the transfer of the storage box between the storage shelf and the transfer mechanism, and the transfer of the storage box into and out of the storage space through the opening, are all in the second horizontal direction, which simplifies the configuration of the transport device for transferring the storage box between the storage shelf and the transfer mechanism, and the transfer of the storage box into and out of the storage space through the opening.

[0015] (9) In a storage device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (8), it is preferable that the storage device further comprises a controller that controls the operation of the restraint mechanism, and that the controller restrains the cart using the restraint mechanism while the transporter is transferring the storage box between the transporter and the cart. According to this aspect, while the transporter is transferring the storage box between the cart and the transporter, the controller causes the restraining mechanism to restrain the cart. As a result, movement of the cart in the transfer direction is restrained while the transporter is transferring the storage box between the cart and the transporter, and therefore it is possible to prevent an excessive gap from occurring between the cart and the transporter.

[0016] (10) In the storage device according to the aspect (9) above, it is preferable that the controller releases the restraint of the cart by the restraining mechanism when the transfer operation of the storage box between the transporter and the cart by the transporter is completed, or when the transfer operation of the storage box between the transporter and the cart by the transporter is completed and an input of a command signal is received from outside. According to this aspect, when the transfer operation of the storage box between the carrier and the cart by the carrier is completed, or when the transfer operation of the storage box between the carrier and the cart by the carrier is completed and an input of a command signal is received from outside, the controller releases the restraint of the cart by the restraint mechanism. This suppresses positional deviation of the cart during the transfer operation, and allows the user to quickly withdraw the cart when they wish after the transfer operation is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve storage efficiency and convenience for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the storage device of FIG. 1, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the storage device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the storage device shown in FIG. 1 with the wall panels forming the side walls, the opening / closing door, and the upper plate of the storage shelf on one side in the second horizontal direction removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 2 is a view of the storage device of FIG. 1 as seen from one side in a first horizontal direction. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cart is stored in a cart storage section of the storage device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cart restraining section of the restraint mechanism shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a plan view of the cart restraining unit of FIG. 7 as seen from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pair of arms in a closed state as viewed from above. [Figure 11] 10 is a plan view seen from above showing a state in which the pair of arms are in the middle of transitioning from a closed state to an open state. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the storage device according to the present embodiment in an indoor space. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage device 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the storage device 1A of Fig. 1, viewed from a different direction than that of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the storage device 1A of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the storage device 1A shown in Fig. 1, with the wall panel 6p forming the side wall, the opening / closing door 71, and the upper plate 34 of the storage shelf 3A on one side in the second horizontal direction D2 removed. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in Fig. 3.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the storage device 1A is installed on a floor surface F in an indoor space 100 (see FIG. 12) such as an office. The storage device 1A is a so-called automatic transport storage system that stores and keeps items used by users of the indoor space 100, and automatically transports the items to a predetermined position (a tray 68 or cart C, described below) as needed. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface F is referred to as the up-down direction Dv, the direction extending in one direction in a horizontal plane intersecting the up-down direction Dv is referred to as the horizontal first direction D1, and the direction intersecting the up-down direction Dv and the horizontal first direction D1 in the horizontal plane is referred to as the horizontal second direction D2. Furthermore, in the horizontal second direction D2, the central side of the storage device 1A is sometimes referred to as the inside of the horizontal second direction D2, and the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the outside of the horizontal second direction D2.

[0021] The storage device 1A has a rectangular box-like shape in plan view from the vertical direction Dv, with the longitudinal direction being the first horizontal direction D1 and the lateral direction being the second horizontal direction D2. Specifically, the storage device 1A includes a storage shelf 3, a transport mechanism 4, a storage space forming section 6, and a cart storage section 8. In this embodiment, the storage equipment 1A has a transport mechanism 4 in the center in the horizontal second direction D2, and has storage shelves 3 on both sides of the transport mechanism 4 in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0022] The items stored in the storage device 1A are carried inside and outside the storage device 1A in storage boxes 2 assigned to, for example, each user or group. The storage boxes 2 store items used by the users (for example, documents, stationery, notebook PCs, tablet devices, etc.). The storage boxes 2 are formed, for example, in the shape of a box with a bottom that opens upward. The storage boxes 2 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangle when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. The storage boxes 2 may also be provided with a lid or the like that can open and close the opening that opens upward. By storing multiple items in the storage boxes 2, the multiple items can be transported inside and outside the storage device 1A while still inside the storage boxes 2, which is highly convenient.

[0023] In this embodiment, the storage device 1A has storage shelves 3 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 and the storage shelf 3B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2 are provided at a distance in the horizontal second direction D2. A plurality of storage boxes 2 are stored in each of the storage shelves 3A, 3B, and the storage boxes 2 are taken in and out by a transport mechanism 4. When viewed from the vertical direction Dv, each storage shelf 3 is formed in a rectangular shape with its long side extending in the horizontal first direction D1 and its short side extending in the horizontal second direction D2. The storage shelf 3 has a plurality of support posts 31 and a plurality of shelf sections 32.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the multiple support columns 31 are arranged at least at the four corners of the storage shelf 3 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, for example. Each support column 31 is grounded on the floor surface F and extends in the vertical direction Dv. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the multiple shelf sections 32 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv. Each shelf section 32 is supported by the multiple support columns 31. An upper plate section 34 that covers the multiple shelf sections 32 from above is provided at the top of each of the storage shelves 3A and 3B.

[0025] Each shelf 32 can store (place) a plurality of storage boxes 2 lined up in the horizontal first direction D1. Each shelf 32 places a storage box 2 that is rectangular in plan view with its long side aligned along the horizontal second direction D2 and its short side aligned along the horizontal first direction D1. In this state, a plurality of storage boxes 2 are stored in each of the storage shelves 3A and 3B.

[0026] 3 and 5, the transport mechanism 4 is provided between the storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 and the storage shelf 3B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2. The transport mechanism 4 is provided adjacent to the storage shelf 3A on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2. The transport mechanism 4 is provided adjacent to the storage shelf 3B on one side in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0027] The transport mechanism 4 includes a transporter 5. The transporter 5 is configured to be movable in a horizontal first direction D1, for example, along a rail (not shown) laid on the floor surface F. The transporter 5 has an elevation mechanism (not shown) that allows it to move up and down in a vertical direction Dv. This allows the transporter 5 to be moved to a position facing the shelf portions 32 of each stage of the storage shelf 3A and the storage shelf 3B in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0028] The conveyor 5 is configured to be able to take in and out the storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 along the second horizontal direction D2. For example, the conveyor 5 has a box placement section 51 on which the storage boxes 2 can be placed. The box placement section 51 is provided with a belt conveyor (not shown) that moves the placed storage boxes 2 in the second horizontal direction D2. The conveyor 5 also has a push-pull arm (not shown) that can push and pull the storage boxes 2 to both sides in the second horizontal direction D2 while locking or gripping the storage boxes 2. The operation of the transport mechanism 4 is controlled by the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage device 1A.

[0029] 1 to 3, the storage space forming section 6 constitutes the outer shell of the storage device 1A. That is, the storage space forming section 6 surrounds the entire lateral periphery of the storage shelves 3 and the transport mechanism 4, and forms a storage space S in which the storage shelves 3 and the transport mechanism 4 are housed. In this embodiment, the storage space forming section 6 has a pair of side walls 61, a front wall 62, and a rear wall 63.

[0030] The pair of side wall portions 61 divide the storage space S into an inside and an outside in the horizontal second direction D2. The pair of side wall portions 61 are provided on both sides of the storage space forming portion 6 in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2 is disposed on one side (outside) of one storage shelf 3A in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61A is provided so as to cover the storage shelf 3A from one side in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61B on the other side in the horizontal second direction D2 is disposed on the other side (outside) of one storage shelf 3B in the horizontal second direction D2. The side wall portion 61B is provided so as to cover the storage shelf 3B from the other side in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0031] The front wall 62 and the rear wall 63 divide the storage space S into an interior and an exterior in the first horizontal direction D1. The front wall 62 is provided on one side D1a of the storage space forming section 6 in the horizontal first direction D1. The front wall 62 is provided so as to cover the pair of storage shelves 3A, 3B and the transport mechanism 4 from the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. The rear wall 63 is provided on the other side D1b of the storage space forming section 6 in the horizontal first direction D1. The rear wall 63 is provided so as to cover the pair of storage shelves 3A, 3B and the transport mechanism 4 from the other side D1b in the horizontal first direction D1. In this embodiment, each of the side wall portion 61, front wall portion 62, and rear wall portion 63 that constitute the storage space forming portion 6 is constructed using a plurality of panel support pillars 6c and a plurality of wall panels 6p arranged between adjacent panel support pillars 6c.

[0032] The storage space forming portion 6 opens upward above the transport mechanism 4 located between the upper plate portions 34 of the storage shelves 3A, 3B on both sides in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0033] 1, 3, and 4, the front wall portion 62 has a first wall portion 62a and a protrusion 65. The first wall portion 62a is provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 for the storage shelves 3A, 3B on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The first wall portion 62a is disposed with the horizontal first direction D1 as its thickness direction. Each first wall portion 62a covers the corresponding storage shelf 3A, 3B from one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0034] The protruding portion 65 is provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 with respect to the conveying mechanism 4. The protruding portion 65 is provided between the first wall portions 62a on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. The protruding portion 65 protrudes further toward the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 than the first wall portion 62a. The protruding portion 65 has a pair of second wall portions 65a and a third wall portion 65b. Each of the pair of second wall portions 65a extends from an inner end of the first wall portion 62a in the horizontal second direction D2 toward the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. Each of the pair of second wall portions 65a is disposed with the horizontal second direction D2 as its thickness direction. The third wall portion 65b connects the ends of the pair of second wall portions 65a on the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. The third wall portion 65b is provided to close the space between the pair of second wall portions 65a. The third wall portion 65b is disposed such that its thickness direction corresponds to the horizontal first direction D1.

[0035] The protrusion 65 also has an upper wall 65t that covers the area surrounded by the pair of second wall portions 65a and the third wall portion 65b from above. In this embodiment, the upper wall 65t is inclined obliquely downward from the other side D1b to the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. Note that the upper wall 65t may extend along a horizontal plane. Additionally, an upper closing plate 62c is provided above the end portion of the upper wall portion 65t on the other side D1b in the horizontal first direction D1 in the front wall portion 62. The upper closing plate 62c closes the space between the first wall portions 62a on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the storage space S formed by the storage space forming portion 6 has, when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, a first space S1 surrounded by a pair of side wall portions 61, a pair of first wall portions 62a of the front wall portion 62, and the rear wall portion 63, and a second space S2 surrounded by a pair of second wall portions 65a forming the protrusion portion 65 and a third wall portion 65b.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , a maintenance opening 65h is formed in the third wall portion 65b of the protrusion 65. The maintenance opening 65h functions as an entrance / exit for a worker to enter and exit the storage space S during maintenance of the storage space S, etc. The maintenance opening 65h penetrates a portion of the third wall portion 65b other than the outer periphery in the first horizontal direction D1. The third wall portion 65b is further provided with an opening / closing door 71 that can open and close the maintenance opening 65h. The opening / closing door 71 normally closes the maintenance opening 65h. When the opening / closing door 71 is open, a worker can enter and exit the storage space S from outside the storage space forming portion 6 through the maintenance opening 65h. This allows the worker to perform maintenance on the transport mechanism 4 from one side D1a in the first horizontal direction D1 within the storage space S. The opening / closing door 71 is supported on the third wall portion 65b via a hinge (not shown) or the like so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction. However, the opening / closing door 71 may be configured to be slidable or detachable as long as it can open and close the maintenance opening 65h.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , an opening 66 is formed in each of the pair of second wall portions 65a of the protruding portion 65. The opening 66 is a transfer opening for transferring the storage box 2 between the inside and outside of the storage device 1A. The opening 66 is formed in the middle portion of the second wall portion 65a in the up-down direction. The opening 66 penetrates each of the second wall portions 65a in the horizontal second direction D2. When viewed from the horizontal second direction D2, the opening 66 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the up-down direction and has a size that allows the storage box 2 to be taken in and out in the horizontal second direction D2. In this embodiment, the opening 66 is provided in each of the pair of second wall portions 65a, and the storage box 2 can be taken in and out from one side and the other side of the protruding portion 65 in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a view of the storage device 1A of FIG. 1 as seen from one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1. As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, a mounting table 67 is provided on a portion of the second wall portion 65a of the protruding portion 65 that is located below the opening 66. The mounting table 67 is provided along the lower edge of the opening 66. The mounting table 67 is provided to extend from the second wall portion 65a to the outside of the second space S2 (protruding portion 65) in the second horizontal direction D2. The mounting table 67 is disposed with the vertical direction Dv as its thickness direction. A storage box 2 that is inserted and removed through the opening 66 can be placed on the mounting table 67.

[0040] 1, 3, and 4, in this embodiment, a tray 68 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting table 67. The tray 68 is a portion along which the storage box 2 slides when the storage box 2 is carried in or out through the opening 66. The tray 68 is made of a material with better slidability than the material constituting the mounting table 67, and is formed in a dish shape that opens inward and upward in the second horizontal direction D2. As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 68 is disposed on the mounting table 67 with one end 68a (the inner end in the second horizontal direction D2) protruding into the second space S2 through the opening 66.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the tray 68 has an upward-facing tray surface 68f, a pair of guide portions 68g, and a stopper 68s. The pair of guide portions 68g and the stopper 68s are each formed to rise upward from the tray surface 68f. The pair of guide portions 68g extend upward from both end edges of the tray surface 68f in the horizontal first direction D1. Each of the pair of guide portions 68g extends in the horizontal second direction D2. The pair of guide portions 68g guide the storage box 2 inserted or removed through the opening 66 in the horizontal second direction D2 on the tray surface 68f. The stopper 68s extends upward from the outer edge of the tray surface 68f in the horizontal second direction D2. The stopper 68s extends in the horizontal first direction D1 and is provided to connect the outer ends of the pair of guide portions 68g in the horizontal second direction D2. The stopper 68s restricts the storage box 2, which is taken out of the second space S2 through the opening 66, from moving outward in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, the conveyor 5 is configured to be movable between a first space S1 of the storage space S and a second space S2 formed on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 of the first space S1 relative to the first wall portion 62a. More specifically, the conveyor 5 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 facing the storage shelf 3 in the horizontal second direction D2 in the first space S1 of the storage space S as shown in Fig. 5, and a second position P2 facing the opening 66 in the horizontal second direction D2 in the second space S2 of the storage space S as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

[0043] At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 can take in and out the storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelves 3 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2 along the horizontal second direction D2. The conveyor 5 can also transport the storage boxes 2 in the horizontal first direction D1 and the up-down direction Dv between the first position P1 and the second position P2. At the second position P2, the conveyor 5 can take in and out the storage boxes 2 in the horizontal second direction D2 through either of the openings 66 on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0044] 1, 2, 4, and 5, the storage device 1A includes a cart storage section 8. In this embodiment, the cart storage section 8 is provided, for example, on one side of the storage device 1A in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0045] 4 and 5, the cart storage section 8 is formed below the lowest shelf section 32D that is provided at a distance above the floor surface F. As shown in Fig. 5, a cart entrance / exit 69 that communicates with the cart storage section 8 below the lowest shelf section 32D is formed in the side wall section 61A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2. The cart storage section 8 communicates with the outside of the storage device 1A (storage space forming section 6) through the cart entrance / exit 69.

[0046] A partition wall 81 is provided below the lowest shelf portion 32D and spaced apart from the side wall portion 61A on the inside in the second horizontal direction D2. The partition wall 81 separates the storage space S from the inside of the cart storage portion 8 in the second horizontal direction D2. The cart storage section 8 is surrounded by a partition wall 81, the lowest shelf 32D, and a floor F. The upper end of the partition wall 81 and the lowest shelf 32D are spaced apart in the vertical direction. This allows communication between the storage space S and the cart storage section 8 through a communication opening 89 formed between the upper end of the partition wall 81 and the lowest shelf 32D.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cart C is stored in the cart storage section 8 of the storage device 1A shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the cart storage section 8 can store a cart C, on which a storage box 2 can be mounted, from outside the storage device 1A.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cart C has a pillar portion 201 and a top plate portion 202. The cart C has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the pillar portions 201 are arranged at its four corners. Each pillar portion 201 extends in the up-down direction Dv. Wheels 203 are provided at the lower ends of the pillar portions 201, enabling the cart C to move on the floor surface F. The top plate portion 202 is supported from below by the pillar portions 201 at the four corners. The top plate portion 202 is provided at a height that allows the storage box 2 to be transferred to and from the conveyor 5. In the illustrated example, the upper surface of the top plate portion 202 is located above the lower opening edge of the communication opening 89. Such a cart C may be pushed by a user, or may be self-propelled.

[0049] 1, 2, and 4, in this embodiment, the cart storage unit 8 can store a plurality of carts C lined up in the horizontal first direction D1. In this embodiment, the cart storage unit 8 can store, for example, two carts C lined up in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0050] The cart storage section 8 is provided with a partition wall 82. The partition wall 82 divides the interior of the cart storage section 8 in the horizontal first direction D1. In this embodiment, the cart storage section 8 is provided with two partition walls 82A and 82B spaced apart in the horizontal first direction D1. This divides the interior of the cart storage section 8 into three sections. The cart storage section 8 has a first space 8A between the front wall portion 62 and the partition wall 82A and a second space 8B between the partition walls 82A and 82B. A cart C (see FIG. 7) can be stored in each of the first space 8A and the second space 8B. A third space 8C between the partition wall 82A and the rear wall portion 63 is configured as a charging station for a device equipped with a rechargeable battery, such as a cleaning robot. The third space 8C may also accommodate the cart C, similar to the first space 8A and the second space 8B. The partition wall 82 is not essential and may be omitted.

[0051] 7, the conveyor 5 is configured to be movable to a third position P3 where the storage box 2 can be taken in and out of the storage space S through the communication opening 89 while facing the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2. At the third position P3, the conveyor 5 can take the storage box 2 in and out of the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 through the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2. In such a storage device 1A, the storage boxes 2 stored in the storage device 1A can be taken in and out via the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8.

[0052] The storage device 1A is equipped with a restraining mechanism 9 capable of restraining the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8. The restraining mechanism 9 holds the cart C facing the communication opening 89, and restrains movement of the cart C relative to the partition wall 81 in the direction in which the transporter 5 transfers the storage box 2, i.e., in the horizontal second direction D2. The restraining mechanism 9 is equipped with a movement restricting section 90 and a cart restraining section 91.

[0053] The movement restricting portion 90 restricts the movement of the cart C in the direction approaching the conveyor 5 in the transfer direction, that is, toward the inside of the horizontal second direction D2. In this embodiment, a partition wall 81 is provided as the movement restricting portion 90. The surface of the partition wall 81 facing outward in the horizontal second direction D2 functions as a cart contact surface 81f against which the cart C accommodated in the cart accommodation portion 8 abuts from the outside in the horizontal second direction D2. When the cart C abuts against the cart contact surface 81f of the partition wall 81 from the outside in the horizontal second direction D2, the movement of the cart C in the direction approaching the conveyor 5 is restricted.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cart restraining unit 91 of the restraining mechanism 9 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the pair of arms 93 of the cart restraining unit 91 as viewed from above. 8 and 9 restrains the movement of the cart C (see FIG. 9) toward the side away from the conveyor 5 in the transfer direction of the storage box 2 by the conveyor 5, that is, toward the outside in the horizontal second direction D2. The cart restraint portion 91 presses the cart C against the cart contact surface 81f of the partition wall 81 serving as the movement restriction portion 90 in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0055] The cart restraining unit 91 presses a pair of columnar portions 201f located at inner ends in the horizontal second direction D2 of the cart C accommodated in the cart accommodation unit 8 against the movement restricting unit 90. As shown in FIG. 8 , the cart restraining unit 91 includes a base member 92, a pair of arms (pressing members) 93, and a drive source 94. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the base member 92 integrally has a base portion 92a that is arranged along the floor surface F, and a fixing portion 92b that rises upward from the other end (outer end) of the base portion 92a in the horizontal second direction D2 and is joined to the partition wall 81 by a bolt or the like.

[0056] 8 and 9, the pair of arms 93 are provided at an interval in the horizontal first direction D1. Each of the pair of arms 93 is provided rotatably around a rotation shaft 931 that rises upward from the base portion 92a. As shown in Fig. 9, each of the pair of arms 93 is configured to be openable and closable by a drive source 94 between a state in which it extends from the rotation shaft 931 in the horizontal first direction D1 (a state shown by a solid line in Fig. 9; this state is referred to as an open state) and a state in which it extends from the rotation shaft 931 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 (a state shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 9; this state is referred to as a closed state).

[0057] When in the open state, the pair of arms 93 presses the pair of columnar portions 201f located at the inner ends in the horizontal second direction D2 of the cart C accommodated in the cart accommodation section 8 against the movement restricting portion 90.

[0058] Each of the pair of arms 93 has an intersecting direction movement restricting portion 98 on an end edge portion 93s (a surface facing the opening direction around the rotation shaft 931) that faces inward in the horizontal second direction D2 when in the open state. When the pair of arms 93 presses the pair of columnar portions 201f against the movement restricting portion 90, the intersecting direction movement restricting portion 98 restricts movement of the columnar portions 201f in an intersecting direction that intersects the transfer direction in a horizontal plane, i.e., in the horizontal first direction D1. In this embodiment, the intersecting-direction movement restricting portion 98 includes a recess 98a formed in the end edge portion 93s. The recess 98a is recessed outward in the horizontal second direction D2 relative to the base end 93a and the tip end 93b of the pair of arms 93 when the pair of arms 93 are in the open state. The recess 98a has inclined surfaces 98s and 98t that extend outward in the horizontal second direction D2 from the base end 93a and the tip end 93b toward the deepest portion of the recess 98a. The intersecting-direction movement restricting portion 98 restricts movement of the pair of pillar portions 201f in the horizontal first direction D1 by positioning each of the pillar portions 201f within the recess 98a while the pair of arms 93 press the pair of pillar portions 201f against the movement restricting portion 90. This restricts movement of the cart C stored in the cart storage portion 8 in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0059] Furthermore, slide guides 99 are provided on end edge portions 93s of the pair of arms 93. The slide guides 99 are made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the material from which the arms 93 are made.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8 , the drive source 94 drives the pair of arms 93 to open and close. The drive source 94 includes a motor 95, a disk 96, and a pair of link members 97. The motor 95 is fixed to the base plate portion 92a. The motor 95 has a drive shaft 95s extending in the horizontal second direction D2. The disk 96 is disk-shaped when viewed from the horizontal second direction D2, and is driven to rotate about its central axis by the drive shaft 95s. The pair of link members 97 connect the disk 96 and the pair of arms 93. A base end 97a of each link member 97 is swingably connected to the outer periphery of the disk 96. A tip end 97b of each link member 97 is swingably connected to the arm 93.

[0061] In such a drive source 94, the pair of link members 97 convert the rotational movement of the disk 96 into opening and closing movement of the pair of arms 93 (rotational movement about the rotation shaft 931). When the motor 95 rotates the drive shaft 95s and the disk 96 about the drive shaft 95s, the base ends 97a of the pair of link members 97 move together with the disk 96 in an arc-shaped locus centered on the drive shaft 95s as viewed from the horizontal second direction D2. Then, the tip ends 97b of the pair of link members 97 connected to each of the pair of arms 93 move in an arc-shaped locus centered on the rotation shaft 931 as viewed from the up-down direction Dv. This causes each of the pair of arms 93 to swing about the rotation shaft 931. In the drive source 94 of this embodiment, when the motor 95 rotates the drive shaft 95s and the disk 96 around the drive shaft 95s, each of the pair of arms 93 is driven to open and close between a closed state in which it extends outward from the pivot shaft 931 in the horizontal second direction D2, and an open state in which it extends away from each other from the pivot shaft 931 in the horizontal first direction D1.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pair of arms 93 in the closed state, as viewed from above. 10, when the cart C is stored in the cart storage section 8 provided below the storage shelf 3, the pair of arms 93 is in a closed state. When the cart C is stored in the cart storage section 8 through the cart entrance 69, the pair of arms 93 enter between the pair of columnar portions 201f located at the inner ends of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a plan view seen from above of a pair of arms 93 in the middle of transitioning from a closed state to an open state. Thereafter, the driving source 94 shifts the pair of arms 93 from the closed state to the open state. When the pair of arms 93 shifts from the closed state to the open state, the position of the cart C needs to be such that at least the pair of columnar portions 201f are positioned inside the tip portions 93b of the arms 93 by at least a predetermined distance in the horizontal second direction D2. Therefore, for example, when the cart C reaches a predetermined reference position within the cart storage section 8, the pair of arms 93 may be shifted from the closed state to the open state. Here, the reference position may be a position where the inner end of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 is spaced a predetermined distance outside the partition wall 81 in the horizontal second direction D2 (for example, the position shown in FIG. 10 ), or may be a position where the inner end of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 contacts the partition wall 81.

[0064] When the pair of arms 93 transition from the closed state to the open state, the pair of arms 93 that have entered the pair of columnar portions 201f rotate while in contact with the pair of columnar portions 201f, respectively. This causes the pair of columnar portions 201f to be pressed inward in the horizontal second direction D2, that is, in a direction approaching the conveyor 5. At this time, even if the cart C is displaced in the horizontal second direction D2 or the horizontal first direction D1 from the reference position, the cart C is moved toward the movement restricting portion 90 via the pair of columnar portions 201f. Furthermore, the pair of arms 93 are formed with recesses 98a as the intersecting-direction movement restricting portions 98. Therefore, if the cart C is misaligned in the horizontal first direction D1 relative to the cart restraining portion 91, the pillar portions 201f are guided toward the recesses 98a while the pair of arms 93 are transitioning from the closed state to the open state. At this time, the recesses 98a are formed with inclined surfaces 98s, 98t, and further, the edge portions 93s of the arms 93 are provided with sliding guides 99. Therefore, if the cart C is misaligned in the horizontal first direction D1 relative to the cart restraining portion 91, the pillar portions 201f move smoothly in the horizontal first direction D1 along the sliding guides 99. In this way, each of the pair of arms 93 presses the pair of pillar portions 201f inward in the horizontal second direction D2, correcting the position of the pair of pillar portions 201f in the horizontal first direction D1. At this time, since a sliding guide 99 is provided on each of the pair of arms 93, friction is reduced when the pair of arms 93 and the pair of columnar portions 201f slide against each other, and the position of the cart C in the horizontal first direction D1 is smoothly corrected.

[0065] 9, when the pair of arms 93 are in the open state, the pair of pillars 201f are pressed inward in the horizontal second direction D2 by the pair of arms 93, and are pressed against the movement restricting member 90. At this time, the pair of pillars 201f are positioned within the recesses 98a. This restricts movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 and the horizontal first direction D1.

[0066] In this way, the transporter 5 moves the storage box 2 in and out in the horizontal second direction D2 at the third position P3 for the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 and restrained from moving in the horizontal direction by the restraining mechanism 9. At this time, because the cart C is restrained by the restraining mechanism 9, it is possible to prevent an excessive gap in the horizontal second direction D2 from occurring between the transporter 5 and the top panel portion 202 of the cart C, or an excessive positional deviation in the horizontal first direction D1 from occurring.

[0067] The operation of the restraining mechanism 9 as described above is controlled by the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage device 1A. For example, if a sensor (not shown) is provided in the cart storage section 8 and the sensor detects that the cart C has entered a predetermined position in the cart storage section 8 through the cart entrance / exit 69, as shown in Figure 10, the controller 300 (see Figure 1) transitions the pair of arms 93 from a closed state to an open state.

[0068] In addition, the controller 300 (see Figure 1) opens the pair of arms 93 as shown in Figure 9, and then causes the restraint mechanism 9 to restrain the movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 and the horizontal first direction D1, and then causes the storage box 2 to be moved in and out between the conveyor 5 and the cart C through the communication opening 89.

[0069] Furthermore, the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) maintains the state in which the cart C is restrained by the restraining mechanism 9 while the transporter 5 is transferring the storage box 2 between the transporter 5 and the cart C.

[0070] When the transfer operation of the storage box between the transporter 5 and the cart C by the transporter 5 is completed, the controller 300 (see Figure 1) may release the restraint of the cart C by the restraint mechanism 9 and transition the pair of arms 93 from an open state to a closed state. In addition, after the transfer operation of the storage box 2 between the transporter 5 and the cart C by the transporter 5 is completed, if the controller 300 (see Figure 1) receives an input of a command signal from an external source, such as a specified switch provided on the storage device 1A, a remote controller, or a user's smartphone, it may release the restraint of the cart C by the restraint mechanism 9 and transition the pair of arms 93 from the open state to the closed state.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the storage equipment 1A according to this embodiment in the indoor space 100. As shown in Fig. 12, such a storage device 1A is installed in an indoor space 100 such as an office. A plurality of desks 101 are arranged around the storage device 1A in the indoor space 100. A user using one of the plurality of desks 101 stores his / her own items, such as documents, stationery, a notebook PC, a tablet device, etc., in a storage box 2 when the desk 101 is not in use.

[0072] Each user is assigned user identification information such as an identification number in advance. Meanwhile, box identification information such as a two-dimensional barcode is assigned to each of the multiple storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelf 3. The controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage device 1A stores the user identification information assigned to each user and the box identification information assigned to the storage box 2 in association with each other.

[0073] When the items in the storage box 2 are not in use, such as when the desk 101 is not in use, the storage box 2 of the user is stored in the storage shelf 3 of the storage device 1A.

[0074] When a user needs an item in the storage box 2, such as when starting to use the desk 101, the user takes out the storage box 2 stored in the storage device 1A. In taking out the storage box 2, the user has the user identification information assigned to each user read by an identification information reader (not shown) provided in the storage device 1A. The controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage equipment 1A identifies the box identification information associated with the read user identification information. The controller 300 moves the transporter 5 to a position (first position P1) in the storage shelf 3 opposite the storage box 2 that has box identification information associated with the read user identification information in the horizontal second direction D2. At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 pulls out the storage box 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 along the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers it to the conveyor 5.

[0075] Thereafter, the conveyor 5 conveys the loaded storage box 2 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Then, at the second position P2, the conveyor 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers the storage box 2 onto the tray surface 68f of the mounting table 67 through the opening 66. As a result, the user's storage box 2 is placed on the mounting table 67 outside the storage space forming section 6. The user carries the storage box 2 to the desk 101 that they will be using. As a result, the user can work on the desk 101 using the items stored in the storage box 2.

[0076] After the user has finished using the desk 101, the user stores the items that were used on the desk 101 in the storage box 2. The user places the storage box 2 on the tray surface 68f of the mounting table 67 of the storage device 1A. Then, the user has the user identification information assigned to the user read by an identification information reader (not shown) provided in the storage device 1A.

[0077] Then, the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage device 1A moves the conveyor 5 to a second position P2 facing the opening 66 in the horizontal second direction D2. At the second position P2, the conveyor 5 pulls the storage box 2 on the tray surface 68f toward the inside in the horizontal second direction D2, thereby transferring the storage box 2 from the tray 68 onto the conveyor 5 through the opening 66.

[0078] Thereafter, the conveyor 5 conveys the loaded storage box 2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers it from the conveyor 5 onto the shelf portion 32 of the storage shelf 3. As a result, the storage box 2 is stored in the storage shelf 3. In this way, the storage box 2 is completely stored in the storage device 1A.

[0079] Furthermore, when a user transports a storage box 2 on a cart C between the storage device 1A and the desk 101, the user uses a smartphone or the like to transmit user identification information assigned to each user to the controller 300 of the storage device 1A (see Figure 1) via wireless communication using wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, or the like to remove the storage box 2. The controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage equipment 1A identifies the box identification information associated with the transmitted user identification information. The controller 300 (see Figure 1) moves the transporter 5 to a position (first position P1) in the storage shelf 3 opposite the storage box 2, which has box identification information associated with the read user identification information, in the horizontal second direction D2. At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 pulls out the storage box 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 along the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers it to the conveyor 5.

[0080] Thereafter, the conveyor 5 conveys the loaded storage box 2 from the first position P1 to the third position P3. Then, at the third position P3, the conveyor 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers the storage box 2 through the communication opening 89 onto the top panel 202 of the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8. As a result, the user's storage box 2 is transferred to the cart C. The user moves the cart C with the storage box 2 loaded thereon to the desk 101 that the user will use. As a result, the user can work on the desk 101 using the items stored in the storage box 2.

[0081] After the user has finished using the desk 101, the user stores the items that were used on the desk 101 in the storage box 2. The user places the storage box 2 on the top panel 202 of the cart C, then moves the storage box 2 from the desk 101 to the storage device 1A and stores it in the cart storage section 8. At this time, the user uses a smartphone or the like to transmit user identification information assigned to each user to the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage equipment 1A by wireless communication.

[0082] Then, the controller 300 (see FIG. 1) of the storage device 1A restrains the cart C using the restraining mechanism 9. The controller 300 (see FIG. 1) also moves the conveyor 5 to a third position P3 facing the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2. At the third position P3, the conveyor 5 pulls the storage box 2 on the top panel portion 202 of the cart C inward in the second horizontal direction D2, thereby transferring the storage box 2 from the cart C onto the conveyor 5 through the communication opening 89.

[0083] Thereafter, the conveyor 5 conveys the loaded storage box 2 from the third position P3 to the first position P1. At the first position P1, the conveyor 5 pushes the storage box 2 outward in the horizontal second direction D2 and transfers it from the conveyor 5 onto the shelf portion 32 of the storage shelf 3. As a result, the storage box 2 is stored in the storage shelf 3. In this way, the storage box 2 is completely stored in the storage device 1A.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage device 1A includes a storage shelf 3 having a plurality of shelf sections 32 arranged in a vertical direction Dv, each shelf section 32 being capable of storing a plurality of storage boxes 2 capable of storing items arranged in a horizontal first direction D1 parallel to a floor surface F; a transport mechanism 4 arranged adjacent to the storage shelf 3 in a horizontal second direction D2 intersecting the horizontal first direction D1 and the vertical direction Dv, and including a transport device 5 capable of taking the storage boxes 2 stored in the storage shelf 3 in and out of the storage shelf 3 along the horizontal second direction D2 and transporting the storage boxes 2 in the horizontal first direction D1 and the vertical direction Dv; and a storage space forming section 6 that surrounds at least the entire lateral periphery of the storage shelf 3 and the conveying mechanism 4 and forms a storage space S in which the storage shelf 3 and the conveying mechanism 4 are stored. The storage space forming section 6 is provided with a communication opening 89 that connects the inside and outside of the storage space S and allows the storage box 2 to be transferred between the cart C, which can transport the storage box 2 along the floor surface F by the conveying device 5, and the conveying device 5, and the cart C is provided with a restraining mechanism 9 that, when facing the communication opening 89, restrains the movement of the storage box 2 by the conveying device 5 in the horizontal second direction D2 (transfer direction). According to this configuration, the conveyor 5 takes in and out the storage box 2 between the storage shelf 3 and the conveying mechanism 4, and takes in and out the storage box 2 between the cart C and the conveyor 5 through the communication opening 89, which is hassle-free and reduces the physical strain on the user. Furthermore, because the storage boxes 2 are stored on the storage shelves 3, they can be transported by the carrier 5 and stored in low or high places that are difficult to reach, compared to individual storage cabinets, resulting in superior storage efficiency. Because of this superior storage efficiency, the storage device 1A as a whole can be made smaller in size in a plan view, and the layout of the storage device 1A can be more flexible, rather than being limited to a position along the wall of the office space. This also reduces the effort required for users to transport the storage boxes 2 between the storage device 1A and their desks. Furthermore, when the storage box 2 is transferred between the cart C and the conveyor 5 by the conveyor 5, the movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 is restrained by the restraining mechanism 9 while the cart C is facing the communication opening 89, so that when the storage box 2 is transferred between the cart C and the conveyor 5, the position of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 relative to the conveyor 5 can be fixed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive gap from occurring between the cart C and the conveyor 5, and the storage box 2 can be transferred smoothly between the cart C and the conveyor 5. According to this storage equipment 1A, it is possible to increase storage efficiency and improve convenience for users.

[0085] The restraining mechanism 9 is configured to restrain the movement of the cart C in a horizontal first direction D1 (intersecting direction) that intersects with the horizontal second direction D2 within the horizontal plane. According to this configuration, when the storage box 2 is transferred between the cart C and the transporter 5 by the transporter 5, the restraining mechanism 9 restrains the movement of the cart C in the horizontal first direction D1 intersecting the horizontal second direction D2, thereby preventing excessive positional deviation in the horizontal first direction D1 between the cart C and the transporter 5. This allows the storage box 2 to be transferred smoothly between the cart C and the transporter 5.

[0086] In addition, the restraint mechanism 9 is configured to include a movement restriction section 90 that restricts movement of the cart C toward the inside of the horizontal second direction D2 (toward the conveyor 5), and a cart restraint section 91 that restricts movement of the cart C toward the outside of the horizontal second direction D2 (toward the conveyor 5). According to this configuration, the movement restricting unit 90 restricts movement of the cart C toward the conveyor 5 in the horizontal second direction D2, while the cart restraining unit 91 restrains movement of the cart C toward the conveyor 5 in the horizontal second direction D2. As a result, when transferring the storage box 2 between the cart C and the conveyor 5, the position of the cart C relative to the conveyor 5 in the horizontal second direction D2 can be accurately determined, and movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 can be restrained.

[0087] In addition, the cart C has a pair of pillar portions 201f spaced apart in the horizontal first direction D1 and each extending in the vertical direction Dv, and the cart restraint portion 91 is configured to include a pair of arms 93 (pressing members) that press the pair of pillar portions 201f against the movement regulating portion 90 in the horizontal second direction D2. According to this configuration, the pair of arms 93 press the pair of pillar portions 201f against the movement restricting portion 90 in the second horizontal direction D2, thereby restricting the movement of the cart C in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0088] In addition, the pair of arms 93 are arranged at a distance from each other in the horizontal first direction D1, and each has a pair of arms 93 that are rotatable around a rotation axis 931 extending in the vertical direction Dv, and the restraint mechanism 9 is configured so that the pair of arms 93 rotate while each is in contact with the pair of pillar portions 201f, thereby pressing the cart C against the movement restriction portion 90 via the pair of pillar portions 201f. According to this configuration, the pair of arms 93 rotate while being in contact with the pair of pillar portions 201f, and thereby press the cart C against the movement restricting portion 90 via the pair of pillar portions 201f. This makes it possible to restrict movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0089] In addition, each of the pair of arms 93 is configured to have a cross-direction movement regulating portion 98 that restricts movement of the pair of columnar portions 201f in the horizontal first direction D1 while pressing the pair of columnar portions 201f against the movement regulating portion 90 in the horizontal second direction D2. According to this configuration, the cross-direction movement restricting portions 98 provided on each of the pair of arms 93 restrict movement of the pair of columnar portions 201f in the horizontal first direction D1 while pressing the pair of columnar portions 201f against the movement restricting portions 90 in the horizontal second direction D2. This makes it possible to prevent the cart C from shifting in position in the horizontal first direction D1 when the transporter 5 transfers the storage box 2 between the cart C and the transporter 5.

[0090] In addition, the storage device 1A is provided with a cart storage section 8 below the lowest shelf section 32D of the multiple shelf sections 32, which is capable of storing a cart C that can transport a storage box 2 along the floor surface F, and which is connected to the storage space S through a communication opening 89, and the storage space forming section 6 is formed with a cart entrance / exit 69 that connects the inside and outside of the cart storage section 8 and allows the cart C to enter and exit, and the restraint mechanism 9 is configured to restrain the movement of the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 in the horizontal second direction D2. According to this configuration, the storage box 2 can be taken in and out between the carrier 5 in the storage space S and the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 through the communication opening 89. In addition, the storage box 2 can be transported by the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 through the cart entrance / exit 69, thereby reducing the burden on the user of carrying the storage box 2. Moreover, since the cart C can be stored in the cart storage section 8 through the cart entrance / exit 69 when not in use, the indoor space 100 can be used effectively.

[0091] The transporter 5 is configured so that the storage box 2 can be taken in and out of the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 through the communication opening 89 in the second horizontal direction D2. According to this configuration, the directions of the transfer of the storage box 2 between the storage shelf 3 and the transfer mechanism 4 on the transporter 5, and the transfer of the storage box 2 between the storage space S and the cart C through the communication opening 89, are all the horizontal second direction D2. Therefore, the configuration of the transporter 5 for transferring the storage box 2 between the storage shelf 3 and the transfer mechanism 4, and the transfer of the storage box 2 between the storage space S and the cart C through the communication opening 89 can be simplified.

[0092] The storage space forming portion 6 also includes a first wall portion 62a provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 relative to the storage shelf 3, and a protrusion 65 provided on one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 relative to the conveying mechanism 4 and protruding further toward the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 than the first wall portion 62a, and the protrusion 65 is configured to connect the inside and outside of the storage space S at a position different from the communication opening 89, and to have an opening 66 formed therein that allows the storage box 2 conveyed by the conveyor 5 to be taken in and out in the horizontal second direction D2. According to this configuration, the storage box 2 is taken in and out through an opening 66 formed in the protruding portion 65 that protrudes further toward one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 than the first wall portion 62a, so no space is required on the one side D1a in the horizontal first direction D1 relative to the protruding portion 65 to take the storage box 2 in and out, and the space in the indoor space 100 can be used effectively. Moreover, the directions of the transfer of the storage box 2 between the storage shelf 3 and the transfer mechanism 4 on the transfer device 5, and the transfer of the storage box 2 into and out of the storage space S through the opening 66, are all the horizontal second direction D2. Therefore, the configuration of the transfer device 5 for transferring the storage box 2 into and out of the storage space S through the opening 66 can be simplified.

[0093] In addition, the storage device 1A further includes a controller 300 that controls the operation of the restraining mechanism 9, and the controller 300 is configured to restrain the cart C using the restraining mechanism 9 while the transporter 5 is transferring the storage box 2 between the transporter 5 and the cart C. According to this configuration, while the controller 300 is performing the operation of transferring the storage box 2 between the transporter 5 and the cart C by the transporter 5, the restraining mechanism 9 restrains the cart C. As a result, while the transporter 5 is transferring the storage box 2 between the cart C and the transporter 5, the movement of the cart C in the horizontal second direction D2 is restrained, and therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive gap from occurring between the cart C and the transporter 5.

[0094] In addition, the controller 300 is configured to release the restraint of the cart C by the restraining mechanism 9 either when the transfer operation of the storage box 2 between the conveyor 5 and the cart C by the conveyor 5 is completed, or when the transfer operation of the storage box 2 between the conveyor 5 and the cart C by the conveyor 5 is completed and an input of a command signal is received from outside. According to this configuration, when the transfer operation of the storage box 2 by the conveyor 5 between the conveyor 5 and the cart C is completed, or when the transfer operation of the storage box 2 by the conveyor 5 between the conveyor 5 and the cart C is completed and an input of a command signal is received from outside, the controller 300 releases the restraint of the cart C by the restraining mechanism 9. This suppresses positional deviation of the cart C during the transfer operation, and after the transfer operation is completed, if the user wants to withdraw the cart C, the cart C can be withdrawn quickly.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. For example, in the above embodiment, a specific configuration of the restraint mechanism 9 has been described, but the configuration of the restraint mechanism 9 can be changed as appropriate as long as it can perform the required function. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the partition wall 81 is provided as the movement restriction unit 90 that restricts the movement of the cart C in the direction approaching the conveyor 5 in the transfer direction, i.e., inward in the horizontal second direction D2, but this is not limited to this. For example, a stopper or the like that protrudes upward from the floor surface F and restricts the movement of the cart C by hitting the wheels of the cart C may be provided. Furthermore, the movement of the cart C inward in the horizontal second direction D2 may be restricted by a part of the cart C (for example, the top plate portion 202) hitting the partition wall 81 or another stopper or the like that serves as the movement restriction unit 90. Furthermore, the cart restraining unit 91 is configured to press the cart C against the movement restricting unit 90 by the pair of arms 93, but the configuration can be changed as appropriate. For example, the cart storage unit 8 may be provided with an appropriate pusher or the like that presses the outer end of the cart C in the second horizontal direction D2 toward the inner movement restricting unit 90 in the second horizontal direction D2. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pair of arms 93 are inserted inside the pair of columnar portions 201f in the closed state, but the pair of arms 93 may also be positioned on both outsides of the pair of columnar portions 201f in the horizontal first direction D1 in the closed state. In the above-described embodiment, the recesses 98a are formed in the arm 93 as the intersecting direction movement restricting portions 98, but this is not limiting. Instead of the recesses 98a, the arm 93 may be provided with protrusions or a rubber material with a high friction coefficient, as long as the movement of the pair of columnar portions 201f of the cart C in the horizontal first direction D1 can be restricted.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the cart storage unit 8 is configured to be provided below the lowest shelf 32D of the storage shelf 3A on one side in the horizontal second direction D2, but this is not limited to this. The cart storage unit 8 may also be provided below the lowest shelf 32D of the storage shelves 3A, 3B on both sides in the horizontal second direction D2. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the storage box 2 is inserted into and removed from the cart C stored in the cart storage section 8 through the communication opening 89, but the cart storage section 8 may not be configured to insert and remove the storage box 2 through the communication opening 89. In other words, the cart storage section 8 may simply store the cart C. In this case, the user may transfer the storage box 2 that has been placed on the tray 68 through the opening 66 to the cart C by himself.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the cart C is loaded into and unloaded from the cart storage section 8 in the second horizontal direction D2, but this is not limiting. For example, the cart entrance 69 may be formed in the front wall 62 or the rear wall 63, and the cart C may be loaded into and unloaded from the cart storage section 8 in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0098] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the storage shelves 3 are provided on both sides of the transport mechanism 4 in the horizontal second direction D2, but this is not limited to this. The storage shelves 3 may be provided on only one side of the transport mechanism 4 in the horizontal second direction D2.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the openings 66 are provided on both sides of the protruding portion 65 in the horizontal second direction D2, but this is not limiting. The openings 66 may be provided on only one side of the protruding portion 65 in the horizontal second direction D2. In addition, although the protrusion 65 is provided on one side D1a of the storage space forming portion 6 in the horizontal first direction D1, the protrusion 65 may also be provided on one side D1a and the other side D1b of the storage space forming portion 6 in the horizontal first direction D1. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 65 is provided, but this is not limiting. The storage space forming portion 6 may be configured without the protrusion 65. In this case, the opening 66 may be provided in, for example, the side wall portion 61, the front wall portion 62, the rear wall portion 63, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the storage equipment 1A is installed in an indoor space 100 such as an office, but the present invention is not limited to this. The storage equipment 1A may be installed in various facilities such as libraries, hospitals, and schools. In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1A Storage device 2 storage boxes 3, 3A, 3B storage shelf 4. Transport mechanism 5 Conveyor 6 Storage space forming section 8 Cart storage area 9 Restraint mechanism 32 Shelf 32D Bottom shelf 62a First wall 65 Protrusion 66 Aperture 69 Cart Entrance / Exit 89 Communication opening 90 Movement Control Department 91 Cart restraint 93 Arm 931 Rotating shaft 201f Columnar part 300 Controller C Cart F Floor S storage space

Claims

1. a storage shelf including a plurality of shelf sections in a vertical direction, each shelf section being capable of storing a plurality of storage boxes capable of storing articles arranged in a first horizontal direction parallel to a floor surface; a transport mechanism that is disposed adjacent to the storage shelf in a horizontal second direction that intersects the horizontal first direction and the vertical direction, and that is equipped with a transporter that can take the storage box stored in the storage shelf in and out of the storage shelf along the horizontal second direction and can transport the storage box in the horizontal first direction and the vertical direction; a storage space forming section that surrounds at least the entire lateral periphery of the storage shelf and the transport mechanism and forms a storage space in which the storage shelf and the transport mechanism are stored, The storage space forming section has a communication opening that communicates the inside and outside of the storage space and allows the storage box to be transferred between the transporter and a cart that can transport the storage box along the floor surface by the transporter, The cart is held facing the communication opening, and a restraining mechanism is provided to restrain movement of the cart in the transfer direction of the storage box. Storage device.

2. The restraining mechanism restrains the movement of the cart in a direction intersecting the transfer direction within a horizontal plane. The storage device according to claim 1 .

3. The restraint mechanism includes: a movement restriction unit that restricts movement of the cart toward the conveyor in the transfer direction; a cart restraining unit that restrains movement of the cart toward a side away from the conveyor in the transfer direction.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the cart has a pair of columnar portions extending in a vertical direction at an interval in a direction intersecting the transfer direction in a horizontal plane, The cart restraint unit is a pressing member that presses the pair of columnar portions against the movement regulating portion in the transfer direction; The storage device according to claim 3.

5. the pressing member has a pair of arms that are spaced apart in the intersecting direction and are rotatable about rotation axes that extend in the vertical direction, The restraint mechanism rotates the pair of arms in contact with the pair of pillar portions, thereby pressing the cart against the movement restriction portion via the pair of pillar portions. The storage device according to claim 4.

6. a cart storage section that can store a cart capable of transporting the storage box along the floor surface and that communicates with the storage space through the communication opening is provided below the lowest shelf section among the plurality of shelf sections; The storage space forming section is formed with a cart entrance / exit that connects the inside and outside of the cart storage section and allows the cart to enter and exit, The restraining mechanism restrains the movement of the cart housed in the cart housing section in the transfer direction.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The transporter is capable of inserting and removing the storage box into and from the cart stored in the cart storage section through the communication opening in a second horizontal direction. The storage device according to claim 6.

8. The storage space forming portion is a first wall portion provided on one side of the storage shelf in a horizontal first direction; a protrusion provided on one side of the transport mechanism in a horizontal first direction and protruding further toward the one side in the horizontal first direction than the first wall portion, The protrusion has an opening that connects the inside and outside of the storage space at a position different from the communication opening and allows the storage box transported by the transporter to be taken in and out in a second horizontal direction.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a controller for controlling the operation of the restraint mechanism; The controller causes the restraining mechanism to restrain the cart while the transporter is transferring the storage box between the transporter and the cart.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The controller The restraint of the cart by the restraining mechanism is released when the transfer operation of the storage box between the transporter and the cart by the transporter is completed, or when the transfer operation of the storage box between the transporter and the cart by the transporter is completed and an input of a command signal is received from outside.

10. The storage device according to claim 9.

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