Conveyor support device, automatic warehouse system, and conveyor moving method

Abstract

To appropriately move a conveyor in a height direction in an automatic warehouse.SOLUTION: A conveyor support device 70 is mounted to a plurality of roller conveyors 62 during movement of the roller conveyors 62 in an automatic warehouse provided with the roller conveyors 62 arranged to transfer articles between a lifting device and a conveyance vehicle at each of a plurality of stages of shelves. The conveyor support device 70 comprises: a connection part 72 connected to a suspension device; a support part 78 for supporting the roller conveyors 62 from a side opposite to the connection part 72; and an insertion part 81 interposed between the connection part 72 and the support part 78 and inserted between rollers 63 of the roller conveyors 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyor support device, an automated warehouse system, and a conveyor movement method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse equipped with a support member arranged to straddle a pair of storage shelves. The support member includes a first support portion that supports a first suspension device that suspends the transporting cart, and a second support portion that supports a second suspension device that suspends the transporting cart.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a transport vehicle suspended by a first suspension device and a second suspension device can be easily removed downward through a gap between a pair of rail portions.

[0004] Patent document 1 also discloses that a pair of storage shelves has multiple shelf sections arranged in the vertical direction, and that a first conveyor and a second conveyor are provided next to each of the multiple shelf sections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-142668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When assembling an automated warehouse, it is required that these conveyors also be able to move appropriately in the vertical direction.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable appropriate movement of conveyors in the height direction in an automated warehouse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, in an automated warehouse comprising a plurality of shelves, an elevator device that performs at least one of an entry process of moving an item to be stored from a height position for entry to a height position of a tier among the plurality of tiers that corresponds to a storage location, and an unloading process of moving an item to be unloaded from the height position of the tier that corresponds to the storage location to a height position for unloading, a plurality of horizontal rails that are stacked one on top of the other and associated with the tiers and arranged to extend horizontally adjacent to the shelves, a plurality of transport vehicles that run on the corresponding horizontal rails to transport items between the elevator device and the shelves, and a plurality of roller conveyors that are arranged at each tier to transfer items between the elevator device and the transport vehicles, the conveyor support device is attached to the roller conveyor when the roller conveyor is moving, and comprises: a connecting part that is connected to a suspension device, a support part that supports the roller conveyor from the opposite side to the connecting part, and an insertion part that is interposed between the connecting part and the support part and is inserted between the rollers of the roller conveyor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This conveyor support device allows the conveyor to be moved appropriately in the height direction in an automated warehouse. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an automated warehouse system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the loading and unloading portion of the automated warehouse system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the loading and unloading portion of the automated warehouse system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded plan view showing the roller conveyor and the conveyor support device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded side view showing the roller conveyor and the conveyor support device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded front view showing the roller conveyor and the conveyor support device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the support is attached to the roller conveyor. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how the support part is attached to the insertion part. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the support part is attached to the insertion part. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how the suspension device is attached to the connecting portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the roller conveyor is lifted. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the movement path of the roller conveyor. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating how the roller conveyor moves to a predetermined position in the automated warehouse. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating how the posture of the roller conveyor changes from an inclined posture to a horizontal posture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A conveyor support device, an automated warehouse system, and a conveyor movement method according to embodiments will be described below.

[0012] <About the automated warehouse system> FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the automated warehouse system 10, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the loading / unloading portion of the automated warehouse system 10, and FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the loading / unloading portion of the automated warehouse system 10. In each figure, the front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction are shown. The up-to-down direction is the direction along the height direction of the multiple shelves 52 in the automated warehouse 20. The front-to-rear direction is the direction along the traveling direction of the horizontal transport vehicle 40 in the automated warehouse 20. In this traveling direction, the lifting device 30 side is defined as the rear. The left-to-right direction is the direction along the left and right when facing forward along the front-to-rear direction.

[0013] The automated warehouse system 10 includes an automated warehouse 20, a conveyor support device 70 (see FIG. 4), and a suspension device 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0014] The automated warehouse 20 is a warehouse that stores a plurality of articles W in a manner that allows them to be taken in and out. The automated warehouse 20 is equipped with shelves 52 that store the articles W, and a device for moving the articles W between the shelves 52 and the loading and unloading section of the automated warehouse 20. As one of such devices, the automated warehouse 20 is equipped with a transfer device 60 that includes a plurality of roller conveyors 62.

[0015] The conveyor support device 70 and the suspension device 100 are devices for moving the roller conveyor 62 inside and outside the automated warehouse 20 when the roller conveyor 62 is being installed or undergoing maintenance.

[0016] The automated warehouse 20 includes a storage shelf 50, a travel path 48, a lifting device 30, a horizontal transport vehicle 40, and a transfer device 60.

[0017] The storage shelf 50 has multiple tiers of shelves 52 that are supported at intervals in the vertical direction. Each tier of shelves 52 can support and store an item W. Each tier of shelves 52 can also support multiple items W. Therefore, when viewed as a whole, the storage shelf 50 stores multiple items W arranged vertically and horizontally. In the storage shelf 50, the space in which the items W are stored is the storage space.

[0018] In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 20 has two rows of storage shelves 50. A gap is provided between the two storage shelves 50, allowing the horizontal transport vehicle 40 to travel between the two storage shelves 50. Therefore, each storage shelf 50 has multiple storage spaces lined up along the movement direction of the horizontal transport vehicle 40 traveling on the travel path 48. The storage spaces may be continuous without any partitions, or may be partitioned.

[0019] The automated warehouse 20 may be configured to include one storage shelf 50, or may be configured to include three or more storage shelves 50.

[0020] The tracks 48 are arranged vertically in association with the multiple shelves 52. For example, the tracks 48 are associated one-to-one with the multiple shelves 52. The tracks 48 may also be associated with multiple shelves among the multiple shelves 52. For example, the tracks 48 may be associated with every two shelves 52.

[0021] Each of the multiple travel paths 48 extends horizontally adjacent to the shelf 52. In this embodiment, the travel paths 48 extend horizontally between the shelves 52 of the two storage shelves 50. The travel paths 48 extend along the extension direction of the storage shelves 50 and up to the transfer device 60, which will be described later. Each travel path 48 may be configured with, for example, a pair of rails 48a. The rails 48a may also serve as the horizontal frame of the storage shelf 50, or may be configured as separate bodies from the storage shelf 50. One of the pair of rails 48a is adjacent to one storage shelf 50, and the other rail 48a is adjacent to the other storage shelf 50. For this reason, a gap exists between the pair of rails 48a. The travel paths may be in the form of a plate that extends to fill the gap between the two shelves 52. In this case, the travel paths may be removable.

[0022] A lifting device 30 and a transfer device 60 are provided on at least one end side in the extension direction of the storage shelf 50. In this embodiment, the transfer device 60, the lifting device 30, and the conveyor 16 are provided at one end of each of the pair of storage shelves 50. The lifting device 30 is located outside the multiple travel paths 48 in the direction in which the multiple travel paths 48 extend.

[0023] In this embodiment, the transfer device 60, the lifting device 30, and the conveyor 16 are used for both loading and unloading. A separate transfer device, lifting device, and conveyor may be provided at the other end of each of the pair of storage shelves. In this case, the transfer device, lifting device, and conveyor may be divided into those for loading and those for unloading at one end and the other end of the storage shelf 50.

[0024] The transfer device 60 is also called a temporary storage shelf, and is a device that relays articles between the lifting device 30 and the horizontal transport vehicle 40. The transfer device 60 has multiple roller conveyors 62 corresponding to each of the multiple shelf levels. The multiple roller conveyors 62 are installed adjacent to the storage shelf 50 at the same height as the corresponding shelf 52. The roller conveyors 62 have multiple rollers 63 (see FIG. 4). Here, the roller conveyors 62 are configured to move the articles W along the conveying direction by rotating motors built into the rollers 63. The articles W on the roller conveyor 62 may be configured to be pushed along the conveying direction by a pusher driven by a separately provided actuator such as a cylinder. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 installed corresponding to each shelf level can transfer the articles W to the roller conveyor 62 and shelf 52 at that shelf level.

[0025] The lifting device 30 is a device that performs at least one of an entry lifting process that moves an item W to be stored from a height position for storage to a height position corresponding to a storage location, and an outgoing lifting process that moves an item W to be unloaded from a height position corresponding to a storage location to a height position for unloading. The lifting device 30 may also be called a reservoir.

[0026] That is, it is assumed that the loading and unloading operations for the automated warehouse 20 are set at a position that makes it easy for workers to perform the loading and unloading operations. The storage shelves 50 store the items W divided into upper and lower shelves 52 so that a large number of items W can be stored. Therefore, the lifting device 30 moves the items W up and down to perform at least one of the loading and unloading lifting process and the unloading and unloading lifting process.

[0027] In this embodiment, the lifting device 30 is located at one end of the storage shelf 50 and performs both the storage lifting process and the retrieval lifting process.

[0028] More specifically, the lifting device 30 includes a column 31, a lifting platform 32, and a lifting drive mechanism .

[0029] The pillar 31 is a long member installed in a vertical position along the direction of gravity. The pillar 31 may be located, for example, between the pair of storage shelves 50. This makes it difficult for the pillar 31 to protrude outward in the direction in which the pair of storage shelves 50 are lined up, thereby reducing the installation space required for the automated warehouse 20. The pillar 31 supports the lifting platform 32 so that it can be raised and lowered.

[0030] The lifting platform 32 moves up and down along the columns 31 while supporting the article W. The lifting platform 32 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers. The rollers are rotatably supported in parallel arrangement by, for example, a frame. The article W can be moved along the conveying direction by driving a motor built into the roller. The article W on the lifting platform may be pushed along the conveying direction by a pusher driven by a separately provided actuator such as a cylinder.

[0031] The lifting drive mechanism 34 includes a drive source 34a and a lifting mechanism. The drive source 34a is a power source that generates a driving force for raising and lowering the lifting platform 32. The lifting mechanism is a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the drive source 34a as a force for raising and lowering the lifting platform 32. For example, the drive source 34a is an electric motor. Furthermore, for example, the lifting mechanism is a mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the electric motor as a linear reciprocating motion for raising and lowering the lifting platform 32. More specifically, the lifting mechanism may include a pair of pulleys and a circulating belt wound around the pair of pulleys. The pulleys may be driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions by the drive source 34a, thereby raising and lowering the lifting platform 32, which is connected midway along the circulating belt.

[0032] The drive source 34a is required to be attached to the lower part of the column 31 from the viewpoint of the gravity balance of the lifting device 30 and ease of maintenance.

[0033] By driving the lifting drive mechanism 34, the lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered to a position adjacent to the transfer device 60 and corresponding to each of the plurality of roller conveyors 62. By positioning the lifting platform 32 at a height corresponding to one of the roller conveyors 62, the article W can be transferred by moving horizontally between the lifting platform 32 and the roller conveyor 62.

[0034] The conveyor 16 is located on the opposite side of the lifting device 30 from the transfer device 60. The lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered to a position corresponding to the conveyor 16. When the lifting platform 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to the conveyor 16, the article W can be transferred by moving horizontally between the lifting platform 32 and the conveyor 16. The conveyor 16 may be installed as an incoming conveyor and an outgoing conveyor, separated into upper and lower conveyors. In this case, when the lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered to a position corresponding to the incoming conveyor, the article W is transferred from the conveyor 16 to the lifting platform 32. When the lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered to a position corresponding to the outgoing conveyor, the article W is transferred from the lifting platform 32 to the conveyor 16.

[0035] A plurality of horizontal transport vehicles 40 are provided corresponding to the plurality of travel paths 48. The plurality of horizontal transport vehicles 40 each travel on the travel path 48 to transfer an article W between the lifting device 30 and the shelf 52. The horizontal transport vehicles 40 are also called pickers or dollies.

[0036] In this embodiment, the horizontal transport vehicle 40 is equipped with an article loading / unloading mechanism 42 that loads and unloads articles W onto and from the shelves 52 and the roller conveyor 62. The article loading / unloading mechanism 42 has a pair of arms that can move in and out relative to the shelves 52 and the roller conveyor 62. The pair of arms can move in and out relative to both of the two storage shelves 50. A pair of claws is provided on the leading end of the pair of arms in the advancing direction and on the front side of the leading end. Note that if the advancing direction of the pair of arms is reversed, the positional relationship between the leading end and the front side of the leading end of the pair of claws may be reversed. By advancing the pair of arms with the pair of claws front of the leading end protruding, the article W on the horizontal transport vehicle is pushed toward the shelves 52 or the roller conveyor 62. With the pair of arms advanced, the pair of claws at the leading end protrude, and then the pair of arms are retracted. As a result, the article W on the shelves 52 or the roller conveyor 62 is pulled toward the horizontal transport vehicle 40. As a result, the article W is moved between the horizontal transport vehicle 40 and the shelf 52 or the roller conveyor 62. The article W is taken in and out of the shelf 52 from the running path 48 side. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 traveling on the running path 48 can take in and out the article W from both of the pair of storage shelves 50.

[0037] Similarly, the horizontal transport vehicle 40 can load and unload the item W to and from the transfer device 60. As described above, the transfer device 60 can transfer the item W to the lifting device 30. Therefore, the horizontal transport vehicle 40 transfers the item W to the lifting device 30 via the transfer device 60. The horizontal transport vehicle 40 may also transfer the item W directly to the lifting device 30.

[0038] When the travel path 48 is provided corresponding to a plurality of shelves 52, the horizontal transport vehicle 40 may transfer the article W to the plurality of shelves 52 and the roller conveyor 62. In this case, the travel path 48 may be provided with a plurality of article loading / unloading mechanisms 42 in the vertical direction.

[0039] In the automated warehouse 20, it may be necessary for the roller conveyor 62 of the transfer device 60 to move between a predetermined position within the automated warehouse 20 and a position outside the automated warehouse 20. The request for such movement occurs, for example, when the automated warehouse 20 is being assembled or when maintenance is being performed.

[0040] In this embodiment, a conveyor support device 70 and a suspension device 100 are provided to enable the roller conveyor 62 to be moved appropriately inside and outside the automated warehouse 20. The roller conveyor 62, the conveyor support device 70, and the suspension device 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is an exploded plan view showing the roller conveyor 62 and the conveyor support device 70. Fig. 5 is an exploded side view showing the roller conveyor 62 and the conveyor support device 70. Fig. 6 is an exploded front view showing the roller conveyor 62 and the conveyor support device 70.

[0041] <Roller conveyor> The roller conveyor 62 includes a plurality of rollers 63, vertical frames 64, horizontal frames 65, and a belt 66. The rollers 63 are arranged at intervals along the front-to-rear direction. The vertical frames 64 extend along the front-to-rear direction. A pair of the vertical frames 64 are provided at an interval in the left-to-right direction. The horizontal frame 65 extends in the left-to-right direction and connects the pair of vertical frames 64.

[0042] Each of the rollers 63 includes a roller body 63a and a shaft 63b. The roller body 63a and the shaft 63b extend in the left-right direction. Both ends of the shaft 63b are supported by a pair of vertical frames 64 so that the roller body 63a can rotate.

[0043] Here, some of the multiple rollers 63 are drive rollers rotated by a motor, and others are passive rollers rotated by the rotation of the drive rollers. The rotation of the drive rollers is transmitted to the passive rollers by a belt 66. Specifically, a pair of circumferential grooves 63c spaced apart in the left-right direction is formed at one longitudinal end of the roller body 63a. One belt 66 is wound around one of the pair of circumferential grooves 63c and the circumferential groove 63c of the adjacent roller body 63a. Another belt 66 is wound around the other of the pair of circumferential grooves 63c and the circumferential groove 63c of the adjacent roller body 63a. In this way, the multiple belts 66 alternately connect adjacent rollers 63, transmitting the rotation of the drive rollers to the passive rollers.

[0044] Here, the roller conveyor 62 is equipped with a pair of guide rails 67A, 67B. The pair of guide rails 67A, 67B extend in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of guide rails 67A, 67B are arranged with a gap in the left-to-right direction. The pair of guide rails 67A, 67B have portions that protrude above the roller conveyor 62, and these portions guide the lower part of the article W moving on the roller conveyor 62. The article W is guided by the guide rails 67A, 67B to prevent it from falling off the roller conveyor 62.

[0045] One guide rail 67A of the pair of guide rails 67A, 67B is provided along the front-rear direction over the entire roller conveyor 62. The other guide rail 67B of the pair of guide rails 67A, 67B is provided along the front-rear direction partially at one end of the roller conveyor 62. The roller conveyor 62 in the automated warehouse 20 is arranged so that the side on which the guide rail 67B is provided along the front-rear direction faces the lifting device 30, and the side on which the guide rail 67B is not provided faces the shelf 52. The roller conveyor 62 in the automated warehouse 20 is also arranged so that the side on which the guide rail 67B is provided along the left-right direction faces the horizontal transport vehicle 40. The portion next to the guide rail 67B along the front-rear direction and on which the guide rail 67B is not provided is used as a portion where articles W are transferred between the horizontal transport vehicle 40 and the roller conveyor 62.

[0046] For example, in the automated warehouse 20, pillars 68 extending in the vertical direction are located at each of the four corners of the roller conveyor 62. The roller conveyor 62 may be supported by the four pillars 68. For example, the pillars 68 may be provided with fixing brackets 69 (see FIG. 13 ) that protrude from the pillars 68 in the left-right or front-rear direction. The roller conveyor 62 may be supported and fixed to the fixing brackets 69. Of the four pillars 68, two pillars 68 on the shelf side may support both the shelf 52 and the roller conveyor 62.

[0047] <Hanging device> The suspension device 100 includes a suspension unit 102 and a movement mechanism 104. The suspension device 100 may be any of various known crane devices.

[0048] The hanging part 102 is detachably connected to the support 71. The hanging part 102 is a part called a hook, and has a ring-shaped shape with a part that is open. The open part is preferably closed with a metal fitting such as a latch. The hanging part 102 is detachably connected to the support 71 by being hooked onto the ring of the support 71.

[0049] The movement mechanism 104 moves the position of the hanging part 102 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The movement mechanism 104 moves the position of the hanging part 102 in the horizontal direction. For example, the movement mechanism 104 has a cord-like body connected to the hanging part 102, a vertical movement mechanism that moves the cord-like body mainly in the vertical direction, and a horizontal movement mechanism that moves the cord-like body mainly in the horizontal direction. The vertical movement mechanism may be, for example, a winding and reeling device that winds up and reeles out the cord-like body.

[0050] The suspension device 100 may be fixed to the automated warehouse 20 and permanently installed. The suspension device 100 may also be any of various known non-mobile crane devices. In this case, the horizontal movement mechanism may include, for example, a rail installed on the frame of the automated warehouse 20 or the ceiling of a room in which the automated warehouse 20 is installed, and a slider that moves along the rail. The slider may be configured to be moved directly by the hand of an operator, or may be configured to move automatically.

[0051] The suspension device 100 may be movable relative to the automated warehouse 20. In this case, the suspension device 100 may be a mobile crane (such as a truck crane or a wheel crane) in which a crane device is incorporated into a vehicle. The horizontal movement mechanism may be, for example, an arm (also called a jib) or a trolley of a crane device that moves the middle part of the cord-like body or the hoisting and payout device.

[0052] <Conveyor support device> The conveyor support device 70 includes a support 71. In the automated warehouse 20 including the roller conveyor 62, the support 71 is attached to the roller conveyor 62 when the roller conveyor 62 moves. The roller conveyor 62 is suspended and supported via the support 71.

[0053] The support device 71 includes a connecting portion 72, a supporting portion 78, and an inserting portion 81. The connecting portion 72 is connected to the suspension device 100. The supporting portion 78 supports the roller conveyor 62 from the side opposite to the connecting portion 72. The inserting portion 81 is interposed between the connecting portion 72 and the supporting portion 78. The inserting portion 81 is inserted between the rollers 63 of the roller conveyor 62. The support device 71 further includes a supporting frame portion 83. The supporting frame portion 83 is interposed between the connecting portion 72 and the inserting portion 81 and extends along the roller conveyor 62.

[0054] The connecting portion 72 has one first connecting portion 73 and multiple second connecting portions 74. The first connecting portion 73 is connected to the suspension device 100. Here, the first connecting portion 73 is formed in a ring shape. The multiple second connecting portions 74 extend in different directions from each other from the first connecting portion 73. The multiple second connecting portions 74 are disposed in a dispersed manner with respect to the roller conveyor 62. Here, four second connecting portions 74 are provided. The four second connecting portions 74 are provided at the four corner positions of a rectangle.

[0055] Each second connecting portion 74 has a cord 75a, a hook 75b, and a ring 75c. One end of the cord 75a is attached to the first connecting portion 73. The hook 75b is attached to the other end of the cord 75a. The cord 75a is, for example, a chain-like or belt-like member. Here, one end of the cord 75a is fixed to the ring-shaped first connecting portion 73. Here, the cord 75a is a belt-like member whose length is adjustable. The ring 75c is fixed to the support frame portion 83. The ring 75c is formed integrally with a portion fixed to the support frame portion 83. Such a ring 75c is also called an eyebolt or eye nut. The hook 75b and the ring 75c are detachably connected. The hook 75b may be fixed to the support frame portion 83, and the ring 75c may be attached to the other end of the cord 75a.

[0056] Here, the two second connecting portions 74 located on one side in the left-right direction have extension bars 75d. The extension bars 75d are interposed between a ring 75c fixed to the support frame portion 83 and a hook 75b at one end of the cord-like body 75a, and are members that increase the length of the second connecting portions 74. The extension bar 75d has a bar main body 75e, a connector 75f provided at one end of the bar main body 75e, and a ring 75g provided at the other end of the bar main body 75e. The connector 75f is connected to the ring 75c fixed to the support frame portion 83. The hook 75b of the cord-like body 75a is detachably connected to the ring 75g.

[0057] Here, the connecting portion 72 further includes a third connecting portion 76. The third connecting portion 76 is provided separately from the second connecting portion 74, and is interposed between the first connecting portion 73 and the support frame portion 83. The third connecting portion 76 includes a connecting base portion 76a and a length adjustment mechanism 77 that can change the length.

[0058] The connecting base portion 76a is fixed to the support frame portion 83. The connecting base portion 76a is formed in a plate shape. A through hole 76h is formed in the connecting base portion 76a.

[0059] The length adjustment mechanism 77 includes a pair of hooks 77a, 77b, a cord-like member 77c connected to one of the pair of hooks 77a, 77b, a base 77d connected to the other of the pair of hooks 77a, 77b, and a rotor 77e rotatably supported on the base 77d. The cord-like member 77c is supported on the rotor 77e so that the length between the hook 77a and the rotor 77e (hereinafter referred to as the effective length) can be changed. An intermediate portion of the cord-like member 77c is wound around the rotor 77e. By rotating the rotor 77e, the position at which the cord-like member 77c is supported by the rotor 77e along the longitudinal direction changes. This allows the effective length of the cord-like member 77c to be changed.

[0060] For example, the length adjustment mechanism 77 has a lever 77f that rotates a rotor 77e. A support shaft of the lever 77f is connected to the rotor 77e via a ratchet mechanism. By switching the ratchet mechanism, the reciprocating operation of the lever 77f is transmitted as a force that rotates the rotor 77e. In other words, the effective length of the cord-like member 77c can be changed by the operator's operation of the lever.

[0061] The length adjustment mechanism 77 may be what is called a lever block (registered trademark) or a lever hoist. The length adjustment mechanism 77 may be what is called a chain block or a chain hoist. The length adjustment mechanism 77 may be electrically operated to change the effective length of the cord-like member 77c.

[0062] The length dimension from the first connecting portion 73 to one of the plurality of second connecting portions 74 is different from the length dimension from the first connecting portion 73 to the other second connecting portion 74 so that the roller conveyor 62 is in an inclined position when suspended from the suspension device 100. Here, the length of the second connecting portion 74 provided with the extension bar 75d is longer than the length of the second connecting portion 74 not provided with the extension bar 75d. In the inclined position, the roller conveyor 62 is inclined so that the second connecting portion 74 side provided with the extension bar 75d is on the bottom and the second connecting portion 74 side not provided with the extension bar 75d is on the top.

[0063] Here, an extension bar 75d is provided on one side along the left-right direction, and no extension bar 75d is provided on the other side. As a result, the length over two of the four second connecting portions 74 located on one side along the direction in which the rollers 63 extend is longer than the length over two second connecting portions 74 located on the other side. The roller conveyor 62 is inclined so that one side along the left-right direction is upper and the other side is lower. This inclined position is particularly effective when the roller conveyor 62 enters and leaves the automated warehouse 20 along the front-rear direction. The roller conveyor 62 may also be inclined so that one side along the front-rear direction is upper and the other side is lower. This inclined position is particularly effective when the roller conveyor 62 enters and leaves the automated warehouse 20 along the left-right direction.

[0064] The operator can change the orientation of the roller conveyor 62 by operating the length adjustment mechanism 77. The length adjustment mechanism 77 changes the effective length of the cord-like body 77c, thereby changing the orientation of the roller conveyor 62 between a horizontal orientation and an inclined orientation. Specifically, the connecting base portion 76a of the third connecting portion 76 is located midway between the two rings 75c on the side where the extension bar 75d is provided, along the front-rear direction. When the third connecting portion 76 is sufficiently long, tension during suspension of the roller conveyor 62 is applied not to the third connecting portion 76 but to the second connecting portion 74 on which the extension bar 75d is provided. As a result, the roller conveyor 62 is supported in an inclined orientation by the two second connecting portions 74 on which the extension bar 75d is provided and the two second connecting portions 74 on which the extension bar 75d is not provided (see FIG. 11). In an inclined orientation, the roller conveyor 62 is supported at four points.

[0065] When the tension applied to the roller conveyor 62 during suspension is applied to the second connecting portion 74 provided with the extension bar 75d rather than the third connecting portion 76, if the length of the third connecting portion 76 (effective length of the cord-like member 77c) is shortened, when the length of the third connecting portion 76 reaches the first length, the tension applied to the roller conveyor 62 during suspension is transferred from the second connecting portion 74 provided with the extension bar 75d to the third connecting portion 76. Thereafter, by shortening the length of the third connecting portion 76, the angle of the inclined posture of the roller conveyor 62 gradually approaches the horizontal posture. Then, when the length of the third connecting portion 76 reaches the second length, the posture of the roller conveyor 62 changes from the inclined posture to the horizontal posture (see FIG. 14). When in the horizontal posture, the roller conveyor 62 is supported at three points.

[0066] The first connecting portion 73 of the support 71 and the cord-like member 75a and hook 75b of the second connecting portion 74 are basically used as a single unit and are not detached from each other. Hereinafter, this unit may be referred to as a connecting unit U1. The connecting unit U1 may also be referred to as a belt sling.

[0067] The support frame portion 83 includes a pair of vertical frame portions 84 extending in the direction in which the multiple rollers 63 are lined up (front-rear direction), and a pair of horizontal frame portions 85 extending in the direction in which the rollers 63 extend (left-right direction). The pair of vertical frame portions 84 are positioned at a distance from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of horizontal frame portions 85 are positioned at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The pair of vertical frame portions 84 and the pair of horizontal frame portions 85 are arranged to form a lattice. Each vertical frame portion 84 connects the pair of horizontal frame portions 85. Each vertical frame portion 84 protrudes outward beyond the pair of horizontal frame portions 85 in the front-rear direction. Each horizontal frame portion 85 connects the pair of vertical frame portions 84. Each horizontal frame portion 85 protrudes outward beyond the pair of vertical frame portions 84 in the left-right direction.

[0068] A member including the vertical frame portion 84 and a member including the horizontal frame portion 85 are provided as separate members. The vertical frame portion 84 is formed, for example, of a square pipe. The horizontal frame portion 85 is formed, for example, by connecting a pair of plate-like members 86 and one pillar-like member 87. The pair of plate-like members 86 are arranged at a distance in the front-rear direction. The pillar-like member 87 is located between the pair of plate-like members 86 along the front-rear direction. The pair of plate-like members 86 and the one pillar-like member 87 are fixed by bolts fastened in the front-rear direction. The bolt fastening points are provided at multiple locations in the left-right direction. For example, the plate-like members 86 may be metal plates, and the pillar-like members 87 may be made of rubber or the like.

[0069] Here, the vertical frame portion 84 and the horizontal frame portion 85 are fixed so that the horizontal frame portion 85 is located on the lower side (the roller conveyor 62 side). For example, the lower surface of the square pipe of the vertical frame portion 84 may be fastened with a bolt to the horizontal frame portion 85 below. The head of the bolt may be located inside the square pipe. A through hole may be formed in the upper surface of the square pipe to allow access to the head of the bolt.

[0070] The four rings 75c of the second connecting portion 74 are fixed to the horizontal frame portion 85. The rings 75c are fixed so as to protrude upward from the horizontal frame portion 85.

[0071] The length of the horizontal frame portion 85 is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the pair of guide rails 67A, 67B. By disposing the horizontal frame portion 85 between the pair of guide rails 67A, 67B, the support device 71 is positioned in the left-right direction with respect to the roller conveyor 62 in a state where it is attached to the roller conveyor 62.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5, one insertion portion 81 has a pair of insertion pieces 82 that are inserted into one roller 63 on both sides. As shown in Fig. 6, an engagement hole 82h is formed in each insertion piece 82. The insertion piece 82 has a base portion 82a located between the rollers 63 and a protruding portion 82b that protrudes downward from the base portion 82a. The protruding portion 82b protrudes downward further than the rollers 63. The engagement hole 82h is formed in the protruding portion 82b.

[0073] 6, a recess 82c is formed in the base portion 82a. The recess 82c is formed at a position corresponding to the circumferential groove 63c and the belt 66. Due to the presence of the recess 82c, the insertion portion 81 is not provided at a position corresponding to the belt 66. This prevents the insertion portion 81 from interfering with the belt 66.

[0074] The support part 78 is engaged with and fixed to the insertion part 81 that is inserted between the rollers 63. The support part 78 can be attached to the insertion part 81 without using any tools. Here, the support part 78 includes a stopper 79 and a stopper fixing tool 80. The stopper 79 and the stopper fixing tool 80 are separate members. The stopper 79 and the stopper fixing tool 80 are detachable from the support part 78.

[0075] The stopper 79 has a main plate portion and a pair of ribs protruding from both edges of the main plate portion. The stopper 79 is formed in the shape of a curved plate material. The stopper 79 is formed in the shape of a gutter. A pair of through holes 79h are formed in the stopper 79. The protruding portions 82b of the pair of insertion pieces 82 are inserted into the pair of through holes 79h.

[0076] The stopper fastener 80 passes through the pair of insertion pieces 82. The stopper fastener 80 is formed in the shape of a bent rod. The stopper fastener 80 has a straight penetration portion and a pair of engagement portions that extend in a curved manner from both ends of the penetration portion. One of the pair of engagement portions is inserted into the engagement hole 82h in turn. With the penetration portion passing through the engagement holes 82h of the pair of insertion pieces 82, the engagement portion catches on and engages with the peripheral edge of the engagement hole 82h. This causes the stopper fastener 80 to be attached to the insertion portion 81, and therefore the support portion 78 to be fixed to the insertion portion 81.

[0077] Protruding portions 82b and supporting portions 78 are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of second connecting portions 74. Here, four sets of protruding portions 82b and supporting portions 78 are provided to correspond to the four second connecting portions 74. The four sets of protruding portions 82b and supporting portions 78 are arranged at positions corresponding to the four corners of the square. The protruding portions 82b and supporting portions 78 are located below each ring 75c.

[0078] An insertion portion 81 and a support frame portion 83 are provided on one frame member. Here, the horizontal frame portion 85 and the insertion portion 81 are integral. The portion of the plate-like member 86 that constitutes the horizontal frame portion 85 that protrudes downward beyond the columnar member 87 is the insertion portion 81. One horizontal frame portion 85 shares a common base portion 82a. Two protruding portions 82b, spaced apart in the left-right direction, protrude from the common base portion 82a. The thickness of the plate-like member 86 is the same as or smaller than the distance between adjacent rollers 63.

[0079] The insertion portion 81, the support frame portion 83, and the ring 75c and extension bar 75d of the second connecting portion 74 of the support tool 71 are basically used as a single unit without being detached from each other. Hereinafter, this unit may be referred to as the upper unit U2. The connecting unit U1 and the support portion 78 of the support tool 71 are detachably attached to the upper unit U2. The upper unit U2 is placed from above on the roller conveyor 62. The support portion 78 is detachably attached to a portion of the upper unit U2 that protrudes below the roller conveyor 62 from the bottom side of the roller conveyor 62. The connecting unit U1 is detachably attached to a portion of the upper unit U2 that protrudes below the roller conveyor 62 from the top side of the roller conveyor 62. Note that the connecting unit U1 and the upper unit U2 may basically be used without being detached from each other to form a single unit.

[0080] Here, the support 71 is provided with a handle 88 and a hooking projection 89 .

[0081] The handles 88 are fixed to the upper unit U2. An operator grasps the handles 88 to lift or carry the upper unit U2. Here, the handles 88 are provided in four locations. Here, two handles 88 are provided on each of the pair of vertical frame portions 84. The handles 88 protrude upward from the top surfaces of the vertical frame portions 84. Two handles 88 are located on one vertical frame portion 84 between the connection portions with the pair of horizontal frame portions 85. The handles 88 are located at positions on the vertical frame portions 84 adjacent to the connection portions with the horizontal frame portions 85.

[0082] The hooking protrusions 89 are provided for hooking the ring 75g provided at the tip of the extension bar 75d. This supports the extension bar 75d and prevents it from dangling when not in use. Here, the hooking protrusions 89 are provided in two locations. Here, two hooking protrusions 89 are provided on one of the pair of vertical frame portions 84. In the left-right direction, the extension bar 75d is provided on one of the two second connecting portions 74, and the hooking protrusion 89 is provided on the vertical frame portion 84 closer to the second connecting portion 74 on which the extension bar 75d is provided. The hooking protrusions 89 protrude upward from the top surface of the vertical frame portion 84. The two hooking protrusions 89 are located between the two handles 88 in the front-rear direction. The hooking protrusions 89 are located on the vertical frame portion 84 at a position adjacent to the handle 88. The third connecting portion 76 is located between the two hooking projections 89 .

[0083] Here, the conveyor support device 70 includes a mounting base 90 for mounting the support tool 71 on the roller conveyor 62 .

[0084] The mounting base 90 includes a frame, a positioning post 96, a positioning bracket 97, and wheels 98. Here, the frame includes a pair of upper vertical frames 91, one lower vertical frame 92, a pair of upper horizontal frames 93, a pair of lower horizontal frames 94, and two pairs of vertical frames 95.

[0085] The upper vertical frame 91 and the lower vertical frame 92 each extend in the front-to-rear direction. The upper vertical frame 91 and the lower vertical frame 92 are arranged spaced apart in the up-down direction. The pair of upper vertical frames 91 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. One lower vertical frame 92 is arranged between the pair of upper vertical frames 91 in the left-right direction.

[0086] The upper horizontal frame 93 and the lower horizontal frame 94 each extend in the left-right direction. The upper horizontal frame 93 and the lower horizontal frame 94 are arranged spaced apart in the up-down direction. The pair of upper horizontal frames 93 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. Both ends of the pair of upper vertical frames 91 are connected to the pair of upper horizontal frames 93. The pair of lower horizontal frames 94 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. Both ends of one lower vertical frame 92 are connected to the pair of lower horizontal frames 94.

[0087] The vertical frames 95 extend in the up-down direction. The two pairs of vertical frames 95 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. One end of each of the two pairs of vertical frames 95 is connected to a pair of upper horizontal frames 93, and the other end is connected to a pair of lower horizontal frames 94.

[0088] A positioning post 96 protrudes upward from one end of each of the pair of upper horizontal frames 93. A positioning bracket 97 connects the other ends of each of the pair of upper horizontal frames 93. Wheels 98 protrude downward from the four corners of the lower part of the frame. The wheels 98 are also called casters. The wheels 98 may or may not have a locking mechanism.

[0089] The top surfaces of the upper vertical frames 91 and the upper horizontal frames 93 are at the same height. The top surfaces of the upper vertical frames 91 and the upper horizontal frames 93 serve as support surfaces on which the roller conveyor 62 is placed. The distance between the pair of upper horizontal frames 93 in the front-to-rear direction is smaller than the length of the roller conveyor 62 in the front-to-rear direction. The insertion portion 81 is inserted between the rollers 63 located outside the pair of upper horizontal frames 93 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0090] The mounting base 90, the roller conveyor 62, and the upper unit U2 may be provided with marks for alignment along the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the marks include a first mark M1 and a second mark M2. The first mark M1 is a mark for alignment along the front-to-rear direction between the mounting base 90 and the roller conveyor 62. The first mark M1 is provided on the mounting base 90 and the roller conveyor 62. The second mark M2 is a mark for alignment along the front-to-rear direction between the roller conveyor 62 and the upper unit U2. The second mark M2 is provided on the roller conveyor 62 and the upper unit U2. Each mark M1, M2 may be a sticker or painted. The multiple marks M1, M2 have different appearances that allow them to be visually distinguished from one another. For example, the multiple marks M1, M2 have different colors or shapes. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the marks are provided in positions that are visible in a side view, but they may also be provided in positions that are visible in a plan view.

[0091] <Conveyor movement method> The conveyor movement method will be described in more detail below. Here, the movement of the roller conveyor 62 during assembly of the automated warehouse 20 will be described as an example. The conveyor movement method includes an installation step and a movement step.

[0092] <Installation process> The mounting process is a process of mounting the support device 71 on the roller conveyor 62. Here, the mounting process includes a process of inserting the insertion portion 81 between the rollers 63, a process of providing the support portion 78 on one side of the insertion portion 81, and a process of providing the connecting portion 72 on the other side of the insertion portion 81. The mounting process will be described with further reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the support device 71 is mounted on the roller conveyor 62. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how the support portion 78 is mounted on the insertion portion 81. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6, and corresponds to an enlarged cross-sectional view of region R in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support portion 78 is mounted on the insertion portion 81. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how the suspension device 100 is mounted on the connecting portion 72.

[0093] First, as shown in Fig. 7, the worker places the roller conveyor 62 to be moved on the mounting base 90. The roller conveyor 62 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the mounting base 90. For example, in the left-right direction, the end of the roller conveyor 62 located on the horizontal transport vehicle 40 side (the end on the side where the guide rail 67B is provided) is positioned so as to contact the positioning post 96. In addition, in the front-rear direction, the roller conveyor 62 is positioned so that the first marks M1 are aligned with each other.

[0094] The mounting base 90 can be easily moved to any position by means of wheels 98. When assembling a plurality of roller conveyors 62, the plurality of roller conveyors 62 before assembly can be placed together in one container. In this case, the mounting base 90 may be placed next to the container. This makes it easy to transfer the roller conveyors 62 from the container to the mounting base 90.

[0095] Next, the worker places the upper unit U2 of the support tool 71 on the roller conveyor 62. For example, the worker grips the handle 88 and places the upper unit U2 on the roller conveyor 62. The worker inserts the insertion portion 81 of the upper unit U2, which has a pair of insertion pieces 82, between the rollers 63. At this time, the upper unit U2 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the roller conveyor 62 so that the insertion portion 81 is inserted at a predetermined position. For example, in the left-right direction, the horizontal frame 65 is positioned so as to be located between the guide rails 67A and 67B of the roller conveyor 62. In addition, in the front-rear direction, the horizontal frame 65 is positioned so as to be located between the guide rails 67A and 67B of the roller conveyor 62. Furthermore, the horizontal frame 65 is positioned so as to be located between the guide rails 67A and 67B of the roller conveyor 62. In addition ...

[0096] Next, as shown in FIG. 8 , the support portion 78 is attached to the insertion portion 81. First, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 8 , the worker inserts the protruding portions 82b at the tip ends of the pair of insertion pieces 82 into the pair of through holes 79h of the stopper 79. Next, as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 8 , the worker moves the stopper 79 to a position above the engagement holes 82h of the pair of insertion pieces 82. Once the stopper 79 reaches a position above the engagement holes 82h as shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 8 , the worker then inserts the stopper fastener 80 into the engagement holes 82h of the pair of insertion pieces 82, as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 8 . One end of the stopper fastener 80 passes through the two engagement holes 82h, and the support portion 78 is attached to the insertion portion 81, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 9 .

[0097] After the support parts 78 have been attached to all four insertion parts 81, the worker then attaches the connecting unit U1 and the length adjustment mechanism 77 to the upper unit U2 as shown in FIG.

[0098] Two of the four hooks 75b of the connecting unit U1 are hooked onto rings 75c provided on the horizontal frame 65, as shown by arrow A4 in Fig. 10. The remaining two of the four hooks 75b of the connecting unit U1 are hooked onto rings 75g provided on the tip of the extension bar 75d, as shown by arrow A5 in Fig. 10. When all four hooks 75b of the connecting unit U1 are hooked onto the rings 75c and 75g, the attachment of the connecting unit U1 to the upper unit U2 is completed.

[0099] As shown by arrow A6 in FIG. 10, a hook 77a at one end of the length adjustment mechanism 77 is hooked onto a through-hole 76h in the connecting base portion 76a of the third connecting portion 76. As shown by arrow A7 in FIG. 10, a hook 77b at the other end of the length adjustment mechanism 77 is hooked onto the first connecting portion 73 of the connecting unit U1. In the length adjustment mechanism 77, the effective length of the cord-like body 77c is set to a length at which the roller conveyor 62 is in an inclined position when suspended (a length at which the third connecting portion 76 is longer than the second length). As a result, tension when the roller conveyor 62 is suspended is not applied to the third connecting portion 76 but to the second connecting portion 74 on which the extension bar 75d is provided. For example, the effective length of the cord-like body 77c may be set to the maximum length of the length adjustment mechanism 77. The two hooks 77a, 77b of the length adjustment mechanism 77 are attached and the effective length of the cord-like body 77c is adjusted, thereby completing the attachment of the length adjustment mechanism 77 to the upper unit U2 and the connecting unit U1.

[0100] After the connecting unit U1 and length adjustment mechanism 77 are attached to the upper unit U2, the hanging part 102 of the suspension device 100 is then attached to the connecting unit U1. The hanging part 102 is hooked onto the ring-shaped first connecting part 73, as shown by arrow A8 in Figure 10. This completes the installation process.

[0101] For example, the mounting base 90 may be moved so as to be positioned behind the assembly location of the roller conveyor 62 to be moved in the automated warehouse 20. This allows the horizontal movement of the roller conveyor 62 by the suspension device 100 to be mainly limited to movement in the front-to-rear direction. This movement of the mounting base 90 may be performed during the installation process, or may be performed after the installation process and before the moving process. When performed during the installation process, for example, this may be performed after the installation of the upper unit U1 and before the installation of the connecting unit U2. Furthermore, for example, this may be performed after the installation of the connecting unit U2 and before the installation of the suspension part 102.

[0102] <Moving process> The moving process is a process of moving the roller conveyor 62. Here, the moving process includes a hanging process and a horizontal moving process. The moving process will be described with further reference to Figs. 11 to 14. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the roller conveyor 62 is lifted. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the movement path of the roller conveyor 62. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating how the roller conveyor 62 moves to a predetermined position in the automated warehouse 20. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating how the posture of the roller conveyor 62 changes from an inclined posture to a horizontal posture.

[0103] First, a suspension process is performed. Specifically, the roller conveyor 62 on the mounting base 90 is suspended by the suspension device 100 in the direction of arrow A9 in FIG. 11 so that the roller conveyor 62 is separated from the mounting base 90. The roller conveyor 62 is suspended by the support portion 78 supporting the roller conveyor 62 from below. At this time, because the effective length of the length adjustment mechanism 77 is longer than the second length, when the suspension device 100 moves, tension is applied to the extension bar 75d, and the posture of the roller conveyor 62 changes from a horizontal posture to an inclined posture.

[0104] In Figure 11, dimension W1 is the width dimension along the left-right direction when in the horizontal position, and dimension W2 is the width dimension along the left-right direction when in the inclined position. As shown in Figure 11, dimension W2 is smaller than dimension W1. When the roller conveyor 62 changes from the horizontal position to the inclined position, the width dimension along the left-right direction becomes smaller.

[0105] The lifted roller conveyor 62 is moved by the lifting device 100 toward the inside of the automated warehouse 20 along the movement path shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, first, as shown by arrow A10 in Fig. 12, the roller conveyor 62 moves in the up-and-down direction to a position higher than the installation height. Next, as shown by arrow A11 in Fig. 12, the roller conveyor 62 moves from outside the automated warehouse 20 toward inside the automated warehouse 20 along the front-to-rear direction. At this time, the roller conveyor 62 moving along the front-to-rear direction passes between a pair of pillars 68 arranged apart in the left-to-right direction, and reaches a predetermined position along the front-to-rear direction inside the automated warehouse 20.

[0106] Here, the dimension W3 shown in FIG. 13 is the spacing between the pillars 68 through which the roller conveyor 62 passes. As described above, because the roller conveyor 62 is in an inclined position, its width dimension W2 in the left-right direction is smaller than its width dimension W1 in the horizontal position. Here, the spacing W3 between the pillars 68 is larger than the width dimension W2 in the inclined position and smaller than the width dimension W1 in the horizontal position. Therefore, by being in an inclined position, the roller conveyor 62 can pass between the pillars 68 without interfering with the pillars 68. As shown in FIG. 13 , workers may be waiting for the roller conveyor 62 on both the left and right sides of a predetermined position in the automated warehouse 20. These workers perform the work of fixing the roller conveyor 62. These workers may also assist in part of the movement process. For example, the workers may perform at least part of the work of pulling the roller conveyor 62 into the automated warehouse 20 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0107] When the roller conveyor 62 passes between the pillars 68 and reaches a predetermined position along the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 14 , the roller conveyor 62 is returned to a horizontal position and the height of the roller conveyor 62 is lowered to the mounting height (here, the height corresponding to the fixed bracket 69). The worker operates the lever 77f of the length adjustment mechanism 77 to shorten the effective length of the cord-like body 77c. This reduces the tension of the second connecting part 74 including the extension bar 75d, and instead increases the tension of the third connecting part 76 including the length adjustment mechanism 77, and the roller conveyor 62 returns to a horizontal position. The position change may be performed when the lower end of the left and right ends of the roller conveyor 62, which is in an inclined position, has reached the fixed bracket 69, or when both left and right ends of the roller conveyor 62 are positioned above the fixed bracket 69.

[0108] The roller conveyor 62 is now in a horizontal position and supported by the fixed bracket 69, completing the moving process.

[0109] <Post-process> After the movement of the roller conveyor 62 is completed, the post-processing is performed. The post-processing includes a fixing process and a removal process. The fixing process is a process of fixing the roller conveyor 62 to the fixing bracket 69. The removal process is a process of removing the support device 71 from the roller conveyor 62. In the removal process, the worker first removes the four support parts 78 from the insertion parts 81. Here, the stopper fixing device 80 is removed from the engagement hole 82h, and the stopper 79 is removed from the pair of insertion pieces 82, thereby removing the support parts 78 from the insertion parts 81. Then, with the support parts 78 removed, the upper unit U2 and the connecting unit U1 are lifted up by the suspension device 100, thereby removing the support device 71 from the roller conveyor 62. The removed stopper fixing device 80 and stopper 79 may be stored in a storage section provided in the suspension section 102, for example. Furthermore, the hook 75b connected to the extension bar 75d may be connected to the ring 75c in the same manner as the other hooks 75b. In this case, the ring 75g of the extension bar 75d may be hooked onto the hooking projection 89.

[0110] The removed upper unit U2 and connecting unit U1 are moved by the suspending device 100 as they are between the pillars 68 and to the outside of the automated warehouse 20. At this time, the upper unit U2 and connecting unit U1 are not suspending the roller conveyor 62, so their width dimension is smaller than the width dimension W3 between the pillars 68. This allows the upper unit U2 and connecting unit U1 to pass between the pillars 68 in a horizontal position without being tilted. For example, outside the automated warehouse 20, the upper unit U2 and connecting unit U1 may be placed near the mounting base 90. The removed support 71 may be attached to the next roller conveyor 62.

[0111] The mounting process, moving process, and post-process are repeated until the movement and installation of all the roller conveyors 62 are completed. When the movement and installation of all the roller conveyors 62 are completed, the moving and installation process of the roller conveyors 62 in the assembly process of the automated warehouse 20 is completed. The mounting process and the moving process may be performed by different workers, or may be performed by the same person.

[0112] It is preferable that the multiple roller conveyors 62 are assembled to the automated warehouse 20 in order, starting with the roller conveyors 62 located in the lowest tier. This prevents the installed roller conveyors 62 from interfering with the installation work of subsequent roller conveyors 62. At this time, some of the multiple roller conveyors 62, including the roller conveyor 62 in the lowest tier, may be assembled to the automated warehouse 20 by being held by a worker without being suspended. At this time, the roller conveyors 62 that are assembled by being held by a worker may or may not have the upper unit U2 attached.

[0113] <Effects, etc.> According to the conveyor support device 70 and the automated warehouse system 10 configured as described above, the roller conveyor 62 can be suspended by the suspension device 100 via the conveyor support device 70. This allows the roller conveyor 62 to be appropriately moved in the height direction.

[0114] In addition, since the insertion portion 81 is inserted between the rollers 63, the roller conveyor 62 with the conveyor support device 70 can be made smaller than when the connecting portion 72 and the support portion 78 are connected around the outside of the roller conveyor 62.

[0115] In addition, the conveyor support device 70 further includes a support frame portion 83 that is interposed between the connecting portion 72 and the insertion portion 81 and extends along the roller conveyor 62. This makes it less likely for the roller conveyor 62 to rattle on the side opposite to the support portion 78 when the roller conveyor 62 is suspended.

[0116] Furthermore, one frame member is provided with the insertion portion 81 and the horizontal frame portion 85. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts of the conveyor support device .

[0117] Furthermore, the support portion 78 is engaged with and fixed to the insertion portion 81 that is inserted between the rollers 63. This allows the insertion portion 81 and the support portion 78 to be easily attached to the roller conveyor 62.

[0118] Furthermore, the connecting portion 72 has a first connecting portion 73 that is connected to the suspension device 100, and a plurality of second connecting portions 74 that extend in different directions from the first connecting portion 73 and are distributed around the roller conveyor 62, and the insertion portions 81 and the support portions 78 are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of second connecting portions 74. As a result, when the roller conveyor 62 is suspended, it can be supported at a plurality of positions, making it easier to stabilize the suspension posture.

[0119] Furthermore, the length dimension from the first connecting portion 73 to the second connecting portion 74 where the extension bar 75d is not provided among the plurality of second connecting portions 74 is different from the length dimension to the second connecting portion 74 where the extension bar 75d is provided, so that the roller conveyor 62 is in an inclined position while suspended from the suspension device 100. As a result, by the roller conveyor 62 being in an inclined position, the horizontal dimension W2 of the roller conveyor 62 can be temporarily reduced compared to when the roller conveyor 62 is in a horizontal position, and the roller conveyor 62 can easily pass through a space with a narrow horizontal dimension (for example, between pillars 68 having a dimension W3 smaller than dimension W1).

[0120] Furthermore, by applying the conveyor support device 70 or the conveyor device and the suspension device 100 to the automated warehouse 20, an automated warehouse system 10 can be provided that allows the roller conveyor 62 in the automated warehouse 20 to be easily moved.

[0121] The conveyor movement method also includes an attachment step of attaching supports 71 of a conveyor support device 70 to the roller conveyor 62, and a suspension step of suspending the roller conveyor 62 via the supports 71 of the conveyor support device 70 by the suspension device 100. This allows the roller conveyor 62 to be appropriately moved in the height direction by the suspension device 100.

[0122] <Additional Notes> The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0123] The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0124] In a first aspect, the automated warehouse is provided with a plurality of shelves, an elevator device that performs at least one of an entry process in which an item to be entered is moved from an entry height position to a height position of a tier among the plurality of shelves corresponding to a storage location, and an unloading process in which an item to be unloaded is moved from the height position of the tier corresponding to the storage location to a height position for unloading, a plurality of horizontal rails that are stacked one on top of the other and arranged to extend horizontally adjacent to the shelves, a plurality of transport vehicles that run on the corresponding horizontal rails and transport items between the elevator device and the shelves, and a plurality of roller conveyors that are arranged at each tier to transfer items between the elevator device and the transport vehicles, and the automated warehouse is provided with a conveyor support device that is attached to the roller conveyor when the roller conveyor is moving, the conveyor support device comprising: a connecting portion connected to a suspension device, a support portion that supports the roller conveyor from the opposite side to the connecting portion, and an insertion portion that is interposed between the connecting portion and the support portion and is inserted between the rollers of the roller conveyor.

[0125] According to the conveyor support device of the first aspect, the roller conveyor can be suspended by the suspension device via the conveyor support device, thereby allowing the conveyor to be moved appropriately in the height direction.

[0126] The configurations according to the second and subsequent aspects may be adopted as optional configurations that are not essential.

[0127] In a second aspect, the conveyor support device according to the first aspect further includes a support frame portion interposed between the connecting portion and the insertion portion and extending along the roller conveyor, whereby the roller conveyor is less likely to rattle on the side opposite to the support portion when suspended.

[0128] In a third aspect, in the conveyor support device according to the second aspect, the insertion portion and the support frame portion are provided on a single frame member, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the conveyor support device.

[0129] In a fourth aspect, in the conveyor support device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the support portion is engaged with and fixed to the insertion portion inserted between the rollers, thereby allowing the insertion portion and the support portion to be easily attached to the roller conveyor.

[0130] A fifth aspect is the conveyor support device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the connecting portion has a first connecting portion connected to the suspension device and a plurality of second connecting portions extending in different directions from the first connecting portion and distributed relative to the roller conveyor, and the insertion portion and the support portion are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of second connecting portions, respectively. This allows the roller conveyor to be supported at a plurality of positions when suspended, making it easier to stabilize the suspension posture.

[0131] In a sixth aspect, in the conveyor support device according to the fifth aspect, a length dimension from the first connecting portion to one of the plurality of second connecting portions is different from a length dimension from the first connecting portion to another of the plurality of second connecting portions so that the roller conveyor is in an inclined position when suspended by the suspension device. As a result, when the roller conveyor is in an inclined position, the horizontal dimension of the roller conveyor can be temporarily reduced compared to when the roller conveyor is in a horizontal position, making it easier for the roller conveyor to pass through spaces with narrow horizontal dimensions.

[0132] A seventh aspect is an automated warehouse system including the conveyor support device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the automated warehouse. This makes it possible to provide an automated warehouse system that allows roller conveyors in the automated warehouse to be easily moved.

[0133] An eighth aspect is the automated warehouse system according to the seventh aspect, which includes the suspension device. This makes it possible to provide an automated warehouse system that allows the roller conveyor in the automated warehouse to be easily moved.

[0134] A ninth aspect is a method for moving a roller conveyor in an automated warehouse having multiple shelves, an elevator that performs at least one of an entry process for moving an item to be stored from a storage height to a height of a shelf corresponding to a storage location among the shelves and an unloading process for moving an item to be unloaded from the height of the shelf corresponding to the storage location to a height of an unloading location, a plurality of horizontal rails that are stacked vertically and associated with the shelves and extend horizontally adjacent to the shelves, a plurality of transport vehicles that travel on the corresponding horizontal rails to transport items between the elevator and the shelves, and a plurality of roller conveyors that are arranged at each tier to transfer items between the elevator and the transport vehicles, the method comprising: an attachment step of attaching a conveyor support device to the roller conveyor; and a suspending step of suspending the roller conveyor via the conveyor support device by a suspending device. This allows the conveyor to be moved appropriately in the vertical direction by the suspending device.

[0135] The above description is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that numerous variations not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10: Automated warehouse system 16: Conveyor 20: Automated warehouse 30: Lifting device 31: Pillar 32: Lifting platform 34: Lifting drive mechanism 34a: Drive source 40: Horizontal transport vehicle 42: Item loading and unloading mechanism 48: Road 48a: Rail 50: Storage shelf 52: Shelf 60:Transfer device 62: Roller conveyor 63: Laura 70: Conveyor support device 71 :Support 72:Connection part 73: 1st connection part 74:Second connection part 75d: Extension bar 76:Third connection part 77: Length adjustment mechanism 78: Support part 79: Stopper 80: Stopper fixing device 81: Insertion section 82: Insert 82h: Engagement hole 83: Support frame part 84: Vertical frame section 85: Horizontal frame part 90: Mounting base 100: Hanging device W:Goods

Claims

1. Multiple shelves and an elevator device that performs at least one of a storage process in which an item to be stored is moved from a height position for storage to a height position of a tier among the plurality of tiers corresponding to a storage location, and a retrieval process in which an item to be retrieved is moved from the height position of the tier corresponding to the storage location to a height position for retrieval; a plurality of horizontal rails associated with the steps, stacked one above the other, and arranged to extend horizontally adjacent to the shelves; a plurality of transport vehicles that travel on the corresponding horizontal rails and transport articles between the lifting device and the shelf; a plurality of roller conveyors arranged at each stage to transfer articles between the lifting device and the transport vehicle; In an automated warehouse comprising: a conveyor support device that is attached to the roller conveyor when the roller conveyor is moving, a connecting portion connected to the suspension device; a support portion that supports the roller conveyor from the opposite side to the connecting portion; an insertion portion interposed between the connecting portion and the support portion and inserted between rollers of the roller conveyor; A conveyor support device comprising:

2. 2. The conveyor support device according to claim 1, The conveyor support device further includes a support frame portion interposed between the connecting portion and the insertion portion and extending along the roller conveyor.

3. 3. The conveyor support device according to claim 2, A conveyor support device, wherein the insertion portion and the support frame portion are provided on one frame member.

4. The conveyor support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The support portion is engaged with and fixed to the insertion portion inserted between the rollers.

5. The conveyor support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the connecting portion has a first connecting portion connected to the suspension device and a plurality of second connecting portions extending in different directions from the first connecting portion and disposed in a dispersed manner with respect to the roller conveyor, The conveyor support device, wherein the insertion portion and the support portion are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of second connecting portions, respectively.

6. 6. The conveyor support device according to claim 5, A conveyor support device in which the length dimension from the first connecting portion to one of the plurality of second connecting portions is different from the length dimension to the other second connecting portion so that the roller conveyor is in an inclined position when suspended from the suspension device.

7. The conveyor support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The automated warehouse; An automated warehouse system equipped with:

8. The automated warehouse system according to claim 7, An automated warehouse system comprising the suspension device.

9. Multiple shelves and an elevator device that performs at least one of a storage process in which an item to be stored is moved from a height position for storage to a height position of a tier among the plurality of tiers corresponding to a storage location, and a retrieval process in which an item to be retrieved is moved from the height position of the tier corresponding to the storage location to a height position for retrieval; a plurality of horizontal rails associated with the steps, stacked one above the other, and arranged to extend horizontally adjacent to the shelves; a plurality of transport vehicles that travel on the corresponding horizontal rails and transport articles between the lifting device and the shelf; a plurality of roller conveyors arranged at each stage to transfer articles between the lifting device and the transport vehicle; A method for moving the roller conveyor in an automated warehouse comprising: a mounting step of mounting a conveyor support device on the roller conveyor; a suspending step of suspending the roller conveyor via the conveyor support device by a suspending device; A conveyor movement method comprising:

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