Automated Warehouse

Abstract

To suitably perform a rescue request from an inspection elevator to the outside of a warehouse.SOLUTION: An automated warehouse 100 includes: a first operation unit P1 installed in an inner area of an entrance / exit and operated when a worker W is trapped inside a warehouse IS; a notification unit 5 installed in an outer area of the entrance / exit and which, when the first operation unit P1 is operated, makes a notification for calling attention to a warehouse exterior OS; a second operation unit P2 installed in an inspection elevator 14 and operated when the worker W cannot escape from the inspection elevator 14. The notification unit 5 is configured to provide the notification when a first signal S1 from the first operating unit P1 is received. The second operation unit P2 transmits a second signal S2 to the first operation unit P1 when operated by the worker W. The first operation unit P1 transmits the first signal S1 to the notification unit 5 when the second signal S2 from the second operation unit P2 is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse comprising a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items, a stacker crane for transporting the items, an enclosure wall arranged to surround the storage shelf and the stacker crane, an entrance / exit provided in the enclosure wall, and an opening / closing door provided at the entrance / exit. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such an automated warehouse is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-271015 (Patent Document 1). In the following, the reference numerals in parentheses in the description of the background art are those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The automated warehouse disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a storage shelf (1) with a plurality of storage sections (2) arranged vertically and horizontally, and a stacker crane (10) that moves on a path (5) set in the left-right direction in front of the storage shelf (1). The stacker crane (10) includes a traveling cart (10) that travels on the path (5), a pair of masts (12) erected from the traveling cart (10), a transport lift body (16) that rises and falls along the pair of masts (12), and a transfer device (17) that is supported by the transport lift body (16) and can transfer an article (3) between the storage section (2). With this configuration, the stacker crane (10) can transfer an article (3) between each of the plurality of storage sections (2) provided on the storage shelf (1).

[0004] An inspection lifting body (30) used for periodic inspections and the like is supported on one of the pair of masts (12) so as to be movable up and down along the mast (12). The inspection lifting body (30) is formed in a box shape, and an operator can get inside the inspection lifting body (30) through an access door (33). For example, when inspecting the stacker crane (10) or the storage shelf (1) at a high altitude, the operator can get on the inspection lifting body (30) and head to the location to be inspected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-271015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, inside the automated warehouse, inspection work may be performed using the inspection lift body (30). However, in the unlikely event that the inspection lift body (30) stops at a high place or a malfunction occurs in the door (33), the worker may be unable to escape from the inspection lift body (30).

[0007] Therefore, in preparation for such an event, it is desirable to realize an automated warehouse that can appropriately request rescue from outside the warehouse from the inspection lifting body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 1. An automated warehouse comprising: a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items; a stacker crane for transporting the items; an enclosure wall provided to surround the storage shelf and the stacker crane; an entrance provided in the enclosure wall; and an opening / closing door provided at the entrance, The stacker crane is a traveling cart that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf; A mast fixed to the traveling carriage and provided along a vertical direction; a transport lifting body that supports a transfer device that transfers the article and moves up and down along the mast; An inspection lifting body that has a boarding section on which an operator boards and that moves up and down along the mast, The inside of the enclosure wall is the inside of the warehouse, and the outside of the enclosure wall is the outside of the warehouse, A first operation unit that is installed in an entrance inner area that is an area surrounding the entrance inside the warehouse and is operated when the worker is trapped inside the warehouse; An alarm unit that is installed in an outer area of ​​the entrance that is an area surrounding the entrance outside the warehouse and issues a warning to the outside of the warehouse when the first operating unit is operated; A second operation unit is provided on the inspection lift and is operated when the worker cannot escape from the inspection lift, The first operation unit is configured to transmit a first signal to the notification unit when operated by the worker, the notification unit is configured to perform the notification when the first signal is received from the first operation unit, The second operation unit is configured to transmit a second signal to the first operation unit when operated by the worker, The first operation unit is configured to transmit the first signal to the notification unit when the first operation unit receives the second signal from the second operation unit.

[0009] According to this configuration, even if the worker cannot escape from the inspection lifting body, the worker can operate the second operation unit to cause the notification unit installed outside the warehouse to notify the first operation unit. In particular, when the automated warehouse is a refrigerator or the like, the surrounding wall may be configured to block radio waves, and it may be difficult to use radio waves to make a rescue request from inside the warehouse to outside the warehouse. However, according to this configuration, since the existing communication connection between the first operation unit installed inside the warehouse and the notification unit installed outside the warehouse is used, the first operation unit that receives the second signal from the second operation unit can appropriately transmit the first signal to the notification unit to make the notification by the notification unit. In this way, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately make a rescue request from the inspection lifting body to outside the warehouse. Note that, if the worker is trapped inside the warehouse without being on the inspection lifting body, the worker can directly operate the first operation unit to make the notification by the notification unit.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which are described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] A partial plan of the automated warehouse [Diagram 2] Stacker crane side view [Diagram 3] System configuration diagram of automated warehouse [Figure 4] A flowchart showing a procedure until a notification unit issues a notification. [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing a flow until the notification unit stops notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] An automated warehouse is a warehouse that automatically transports and stores goods. Goods handled in an automated warehouse may be containers (containers, cardboard boxes, etc.) for storing goods, pallets for placing goods, or the goods themselves. Examples of goods include food, daily necessities, and industrial products. An embodiment of an automated warehouse will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the automated warehouse 100 includes a storage shelf 2 for storing multiple items G (see Figure 2), a stacker crane 1 for transporting the items G, an enclosure wall 4 arranged to surround the storage shelf 2 and the stacker crane 1, an entrance / exit 40 provided in the enclosure wall 4, and an opening / closing door 41 provided in the entrance / exit 40.

[0014] The storage shelf 2 includes a plurality of storage sections 20 for storing items G. The plurality of storage sections 20 are arranged so as to be lined up along a specific direction along the vertical direction and the horizontal plane. The specific direction is a direction along the front surface of the storage shelf 2 in a plan view.

[0015] In this embodiment, a pair of storage shelves 2 are arranged to sandwich one stacker crane 1. The stacker crane 1 is configured to be able to transfer an article G to each of the pair of storage shelves 2 arranged on both sides. The pair of storage shelves 2 and one stacker crane 1 form one unit. The automated warehouse 100 includes a plurality of such units.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stacker crane 1 comprises a traveling cart 10 that travels along a travel path 3 set along a storage shelf 2, a mast 11 fixed to the traveling cart 10 and arranged along the vertical direction, and a transport lifting body 13 that supports a transfer device 12 that transfers items G and rises and falls along the mast 11.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 2, the travel path 3 includes a lower rail 3a arranged along the floor surface, and an upper rail 3b arranged parallel to the lower rail 3a at a position spaced upward from the lower rail 3a.

[0018] In this embodiment, the traveling cart 10 is configured to be guided by the lower rail 3a. The traveling cart 10 includes a plurality of wheels 10a and a traveling drive unit 10M that drives at least one of the plurality of wheels 10a. The traveling drive unit 10M is configured using, for example, an electric motor. The traveling cart 10 travels along the travel path 3 by the traveling drive unit 10M driving at least one of the plurality of wheels 10a.

[0019] In this embodiment, the stacker crane 1 includes a pair of masts 11 and an upper frame 15 guided by the upper rail 3b. Each of the pair of masts 11 is disposed between the traveling carriage 10 and the upper frame 15. In other words, the lower end of each of the pair of masts 11 is connected to the traveling carriage 10, and the upper end of each of the pair of masts 11 is connected to the upper frame 15.

[0020] In this embodiment, the transport lift body 13 is supported by each of the pair of masts 11 so as to be able to rise and fall freely. The stacker crane 1 is equipped with a transport lift body drive unit 13M that drives the transport lift body 13. The transport lift body drive unit 13M is configured using, for example, an electric motor. The transport lift body 13 rises and falls along the pair of masts 11 as a result of the transport lift body drive unit 13M driving the transport lift body 13.

[0021] The transfer device 12 is supported by a transport lift body 13. In this embodiment, the transfer device 12 includes a transfer unit 12a that moves in and out along the direction in which the stacker crane 1 and the storage shelf 2 are aligned (transfer direction), and a transfer drive unit 12M that drives the transfer unit 12a. The transfer unit 12a is configured using, for example, a fork mechanism. However, the transfer unit 12a may be configured using a well-known transfer means including a conveyor mechanism, a chuck mechanism, or the like. The transfer drive unit 12M is configured using, for example, an electric motor. The transfer drive unit 12M drives the transfer unit 12a, causing the transfer unit 12a to move in and out along the transfer direction.

[0022] The stacker crane 1 is provided with a boarding section 14b on which a worker W boards, and is also provided with an inspection lifting body 14 that rises and falls along the mast 11. In this example, the inspection lifting body 14 is supported by one of the pair of masts 11. The stacker crane 1 is also provided with an inspection lifting body drive section 14M that drives the inspection lifting body 14. The inspection lifting body drive section 14M is configured using, for example, an electric motor. The inspection lifting body drive section 14M drives the inspection lifting body 14, causing the inspection lifting body 14 to rise and fall along the mast 11.

[0023] The inspection lifting body 14 is used for inspecting the stacker crane 1 and the storage shelf 2. The inspection lifting body 14 is formed in a box shape and configured to allow a worker W to enter inside. For example, when inspecting the stacker crane 1 or the storage shelf 2 at a high altitude, the worker W can board the inspection lifting body 14 and head to the location to be inspected. In the illustrated example, the inspection lifting body 14 has a window 14a that allows the worker W to view the outside from inside.

[0024] 1, the surrounding wall 4 is provided with an entrance 40 through which a worker W can move between the inside surrounded by the surrounding wall 4 and the outside of the surrounding wall 4. The entrance 40 is provided with an opening / closing door 41. The opening / closing door 41 is basically kept in a closed state, and is opened so that the worker W can move between the inside and outside of the surrounding wall 4.

[0025] In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 is a refrigerator or freezer that stores food and the like at low temperatures inside the surrounding wall 4. For this reason, the surrounding wall 4 is provided with a structure that blocks radio waves. This prevents radio waves from being transmitted from the inside surrounded by the surrounding wall 4 to the outside of the surrounding wall 4. Hereinafter, the inside surrounded by the surrounding wall 4 will be referred to as the warehouse interior IS, and the outside of the surrounding wall 4 will be referred to as the warehouse exterior OS.

[0026] The automated warehouse 100 is equipped with a first operation unit P1 which is installed in an inner entrance / exit area Roi which is an area surrounding the entrance / exit 40 in the warehouse interior IS and which is operated when a worker W is trapped inside the warehouse IS, and an alarm unit 5 which is installed in an outer entrance / exit area Ros which is an area surrounding the entrance / exit 40 in the warehouse exterior OS and which issues a warning alarm to the warehouse exterior OS when the first operation unit P1 is operated.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first operation unit P1 and the notification unit 5 are configured to perform wired communication. The first operation unit P1 and the notification unit 5 are connected by a wiring L. Signals are transmitted and received between the first operation unit P1 and the notification unit 5 via the wiring L.

[0028] 3, the first operating unit P1 is configured to transmit a first signal S1 to the notification unit 5 when operated by the worker W. The notification unit 5 is configured to issue a notification when receiving the first signal S1 from the first operating unit P1.

[0029] With this configuration, for example, if a situation occurs in which the worker W cannot escape from the inside of the warehouse IS, the worker W can operate the first operation unit P1 to cause the notification unit 5 to issue a notification. This allows the worker W to request help from the inside of the warehouse IS to the outside of the warehouse OS.

[0030] In this embodiment, the notification unit 5 includes a signal tower. The notification unit 5 is configured to notify the outside OS of a request for help from inside the warehouse IS by lighting or blinking the signal tower.

[0031] Here, even if worker W is on the inspection lifting body 14, if the inspection lifting body 14 stops at a high altitude, for example, and the worker W is unable to escape from the inspection lifting body 14, the worker W will be in a position away from the first operating unit P1, and will therefore be unable to operate the first operating unit P1 installed near the entrance / exit 40 to request rescue from the OS outside the warehouse.

[0032] 2, the automated warehouse 100 is provided with a second operation unit P2 that is installed on the inspection lifting body 14 and is operated when the worker W is unable to escape from the inspection lifting body 14. In the automated warehouse 100 according to the present disclosure, it is also possible to cause the notification unit 5 to issue a notification using the second operation unit P2. This will be described in detail below.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the automated warehouse 100.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, a first operation unit P1 and a second operation unit P2 are installed in the warehouse interior IS. The first operation unit P1 is installed in the entrance inner area Roi (see Fig. 1), and the second operation unit P2 is installed on the inspection lift 14 (see Fig. 2).

[0035] An alarm unit 5 is installed in the warehouse external OS. More specifically, the alarm unit 5 is installed in the entrance / exit outer area Ros (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, a third operation unit P3 operated by a worker W is installed in the warehouse external OS. Although details will be described later, the third operation unit P3 is operated to stop the alarm by the alarm unit 5. That is, in this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 is further provided with a third operation unit P3 installed in the warehouse external OS and operated to stop the alarm by the alarm unit 5. The first operation unit P1, the second operation unit P2, and the third operation unit P3 are configured using buttons, levers, touch panels, or the like.

[0036] In this embodiment, a management terminal 60 for managing the automated warehouse 100 is installed in the warehouse external OS. In the illustrated example, a management room 6 is provided in the warehouse external OS. The management terminal 60 is installed inside the management room 6. That is, in this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 further includes the management room 6 and the management terminal 60 installed in the management room 6.

[0037] Hereinafter, a case where the notification unit 5 is caused to give a notification and a case where the notification unit 5 is caused to stop giving a notification will be described.

[0038] FIG. 3(a) shows a case where the notification unit 5 is caused to give a notification. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the second operation unit P2 is configured to transmit a second signal S2 to the first operation unit P1 when operated by the worker W. In this embodiment, the first operation unit P1 and the second operation unit P2 are configured to perform wireless communication within the warehouse IS. The first operation unit P1 is configured to transmit the first signal S1 to the notification unit 5 when the first operation unit P1 receives the second signal S2 from the second operation unit P2. As described above, the first operation unit P1 and the notification unit 5 perform wired communication via the wiring L between the warehouse interior IS and the warehouse exterior OS.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second operation unit P2 includes an identification information acquisition unit A2 that acquires an identification information ID of the worker W who operates the second operation unit P2. For example, the identification information acquisition unit A2 is configured using a tag reader. When the worker W brings a tag that holds his / her own identification information ID, the identification information acquisition unit A2 reads the tag, thereby causing the identification information acquisition unit A2 to acquire his / her own identification information ID.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second operation unit P2 is configured to transmit the identification information ID of the worker W acquired by the identification information acquisition unit A2 together with the second signal S2 to the first operation unit P1. The first operation unit P1 is configured to transmit the identification information ID of the worker W received from the second operation unit P2 together with the first signal S1 to the notification unit 5. The notification unit 5 stores the identification information ID of the worker W received from the first operation unit P1. The notification unit 5 stores the identification information ID as the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2 inside the warehouse IS.

[0041] When the notification unit 5 receives the first signal S1 from the first operation unit P1, the notification unit 5 notifies the outside OS of the fact that a rescue request has been made from the inside warehouse IS. As described above, in this embodiment, the notification unit 5 lights up or flashes the signal tower to notify the outside OS of the fact that a rescue request has been made from the inside warehouse IS.

[0042] In this embodiment, the notification unit 5 notifies the user and transmits information that a request for assistance has been made inside the warehouse IS to the management terminal 60. This makes it possible to alert the person operating the management terminal 60 or the person in the management room 6.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, the surrounding wall 4 has a structure that blocks radio waves, but the first operation unit P1 installed in the warehouse interior IS and the notification unit 5 installed in the warehouse exterior OS are connected by a wire L and perform wired communication. Therefore, even if the worker W cannot escape from the inspection lifting body 14, the worker W can operate the second operation unit P2 in the warehouse interior IS (inside the inspection lifting body 14) to cause the notification unit 5 installed in the warehouse exterior OS to notify via the first operation unit P1 installed in the warehouse interior IS. In this way, the worker W can appropriately request rescue from the inspection lifting body 14 to the warehouse exterior OS.

[0044] Fig. 3(b) shows a case where the notification by the notification unit 5 is stopped. As shown in Fig. 3(b), in this embodiment, the third operation unit P3 includes an identification information acquisition unit A3 that acquires the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the third operation unit P3. For example, the identification information acquisition unit A3 is configured using a tag reader. When the worker W escapes from the inside of the warehouse IS to the outside of the warehouse OS after receiving assistance, the worker W has the identification information acquisition unit A3 read the tag, thereby causing the identification information acquisition unit A3 to acquire his / her own identification information ID.

[0045] In this embodiment, the third operation unit P3 transmits a third signal S3 to the notification unit 5. Furthermore, in this example, the third operation unit P3 is configured to also transmit, to the notification unit 5, the identification information ID of the worker W acquired by the identification information acquisition unit A3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the notification by the notification unit 5 is stopped on the condition that the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the third operation unit P3 matches the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2. Here, the notification unit 5 (specifically, a control unit provided in the notification unit 5) determines whether the two identification information IDs match, and stops the notification when the two identification information IDs match. In this example, the notification unit 5 turns off the signal tower.

[0047] As described above, the notification unit 5 stores the identification information ID of the worker W received from the first operation unit P1 as the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2 inside the warehouse IS (see FIG. 3(a)). The notification unit 5 compares this stored identification information ID with the identification information ID received from the third operation unit P3 to determine whether they match. If the two identification information IDs match, the notification unit 5 issues a notification and deletes the stored identification information ID or stores it in another storage unit. This makes it possible to appropriately respond to the person making the request for help if a rescue request is made thereafter. In other words, it is possible to avoid the notification being erroneously stopped based on the identification information ID previously stored. The deletion of the identification information ID or storage in another storage unit may be performed by the worker W.

[0048] There may be a case where a worker W who is not on the inspection lift 14 directly operates the first operation unit P1 in the warehouse interior IS to request rescue. In this embodiment, the first operation unit P1 includes an identification information acquisition unit A1 that acquires the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the first operation unit P1. For example, the identification information acquisition unit A1 is configured using a tag reader. When the worker W escapes from the warehouse interior IS to the warehouse exterior OS after receiving rescue, the worker W has the identification information acquisition unit A1 read the tag, thereby causing the identification information acquisition unit A1 to acquire his / her own identification information ID.

[0049] When the worker W who directly operated the first operation unit P1 to request rescue receives the rescue and escapes from the inside of the warehouse IS to the outside of the warehouse OS, the identification information acquisition unit A3 reads the tag, thereby causing the identification information acquisition unit A3 to acquire his / her own identification information ID. Then, on condition that the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the third operation unit P3 matches the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the first operation unit P1, the notification by the notification unit 5 is stopped.

[0050] Next, a flow of the notification by the notification unit 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, when the worker W operates the second operation unit P2 (step #11), the second signal S2 and the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2 are transmitted from the second operation unit P2 to the first operation unit P1 (step #12). Then, the first signal S1 and the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2 are transmitted from the first operation unit P1 to the notification unit 5 (step #13). The notification unit 5 issues a notification by receiving the first signal S1 from the first operation unit P1 (step #14). The notification unit 5 stores the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2.

[0051] Next, the flow until the notification unit 5 stops the notification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the worker W operates the third operation unit P3 (step #21), and the third signal S3 and the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the third operation unit P3 are transmitted from the third operation unit P3 to the notification unit 5 (step #22). The notification unit 5 judges whether the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the third operation unit P3 and the identification information ID of the worker W who operated the second operation unit P2 match (step #23). If the notification unit 5 judges that the two identification information IDs match (step #23: Yes), it stops the notification (#24). On the other hand, if the notification unit 5 judges that the two identification information IDs do not match (step #23: No), it notifies the management terminal 60 of an error (step #25).

[0052] According to the automated warehouse 100 described above, a rescue request can be appropriately made from the inspection lift 14 inside the warehouse IS to the outside the warehouse OS.

[0053] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the automated warehouse will be described.

[0054] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the surrounding wall 4 has a structure that blocks radio waves. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the surrounding wall 4 may have a structure that transmits radio waves between the inside of the warehouse IS and the outside of the warehouse OS (in other words, a structure that allows radio waves to pass through).

[0055] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first operation unit P1 is configured to transmit the first signal S1 to the notification unit 5 when operated by the worker W. Here, the first operation unit P1 may be configured to transmit the first signal S1 to the management terminal 60 for the manager installed in the warehouse external OS in addition to the notification unit 5. The transmission of the first signal S1 from the first operation unit P1 to the management terminal 60 can be performed by wireless communication or wired communication. Note that, when the transmission of the first signal S1 from the first operation unit P1 to the management terminal 60 is performed by wireless communication, it is preferable that the surrounding wall 4 has a structure for transmitting radio waves between the warehouse interior IS and the warehouse external OS.

[0056] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second operation unit P2 is configured to transmit the second signal S2 to the first operation unit P1 when operated by the worker W. Here, the second operation unit P2 may be configured to transmit the second signal S2 to the management terminal 60 in addition to the first operation unit P1. The second signal S2 can be transmitted from the second operation unit P2 to the management terminal 60 by wireless communication. In this case, it is preferable that the surrounding wall 4 has a structure that transmits radio waves between the warehouse interior IS and the warehouse exterior OS.

[0057] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first operation unit P1 and the alarm unit 5 perform wired communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the first operation unit P1 and the alarm unit 5 may be configured to perform wireless communication. In this case, it is preferable that the surrounding wall 4 has a structure that transmits radio waves between the warehouse interior IS and the warehouse exterior OS.

[0058] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first operation unit P1 and the second operation unit P2 are configured to perform wireless communication within the warehouse IS. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the first operation unit P1 and the second operation unit P2 may be configured to perform wired communication.

[0059] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the automated warehouse 100 is provided with the third operation unit P3 that is operated to stop the notification by the notification unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the automated warehouse 100 does not need to be provided with such a third operation unit P3. In this case, the notification unit 5 may stop the notification on the condition that the opening and closing door 41 of the surrounding wall 4 is opened. In addition, the notification unit 5 may stop the notification on the condition that an operation to stop the notification is performed on the management terminal 60, or a specified time has elapsed since the start of the notification, or the like.

[0060] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the notification unit 5 includes a signal tower and lights or flashes the signal tower to notify the OS outside the warehouse that a rescue request has been made inside the warehouse IS. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the notification unit 5 may include a display screen and display a warning on the display screen. Alternatively, the notification unit 5 may include a speaker and issue a warning by voice or a warning sound. Alternatively, the notification unit 5 may issue a warning using multiple types of means such as a signal tower, a display screen, and a speaker.

[0061] (8) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the identification information acquisition units (A1, A2, A3) are configured using tag readers, and a worker W has the identification information acquisition units (A1, A2, A3) read a tag having an identification information ID, thereby causing the identification information acquisition units (A1, A2, A3) to acquire his / her own identification information ID. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the identification information acquisition units (A1, A2, A3) may be configured to request the worker W to input a password that has been assigned or set for each worker W. In this case, the password corresponds to the "identification information of the worker."

[0062] (9) In the above embodiment, a refrigerator or freezer that stores food and the like at low temperatures in the warehouse interior IS has been exemplified as the automated warehouse 100 equipped with the surrounding wall 4 that blocks radio waves. However, such an automated warehouse 100 may also be a safe that stores valuables such as precious metals and banknotes in the warehouse interior IS surrounded by a metal wall (surrounding wall 4).

[0063] (10) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described automated warehouse will now be described.

[0065] 1. An automated warehouse comprising: a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items; a stacker crane for transporting the items; an enclosure wall provided to surround the storage shelf and the stacker crane; an entrance provided in the enclosure wall; and an opening / closing door provided at the entrance, The stacker crane is a traveling cart that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf; A mast fixed to the traveling carriage and provided along a vertical direction; a transport lifting body that supports a transfer device that transfers the article and moves up and down along the mast; An inspection lifting body that has a boarding section on which an operator boards and that moves up and down along the mast, The inside of the enclosure wall is the inside of the warehouse, and the outside of the enclosure wall is the outside of the warehouse, A first operation unit that is installed in an entrance inner area that is an area surrounding the entrance inside the warehouse and is operated when the worker is trapped inside the warehouse; An alarm unit that is installed in an outer area of ​​the entrance that is an area surrounding the entrance outside the warehouse and issues a warning to the outside of the warehouse when the first operating unit is operated; A second operation unit is provided on the inspection lift and is operated when the worker cannot escape from the inspection lift, The first operation unit is configured to transmit a first signal to the notification unit when operated by the worker, the notification unit is configured to perform the notification when the first signal is received from the first operation unit, The second operation unit is configured to transmit a second signal to the first operation unit when operated by the worker, The first operation unit is configured to transmit the first signal to the notification unit when the first operation unit receives the second signal from the second operation unit.

[0066] According to this configuration, even if the worker cannot escape from the inspection lifting body, the worker can operate the second operation unit to cause the notification unit installed outside the warehouse to notify the first operation unit. In particular, when the automated warehouse is a refrigerator or the like, the surrounding wall may be configured to block radio waves, and it may be difficult to use radio waves to make a rescue request from inside the warehouse to outside the warehouse. However, according to this configuration, since the existing communication connection between the first operation unit installed inside the warehouse and the notification unit installed outside the warehouse is used, the first operation unit that receives the second signal from the second operation unit can appropriately transmit the first signal to the notification unit to make the notification by the notification unit. In this way, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately make a rescue request from the inspection lifting body to outside the warehouse. Note that, if the worker is trapped inside the warehouse without being on the inspection lifting body, the worker can directly operate the first operation unit to make the notification by the notification unit.

[0067] Further comprising a third operating unit that is installed outside the warehouse and is operated to stop the notification by the notification unit, The second operation unit and the third operation unit each include an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the worker who operates the second operation unit and the third operation unit, It is preferable that the notification by the notification unit is stopped on condition that the identification information of the worker who operated the third operation unit matches the identification information of the worker who operated the second operation unit.

[0068] According to this configuration, only the worker who operates the second operation unit inside the warehouse can operate the third operation unit to stop the alarm, which prevents another worker who is not trapped inside the warehouse from accidentally disabling the alarm.

[0069] It is preferable that the first operation unit is configured to transmit the first signal to a management terminal for a manager installed outside the warehouse, in addition to the alarm unit.

[0070] With this configuration, it is possible to notify more people of a request for help from inside the warehouse.

[0071] The surrounding wall preferably has a structure for blocking radio waves.

[0072] In cases where the automated warehouse is, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, or a safe, the surrounding wall is often structured to block radio waves. However, according to the present configuration, even if the surrounding wall is structured to block radio waves, a rescue request can be appropriately made to the outside of the warehouse using the first operation unit, the second operation unit, and the alarm unit.

[0073] It is preferable that the second operation unit is configured to transmit the second signal to a management terminal for an administrator installed outside the warehouse, in addition to the first operation unit.

[0074] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify more people of the rescue request from the inspection lift. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The technology disclosed herein can be used in an automated warehouse that includes a storage shelf for storing multiple items, a stacker crane for transporting the items, an enclosure wall that surrounds the storage shelf and the stacker crane, an entrance / exit provided in the enclosure wall, and an opening / closing door provided at the entrance / exit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100: Automated warehouse 1: Stacker crane 10: Traveling cart 11: Mast 12:Transfer device 13: Lifting body for transport 14: Inspection lift 14b: Boarding section 2: Storage shelf 3: Route 4: Siege Wall 40: Entrance / exit 41: Opening and closing door 5: Notification Department 60: Management terminal A1, A2: Identification information acquisition section IS: Inside the warehouse OS: External warehouse P1: 1st operation part P2: 2nd operation part P3: 3rd operation section Roi: Inner area of ​​entrance / exit Ros: Area outside the entrance / exit S1: 1st signal S2: 2nd signal G:Goods W: Worker

Claims

1. 1. An automated warehouse comprising: a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items; a stacker crane for transporting the items; an enclosure wall provided to surround the storage shelf and the stacker crane; an entrance provided in the enclosure wall; and an opening / closing door provided at the entrance, The stacker crane is a traveling cart that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf; A mast fixed to the traveling carriage and provided along a vertical direction; a transport lifting body that supports a transfer device that transfers the article and moves up and down along the mast; An inspection lifting body that has a boarding section on which an operator boards and that moves up and down along the mast, The inside of the enclosure wall is the inside of the warehouse, and the outside of the enclosure wall is the outside of the warehouse, A first operation unit is installed in an entrance inner area that is an area surrounding the entrance inside the warehouse, and is operated by the worker when the worker is trapped inside the warehouse; An alarm unit that is installed in an entrance outer area that is an area surrounding the entrance outside the warehouse and issues a warning to the outside of the warehouse when the first operating unit is operated; A second operation unit is provided on the inspection lift and is operated when the worker cannot escape from the inspection lift, The first operation unit is configured to transmit a first signal to the notification unit when operated by the worker, the notification unit is configured to perform the notification when the first signal is received from the first operation unit, The second operation unit is configured to transmit a second signal to the first operation unit when operated by the worker, An automated warehouse, wherein the first operation unit is configured to transmit the first signal to the alarm unit when the first operation unit receives the second signal from the second operation unit.

2. Further comprising a third operating unit that is installed outside the warehouse and is operated to stop the notification by the notification unit, The second operation unit and the third operation unit each include an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the worker who operates the second operation unit and the third operation unit, The automated warehouse according to claim 1, wherein the notification by the notification unit is stopped on the condition that the identification information of the worker who operated the third operation unit matches the identification information of the worker who operated the second operation unit.

3. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first operation unit is configured to transmit the first signal to a management terminal for an administrator installed outside the warehouse, in addition to the alarm unit.

4. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 , wherein the surrounding wall has a structure that blocks radio waves.

5. The automated warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second operation unit is configured to transmit the second signal to a management terminal for an administrator installed outside the warehouse, in addition to the first operation unit.

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