Mounting Unit

Abstract

To miniaturize a frame unit.SOLUTION: A frame unit 100 is provided corresponding to multiple openings 110a and includes: a door member 111a that changes its posture between an open posture where the openings 110a are opened and a close posture where the openings 110a are closed; and a door driving part 111b that drives the door member 111a for changing the posture of the door member 111a. The door driving part 111b includes: a driving source M1; and a transfer mechanism N1 that transmits the driving force of the driving source M1 to multiple door members 111a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stand unit including a top panel, support legs that support the top panel from below, and an article support part that supports an article. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 05-020725 (Patent Document 1) discloses a stand unit equipped with a conveying device that conveys an article along a specified direction. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The stand unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a tray plate (1) that transports an article in a specified direction, a chute plate (2) provided on the side of the tray plate (1), and an opening / closing table (3) provided continuously with the lower end of the chute plate (2). The article transported by the tray plate (1) is released onto the chute plate (2) by tilting the tray plate (1), slides down the chute plate (2), and is placed on the opening / closing table (3). When the opening / closing table (3) opens, the article placed on the opening / closing table (3) falls downward and is stored inside a case (5) that is arranged directly below it. The opening / closing table (3) is configured to open and close by the driving force of a drive source (17). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 05-020725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, the gantry unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of opening / closing tables (3). As described above, each of the plurality of opening / closing tables (3) is configured to transport articles by the tray plate (1) and the chute plate (2). A drive source (17) for operating each of the plurality of opening / closing tables (3) is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of opening / closing tables (3). That is, the gantry unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with the same number of drive sources (17) as the plurality of opening / closing tables (3). For this reason, in the past, it was necessary to secure a space for arranging the plurality of drive sources (17), which was a factor in increasing the size of the gantry unit.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, it is desirable to reduce the size of the mounting unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A stand unit including a top plate portion, a support leg portion that supports the top plate portion from below, and an article support portion that supports an article, The top plate portion is provided with a passage area in which a passage along which the article transport vehicle runs, and a receiving area in which a plurality of receiving sections that receive the article from the article transport vehicle are provided, Each of the plurality of receiving portions has an opening penetrating the top plate portion in the vertical direction, the article support portion is configured to support the article received by the receiving portion and passing through the opening below the top plate portion; The door device further includes door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of openings, the door elements being capable of changing their posture between an open posture for opening the openings and a closed posture for closing the openings, and a door driving unit that drives the door elements to change their postures, The door driving unit includes a driving source and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the driving source to the plurality of door members. 、 The door member is disposed so as to be below the top plate portion and overlap with the passage area in a plan view in the open position. .

[0008] According to this configuration, when the door element is in the closed position, the article received in the receiving section is placed on the door element. Therefore, one or more articles can be stored on the door element. Then, when the door element is in the open position, one or more articles placed on the door element pass through the opening and are supported by the article support section. Therefore, for example, when sorting articles, the rack unit of this configuration can be suitably used. Then, according to this configuration, a plurality of the door elements described above are provided corresponding to a plurality of openings, and these plurality of door elements are driven by a door drive unit. The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the plurality of door elements, so that it is possible to drive the plurality of door elements by one drive source. Therefore, according to this configuration, the number of drive sources can be reduced relative to the number of door elements, and the space for arranging the drive sources can be reduced accordingly, and the rack unit as a whole can be made smaller.

[0009] Other stand units are A stand unit including a top plate portion, a support leg portion that supports the top plate portion from below, and an article support portion that supports an article, The top plate portion is provided with a passage area in which a passage along which the article transport vehicle runs, and a receiving area in which a plurality of receiving sections that receive the article from the article transport vehicle are provided, Each of the plurality of receiving portions has an opening penetrating the top plate portion in the vertical direction, the article support portion is configured to support the article received by the receiving portion and passing through the opening below the top plate portion; The door device further includes door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of openings, the door elements being capable of changing their posture between an open posture for opening the openings and a closed posture for closing the openings, and a door driving unit that drives the door elements to change their postures, The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force of the drive source to the door members. The direction in which the article transport vehicle travels along the passage is defined as a travel direction, and the direction perpendicular to the travel direction in a plan view is defined as a width direction, A plurality of the receiving portions are arranged in line along the traveling direction, The door member is configured to change the position by sliding along the width direction, The transmission mechanism includes an output shaft to which the driving force of the drive source is output, a transmission shaft that operates in conjunction with the output shaft and transmits the driving force output to the output shaft along the running direction, a driving member attached to the transmission shaft at a position in the running direction corresponding to the multiple receiving sections lined up in the running direction, and a driven member that is fixed to the door member and driven by the driving member.

[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 proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Plan view of an article transport facility equipped with a rack unit [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a transport path of a container by a transport unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a view in the travel direction showing how an article is transferred to a receiving section by an article transport vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a view in the direction of travel showing how items are dropped from the receiving section onto the conveyor unit; [Diagram 5] Perspective view of the first unit [Figure 6] Bottom view of the door member in the closed position [Figure 7] Bottom view of the door member in the open position [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transmission path of a driving force generated by a first driving source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the stand unit will be described, taking as an example a case where the stand unit is provided in an article transport facility that sorts and transports articles.

[0013] [Overview of goods transport equipment] As shown in FIG. 1, the article transport equipment F includes an article transport vehicle V that transports an article W, a running surface Ff along which the article transport vehicle V travels, an article supply section 9 that supplies the article W to be transported to the article transport vehicle V, and a receiving section I that receives the article W transported by the article transport vehicle V. The running surface Ff is formed to spread out in a flat plane. A passage R (see FIG. 3, etc.) along which the article transport vehicle V travels is defined on the running surface Ff. The receiving sections I are provided at multiple locations on the running surface Ff and are configured to receive the article W transported by the article transport vehicle V. In this embodiment, each of the receiving sections I provided at multiple locations includes a receiving opening Ia that guides the article W below the running surface Ff.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the item conveying equipment F includes a conveying section T that conveys a container C for containing at least one item W, an empty container supplying section 8 that supplies an empty container C that does not contain an item W (hereinafter referred to as an "empty container Ce"), and a shipping section 7 that ships a container C that contains at least one item W (hereinafter referred to as a "full container Cf"). The conveying section T is disposed below the running surface Ff (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the conveying section T includes an empty container loading section 80 that loads empty containers Ce supplied from the empty container supplying section 8, a full container unloading section 70 that unloads full containers Cf that contain an item W received at the receiving section I, and a receiving conveying section Ti that is provided to connect the empty container loading section 80 and the full container unloading section 70. In this embodiment, the transport section T includes a plurality of receiving and transporting sections Ti, each of which is provided to connect the empty container loading section 80 and the full container unloading section 70. In this example, the plurality of receiving and transporting sections Ti are arranged in parallel in a plan view. In this embodiment, the empty container carry-in section 80, the full container carry-out section 70, and the multiple receiving and transporting sections Ti are configured by conveyors.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving section I is arranged so as to overlap with the receiving and conveying section Ti in a planar view. A container C is arranged at a position in the receiving and conveying section Ti corresponding to the receiving section I. As a result, an item W received from the item conveying vehicle V at the receiving section I is guided below the running surface Ff through the receiving opening Ia, and then stored in the container C arranged in the receiving and conveying section Ti (see also Figures 3 and 4). In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections I are arranged in a line corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving and conveying sections Ti. A container C is arranged at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving sections I, more specifically, directly below each of the plurality of receiving sections I.

[0016] In this embodiment, the empty container carry-in section 80 is configured to transport multiple containers C synchronously in units of the container group, with the same number of containers C as the number of receiving sections I arranged corresponding to one receiving and transporting section Ti. Similarly, the receiving and transporting section Ti and the full container carrying-out section 70 are configured to transport multiple containers C synchronously in units of the container group. In the illustrated example, 21 receiving sections I are provided corresponding to one receiving and transporting section Ti, and the empty container carry-in section 80 and the full container carrying-out section 70 transport the 21 containers C synchronously in units of the container group, with the 21 containers C being treated as a container group. In this case, the receiving and transporting section Ti transports the 21 containers C after all of the 21 containers C constituting the container group have items W contained therein.

[0017] In this article conveying facility F, articles W are sorted by receiving the articles W at a specific receiving section I designated based on sorting information such as the type, quantity, and shipping destination of the articles W, among a plurality of receiving sections I. The sorted articles W are placed in containers C and conveyed by a conveying section T.

[0018] In this embodiment, the article transport equipment F is equipped with a shutter S that opens and closes the receiving port Ia (see Figures 3 and 4). The shutter S keeps the receiving port Ia in a closed state until at least one article W to be sorted based on the sorting information is received by the receiving section I. Then, the shutter S opens the receiving port Ia after at least one article W to be sorted based on the sorting information is received by the receiving section I. As a result, at least one article W sorted by the article transport vehicle V to each of the multiple receiving sections I is guided through the receiving port Ia below the running surface Ff and stored in a container C arranged in the receiving and conveying section Ti.

[0019] In the item supply section 9, for example, based on the above sorting information, an item W designated as a destination to a specific receiving section I is supplied to an item transport vehicle V by a supplying entity such as a worker or a robot. Then, the item transport vehicle V that has received the item W in the item supply section 9 travels along a path R (see FIG. 3, etc.) defined on the travel surface Ff, and transports the item W to the receiving section I designated based on the above sorting information.

[0020] Around each of the multiple receiving parts I, a position information storage unit (not shown) is provided that stores position information indicating the position corresponding to each receiving part I. The article transport vehicle V travels toward a specific receiving part I designated as a transport destination, and detects the position information stored in the position information storage unit corresponding to the receiving part I by a position information detection unit (not shown), and stops at that position (or travels at a low speed) to deliver the article W to the receiving part I. The position information storage unit is configured as, for example, a display such as a barcode (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode) that displays the position information, a memory element such as an RFID tag (radio frequency identifier tag) that stores the position information, a signal transmitter such as a beacon that transmits a signal indicating the position information, or the like. For example, when the position information storage unit is a barcode, the position information detection unit is configured as a barcode reader, when the position information storage unit is an RFID tag, the position information detection unit is configured as an RFID reader, and when the position information storage unit is a beacon, the position information detection unit is configured as a receiver.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, a gantry unit 100 according to this embodiment constitutes a part of an article transport facility F. The part indicated with reference symbol "100" in Fig. 1 is the gantry unit 100. In this example, a plurality of gantry units 100 are arranged in a lattice pattern in a plan view to form one running surface Ff. In Fig. 1, in order to make it easier to understand the division of one gantry unit 100, the reference symbol "100" is given to one of the plurality of gantry units 100 forming one running surface Ff.

[0022] Figures 3 to 5 show one gantry unit 100. In detail, Figures 3 and 4 are views of the gantry unit 100 as seen in the running direction, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the gantry unit 100. The following description will be given mainly with reference to these figures.

[0023] [Goods transport vehicle] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the article transport vehicle V is configured to transport articles W from an article supply section 9 to a receiving section I by traveling along a path R defined in a traveling surface Ff (see FIG. 1). In the following, the direction in which the article transport vehicle V travels along the passage R is referred to as the "travel direction X", and the direction perpendicular to the travel direction X in a plan view is referred to as the "width direction Y". Moreover, one side in the width direction Y is referred to as the "width direction first side Y1", and the other side is referred to as the "width direction second side Y2".

[0024] In this embodiment, the article transport vehicle V includes a cart body Va having wheels, a support part Vb that supports an article W, and a transfer part Vc that transfers the article W by operating the support part Vb.

[0025] In this embodiment, the support part Vb is configured to place an article W on it. In this example, the support part Vb is formed in a plate shape, and the article W is placed on the upper surface of the support part Vb. Also, in this example, the support part Vb is provided on the upper part of the cart body Va, and is configured to swing around an axis along the traveling direction X with respect to the cart body Va.

[0026] The transfer unit Vc includes a driving source such as a motor. In this embodiment, the transfer unit Vc is configured to swing the support unit Vb around an axis along the traveling direction X with respect to the carriage body Va. As shown in FIG. 3, the transfer unit Vc is configured to tilt the support unit Vb in the width direction Y to slide the article W on the support unit Vb in the width direction Y, and transfer the article W to a transfer location arranged outside the width direction Y with respect to the article transport vehicle V. In this example, the transfer section Vc is configured to swing the support section Vb to deliver the article W to receiving sections I (transfer locations) arranged on the first widthwise side Y1 and the second widthwise side Y2 of the article transport vehicle V. Note that Fig. 3 shows a state in which the article W is being transferred to the receiving section I arranged on the first widthwise side Y1 of the article transport vehicle V.

[0027] [Mounting unit] The stand unit 100 includes a top panel 1, support legs 2 that support the top panel 1 from below, and an article support section 3 that supports an article W. The top panel 1 is connected to the upper part of the support legs 2, and is disposed at a distance above the floor surface. The article support section 3 is disposed below the top panel 1. In this embodiment, the article support section 3 is a conveyor unit that conveys the article W along a specified conveying direction with the article W placed thereon. Details will be described later.

[0028] The top plate section 1 is provided with a passage area A0 in which a passage R along which the article transport vehicle V travels is provided, and a first receiving area A1 (corresponding to a "receiving area") in which a plurality of first receiving sections 110 (corresponding to a "receiving section") are provided for receiving articles W from the article transport vehicle V. In this embodiment, the top plate section 1 is provided with a second receiving area A2 in which a plurality of second receiving sections 120 are provided for receiving articles W from the article transport vehicle V, in addition to the first receiving area A1. The first receiving area A1 and the second receiving area A2 are arranged separately on both sides of the passage area A0 in the width direction Y. Here, the first receiving area A1 is arranged on the first width side Y1 with respect to the passage area A0, and the second receiving area A2 is arranged on the second width side Y2 with respect to the passage area A0. The first receiving section 110 and the second receiving section 120 are parts that receive the articles W transported by the article transport vehicle V, and are included in the receiving section I described above.

[0029] In this embodiment, the top panel section 1 includes an aisle top panel member 10 that constitutes the aisle area A0, a first top panel member 11 that constitutes the first receiving area A1, and a second top panel member 12 that constitutes the second receiving area A2. That is, in this example, an aisle R for the article transport vehicle V is provided in the aisle top panel member 10, a first receiving section 110 is provided in the first top panel member 11, and a second receiving section 120 is provided in the second top panel member 12.

[0030] The first top plate member 11 is disposed on a first widthwise side Y1 relative to the passage top plate member 10. The second top plate member 12 is disposed on the second widthwise side Y2 with respect to the passage top plate member 10. The passage top plate member 10 is configured to connect the first top plate member 11 and the second top plate member 12 in the widthwise direction Y. The passage top plate member 10 and the first top plate member 11 are detachably connected by fastening members such as bolts. Similarly, the passage top plate member 10 and the second top plate member 12 are detachably connected by fastening members such as bolts.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a plurality of first receiving sections 110 are arranged in line in the first receiving area A1 along the running direction X. Also, a plurality of second receiving sections 120 are arranged in line in the second receiving area A2 along the running direction X. In this example, the number of first receiving sections 110 provided in the first receiving area A1 is the same as the number of second receiving sections 120 provided in the second receiving area A2. In the illustrated example, three first receiving sections 110 are provided in the first receiving area A1 on one top plate portion 1, and the same number of three second receiving sections 120 are provided in the second receiving area A2. Also, in this example, the second receiving sections 120 are arranged at the same position in the running direction X for each of the plurality of first receiving sections 110. This makes it possible for the article transport vehicle V, when stopped at the transfer position in the aisle R, to transfer the article W to either the first receiving section 110 or the second receiving section 120.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, each of the first receiving sections 110 has a first opening 110a (corresponding to "opening") that penetrates the top plate 1 in the vertical direction. In this example, the first opening 110a is formed so as to penetrate the first top plate member 11 in the vertical direction. Each of the second receiving sections 120 has a second opening 120a that penetrates the top plate 1 in the vertical direction. In this example, the second opening 120a is formed so as to penetrate the second top plate member 12 in the vertical direction. These first opening 110a and second opening 120a are openings that receive articles W from the article transport vehicle V, and are included in the above-mentioned receiving port Ia. In this example, the article W is input (transferred) into the first opening 110a and the second opening 120a by the article transport vehicle V.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the multiple first receiving portions 110 are arranged side by side along the running direction X. In addition, the multiple second receiving portions 120 are arranged side by side along the running direction X. Therefore, the multiple first openings 110a are arranged side by side along the running direction X. Further, the multiple second openings 120a are arranged side by side along the running direction X. The second openings 120a are arranged at the same positions in the running direction X with respect to the multiple first openings 110a, respectively. In other words, the corresponding first openings 110a and second openings 120a are arranged side by side along the width direction Y.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first receiving section 110 is equipped with a first guide member 110b that guides the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to the first opening 110a. The second receiving section 120 is equipped with a second guide member 120b that guides the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to the second opening 120a. This allows the article W to be properly received from the article transport vehicle V.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first guide member 110b is disposed adjacent to the first opening 110a on the second widthwise side Y2, and includes an inclined portion 110b1 that inclines downward from the second widthwise side Y2 toward the first widthwise side Y1. The inclined portion 110b1 guides the article W received from the article transport vehicle V at a position above the first opening 110a and on the second widthwise side Y2 to move downward toward the first widthwise side Y1, and leads the article W to the first opening 110a.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, in this embodiment, the first guide member 110b includes a pair of guide walls 110b2 that guide the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to an appropriate position in the traveling direction X. The pair of guide walls 110b2 are disposed adjacent to the first opening 110a on the second widthwise side Y2 and spaced apart from each other in the traveling direction X. In this example, the pair of guide walls 110b2 are disposed in a tapered shape such that the distance between them in the traveling direction X decreases from the second widthwise side Y2 to the first widthwise side Y1. More specifically, the distance between the ends of the pair of guide walls 110b2 on the second widthwise side Y2 in the traveling direction X is larger than the dimension of the first opening 110a in the traveling direction X, and the distance between the ends of the pair of guide walls 110b2 on the first widthwise side Y1 in the traveling direction X is equal to (or smaller than) the dimension of the first opening 110a in the traveling direction X. This allows the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to be properly guided to the first opening 110a. In this example, the guide wall portions 110b2 are connected to both ends of the inclined portion 110b1 in the traveling direction X, and are formed to extend in the up-down direction.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first guide member 110b includes a peripheral wall portion 110b3 that surrounds the periphery of the first opening 110a. The peripheral wall portion 110b3 is formed to rise upward from the periphery of the first opening 110a. This prevents the article W received from the article transport vehicle V from protruding outside the first opening 110a, and allows the article W to be appropriately guided to the first opening 110a. In this way, the first guide member 110b functions as a chute that guides the article W to the first opening 110a.

[0038] The second guide member 120b is configured similarly to the first guide member 110b. That is, in this embodiment, the second guide member 120b is disposed adjacent to the second opening 120a on the first widthwise side Y1, and includes an inclined portion 120b1 that inclines downward from the first widthwise side Y1 toward the second widthwise side Y2. The inclined portion 120b1 guides the article W received from the article transport vehicle V at a position above the second opening 120a and on the first widthwise side Y1 to move downward toward the second widthwise side Y2, and leads the article W to the second opening 120a.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second guide member 120b includes a pair of guide walls 120b2 that guide the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to an appropriate position in the traveling direction X. The pair of guide walls 120b2 are disposed adjacent to the second opening 120a on the first widthwise side Y1 and spaced apart from each other in the traveling direction X. In this example, the pair of guide walls 120b2 are disposed in a tapered shape such that the distance between them in the traveling direction X decreases from the first widthwise side Y1 to the second widthwise side Y2. More specifically, the distance between the ends of the pair of guide walls 120b2 on the first widthwise side Y1 in the traveling direction X is larger than the dimension of the second opening 120a in the traveling direction X, and the distance between the ends of the pair of guide walls 120b2 on the second widthwise side Y2 in the traveling direction X is equal to (or smaller than) the dimension of the second opening 120a in the traveling direction X. This allows the article W received from the article transport vehicle V to be properly guided to the second opening 120a. In this example, the guide wall portions 120b2 are connected to both ends of the inclined portion 120b1 in the traveling direction X, and are formed to extend in the up-down direction.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second guide member 120b includes a peripheral wall portion 120b3 that surrounds the periphery of the second opening 120a. The peripheral wall portion 120b3 is formed to rise upward from the periphery of the second opening 120a. This prevents the article W received from the article transport vehicle V from protruding outside the second opening 120a, and allows the article W to be appropriately guided to the second opening 120a. In this way, the second guide member 120b functions as a chute that guides the article W to the second opening 120a.

[0041] As described above, the support leg 2 is configured to support the top plate 1 from below. The support leg 2 includes a first leg member 21 arranged to overlap with the first receiving area A1 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the support leg 2 includes, in addition to the first leg member 21, a second leg member 22 arranged to overlap with the second receiving area A2 in a plan view.

[0042] The first tabletop member 11 is supported from below by a first leg member 21. The second tabletop member 12 is supported from below by a second leg member 22. In this embodiment, the aisle tabletop member 10 is supported by the first leg member 21 via the first tabletop member 11, and is supported by the second leg member 22 via the second tabletop member 12. That is, in this embodiment, no dedicated support member is provided for supporting the aisle tabletop member 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first leg member 21 includes a plurality of support members 21a that support the first tabletop member 11, and a plurality of beam members 21b that connect the plurality of support members 21a to each other. In this example, the support members 21a are provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the first tabletop member 11 that is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, at least four support members 21a are provided for the first tabletop member 11. Then, the beam members 21b are provided along the width direction Y so as to connect a pair of support members 21a that are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction Y at positions corresponding to both ends of the first tabletop member 11 in the running direction X. That is, in this example, the pair of beam members 21b are provided in a posture along the width direction Y and spaced apart from each other in the running direction X. The pair of beam members 21b are arranged at the same height as each other. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and the number of support members 21a and beam members 21b that the first leg member 21 includes can be set arbitrarily.

[0044] The second leg member 22 is configured in the same manner as the first leg member 21. That is, in this embodiment, the second leg member 22 includes a plurality of support members 22a that support the second tabletop member 12, and a plurality of beam members 22b that connect the plurality of support members 22a to each other. In this example, the support members 22a are provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the second tabletop member 12 that is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, at least four support members 22a are provided for the second tabletop member 12. Then, the beam members 22b are provided along the width direction Y so as to connect a pair of support members 22a arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction Y at positions corresponding to both ends of the second tabletop member 12 in the running direction X. That is, in this example, the pair of beam members 22b are provided in a posture along the width direction Y and spaced apart in the running direction X. The pair of beam members 22b are arranged at the same height as each other. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and the number of support members 22a and beam members 22b included in the second leg member 22 can be set arbitrarily.

[0045] The article support section 3 is configured to support the article W received by the first receiving section 110 and passed through the first opening 110a below the top plate section 1. In this embodiment, the article support section 3 is configured to support a container C, and is capable of supporting an empty container Ce that does not contain an article W or a full container Cf that contains an article W. That is, in this example, the article support section 3 is configured to indirectly support the article W via the container C.

[0046] As described above, the article support section 3 is disposed below the top plate section 1. Therefore, the article support section 3, which is a conveyor unit, is configured to transport an article W below the top plate section 1. In this embodiment, the article support section 3 is configured to transport a container C, thereby transporting the article W contained in the container C. In this example, the article support section 3 is configured as part of the transport section T (see also FIG. 2), and is provided between the transport path between the empty container loading section 80 and the full container unloading section 70.

[0047] The article support unit 3 is disposed so as to pass directly below the first opening 110a and is supported by the first leg member 21. In this embodiment, the article support unit 3 has a portion disposed so as to pass directly below the second opening 120a and supported by the second leg member 22, in addition to a portion disposed so as to pass directly below the first opening 110a and supported by the first leg member 21.

[0048] In this embodiment, the article support section 3 includes a first conveyor 31 and a second conveyor 32. The first conveyor 31 is disposed so as to pass directly below the first opening 110a of each of the multiple first receiving sections 110, and is supported by the first leg member 21. For this reason, in this example, the first conveyor 31 is disposed along the arrangement direction in which the multiple first receiving sections 110 are arranged (the running direction X in this example), and is supported only by the first leg member 21 out of the first leg member 21 and the second leg member 22. The second conveyor 32 is disposed so as to pass directly below the second opening 120a of each of the multiple second receiving sections 120, and is supported by the second leg member 22. To this end, in this example, the second conveyor 32 is arranged along the arrangement direction (in this example, the running direction X) in which the multiple second receiving sections 120 are lined up, and is supported only by the second leg member 22 out of the first leg member 21 and the second leg member 22.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first conveyor 31 constitutes a part of the receiving and transporting section Ti, and is capable of arranging a plurality of containers C in a line along the traveling direction X (see also FIG. 2). In detail, the first conveyor 31 is configured to be capable of arranging the containers C (empty containers Ce) carried in from the empty container carrying-in section 80 at positions corresponding to the first openings 110a in the first receiving section 110. In this example, the first conveyor 31 is configured to arrange the containers C (empty containers Ce) at positions overlapping with each of the plurality of first openings 110a (first receiving section 110) in a plan view. Then, when the items W received by the first receiving section 110 are contained in a container C, the first conveyor 31 transports the container C (full container Cf). In this example, the first conveyor 31 transports all of the containers C arranged in a line along the traveling direction X together after the items W sorted based on the sorting information are contained in all of the containers C.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the first conveyor 31 includes a conveying member 31a and a conveying support member 31b that supports the conveying member 31a. In this example, the first conveyor 31 is configured as a roller conveyor, and the conveying member 31a is configured as a roller. And the conveying support member 31b is configured as a frame to which the conveying member 31a is connected. In this example, the conveying support member 31b rotatably supports the roller as the conveying member 31a.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first conveyor 31 is supported by the beam member 21b of the first leg member 21. Specifically, the first conveyor 31 is supported in a state in which it is placed on the beam member 21b of the first leg member 21. In this example, the transport support member 31b of the first conveyor 31 is fixed to the beam member 21b of the first leg member 21 in a state in which it abuts against the beam member 21b from above. With this configuration, the first conveyor 31 can be easily attached to the stand unit 100.

[0052] The second conveyor 32 is configured in the same manner as the first conveyor 31. That is, in this embodiment, the second conveyor 32 constitutes a part of the receiving and transporting section Ti, and is capable of arranging a plurality of containers C in a line along the traveling direction X (see also FIG. 2). In detail, the second conveyor 32 is configured to be capable of arranging the container C (empty container Ce) carried in from the empty container carrying section 80 at a position corresponding to the second opening 120a in the second receiving section 120. In this example, the second conveyor 32 is configured to arrange the container C (empty container Ce) at a position overlapping each of the plurality of second openings 120a (second receiving section 120) in a plan view. Then, when the article W received by the second receiving section 120 is stored in the container C, the second conveyor 32 transports the container C (full container Cf). In this example, after all the containers C arranged in a row along the traveling direction X contain the items W sorted based on the sorting information, the second conveyor 32 transports all the containers C together.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the second conveyor 32 includes a conveying member 32a and a conveying support member 32b that supports the conveying member 32a. In this example, the second conveyor 32 is configured as a roller conveyor, and the conveying member 32a is configured as a roller. And the conveying support member 32b is configured as a frame to which the conveying member 32a is connected. In this example, the conveying support member 32b rotatably supports the roller as the conveying member 32a.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second conveyor 32 is supported by the beam member 22b of the second leg member 22. Specifically, the second conveyor 32 is supported in a state in which it is placed on the beam member 22b of the second leg member 22. In this example, the transport support member 32b of the second conveyor 32 is fixed to the beam member 22b of the second leg member 22 in a state in which it abuts against the beam member 22b from above. With this configuration, the second conveyor 32 can be easily attached to the stand unit 100.

[0055] In this embodiment, the gantry unit 100 includes a first shutter 111 that opens and closes the first opening 110a, and a second shutter 121 that opens and closes the second opening 120a. The first shutter 111 and the second shutter 121 correspond to the above-mentioned shutter S. In other words, the shutter S includes the first shutter 111 and the second shutter 121. In this example, the first shutter 111 is connected to the first leg member 21. The second shutter 121 is connected to the second leg member 22.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the gantry unit 100 includes a first door member 111a (corresponding to a "door member") that is provided corresponding to a plurality of first openings 110a and changes its position between an open position for opening the first openings 110a and a closed position for closing the first openings 110a, and a first door drive unit 111b (corresponding to a "door drive unit") that drives the first door member 111a to change the position of the first door member 111a. The first door drive unit 111b includes a first drive source M1 (corresponding to a "drive source") and a first transmission mechanism N1 (corresponding to a "transmission mechanism") that transmits the drive force of the first drive source M1 to the plurality of first door members 111a. In this embodiment, the first door member 111a and the first door drive unit 111b are components of the first shutter 111. In this example, the first drive source M1 is configured by a motor.

[0057] The gantry unit 100 includes a second door member 121a that is provided corresponding to the plurality of second openings 120a and changes its position between an open position for opening the second openings 120a and a closed position for closing the second openings 120a, and a second door drive unit 121b that drives the second door member 121a to change the position of the second door member 121a. The second door drive unit 121b includes a second drive source M2 and a second transmission mechanism N2 that transmits the drive force of the second drive source M2 to the plurality of second door members 121a. In this embodiment, the second door member 121a and the second door drive unit 121b are components of the second shutter 121. In this example, the second drive source M2 is configured by a motor.

[0058] 3 and 6 show a state in which the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are in a closed position, i.e., the first opening 110a and the second opening 120a are closed. On the other hand, Fig. 4 and 7 show a state in which the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are in an open position, i.e., the first opening 110a and the second opening 120a are open.

[0059] The first transmission mechanism N1 includes a first output shaft Na1 (corresponding to the "output shaft") to which the driving force of the first driving source M1 is output, a first transmission shaft Nb1 (corresponding to the "transmission shaft") that is linked to the first output shaft Na1 and transmits the driving force output to the first output shaft Na1 along the running direction X, a first driving member Nc1 (corresponding to the "driving member") attached to the first transmission shaft Nb1 at a position in the running direction X corresponding to the multiple first receiving sections 110 lined up in the running direction X, and a first driven member Nd1 (corresponding to the "driven member") that is fixed to the first door member 111a and driven by the first driving member Nc1.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first transmission shaft Nb1 is connected to the first driving source M1 and has a function of outputting the driving force of the first driving source M1 to other parts of the first transmission mechanism N1. That is, in this embodiment, the first transmission shaft Nb1 also serves as the first output shaft Na1. This allows the structure of the first transmission mechanism N1 to be simplified.

[0061] The first transmission shaft Nb1 is disposed so as to extend along the traveling direction X. The first driving member Nc1 is connected to a plurality of points in the traveling direction X of the first transmission shaft Nb1. In this embodiment, the first driving member Nc1 is configured by a sprocket, and the first driven member Nd1 is configured by a chain that engages with the sprocket. However, in this example, the chain is not connected in an endless manner, but is used in a state in which it is linearly arranged along the first door member 111a. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the first driving member Nc1 may be configured by a pinion, and the first driven member Nd1 may be configured by a rack. Alternatively, the first driving member Nc1 may be configured by a pulley, and the first driven member Nd1 may be configured by a belt.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first driven member Nd1 is disposed along the width direction Y. Here, in this example, the first door member 111a includes a first main body portion 111a1 and a first fixed portion 111a2 that is connected to the first main body portion 111a1 and to which the first driven member Nd1 is fixed. The first fixed portion 111a2 has a portion that protrudes from the first main body portion 111a1 to the second side Y2 in the width direction. The first driven member Nd1 is fixed to the first fixed portion 111a2 along a portion of the first fixed portion 111a2 that protrudes from the first main body portion 111a1 to the second side Y2 in the width direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first door member 111a is configured to change its position by sliding along the width direction Y. Specifically, the first transmission shaft Nb1 rotates due to the driving force of the first driving source M1, which rotates the first driving member Nc1 (a sprocket in this example). Then, the first driven member Nd1 (a chain in this example) engaged with the first driving member Nc1 moves in the width direction Y with the rotation of the first driving member Nc1. Since the first driven member Nd1 is fixed to the first door member 111a, the first door member 111a also moves in the width direction Y when the first driven member Nd1 moves in the width direction Y. As a result, the first door member 111a slides along the width direction Y. Then, the first door member 111a is configured to change its position between an open position that opens the first opening 110a and a closed position that closes the first opening 110a by sliding along the width direction Y. With the above-mentioned configuration, the movement range of the first door member 111a can be prevented from becoming large in the vertical direction, and the overall size of the gantry unit 100 in the vertical direction can be reduced.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the first door member 111a is disposed so as to overlap the passage area A0 in a plan view below the top plate portion 1 in the open position. This allows the first door member 111a in the open position to be stored using a space below the top plate portion 1 and overlapping the passage area A0 in a plan view. This allows the rack unit 100 to be made compact. When the first door member 111a is in the open position, at least the widthwise protruding portion of the first fixing portion 111a2 from the first main body portion 111a1 overlaps with the passage area A0 in a plan view. In this embodiment, when the first door member 111a is in the open position, the entire first door member 111a overlaps with the passage area A0 in a plan view.

[0065] The second transmission mechanism N2 includes a second output shaft Na2 to which the driving force of the second driving source M2 is output, a second transmission shaft Nb2 which is linked to the second output shaft Na2 and transmits the driving force output to the second output shaft Na2 along the running direction X, a second driving member Nc2 attached to the second transmission shaft Nb2 at a position in the running direction X corresponding to the multiple second receiving portions 120 lined up in the running direction X, and a second driven member Nd2 which is fixed to the second door member 121a and driven by the second driving member Nc2.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second transmission shaft Nb2 is connected to the second drive source M2 and has a function of outputting the drive force of the second drive source M2 to other parts of the second transmission mechanism N2. That is, in this embodiment, the second transmission shaft Nb2 also serves as the second output shaft Na2. This allows the structure of the second transmission mechanism N2 to be simplified.

[0067] The second transmission shaft Nb2 is disposed so as to extend along the traveling direction X. The second driving member Nc2 is connected to a plurality of points in the traveling direction X of the second transmission shaft Nb2. In this embodiment, the second driving member Nc2 is configured by a sprocket, and the second driven member Nd2 is configured by a chain that engages with the sprocket. However, in this example, similar to the first driven member Nd1, the chain is not connected endlessly, but is used in a state in which it is linearly arranged along the second door member 121a. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the second driving member Nc2 may be configured by a pinion, and the second driven member Nd2 may be configured by a rack. Alternatively, the second driving member Nc2 may be configured by a pulley, and the second driven member Nd2 may be configured by a belt.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second driven member Nd2 is disposed along the width direction Y. Here, in this example, the second door member 121a includes a second main body portion 121a1 and a second fixed portion 121a2 that is connected to the second main body portion 121a1 and to which the second driven member Nd2 is fixed. The second fixed portion 121a2 has a portion that protrudes from the second main body portion 121a1 to the first side Y1 in the width direction. The second driven member Nd2 is fixed to the second fixed portion 121a2 along a portion of the second fixed portion 121a2 that protrudes from the second main body portion 121a1 to the first side Y1 in the width direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second door member 121a is configured to change its position by sliding along the width direction Y. Specifically, the second transmission shaft Nb2 rotates due to the driving force of the second driving source M2, which rotates the second driving member Nc2 (a sprocket in this example). Then, the second driven member Nd2 (a chain in this example) engaged with the second driving member Nc2 moves in the width direction Y with the rotation of the second driving member Nc2. Since the second driven member Nd2 is fixed to the second door member 121a, the second door member 121a also moves in the width direction Y when the second driven member Nd2 moves in the width direction Y. As a result, the second door member 121a slides along the width direction Y. Then, the second door member 121a is configured to change its position between an open position that opens the second opening 120a and a closed position that closes the second opening 120a by sliding along the width direction Y. With the above-mentioned configuration, the movement range of the second door member 121a can be prevented from becoming large in the vertical direction, and the overall size of the gantry unit 100 in the vertical direction can be reduced.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the second door member 121a is disposed so as to overlap the passage area A0 in a plan view below the top plate portion 1 in the open position. This allows the second door member 121a in the open position to be stored using a space below the top plate portion 1 and overlapping the passage area A0 in a plan view. This allows the rack unit 100 to be made smaller. When the second door member 121a is in the open position, at least the widthwise protruding portion of the second fixing portion 121a2 from the second main body portion 121a1 overlaps with the passage area A0 in a plan view. In this embodiment, when the second door member 121a is in the open position, the entire second door member 121a overlaps with the passage area A0 in a plan view.

[0071] 4 and 7, in this embodiment, when both the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are in the open position, the first driven member Nd1 and the second driven member Nd2 are disposed at different positions in the traveling direction X and overlap each other as viewed in the traveling direction X along the traveling direction X. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the gantry unit 100 in the traveling direction X by disposing the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a at the same position in the traveling direction X, while preventing the first driven member Nd1 fixed to the first door member 111a in the open position and the second driven member Nd2 fixed to the second door member 121a in the open position from interfering with each other.

[0072] The above configuration will be described in detail. The first door member 111a and the second door member 121a, which are arranged at the same position in the traveling direction X and correspond to each other, are both in an open position, and the first driven member Nd1 of the first door member 111a and the second driven member Nd2 of the second door member 121a are arranged at different positions in the traveling direction X. At least a part of the first driven member Nd1 and at least a part of the second driven member Nd2 are arranged in the same range in the width direction Y and overlap each other as viewed in the traveling direction X along the traveling direction X. In this example, when both the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are in an open position, a part of the first fixing portion 111a2 to which the first driven member Nd1 is fixed and a part of the second fixing portion 121a2 to which the second driven member Nd2 is fixed overlap each other as viewed in the traveling direction X. This allows the stand unit 100 to be further miniaturized.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the corresponding first door member 111a and second door member 121a are both in the open position, the end of the first driven member Nd1 on the second width direction side Y2 is disposed closer to the second width direction side Y2 than the end of the second driven member Nd2 on the first width direction side Y1. In other words, the end of the second driven member Nd2 on the first width direction side Y1 is disposed closer to the first width direction side Y1 than the end of the first driven member Nd1 on the second width direction side Y2. As a result, at least a part of the first driven member Nd1 and at least a part of the second driven member Nd2 are disposed in the same range in the width direction Y and overlap each other as viewed in the traveling direction X along the traveling direction X.

[0074] 6, when the corresponding first door member 111a and second door member 121a are both in the closed position, the end of the first driven member Nd1 on the second width direction side Y2 is disposed closer to the first width direction side Y1 than the end of the second driven member Nd2 on the first width direction side Y1. In other words, the end of the second driven member Nd2 on the first width direction side Y1 is disposed closer to the second width direction side Y2 than the end of the first driven member Nd1 on the second width direction side Y2. In other words, when the corresponding first door member 111a and second door member 121a are both in the closed position, the entire first driven member Nd1 and the entire second driven member Nd2 are disposed in different ranges in the width direction Y.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first fixed portion 111a2 is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the first main body portion 111a1 in the traveling direction X to one side of the traveling direction X. The second fixed portion 121a2 is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the second main body portion 121a1 in the traveling direction X to the other side of the traveling direction X. This prevents the first driven member Nd1 fixed to the first fixed portion 111a2 and the second driven member Nd2 fixed to the second fixed portion 121a2 from interfering with each other when the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a, which are disposed at the same position in the traveling direction X, are both in the open position.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are made of the same material. That is, in this example, the material constituting the first door member 111a is rotated 180° in a horizontal plane to become the second door member 121a. Conversely, the material constituting the second door member 121a is rotated 180° in a horizontal plane to become the first door member 111a. In this way, since the first door member 111a and the second door member 121a are made of the same material, it is possible to realize the gantry unit 100 at a relatively low cost.

[0077] In this embodiment, the gantry unit 100 includes a torque limiter TL that limits the torque transmitted through the first transmission mechanism N1 so as not to exceed a set value. In this example, the torque limiter TL is provided between the first transmission shaft Nb1 and the first driving member Nc1 in the power transmission path (see also FIG. 8). For example, when the torque transmitted through the first transmission mechanism N1 reaches the set value, the torque limiter TL generates slippage between the first transmission shaft Nb1 and the first driving member Nc1, thereby making the torque transmitted from the first transmission shaft Nb1 to the first driving member Nc1 smaller than the current value (or zero). That is, in this example, the torque limiter TL is a clutch that slips when the transmission torque reaches the set value. The above-mentioned "set value" is appropriately determined based on the characteristics of the equipment, experiments, and the like.

[0078] In this embodiment, the torque limiter TL is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first drive members Nc1. Although not shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the torque limiter TL is also provided between the second transmission shaft Nb2 and the second drive member Nc2 in the power transmission path. The torque limiter TL is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of second drive members Nc2. As a result, even if an excessive torque acts on the first transmission mechanism N1 or the second transmission mechanism N2 when any of the plurality of first door members 111a and the plurality of second door members 121a is opened or closed, the transmission of power can be cut off only in the portion that is likely to be problematic.

[0079] 8 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a transmission path of the driving force of the first driving source M1. The transmission path of the driving force of the second driving source M2 is similar to the above. Therefore, the transmission path of the driving force of the second driving source M2 is not shown in the figure.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a coupling portion L is provided at an axial end of the first transmission shaft Nb1 for coupling with the first transmission shaft Nb1 of another gantry unit 100 arranged adjacently in the traveling direction X. This allows the driving force of the first driving source M1 to be transmitted to the first transmission shaft Nb1 of the other gantry unit 100. Therefore, the first driving source M1 is not required for the other gantry unit 100. In this case, the first transmission shaft Nb1 of the other gantry unit 100 does not also serve as the first output shaft Na1. Although not shown, in this embodiment, a coupling portion L is provided at an axial end of the second transmission shaft Nb2 for coupling with the second transmission shaft Nb2 of another gantry unit 100 arranged adjacently in the traveling direction X. This allows the driving force of the second driving source M2 to be transmitted to the second transmission shaft Nb2 of the other gantry unit 100. Therefore, the second driving source M2 is not required for the other gantry unit 100. In this case, the second transmission shaft Nb2 of the other stand unit 100 does not also serve as the second output shaft Na2. For the connecting portion L, various known shaft couplings such as a universal joint can be used.

[0081] According to the configuration described above, the gantry unit 100 can be made smaller in size.

[0082] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the mount unit will be described.

[0083] (1) In the above embodiment, the first door member 111a is disposed below the top plate 1 and overlaps with the passage area A0 in a plan view in the open position. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the first door member 111a may be disposed so as not to overlap with the passage area A0 in a plan view in the open position. The same applies to the second door member 121a.

[0084] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first door member 111a is configured to change its position by sliding along the width direction Y. However, the direction in which the first door member 111a slides is not limited. The first door member 111a may also be configured to change its position by, for example, swinging or rotating. In this case, the swing direction and rotation direction are not particularly limited. The same applies to the second door member 121a.

[0085] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first transmission mechanism N1 includes the first output shaft Na1, the first transmission shaft Nb1, the first driving member Nc1, and the first driven member Nd1. However, the first transmission mechanism N1 may not include any of the above members, or may include members different from the above members, as long as it can form a power transmission path from the first driving source M1 to the first door member 111a. The same applies to the second transmission mechanism N2.

[0086] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the torque limiter TL is configured to generate slippage between the first transmission shaft Nb1 and the first driving member Nc1 so as not to transmit part of the torque of the first transmission shaft Nb1 to the first driving member Nc1. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the torque limiter TL may be configured as a control circuit or control program of a control unit that limits the torque generated by the first driving source M1 so as not to exceed a set value.

[0087] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the gantry unit 100 includes the torque limiter TL that limits the torque transmitted through the first transmission mechanism N1 so that it does not exceed a set value. However, without being limited to such an example, the gantry unit 100 does not necessarily have to include such a torque limiter TL.

[0088] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article support unit 3 is a conveyor unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the article support unit 3 does not have to have a function of transporting the article W. For example, the article support unit 3 may be a platform or frame that simply supports the article W.

[0089] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article support unit 3 is configured to indirectly support the article W via the container C. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the article support unit 3 may be configured to directly support the article W.

[0090] (8) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second openings 120a are disposed at the same positions in the traveling direction X with respect to each of the multiple first openings 110a. However, the second openings 120a may be disposed at different positions in the traveling direction X with respect to each of the multiple first openings 110a.

[0091] (9) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the coupling portion L is provided at the axial end of the first transmission shaft Nb1 to couple with the first transmission shaft Nb1 of another gantry unit 100 arranged adjacently in the traveling direction X. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the gantry unit 100 may not be provided with such a coupling portion L. In this case, the other gantry unit 100 may be configured to independently include the first driving source M1 and independently open and close the first door member 111a. Similarly, the coupling portion L for coupling the second transmission shaft Nb2 with the second transmission shaft Nb2 of the other gantry unit 100 is not essential.

[0092] (10) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one gantry unit 100 includes one first driving source M1. However, the gantry unit 100 may include multiple first driving sources M1. Even in this case, each of the multiple first driving sources M1 generates a driving force for opening and closing the multiple first door members 111a. The same applies to the second driving source M2.

[0093] (11) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second receiving area A2 is provided in addition to the first receiving area A1, the second receiving section 120 is provided in addition to the first receiving section 110, the second door member 121a is provided in addition to the first door member 111a, and the second door drive section 121b is provided in addition to the first door drive section 111b. However, without being limited to such an example, the gantry unit 100 does not necessarily have to be provided with the second receiving area A2, the second receiving section 120, the second door member 121a, and the second door drive section 121b.

[0094] (12) 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.

[0095] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described gantry unit will now be described.

[0096] A stand unit including a top plate portion, a support leg portion that supports the top plate portion from below, and an article support portion that supports an article, The top plate portion is provided with a passage area in which a passage along which the article transport vehicle runs, and a receiving area in which a plurality of receiving sections that receive the article from the article transport vehicle are provided, Each of the plurality of receiving portions has an opening penetrating the top plate portion in the vertical direction, the article support portion is configured to support the article received by the receiving portion and passing through the opening below the top plate portion; The door device further includes door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of openings, the door elements being capable of changing their posture between an open posture for opening the openings and a closed posture for closing the openings, and a door driving unit that drives the door elements to change their postures, The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the door members.

[0097] According to this configuration, when the door element is in the closed position, the article received in the receiving section is placed on the door element. Therefore, one or more articles can be stored on the door element. Then, when the door element is in the open position, one or more articles placed on the door element pass through the opening and are supported by the article support section. Therefore, for example, when sorting articles, the rack unit of this configuration can be suitably used. Then, according to this configuration, a plurality of the door elements described above are provided corresponding to a plurality of openings, and these plurality of door elements are driven by a door drive unit. The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the plurality of door elements, so that it is possible to drive the plurality of door elements by one drive source. Therefore, according to this configuration, the number of drive sources can be reduced relative to the number of door elements, and the space for arranging the drive sources can be reduced accordingly, and the rack unit as a whole can be made smaller.

[0098] It is preferable that, in the open position, the door member is disposed below the top plate portion and overlaps with the passage area in a plan view.

[0099] According to this configuration, the door member in the open position can be stored in the space below the top plate portion and overlapping with the passage area in a plan view, which makes it easier to reduce the size of the stand unit.

[0100] The direction in which the article transport vehicle travels along the passage is defined as a travel direction, and the direction perpendicular to the travel direction in a plan view is defined as a width direction, A plurality of the receiving portions are arranged in line along the traveling direction, The door member is configured to change the position by sliding along the width direction, It is preferable that the transmission mechanism comprises an output shaft to which the driving force of the drive source is output, a transmission shaft which operates in conjunction with the output shaft and transmits the driving force output to the output shaft along the running direction, a driving member attached to the transmission shaft at a position in the running direction corresponding to the multiple receiving sections lined up in the running direction, and a driven member which is fixed to the door member and driven by the driving member.

[0101] According to this configuration, the driven member is driven by the driving member, thereby allowing the door element to which the driven member is fixed to slide. The transmission shaft is configured to transmit the driving force output to the output shaft along the running direction, and the multiple driven members are attached to this transmission shaft at positions in the running direction corresponding to the multiple receiving parts lined up in the running direction, i.e., at positions corresponding to the multiple door elements. Therefore, according to this configuration, the multiple door elements lined up along the running direction can be appropriately slid by the driving force of the driving source.

[0102] the receiving area is a first receiving area, the receiving portion is a first receiving portion, the opening is a first opening, the door element is a first door element, the door drive portion is a first door drive portion, the drive source is a first drive source, the transmission mechanism is a first transmission mechanism, the output shaft is a first output shaft, the transmission shaft is a first transmission shaft, the drive member is a first drive member, and the driven member is a first driven member; The top plate portion is provided with a second receiving area having a plurality of second receiving sections that receive the items from the item transport vehicle, in addition to the first receiving area; The first receiving area and the second receiving area are arranged separately on both sides in the width direction with the passage area therebetween, Each of the second receiving portions includes a second opening that passes through the top plate portion in the vertical direction, Further comprising: second door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of second openings, the second door elements being changed in position between an open position for opening the second openings and a closed position for closing the second openings; and a second door drive unit that drives the second door elements to change the position of the second door elements, The second door drive unit includes a second drive source and a second transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the second drive source to the second door members. the second transmission mechanism includes a second output shaft to which the driving force of the second drive source is output, a second transmission shaft that is interlocked with the second output shaft and transmits the driving force output to the second output shaft along the traveling direction, a second driving member attached to the second transmission shaft at a position in the traveling direction corresponding to the second receiving portions aligned in the traveling direction, and a second driven member that is fixed to the second door member and driven by the second driving member, The second opening is disposed at the same position in the traveling direction with respect to each of the plurality of first openings, The first driven member and the second driven member are each disposed along the width direction, It is preferable that, when both the first door element and the second door element are in the open position, the first driven member and the second driven member are arranged at different positions in the traveling direction and overlap each other when viewed in the traveling direction along the traveling direction.

[0103] According to this configuration, the second opening is disposed at the same position in the travel direction with respect to each of the multiple first openings. Therefore, the first door element that opens and closes the first opening and the second door element that opens and closes the second opening are disposed at the same position in the travel direction (disposed side by side in the width direction). This makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the gantry unit in the travel direction. In this configuration, the first door element and the second door element are both in the open position, and the first driven element and the second driven element are disposed at different positions in the travel direction and overlap each other as viewed in the travel direction along the travel direction. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the gantry unit in the travel direction by disposing the first door element and the second door element in the same position in the travel direction, while preventing the first driven element fixed to the first door element in the open position and the second driven element fixed to the second door element in the open position from interfering with each other.

[0104] It is preferable that a connecting portion is provided at an axial end of the transmission shaft for connecting with a transmission shaft provided on another frame unit arranged adjacently in the traveling direction.

[0105] According to this configuration, when multiple gantry units are arranged in a line along the traveling direction, the driving force generated by one driving source can be transmitted to the transmission shafts of the multiple gantry units. Therefore, according to this configuration, the number of driving sources can be reduced, which makes it possible to further reduce the size of the gantry unit.

[0106] It is preferable that the transmission mechanism further includes a torque limiter that limits the torque transmitted through the transmission mechanism so that it does not exceed a set value.

[0107] According to this configuration, even if an excessive torque acts on the transmission mechanism while the door element is changing its position, it is possible to limit the torque that exceeds a set value from being transmitted through the transmission mechanism. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the excessive torque from acting on the transmission mechanism or the door element, which would otherwise damage them. Furthermore, for example, if the excessive torque is generated as a result of an object being caught in the door element, it is also possible to prevent damage to the object caught in the door element.

[0108] It is preferable that the article support section is a conveyor unit that transports the article along a specified transport direction with the article placed thereon.

[0109] According to this configuration, the stage in which the articles are transported can be divided into a stage in which the articles are transported by the article transport vehicle and a stage in which the articles are transported by the conveyor unit. That is, the articles transported by the article transport vehicle to each of the multiple receiving sections can be transported by the conveyor unit. Therefore, for example, after the articles are sorted by the article transport vehicle to each of the multiple receiving sections, the sorted articles can be transported by the conveyor unit, and this rack unit can be suitably used for article sorting equipment, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a stand unit including a top panel, support legs that support the top panel from below, and an article support part that supports an article. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100: Stand unit 1: Top plate 2: Support legs 3: Article support part 110: 1st reception department 110a: 1st opening 111a: First door member 111b: First door drive unit 120: 2nd reception department 120a: Second opening 121a: Second door member 121b: Second door drive unit A0:Aisle area A1: First reception area A2:Second reception area L: Connection part M1: First driving source M2:Second driving source N1: First transmission mechanism N2: Second transmission mechanism Na1: First output shaft Na2: 2nd output shaft Nb1: First transmission shaft Nb2: Second transmission shaft Nc1: First driving member Nc2: Second driving member Nd1: First driven member Nd2: Second driven member R: Aisle TL: Torque limiter V: Goods transport vehicle W:Goods X: Traveling direction Y: Width direction

Claims

1. A stand unit including a top plate portion, a support leg portion that supports the top plate portion from below, and an article support portion that supports an article, The top plate portion is provided with a passage area in which a passage along which the article transport vehicle runs, and a receiving area in which a plurality of receiving sections that receive the article from the article transport vehicle are provided, Each of the plurality of receiving portions has an opening penetrating the top plate portion in the vertical direction, the article support portion is configured to support the article received by the receiving portion and passing through the opening below the top plate portion; The door device further includes door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of openings, the door elements being capable of changing their posture between an open posture for opening the openings and a closed posture for closing the openings, and a door driving unit that drives the door elements to change their postures, The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force of the drive source to the door members. The door member is disposed so as to be lower than the top plate portion and overlap with the passage area in a plan view in the open position.

2. A stand unit including a top plate portion, a support leg portion that supports the top plate portion from below, and an article support portion that supports an article, The top plate portion is provided with a passage area in which a passage along which the article transport vehicle runs, and a receiving area in which a plurality of receiving sections that receive the article from the article transport vehicle are provided, Each of the plurality of receiving portions has an opening penetrating the top plate portion in the vertical direction, the article support portion is configured to support the article received by the receiving portion and passing through the opening below the top plate portion; The door device further includes door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of openings, the door elements being capable of changing their posture between an open posture for opening the openings and a closed posture for closing the openings, and a door driving unit that drives the door elements to change their postures, The door drive unit includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force of the drive source to the door members. The direction in which the article transport vehicle travels along the passage is defined as a travel direction, and the direction perpendicular to the travel direction in a plan view is defined as a width direction, A plurality of the receiving portions are arranged in line along the traveling direction, The door member is configured to change the position by sliding along the width direction, The transmission mechanism includes an output shaft to which the driving force of the drive source is output, a transmission shaft that is linked to the output shaft and transmits the driving force output to the output shaft along the running direction, a driving member attached to the transmission shaft at a position in the running direction corresponding to the multiple receiving sections lined up in the running direction, and a driven member that is fixed to the door member and driven by the driving member.

3. the receiving area being a first receiving area, the receiving portion being a first receiving portion, the opening being a first opening, the door member being a first door member, the door drive portion being a first door drive portion, the drive source being a first drive source, the transmission mechanism being a first transmission mechanism, the output shaft being a first output shaft, the transmission shaft being a first transmission shaft, the drive member being a first drive member, and the driven member being a first driven member; The top panel portion is provided with a second receiving area, which is separate from the first receiving area and has a plurality of second receiving sections that receive the items from the item transport vehicle; The first receiving area and the second receiving area are arranged separately on both sides in the width direction with the passage area therebetween, Each of the second receiving portions includes a second opening that penetrates the top plate portion in the up-down direction, Further comprising: second door elements provided in correspondence with the plurality of second openings, the second door elements being changed in position between an open position for opening the second openings and a closed position for closing the second openings; and a second door drive unit that drives the second door elements to change the position of the second door elements, The second door driving unit includes a second driving source and a second transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the second driving source to the second door members. the second transmission mechanism includes a second output shaft to which the driving force of the second drive source is output, a second transmission shaft which is interlocked with the second output shaft and transmits the driving force output to the second output shaft along the traveling direction, a second driving member attached to the second transmission shaft at a position in the traveling direction corresponding to the second receiving portions lined up in the traveling direction, and a second driven member which is fixed to the second door member and driven by the second driving member, The second opening is disposed at the same position in the traveling direction with respect to each of the plurality of first openings, Each of the first driven member and the second driven member is disposed along the width direction, 3. The rack unit according to claim 2, wherein when both the first door element and the second door element are in the open position, the first driven member and the second driven member are arranged at different positions in the traveling direction and overlap each other when viewed in the traveling direction along the traveling direction.

4. The gantry unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a connecting portion is provided at an axial end of the transmission shaft for connecting with a transmission shaft of another gantry unit arranged adjacent to the gantry unit in the running direction.

5. The gantry unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a torque limiter that limits a torque transmitted through the transmission mechanism so as not to exceed a set value.

6. The pedestal unit according to claim 1 , wherein the article support section is a conveyor unit that conveys the article along a prescribed conveying direction while the article is placed thereon.

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