Storage shelves

Abstract

To provide an article storage shelf that easily secures stability in support for an article with a relatively simple configuration even in a case where a notch is formed in a support plate part of a shelf body.SOLUTION: An article storage shelf comprises: a shelf frame 2; a shelf body 3 that supports an article W as a storage object; and a transfer device 4. The transfer device 4 comprises: a support part 41 for supporting the article W; and a drive mechanism 42. The shelf body 3 comprises: an attachment part 31 attached to the shelf frame 2; and a support plate part 32 arranged so as to protrude toward a first direction first side X1 from the attachment part 31. The support plate part 32 is formed with: a notch part 33 vertically penetrating through the support plate part and open toward the first direction first side X1; and a penetration opening 34 arranged on a first direction second side X2 with respect to the notch part 33 and vertically penetrating through the support plate part. . The penetration opening 34 is arranged between a third support pin P3 and the attachment part 31 in a first direction X, and a dimension T2 in a second direction Y is formed larger than a dimension T1 in the first direction X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an item storage shelf that includes a shelf frame, a shelf body that is attached in a cantilevered manner to the shelf frame and supports items to be stored, and a transfer device that transfers the items supported on the shelf body. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-121987 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology related to an article storage shelf. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The item storage shelf of Patent Document 1 includes a shelf frame, multiple shelf members (S) that support items (semiconductor containers B), and a transfer device (stacker crane C) that transfers the items between the shelf members. Each of the multiple shelf members (S) is attached to the shelf frame in a cantilevered manner. The shelf member (S) includes a support plate portion (50) that extends along a horizontal surface. The support plate portion (50) has a notch portion (50Y) that penetrates vertically and opens toward the protruding direction. The notch portion (50Y) is formed to allow a support portion (movable support 24) of the transfer device to pass through vertically. In addition, three support pins (positioning pins P) are provided on the upper surface of the support plate portion (50) to support the items from below and position the items. Two of the three support pins (positioning pins P2) are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction of the shelf, sandwiching the notch portion (50Y). The remaining support pin (positioning pin P1) is provided adjacent to the shelf frame side with respect to the notch portion (50Y). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-121987 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In an item storage shelf such as that described in Patent Document 1, notches may be formed over a wide area of ​​the support plate of the shelf body. In such shelves, the rigidity of the support plate where the notches are formed is often lower than the rigidity of the portion of the support plate closer to the shelf frame than the notches. Therefore, when supporting an item, the portion of the support plate where the notches are formed is prone to significant deflection relative to the portion of the support plate closer to the shelf frame than the notches. If significant deflection occurs in the support plate, the flatness of the support plate between the three support pins may decrease, resulting in insufficient support stability for the item. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce deflection by reinforcing the portion of the support plate between the three support pins, for example by attaching a reinforcing member, thereby increasing the rigidity of the support plate. However, this would increase the size and weight of the support plate, which in turn could result in larger and more expensive shelves.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article storage shelf that has a relatively simple configuration and that can easily ensure stable support for articles, even when a notch is formed in the support plate portion of the shelf body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The item storage shelf according to the present disclosure is an item storage shelf including a shelf frame, a shelf body that is attached in a cantilevered manner to the shelf frame and supports items to be stored, and a transfer device that transfers the items supported on the shelf body, A specific direction along a horizontal plane is defined as a first direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a first direction first side, the other side of the first direction is defined as a first direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the transfer device includes a support unit that supports the article, and a drive mechanism that moves the support unit forward and backward in the first direction and raises and lowers the support unit in the up-and-down direction; The shelf body includes a mounting portion attached to the shelf frame, a support plate portion formed in a plate shape along a horizontal plane and disposed so as to protrude from the mounting portion to a first side in the first direction, and three support pins, namely a first support pin, a second support pin, and a third support pin, fixed to the support plate portion so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion and support the article from below, The support plate portion is formed with a notch portion that penetrates in the vertical direction and is open to a first side in the first direction so that the support portion of the transfer device can pass in the vertical direction, and a through opening portion that is disposed on a second side in the first direction with respect to the notch portion and penetrates in the vertical direction, the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion in the second direction, the third support pin is disposed between the notch portion and the through opening portion in the first direction, The through opening is disposed between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction, and is formed so that the dimension in the second direction is larger than the dimension in the first direction. 、 The dimension of the through opening in the second direction is equal to or greater than half of the dimension of the support plate portion in the second direction. .

[0008] According to this configuration, a through opening penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the support plate portion between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction. The dimension of the through opening in the second direction (the width direction of the support plate portion) is larger than the dimension in the first direction (the depth direction of the support plate portion). This reduces the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction compared to when no through opening is formed, making this portion more susceptible to deflection. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin can be relatively increased, making it possible to minimize deflection of the portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin when an article is supported. This makes it easier to ensure the flatness of the support plate portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin when an article is supported, making it easier to ensure stable support for the article. Furthermore, with this configuration, when a downflow, which is a downward airflow, is generated inside the item storage shelf, the airflow can pass through the through-opening in addition to the cutout portion. In other words, the shelf body is less likely to obstruct the downflow than when there is no through-opening. Thus, with this configuration, even if a notch is formed in the support plate portion of the shelf body, it is easy to ensure stable support for articles with a relatively simple configuration.

[0009] An item storage shelf including a shelf frame, a shelf body attached to the shelf frame in a cantilevered manner to support items to be stored, and a transfer device for transferring the items supported on the shelf body, A specific direction along a horizontal plane is defined as a first direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a first direction first side, the other side of the first direction is defined as a first direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the transfer device includes a support unit that supports the article, and a drive mechanism that moves the support unit forward and backward in the first direction and raises and lowers the support unit in the up-and-down direction; The shelf body includes a mounting portion attached to the shelf frame, a support plate portion formed in a plate shape along a horizontal plane and disposed so as to protrude from the mounting portion to a first side in the first direction, and three support pins, namely a first support pin, a second support pin, and a third support pin, fixed to the support plate portion so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion and support the article from below, The support plate portion is formed with a notch portion that penetrates in the vertical direction and is open to a first side in the first direction so that the support portion of the transfer device can pass in the vertical direction, and a through opening portion that is disposed on a second side in the first direction with respect to the notch portion and penetrates in the vertical direction, the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion in the second direction, the third support pin is disposed between the notch portion and the through opening portion in the first direction, The through opening is disposed between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction, and is formed so that the dimension in the second direction is larger than the dimension in the first direction. 、 The shelf frame has a reference surface facing the first side in the first direction, the mounting portion includes an abutment portion that abuts against the reference surface, the abutment portion is fastened and fixed to the reference surface by a fastening member, The fastening member is disposed above the center position of the contact portion in the up-down direction.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the storage cabinet will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments thereof, which are set forth with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Overall cross-sectional view of the storage shelf [Figure 2] Front view of storage shelf [Figure 3] Perspective view of shelf body [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which an article is supported on a shelf body. [Figure 5] Plan view of shelf body [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the shelf body is supported by the shelf frame. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram of a gap that may occur between the shelf body and the horizontal member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which a deflection occurs in the support plate portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a shelf body in another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shelf body in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of an item storage shelf will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the item storage shelf 1 includes a shelf frame 2, a shelf body 3 that is attached to the shelf frame 2 in a cantilevered manner and supports items W to be stored, and a transfer device 4 that transfers the items W supported on the shelf body 3. In this embodiment, the item storage shelf 1 includes multiple shelf bodies 3. The shelf frame 2 is configured to allow multiple shelf bodies 3 to be attached. An item W is supported on each of the multiple shelf bodies 3 attached to the shelf frame 2. In this manner, the item storage shelf 1 is capable of storing multiple items W. The transfer device 4 transports the items W between the multiple shelf bodies 3 and the outside of the item storage shelf 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the item storage shelf 1 includes a pair of shelf frames 2. The pair of shelf frames 2 are arranged facing each other with the transfer device 4 in between. The item storage shelf 1 is provided with a conveyor (not shown) that connects the inside and outside of the item storage shelf 1, and the transfer device 4 transports the items W between the shelf body 3 and the conveyor. In this example, the article W is a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) that accommodates semiconductor substrates (wafers).

[0013] In the following description, a specific direction along a horizontal plane is referred to as a first direction X, one side of the first direction X is referred to as a first direction first side X1, the other side of the first direction X is referred to as a first direction second side X2, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction X is referred to as a second direction Y. In this embodiment, the first direction X is the protruding direction (extending direction) of the shelf body 3 attached in a cantilevered state to the shelf frame 2. The first direction second side X2 is the side in the first direction X where the shelf frame 2 is arranged relative to the shelf body 3, and the opposite side is referred to as the first direction first side X1. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 5, the first direction first side X1 is the side where the transfer device 4 is arranged relative to the shelf body 3.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the transfer device 4 includes a support unit 41 that supports an article W, and a drive mechanism 42 that moves the support unit 41 forward and backward in a first direction X and raises and lowers the support unit 41 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the transfer device 4 further includes a carriage unit 46. The carriage unit 46 moves along an aisle 5 arranged in front of the shelf frame 2 (here, the aisle 5 arranged between a pair of shelf frames 2). The support unit 41 is connected to the carriage unit 46 via the drive mechanism 42. The support unit 41 and the drive mechanism 42 move along the aisle 5 together with the carriage unit 46. In the example of FIG. 1, a rail R is installed along the aisle 5. The carriage unit 46 is configured to move along the aisle 5 while being guided by the rail R.

[0015] The drive mechanism 42 includes a mast 45 erected on a carriage 46, a lifting platform 43 that rises and falls along the mast 45, and a slide mechanism 44. The slide mechanism 44 is provided on the lifting platform 43. A support unit 41 is connected to the slide mechanism 44. The slide mechanism 44 is configured to move the support unit 41 forward and backward in a first direction X. The support unit 41 is configured to support the article W from below. To explain further, as shown in FIG. 5, the support unit 41 includes a plurality of (here, three) transfer support pins Q that engage with the engaged portions M of the article W from below. With these plurality of transfer support pins Q engaged with the engaged portions M of the article W from below, the support unit 41 supports the bottom surface of the article W from below. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 5, the transfer device 4 is a stacker crane. That is, in this example, the support portion 41 and drive mechanism 42 of the transfer device 4 are provided on a device (here, a stacker crane) that transports the article W. The slide mechanism 44 and support portion 41 are of a slide fork type. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, three engaged portions M that can engage with the three transfer support pins Q are provided on the underside of the article W. The three engaged portions M can also engage with three support pins (first support pin P1, second support pin P2, and third support pin P3) that are provided on the shelf body 3 and will be described later.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the shelf frame 2 has an upper surface 21 facing upward and a reference surface 22 facing the first side X1 in the first direction. The shelf body 3 is supported on the shelf frame 2 by the upper surface 21 and the reference surface 22. In this example, the shelf frame 2 has support posts 23 and lateral members 24. The lateral members 24 are supported by the support posts 23 and are configured to support multiple shelf bodies 3. The upper surface 21 is a surface facing upward of the lateral members 24, and the reference surface 22 is a side surface of the lateral members 24 (here, a surface facing the first side X1 in the first direction). In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of support posts 23 are arranged separately in the second direction Y. Each of the multiple lateral members 24 is arranged to connect the pair of support posts 23 in an orientation along the second direction Y. Specifically, both ends of each lateral member 24 are fixed to a pair of support posts 23. The multiple lateral members 24 are arranged vertically and spaced apart from each other. Each of the vertically arranged lateral members 24 supports multiple (here, three) shelves 3 so that they are lined up in the second direction Y. That is, the multiple shelves 3 are arranged so that they are lined up in the second direction Y as well as in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, articles W supported by the shelves 3 are stored between vertically adjacent lateral members 24. That is, a storage space S for storing articles W is formed between vertically adjacent shelves 3, and the lateral members 24 are arranged vertically adjacent to each other at a distance that allows such storage space S to be secured.

[0017] In this example, the item storage shelf 1 further includes a partition wall K and an airflow generating device D. In the example of Fig. 1, the partition wall K is arranged to separate the internal space of the item storage shelf 1, in which items W are stored, from the external space of the item storage shelf 1. The airflow generating device D is provided above the pair of shelf frames 2, and generates an airflow (downflow) that flows from above downward in the internal space (here, the range in which the shelf frames 2 and the transfer device 4 are present).

[0018] 3 to 6, the shelf body 3 includes an attachment portion 31 attached to the shelf frame 2, a support plate portion 32 disposed to protrude from the attachment portion 31 in the first direction (first side X1) and formed like a plate along a horizontal plane, and three support pins, a first support pin P1, a second support pin P2, and a third support pin P3, fixed to the support plate portion 32 so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion 32 and support an article W from below. The configuration of the shelf body 3 will be described in detail below.

[0019] The shelf body 3 is supported by the shelf frame 2 (here, the horizontal member 24) by attaching the mounting portion 31 to the shelf frame 2. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 31 includes a first abutment portion 35 that abuts against the upper surface 21 and a second abutment portion 36 that abuts against the reference surface 22. In this example, the lower surface of the first abutment portion 35 abuts against the upper surface 21. This positions the shelf body 3 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the surface of the second abutment portion 36 facing the first direction second side X2 abuts against the reference surface 22. This positions the shelf body 3 in the first direction X. Furthermore, as will be described later, the first abutment portion 35 and the second abutment portion 36 of the mounting portion 31 of the shelf body 3 are each fixed to the horizontal member 24.

[0020] The first contact portion 35 is formed to extend from a base end (here, an end portion on the second side X2 in the first direction) of the support plate portion 32 toward the second side X2 in the first direction. In the illustrated example, the first contact portion 35 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the up-down direction, and the dimension of the first contact portion 35 in the first direction X is set to a size corresponding to the dimension of the upper surface 21 in the first direction X. Furthermore, the dimension of the first contact portion 35 in the second direction Y is set to be the same as the dimension S2 (see FIG. 5) of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. Note that the dimensions of the first contact portion 35 in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape of the first contact portion 35 is not limited to a rectangular shape. Furthermore, a plurality of first contact portions 35 may be provided. For example, each of the plurality of first contact portions 35 may extend from the base end of the support plate portion 32 toward the second side X2 in the first direction.

[0021] The second abutment portion 36 is formed by bending from a base end (here, an end portion on the second side X2 in the first direction) of a support frame portion 37 described later outward in the second direction Y relative to the first abutment portion 35 (here, the first abutment portion 35 and the support plate portion 32). The second abutment portion 36 has a vertical dimension set to a size corresponding to the vertical dimension of the reference plane 22. In this example, a plurality of second abutment portions 36 are provided. Specifically, the second abutment portions 36 are formed as a pair, separated in the second direction Y. The pair of second abutment portions 36 are arranged to sandwich the first abutment portion 35 and the support plate portion 32 therebetween.

[0022] The vertical dimension of the second abutment portion 36 can be changed as appropriate. The second abutment portion 36 may be formed by bending downward from a side edge of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. The second abutment portion 36 may be disposed on the inside in the second direction Y with respect to the first abutment portion 35 and the support plate portion 32.

[0023] 3, 5, and 6, in this embodiment, the first abutment portion 35 is fastened and fixed to the upper surface 21 by a first fastening member 8. Furthermore, the second abutment portion 36 is fastened and fixed to the reference surface 22 by a second fastening member 9. In this example, the first abutment portion 35 is fastened and fixed to the upper surface 21 of the traversing member 24 by the first fastening member 8. Similarly, the second abutment portion 36 is fastened and fixed to the reference surface 22 by the second fastening member 9.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the first contact portion 35 is fastened to the upper surface 21 at both ends in the second direction Y by first fastening members 8. That is, the first contact portion 35 is fastened to the upper surface 21 at multiple locations (here, two locations). Here, the first fastening members 8 are bolts having a head and a male thread portion. As shown in FIG. 6 , a first through hole 35a through which the first fastening member 8 is inserted is formed at each of the both ends in the second direction Y of the first contact portion 35. The horizontal member 24 is formed with a first female threaded hole 21a into which the first fastening member 8 is inserted from the upper surface 21. The male threaded portion of the first fastening member 8 is inserted into the first through hole 35a with its head facing upward, and is threaded into the first female threaded hole 21a, whereby the first abutment portion 35 is fastened and fixed to the upper surface 21 of the horizontal member 24.

[0025] 3, 5, and 6, each of the second contact portions 36 arranged separately in the second direction Y is fastened and fixed to the reference surface 22 by a second fastening member 9. In this embodiment, the second fastening member 9 is arranged above the center position in the up-down direction of the second contact portion 36. In the illustrated example, the second fastening member 9 is a bolt having a head and a male thread portion. A second through hole 36a, through which the second fastening member 9 is inserted, is formed above the center position in the up-down direction of each of the second contact portions 36 arranged separately in the second direction Y. A second female threaded hole 22a, through which the second fastening member 9 is inserted, is formed in the lateral member 24 from the reference surface 22 (the surface facing the first side X1 in the first direction). Then, the male thread portion of the second fastening member 9, which is inserted through the second through-hole 36a with its head facing the first side in the first direction X1, screws into the second female threaded hole 22a, thereby fastening and fixing the second abutment portion 36 to the reference surface 22. In this way, the shelf body 3 is fixed to the horizontal member 24. Therefore, the shelf body 3 can be fixed while being positioned relative to the shelf frame 2 in the vertical direction and in the first direction X. This makes it easier to improve the positional accuracy of the shelf board (including the angle relative to the horizontal plane). Note that the shelf body 3 may also be fixed to the horizontal member 24 by other known techniques, such as welding.

[0026] FIG. 7( a) shows a fixing mode of the second contact portion 36 different from that of the present embodiment, in which the second contact portion 36 and the reference surface 22 are fastened and fixed by the second fastening member 9 below the vertical center position of the second contact portion 36. In this case, depending on the weight of the supported item W, a vertical load acting on the support plate portion 32 acts on the second contact portion 36, and a moment with the fastening point of the second fastening member 9 as a fulcrum acts on the second contact portion 36, which may create a gap F between the second contact portion 36 and the reference surface 22. FIG. 7( b) shows a fixing mode of the second contact portion 36 of the present embodiment, in which the second contact portion 36 and the reference surface 22 are fastened and fixed by the second fastening member 9 above the vertical center position of the second contact portion 36. In this case, a force acts on the portion of the second contact portion 36 below the fastening point of the second fastening member 9 in a direction pressing the portion against the reference surface 22 when the shelf 3 supports the item W. Therefore, even when a relatively heavy article W is being supported, it becomes easy to bring the entire second contact portion 36 into contact with the reference surface 22 without any gaps, which facilitates improving the positional accuracy of the shelf body 3. Note that in Figure 7, the gap F is shown larger than its actual size for ease of understanding.

[0027] 3 and 4, the shelf 3 further includes a support frame 37 formed by bending downward from each of both side edges of the support plate 32 in the second direction Y. The support frame 37 is formed over a range from the position in the first direction X where the first support pin P1 and the second support pin P2 are arranged to the mounting portion 31. In this example, the support frame 37 is formed over a range from the end of the support plate 32 on the first side X1 in the first direction (the tip end of the support plate 32) to the end of the support plate 32 on the second side X2 in the first direction (the base end of the support plate 32).

[0028] In this example, the support frame portion 37 includes a first support frame 37a, a second support frame 37b, and a third support frame 37c. The first support frame 37a, the second support frame 37b, and the third support frame 37c are arranged in the first direction X in this order from the first direction first side X1. As shown in FIG. 4, the first support frame 37a is arranged closer to the first direction first side X1 (the tip end side of the support plate portion 32) than the third support pin P3 in the first direction X. The first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and a notch portion 33 (described later) are included in the range in the first direction X where the first support frame 37a is formed (FIG. 3). The second support frame 37b is arranged between the third support pin P3 and the mounting portion 31 on the near side in the first direction X. The third support pin P3 and a through opening 34 (described later) are included in the range in the first direction X where the second support frame 37b is formed (FIG. 3). The third support frame 37c is disposed between the end of the second support frame 37b on the second side X2 in the first direction and the second contact portion .

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , in this embodiment, the vertical dimension of the support frame portion 37 is smaller in the region between the third support pin P3 and the mounting portion 31 in the first direction X than in the region on the first side X1 in the first direction. In this example, the vertical dimension of the second support frame 37b is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first support frame 37a. In the illustrated example, the second support frame 37b is formed so that a portion is cut out upward from the lower end of the first support frame 37a in the vertical direction, thereby making the vertical dimension smaller than the first support frame 37a and the third support frame 37c. In addition, in the illustrated example, the vertical dimension of the third support frame 37c is larger than the vertical dimensions of the first support frame 37a and the second support frame 37b. Note that the support frame portion 37 may be formed so that the vertical dimension gradually decreases from the end on the first side X1 in the first direction toward the second side X2 in the first direction. Even in this case, since the second contact portion 36 is formed by bending from the side edge of the third support frame 37c, it is preferable that the vertical dimension of the third support frame 37c corresponds to the vertical dimension of the second contact portion 36. In the illustrated example, the support frame portion 37, the support plate portion 32, the first contact portion 35, and the second contact portion 36 are integrally formed. However, these may be formed from independent members. Alternatively, some of these may be integrally formed, and the rest may be formed from independent members.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the support plate portion 32 is formed continuously from the second abutment portion 36 to the first side X1 in the first direction, and is configured to support the item W from below via three support pins (first support pin P1, second support pin P2, and third support pin P3). The support plate 32 has a notch 33 that penetrates the support plate 32 in the vertical direction and is open to the first side X1 in the first direction, so that the support 41 of the transfer device 4 can pass through in the vertical direction. The support plate 32 also has a through-opening 34 that is disposed on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the notch 33 and penetrates the support plate 32 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the notch 33 has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the support 41. As shown in FIG. 5 , the dimension U1 of the notch 33 in the first direction X is equal to or greater than half of the dimension S1 of the support plate 32 in the first direction X, and the dimension U2 of the notch 33 in the second direction Y is equal to or greater than half of the dimension S2 of the support plate 32 in the second direction Y. In this manner, the support plate 32 is cut out over a wide area in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. In the illustrated example, the support plate 32 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. The dimension S1 of the support plate portion 32 in the first direction X is larger than the dimension S2 of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the dimension U1 of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X is larger than the dimension U2 of the cutout portion 33 in the second direction Y. In the example of Fig. 5, the dimension U1 of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X is the maximum dimension of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X, and the dimension U2 of the cutout portion 33 in the second direction Y is the maximum dimension of the cutout portion 33 in the second direction Y.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first support pin P1 and the second support pin P2 are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion 33 in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the first support pin P1 and the second support pin P2 are arranged within a range in which the notch portion 33 is formed in the first direction X. In this example, the first support pin P1 and the second support pin P2 are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion 33 in the second direction Y, and are arranged closer to the first side X1 in the first direction X1 (here, the tip region of the support plate portion 32) than the center position of the notch portion 33 in the first direction X. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the third support pin P3 is arranged between the notch portion 33 and the through opening 34 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the third support pin P3 is further arranged in the center region of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. When the article W is transferred to the shelf 3 by the transfer device 4, these three support pins engage with three engaged portions M provided on the underside of the article W. As a result, the three support pins support the article W from below. More specifically, the support portion 41 of the transfer device 4, on which the article W is placed, is positioned directly above the notch portion 33 of the shelf 3 by the drive mechanism 42. Thereafter, as the lifting platform 43 descends, the support portion 41 passes through the notch portion 33 and is positioned directly below the notch portion 33. As a result, the article W is transferred from the three transfer support pins Q of the support portion 41 to the first support pin P1, second support pin P2, and third support pin P3 of the support plate portion 32. When the transfer device 4 removes and transports the item W from the shelf body 3, it moves the support part 41 from directly below the cutout part 33 to directly above it, thereby scooping up the item W supported by the three support pins.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the through opening 34 is disposed between the third support pin P3 and the mounting portion 31 in the first direction X, and has a dimension T2 in the second direction Y that is larger than the dimension T1 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, a single through opening 34 is formed in the support plate portion 32. The dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y is equal to or greater than half of the dimension S2 of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. The dimension T1 of the through opening 34 in the first direction X is less than half of the dimension S1 of the support plate portion 32 in the first direction X. In this example, the through opening 34 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above and below. Note that the term “rectangular” does not necessarily mean that the four vertices of the quadrangle are right-angled, and may also include, for example, a shape that is rounded outward from the through opening 34. The shape of such a through opening 34 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be, for example, a polygonal or elliptical shape. It is preferable that the shape can be appropriately changed as needed. 5, the dimension T1 of the through opening 34 in the first direction X is the maximum dimension of the through opening 34 in the first direction X, and the dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y is the maximum dimension of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y. Since the support plate portion 32 has the above-described through opening 34 formed therein, for example, when the article W is not supported, the airflow flowing from above downward can pass through the through opening 34 in addition to the cutout portion 33. Below, the effect of forming the through opening 34 in the support plate portion 32 will be described from another perspective using FIG. 8.

[0033] 8(a) schematically illustrates, as a comparative example, a shelf 3 in which no through opening 34 is formed in the support plate 32. When no through opening 34 is formed, the rigidity of the portion of the support plate 32 in which the notch 33 is formed (here, the portion between the third support pin P3 of the support plate 32 and the attachment portion 31 in the first direction X) is lower than the rigidity of the portion on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the notch 33 (the base end side of the support plate 32). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when the shelf 3 supports an article W, the portion in which the notch 33 is formed is more likely to bend than the portion on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the notch 33. Furthermore, if a large deflection occurs while supporting the item W, the flatness of the support plate portion 32 between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2 and the third support pin P3 decreases, making it difficult to properly engage the three support pins provided on the support plate portion 32 with the engaged portion M of the item W.

[0034] FIG. 8(b) schematically illustrates the shelf 3 when the support plate 32 has a through opening 34 formed therein, as in the technology disclosed herein. When the through opening 34 is formed, the rigidity of the portion of the support plate 32 where the through opening 34 is formed (here, the portion on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the notch 33) is reduced compared to when the through opening 34 is not formed, making the portion more susceptible to deflection. Therefore, the rigidity of the support plate 32 between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and the third support pin P3 can be relatively increased, thereby minimizing deflection of the portion between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and the third support pin P3 when the shelf 3 is supporting an article W. Therefore, when the article W is supported, the reduction in flatness of the support plate 32 between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and the third support pin P3 can be minimized. Therefore, it is easy to properly engage the three support pins provided on the support plate portion 32 with the engaged portion M of the article W, and to ensure stable support for the article W. Note that in Fig. 8, for ease of understanding, the deflection of the support plate portion 32 is shown to be greater than the actual deflection.

[0035] Furthermore, in this example, as described above, the vertical dimension of the second support frame 37b is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first support frame 37a. This reduces the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion 32 between the third support pin P3 and the mounting portion 31 in the first direction X, where the through-opening 34 is formed, making this portion more likely to bend. This reduces the amount of bending between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and the third support pin P3 in the support plate portion 32, making it easier to ensure flatness between the first support pin P1, the second support pin P2, and the third support pin P3. This effectively ensures stable support of the article W.

[0036] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, only one through opening 34 is formed in the support plate portion 32. However, this is not limiting. For example, a plurality of through openings 34 may be formed in the support plate portion 32. Specifically, the plurality of through openings 34 may be arranged in a line in at least one of the first direction X and the second direction Y. When a plurality of through openings 34 are formed in the support plate portion 32 in this manner, the dimensions of the through opening 34 in the first direction X or the second direction Y may be defined as the dimensions of a rectangle (having two sides along the first direction X and two sides along the second direction Y) circumscribing a set of the plurality of through openings 34 in a plan view (viewed in the vertical direction) rather than the dimensions of a single through opening 34. In other words, the dimensions of the region in which the plurality of through openings 34 are formed in the first direction X or the second direction Y may be defined as the dimensions of the through opening 34 in the first direction X or the second direction Y. An example of this is shown in FIG. 9 . In FIG. 9, a plurality of (here, three) through openings 34 are arranged side by side in the second direction Y. The dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y is set to the dimension in the second direction Y of a rectangle circumscribing the set of the plurality of through openings 34. The rectangle circumscribing the set of the plurality of through openings 34 arranged in the second direction Y (here, the dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y) is formed to be larger than the dimension T1 of the through opening 34 in the first direction X. Note that, in the example of Fig. 9, the plurality of through openings 34 are formed so that the dimensions in the first direction X and the second direction Y are the same, but the dimensions in the first direction X and the second direction Y may be different from each other.

[0037] (2) In the above embodiment, the dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y is equal to or greater than half of the dimension S2 of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. However, this is not limiting. For example, the dimension T2 of the through opening 34 in the second direction Y may be less than half of the dimension S2 of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the dimension T1 of the through opening 34 in the first direction X may be changed as appropriate depending on the dimension U1 of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X. In this way, the dimensions of the through opening 34 (dimension T1 in the first direction X, dimension T2 in the second direction Y) can be changed as needed.

[0038] (3) In the above embodiment, the dimension U1 of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X is at least half of the dimension S1 of the support plate portion 32 in the first direction X, and the dimension U2 of the cutout portion 33 in the second direction Y is at least half of the dimension S2 of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y. However, this is not limiting, and the dimension U1 of the cutout portion 33 in the first direction X and the dimension S2 of the cutout portion 33 in the second direction Y can be changed as appropriate. The shape of the cutout portion 33 can also be changed as appropriate.

[0039] (4) In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 31 includes a first contact portion 35 that contacts the upper surface 21 and a second contact portion 36 that contacts the reference surface 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 31 may further include a rib portion 38 for reinforcing the first contact portion 35. One such example is shown in FIG. 10 . In FIG. 10 , the rib portion 38 is provided on the first contact portion 35. Specifically, the rib portion 38 is provided so as to be bent upward from the end of the first contact portion 35 on the second side X2 in the first direction. The rib portion 38 is formed of a strip-shaped member that extends along the second direction Y and the up-down direction. In the illustrated example, the rib portion 38 is continuous with the upper surface 21 of the first contact portion 35 and is formed integrally with the first contact portion 35. The rib portion 38 may be formed of a member separate from the first contact portion 35.

[0040] (5) In the above embodiment, the first contact portion 35 is fastened to the upper surface 21 of the horizontal member 24 by the first fastening member 8, and the second contact portion 36 is fastened to the reference surface 22 (here, the surface of the horizontal member 24 facing the first side X1 in the first direction) by the second fastening member 9, thereby supporting the shelf body 3 on the shelf frame 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the first contact portion 35 and the second contact portion 36 may be fastened to the shelf frame 2 (here, the horizontal member 24). Also, for example, the shelf body 3 may further include a third contact portion that abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal member 24, and the third contact portion may be fastened to the lower surface of the horizontal member 24 by a fastening member different from the first fastening member 8 and the second fastening member 9.

[0041] (6) In the above embodiment, the second fastening member 9 is disposed above the vertical center of the second contact portion 36, but this is not limiting. For example, the second fastening member 9 may be disposed at the vertical center of the second contact portion 36, or may be disposed below the vertical center. Alternatively, the second contact portion 36 may be fastened and fixed to the reference surface 22 by a plurality of second fastening members 9 disposed at different vertical positions.

[0042] (7) In the above embodiment, the shelf 3 is described as having a configuration in which the support frame portions 37 are formed by bending downward from both side edges of the support plate portion 32 in the second direction Y, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shelf 3 does not have to have such a support frame portion 37. Also, for example, the shelf 3 can be configured to have the support frame portion 37 only on one side in the second direction Y.

[0043] (8) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding 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.

[0044] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described item storage shelf will now be outlined.

[0045] The item storage shelf according to the present disclosure is an item storage shelf including a shelf frame, a shelf body that is attached in a cantilevered manner to the shelf frame and supports items to be stored, and a transfer device that transfers the items supported on the shelf body, A specific direction along a horizontal plane is defined as a first direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a first direction first side, the other side of the first direction is defined as a first direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the transfer device includes a support unit that supports the article, and a drive mechanism that moves the support unit forward and backward in the first direction and raises and lowers the support unit in the up-and-down direction; The shelf body includes a mounting portion attached to the shelf frame, a support plate portion formed in a plate shape along a horizontal plane and disposed so as to protrude from the mounting portion to a first side in the first direction, and three support pins, namely a first support pin, a second support pin, and a third support pin, fixed to the support plate portion so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion and support the article from below, The support plate portion is formed with a notch portion that penetrates in the vertical direction and is open to a first side in the first direction so that the support portion of the transfer device can pass in the vertical direction, and a through opening portion that is disposed on a second side in the first direction with respect to the notch portion and penetrates in the vertical direction, the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion in the second direction, the third support pin is disposed between the notch portion and the through opening portion in the first direction, The through opening is disposed between the third support pin and the attachment portion in the first direction, and is formed so that the dimension in the second direction is larger than the dimension in the first direction.

[0046] According to this configuration, a through opening penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the support plate portion between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction. The dimension of the through opening in the second direction (the width direction of the support plate portion) is larger than the dimension in the first direction (the depth direction of the support plate portion). This reduces the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction compared to when no through opening is formed, making this portion more susceptible to deflection. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin can be relatively increased, making it possible to minimize deflection of the portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin when an article is supported. This makes it easier to ensure the flatness of the support plate portion between the first and second support pins and the third support pin when an article is supported, making it easier to ensure stable support for the article. Furthermore, with this configuration, when a downflow, which is a downward airflow, is generated inside the item storage shelf, the airflow can pass through the through-opening in addition to the cutout portion. In other words, the shelf body is less likely to obstruct the downflow than when there is no through-opening. Thus, with this configuration, even if a notch is formed in the support plate portion of the shelf body, it is easy to ensure stable support for articles with a relatively simple configuration.

[0047] wherein the dimension of the notch portion in the first direction is equal to or greater than half of the dimension of the support plate portion in the first direction; a dimension of the notch portion in the second direction is equal to or greater than half of a dimension of the support plate portion in the second direction; It is preferable that the dimension of the through opening in the second direction is at least half the dimension of the support plate portion in the second direction.

[0048] When the cutout portion occupies a large area of ​​the total area of ​​the support plate portion, the flatness of the support plate portion is likely to decrease, particularly between the first support pin, the second support pin, and the third support pin. However, with this configuration, the dimension of the through opening in the second direction is at least half of the dimension of the support plate portion in the second direction, so the rigidity of the portion of the support plate portion between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction can be sufficiently reduced, making this portion more likely to flex. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the flatness of the support plate portion between the first support pin, the second support pin, and the third support pin, and also to ensure stable support of the article.

[0049] The shelf frame has an upper surface facing upward and a reference surface facing the first side in the first direction, the mounting portion includes a first contact portion that contacts the upper surface and a second contact portion that contacts the reference surface, the first contact portion is fastened and fixed to the upper surface by a first fastening member, It is preferable that the second contact portion is fastened and fixed to the reference surface by a second fastening member.

[0050] According to this configuration, the shelf body can be fixed in a state where it is positioned relative to the shelf frame in the vertical direction and the first direction, which makes it easy to improve the positioning accuracy of the shelf board.

[0051] Preferably, the second fastening member is disposed above the center position of the second contact portion in the up-down direction.

[0052] This configuration makes it easy to bring the upper portion of the second contact portion into contact with the reference surface without any gaps. Furthermore, when the shelf supports an item, a force acts on the lower portion of the second contact portion in a direction that presses it against the reference surface. Therefore, this configuration makes it easy to bring the entire second contact portion into contact with the reference surface without any gaps. This makes it easier to improve the positioning accuracy of the shelf.

[0053] The shelf body further includes a support frame portion formed by bending downward from each of both side edges of the support plate portion in the second direction, It is preferable that the support frame portion be formed over a range from a position in the first direction where the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged to the attachment portion.

[0054] According to this configuration, it is easy to minimize the bending of the support plate portion in the vertical direction, and therefore it is easy to improve the flatness of the support plate portion.

[0055] It is sufficient for the storage shelf according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Storage shelf 2:Shelf frame 3:Shelf body 4:Transfer device 8: First fastening member 9: Second fastening member 21:Top surface 22: Reference plane 31: Mounting part 32: Support plate part 33: Notch 34:Through opening 35: 1st contact part 36:Second contact part 37: Support frame part 41: Support part 42: Drive mechanism P1: First support pin P2: Second support pin P3: Third support pin S1: Dimension of the support plate in the first direction S2: Dimension of the support plate in the second direction T1: Dimension of the through opening in the first direction T2: Second dimension of the through opening U1: Dimension of the notch in the first direction U2: Second direction dimension of the notch W:Goods X: 1st direction X1: 1st direction 1st side X2: 1st direction 2nd side Y: Second direction

Claims

1. An item storage shelf including a shelf frame, a shelf body attached to the shelf frame in a cantilevered manner to support items to be stored, and a transfer device for transferring the items supported on the shelf body, A specific direction along a horizontal plane is defined as a first direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a first direction first side, the other side of the first direction is defined as a first direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the transfer device includes a support unit that supports the article, and a drive mechanism that moves the support unit forward and backward in the first direction and raises and lowers the support unit in the up-and-down direction; The shelf body includes an attachment portion attached to the shelf frame, a support plate portion disposed so as to protrude from the attachment portion to a first side in the first direction and formed in a plate shape along a horizontal plane, and three support pins, namely, a first support pin, a second support pin, and a third support pin, fixed to the support plate portion so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion and support the item from below, The support plate portion is formed with a notch portion that penetrates in the vertical direction and is open to a first side in the first direction so that the support portion of the transfer device can pass in the vertical direction, and a through opening portion that is disposed on a second side in the first direction with respect to the notch portion and penetrates in the vertical direction, the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion in the second direction, the third support pin is disposed between the notch portion and the through opening portion in the first direction, the through opening is disposed between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction, and is formed so that a dimension in the second direction is larger than a dimension in the first direction, An item storage shelf, wherein the dimension of the through opening in the second direction is equal to or greater than half the dimension of the support plate portion in the second direction.

2. a dimension of the notch portion in the first direction is equal to or greater than half of a dimension of the support plate portion in the first direction; The item storage shelf according to claim 1 , wherein the dimension of the notch in the second direction is equal to or greater than half the dimension of the support plate in the second direction.

3. An item storage shelf including a shelf frame, a shelf body attached to the shelf frame in a cantilevered manner to support items to be stored, and a transfer device for transferring the items supported on the shelf body, A specific direction along a horizontal plane is defined as a first direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a first direction first side, the other side of the first direction is defined as a first direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the transfer device includes a support unit that supports the article, and a drive mechanism that moves the support unit forward and backward in the first direction and raises and lowers the support unit in the up-and-down direction; The shelf body includes an attachment portion attached to the shelf frame, a support plate portion disposed so as to protrude from the attachment portion to a first side in the first direction and formed in a plate shape along a horizontal plane, and three support pins, namely, a first support pin, a second support pin, and a third support pin, fixed to the support plate portion so as to protrude upward from the support plate portion and support the item from below, The support plate portion is formed with a notch portion that penetrates in the vertical direction and is open to a first side in the first direction so that the support portion of the transfer device can pass in the vertical direction, and a through opening portion that is disposed on a second side in the first direction with respect to the notch portion and penetrates in the vertical direction, the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged separately on both sides of the notch portion in the second direction, the third support pin is disposed between the notch portion and the through opening portion in the first direction, the through opening is disposed between the third support pin and the mounting portion in the first direction, and is formed so that a dimension in the second direction is larger than a dimension in the first direction, The shelf frame has a reference surface facing the first side in the first direction, the mounting portion includes an abutment portion that abuts against the reference surface, the abutment portion is fastened and fixed to the reference surface by a fastening member, The fastening member is positioned above the vertical center position of the abutment portion.

4. The abutment portion is a second abutment portion, and the fastening member is a second fastening member, The shelf frame has an upper surface facing upward; the mounting portion includes a first abutment portion that abuts against the upper surface, The item storage shelf according to claim 3 , wherein the first contact portion is fastened and fixed to the upper surface by a first fastening member.

5. The shelf body further includes a support frame portion formed by bending downward from each of both side edges of the support plate portion in the second direction, 5. The item storage shelf according to claim 1, wherein the support frame portion is formed over a range from a position in the first direction where the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged to the mounting portion.

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