Work container support device
The work container support device addresses the inefficiency of manual container replacement by incorporating a work support unit with overlapping carry-in and carry-out sections and a position-changing device, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual handling.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022115690
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-07-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing work container support devices require workers to manually remove and replace containers, reducing efficiency in picking and sorting operations.
A work container support device with a configuration that includes a work support unit, carry-in and carry-out support sections, and a position-changing device, allowing for easy container replacement and smooth movement between these sections, with overlapping support surfaces and adjustable angles to enhance efficiency.
Facilitates easy and efficient container replacement, reducing manual handling and optimizing the installation area, while enabling smooth operations and adaptable support surfaces for various worker needs.
Smart Images
Figure 0007800333000001 
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a working vessel support device. [Background technology]
[0002] A work container support device is known that supports containers for removing or inserting items into the containers during picking, sorting, and other work. References in parentheses in the following description of the background art refer to those in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a work container support device (21) that includes a work support section (23) that supports a plurality of containers (25) for picking work by a worker (M).
[0003] However, in the work container support device of Patent Document 1, when replacing the containers 25 on the work support part 23, the worker M had to remove the containers 25 from the work support part 23 and carry them to another location, which was a factor in reducing the efficiency of the picking or sorting work by the worker M. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-017318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a work container support device that allows for easy container replacement. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A work container support device that is arranged adjacent to a work area where a worker performs an operation of removing an item from a container or an operation of putting an item into a container, a work support unit having a work support surface for supporting the container as a work target; a carry-in support section having a carry-in support surface for supporting the container carried into the work support section; a carrying support part including a carrying support surface for supporting the container carried out from the work support part; a first moving device that moves the container from the carrying support portion to the working support portion; a second moving device that moves the container from the working support part to the carrying-out support part; a posture changing device for changing the posture of the work support part; Equipped with The side of the work area with respect to the work support part in the horizontal direction is the work area side, and the opposite side is the anti-work area side, the carry-in support portion and the carry-out support portion are disposed adjacent to the work support portion on a side opposite to the work area, the carry-in support portion is disposed above the carry-out support portion and at a position overlapping with the carry-out support portion when viewed in the up-down direction, The position-changing device is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which the work support surface and the carry-in support surface are continuous, a second position in which the work support surface is inclined so that the upper surface of the container is inclined toward the work area, and a third position in which the work support surface is located below the first position and the work support surface and the carry-out support surface are continuous. 、 the attitude-changing device includes a first telescopic drive mechanism, a second telescopic drive mechanism, and a support body that supports the first telescopic drive mechanism and the second telescopic drive mechanism, the first telescopic drive mechanism is capable of driving a first driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a first base part supported by the support body, the second telescopic driving mechanism is capable of driving a second driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a second base part supported by the support body, The first telescopic drive mechanism has the first base fixed to the support so that the first driven part moves at least in the vertical direction, and the first driven part is connected to the work support part so as to be swingable, The second telescopic driving mechanism is configured to move the second driven part at least in the vertical direction. The second base portion is swingably connected to the support portion, and the second driven portion is swingably connected to the work support portion. are.
[0007] According to this configuration, the upper surface of the container during the removal or insertion operation can be supported by the work support part so that it faces the worker in the work area, and the container can be smoothly carried into and out of the work support part. Therefore, the worker can easily carry out the removal or insertion operation and replace the container. Furthermore, since the carry-in support part and the carry-out support part are arranged in a position where they overlap when viewed from above, the installation area of the work container support device can be reduced. Furthermore, with this configuration, the position change device can change the position of the work support unit, making it possible to change the angle of the work support surface between the first position, the second position, and the third position, or to change the height of the work support surface between the first position, the second position, and the third position. Furthermore, such a position change device can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] Top view of the working vessel support device [Figure 2] Front view of the working vessel support device [Figure 3] A diagram showing the state where a container is placed on the loading support section [Figure 4] A diagram showing the work support unit in a first position [Figure 5] A diagram showing the working support unit in a second position [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the work support unit is being changed from the second position to the third position; [Figure 7] A diagram showing the work support unit in the third position [Figure 8] A diagram showing a state where a container is placed on the carrying-out support part. [Figure 9] An enlarged view of the engagement / disengagement mechanism DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinafter, a working container support device (hereinafter referred to as container support device) 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of the container support device 10 provided in a warehouse 11. FIG. 2 is a front view of the container support device 10 provided in the warehouse 11. FIG. 3 is a side view of the container support device 10. In this embodiment, the container support device 10 is provided in a warehouse 11, for example, an automated warehouse. Here, an automated warehouse is a warehouse in which the storage and retrieval of storage objects is automated. An item W is removed from a container 12 and placed in a case 14, or an item W is removed from a case 14 and placed in a container 12. In this embodiment, the storage and retrieval of the container 12 into the warehouse 11 is automated. The container 12 is preferably a box in which the item W can be seen from the top, and more preferably a top-opening box having a lid 12a.
[0011] As shown in FIG. 3 , the container support device 10 includes a work support section 22 having a work support surface 22a that supports the container 12 to be worked on, a carry-in support section 21 having a carry-in support surface 21a that supports the container 12 to be carried into the work support section 22, and an unloading support section 23 having a carry-out support surface 23a that supports the container 12 unloaded from the work support section 22. The carry-in support section 21 is disposed above the unloading support section 23 and in a position that overlaps with the unloading support section 23 in a vertical view. Note that, in this specification, "overlapping" means at least partially overlapping. In this embodiment, the container support device 10 includes a standby container support section 24 that supports multiple containers 12 and is disposed above or below the carry-in support section 21 and the unloading support section 23 and in a position that overlaps with the carry-in support section 21 and the unloading support section 23 in a vertical view. In the illustrated example, the container support device 10 is provided with a standby container support section 24 above the carry-in support section 21 and the carry-out support section 23. Note that the standby container support section 24 and the like are omitted from FIG.
[0012] The container support device 10 is disposed adjacent to the work area E1. In this work area E1, a worker M1 takes out an item W from a container 12, or puts an item W into the container 12. Examples of the worker M1 who takes out or puts an item W into the container 12 include a worker or an autonomously controlled robot. Here, the side of the work area E1 with respect to the work support unit 22 provided on the container support device 10 in the horizontal direction is referred to as the work area side D1, and the opposite side is referred to as the anti-work area side D2. Furthermore, the front-to-back direction with the work area side D1 as the front and the anti-work area side D2 as the rear is referred to as the first direction D, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction D is referred to as the second direction L, and the direction along the vertical direction is referred to as the up-down direction Z.
[0013] In this embodiment, the stacker crane 16 is disposed adjacent to the loading support section 21 and the unloading support section 23 on the opposite side of the work area D2. The stacker crane 16 loads the container 12 onto the loading support section 21, unloads the container 12 from the unloading support section 23, and loads and unloads the container 12 onto and from the standby container support section 24. Here, the stacker crane is a crane that has a horizontal traveling function and a vertical lifting function in the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the stacker crane 16 travels in the second direction L along the rail 15. The stacker crane 16 also has a transfer device 16a that loads the container 12 onto the loading support section 21 and unloads the container 12 from the unloading support section 23. The operation of the stacker crane 16 is automated by a control device (not shown).
[0014] As shown in Fig. 3, the carry-in support part 21 is disposed adjacent to the work support part 22 on the side opposite the work area D2. In this embodiment, the carry-in support surface 21a is provided with a first slider mechanism 31 that slides the container 12 downward in the inclined direction. The carry-in support surface 21a is also inclined downward toward the work area D1. Preferably, the inclination of the carry-in support surface 21a is fixed.
[0015] The unloading support part 23 is disposed adjacent to the work support part 22 on the opposite side to the work area D2. In this embodiment, the unloading support surface 23a is provided with a third slider mechanism 41 that slides the container 12 downward in the inclined direction. The unloading support surface 23a is inclined downward toward the opposite side to the work area D2. Preferably, the inclination of the unloading support surface 23a is fixed.
[0016] In this embodiment, a second slider mechanism 35 is provided on the work support surface 22a to slide the container 12 downward in the inclined direction. The first slider mechanism 31, the second slider mechanism 35, and the third slider mechanism 41 are preferably sliders equipped with rollers, and more preferably roller conveyors that do not have a drive device for moving the rollers. The first slider mechanism 31, the second slider mechanism 35, and the third slider mechanism 41 correspond to slider mechanisms.
[0017] In this embodiment, the container support device 10 includes a first moving device 30 that moves the container 12 from the carry-in support section 21 to the work support section 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the first moving device 30 includes a second slider mechanism 35 for the work support surface 22a and a first slider mechanism 31 for the carry-in support surface 21a. The container support device 10 also includes a stopper mechanism 34 that selectively restricts and releases the restriction on the movement of the container 12 from the carry-in support section 21 to the work support section 22. The first moving device 30 includes the stopper mechanism 34.
[0018] In this embodiment, the container support device 10 is equipped with a second movement device 40 that moves the container 12 from the working support section 22 to the unloading support section 23. As shown in FIG. 7 , which will be described later, the second movement device 40 includes a second slider mechanism 35 for the working support surface 22a and a third slider mechanism 41 for the unloading support surface 23a. The container support device 10 also includes an engagement / disengagement mechanism 80 (described later) that selectively restricts and releases the restriction on the movement of the container 12 from the working support section 22 to the unloading support section 23. The second movement device 40 includes the engagement / disengagement mechanism 80.
[0019] The container support device 10 is equipped with a position change device 60 that changes the position of the work support part 22. In this embodiment, the position change device 60 is equipped with a first telescopic drive mechanism 61, a second telescopic drive mechanism 62, and a support body 65 that supports the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62.
[0020] In this embodiment, the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 can drive the first driven part 61b in a direction to move toward or away from the first base part 61a supported by the support body 65. The first base part 61a of the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 is fixed to the support body 65 so that the first driven part 61b moves at least in the vertical direction Z, and the first driven part 61b is connected to the work support part 22 so as to be swingable. The first driven part 61b is connected to the work support part 22 so as to be swingable about an axis along the second direction L. In the illustrated example, the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 is an air cylinder provided on the work support part 22 on the side opposite the work area D2 from the center of the work support part 22 in the first direction D. In this embodiment, the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 has an upper limit limiting part 66 that limits upward movement of one end of the work support part 22 in the first direction D. In the illustrated example, the upper limit determining portion 66 is configured so as not to be able to move up and down relative to the loading support portion 21, and by restricting the upward movement of the first driven portion 61b, it restricts the upward movement of the end portion D2 of the work support portion 22 on the side opposite the work area (see Figure 9 described below).
[0021] In this embodiment, the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 is capable of driving the second driven part 62b in a direction to move toward or away from the second base part 62a supported by the support body 65. In the second telescopic drive mechanism 62, the second base part 62a is swingably connected to the support body 65, and the second driven part 62b is swingably connected to the work support part 22, so that the second driven part 62b moves at least in the up-and-down direction Z. The second base part 62a is swingably connected to the support body 65 about an axis along the second direction L, and the second driven part 62b is swingably connected to the work support part 22 about an axis along the second direction L. In the illustrated example, the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 is an air cylinder provided on the work support part 22 closer to the work area D1 than the center of the work support part 22 in the first direction D. The first driven part 61b and the second driven part 62b are connected to the work support part 22 at different positions in the first direction D. In the illustrated example, the first driven part 61b is connected to a part of the work support part 22 that is closer to the anti-work area side D2 than the center of the first direction D (here, the end part of the anti-work area side D2), and the second driven part 62b is connected to a part of the work support part 22 that is closer to the work area side D1 than the center of the first direction D (here, the end part of the work area side D1).
[0022] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the work support part 22 in a first position P1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the work support part 22 in a second position P2. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the work support part 22 in a third position P3. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the work support part 22 in the middle of changing from the second position P2 to the third position P3.
[0023] The position-changing device 60 is configured to be able to change its position among a first position P1 in which the work support surface 22a and the carry-in support surface 21a are continuous; a second position P2 in which the work support surface 22a is tilted so that the upper surface of the container 12 is inclined toward the work area D1; and a third position P3 in which the work support surface 22a is positioned below the first position P1 and the work support surface 22a and the carry-out support surface 23a are continuous. The continuity of the support surfaces allows for smooth movement of the container 12. Note that "two support surfaces are continuous" means that the positional relationship between the two support surfaces allows the container 12 to be moved between the two support surfaces by a moving device that moves the container 12. Therefore, a gap may be formed between the two continuous support surfaces. Specifically, "the work support surface 22a and the carry-in support surface 21a are continuous" means that the positional relationship between the work support surface 22a and the carry-in support surface 21a allows the first moving device 30 to move the container 12 from the carry-in support surface 21a to the work support surface 22a. Furthermore, "the work support surface 22a and the carry-out support surface 23a are continuous" means that the positional relationship between the work support surface 22a and the carry-out support surface 23a allows the second moving device 40 to move the container 12 from the work support surface 22a to the carry-out support surface 23a. Preferably, the work support surface 22a is positioned on the same plane as the carry-in support surface 21a in the first position P1, and is positioned on the same plane as the carry-out support surface 23a in the third position P3. The first position P1 and the second position P2 may be the same position.
[0024] 4, the work support surface 22a in the first posture P1 is inclined downward toward the work area side D1. Preferably, the tip of the work support surface 22a on the work area side D1 is higher in the first posture P1 than in the second posture P2.
[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the work support surface 22a in the second posture P2 is inclined downward toward the work area D1. In this embodiment, the posture of the work support unit 22 in the second posture P2 can be changed continuously or stepwise depending on the work subject M1 working in the work area E1. Here, the posture of the work support unit 22 in the second posture P2 refers to at least one of the height of the work support surface 22a in the second posture P2 and the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane. In this way, for example, when there are multiple workers, the container 12 can be held in the second posture P2 appropriate for each worker. The posture of the work support unit 22 in the second posture P2 can be changed, for example, by adjusting the movement distance of the first driven part 61b in the vertical direction Z and the second driven part 62b in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, for example, the posture may be adjusted by a ball screw and a motor provided in the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62, respectively. The posture of the work support part 22 in the second posture P2 changed in accordance with the work subject M1 is preferably stored in a storage device (not shown) and used as the second posture P2 for subsequent posture changes.
[0026] 7, the work support surface 22a in the third position P3 is inclined downward toward the opposite side to the work area D2. Preferably, the tip of the work support surface 22a on the opposite side to the work area D2 is lower in the third position P3 than in the second position P2.
[0027] 5, in this embodiment, a display device 72 that displays work instructions for the work subject M1 toward the work area side D1 is disposed above the work support part 22. In this way, the worker in the work area E1 can refer to the work instructions displayed on the display device 72, making it possible to perform the take-out work or the put-in work more accurately and efficiently.
[0028] In this embodiment, an operation unit 74 is provided that allows the worker M1 to operate the loading and unloading of the container 12 onto and from the work support unit 22. In this manner, the loading and unloading of the container 12 onto and from the work support unit 22 can be automatically performed by the worker M1 through operation. In this embodiment, the operation unit 74 is provided on the display device 72. The operation unit 74 can also perform an operation to continuously or stepwise change the posture of the work support unit 22 in the second posture P2 in accordance with the worker M1 working in the work area E1. The operation unit 74 can also operate the stacker crane 16 to load the container 12 onto the loading support unit 21 and unload the container 12 from the unloading support unit 23. The operation unit 74 can also operate the stacker crane 16 to load and unload the container 12 into and from the standby container support unit 24. In the illustrated example, the operation unit 74 is an operation button. The operation unit 74 may be a touch display, and may include an adjustment knob that can change the position of the work support unit 22 in the second position P2, a keyboard that can operate the stacker crane 16, an emergency stop button, etc.
[0029] In this embodiment, a placement unit 76 is disposed adjacent to the work area side D1 of the work support unit 22, on which an item W removed from a container 12 or an item W to be placed into the container 12 is placed. In this embodiment, a plurality of container support devices 10 are arranged in the second direction L, thereby arranging a plurality of containers 12 supported by the work support units 22 in the second position P2 in the second direction L. The placement unit 76 is longitudinal and disposed adjacent to the work area side D1 of the plurality of containers 12 arranged in the second direction L, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the second direction L. The placement unit 76 has a case moving unit 77, which is configured to move a case 14 placed on the placement unit 76 at least in the second direction L. In the illustrated example, the placement unit 76 is a longitudinal table, and a slide functioning as the case moving unit 77 is provided on its upper surface. The case 14 is preferably a shipping container, but may also be a shipping / receiving tray, a shipping / receiving cardboard box, or the like. Alternatively, the case moving section 77 may be a conveyor or the like, and the case 14 may not be used, and the article W taken out of the container 12 may be directly transported by the conveyor or the like.
[0030] 3 to 8 show a loading operation in which articles W are removed from multiple containers 12 using the container support device 10 and loaded into one case 14. An example of the loading operation performed in the work area E1 will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a container 12 is placed on the loading support section 21. In this embodiment, when the container 12 is loaded into the loading support section 21 by the stacker crane 16, the loading support surface 21a is inclined downward as it approaches the work area side D1, so that the first slider mechanism 31 causes the container 12 to slide downward and move toward the work area side D1, and the container 12 is stopped by the stopper mechanism 34, which is in the restricted state.
[0031] 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the container 12 has moved from the loading support part 21 to the work support part 22 in the first position P1. In this embodiment, a front stopper 27 is provided at the end of the work support part 22 on the work area side D1. As shown in FIG. 4, when the stopper mechanism 34 is released, in this embodiment, the work support surface 22a in the first position P1 is inclined downward as it approaches the work area side D1, so that the second slider mechanism 35 causes the container 12 to slide downward and come into contact with the front stopper 27 and stop.
[0032] The stopper mechanism 34 may be set to the released state when, for example, the movement of the container 12 from the working support part 22 to the unloading support part 23 is completed, as shown in FIG. 8 . The completion of the movement of the container 12 from the working support part 22 to the unloading support part 23 may be determined, for example, by contact between the container 12 and the rear stopper 28. The stopper mechanism 34 may also be set to the released state when the operation subject M1 presses an operation button that is the operation part 74. The stopper mechanism 34 may also be set to the restricted state when, for example, the movement of the container 12 from the loading support part 21 to the working support part 22 is completed, as shown in FIG. 4 . The completion of the movement of the container 12 from the loading support part 21 to the working support part 22 may be determined, for example, by contact between the container 12 and the front stopper 27.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the work support unit 22 in the second position P2, illustrating the manner in which the work subject M1 performs the work of removing the article W from the container 12 on the work support surface 22a in the second position P2 to the case 14 on the placement unit 76. In this embodiment, once the movement of the container 12 from the loading support unit 21 to the work support unit 22 is completed, the position-changing device 60 sets the work support unit 22 to the second position P2. Preferably, the work support unit 22 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by extending or contracting in the vertical direction Z on one of the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 on the work area side D1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the work support unit 22 is changed from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by driving the second driven part 62b of the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 on the one of the work area sides D1 in a direction approaching the second base part 62a.
[0034] In this embodiment, the tilt angle of the work support surface 22a with respect to the horizontal plane in the second posture P2 can be continuously adjusted according to the work subject M1 working in the work area E1. This adjustment is preferably performed by extending or contracting one of the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 on the work area side D1 in the vertical direction Z to adjust the tilt angle. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the tilt angle is adjusted by driving the second driven part 62b, which is on the work area side D1, in a direction to move toward or away from the second base part 62a.
[0035] In this embodiment, the worker M1 opens and closes the lid 12a of the container 12 in the second position P2. Also, in this embodiment, when the container 12 on the work support surface 22a becomes empty during the removal operation, or when the removal of the articles W from the container 12 is completed and the container 12 is to be replaced, the worker M1 presses an operation button which is the operation unit 74. When the worker M1 presses the operation button, the position-changing device 60 sets the work support unit 22 to the third position P3. Figure 6 shows a state in which the work support unit 22 is in the middle of being changed from the second position P2 to the third position P3, and is a diagram showing a state in which an engagement / disengagement mechanism 80, which will be described later, restricts the movement of the container 12.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the work support unit 22 in the third position P3. In this embodiment, the work support surface 22a in the third position P3 is inclined downward toward the opposite work area side D2, so that the second slider mechanism 35 slides the container 12 downward and moves it to the unloading support unit 23. Preferably, the work support unit 22 is changed from the second position P2 to the third position P3 by extending or contracting in the vertical direction Z on one of the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 on the opposite work area side D2. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the work support unit 22 is changed from the second position P2 to the third position P3 by driving the first driven part 61b of the first telescopic drive mechanism 61, which is on the opposite work area side D1, in a direction approaching the first base part 61a.
[0037] 8 is a diagram showing the state in which the container 12 has moved from the working support part 22 in the third position P3 to the unloading support part 23. In this embodiment, a rear stopper 28 is provided at the end of the unloading support part 23 on the side opposite the working area D2. Furthermore, the unloading support surface 23a is inclined downward toward the side opposite the working area D2. Therefore, the third slider mechanism 41 causes the container 12 to slide downward and come into contact with the rear stopper 28, thereby stopping it.
[0038] In this embodiment, when the movement of the container 12 from the working support unit 22 to the unloading support unit 23 is completed, the stopper mechanism 34 is released as described above, and the next container 12 being carried into the loading support unit 21 by the stacker crane 16 moves to the working support unit 22 and comes into contact with the front stopper 27 to stop. For example, when the container 12 moves to the working support unit 22 and comes into contact with the front stopper 27, it is determined that the movement of the container 12 from the loading support unit 21 to the working support unit 22 is complete, and the position change device 60 again sets the working support unit 22 to the second position P2. In this manner, the container support device 10 can be configured relatively simply. Furthermore, when the working support unit 22 is in the second position P2, the worker M1 can replace the container 12 simply by pressing the operation button of the operation unit 74 once.
[0039] In this embodiment, when the movement of a container 12 from the working support section 22 to the unloading support section 23 is completed, the stacker crane 16 loads the next container 12 into the loading support section 21 and unloads the container 12 from the unloading support section 23 that has just been moved. The loading by the stacker crane 16 may be from the standby container support section 24 or from an unloading section (not shown) of the warehouse 11. The unloading by the stacker crane 16 may be to the standby container support section 24 or to an unloading section (not shown) of the warehouse 11. The completion of the movement of the container 12 from the working support section 22 to the unloading support section 23 may be determined, for example, by contact between the container 12 and the rear stopper 28, or may further be determined by the stopper mechanism 34 being placed in the restricted state.
[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 and its surroundings in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the container support device 10 is equipped with the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80. The engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 restricts movement of the container 12 from the working support part 22 to the unloading support part 23 when the working support surface 22a is inclined downward toward the anti-work area side D2 and the working support surface 22a and the unloading support surface 23a are not continuous (see FIG. 6). The engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 also allows movement of the container 12 from the loading support part 21 to the working support part 22 when the working support part 22 is in the first position P1. The engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 also allows movement of the container 12 from the working support part 22 to the unloading support part 23 when the working support part 22 is in the third position P3. In this way, it is possible to suppress the impact caused by the movement of the container 12 when the work support surface 22a and the carry-out support surface 23a are not continuous.
[0041] In this embodiment, the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 includes a restricting member 82 having a claw portion 82a, a restricting holding portion 83 that holds the claw portion 82a in a restricting state that allows movement of the container 12 from the loading support portion 21 to the work support portion 22 (hereinafter referred to as forward movement) and restricts movement of the container 12 supported by the work support portion 22 toward the opposite work area side D2 (hereinafter referred to as backward movement) when the work support portion 22 is in the first position P1, and a permitting holding portion 84 that holds the claw portion 82a in a permitting state that allows backward movement of the container 12 when the work support portion 22 is in the third position P3. Preferably, the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80 also restricts backward movement of the container 12 when the work support portion 22 is in the second position P2.
[0042] In this embodiment, the restricting member 82 is rotatably mounted on the work support part 22 around the rotation axis X1, is heavier on one end side than on the other end side with respect to the rotation axis X1, and has a claw portion 82a on the one end side. The restricting member 82 is mounted on the end of the work support part 22 on the side D2 opposite the work area.
[0043] In this embodiment, the restricting holding portion 83 is provided on the work support portion 22 and restricts backward movement of the container 12 by contacting the restricting member 82 and restricting rotation in one direction C1 about the rotation axis X1, and allows forward movement of the container 12 by allowing rotation in the other direction C2. In the illustrated example, the restricting holding portion 83 is fixed to the end portion of the work support portion 22 on the side D2 opposite the work area. When the work support portion 22 is in the first position P1, the other end of the restricting member 82, which is heavier than the one end, drops due to gravity and comes into contact with the restricting holding portion 83, thereby holding the claw portion 82a in an elevated state and maintaining the restricted state.
[0044] In this embodiment, the allowable holding portion 84 is provided on the unloading support portion 23 or the support body 65, and when the end portion on the side D2 opposite the work area of the work support portion 22 is lowered, it comes into contact with the regulating member 82 and lifts the other end side, so that the claw portion 82a on one end side is held in a lowered state and maintained in the allowable state. In the illustrated example, the allowable holding portion 84 is fixed to the support body 65 via the first base portion 61a. In this way, the claw portion 82a of the regulating member 82 can be switched between the restricting state and the allowable state with a simple structure.
[0045] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the container support device will be described.
[0046] (1) In the above embodiment, the container support device 10 is described as being provided in the warehouse 11, which is an automated warehouse equipped with a stacker crane 16. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the container support device 10 may be configured so that a remotely controlled or autonomously controlled automated guided vehicle, multicopter, robot, worker, or the like can load or unload the containers 12 instead of the stacker crane 16. Furthermore, the placement unit 76 may be the top of an automated guided vehicle or a conveyor. Furthermore, the container support device 10 does not have to be equipped with the stacker crane 16, the standby container support unit 24, the display device 72, or the placement unit 76, and the warehouse 11 does not have to be an automated warehouse.
[0047] (2) In the above embodiment, the container 12 is described as an example of a box that opens upward and has a lid 12a. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the container 12 may be, for example, a cylinder with a bottom that does not have a lid 12a. Furthermore, the top surface of the container 12 may be a transparent plate, and the item W may be taken out or put into the container 12 from the side of the container 12, for example.
[0048] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple container support devices 10 are arranged in the second direction L adjacent to the work area E1, and a removal operation is performed in which items W are removed from multiple containers 12 and placed into one case 14. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, in the work area E1 adjacent to the container support device 10, a placement operation may be performed in which the work subject M1 moves in the second direction L together with the case 14 on the mounting section 76 to remove items W from the case 14 and place the items W into multiple containers 12. Also, a placement operation may be performed in which there is only one container support device 10, and items W are removed from multiple cases 14 and placed into the container 12.
[0049] (4) In the above embodiment, the first moving device 30 includes the first slider mechanism 31 and the second slider mechanism 35 each equipped with rollers, and the stopper mechanism 34, and the second moving device 40 includes the second slider mechanism 35 and the third slider mechanism 41 each equipped with rollers, and the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first moving device 30 and the second moving device 40 may include a chute with a smooth surface as a slider mechanism and a pusher for pushing out the container 12. Alternatively, the first moving device 30 and the second moving device 40 may include a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or the like equipped with a drive device for moving rollers, without including the stopper mechanism 34 or the engaging / disengaging mechanism 80. Alternatively, the carrying-in support surface 21a and the carrying-out support surface 23a may be horizontal.
[0050] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the work support surface 22a in the first position P1 is inclined downward toward the work area side D1, and the work support surface 22a in the third position P3 is inclined downward toward the opposite work area side D2. However, without being limited to such an example, the work support surface 22a in the first position P1 and the third position P3 may be horizontal, or the work support surface 22a in the first position P1 may be inclined downward toward the opposite work area side D2, and the work support surface 22a in the third position P3 may be inclined downward toward the work area side D1.
[0051] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the position change device 60 extends and retracts only the second telescopic drive mechanism 62 when changing from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and extends and retracts only the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 when changing from the second position P2 to the third position P3. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the position change device 60 may be configured to change the position of the work support unit 22 by simultaneously using both the first telescopic drive mechanism 61 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 62. Furthermore, the position of the work support unit 22 in the second position P2 does not have to be able to be changed continuously or stepwise in accordance with the work subject M1 working in the work area E1.
[0052] (7) In the above embodiment, the position-changing device 60 is an air cylinder supported so as to be swingable. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the position-changing device 60 may be a swinging device equipped with a lifting device and a swing drive motor. Furthermore, the first position P1 and the second position P2 may be the same position, and the first position P1 may be adjustable using a ball screw or a motor depending on the work subject M1. Furthermore, a hydraulic cylinder, a ball screw, a link arm, a linear motor, etc. may be used.
[0053] (8) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation button of the operation unit 74 is pressed by the work subject M1 when replacing the container 12 on the work support surface 22a. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the display device 72 and the operation unit 74 do not have to be arranged facing the work area side D1. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a manager or a control device other than the work subject M1 operates the loading and unloading of the container 12 into and from the work support surface 22.
[0054] (9) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in 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 may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0055] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described working vessel support device will now be described.
[0056] The working vessel support device according to the present disclosure is A work container support device that is arranged adjacent to a work area where a worker performs an operation of removing an item from a container or an operation of putting an item into a container, a work support unit having a work support surface for supporting the container as a work target; a carry-in support section having a carry-in support surface for supporting the container carried into the work support section; a carrying support part including a carrying support surface for supporting the container carried out from the work support part; a first moving device that moves the container from the carrying support portion to the working support portion; a second moving device that moves the container from the working support part to the carrying-out support part; a posture changing device for changing the posture of the work support part; Equipped with The side of the work area with respect to the work support part in the horizontal direction is the work area side, and the opposite side is the anti-work area side, the carry-in support portion and the carry-out support portion are disposed adjacent to the work support portion on a side opposite to the work area, the carry-in support portion is disposed above the carry-out support portion and at a position overlapping with the carry-out support portion when viewed in the up-down direction, The position-changing device is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which the work support surface and the loading support surface are continuous, a second position in which the work support surface is tilted so that the top surface of the container is tilted toward the work area, and a third position in which the work support surface is positioned below the first position and the work support surface and the loading support surface are continuous.
[0057] According to this configuration, the upper surface of the container during the removal or insertion operation can be supported by the work support part so that it faces the worker in the work area, and the container can be smoothly carried into and out of the work support part. Therefore, the worker can easily carry out the removal or insertion operation and replace the container. Furthermore, since the carry-in support part and the carry-out support part are arranged in a position where they overlap when viewed from above, the installation area of the work container support device can be reduced.
[0058] In addition, the work vessel support device is a stopper mechanism for selectively restricting and releasing the movement of the container from the carrying support part to the working support part; a slider mechanism for sliding the container downward in an inclined direction is provided on the work support surface, the carry-in support surface, and the carry-out support surface; the first movement device includes the slider mechanism for the work support surface and the slider mechanism for the carry-in support surface, the second movement device includes the slider mechanism for the work support surface and the slider mechanism for the unloading support surface, The carrying-in support surface is inclined downward toward the work area, the carrying-out support surface is inclined downward toward the opposite side to the work area, The work support surface in the first position is inclined downward toward the work area, The work support surface in the third position is inclined downward toward the side opposite the work area.
[0059] According to this configuration, even if the first and second moving devices do not have drive sources, the position change device changes the position of the working support unit, and the stopper mechanism operates to move the container from the loading support unit to the working support unit and from the working support unit to the unloading support unit. Therefore, the drive source for the working container support device can be reduced, making it easier to reduce the cost of the working container support device. Furthermore, by using a slider mechanism, it is easier to make the working container support device smaller than when a conveyor mechanism is used.
[0060] Further, in the working vessel support device, At least one of the height and the inclination angle of the work support surface relative to a horizontal plane in the second posture can be changed continuously or stepwise depending on the worker working in the work area.
[0061] According to this configuration, when there are various workers, the second posture can be adjusted to a height or inclination angle that suits each worker.
[0062] Further, in the working vessel support device, the attitude-changing device includes a first telescopic drive mechanism, a second telescopic drive mechanism, and a support body that supports the first telescopic drive mechanism and the second telescopic drive mechanism, the first telescopic drive mechanism is capable of driving a first driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a first base part supported by the support body, the second telescopic driving mechanism is capable of driving a second driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a second base part supported by the support body, The first telescopic drive mechanism has the first base fixed to the support so that the first driven part moves at least in the vertical direction, and the first driven part is connected to the work support part so as to be swingable, The second telescopic drive mechanism is configured so that the second base is swingably connected to the support body and the second driven part is swingably connected to the work support part so that the second driven part moves at least in the vertical direction.
[0063] According to this configuration, the position change device can change the position of the work support unit, and the angle of the work support surface can be made different between the first position, the second position, and the third position, or the height of the work support surface can be made different between the first position, the second position, and the third position. Furthermore, such a position change device can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.
[0064] In addition, the work vessel support device is a standby container support section for supporting a plurality of the containers, the standby container support section being located above or below the carry-in support section and the carry-out support section and overlapping with the carry-in support section and the carry-out support section when viewed in the up-down direction; A stacker crane is arranged adjacent to the loading support section and the unloading support section on the side opposite the work area to load the container into the loading support section, unload the container from the unloading support section, and load and unload the container into and from the standby container support section.
[0065] According to this configuration, the loading and unloading of containers into and from the loading support section can be performed automatically using a stacker crane. In addition, the provision of a standby container support section allows for the storage of multiple containers that may be used for work.
[0066] In addition, the work vessel support device is Adjacent to the work area side of the work support unit, there is a placement unit for placing items removed from the container or items to be put into the container, and above the work support unit, there is a display device for displaying work instructions to the work subject toward the work area side.
[0067] According to this configuration, for example, a worker in a work area can refer to the work instructions displayed on the display device, thereby enabling more accurate work to be performed. [Industrial Applicability]
[0068] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a work container support device used for the work of taking out or putting in items. [Explanation of symbols]
[0069] 10: Container support device 12: Container 16: Stacker crane 21: Loading support section 21a: Support surface for loading 22: Work support part 22a: Working support surface 23: Carrying out support part 23a: Support surface for carrying out 24: Standby container support part 30: 1st moving device 31: First slider mechanism (slider mechanism) 34: Stopper mechanism 35: Second slider mechanism (slider mechanism) 40:Second moving device 41: Third slider mechanism (slider mechanism) 60: Posture change device 61: First telescopic drive mechanism 61a: 1st base 61b: First driven part 62: Second telescopic drive mechanism 62a: 2nd base 62b: Second driven part 65:Support 72:Display device 76: Placement section D1: Work area side D2: Opposite side of work area E1: Working area M1: Work subject P1: 1st posture P2: 2nd posture P3: 3rd posture W:Goods
Claims
1. A work container support device that is arranged adjacent to a work area where a worker performs an operation of removing an item from a container or an operation of putting an item into a container, a work support unit having a work support surface for supporting the container as a work target; a carry-in support section having a carry-in support surface for supporting the container carried into the work support section; a carrying support part including a carrying support surface for supporting the container carried out from the work support part; a first moving device that moves the container from the carrying support portion to the working support portion; a second moving device that moves the container from the working support portion to the carrying-out support portion; a posture changing device for changing the posture of the work support part; Equipped with The side of the work area with respect to the work support part in the horizontal direction is the work area side, and the opposite side is the anti-work area side, the carry-in support portion and the carry-out support portion are disposed adjacent to the work support portion on a side opposite to the work area, the carry-in support portion is disposed above the carry-out support portion and at a position overlapping with the carry-out support portion when viewed in the up-down direction, the position-changing device is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which the work support surface and the carry-in support surface are continuous, a second position in which the work support surface is inclined so that the upper surface of the container is inclined toward the work area, and a third position in which the work support surface is located below the first position and the work support surface and the carry-out support surface are continuous, the attitude-changing device includes a first telescopic drive mechanism, a second telescopic drive mechanism, and a support body that supports the first telescopic drive mechanism and the second telescopic drive mechanism, the first telescopic drive mechanism is capable of driving a first driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a first base part supported by the support body, the second telescopic drive mechanism is capable of driving a second driven part in a direction to move toward and away from a second base part supported by the support body, The first telescopic drive mechanism has the first base fixed to the support so that the first driven part moves at least in a vertical direction, and the first driven part is connected to the work support part so as to be swingable, The second telescopic driving mechanism is configured to move the second driven part at least in a vertical direction. The second base portion is swingably connected to the support portion, and the second driven portion is swingably connected to the work support portion.
2. A work container support device that is arranged adjacent to a work area where a worker performs an operation of removing an item from a container or an operation of putting an item into a container, a work support unit having a work support surface for supporting the container as a work target; a carry-in support section having a carry-in support surface for supporting the container carried into the work support section; a carrying support part including a carrying support surface for supporting the container carried out from the work support part; a first moving device that moves the container from the carrying support portion to the working support portion; a second moving device that moves the container from the working support portion to the carrying-out support portion; a posture changing device for changing the posture of the work support part; A storage device; Equipped with The side of the work area with respect to the work support part in the horizontal direction is the work area side, and the opposite side is the anti-work area side, the carry-in support portion and the carry-out support portion are disposed adjacent to the work support portion on a side opposite to the work area, the carry-in support portion is disposed above the carry-out support portion and at a position overlapping with the carry-out support portion when viewed in the up-down direction, the position-changing device is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which the work support surface and the carry-in support surface are continuous, a second position in which the work support surface is inclined so that the upper surface of the container is inclined toward the work area, and a third position in which the work support surface is located below the first position and the work support surface and the carry-out support surface are continuous, A work container support device in which the support surface attitude, which is at least one of the height of the work support surface and the inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane in the second attitude, can be changed continuously or stepwise depending on the work subject working in the work area, and the support surface attitude changed depending on the work subject is stored in the memory device and used as the second attitude in subsequent attitude changes by the attitude change device.
3. A work container support device that is arranged adjacent to a work area where a worker performs an operation of removing an item from a container or an operation of putting an item into a container, a work support unit having a work support surface for supporting the container as a work target; a carry-in support section having a carry-in support surface for supporting the container carried into the work support section; a carrying support part including a carrying support surface for supporting the container carried out from the work support part; a first moving device that moves the container from the carrying support portion to the working support portion; a second moving device that moves the container from the working support portion to the carrying-out support portion; a posture changing device for changing the posture of the work support part; Equipped with The side of the work area with respect to the work support part in the horizontal direction is the work area side, and the opposite side is the anti-work area side, the carry-in support portion and the carry-out support portion are disposed adjacent to the work support portion on a side opposite to the work area, the carry-in support portion is disposed above the carry-out support portion and at a position overlapping with the carry-out support portion when viewed in the up-down direction, the position-changing device is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which the work support surface and the carry-in support surface are continuous, a second position in which the work support surface is inclined so that the upper surface of the container is inclined toward the work area, and a third position in which the work support surface is located below the first position and the work support surface and the carry-out support surface are continuous, The end of the work support portion on the side opposite to the work area is defined as a first end, and the end of the work support portion on the side of the work area is defined as a second end, the change of the attitude from the first attitude to the second attitude by the attitude-changing device is performed by moving the second end in a downward direction, A work container support device, wherein the position change device changes the position from the second position to the third position by moving the first end in a downward direction.
4. a stopper mechanism for selectively restricting and releasing the movement of the container from the carrying support part to the working support part; a slider mechanism for sliding the container downward in an inclined direction is provided on the work support surface, the carry-in support surface, and the carry-out support surface; the first movement device includes the slider mechanism for the work support surface and the slider mechanism for the carry-in support surface, the second movement device includes the slider mechanism for the work support surface and the slider mechanism for the unloading support surface, The carrying-in support surface is inclined downward toward the work area, the carrying-out support surface is inclined downward toward the opposite side to the work area, The work support surface in the first position is inclined downward toward the work area, The work container support device according to claim 1 , wherein the work support surface in the third posture is inclined downward toward the opposite work area.
5. A work container support device as described in claim 1 or 3, wherein at least one of the height and inclination angle of the work support surface relative to the horizontal plane in the second posture can be changed continuously or stepwise depending on the worker working in the work area.
6. a standby container support section for supporting a plurality of the containers, the standby container support section being located above or below the carry-in support section and the carry-out support section and overlapping with the carry-in support section and the carry-out support section when viewed in the up-down direction; A work container support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a stacker crane is arranged adjacent to the loading support section and the unloading support section on the opposite side of the work area to load the container into the loading support section, unload the container from the unloading support section, and load and unload the container into and from the standby container support section.
7. A work container support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a placement section for placing items removed from the container or items to be put into the container is arranged adjacent to the work area side of the work support section, and a display device for displaying work instructions to the work subject is arranged above the work support section toward the work area side.
8. The device further comprises an engaging / disengaging mechanism having a restricting member that restricts movement of the container from the working support part to the carrying-out support part, and an allowable holding part that comes into contact with the restricting member and releases the restriction imposed by the restricting member, The regulating member is provided on the work support portion, The work container support device described in claim 3, wherein the allowable holding portion is positioned so as to come into contact with the regulating member when the position change device changes from the second position to the third position and the first end portion descends.
Citation Information
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