automated warehouse

Abstract

To provide an automated warehouse provided with a maintenance facility that facilitates maintenance work for a stacker crane, while enhancing safety of a worker who utilizes a scaffold with multiple steps.SOLUTION: An automated warehouse is provided with a storage shelf, a stacker crane and a maintenance facility. The maintenance facility is provided with work stages 10 with multiple steps arranged in a vertical direction. A first layer stage 11 and an upper layer stage 12 comprise mast penetration parts 14 and stage scaffolds 16. First layer ladders 2 are arranged outside with respect to the first layer stage 11 in a vertical direction view, and an upper layer ladder 3 is arranged at a position where the ladder overlaps with the first layer stage 11 in the vertical direction view. The upper layer stage comprises a penetration part for moving penetrated through in the vertical direction so that a worker can move in the vertical direction using the upper layer ladder 3, where the penetration part for moving is arranged at a position where the part overlaps with the stage scaffold 16 of the first layer stage 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse that includes storage shelves for storing a plurality of items, a stacker crane for transporting the items, and maintenance equipment for performing maintenance on the stacker crane. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-246231 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology relating to an automated warehouse. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The automated warehouse in Patent Document 1 includes a storage shelf (storage shelf row 2A) that stores multiple items, a stacker crane (stacker crane C1) that transports items to the storage shelf, and a waiting zone (S). The stacker crane travels while being guided by a traveling rail (R1) laid along the storage shelf. The stacker crane is also configured to be movable to the waiting zone (S) adjacent to the storage shelf. The waiting zone includes a parking area (S1) where a spare stacker crane waits, and a maintenance zone (S2) where the stacker crane is repaired or inspected. In this automated warehouse, if a malfunction occurs in a stacker crane while transporting items, the malfunctioning stacker crane is moved to the maintenance zone (S2). Then, the spare stacker crane waiting in the parking area (S1) can continue to transport items. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-246231 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the automated warehouse of Patent Document 1, maintenance work is performed in a maintenance zone on stacker cranes that have malfunctioned or are subject to regular inspection. For maintenance work, maintenance equipment with multiple levels of scaffolding may be installed above the floor to accommodate repairs, maintenance, and other tasks at relatively high positions on the stacker crane. This allows workers to use the scaffolding to perform maintenance work on the stacker crane. Such maintenance equipment may be configured so that workers use ladders to move between the multiple levels of scaffolding. In this case, it is necessary to improve the safety of workers ascending and descending the ladders. It is also desirable to improve the worker's workability on each scaffolding where the workers perform maintenance work.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for an automated warehouse that is equipped with maintenance facilities that make it easy to perform maintenance work on stacker cranes while increasing the safety of workers who use multiple levels of scaffolding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An automated warehouse according to the present disclosure is an automated warehouse including a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items, a stacker crane for transporting the items, and maintenance equipment for performing maintenance on the stacker crane, The stacker crane includes a traveling carriage that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf, a mast that is erected on the traveling carriage along the vertical direction, and a lifting body that supports a transfer device that holds and transfers the articles and that moves up and down along the mast, the maintenance facility is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the storage shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, and is configured so that at least a portion of the stacker crane can be stored in the maintenance facility when the stacker crane is in a maintenance position set on the travel path, The maintenance facility includes a plurality of work stages arranged vertically, One of the work stages arranged above the traveling carriage is defined as a first layer stage, and the work stage above the first layer stage is defined as an upper layer stage, The first stage and the upper stage each include a mast penetration portion through which the mast of the stacker crane in the maintenance position penetrates in the vertical direction, and a stage scaffold provided in an area other than the mast penetration portion and functioning as a scaffold for workers, The first-stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the floor to the first-stage stage, is arranged outside the first-stage stage when viewed in the up-down direction, an upper stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the first stage to the upper stage, is arranged at a position overlapping with the first stage in a vertical view; The upper stage is provided with a passageway penetrating in the vertical direction so that the worker can pass through in the vertical direction using the upper ladder, The passageway is positioned at a position that overlaps with the stage scaffolding of the first stage when viewed from above and below.

[0008] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a part of a stacker crane that is out of reach of a worker standing on the floor, the worker can use the stage scaffolding of the first stage and the upper stage, allowing the maintenance work to be performed in a manner that is easy to work in. Furthermore, with this configuration, for the first stage, which is relatively close to the floor, the first stage ladder is provided on the outside of the first stage, making it unnecessary to provide a passageway and ensuring a wide stage scaffold for the first stage. Also, because the upper ladder and the passageway are positioned so as to overlap with the stage scaffold for the first stage when viewed from above and below, the stage scaffold for the first stage exists below the upper ladder, making it easier to increase the safety of workers moving between the first stage and the upper stage. In this way, this configuration makes it easier to perform maintenance work on the stacker crane while increasing the safety of workers using the stage scaffolding.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the automated warehouse will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Floor plan of the automated warehouse [Figure 2] Side view of a stacker crane [Figure 3] Perspective view of maintenance equipment [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the first-level ladder installed [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the working stage of the upper stage; [Figure 6] Floor plan of the first stage [Figure 7] Plan of the upper stage [Figure 8] Plan of the upper stage [Figure 9] Plan of the upper stage [Figure 10] Front view showing the fixing part of the upper ladder [Figure 11] A side view schematically showing the change in posture of the movable scaffolding [Figure 12] A side view schematically showing the change in the position of the auxiliary scaffolding [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the auxiliary scaffolding in the second evacuation position is supported. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of an automated warehouse will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, an automated warehouse 100 includes a storage shelf 5 that stores a plurality of items W, a stacker crane 4 that transports the items W, and maintenance equipment 1 for performing maintenance on the stacker crane 4. In this embodiment, the storage shelf 5 and the maintenance equipment 1 are arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, in the automated warehouse 100, a travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4 is set to run along the storage shelf 5 and the maintenance equipment 1.

[0012] In the following description, the direction along the travel path 6 when viewed in the vertical direction is referred to as the path direction X, and the direction perpendicular to the path direction X when viewed in the vertical direction is referred to as the path-orthogonal direction Y. One side of the path direction X is referred to as the path-orthogonal direction first side X1, and the opposite side is referred to as the path-orthogonal direction second side X2. One side of the path-orthogonal direction Y is referred to as the path-orthogonal direction first side Y1, and the opposite side is referred to as the path-orthogonal direction second side Y2. In this example, the automated warehouse 100 further includes an input / output conveyor 94. As shown in FIG. 1 , the maintenance equipment 1 is disposed on the path direction first side X1 with respect to the storage shelf 5, and the storage shelf 5 is disposed on the path direction first side X1 with respect to the input / output conveyor 94.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1, a set of storage shelves 5 is arranged on both outer sides of the travel path 6 in the direction Y perpendicular to the path. The loading / unloading conveyor 94 includes an unloading conveyor 94a and an loading conveyor 94b, which are arranged along the path direction X and facing each other across the travel path 6. The stacker crane 4 moves along the travel path 6 to transport items W between the loading / unloading conveyor 94 and the set of storage shelves 5. In this example, the storage shelf 5 includes multiple storage sections (not shown) arranged in the path direction X and in the vertical direction. Each of the multiple storage sections is configured to store an item W.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacker crane 4 includes a traveling carriage 41 that travels along a travel path 6 set along a storage shelf 5, a mast 42 that is erected on the traveling carriage 41 in the vertical direction, and a lifting body 44 that supports a transfer device 43 that holds and transfers an article W and moves up and down along the mast 42. In this embodiment, the traveling carriage 41 travels while being guided by a lower rail R1 laid along the travel path 6. The traveling carriage 41 is equipped with a plurality of traveling wheels 45, and travels along the travel path 6 by rolling on the lower rail R1. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 3, a pair of lower rails R1 are laid on the floor surface.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the stacker crane 4 includes a mast 42 consisting of a first mast member 42a and a second mast member 42b that are spaced apart along the travel path 6. The first mast member 42a and the second mast member 42b are arranged separately in the path direction X. In the illustrated example, the first mast member 42a is arranged on the first side X1 in the path direction relative to the second mast member 42b. The upper ends of the first mast member 42a and the second mast member 42b are connected to each other by an upper frame 46. In this example, the upper frame 46 is configured to be guided in the path direction X by an upper rail R2. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lower rail R1 is arranged along the loading / unloading conveyor 94 and the storage shelf 5, and its end on the first side X1 in the path direction extends into the interior of the maintenance facility 1. On the other hand, the upper rail R2 is arranged along the inlet / outlet conveyor 94 and the storage shelves 5, but is not arranged inside the maintenance facility 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the lifting body 44 moves up and down along the mast 42, thereby moving the article W being transported in the vertical direction. The lifting body 44 supports the transfer device 43 from below. The article W is held by the lifting body 44 while placed on the transfer device 43. The transfer device 43 moves the article W in the direction Y perpendicular to the path to transfer the article W between the transfer target locations (here, each storage section of the storage shelf 5 and the loading / unloading conveyor 94). In this example, the transfer mechanism provided in the transfer device 43 is of a fork type, but it may also be a conveyor device. When the stacker crane 4 is at a position corresponding to the loading / unloading conveyor 94 (FIG. 1), the lifting body 44 moves to a height corresponding to the unloading conveyor 94a or the loading conveyor 94b. The transfer device 43 then transfers the article W between these conveyors. Furthermore, when the stacker crane 4 transfers the article W between itself and the storage shelf 5 (FIG. 1), the stacker crane 4 moves to the front of the storage section to be transferred, and the lifting body 44 moves to a height corresponding to the storage section. Then, the transfer device 43 transfers the article W between itself and the storage section.

[0017] As described above, the stacker crane 4 moves along the route direction X to transport the article W between the loading / unloading conveyor 94 and the storage shelf 5. On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs in the stacker crane 4 or if maintenance or the like is required for the stacker crane 4, the stacker crane 4 is moved to the maintenance facility 1. The stacker crane 4 may be moved to the maintenance facility 1 by an operator operating a remote control, or a control device provided in the automated warehouse 100 may automatically move the stacker crane 4 to the maintenance facility 1 when it detects a malfunction in the stacker crane 4. At the maintenance facility 1, an operator performs maintenance work such as repairs and maintenance on the stacker crane 4. Here, "maintenance" includes adjustments to the stacker crane 4 when the stacker crane 4 is initially placed, adjustments to the stacker crane 4 during periodic inspections, and the like.

[0018] 1 and 3, the maintenance equipment 1 is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the storage shelf 5 when viewed from above, and is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the stacker crane 4 when the stacker crane 4 is in a maintenance position 7 set on the travel path 6. As described above, the maintenance equipment 1 is adjacent to the storage shelf 5 on the first side X1 in the path direction. The maintenance equipment 1 is also arranged so as to surround the end of the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4 on the first side X1 in the path direction. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 3, the maintenance equipment 1 is arranged so as to extend along the path direction X and the direction perpendicular to the path Y.

[0019] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the maintenance equipment 1 is configured to accommodate the entire stacker crane 4 when it is in the maintenance position 7. The maintenance equipment 1 is also configured not to interfere with the stacker crane 4 as it moves along the travel path 6 and enters the interior of the maintenance equipment 1. The maintenance equipment 1 may also be configured to accommodate only a portion of the stacker crane 4. For example, either the first mast member 42 a or the second mast member 42 b may be positioned so as not to overlap the maintenance equipment 1 when viewed from above, or the upper frame 46 may be positioned higher than the upper end of the maintenance equipment 1. The specific configuration of the maintenance equipment 1 will be described below.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3 , the maintenance equipment 1 is equipped with multiple work stages 10 arranged in a vertical direction. These work stages 10 are arranged above the traveling carriage 41. Therefore, a worker can use the work stage 10 on each level to perform maintenance work on the portion of the stacker crane 4 above the traveling carriage 41. Hereinafter, one of the multiple work stages 10 arranged above the traveling carriage 41 will be referred to as the first level stage 11, and the work stage 10 above the first level stage 11 will be referred to as the upper level stage 12. In this embodiment, the first level stage 11 is the lowest level work stage 10 of the multiple work stages 10.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the maintenance equipment 1 includes an upper stage 12, which includes a first upper stage 12a and a second upper stage 12b that is one level above the first upper stage 12a. That is, the maintenance equipment 1 includes a first upper stage 11, which is the lowest work stage 10, and a first upper stage 12a and a second upper stage 12b that are one level above the first upper stage 11. Here, the height from the floor to the first upper stage 11, the height from the first upper stage 11 to the first upper stage 12a, and the height from the first upper stage 12a to the second upper stage 12b are preferably set to be slightly higher than the height of an average worker. For example, these heights are preferably set to be approximately the same height as the maximum vertical reach of a worker standing on the work stage 10. By providing multiple work stages 10 in this manner, it is possible to avoid performing maintenance work above the maximum vertical reach of a worker standing on the work stage 10. Therefore, there is no need to use a relatively tall stepladder or the like, and the work efficiency and safety of the workers working on each work stage 10 can be improved.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 3 , as described above, the first layer stage 11, the first upper layer stage 12a, and the second upper layer stage 12b are arranged vertically. However, depending on the size of the stacker crane 4 used, an additional work stage 10 may be provided above the second upper layer stage 12b. Alternatively, only the first upper layer stage 12a may be provided as the upper layer stage 12. A separate stage for workers to work on may be provided between the floor and the first layer stage 11. For example, a worker may use this stage as a foothold to perform maintenance work on the traveling cart 41, or the lifting body 44 and transfer device 43 arranged between the floor and the first layer stage 11. Thus, in this example, a work scaffold (stage) different from the work stage 10 may be provided between the lowest work stage 10 and the floor. Similarly, a work scaffold different from the work stage 10 may be provided between the work stage 10 on one level and the work stage 10 on the level above it.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the first layer stage 11 and the upper stage 12 are provided with a mast penetration section 14 through which the mast 42 of the stacker crane 4 at the maintenance position 7 penetrates in the vertical direction, a stage scaffolding 16 provided in an area other than the mast penetration section and functioning as a foothold for workers, and a support frame 8 supporting the stage scaffolding 16. In this embodiment, the work stage 10 (here, the first layer stage 11, the first upper stage 12a, and the second upper stage 12b) is an area surrounded by the outer edge of the stage scaffolding 16 and includes the mast penetration section 14. The support frame 8 supporting the multiple-stage work stage 10 is arranged in a position surrounding the outer periphery of the multiple-stage work stage 10. In this example, a plurality of support frames 8 are provided corresponding to each of the multiple-stage work stages 10. Here, "arranged at a position surrounding the outer periphery of the work stage 10" does not necessarily mean that the support frames 8 are arranged over the entire area surrounding the outer periphery of the work stage 10 (in other words, all around), but also includes that the support frames 8 are arranged only in a portion of the area surrounding the outer periphery of the work stage 10 (in other words, only a portion of the entire periphery). In the examples of Figures 3 and 6 to 9, no support frames 8 are provided at positions surrounding the outer periphery of each stage of the work stage 10 that interfere with the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the maintenance equipment 1 has multiple support columns 91 erected on the floor surface along the vertical direction. In this example, the multiple support columns 91 are arranged separately in the path direction X and the path-orthogonal direction Y so that the maintenance equipment 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Multiple (here, three) support frames 8 are supported by these support columns 91 while being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The support frames 8 are arranged along the path direction X and the path-orthogonal direction Y so as to form a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. A set of mast penetration sections 14 is provided corresponding to the first mast member 42a and the second mast member 42b at the maintenance position 7. The set of mast penetration sections 14 is arranged along the travel path 6 and separated in the path direction X. In the examples of FIGS. 5 to 9, the support frames 8 corresponding to each stage of the work stage 10 support both ends of the stage scaffolding 16 in the path-orthogonal direction Y and also support both ends of the stage scaffolding 16 in the path direction X. On the other hand, the support frame 8 is not provided at a location corresponding to the mast penetration portion 14 on the second side X2 in the route direction. This allows the stacker crane 4 to move from the second side X2 in the route direction to the first side X1 in the route direction and enter the maintenance facility 1. In the example shown in the figure, the maintenance facility 1 is equipped with a plurality of vertical members 92 for reinforcing the maintenance facility 1, in addition to the plurality of support pillars 91. The support frame 8 is also supported by the plurality of vertical members 92.

[0025] 6 to 9, when the stacker crane 4 enters the maintenance facility 1, the first mast member 42a is disposed in the mast penetration section 14 on the first side X1 in the path direction, and the second mast member 42b is disposed in the mast penetration section 14 on the second side X2 in the path direction. The lifting body 44 is disposed in a vertical position that does not interfere with the work stages 10 of each stage, and is disposed so as to overlap the central region of the work stages 10 when viewed in the vertical direction (specifically, a part of one set of mast penetration sections 14 and the movable scaffolding 24 and auxiliary scaffolding 25, which will be described later). In this example, the position where the stacker crane 4 is disposed in this manner is designated as the maintenance position 7.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, the maintenance facility 1 includes a wall body K that covers the interior of the maintenance facility 1. The wall body K is arranged to cover the entire maintenance facility 1 except for a first entrance 90, a second entrance 93, and an area that blocks the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4 (here, an area where the stacker crane 4 enters and exits the mast penetration portion 14 on the second side X2 of the path direction), and is supported by a plurality of supports 91. The first entrance 90 is provided between the floor and the lowest work stage 10 (first-level stage 11). A worker passes through the first entrance 90 to enter the work area between the floor and the first-level stage 11. In the example of FIG. 4, a first-level ladder 2, which will be described later, is arranged at the first entrance 90. However, when a worker enters or exits the work area between the floor and the first-level stage 11, the first-level ladder 2 is removed from the first entrance 90. The second entrance 93 is provided between the first stage 11 and the first upper stage 12a. Workers can enter the first upper stage 12a by passing through the second entrance 93. The wall K does not necessarily have to be provided, and the area where the wall K is located can also be changed as appropriate. The wall K is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the stage scaffolding 16 includes a fixed scaffolding 22 fixed to the support frame 8, and a movable scaffolding 24. In this embodiment, the stage scaffolding 16 further includes an auxiliary scaffolding 25. The fixed scaffolding 22 and the movable scaffolding 24 are provided on each of the stage scaffoldings 16 of the first layer stage 11, the first upper layer stage 12a, and the second upper layer stage 12b. In this example, the first upper layer stage 12a and the second upper layer stage 12b have the same structure. Therefore, hereinafter, the first upper layer stage 12a and the second upper layer stage 12b may be collectively referred to as the upper layer stage 12, as necessary.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 , the fixed scaffolding 22 includes a first-side fixed scaffolding 26 arranged on one side of the path-orthogonal direction Y across the movement trajectory of the mast 42 (the dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 8 and 9 ), and a second-side fixed scaffolding 27 arranged on the other side of the path-orthogonal direction Y. The fixed scaffolding 22 also includes a plurality of inner fixed scaffoldings 28 arranged on the inside of the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second-side fixed scaffolding 27 in the path-orthogonal direction Y. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , on each of the first story stage 11 and the upper stage 12, the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 is arranged on the first side in the path width direction relative to the second-side fixed scaffolding 27. A travel path 6 for the stacker crane 4, including the mast penetration portion 14, is formed between the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second-side fixed scaffolding 27. The second-side fixed scaffoldings 27 are arranged throughout the path direction X on the first story stage 11 and the upper stage 12. The first-side fixed scaffolding 26 is arranged over the entire area in the route direction X on the first story stage 11 (FIG. 6). However, on the upper story stage 12, the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 is not arranged over the entire area in the route direction X (FIGS. 7 to 9). On the upper story stage 12, the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 is arranged adjacent to the second side X2 in the route direction with respect to the passage through section 13 described later.

[0029] The multiple (four in this example) inner fixed scaffoldings 28 are arranged separately in the path direction X and the path-orthogonal direction Y, sandwiching the movement trajectory of the movable scaffolding 24. Furthermore, these inner fixed scaffoldings 28 are arranged inside the first side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second side fixed scaffolding 27 in the path-orthogonal direction Y, and are arranged separately at both ends of the path direction X on the work stage 10. In the example of FIGS. 6 to 9 , of the four inner fixed scaffoldings 28, two inner fixed scaffoldings 28 arranged on the path direction first side X1 are supported by the support frame 8. Furthermore, the two inner fixed scaffoldings 28 arranged on the path direction second side X2 are supported by either the first side fixed scaffolding 26 or the second side fixed scaffolding 27.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and 11 , the movable scaffolding 24 is capable of changing its position between a first retracted position T1 and a first deployed position T2. ​​The first retracted position T1 is a position in which the movable scaffolding 24 does not interfere with the movement trajectory of the mast 42 when the traveling carriage 41 travels along the travel path 6 and does not function as a foothold for the worker, while the first deployed position T2 is a position in which the movable scaffolding 24 interferes with the movement trajectory of the mast 42 but does not interfere with the mast 42 of the stacker crane 4 which is in the maintenance position 7 and functions as a foothold for the worker. As shown in FIG. 11 , the movable scaffolding 24 is in an upright position in the first retracted position T1 and in a position along a horizontal plane in the first deployed position T2. ​​In this embodiment, when the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first retracted position T1, the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4 is not blocked by the movable scaffolding 24, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . When the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first deployed position T2, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4 is blocked by the movable scaffolding 24. Specifically, in the first deployed position T2, the movable scaffolding 24 is positioned so as to overlap with the travel path 6 when viewed in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, in the first deployed position T2, the movable scaffolding 24 is positioned between the first mast member 42a and the second mast member 42b of the stacker crane 4 that is in the maintenance position 7. In other words, in the first deployed position T2, the movable scaffolding 24 is positioned between a pair of mast penetration sections 14. Furthermore, in the first deployed position T2, the movable scaffolding 24 is positioned across the first side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second side fixed scaffolding 27. In other words, when the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first deployed position T2, the first side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second side fixed scaffolding 27 are connected.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and 11 , the movable footing 24 is configured to swing around a swing axis P1 attached to the fixed footing 22. Specifically, the movable footing 24 is configured to swing around a swing axis P1 attached to the second fixed footing 27. In this example, the movable footing 24 is attached to the second fixed footing 27 via a connecting mechanism 52. Here, the connecting mechanism 52 is a hinge. The movable footing 24 can change its position between a first retracted position T1 and a first deployed position T2 by swinging around the swing axis P1 along the path direction X using the connecting mechanism 52. In the example of FIGS. 5 to 9 , the second fixed footing 27 has a concave shape recessed toward the second side Y2 in the direction perpendicular to the path when viewed in the up-down direction. The movable scaffolding 24 is mounted in a recessed portion (a portion cut out on the second side Y2 in the direction perpendicular to the path) of the concave-shaped second-side fixed scaffolding 27 so as to be able to swing freely around a swing axis P1 along the path direction X. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the movable scaffolding 24 is disposed so as to connect the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second-side fixed scaffolding 27 in the first deployed position T2. ​​A worker can move between the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 and the second-side fixed scaffolding 27 by moving the movable scaffolding 24 in the direction perpendicular to the path Y. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the movable scaffolding 24 is disposed so as to overlap the second-side fixed scaffolding 27 in the up-down direction in the first retracted position T1. When the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first evacuation position T1 on all work stages 10, the travel path 6 is not blocked by the movable scaffolding 24, so the stacker crane 4 can move along the travel path 6 to travel between the outside of the maintenance equipment 1 and the maintenance position 7 inside the maintenance equipment 1.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and 11, the maintenance equipment 1 is equipped with a biasing mechanism 9 that biases the movable scaffolding 24 in the swing direction about the swing axis P1. The biasing mechanism 9 is configured to bias the movable scaffolding 24 toward the first retracted position T1. In this example, the movable scaffolding 24 is attached to the second fixed scaffolding 27 via a connecting mechanism 52 and the biasing mechanism 9. In this example, the biasing mechanism 9 is configured as a separate body from the connecting mechanism 52, but the connecting mechanism 52 may also have the function of the biasing mechanism 9. For example, the connecting mechanism 52 and the biasing mechanism 9 can be power-assisted hinges. 11 , an intermediate position between the first retracted position T1 and the first deployed position T2 is defined as an intermediate position T3, and the torque of the biasing mechanism 9 is set so that when the movable footing 24 is positioned closer to the first retracted position T1 than the intermediate position T3, the torque is greater than the torque about the swing axis P1 acting on the movable footing 24 due to its own weight, and when the movable footing 24 is positioned closer to the first deployed position T2 than the intermediate position T3, the torque is smaller than the torque about the swing axis P1 acting on the movable footing 24 due to its own weight. In this example, a worker uses the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 when ascending or descending between the floor surface and the first and upper stages 11 and 12. The worker on the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 changes the position of the movable footing 24. Here, the worker can change the position of the movable scaffolding 24 in the first retracted position T1 to the first deployed position T2 by, for example, using a hook rod or the like to hook the movable scaffolding 24 in the first retracted position T1 and pulling it toward the first side Y1 in the direction perpendicular to the path. Furthermore, when changing the position of the movable scaffolding 24 in the first deployed position T2 to the first retracted position T1, the worker uses a handle (not shown) of the movable scaffolding 24 in the first deployed position T2 to swing the movable scaffolding 24 in such a way as to lift it up. Furthermore, because the worker can use the biasing mechanism 9, the position of the movable scaffolding 24 can be changed with a relatively small force compared to when the biasing mechanism 9 is not provided.

[0033] 5 to 9 and 13, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is connected to the fixed scaffolding 22 or the support frame 8 via a connecting mechanism 52. In this example, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is connected to the fixed scaffolding 22 (here, the inner fixed scaffolding 28) via the connecting mechanism 52. A plurality of auxiliary scaffoldings 25 are provided corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed scaffoldings 28. The auxiliary scaffoldings 25 are arranged between the inner fixed scaffolding 28 and the movable scaffolding 24 in the first deployed position T2. ​​In the example shown in the figures, the plurality of auxiliary scaffoldings 25 are arranged separately on both sides in the path-orthogonal direction Y across the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4, which includes one set of mast penetration portions 14, and on both sides on the path direction first side X1 across the movable scaffolding 24 in the first deployed position T2. In this embodiment, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is capable of changing its position between a second retracted position U1, which does not interfere with the lifting and lowering trajectory (indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 6 to 9 ) of the lifting body 44 of the stacker crane 4 at the maintenance position 7 and does not function as a foothold for the worker, and a second deployed position U2, which interferes with the lifting and lowering trajectory of the lifting body 44 of the stacker crane 4 at the maintenance position 7 and functions as a foothold for the worker. Each of the multiple auxiliary scaffoldings 25 is disposed as described above in the second deployed position U2. Here, the connecting mechanism 52 is a hinge. As shown in FIG. 13 , the auxiliary scaffolding 25 changes its position between the second retracted position U1 and the second deployed position U2 by swinging around an axis P2 along the path-orthogonal direction Y by the connecting mechanism 52. The auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2 connects the inner fixed scaffolding 28 to the movable scaffolding 24 at the first deployed position T2. In this example, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second retraction position U1 is arranged so as to overlap with the inner fixed scaffolding 28 in a vertical view. In the example shown in the figure, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second retraction position U1 is oriented along a horizontal plane, but it can also be oriented so as to stand up like the movable scaffolding 24 in the first retraction position T1. Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the movable scaffolding 24 is provided with a support part 23 that supports from below a portion of the auxiliary scaffolding 25 other than the portion where the connecting mechanism 52 is provided. A plurality of support parts 23 (here, four) are provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of auxiliary scaffoldings 25. The support part 23 is provided so as to protrude outward in the path direction X from the end of the movable scaffolding 24 in the path direction X.These support sections 23 are arranged so as to support the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2 from below. In this way, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is supported by the inner fixed scaffolding 28 and the support sections 23. In this example, the support sections 23 support the auxiliary scaffolding 25 on the opposite side of the connecting mechanism 52 with the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in between. In this way, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2 can be supported by the connecting mechanism 52 (the hinge attached to the inner fixed scaffolding 28) and the support sections 23 arranged separately in the path direction X, which makes it easy to increase the stability of the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2. Note that the support sections 23 that support the auxiliary scaffolding 25 do not necessarily have to be provided on the movable scaffolding 24. By configuring the support sections 23 not to be provided on the movable scaffolding 24, for example, it becomes possible for the auxiliary scaffolding 25 to assume the deployed position before the movable scaffolding 24. In the following, the above-described positions of the movable scaffolding 24 and the auxiliary scaffolding 25 may be collectively referred to as the "retracted position" and the "deployed position."

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is in the second deployed position U2, it overlaps with the lifting body 44 at the maintenance position 7 in a vertical view. On the other hand, when the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is in the second retracted position U1, it does not overlap with the lifting body 44 at the maintenance position 7 in a vertical view. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is in the second deployed position U2 and the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first retracted position T1 on one work stage 10, the lifting body 44 cannot pass through the work stage 10 in the vertical direction when the stacker crane 4 is located at the maintenance position 7. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is in the second retracted position U1 and the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first retracted position T1 on one work stage 10, the lifting body 44 can pass through the work stage 10 in the vertical direction when the stacker crane 4 is located at the maintenance position 7.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and 12 , in this embodiment, guide fences 61 are provided along both side edges of the movable scaffolding 24 in the path direction X. The guide fences 61 are positionally changeable between a guide position V1 in which they are erected relative to the movable scaffolding 24 and a folded position V2 in which they are aligned with the movable scaffolding 24. The guide fences 61 are provided on both side edges of the movable scaffolding 24 in the path direction X in a range where they interfere with the travel path 6 in the first unfolded position T2. ​​In the illustrated example, a pair of guide fences 61 are arranged in the central region of both side edges of the movable scaffolding 24 in the path direction X. The guide fences 61 are connected to the movable scaffolding 24 via a connecting mechanism 52. Here, the connecting mechanism 52 is a hinge. As shown in FIG. 12 , the guide fences 61 are swung by the connecting mechanism 52 around an axis P3 along the path-orthogonal direction Y to change their position between the guide position V1 and the folded position V2. The guide fence 61 in the folded position V2 overlaps with the movable platform 24 in the first unfolded position T2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the guide fence 61 in the folded position V2 is in a position along a horizontal plane, but is not limited to this.

[0036] 5 to 9, the guide fences 61 are also provided on the auxiliary scaffolding 25 and the fixed scaffolding 22 (here, the inner fixed scaffolding 28). In this example, the guide fences 61 are provided on the side edges of the auxiliary scaffolding 25 and the inner fixed scaffolding 28 adjacent to each other in the path direction X, on the inner side in the path-orthogonal direction Y (the side facing the mast penetration portion 14). The guide fence 61 provided on the auxiliary scaffolding 25 via a connecting mechanism 52 (here, a hinge) is configured to be able to change its position between a guide position V1 in which it is erected relative to the auxiliary scaffolding 25 and a folded position V2 in which it is aligned with the auxiliary scaffolding 25, similar to the guide fence 61 provided on the movable scaffolding 24. On the other hand, the guide fence 61 provided on the inner fixed scaffolding 28 is fixed in an erect state relative to the inner fixed scaffolding 28 and is not configured to change its position. 5 shows a state in which all of the guide fences 61 are in an upright position when the movable scaffolding 24 is in the first deployed position T2 and the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is in the second deployed position U2. By providing the guide fences 61 in all of the portions of the stage scaffolding 16 adjacent to one set of mast penetration sections 14 in this way, it is possible to prevent the feet of a worker performing maintenance work on the stage scaffolding 16 from sticking out into the mast penetration sections 14 and to prevent tools, parts, etc. placed on the stage scaffolding 16 from accidentally falling from the mast penetration sections 14. Note that when the movable scaffolding 24 and the auxiliary scaffolding 25 are each changed to their retracted positions (first retracted position T1, second retracted position U1), it is preferable that the guide fences 61 be set to the folded position V2 in advance. This makes it easier to avoid the movable scaffolding 24 and auxiliary scaffolding 25 changing their positions while the guide fence 61 remains in the guide position V1, for example, causing the guide fence 61 to interfere with other components, etc., and causing the movable scaffolding 24 and auxiliary scaffolding 25 to assume an incomplete position rather than the appropriate retracted position.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 7 to 9, the upper stage 12 is provided with a footpath penetration 13 that penetrates in the vertical direction to allow workers to pass through in the vertical direction using an upper ladder 3. The footpath penetration 13 is located at a position that overlaps with the stage scaffolding 16 of the first stage 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first upper stage 12a and the second upper stage 12b are each provided with a footpath penetration 13. Workers move from the first stage 11 to the first upper stage 12a by passing through the footpath penetration 13 of the first upper stage 12a. Similarly, workers move from the first upper stage 12a to the second upper stage 12b by passing through the footpath penetration 13 of the second upper stage 12b. When passing through the footpath penetration 13, the upper ladders 3 provided on the first stage 11 and the first upper stage 12a are used. Such a passage-through portion 13 is arranged at a position overlapping with the first side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first layer stage 11 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0038] In this example, the walkway penetration 13 is provided at a position on the upper stage 12 adjacent to the first side X1 in the route direction with respect to the first side fixed scaffolding 26. No walkway penetration 13 is provided on the side of the upper stage 12 where the second side fixed scaffolding 27 is arranged. In the example shown, the walkway penetration 13 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the inner fixed scaffolding 28, the auxiliary scaffolding 25, the first side fixed scaffolding 26, and the support frame 8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 , the upper stage 12 is provided with an opening / closing scaffolding 17 as part of the stage scaffolding 16. The opening / closing scaffolding 17 is configured to be changeable between a closed state ( FIGS. 5 , 7 , and 8 ) in which it closes the walkway penetration 13 and functions as the stage scaffolding 16, and an open state ( FIG. 9 ) in which it opens the walkway penetration 13 to allow workers to pass through the walkway penetration 13. The openable / closable scaffolding 17 is supported by the support frame 8 via a connecting mechanism 52 (here, a hinge). The openable / closable scaffolding 17 swings around an axis along the route direction X by the connecting mechanism 52, thereby changing its state (position) between a closed state and an open state. For example, when a worker uses the upper ladder 3 to pass through the walkway passage 13 from the first stage 11 and reach the first upper stage 12a, the worker changes the state of the openable / closable scaffolding 17 from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the walkway passage 13 is closed by the openable / closable scaffolding 17, allowing the worker to perform maintenance work using the openable / closable scaffolding 17 on the first upper stage 12a. Furthermore, by closing the openable / closable scaffolding 17, the worker can be prevented from accidentally falling from the walkway passage 13. Here, the openable / closable scaffolding 17 in the closed state is oriented along a horizontal plane. It is also preferable that there are no steps on the work stage 10 among the openable / closable scaffolding 17 in the closed state, the first side fixed scaffolding 26, the inner fixed scaffolding 28, the movable scaffolding 24 in the first deployed position T2, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2, and the second side fixed scaffolding 27. In the illustrated example, two openable / closable scaffoldings 17 are arranged side by side in the path direction X on the upper stage 12. It is also preferable that other members adjacent to these openable / closable scaffoldings 17 are provided with supports that support the openable / closable scaffolding 17 in the closed state from below.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the first-level ladder 2, which is a ladder used by workers to climb from the floor to the first-level stage 11, is positioned outside the first-level stage 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. As described above, the first-level ladder 2 is provided outside the first-level stage 11 so as to block the first entrance 90 (Figure 3). Workers can use the first-level ladder 2, which is provided so as to block the first entrance 90, to move from the floor to the first-level stage 11. In this embodiment, the first-level ladder 2 is provided so as to connect to the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first-level stage 11. As shown in Figure 4, the first entrance 90 is provided on the second side X2 of the path direction with respect to the wall K when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the path Y. Therefore, the first-level ladder 2 is provided so as to connect to an area on the second side X2 of the path direction with respect to the central portion of the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first-level stage 11 in the path direction X. The first section ladder 2 is detachable from the support frame 8 that forms the first entrance / exit 90.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 6 to 8, the upper ladder 3, which is a ladder used by workers to climb from the first stage 11 to the upper stage 12, is positioned so as to overlap with the first stage 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper ladder 3 is positioned so as to overlap with the first side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first stage 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. The upper ladder 3 is detachable from the multi-stage work stage 10 and is also detachable from the support frame 8.

[0041] In this example, the first-level ladder 2 and the upper-level ladder 3 have the same structure. Therefore, the following describes the configuration of the upper-level ladder 3, and the description of the configuration of the first-level ladder 2 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10 , a hook-shaped engaging portion 82 is attached to the upper end of the upper-level ladder 3. Furthermore, an anti-slip member 18b is attached to the lower end of these ladders via an intermediary member 18a. The intermediary member 18a is fixed to the lower end of the upper-level ladder 3 and to the upper surface of the anti-slip member 18b. An insertion hole 20 for inserting a fixing member 19 is formed in the portion of the intermediary member 18a that abuts against the anti-slip member 18b and in the anti-slip member 18b. Here, the fixing member 19 is a pin, but it may also be a fastening bolt or the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that the anti-slip member 18b be an elastic member.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the first-story ladder 2 is attached to the front of the first entrance 90 (outside the first entrance 90 in the direction perpendicular to the route Y) by engaging the engaging portion 82 with the support frame 8 that forms the first entrance 90. In the illustrated example, when the engaging portion 82 is engaged with the support frame 8, the anti-slip member 18b abuts against the upper surface of the auxiliary frame 83 arranged along the route direction X. In addition, a first holding portion 35 is provided on the wall K adjacent to the first entrance 90 on the first side X1 in the route direction. The first holding portion 35 is configured to be able to hold the first-story ladder 2. Specifically, the first-story ladder 2 is held by the first holding portion 35 by engaging the engaging portion 82 with the frame of the first holding portion 35. Therefore, when the first-story ladder 2 is not in use, it is preferable to hold the first-story ladder 2 by the first holding portion 35.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the lower part of the upper ladder 3 is configured to be supported by a stage scaffolding 16 other than the movable scaffolding 24 on the work stage 10 on which the upper ladder 3 is arranged. As shown in Figure 6, the lower part of the upper ladder 3 for ascending from the first layer stage 11 to the first upper stage 12a is supported in an area on the first side X1 in the path direction relative to the central part in the path direction X of the first side fixed scaffolding 26 on the first layer stage 11. Also, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lower part of the upper ladder 3 for ascending from the first upper stage 12a to the second upper stage 12b is configured to be supported by an opening-closing scaffolding 17 in the closed state on the first upper stage 12a. The upper ladder 3 is provided on the opening-closing scaffolding 17 in the closed state on the upper stage 12. In this way, since the upper ladder 3 is arranged on the stage scaffolding 16 other than the movable scaffolding 24, workers can ascend and descend between the first upper stage 12a and the second upper stage 12b regardless of the position of the movable scaffolding 24. In this example, the upper ladders 3 provided on each of the multiple work stages 10 (first stage 11, upper stage 12) are arranged at the same position on each work stage 10 so as to overlap when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the maintenance equipment 1 further includes a fixing part 18 for fixing the lower part of the upper ladder 3 to the part of the stage scaffolding 16 other than the movable scaffolding. In this example, the fixing part 18 is a relay member 18a, an anti-slip member 18b, and a fixing member 19 attached to the lower end of the upper ladder 3. At the attachment positions of the upper ladder 3 on the first side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first stage 11 and the opening / closing scaffolding 17 of the upper stage 12, a through hole (not shown) through which the fixing member 19 passes is formed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10 , above each work stage 10, an engaged portion 81 is provided, branching downward from the support frame 8 that supports the stage scaffolding 16 of the next higher stage. The upper ladder 3 is placed on the stage scaffolding 16 of each stage by engaging the engaging portion 82 with the engaged portion 81. In this way, the upper part of the upper ladder 3 is directly supported by the support frame 8. Alternatively, the engaged portion 81 may be provided as an independent member different from the support frame 8, so that the upper ladder 3 is indirectly supported by the support frame 8 via the engaged portion 81. Furthermore, when the engaging portion 82 is engaged with the engaged portion 81, the anti-slip member 18b abuts against the mounting position of the first side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first stage 11 or the opening / closing scaffolding 17 of the upper stage 12. The lower part of the upper ladder 3 is fixed to the work stage 10 of each stage by inserting the fixing member 19 through the insertion hole 20 and a through-hole (not shown). Furthermore, when the upper ladder 3 is not in use, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, it is held by a second holding part 36 provided at the end of the work stage 10 on the first side Y1 in the direction perpendicular to the path. The second holding part 36 has the same structure as the first holding part 35. This allows the unused upper ladder 3 to be stored in a position that does not interfere with maintenance work on the stage scaffolding 16. In the example of Figure 3, a support member 84 is fixed to the upper frame of the maintenance equipment 1. The support member 84 overlaps the walkway penetration 13 when viewed in the vertical direction and is positioned above the uppermost work stage 10. A safety device, such as a fall prevention wire, can be attached to this support member 84.

[0045] In the following, as an example, a case where a worker performs maintenance work on the second upper stage 12b will be described. Here, it is assumed that the stacker crane 4 is already placed at the maintenance position .

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , a worker uses the first-level ladder 2 attached to the support frame 8 of the first entrance 90 to move from the second entrance 93 to the first-level stage 11. Then, after the worker fixes the upper-level ladder 3 to the attachment position of the first-side fixed scaffolding 26, the worker uses the upper-level ladder 3 to move to the first upper stage 12a. At this time, the worker passes through the passageway 13 of the first upper stage 12a and moves to the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 of the first upper stage 12a. As described above, the first-side fixed scaffolding 26 of the upper stage 12a is disposed adjacent to the passageway 13 on the second side X2 in the route direction. Then, the worker changes the opening / closing scaffolding 17 from the open state to the closed state and fixes the upper-level ladder 3 to the attachment position of the opening / closing scaffolding 17. The worker uses the upper-level ladder 3 to move to the second upper stage 12b. At that time, the worker passes through the walkway penetration 13 of the second upper stage 12b and moves to the first side fixed scaffolding 26 of the second upper stage 12b. Then, the worker changes the openable scaffolding 17 from the open state to the closed state. This allows the worker to perform maintenance work using the openable scaffolding 17. Therefore, even if the walkway penetration 13 is provided inside the upper stage 12, a wide scaffold can be secured for the worker to perform maintenance work. Here, as described above, the movable scaffolding 24 in the first retraction position T1 is positioned so as to overlap with the second side fixed scaffolding 27 in a vertical view. In this way, the movable scaffolding 24 in the first retraction position T1 is positioned in a location that does not interfere with the worker moving between the first side fixed scaffolding 26 and the openable scaffolding 17, thereby improving the work efficiency of the maintenance work, including the movement of the worker.

[0047] Next, a worker on the first side fixed scaffolding 26 or the open / close scaffolding 17 in the closed state changes the position of the movable scaffolding 24 from the first retracted position T1 to the first deployed position T2. ​​This allows the worker to perform maintenance work using the movable scaffolding 24 and the second side fixed scaffolding 27. Next, the worker changes the position of the auxiliary scaffolding 25 from the second retracted position U1 to the second deployed position U2. This allows the worker to perform maintenance work using the auxiliary scaffolding 25.

[0048] Here, when performing maintenance work on the lifting body 44 or the transfer device 43 on the second upper stage 12b, the worker moves the lifting body 44 above the stage scaffolding 16 of the second upper stage 12b before entering the maintenance facility 1. Therefore, when performing maintenance work on the stacker crane 4, it is necessary to set the movable scaffolding 24 and the auxiliary scaffolding 25 to the retracted positions (first retracted position T1, second retracted position U1) on the work stage 10 of each level before storing the stacker crane 4 in the maintenance facility 1. Furthermore, when the maintenance facility 1 is not in use, it is preferable to leave the openable scaffolding 17 on the upper stage 12 in the open state.

[0049] In this example, the connecting mechanism 52 attached to the movable scaffolding 24, the auxiliary scaffolding 25, and the opening / closing scaffolding 17 is a hinge, but the connecting mechanism 52 may also be a linear guide mechanism or the like.

[0050] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the maintenance equipment 1 is adjacent to the storage shelf 5 and is located in an end region on the first side X1 in the path direction of the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the maintenance equipment 1 may be located away from the storage shelf 5. The maintenance equipment 1 may also be located midway along the travel path 6 of the stacker crane 4. In this case, the stacker crane 4 may be able to pass through the maintenance equipment 1. In addition, in FIG. 1 , multiple stacker cranes 4 may be located, and multiple maintenance equipment 1 may be located corresponding to each of the multiple stacker cranes 4. For example, when two stacker cranes 4 are located along one storage shelf 5, one maintenance equipment 1 may be located on each side of the storage shelf 5 in the path direction X. When one storage shelf 5 is located on each side of one maintenance equipment 1 in the path direction X, one stacker crane 4 may also be located along each storage shelf 5. 1, the loading / unloading conveyor 94 is disposed on the second side X2 in the route direction relative to the storage shelf 5, but this is not limitative, and the location where the loading / unloading conveyor 94 is disposed can be changed as appropriate. In this way, the number and locations of the maintenance equipment 1, stacker cranes 4, travel routes 6, and loading / unloading conveyors 94 provided in the automated warehouse 100 can be changed as appropriate.

[0051] (2) In the above embodiment, the upper stage 12 is provided with the opening / closing scaffolding 17 as part of the stage scaffolding 16, and the opening / closing scaffolding 17 is supported by the support frame 8 via the connecting mechanism 52 and is swingable by the connecting mechanism 52 to be changeable between a closed state and an open state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper stage 12 does not have to be provided with the opening / closing scaffolding 17. Furthermore, even if the upper stage 12 is provided with the opening / closing scaffolding 17, the opening / closing scaffolding 17 may be configured to be detachable from the support frame 8, and a worker may attach the opening / closing scaffolding 17 to the support frame 8 to set it in the closed state. Furthermore, the opening / closing scaffolding 17 may be configured to be supported by a member other than the support frame 8.

[0052] (3) In the above embodiment, the stage scaffold 16 is described as being equipped with the auxiliary scaffold 25, but this is not limiting. The stage scaffold 16 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the auxiliary scaffold 25. Furthermore, even if the stage scaffold 16 is equipped with the auxiliary scaffold 25, the auxiliary scaffold 25 does not have to be configured to be able to change its position between the second retracted position U1 and the second deployed position U2. In this case, for example, the auxiliary scaffold 25 may be detachable from the work stage 10.

[0053] (4) In the above embodiment, the upper ladder 3 is described as being detachable from the multi-stage work stage 10 and from the support frame 8, but this is not limiting. The upper ladder 3 may be fixed to at least one of the multi-stage work stage 10 and the support frame 8 so that it cannot be detached.

[0054] (5) In the above embodiment, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is connected to the inner fixed scaffolding 28 provided on the fixed scaffolding 22 via the connecting mechanism 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the auxiliary scaffolding 25 may be connected to the first fixed scaffolding 26 or the second fixed scaffolding 27 provided on the fixed scaffolding 22 via the connecting mechanism 52, and the auxiliary scaffolding 25 in the second deployed position U2 may be supported from both sides in the path direction X by the inner fixed scaffolding 28 and the movable scaffolding 24 (specifically, the support portion 23). The auxiliary scaffolding 25 may also be connected to the support frame 8 via the connecting mechanism 52. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 5 to 9 , in the configuration in which the auxiliary scaffolding 25 is connected to the support frame 8 via the connecting mechanism 52, the inner fixed scaffolding 28 may also be included as the auxiliary scaffolding 25. In this case, a support frame 8 corresponding to the inner fixed scaffolding 28 on the second side X2 in the path direction may be further disposed.

[0055] (6) In the above embodiment, the lower part of the upper ladder 3 for ascending from the first upper stage 12a to the second upper stage 12b is supported by the openable scaffolding 17 in the closed state on the first upper stage 12a, but this is not limited to this. The lower part of the upper ladder 3 for ascending from the first upper stage 12a to the second upper stage 12b may be supported by, for example, a fixed scaffolding 22 adjacent to the openable scaffolding 17.

[0056] (7) In the above embodiment, the stacker crane 4 has been described as having a configuration in which the mast 42 includes the first mast member 42a and the second mast member 42b that are spaced apart in a direction along the travel path 6, but this is not limiting. The stacker crane 4 may also be configured to have only the first mast member 42a as the mast 42.

[0057] (8) In the above embodiment, the maintenance equipment 1 has been described as having a fixing portion 18 for fixing the lower portion of the upper ladder 3 to the portion of the stage scaffolding 16 other than the movable scaffolding, but this is not limited to this. The maintenance equipment 1 does not have to have such a fixing portion 18. In this case, for example, the lower portion of the upper ladder 3 may be configured not to be fixed to the stage scaffolding 16.

[0058] (9) In the above embodiment, the movable scaffolding 24 is configured to swing around the swing axis P1 attached to the second fixed scaffolding 27, but this is not limiting. The movable scaffolding 24 may also be configured to swing around the swing axis attached to the first fixed scaffolding 26.

[0059] (10) In the above embodiment, the maintenance equipment 1 is described as having an urging mechanism 9 that urges the movable scaffolding 24 in the swing direction around the swing axis P1, but this is not limited to this. The maintenance equipment 1 does not necessarily have to have such a urging mechanism 9.

[0060] (11) In the above embodiment, the guide fences 61 are provided along both side edges of the movable scaffolding 24 in the path direction X, and the guide fences 61 are configured to be changeable between a guide position V1 in which they are erected relative to the movable scaffolding 24 and a folded position V2 in which they are aligned with the movable scaffolding 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The guide fences 61 may be fixed to the movable scaffolding 24 in the guide position V1 without changing their position as described above. Alternatively, the movable scaffolding 24 may be configured without the guide fences 61 being provided thereon.

[0061] (12) 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.

[0062] Summary of the above embodiment The automated warehouse described above will now be summarized.

[0063] An automated warehouse according to the present disclosure is an automated warehouse including a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items, a stacker crane for transporting the items, and maintenance equipment for performing maintenance on the stacker crane, The stacker crane includes a traveling carriage that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf, a mast that is erected on the traveling carriage along the vertical direction, and a lifting body that supports a transfer device that holds and transfers the articles and that moves up and down along the mast, the maintenance facility is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the storage shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, and is configured so that at least a portion of the stacker crane can be stored in the maintenance facility when the stacker crane is in a maintenance position set on the travel path, The maintenance facility includes a plurality of work stages arranged vertically, One of the work stages arranged above the traveling carriage is defined as a first layer stage, and the work stage above the first layer stage is defined as an upper layer stage, The first stage and the upper stage each include a mast penetration portion through which the mast of the stacker crane in the maintenance position penetrates in the vertical direction, and a stage scaffold provided in an area other than the mast penetration portion and functioning as a scaffold for workers, The first-stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the floor to the first-stage stage, is arranged outside the first-stage stage when viewed in the up-down direction, an upper stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the first stage to the upper stage, is arranged at a position overlapping with the first stage in a vertical view; The upper stage is provided with a passageway penetrating in the vertical direction so that the worker can pass through in the vertical direction using the upper ladder, The passageway is positioned at a position that overlaps with the stage scaffolding of the first stage when viewed from above and below.

[0064] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a part of a stacker crane that is out of reach of a worker standing on the floor, the worker can use the stage scaffolding of the first stage and the upper stage, allowing the maintenance work to be performed in a manner that is easy to work in. Furthermore, with this configuration, for the first stage, which is relatively close to the floor, the first stage ladder is provided on the outside of the first stage, making it unnecessary to provide a passageway and ensuring a wide stage scaffold for the first stage. Also, because the upper ladder and the passageway are positioned so as to overlap with the stage scaffold for the first stage when viewed from above and below, the stage scaffold for the first stage exists below the upper ladder, making it easier to increase the safety of workers moving between the first stage and the upper stage. In this way, this configuration makes it easier to perform maintenance work on the stacker crane while increasing the safety of workers using the stage scaffolding.

[0065] Here, the upper stage includes an opening and closing scaffold as part of the stage scaffold, It is preferable that the opening and closing scaffolding be configured to be changeable between a closed state in which the passage penetration section is closed and the scaffolding functions as the stage scaffolding, and an open state in which the passage penetration section is opened to allow the worker to pass through the passage penetration section.

[0066] According to this configuration, by opening the opening / closing scaffolding, workers can use the upper ladder to move up and down, while by closing the opening / closing scaffolding, a wide stage scaffolding for the upper stage can be secured.

[0067] Further, a support frame supporting the work stages of the plurality of stages is disposed at a position surrounding the outer periphery of the work stages of the plurality of stages, It is preferable that the upper ladder be detachable from the multi-stage work stage and also be detachable from the support frame.

[0068] With this configuration, when the upper ladder is not in use, it can be removed from the work stage and attached to the support frame for storage, making it less likely that the upper ladder will interfere with workers moving around the stage scaffolding at each work stage.

[0069] The stage scaffolding includes a movable scaffolding that can be changed between a retracted position that does not function as a scaffolding for the worker and an expanded position that functions as a scaffolding for the worker, It is preferable that the lower part of the upper ladder is configured to be supported by a stage scaffold other than the movable scaffold on the work stage on which the upper ladder is placed.

[0070] According to this configuration, when maintenance work is to be performed on the stacker crane, the movable scaffolding can be placed in the deployed position, allowing the maintenance work to be performed using the movable scaffolding. Also, by placing the movable scaffolding in the retracted position, the movable scaffolding does not interfere with the movement of the stacker crane, allowing the stacker crane to be moved easily. In addition, since the upper ladder can be fixed to a stage scaffold other than the movable scaffold, workers can move to each work stage regardless of the position of the movable scaffold.

[0071] The maintenance facility further includes, as the upper stage, a first upper stage and a second upper stage that is one stage higher than the first upper stage, It is preferable that the lower part of the upper ladder for ascending from the first upper stage to the second upper stage is configured to be supported by the opening and closing scaffolding in the closed state on the first upper stage.

[0072] According to this configuration, since the opening and closing scaffolding of the first upper stage must be closed in order to ascend from the first upper stage to the second upper stage, it is possible to prevent workers from attempting to ascend to the second upper stage while the opening and closing scaffolding of the first upper stage is left open, which makes it easier to further increase the safety of workers using the stage scaffolding.

[0073] It is also preferable that the maintenance facility further comprises a fixing portion for fixing the lower portion of the upper ladder and the stage scaffolding to each other.

[0074] According to this configuration, the lower part of the upper ladder and the stage scaffolding are fixed by the fixing part, which makes it easier to increase the safety of workers using the upper ladder.

[0075] The automated warehouse according to the present disclosure may have at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: Maintenance equipment 2 :1st layer ladder 3: Upper ladder 4: Stacker crane 5: Storage shelf 6: Driving route 7: Maintenance position 8: Support frame 10:Working stage 11: First Stage 12: Upper Stage 12a: First upper stage 12b: Second upper stage 13: Passage passage 14: Mast penetration 16: Stage scaffolding 17: Openable scaffolding 18: Fixed part 24: Movable scaffolding 42: Mast 43:Transfer device 44: Lifting body 100: Automated warehouse W:Goods

Claims

1. An automated warehouse comprising: a storage shelf for storing a plurality of items; a stacker crane for transporting the items; and maintenance equipment for performing maintenance on the stacker crane, The stacker crane includes a traveling carriage that travels along a travel path set along the storage shelf, a mast that is erected on the traveling carriage along the vertical direction, and a lifting body that supports a transfer device that holds and transfers the articles and that moves up and down along the mast, the maintenance facility is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the storage shelf when viewed in the up-down direction, and is configured so that at least a portion of the stacker crane can be stored in the maintenance facility when the stacker crane is in a maintenance position set on the travel path, The maintenance facility includes a plurality of work stages arranged vertically, one of the work stages arranged above the traveling carriage is a first layer stage, and the work stage above the first layer stage is an upper layer stage; The first stage and the upper stage each include a mast penetration portion through which the mast of the stacker crane in the maintenance position penetrates in the vertical direction, and a stage scaffold that is provided in an area other than the mast penetration portion and functions as a scaffold for workers, The first-stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the floor to the first-stage stage, is arranged outside the first-stage stage when viewed in the up-down direction, The upper stage ladder, which is a ladder for the worker to climb from the first stage to the upper stage, is arranged at a position overlapping with the first stage when viewed in the up-down direction, The upper stage is provided with a passageway penetrating in the vertical direction so that the worker can pass through in the vertical direction using the upper ladder, An automated warehouse, wherein the passageway is positioned at a position that overlaps with the stage scaffolding of the first level stage when viewed from above and below.

2. The upper stage includes an opening and closing scaffold as part of the stage scaffold, The automated warehouse according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing scaffolding is configured to be changeable between a closed state in which the passage through section is closed and the scaffolding functions as the stage scaffolding, and an open state in which the passage through section is opened to allow the worker to pass through the passage through section.

3. a support frame supporting the work stage of the plurality of stages is disposed at a position surrounding the outer periphery of the work stage of the plurality of stages; The automated warehouse according to claim 2, wherein the upper ladder is detachable from the work stage having multiple steps and is detachable from the support frame.

4. the stage scaffold includes a movable scaffold that can be changed in position between a retracted position that does not function as a scaffold for the worker and an expanded position that functions as a scaffold for the worker, The automated warehouse according to claim 3, wherein the lower part of the upper ladder is configured to be supported by a stage scaffold other than the movable scaffold on the work stage on which the upper ladder is placed.

5. the maintenance facility includes, as the upper stage, a first upper stage and a second upper stage that is one stage higher than the first upper stage; The automated warehouse described in claim 4, wherein the lower part of the upper ladder for ascending from the first upper stage to the second upper stage is configured to be supported by the opening and closing scaffolding in the closed state on the first upper stage.

6. The automated warehouse according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the maintenance facility further comprises a fixing portion for fixing the lower portion of the upper ladder and the stage scaffolding to each other.

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