Lifting device

Abstract

To inhibit an object from falling out of an elevating support table.SOLUTION: An elevating device 30 for delivering or receiving an object directly or indirectly to or from a horizontal carrier or an outside conveyance device between a plurality of horizontal carriers for loading or unloading the object onto or from an object-storage shelf and the outside conveyance device for carrying the object from or toward an outside location, comprises: a drive source that is electrically drive-controlled; an elevating support table 32 that is raised or lowered in conjunction with an action of the drive source; and a fall-inhibitive structure 70 that covers at least a part of a surrounding of an object 10 placed on the elevating support table and inhibits the object 10 placed on the elevating support table from falling in the event of an emergency stop of the elevating support table 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lifting device for lifting and lowering objects.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse including a storage shelf, a temporary storage shelf for incoming goods, a lifting mechanism unit for incoming goods, a temporary storage shelf for outgoing goods, a lifting mechanism unit for outgoing goods, and a transfer cart. Goods conveyed by an incoming conveyor are stored in the storage shelf via the incoming temporary storage shelf and the transfer cart from the incoming lifting mechanism unit and stored. Also, goods stored in the storage shelf are shipped to an outgoing conveyor via the transfer cart, the outgoing temporary storage shelf, and the outgoing lifting mechanism unit. In the incoming lifting mechanism unit and the outgoing lifting mechanism unit, the goods are lifted and lowered while being placed on a lifting and transfer unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Due to a power outage or the like, the lifting and transfer unit may suddenly stop. In such a case, it is required to suppress the object from falling from the lifting and transfer unit due to the object bouncing up or the like.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the fall of an object from a lifting support table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the lifting device is a lifting device that directly or indirectly passes or receives objects to or from the horizontal transporters or the external transporter between a plurality of horizontal transporters for loading or unloading objects from a storage shelf and an external transporter for transporting objects from or toward an external position, and comprises an electrically driven drive source, a lifting support base that moves up and down in conjunction with the operation of the drive source, and a fall suppression structure that covers at least a part of the periphery of an object placed on the lifting support base and suppresses the object from falling when the lifting support base comes to a sudden stop. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This lifting device allows for the prevention of objects falling from the lifting support platform through a fall prevention structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing an automated warehouse according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of an automated warehouse. [Figure 3] This is a schematic plan view showing the components of the receiving side of the automated warehouse. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the lifting support platform and the fall prevention structure. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the lifting support platform and the fall prevention structure. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the lifting support platform comes to a sudden stop. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes the lifting device according to the embodiment.

[0010] <About automated warehouses> The overall configuration of an automated warehouse, which is an example of the application of the lifting device according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the automated warehouse, and Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the automated warehouse.

[0011] The automated warehouse 20 includes an inbound conveyor 16, an outbound conveyor 18, a lifting device 30, a horizontal transport body 40, storage shelves 50, and a transfer device 60.

[0012] The receiving conveyor 16 is an example of an external conveying device that transports goods 10 from an external position to a position closer to the storage shelves 50. The outbound conveyor 18 is an example of an external conveying device that transports goods 10 from a position closer to the storage shelves 50 to an external position further away from the storage shelves 50. The receiving conveyor 16 and the outbound conveyor 18 are, for example, roller conveyors or belt conveyors.

[0013] The storage rack 50 is provided on at least one side of the travel path 48 of the horizontal transporter 40. Here, a pair of storage racks 50 are provided on both sides of the travel path 48. The storage rack 50 has multiple shelves 52 supported at intervals in the vertical direction. Each shelf 52 can support and store an object 10. Each shelf 52 in each level can also support multiple objects 10. Therefore, when viewed as a whole, the storage rack 50 stores multiple objects 10 arranged vertically and horizontally. In the storage rack 50, the space in which the objects 10 are stored is the storage space. Therefore, the storage rack 50 has multiple storage spaces arranged along the direction of movement of the horizontal transporter 40 traveling along the travel path 48. Each storage space may be continuous without partitions, or it may be partitioned.

[0014] The travel path 48 is provided along the extending direction of the storage rack 50, in this case, between a pair of storage racks 50, along the extending direction between them. The travel path 48 extends along the extending direction of the storage rack 50 and extends to the transfer device 60. The travel path 48 is provided corresponding to each of the upper and lower shelf levels. Each travel path 48 may be configured, for example, with a pair of rails. The rails may also serve as the lateral frames of the storage rack 50, or they may be configured separately from the storage rack 50.

[0015] The horizontal conveyor 40 is a device also called a picker or dolly, and is configured to travel back and forth along the travel path 48. The horizontal conveyor 40 is equipped with an object loading / unloading mechanism 42 for loading and unloading objects 10 to and from the storage shelves 50 and the transfer device 60. The object loading / unloading mechanism 42 has a pair of arms 43 that can move in and out relative to the storage shelves 50 and the transfer device 60, and the objects 10 are moved between the horizontal conveyor 40 and the storage shelves 50 or the transfer device 60 by claws 44 provided at the tips of the pair of arms 43 (see Figure 3). Objects 10 are loaded into and unloaded from the storage shelves 50 from the travel path 48 side. The horizontal conveyor 40 traveling along the travel path 48 can load and unload objects 10 to and from both of the pair of storage shelves 50. The horizontal conveyor 40 is an example of a device for loading or unloading objects 10 to and from the storage shelves 50.

[0016] In this embodiment, a multiple travel path 48 and multiple horizontal transport bodies 40 are provided corresponding to each upper and lower shelf level, but this is not essential. For example, a single travel path common to multiple upper and lower shelf levels may be provided, and a transfer trolley may travel along this travel path. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lifting mechanism on the transfer trolley so that stored items can be loaded and unloaded from the multiple upper and lower shelves. Alternatively, multiple transfer trolleys may travel along a single travel path.

[0017] A lifting device 30 and a transfer device 60 are provided in a portion of the storage rack 50 in the direction of its extension. In this embodiment, a transfer device 60 for receiving goods, a lifting device 30 for receiving goods, and a conveyor 16 for receiving goods are provided at one end of each of the pair of storage racks 50. In addition, a transfer device 60 for shipping goods, a lifting device 30 for shipping goods, and a conveyor 18 for shipping goods are provided at the other end of each of the pair of storage racks 50. A transfer device, a lifting device, and a conveyor for receiving and shipping goods may also be provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the pair of storage racks 50. The transfer device, lifting device, and conveyor do not need to be separated into receiving and shipping devices, and may be used for both receiving and shipping goods.

[0018] The transfer device 60 is a section also called a temporary storage shelf, and is a device for relaying objects between the lifting device 30 and the horizontal conveyor 40. The transfer device 60 includes a plurality of support stands 62 corresponding to each of the plurality of shelf levels. The plurality of support stands 62 are provided at the same height position as the corresponding shelf 52 at a position adjacent to the storage shelf 50. The support stand 62 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers 62a. By rotationally driving a motor built into the roller 62a, the object 10 can be moved along the transport direction. The object 10 on the support stand 62 may be pushed and moved along the transport direction by a pusher driven by an actuator such as a separately provided cylinder. The horizontal conveyor 40 provided corresponding to each shelf level can transfer the object 10 to and from the support stand 62 and the shelf 52 at that shelf level.

[0019] The lifting device 30 is a lifting device that directly or indirectly delivers or receives the object 10 to or from the horizontal conveyor 40, or the incoming conveyor 16 or the outgoing conveyor 18 which is an outer transfer device. In the present embodiment, the incoming lifting device 30 directly receives the object 10 from the incoming conveyor 16. The incoming conveyor 16 indirectly delivers the object 10 to the horizontal conveyor 40 via the incoming transfer device 60. Also, the outgoing lifting device 30 indirectly receives the object from the horizontal conveyor 40 via the outgoing transfer device 60. The outgoing lifting device 30 directly delivers the object to the outgoing conveyor 18. The lifting device 30 may directly deliver or receive the object 10 to or from the transfer device 60.

[0020] The lifting device 30 is a device for lifting and lowering the object 10 and is also called a reservoir. The lifting device 30 includes a lifting support base 32 that moves up and down while supporting the object 10. The lifting support base 32 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers 33a. The plurality of rollers 33a are rotatably supported, for example, in a state of being arranged in parallel by a frame portion. By rotationally driving the motor built into the roller 33a, the object 10 can be moved along the conveyance direction. The object 10 on the lifting support base 32 may be pushed and moved along the conveyance direction by a pusher driven by an actuator such as a separately provided cylinder. The lifting support base 32 is driven to move up and down by a lifting drive mechanism 34. The lifting drive mechanism 34 has, for example, a drive source 34a and a circulating rotating body 34b. The drive source 34a is, for example, a motor that is electrically driven and controlled. The circulating rotating body 34b is a chain or a circulating belt and is wound around a sprocket or a pulley rotatably supported above and below the column 31. Then, by rotating the drive source 34a, the circulating rotating body 34b is circulated and rotated, and thereby, the lifting support base 32 connected to the circulating rotating body 34b moves up and down. By driving the lifting support base 32 to move up and down in conjunction with the operation of the drive source 34a, the lifting support base 32 moves up and down to positions corresponding to each of the plurality of support bases 62 at a position adjacent to the transfer device 60. When the lifting support base 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to any one of the support bases 62, the object 10 can be horizontally moved and transferred between the lifting support base 32 and the support base 62. Further, the lifting support base 32 moves up and down to positions corresponding to the in-storage conveyor 16 or the out-storage conveyor 18 at a position adjacent to the end portion close to the storage shelf 50. When the lifting support base 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to the in-storage conveyor 16 or the out-storage conveyor 18, the object 10 can be horizontally moved and transferred between the lifting support base 32 and the in-storage conveyor 16 or the out-storage conveyor 18.

[0021] The control unit 90 controls the transport operations of the receiving conveyor 16 and the outgoing conveyor 18, the lifting operation of the lifting device 30, the transfer operation, the transfer operation of the transfer device 60, the travel operation of the horizontal conveyor 40, and the loading and unloading operations of the goods 10. In this automated warehouse 20, the loading and unloading of goods 10 are performed under the control of the control unit 90.

[0022] Focusing on the incoming items 10, as shown in Figure 3, the incoming items 10 are transferred to the lifting device 30 by the incoming conveyor 16, etc. The lifting device 30 then moves the items 10 up and down to a position corresponding to the shelf where the items 10 will be stored. After this, the items 10 supported by the lifting support base 32 are transferred to the transfer device 60. The items 10 supported by the transfer device 60 are then transferred to the horizontal transport body 40. The horizontal transport body 40 travels along the travel path 48 with the items 10 supported, moving towards the intended storage position of the items 10 on the storage shelf 50. When the horizontal transport body 40 reaches the intended storage position, the items 10 are transferred from the horizontal transport body 40 to the storage shelf 50, and the items 10 are stored on the storage shelf 50. After the lifting device 30 raises the object 10 to the shelf where it is to be stored, the object 10 is temporarily supported by the transfer device 60 until the horizontal transporter 40 picks it up. This reduces the waiting time for the lifting device 30 and the horizontal transporter 40, and allows for efficient storage of the object 10.

[0023] Focusing on the item 10 to be released, the horizontal conveyor 40 on the shelf corresponding to the storage position of the item 10 moves to the position corresponding to the storage position of the item 10. After this, the horizontal conveyor 40 takes the item 10 from the storage shelf 50. Having taken in the item 10, the horizontal conveyor 40 moves toward the transfer device 60 for release and transfers the item 10 to the transfer device 60. The lifting device 30 for release moves the lifting support 32 up and down to the position of the shelf corresponding to the item 10 to be released. Then, the item 10 on the transfer device 60 is transferred to the lifting support 32 on that shelf. The lifting device 30 for release moves the lifting support 32 to a position suitable for release, for example, at the height of the release conveyor 18. After this, the item 10 is transferred to the release conveyor 18. The item 10 is released to the outside by the release conveyor 18. After the horizontal transporter 40 moves toward the transfer device 60 for retrieval, the object 10 can be temporarily supported by the transfer device 60 until the lifting support platform 32 moves to the height position for retrieval. Therefore, even when retrieving, the waiting time of the lifting device 30 and the horizontal transporter 40 can be reduced, and the retrieval of the object 10 can be carried out efficiently.

[0024] In this automated warehouse 20, when an item 10 is received, a database is generated and updated that associates the item's identification information (item identification code or name) with its storage location. When an item 10 is received, the available space on the storage shelf 50 is identified by referring to this database, and one of these available spaces is selected as the planned storage location. When an item 10 is released, its storage location is identified by referring to the database. The database may be stored in the storage unit of the control unit 90, or it may be stored in another storage unit.

[0025] To improve the loading and unloading speed of goods 10 in the automated warehouse 20, it is conceivable to increase the lifting speed of the lifting support platform 32 in the lifting device 30. For example, the maximum lifting speed of the lifting support platform 32 could be set to 150 m / min, 200 m / min, or 240 m / min. To achieve high speed for the lifting support platform 32, the capacity of the drive source 34a is appropriately selected according to the weight of the goods 10. For example, a motor with a rated output of 3.5 kW, preferably 7 kW, may be selected as the drive source 34a.

[0026] An object 10 is placed and supported on the lifting support platform 32. During normal operation, the lifting support platform 32 gradually decelerates toward the target position. Therefore, the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32 is prevented from lifting off the platform 32. However, it is possible that the lifting support platform 32 may come to a sudden stop due to a power outage or the like. If the lifting support platform 32 comes to a sudden stop while rising at high speed, the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32 may bounce up and fall off the platform 32. The following describes a configuration to prevent the object 10 from falling off the lifting support platform 32.

[0027] <Regarding fall prevention structures> Figure 3 shows a plan view of the fall prevention structure 70 supported by the lifting support platform 32. Figure 4 is a side view showing the lifting support platform 32 and the fall prevention structure 70, and Figure 5 is a front view showing the lifting support platform 32 and the fall prevention structure 70. The fall prevention structure 70 may be provided not only on the lifting support platform 32 on the receiving side, but also on the lifting support platform 32 on the outbound side.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the lifting device 30 is equipped with a fall suppression structure 70. The fall suppression structure 70 covers at least a portion of the area around the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32 and is a structure that suppresses the falling of the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32 when the lifting support platform 32 comes to a sudden stop.

[0029] In this embodiment, the fall suppression structure 70 comprises a first support portion 72, a second support portion 74, and a rod-shaped portion 78.

[0030] The first support section 72 has at least one column section 72a and a lateral support section 72b. In this embodiment, the first support section 72 has two column sections 72a and one lateral support section 72b. The lower end of one column section 72a is supported vertically on one side of the lifting support base 32. The lower end of the other column section 72a is supported vertically on the other side of the lifting support base 32. The two column sections 72a are supported at the same position in the direction of transporting the object 10 on the lifting support base 32, extending upward from both sides of the lifting support base 32. Both ends of the rod-shaped lateral support section 72b are connected to the upper ends of the two column sections 72a. The rod-shaped lateral support section 72b extends horizontally between the upper ends of the two column sections 72a. The rod-shaped lateral support portion 72b extends horizontally (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the width direction of the lifting support platform 32) perpendicular to the transport direction of the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32, at a position located above the mounting surface on the lifting support platform 32. The first support portion 72 is formed, for example, by bending a metal rod or metal pipe into a U-shape.

[0031] The length of the support column 72a is set such that the height of the lateral support portion 72b relative to the lifting support platform 32 is greater than the height of the object 10 that is expected to be transported by the lifting support platform 32. For example, the length of the support column 72a is set so that the lateral support portion 72b is positioned 3 cm or 5 cm above the height of the object 10.

[0032] The support column 72a is fixed to the side of the lifting support base 32, for example, by screwing. More specifically, a bracket 33 is attached to the side of the lifting support base 32 by welding or screwing, through which the lower end of the support column 72a can be inserted. The lower end of the support column 72a is fixed to the side of the lifting support base 32 via the bracket 33 by screwing S through the bracket 33 and the support column 72a and fastening it with a nut N. In this case, the fall suppression structure 70 can be detachably attached to the lifting support base 32 by tightening or loosening the screw S. Therefore, it is easy to replace the fall suppression structure 70 (especially with one of a different height) to match the size (especially the height) of the objects 10 to be stored in the automated warehouse 20.

[0033] The second support section 74 has at least one support column 74a and a lateral support section 74b. In this embodiment, the second support section 74 has two support column sections 74a corresponding to two support column sections 72a and one lateral support section 74b corresponding to one lateral support section 72b, and is configured in the same way as the first support section 72.

[0034] The first support section 72 and the second support section 74 are located apart in the direction of transport of the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32. Therefore, the two lateral support sections 72b are positioned above the lifting support platform 32, extending along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of transport of the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32, and are arranged in a parallel position apart in that transport direction.

[0035] It is not essential that both the first support portion 72 and the second support portion 74 have two support columns 72a or two support columns 74a. One or both of the first support portion 72 and the second support portion 74 may support the lateral support portion 72b or the lateral support portion 74b in a cantilevered manner by one support column 72a or one support column 74a.

[0036] The rod-shaped portion 78 is supported so as to span across the lateral support portion 72b of the first support portion 72 and the lateral support portion 72b of the second support portion 74. In this embodiment, multiple (in this case, two) rod-shaped portions 78 are supported so as to span across the lateral support portions 72b and lateral support portions 72b. The multiple (in this case, two) rod-shaped portions 78 are supported in a parallel position with spacing in the width direction of the lifting support platform 32, in a position along the transport direction of the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32. Such rod-shaped portions 78 are, for example, metal rods or metal pipes, with both ends welded or screwed to the lateral support portions 72b, 72b.

[0037] Therefore, above the lifting support base 32, the lateral support sections 72b and 74b and the multiple rod-shaped sections 78 are arranged in a horizontal position. The lateral support sections 72b and 74b extend along the width direction of the lifting support base 32 and are located apart in the transport direction of the object 10. The distance between the lateral support sections 72b and 74b may be smaller or larger than the length of the object 10 assumed to be the object in the transport direction. In this embodiment, the distance between the lateral support sections 72b and 74b is larger than the length of the object 10 assumed to be the object in the transport direction. The distance between the rod-shaped sections 78 is smaller than the width perpendicular to the transport direction of the object 10 assumed to be the object. Therefore, in a plan view, if at least a part of the object 10 on the lifting support base 32 is located between the lateral support sections 72b and 74b, the rod-shaped sections 78 between the lateral support sections 72b and 74b can be located above the object 10.

[0038] The fall suppression structure 70 includes an upward movement restricting section 76 located above the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32. For example, the upward movement restricting section 76 includes the plurality of rod-shaped sections 78. The upward movement restricting section 76 may also be understood to include the plurality of rod-shaped sections 78 and lateral support sections 72b, 74b.

[0039] The fall suppression structure 70 has an object passage space S1 that allows the object 10 to pass horizontally on the lifting support platform 32 between the transfer device 60 and the conveyors 16 and 18. In this embodiment, when viewed along the transport direction of the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32, the object passage space S1 is the space surrounded by the first support portion 72 and the second support portion 74 and extending downwards from the plurality of rod-shaped portions 78.

[0040] Furthermore, the fall suppression structure 70 has an opening S2 that allows access to the object on the lifting support platform 32 from above. In this embodiment, the opening surrounded by two lateral support parts 72b, 74b and two rod-shaped parts 78 is the opening for access. Here, access to the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32 means that workers around the lifting support platform 32 take out or touch the contents inside the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32.

[0041] For example, it is assumed that the object 10 is a container 10a with an opening at the top and the contents 10b inside the container 10a. In this case, at least a portion of the rod-shaped part 78 and the lateral support parts 72b and 74b are positioned on the container 10a to suppress the container 10a from bouncing upward. It is also desirable that the contents 10b can be removed from the container 10a through the opening S2 between the rod-shaped part 78 and the lateral support parts 72b and 74b (see arrow T1 in Figures 3-5).

[0042] A gap greater than or equal to the length of the object 10 is provided between the first support portion 72 and the second support portion 74, and an opening S3 may be formed between the support columns 72a and 74a, allowing the object 10 to be removed to the side of the lifting support base 32. This allows the object 10 to be removed to the side of the lifting support base 32 through the opening S3 (see arrow T2 in Figure 3).

[0043] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how a lifting support platform 32 suddenly stops while rising. As shown in the figure, the lifting support platform 32, on which an object 10 is placed, is rising at its maximum speed Vmax. Suppose that during movement, the lifting support platform 32 suddenly stops due to a power outage or detection of an abnormal condition, and the speed of the lifting support platform 32 becomes 0. In this case, the object 10 will move upward relative to the lifting support platform 32. However, a rod-shaped part 78 is located above the object 10. Therefore, the object 10 will hit the rod-shaped part 78, and the upward movement of the object 10 will be suppressed. This prevents the object 10 from falling from the lifting support platform 32.

[0044] <Effects, etc.> With the lifting device 30 configured as described above, even if the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32 bounces up due to the sudden stopping of the lifting support platform 32, the fall suppression structure 70, which covers at least a part of the area around the object 10, suppresses the movement of the object 10. This prevents the object 10 from falling from the lifting support platform 32.

[0045] In particular, when the lifting support platform 32 rises at a speed of 150 m / min or more, it is conceivable that the lifting support platform 32 may suddenly stop, causing objects on it to bounce up and fall. The fall suppression structure 70 can effectively suppress the falling of objects 10 from the lifting support platform 32 rising at such high speed.

[0046] Furthermore, the fall suppression structure 70 has an object passage space S1 that allows the object 10 to pass horizontally on the lifting support platform 32. As a result, the object 10 can be easily transferred between the lifting support platform 32 and the horizontal transport body 40 (or transfer device 60) or the conveyors 16 and 18.

[0047] Furthermore, the fall suppression structure 70 includes an upward movement restricting section 76 located above the object 10 placed on the lifting support platform 32. Therefore, the upward movement restricting section 76 restricts the object 10, which has moved upward relative to the lifting support platform 32, from moving further upward, thereby suppressing the object 10 from falling from the lifting support platform 32.

[0048] Furthermore, the upward movement restricting section 76 includes a plurality of rod-shaped sections 78. Therefore, the upward movement of the object 10 can be effectively restricted by each of the plurality of rod-shaped sections 78. In addition, the area not covered by the plurality of rod-shaped sections 78 allows the worker to easily access the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32.

[0049] Furthermore, the fall suppression structure 70 comprises a first support section 72 and a second support section 74, and the upward movement restricting section 76 includes a rod-shaped section 78 supported so as to span across the lateral support section 72b of the first support section 72 and the lateral support section 72b of the second support section 74. Therefore, the object 10 can be prevented from bouncing upward from the lifting support platform 32 over the entire area between the lateral support sections 72b and 74b. For example, by using two first support sections 72 and second support sections 74 arranged along the transport direction at a distance greater than the length of the object 10, the upward movement of the object 10 can be restricted over a relatively long range, and even between the first support section 72 and the second support section 74. As a result, a configuration can be realized that suppresses the fall of the object 10 from the lifting support platform 32 over a relatively long range at low cost.

[0050] Furthermore, the fall suppression structure 70 has an opening S2 that allows access to the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32 from above. Therefore, even when the lifting support platform 32 has come to a sudden stop, it is possible to easily perform tasks such as removing the contents 10b from the container 10a on the lifting support platform 32.

[0051] {Example} The fall suppression structure 70 is not required to have the above configuration. For example, the rod-shaped portion 78 may be omitted, and the lateral support portion 72b of the first support portion 72 and the lateral support portion 74b of the second support portion 74 may suppress the upward bouncing of the object 10. In this case, it is preferable that the lateral support portions 72b and 74b are arranged at intervals smaller than the length of the object 10 in the transport direction. Also, for example, the upward movement restricting portion arranged on the lifting support platform 32 may be a single rod-shaped portion, a grid formed by combining multiple rod-shaped members vertically and horizontally, a canopy-shaped plate, or a net. Furthermore, it is not required that the upward movement restricting portion 76 be supported by the support portions 72a and 74a, and it may be supported by a plate-shaped or grid-shaped member. If the fall suppression structure 70 is composed only of a combination of elongated members, access to the object 10 on the lifting support platform 32 can be made easier. Alternatively, the upward movement restricting section 76 may be omitted, and the lateral movement of the object 10 may be restricted by a wall surrounding at least a portion of the object 10, thereby preventing the object 10 from falling.

[0052] It is not mandatory for the fall suppression structure 70 to be supported by the lifting support platform 32; it may be supported by the column 31 so as to move up and down in sync with the lifting support platform 32.

[0053] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0054] This specification and its drawings disclose the following embodiments.

[0055] The first embodiment is a lifting device for directly or indirectly passing or receiving objects to or from a horizontal conveyor or an external conveying device between a plurality of horizontal conveyors for loading or unloading objects from a storage rack for objects and an external conveying device for transporting objects from or toward an external position, the lifting device comprising: an electrically driven and controlled drive source; a lifting support base that moves up and down in conjunction with the operation of the drive source; and a fall suppression structure that covers at least a portion of the periphery of an object placed on the lifting support base and suppresses the object from falling when the lifting support base comes to a sudden stop.

[0056] With this lifting device, even if an object on the lifting support platform moves due to a sudden stop of the platform, the fall prevention structure that covers at least a portion of the object's surroundings will suppress its movement. This prevents the object from falling from the lifting support platform.

[0057] As in the second embodiment, the lifting device according to the first embodiment may have a maximum lifting speed of 150 m / min or more for the lifting support platform. When the lifting support platform rises at 150 m / min or more, it is conceivable that the lifting support platform may come to a sudden stop, causing objects on the platform to bounce up and fall. In this case, the fall suppression structure can effectively suppress the fall of objects from a lifting support platform rising at high speed.

[0058] As in the third embodiment, the lifting device according to the first or second embodiment may have an object passage space that allows an object to pass horizontally on the lifting support platform. In this case, an object can be easily transferred between the lifting support platform and the horizontal transport body or the external transport device.

[0059] As in the fourth embodiment, a lifting device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the fall suppression structure may include an upward movement restricting part located above the object placed on the lifting support base. In this case, the upward movement restricting part restricts the object that has moved upward relative to the lifting support base from moving further upward, thereby suppressing the object from falling from the lifting support base.

[0060] As in the fifth embodiment, the lifting device according to the fourth embodiment may include a plurality of rod-shaped parts in the upward movement restricting part. This allows the upward movement of an object to be restricted by the plurality of rod-shaped parts. The area not covered by the plurality of rod-shaped parts can be used to easily access the object on the lifting support platform.

[0061] As in the sixth embodiment, a lifting device according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, wherein the fall suppression structure further comprises a first support portion and a second support portion, each of the first support portion and the second support portion including at least one support portion extending upward from the lifting support base and a lateral support portion supported by the support portion at a position above the lifting support base, and the upward movement restricting portion may include a rod-shaped portion supported so as to span across the lateral support portion of the first support portion and the lateral support portion of the second support portion. This makes it possible to restrict objects from bouncing upward from the lifting support base over the entire area between the lateral support portion of the first support portion and the lateral support portion of the second support portion.

[0062] As in the seventh embodiment, a lifting device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the fall suppression structure may have an opening that allows access to the object on the lifting support platform from above. This facilitates access to the object on the lifting support platform.

[0063] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10 things 16. Conveyor for receiving goods into storage 30 Lifting device 32 Lifting support platform 34 Lifting drive mechanism 34a Power source 34b Circulating Rotating Body 40 Horizontal conveyor 50 storage shelves 52 shelves 60 Transfer equipment 62 Support stand 70 Fall suppression structure 72 1st support part 72a Post section 72b Lateral support part 74 Second support part 74a Post section 74b Lateral support 76 Upper movement restriction section 78 Rod-shaped part S1 Object passage space S2, S3 opening

Claims

1. A lifting device that directly or indirectly transfers or receives objects to or from a horizontal conveyor or an external conveyor between a plurality of horizontal conveyors for loading or unloading objects from a storage rack and an external conveyor for transporting objects from or toward an external position, An electrically driven and controlled drive source, A lifting support platform that moves up and down in conjunction with the operation of the aforementioned drive source, A fall suppression structure that covers at least a portion of the area around an object placed on the lifting support platform and suppresses the object from falling when the lifting support platform comes to a sudden stop, Equipped with, The aforementioned lifting support platform is supported so as to be able to move up and down along the lifting device column, The fall suppression structure includes an upward movement restricting section located above the object placed on the lifting support platform, The aforementioned upper movement restricting section is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped sections. The fall suppression structure includes a plurality of support columns for supporting the rod-shaped portion, A lifting device in which the plurality of support columns include those that extend vertically on the side opposite to the lifting device columns with respect to the object placed on the lifting support base.

2. A lifting device according to claim 1, A lifting device in which the maximum lifting speed of the lifting support platform is 150 m / min or more.

3. A lifting device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned fall suppression structure is a lifting device having an object passage space that allows an object to pass horizontally on the lifting support platform.

4. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned fall suppression structure further comprises a first support part and a second support part. Each of the first support portion and the second support portion includes at least one support column extending upward from the lifting support base and a lateral support portion supported by the support column at an upper position above the lifting support base. The lifting device includes the rod-shaped portion that is supported so as to span across the lateral support portion of the first support portion and the lateral support portion of the second support portion.

5. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The fall prevention structure is a lifting device having an opening that allows access to an object on the lifting support platform from above.

6. An automated warehouse comprising a lifting device, storage shelves for goods, and a plurality of horizontal conveyors, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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