Mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks

Abstract

To reduce the number of scaffold boards required for assembling an automated warehouse rack.SOLUTION: A mobile scaffold 1 for assembling an automated warehouse rack includes: a main body frame 2 capable of being raised and lowered by a worker; a plurality of casters 3 supporting the main body frame 2 from below so as to be horizontally movable; and a protruding scaffold 5 capable of horizontally protruding from the main body frame 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack and a method for assembling an automated warehouse rack.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse system. The automated warehouse system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an automated warehouse that automatically receives and delivers goods, and a controller that controls the receipt and delivery of goods by the automated warehouse. Such an automated warehouse includes a plurality of stacker cranes that convey goods, and racks arranged along the travel paths of the respective stacker cranes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A rack (automated warehouse rack) provided in an automated warehouse has a plurality of panels arranged in the travel direction of a stacker crane. Each panel includes a frame body extending in the vertical direction, and shelf boards fixedly arranged in the vertical direction and arranged in a plurality. Goods are stored between these panels and are supported by the shelf boards of the panels located on both sides.

[0005] By the way, when constructing an automated warehouse equipped with such a rack, high-altitude work is required when assembling the rack. For example, a vertically long panel is divided in the vertical direction to form parts, and the formed parts are fastened with bolts or the like at a high place on site. In order to enable such high-altitude work, a scaffold board is attached to a part of the previously installed rack so that an operator can work on the scaffold board.

[0006] For example, when arranging panels sequentially along the direction of travel of a stacker crane, workers proceed to the panel being assembled via scaffolding planks attached to the previously installed panels. In such cases, scaffolding planks must be attached to all panels leading up to the panel being assembled. Furthermore, scaffolding planks are installed at each height required for working at height. As a result, a large number of scaffolding planks must remain attached to the previously installed panels until the assembly of the last panel is completed, requiring the use of a large number of scaffolding planks over a long period of time. For example, in the case of a large-scale automated warehouse, thousands of scaffolding planks may be required for construction.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the number of scaffolding boards required for assembling automated warehouse racks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks, comprising a main body that allows workers to ascend and descend, a plurality of casters that support the main body from below so as to be able to move horizontally, and an extension scaffolding that can extend horizontally from the main body.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the first aspect, the cantilevered scaffolding is connected to the main body so as to be able to change its orientation between a cantilevered position in which it extends horizontally from the main body and a retracted position in which the amount of horizontal extension from the main body is reduced compared to the cantilevered position.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the second aspect, the cantilevered scaffolding is pivotally supported on the main body, and the retracted position is such that the top surface, which is oriented upward in the cantilevered position, is oriented to the side.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in any of the first to third aspects described above, the main body is movable in a linear manner, and the cantilevered scaffolding comprises a first cantilevered scaffolding that can extend to one side in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main body, and a second cantilevered scaffolding that can extend to the other side in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main body.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, a plurality of the cantilevered scaffoldings are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in any of the first to fifth aspects described above, the cantilevered scaffolding is arranged horizontally in a plurality of configurations.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in any of the first to sixth aspects described above, a guide portion is provided on the main body, and the guide portion is movably connected to a rail for a stacker crane laid in an automated warehouse.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the seventh aspect described above, the guide portion comprises a lower guide portion provided at the bottom of the main body portion and an upper guide portion connected to the main body portion and located above the lower guide portion.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the eighth aspect described above, the upper guide portion is positioned further back in the direction of travel of the main body than the main body portion.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in any of the first to ninth embodiments described above, a contact portion is provided that can be brought into contact with a part of the automated warehouse rack, which is arranged opposite the main body, from the main body side.

[0019] In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the contact portion is connected to the main body portion so that its posture can be changed between a contact posture in which the contact portion extends horizontally from the main body portion and a storage posture in which the amount of horizontal extension from the main body portion is suppressed compared to the contact posture.

[0020] In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the contact portion is configured to be telescopic.

[0021] A method for assembling an automated warehouse rack having a plurality of panels arranged along a travel path of a stacker crane, the method employing a configuration in which the panel is assembled using a mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack that is movable along the travel path.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, the mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack is moved along the travel path of the stacker crane, and high-altitude work in the automated warehouse rack can be performed using the mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a scaffold board to all of the previously installed panels. Thus, according to the present invention, the number of scaffold boards required for assembling the automated warehouse rack can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic plan view of an automated warehouse in which a rack is assembled using a mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a rack provided in an automated warehouse as viewed from the left-right direction. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a rack provided in an automated warehouse as viewed from the front-rear direction. [Figure 4] It is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a mobile scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of a mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic enlarged view of the cantilevered scaffolding provided in the mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic enlarged view of the rack contact portion of the mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for assembling racks using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for assembling racks using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for assembling racks using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for assembling racks using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for assembling racks using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side view showing the general configuration of a mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, one embodiment of the mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks and the method for assembling automated warehouse racks according to the present invention will be described.

[0025] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an automated warehouse 100 in which automated warehouse racks are assembled using a mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly in this embodiment. The automated warehouse 100 is a warehouse that automatically stores and loads / unloads goods based on external commands. As shown in Figure 1, the automated warehouse 100 comprises a building 101, racks 102 (automated warehouse racks), rails 103 (rails for stacker cranes), a stacker crane 104, and an loading / unloading device 105.

[0026] Building 101 houses racks 102, rails 103, stacker cranes 104, etc., inside. Goods are stored inside building 101. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, multiple travel passages R for the stacker cranes 104 are provided inside building 101. Each travel passage R extends in a straight line. These travel passages R are also arranged parallel to each other.

[0027] For convenience, in the following explanation, the direction in which the travel aisle R extends (i.e., the travel direction of each stacker crane 104) will be referred to as the front-rear direction. Furthermore, within the front-rear direction, the side moving from the loading / unloading device 105 towards the back of the building 101 will be referred to as the rear side. Also, within the front-rear direction, the side opposite to the rear side will be referred to as the front side.

[0028] Furthermore, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-back direction is called the left-right direction. Within the left-right direction, the left side when facing backward is called the left side. Also, within the left-right direction, the opposite side is called the right side. The direction along the vertical direction is called the up-down direction.

[0029] In other words, in this embodiment, multiple travel passages R extending linearly in the front-to-back direction are arranged at intervals in the left-to-right direction. Although three travel passages R are shown in Figure 1, the number of travel passages R is not limited to this. The number of travel passages R may be one, two, or four or more.

[0030] Rack 102 is a shelf member for placing luggage. As shown in Figure 1, racks 102 are provided along each travel aisle R. In this embodiment, racks 102 are provided on each side of one travel aisle R. That is, two racks 102 are provided for one travel aisle R. However, one rack 102 may be provided for one travel aisle R.

[0031] Two racks 102 are provided for each travel aisle R, positioned on the right and left sides of the travel aisle R. Each rack 102 is provided along the travel aisle R. In other words, each rack 102 is provided to extend in the longitudinal direction, similar to the travel aisle R.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of rack 102 viewed from the left and right directions. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of rack 102 viewed from the front and rear directions. As shown in these figures, each rack 102 is equipped with multiple panels 110 and braces 120 that connect the panels 110 to each other.

[0033] Panel 110 has a frame portion 111, a reinforcing portion 112, a shelf board 113, and a protruding portion 114, and is formed as a substantially frame shape with an opening in the front-to-back direction. The frame portion 111 is a part formed in a frame shape in which the height dimension in the vertical direction is greater than the width dimension in the left-to-right direction. The reinforcing portion 112 is arranged in the space surrounded by the frame portion 111 and is a rod-shaped part that extends diagonally so as to be inclined in the vertical and left-to-right directions when viewed from the front-to-back direction. Multiple reinforcing portions 112 are provided, each connected to the frame portion 111, improving the strength of panel 110.

[0034] Multiple shelves 113 are arranged in an upward direction. Each shelf 113 is supported by the frame 111 and is a plate-like portion that protrudes from the frame 111 on both sides or one side in the front-to-back direction. The upper surfaces of these shelves 113 are the surfaces on which goods are placed.

[0035] The protruding portion 114 is a part provided to protrude from the panel 110 toward the travel passage R. As shown in Figure 3, multiple protruding portions 114 are provided arranged in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each protruding portion 114 is positioned at the same height as the shelf board 113. However, the position of the protruding portion 114 may be positioned at a different height from the shelf board 113. Although the protruding portion 114 protrudes from the panel 110 toward the travel passage R, it is naturally positioned so as not to interfere with the moving stacker crane 104.

[0036] In this type of panel 110, the openings of the frame portion 111 face in the front-to-back direction. The panels 110 are also arranged with gaps between them in the front-to-back direction. The goods stored in the rack 102 are placed in the space between the panels 110 and are supported by the shelves 113 of the front panel 110 and the shelves 113 of the rear panel 110.

[0037] Furthermore, each panel 110 is formed by dividing it into multiple parts in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each panel 110 has a lower part 20 that forms the lower part of the panel 110, a middle part 21 that forms the middle part of the panel 110, and an upper part 22 that forms the upper part of the panel 110. Thus, in this embodiment, each panel 110 is formed by dividing it into three parts, but the number of parts that make up the panel 110 can be changed.

[0038] The lower part 20 is fixed to the floor of the building 101. The middle part 21 is connected to the upper end of the lower part 20 and fastened to the lower part 20 by bolts (not shown). The upper part 22 is connected to the upper end of the middle part 21 and fastened to the middle part 21 by bolts (not shown).

[0039] When assembling the rack 102, the panels 110 are installed sequentially in the front-to-back direction. That is, the panels 110 are installed sequentially from the front to the rear. In this embodiment, the rack 102 is assembled using the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly, which will be described later.

[0040] The rail 103 is laid on the travel path R and is a rail for the stacker crane 104 that travels along the travel path R. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the rail 103 is provided as a lower rail 103a and an upper rail 103b.

[0041] The lower rail 103a is laid on the floor surface of the travel passage R. The upper rail 103b is fixed to the upper frame 106 that connects the rack 102 located on the right side of the travel passage R with the rack 102 located on the left side. The lower rail 103a is in contact with a guide roller (not shown) located at the bottom of the stacker crane 104. The upper rail 103b is in contact with a guide roller (not shown) located at the top of the stacker crane 104.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the stacker cranes 104 are provided for each travel aisle R. In other words, in this embodiment, three stacker cranes 104 are provided. If the number of travel aisles R is different, the number of stacker cranes 104 will also be changed.

[0043] Each stacker crane 104 is equipped with a trolley that travels along a travel aisle R, a mast erected on the trolley, a lifting platform for raising and lowering the mast, and a transfer device installed on the lifting platform. The stacker crane 104 travels along the travel aisle R on its trolley, and moves the transfer device vertically by raising and lowering the lifting platform along the mast, thereby moving the load. Such a stacker crane 104 moves loads, for example, between a rack 102 and an loading / unloading device 105.

[0044] The loading / unloading device 105 is located at the front of the building 101 and is a device that handles the transfer of goods between the automated warehouse 100 and the outside. Goods supplied to the loading / unloading device 105 from the outside are handed over to the stacker crane 104 and transported to the racks 102. Goods that are handed over from the stacker crane 104 to the loading / unloading device 105 are loaded onto trucks, for example, and transported away.

[0045] Next, the assembly method for the racks 102 of this automated warehouse 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 12.

[0046] Rack 102 is assembled by installing panels 110 in order from the front and connecting the panels 110 with braces 120. Furthermore, each panel 110 is assembled by installing the lower part 20, middle part 21, and upper part 22 in that order.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing the general configuration of the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly used when assembling such racks 102. Figure 4 is a side view of the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly viewed from the left side. Figure 5 is a front view of the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly viewed from the front.

[0048] The mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks is a scaffolding that can move along the aforementioned travel path R. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks comprises a main frame 2 (main body), casters 3, lifting steps 4, overhanging scaffolding 5, scaffolding support 6, rack contact 7 (contact part), upper guide support 8, and guide 9.

[0049] The main frame 2 has the same height as the panel 110 and has a staircase 2a inside that allows workers to ascend and descend. The width dimension of the main frame 2 in the left-right direction is formed to allow movement along the travel passage R. In addition, the overall length dimension of the main frame 2 in the front-rear direction is formed to be approximately the same as the spacing between four panels 110 arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0050] Such a main frame 2 is formed from, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. By forming the main frame 2 from aluminum or an aluminum alloy in this way, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks can be made lighter, and the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks can be easily moved.

[0051] Multiple casters 3 are attached to the bottom of the main frame 2, supporting the main frame 2 from below. Multiple casters 3 are provided on both the left and right sides of the main frame 2. Each caster 3 on the left side of the main frame 2 contacts the floor surface of the building 101 on the left side of the lower rail 103a. Each caster 3 on the right side of the main frame 2 contacts the floor surface of the building 101 on the right side of the lower rail 103a. Each caster 3 is capable of rolling on the floor surface of the building 101, supporting the main frame 2 so that it can move in the front-to-back direction (horizontally).

[0052] The lifting steps 4 are provided at the front and rear ends of the main frame 2, respectively. Each lifting step 4 extends from the lower part of the main frame 2 toward the floor surface of the building 101. These lifting steps 4 allow workers to easily move up and down between the floor surface and the main frame 2.

[0053] The cantilevered scaffolding 5 is a scaffolding that can be extended from the main frame 2 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 4, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is located at the rear end of the main frame 2. In this embodiment, multiple cantilevered scaffoldings 5 ​​are arranged in the vertical direction. In other words, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks is provided with multiple cantilevered scaffoldings 5 ​​at different heights.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is provided as a left-side cantilevered scaffolding 10 (first cantilevered scaffolding) located on the left side of the main frame 2, and a right-side cantilevered scaffolding 11 (second cantilevered scaffolding) located on the right side of the main frame 2. The left-side cantilevered scaffolding 10 can be extended to the left, which is one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2. The right-side cantilevered scaffolding 11 can be extended to the right, which is the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2.

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged view of the cantilevered scaffolding 5. As shown in this figure, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is a plate-shaped part whose end is pivotally supported on the main frame 2. The cantilevered scaffolding 5 can change its orientation by rotating around the pivotally supported part. In this embodiment, such a cantilevered scaffolding 5 can change its orientation between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0056] The cantilevered scaffolding 5 is a plate-shaped member with one side being a top surface 5a that supports workers. The cantilevered position is shown by the solid line in Figure 6, where the top surface 5a is facing upwards. When the cantilevered position is adopted, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 extends horizontally from the main frame 2.

[0057] Furthermore, when the left-side cantilever scaffolding 10 is in a cantilevered position, it will extend outwards from the main frame 2 toward the left. Similarly, when the right-side cantilever scaffolding 11 is in a cantilevered position, it will extend outwards from the main frame 2 toward the right.

[0058] The retracted position is the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, where the top surface 5a is facing sideways. When the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is in the retracted position, the amount of horizontal overhang from the main frame 2 is reduced compared to the cantilevered position. When the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is in the retracted position, it does not interfere with the rack 102 even when the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is moved in the front-to-back direction.

[0059] When the left-side cantilevered scaffolding 10 is retracted, its top surface 5a faces left. Similarly, when the right-side cantilevered scaffolding 11 is retracted, its top surface 5a faces right.

[0060] When the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is in this cantilevered position, it extends from the main frame 2 toward the assembly area of ​​the rack 102. As a result, workers can easily move to the assembly area of ​​the rack 102 by passing over the top surface 5a of the cantilevered scaffolding 5 in its cantilevered position.

[0061] The scaffolding support section 6 is a bracing rod that supports the cantilevered scaffolding 5 in an extended position from below, and is connected to the main frame 2. For example, when the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is in a retracted position, the scaffolding support section 6 does not support the cantilevered scaffolding 5 and hangs down from the main frame 2.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the cantilever scaffolding 5 is rotated so that its tip points downward when changing from the cantilevered position to the retracted position. However, the cantilever scaffolding 5 may also be rotated so that its tip points upward when changing from the cantilevered position to the retracted position. In other words, in this embodiment, the cantilever scaffolding 5 is changed from the cantilevered position to the retracted position by rotating it so that it folds downward, but it may also be changed from the cantilevered position to the retracted position by rotating it so that it folds upward. In such a case, for example, the scaffolding support section 6 may be configured to suspend and support the cantilever scaffolding 5 in the cantilevered position from above.

[0063] The rack contact portion 7 is a portion that can contact a part of the rack 102, which is positioned opposite the main frame 2 from the left and right directions, from the main frame 2 side. In other words, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks is equipped with a rack contact portion 7 that can contact a part of the rack 102, which is positioned opposite the main frame 2, from the main frame 2 side.

[0064] The rack contact portion 7 extends from the main frame 2 in the left-right direction and, as shown in Figure 4, is positioned in front of the part of the main frame 2 to which the overhanging scaffolding 5 is attached. In this embodiment, multiple rack contact portions 7 are provided arranged in the vertical direction. In other words, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks is provided with multiple rack contact portions 7 at different heights. In addition, two rack contact portions 7 are provided at the same height, arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the rack contact portion 7 is provided as a left rack contact portion 12 located on the left side of the main frame 2 and a right rack contact portion 13 located on the right side of the main frame 2. The left rack contact portion 12 is extendable to the left, which is one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2. The right rack contact portion 13 is extendable to the right, which is the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view of the rack contact portion 7. As shown in this figure, the rack contact portion 7 is a rod-shaped member whose end is pivotally supported on the main frame 2. The rack contact portion 7 can change its orientation by rotating around the pivotally supported portion. In this embodiment, such a rack contact portion 7 can change its orientation between a contact orientation and a storage orientation.

[0067] The rack contact portion 7 comprises a tip portion 7a that contacts the protruding portion 114 of the rack 102, an extendable shaft portion 7b, and an operating portion 7c for adjusting the amount of extension or retraction of the shaft portion 7b. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 7b extends or retracts by turning the handle of the operating portion 7c. The tip portion 7a moves in the direction in which the shaft portion 7b extends or retracts as the shaft portion 7b extends or retracts.

[0068] Furthermore, the rack contact portion 7 may be adjustable in its vertical mounting position relative to the main frame 2. By being able to adjust the vertical mounting position relative to the main frame 2, the tip portion 7a of the rack contact portion 7 can be reliably brought into contact with the protruding portion 114 of the rack 102.

[0069] The contact position of the rack contact portion 7 is shown by the solid line in Figure 7, where the shaft portion 7b is parallel to the left-right direction. When the rack contact portion 7 is in this contact position, it extends horizontally from the main frame 2.

[0070] Furthermore, when the left rack contact portion 12 is in contact position, it extends to the left from the main frame 2. Similarly, when the right rack contact portion 13 is in contact position, it extends to the right from the main frame 2.

[0071] The stored position is shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, with the tip 7a facing diagonally downward. In the stored position, the rack contact portion 7 extends less horizontally from the main frame 2 than in the contact position. In this stored position, the rack contact portion 7 does not interfere with the rack 102 even when the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is moved in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] When the left rack contact portion 12 is in the stored position, its tip 7a will be facing diagonally downward to the left. Similarly, when the right rack contact portion 13 is in the stored position, its tip 7a will be facing diagonally downward to the right.

[0073] When the rack contact portion 7 is in a contact position and its tip portion 7a contacts the protruding portion 114 of the rack 102, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks is supported by the rack 102 from the side. This prevents the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks from tilting in the left-right direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the upper guide support 8 is a frame member connected to the upper part of the main frame 2. The upper guide support 8 is provided projecting forward from the main frame 2. The upper guide support 8 supports the upper guide 15, which will be described later and is one of the guide sections 9.

[0075] The guide section 9 is a part that is movably connected to the rail 103 laid in the automated warehouse 100. The guide section 9 is guided by the rail 103 when the movable scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse rack is moved in the forward and backward directions. The guide section 9 is equipped with, for example, a plurality of guide rollers that contact the rail 103. However, the guide section 9 does not necessarily need to be equipped with guide rollers, and may be configured to have a sliding part that slides on the rail 103.

[0076] In this embodiment, the guide section 9 comprises a lower guide section 14 and an upper guide section 15. The lower guide section 14 is provided at the bottom of the main frame 2 and is connected to the lower rail 103a. The upper guide section 15 is connected to the main frame 2 via an upper guide section support section 8 and is located above the lower guide section 14.

[0077] The upper guide section 15 is fixed to the tip of the upper guide section support section 8, which protrudes forward from the main frame 2. As a result, the upper guide section 15 is positioned in front of the main frame 2. When assembling the rack 102, the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is moved from the front to the rear. Therefore, the upper guide section 15 is positioned behind the main frame 2 in the direction of travel of the main frame 2.

[0078] Next, a method for assembling a rack 102 using the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly according to this embodiment will be described.

[0079] First, as shown in Figure 8(a), the first few panels 110 from the front are assembled. In Figure 8(a), the first three panels 110 from the front have been assembled. Note that when assembling the first few panels 110 from the front, the panels 110 are assembled without using the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse rack.

[0080] To assemble the panels 110 without using the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly, for example, the panels 110 can be assembled using a crane X and fixed scaffolding. Specifically, each component of each panel 110 is transported by the crane X, and the fastening of the components to each other is performed by a worker who moves from the fixed scaffolding to the rack 102 that is under assembly.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), the upper frame 106 is fixed to the third panel 110 from the front, and the upper rail 103b leading to the third panel 110 from the front is laid on the upper frame 106.

[0082] Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse racks is installed in the travel path R. The mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse racks is assembled, for example, in the travel path R. The mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse racks installed in the travel path R has its lower guide section 14 connected to the lower rail 103a and its upper guide section 15 connected to the already laid upper rail 103b.

[0083] In this manner, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse racks, installed in the travel aisle R, is positioned such that the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is positioned in the front-to-back direction between the newly installed panel 110 and the panel 110 immediately preceding it.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 9(a), the lower part 20 of the newly installed panel 110 is transported by, for example, a crane X and fixed to the floor surface of the automated warehouse 100. Then, as shown in Figure 9(b), the cantilevered scaffolding 5 located at the bottom of the movable scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the cantilevered position. Also, the rack contact part 7 located at the bottom of the movable scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the contact position. The rack contact part 7 is brought into contact with the protruding part 114 located on the already installed lower part 20 by operating the operating part 7c.

[0085] Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the scaffolding board Y is installed. Here, the scaffolding board Y is installed so as to span across the shelf board 113 located on the lower part 20 of the newly installed panel 110 and the shelf board 113 of the previously installed panel 110. The installation of the scaffolding board Y is performed by a worker on the cantilevered scaffolding 5.

[0086] Next, as shown in Figure 10(a), the middle part 21 of the newly installed panel 110 is transported, for example, by a crane X and fastened to the upper end of the lower part 20. Here, the fastening of the middle part 21 and the lower part 20 is performed, for example, by a worker using a scaffolding board Y. Next, as shown in Figure 10(b), the cantilevered scaffolding 5 located in the middle of the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the cantilevered position. Also, the rack contact part 7 located in the middle of the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the contact position. The tip 7a of the rack contact part 7 is brought into contact with the protruding part 114 located on the already installed middle part 21 by operating the operating part 7c.

[0087] Next, as shown in Figure 10(c), the scaffolding board Y is installed. Here, the scaffolding board Y is installed so as to span across the shelf board 113 located on the central part 21 of the newly installed panel 110 and the shelf board 113 of the previously installed panel 110. The installation of the scaffolding board Y is performed by a worker using the cantilevered scaffolding 5.

[0088] Next, as shown in Figure 11(a), the upper part 22 of the newly installed panel 110 is transported, for example, by a crane X and fastened to the upper end of the middle part 21. Here, the fastening of the upper part 22 and the middle part 21 is performed, for example, by a worker using a scaffolding board Y. Next, as shown in Figure 11(b), the cantilevered scaffolding 5 located above the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the cantilevered position. Also, the rack contact part 7 located above the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is set to the contact position. The tip 7a of the rack contact part 7 is brought into contact with the protruding part 114 located on the already installed upper part 22 by operating the operating part 7c.

[0089] Next, as shown in Figure 11(c), the scaffolding board Y is installed. Here, the scaffolding board Y is installed so as to span across the shelf board 113 located on the upper part 22 of the newly installed panel 110 and the shelf board 113 of the previously installed panel 110. The installation of the scaffolding board Y is performed by a worker on the cantilevered scaffolding 5.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 12(a), the upper frame 106 is installed to connect the new panels 110 that have been installed on either side of the travel path R, and the upper rail 103b is further extended. While the new panels 110 are being installed, the brace 120 is also connected.

[0091] Afterward, the scaffolding boards Y are retrieved, all the cantilevered scaffolding 5 are returned to their storage position, the rack contact sections 7 are returned to their storage position, and the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly is moved backward as shown in Figure 12(b). The mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly may be moved by workers pushing or pulling, or it may be moved using a winch or the like.

[0092] The rack 102 is assembled by repeating the process shown in Figures 9 to 12 to install all the panels 110, etc. In other words, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse rack in this embodiment, all the panels 110 are assembled while collecting the scaffolding boards Y each time a panel 110 is installed. When the assembly of the rack 102 is completed, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling the automated warehouse rack is dismantled.

[0093] The mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment comprises a main frame 2, a plurality of casters 3, and an overhanging scaffolding 5. The main frame 2 is accessible to workers for ascent and descent. The plurality of casters 3 support the main frame 2 from below, enabling horizontal movement. The overhanging scaffolding 5 can extend horizontally from the main frame 2.

[0094] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the travel path R of the stacker crane 104 can be moved. Furthermore, high-altitude work on the racks 102 can be performed using the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks. For this reason, it is not necessary to attach scaffolding boards Y to all of the previously installed panels 110. Accordingly, according to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the number of scaffolding boards Y required for assembling the racks 102 can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, if scaffolding boards Y are attached to all of the previously installed panels 110, and a worker moves from the front to the back by traversing multiple scaffolding boards Y, the worker would need to change the connection point of their safety harness each time they move to another scaffolding board Y. In contrast, with the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly, the worker can access the panels 110 to be assembled by connecting their safety harness to, for example, the main frame 2 or the cantilevered scaffolding 5. This reduces the number of times the safety harness connection point needs to be changed, thereby easing the workload on the worker associated with changing the safety harness connection point.

[0096] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks of this embodiment, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is connected to the main frame 2 so as to be able to change between a cantilevered position and a retracted position. The cantilevered position is a position in which the scaffolding extends horizontally from the main frame 2. The retracted position is a position in which the amount of horizontal extension from the main frame 2 is reduced compared to the cantilevered position.

[0097] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, by setting the overhanging scaffolding 5 to a retracted position, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks can be easily moved without interference between the overhanging scaffolding 5 and the rack 102.

[0098] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks of this embodiment, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is pivotally supported on the main frame 2. Moreover, the storage position is such that the top surface 5a of the cantilevered scaffolding 5, which is directed upward in the cantilevered position, is directed to the side.

[0099] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the cantilevered scaffolding 5 can be easily changed from an extended position to a retracted position by rotating it relative to the main frame 2. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the operation of changing the position of the cantilevered scaffolding 5 can be easily performed.

[0100] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, the main frame 2 is movable in a straight line. In addition, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment includes a left-side cantilever scaffolding 10 that can extend to the left, which is one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2, and a right-side cantilever scaffolding 11 that can extend to the right, which is the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main frame 2.

[0101] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, it is possible to assemble racks 102 on both the right and left sides of the travel aisle R using a single mobile scaffolding 1. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for assembling the racks 102.

[0102] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks of this embodiment, multiple cantilevered scaffoldings 5 ​​are provided arranged in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible for workers to perform tasks at multiple positions in the vertical direction without moving the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks.

[0103] Furthermore, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks in this embodiment is equipped with a guide section 9 provided on the main frame 2. The guide section 9 is also movably connected to rails 103 laid in the automated warehouse 100.

[0104] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks can be moved along the rail 103. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily position the mobile scaffolding 1 in the left-right direction.

[0105] Furthermore, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks in this embodiment includes a guide section 9 comprising a lower guide section 14 provided at the bottom of the main frame 2 and an upper guide section 15 connected to the main frame 2 and located above the lower guide section 14.

[0106] In this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, the scaffolding 1 is guided by two guide sections 9, a lower guide section 14 and an upper guide section 15, making it possible to guide the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks stably. Furthermore, by connecting the upper guide section 15 to the upper rail 103b, it is possible to prevent the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks from tilting in the left-right direction.

[0107] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, the upper guide section 15 is positioned further back in the direction of travel of the main frame 2 than the main frame 2. Therefore, with the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, the assembly work of a newly installed panel 110 can be performed with the upper guide section 15 connected to the upper rail 103b supported by the previously installed panel 110. Thus, it is possible to make the posture of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment more stable during assembly work.

[0108] Furthermore, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks in this embodiment is equipped with a rack contact portion 7. The rack contact portion 7 can contact a part of the rack 102, which is positioned opposite the main frame 2, from the main frame 2 side.

[0109] With this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, by bringing the rack contact portion 7 into contact with a part of the rack 102, it is possible to further stabilize the posture of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks during assembly work.

[0110] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, the rack contact portion 7 can be changed between a contact position and a storage position. The contact position is a position in which the rack extends horizontally from the main frame 2. The storage position is a position in which the amount of horizontal extension from the main frame 2 is reduced compared to the contact position.

[0111] According to this embodiment of the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks, by setting the rack contact portion 7 to a retracted position, the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks can be easily moved without interference between the rack contact portion 7 and the rack 102.

[0112] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1 for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, the rack contact portion 7 is extendable and retractable. Therefore, by extending and retracting the rack contact portion 7, it becomes possible to more reliably bring the rack contact portion 7 into contact with the rack 102.

[0113] Furthermore, the assembly method for the rack 102 in this embodiment is a method for assembling a rack 102 having a plurality of panels 110 arranged along the travel path R of the stacker crane 104. In addition, the assembly method for the rack 102 involves assembling the panels 110 using a mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly that is movable along the travel path R.

[0114] According to the assembly method of the rack 102 in this embodiment, work at heights on the rack 102 can be performed using the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach scaffolding boards Y to all of the previously installed panels 110. Accordingly, according to the assembly method of the rack 102 in this embodiment, the number of scaffolding boards Y required for the assembly of the rack 102 can be reduced.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the assembly method of the rack 102 of this embodiment, the panel 110 to be assembled can be accessed by connecting a safety harness to the mobile scaffolding 1 for automated warehouse rack assembly. This reduces the number of times the safety harness connection point needs to be changed, thereby reducing the workload on the worker associated with changing the safety harness connection point.

[0116] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment, the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified in their description.

[0117] Figure 13 is a side view of the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, viewed from the left side. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the main frame 2 has a length dimension that allows for the placement of two cantilevered scaffoldings 5 ​​in the front-to-back direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the main frame 2 has a larger front-to-back dimension than the main frame 2 of the first embodiment, allowing for the placement of one additional cantilevered scaffolding 5.

[0118] Furthermore, in the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks according to this embodiment, two cantilevered scaffolding 5 are arranged in the front-to-back direction on both the left and right sides of the main frame 2. In other words, on both the left and right sides of the main frame 2, there are two rows of cantilevered scaffolding, each formed by multiple cantilevered scaffolding 5 arranged in the vertical direction, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. As a result, in this embodiment, the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks comprises a total of six left-side cantilevered scaffolding 10 in two rows, and a total of six right-side cantilevered scaffolding 11 in two rows.

[0119] In this embodiment, the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks has multiple cantilevered scaffoldings 5 ​​arranged horizontally. This makes it possible to assemble two panels 110 while the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks remains stationary in one place. As a result, the number of times the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks that is required to assemble all panels 110 can be reduced. Consequently, the burden of moving the mobile scaffolding 1A for assembling automated warehouse racks 102 can be reduced.

[0120] In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which two rows of cantilevered scaffolding are arranged on the left and right sides of the main frame 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which three or more rows of cantilevered scaffolding are arranged on each or either the left and right sides of the main frame 2.

[0121] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the various components shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is pivotally supported on the main frame 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the cantilevered scaffolding 5 is slidably connected to the main frame 2.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the rack contact portion 7 is pivotally supported on the main frame 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rack contact portion 7 is slidably connected to the main frame 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...Mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly, 1A...Mobile scaffolding for automated warehouse rack assembly, 2...Main frame (main body), 3...Caster, 4...Lifting step, 5...Extending scaffolding, 5a...Top surface, 6...Scaffolding support, 7...Rack contact part (contact part), 8...Upper guide support, 9...Guide part, 10...Left overhanging scaffolding (first overhanging scaffolding), 11...Right overhanging scaffolding (second overhanging scaffolding), 12...Left rack contact part (contact part), 13...Right rack contact part (contact part), 14...Lower guide part, 15...Upper guide part, 2 0...Lower part, 21...Middle part, 22...Upper part, 100...Automated warehouse, 101...Building, 102...Rack (Automated warehouse rack), 103...Rail (Rail for stacker crane), 103a...Lower rail, 103b...Upper rail, 104...Stacker crane, 105...Loading / unloading device, 106...Upper frame, 110...Panel, 111...Frame part, 112...Reinforcement part, 113...Shelf board, 114...Protruding part, 120...Brace, R...Travel aisle, X...Crane truck, Y...Scaffolding board

Claims

1. The main body, which allows workers to move up and down, Multiple casters support the main body from below so that it can move horizontally, A cantilevered scaffold that can be extended horizontally from the main body, Equipped with, The main body is, The main frame and A staircase provided inside the main frame, Equipped with, The main body is provided with a guide section, The aforementioned guide section is movably connectable to the rails for the stacker crane laid in the automated warehouse. As the aforementioned guide section, A lower guide portion provided at the bottom of the main body, An upper guide portion connected to the main body and located above the lower guide portion. Equipped with, The upper guide portion is positioned behind the main body in the direction of travel. A mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks, characterized by the following features.

2. The movable scaffolding for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to claim 1, characterized in that the overhanging scaffolding is connected to the main body so as to be able to change its orientation between an overhanging orientation in which it extends horizontally from the main body and a storage orientation in which the amount of horizontal overhang from the main body is reduced compared to the overhanging orientation.

3. The aforementioned cantilevered scaffolding is pivotally supported by the main body, The aforementioned storage posture is one in which the top surface, which is directed upward in the aforementioned extended posture, is directed to the side. The mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks according to claim 2.

4. The main body is movable in a straight line, As the aforementioned cantilevered scaffolding, A first cantilevered scaffold that can be extended to one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main body, A second cantilevered scaffold that can be extended to the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main body, Equipped with A mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned cantilevered scaffolding is provided in multiple locations arranged in the vertical direction, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, for use as a mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks.

6. The aforementioned cantilevered scaffolding is characterized in that a plurality of them are arranged horizontally and provided as a mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A mobile scaffolding for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with a contact portion that can contact a part of the automated warehouse rack, which is positioned opposite the main body, from the side of the main body.

8. The movable scaffolding for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to claim 7, characterized in that the contact portion is connected to the main body so as to be able to change its orientation between a contact position in which it extends horizontally from the main body and a storage position in which the amount of horizontal extension from the main body is reduced compared to the contact position.

9. The aforementioned contact portion is extendable, characterized in that it is a movable scaffold for assembling an automated warehouse rack according to claim 7.

10. The main body, which allows workers to move up and down, Multiple casters support the main body from below so that it can move horizontally, A cantilevered scaffold that can be extended horizontally from the main body, Equipped with, The main body is provided with a guide section, The aforementioned guide section is movably connectable to the rails for the stacker crane laid in the automated warehouse. As the aforementioned guide section, A lower guide portion provided at the bottom of the main body, An upper guide portion connected to the main body and located above the lower guide portion. Equipped with, The upper guide portion is positioned behind the main body in the direction of travel. A mobile scaffolding for assembling automated warehouse racks, characterized by the following features.

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