Goods collection equipment

Abstract

To provide an article stacking facility capable of stacking a plurality of articles on a carriage equipped with a placement platform while preventing the load collapse, with a simpler configuration than conventional one.SOLUTION: An article stacking facility 100 includes: a first floor on which a carriage 1 is placed; a second floor on which an article is loaded onto a lifting platform 3; and a transfer device that transfers a group of articles B consisting of a plurality of articles loaded onto the lifting platform 3 from the lifting platform 3 to a placement platform 16 of the carriage 1. The carriage 1 has a surround part 14 which stands upright on the placement platform 16 and surrounds a placement area from a first side in an X direction, a second side in the X direction, and a second side Y2 in a Y direction, with an opening on the first side Y1 in the Y direction. The transfer device includes platform drive mechanisms 31-34 that raise and lower the lifting platform 3 between the first floor and the second floor, and a pressing mechanism 40 that presses the group of articles B on the lifting platform 3 together toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction while at least a part of the lifting platform 3 is positioned so as to overlap the placement platform 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article stacking facility for stacking a plurality of articles on a cart equipped with a mounting table.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 4121072 discloses an example of an article stacking facility (stacking device (11)) for stacking a plurality of articles (containers (12)) on a cart (cart (14)) having a rectangular mounting portion (base portion (16)), a plurality of wheels (17) attached to the lower surface of the base portion (16), and a pair of fences (19) erected from both short sides of the base portion (16). (In the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in the cited document.) This stacking device (11) is configured to stack a plurality of containers (12) being carried in one by one in tiers and stack the container group (13) as a group of articles stacked up to a specified number of tiers (specified height) on the cart (14).

[0003] The stacking device (11) includes a roller conveyor (loading section (22)) for sequentially loading the containers (12), a transfer section (23) for transferring the containers (12) from the loading section (12), a stacking section (24) for stacking the transferred plurality of containers (12) in tiers, a roller conveyor (unloading means (25)) for unloading the container group (13) stacked in tiers, a mounting section (26) for mounting the unloaded container group (13) on the cart (14), and a cart conveying section (27) for supplying an empty cart (14) and unloading the cart (14) on which the container group (13) is mounted. The loading section (22) and the transfer section (23) are disposed above the unloading means (25), the mounting section (26), and the cart conveying section (27).

[0004] The stacking section (24) is configured with a lifting mechanism (61). The lifting mechanism (61) is equipped with a plurality of plate-shaped forks (65) on which containers (12) can be placed, and the transfer section (23) transfers the containers (12) onto the forks (65) so that the group of containers (13) is placed on the forks (65). The lifting mechanism (61) lowers the forks (65) on which the group of containers (13) is placed. The roller conveyor of the unloading mechanism (25) has a gap (25a) formed by dividing a part of the conveyor frame corresponding to the position of the forks (65). As the forks (65) pass through the gap (25a) and descend to below the conveying surface of the roller conveyor of the unloading mechanism (25), the group of containers (13) placed on the forks (65) is transferred to the roller conveyor of the unloading mechanism (25).

[0005] The loading section (26) is equipped with a plate (88) for moving the container group (13) from the unloading means (25) to the base (16) of the cart (14). With the conveying surface of the roller conveyor (unloading means (25)) and the upper surface of the plate (88) at approximately the same height, the pushing frame (91), which contacts both the lowest container (12) and the uppermost container (12) of the container group (13), presses against the side (first side) of the container group (13), moving the container group (13) from the unloading means (25) to the plate (88). The cart lifting means (111) provided in the cart transport section (27) raises the cart lifting platform (112) so that the upper surface of the plate (88) is slightly lower than the upper surface of the base (16) of the empty cart (14) that is resting on the cart lifting platform (112). The plate (88) is extended by the plate cylinder (89) toward the second side, opposite to the first side, until it overlaps with the base (16) in a vertical view. With the first side of the container group (13) being held down by the retaining body (93), when the plate (88) retracts toward the first side to a position where it does not overlap with the base (16) in a vertical view, the container group (13) is loaded onto the base (16) of the cart (14). The cart lifting means (111) lowers the cart lifting platform (112), on which the cart (14) loaded with the container group (13) is placed, to the height of the wheel rail (103), allowing the cart (14) loaded with the container group (13) to travel along the cart transport section (27) and be discharged from the loading device (11). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4121072 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The loading device described above can appropriately automate the loading of multiple items (containers, in the example above) onto a trolley (cart), while preventing the load from collapsing. However, the containers (and groups of containers) are transferred at least three times: from the roller conveyor in the loading section to the forks in the loading section, from the forks to the plate in the loading section, and from the plate to the cart. For example, if the containers were transferred directly from the loading section to the cart, the number of transfers would only be one, so the number of man-hours is increased compared to such a configuration. Also, when transferring to the trolley (cart), the trolley itself needs to be raised and lowered. A slight increase in man-hours or the number of mechanisms can be tolerated in order to achieve automation. However, if the number of transfer processes increases, the number of mechanisms and devices also increases, which increases equipment costs and may limit the cost reduction achieved by automation.

[0008] In light of the above background, there is a need for a simpler loading system that can prevent cargo from collapsing and allow multiple items to be loaded onto a trolley equipped with a loading platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The article stacking equipment in view of the above is an article stacking equipment for stacking a plurality of articles on a platform of a trolley equipped with a platform for placing articles, comprising: a first floor equipped with a trolley arrangement section in which the trolley is arranged in a predetermined standard posture; a second floor provided above the first floor; a lifting platform that moves up and down between the first floor and the second floor; and a transfer device for transferring a plurality of articles placed on the lifting platform to the platform of the trolley located on the first floor, wherein the second floor is equipped with a stacking work section in which the stacking work of stacking a plurality of articles on the lifting platform is performed, and a specific direction along the horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, one side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side, the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side With the other side in the Y direction being the second side in the Y direction, the trolley in the reference position is erected so as to extend upward from the aforementioned base and comprises an enclosure portion surrounding the first side in the X direction, the second side in the Y direction, and the second side in the X direction with respect to the mounting area which is the area on the upper side of the aforementioned base where the articles are stacked, and an opening formed on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the aforementioned mounting area. The lifting platform is formed to be the size and shape corresponding to the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the vertical direction, and the transfer device comprises a lifting platform drive mechanism for raising and lowering the lifting platform between the first floor and the second floor, and a pressing mechanism for pressing a group of articles consisting of a plurality of articles stacked on the lifting platform toward the second side in the Y direction when at least a part of the lifting platform is positioned on the first floor so as to overlap the aforementioned base.

[0010] With this configuration, multiple items can be stacked on the lifting platform to form a group of items, and these items can be loaded from the lifting platform onto the trolley's loading platform as a unified group. Therefore, multiple items can be loaded onto the trolley appropriately while minimizing the number of times items need to be transferred. The trolley also has an enclosure on the opposite side of the pressing mechanism from the group of items, so the pressing mechanism can press the group of items and transfer them from the lifting platform to the loading platform without having to consider the possibility of the pressed group of items falling off the trolley's loading platform. Furthermore, by pressing the group of items with the pressing mechanism, the group of items can be positioned on the loading platform closer to the enclosure on the opposite side of the pressing mechanism, making it easier to secure a longer distance between the opening and the group of items, and making it easier to place the group of items on the loading platform in a way that prevents them from falling off.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the goods loading equipment will become clear from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an overview of the goods loading equipment. [Figure 2] Top view of the goods storage equipment [Figure 3] Side view of the goods loading equipment [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view near the stacking work area [Figure 5] Perspective view showing an example of a trolley. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of the process from loading items onto the lifting platform to transferring them to a trolley. [Figure 7] Front view showing an example of an opening condition inspection mechanism. [Figure 8] Top view showing an example of an opening condition inspection mechanism. [Figure 9] Front view showing an example of an opening width expansion mechanism. [Figure 10] Top view showing an example of an opening width expansion mechanism. [Figure 11] Front view showing an example of a trolley transport mechanism. [Figure 12] Top view showing an example of a cart conveyor mechanism [Figure 13] Schematic control block diagram of an article stacking facility

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of an article stacking facility will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 1, an article stacking facility 100 is a facility for stacking a plurality of articles A (article group B) on an empty cart 1 (empty cart 1a). In FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity, the article group B, which is an aggregate of a plurality of articles A, is shown as one lump. However, as shown in FIG. 6 to be referred to later, the article group B is an aggregate of articles A of various types, sizes, and shapes. In the present embodiment, an article stacking facility 100 capable of stacking articles A of various types, sizes, and shapes on the cart 1 is exemplified, not limited to the case of stacking regular or standardized articles A on the cart 1 in a tiered manner. Of course, a form in which the article group B is formed by the same article A is not precluded. Hereinafter, when distinguishing the cart 1 on which the article group B is stacked from the empty cart 1a, it may be referred to as a loaded cart 1b.

[0014] The cart 1 of the present embodiment is a non-self-propelled basket cart (roll box pallet) as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the cart 1 includes a mounting table 16 on which the article A is placed, a fence 14 (surrounding portion) erected so as to extend upward H1 with respect to the mounting table 16, and a plurality of casters 18 attached to the lower side H2 of the mounting table 16. In the present embodiment, the mounting table 16 is formed in a rectangular shape. The direction along the long side is referred to as the width direction W, and the direction along the short side is referred to as the depth direction D. When the mounting table 16 is formed in a square shape, the direction along any one of the sides orthogonal to each other is defined as the width direction W, and the direction along the other side is defined as the depth direction.

[0015] The fence 14 comprises three fences: two side fences (first side fence 11 and second side fence 13) erected on the upper H1 from the two short sides of the mounting platform 16, and one rear fence 12 erected on the upper H1 from one of the long sides. The space enclosed by these three fences is the mounting area R, which is a three-dimensional area on the upper H1 of the mounting platform 16 where the item A is stacked. In other words, the first side fence 11, the rear fence 12, and the second side fence 13 can be described as "enclosures" that surround the mounting area R on one side in the width direction W (first side W1), one side in the depth direction D (back side D2), and the other side in the width direction W (second side W2). Here, the enclosure is exemplified as a lattice-like fence member (fence 14) formed by a frame (frame section) and multiple vertical and horizontal bars within the frame, but this does not prevent the enclosure from being a wall formed by a plate-like member. The fence 14 is not provided on the front side D1, which is the other side in the depth direction D, and the opening 15 of the trolley 1 is formed on the front side D1 relative to the mounting area R. Also, the side facing the mounting platform 16, i.e., the upper side H1 of the mounting area R, is also open. That is, the mounting area R is enclosed on the lower side H2 by the mounting platform 16, and on a part of the side (both sides in the width direction W and the rear side D2) by the fence 14, while the remaining part of the side (front side D1) and the upper side H1 are open. As will be described later, the lifting platform 3 can enter the mounting area R from the upper side H1, and the pressing plate 4 can enter the mounting area R from the front side D1.

[0016] A safety bar 17 is provided at the opening 15 to prevent items A (item group B) placed on the mounting platform 16 from falling through the opening 15. The safety bar 17 is pivotably attached to a base 17b installed on the front side D1 of the frame of the first side fence 11. A joint portion 17j is installed on the front side D1 of the frame of the second side fence 13 at the same position in the height direction H as the base 17b. A hook-shaped hook 17h is formed at the free end of the safety bar 17 opposite to the base 17b. By lifting the safety bar 17 and engaging this hook 17h with the joint portion 17j, the safety bar 17 becomes horizontal and can close a portion of the opening 15.

[0017] The base portion 17b and the joint portion 17j are both attached to the frame portion of the fence 14 so as to be retractable to the outside in the width direction W with respect to the opening 15 (the placement area R). That is, the base portion 17b is rotatably attached to the rod-shaped portion forming the frame portion of the first side fence 11 such that the protruding portion for holding the safety bar 17 is located in the first side W1 in the width direction with respect to the first side fence 11. Similarly, the joint portion 17j is rotatably attached to the rod-shaped portion forming the frame portion of the second side fence 13 such that the protruding portion for the hook 17h to engage is located in the second side W2 in the width direction with respect to the second side fence 13.

[0018] Here, as the carriage 1, a non-self-propelled basket carriage is illustrated. However, as long as it has an opening 15 in one direction and a fence 14 surrounding the placement area R from the other three directions as described above, or a form having an opening 15 in one direction and at least a fence 14 on the side (opposite side to the opening 15) facing the opening 15 with the placement table 16 interposed therebetween, the carriage 1 is not limited to a non-self-propelled basket carriage. For example, it does not prevent the carriage 1 from being a self-propelled carriage (Automatic Guided Vehicle or Autonomous Mobile Robot). Also, here, the placement table 16 is illustrated as a rectangular carriage. However, when it has a fence 14 (which may be a wall) surrounding the placement area R from three directions, it does not prevent the shape of the placement table 16 from being a polygonal shape such as a semi-circle, semi-ellipse, semi-track shape, or hexagonal shape. Therefore, the placement area R is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape as in this embodiment, and it is not prevented from being a semi-cylindrical shape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

[0019] The goods stacking equipment 100, which stacks multiple items A on a platform 16 of a trolley 1, comprises a first floor F1 with a trolley placement section 2 where the trolley 1 is positioned in a predetermined standard posture, and a second floor F2 located above the first floor F1 Z1 (upper side of the equipment). Because it is divided into the first floor F1 and the second floor F2, the goods stacking equipment 100 is equipped with a lifting platform 3 that moves up and down between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The second floor F2 is equipped with a stacking work section 9 where the stacking work of stacking multiple items A on the lifting platform 3 is performed. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, an example is shown in which an operator 90 stacks items A on the lifting platform 3, but items A may be stacked on the lifting platform 3 using an automated device such as a robot. As shown in Figure 2, the equipment is also equipped with stairs 98 for operators to move between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2.

[0020] The trolley placement section 2, located on the first floor F1, includes a trolley loading section 25 (empty trolley loading section), a trolley inspection section 26, a transfer section 27, and a trolley discharge section 28 (actual trolley discharge section), as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In the trolley loading section 25, an empty trolley 1 (empty trolley 1a) is loaded into the goods loading equipment 100 in a predetermined standard posture.

[0021] The "reference posture" is defined as the posture in the goods stacking equipment 100 where the X direction is a specific direction along the horizontal, the Y direction is a direction along the horizontal and perpendicular to the X direction, and the vertical direction Z is a direction along the vertical (a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions). Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the "reference posture" is defined as the posture in which the width W of the trolley 1 coincides with the X direction, the depth D of the trolley 1 coincides with the Y direction, and the height H coincides with the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, one side in the X direction is designated as the first X-direction side X1, the other side in the X direction as the second X-direction side X2, one side in the Y direction as the first Y-direction side Y1, and the other side in the Y direction as the second Y-direction side Y2. The first X-direction side X1 coincides with the first width direction side W1, the second X-direction side X2 coincides with the second width direction side W2, the first Y-direction side Y1 coincides with the front side D1, and the second Y-direction side Y2 coincides with the back side D2. For the vertical Z direction and height H direction, "Z1" and "H1" are both the "upper side," and "Z2" and "H2" are both the "lower side."

[0022] The trolley 1, placed into the goods stacking equipment 100 in a standard position, is erected so as to extend upward Z1 from the mounting platform 16, and is equipped with a fence 14 (enclosure) that surrounds the first side X1 in the X direction, the second side Y2 in the Y direction, and the second side X2 in the X direction with respect to the mounting area R, which is the area on the upper side Z1 of the mounting platform 16 where goods A are stacked, and an opening 15 formed on the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, the trolley 1 is loaded into the trolley loading section 25 by a worker (not shown) on the first floor F1. As shown in Figure 2, a flat floor section 22f is formed in the trolley loading section 25, and the worker loads the trolley 1 into the trolley loading section 25 so that the first side in the width direction W1 faces the first side in the X direction X1 without any special positioning. As the loaded trolley 1 moves from the trolley loading section 25 toward the first side in the X direction X1, it is guided by guide members 22g (see Figures 2 and 3) which are installed so that the width in the Y direction narrows, so that the first side in the X direction X1 and the first side in the width direction W1 coincide. As a result, the orientation of the trolley 1 in the Y direction is also determined, and the trolley 1 is transported along the rail 22r toward the first side in the X direction X1 in the reference orientation.

[0024] In this embodiment, the trolley 1 is intermittently moved along the X direction by the trolley transport mechanism 20 from the second side X2 in the X direction toward the first side X1 in the X direction. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, below the first side fence 11 and the second side fence 13, the trolley 1 is held by a pair of locking parts 21 of the trolley transport mechanism 20. The pair of locking parts 21 protrude from the trolley transport mechanism 20 in the Y direction by actuators 23 and abut against the trolley 1, restricting the movement of the trolley 1 in the X direction relative to the trolley transport mechanism 20. With the trolley 1 held relative to the trolley transport mechanism 20, the trolley 1 is transported in the X direction by the movement of the trolley transport mechanism 20 in the X direction. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a configuration in which the trolley transport mechanism 20 is positioned on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the trolley 1, and the locking parts 21 abut against the rear side D2 of the trolley 1 to hold the trolley 1. However, the trolley transport mechanism 20 may be positioned on the first side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the trolley 1, and the trolley 1 may be held in place by the locking portion 21 abutting against the front side D1 of the trolley 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which a trolley transport mechanism 20 intermittently moves the trolley 1 along the X direction while holding the trolley 1 in this manner. However, the trolley 1 may be moved along the X direction by an operator without the trolley transport mechanism 20. Also, in this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the trolley 1 moves along the X direction on the rail 22r by the rolling of the trolley 1's casters 18. However, the trolley 1 may be placed on, for example, a belt conveyor and transported in the X direction by the belt conveyor. In this case, the trolley transport mechanism 20 becomes the belt conveyor.

[0026] In the case of a belt conveyor, the forward and return paths of the conveyor overlap when viewed from above, and the drive mechanism for moving the conveyor also overlaps when viewed from above with respect to the conveying surface of the conveyor. Therefore, the height at which the trolley 1 is transported tends to be higher than the floor surface. In this embodiment, the trolley 1 is locked from the side (Y direction) relative to the transport direction (X direction) and transported, so the height at which the trolley 1 is transported is suppressed. For this reason, the inclination angle of the floor portion 22f of the trolley placement portion 2 in the trolley input section 25 and the trolley discharge section 28 can be kept small. The force required when an operator moves the trolley 1 in the trolley input section 25 and the trolley discharge section 28 can be reduced.

[0027] In this embodiment, the trolley 1, which is loaded from the trolley loading section 25, is first inspected in the trolley inspection section 26. The trolley inspection section 26 is equipped with an opening state inspection mechanism 60 that inspects the opening state of the opening 15 of the trolley 1. Here, the opening state includes the state of the safety bar 17. As described above with reference to Figure 5, the safety bar 17, including its base 17b and joint 17j, can be retracted outward in the width direction W relative to the opening 15 (loading area R). When loading items A, it is preferable that the safety bar 17, including its base 17b and joint 17j, is retracted in this manner in order to ensure a sufficient opening width of the opening 15. The trolley inspection section 26 inspects whether the safety bar 17 is in the retracted state. It is preferable that the trolley 1 is held by the trolley transport mechanism 20 in the trolley inspection section 26.

[0028] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the opening condition inspection mechanism 60 comprises a pair of inspection arms 61 that swing with respect to a pivot axis 63, and contact portions 62 held at the tips of the pair of inspection arms 61. When not being inspected, the pair of inspection arms 61 are retracted to the first side Y1 in the Y direction. When the pair of inspection arms 61 swing during inspection, the respective contact portions 62 come into contact with the front end D1 (first side Y1 in the Y direction) of the first side fence 11 and the front end D1 (first side Y1 in the Y direction) of the second side fence 13. When the base portion 17b and the joint portion 17j are retracted, the inspection arms 61 swing to the appropriate position. On the other hand, if at least one of the base portion 17b and the joint portion 17j is not in the retracted state, at least one of the inspection arms 61 will not swing to the appropriate position. That is, the amount of swing of the inspection arms 61 will be less than the reference value. By detecting the amount of oscillation of the inspection arm 61 using a sensor (not shown), the controller (such as the equipment controller C and opening inspection controller 6C shown in Figure 13) can determine whether the opening state of the opening 15 is appropriate.

[0029] If the opening state of the opening 15 is not appropriate, the inspection result is reported to the worker. As described above, if the trolley 1 is held by the trolley transport mechanism 20 in the trolley inspection section 26, it is preferable that the trolley 1 is transported from the trolley inspection section 26 to the second side X2 in the X direction by the trolley transport mechanism 20 and discharged from the trolley input section 25 to the outside of the trolley placement section 2. Alternatively, the trolley 1 may be released from being held by the trolley transport mechanism 20 and moved by the worker from the trolley inspection section 26 to the second side X2 in the X direction and discharged from the trolley input section 25 to the outside of the trolley placement section 2. Furthermore, the trolley 1 may be transported as is to the second side X2 in the X direction and discharged from the trolley discharge section 28 to the outside of the trolley placement section 2 without loading the item A. After the discharged trolley 1 has been properly retracted the safety bar 17, it can be put back into the trolley placement section 2 from the trolley input section 25.

[0030] The opening state of the opening 15 inspected by the trolley inspection unit 26 is not limited to the retracted state of the safety bar 17. In the case of a trolley 1 in this embodiment, where the enclosure is composed of a fence 14, the fence 14 may deform due to external forces during transport. For example, if at least one of the first side fence 11 and the second side fence 13 is bent toward the side of the mounting area R, the opening width of the opening 15 will become narrower than the appropriate width. As described above, when the pair of inspection arms 61 swing, their respective contact portions 62 come into contact with the front end D1 (first side Y1 in the Y direction) of the first side fence 11 and the front end D1 (first side Y1 in the Y direction) of the second side fence 13. Therefore, the trolley inspection unit 26 can also detect when the opening width has narrowed due to deformation of the first side fence 11 and the second side fence 13. The deformed trolley 1 is discharged outside the trolley placement unit 2 from the trolley input section 25 or the trolley discharge section 28, as described above.

[0031] Once the inspection by the trolley inspection unit 26 is complete and the results are satisfactory, the trolley 1 is transported to the transfer unit 27 by the trolley transport mechanism 20. The transfer of item A (item group B) to the trolley 1 will be described later. When item A (item group B) is transferred to the trolley 1 in the transfer unit 27, the trolley 1 changes from an empty trolley 1a to an operational trolley 1b, and the operational trolley 1b is transported to the trolley discharge unit 28 by the trolley transport mechanism 20. In the trolley discharge unit 28, the trolley transport mechanism 20 releases its hold on the trolley 1. Similar to the trolley input unit 25, the trolley discharge unit 28 has a flat floor area 22f, and the worker pulls the trolley 1 out of the trolley placement unit 2 from the trolley discharge unit 28.

[0032] Furthermore, in cases where it is not necessary to inspect the opening state in the trolley arrangement section 2, such as when the trolley 1 is placed into the trolley arrangement section 2 after inspection, the trolley arrangement section 2 does not need to be equipped with a trolley inspection section 26. Also, if the operator moves the trolley 1 throughout the entire area of ​​the trolley arrangement section 2, the trolley arrangement section 2 does not need to be equipped with a trolley transport mechanism 20.

[0033] The transfer unit 27 is equipped with a movable platform 7 that can move back and forth along the Y direction with the trolley 1 on it. The movable platform 7 is also equipped with rails 22r, and when the movable platform 7 is located on the second side Y2 in the Y direction, the trolley 1 can be continuously transported along the X direction from the trolley inspection unit 26 through the transfer unit 27 (movable platform 7) to the trolley discharge unit 28. When the movable platform 7 is located on the first side Y1 in the Y direction, the rails 22r will be interrupted at the transfer unit 27.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the trolley 1, after inspection by the trolley inspection unit 26 is completed, is intermittently transported toward the second side X2 in the X direction by the trolley transport mechanism 20. The trolley 1, transported to the transfer unit 27, moves toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction while resting on the mobile platform 7. The mobile platform 7 moves with the trolley 1 on it until at least a portion of the lifting platform 3 and the mounting platform 16 overlap in a vertical view (plan view). In this embodiment, the lifting platform 3 is formed to a size and shape corresponding to the mounting area R in a vertical view, and almost the entire surface of the lifting platform 3 overlaps with the mounting platform 16 in a vertical view. That is, the lifting platform 3 is rectangular in shape, with the length of each side slightly shorter than that of the mounting platform 16 in a vertical view, and the entire mounting surface of the item A on the lifting platform 3 overlaps with the mounting platform 16 in a vertical view.

[0035] In the stacking work area 9 on the second floor F2, the worker 90 stacks items A onto the lifting platform 3 in its highest position. The trolley 1 on which items A are ultimately stacked is located on the first floor F1, so the item stacking equipment 100 is equipped with a transfer device that transfers multiple items A placed on the lifting platform 3 on the second floor F2 to the loading platform 16 of the trolley 1 located on the first floor F1. The transfer device is equipped with a lifting platform drive mechanism 30 that raises and lowers the lifting platform 3 between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2, and a pressing mechanism 40 for transferring items A (item group B) from the lifting platform 3 to the loading platform 16 on the first floor F1. The pressing mechanism 40, with the lifting platform 3 positioned on the first floor F1 such that at least a portion of it overlaps the mounting platform 16, presses the group of items B, consisting of multiple items A stacked on the lifting platform 3, toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction, thereby transferring the items A (group of items B) from the lifting platform 3 to the mounting platform 16.

[0036] The lifting platform drive mechanism 30 moves the lifting platform 3 linearly along the vertical direction Z. As described above, the lifting platform 3 and the mounting platform 16 overlap in the vertical direction, so the lifting trajectory 3L (see Figure 3) of the lifting platform 3 by the lifting platform drive mechanism 30 overlaps with the mounting area R in the vertical direction. Since the upper side Z1 of the mounting area R is open, the lifting platform 3 descends to a height close to the mounting platform 16, as shown in Figure 4. Then, with at least a part of the lifting platform 3 positioned so as to overlap the mounting platform 16, the pressing mechanism 40 presses the group of items B stacked on the lifting platform 3 toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction, while keeping the position of the lifting platform 3 fixed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 3 and the mounting platform 16 overlap in a vertical view such that the entire group of articles B placed on the lifting platform 3 overlaps with the mounting platform 16 in a vertical view. However, it is also possible that a portion of the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the group of articles B placed on the lifting platform 3 does not overlap with the mounting platform 16 in a vertical view. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lifting platform 3 descends so that there is a gap between the upper surface of the mounting platform 16 and the lower surface of the lifting platform 3. However, the lifting platform 3 may descend until it contacts the mounting platform 16.

[0038] As described above, the transfer unit 27 is equipped with a movable platform 7 that can reciprocate along the Y direction with the trolley 1 on it. As shown in Figure 4, the movable platform 7 is configured to reciprocate along the Y direction with the trolley 1 on it between a first position P1 where the lifting platform 3 and the mounting platform 16 overlap in a vertical view and a second position P2 where the lifting platform 3 and the mounting platform 16 do not overlap in a vertical view. The movable platform 7 is equipped with a restricting portion 71 that restricts the relative movement of the trolley 1 to the movable platform 7 in the second Y direction Y2. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 71 restricts the relative movement of the trolley 1 to the movable platform 7 by abutting against the end face of the mounting platform 16 on the second Y direction Y2 (rear side D2). However, as schematically illustrated in Figure 6, for example, the restricting portion 71 does not prevent contact with other parts of the trolley 1, such as the casters 18.

[0039] When the group of articles B is pressed in the second direction Y2 by the pressing mechanism 40, the group of articles B comes into contact with the rear fence 12 of the fence 14. That is, the rear fence 12 is pressed by the pressing mechanism 40 via the group of articles B. The article stacking equipment 100 moves the trolley 1 in the second direction Y2 to a position (second position P2) where the lifting platform 3 and the loading area R (loading platform 16) do not overlap when viewed from above and below, while the group of articles B pressed in the second direction Y2 by the pressing mechanism 40 pushes the enclosure (rear fence 12) in the second direction Y2. That is, in this embodiment, the moving platform 7 is configured to move in the second direction Y2 in response to the enclosure (rear fence 12) being pressed in the second direction Y2 by the group of articles B pressed in the second direction Y2 by the pressing mechanism 40.

[0040] For example, a torque sensor (not shown) or the like detects that a pressing force from the pressing mechanism 40 is acting on the regulating section 71 via the item group B, the rear fence 12, and the platform 16. Based on this detection result, the trolley retraction controller 7C (see Figure 13) drives the actuator 72 of the movement mechanism 70, causing the mobile platform 7 to move to the second side Y2 in the Y direction. Of course, the pressing mechanism 40 may also apply a pressing force to the mobile platform 7 via the item group B, the rear fence 12, the platform 16, and the regulating section 71, thereby moving the mobile platform 7 to the second side Y2 in the Y direction. In this case, the item group B applies a pressing force to the rear fence 12 until the mobile platform 7 reaches the second position P2, so that the state in which the item group B is placed on the innermost D2 of the platform 16 can be maintained. Furthermore, when the mobile platform 7 is moved to the second side Y2 in the Y direction by the actuator 72, if a pressing force from the pressing mechanism 40 is applied to the rear railing 12 via the group of articles B while the mobile platform 7 is moving to the second position P2, the state in which the group of articles B is placed on the innermost D2 of the mounting platform 16 can be maintained.

[0041] The pressing mechanism 40 includes a pressing plate 4 (contact member) that contacts the group of articles B stacked on the lifting platform 3 from the first side Y1 in the Y direction, and an extension / retraction drive mechanism 41 that drives the pressing plate 4 to extend and retract in the Y direction. The extension / retraction drive mechanism 41 can be configured as a rotation-to-linear motion conversion mechanism (ball screw mechanism, rack and pinion mechanism, etc.) that uses an actuator such as a motor as a driving force source. The actuator such as a motor is controlled by a pressing controller 4C (see Figure 13). It is preferable that the pressing plate 4 overlaps with the entire area of ​​the group of articles B in the Y direction view. Therefore, the pressing plate 4 is formed to a size and shape corresponding to the mounting area R in the Y direction view. The shape of the mounting area R in the Y direction view is rectangular. Also, since the pressing plate 4 moves to the back side D2 (second side Y2 in the Y direction) beyond the opening 15, it is preferable that the length of each side of the pressing plate 4 is shorter than the length of the shape of the mounting area R (rectangle) in the Y direction view.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the lifting platform drive mechanism 30 includes a hoisting mechanism 32 using a chain or belt, which is located inside a pair of support columns 31 erected from the first floor F1; a lifting platform support section 33 connected to the chain or belt of the hoisting mechanism 32; and a hoisting actuator 34 that drives the hoisting mechanism 32. The pair of support columns 31 are spaced apart in the Y-direction view, on the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the X-direction of the pressing plate 4 of the pressing mechanism 40, so as not to overlap with the pressing plate 4 of the pressing mechanism 40 in the Y-direction view. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the lifting platform drive mechanism 30 is positioned so as not to overlap with the pressing plate 4 of the pressing mechanism 40 in the Y-direction view. In addition, the lifting platform drive mechanism 30 is positioned so as not to overlap with the railing 14 of the trolley 1 in the vertical direction view. The lifting platform drive mechanism 30 is controlled by a lifting controller 3C (see Figure 13).

[0043] Incidentally, the opening 15 needs to have an appropriate opening width so that the lifting platform 3 on which the group of articles B is placed can descend within the loading area R without coming into contact with the railing 14, and the pressing plate 4 that presses the group of articles B can enter the loading area R without coming into contact with the railing 14 (first side railing 11, second side railing 13). For this reason, as described above, a trolley inspection section 26 is provided, but it is also preferable that a mechanism for securing the opening width of the opening 15 is provided in the transfer section 27 as well. In this embodiment, an opening width expansion mechanism 80 is provided for the trolley 1 located at the first position P1, which widens the opening width of the opening 15 in the X direction.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the opening width expansion mechanism 80 comprises an engaging claw 81, an extension / retraction arm 82, and an actuator 83. The engaging claw 81 engages with the horizontal crossbars 14s of the first side fence 11 and the second side fence 13. The extension / retraction arm 82 has the engaging claw 81 at its tip and moves the engaging claw 81 in the X direction by extending and retracting in the X direction. The actuator 83 moves the extension / retraction arm 82 in the vertical Z direction and the X direction. By extending the extension / retraction arm 82 in the X direction and moving the extension / retraction arm 82 downward Z2, the engaging claw 81 can be engaged with the crossbar 14s. Then, by retracting the extension / retraction arm 82 in the X direction, the crossbar 14s with the engaged claw 81 can be pulled in the X direction. Subsequently, the actuator 83 extends the extension / retraction arm 82 and moves it upward, retracting the extension / retraction arm 82 with the crossbar 14s and the engaging claw 81 separated. Specifically, the opening width expansion mechanism 80 pulls the first side fence 11 on the X-direction X1 of the enclosure (fence 14) of the trolley 1 toward the X-direction X1, and the second side fence 13 on the X-direction X2 toward the X-direction X2, thereby widening the opening 15 of the trolley 1 in the X-direction. The opening width expansion mechanism 80 is controlled by the opening width expansion controller 8C (Figure 13). Note that if the trolley 1 has a sufficient opening width relative to the lifting platform 3 and the pressing plate 4, the trolley placement section 2 does not need to be equipped with the opening width expansion mechanism 80. In this embodiment, while the trolley 1 is in the first position P1, the opening width of the opening 15 is continuously widened in the X-direction by the opening width expansion mechanism 80 (continuously widened during the period from phase #1 to #5 shown in Figure 6).

[0045] Here, referring to Figure 6, the procedure for stacking items A onto the lifting platform 3 in the stacking work section 9, and for transferring items A (item group B) from the lifting platform 3 to the mounting platform 16 of the trolley 1 in the transfer section 27 will be explained.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, in Phase #1, an empty trolley 1 is first placed on the lower side Z2 of the lifting platform 3. Also in Phase #1, the opening width of the opening 15 is expanded in the X direction by the opening width expansion mechanism 80.

[0047] In Phase 2, the worker 90 stacks items A onto the lifting platform 3. In this embodiment, irregularly shaped items A of different sizes and shapes are stacked on the lifting platform 3. Items A are not limited to box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) items, but also include bag-shaped items. If the group of items B formed by multiple items A has many gaps, the load is likely to collapse on the lifting platform 3 or on the loading platform 16 of the trolley 1. Also, the space efficiency in the loading area R will be poor. For this reason, in this embodiment, items A are supplied sequentially from the item supply conveyor 91 to the loading work unit 9 according to a pre-calculated loading order so that the group of items B can be formed by stacking items A without gaps (see Figures 1 and 2). The placement location, orientation, and posture of the items A on the lifting platform 3 are displayed, for example, on a display 93 that functions as a loading instruction unit, and the worker 90 sequentially stacks the items A onto the lifting platform 3 according to the instructions displayed on the display 93. Furthermore, to prevent damage to the bag-shaped item A while being transported on the item supply conveyor 91, it is supplied in containers or trays. After the item A is loaded onto the lifting platform 3, the empty containers, trays, and other empty containers are recovered by the recovery device 99.

[0048] As items A are sequentially stacked on the lifting platform 3 and item group B is formed, the height at which items A are placed increases. Therefore, the lifting platform drive mechanism 30 lowers the lifting platform 3 in accordance with the progress of the stacking work. As shown in phases #3 and #4 of Figure 6, the lifting platform 3 is lowered more than in phase #2, allowing the worker 90 to stack items A at a fixed height. The lowering of the lifting platform 3 can be instructed, for example, by the worker 90 operating the lifting switch 3s installed in the stacking work area 9. Preferably, the lifting switch 3s includes independently provided functions such as: (1) a momentary lowering switch that lowers the lifting platform 3 while the switch is being operated; (2) a fixed lowering switch that lowers the lifting platform 3 by a fixed amount in a single operation (the lowering amount is adjustable); (3) a momentary raising switch that raises the lifting platform 3 while the switch is being operated; (4) a quick lowering switch that lowers the lifting platform 3 until the upper end of item A reaches a specified position (for example, a position detected by a sensor that detects the upper end) in a single operation; and (5) a completion switch that lowers the lifting platform 3 to the transfer position to the loading platform 16. However, if the stacking work is performed at a constant pace, the lifting platform 3 may be lowered according to the elapsed time without using the lifting switch 3s.

[0049] Phase #4 shows the state where all of item A, which constitutes item group B, has been loaded onto the lifting platform 3. The completion of loading all of item A is notified to the worker 90, for example, via the display 93. When the worker 90 operates the completion switch on the lifting switch 3s, the lifting platform 3 lowers to the transfer position to the trolley 1, as shown in Phase #5. With the lifting platform 3 and item group B positioned in the loading area R, the expansion of the opening width of the opening 15 in the X direction by the opening width expansion mechanism 80 is completed.

[0050] When the lifting platform 3 is lowered, a space E is created that connects the stacking work area 9 and the first floor F1. Therefore, as shown in phase #5, in this embodiment, a cover 5 is provided that protrudes horizontally to a position corresponding to the position of the lifting platform 3 when it is raised, and is positioned to close the space E created by the lowering of the lifting platform 3. The cover 5 is made to protrude in the second Y2 direction in the Y direction by a cover drive mechanism 50. The cover drive mechanism 50 may protrude the cover 5 when the lifting platform 3 has lowered to a predetermined height or less based on detection results from sensors, etc., or it may protrude the cover 5 in conjunction with the completion switch of the lifting switch 3s.

[0051] As the lifting platform 3 descends to the transfer position, the pressing mechanism 40 causes the pressing plate 4 to protrude to the second side Y2 in the Y direction, pressing against the group of items B. When the group of items B is pressed against the rear fence 12 of the fence 14, the moving platform 7 also begins to move toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction, as shown in phase #6. When the trolley 1 moves together with the moving platform 7 to the second position P2 (see Figure 4), as shown in phase #7, the lifting platform 3 moves out from under the group of items B and rises to the position where items A are stacked, as shown in phase #8. When the lid 5 retracts, the process returns to phase #1, and items A are sequentially stacked on the lifting platform 3 to form the next group of items B.

[0052] By the way, during the period from phase #5 through phase #8 back to phase #1, the lifting platform 3 is not located in the stacking work area 9, so it is not possible to stack item A. In this case, it is preferable to use the lid 5 as a temporary stand. Since the lid 5 cannot be lowered in accordance with the stacking of item A as in phase #3, the number of items A that can be properly stacked is limited, considering the work efficiency of the worker 90. However, by stacking item A during the waiting period from phase #5 to phase #8, dead time can be suppressed and work efficiency can be improved. In the state of phase #8, by retiring the lid 5 on which item A is stacked, the item A is transferred to the lifting platform 3, and the stacking of item A can be continued on the lifting platform 3.

[0053] As described above, the goods loading equipment 100 is equipped with various mechanisms such as a trolley transport mechanism 20, a lifting platform drive mechanism 30, a pressing mechanism 40, a lid drive mechanism 50, an opening state inspection mechanism 60, a moving mechanism 70, and an opening width expansion mechanism 80, as well as a goods supply conveyor 91 and a display 93, each of which is controlled by a controller. Figure 13 shows a schematic control block diagram of the goods loading equipment 100. The trolley transport mechanism 20 is controlled by the trolley transport controller 2C. The lifting platform drive mechanism 30 is controlled by the lifting controller 3C. The pressing mechanism 40 is controlled by the pressing controller 4C. The lid drive mechanism 50 is controlled by the lid controller 5C. The opening state inspection mechanism 60 is controlled by the opening inspection controller 6C. The moving mechanism 70 is controlled by the trolley extension / retraction controller 7C. The opening width expansion mechanism 80 is controlled by the opening width expansion controller 8C. The item supply conveyor 91 is controlled by the item supply controller 91C. The display 93 is controlled by the stacking controller 93C.

[0054] Figure 13 schematically shows a configuration in which equipment controller C is the primary controller, and each of the aforementioned controllers functions as a secondary controller. However, equipment controller C may be virtually realized by the cooperation of controllers that control each mechanism, etc., without the need for an independent equipment controller C. Also, although Figure 13 shows a configuration in which each mechanism, etc., is provided with an independent controller, a configuration in which multiple mechanisms are controlled by a single controller is also possible.

[0055] For example, the lid controller 5C moves the lid 5 in conjunction with the lifting platform 3 being raised and lowered by the lifting controller 3C. Therefore, the lid controller 5C and the lifting controller 3C may cooperate to control the lid drive mechanism 50, or the lifting controller 3C may control the lid drive mechanism 50 without the lid controller 5C. Also, when the opening state is inspected by the opening state inspection mechanism 60, the locking part 21 is controlled by the trolley transport mechanism 20 to lock the trolley 1. Therefore, it is preferable for the opening inspection controller 6C and the trolley transport controller 2C to cooperate as well. Furthermore, it is preferable for the trolley extension / retraction controller 7C to cooperate with the opening width expansion controller 8C and the pressing controller 4C. It is also preferable for the lifting controller 3C and the pressing controller 4C to cooperate as well. Other combinations and coordination of controllers are of course possible, but a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0056] Other embodiments will be described below. Note that the configurations of each embodiment described below are not limited to being applied independently, but can also be applied in combination with the configurations of other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise.

[0057] (1) In the embodiment described above, the lifting platform 3 moves up and down along the vertical direction Z, and does not move in the X and Y directions. Transferring the group of articles B is achieved when the pressing plate 4 of the pressing mechanism 40 protrudes to the second side Y2 in the Y direction, and the moving platform 7 on which the trolley 1 is placed moves to the second side Y2 in the Y direction, causing the lifting platform 3 to move away from the lower side Z2 of the group of articles B. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the trolley 1 may not move in the Y direction while the pressing plate 4 is pressing on the group of articles B, and the lifting platform 3 may move to the first side Y1 in the Y direction, causing the lifting platform 3 to move away from the lower side Z2 of the group of articles B, thereby achieving the transfer. In this case, the trolley 1 does not need to move in the Y direction together with the moving platform 7. Therefore, this does not prevent a configuration in which the trolley arrangement section 2 does not have a moving platform 7. In this case, the trolley 1 only needs to move along the X-direction from the second X-direction side X2 to the first X-direction side X1, from the trolley input section 25 to the trolley discharge section 28.

[0058] (2) In the embodiment described above, the lifting platform 3 moves up and down along the vertical direction Z, and does not move in the X and Y directions. However, this does not prevent the lifting platform 3 from moving in and out along the Y direction or from rotating around an axis along the vertical direction Z.

[0059] (3) In the embodiment described above, the lifting platform 3 moves up and down along the vertical direction Z. However, the lifting platform 3 may also move up and down along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0060] The following is a brief summary of the goods storage equipment described above.

[0061] In one embodiment, the article stacking equipment is an article stacking equipment for stacking a plurality of articles on a platform of a trolley equipped with a platform for placing articles, comprising: a first floor equipped with a trolley arrangement section in which the trolley is arranged in a predetermined standard posture; a second floor provided above the first floor; a lifting platform that moves up and down between the first floor and the second floor; and a transfer device for transferring a plurality of articles placed on the lifting platform to the platform of the trolley located on the first floor, wherein the second floor is equipped with a stacking work section in which the stacking work of stacking a plurality of articles on the lifting platform is performed, and a specific direction along the horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, one side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side, the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side, and a direction along the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side The trolley in the reference position is erected so as to extend upward from the aforementioned base, and comprises an enclosure portion surrounding the first side in the X direction, the second side in the Y direction, and the second side in the X direction with respect to the mounting area which is the area on the upper side of the aforementioned base where the articles are stacked, and an opening formed on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the lifting platform is formed to be the size and shape corresponding to the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the vertical direction, and the transfer device comprises a lifting platform drive mechanism for raising and lowering the lifting platform between the first floor and the second floor, and a pressing mechanism for pressing a group of articles consisting of a plurality of articles stacked on the lifting platform toward the second side in the Y direction when at least a part of the lifting platform is positioned on the first floor so as to overlap the aforementioned base.

[0062] With this configuration, multiple items can be stacked on the lifting platform to form a group of items, and these items can be loaded from the lifting platform onto the trolley's loading platform as a unified group. Therefore, multiple items can be loaded onto the trolley appropriately while minimizing the number of times items need to be transferred. The trolley also has an enclosure on the opposite side of the pressing mechanism from the group of items, so the pressing mechanism can press the group of items and transfer them from the lifting platform to the loading platform without having to consider the possibility of the pressed group of items falling off the trolley's loading platform. Furthermore, by pressing the group of items with the pressing mechanism, the group of items can be positioned on the loading platform closer to the enclosure on the opposite side of the pressing mechanism, making it easier to secure a longer distance between the opening and the group of items, and making it easier to place the group of items on the loading platform in a way that prevents them from falling off.

[0063] Furthermore, in the article stacking equipment, it is preferable that the lifting trajectory of the lifting platform driven by the lifting platform drive mechanism overlaps with the aforementioned storage area in a vertical view, and that the lifting platform is positioned so that at least a part of it overlaps with the aforementioned storage platform, and while keeping the position of the lifting platform in the Y direction fixed, the pressing mechanism presses the group of articles stacked on the lifting platform toward the second side in the Y direction, and while the group of articles pressed by the pressing mechanism presses the enclosure toward the second side in the Y direction, the trolley is moved toward the second side in the Y direction to a position where the lifting platform and the aforementioned storage area do not overlap in a vertical view.

[0064] With this configuration, the lifting platform drive mechanism does not need to move the lifting platform in the Y direction, making it easier to simplify the configuration of the lifting platform drive mechanism. In addition, it is easier to shorten the cycle time between lowering the lifting platform and transferring the group of items to the mounting section of the trolley, and then raising the lifting platform back to its original position. Furthermore, with this configuration, by pressing the group of items with the pressing mechanism and moving the trolley to the second side in the Y direction while pressing the enclosure section to the second side in the Y direction, the group of items can be transferred onto the mounting platform while being pressed against the inner surface of the enclosure section of the trolley.

[0065] Furthermore, the goods stacking equipment preferably includes a movable platform configured to be able to reciprocate along the Y direction with the trolley on it between a first position where the lifting platform and the aforementioned stacking platform overlap in a vertical view and a second position where the lifting platform and the aforementioned stacking platform do not overlap in a vertical view; the movable platform includes a restricting portion that restricts the trolley from moving relative to the movable platform in the second Y direction; and the movable platform is preferably configured to move in the second Y direction in response to the enclosure being pressed in the second Y direction by the group of goods pressed by the pressing mechanism.

[0066] In this configuration, the group of items moves onto the mounting platform while restricting the movement of the trolley, so that the group of items is placed on the mounting platform so that it is positioned on the opposite side of the opening of the enclosure. Furthermore, since the moving body can be moved while the group of items is pressed against the inner surface of the trolley's enclosure, the trolley can be moved together with the moving body while the group of items is stably placed on the mounting platform.

[0067] Furthermore, the article stacking equipment preferably comprises a pressing mechanism which includes a contact member that contacts the group of articles stacked on the lifting platform from the first side in the Y direction, and an extension / retraction drive mechanism which drives the contact member to extend and retract in the Y direction, wherein the contact member is formed to a size and shape corresponding to the aforementioned stacking area when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction.

[0068] With this configuration, the entire group of items stacked on the lifting platform can be pressed by the pressing mechanism, allowing the group of items to be properly transferred from the lifting platform to the mounting platform.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferable that the item stacking equipment is arranged such that the lifting platform drive mechanism does not overlap with the enclosure portion of the trolley when viewed in the vertical direction, and does not overlap with the contact member of the pressing mechanism when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction.

[0070] With this configuration, the lifting platform drive mechanism can be prevented from interfering with both the trolley and the pressing mechanism, allowing the transfer device to operate properly.

[0071] Furthermore, it is preferable that the goods stacking equipment is configured such that the lifting platform drive mechanism gradually lowers the lifting platform in accordance with the progress of the stacking work.

[0072] When items are stacked on the lifting platform, the height at which the next item is stacked becomes higher than the platform, making stacking easier. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the item stacking work as the stacking progresses.

[0073] Furthermore, the goods stacking equipment preferably includes an opening condition inspection mechanism in the trolley arrangement section for inspecting the opening condition of the opening of the trolley.

[0074] It is preferable that the opening of the trolley is in an appropriate opening state, free from any obstructing members when transferring a group of items to the loading platform. With this configuration, the opening state can be checked, enabling the proper transfer of the group of items.

[0075] Furthermore, the goods loading equipment preferably includes an opening width expansion mechanism in the trolley arrangement section that pulls the enclosure portion of the trolley on the first side in the X direction toward the first side in the X direction, and pulls the enclosure portion on the second side in the X direction toward the second side in the X direction, thereby widening the opening of the trolley in the X direction.

[0076] Because there is no enclosure around the opening, the enclosures on the first and second sides in the X direction adjacent to the opening are easily deformed by external forces. If these enclosures tilt inward (towards the side opposite to the mounting area), the opening width of the opening becomes narrower (the length of the opening in the X direction becomes shorter), which may hinder the transfer of the items to the mounting platform. With this configuration, by providing an opening width expansion mechanism, it is easier to secure a wide opening width, and the items can be properly transferred to the mounting platform.

[0077] Furthermore, the goods stacking equipment preferably includes a trolley arrangement section that further provides a trolley transport mechanism for intermittently moving the trolley along the X direction while holding the trolley.

[0078] This configuration allows the carts to be moved without manual labor, thus reducing the number of workers required for the goods loading equipment.

[0079] Furthermore, the goods storage equipment preferably includes a cover that, when the lifting platform is lowered to a predetermined height or lower, protrudes horizontally to a position corresponding to the position of the lifting platform when it is raised, and is positioned to close the space created by the lowering of the lifting platform.

[0080] A space is created connecting the second floor and the first floor, but by installing a cover, this space can be sealed off, thereby increasing safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Dolly 2: Bogie arrangement section 3: Lifting platform 3L: Lifting trajectory 4: Pressing plate (contact member) 5: Lid 7: Mobile stand 9: Loading and Stacking Department 11: First side fence (enclosure on the first side in the X direction) 12: Rear fence (an enclosure that is pressed towards the second side in the Y direction by a group of items pressed by the pressing mechanism) 13: Second side fence (enclosure on the second side in the X direction) 14: Fence (enclosure) 15: Opening 16: Mounting platform 20: Trolley transport mechanism 30: Lifting platform drive mechanism 31: Support column (lifting platform drive mechanism) 32: Winding mechanism (lifting platform drive mechanism) 33: Lifting platform support section (lifting platform drive mechanism) 34: Hoisting actuator (lifting platform drive mechanism) 40: Pressing mechanism 41: Retraction drive mechanism 60: Mouth opening condition inspection mechanism 71: Regulatory Department 80: Opening width expansion mechanism 100: Goods loading equipment A:Goods B: Goods group E: A space connecting the second floor and the first floor. F1: 1st Floor F2: Second floor H1: Upper side P1: 1st position P2: 2nd position R: Mounting area X1: 1st side in X direction X2: 2nd side in X direction Y1: First side in the Y direction Y2: Second side in the Y direction Z: Vertical direction Z1: Upper side

Claims

1. An article stacking device for stacking multiple articles on a platform described above of a trolley equipped with a platform for placing articles, A first floor comprising a trolley arrangement section in which the aforementioned trolleys are arranged in a predetermined standard posture, A second floor is provided above the first floor, A lifting platform that moves up and down between the first floor and the second floor, The system includes a transfer device for transferring a plurality of items placed on the lifting platform to the aforementioned mounting platform of the trolley located on the first floor, The second floor includes a stacking work area where stacking work is performed to stack multiple items on the lifting platform, Let the X-direction be a specific direction along the horizontal, one side of the X-direction be the first X-direction side, and the other side of the X-direction be the second X-direction side. Let the Y-direction be a direction along the horizontal and perpendicular to the X-direction, one side of the Y-direction be the first Y-direction side, and the other side of the Y-direction be the second Y-direction side. The trolley in the aforementioned reference position is It is erected so as to extend upward from the aforementioned mounting base, and has an enclosure portion that surrounds the mounting area, which is the area on the upper side of the aforementioned mounting base where the articles are stacked, on the first side in the X direction, the second side in the Y direction, and the second side in the X direction. It comprises an opening formed on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the mounting area, The lifting platform is formed to have a size and shape corresponding to the previously described installation area when viewed in the vertical direction. The transfer device is, A lifting platform drive mechanism for raising and lowering the lifting platform between the first floor and the second floor, An article stacking device comprising: a pressing mechanism for pressing a group of articles consisting of multiple articles stacked on the lifting platform toward the second side in the Y direction, with at least a portion of the lifting platform positioned on the first floor so as to overlap the aforementioned storage platform.

2. The lifting trajectory of the lifting platform driven by the aforementioned lifting platform drive mechanism overlaps with the previously described installation area when viewed in the vertical direction. The article stacking equipment according to claim 1, wherein, starting from a state in which at least a part of the lifting platform is positioned to overlap the aforementioned storage platform, the pressing mechanism presses the group of articles stacked on the lifting platform toward the second side in the Y direction while the position of the lifting platform in the Y direction is fixed, and while the group of articles pressed by the pressing mechanism presses the enclosure toward the second side in the Y direction, the trolley is moved toward the second side in the Y direction to a position in which the lifting platform and the aforementioned storage area do not overlap when viewed from above.

3. The trolley arrangement section includes a movable platform configured to be able to reciprocate along the Y-direction with the trolley on it, between a first position where the lifting platform and the aforementioned mounting platform overlap when viewed in the vertical direction, and a second position where the lifting platform and the aforementioned mounting platform do not overlap when viewed in the vertical direction. The mobile platform includes a restricting unit that restricts the trolley from moving relative to the mobile platform on the second side in the Y direction, The article stacking equipment according to claim 2, wherein the movable platform is configured to move to the second side in the Y direction in response to the enclosure being pressed to the second side in the Y direction by the group of articles pressed by the pressing mechanism.

4. The pressing mechanism comprises a contact member that contacts the group of articles stacked on the lifting platform from the first side in the Y direction, and a retraction drive mechanism that drives the contact member to move in and out in the Y direction. The article stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact member is formed to be the size and shape corresponding to the aforementioned stacking area when viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction.

5. The article stacking equipment according to claim 4, wherein the lifting platform drive mechanism is arranged so as not to overlap with the enclosure portion of the trolley in a vertical view, and so as not to overlap with the contact member of the pressing mechanism in a Y-direction view along the Y direction.

6. The article stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an opening width expansion mechanism that pulls the enclosure portion of the trolley on the first side in the X direction toward the first side in the X direction and pulls the enclosure portion on the second side in the X direction toward the second side in the X direction to widen the opening of the trolley in the X direction.

7. The article stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trolley arrangement section further comprises a trolley transport mechanism that intermittently moves the trolley along the X direction while holding the trolley.

8. The article stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lid that, when the lifting platform is lowered to a predetermined height or less, protrudes horizontally to a position corresponding to the position of the lifting platform when it is raised, and is positioned to close the space created by the lowering of the lifting platform.

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