Scaffolding and automated warehouses

Abstract

This work platform includes: a floor part on which a worker can walk; one or more hole parts formed in the floor part; one or more movable floors that are mounted on the floor part and that are set to be movable between a closed position at which the hole parts are covered and an open position at which the hole parts is opened; a safety fence that is set to be switchable between a closed state in which the worker is prevented from entering the area of the floor part and an open state in which the worker is allowed to enter the area of the floor part; and an interlocking mechanism that moves the movable floors in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence so that the movable floors are positioned at the open position when the safety fence is in the closed state and the movable floors are positioned at the closed position when the safety fence is in the open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a workbench and an automated warehouse.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a warehouse system provided with a mobile robot that moves along each of a plurality of shelves in a horizontal direction and moves between the shelves of each level by vertically moving an opening. In this system, a mechanical guard directed in the horizontal direction is attached above the opening. In a state where the mechanical guard covers the opening, a technician can walk through the passage for inspection and repair.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional system, consideration has been given to how to exclude the mobile robot (transport cart) from the inspection and repair area so that an operator can work safely in the area. However, no consideration has been given to permitting (or suppressing) entry of the operator into the area. It could not be said that the safety of the operator when entering the work passage was ensured.

[0005] This disclosure describes a workbench and an automated warehouse that can ensure the safety of an operator when entering a work passage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A work platform according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a floor portion on which workers can walk; one or more holes formed in the floor portion; one or more movable floors attached to the floor portion and movable between a closed position covering the holes and an open position opening the holes; a safety fence that can be switched between a blocking state that prevents workers from entering the floor portion and an open state that allows workers to enter the floor portion; and an interlocking mechanism that moves the movable floor in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence such that the movable floor is in the open position when the safety fence is in the blocking state, and the movable floor is in the closed position when the safety fence is in the open state.

[0007] With this work platform, when the safety fence is open, the movable floor is in the closed position, covering the opening. This prevents workers from entering the floor area while the opening is still visible. When the safety fence is closed, the movable floor is in the open position, opening the opening. This allows the opening to be used for its intended purpose. The opening opens and closes in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence, and the state of the safety fence switches simultaneously. Therefore, safety can be ensured when workers enter the work passageway.

[0008] Multiple holes are formed in the floor, and a movable floor may be provided in each of the multiple holes. The interlocking mechanism may position the multiple movable floors in the open position when the safety fence is closed, and in the closed position when the safety fence is opened. In this case, even if multiple holes are formed in the floor, the interlocking mechanism will cover all the holes simultaneously with the movable floors. Safety during work can be ensured with just one operation of the safety fence. Furthermore, it is possible to restore the holes to their original open state with just one operation of the safety fence.

[0009] The interlocking mechanism may have loop-shaped members that connect the safety fence and multiple movable floors to each other. Using loop-shaped members allows for a simple configuration while ensuring reliable interlocking.

[0010] The interlocking mechanism may include a wire member as a loop-shaped component. Wire members occupy less space and offer excellent ease of installation and operation (ease of movement at the installation site).

[0011] The interlocking mechanism may include a turnbuckle installed between the wire members, positioned to counteract the weight of the safety fence. Manually moving a safety fence that has a certain amount of weight is burdensome for the worker. Turnbuckles are used to adjust the length of the wire members, but by also using them as a counterweight for the safety fence, the burden on the worker can be reduced.

[0012] Any of the above-described work platforms may be applied to an automated warehouse having multiple shelves in the vertical direction, to which goods are transferred by transport carts. In this case, the holes may be formed for goods to pass through. When the safety fence is closed, the holes open, allowing goods to be transported vertically.

[0013] In a work platform applied to an automated warehouse, the transport cart moves horizontally along each of the multiple levels of shelves, and an elevator may be provided in the openings that allows goods to be placed on it and move up and down as it passes through the openings, and also allows goods to be transferred to the transport cart. When the safety fence is closed, the openings open, and goods can be transported by the elevator.

[0014] In a work platform applied to an automated warehouse, the transport cart may move horizontally along each of the multiple levels of shelves, and also move between the multiple levels of shelves by moving the openings vertically. When the safety fence is closed, the openings open, allowing the transport cart to move vertically.

[0015] As another aspect of the present disclosure, an automated warehouse may be provided that includes a plurality of shelves provided vertically, a transport cart for delivering and receiving articles to and from the shelves, and any one of the above-described work scaffolds provided in a work passage that is a space overlapping the horizontal movement passage of the transport cart. In this case, in the automated warehouse, it is possible to prevent an operator from entering the floor while the hole portion is open. Further, it is possible to ensure the safety of the operator when entering the work passage.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the opening and closing of the hole portion is performed in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence, and at the same time, the state of the safety fence is switched. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the safety of the operator when entering the work passage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an automated warehouse according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a work scaffold incorporated in the automated warehouse of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a support structure of a floor portion in the work scaffold. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the movement of a movable floor by an interlocking mechanism of the work scaffold. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for simultaneously moving all movable floors by a loop-shaped wire member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a safety fence in a closed state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a safety fence in an open state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing an automated warehouse according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the automated warehouse 1 is a device capable of storing a plurality of articles and automatically performing the出库 and入库 of articles in response to requests from an external system. The loading of the luggage W into the automated warehouse 1 and the unloading of articles from the automated warehouse 1 are performed by a conveyor system (not shown). The articles (or luggage) are, for example, cases, trays, cardboard boxes, and foldable containers capable of storing goods. In the following, one horizontal direction will be referred to as the X direction, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction will be referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction will be referred to as the Z direction for explanation.

[0020] The automated warehouse 1 includes a rack 11 for storing articles and a plurality of transport vehicles (transport carts) 12 for transporting articles. Although not shown, the automated warehouse 1 includes a入库 station, an出库 station, a入库 lifting device, and an出库 lifting device, etc. These devices include known components such as conveyors and lifters and can transfer articles.

[0021] The rack 11 has a shelf portion 18 for placing articles. The shelf portion 18 extends in the Y direction. The shelf portion 18 is, for example, arranged in a plurality in the X direction and is arranged to face each other in the X direction so as to sandwich the traveling area of the transport vehicle 12. The shelf portion 18 is arranged in a plurality of stages in the Z direction (vertical direction). The shelf portion 18 is configured to be able to place a plurality of articles in the Y direction. A buffer conveyor (not shown) for temporarily placing articles may be provided at one end in the Y direction of each stage of the shelf portion 18 of the rack 11.

[0022] It should be noted that in the above translation, "出库" and "入库" are literal translations. In the context of warehousing, more commonly used terms might be "outbound" and "inbound" respectively. Also, for better understanding, the description could be further optimized in terms of language expression in an actual engineering or technical context.Multiple transport vehicles 12 are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple levels of shelf sections 18. The transport vehicles 12 are capable of reciprocating along the Y-direction at the corresponding height of each level of shelf section 18. The transport vehicles 12 are shuttle trolleys that hold and transport goods. The transport vehicles 12 are capable of traveling along a pair of rails (not shown) laid along the Y-direction at height positions corresponding to each level of shelf section 18. The transport vehicles 12 have a transfer device 20 capable of transferring goods to and from the shelf sections 18.

[0023] The transfer device 20 is, for example, a rear-hook type transfer device. The transfer device 20 includes a pair of arms 21 that move forward and backward along the X direction, and hooks (not shown) provided at the front and rear ends of each arm 21, respectively, which are pivotable on a plane perpendicular to the X direction. The type of transfer device 20 is not particularly limited, and various types of transfer devices such as side-clamp type transfer devices may be used.

[0024] Each transport vehicle 12 moves horizontally along each of the multiple shelves 18. Each transport vehicle 12 delivers items to the shelves 18.

[0025] The automated warehouse 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (for example, four) lifting spaces S that extend vertically within the rack 11. Each lifting space S is provided with an elevator EV that moves items up and down within the lifting space S. Each elevator EV is capable of transferring items to each transport cart 12.

[0026] The automated warehouse 1 includes a maintenance platform 30 provided adjacent to the racks 11, for example, in the Y direction. The platform 30 has a plurality of access passages 31 provided at predetermined pitches (spacing) in the vertical direction, and ladders 33 for workers A to ascend and descend to each access passage 31. The spacing between adjacent vertical access passages 31 is at a height that allows workers A to walk. For example, the spacing may have a height corresponding to multiple shelf sections 18, such as one access passage 31 corresponding to four shelf sections 18.

[0027] In a plan view, the rack 11 has multiple work passages 100 (see Figure 2) that are located at positions different from the shelf sections 18 and extend in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 2, one work passage 100 is continuous with one access passage 31 in the Y direction. That is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the multiple work passages 100 provided on the rack 11 and the multiple access passages 31 provided on the frame 30, and the same number of passages are provided. In a plan view, each work passage 100 is located in a position that does not interfere with the multiple shelf sections 18 or the travel area of ​​the transport vehicle 12. Each work passage 100 intersects with the lifting space S described above.

[0028] The automated warehouse 1 is equipped with work platforms 40 corresponding to each work aisle 100, allowing worker A to work safely in the work aisle 100. The work platforms 40 are installed in the work aisles, which are spaces that overlap with the horizontal movement paths of the transport vehicles 12 (corresponding to the above-mentioned travel area). In other words, the work platforms 40 of this embodiment are applied to the automated warehouse 1. Basically, the timing of worker A working on the work platforms 40 and the timing of the operation of the transport vehicles 12 and mobile trolleys such as elevators EV are completely separate (they do not overlap). However, since the work platforms 40 are permanently installed in the automated warehouse 1, each of the configurations described in detail below is installed in a space that does not interfere with mobile trolleys (especially when the movable floor 45 is in the open position P1).

[0029] The work platform 40 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and onward. As shown in Figure 2, the work platform 40 extends in the Y direction within the rack 11. The length of the work platform 40 in the Y direction may correspond to the length of the rack 11 in the Y direction, or it may be shorter. That is, the work platform 40 may be provided over the entire Y direction of the rack 11, or it may not be provided over the entire Y direction of the rack 11. The work platform 40 comprises a first floor section 41 and a second floor section 42 on which a worker A can walk, and a plurality of (for example, four) holes 15 formed in the first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42. The work platform 40 intersects with four lifting spaces S, and rectangular holes 15 are formed at these intersections. Therefore, the number of holes 15 is equal to the number of lifting spaces S arranged in the Y direction (intersecting with the work passage 100).

[0030] The size of the opening 15 is larger than the elevator EV so that the lifting space S can allow the elevator EV to pass through. The opening 15 is larger than the item and is formed so that the item can pass through the opening 15.

[0031] Multiple first floor sections 41 and multiple second floor sections 42 are installed horizontally in areas other than the hole 15, and worker A can safely walk on these floor sections. The first floor sections 41 are made of flat plate material, and the second floor sections 42 are made of steel material assembled in a grid pattern. For example, the first floor sections 41 are made of sheet metal members and the second floor sections 42 are made of grating, but the first floor sections 41 and the second floor sections 42 do not necessarily have to be separated and may be integrally constructed from similar materials.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the floor support structure in the work scaffolding 40. As shown in Figure 3, the first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42 are spanned between a pair of main support members 43, which are steel members extending in the Y direction. More specifically, the pair of main support members 43 are spaced apart in the X direction (corresponding to the width of the work passage 100) and extend parallel to each other. The pair of main support members 43 are attached to and integrated with at least one of the structural members constituting the rack 11 (shelf section 18) and the structural members constituting the running rails of the transport vehicle 12. A plurality of sub-support members 48 are spanned between the pair of main support members 43 at appropriate intervals in the Y direction. The first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42 are fitted onto the support surfaces of these sub-support members 48 that extend in the X direction. The first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42 are fixed to each other while being supported by the plurality of sub-support members 48. Furthermore, a horizontal member 49, for example, a rectangular columnar member, extending in the X direction may be provided between the first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42.

[0033] The work platform 40 further includes a plurality of movable floors 45 that are attached to at least one of the first floor section 41 and the second floor section 42 and capable of covering the hole 15. The work platform 40 of this embodiment includes four movable floors 45 that are spaced at regular intervals corresponding to the position of the hole 15. Each movable floor 45 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the hole 15 and a movable floor plate 46 that is sized to just cover the size of the hole 15, and a pair of connecting parts 47 fixed to both ends of the movable floor plate 46 in the X direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the work platform 40 includes a pair of interlocking mechanisms 50 that connect a plurality of movable floors 45 to each other. The pair of interlocking mechanisms 50 are spaced apart in the X direction and connect the plurality of movable floors 45 in a continuous manner, passing near (or outside of) both ends of the plurality of movable floors 45 in the X direction. The interlocking mechanism 50 has a wire member 51 which is a loop-shaped member. The pair of wire members 51 extend to both sides of the plurality of movable floors 45. Each wire member 51 is fixed to a pair of connecting parts 47 fixed to the movable floor 45, for example, via a fastener 47a (see Figure 4).

[0035] Each movable floor 45 is installed, for example, at approximately the same height as the second floor section 42 (slightly higher than the first floor section 41) and is mounted on, for example, the pair of main support members 43 described above so as to be slidable in the Y direction. The movable floor 45 slides on the first floor section 41 and opens and closes the holes 15. Each movable floor 45 is movable between a closed position P2 (see Figure 7) that covers each hole 15 and an open position P1 (see Figure 6) that opens each hole 15.

[0036] The pair of main support members 43, the first floor section 41, the second floor section 42, and the movable floor 45 are located in the same position as the horizontal movement path of the transport vehicle 12, i.e., the running rails (not shown), in the X direction. However, to avoid interference with these, the pair of main support members 43, the first floor section 41, the second floor section 42, and the movable floor 45 are positioned differently from the running rails, for example, in the Z direction. The pair of main support members 43, the first floor section 41, the second floor section 42, and the movable floor 45 may be installed slightly below the running rails.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the work platform 40 further includes a safety fence 60 for operating a plurality of movable floors 45 via an interlocking mechanism 50. The safety fence 60 is provided at the end of the work platform 40 on the frame 30 side in the Y direction. In other words, the safety fence 60 is provided near the boundary B between the rack 11 and the frame 30 (see Figure 1). The safety fence 60 is provided near the boundary between the work passage 100 and the access passage 31. The safety fence 60 includes a barrier bar 61 horizontally stretched between a pair of support columns 56 that define the width of the work passage 100 and the access passage 31, a pair of handles 62 provided at both ends of the barrier bar 61 in the X direction, and a pair of sliding parts 63 that are vertically movable relative to a pair of rail parts 64 fixed to the support columns 56 and extending in the Z direction. Each handle 62 is fixed on each sliding part 63. The handle 62 has, for example, a snatch lock mechanism, and when worker A grips both handles 62 with both hands, the lock is released and it becomes possible to move it up and down.

[0038] The wire members 51 of the interlocking mechanism 50 provided on one side in the X direction are connected to the upper and lower ends of the slide portion 63 located on the one side in the X direction. The wire members 51 of the interlocking mechanism 50 provided on the other side in the X direction are connected to the upper and lower ends of the slide portion 63 located on the other side in the X direction. Each wire member 51 has a lateral portion 52 extending in the X direction and a vertical portion 53 extending in the Z direction along the safety fence 60, as shown in Figure 5. The lateral portion 52 includes a direct connection portion 52a connected to a plurality of movable floors 45 and an opposite portion 52b extending parallel to the direct connection portion 52a. The movable floors 45 are not connected to the opposite portion 52b. These direct connection portions 52a are supported by support plates or support rollers, etc., which are not shown. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the vertical portion 53 includes a direct connection portion 53a connected to the upper and lower ends of the sliding portion 63, a folding portion 53c supported by a plurality of support rollers 57 for changing direction, and an opposite portion 53b connecting the folding portion 53c and the opposite portion 52b of the horizontal portion 52. These portions are continuous and form a loop. Except for the bending portions caused by the support rollers 57, such as the folding portion 53c, the position and route of the wire member 51 are set so that the wire member 51 extends as linearly as possible.

[0039] Each interlocking mechanism 50 has a turnbuckle 70 that is installed so as to be interposed in the middle of the opposite end 53b of each interlocking mechanism 50. A pair of turnbuckles 70 are provided corresponding to a pair of interlocking mechanisms 50. Each turnbuckle 70 includes a rod-shaped adjustment rod 71 and a pair of connecting screw portions 72 provided at both ends of the adjustment rod 71 and engaging with the adjustment rod 71. The pair of connecting screw portions 72 have female screw portions facing in opposite directions, and by having worker A grasp the central adjustment rod 71 and rotate it around its axis, the distance between the ring portions at both ends connected to the wire member 51 changes. The turnbuckles 70 are used when installing the wire member 51 and when adjusting the tension of the wire member 51 by adjusting the loop length of the wire member 51.

[0040] The same item is used for each turnbuckle 70. The total weight of the two turnbuckles 70 is set to balance with or be close to the total weight of the safety fence 60. The safety fence 60 is installed in the middle of the direct connection section 53a, and the pair of turnbuckles 70 are installed in the middle of the opposite section 53b, with the direct connection section 53a and the opposite section 53b located on opposite sides of the folded section 53c. The pair of turnbuckles 70 are positioned so that the force acting on them cancels out the weight of the turnbuckles 70 through a force similar to that of a pulley. Note that "canceling out" here means reducing the weight of the turnbuckles 70, and does not strictly mean eliminating (making the weight of the turnbuckles 70 zero). In addition, the length of the wire member 51 (how much it has stretched) can be checked by looking at the position of the turnbuckles 70. In this way, the turnbuckles 70 combine the functions of adjusting the length (tension) of the wire member 51, acting as a counterweight, and monitoring the length (tension). The turnbuckle 70 is provided with a lower limit position and an upper limit position.

[0041] The method (procedure) for attaching the interlocking mechanism 50, i.e., the wire members 51, is not particularly limited, but one example will be described. First, the two wires are laid in a loop shape and connected to the turnbuckle 70. At this time, the tension of each wire member 51 is 0 kgf (no tension). Multiple points on the wire member 51 may be fixed with clips or the like. Next, tension is applied to the wire members 51 by tightening the turnbuckle 70. For example, with the turnbuckle 70 in its lower limit position, each part of the wire member 51 is fastened to the movable floor 45 (connecting part 47) in the closed position P2. Then, the safety fence 60 is positioned in the open position F (second height H2 described later), and the wire members 51 are fastened to the turnbuckle 70.

[0042] In the work platform 40 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, multiple movable floors 45 move simultaneously in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence 60 (only one movable floor 45 is shown in Figure 4). More specifically, in the open position P1, each movable floor 45 is located on the side further away from the support column 56 (safety fence 60 or boundary B) relative to each hole 15. When worker A grasps the handle 62 and lifts the safety fence 60, the movable floor 45 is pulled forward (towards the support column 56) via the direct connection parts 53a and 52a, moving to the closed position P2. When worker A grasps the handle 62 and pulls down the safety fence 60, the movable floor 45 is pulled from the back (away from the support column 56) via the folded-back part 53c, opposite part 53b and opposite part 52b, moving to the open position P1. In this way, the multiple movable floors 45 move between an open position P1 that opens the hole 15 and a closed position P2 that covers the hole 15, in response to the operation of the safety fence 60.

[0043] In particular, on the work platform 40, the position (state) of the safety fence 60 and the position of each movable floor 45 are set in a carefully designed relationship. The position of the safety fence 60 (barrier bar 61) will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As described above, the barrier bar 61 is installed so as to cross between a pair of handles 62. In the closed state C shown in Figure 6, the barrier bar 61 is located in front of the torso of worker A (for example, at waist height). When the safety fence 60 is in the closed state C, the multiple movable floors 45 are in the open position P1, and the multiple holes 15 are open. In this state, the elevator EV can move up and down within the lifting space S (see Figure 1). Also, as shown in Figure 7, when the safety fence 60 is lifted by worker A and set to the open state F, the multiple movable floors 45 are in the closed position P2, and the multiple holes 15 are closed. In this state, the elevator EV cannot move up and down within the lifting space S. Worker A can then enter the work passage 100 from the access passage 31. At this time, the work platform 40 provides a safe walkway.

[0044] When the safety fence 60 is in the closed state C, the first height H1 of the barrier bar 61 is set to a height that prevents worker A from entering. When the safety fence 60 is in the open state F, the second height H2 of the barrier bar 61 is set to a height that allows worker A to enter. In other words, the open state F can also be said to be the retracted state in which the barrier bar 61 is moved out of the way, and the barrier bar 61 in the retracted state allows worker A to pass through without hindrance. Furthermore, the second height H2 is set to a height in which worker A can reach the handle 62 by extending both hands. The first height H1 is set to, for example, about 1m, and the second height H2 is set to, for example, about 2m. The difference between the second height H2 and the first height H1 is set to about 1m. The second height H2 should be set to a height that is suitable for allowing worker A to enter, and the first height H1 should be set to a height that is lower than the second height H2 and is suitable for preventing worker A from entering.

[0045] As explained above, the interlocking mechanism 50 is switchable between a blocked state C, which prevents worker A from entering, and an open state F, which allows worker A to enter. The interlocking mechanism 50 moves the movable floor 45 in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence 60, such that the movable floor 45 is in the open position P1 when the safety fence 60 is in the blocked state C, and the movable floor 45 is in the closed position P2 when the safety fence 60 is in the open state F.

[0046] The work platform 40 described above is used, for example, in an automated warehouse 1 when a transport vehicle 12 or elevator EV stops in the rack 11 for any reason, or during maintenance. The work platform 40, with the mechanism described above, completely separates the movement of people such as worker A from the movement of mobile trolleys such as transport vehicles 12 and elevator EV. If the elevator EV stops in a position that overlaps with the work passage 100 while ascending or descending, worker A cannot close the hole 15 even if they operate the safety fence 60 (because the movable floor 45 interferes with the elevator EV and prevents it from moving). Even in that case, as an emergency measure, worker A can also enter the work passage 100 by crawling under the barrier bar 61.

[0047] In the work platform 40 of this embodiment, when the safety fence 60 is in the open state F, the movable floor 45 is in the closed position P2, and the hole 15 is covered by the movable floor 45. This prevents worker A from entering the floor area while the hole 15 is open. When the safety fence 60 is in the closed state, the movable floor 45 is in the open position P1, and the hole 15 opens. This allows the hole 15 to be used for its intended purpose. The opening and closing of the hole 15 is performed in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence 60, and at the same time, the state of the safety fence 60 is switched. Therefore, safety can be ensured when worker A enters the work passage 100.

[0048] Each of the multiple holes 15 is provided with a movable floor 45. The interlocking mechanism 50 positions the multiple movable floors 45 in the open position P1 when the safety fence 60 is closed, and positions the multiple movable floors 45 in the closed position P2 when the safety fence 60 is opened F. As a result, even if multiple holes 15 are formed in the floor, the interlocking mechanism 50 covers all of the holes 15 simultaneously with the movable floors 45. Safety during work can be ensured with just one operation of the safety fence 60. Furthermore, the holes 15 can be restored to their original open state with just one operation of the safety fence 60.

[0049] The interlocking mechanism 50 has a loop-shaped member that connects the safety fence 60 and the multiple movable floors 45 to each other. The loop-shaped member allows for a simple and reliable interlocking mechanism 50 to be realized.

[0050] The interlocking mechanism 50 has a wire member 51 as a loop-shaped member. The wire member 51 occupies little space and is excellent in terms of installation and operability (ease of movement at the installation site).

[0051] The interlocking mechanism 50 has a turnbuckle 70 installed between the wire members 51 and positioned to counteract the weight of the safety fence 60. Manually moving the safety fence 60, which has a certain amount of weight, is a significant burden for worker A. The turnbuckle 70 is used to adjust the length of the wire members 51, but by also using it as a counterweight for the safety fence 60, the burden on worker A can be reduced.

[0052] In the automated warehouse 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent worker A from entering the floor area while the hole 15 is open. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure the safety of worker A when entering the work passage 100. In addition, according to the automated warehouse 1, when the safety fence 60 is closed, the hole 15 opens and goods can be transported vertically. More specifically, when the safety fence 60 is closed, the hole 15 opens and goods can be transported by elevator EV.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the 40 may be applied to an automated warehouse 1A in which a transport vehicle (transport trolley) 120 moves horizontally along each of the multiple levels of shelves 18 and moves vertically through the lifting space S, i.e., the hole 15, to move between the multiple levels of shelves. The same effects and advantages as those of automated warehouse 1 are achieved in automated warehouse 1A. Furthermore, when the safety fence 60 is in the closed state C, the hole 15 opens, allowing the transport vehicle 120 to move vertically.

[0054] The position and route of the wire member 51 may be changed or set as appropriate. The locking mechanism in the handle 62 may be replaced with another mechanism. It is preferable that some kind of fixing mechanism be provided to prevent the safety fence 60 and the interlocking mechanism 50 from moving on their own.

[0055] The floor section may be composed of a single type of flooring material. The configuration of the movable floor 45 is also not particularly limited. It is sufficient to have a flooring material that can slide freely in the Y direction and is equipped with a mechanism that can open and close the holes 15, and various known mechanisms may be used.

[0056] The interlocking mechanism 50 may have a loop-shaped member such as a chain or timing belt. Furthermore, the interlocking mechanism 50 is not limited to having a loop-shaped member, but may also have a shaft or a rod-shaped member. By using members made of these rigid bodies, the movable floor 45 can be moved by pushing and pulling the members rather than by pulling a linear member.

[0057] The safety fence and interlocking mechanism are not limited to operation by workers, but may also be electrically driven by having a drive unit and a control unit.

[0058] A single work platform may have only one opening. In that case, there will also be only one movable floor.

[0059] The work platform 40 may also be applied to warehouses other than automated warehouses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1,1A...Automated warehouse, 12...Transport vehicle (transport trolley), 15...Hole section, 18...Shelf section, 31...Access passage, 40...Work platform, 41...First floor section, 42...Second floor section, 45...Movable floor, 50...Interlocking mechanism, 51...Wire member (loop-shaped member), 60...Safety fence, 61...Blocking bar, 62...Handle, 70...Turnbuckle, 100...Work passage, 120...Transport vehicle (transport trolley), A...Worker, C...Blocked state, EV...Elevator, F...Open state, P1...Open position, P2...Closed position.

Claims

1. A floor area where workers can walk, One or more holes formed in the floor portion, One or more movable floors attached to the floor portion and movable between a closed position covering the hole and an open position opening the hole, A safety fence that can be switched between a blocked state that prevents the worker from entering the floor and an open state that allows the worker to enter the floor, An interlocking mechanism moves the movable floor in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence, such that when the safety fence is in the closed position, the movable floor is in the open position, and when the safety fence is in the open position, the movable floor is in the closed position. A work platform equipped with scaffolding.

2. Multiple holes are formed in the floor portion. Each of the aforementioned multiple holes is provided with the movable floor, The work platform according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking mechanism positions the plurality of movable floors in the open position when the safety fence is in the closed state, and positions the plurality of movable floors in the closed position when the safety fence is in the open state.

3. The work platform according to claim 2, wherein the interlocking mechanism has a loop-shaped member that connects the safety fence and the plurality of movable floors to each other.

4. The work scaffold according to claim 3, wherein the interlocking mechanism has a wire member as the loop-shaped member.

5. The work scaffolding according to claim 4, wherein the interlocking mechanism has a turnbuckle attached between the wire members and positioned to counteract the weight of the safety fence.

6. A work platform according to any one of claims 1 to 5, applicable to an automated warehouse having multiple shelves in the vertical direction and to which goods are transferred by a transport trolley, The aforementioned hole is a work platform formed for the article to pass through.

7. The transport trolley moves horizontally along each of the multiple shelf sections. The work scaffolding according to claim 6, wherein the hole portion is provided with an elevator that can move up and down while passing through the hole portion and transfer the article to the transport trolley.

8. The work platform according to claim 6, wherein the transport trolley moves horizontally along each of the multiple shelf sections and moves vertically through the holes to move between the multiple shelf sections.

9. Multiple shelves arranged in the vertical direction, A transport trolley for transferring items to the aforementioned shelf section, An automated warehouse comprising a work platform according to any one of claims 1 to 5, provided in a work passage which is a space overlapping with the horizontal movement passage of the transport trolley.

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