Scaffolding and Automated Warehouses

Abstract

The scaffolding includes: a walkable floor section, one or more openings formed in the floor section, one or more movable floors installed in the floor section and movable between a closed position covering the opening and an open position opening the opening, a safety barrier switchable between a blocked state preventing workers from entering the floor section and an open state allowing workers to enter the floor section, and a linkage mechanism that moves the movable floors in conjunction with the operation of the safety barrier such that the movable floors are in the open position when the safety barrier is in the blocked state and in the closed position when the safety barrier is in the open state.

Description

Scaffold and Automated Warehouse The present invention relates to a scaffold and an automated warehouse. Conventionally, a warehouse system known from Patent Document 1 includes a mobile robot that moves between the shelf parts of multiple floors by horizontally moving along each of the shelf parts of multiple floors and vertically moving through an opening. In this system, a mechanical type protective member facing the horizontal direction is installed on the opening. In a state where the mechanical type protective member covers the opening, a technician can walk on the passage for inventory checking and repair. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-505494 [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the above-mentioned conventional system, in order to allow an operator to safely perform operations in the inventory checking and repair area, countermeasures such as excluding the mobile robot (transport cart) from this area have been considered. However, countermeasures for allowing (or suppressing) the operator to enter this area have not been considered. Therefore, it cannot be said that the safety of the operator when entering the operation passage is reliably ensured. The scaffold and automated warehouse described in the present invention can ensure the safety of the operator when entering the operation passage. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem] A scaffold according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a floor part on which an operator can walk; one or a plurality of hole parts formed in the floor part; one or a plurality of movable floors installed on the floor part and movable between a closed position covering the hole part and an open position opening the hole part; a safety fence that can be switched between a blocking state that inhibits an operator from entering the floor part and an open state that allows the operator to enter the floor part; and a linkage mechanism that moves the movable floor in linkage 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. According to this scaffold, when the safety fence is in the open state, the movable floor is in the closed position, and the hole part is covered by the movable floor. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the operator from entering the floor part with the hole part open. When the safety fence is in the blocking state, the movable floor is in the open position, and the hole part is open. Thus, the hole part can be used for its original purpose. The opening and closing of the hole part are performed in linkage with the operation of the safety fence, and at the same time, the state of the safety fence is switched. Therefore, the safety of the operator when entering the operation passage can be ensured. A plurality of holes are formed in the floor portion, and movable floors may be provided in each of the plurality of holes. The linkage mechanism may be configured such that when the safety fence is in the closed state, the plurality of movable floors are in the open position, and when the safety fence is in the open state, the plurality of movable floors are in the closed position. In this case, even when a plurality of holes are formed in the floor portion, the movable floors can cover all the holes simultaneously with just one operation by the linkage mechanism. With just one operation of the safety fence, the safety during operation can be ensured. Also, with just one operation of the safety fence, all the holes can be restored to their original open state simultaneously. The linkage mechanism may include a loop-shaped member that interconnects the safety fence and the plurality of movable floors. By using the loop-shaped member, a reliable linkage mechanism can be achieved with a simple configuration. The linkage mechanism may include a wire member as the loop-shaped member. Since the wire member occupies little space, it has excellent installation and operability (ease of movement in the installation location). The linkage mechanism may include a turnbuckle. The turnbuckle is installed between the wire members and is positioned to counteract the weight of the safety fence. Manually moving a safety fence with a certain weight places a great burden on the operator. Although the turnbuckle is used to adjust the length of the wire members, by using it as a counterweight for the safety fence, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced. Any of the above scaffolds is applicable to an automated warehouse that has a plurality of shelves in the vertical direction and receives and delivers items to and from the shelves by a transport cart. In this case, the holes may be formed to allow items to pass through them. When the safety fence is in the closed state, the holes are open, and items can be transported in the vertical direction. In the scaffold applicable to the automated warehouse, the transport cart moves horizontally along each of the plurality of shelves, and an elevator is provided in the hole. The elevator can carry an item, move up and down while passing through the hole, and transfer the item to the transport cart. When the safety fence is in the closed state, the hole is open, and the item can be transported by the elevator. In the scaffold applicable to the automated warehouse, the transport cart can move between the plurality of shelves by moving horizontally along each of the plurality of shelves and moving vertically in the hole. When the safety fence is in the closed state, the hole is open, and the transport cart can move vertically. Another aspect of the present invention can provide an automated warehouse, comprising: a plurality of layers of shelf parts arranged in the vertical direction, a transport cart for receiving and delivering articles to and from the shelf parts, and a scaffold for any one of the above. The scaffold may be provided in a space overlapping the horizontal movement path of the transport cart, that is, an operation path. In this case, in the automated warehouse, it is possible to prevent an operator from entering the floor part in a state where the hole part is open. Moreover, it is possible to ensure the safety of the operator when entering the operation path. [Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the opening and closing of the hole part can be performed in conjunction with the operation of the safety fence, and the state of the safety fence can be switched simultaneously therewith. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the safety of the operator when entering the operation path. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention 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 repeated descriptions are omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, an automated warehouse 1 is a device that can store a plurality of articles and automatically perform the出库 and入库 of articles in response to requests from an external system. The goods W are carried into the automated warehouse 1 and the articles are carried out of the automated warehouse 1 by a conveyor system (not shown). The articles (or goods) can be, for example, boxes for storing commodities, pallets, corrugated cardboard boxes, and folding containers (containers). In the following description, one direction in the horizontal direction is set as the X direction, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction is set as the Y direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction is set as the Z direction. The automated warehouse 1 includes a carrier 11 for storing articles and a plurality of transport vehicles (transport carts) 12 for transporting articles. Although not shown, the automated warehouse 1 includes an入库 platform, an出库 platform, an入库 lifting device, and an出库 lifting device, etc. These devices include known components such as conveyors and elevators and can perform the receiving and delivering of articles. The carrier 11 has a shelf part 18 for placing articles. The shelf part 18 extends along the Y direction. The shelf part 18 is arranged in a plurality along the X direction, for example, so as to face each other along the X direction on both sides of the traveling area of the transport vehicle 12. The shelf part 18 is arranged in a plurality of layers along the Z direction (vertical direction). The shelf part 18 is configured to be able to place a plurality of articles along the Y direction. In the end part on one side in the Y direction of each layer of the shelf part 18 of the carrier 11, a temporary storage conveyor (not shown) for temporarily placing articles may be provided. A plurality of transport vehicles 12 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of layers of the shelf part 18. The transport vehicle 12 can reciprocate along the Y direction at a corresponding height to each layer of the shelf part 18. The transport vehicle 12 is a shuttle cart that holds and transports articles. The transport vehicle 12 can travel on a pair of tracks (not shown) laid along the Y direction at a height position corresponding to each layer of the shelf part 18. The transport vehicle 12 has a transfer device 20 that can transfer articles to and from the shelf part 18. The transfer device 20, 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) respectively provided at the front end and the rear end of each arm 21 and rotatable in a plane orthogonal to the X direction. The type of the transfer device 20 is not particularly limited, and various types of transfer devices such as side clamp type transfer devices may also be used. Each transport vehicle 12 moves horizontally along each of the plurality of layers of the shelf part 18. Each transport vehicle 12 receives and delivers items to and from the shelf part 18. The automatic warehouse 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality (for example, four) of lifting spaces S extending in the vertical direction within the rack 11. In each lifting space S, a lift EV for placing an item and lifting it within the lifting space S is provided. Each lift EV can transfer the item to each transport vehicle 12. The automatic warehouse 1, for example, includes a maintenance stand 30 provided adjacent to the rack 11 in the Y direction. The stand 30 has a plurality of access passages 31 provided at a predetermined interval (spacing) in the vertical direction, and a ladder 33 for an operator A to go up or down to each access passage 31. The interval between the vertically adjacent access passages 31 has a height that allows the operator A to walk. For example, one layer of access passages 31 is provided corresponding to the four-layer shelf part 18, etc., and this interval may also have a height corresponding to the plurality of shelf parts 18. The rack 11 has a plurality of work passages 100 (refer to FIG. 2) that are provided at positions different from the shelf part 18 when viewed from above and extend along the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 2, one work passage 100 is continuous with one access passage 31 in the Y direction. That is, the plurality of work passages 100 provided in the rack 11 and the plurality of access passages 31 provided in the stand 30 are in one-to-one correspondence and are provided in the same number. Each work passage 100 is provided at a position that does not interfere with the plurality of shelf parts 18 and the traveling area of the transport vehicle 12 when viewed from above. Each work passage 100 intersects with the above-mentioned lifting space S. The automatic warehouse 1 is provided with a scaffold 40 corresponding to each work passage 100, and the scaffold 40 allows the operator A to work safely in the work passage 100. The scaffold 40 is provided in a space that overlaps with the horizontal movement passage (corresponding to the above-mentioned traveling area) of the transport vehicle 12, that is, the work passage. That is, the scaffold 40 of the present embodiment is applicable to the automatic warehouse 1. Basically, the time when the operator A works on the scaffold 40 and the time when the moving trolleys such as the transport vehicle 12 and the lift EV operate are completely separated (do not overlap). However, since the scaffold 40 is permanently installed in the automatic warehouse 1, it is provided in a space that does not interfere with the moving trolleys as described in detail below (especially when the movable floor 45 is in the open position P1). Hereinafter, with reference to the figures after Figure 2, the scaffold 40 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the scaffold 40 extends along the Y direction within the carrier 11. The length of the scaffold 40 in the Y direction may be equivalent to the length of the carrier 11 in the Y direction, or may be shorter than it. That is, the scaffold 40 may be provided across the entire Y direction of the carrier 11, or may not be provided across the entire Y direction of the carrier 11. The scaffold 40 includes a first floor portion 41 and a second floor portion 42 on which the operator A can walk, and a plurality (for example, four) of hole portions 15 formed in the first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42. The scaffold 40 intersects four lifting spaces S, and at this intersection, a rectangular hole portion 15 is formed. Therefore, the number of the hole portions 15 is the same as the number of the lifting spaces S arranged in parallel along the Y direction (intersecting the working passage 100). For the lifting space S to allow the elevator EV to pass through, the size of the hole portion 15 is larger than that of the elevator EV. The hole portion 15 is formed larger than the article in order to allow the article to pass through the hole portion 15. The plurality of first floor portions 41 and the plurality of second floor portions 42 are horizontally provided in the area other than the hole portion 15, and the operator A can walk safely on these floor portions. The first floor portion 41 is composed of a flat plate material, and the second floor portion 42 is composed of steel materials formed in a lattice shape. For example, the first floor portion 41 is composed of a metal plate member, and the second floor portion 42 is composed of an iron fence, but it is also good if the first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42 are not distinguished and can be integrally composed of the same members. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the support structure of the floor portion in the scaffold 40. As shown in Figure 3, the first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42 are installed between a pair of steel materials extending along the Y direction, that is, the main support members 43. More specifically, the pair of main support members 43 have a predetermined interval in the X direction (equivalent to the width of the working passage 100) and extend parallel to each other. The pair of main support members 43 are installed on at least one of the structural members constituting the carrier 11 (the shelf portion 18) and the structural members constituting the traveling track of the transport vehicle 12, and are integrated with them. Between the pair of main support members 43, a plurality of sub-support members 48 are installed at appropriate intervals along the Y direction. The first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42 are embedded in the support surfaces of these sub-support members 48 extending in the X direction. The first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42 are fixed to each other in a state of being supported by the plurality of sub-support members 48. Also, between the first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42, a cross member 49 in the shape of a corner post, for example, may be provided extending in the X direction. The scaffold 40 further includes a plurality of movable floors 45. The movable floors 45 are installed on at least one of the first floor portion 41 and the second floor portion 42, and the movable floors 45 can cover the hole portions 15. The scaffold 40 of the present embodiment includes four movable floors 45. The four movable floors 45 correspond to the positions of the hole portions 15, and there is a certain interval between the four movable floors 45. Each movable floor 45 has: a movable floor member 46 formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the hole portion 15 and sized to exactly cover the hole portion 15, and a pair of connecting portions 47 fixed to both ends in the X direction of the movable floor member 46. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the scaffold 40 includes a pair of linkage mechanisms 50. The linkage mechanisms 50 connect the plurality of movable floors 45 to each other. The pair of linkage mechanisms 50 are separated in the X direction and continuously connect the plurality of movable floors 45 through the vicinity of both ends in the X direction (or the outside of both ends) of the plurality of movable floors 45. The linkage mechanism 50 has a loop-shaped member, that is, a wire member 51. The pair of wire members 51 extend along both sides of the plurality of movable floors 45. Each wire member 51 is fixed to the pair of connecting portions 47 fixed to the movable floor 45 through a fixing member 47a (see FIG. 4), for example. Each movable floor 45 is, for example, provided at substantially the same height as the second floor portion 42 (at a position slightly higher than the first floor portion 41), is slidable in the Y direction, and is installed on, for example, the pair of main support members 43 described above. The movable floor 45 slides on the first floor portion 41 to open and close the hole portion 15. Each movable floor 45 is movable between a closed position P2 (see FIG. 7) covering each hole portion 15 and an open position P1 (see FIG. 6) opening each hole portion 15. The pair of main support members 43, the first floor portion 41, the second floor portion 42, and the movable floors 45 are arranged in the X direction at the same position as the horizontal movement path, that is, the traveling track (not shown) of the transport vehicle 12. However, in order to avoid interference with these, the pair of main support members 43, the first floor portion 41, the second floor portion 42, and the movable floors 45 are arranged at a position different from the traveling track in the Z direction, for example. The pair of main support members 43, the first floor portion 41, the second floor portion 42, and the movable floors 45 may be provided slightly below the traveling track. As shown in FIG. 4, the scaffold 40 further includes a safety fence 60. The safety fence 60 operates a plurality of movable floors 45 through a linkage mechanism 50. The safety fence 60 is provided at the end of the scaffold 40 on the side of the gantry 30 in the Y direction. In other words, the safety fence 60 is provided near the junction B of the loading rack 11 and the gantry 30 (refer to FIG. 1). The safety fence 60 is provided near the junction of the work passage 100 and the access passage 31. The safety fence 60 includes: a blocking rod 61 horizontally installed between a pair of columns 56 for defining the widths of the work passage 100 and the access passage 31, a pair of operating rods 62 provided at both ends of the blocking rod 61 in the X direction, and a pair of sliding parts 63 fixed to the columns 56 and movable up and down with respect to a pair of rail parts 64 extending in the Z direction. Each operating rod 62 is fixed to each sliding part 63. The operating rod 62 has, for example, a forced unlocking mechanism. By the operator A holding both operating rods 62 with both hands, the locking is released and the operating rod 62 can move up and down. The wire member 51 of the linkage mechanism 50 provided on one side in the X direction is connected to the upper and lower ends of the sliding part 63 on one side in the X direction. The wire member 51 of the linkage mechanism 50 provided on the other side in the X direction is connected to the upper and lower ends of the sliding part 63 on the other side in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 5, each wire member 51 has: a horizontal portion 52 extending in the X direction, and a vertical portion 53 extending in the Z direction of the safety fence 60. The horizontal portion 52 includes: a direct connection portion 52a connected to the plurality of movable floors 45, and an opposite portion 52b extending parallel to the direct connection portion 52a. The movable floor 45 is not connected to the opposite portion 52b. These direct connection portions 52a and direct connection portions 52a are supported by a support plate or support rollers (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vertical portion 53 includes: a direct connection portion 53a connected to the upper and lower ends of the sliding part 63, a turning-back portion 53c supported by a plurality of support rollers 57 and changing direction, and an opposite portion 53b connecting between the turning-back portion 53c and the opposite portion 52b of the horizontal portion 52. These portions are continuous and form a loop shape. Except for the bending portions generated by the support rollers 57 such as the turning-back portion 53c, the position and path of the wire member 51 are set so that the wire member 51 extends linearly as much as possible. The linkage mechanism 50 has a turnbuckle 70, and the turnbuckle 70 is installed at an intermediate portion of the opposite portion 53b of each linkage mechanism 50. For a pair of linkage mechanisms 50, a pair of turnbuckles 70 is provided. Each turnbuckle 70 includes: a rod-shaped adjustment rod 71, and a pair of connecting bolt portions 72 provided at both ends of the adjustment rod 71 and engaged with the adjustment rod 71. The pair of connecting bolt portions 72 have female thread portions facing in opposite directions. The operator A rotates the central adjustment rod 71 around the axis while holding it, so as to change the interval between the loop portions joined to both ends of the wire member 51. The turnbuckle 70 is 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. The same article is applicable to each turnbuckle 70. The total weight obtained by adding the weights of the two turnbuckles 70 is set to be balanced with the total weight of the safety fence 60 or to be a value close to the total weight thereof. The safety fence 60 is provided at an intermediate portion of the direct connection portion 53a, and the pair of turnbuckles 70 are provided at intermediate portions of the opposite portion 53b. The direct connection portion 53a and the opposite portion 53b are located on both sides of the turning-back portion 53c. The pair of turnbuckles 70 are arranged at positions where the weight of the turnbuckle 70 can be offset by the action of a force similar to the principle of a pulley. Also, the "offset" here means reducing the weight of the turnbuckle 70, and does not strictly mean eliminating (making zero) the weight of the turnbuckle 70. Moreover, the length (extended length) of the wire member 51 can be confirmed by visually observing the position of the turnbuckle 70. Thus, the turnbuckle 70 has functions of: adjusting the length (tension) of the wire member 51, serving as a counterweight, and monitoring the length (tension). In the turnbuckle 70, a lower limit position and an upper limit position are provided. The installation method (procedure) of the linkage mechanism 50, i.e., the wire member 51, is not particularly limited, but an example will be described. First, two wires are respectively 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). It is also possible to fix a plurality of portions of the wire member 51 with clips or the like. Next, by tightening the turnbuckle 70, tension is applied to the wire member 51. For example, in a state where the turnbuckle 70 is at the lower limit position, each portion of the wire member 51 is joined to the movable floor 45 (connection portion 47) located at the closed position P2. Also, with the safety fence 60 at a position in the open state F (the second height H2 described later), the wire member 51 is joined to the turnbuckle 70. In the scaffold 40 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of movable floors 45 move all at once in linkage with the operation of the safety fence 60 (only one movable floor 45 is shown in FIG. 4). More specifically, each movable floor 45 is located farther from the support column 56 (safety fence 60 or junction B) than each hole portion 15 in the open position P1. By the operator A gripping the operating rod 62 and lifting the safety fence 60, the movable floor 45 is pulled forward (toward the support column 56 side) through the connecting portion 53a and the connecting portion 52a until it moves to the closed position P2. By the operator A gripping the operating rod 62 and lowering the safety fence 60, the movable floor 45 is pulled from the rear side (the side away from the support column 56) through the folding portion 53c, the opposite portion 53b, and the opposite portion 52b until it moves to the open position P1. Thus, the plurality of movable floors 45 move between the open position P1 where the hole portion 15 is opened and the closed position P2 where the hole portion 15 is covered in response to the operation of the safety fence 60. In particular, in the scaffold 40, the position (state) of the safety fence 60 and the position of each movable floor 45 are set to a designed relationship. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the position of the safety fence 60 (the blocking rod 61) will be described. As described above, the blocking rod 61 is provided across between a pair of operating rods 62. In the blocking state C shown in FIG. 6, the blocking rod 61 is located in front of the torso of the operator A (for example, at the height of the waist). When the safety fence 60 is in the blocking state C, the plurality of movable floors 45 are in the open position P1, and the plurality of hole portions 15 are open. In this state, the elevator EV can move up and down freely in the lifting space S (refer to FIG. 1). And as shown in FIG. 7, when the safety fence 60 is lifted by the operator A to the open state F, the plurality of movable floors 45 are in the closed position P2, and the plurality of hole portions 15 are closed. In this state, the elevator EV cannot move up and down in the lifting space S. Also, the operator A can enter the working passage 100 from the access passage 31 side. At this time, the scaffold 40 can provide a safe walkway. The first height H1 of the blocking rod 61 when the safety fence 60 is in the blocking state C is set to a height that can prevent the operator A from entering. The second height H2 of the blocking rod 61 when the safety fence 60 is in the open state F is set to a height that allows the operator A to enter. That is, the open state F is also a retracted state in which the blocking rod 61 is retracted, and the blocking rod 61 in the retracted state allows the operator A to pass through without obstruction. Also, the second height H2 is set to a height that the operator A can reach the operating rod 62 by stretching out both hands. The first height H1 is set to about 1 m, for example, and the second height H2 is set to about 2 m, for example. And the difference between the second height H2 and the first height H1 is set to about 1 m. The second height H2 is set to a height suitable for allowing the operator A to enter, and the first height H1 is set to a height lower than the second height H2 and suitable for preventing the operator A from entering. As described above, the interlocking mechanism 50 can be switched between the blocking state C that inhibits the operator A from entering and the open state F that permits the operator A to enter. Further, the interlocking mechanism 50 moves the movable floor 45 in linkage 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 blocking state C, and the movable floor 45 is in the closed position P2 when the safety fence 60 is in the open state F. The scaffold 40 described above is used, for example, in the automatic warehouse 1 when the carrier 11, the forklift 12, the elevator EV, etc. stop for any reason or during maintenance. With the above mechanism, the scaffold 40 can be completely separated from the movements of the operator A and the moving carts of the forklift 12 and the elevator EV. Further, when the elevator EV stops at a position overlapping the operation path 100 during ascending or descending, the operator A cannot close the hole 15 even if the safety fence 60 is operated (the movable floor 45 interferes with the elevator EV and cannot move). Even in this case, in case of an emergency response, the operator A can enter the operation path 100 under the blocking rod 61. According to the scaffold 40 of the present 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 can be covered by the movable floor 45. Thereby, it is possible to inhibit the operator A from entering the floor portion with the hole 15 in the open state. When the safety fence 60 is in the blocking state, the movable floor 45 is in the open position P1, and the hole 15 is open. Thereby, the hole 15 can be used for its original purpose. The opening and closing of the hole 15 are performed in linkage with the operation of the safety fence 60, and at the same time, the state of the safety fence 60 is switched. Therefore, the safety of the operator A when entering the operation path 100 can be ensured. Movable floors 45 are provided at each of the plurality of holes 15, and by the interlocking mechanism 50, when the safety fence 60 is in the blocking state, the plurality of movable floors 45 are in the open position P1, and when the safety fence 60 is in the open state F, the plurality of movable floors 45 are in the closed position P2. Thereby, even when there are a plurality of holes 15 formed in the floor portion, the movable floors 45 can cover all the holes 15 with a single operation of the interlocking mechanism 50. With a single operation of the safety fence 60, the safety during operation can be ensured. Further, with a single operation of the safety fence 60, the original open state of the holes 15 can also be restored. The interlocking mechanism 50 has a loop-shaped member that connects the safety fence 60 and the plurality of movable floors 45 to each other. According to the loop-shaped member, a reliable interlocking mechanism 50 can be realized with a simple configuration. The linkage mechanism 50 has a cable member 51 as a loop-shaped member. The cable member 51 also occupies a small space and is excellent in terms of installation and operability (ease of movement in the installation location). The linkage mechanism 50 has a turnbuckle 70. The turnbuckle 70 is installed between the cable members 51, and the turnbuckle 70 is provided at a position that offsets the weight of the safety fence 60. Manually moving the safety fence 60 with a certain weight places a large burden on the operator A. Although the turnbuckle 70 is used for adjusting the length of the cable member 51, by also using it as a counterweight for the safety fence 60, the operation burden on the operator A can be reduced. In the automatic warehouse 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the operator A from entering the floor portion in a state where the hole portion 15 is open. Also, the safety of the operator A when entering the work passage 100 can be ensured. Also, according to the automatic warehouse 1, when the safety fence 60 is in a blocked state, the hole portion 15 becomes open, and items can be transported in the vertical direction. More specifically, when the safety fence 60 is in a blocked state, the hole portion 15 becomes open, and the items can be transported by the elevator EV. As described above, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a transport vehicle (transport trolley) 120 can also be applied to the following automatic warehouses 1A and 40. In the automatic warehouses 1A and 40, the transport vehicle (transport trolley) moves along each horizontal direction of the plurality of layers of shelf portions 18 and also moves in the vertical direction in the lifting space S, that is, the hole portion 15, so as to move mutually between the plurality of layers of shelf portions. In the automatic warehouse 1A, the same effects as those of the automatic warehouse 1 can also be achieved. Also, when the safety fence 60 is in a blocked state C, the hole portion 15 becomes open, and the transport vehicle 120 can be moved in the vertical direction. The position and path of the cable member 51 can be appropriately changed or set. The locking mechanism in the operating lever 62 can also be replaced with other mechanisms. It is preferable to provide any fixing mechanism to prevent the safety fence 60 and the linkage mechanism 50 from moving arbitrarily. The floor portion may be composed of one type of floor material. Also, the configuration of the movable floor 45 is not particularly limited. As long as the mechanism of the floor material is slidable in the Y direction and is provided with a mechanism for opening and closing the hole portion 15, various known mechanisms can be adopted. The loop-shaped member included in the linkage mechanism 50 can also be a chain, a timing belt, etc. Also, the linkage mechanism 50 is not limited to the case of having a loop-shaped member, and it can also have a shaft or a rod-shaped member, etc. If a member composed of these rigid bodies is used, the movable floor 45 can be moved not by stretching a linear member but by pushing and pulling the member. The safety fence and the interlocking mechanism are not limited to the operations performed by the operator, and may also be electrically driven by having a driving part and a control part. In one scaffold, there may be one hole part. In this case, the movable floor also becomes one. The scaffold 40 can also be applied to other warehouses etc. other than the automated warehouse. 1, 1A: Automated warehouse 4: Connecting part 6: Shut-off bar 11: Carrier 12: Carrier vehicle (transport trolley) 15: Hole part 18: Shelf part 20: Transfer device 21: Arm 30: Stand 31: Access passage 33: Ladder 40: Scaffold 41: First floor part 42: Second floor part 43: Main support member 45: Movable floor 46: Movable floor member 47: Connecting part 48: Sub-support member 49: Cross member 50: Interlocking mechanism 51: Cable member (loop-shaped member) 52: Horizontal part 52a: Direct connection part 52b: Opposite part 53: Vertical part 53a: Direct connection part 53b: Opposite part 53c: Turning-back part 56: Support column 57: Support roller 60: Safety fence 61: Shut-off bar 62: Operating rod 63: Sliding part 64: Track part 70: Turnbuckle 71: Adjusting rod 72: Connecting bolt part 100: Working passage 120: Carrier vehicle (transport trolley) A: Operator B: Junction part C: Shut-off state EV: Elevator F: Open state H1: First height H2: Second height P1: Open position P2: Closed position S: Lifting space W: Goods [Figure 1] shows a schematic front view of an automated warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] shows a perspective view of the scaffold incorporated in the automated warehouse of Figure 1. [Figure 3] shows a perspective view of an example of the support structure of the floor part in the scaffold. [Figure 4] is a diagram for explaining the movement of the movable floor by the interlocking mechanism of the scaffold. [Figure 5] is a diagram for explaining a structure in which all the movable floors are moved all at once by a loop-shaped cable member. [Figure 6] shows a safety fence in a closed state. [Figure 7] shows a safety fence in an open state. [Figure 8] shows a schematic front view of an automated warehouse according to another embodiment of the present invention. 15: Hole part 31: Access passage 40: Scaffold 41: First floor part 42: Second floor part 45: Movable floor 46: Movable floor member 47: Connecting part 50: Interlocking mechanism 51: Cable member (loop-shaped member) 52: Horizontal part 53: Vertical part 56: Support pillar 60: Safety fence 61: Blocking rod 70: Turnbuckle 100: Working passage B: Junction part F: Open state P2: Closed position

Claims

1. A scaffold comprising: a floor section for workers to walk on; one or more openings formed in the aforementioned floor section; One or more movable floor panels are installed on the aforementioned floor portion and are movable between a closed position that covers the aforementioned hole and an open position that opens the aforementioned hole. The safety barrier is switchable between a blocked state that prevents the aforementioned operator from entering the aforementioned floor section and an open state that allows the aforementioned operator to enter the aforementioned floor section; and a linkage mechanism that moves the aforementioned movable floor in conjunction with the operation of the aforementioned safety barrier, such that when the aforementioned safety barrier is in the aforementioned blocked state, the aforementioned movable floor is in the aforementioned open position, and when the aforementioned safety barrier is in the aforementioned open state, the aforementioned movable floor is in the aforementioned closed position.

2. As in request item 1, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned floor portion has a plurality of aforementioned holes, and each of the aforementioned plurality of holes is provided with the aforementioned movable floor. The aforementioned linkage mechanism, when the aforementioned safety barrier is in the aforementioned blocked state, places the aforementioned plurality of movable floors in the aforementioned open position, and when the aforementioned safety barrier is in the aforementioned open state, places the aforementioned plurality of movable floors in the aforementioned closed position.

3. As in request item 2, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned linkage mechanism has a loop-shaped component that connects the aforementioned safety barrier and the aforementioned plurality of movable floors to each other.

4. As in request item 3, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned linkage mechanism has a pull wire member that serves as the aforementioned loop-shaped member.

5. As in request item 4, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned linkage mechanism has a screw buckle, which is installed between the aforementioned pull wire members and is positioned to offset the weight of the aforementioned safety fence.

6. Scaffolding as requested in any of items 1 to 5, wherein, The scaffolding can be applied to automated warehouses, which have multiple layers of shelves in the vertical direction, through which goods are received and delivered by transport trolleys, and the aforementioned openings are formed to allow the aforementioned goods to pass through.

7. As in request item 6, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned transport trolley moves horizontally along the aforementioned multiple layers of the shelf. A lift is provided in the aforementioned opening. The aforementioned lift carries the aforementioned items while passing through the aforementioned opening and can transfer the aforementioned items to the aforementioned transport trolley.

8. As in request item 6, the scaffolding, where, The aforementioned transport trolley moves horizontally along the aforementioned multiple layers of shelves and vertically within the aforementioned openings, thereby moving between the aforementioned multiple layers of shelves.

9. An automated warehouse comprising: a plurality of shelves arranged vertically, a transport trolley for receiving and delivering items to the shelves, and scaffolding as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the scaffolding is disposed in a space that overlaps with the horizontal movement path of the transport trolley, i.e., the working path.

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