JP2017088287A - Article treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain the movement of a treatment medium, when taking out an article from the treatment medium positioned in a standby position.SOLUTION: A book treatment device as one example of an article treatment device, comprises a treatment medium (for example, a folder 210) capable of storing an article, a storage part capable of storing the treatment medium in a state of storing the article (for example, a document) in the treatment medium, a treatment medium support part (for example, a standby position support rail 150) capable of supporting the treatment medium in a standby position, a picker for carrying the treatment medium between the standby position and itself, a partition panel for forming a passing port, a door 112 movably supported between a closing position for closing the passing port and an opening position for putting the passing port in an opening state, and a locking member 160 capable of changing an attitude between a locking attitude lockable on the treatment medium supported in the standby position and a locking release attitude capable of releasing locking from the treatment medium supported in the standby position and changing the attitude to the locking attitude from the locking release attitude by interlocking with the fact that the door 112 moves to the opening position from the closing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for handling an article such as a book via a handling medium such as a folder.

  For example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose techniques related to a system for automatically lending books.

  Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose a technique for taking out a book stored on a shelf by a robot or the like.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a plurality of cassettes storing books and a configuration in which the plurality of cassettes are circulated and moved along an oval path. In Patent Document 4, one of a plurality of cassettes moves to a predetermined rental return position, whereby the book is lent out and returned.

JP 2001-233405 A JP 2006-341957 A Taiwan Patent No. 422345 Specification Korean Patent No. 101015164

  However, according to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, since the books are directly put in and out by a robot or the like, there is a problem that the books are easily damaged.

  Moreover, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, since it is necessary to make it possible to circulate and move all of the plurality of cassettes storing books, there is a problem that the equipment configuration is enlarged.

  Therefore, in a state where the books are stored in each of the plurality of book storage folders, the book storage folders are stored in the storage unit, and the plurality of book storage folders are selectively extracted from the storage unit by the picker, There has been proposed a book handling apparatus that conveys the sheet toward the standby position.

  By the way, the book storage folder is unnecessary for the book user. For this reason, it is preferable that the user can take out the book from the book storage folder while leaving the book storage folder in the standby position in the book handling apparatus.

  However, when a user of a book takes out the book from the book storage folder, the user may touch the book storage folder. If it does so, there exists a possibility that the folder for book storage may be arrange | positioned in the position shifted | deviated from the standby position. Then, the transport operation of the book storage folder by the picker may fail.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress movement of a handling medium when an article is taken out from the handling medium located at a standby position.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an article handling apparatus according to a first aspect includes a plurality of handling media each capable of storing articles, and the plurality of handling media in a state in which articles are stored in each of the plurality of handling media. A storable storage unit, a handling medium support unit capable of supporting the handling medium in a standby position, and a picker for conveying the handling medium toward at least one of the storage unit and the handling medium support unit; A partition panel that partitions the standby side space on the handling medium support part side and the outer space adjacent thereto, and that has a passage port through which an article can pass at a position facing the handling medium supported at the standby position. A door that is movably supported between a closed position that closes the passage opening and an open position that opens the passage opening, and a latch that can be locked to the handling medium supported at the standby position. Stop position and standby position The position can be changed between an unlocking attitude capable of releasing the locking from the handling medium supported by the door, and the engagement is interlocked with the movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. A locking member for changing the posture from the stop releasing posture to the locking posture.

  A second aspect is an article handling apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the locking member is detachably supported on an upper part of the handling medium located at the standby position, and the locking is released. A force for changing the posture from the posture to the locking posture is constantly acting, and the door is supported movably between the open position and the closed position above the open position. In the position, the locking member is pushed toward the locking release posture.

  A third aspect is an article handling apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the locking member is rotatably supported around a support shaft, and has a claw portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the handling medium, and the door. A receiving portion that receives the force of movement of the door when moving from the open position to the closed position and rotates together with the claw portion is included.

  A fourth aspect is an article handling apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the handling medium is a book storage folder capable of storing a book as an article. .

  According to the article handling apparatus according to the first aspect, when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position while the handling medium is supported at the standby position of the handling medium support portion, the passage opening is opened and used. The person can take out or store the article from the handling medium located at the standby position through the passage opening. At this time, when the door moves from the closed position to the open position, the posture of the locking member changes from the locking release posture to the locking posture in conjunction with this movement. Thereby, the locking member is locked to the handling medium, and the handling medium is maintained at the standby position. For this reason, the movement of the handling medium can be suppressed when the article is taken out or stored from the handling medium located at the standby position.

  According to the second aspect, since the locking member is pushed toward the unlocking posture while the door is in the closed position, the locking member is engaged with a simple configuration with the door closed. It is possible to keep the stop release posture. In addition, when the door is moved to the open position, the locking member changes its position from the unlocking posture to the locking posture, so that the locking member is locked to the handling medium and the handling medium is kept at the standby position. Can do.

  According to the third aspect, when the door moves from the open position toward the closed position, the receiving portion receives the force of moving the door, the locking member moves to the unlocking posture, the claw portion and the handling medium Is released. Thereby, with a simple configuration, the engagement between the claw portion and the handling medium can be released in conjunction with the movement of the door to the open position.

  According to the fourth aspect, movement of the book storage folder can be suppressed when taking out or storing the book from the book storage folder located at the standby position.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the book handling apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic side view which shows a book handling apparatus same as the above. It is a schematic plan view which shows a book handling apparatus same as the above. It is a schematic front view which shows the internal structure of a book handling apparatus same as the above. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a book. It is a schematic side view which shows the folder for books storage. It is a schematic front view which shows a folder same as the above. It is a schematic plan view which shows a folder same as the above. It is the IX-IX line schematic sectional drawing of FIG. It is a schematic side view which shows the other folder for book storage. It is a schematic side view which shows a picker and a storage part. It is a schematic front view which shows a part of storage part. It is a front view which shows a part of picker. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a folder is transferred to a picker from a storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a folder is transferred to a picker from a storage part. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an extraction mechanism part. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an outlet mechanism main-body part. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a door. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of a door. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of a door. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of a door. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of a door. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of an outlet mechanism main-body part. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a locking member. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a locking member. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a locking member. It is a block diagram which shows the control part which manages operation | movement control of a book handling apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of book management data. It is a flowchart which shows a warehousing process. It is a flowchart which shows a lending process. It is a flowchart which shows a book selection lending process. It is a flowchart which shows a book extraction process.

  Hereinafter, the article handling apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. Here, an example in which the article handling apparatus is a book handling apparatus that handles books as articles will be described.

{1. General configuration of book handling device}
<About the overall configuration>
1 is a schematic perspective view showing a book handling device 10, FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the book handling device 10, FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the book handling device 10, and FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing an internal structure of the device 10. FIG.

  The book handling device 10 is a device installed in a library or the like. Here, the book handling device 10 is a device that automatically lends a book selected by a user from a plurality of stored books. The lent books are returned to a separate return box or manned counter. However, the book handling device 10 can also be used as a device that accepts the return of a book and automatically stores it inside.

  That is, the book handling apparatus 10 is an apparatus that can automatically lend a book stored in the apparatus to a user in accordance with a book lending instruction from the user. The book lending instruction by the user is made by the lending accepting unit 70 installed in the book handling apparatus 10.

  Here, the book handling apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 30, a picker 40, an outlet mechanism unit 100, a storage cart 60 as a movable folder storage unit, a lending reception unit 70, and a control unit 80 (see FIG. 27). With.

  The four sides and the upper side of the book handling apparatus 10 are surrounded by a panel 22. Here, the storage unit 30, the picker 40, and a part of the outlet mechanism unit 100 of the book handling device 10 are arranged in a closed space surrounded by the panel 22 on all sides. Further, another part of the outlet mechanism unit 100 and the lending reception unit 70 are disposed so as to face the outside of the panel 22. Hereinafter, the inside of the book handling device refers to the inside of the panel 22. The inside of the book handling apparatus 10 is restricted by the panel 22 from being entered by persons other than those concerned. In addition, the warehousing cart 60 is disposed so as to be able to enter and exit the book handling apparatus 10.

  In the book handling apparatus 10, the book 200 is stored and transported in a state of being stored in the book storage folder 210.

  That is, the book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30 in a state of being stored in the book storage folder 210 (a state in which the books 200 are stored in some of the book storage folders 210 in FIG. 2). When the user instructs lending of the desired book 200 through the lending accepting unit 70, the picker 40 moves the book storage folder 210 storing the desired book 200 to the standby position R (see FIG. 3)). The take-out mechanism unit 100 supports the book storage folder 210 in a state in which the book 200 can be taken out from the book storage folder 210. Then, the user takes out the book 200 from the book storage folder 210 while leaving the book storage folder 210 in the book handling apparatus 10 in the take-out mechanism 100. Thus, a desired book can be automatically lent to the user.

  Moreover, the warehousing cart 60 is used, for example, when storing the folder 210 storing the book 200 in the book handling apparatus 10.

  That is, the warehousing cart 60 is configured to be able to travel in a state where a plurality of book storage folders 210 are stored. Then, with the book storage folder 210 storing the book 200 stored in the storage cart 60, the storage cart 60 is put into the book handling apparatus 10. In this state, the picker 40 transports the book storage folder 210 stored in the receiving cart 60 toward the empty storage position of the storage unit 30, so that the book storage folder 210 storing books is stored in the storage unit 30. Stored in

  The control part 80 is comprised so that control of each operation | movement of this book handling apparatus 10 including each said operation | movement is possible. The control unit 80 may be provided in the panel 22 or may be provided outside the panel 22.

<About the flow of books in the book handling device>
A flow of the book 200 in the book handling apparatus 10 will be described.

  First, a plurality of books 200 are stored in the storage unit 30 while being stored in separate book storage folders 210.

  At the time of lending the book 200, the user who wants to lend inputs the specific information and lending instruction of the book 200 that he wants to lend through the lending accepting unit 70. Then, under the control of the control unit 80, the picker 40 transports the book storage folder 210 that stores the book 200 toward the standby position R. The standby position R is a position accessible by the user in the outlet mechanism unit 100. Thus, the user can take out the book 200 from the book storage folder 210 at the standby position R and borrow the book 200.

  When the book 200 is returned, the user returns the book 200 to a return box provided separately or a manned counter. The returned book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30 as follows.

  That is, an operator such as a library clerk confirms the status of contamination and the status of damage of the returned book 200. Thereafter, the operator repairs and repairs the book 200 as necessary, stores the book 200 in the book storage folder 210, and stores the book storage folder 210 in the receiving cart 60. Then, the storage cart 60 is placed in the book handling apparatus 10. Then, the picker 40 transports and stores the book storage folder 210 storing the books 200 to an empty location in the storage unit 30. As a result, the book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30 in a state of being stored in the book storage folder 210, and provided for the next lending.

{2. About each component}
The configuration of each part of the book handling device and the book return device will be described.

<Book>
As shown in FIG. 5, the book 200 is provided with a tag 202 that records its own identification code. The tag 202 may be attached to at least one of a front cover, a back cover, and a back cover of the book.

  As the tag 202, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external wireless reader or the like through electromagnetic waves (radio waves) or the like. An equipped RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) or the like can be used. In the nonvolatile memory, an identification code for identifying the book is stored. Then, the tag 202 can read the identification code of the tag 202 or the wireless reading device by transmitting a response signal including its own identification code in response to the identification code inquiry signal from the wireless reading device or the like. . By giving this identification code to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 can identify the book 200.

  But the tag attached to the book 200 is not restricted to the said example. For example, as a tag, a tag in which its own identification code is recorded by magnetism (such as a magnetic barcode), or a tag in which data is recorded in the form of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional figure (such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) is used. It may be adopted. At this time, the reading device may be one that conforms to the tag, but it is preferable that the tag and the reading device can read the identification code in a non-contact manner.

  Here, since an RFID tag is employed as the tag, a reader that performs wireless communication without contact with the tag is used.

<Folder for storing books>
6 is a schematic side view showing a book storage folder 210 (hereinafter simply referred to as a folder), FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the folder 210, and FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the folder 210. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. In addition, the halftone dot is attached | subjected to the area | region opened in the side surface of each figure.

  The book storage folder 210 can be stored in the storage unit 30 and can be transported by the picker 40 while the book 200 is stored inside.

  The folder 210 is configured to be able to store a book 200 as an article. Specifically, the book storage folder 210 includes a folder main body 222, urging units 226 and 227, and a held portion 228.

  The folder main body 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can store the book 200. Here, the folder main body 222 includes a bottom 223 and a pair of side surfaces 224.

  The bottom part 223 is formed of a resin or the like, and is formed in an elongated plate shape. Both ends of the bottom 223 are formed in a shape that gradually becomes narrower toward the outside. In addition, on the upper surface of the bottom portion 223, mounting recesses 223a that are recessed via stepped portions 223S1 and 223S2 on both ends thereof are formed. When the book 200 is placed on the bottom 223, the book 200 is prevented from dropping from the folder 210 by being housed in the placement recess 223a. In particular, the book 200 is placed on the placement recess 223a while the lower cover side portion of the book 200 is brought into contact with the step 223S1 on one side, so that the book 200 can be placed regardless of the size of the book 200. The position of the back cover of the book 200 in the book folder 210 can be made constant (see FIG. 9). This makes it easier for the user to take out the book 200 from the folder 210.

  The side surface portion 224 is formed of resin or the like, and includes a side surface main body portion 224a and a ceiling portion 224b provided at the upper end portion of the side surface main body portion 224a.

  The side body portion 224a is formed in a flat plate shape. The ceiling portion 224b includes a portion extending from the upper end edge of the side surface main body portion 224a to the one main surface side (inward of the folder main body portion 222), and a portion extending upward from the front end portion of the portion. It is formed into a shape.

  Then, the lower portions of the side surface main body portions 224a of the pair of side surface portions 224 are fixed to both side portions of the bottom portion 223 by a structure, an adhesive, or the like, and the upper ceiling portions 224b of the pair of side surface main body portions 224a are butted together. The folder main body 222 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (here, a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the vertical direction) with both ends opened.

  In addition, when the folder main body 222 is viewed from the side, both side opening edges, that is, both end side edges of the side main body 224a are formed with recesses 224g that are recessed at the center in the vertical direction. The most recessed portion of one of the recesses 224g exceeds the position of the step portion 223S1. For this reason, as described above, in the state where the book 200 is placed on the bottom 223 while the lower cover portion of the book 200 is brought into contact with the step 223S1 on one side, A part of the spine side is exposed to the outside through the one concave portion 224g. For this reason, the user can easily take out the book 200 from the folder 210 by grasping a portion of the book 200 exposed to the outside by the one concave portion 224g.

  The side body 224a is formed with ribs 224c for suppressing deformation thereof.

  The urging portions 226 and 227 are portions formed integrally with the pair of side surface portions 224, respectively.

  The urging portions 226 and 227 protrude from the inward surface of the side surface portion 224 and press the cover or back cover of the book 200 stored in the folder main body 222.

  Here, the urging portion 226 is provided at the center of the side surface portion 224, and the urging portion 227 is provided below the urging portion 226 and near the step portion 223S1. Each of the urging portions 226 and 227 extends in the direction of taking out the book 200 from the inward surface of the side surface portion 224 (right direction in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9) and gradually of the folder body portion 222. It extends so as to protrude toward the center in the width direction. Accordingly, when the book 200 is stored in the folder main body 222 from the opening opposite to the direction in which the book 200 is taken out (the left opening in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9), The book 200 can be accommodated between the urging portions 226 on both sides and the urging portions 227 on both sides while opening them. Further, when taking out the book 200 from the folder main body 222, the books 200 can be taken out smoothly without the urging units 226 and 227 being caught by the book 200.

  Moreover, the front-end | tip part of each urging | biasing part 226,227 is extended so that the extension direction of the side surface main-body part 224a, and each urging | biasing part 226,227 contacts with the books 200 as much as possible contact area. It is supposed to be. Thereby, the damage of the book 200 by the contact with the urging | biasing part 226,227 and the book 200 is suppressed.

  The held portion 228 is provided on the upper outer side of the folder main body portion 222, and is configured to be able to hang on the storage portion 30, the picker 40, and the like.

  Specifically, the held portion 228 is an elongated rod-shaped member formed of resin or the like, and is attached to the upper edge of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. The width dimension of the held portion 228 is larger than the thickness dimension of the upper edge portions of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. Therefore, when the folder 210 is viewed from the front, the held portion 228 protrudes outward on both sides from the upper ends of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. Then, the held portion 228 is hooked on the opposing rail 37 of the adjacent hanger 36 disposed in the storage portion 30, so that the held portion 228 is hung on the storage portion 30.

  Further, the held portion 228 is formed with a positioning recess 229 in which the locking member 160 of the outlet mechanism portion 100 is engaged and disengaged. Here, it is formed at a position of the held portion 228 on the end side where the spine of the book 200 is disposed. The positioning recess 229 is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the upper side of the book storage folder 210. Here, the positioning recess 229 is formed so as to rise vertically on the spine side of the book 200, and on the opposite side, it is formed in an obliquely inclined shape that gradually goes upward. .

  FIG. 10 is a side view showing another book storage folder 210B.

  The height dimension of the book storage folder 210B is smaller than the height dimension of the book storage folder 210. More specifically, the upper structure of the book storage folder 210B is the same as the upper structure of the book storage folder 210A, and has the same configuration as the held portion 228. However, the height dimension of the folder body 222B is smaller than the height of the folder body 222. Further, in the book storage folder 210B, an urging portion 226B is provided only at one place in the vertical direction. This book storage folder 210B is used exclusively for storing small-sized books 200.

  In the book handling apparatus 10, the book storage folders 210 and 210B are stored or moved by hanging or sliding the upper portions of the book storage folders 210 and 210B. If the upper structure (held part 228) is a common structure, even if their height dimensions are different, they can be handled without problems.

  In the storage unit 30, it is preferable that the book storage folder 210 having a relatively high height dimension and the book storage folder 210B having a relatively small height dimension are stored separately. Thereby, the storage height dimension of the stage storing the book storage folder 210B can be reduced, and the book storage folders 210 and 210B can be efficiently stored in the limited storage space.

  In this description, it is assumed that the book storage folder 210 is handled unless it is necessary to distinguish between the heights of the book storage folders 210 and 210B.

<About storage unit and picker>
FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the picker 40 and the storage unit 30, FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing a part of the storage unit 30, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing a part of the picker 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 11 to 13, the storage unit 30 is disposed in a space that is blocked from the outside by the panel 22 in the book handling apparatus 10. The picker 40 is disposed in a space that is blocked from the outside by the panel 22 in the book handling apparatus 10, and is configured to allow the folder 210 to be taken in and out of the storage unit 30.

  The storage unit 30 is configured to be able to store a plurality of folders 210 in a state where the book 200 is stored in each of the plurality of folders 210.

  More specifically, the storage unit 30 includes a frame unit 32 and a plurality of hangers 36.

  The frame portion 32 includes a pair of side wall portions 33a facing each other with a space therebetween, and a lateral support bar 33b disposed so as to connect the pair of side wall portions 33a.

  The horizontal support rods 33b are arranged at a plurality of locations at intervals in the vertical direction so as to be spanned between the pair of side wall portions 33a. In addition, at each location in the vertical direction, two horizontal support bars 33b are arranged with a gap therebetween.

  The hanger 36 includes a long rail 37 and a bracket portion 38 that supports the rail 37 with respect to the lateral support bar 33b.

  The two bracket portions 38 are fixed in a suspended manner to the two horizontal support bars 33b at a predetermined height in the vertical direction. The rail 37 is fixed to the lower end portions of the two bracket portions 38. Thereby, the rail 37 is supported in a horizontal posture in a posture orthogonal to the horizontal support rod 33b.

  The plurality of hangers 36 are supported in parallel with the horizontal support bar 33b at equal intervals. A gap is formed between the opposing rails 37 of the adjacent hangers 36. The width dimension of the gap is set to be equal to or larger than the width dimension of the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224 b of the folder 210 and smaller than the width dimension of the held portion 228. The height dimension of the gap is set to be equal to or larger than the width dimension of the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210. Then, the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210 is inserted between the opposing rails 37 of the pair of adjacent hangers 36 from one side in the longitudinal direction of the rail 37 of the hanger 36 to the other side, and the pair of rails By inserting the held portion 228 of the folder 210 on the slide 37, the folder 210 can be stored in a fixed position with respect to the hanger 36. That is, the plurality of hangers 36 are configured to be able to hang the folder 210.

  Here, two storage units 30 are provided at positions facing each other across a rail 41 of a picker 40 described later. However, the storage unit 30 may be provided only on one side of the rail 41.

  Further, the frame portion 32 is provided with a shelf 34 at a position separated from the hanger 36 by a height dimension or more that can store the folder 210. The bottom of the folder 210 suspended from the hanger 36 is in contact with the shelf step 34 or opposed to the upper surface of the shelf step 34 with a gap (usually a slight gap). On the shelf 34, a folder guide 35 is provided between the adjacent hangers 36. The folder guide 35 is a long member formed of resin or the like, and is provided so as to extend from the near side of the shelf 34 (the travel area side of the picker 40) toward the opposite back side. In addition, the folder guide 35 is formed so as to be gradually thinner toward the front side of the shelf 34, and therefore, both side surfaces of the folder guide 35 are centered on the hanger 36 toward the front side of the shelf 34. It is inclined so as to face outward.

  When the folder 210 is slid into the hanger 36, the lower portion of the folder 210 is guided by the folder guides 35 on both sides thereof. In addition, in a state where the folder 210 is hung on the hanger 36, the lower portion of the folder 210 is sandwiched between the two folder guides 35, and the rolling of the folder 210 is suppressed. Thereby, when vibration etc. are added to the storage part 30, the shaking of the folder 210 is suppressed and, thereby, the omission of the books 200 from the folder 210 is suppressed.

  Moreover, the hanger 36, the shelf 34, etc. are abbreviate | omitted in the position in which the outlet mechanism part 100 is provided among the storage parts 30, and the outlet mechanism part 100 is arrange | positioned in the position. Similarly, the hanger 36, the shelf 34, etc. are abbreviate | omitted in the position where the rental reception part 70 is provided among the storage parts 30, and the rental reception part 70 is provided in that position.

  The picker 40 is configured to be able to transport the folder 210 toward at least one of the storage unit 30 and the standby position support rail 150 that is a handling medium support unit. Here, since the book handling apparatus 10 is assumed, the picker 40 selectively takes out the plurality of folders 210 from the storage unit 30 and waits at the standby position R on the standby position support rail 150 side which is a handling medium support unit. It can be conveyed toward Here, the picker 40 is configured to be able to transport the folder 210 stored in the warehousing cart 60 to the storage unit 30.

  More specifically, the picker 40 includes a rail 41, a travel mechanism unit 42, an elevating mechanism unit 43, a rotation support mechanism unit 44, and a folder entry / exit unit 45.

  The rails 41 are linearly arranged on the floor between the storage units 30 that are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween.

  The traveling mechanism unit 42 includes a wheel, a traveling rotation driving unit that rotationally drives the wheel in both forward and reverse directions, and the like, and is configured to be able to reciprocate the rail 41 by driving the traveling rotation driving unit. As the traveling mechanism unit 42 travels along the rail 41, the position of the folder access unit 45 in the parallel direction of the hanger 36 is adjusted.

  The elevating mechanism 43 is configured to move the folder entry / exit unit 45 up and down. As such an elevating mechanism unit 43, for example, the rotation support mechanism unit 44 is supported so as to be movable up and down by a column erected on the traveling mechanism unit 42, and a pair of gears provided at the upper and lower ends of the column An annular belt (annular chain, etc.) is wound around, the transport unit is connected to the annular belt between a pair of gear bodies, and one of the gear bodies is rotated by a lifting / lowering drive unit such as a motor to rotate the annular belt. Thus, a configuration in which the folder entry / exit unit 45 is moved up and down can be employed. In addition to the above, the lifting mechanism unit may be configured using a linear motor, or in a traction mechanism using a counterweight, the pulley unit is driven by a motor to raise and lower the transport unit. Also good.

  The rotation support mechanism unit 44 is supported by the elevating mechanism unit 43 so as to be driven up and down. The rotation support mechanism 44 is formed in a long shape that is supported in a cantilever manner so as to protrude outward from the support column of the elevating mechanism 43. A folder entry / exit unit 45 is rotatably supported at the tip. The rotation support mechanism unit 44 includes a rotation drive unit such as a motor that rotates the folder entry / exit unit 45. The rotation support mechanism unit 44 has a posture in which the folder entry / exit unit 45 faces the storage unit 30 on one side of the rail 41 and the rail 41. It is configured so as to be able to be rotationally driven (that is, capable of being rotationally driven in both the forward and reverse directions of 180 degrees) with respect to the posture facing the other storage unit 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4; The state during rotation of the unit 45 is shown).

  The folder entry / exit unit 45 is configured to allow the folder 210 to be taken in and out of the storage unit 30, the storage cart 60, and the outlet mechanism unit 100.

  That is, the folder entry / exit unit 45 includes a unit case 46 and a folder transfer mechanism 48.

  The unit case 46 is formed in a box shape with both ends open, and is supported at the tip of the rotation support mechanism 44 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction.

  A folder transfer mechanism 48 is incorporated in the unit case 46.

  A pair of rails 47 are supported in the unit case 46 via brackets 47a. The pair of rails 47 are provided at positions close to the upper part in the unit case 46. A gap is formed between the pair of rails 47 so that the upper end of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210 can be inserted. Then, with the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b disposed between one end side of the pair of rails 47 and the held portion 228 disposed above the upper end portion of the pair of rails 47, the folder main body portion 222 of the folder 210 is connected to the unit case 46. Stored in.

  The folder transfer mechanism 48 is configured so that the folder 210 can be taken in and out between the outside and the unit case 46.

  More specifically, the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 includes an in / out movement mechanism unit 48a and a gripping unit 48b.

  The gripping part 48b includes a pair of gripping claw parts 48b1 and an opening / closing drive part 48b2 that is configured by an electromagnetic actuator or the like and that drives the pair of gripping claw parts 48b1 to open and close. The pair of gripping claws 48b1 is driven to open and close by driving the opening / closing drive part 48b2, so that the pair of gripping claws 48b1 grips the held portion 228 of the folder 210 and the state where the gripping is released. Switching drive is possible.

  The in / out movement mechanism 48a is configured to be able to move and drive the grip 48b in the direction connecting the one side opening of the unit case 46 and the back side thereof. The entrance / exit moving mechanism 48a is constituted by a linear actuator such as a linear motor. The in / out moving mechanism 48 a is attached to the upper part of the unit case 46 along the extending direction of the rail 47.

  Then, by driving the entrance / exit moving mechanism 48a, the grip 48b can be protruded from the opening on one side of the unit case 46 and the one end of the held portion 228 of the folder 210 stored in the storage 30 or the like can be gripped. It can be moved and driven between a position, a position where one end of the held portion 228 of the folder 210 stored in the unit case 46 can be gripped, and a position retracted further outward.

  The folder entry / exit unit 45 is provided with a reading device 49 a that reads the tag 202 of the book 200 and a folder detection unit 49 b that detects the presence or absence of the folder 210 in the storage unit 30 or the entry cart 60.

  The reading device 49 a is a device that can wirelessly communicate with the tag 202 as an RFID tag, and is attached to one side plate of the unit case 46. The reading device 49a reads the tag 202 of the book 200 disposed in the unit case 46.

  The folder detection unit 49b is configured by a reflective optical sensor or the like. The folder detection unit 49b is a held unit 228 of the folder 210 in which the detection light is held at the opposed part in a state where the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 is disposed to face the storage unit 30 or the storage cart 60. It is attached to the unit case 46 at a position and posture irradiated toward one end of the unit. Then, in a state where the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 is disposed at a certain position facing the storage unit 30 or the storage cart 60, the presence / absence of the folder 210 at the position is detected by the presence / absence of reflected light of the detection light. It can be done. Then, with the unit case 46 facing the position where the folder 210 exists, the folder 210 can be transferred from the storage unit 30 or the storage cart 60 into the unit case 46 by the loading / unloading movement mechanism 48a. . Or, conversely, with the unit case 46 facing the position where the folder 210 does not exist, the folder 210 may be transferred from the unit case 46 to the storage unit 30 or the storage cart 60 by the loading / unloading movement mechanism 48a. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 to 15, a roll prevention guide mechanism 50 is provided in the picker 40.

  The roll prevention guide mechanism 50 is a guide that biases at least one of the pair of guide portions 52 and the pair of guide portions 52 in the approaching and retracting direction between the pair of guide portions 52 provided at positions sandwiching the folder 210 in the unit case 46 from both sides. And an urging unit 54. Then, in a state where the folder 210 is disposed in the unit case 46, the pair of guide portions 52 are disposed in contact with or in close proximity to both side surfaces of the folder 210, thereby suppressing the swing of the folder 210. In addition, since at least one of the pair of guide portions 52 is biased in the approaching and retracting direction, the folder 210 is being housed in an oblique posture with respect to the unit case 46 or being taken out in an oblique posture. Thus, the folder 210 is allowed to be in an oblique posture, so that the folder 210 can be smoothly transferred from the storage unit 30 to the picker 40 or from the picker 40 to the take-out mechanism unit 100. .

  More specifically, the pair of base portions 58 are attached to the intermediate portions in the height direction of the inner surfaces on both sides of the unit case 46. The base 58 is formed in an elongated shape, and is provided along the accommodation direction of the folder 210 (the direction in which the rail 47 extends).

  The pair of guide portions 52 are supported so as to be movable in the approaching / separating direction (width direction) with respect to the folder 210 in the unit case 46 with respect to each of the pair of base portions 58. Here, a plurality of (here, two) support rods 57 project from the base 58 at intervals along the accommodation direction of the folder 210. Each support rod 57 is inserted in the guide portion 52 and fitted in a retaining shape, so that the pair of guide portions 52 are supported so as to be movable in the approaching / separating direction.

  Further, a guide urging portion 54 constituted by a coil spring is fitted on each support rod 57. The guide urging portion 54 is interposed between the base portion 58 and the guide portion 52 in a compressed state. The guide urging unit 54 urges the guide unit 52 toward the folder 210.

  The guide portion 52 is formed with a guide surface 52a that gradually inclines outward toward the opening side of the unit case 46 in which the folder 210 is inserted and removed. In addition, a surface of the intermediate portion in the extending direction of the guide portion 52 that faces the folder 210 is formed as a pressing surface 52 b that extends along the vertical direction along the direction in which the folder 210 is inserted and removed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in a state where the folder 210 is accommodated in the unit case 46, the pressing surfaces 52 b of the pair of guide portions 52 are in contact with or arranged close to the outward facing surfaces of the folder 210. Thus, the roll of the folder 210 is suppressed.

  Further, when the folder 210 is transferred from the storage unit 30 to the picker 40, if the rail 37 on the storage unit 30 side and the rail 47 on the picker 40 side are in a positional relationship facing each other to some extent, the storage unit 30 side The folder 210 is pulled straight out as it is and enters the gap between the pair of guide portions 52.

  On the other hand, when the folder 210 is transferred from the storage unit 30 to the picker 40, if the rail 37 on the storage unit 30 side and the rail 47 on the picker 40 side are in a positional relationship, FIG. As shown, the folder 210 contacts the guide surface 52a of the guide portion 52 on one side. As a result, the end portion of the guide portion 52 on one side close to the storage portion 30 is pushed against the urging force of the guide urging portion 54 and assumes an oblique posture. In this state, the folder 210 is pulled in between the pair of guide portions 52. Eventually, when the folder 210 is taken out from the storage unit 30 side and the regulation state by the rail 37 and the folder guide 35 is removed, the pair of guide units 52 return to the original parallel state by the urging force of the guide urging unit 54. A folder 210 is arranged between the two. Then, the pair of guide portions 52 is in a state in which the roll of the folder 210 is suppressed.

  In addition, since the edge part by the side of the storage part 30 of a pair of rails 47 is formed so that it may open gradually toward the storage part 30 side, the folder 210 has no problem toward the rail 47 side from the rail 37. It is transferred.

  Note that the pair of guide portions 52 may be provided near the lower portion of the folder 210. In order to be able to guide the folder 210B having a relatively small height dimension, it is preferable to guide the middle part in the vertical direction of the folder 210 having a relatively large height dimension.

<About trolley truck>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the warehousing cart 60 is a movable folder storage unit that can store and move the folder 210. Here, the warehousing cart 60 is configured to store a plurality of folders 210.

  More specifically, the receiving cart 60 includes a cart frame portion 62, a plurality of hangers, and wheels 68.

  The cart frame portion 62 is formed in a box shape having an opening on at least one side. A hanger having the same configuration as that of the storage unit 30 is provided in the cart frame unit 62. Here, the hanger is provided at two positions above and below the carriage frame portion 62. For this reason, the folder 210 can be stored in the upper and lower rows with respect to the storage cart 60. Further, in the upper and lower columns, a plurality of (in this case, four) hangers are arranged in parallel, and accordingly, a plurality of folders 210 can be stored in the upper and lower columns, respectively. Since the support configuration of the folder 210 in the storage cart 60 is the same as the support configuration of the folder 210 in the storage unit 30, the picker 40 can be placed in the storage unit 30 by arranging the storage cart 60 adjacent to the storage unit 30. The folder 210 can be taken in and out of the cart 60.

  Wheels 68 are attached to the lower part of the storage cart 60, and the storage cart 60 can move under the floor by rolling the wheels 68.

  Here, a space SP in which the storage cart 60 can be arranged is provided in the panel 22 at a position adjacent to the pair of storage units 30. An opening 22G1 is provided in a portion of the panel 22 adjacent to the space SP. In the state where the warehousing cart 60 is disposed in the panel 22, one side panel of the warehousing cart 60 closes the opening. The storage cart 60 can be taken in and out between the space surrounded by the panel 22 and the outside through the opening 22G1.

  The warehousing cart 60 may be provided only at a position adjacent to the one storage unit 30.

  In addition, in space SP, the hanger 36 of the storage part 30 is provided in the upper part of the trolley | bogie 60, and the folder 210 can also be stored here.

  The right half of FIG. 2 shows the storage unit 30 inside and above the storage cart 60, and the left half of the part where the hanger 36 of the storage unit 30 is provided over the entire top and bottom. Shows the inside.

<About the outlet mechanism>
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the outlet mechanism unit 100. The outlet mechanism portion 100 is disposed in a portion of the one storage portion 30 where the hanger 36 is omitted through an opening 22h formed in the panel 22 provided in the outer portion of the one storage portion 30. (See FIG. 1). Then, the folder 210 stored in the storage unit 30 is transported toward the take-out mechanism unit 100 by the picker 40. The user can take out the book 200 from the folder 210 conveyed to the take-out mechanism unit 100. An empty folder 210 may be transported to the take-out mechanism unit 100, and the user may return the book 200 that has been borrowed to the folder 210.

  Here, the two outlet mechanism parts 100 are provided, but only one outlet mechanism part 100 may be provided, or three or more outlet mechanism parts 100 may be provided.

  The outlet mechanism unit 100 includes an outlet mechanism main body 110 and a partition panel 102.

  The partition panel 102 is attached to one main surface (surface facing outward) of the outlet mechanism main body 110. The partition panel 102 is disposed so as to close the opening 22 h of the panel 22 in a state in which the outlet mechanism unit 100 is incorporated in the storage unit 30. Thereby, the partition panel 102 partitions the standby space on the handling medium support portion side in the outlet mechanism portion 100 from the adjacent outer space. Here, the standby space on the handling medium support unit side is a space in the panel 22 and is a space in which the folder 210 can be transported from the picker 40. The outer space is a space outside the panel 22 and is a space where a user can exist.

  The partition panel 102 is formed with a passage port 104 through which the book 200 can pass at a position facing the folder 210 supported at the standby position. The passage port 104 is formed in a vertically long rectangular opening shape. It is preferable that the height dimension of the passage port 104 is set to be approximately the same as the height dimension of the opening of the folder 210A having a large height dimension. As a result, the user can take out the book 200 stored in the folder 210A to the outside through the passage port 104 in the same posture. Of course, the user can also take out the book 200 stored in the folder 210 </ b> B having a small vertical dimension through the passage port 104.

  Preferably, at least one of the height dimension and the width dimension of the passage port 104 is set to be smaller than the height dimension or the width dimension of the folder 210A. As a result, the folder 210A is not taken out through the passage port 104. More preferably, the width dimension of the passage port 104 is set smaller than the width dimension of the folders 210A and 210B. As a result, both the folders 210A and 210B are not taken out through the passage port 104.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing the outlet mechanism main body 110. The outlet mechanism main body 110 includes a main body unit 130, a door 112, and a door opening / closing mechanism 120 that opens and closes the door 112.

  The main unit 130 has a configuration in which a standby position support rail 150 serving as a handling medium support unit, which will be described later, and a locking member 160 are incorporated in a main body case 132. The folder 210 transported from the picker 40 is supported in the main body case 132. That is, the standby side space is provided in the main body case 132.

  The front panel 133 facing the partition panel 102 side of the main body case 132 has a passage port 135 formed at a position facing the folder 210 supported therein. The passage port 135 is formed in the same size and shape as the passage port 104 through which the book 200 can pass, and is formed at the same position as the passage port 104 formed in the partition panel 102. Therefore, the book 200 supported in the main unit 130 is taken out through the passage openings 135 and 104.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the door 112. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the door 112 has a closed position P1 (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 17) for closing the passage opening 104 and an open position P2 (two points in FIG. 17) for opening the passage opening 104. (Indicated by a chain line).

  Here, the door 112 includes a door base 114 and a movable door 118.

  The door base portion 114 is configured such that a pair of side panel portions 116 protrude from both side portions of the main panel portion 115 so as to protrude toward the one main surface side of the main panel portion 115. Concave portions 115 a and 115 b are formed in the upper intermediate portion and the lower intermediate portion of the main panel portion 115. A pair of guide rails 134 are provided on both sides of the main body case 132. The pair of side panel portions 116 is disposed on the front surface of the main body case 132, and the pair of side panel portions 116 is disposed on both sides of the main body case 132. Is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Under the guide state by the pair of guide rails 134, the door base 114 is supported to be movable up and down with respect to the main unit 130. In the state where the door base 114 is raised, the concave portion 115a on the upper side of the door base 114 is disposed on the upper portion of the passage port 104 (passage port 135). When the door base 114 is lowered, the door base 114 is completely retracted downward from the passage port 104 (passage port 135).

  The movable door portion 118 is formed to a size that can completely close the passage port 104. Here, the movable door portion 118 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the height dimension thereof is set to be equal to or larger than the height dimension of the passage opening 104, and the width dimension thereof is the same as that of the passage opening 104. It is set equal to or larger than the width dimension. The movable door portion 118 is supported by the door base portion 114 so as to be vertically movable by a pair of guide rails 117 provided on both sides of the outward surface of the door base portion 114. In a state where the movable door portion 118 has moved upward with respect to the door base portion 114, the movable door portion 118 completely covers the door base portion 114 and covers the recesses 115a and 115b (the solid line in FIG. 18). (See the movable door 118 shown in FIG. 1). In a state where the movable door 118 is moved downward with respect to the door base 114, the upper end of the movable door 118 is positioned below the upper end of the door base 114 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 18). Refer to the movable door 118). In this state, the recess 115 a on the upper side of the door base 114 is exposed to the front side of the door base 114.

  The movable door 118 is biased upward by a door biasing portion 119. Here, a door urging portion 119 configured by a coil spring is provided in the recess 115b below the door base 114. One end portion of the door urging portion 119 is connected to the upper edge portion of the recess 115 b in the door base portion 114, and the other end portion of the door urging portion 119 is connected to the lower end portion on the inner surface side of the movable door portion 118. . In a normal state, the movable door 118 is urged upward with respect to the door base 114 by a force that the door urging portion 119 tries to contract. On the other hand, when a force to lower the movable door 118 acts on the door base 114, for example, when a finger or the like touches the upper end of the movable door 118 while the door base 114 is raised. The movable door 118 moves downward relative to the door base 114 against the urging force of the door urging portion 119.

  A door opening / closing mechanism 120 is provided on one side of the main body case 132. The door opening / closing mechanism 120 is configured such that an annular body 124 (for example, an annular belt) is wound around a pair of rotating bodies 122 (for example, gears) provided at intervals in the vertical direction. One rotating body 122 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions by a rotational drive unit 127 such as a motor. In addition, one side panel portion 116 is connected to an intermediate portion of the annular body 124 that passes through the pair of rotating bodies 122 via a connecting portion 128. Then, by rotating the annular body 124 in both forward and reverse directions by driving the rotational drive unit 127, the one side panel unit 116 is driven upward or downward, so that the door 112 is moved between the closed position and the open position. It is configured to be movable between.

  Here, assuming that folders 210A and 210B having different height dimensions are assumed as the folder 210, an open position P2 for the folder 210A and an open position P3 for the folder 210B are set as the closed position of the door 112. Is done. The open position P2 is a position where almost the entire vertical direction of the passage port 104 (passage port 135) is opened in accordance with the height dimension of the opening of the folder 210A. In addition, the open position P3 is a position where the middle of the passage port 104 (passage port 135) in the vertical direction is opened in accordance with the height dimension of the opening of the folder 210B.

  Here, a plurality of (here, three) sensors S1, S2, and S3 that detect the height position of the door 112 (more specifically, the door base 114) are provided on the side of the main unit 130. The uppermost sensor S1 is a sensor that detects that the door 112 moves to the uppermost position and is located at the closed position P1, and the second sensor S2 from the top is the open position where the door 112 is lowered halfway. The lowermost sensor S3 is a sensor that detects that the door 112 is lowered to the lowest position and is positioned at the open position P3. The sensors S1, S2, and S3 are configured by, for example, reflective optical sensors and the like, and detect the position of the door 112 by detecting one side panel 116 of the door base 114. The control unit 80 performs drive control of the rotation drive unit 127 based on the detection results from the sensor sensors S1, S2, and S3, thereby performing opening / closing control of the door 112.

  Here, the opening and closing operation of the door 112 will be described.

  In the state where the door 112 is located at the closed position P1, as shown in FIG. 19, the door 112 covers the entire passage port 104 (passage port 135). For this reason, the user cannot access the main unit 130. When the door 112 moves from this state toward the open position P2, as shown in FIG. 20, the entire passage port 104 (passage port 135) comes to face outward. As a result, the user can take out and use the book 200 stored in the folder 210A. Further, when the door 112 moves from the state shown in FIG. 19 toward the open position P3, as shown in FIG. 21, the upper part of the passage 104 (passage 135) faces outward, and the folder 210B The whole opening will now want the outside. As a result, the user can take out and use the book 200 stored in the folder 210B.

  When the door 112 is closed toward the closed position P1 from the state shown in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21, the door 112 covers the entire passage 104 (passage 135) as shown in FIG. When the door 112 is closed, if an object X such as a finger remains in the passing port 104 (passing port 135), the upper edge portion of the movable door 118 hits the object X. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the movable door portion 118 moves downward relative to the door base portion 114 against the urging force of the door urging portion 119. That is, the movable door part 118 stops at the object X. At this time, a detection unit (such as a microswitch or an optical sensor) that detects relative movement of the movable door 118 with respect to the door base 114 is provided, and the control unit 80 determines the movable door 118 based on the detection result of the detection unit. If the relative movement is determined, the movement of the door base 114 may be stopped, or the door base 114 may be opened.

  The passage 104 (passage 135) is provided with a detection sensor (such as an optical sensor) that detects whether or not an object is present inside the passage 104 (passage 135). When the presence is detected, the closing operation of the door 112 is preferably stopped.

  After the folder 210 is transported into the outlet mechanism 100, the book is taken out from the folder 210 through the passage 104 (passage 135) in a state where the folder 210 is supported at the standby position in the outlet mechanism body 110. Is taken out. When a user takes out a book from the folder 210, if the user's hand touches the folder 210, the folder 210 is displaced. In some cases, the folder 210 may fall out of the standby position. Hereinafter, description will be given focusing on a configuration for suppressing the positional deviation of the folder 210.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the outlet mechanism main body 110. In the outlet mechanism main body 110, a standby position support rail 150 as a handling medium support and a locking member 160 are provided.

  The standby position support rail 150 is configured to be able to support the folder 210 at a standby position that is a fixed position in the outlet mechanism main body 110. Here, a pair of standby position support rails 150 are provided in the upper part of the main body case 132 and above the passage port 135. The pair of standby position support rails 150 is supported inside the main body case 132 via a bracket or the like, and a gap is formed between them. The upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210 is inserted between the pair of standby position support rails 150. Further, the pair of standby position support rails 150 are arranged along the front and rear of the main body case 132, and one end portions thereof face the rear side opening of the main body case 132, and the other end portions thereof are the main body case. The front part of the case 132 faces the upper part of the passage port 135. Then, the folder 210 held by the picker 40 is pushed into the main body case 132 from the back side opening of the main body case 132. At this time, the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224 b of the folder 210 is inserted between the pair of standby position support rails 150. As a result, the folder 210 is supported by being suspended from the standby position support rail 150. The position where the folder 210 is hung on the standby position support rail 150 is the standby position of the folder 210 in the main body 110 of the outlet mechanism.

  Regardless of the height of the folders 210A and 210B, the upper portions of the folders 210A and 210B are supported by the standby position support rail 150 at fixed positions. For this reason, when the folder 210 is hung on the standby position support rail 150, the opening of the folder 210 is positioned so as to face the passage port 135 (passage port 104). The opening of the folder 210A having a large height faces the entire passage port 135 (passing port 104), and the opening of the folder 210B having a small height dimension faces the upper side of the passage port 135 (passing port 104). Located in.

  It is not essential that the handling medium is hung and supported by the standby position support unit, and the handling medium may be supported on the standby position support unit in a mounted manner.

  The locking member 160 can be changed in posture between the locking posture Q1 and the locking releasing posture Q2, and is locked from the locking releasing posture in conjunction with the movement of the door 112 from the closed position to the open position. The posture is changed to the posture. Here, the locking posture Q1 is a posture in which the locking member 160 can be locked to the folder 210 supported at the standby position. The locking release posture Q2 is a posture in which the locking member 160 can be released from the folder 210 supported at the standby position. The restriction of the rotation range of the locking member 160 can be performed by the support structure of the shaft portion 168 or when the locking member 160 abuts against the main body case 132 or a member provided on the main body case 132.

  Specifically, the locking member 160 includes a main body portion 162, a claw portion 164, a receiving portion 166, and a shaft portion 168.

  The main body 162 is a member formed by appropriately pressing a metal plate material and joining a plurality of metal plate materials by screwing, welding, or the like as appropriate, and includes a band plate-shaped portion 160a and a band plate-shaped portion 160a. And a pair of support pieces 160c extending from the upper surface of the strip plate portion 160a in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the strip plate portion 160a. .

  The nail | claw part 164 is a member formed with resin etc., and it is provided in the extending direction intermediate part of the said strip plate-shaped part 160a so that it may protrude in the lower surface side of the said strip plate-shaped part 160a. The nail | claw part 164 is formed in the triangle shape seeing along the extension direction of the strip | belt-plate-shaped part 160a. A surface of the claw portion 164 facing the front side of the outlet mechanism main body 110 is formed as a surface orthogonal to the band plate-shaped portion 160a, and a surface of the claw portion 164 facing the back side of the outlet mechanism main body portion 110 is It is formed in the inclined surface where a protrusion dimension becomes small gradually (refer FIG. 24). The claw portion 164 is configured to be able to be locked in a positioning recess 229 formed in the upper portion of the folder 210.

  The receiving part 166 is configured to contact the door 112 when the door 112 is raised. Here, the receiving part 166 is formed in a disk-shaped member made of resin or the like. A pair of receiving portions 166 are rotatably attached to the outer surfaces of the pair of hanging piece portions 160b. And if the door 112 moves to the closed position P1, the upper edge part of a pair of side panel part 116 will contact each of a pair of receiving part 166, and will lift a pair of receiving part 166 upwards. At this time, as the receiving portion 166 rotates, friction between the receiving portion 166 and the upper edge portions of the pair of side panel portions 116 is suppressed, and the pair of receiving portions 166 are smoothly lifted upward. At this time, both the claw portion 164 and the receiving portion 166 are integrally rotated and lifted.

  The shaft portion 168 is inserted through the tip portions of the pair of support pieces 160c. Both end portions of the shaft portion 168 are supported with respect to a bracket 132 a provided on the main body case 132. The shaft portion 168 is rotatably supported between at least one of the shaft portion 168 and the pair of support pieces 160c or between the shaft portion 168 and the bracket 132a. For this reason, the locking member 160 is supported so as to be rotatable around the support shaft that is the central axis of the shaft portion 168 with respect to the main body case 132, and the claw portion 164 is rotatable around the shaft portion 168. It has become. Here, the nail | claw part 164 is located ahead of the main body case 132 with respect to the axial part 168, and the state (refer FIG.24 and FIG.25) where the nail | claw part 164 slightly lifted is the latching releasing attitude | position Q2, The state in which the claw portion 164 is slightly lowered is the locking posture Q1 (FIG. 23).

  In a state where the locking member 160 is supported in this way, both end portions of the outlet mechanism main body 110 protrude to the outside through the opening 132b formed in the upper side of the side surface of the main body case 132, whereby the receiving portion 166 is The main body case 132 is disposed on both sides of the main body case 132 and above the pair of side panel portions 116 of the door 112.

  Further, with the locking member 160 supported, the claw portion 164 is disposed above the positioning recess 229 of the folder 210 supported at the standby position, and can be engaged with and disengaged from the positioning recess 229. Supported by When the locking member 160 changes its position to the locking position Q1, the claw portion 164 is locked to the positioning recess 229 of the folder 210 supported at the standby position, and along the extending direction of the standby position support rail 150. In this direction, the movement of the folder 210 is suppressed. Further, when the locking member 160 changes its position to the unlocking posture Q2, the claw portion 164 retreats above the positioning recess 229 of the folder 210 supported at the standby position, and the standby position support rail 150 extends. The folder 210 is allowed to move in the direction along the current direction.

  Further, a force for changing the posture from the unlocking posture Q2 to the locking posture Q1 is constantly acting on the locking member 160. Here, the claw part 164, the band plate-like part 160a, the hanging piece part 160b, the receiving part 166, etc. are provided at the front position of the main body case 132 with respect to the shaft part 168, so that the gravity acting on these parts, A force is applied to change the position of the locking member 160 from the locking release position Q2 to the locking position Q1. Further, here, an urging member 170 that pulls the band plate-like portion 160 a below the shaft portion 168 is provided. Here, the urging member 170 is a coil spring, one end of which is connected to the band plate portion 160 a and the other end is connected to a bracket 132 c provided on the main body case 132. And the force which changes the attitude | position of the latching member 160 from the latching releasing attitude | position Q2 to the latching attitude | position Q1 is exerted by the force which the biasing member 170 which is a coil spring tries to shrink. However, it is not essential that such an urging member is provided. Further, a force for changing the position of the locking member 160 from the locking release position Q2 to the locking position Q1 may be applied by a torsion coil spring attached to the shaft portion 168, other leaf springs, or the like.

  The operation of the locking member 160 will be described.

  First, in the state where the door 112 is located at the closed position P1, as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25, the side panel portion 116 of the door 112 lifts the receiving portion 166 upward. For this reason, the attitude | position of the latching member 160 is changed to the latching release attitude | position Q2, and the nail | claw part 164 is in the state raised upwards.

  24, the folder 210 is sent from the picker 40 toward the standby position support rail 150 in a state where the folder 210 is not supported at the standby position. Thereby, the upper part of the folder 210 is sent along the standby position support rail 150, and the folder 210 is suspended and supported by the standby position support rail 150 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the claw portion 164 is located at a position retracted upward from the path through which the upper portion of the folder 210 passes, the upper portion of the folder 210 and the claw portion 164 do not interfere with each other and the folder 210 faces the standby position. Sent.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 26, the door 112 descends from the closed position P1 toward the open position P2 or the open position P3. Then, the side panel portion 116 of the door 112 moves below the receiving portion 166, and the receiving portion 166 moves downward due to the gravity and the urging force of the urging member 170, and the locking member 160 moves from the locking release posture Q2. The posture is changed to the locking posture Q1. Then, the claw portion 164 fits into the positioning recess 229 of the folder 210, and the movement of the folder 210 is suppressed in the extending direction of the standby position support rail 150. For this reason, the door 112 is opened at the open position P2 or the open position P3, and the user touches the folder 210 when the user tries to take out the book 200 in the folder 210 through the passage openings 104 and 135. However, the movement of the folder 210 is suppressed.

  A lending acceptance unit 70 is provided at a side position of the outlet mechanism main body 110. The lending acceptance unit 70 is a device that accepts a lending instruction for the book 200 to the book handling device 10.

  Here, the lending reception unit 70 includes a touch panel device 72 having functions as a display unit and an input reception unit, and a card reader 74.

  The card reader 74 is a device that reads a library user card or the like given to each user. When the card reader 74 reads the library user card, it can be determined whether or not the user has authority to use the facility.

  On the touch panel device of the touch panel device 72, various screens for accepting lending are displayed. For example, if a loan reservation is made for the user after the user is identified, the book 200 with the loan reservation is displayed and a loan instruction is accepted. Reservations should be accepted in advance via an internet line or the like. Further, for example, after the user is identified, a list of stored books 200 or a search screen of the books 200 is displayed, and an instruction of the book 200 that is desired to be lent is received based on the display.

<About the hardware configuration of the control unit>
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the control unit 80 that controls the operation of the book handling apparatus 10. Here, the control unit 80 will be described as an example in which the control unit 80 is physically configured by one control unit. However, the control unit 80 is configured to perform processing described below in a distributed manner by separate control units. Also good.

  The control unit 80 is configured by a computer in which a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, an external storage device 84, and the like are interconnected via a bus line. The ROM 82 stores a basic program (BIOS) for starting up the computer, and the RAM 83 is used as a work area when the CPU 81 performs processing according to a predetermined procedure. The external storage device 84 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk device.

  The external storage device 84 stores an OS (Operation System) 84a, a loading / unloading control program 84b, book management data 84d, and the like.

  The entry / exit control program 84b defines the procedure for carrying the folder 210 in the book handling apparatus 10 as described above. As the main control unit, the entry / exit control program 84b is used as a main control unit according to the procedure described in the entry / exit control program 84b. When the CPU 81 performs the calculation process, the folder 210 is conveyed.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the book management data 84d includes the presence / absence of the inventory of the book 200, each position of the book 200 in stock, the reservation registration, the borrower of the book 200 being lent, and the lending with respect to the specific information of the book 200 It is the table which matched the return time limit of the inside book 200. FIG. The specific information of the book 200 is a unique identification code assigned to each book 200 and is usually the same as the identification code assigned to the tag 202. The specific information is also associated with the title of the book and the book information such as the author. In FIG. 28, each position of the omitted book 200 is information indicating the position of the book 200 in the storage unit 30. is there. By referring to this position, it is possible to determine in which position the specified book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30. Further, by referring to this position, an empty position in the storage unit 30 can be specified. The reservation registration is information indicating whether or not there is a reservation person for each book 200. When there is a reservation person for a certain book 200, the name of the reservation person (or identification information of the reservation person) is registered. By referring to this information, it is determined whether or not the book 200 is reserved for a certain reservation person. The borrower is information (name or borrower identification code, etc.) that identifies the borrower of the book that is out of stock, that is, the book 200 that is being lent. The return deadline is a return deadline for the book 200 that is being lent. The book management data 84d is generated and updated when the book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30 from the storage cart 60, or when the book 200 is lent out.

  Further, the CPU 81 is connected to the picker 40, the lending acceptance unit 70, the take-out mechanism unit 100, and the like via the input / output interface 85 so as to be communicable.

  The control unit 80 may be connected to an external management server via a communication interface so as to be capable of mutual communication, and the book management data 84d may be stored in the external management server. In this case, it is preferable that the user can access the management server through the public communication network or the like through his / her terminal device or the like, and can reserve the book 200 from the terminal.

{3. About processing}
Next, processing of the book handling apparatus 10 will be described.

<About warehousing process>
A process of receiving the book 200 in the book handling apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The warehousing process in the book handling device 10 is started in a state where the warehousing cart 60 is set in the book handling device 10. This warehousing process is performed after the operator presses the storage start button, or after the picker 40 finishes the lending operation and during the period when the next lending operation command is not issued.

  In addition, the operator who operates this book handling apparatus 10 and preparation work are performed before this warehousing process is performed. As preparatory work, the work of storing the book 200 with the tag 202 in the empty folder 210, the work of storing the folder 210 containing the book 200 in the receiving cart 60, and the storing cart 60 storing the folder 210 as a book An operation to be set in the handling device 10 is set.

  When the warehousing operation in the book handling apparatus 10 is started, in step S101, the control unit 80 instructs the picker 40 to check whether or not the folder 210 is in the warehousing cart 60. Here, this confirmation is performed by moving the picker 40 to a position facing the storage cart 60 and moving the folder access unit 45 to a position facing one of the storage positions of the folder 210 in the storage cart 60. This is performed by checking the presence or absence of reflection of the detection light from the folder detection unit 49b. In addition, the presence / absence of the folder 210 is sequentially checked for each storage position of the folder 210 in the warehousing cart 60 by sequentially moving the folder access unit 45 in front of the warehousing cart 60. If it is determined that there is no folder 210 (no folder 210 in the warehousing cart 60), the warehousing process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the folder 210 exists, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In next step S <b> 102, the control unit 80 instructs the picker 40 to take in the folder 210 from the storage cart 60. Thereby, the folder entry / exit unit 45 takes in the folder 210 from the position where it is determined in step S101 that the folder 210 exists.

  In the next step S103, the control unit 80 instructs the picker 40 to read the data of the tag 202 of the book 200 in the taken-in folder 210. As a result, the reading device 49 a communicates with the tag 202 to read the identification code of the book 200, and gives a signal including the identification code to the control unit 80.

  In the next step S104, the storage location of the folder 210 in the storage unit 30 is determined. The storage position is determined by referring to the book management data 84d shown in FIG. 28 for all the storage positions in the storage unit 30, specifying the empty position, and selecting one of the empty positions. .

  In the next step S <b> 105, the control unit 80 gives a storage work start command to the picker 40. Specifically, the control unit 80 informs the picker 40 of the storage position determined in step S104, and issues a command to store the folder 210 at this position. In response to this, the picker 40 transports the folder 210 to the storage position, and stores the folder 210 in the storage position.

  In the next step S106, when the control unit 80 confirms the end of the storage work by the picker 40 based on the storage work end signal in the picker 40, the process proceeds to the next step S107.

  In the next step S107, the book management data 84d is updated. That is, the storage position of the book management data 84d is updated with the book 200 that has been stored as being stored. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  Thereafter, if the steps S101 to S107 are repeated until the folder 210 disappears from the storage cart 60, all the folders 210 in the storage cart 60 can be stored in the storage unit 30.

  Note that steps S102, S103, and S104 may be performed before step S105 is completed, and may be in any order. For example, a reader that reads a tag of a book may be provided near a predetermined position of the warehousing carriage, and the position information and the tag may be read at the same time, or the position information may be read after reading the tag information. Also good. Further, as described above, a part of step S105 (for example, a command to store a book from the trolley truck to the transport mechanism) may be performed after step S102 and before step S103 or step S104. obtain.

<About loan processing>
Processing for lending the book 200 to the user from the book handling apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed when the user borrows the book 200 from the book handling apparatus 10.

  It is assumed that a library user card is given to the user in advance. In addition, it is assumed that the user can make a reservation in advance for the book 200 stored in the book handling apparatus 10 through a public communication network or the like.

  First, in step S201, the control unit 80 determines whether user data has been acquired. Here, when a user who wants to lend the book 200 causes the card reader 74 to read the library user card, user data is acquired. Thereby, the process proceeds to the next step S202.

  In next step S202, the control unit 80 collates whether or not the owner of the user data received in step S201 has the right to use. The presence / absence of the right to use is determined by collating a user list created in advance with a user ID recorded on the book user card. If it is determined that the user has the right to use, the process proceeds to step S203. If the user does not have the right to use, the process proceeds to step S208. As a case where the user does not have the right to use, a case where the usable period of the user ID in the user list has passed is assumed.

  In step S208, an error signal is output from the control unit 80. As a result, a message such as “cannot be used” is displayed on the lending reception unit 70. Then, the process ends.

  If the process proceeds to step S203, it is checked whether there is book reservation data that can be lent. Specifically, the user data read in step S201 is compared with the book management data 84d to find the book 200 that is reserved by the user and in stock. If there is no book, the process proceeds to step S204; Proceed to

  In step S <b> 204, the control unit 80 confirms whether there is a lending instruction for the reserved book 200. For example, the book 200 that is reserved and in stock is displayed on the display unit of the lending acceptance unit 70. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a lending instruction for the book 200 by the user. If it is determined that there is no rental instruction, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a lending instruction, the process proceeds to step S205, and lending processing is executed.

  Step S205 is processing in which the control unit 80 gives an instruction to the picker 40 so that the book 200 that the user wishes to receive is stored and the folder 210 is transported from the storage unit 30 to the standby position R. As a result, the folder 210 in which the book 200 is stored is conveyed to a standby position where the book 200 can be taken out by the user. Further, after the folder 210 is conveyed to the standby position, the control unit 80 gives an instruction to move the door 112 from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 (or P3). If it is registered in the book management data 84d that the book 200 is stored in the folder 210A or 210B, the control unit 80 refers to the book management data 84d and sets the open positions P2 and P3. It can be decided which should be moved.

  In the next step S206, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the user has received the book. Here, it is determined whether or not the book 200 has been taken out through the passage port 104. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the book 200 has passed through the passage 104 based on a detection signal from an extraction detection unit (not shown) such as an optical sensor provided at the passage 104. . If it is determined that the user has received the book, the door 112 is moved to the closed position P1, and the process proceeds to the next step S207.

  In step S207, the control unit 80 updates the book management data 84d. As the data to be updated, for example, the book management data 84d is updated without inventory of the book 200 that has been lent, the reservation registration is not made, the borrower is recorded, and the lending period is added to the date of the day. Set a return deadline and record this.

  Thereby, the lending process ends.

  The book selective lending process (step S209) when there is no book reservation data in step S203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this case, in step S211, the control unit 80 determines the presence / absence of a rental request instruction. This determination is made through an instruction operation to the lending acceptance unit 70 by the user. If it is determined that there is no rental request instruction, the process returns to the original flowchart and the process is terminated. If it is determined that there is a rental request, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the control unit 80 gives a command to the lending reception unit 70 to display a book selection screen. As a result, a list of book names of the books 200 stored in the storage unit 30 or a search screen of the books 200 is displayed on the display unit of the lending acceptance unit 70.

  In the next step S213, when the user inputs a selection instruction for the book 200, the process proceeds to the next step S214.

  Step S214 is the same process as step S205, and step S216 is the same process as step S207.

  Thereby, the lending process ends.

  The book extraction processing in steps S205 and S215 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, this process is executed when the book 200 to be lent is determined.

  First, in step S221, the control unit 80 refers to the book management data 84d and acquires the storage position of the selected book 200 in the storage unit 30.

  In next step S222, the control unit 80 designates the storage position of the book 200 and gives an extraction start command to the picker 40. As a result, the picker 40 moves toward the designated storage position, and takes the folder 210 stored in the storage position into the folder access unit 45. Then, the picker 40 conveys the folder 210 toward the standby position R. As a result, the folder 210 storing the books 200 is supported by the standby position support rail 150 of the outlet mechanism 100. Thereafter, the control unit 80 gives an instruction to open the door 112 to the door opening / closing mechanism unit 120. Then, the door 112 opens and the user can take out the book 200 in the folder 210 through the passage port 104.

  Thereafter, the process returns to the original process.

  If it is determined in step S215 that the receipt has been completed, the control unit 80 instructs the picker 40 to move the folder 210 at the standby position R to the empty storage position of the storage cart 60. Good. Accordingly, the picker 40 moves toward the standby position R and takes the empty folder 210 at the standby position R into the folder entry / exit unit 45. Thereafter, the picker 40 moves toward the warehousing cart 60, and searches for an empty storage position in the warehousing cart 60 in the same manner as the process of step S101. Then, the empty folder 210 in the folder loading / unloading unit 45 is transferred to the storage position where the storage cart 60 becomes empty. Thereby, the worker can easily take out the empty folder 210 to the outside by taking out the storage cart 60.

  The empty folder 210 at the standby position R may be transported by the picker 40 to an empty storage position in the storage unit 30. When the warehousing cart 60 is moved out of the book handling device 10, the empty folder 210 is temporarily transferred to the storage unit 30, and then the warehousing cart 60 is moved to the book handling device 10. The empty folder 210 temporarily stored in the storage unit 30 is conveyed and moved by the picker 40 to the empty position of the storage cart 60 in accordance with an instruction from a worker or the like. Good. Thereby, since many empty folders 210 can be stored in the storage part 30, it is not limited to the number of folders 210 that can be stored in the warehousing cart 60, and long-term operation is possible. Further, there is an advantage that a large number of empty folders 210 stored in the storage unit 30 can be taken out in a collective work time.

{4. Effect etc.}
According to the article handling apparatus and book handling apparatus 10 configured as described above, the door 112 is in the closed position P1 in a state where the folder 210 as the handling medium is supported by the standby position support rail 150 as the handling medium support unit. Is moved to the open position P2 (or P3), the passage port 104 is opened, and the user can take out (or store) the book 200 from the folder 210 located at the standby position through the passage port 104. At this time, when the door 112 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 (or P2), the locking member 160 changes its posture from the locking release posture Q2 to the locking posture Q1 in conjunction with this. As a result, the locking member 160 is locked to the folder 210, and the folder 210 is maintained at the standby position. For this reason, the movement of the folder 210 can be suppressed when the book 200 is taken out (or stored) from the folder 210 located at the standby position. Thereby, the operation | work etc. which collect | recover the empty folder 210 with the picker 40, and convey to the warehousing trolley | bogie 60 or the storage part 30 can be implemented smoothly.

  In addition, the locking member 160 is configured to be engageable with and disengaged from the upper portion of the folder 210, and a force for changing the posture to the locking posture always acts on the locking member 160. Then, the door 112 is supported so as to be movable between the open position P2 (or P3) and the close position P1 above the open position P2, and the lock member 160 is released from the lock while the door 112 is located at the close position P1. It pushes toward posture Q2. Therefore, the locking member 160 can be maintained in the locking release posture Q2 with a simple configuration in a state where the door 112 is closed and positioned at the closed position P1. In addition, when the door 112 is moved to the open position P2 (or P3), the locking member 160 changes the posture from the locking release posture Q2 to the locking posture Q1, so that the locking member 160 is locked to the folder 210. Can be kept in the standby position.

  Further, when the door 112 moves from the open position P2 (or P3) toward the closed position P1, the receiving portion 166 receives the force that the door 112 moves, and the locking member 160 changes its posture to the locking release posture Q2. The latching between the claw portion 164 and the folder 210 is released. Thereby, with the simple structure, interlocking | locking with the movement of the door 112 can cancel | release locking of the nail | claw part 164 and the folder 210. FIG.

  By applying the above configuration to the book handling apparatus 10 handling the book 200, the movement of the folder 210 can be suppressed when the book 200 is taken out or stored from the folder 210 located at the standby position.

{Modifications}
In the above embodiment, the example of handling the book 200 has been described. However, in the folder 210, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) and a DVD (digital versatile disc / digital video disc) other than the book, a video tape Etc. may be stored. Moreover, the shape of the folder which is a handling medium is not restricted to the said example, The structure by which only one main surface of a bowl-shaped thing opens or can open may be sufficient.

  In addition, each structure demonstrated in the said embodiment and each modification can be suitably combined unless it mutually contradicts.

  As described above, the present invention has been described in detail. However, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Book handling apparatus 30 Storage part 36 Hanger 40 Picker 100 Taking-out mechanism part 102 Partition panel 104 Passing port 110 Taking-out mechanism main body part 112 Door 120 Door opening / closing mechanism part 150 Standby position support rail 160 Locking member 162 Main body part 164 Claw part 166 Receiving portion 168 Shaft portion 170 Energizing member 200 Book 210, 210A, 210B Book storage folder 229 Positioning recess P1 Closed position P2, P3 Open position Q1 Locking posture Q2 Locking release posture R Standby position

Claims (4)

A plurality of handling media each capable of storing articles;
A storage unit capable of storing the plurality of handling media in a state where an article is stored in each of the plurality of handling media;
A handling medium support unit capable of supporting the handling medium at a standby position;
A picker for transporting the handling medium toward at least one of the storage unit and the handling medium support unit;
A partition panel that partitions the standby-side space on the handling medium support portion side and the outer space adjacent to the standby-side space and that has a passage port through which an article can pass at a position facing the handling medium supported at the standby position; ,
A door supported movably between a closed position for closing the passage opening and an open position for opening the passage opening;
The posture can be changed between a locking posture capable of locking to the handling medium supported at the standby position and a locking releasing posture capable of releasing the locking from the handling medium supported at the standby position. Then, in conjunction with the movement of the door from the closed position to the open position, a locking member that changes the posture from the locking release posture to the locking posture;
An article handling apparatus comprising: The article handling device according to claim 1,
The locking member is detachably supported on the upper part of the handling medium located at the standby position, and a force for changing the posture from the locking release posture to the locking posture is constantly acting.
The door is supported so as to be movable between the open position and the closed position above the open position, and in the state where the door is located at the closed position, the lock member faces the lock release posture. An article handling device that is pushing. The article handling device according to claim 2,
The locking member is rotatably supported around a support shaft, and has a claw portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the handling medium, and a force by which the door moves when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. An article handling apparatus including a receiving part that receives and rotates integrally with the claw part. The article handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The article handling apparatus, wherein the handling medium is a book storage folder that can store books as articles.

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