JP2022172749A - Work station device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a worker from approaching a carry-in/out device in a work station device.SOLUTION: A work station device 101 is arranged in the vicinity of an automated warehouse 100 having a rack 1 and a carrier vehicle 3. The work station device 101 comprises a table 103 and a safety pole 105. The table 103 has a top surface 103a to which a cargo W can be moved. The safety pole 105 is arranged at a position which is on the opposite side to the carrier vehicle 3 side of the table 103 and is separated with a space larger than the height of the cargo from the top surface 103a of the table 103, while extending laterally.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a work station device, and more particularly to a work station device arranged near an automated warehouse for workers to perform picking work and the like.

Stacker cranes and shuttle trolleys in automated warehouses carry packages into and out of warehouses. A picking station may be provided on the back of the rack in an automated warehouse. In this case, the stacker crane and the shuttle truck deliver the packages to the picking station. Then, the worker picks the products in the package at the picking station.

2. Description of the Related Art Safety fences provided at stations of physical distribution equipment are known to ensure the safety of workers (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

JP 2010-163216 A

In the above case, the stacker crane and the shuttle truck are a source of danger to the operator, and it is preferable that the operator cannot approach them.
However, if a conveyor is provided between the stacker crane or shuttle truck and the worker to secure the distance between them, or if a light curtain or the like is provided to detect the approach of the worker, the cost increases.
In addition, simply providing a safety fence makes it difficult for workers to work with the load, that is, reduces workability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent a worker from approaching a loading/unloading device in a work station device.

A plurality of aspects will be described below as means for solving the problem. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as needed.

A work station device according to one aspect of the present invention is arranged in the vicinity of an automated warehouse having racks and loading/unloading devices. The work station apparatus includes a carriage and a safety pole.
The carrier has an upper surface on which the load can be moved.
The safety pole is arranged on the opposite side of the carriage from the loading/unloading device, and extends laterally at a position spaced from the upper surface of the carriage that is larger than the height of the cargo. "Extending laterally" means, for example, extending in a horizontal direction.
The loading/unloading device is a device for loading cargo into a rack and taking cargo out of the rack.
In this device, the worker accesses the cargo on the front side of the carrier (the side opposite to the loading/unloading device of the automated warehouse).
In this device, by providing a safety pole, it is possible to prevent a worker from approaching the loading/unloading device. In addition, since the load passes under the safety pole, workability is not lowered due to the safety pole.

There may be a gap in the transport direction between the placement position on the carrier where the cargo is automatically placed by the loading/unloading device and the position of the safety pole.
In this device, the operator pulls out the load placed on the loading position of the carrier to the working position on the side of the safety pole, and then performs the work. In this case, since the load is placed on the safety pole with a gap secured in the transport direction, the operator's hand is prevented from being caught between the load and the safety pole.

The height position of the safety pole may be slightly higher than the upper surface of the package on the platform.
In this device, the height position of the safety pole is appropriately set, so that the safety pole does not get in the way when the worker takes out an article from the luggage, for example.

The work station apparatus may further include a vertical pole extending downwardly from the safety pole on the side of the carriage.
In this device, the vertical pole prevents the worker from moving from the side of the carriage to the loading/unloading device side.

The carriage includes a flat first portion on the loading/unloading device side and a second portion rotatably provided on the first portion and movable between a flat posture position and an upwardly rotated upright posture position. may have.
In this device, by moving the second portion of the drawer table to the upright position, the operator can approach the pusher device, thereby improving workability. Further, for example, when an operator pulls out a load from the placement position to the work position, the load can be held against the second part by moving the second part of the platform to the upright position.
Furthermore, for example, when an operator places an external object on the carriage, the object can be easily placed on the carriage by moving the second portion of the carriage to the flat attitude position.

In the work station device according to the present invention, workers are prevented from approaching the loading/unloading device.

A schematic side view of an automated warehouse. Schematic plan view of automatic warehouse and work station equipment. 1 is a schematic side view of a work station device; FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a work station device; FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a work station device; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the work station device; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the work station device; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the work station device; FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a work station device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the work station device of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the work station device of the third embodiment;

1. First Embodiment (1) Description of Overall Automated Warehouse An automated warehouse 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an automated warehouse. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an automated warehouse and work station device. 1 is referred to as the first direction (arrow Y), the depth direction of FIG. 1 is referred to as the second direction (arrow X), and the up-down direction in FIG. 1 is the vertical direction (arrow Z). is.
The automated warehouse 100 is a system that has a plurality of shelf levels 21 and can receive a package in each shelf level 21 or take out a package stored in each shelf level 21 .
The automated warehouse 100 includes a rack 1 , a plurality of carriers 3 , an incoming station 7 , an outgoing station 9 , an incoming elevator 11 , and an outgoing elevator 13 .

A pair of racks 1 and transport vehicles 3 constitute a unit 4 , and the automated warehouse 100 has a plurality of units 4 . The unit 4 number, etc., may be represented by a "system", and the unit 4 is a kind of automated warehouse unit.
In unit 4 , parcels are delivered from an incoming conveyor (not shown) to an incoming station 7 . Also in unit 4, packages are unloaded from an unloading station 9 onto an unloading conveyor (not shown). The destination of the unloading conveyor is a sorting area or the like where packages are collected by shipping destination and shipped by truck or the like.

(2) Rack Each shelf 21 of the rack 1 extends long in the first direction and has a plurality of frontages 22 . Each frontage 22 is a shelf unit on which the load W is placed, and has the same length in the first direction.
The shelves 21 are arranged on both sides in the second direction with respect to the carrier 3 and rails 5 (described later).

A plurality of packages can be stored in each frontage 22 . In addition, each of the frontages 22 may be a separate body, or may be integrally formed. That is, a plurality of frontages 22 may be formed in the shelf 21 by dividing one shelf board that constitutes the shelf 21 .
The luggage W is a case, tray, cardboard, folding container, or the like, and stores luggage.

(3) Carrier A plurality of carrier vehicles 3 (an example of the loading/unloading device) can travel along the first direction at the height corresponding to each shelf 21 . Specifically, rails 5 linearly extending in the first direction are laid at heights corresponding to the respective shelf stages 21, and the transport vehicle 3 can reciprocate on the rails 5 in the first direction. That is, the carrier 3 is a shuttle carriage.
The transport vehicle 3 has a transfer device 15 and is capable of transferring the load W in the second direction between the frontage 22 of the corresponding shelf 21 and the transport vehicle 3 . The transfer device 15 is, for example, a rear hook type. However, the type of transfer device is not limited.

(4) Lifting Device The loading lifting device 11 is arranged between the rack 1 and the loading station 7 and has a lifting mechanism (not shown) and a lifting table 53 . The elevating mechanism is a known technology, and vertically elevates the elevating table 53 along the pillars 55 . The elevator 53 has an elevator conveyor 57 that transfers the cargo W between the storage station 7 and the shelves 21 . In addition, a storage conveyor 23 is provided on each shelf 21 at a portion adjacent to the storage lifting device 11 in the first direction. Therefore, the delivery of the cargo W is performed by the operation of both conveyors in conjunction with each other. Note that the warehousing conveyor 23 functions as a buffer conveyor for cargo storage.

The unloading lifting device 13 is provided on the same side of the rack 1 as the warehousing lifting device 11 in the first direction. The unloading lifting device 13 is arranged between the rack 1 and the unloading station 9 and has a lifting mechanism (not shown) and a lifting platform 63 . The elevating mechanism is a known technique, and vertically elevates the elevating table 63 along a support (not shown). The elevator 63 has an elevator conveyor 67 that transfers the cargo W between the delivery station 9 and the shelf 21 . A delivery conveyor 25 is provided on each shelf 21 adjacent to the delivery lifting device 13 in the first direction. Therefore, the delivery of the cargo W is performed by the operation of both conveyors in conjunction with each other. In addition, the unloading conveyor 25 functions as a buffer conveyor for cargo storage.

(5) Warehousing Station and Shipping Station The warehousing station 7 is arranged on one side of the rack 1 in the first direction. A warehousing station 7 receives a load W to be stored in the rack 1 from a carry-in conveyor (not shown). The warehousing station 7 has a station conveyor 7a.

The leaving station 9 is arranged on the same side of the rack 1 as the entering station 7 in the first direction. The unloading station 9 receives the cargo W unloaded from the rack 1. - 特許庁The shipping station 9 has a station conveyor 9a.
In addition, the positions and number of storage stations and delivery stations are not particularly limited.

(6) Work Station Device The work station device 101 (an example of the work station device) is a place where products are picked from the packages W delivered from the automated warehouse 100 to the outside. Specifically, the load W is supplied to the work station device by the transfer device 15 of the transport vehicle 3 . Also, the transfer device 15 can return the load W on the work station device 101 to the automated warehouse 100 .

The work station device 101 is arranged near the automated warehouse 100 . Specifically, the work station device 101 is arranged on the rear side of the rack 1 . The "back side of the rack 1" means the side opposite to the internal passage of the rack 1 and the outside side of the rack 1. However, the work station device 101 is partially arranged inside the rack 1 .

A work station device 101 includes a table 103 (an example of a carrier) and a safety pole 105 .
The table 103 is arranged on the rear side of the rack 1 , part of which is arranged inside the rack 1 and the rest of which is arranged outside the rack 1 . A table 103 has a load W placed thereon. It should be noted that in this embodiment, two tables 103 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

The table 103 extends in the second direction and has an upper surface 103a on which the load W can move in the second direction. The upper surface 103a may be flat or may be a roller conveyor.
The outside of the table 103 in the second direction (the side opposite to the rack 1 and the carrier 3) is a work area A where the operator O works.

The upper surface 103a of the table 103 has a mounting position 103b on the automatic warehouse 100 side and a work position 103c on the safety pole 105 side. The transfer device 15 of the transport vehicle 3 has a stroke capable of directly transferring the load W to the placement position 103b on the upper surface 103a of the table 103 of the work station device 101 . Although the placement position 103b and the working position 103c do not overlap in this embodiment, they may partially overlap. The worker O can put his hand on the load W at the placement position 103b and pull it out to the work position 103c. A safety pole 105, which will be described later, is arranged on the side of the working position 103c and separated from the mounting position 103b in the second direction.

The safety pole 105 is located on the opposite side of the table 103 to the transport vehicle 3 (that is, on the side of the operator O) and at a position spaced apart from the upper surface 103a of the table 103 by a distance larger than the height of the load, that is, from the upper surface 103a. They are arranged to extend laterally at positions spaced apart by a large distance to the upper side. More specifically, safety pole 105 extends horizontally in the first direction. The height position of the safety pole 105 is slightly higher than the upper surface of the load W on the table 103 . The “slightly higher position” means a position where a gap is formed that does not interfere with the upper surface of the load W passing directly below the table 103 . Specifically, the height position of the safety pole 105 is preferably installed at a position of 1 m or more from the floor surface. This is because the operator O cannot get over the safety pole 105 thereby.
The safety pole 105 is a hollow pipe with a circular cross section. Safety pole 105 is supported by a plurality of support posts 107 .

A worker O accesses a load W in a work area A (described later). Therefore, providing the safety pole 105 can prevent the operator O from approaching the carrier 3 . Specifically, the worker O is prevented from getting on the table 103 and approaching the carrier 3 . This is because the worker O cannot climb over the safety pole 105 .

(7) Picking Operation Using Work Station Device Picking operation using the work station device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. FIG. 4 and 5 are schematic side views of the work station device. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the work station device. 7 and 8 are schematic plan views of the work station device. The operations performed by the worker O (incoming, outgoing, picking, etc.) are instructed by a display device (not shown).

First, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the transfer device 15 of the transport vehicle 3 transfers the package to the upper surface 103a of the table 103. FIG. Specifically, the load W is placed at the placement position 103b on the upper surface 103a of the table 103. As shown in FIG. At this time, since the load W is placed on the safety pole 105 with a gap secured in the second direction, the hand of the operator O is prevented from being caught between the load W and the safety pole 105.例文帳に追加

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the worker O pulls out the load W toward the near side. Specifically, the worker O pulls out the load W placed on the placement position 103b of the table 103 to the work position 103c. At this time, the cargo W passes under the safety pole 105 . Therefore, safety pole 105 does not reduce workability. In particular, the load W may weigh about 20 to 30 kg, and it is difficult to lift it manually.

Next, the worker O works on the load W. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the worker O picks up a product (not shown) from the load W and transfers it to another container. At this time, since the height position of the safety pole 105 is appropriately set, the safety pole 105 does not become an obstacle when the worker O takes out the product in the load W, for example. The worker O may carry the load W itself to another place.

After finishing the work, the worker O pushes out the load W to move it from the work position 103c to the placement position 103b.
Finally, the transport vehicle 3 transfers the load W from the upper surface 103a of the table 103 into the transport vehicle 3 itself. Specifically, the load W is transported from the placement position 103b on the top surface 103a of the table 103 to the transport vehicle 3 .
In this embodiment, the safety pole 105 is arranged slightly higher than the height of the load W, so that the load W can be carried out from the table 103 or put into the table 103 from the outside.

2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the safety of the operator O was ensured by the safety pole, but a further safety mechanism may be provided.
Such an embodiment will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the work station device of the second embodiment. The basic configuration and basic operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The work station device 101A further includes a vertical pole 109 extending downward from the safety pole 105 on the table 103 side. The vertical pole 109 is made of the same shape and material as the safety pole 105 .
Specifically, the space in which the vertical pole 109 extends is the space between the two work station devices 101A in the first direction, and depending on the height of the safety pole 105, the worker O may be able to pass through this space. There is Therefore, providing the vertical pole 109 at this position enhances safety.
In this embodiment, the vertical pole 109 prevents the operator O from moving from the side of the table 103 to the transport vehicle 3 side.

3. Third Embodiment Although the carriage is fixed in the first and second embodiments, it may have another configuration.
Such an embodiment will be described as a third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 and 11 are schematic side views of the work station device of the third embodiment.

The work station device 101B has a table 103B.
The table 103B has a flat first portion 103B1 on the transport vehicle 3 side and a second portion 103B2 rotatably provided on the opposite side of the transport vehicle 3 of the first portion 103B1. The second portion 103B2 is pivotable between a flat position (Fig. 10) and an upwardly pivoted upright position (retracted position, Fig. 11). The second portion 103B2 is connected to the first portion 103B1 via a rotating portion 103B3. Although not shown, the second portion 103B2 is held at both positions by stoppers.

In this embodiment, by moving the second portion 103B2 of the table 103B to the upright position, the operator O can approach the rack 1, thereby improving workability. Further, in this apparatus, for example, when the worker O pulls out the load W from the placing position 103b to the working position 103c, the second portion 103B2 of the table 103B is moved to the upright position as shown in FIG. , the load W can be held against the second portion 103B2. Also, even in this state, the worker O can take out the load W from the table 103 .
Furthermore, for example, when the worker O puts an external load W on the table 103, the second portion 103B2 of the table 103 is moved to the flat attitude position as shown in FIG. Easy to load.

4. Common Matters of Embodiments The first to third embodiments have the following configurations and functions in common.

Work station devices (for example, work station devices 101, 101A, and 101B) are arranged near an automated warehouse (for example, automated warehouse 100) having racks and loading/unloading devices (for example, carrier vehicles 3). The work station apparatus includes a carriage and a safety pole.
The carrier (table 103) has a top surface (eg, top surface 103a) on which a package (eg, package W) can move.
A safety pole (for example, a safety pole 105) is disposed on the opposite side of the carriage from the loading/unloading device, and extends laterally at a position spaced apart from the upper surface of the carriage by a distance greater than the height of the cargo. there is
In this device, by providing a safety pole, it is possible to prevent a worker from approaching the loading/unloading device. In addition, since the load passes under the safety pole, workability is not lowered due to the safety pole.

5. Other Embodiments Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, multiple embodiments and modifications described herein can be arbitrarily combined as required.
(1) Variation of Safety Pole The safety pole may be a solid rod.
The safety pole may be polygonal in cross-section.
A plurality of safety poles may be arranged vertically.

(2) Modified Example of Work Station Device The number of tables in the work station device may be one, or three or more.
The work station device may be provided entirely outside the racks of the automated warehouse.
Work station devices may be provided near the longitudinal ends of the rack rather than at the rear.
The work station equipment may have equipment for moving the load on the carrier.
(3) Modified example of automated warehouse The loading/unloading device of the automated warehouse may be another transfer device such as a stacker crane instead of the transport vehicle.
The transfer device may be another type of device such as a slide fork type.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely applied to a work station device arranged near an automated warehouse for workers to perform picking work or the like.

Reference Signs List 1 : Rack 3 : Carrier 4 : Unit 5 : Rail 7 : Entry Station 7a : Station Conveyor 9 : Exit Station 9a : Station Conveyor 11 : Entrance Lifting Device 13 : Exit Lifting Device 15 : Transfer Device 21 : Rack 22 : Frontage 23 : Incoming conveyor 25 : Outgoing conveyor 53 : Elevating table 55 : Post 57 : Elevating table conveyor 63 : Elevating table 67 : Elevating table conveyor 100 : Automated warehouse 101 : Work station device 101A : Work station device 101B : Work station device 103 : Table 103B : Table 103B1 : First part 103B2 : Second part 103B3 : Rotating part 103a : Upper surface 103b : Mounting position 103c : Working position 105 : Safety pole 107 : Supporting pole 109 : Vertical pole A : Work area O: Worker W: Baggage

Claims (5)

A work station device arranged near an automated warehouse having racks and loading/unloading devices,
a carrier having an upper surface on which the load can be moved;
a safety pole extending laterally at a position on the opposite side of the carriage from the loading/unloading device and at a position spaced from the upper surface of the carriage that is larger than the height of the cargo;
A work station device comprising: 2. The work station device according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap in the transport direction between a placement position on said carrier where said cargo is automatically placed by said loading/unloading device and a position of said safety pole. 3. The work station device according to claim 1, wherein the height position of the safety pole is slightly higher than the upper surface of the load on the carrier. The work station device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a vertical pole extending downward from said safety pole on the side of said carriage. The carriage includes a flat first portion on the loading/unloading device side, and a second portion rotatably provided on the first portion and movable between a flat posture position and an upwardly rotated upright posture position. Work station apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a portion.

Images