JP7016843B2 - Automatic book handling device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic book handling device that automatically lends books.

Techniques relating to a system for automatically lending books are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

The library's automatic collection and receipt system described in Patent Document 1 is a collection and receipt robot that runs around the bookshelf by itself, and a collection and receipt robot equipped with a trolley, a hand mechanism, a control device, and an in-vehicle computer is a book from the bookshelf. Is supposed to be taken in and out.

In the article classification and storage system described in Patent Document 2, a mobile robot provided with a mobile carriage, a gripping mechanism, an operation mechanism, and a rack is said to classify and store articles.

In addition to the above, technologies related to the automatic book lending system are also disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-233405 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-341957 Taiwan Patent No. 422345 Korean Patent No. 101015164

However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, if the robot directly touches and handles the book, the book may be damaged quickly.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing damage to a book as much as possible in an automatic handling device for a book.

In order to solve the above problem, the automatic book handling device according to the first aspect stores and transports books by using a book storage member having a take-out opening that allows the books housed therein to be taken out. An automatic book handling device that accommodates a plurality of the book storage members in multiple stages, a housing in which a book outlet for taking out the books is formed, and the accommodation space in which the books are stored in multiple stages. A transport unit for transporting a book storage member to the same book take-out port and a control unit for controlling the transport unit are provided, and a plurality of the books are housed in separate book storage members and controlled. In response to the user's request, the unit conveys the book storage member containing the book according to the request to the transport unit, and has the outlet for taking out the book storage member and the book outlet. The book is provided to the user by communicating with the user.

The automatic book handling device according to the second aspect is the automatic book handling device according to the first aspect, in which the control unit closes the book outlet and opens the book outlet. Further, the control unit further comprises a lid portion that switches between The book is provided to the user by communicating the take-out opening and the book take-out port.

The automatic book handling device according to the third aspect is the automatic book handling device according to the first or second aspect, and the book storage member has a bottom that supports the book from below in a used state.

The automatic book handling device according to the fourth aspect is the automatic book handling device according to any one of the first to third aspects, and further includes an input receiving unit for receiving the book information requested by the user. ..

The automatic book handling device according to the fifth aspect is the automatic book handling device according to any one of the first to the fourth aspects, in order to receive the books returned from the user in the housing. The book return space is formed, and functions as both a book lending device that automatically lends books to the user and a book returning device that receives books returned from the user.

According to the automatic book handling device according to each aspect, it is possible to suppress damage to books as much as possible.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the book handling apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic side view which shows the book handling apparatus of the same as above. It is a schematic plan view which shows the book handling apparatus of the same as above. It is a schematic front view which shows the internal structure of the above-mentioned book handling apparatus. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a book. It is a schematic side view which shows the folder for storing a book. It is a schematic front view which shows the folder of the same as above. It is a schematic plan view which shows the folder of the same as above. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. It is a schematic side view which shows the picker and the storage part. It is a schematic front view which shows a part of the storage part. It is a front view which shows a part of a picker. It is a schematic front view of the take-out mechanism part. It is a schematic side view of the take-out mechanism part. It is a schematic plan view of the take-out mechanism part. It is a partial schematic side view which shows the book return device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the lid part and the lock part of a book return device. It is a block diagram which shows the control part which controls the operation control of a book handling apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a book management data. It is a flowchart which shows the warehousing process. It is a flowchart which shows the lending process. It is a flowchart which shows the book selection lending process. It is a flowchart which shows the book take-out process. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of returning a book. It is a schematic plan view which shows the book handling apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic side view which shows the folder for storing a book which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic front view which shows the folder of the same as above. It is a schematic plan view which shows the folder of the same as above. FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 26. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the folder main body part. It is explanatory drawing explaining the load sensor. It is explanatory drawing explaining the warehousing work using the load sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the warehousing process using a cargo sensor. It is a schematic side view which shows another size of the folder for storing a book which concerns on a modification.

Hereinafter, the book storage folder 210 according to the embodiment will be described. The book storage folder 210 is used in an automatic handling device for books. Here, the book storage folder 210 will be described as being used by the automatic book lending device 20 of the book handling device 10. Hereinafter, the book storage folder 210 will be described together with the description of the book handling device 10.

{1. Overall configuration of book handling equipment}
<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. 4 is a book. It is a schematic front view which shows the internal structure of the handling apparatus 10.

The book handling device 10 is a device installed in a library or the like, and includes an automatic book lending device 20 and a book returning device 100. The automatic book lending device 20 is a device that automatically lends a book selected by the user from a plurality of stored books. The book return device 100 is a device that accepts the return of rented books.

Here, the automatic book lending device 20 and the book returning device 100 are installed side by side, and the respective devices 20 and 100 share each configuration in part. However, in the book handling device, the automatic book lending device and the book returning device may be provided in a physically separated manner. Further, in the book handling device, the book returning device may be omitted, and the automatic book lending device may be used alone.

<Overall configuration of automatic book lending device>
The automatic book lending device 20 is a device that can automatically lend a book stored in the device to the user in response to a book lending instruction by the user. The user gives an instruction to lend a book by a lending reception unit 70 or the like installed in the automatic book lending device 20.

Here, the automatic book lending device 20 includes a storage unit 30, a picker 40, an outlet mechanism unit 50, a warehousing cart 60 as a movable folder storage unit, a lending reception unit 70, and a control unit 80 (see FIG. 18). ) And.

The four sides and the upper side of the automatic book lending device 20 are surrounded by the panel 22. Here, of the automatic book lending device 20, the storage unit 30, the picker 40, and a part of the outlet mechanism unit 50 are arranged in a closed space surrounded on all sides and above by a panel 22. Further, the other part of the outlet mechanism unit 50 and the rental reception unit 70 are arranged outside the panel 22. Hereinafter, the inside of the automatic book lending device shall refer to the inside of the panel 22. The inside of the automatic book lending device 20 is restricted from entering by anyone other than the persons concerned by the panel 22. Further, the warehousing cart 60 is arranged so as to be accessible inside and outside the automatic book lending device 20.

In the automatic book lending device 20, 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 (in FIG. 2, the state in which the book 200 is stored in a part of the book storage folder 210 is shown). Then, when the user instructs the lending of the desired book 200 through the lending reception unit 70, the picker 40 sets the book storage folder 210 containing the desired book 200 to the book external extraction position P in the outlet mechanism unit 50. Transport toward (see FIG. 3). In the take-out mechanism unit 50, the book storage folder 210 is supported in a state where 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 automatic book lending device 20 in the outlet mechanism unit 50. This makes it possible to automatically lend a desired book to a user.

Further, the warehousing cart 60 is used, for example, when the folder 210 containing the books 200 is stored in the automatic book lending device 20.

That is, the warehousing trolley 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 books 200 stored in the warehousing trolley 60, the warehousing trolley 60 is put into the automatic book lending device 20. In this state, the picker 40 transports the book storage folder 210 stored in the warehousing cart 60 toward the empty storage position of the storage unit 30, so that the book storage folder 210 containing the books is stored in the storage unit 30. Stored in.

The control unit 80 is configured to be able to control each operation of the automatic book lending device 20 including each of the above operations. The control unit 80 may be provided inside the panel 22 or may be provided outside the panel 22.

<Overall configuration of book return device>
The book return device 100 includes a partition 24, a shielding mechanism unit 110, and a control unit 80.

Here, the book return device 100 is provided at the position of one end of the automatic book lending device 20.

That is, a space 23 for storing the returned books is formed at one end of the internal space partitioned by the panel 22. A part of the panel 22 that partitions the space 23 from the outside is the partition 24. Here, the partition 24 is a panel portion of the panel 22 on the side where the lending reception unit 70 is provided, and the portion facing the space 23 is the partition 24. The partition 24 is formed with a return port 24h through which the book 200 can pass. In FIG. 1 and the like, one side of the space 23 is open to the outside, and the opening is closed by a door (preferably a lockable door).

The shielding mechanism portion 110 includes a lid portion 112 that covers the return port 24h so as to be openable and closable. The lid portion 112 normally closes the return port 24h, and is in an openable state when the book 200 is returned. As a result, the user can store the book 200 in the space 23 through the return port 24h.

A storage cart 120 for return is arranged in the space 23. The return storage trolley 120 includes a container-shaped storage portion 120a that opens upward. The portion of the panel 22 facing one side of the space 23 is provided with an opening 22a through which the return storage trolley 120 can be taken in and out, and the return storage trolley 120 is provided with the space 23 through the opening 22a. It is configured so that it can be taken in and out of the outside.

Then, with the return storage trolley 120 arranged in the space 23, the books 200 returned through the return port 24h are dropped and stored in the storage portion 120a of the return storage trolley 120. Further, the return storage trolley 120 that stores the books 200 is taken out to the outside through the opening 22a, and is handled as the returned books 200 by a worker or the like. The returned book 200 is stored in, for example, the automatic book lending device 20 and is used for the next lending.

The control unit 80 also controls each operation of the book return device 100. A control unit that controls the operation of the automatic book lending device and a control unit that controls the operation of the book returning device may be realized by separate control units.

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

First, a plurality of books 200 are stored in the storage unit 30 in a state of 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 the lending instruction of the book 200 which he / she wants to lend through the lending reception unit 70. Then, under the control of the control unit 80, the picker 40 conveys the book storage folder 210 for storing the book 200 toward the book external extraction position P. The book external extraction position P is a position accessible to the user. As a result, the user can take out the book 200 from the book storage folder 210 at the book external take-out position P and borrow the book 200.

When returning the book 200, the user returns the book 200 to the return port 24h of the book return device 100. The returned books 200 are stored in the return storage trolley 120. The return storage trolley 120 can store a plurality of returned books 200. As a result, the book 200 is returned.

The returned books 200 are stored in the storage unit 30 as follows.

That is, a worker such as a library staff moves the return storage trolley 120 to the outside from the book return device 100, and takes out the books 200 stored in the return storage trolley 120. At this time, the worker confirms the state of contamination of the book 200, and if the book 200 is severely soiled, repairs or repairs the book 200. After that, the worker stores the book 200 in the book storage folder 210, and stores the book storage folder 210 in the warehousing cart 60. Then, the warehousing cart 60 is put into the automatic book lending device 20. Then, the picker 40 transports the book storage folder 210 containing the books 200 to an empty place in the storage unit 30 and stores the books. 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 is used for the next lending.

{2. About each part composition}
The configuration of each part of the automatic book lending device and the book returning device will be described.

<Books>
As shown in FIG. 5, the book 200 is provided with a tag 202 in which the identification code of the book 200 is recorded. The tag 202 may be attached to at least one of the front cover, back cover, and spine of the book.

The tag 202 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and a communication unit capable of wireless communication between the outside and an external wireless reading device or the like through an electromagnetic wave (radio wave) or the like. The provided RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) or the like can be used. The non-volatile memory stores an identification code for identifying the book. Then, the tag 202 can read the identification code of the wireless reader or the like or the tag 202 by transmitting a response signal including its own identification code in response to the identification code inquiry signal from the wireless reader or the like. .. By giving this identification code to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 can identify the book 200.

However, the tag attached to the book 200 is not limited to the above example. For example, as a tag, a tag that records its own identification code by magnetism (magnetic bar code, etc.) and a tag that records data in the shape of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional figure (bar code or QR code (registered trademark), etc.) It may be adopted. At this time, a reading device compliant with the tag may be used, 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 adopted as the tag, a reader that performs wireless communication in a non-contact manner with the tag is used.

<Folder for storing books 210>
6 is a schematic side view showing a folder 210 for storing books (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. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. It should be noted that halftone dots are attached to the areas opened on the side surfaces of each drawing.

The book storage folder 210 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a folder 210) is formed so that the books 200 can be stored in the storage unit 30 and can be conveyed by the picker 40 in a state of being stored inside. Specifically, here, the folder 210 includes a folder main body portion 222, a step portion 223S, an urging portion 225, and a held portion 228.

The folder main body portion 222 includes a bottom portion 223 and a plurality of (here, a pair) side surface portions 224 standing on the bottom portion 223, and the books 200 are accommodated therein so as to be able to be accommodated therein. At least one opening is formed so that the book 200 can be taken out. Here, the folder main body 222 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped cylinder with both ends open.

The bottom portion 223 is formed of a resin or the like, and is formed in an elongated plate shape. Both end portions 223b (see FIG. 8) of the bottom portion 223 are formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the outside. As a result, when the folder 210 is stored in the storage unit 30 from the picker 40, even if the folders 210 are already stored on both sides of the position where the folder 210 is stored, the folder 210 is placed between the folders 210 on both sides. It will be easier to insert. Similarly, the folder 210 can be easily inserted when the folder 210 is stored in the picker 40 from the picker 40 and when the folder 210 is taken into the picker 40 from the storage unit 30 or the outlet mechanism 50.

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

Then, the lower portion of the side surface main body portion 224a of the pair of side surface portions 224 is fixed to both side portions of the bottom portion 223 by a structure, an adhesive or the like, and the upper ceiling portion 224b of the pair of side surface main body portions 224a is butted against each other. , The folder main body portion 222 having a rectangular parallelepiped cylinder shape with both ends open (here, a rectangular parallelepiped cylinder shape flat in the vertical direction) is configured. A rib 224c for suppressing the deformation is formed on the side surface main body portion 224a.

One of the two openings 224d and 224e formed in the folder body 222 is a storage opening 224d for accommodating the book 200 inside the folder body 222, and the other is housed inside the folder body 222. The opening is 224e for taking out the book 200. That is, here, the direction for accommodating the book 200 with respect to the folder main body 222 and the direction for taking out the book 200 from the folder main body 222 are set to be the same. Hereinafter, the direction connecting the pair of side surface main bodies 224a of the folder main body 222 is the width direction, the direction connecting the bottom 223 and the ceiling 224b is the height direction, and the direction connecting the two openings is the depth direction. Further, the direction from the accommodating opening 224d to the taking-out opening 224e along the depth direction is defined as the front in the depth direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear in the depth direction.

The step portion 223S is provided inside the folder main body portion 222, and allows the book 200 to be accommodated in the folder main body portion 222 in such a manner that each spine is located at a fixed position with respect to the folder main body portion 222. Specifically, here, since the middle portion in the depth direction of the upper surface of the bottom portion 223 is lowered in the height direction, the folder main body portion 222 is provided with two step portions 223S. That is, on the upper surface of the bottom portion 223, a mounting recess 223a that is recessed via the step portions 223S on both ends thereof is formed. Of the two stepped portions 223S, the stepped portion 223S provided on the take-out opening 224e side is referred to as a front step portion 223S1, and the stepped portion 223S provided on the accommodating opening 224d side is referred to as a rear step portion 223S2.

Here, the book 200 is positioned using the front stage portion 223S1. More specifically, the book 200 is housed so that the spine of the folder main body 222 faces outward from the take-out opening 224e. At this time, the book 200 is accommodated between the two step portions 223S, and the spine cover is accommodated so as to be in contact with the front step portion 223S1. As a result, even if the sizes of the books 200 to be accommodated are different, the spine covers are accommodated in the folder main body 222 in such a manner that they are located at a fixed position with respect to the folder main body 222.

However, it is not essential to position the book 200 using the front stage portion 223S1, and it may be performed by the rear stage portion 223S2. However, by positioning the book 200 using the front-stage portion 223S1, the user can easily take out the book 200 from the folder main body portion 222.

Further, it is not essential that two step portions 223S are formed on the folder main body portion 222, and the step portions 223S formed on the folder main body portion 222 may be one or three or more. good. However, even when a plurality of stepped portions 223S are formed in the folder main body portion 222 and the book 200 is accommodated in the mounting recess 223a between the plurality of stepped portions 223S, the book 200 slides on the bottom portion 223. It is possible to prevent the folder from falling out of the folder main body 222.

Further, here, the folder main body 222 is formed with a recess 224f having an outer edge recessed from the openings 224d and 224e formed in the folder main body 222 toward the center. Here, the recess 224f is formed on the outer edges of both the accommodating opening 224d and the taking-out opening 224e. Hereinafter, the recess formed on the outer edge of the storage opening 224d is referred to as a storage recess 224g, and the recess formed on the outer edge of the take-out opening is referred to as a take-out recess 224h, and the two recesses do not need to be particularly distinguished. Is simply a recess 224f. Here, the recess 224f is formed in the side surface main body portion 224a. More specifically, the recess 224f is formed in both of the pair of side surface main body portions 224a. That is, the recesses 224f are formed at both ends of the folder body 222 in the depth direction with respect to the pair of side surface body 224a, and the folder body 222 has four recesses. By forming the accommodating recess 224g and the taking-out recess 224h, the folder main body 222 is formed in an H shape when any of the recesses is turned up in a side view.

Further, here, the recess 224f is set so that the intermediate portion (here, the center in the height direction) is largely recessed in the height direction of the folder main body portion 222. More specifically, as the outer edge of the recess 224f, a pair of inclined portions formed obliquely from both ends in the height direction of the side surface portion 224 of the outer edge of one opening toward the opposite end of the other opening. , The pair of inclined portions are connected, and a parallel portion parallel to the height direction is provided.

Here, the deepest portion (here, the parallel portion) from the take-out opening 224e of the take-out recess 224h is provided on the center side in the depth direction with respect to the front stage portion 223S1. As a result, a part of the front cover and the back cover on the back cover side is exposed to the outside from the take-out recess 224h without being covered by the side surface portion 224 in a state where the book 200 is in contact with the front cover portion 223S1. The user can easily take out the book 200 by grasping and taking out the portion of the front cover and the back cover of the book 200 that is exposed to the outside from the take-out recess 224h.

Further, the portion of the accommodating recess 224 g formed deepest from the accommodating opening 224d (here, the parallel portion) is provided at the same position as the rear portion 223S2 along the depth direction or on the accommodating opening 224d side. Has been done. As a result, the side portion 224 covers the front cover and the spine of the book 200 housed in the mounting recess 223a with the spine on the front 223S1 side.

Further, here, the accommodating opening 224d is formed larger than the taking-out opening 224e. As described above, since the book 200 is positioned using the front-stage portion 223S1, in the case of a small-sized book 200, the amount of inserting a hand into the folder main body 222 from the storage opening 224d is large. growing. In this case, the larger the storage opening 224d, the easier it is to store the books 200 inside the folder main body 222. On the other hand, when taking out, since the book 200 is in the vicinity of the take-out opening 224e due to the presence of the front stage portion 223S1 in the vicinity of the take-out opening 224e, the amount of access from the take-out opening 224e can be small. As a result, here, the accommodating opening 224d is formed larger than the taking-out opening 224e.

Further, here, the bottom portion 223 side of the accommodating recess 224 g is formed so as to be largely recessed in the depth direction from the connecting portion between the bottom portion 223 and the side surface portion 224. Therefore, the end portion of the bottom portion 223 on the accommodating opening 224d side protrudes rearward in the depth direction from the side surface portion 224. As a result, when the book 200 is housed inside the folder main body 222, for example, the book 200 is first placed on a portion of the bottom 223 that protrudes from the side surface 224 and is housed so as to slide on the bottom 223. This makes it easier to accommodate the book 200 by preventing the book 200 from being caught in the edge of the opening.

The urging portion 225 projects from the inner peripheral surface of the folder main body portion 222 and presses at least one of the front cover and the back cover of the book 200 stored inside the folder main body portion 222. Here, the urging portion 225 is formed so as to extend from the inner surface of the folder main body portion 222 toward an opening that allows the book 200 to be taken out. More specifically, here, the urging portions 225 project from both inner surfaces of the pair of side surface portions 224 so as to gradually narrow each other toward the front in the depth direction, and the front cover and the back of the book 200 are respectively. It is possible to hold both the cover and the cover.

Further, the tip of the urging portion 225 extends along the height direction so as to come into contact with the book 200 with as large a contact area as possible. As a result, damage to the book 200 due to contact between the urging portion 225 and the book 200 is suppressed. Further, the inward facing surface of the tip of the urging portion 225 is formed in a planar shape substantially parallel to the depth direction. As a result, the thinner the thickness of the book 200, the larger the contact area between the book 200 and the urging portion 225. Therefore, even if the book 200 is thin, the damage caused by the contact between the urging portion 225 and the book 200 is more reliably caused. It is suppressed. Here, the tip of the urging portion 225 is formed in a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the depth direction, so that the inward facing surface is also substantially parallel to the depth direction.

Further, here, the urging portion 225 is formed by bending a part of the side surface portion 224 inward. More specifically, the urging portion 225 has a slit that surrounds three sides in a part on the center side of the edge portion in the depth direction and the height direction of the side surface portion 224, and is bent inward with the other one as an axis. It is formed in a shape. This makes it easier to manufacture the folder 210 and makes it possible to reduce the weight of the folder 210.

As such an urging unit 225, a first urging unit 226 and a second urging unit 227 are provided here.

The first urging portion 226 is provided at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the side surface portion 224 (here, a portion including the center in the height direction of the side surface portion 224). Here, the first urging portion 226 is provided between the parallel portion of the accommodating recess 224g and the parallel portion of the taking-out recess 224h.

The second urging portion 227 is formed closer to the bottom portion 223 in the height direction of the side surface portion 224 than the first urging portion 226. Further, the second urging portion 227 is provided in a portion of the take-out opening 224e in which a recess is not formed along the height direction. Therefore, the second urging portion 227 is formed in front of the first urging portion 226 in the depth direction. Further, the tip of the second urging portion 227 is formed slightly behind the front stage portion 223S1 in the depth direction.

Here, since the urging portion 225 extends forward in the depth direction, when the books 200 are accommodated forward in the depth direction from the accommodating opening 224d, the books 200 are sequentially arranged from the base end side to the tip side of the urging portion 225. It will come into contact. Therefore, the urging portion 225 is gradually deformed with the insertion of the book 200, so that the book 200 can be easily accommodated. Further, even if the book 200 is moved forward in the depth direction while the tip of the urging portion 225 is in contact with the book 200, the urging portion 225 is unlikely to be deformed in the direction of returning to the original position. As a result, the books 200 can be smoothly moved even when the tip of the urging portion 225 is in contact with the books 200, so that the books 200 can be easily accommodated and taken out.

Further, in a state where the book 200 is housed so that the spine is in contact with the front cover 223S1, the second urging portion 227 is the spine side of the book 200 and presses the ground side, and the first urging portion 226. Is the edge side of the book 200 and presses the top side of the second urging unit 227. As a result, the position of the books 200 housed in the folder main body 222 is less likely to shift.

The held portion 228 is provided on the upper outside of the folder main body portion 222, and is configured to be able to be hung on the storage portion 30, the picker 40, or 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 end edge portion of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. The width dimension of the held portion 228 is larger than the thickness dimension of the upper end edge portion of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. Therefore, when the folder 210 is viewed from the front, the held portion 228 projects outward on both sides from the upper end portions of the pair of ceiling portions 224b. Then, the held portion 228 is hooked on the opposing rails 37 of the adjacent hangers 36 arranged in the storage portion 30, so that the held portion 228 is hung on the storage portion 30.

Further, an engaging hole 229 is formed in the folder 210. Here, the engagement hole 229 is formed so as to penetrate the held portion 228 in the width direction. More specifically, the engagement holes 229 are formed in the shape of through holes at both end portions in the depth direction of the end end side portion of the held portion 228. By inserting the grip portion 48 of the picker 40, which will be described later, into the engagement hole 229, the folder 210 can be taken into the picker 40 from the storage portion 30 and stored in the storage portion 30 from the picker 40. .. It is not essential that the engaging hole 229 is formed in the held portion 228, and the engaging hole 229 may be formed in the folder main body portion 222. Further, the axial direction of the engaging hole 229 is not limited to the width direction, and can be set in any direction such as the height direction.

Further, the folder 210 is provided with a reflective surface formed so as to be able to reflect the light emitted from the sensor of the picker 40 described later. The reflective surface is set so as to be orthogonal to the light irradiation direction. Here, the reflective surfaces are provided at both ends in the depth direction of the tip end side portion of the held portion 228. Further, here, since the light is emitted from the sensor located diagonally upward with respect to the folder 210 stored in the storage unit 30, the reflective surface is formed diagonally. However, it is not essential that the folder 210 is provided with the reflecting surface, and for example, it is possible that the folder 210 is not provided with the reflecting surface by reflecting on the book 200. Further, even when the reflective surface is provided, it is not essential that the reflective surface is provided on the held portion 228, and it may be provided on the folder main body portion 222.

However, it is not essential that the held portion 228 is formed in the folder 210. For example, it is conceivable that a shelf board is provided on the storage shelf and the folder 210 is placed on the upper part of the shelf board. By sandwiching the folder main body 222 by the picker 40, the folder 210 may be stored and imported. Further, even when the held portion 228 is formed in the folder 210, its configuration is not limited to that described above. For example, the held portion 228 may be provided on the bottom portion 223 of the folder main body portion 222 and may be mounted on the holding portion instead of the hanging type. Further, for example, even if it is a hanging type, the held portion 228 may be provided on the pair of side surface portions 224. It is also conceivable that the engagement hole 229 is formed not in the held portion 228 but in the folder main body portion 222.

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

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 10 to 12, the storage unit 30 is arranged in a space shielded from the outside by the panel 22 in the automatic book lending device 20. Further, the picker 40 is arranged in a space blocked from the outside by the panel 22 in the automatic book lending device 20, and is configured so that the folder 210 can 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 with the books 200 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 at a distance from each other, and a lateral support rod 33b arranged so as to connect the pair of side wall portions 33a.

The lateral support rods 33b are arranged at a plurality of locations at intervals in the vertical direction so as to hang between the pair of side wall portions 33a. Further, two lateral support rods 33b are arranged at intervals in each position in the vertical direction.

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

The two bracket portions 38 are fixed in a hanging shape to each of the two lateral support rods 33b at predetermined height positions in the vertical direction. The rail 37 is fixed to the lower ends of the two bracket portions 38. As a result, the rail 37 is supported in a posture orthogonal to the lateral support rod 33b and in a horizontal posture.

The plurality of hangers 36 are supported in parallel with respect to the lateral support rods 33b at equal intervals. A gap is formed between the adjacent rails 37 of the adjacent hangers 36. The width dimension of this gap is set to be the same as or larger than the width dimension of the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210 and smaller than the width dimension of the held portion 228. Further, the height dimension of the gap is set to be the same as 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 to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the rail 37 of the hanger 36, and the pair of rails is inserted. By sliding and inserting the held portion 228 of the folder 210 on the 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 so that the folder 210 can be hung.

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

Further, the hanger 36 is omitted at the position of the storage unit 30 where the outlet mechanism unit 50 is provided, and the outlet mechanism unit 50 is arranged at that position.

The picker 40 is configured so that a plurality of folders 210 can be selectively taken out from the storage unit 30 and transported toward the book external take-out position P. 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 traveling 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 portions 30 which are arranged so as to face each other at intervals.

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 portion 42 travels along the rail 41, the position of the folder entry / exit unit 45 in the parallel direction of the hanger 36 is adjusted.

The elevating mechanism unit 43 is configured to move the folder entry / exit unit 45 up / down. As such an elevating mechanism portion 43, for example, a rotation support mechanism portion 44 is supported by a strut erected on the traveling mechanism portion 42 so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of gears provided at the upper and lower end portions of the strut. An annular belt (annular chain, etc.) is wound around the ring, the transport unit is connected to the annular belt between a pair of gear bodies, and one of the gear bodies is rotated by an elevating rotation drive unit such as a motor to rotate the annular belt. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the folder entry / exit unit 45 is moved up and down. In addition to the above, the elevating mechanism unit may be configured by using a linear motor, or in a traction type mechanism using a counterweight, the pulley portion is driven by a motor to elevate and elevate the transport unit. May be good.

The rotation support mechanism portion 44 is supported by the elevating mechanism portion 43 so as to be able to be driven up and down. The rotation support mechanism portion 44 is formed in a long shape supported in a cantilever shape so as to project outward from the support column of the elevating mechanism portion 43. A folder entry / exit unit 45 is rotatably supported at the tip thereof. The rotation support mechanism unit 44 has a rotation drive unit such as a motor that rotationally drives the folder entry / exit unit 45, and 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 that it can be rotationally driven (that is, it can be rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions by 180 degrees) with the posture facing the storage unit 30 on the other side (see FIGS. 3 and 4, and the folder entry / exit in FIG. 4). The state during rotation of the unit 45 is shown).

The folder entry / exit unit 45 is configured so that the folder 210 can be taken in and out of the storage unit 30, the warehousing cart 60, and the outlet mechanism unit 50.

That is, the folder entry / exit unit 45 includes a unit case 46, a folder case 47, and a folder transfer mechanism unit 48.

The unit case 46 is formed in a box shape with both ends open, and is rotatably supported around an axis along the vertical direction at the tip of the rotation support mechanism portion 44.

A folder case 47 and a folder transfer mechanism unit 48 are incorporated in the unit case 46.

Two folder cases 47 are provided here. The folder case 47 is formed in a flat box shape with both ends open. The orientation of both openings of the folder case 47 is the same as the orientation of both openings of the unit case 46.

The folder case 47 is formed in a size and shape that can accommodate the folder 210 (here, a size and shape that can accommodate the folder main body 222 of the folder 210 in a fixed position and posture). A slit 47S through which the upper end of the ceiling portion 224b of the folder 210 can be inserted is formed in the upper end portion of the folder case 47. Then, the folder main body portion 222 of the folder 210 is stored in the folder case 47 in a state where the upper end portion of the ceiling portion 224b is disposed in the slit 47S and the held portion 228 is disposed above the slit portion 47S.

The two folder cases 47 are supported in parallel in the unit case 46.

The folder transfer mechanism unit 48 is configured so that the folder 210 can be taken in and out between the outside and the folder case 47.

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

The grip portion 48b includes a pair of grip claw portions 48b1 and an opening / closing drive portion 48b2 that is composed of an electromagnetic actuator or the like and drives the pair of grip claw portions 48b1 to open / close. Then, by driving the opening / closing drive portion 48b2 to open / close the pair of gripping claw portions 48b1, the pair of gripping claw portions 48b1 grips the held portion 228 of the folder 210 and the gripped portion 228 is released. It can be switched and driven.

The entrance / exit movement mechanism portion 48a is configured to be able to move and drive the grip portion 48b in the direction connecting the openings on both sides of the folder case 47. The entry / exit movement mechanism unit 48a is composed of a linear actuator such as a linear motor or the like. The entrance / exit movement mechanism portion 48a is attached to the upper part of the unit case 46 or the like along the direction connecting the openings on both sides of the folder case 47.

Then, by driving the entrance / exit movement mechanism portion 48a, the grip portion 48b can be projected from the opening on one side of the unit case 46 to grip one end of the held portion 228 of the folder 210 stored in the storage portion 30 or the like. It can be moved and driven between the position, the position where one end of the held portion 228 of the folder 210 stored in the folder case 47 can be gripped, and the position further retracted to the outside.

Further, here, a widthwise moving mechanism portion 48c capable of selectively disposing the above two folder cases 47 at a position below the grip portion 48b is provided in the folder case 47.

The width direction moving mechanism unit 48c is composed of a linear actuator such as a linear motor, etc., and is arranged at the lower part of the unit case 46 to support the above two folder cases 47 so as to be movable in the width direction. ..

By driving the pair of folder cases 47 reciprocating in the width direction by driving the width direction moving mechanism unit 48c, one folder case 47 is arranged below the grip portion 48b, and the other folder case. The 47 can be switched between the state in which the 47 is arranged below the grip portion 48b.

Then, with one of the two folder cases 47 arranged below the grip portion 48b, the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 places the folder 210 between the folder case 47 and the storage unit 30 or the warehousing cart 60. Can be reprinted.

A long auxiliary guide 48d for guiding the held portion 228 of the folder 210 toward the upper side of the slit 47S of the folder case 47 is provided on the extension on one end side of the entry / exit movement mechanism portion 48a. When the folder 210 moves between the storage unit 30 and the like and the folder case 47, the held unit 228 of the folder 210 slides on the auxiliary guide 48d.

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

The reading device 49a is a device capable of wirelessly communicating with the tag 202 as an RFID tag, and here, two reading devices 49a are provided in each of the above two folder cases 47. Then, one reading device 49a reads the tag 202 of the book 200 arranged in one folder case 47, and the other reading device 49a reads the tag 202 of the book 200 arranged in the other folder case 47. It is designed to read.

Further, the folder detection unit 49b is configured by a reflection type 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 in the opposite portion in a state where the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 is arranged facing the storage unit 30 or the warehousing cart 60. It is attached to the unit case 46 at a position and a posture of being irradiated toward one end of the unit case. Then, in a state where the folder transfer mechanism unit 48 is arranged at a certain position facing the storage unit 30 or the warehousing trolley 60, the presence or absence of the folder 210 at the position is detected by the presence or absence of the reflected light of the detection light. You can do it. Then, with one of the folder cases 47 facing the position where the folder 210 exists, the folder 210 is transferred from the storage unit 30 or the warehousing cart 60 into the folder case 47 by the entry / exit movement mechanism unit 48a. can do. Or conversely, with one of the folder cases 47 facing each other at a position where the folder 210 does not exist, the folder 210 is moved from the folder case 47 to the storage unit 30 or the warehousing cart 60 by the entry / exit movement mechanism unit 48a. Can be placed.

<About the outlet mechanism>
13 is a schematic front view of the outlet mechanism unit 50, FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of the outlet mechanism unit 50, and FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the outlet mechanism unit 50. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 13 to 15, the outlet mechanism portion 50 is provided on one of the panels 22 surrounding the four sides of the storage portion 30. Here, the take-out table 26 is provided in a horizontal posture on the outside of one of the panels 22. An outlet mechanism portion 50 is provided at a position from one end of the take-out table 26.

The outlet mechanism portion 50 includes a lid portion 52, a lid opening / closing drive portion 54, and a folder support portion 56 that supports the folder 210.

The lid portion 52 is arranged so that the outlet 22h formed on the panel 22 can be opened and closed. That is, the take-out port 22h from which the book 200 can be taken out is formed at a position above the one end of the take-out table 26 in the panel 22. Here, the outlet 22h is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape that allows the book 200 to be taken out in a vertical posture. The lid portion 52 is formed in a plate shape capable of closing the outlet 22h. A pair of lid guide portions 53 are provided along the horizontal direction at the upper and lower positions inside the take-out port 22h. The upper and lower portions of the lid portion 52 are supported by a pair of lid guide portions 53 so as to be slidable so that the lid portion 52 can move to the closed position where the outlet 22h is closed and the outlet 22h can be moved laterally from the closed position. It is movably supported between the open position and the open position.

The lid opening / closing drive unit 54 is configured to be able to move and drive the lid portion 52 between the closed position and the open position. Here, the lid opening / closing drive unit 54 includes a drive unit 54a such as a motor and an operation unit 54b. The operation unit 54b is formed in a long shape, and one end thereof is connected to the rotation shaft portion in a posture orthogonal to the rotation shaft portion of the drive portion 54a. Further, a pin 54c is provided so as to project from the tip of the operation unit 54b. The pin 54c is connected to the lid portion 52.

Here, a pin receiving portion 59a is provided on one side of the lid portion 52. The pin receiving portion 59a has a groove portion 59b extending in the vertical direction. Then, the pin 54c is fitted into the groove portion 59b so as to be movable along the extending direction of the groove portion 59b of the pin receiving portion 59a.

Then, when the operation portion 54b is rotated by driving the drive portion 54a with the pin 54c fitted in the groove portion 59b, the pin 54c moves in the groove portion 59b along the extending direction of the lid portion 52. It also displaces in the direction of movement. Then, when the pin 54c is moved to the closed position side by the rotational drive of the drive unit 54a, the lid portion 52 moves to the closed position side together with the pin receiving portion 59a, and conversely, the pin 54c is opened by the rotational drive of the drive unit 54a. When it is moved to the position side, the lid portion 52 moves to the open position side together with the pin receiving portion 59a. As a result, the lid portion 52 can be driven to open and close by rotationally driving the drive portion 54a in both forward and reverse directions.

The structure for opening and closing the lid portion and the lid portion is not limited to the above example. For example, the lid may be configured to open and close by rotating around a hinge. Further, the opening and closing of the lid portion may be performed manually. Further, the lid portion may be omitted.

The folder support portion 56 is arranged inside the outlet 22h of the panel 22. The folder support portion 56 is formed in a flat box shape with both ends open, and is formed in a size and shape that can accommodate the folder 210 inside the folder support portion 56. The opening on one side of the folder support portion 56 faces the outlet 22h. As a result, the books 200 in the folder 210 housed in the folder support portion 56 can be taken out to the outside through the outlet 22h and the opening on one side of the folder support portion 56.

Further, the opening on the other side of the folder support portion 56 is open toward the space between the pair of storage portions 30. Then, the folder 210 conveyed by the picker 40 can be transferred into the folder support portion 56 through the opening. Here, guide portions 56g that sequentially expand outward are formed on both sides of the other side opening of the folder support portion 56, and the folder 210 from the picker 40 is reliably transferred into the folder support portion 56. You can do it.

The folder support unit may be one that suspends and supports the folder 210, similarly to the storage unit 30.

Further, here, an take-out detection unit 58 capable of detecting the passage of an object at the take-out port 22h is provided. Here, the extraction detection unit 58 is configured by a combination of a plurality of pairs of transmissive optical sensors and the like. Then, the presence or absence of an object (book, user's hand, etc.) at the take-out port 22h can be detected by the presence or absence of shading of the detection light by the take-out detection unit 58.

A lending reception unit 70 is provided at a position from the other end of the take-out table 26. The lending reception unit 70 is a device that receives a lending command of the book 200 to the automatic book lending device 20.

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 for reading a library user card or the like given to each user. By reading the library user card by the card reader 74, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has the right to use the equipment.

On the touch panel device of the touch panel device 72, various screens for accepting the loan are displayed. For example, if the user has made a loan reservation after the user is identified, the book 200 reserved for loan is displayed and the loan instruction is accepted. It is advisable to make reservations in advance via an internet line or the like. Further, for example, after the user is identified, the stored list of books 200 or the search screen of the books 200 is displayed, and the instruction of the books 200 to be lent out is accepted based on the display.

<About the warehousing trolley>
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 be able to store a plurality of folders 210.

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

The bogie frame portion 62 is formed in a box shape with at least one side open. Inside the bogie frame portion 62, a hanger having the same configuration as that of the storage portion 30 is provided. Here, the hangers are provided at two positions above and below the bogie frame portion 62. Therefore, the folders 210 can be stored in two rows above and below the warehousing cart 60. Further, in the upper and lower rows, a plurality of (three or more) hangers are arranged in parallel, and therefore, a plurality of folders 210 can be stored in the upper and lower rows, respectively. Since the support configuration of the folder 210 in the warehousing trolley 60 is the same as the support configuration of the folder 210 in the storage unit 30, by arranging the warehousing trolley 60 adjacent to the storage unit 30, the picker 40 can move the warehousing. Folder 210 can be taken in and out of the dolly 60.

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

Here, a space S1 in which the warehousing cart 60 can be arranged is provided in the panel 22 at a position adjacent to one of the storage portions 30. An opening 22G1 is provided in a portion of the panel 22 adjacent to the space S1, and a door 22G2 that closes the opening so as to be openable and closable is provided. The door 22G2 is preferably lockable and unlockable. Then, the warehousing cart 60 can be taken in and out between the space surrounded by the panel 22 and the outside through the opening 22G1.

<About the book return device>
FIG. 16 is a partial schematic side view showing the book return device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 16, the book return device 100 is provided on one of the panels 22 surrounding the four sides of the storage unit 30. Here, the return table 27 is provided in a horizontal position on the outside of one of the panels 22. Here, the return table 27 is provided at a position adjacent to the take-out table 26. The book return device 100 is provided on the return table 27 and a portion closer to the panel 22.

As described above, the book return device 100 includes a partition 24, a shielding mechanism unit 110, and a control unit 80. Here, the book return device 100 further includes a first reading unit 121, a second reading unit 122, and an input detection unit 123.

The partition 24 is a portion of the panel 22 adjacent to the portion provided with the outlet mechanism portion 50. A return port 24h through which the book 200 can pass is formed in the partition 24. Here, the return port 24h is a rectangular opening that is long along the horizontal direction, and the book 200 can pass through the return port 24h in a sideways posture. The lower edge of the return port 24h is located on an extension of the upward surface of the return table 27. As a result, the book 200 can be put into the return port 24h by sliding on the return table 27.

The shielding mechanism portion 110 includes a lid portion 112 and a locking portion 116 (see also FIG. 17).

The lid portion 112 is configured to cover the return port 24h so as to be openable and closable. Here, the lid portion 112 is formed in the shape of a square plate that is wider than the return port 24h. The upper edge portion of the lid portion 112 is rotatably supported by the bracket on the inner surface side of the panel 22 via the shaft portion 113. The lid portion 112 is urged in the direction of closing the return port 24h by an urging portion such as a torsion coil spring or its own weight.

Further, the lock portion 116 is configured to be able to lock and unlock the lid portion 112 with the lid portion 112 closed based on the instruction from the control unit 80. Here, the lock portion 116 is configured by an electromagnetic actuator or the like, and includes a holding portion 116b that is driven forward and backward with respect to the main body portion 116a. Then, with the holding portion 116b advanced driven, the holding portion 116b is brought into contact with the back surface of the lid portion 112, so that the lid portion 112 is locked in a closed state. Further, by retracting and driving the holding portion 116b, the state in which the holding portion 116b holds down the back surface of the lid portion 112 is released, and the lock is released. In this state, the user holds the lid 112 inside the panel 22 through the book 200, so that the lid 112 can be opened inside the panel 22.

The first reading unit 121 is configured to be able to read the tag 202 attached to the book 200 located outside the partition 24 and around the return port 24h. As the first reading unit 121, a wireless reader or the like using wireless communication or the like is used. Here, the first reading unit 121 is provided on the return table 27. For example, the first reading unit 121 is arranged on the lower surface side of the return table 27. Then, when the user places the book 200 on the return table 27, the first reading unit 121 wirelessly communicates with the tag 202 and reads the identification code stored in the tag 202.

The second reading unit 122 is configured to be able to read the tag 202 attached to the book 200 passing through the return port 24h. As the second reading unit 122, a wireless reader or the like using wireless communication or the like is used as described above.

More specifically, an inclined guide 130 is provided inside the partition 24 and below the return port 24h so as to incline downward from the return port 24h. Below the tip of the tilt guide 130, a return storage cart 120 is arranged. The upper opening of the return storage trolley 120 faces the tip of the tilt guide 130. Then, the book 200 that has passed through the return port 24h slides down the inclined guide 130 and is stored in the return storage cart 120.

The second reading unit 122 is provided on the inclined guide 130. Then, when the book 200 slides down the tilt guide 130, the second reading unit 122 wirelessly communicates with the tag 202 of the book 200 to read the identification code stored in the tag 202.

The input detection unit 123 is configured to be able to detect that the book 200 has passed through the return port 24h. The input detection unit 123 is configured by a reflection type optical sensor or the like. Here, the input detection unit 123 is provided on the tilt guide 130 and can detect an object such as a book 200 that slides down the tilt guide 130. More specifically, the input detection unit 123 is directed at the tilt guide 130 (here, the tilt guide 130) at a position and orientation in which the detection light is emitted toward an object such as a book 200 sliding down the tilt guide 130. It is attached (at the tip below the gravity direction of 130). Then, the presence or absence of an object such as a book 200 that slides down the tilt guide 130 can be detected depending on the presence or absence of the reflected light of the detection light. Then, even if the second reading unit 122 fails to read the identification code stored in the tag 202 for the book 200 inserted from the return port 24h, the input detection unit 123 still has an object that seems to be the book 200. It can be detected that the tilt guide 130 has passed. However, it is not essential that the input detection unit 123 is provided on the tilt guide, and the input detection unit 123 is provided until the book 200 inserted from the return port 24h reaches the storage unit 120a. Just do it. At this time, it is preferable that the book 200 is provided at a position that the user cannot reach when the book 200 is input from the return port 24h.

<About the hardware configuration of the control unit>
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the book handling device 10. Here, the control unit 80 will be described with an example having both functions of a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic book lending device 20 and a control unit that controls the operation of the book returning device 100. Each control unit may be composed of physically separate control units.

The control unit 80 is composed of 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) and the like for starting the computer, and the RAM 83 is provided as a work area when the CPU 81 performs processing according to a predetermined procedure. The external storage device 84 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk device.

The external storage device 84 stores an OS (operating system) 84a, an warehousing / delivery control program 84b, a return control program 84c, a book management data 84d, and the like.

The warehousing / delivery control program 84b defines a procedure for carrying out the transport processing of the folder 210 in the automatic book lending device 20 as described above, and the main control unit according to the procedure described in the warehousing / delivery control program 84b. The folder 210 is transferred by the CPU 81 of the above.

The return control program 84c defines a procedure for controlling the operation of the shielding mechanism unit 110 in the book return device 100, and the CPU 81 as the main control unit follows the procedure described in the return control program 84c. By performing arithmetic processing, the operation of the shielding mechanism unit 110 is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 19, the book management data 84d indicates whether or not the book 200 is in stock, each position of the book 200 in stock, reservation registration, the borrower of the book 200 being rented, and the loan, as shown in FIG. It is a table associated with the return deadline of the book 200 in the book. 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 title of the book, the author, and the like are also associated with this specific information, but in FIG. 19, each position of the omitted book 200 is information indicating the position of the book 200 in the storage unit 30. be. By referring to this position, it is possible to determine at which position the specified book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30. 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 the 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, identification code of the borrower, etc.) that identifies the borrower of the book that is out of stock, that is, the book 200 that is being lent out. The return deadline is the return deadline of the book 200 being lent out. By referring to the information regarding the borrower and the return deadline for the book 200, it is possible to determine whether or not the book 200 has passed the return deadline when the borrower intends to return the book 200. The book management data 84d is generated and updated when the book 200 is stored in the storage unit 30 from the warehousing carriage 60, when the book 200 is rented, when the book 200 is returned, and the like.

Further, the CPU 81 communicates with the picker 40, the lending reception unit 70, the outlet mechanism unit 50, the shielding mechanism unit 110 of the book return device 100, the first reading unit 121, the second reading unit 122, and the like via the input / output interface. It is connected as possible.

The control unit 80 may be connected to an external management server via a communication interface so as to be able to communicate with each other, 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 via a public communication network or the like through his / her own terminal device or the like and make a reservation for the book 200 from the terminal.

It is preferable that the book return device 100 is provided with a camera capable of taking an image of a range including the return port 24h so that a user who intends to return the book 200 can take an image.

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

<About warehousing process>
The process of storing the books 200 in the automatic book lending device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

The warehousing process in the automatic book lending device 20 is disclosed in a state where the warehousing cart 60 is set in the automatic book lending device 20. The warehousing process is performed after the worker presses the storage start button or during the period after the picker 40 has finished the lending operation and the next lending operation command is not given.

Before the warehousing process is performed, the worker who operates the automatic book lending device 20 and the preparatory work are 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 warehousing trolley 60, and the work of storing the warehousing trolley 60 in which the folder 210 is stored are automatically performed. The work to be set in the book lending device 20 is set.

When the warehousing operation in the automatic book lending device 20 is started, in step S101, the control unit 80 gives a command to the picker 40 to confirm whether or not the warehousing cart 60 has the folder 210. Here, in this confirmation, the picker 40 is moved to a position facing the warehousing trolley 60, and the folder entry / exit unit 45 is moved to a position facing one of the storage positions of the folder 210 in the warehousing trolley 60. This is done by confirming the presence or absence of reflection of the detected light from the folder detection unit 49b in the state. Further, the presence / absence of the folder 210 is confirmed sequentially for each storage position of the folder 210 in the warehousing trolley 60 by sequentially moving the folder entry / exit unit 45 in front of the warehousing trolley 60. Then, when it is determined that there is no folder 210 (there is 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 the next step S102, the control unit 80 gives a command to the picker 40 to take in the folder 210 from the warehousing cart 60. As a result, the folder entry / exit unit 45 fetches the folder 210 from the position determined in step S101 that the folder 210 exists.

In the next step S103, the control unit 80 gives a command to the picker 40 to read the data of the tag 202 of the book 200 in the imported folder 210. As a result, the reading device 49a communicates with the tag 202, reads 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 position of the folder 210 in the storage unit 30 is determined. The storage position is determined by specifying a vacant position with reference to the book management data 84d shown in FIG. 20 and selecting one of the vacant positions in all the storage positions in the storage unit 30. ..

In the next step S105, 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 conveys the folder 210 to the storage position and stores the folder 210 in the storage position.

Then, 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, of the book management data 84d, the book 200 that has been stored is assumed to be stored, and the storage position is updated. After that, the process returns to step S101.

After that, by repeating steps S101 to S107 until the folders 210 disappear from the warehousing trolley 60, all the folders 210 in the warehousing trolley 60 can be stored in the storage unit 30.

Here, the folder entry / exit unit 45 can store and transport a plurality of (here, two) folders. Therefore, the steps S101 to S103 may be repeated a plurality of times to load the two folders 210 into the picker 40, and then steps S104 to S107 may be repeated a plurality of times to perform the warehousing process. In this case, if the plurality of storage positions are close to each other, the moving distance of the picker 40 can be reduced, and efficient warehousing becomes possible.

It should be noted that steps S102, S103, and S104 may be performed before the completion of step S105, and may be performed in any order. For example, a reader for reading the tag of the book may be provided near a predetermined position of the warehousing cart to read the position information and the tag at the same time, or the position information may be read after reading the tag information. May be good. Further, as described above, a part of step S105 (for example, a command for storing a book from the warehousing carriage to the transport mechanism unit) may be performed after step S102 and before step S103 or step S104. obtain.

<About loan processing>
The process of lending the book 200 to the user from the automatic book lending device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. This process is performed when the user borrows the book 200 from the automatic book lending device 20.

It is assumed that the user has been given a library user card in advance. Further, it is assumed that the user can make an advance reservation for the book 200 stored in the automatic book lending device 20 through a public communication network or the like.

First, in step S201, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the user data can be acquired. Here, when a user who wishes to lend the book 200 causes the card reader 74 to read the library user card, the user data is acquired. As a result, the process proceeds to the next step S202.

In the 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. Whether or not there is a right to use is determined by collating the user list created in advance with the user ID recorded on the above-mentioned book user card. If it is determined that the user has the right to use, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the user does not have the right to use the user, the process proceeds to step S208. If you do not have the right to use it, it is assumed that the usable period of the user ID in the user list has expired.

In step S208, an error signal is output from the control unit 80. As a result, the loan reception unit 70 is displayed with a message such as "Not available". Then, the process is terminated.

When the process proceeds to step S203, it is checked whether or not there is book reservation data that can be rented. Specifically, the user data read in step S201 and the book management data 84d are collated to search for a book 200 reserved and in stock by the user, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S204, and if not, step S209. Proceed to.

In step S204, the control unit 80 confirms whether or not there is a loan 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 loan reception unit 70. Then, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to lend the book 200. If it is determined that there is no lending instruction, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a lending instruction, the process proceeds to step S205 and the lending process is executed.

Step S205 is a process in which the control unit 80 gives an instruction to the picker 40 so that the book 200 that the user wants to receive is stored and the folder 210 is transported from the storage unit 30 to the book external extraction position P. As a result, the folder 210 in which the books 200 are stored is transported to a position where the books 200 can be taken out by the user.

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 from the take-out port 22h. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the book 200 has passed through the outlet 22h based on the detection signal of the extraction detection unit 58 provided at the outlet 22h. When it is determined that the user has received the book, the lid 52 of the outlet 22h is closed, 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, among the book management data 84d, the inventory of the book 200 that has been lent out is updated to none, the reservation registration is eliminated, the borrower is recorded, and the lending period is added to the date of the day. Set a return deadline and record it.

This completes the lending process.

A book selective lending process (step S209) when there is no book reservation data in step S203 will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

In this case, in step S211 the control unit 80 determines whether or not there is a loan request instruction. This determination is made through an instruction operation to the loan reception unit 70 by the user. If it is determined that there is no lending request instruction, the process returns to the original flowchart and the process ends. If it is determined that there is a loan request, the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S212, the control unit 80 gives a command to the loan reception unit 70 to display the book selection screen. As a result, the display unit of the loan reception unit 70 displays a list of book names of the book 200 stored in the storage unit 30, a search screen of the book 200, and the like.

When the user inputs the selection instruction of the book 200 in the next step S213, the process proceeds to the next step S214.

In step S214, as in step S205, the control unit 80 gives an instruction to the picker 40 so that the book 200 that the user wants to receive is stored and the folder 210 is transported from the storage unit 30 to the book external extraction position P. It is a process. As a result, the folder 210 in which the books 200 are stored is transported to a position where the books 200 can be taken out by the user.

In the next step S215, 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 from the take-out port 22h. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the book 200 has passed through the outlet 22h based on the detection signal of the extraction detection unit 58 provided at the outlet 22h. When it is determined that the user has received the book, the lid 52 of the outlet 22h is closed, and the process proceeds to the next step S216.

In step S216, the control unit 80 updates the book management data 84d. As the data to be updated, for example, out of the book management data 84d, the inventory of the book 200 for which lending has been completed is updated, the borrower is recorded, and the lending period is added to the date of the day to set the return deadline. Record this.

This completes the lending process.

The book retrieval process 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 the next step S222, the control unit 80 gives a take-out start command to the picker 40 by designating the storage position of the book 200. As a result, the picker 40 moves toward the designated storage position, and the folder 210 stored in the storage position is taken into the folder entry / exit unit 45. Then, the picker 40 conveys the folder 210 toward the book external extraction position P. As a result, the folder 210 containing the books 200 is supported by the folder support portion 56 of the take-out mechanism portion 50. After that, the control unit 80 instructs the drive unit 54a to open the lid portion 52. Then, the lid 52 is opened, and the user can take out the book 200 in the folder 210 through the take-out port 22h.

After this, the process returns to the original process.

When it is determined in step S215 that the receipt is completed, the control unit 80 instructs the picker 40 to move the folder 210 in the book external take-out position P to the empty storage position of the warehousing cart 60. Give it. As a result, the picker 40 moves toward the book external extraction position P and takes in the empty folder 210 at the book external extraction position P into the folder entry / exit unit 45. After that, the picker 40 moves toward the warehousing trolley 60 and searches for a vacant storage position in the warehousing trolley 60 in the same manner as in the process of step S101. Then, the empty folder 210 in the folder entry / exit unit 45 is transferred to the empty storage position of the warehousing cart 60. As a result, the worker can easily take out the empty folder 210 to the outside by taking out the warehousing cart 60.

The vacant folder 210 at the book external extraction position P may be transported by the picker 40 to the vacant storage position in the storage unit 30. When the warehousing trolley 60 is moved to the outside of the automatic book lending device 20, the empty folder 210 is temporarily transferred to the storage unit 30, and then the warehousing trolley 60 automatically rents out books. When the storage position is moved to the device 20 and becomes empty, the empty folder 210 temporarily stored in the storage unit 30 may be transferred to the warehousing cart 60 by the picker 40. ..

<About return processing>
Next, a process related to the operation at the time of returning the book 200 to the book returning device 100 by the user will be described with reference to FIG. 24.

In step S301, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the tag data stored in the tag 202 has been received through the first reading unit 121. Here, when the user returns the book 200 to the book return device 100, the book 200 is placed on the return table 27. Then, the first reading unit 121 communicates with the tag 202 of the book 200 on the return table 27, and receives the data of the tag 202. In this way, when the book 200 to which the tag 202 is attached is placed on the return table 27, it is determined in step S301 that the tag data has been received, and the process proceeds to the next step S302.

In step S302, the book management data 84d is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the identification code of the tag data corresponds to the book 200 being rented. If NO is determined here, the process proceeds to step S308, and an error signal is output. When an error signal is output, the control unit 80 may notify "not a book of this library" or the like by voice guidance or a display unit or the like. Then, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the book is being lent out, the process proceeds to step S303.

Even if it is determined in step S302 that the book 200 is on loan, if the return deadline has passed, the determination may be rejected.

In step S303, the control unit 80 outputs an unlock signal to the lock unit 116 of the shielding mechanism unit 110. In the initial state, the lock portion 116 keeps the lid portion 112 locked. As a result, the lock portion 116 is in the unlocked state, the lid portion 112 is in the open state, and the user can return the book 200 through the return port 24h.

In the next step S304, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the tag data stored in the tag 202 has been received through the second reading unit 122 within a certain period of time after the processing in step S303. Here, when the user inserts the book 200 into the return port 24h, the book 200 slides on the inclined guide 130 and enters the return storage trolley 120. When the book 200 slides down on the tilt guide 130, the second reading unit 122 communicates with the tag 202 of the book 200 and receives the tag data. Here, if it is determined that the tag data has not been received, the process proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that the tag data has been received, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S306, the control unit 80 detects the presence or absence of a slipped object (book 200) based on the detection signal of the input detection unit 123. Here, when the user throws an object such as a book 200 into the return port 24h, the object such as the book 200 slides on the inclined guide 130 and enters the return storage trolley 120. When an object such as a book 200 slides down on the tilt guide 130, the presence or absence of the slipped object is detected by detecting the presence or absence of the reflected light of the light emitted by the input detection unit 123. Then, if it is determined as YES, the process proceeds to S307. If NO is determined, the process proceeds to S310. In addition, when proceeding to S310, it is advisable to notify "Please return the book" or the like by voice guidance or a display unit or the like.

In step S310, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a preset time has elapsed after the unlock signal is output. The preset time is, for example, 30 seconds. Here, if it is determined that the preset time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S309. If it is not determined that the preset time has elapsed, the process returns to step S304.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S305, it is determined with reference to the book management data 84d whether or not the identification code read through the second reading unit 122 corresponds to the book 200 being rented. Here, if YES is determined, the process proceeds to step S307. If NO is determined, the process proceeds to step S306.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S305, it is determined with reference to the book management data 84d whether or not the identification code read through the second reading unit 122 corresponds to the book 200 being rented. If NO is determined here, the process proceeds to step S308, and an error signal is output. If YES, the process proceeds to step S307.

In the next step S307, the control unit 80 updates the book management data 84d. As the data to be updated, for example, the borrower of the book 200 that has been returned, the source of the side equipment, and the like are cleared.

In the next step S309, a lock signal is output to the lock portion 116 of the return port 24h. In response to this, the lock portion 116 locks the lid portion 112, so that the user or the like cannot open the lid portion 112 of the return port 24h.

Then, the return process is completed.

{4. About effects}
According to the book storage folder 210 according to the embodiment, since the folder main body 222 capable of accommodating the book 200 is provided inside the folder 210, the folder 210 in which the book 200 is stored in the folder main body 222 is provided in the automatic book lending device 20. By handling it, it is possible to prevent the book 200 from being damaged. Further, in order to provide a step portion 223S provided inside the folder main body portion 222 so that the book 200 accommodated in the folder main body portion 222 can be accommodated in such a manner that the spine cover is located at a fixed position with respect to the folder main body portion 222. , It becomes easy to take out the book 200 from the book storage folder 210.

Further, the folder main body 222 is provided with a storage opening 224d inside which the books 200 can be stored and a storage opening 224d, and is provided separately from the storage opening 224d so that the books 200 housed inside can be taken out. Since the 224e is formed, the book 200 can be accommodated and taken out by moving the book 200 toward the back side at the time of accommodating and taking out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the book 200 from being damaged because the edge side of the book 200 is caught by the edge of the opening of the folder main body 222.

Further, since the book 200 further includes an urging portion 225 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the folder main body 222 and holds at least one of the front cover and the back cover of the book 200 housed inside the folder main body 222, the book 200 is a folder. It is possible to prevent the book 200 from moving in the folder main body 222 while being housed in the main body 222, and in a particularly severe case, preventing the book 200 from falling from the folder main body 222. This makes it possible to prevent the book 200 from being damaged by rubbing or dropping.

Further, since the urging portion 225 is formed so as to extend from the inner surface of the side surface portion 224 toward the opening 224e that enables the books 200 to be taken out, it is possible to prevent the urging portion 225 from hindering the movement of the books 200. can. More specifically, when the book 200 is accommodated through the accommodating opening 224d, the book 200 abuts in order from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the urging portion 225. Therefore, the urging portion 225 is gradually deformed with the insertion of the book 200, so that the book 200 can be easily accommodated. Further, even if the book 200 is moved forward in the depth direction while the tip of the urging portion 225 is in contact with the book 200, the urging portion 225 is unlikely to be deformed in the direction of returning to the original position. As a result, the books 200 can be smoothly moved even when the tip of the urging portion 225 is in contact with the books 200, so that the books 200 can be easily accommodated and taken out.

Further, since the folder main body 222 is formed with recesses whose outer edges are recessed from both side openings of the folder main body 222 toward the opposite opening, the book 200 is stored from one side opening of the folder main body 222. At the same time, it becomes easy to store the book 200, and it becomes easy to take out the book 200 when the book 200 is taken out from the other side opening of the folder main body 222. As a result, it is possible to prevent the books 200 and the folder 210 from being damaged by suppressing the forced loading and unloading of the books 200.

Further, since the held portion 228 provided outside the folder main body portion 222 and formed so as to be hung from the storage portion for storing the books 200, the folder 210 can be hung and stored. This facilitates the storage work as compared with the case where the folder 210 is placed on a shelf board or the like and stored.

{Modification example}
In the above embodiment, the folder 210 is suspended and supported, but a box-shaped folder having an opening at the top and the like and capable of storing the book 200 inside is a storage unit, a picker, and a book. It may be supported in a mounted shape at an external take-out position or the like, and may be configured to slide and move between them. That is, the folder may be configured so as to be movable between the storage unit, the picker, and the external extraction position of the book while the folder is stored.

Further, like the book handling device 310 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 25, it corresponds to the automatic book lending device 320 (corresponding to the automatic book lending device 20) and the book returning device 100 provided with the storage unit 30 and the picker 40. The book return device 400 to be used may be provided in a separate manner. In this case, the folder 210 is used by the automatic book lending device 320.

{Modification example of folder for storing books}
Next, a modified example of the book storage folder 210 will be described. FIG. 26 is a schematic side view showing the book storage folder 210A according to the modified example. FIG. 27 is a schematic front view showing the same folder 210A. FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view showing the same folder 210A. FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 26. FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing the folder main body portion 222A.

The book storage folder 210A according to the modified example is different from the folder 210 in the following points.

The first point different from the folder 210 is that the folder main body portion 222A is formed by combining two different members using a fitting structure. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, the folder main body portion 222A is formed by combining the first member 2221 and the second member 2222. The first member 2221 and the second member 2222 are each formed by using a resin as a material and using a mold or the like.

The first member 2221 constitutes a part of the bottom portion 223A and the ceiling portion 224b and one side surface portion 224A. Further, the first member 2221 is provided with a fitting convex portion 2221a. The fitting convex portion 2221a is provided so as to project toward the second member 2222 side.

The second member 2222 constitutes a part of the bottom portion 223A and the ceiling portion 224b and the other side surface portion 224A. Further, the second member 2222 is provided with a fitting recess 2222h that can be fitted with the fitting convex portion 2221a. Further, the second member 2222 is provided with a held portion 228.

The fitting convex portion 2221a and the fitting concave portion 2222h are fitted, for example, as follows. That is, the tip of the fitting convex portion 2221a is formed in the shape of a protruding claw. Further, the fitting recess 2222h is formed in the shape of a through hole. Then, the protruding claw is elastically deformed and inserted into the through hole. After insertion, the protruding claws elastically return and are caught on the periphery of the through hole. As a result, the fitting convex portion 2221a is in a state of being fitted into the fitting concave portion 2222h.

Here, four fitting protrusions 2221a and two fitting recesses 2222h are provided on the ceiling portion 224b side and three on the bottom portion 223A side, but the number of fitting protrusions and fitting recesses is different. , It may be set appropriately. Further, here, the fitting convex portion 2221a and the fitting concave portion 2222h on the ceiling portion 224b side are provided above the lower surface of the ceiling portion 224b (the surface facing the book 200 side). Similarly, the fitting convex portion 2221a and the fitting concave portion 2222h on the bottom portion 223A side are provided below the upper surface (the surface facing the book side) of the bottom portion 223A. As a result, the fitting convex portion 2221a and the fitting concave portion 2222h are suppressed from interfering with the books 200 housed in the folder 210A.

Next, the second point different from the folder 210 is that the stopper 224s is provided. The stopper 224s is provided so as to project from one inner surface of the pair of side surface portions 224A toward the other. Then, the stopper 224s suppresses the book 200 from falling out of the accommodating opening 224d while the book 200 is pressed toward one side surface portion 224A by the spring member B described later.

More specifically, the stopper 224s is provided on the second member 2222. The stopper 224s is formed in a shape in which a substantially U-shaped groove is formed in a part of the side surface main body portion 224Aa so that three sides are separated from the side surface main body portion 224Aa, that is, three sides are surrounded by grooves. Has been done. At this time, the stopper 224s is provided so that the edge portion 224sa on the take-out opening 224e side is connected to the side surface main body portion 224Aa. That is, the stopper 224s extends toward the accommodation opening 224d along the depth direction. A step portion 224s1 protruding in the width direction is provided in the middle portion of the stopper 224s along the depth direction. Here, the step portion 224s1 is formed at the same position as the rear portion 223S2 along the depth direction. Therefore, when the books 200 housed in the folder 210A are about to fall off from the storage opening 224d side, the heaven side is caught by the step portion 224s1 and the ground side is caught by the rear stage portion 223S2.

The stopper 224s is provided with a rib 224sc in order to increase the rigidity of the stopper 224s and particularly to increase the rigidity of the step portion 224s1. The rib 224sc is provided so as to connect the edge portion 224sb on the side opposite to the edge portion 224sa of the stopper 224s and the step portion 224s1. A plurality of ribs 224sc are provided at intervals in the height direction. Further, the rib 224sc also has a function of suppressing the stepped portion 224s1 from forming a stepped opening on the accommodating opening 224d side. Therefore, by providing the rib 224sc, the book 200 inserted from the accommodation opening 224d can move to the accommodation position along the rib 224sc, so that the book 200 is less likely to be caught by the step portion 224s1 at the time of accommodation. Can be expected.

Further, here, a portion constituting the side surface of the folder main body portion 222A is not provided outside the stopper 224s. Due to this and the fact that the stopper 224s is connected to the side surface main body 224Aa by the edge 224sa, the stopper 224s is around the edge 224sa so that the edge 224sb moves toward the outside of the folder main body 222A. It is elastically deformable. As a result, the stopper 224s can be retracted toward the outside of the side surface portion 224A when the book 200 is accommodated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stopper 224s from becoming an obstacle when the book 200 is stored in the folder main body portion 222A.

Next, the third point different from the folder 210 is the configuration of the urging unit 225A. Specifically, in the folder 210A, the urging portion 225A includes a spring member B provided as a member separate from the first member 2221 and the second member 2222. The spring member B is formed by applying the principle of the torsion bar. Further, in order to attach the spring member B to the first member 2221, a spring member attachment portion 224p is formed on the first member 2221.

More specifically, the spring member B is formed of, for example, one metal rod as a material. The spring member B may be formed in the shape of a round bar or may be formed in the shape of a square bar. Further, the round bar-shaped portion and the square bar-shaped portion may be formed in a combined shape along the extending direction. The portion that comes into contact with the book 200 is preferably formed in the shape of a round bar. Here, the spring member B includes a supported portion B1 and a contact portion B2.

The supported portion B1 is a portion supported by the spring member mounting portion 224p provided on the folder main body portion 222A. Here, the supported portion B1 is formed in a substantially L shape, and both ends thereof are supported by the spring member mounting portion 224p, respectively. The supported portion B1 is formed in the shape of a torsion bar. That is, the supported portion B1 is mounted to the spring member mounting portion 224p so as to be difficult to rotate so that a twisting action occurs. The method of attaching the supported portion B1 will be described in detail later. And here, two supported portions B1 are provided, and the two supported portions B1 are provided so as to be connected by the abutting portion B2.

The contact portion B2 is a portion that comes into contact with the book 200. Here, the contact portion B2 is formed in a substantially U shape (a shape without one side of a rectangle). Then, one end of the contact portion B2 is connected to one of the two supported portions B1, and the other end of the contact portion B2 is connected to the other of the two supported portions B1.

Here, the spring member B is attached to the inner surface of the first member 2221. Then, the spring member B urges the book 200 housed in the folder main body 222A toward the second member 2222.

Here, the spring member mounting portion 224p in the folder main body portion 222A will be described. The spring member mounting portion 224p is formed on the inner surface of the first member 2221. The spring member mounting portion 224p includes a first support portion 224q and a second support portion 224r.

The first support portion 224q is a portion of the supported portion B1 on one end side of the L-shape through which a portion corresponding to the end portion of the spring member B is inserted. Here, a through hole 224k is formed in the rib 224c to form a first support portion 224q. More specifically, the through hole 224k is formed along the depth direction in the rib 224sc extending along the height direction. Therefore, the portion of the spring member B that is inserted through the first support portion 224q is attached to the first member 2221 in a manner extending along the depth direction.

The second support portion 224r is a portion of the supported portion B1 that supports the other end of the L-shape, here the end portion on the contact portion B2 side. As the second support portion 224r, a projecting piece 224u in which a part of the first member 2221 projects toward the inner surface is formed here. The projecting piece 224u is formed in an L shape in a plan view, and its tip protrudes toward the accommodating opening 224d like the stopper 224s. The projecting piece 224u is elastically deformable. Two projecting pieces 224u are provided for one supported portion B1. The two projecting pieces 224u are arranged along the height direction. Here, a portion constituting the side surface of the first member 2221 is not provided outside the protruding piece 224u. Therefore, here, the supported portion B1 is supported by the protruding piece 224u and the peripheral portion of the protruding piece 224u of the first member 2221. Therefore, the portion of the spring member B supported by the second support portion 224r is attached to the first member 2221 in a manner extending along the height direction.

As shown above, both one end side and the other end side of the supported portion B1 formed in an L shape are attached to the spring member mounting portion 224p. Therefore, the supported portion B1 is difficult to rotate around its axis with one end side of the L-shape as an axis, and is difficult to rotate around its axis with the other end side of the L-shape as an axis. When viewed as a spring member B, the two supported portions B1 are attached to the side surface main body portion 224Aa at the same position along the depth direction and at intervals in the height direction. Therefore, when the contact portion B2 rotates around the other end side of the L-shape with the other end side of the L-shape as an axis, the other end side of the L-shape of the two supported portions B1 is twisted. As a result, a restoring force that tries to return to the original state acts on the contact portion B2. This restoring force becomes an urging force that pushes the book 200 toward the second member 2222. Since the first support portion 224q is formed with a through hole along the depth direction and the second support portion 224r is formed with an L-shaped protruding piece 224u extending toward the accommodation opening 224d, the spring member. B can be easily attached to the first member 2221 by sliding it from the accommodation opening 224d side.

The thickness of at least the supported portion B1 of the spring member B may be set smaller than the height of the rib 224c provided on the inner surface of the first member 2221. As a result, it is possible to prevent the end portion of the supported portion B1, particularly the spring member B, from protruding toward the inner surface side of the rib 224c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end portion of the spring member B from coming into contact with the book 200 and damaging the book 200.

As shown in FIG. 29, the spring member B is attached to the first member 2221 so that the contact portion B2 is located on the second member 2222 side in a state where the book 200 is not accommodated in the folder main body portion 222A. Then, when the book 200 is housed in the folder main body portion 222A, the contact portion B2 rotates around the other end side of the L-shape of the supported portion B1 so as to be located on the first member 2221 side. It transforms to do. At this time, the supported portion B1 is supported by the spring member mounting portion 224p, and the side surface main body portion 224Aa is located on the outer surface side of the supported portion B1 other than the portion supported by the second supporting portion 224r. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the spring member B to rotate about the portion of the supported portion B1 along the height direction as an axis. Therefore, the spring member B is elastically deformed so that the periphery of the connecting portion between the supported portion B1 and the contact portion B2 is twisted. The book 200 is pressed toward the second member 2222 by the restoring force of the spring member B elastically deformed so as to be twisted.

Further, a plurality of spring members B (here, two) are provided. The two spring members B are arranged at intervals along the direction away from the take-out opening 224e. More specifically, the two spring members B are provided so that the portion of the contact portion B2 along the height direction is located at a position separated from each other along the depth direction. Of the two spring members B, the spring member B provided at a position far from the take-out opening 224e has a book 200 having a small size among the books 200 that can be accommodated in the folder main body 222A for taking out the book 200 in the folder 210A. When housed in the opening 224e side, it is possible to hold down the side of the book 200 opposite to the take-out opening 224e side. More specifically, in the case of a small-sized book 200, if it is housed in the stopper 224S side, it becomes difficult to take out the book 200 from the take-out opening 224e. Therefore, here, even in the case of a small-sized book 200, it is accommodated on the take-out opening 224e side. However, in this case, since the book 200 and the stopper 224S are separated from each other, when the book 200 is to be taken out from the take-out opening 224e, the book 200 may be missed and the book 200 may escape to the accommodation opening 224d side. be. In order to avoid such a situation, here, the spring member B provided at a position far from the take-out opening 224e functions as a stopper separately from the stopper 224S. That is, when the book 200 is about to escape to the accommodating opening 224d side, the spring member B provided at a position far from the taking-out opening 224e presses the portion of the book 200 facing the accommodating opening 224d side. Suppress the escape. From the above, even if the size of the book 200 is small, the spring member B provided at a position far from the take-out opening 224e acts as a stopper, so that the book 200 housed in the folder 210A is the take-out opening 224e. It is possible to more reliably suppress the dropout from.

Another difference from the folder 210 is that a mark M indicating the accommodation direction of the book 200 is provided on the inner surface of the first member 2221 and the second member 2222. Here, the mark M is formed in an arrow shape so as to point to the take-out opening 224e side along the depth direction. For example, it is conceivable that the mark M is integrally formed with the first member 2221 and the second member 2222 in a manner of projecting from the side surface main body portion 224Aa.

Further, the portion of the bottom portion 223 on the side of the accommodating opening 224d with respect to the rear portion 223S2 is formed in a slope shape. In particular, here, it is formed in an ascending slope shape from the accommodation opening 224d side toward the rear stage portion 223S2 side. Therefore, while keeping the height of the rear stage portion 223S2 high, the position of the portion of the bottom portion 223 on the side of the rear stage portion 223S2 on the accommodating opening 224d side can be lowered, that is, the frontage of the accommodating opening 224d can be widened. This makes it easier to insert the book 200 into the folder 210A from the accommodation opening 224d.

Further, here, a through hole 228h for preventing the hanger 36 from coming off is formed in the held portion 228. When the folder 210A is hung on the hanger 36, a part of the hanger 36 is caught in the through hole 228h, so that the folder 210A can be prevented from coming off from the hanger 36. In particular, here, by providing the above-mentioned configuration in which the hanger 36 and the folder 210A are caught, the folder 210A is prevented from coming out to the inside of the book lending device 20. At this time, the force generated by the hanger 36 being caught in the through hole 228h is set to be smaller than the force with which the picker 40 handles the folder 210A. It should be noted that the pull-out of the book lending device 20 to the outside of the hanger 36 is also suppressed by, for example, the panel 22 constituting the outer surface of the book lending device 20.

Further, of the recesses 224h formed on the take-out opening 224e side in the side surface portion 224A, the edge portion on the bottom portion 223 side in the height direction is formed in a shape along the depth direction. On the other hand, the edge portion of the recess 224h on the ceiling portion 224b side in the height direction is formed so as to extend in a direction intersecting the depth direction and the height direction. This is determined in consideration of the weight reduction and the improvement of the ease of taking out by increasing the concave portion 224h and the improvement of the difficulty of rattling of the book 200 by reducing the concave portion 224h. More specifically, since the bottom 223 side of the book 200 is usually close to the portion on which the book 200 is placed, it is difficult to rattle. Therefore, even if the bottom portion 223 side of the recess 224h has a shape along the depth direction, there is little possibility that the book 200 will rattle significantly. By forming the bottom 223 side of the recess 224h into a shape along the depth direction, it is possible to increase the degree of weight reduction and improvement in ease of removal. On the other hand, since the ceiling portion 224b side of the book 200 is far from the portion on which the book 200 is placed, it is easy to rattle. Therefore, it is desirable that the side surface portion 224A is located on the side of the ceiling portion 224b side of the book 200 as much as possible. In order to achieve both this and to increase the degree of weight reduction and improvement in ease of removal, here, the edges of the recesses 224h on the ceiling side in the height direction intersect in the depth direction and the height direction. It is formed so as to extend in a direction.

Further, a through hole 224t is formed in the folder 210A as in the folder 210. The through hole 224t is formed at a corresponding position (a position where the pair of side surface portions 224A overlaps in a side view) of the pair of side surface portions 224A. Here, two through holes 224t are formed in the first member 2221 and the second member 2222. The through hole 224t is formed in a long hole shape that is long in the depth direction with respect to the height direction. It is conceivable that the through hole 224t is used, for example, to confirm by the load sensor 90 or the like that the book 200 is housed in the folder 210A hung on the warehousing cart 60. More specifically, the detection light W is emitted from the load sensor 90 located outside the folder main body portion 222A toward the main surface of the side surface portion 224A. When the book 200 is housed in the folder main body portion 222A, the detection light W passes through the through hole 224t formed in one of the side surface portions 224A and hits the book 200 in the folder 210A. Further, the detection light W can pass through the through hole 224t of the pair of side surface portions 224A when the book 200 is not accommodated in the folder main body portion 222A.

Such a cargo sensor 90 and a warehousing process using the sensor 90 will be described. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the load sensor 90. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one step of the warehousing operation using the load sensor 90.

The load sensor 90 is provided in the book handling device 10. Here, the load sensor 90 includes a transmitting unit 91 and a receiving unit 92. Hereinafter, the load sensor 90 will be described as being controlled by the control unit 80.

The transmission unit 91 is a unit that transmits the detection light W such as infrared rays, for example. Here, the transmission unit 91 is provided in a portion of the book lending device 20 located outside one end of the warehousing trolley 60 when the warehousing trolley 60 is stored.

The receiving unit 92 is a unit that receives the detection light W transmitted from the transmitting unit 91. Here, the receiving unit 92 is provided at the other end of the warehousing carriage 60.

More specifically, the transmission unit 91 irradiates the detection light W that travels linearly along the parallel direction of the folders 210A housed in a row in the warehousing carriage 60. At this time, the transmission unit 91 is provided so that the detection light W is irradiated to the portion of the folder 210A housed in the warehousing carriage 60 where the through hole 224t is located.

The detection light W irradiated to the through hole 224t of one folder 210A passes through the through hole 224t of the folder 210A and is irradiated to the through hole of the next folder 210A when there is no book 200 in the folder 210A. .. Therefore, when the detection light W is emitted from the transmitting unit 91 at a certain stage of the warehousing trolley 60, it is detected when the books 200 are not stored in all the folders 210A housed in a row on that stage of the warehousing trolley 60. The light W reaches the receiving unit 92.

On the other hand, the detection light W irradiated to the through hole 224t of one folder 210A passes through the through hole 224t on the transmitter side when the book is housed in the folder 210A, and then the book in the folder 210A. It hits 200 and is blocked. Therefore, when the detection light W is emitted from the transmitting unit 91 at a certain stage of the warehousing trolley 60, the detection light W is stored in at least one of the folders 210A housed in a row on that stage. Is blocked by the book 200 and does not reach the receiving unit 92.

The transmitting unit 91 and the receiving unit 92 are provided for each stage of the warehousing carriage 60. Therefore, by determining the reception status of the receiving unit 92 in each stage, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of the loaded folder 210A in each stage of the warehousing carriage 60. That is, it is possible to specify the stage in which the loaded folder 210A exists in the warehousing trolley 60. Then, in response to this result, the picker 40 checks only the stage where the loaded folder 210A exists. As a result, the time required for the picker 40 to check the warehousing cart 60 can be shortened, and the time required for accommodating the books 200 can be shortened.

Specifically, the warehousing process using the load sensor 90 is assumed as follows. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the warehousing process using the cargo sensor.

First, preparatory work is performed by the worker before the warehousing process. Since the preparatory work by the operator is the same as the preparatory work performed before step S101, it is omitted here. After the preparatory work is completed, the warehousing process is started when the worker presses the warehousing start button.

When the warehousing process is started, it is first determined in step S401 whether or not there is a reaction of the load sensor 90. Specifically, when the signal to start the warehousing process is given, the transmitting unit 91 of the warehousing sensor 90 irradiates the detection light W at each stage of the warehousing trolley 60 to confirm the presence or absence of the warehousing in each stage.

At this time, as described above, if the book 200 is in at least one folder 210A out of all the folders 210A in one stage, the detection light W does not reach the receiving unit 92. In this way, when the detection light W transmitted from the transmitting unit 91 does not reach the receiving unit 92, it is determined that there is a reaction of the loading sensor 90 at that stage, that is, there is loading at that stage.

On the other hand, as described above, if there is no book 200 in all the folders 210A in one stage, the detection light W reaches the receiving unit 92. In this way, when the detection light W transmitted from the transmitting unit 91 reaches the receiving unit 92, it is determined that there is no reaction of the loading sensor 90 in that stage, that is, there is no loading in that stage.

Then, if it is determined that there is a stage in which the loaded folder exists based on the result of the receiving unit of each stage, the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined that there is no stage in which the inbound folder exists, the warehousing process ends.

In addition, it is possible that two transmitting units 91 and two receiving units 92 are provided for one stage so as to irradiate the detection light W to each of the two through holes 224t. In this case, when it reacts to the receiving unit 92 of either one of the stages, it is conceivable to determine that the loaded folder 210A is present in that stage. As a result, the accuracy of the receipt confirmation at that stage can be improved.

In the next step S402, the position of the loaded folder 210A is specified in one of the stages determined to be loaded in the previous step S401.

Specifically, here, first, the stage for moving the picker 40 is selected. Then, the picker 40 is moved to the selected stage, and it is confirmed one by one whether or not the books 200 are in the folder 210A. As a result, the position of the loaded folder 210A is specified at the stage where it is determined that the loaded folder 210A is present.

In selecting the stage for moving the picker 40, there may be a case where only one stage is determined to be in stock in the previous step S401 and a case where there are a plurality of stages determined to be in cargo in the previous step S401. .. If there is only one step determined to be in the cargo in the previous step S401, that step is naturally selected. On the other hand, if there are a plurality of stages determined to be in stock in the previous step S401, here, the first stage is in a preset order such as the order from the top to the bottom of the warehousing trolley. Will be described as selecting. However, the step closest to the position along the height direction of the current picker 40 may be selected, or may be randomly selected from a plurality of steps.

After selecting the stage to move the picker 40 as described above, the picker 40 is moved to that stage. At this time, it is conceivable to move the picker 40 in a predetermined order, for example, the order from one end to the other along the parallel direction of the folders 210A in the warehousing cart 60.

At the time of this movement, the picker 40 confirms whether or not the book 200 is in the folder 210A. Here, as a configuration for confirming whether or not the book 200 is in the folder 210A by the picker 40, for example, the following can be considered. That is, the picker 40 is provided with a load detection unit. Then, in a state where the picker 40 is located at a position facing the storage portion of the folder 210A, the detection light is emitted from the load detection unit toward the storage portion of the folder 210. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the reflected light is reflected when the book 200 is present in the folder 210A.

The movement of the picker 40 and the confirmation of the arrival of the folder 210A by the picker 40 are performed until the picker 40 reaches the in-loaded folder 210A at the selected stage. Then, when the picker 40 reaches the loaded folder 210A, the movement of the picker 40 and the confirmation of the loading of the folder 210A by the picker 40 are stopped. That is, the picker 40 is not moved and the picker 40 does not confirm the load on the subsequent folders 210A, and the process proceeds to the next step S403.

When storing the books 200 in the folder 210A in the warehousing cart 60, the worker may store the books 200 in order from the folder 210A that the picker 40 first confirms at each stage. Specifically, when the picker 40 sequentially moves the stage from one end to the other end and confirms the arrival of goods, the worker accommodates the books 200 in order from the folder 210A at one end. good. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the work of moving the picker 40 with respect to each stage and confirming the position of the loaded folder 210A.

In the next step S403, the folder 210A whose position is specified is stored in the storage unit 30. Specifically, at the stage where the position of the loaded folder 210A is specified in the previous step S402, the picker 40 is stopped at a position facing the loaded folder 210A. Therefore, when the position of the folder 210A is specified in the previous step S402, the picker 40 takes in the folder 210A at that position as it is and stores it in the storage shelf 30. That is, here, the movement of the picker 40 in the previous step S402 has an aspect of one step of the storage work for taking the folder 210A into the picker 40.

It should be noted that the folder 210A may be taken in and stored in the same manner as in S102 to S107 described above, and therefore specific contents will be omitted here.

After storing the loaded folder 210A whose position has been specified, the process returns to step S401. Then, the load sensor 90 is used to check again whether there is a stage in which the loaded folder 210A exists, and if there is, the operation of storing the loaded folder 210A is sequentially repeated. That is, steps S401 to S403 are repeated until there is no response from the load sensor 90 for all stages. Then, when there is no response from the load sensor 90 for all stages, the warehousing process using the load sensor 90 is completed.

By performing the warehousing process using the load sensor 90 in this way, it is possible to easily confirm the stage where the folder 210A containing the books 200 is located in the warehousing trolley 60. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of confirming the receipt of goods with the picker 40 for the stage where the folder 210A containing the books 200 does not exist.

If the cargo is confirmed in multiple stages by the first confirmation of the cargo by the cargo sensor 90, the position of the folder 210A in the cargo is specified once for each stage in which the cargo is confirmed and the presence is concerned. It is also conceivable to take a mode in which the load sensor 90 performs a second load confirmation after the load folder 210A is stored. In this case, the number of times of confirmation of arrival by the arrival sensor 90 can be reduced.

Further, it is conceivable to perform the following operations after the end of step S403 and before returning to step S401. That is, the position of the folder 210A stored in step S403 is stored. Then, the picker 40 is moved and the receipt is confirmed for the folder 210A for which the confirmation is set after the confirmation order of the folder 210A, and the storage operation is performed when there is a arrival.

Further, it is preferable that the second and subsequent confirmation of the load by the load sensor 90 is performed during the storage work after the folder 210A is taken into the picker 40 from the warehousing cart 60. Further, when the picker 40 goes to check the cargo for the same stage of the warehousing cart 60 multiple times, the picker 40 confirms the cargo from the folder 210A in the next confirmation order of the folder 210A stored immediately before. It is good. As a result, the time required for warehousing can be shortened.

As the folder, it is conceivable that folders having different sizes are used properly according to the size of the book 200 to be accommodated. FIG. 34 is a schematic side view showing another size of the book storage folder 210A according to the modified example.

Specifically, the folder 210B shown in FIG. 34 is provided so as to be able to accommodate a book 200 having a size larger than that of the book 200 accommodated in the folder 210A. Therefore, the folder 210B is formed larger than the folder 210A. More specifically, in the folder 210B, the accommodating recess 224g of the side surface portion 224B is smaller than that of the folder 210A, and the position of the accommodating opening 224d is located at the depth direction edge portion of the folder 210B. Further, in the folder 210B, the portion on the bottom 223 side of the recess 224h is extended from the folder 210A along the height direction, and the height dimension of the side surface portion 224B is increased. Since the folder 210B is also handled by the same picker 40 as the folder 210A, the shape of the held portion 228 is formed to be the same.

It is difficult to arrange such a folder 210B in a stage provided exclusively for the folder 210A in the warehousing cart 60 and the storage unit 30. Therefore, it is preferable that a part of the warehousing cart 60 and the storage unit 30 is provided exclusively for the folder 210A, and another stage is provided for both the folder 210A and the folder 210B. As a result, the height dimension of the warehousing cart 60 or the book lending device 20 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the stages are provided for both the folder 210A and the folder 210B.

According to such a book storage folder 210A, two urging portions 225A are provided along the direction away from the taking-out opening 224e, so that the two urging portions 225A are provided at a position far from the opening. The urging unit 225A is a drawing opening 224e of the books 200 when a small size book 200 among the books 200 that can be accommodated in the folder main body 222A is housed in the taking-out opening 224e in the folder 210A. It is possible to hold down the side opposite to the side. Therefore, even if the book 200 to be housed is a book 200 having a small size, it is possible to more reliably prevent the folder 210A from falling out of the storage opening 224d.

Further, the stopper 224s provided so as to project from one of the pair of side surface portions 224A toward the other is further provided, and the urging portion 225A contains the books housed in the folder main body portion 222A of the pair of side surface portions 224A. It is provided on the other side of the pair of inner peripheral surfaces so as to hold it toward one side. Therefore, the books 200 are housed in the folder main body 222A in a state of being pressed by one of the pair of side surface portions 224A by the urging portion 225A, so that the books can be more reliably dropped from the folder main body 222A. It can be suppressed.

Further, since the stopper 224s is formed so as to be retractable toward the outer surface side of the side surface portion 224A when the books 200 are accommodated, the case where the books 200 are thick when the books 200 are accommodated in the folder main body portion 222A. However, it is possible to prevent the stopper 224s from becoming an obstacle.

Further, the folder main body portion 222A is provided by combining two separate members 2221 and 2222. Therefore, when the folder main body portion 222A is manufactured by the mold, it can be easily manufactured.

Although the present invention has been described in detail as described above, the above description is an example in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that innumerable variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10 Book handling device 20 Automatic book lending device 22 Panel 22h Exit 24 Partition 24h Return port 30 Storage unit 36 Hanger 40 Picker 50 Exit mechanism unit 60 Storage trolley 70 Lending reception unit 80 Control unit 100 Book return device 120 Return storage trolley 200 Books 202 Tag 210 Folder 222 Folder Main body 2221 First member 2221a Fitting convex part 2222 Second member 2222h Fitting recess 223 Bottom 223S Step 224 Side surface 224d Storage opening 224e Extraction opening 224f Recess 224s Stopper 225 Part 228 Held part B Spring member

Claims (5)

An automatic book handling device that stores and transports books using a book storage member having an opening for taking out the books housed inside.
A storage space for accommodating a plurality of the book storage members in multiple stages , and a housing having a book outlet for taking out the books.
A transport unit that transports the book storage member, which is stored in multiple stages in the storage space, to the same book outlet.
A control unit that controls the transport unit and
Equipped with
A plurality of the books are housed in separate book storage members.
In response to the user's request, the control unit conveys the book storage member containing the book according to the request to the transport unit, and the outlet for taking out the book storage member and the book collection. An automatic book handling device that provides the book to the user by communicating with the exit. The control unit further includes a lid portion that switches between a closed state in which the book outlet is closed and an open state in which the book outlet is opened.
In response to the user's request, the control unit positions the take-out opening at a position corresponding to the book take-out port and switches the lid part to the open state to allow the take-out opening and the book take-out. The automatic book handling device according to claim 1, wherein the book is provided to the user by communicating with the exit. The automatic book handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the book storage member has a bottom that supports the book from below in use. The automatic book handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an input receiving unit for receiving information on books requested by the user. A book return space for receiving books returned from the user is formed in the housing.
The automatic handling of books according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which functions as both a book lending device that automatically lends books to the user and a book returning device that receives books returned from the user. Device.

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