JPWO2008026265A1 - Automatic warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

In an automatic warehouse 1 including a plurality of shelves 2mn and a transport device 10, the transport device 10 includes a lifting platform 12 and a reflective identification code reader 15. The reflective identification code reader 15 is configured integrally with the lifting platform 12, and is attached to an attachment member 13 that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform 12, and includes a mirror 16 and an identification code 4 reflected by the mirror 16. And an identification code reader 17 for reading the identification code 4 and reading the identification code 4. Thus, even if the identification code reader 17 needs a predetermined distance to read the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 transferred to the lifting platform 12, it is restrained to the predetermined distance. The identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 stored in the uppermost shelf 2 mu can be read freely with the stored item 3 transferred to the lifting platform 12. It is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated above the shelf 2mu. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The invention of the present application relates to an automatic warehouse, and in particular, a stored item stored in the uppermost shelf of the automatic warehouse without being constrained by a distance normally required for reading an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item. With an identification code reader that can freely read the identification code attached to the upper surface of the storage device while the stored items are transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device, a useless space is created above the top shelf. The present invention relates to an automatic warehouse that can effectively prevent the use of the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf.

For example, as in the automatic warehouse described in Patent Document 1, conventionally, the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device (stacker crane) provided in the automatic warehouse is read. There is an automatic warehouse in which this transport device is equipped with an identification code reader. FIG. 7 shows a main part of such a conventional automatic warehouse 01.
The automatic warehouse 01 has a plurality of shelves 02mn (m is a horizontal row number, n is a vertical row number, and m = 1, 2,... .., N = 1, 2,..., U) and a transfer device (stacker crane) 010 for delivering stored items between the shelves 02mn. The transport device 010 travels along a plurality of shelves 02mn by the operation of a travel drive device (not shown) while being prevented from rolling by the upper guide rail 06 laid on the ceiling 05.

  The transport device 010 also includes an elevator table 012 and an identification code reader 015 that reads the identification code 04 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 03 transferred to the elevator table 012. The identification code reader 015 is configured integrally with the lifting platform 012 and is attached to the lower surface of the horizontal arm 013b of the side view L-shaped mounting member (bracket) 013 that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform 012. The identification code 04 is read at a distance D. This distance D is called an identification code reading distance, and is a distance required for the identification code reader 015 to read the identification code 04, and is usually 350 to 400 mm, and varies depending on the type of the identification code reader. Yes.

  The lifting platform 012 and the mounting member 013 move up and down integrally along the mast 011 of the stacker crane 010 while being guided by a plurality of LM guides 014 by the operation of a lifting drive unit (not shown). When the lift table 012 is moved to a position facing the predetermined shelf 02mn, the stored item 03 is transferred from the shelf to the lift table 012 by the operation of a transfer device (not shown). Alternatively, the stored item 03 placed on the lifting table 012 is transferred to the shelf.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 7, the lifting platform 012 is moved to a position facing the uppermost shelf 02mu (n = u) of a predetermined horizontal row number m, and the lifting platform is moved from this shelf 02mu. If the stored item 03 is transferred to 012, the identification code reader 015 reads the identification code 04 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 03 from a position immediately above it separated by a distance D.

  By the way, the distance D is large enough to further provide a shelf above the uppermost shelf 02mu and place and store a storage item 03 of the same size on the shelf. Therefore, if this distance D is not required, a shelf can be further provided for use as a space for storing the stored items 03. However, since the distance D is essential in the conventional automatic warehouse 01, the upper space S of the uppermost shelf 02mu corresponding to the distance D becomes a useless space (dead space).

  An identification code 04 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 03 transferred from the shelf 02mn (1 ≦ n <u) other than the uppermost shelf 02mu to the lifting platform 012 of the stacker crane 010 is used as an identification code reader 015. However, in this case, since there is a space for the attachment member 013 and the identification code reader 015 to escape above the attachment member 013, the distance D corresponds to the distance D. The shelf 02mn + 1 can be provided in a space immediately above the shelf 02mn to be used, and no useless space (dead space) is generated.

As described above, in the conventional automatic warehouse 01, the identification code reader 015 provided in the transport device 010 has separated the identification code 04 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 03 transferred to the lifting platform 012 by the distance D. Since it was attached to the lower surface of the horizontal arm 013b of the attachment member 013 so as to be read from the position directly above, a useless space S is generated above the uppermost shelf 02mu, and the height of the uppermost shelf 02mu is increased in the height direction. The space could not be used effectively. Here, the mounting member 013 is configured integrally with the lifting platform 012 and is configured to move up and down integrally with the lifting platform 012.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-279025

  The invention of the present application solves the above-described problems of conventional automatic warehouses, and the identification code reader provided in the transport device is attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device. Even if a predetermined distance D is required to read the code, the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item stored in the uppermost shelf is not restricted to the predetermined distance D, and the stored item is moved up and down. It can be read freely in the state of being transferred to the table, which prevents the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf and effectively uses the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf ( It is an object to provide an automated warehouse that can reduce dead space).

According to the invention of the present application, such a problem is solved by the following automatic warehouse.
That is, in the automatic warehouse comprising a plurality of shelves arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction and stacked in multiple stages, and a transport device that delivers stored items between the shelves, the transport device Comprises a lifting platform and a reflective identification code reader for reading an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform, the reflective identification code reader comprising: It is configured integrally and is attached to an attachment member that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform, and receives an image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform, A mirror that reflects in a direction different from the received direction; and an identification code reader that receives the image of the identification code that is separated from the mirror by a predetermined distance and reflected by the mirror and reads the identification code. An automatic warehouse according to claim Rukoto.

According to this automatic warehouse, even if the stored item is stored in the uppermost shelf, the image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item is transferred by the mirror when it is transferred to the lifting platform of the transfer device. Reflected in a direction different from the received direction and received by an identification code reader provided at a predetermined distance from the mirror, the identification code reader reads the identification code.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader included in the reflective identification code reader attached to the attachment member requires a predetermined distance D to read the identification code, the identification code reader is lowered without being restricted by the predetermined distance D. Install the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item stored in the uppermost shelf so that the identification code reader can read it freely with the stored item transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device can do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf (reduction of dead space).

  According to a preferred embodiment, the predetermined distance that the identification code reader is separated from the mirror is the distance required for the identification code reader to read the identification code. With this configuration, the identification code reader can accurately read the identification code, and the above-described effects of the automatic warehouse can be reliably achieved.

  According to another preferred embodiment, the reflective identification code reader includes an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the reflection angle of the mirror. With this configuration, even if the position of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device and the position where the identification code reader is installed vary slightly, the angle adjustment mechanism is operated appropriately. This can be easily accommodated by adjusting the reflection angle of the mirror.

  According to still another preferred embodiment, the reflection direction of the image of the identification code reflected by the mirror is substantially horizontal. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the height of the automatic warehouse as much as possible, eliminate wasted space, and effectively use the space.

  In addition, the automatic warehouse includes a plurality of shelves arranged in parallel in a horizontal direction and a plurality of shelves stacked, and a transport device that delivers stored items between the shelves. Comprises a lifting platform and a telescopic identification code reading device for reading an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform, the telescopic identification code reading device comprising: It is configured to be separated and can be expanded and contracted relatively with respect to the lifting platform, and is attached to a mounting member that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform in a state of being extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform. An automatic warehouse comprising an identification code reader that receives an image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the elevator and reads the identification code.

According to this automatic warehouse, even if the stored item is stored in the uppermost shelf, the stored item is transferred to the lifting platform in a state where the mounting member is contracted relative to the lifting platform, An identification code reader provided on the telescopic identification code reader attached to the attachment member, with the image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item in a state where the attachment member is extended relative to the lifting platform And the identification code is read by the identification code reader.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader included in the telescopic identification code reader attached to the attachment member needs a predetermined distance D to read the identification code, the attachment member is not restrained by the predetermined distance D and the conveyance device The identification code reader is expanded and contracted relative to the lifting platform, and the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item stored in the uppermost shelf is transferred to the lifting platform. It can be read freely. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf (reduction of dead space).

  According to a preferred embodiment, the distance that the attachment member extends to the maximum relative to the lifting platform is the distance required for the identification code reader to read the identification code. With this configuration, the identification code reader can accurately read the identification code, and the above-described effects of the automatic warehouse can be reliably achieved.

  According to another preferred embodiment, the base end portion of the mounting member is fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft that is inserted through the base end portion of the lift base so as not to be able to come out upward, and the base end portion of the mounting member and the lift base A compression spring is interposed between the base end of the mounting member, the mounting member is made to be able to expand and contract relative to the lifting platform, and the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the mounting member that extends from the base end of the mounting member Is attached with an identification code reader. With this configuration, it is possible to easily obtain a configuration in which the mounting member to which the expansion / contraction type identification code reader is mounted is configured separately from the lifting platform and is relatively expandable and contractable with respect to the lifting platform.

  According to still another preferred embodiment, a jig made of an annular member is fitted in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the shaft so that the position thereof can be adjusted, and the shaft cannot be pulled out upward from the base end portion of the lifting platform. I have to. With this configuration, it is necessary for the identification code reader to read the identification code at the distance that the mounting member has extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform by adjusting the fitting position of the jig near the base end of the shaft. It can be made variable according to the distance, and can easily cope with various identification code readers.

As described above, according to the automatic warehouse of the invention of the present application, even if the stored item is stored in the uppermost shelf, the identification attached to the upper surface of the stored item is transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device. The code image is reflected in a direction different from the direction received by the mirror, received by an identification code reader provided at a predetermined distance from the mirror, and the identification code reader reads the identification code.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader included in the reflection type identification code reader attached to the attachment member needs a predetermined distance D to read the identification code, the identification code reader is installed low without being restricted by the predetermined distance D. Then, the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item stored in the uppermost shelf can be freely read by the identification code reader in a state where the stored item is transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device. be able to. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf (reduction of dead space).

Further, according to another automatic warehouse of the present invention, even if the stored item is stored in the uppermost shelf, the stored item is moved up and down in a state where the mounting member is contracted relative to the lifting platform. The image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item is attached to the mounting member in a state in which the mounting member is extended relative to the lifting table and then transferred to the table. The image is received by an identification code reader provided in the reader, and the identification code is read by the identification code reader.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader included in the telescopic identification code reader attached to the attachment member needs a predetermined distance D to read the identification code, the attachment member is not restrained by the predetermined distance D and the conveyance device The identification code reader is expanded and contracted relative to the lifting platform, and the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item stored in the uppermost shelf is transferred to the lifting platform. It can be read freely. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf (reduction of dead space).

  Further, in this case, the base end portion of the mounting member is fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft that is inserted through the base end portion of the lifting platform so as not to be pulled out upward, and the base end portion of the mounting member and the base end of the lifting platform A compression spring is interposed between the mounting member and the mounting member is relatively expandable / contractable with respect to the lifting platform, and the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the mounting member extending from the base end of the mounting member is Since the identification code reader is mounted, the mounting member to which the telescopic identification code reader is mounted is configured separately from the lifting platform, and the configuration in which it can be expanded and contracted relative to the lifting platform is simplified. Can get to.

Furthermore, in this case, a jig made of an annular member is fitted in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the shaft so that the position can be adjusted, so that the shaft cannot be pulled out upward from the base end portion of the lifting platform. By adjusting the fitting position near the lower end of the shaft of the jig, the distance required for the identification code reader to read the identification code is the distance that the mounting member has extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform. Therefore, it can be easily adapted to various identification code readers.
In addition, various effects as described above can be achieved.

It is a schematic side view of the principal part of the automatic warehouse of one Example (Example 1) of the invention of this application. It is a schematic side view of the automatic warehouse of other Example (Example 2) of invention of this application, Comprising: The figure which shows the state in which the stored article accommodated in the shelf of the uppermost stage is transferred by the raising / lowering stand of a conveying apparatus. It is. It is a figure which shows the schematic side view and schematic front view of the principal part of the conveying apparatus (stacker crane) with which the automatic warehouse is provided facing each other. It is the elements on larger scale of Drawing 2, and is a figure expanding and showing the jig part inserted in a shaft. It is a schematic side view of the automatic warehouse, and is a view showing a state in which the telescopic identification code reader is reading the identification code. It is a schematic side view of the automatic warehouse, and shows a state in which the mounting member and the lifting platform are lowered integrally. It is a figure which shows a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic warehouse, 2mn (m = 1, 2, ..., n = 1, 2, ... u) ... Shelf, 3 ... Storage thing, 4 ... Identification code, 5 ... Ceiling, 6 ... Upper side guide Rails, 10 ... Conveying device (stacker crane), 11 ... Mast, 12 ... Elevator, 12a ... Base end, 13 ... Mounting member (bracket), 13a ... Vertical leg, 13b ... Horizontal arm, 13c ... Base end, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... LM guide, 15 ... Reflection type identification code reader, 16 ... Mirror, 17 ... Identification code reader, 18 ... Stopper, 20 ... Expandable type identification code reader, 21 ... Shaft, 22 ... Jig, 23 ... Compression spring 24 ... bolts.

  In an automatic warehouse comprising a plurality of shelves arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction and stacked in multiple stages, and a transport device that delivers stored items to and from the shelves, the transport device includes a lift platform and the lift A reflection type identification code reading device that reads an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the table, and the reflection type identification code reading device is configured integrally with the lifting table, A mirror that is attached to a mounting member that moves up and down integrally, receives an image of an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lift, and reflects in a direction different from the received direction; An identification code reader is provided that receives an image of an identification code that is separated from the mirror by a predetermined distance and reflected by the mirror and reads the identification code.

Next, an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a main part of the automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the automatic warehouse 1 according to the first embodiment is roughly a plurality of shelves that are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) and stacked in multiple stages. 2mn (m is a horizontal column number, n is a vertical column number, m = 1, 2,..., N = 1, 2,... U) and the shelf 2mn. And a transfer device (stacker crane) 10 for delivering the stored items 3. The transport device 10 travels along a line of the plurality of shelves 2mn by the operation of a travel drive device (not shown) while being prevented from rolling by the upper guide rail 6 laid on the ceiling 5.

The transport device 10 also includes a lifting platform 12 and a reflective identification code reader 15 that reads the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 transferred to the lifting platform 12.
The reflection type identification code reading device 15 includes a mirror 16 and an identification code reader 17. The mirror 16 is placed close to the identification code 4 of the stored item 3 on the lifting platform 12 and is identified. The image of the code 4 is received and reflected at a substantially right angle in the horizontal direction on the left in FIG. The identification code reader 17 is installed at a predetermined distance from the mirror 16, receives an image of the identification code 4 reflected by the mirror 16, and reads the identification code 4. These are integrally formed with the lifting platform 12, and are attached to an attachment member (bracket) 13 having an L shape in side view that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform 12.

  More specifically, the mirror 16 is attached to the lower surface of the horizontal arm 13 b of the attachment member 13, and is disposed in a space between the horizontal arm 13 b and the stored item 3. Although not shown in detail, the mirror 16 is provided with an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the reflection angle thereof, and is provided at the position of the identification code 4 of the stored item 3 on the lifting platform 12 and the installation position of the identification code reader 17. When there is some variation, this angle adjustment mechanism is appropriately operated to adjust the reflection angle of the mirror, and this can be easily dealt with. This angle adjustment mechanism includes a method of holding the mirror support or knob with frictional force, and the mirror support along an arc-shaped slot formed in a plate-shaped bracket provided along the vertical direction. Various methods such as a method of swinging in a vertical plane and fixing with a bolt at a desired swing angle position are conceivable.

The identification code reader 17 is attached to the inner surface of the vertical leg 13 a of the attachment member 13. The attachment member 13 is configured integrally with the lifting platform 12 by fixing the lower end of the vertical leg 13 a to the proximal end portion of the lifting platform 12.
The “predetermined distance” at which the identification code reader 17 is separated from the mirror 16 corresponds to the distance D required for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4 reflected on the mirror 16.

  The lifting platform 12 and the mounting member 13 move up and down integrally along the mast 11 of the stacker crane 10 while being guided by the plurality of LM guides 14 by operation of a lifting drive means (not shown). When the lifting platform 12 is moved to a position facing the predetermined shelf 2mn by the operation of the lifting drive means and the travel driving device of the transport device 10, the transfer device (not shown) The stored item 3 is transferred from the shelf to the lifting platform 12. Alternatively, the stored item 3 placed on the lifting platform 12 is transferred to the shelf.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 12 is moved to a position facing the uppermost shelf 2mu (n = u) of a predetermined horizontal row number m, and the elevator 2 is moved from this shelf 2mu. 1, the mirror 16 constituting the reflective identification code reader 15 receives an image of the identification code 4 of the stored item 3 on the lifting platform 12, and this is shown in FIG. Reflects at a substantially right angle in the left horizontal direction. Then, the identification code reader 17 that is provided at a distance D necessary for reading from the mirror 16 and that also constitutes the reflective identification code reader 15 receives the image of the identification code 4 reflected by the mirror 16. The identification code 4 is read. As described above, since the mirror 16 is installed close to the upper side of the identification code 4, the identification code reader 17 is also installed low at the same height position. Its height is considerably shorter than the distance D. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf 2mu, and another shelf in the useless space S that has conventionally been generated above the uppermost shelf 02mu (see FIG. 7). The space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf 02mu can be effectively used.

  Note that the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the storage 3 transferred from the shelf 2 mn (1 ≦ n <u) other than the uppermost shelf 2 mu to the lifting platform 12 of the transport apparatus 10 is used as an identification code reader 17. Is read through the mirror 16, there is sufficient space above the mounting member 13, so that a clearance space for the mounting member 13 and the reflective identification code reader 15 can be further secured. Needless to say, the shelf 2mn + 1 can be installed immediately above, and no useless space is created immediately above the shelf 2mn.

Since the automatic warehouse 1 of the first embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.
Even when the stored item 3 is stored in the uppermost shelf 2 mu, the image of the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 is transferred horizontally by the mirror 16 when it is transferred to the lifting platform 12 of the transfer device 10. The image is reflected by the identification code reader 17 provided at a predetermined distance from the mirror 16 (distance D required for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4). The identification code 4 is read by the code reader 17.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader 17 included in the reflective identification code reader 15 attached to the attachment member 13 needs a predetermined distance D to read the identification code 4, the identification code reader 17 is identified without being restricted by the predetermined distance D. The code reader 17 is set low, and the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 stored in the uppermost shelf 2 mu is transferred to the lifting platform 12 of the transfer device 10. The identification code reader 17 can be read freely. For example, the mirror 16 provided in the reflective identification code reader 15 is also placed close to the upper side of the identification code 4, and the identification code reader 17 is installed at the same height position so that the identification code reader 17 The identification code 4 can be read freely. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf 2mu, and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf 2mu (reduction of dead space).

  Further, since the mirror 16 is provided with an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the reflection angle, there is a slight variation in the position of the identification code 4 of the stored item 3 on the lifting platform 12 and the installation position of the identification code reader 17. However, it is possible to easily cope with this by adjusting the angle of reflection of the mirror by appropriately operating the angle adjusting mechanism. Furthermore, since the reflection direction of the image of the identification code 4 reflected by the mirror 16 is substantially horizontal, the height of the automatic warehouse 1 is made as low as possible to eliminate the waste of space and effectively use it. Can be achieved.

Next, another embodiment (embodiment 2) of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the automatic warehouse of the second embodiment, and shows a state in which stored items stored in the uppermost shelf are transferred to the lifting platform of the transport device, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic side view and schematic front view of the principal part of the conveying apparatus (stacker crane) with which the automatic warehouse is provided facing each other.

  The automatic warehouse 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the automatic warehouse 1 according to the first embodiment only in the type of the identification code reading device provided in the transport device (stacker crane) 10 of the automatic warehouse 1. That is, in the automatic warehouse 1 according to the first embodiment, the transport device 10 includes the reflective identification code reader 15, whereas in the automatic warehouse 1 according to the second embodiment, the transport device 10 includes the telescopic identification. The only difference is that the code reader 20 is provided.

  The telescopic identification code reader 20 included in the transport device 10 of the automatic warehouse 1 of the second embodiment receives an image of the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 transferred to the lifting platform 12 and receives the image. An identification code reader 17 for reading the identification code 4 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the identification code reader 17 is located in a direction almost directly above the identification code 4 and has a mounting member (bracket). ) It is attached to the lower surface of 13 horizontal arms 13b. The mounting member 13 has a base end portion 13c that is short in the vertical direction and a horizontal arm 13b that extends in the horizontal direction from the base end portion 13c, and is configured separately from the lift platform 12, and the lift platform It is made to be able to expand and contract relative to 12 (floating state), and moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform 12 in a state where it is extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12 (see FIG. 3). Yes. The distance that the attachment member 13 extends to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12 corresponds to the distance D required for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4.

Next, a mechanism in which the attachment member 13 can be expanded and contracted relative to the lifting platform 12 is described.
The base end portion 13c of the mounting member 13 is fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft 21 that is slidably inserted into the base end portion 12a of the lifting platform 12 so that it cannot be pulled out upward. A pair of shafts 21 are used as shown in the schematic partial front view of the conveying device 10 in FIG. 3. A compression spring 23 is interposed between the base end portion 13 c of the mounting member 13 and the base end portion 12 a of the lifting platform 12 in a state of being inserted into the shaft 21, and the mounting member 13 is attached to the lifting platform 12. On the other hand, it is relatively stretchable.

  In addition, a jig 22 made of an annular member is fitted in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the shaft 21 below the base end portion 12 a of the lifting platform 12 so that the position of the shaft 21 can be adjusted. It cannot be pulled out upward from the end 12a and is slidable. As shown in FIG. 4, the jig 22 is fixed to the shaft 21 by inserting a bolt 24 from the outer peripheral surface thereof and screwing it. Therefore, the distance that the attachment member 13 extends to the maximum with respect to the lifting / lowering base 12 is regulated by moving until the lifting / lowering base 12 collides with the jig 22 after the compression of the compression spring 23 is released. Therefore, the distance is variable according to the distance D required for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4 by adjusting the fitting position of the jig 22 near the lower end of the shaft 21 in the vertical direction. And can easily cope with various identification code readers.

Using the telescopic identification code reader 20 configured in this way, the stored code 3 is attached to the lifting platform 12 by using the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored product 3 stored in the uppermost shelf 2mu. Reading in the transferred state is performed as follows.
Now, the compression of the compression spring 23 has been released to the initial setting state, and the attachment member 13 of the telescopic identification code reader 20 has been extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12, and in this state, the attachment member 13 And the lifting platform 12 are united and guided toward the uppermost shelf 2 mu while being guided by the plurality of LM guides 14 (see FIG. 3), the base end portion of the mounting member 13 is eventually obtained. 13c collides with the stopper 18 provided at the upper end portion of the transport device 10 and stops. However, the lifting platform 12 continues to rise while compressing the compression spring 23 by the operation of a lifting drive means (not shown), and eventually reaches the position of the uppermost shelf 2 mu and stops its rise. In this state, the attachment member 13 is reduced to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12. Next, the transfer means (not shown) is operated, and the stored item 3 is transferred from the shelf 2mu to the lifting platform 12 (see FIG. 2 above).

  Next, the lifting drive means (not shown) is actuated again, and the lifting platform 12 is lowered until the lifting platform 12 collides with the jig 22 while releasing the compression of the compression spring 23. In this state, the attachment member 13 extends to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12 and is necessary for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4 between the identification code reader 17 and the identification code 4. The distance D is secured. Therefore, the identification code reader 17 reads the identification code 4 (see FIG. 5). Next, the elevator 12 is integrated with the attachment member 13 while maintaining the state where the attachment member 13 is extended to the maximum with respect to the elevator 12, and the stored item 3 is carried out by the operation of the elevator drive means (not shown). Lower to the position (see FIG. 6).

  As described above, according to the telescopic identification code reader 20, the distance D required for the identification code reader 17 to read the identification code 4 is fixed between the identification code reader 17 and the identification code 4. In the stage where the stored item 3 is transferred from the uppermost shelf 2mu to the lifting platform 12, the mounting member 13 is reduced to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12, and in response to this, When the identification code reader 17 comes closest to the identification code 4 and then the identification code reader 17 reads the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 transferred to the lifting platform 12, the mounting member 13 The identification code reader 17 is separated from the identification code 4 by a distance D required to read the identification code 4 in response to the maximum extension with respect to the lifting platform 12. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent a useless space (dead space) from being generated above the uppermost shelf 2mu.

  The identification code reader 17 receives the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 transferred from the shelf 2 mn (1 ≦ n <u) other than the uppermost shelf 2 mu to the lifting platform 12 of the transport apparatus 10. When reading, since there is sufficient space above the attachment member 13, the attachment member 13 and the extendable identification code reader 20 can be used even when the attachment member 13 is extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12. Needless to say, it is possible to secure an escape space there, and the shelf 2mn + 1 can be installed immediately above the shelf 2mn, so that no useless space is generated immediately above the shelf 2mn.

Since the automatic warehouse 1 of the second embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.
Even in the case of the stored item 3 stored in the uppermost shelf 2 mu, the stored item 3 is transferred to the lifting platform 12 with the mounting member 13 being contracted relative to the lifting platform 12. In a state where the attachment member 13 is extended relative to the lifting platform 12, an image of the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 is displayed on the telescopic identification code reader 20 attached to the attachment member 13. Is received by the identification code reader 17 included in the image data, and the identification code reader 17 reads the identification code 4.
Therefore, even if the identification code reader 17 included in the telescopic identification code reader 20 attached to the attachment member 13 requires a predetermined distance D to read the identification code 4, the attachment member is not restrained by the predetermined distance D. 13 is expanded and contracted relatively with respect to the lifting platform 12 of the transfer device 10, and the identification code 4 attached to the upper surface of the stored item 3 stored in the uppermost shelf 2 mu is attached to the lifting table 12. In this state, the identification code reader 17 can freely read. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the useless space from being generated above the uppermost shelf 2mu, and to effectively use the space in the height direction of the uppermost shelf 2mu (reduction of dead space).

  Further, the base end portion 13 c of the mounting member 13 is fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft 21 that is inserted through the base end portion 12 a of the lifting platform 12 so as not to be able to come out upward, and the base end portion 13 c of the mounting member 13 and the lifting platform 12 are A compression spring 23 is interposed between the base end portion 12a and the mounting member 13 so that the mounting member 13 can be expanded and contracted relatively with respect to the lifting platform 12, and the mounting member 13 extends from the base end portion 13c. Since the identification code reader 17 is attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 13b of the member 13, the attachment member 13 to which the telescopic identification code reading device 20 is attached is configured separately from the lifting platform 12, and is moved up and down. A configuration that can be expanded and contracted relative to the base 12 can be easily obtained.

  In addition, a jig 22 made of an annular member is fitted in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the shaft 21 so that the position of the shaft 21 can be adjusted, so that the shaft 21 cannot be pulled out upward from the base end portion 12 a of the lifting platform 12. By adjusting the fitting position of the jig 22 in the vicinity of the base end of the shaft 21 up and down, the distance at which the mounting member 13 has extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform 12 is determined by the identification code reader 17 by the identification code reader 17. It can be made variable according to the distance D required for reading, and can easily correspond to various identification code readers.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

In an automatic warehouse comprising a plurality of shelves arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction and stacked in multiple stages, and a transfer device that delivers stored items between the shelves,
The transport device includes an elevator and a reflective identification code reader that reads an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the elevator,
The reflective identification code reader is
It is configured integrally with the lifting platform, and is attached to an attachment member that moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform,
A mirror that receives an image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the elevator and reflects it in a direction different from the received direction;
An automatic warehouse comprising: an identification code reader that receives an image of the identification code separated by a predetermined distance from the mirror and reflected by the mirror and reads the identification code.   The automatic warehouse according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance by which the identification code reader is separated from the mirror is a distance required for the identification code reader to read the identification code.   The automatic warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective identification code reader includes an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting a reflection angle of the mirror.   The automatic warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflection direction of the image of the identification code reflected by the mirror is a substantially horizontal direction. In an automatic warehouse comprising a plurality of shelves arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction and stacked in multiple stages, and a transfer device that delivers stored items between the shelves,
The transport device includes a lifting platform, and a telescopic identification code reader that reads an identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the lifting platform,
The telescopic identification code reader is
A mounting member that is configured separately from the lifting platform and is relatively expandable and contractable with respect to the lifting platform, and moves up and down integrally with the lifting platform in a state of being extended to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform. Attached to the
An automatic warehouse comprising an identification code reader that receives an image of the identification code attached to the upper surface of the stored item transferred to the elevator and reads the identification code.   The automatic warehouse according to claim 5, wherein the distance that the attachment member extends to the maximum with respect to the lifting platform is a distance that is required for the identification code reader to read the identification code. The base end portion of the mounting member is fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft that is inserted through the base end portion of the lifting platform so that it cannot be pulled out upward.
A compression spring is interposed between the base end portion of the mounting member and the base end portion of the lifting platform, so that the mounting member can be expanded and contracted relative to the lifting platform,
The automatic warehouse according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the identification code reader is attached to a lower surface of a horizontal portion of the attachment member extending from a base end portion of the attachment member. A jig made of an annular member is fitted in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the shaft so that the position of the shaft can be adjusted, so that the shaft cannot be pulled out upward from the base end portion of the lifting platform. Item 8. The automatic warehouse according to item 7.

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