Automated Warehouse

An automated warehouse includes a storage shelf, a stacker crane, and a maintenance facility. The maintenance facility includes a work stage. The work stage includes a mast penetration portion, a stage scaffold, and a support frame configured to support the stage scaffold. The stage scaffold includes a fixed scaffold fixed to the support frame, and a movable scaffold. The movable scaffold is changeable between a first retracting posture in which the movable scaffold does not come into contact with the path of the mast and which does not allow the movable scaffold to function as a scaffold for the operator and a first deployment posture in which the movable scaffold comes into contact with the path of the mast but does not come into contact with the mast of the stacker crane at a maintenance position and which allows the movable scaffold to function as the scaffold for the operator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-099360 filed Jun. 16, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automated warehouse including a storage shelf configured to store a plurality of articles, a stacker crane configured to transport the articles, and a maintenance facility configured to perform maintenance of the stacker crane.

2. Description of Related Art

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-246231 (Patent Literature 1) discloses a technology related to an automated warehouse. Hereinafter, reference signs described within parentheses in the Description of the Related Art are reference signs used in Patent Literature 1.

An automated warehouse in Patent Literature 1 includes a storage shelf (a storage rack row2A) for storing a plurality of articles, a stacker crane (a stacker crane C1) configured to transport the articles to the storage shelf, and a standby zone(S). The stacker crane is guided by a traveling rail (R1) laid along the storage shelf and travels. The stacker crane is also configured to be movable to the standby zone(S) adjacent to the storage shelf. The standby zone includes a stationing area (S1) where a spare stacker crane stands by, and a maintenance zone (S2) where repair and inspection are performed on the stacker crane. In this automated warehouse, when the stacker crane transporting the articles has a failure, the stacker crane having the failure is moved to the maintenance zone (S2).

Then, the spare stacker crane standing by in the stationing area (S1) is used to continue transporting the articles.

In the automated warehouse in Patent Literature 1, a maintenance operation is performed on a stacker crane having a failure or a stacker crane targeted for periodic inspection in the maintenance zone.

In order to deal with repair, maintenance, or the like on a relatively high position of the stacker crane in the maintenance operation, a maintenance facility including a scaffold above a floor face may be provided in some cases. Hereby, an operator can perform the maintenance operation on the stacker crane by use of the scaffold. In such a maintenance facility, it is desirable that the scaffold be provided at a position near the stacker crane so as to increase workability to each portion of the stacker crane. However, in a case where the scaffold is provided at the position near the stacker crane, the scaffold may come into contact with the stacker crane at the time when the stacker crane is stored in the maintenance facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an automated warehouse including a maintenance facility which can store a stacker crane appropriately and which allows an operator to easily perform a maintenance operation on the stacker crane is desired.

An automated warehouse according to this disclosure is an automated warehouse including: a storage shelf configured to store a plurality of articles; a stacker crane configured to transport the articles; and a maintenance facility in which maintenance of the stacker crane is performed. The stacker crane includes: a travel wagon configured to travel along a travel path set along the storage shelf; a mast provided on the travel wagon in such a manner as to stand along an up-down direction; and a lifting and lowering body configured to support a transfer device for holding and transferring the articles and to lift and lower along the mast. The maintenance facility is disposed at a position not overlapping with the storage shelf as viewed vertically and being configured to store at least part of the stacker crane while the stacker crane is at a maintenance position set on the travel path. The maintenance facility includes a work stage disposed above the travel wagon. The work stage includes: a mast penetration portion through which the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position passes in the up-down direction; at least one stage scaffold provided in a region other than the mast penetration portion; and a support frame configured to support the at least one stage scaffold. The at least one stage scaffold includes at least one fixed scaffold fixed to the support frame, and a movable scaffold. The movable scaffold is changeable between a first retracting posture and a first deployment posture. The first retracting posture is a posture in which the movable scaffold does not come into contact with a path of the mast to move when the travel wagon travels along the travel path and which does not allow the movable scaffold to function as a scaffold for an operator. The first deployment posture is a posture in which the movable scaffold comes into contact with the path of the mast but does not come into contact with the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position and which allows the movable scaffold to function as the scaffold for the operator.

This configuration can prevent the maintenance facility from disturbing the movement of the stacker crane in a case where the stacker crane is moved along the travel path between the maintenance position and other positions. This makes it possible to appropriately store the stacker crane in the maintenance facility or take the stacker crane out of the maintenance facility.

With this configuration, when the movable scaffold is changed to the first deployment posture, it is possible to expand a range where the operator who performs the maintenance operation is movable and to provide the stage scaffold at a position near the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position. This allows the operator to easily perform the maintenance operation.

As such, with this configuration, it is possible to store the stacker crane appropriately and to allow the operator to easily perform the maintenance operation on the stacker crane.

Further features and advantages of the automated warehouse are made clear from the following description on exemplary and nonlimiting embodiments to be described with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following will describe an embodiment of an automated warehouse with reference to the drawings. As illustrated inFIG.1, an automated warehouse100includes a storage shelf5configured to store a plurality of articles W, a stacker crane4configured to transport the articles W, and a maintenance facility1in which maintenance of the stacker crane4is performed. In the present embodiment, the storage shelf5and the maintenance facility1are disposed adjacent to each other. The automated warehouse100also includes a travel path6for the stacker crane4along the storage shelf5and the maintenance facility1.

In the following description, a path direction X indicates a direction along the travel path6as viewed vertically, and a path perpendicular direction Y indicates a direction perpendicular to the path direction X as viewed vertically. A first side X1in the path direction indicates one side in the path direction X, and its opposite side is referred to as a second side X2in the path direction. Further, a first side Y1in the path perpendicular direction indicates one side in the path perpendicular direction Y, and its opposite side is referred to as a second side Y2in the path perpendicular direction. In the present example, the automated warehouse100further includes an inbound and outbound conveyor94. As illustrated inFIG.1, the maintenance facility1is disposed on the first side X1in the path direction relative to the storage shelf5, and the storage shelf5is disposed on the first side X1in the path direction relative to the inbound and outbound conveyor94.

In the example ofFIG.1, a pair of storage shelves5is disposed such that the storage shelves5are on the opposite outer sides of the travel path6in the path perpendicular direction Y. The inbound and outbound conveyor94includes an outbound conveyor94aand an inbound conveyor94b, and these conveyors are disposed along the path direction X and face each other across the travel path6. The stacker crane4moves on the travel path6and transports the article W between the inbound and outbound conveyor94and the pair of storage shelves5. In the present example, the storage shelf5includes a plurality of storage sections (not illustrated) arranged in the path direction X and in the up-down direction. Each of the plurality of storage sections is configured to store the article W.

As illustrated inFIGS.1,2, the stacker crane4includes a travel wagon41configured to travel along the travel path6set along the storage shelf5, a mast42provided on the travel wagon41in such a manner as to stand along the up-down direction, and a lifting and lowering body44configured to support a transfer device43for holding and transferring the article W and to lift and lower along the mast42. In the present embodiment, the travel wagon41is guided by lower rails R1laid along the travel path6and travels. The travel wagon41includes a plurality of travel wheels45, and when the travel wheels45roll on the lower rails R1, the travel wagon41travels along the travel path6. In the example ofFIGS.1,3, a pair of lower rails R1is laid on a floor face.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the stacker crane4includes, as the mast42, a first mast member42aand a second mast member42bdisposed away from each other in a direction along the travel path6. The first mast member42aand the second mast member42bare separated from each other in the path direction X. In the example illustrated herein, the first mast member42ais disposed on the first side X1in the path direction relative to the second mast member42b. Respective upper ends of the first mast member42aand the second mast member42bare connected to each other via an upper frame46. In the present example, the upper frame46is guided by an upper rail R2along the path direction X. In the present example, as illustrated fromFIGS.1to3, the lower rails R1are disposed along the inbound and outbound conveyor94and the storage shelf5such that respective ends thereof on the first side X1in the path direction extend into the maintenance facility1. In the meantime, the upper rail R2is disposed along the inbound and outbound conveyor94and the storage shelf5but is not disposed inside the maintenance facility1.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the lifting and lowering body44lifts and lowers along the mast42so as to move the article W in the up-down direction. The lifting and lowering body44supports the transfer device43from below. The article W is put on the transfer device43and held by the lifting and lowering body44. The transfer device43moves the article W in the path perpendicular direction Y and transfers the article W between transfer target spots (herein, each storage section in the storage shelf5and the inbound and outbound conveyor94). In the present example, the transfer device43has a fork-type transfer mechanism but may be a conveyor device. In a case where the stacker crane4is at a position corresponding to the inbound and outbound conveyor94(FIG.1), the lifting and lowering body44moves to a height corresponding to the outbound conveyor94aor the inbound conveyor94b. The transfer device43transfers the article W to and from these conveyors. Further, in a case where the stacker crane4transfers the article W to and from the storage shelf5(FIG.1), when the stacker crane4moves to the front of a storage section targeted for the transfer, the lifting and lowering body44moves to a height corresponding to the storage section. The transfer device43transfers the article W to and from the storage section.

As described above, the stacker crane4moves along the path direction X and transports the article W between the inbound and outbound conveyor94and the storage shelf5. In the meantime, in a case where the stacker crane4has a malfunction, or maintenance or the like is performed on the stacker crane4, the stacker crane4is moved to the maintenance facility1. Note that, in a case where the stacker crane4is to be moved, an operator may operate a remote control to move the stacker crane4to the maintenance facility1, or when a control device of the automated warehouse100detects a malfunction in the stacker crane4, the stacker crane4may be automatically moved to the maintenance facility1. In the maintenance facility1, the operator performs a maintenance operation such as repair or maintenance on the stacker crane4. Note that, herein, the “maintenance” includes adjustment of the stacker crane4at the time when the stacker crane4is first disposed, adjustment of the stacker crane4for periodic inspection, and so on.

As illustrated inFIGS.1,3, the maintenance facility1is disposed at a position not overlapping with the storage shelf5as viewed vertically and is configured to store at least part of the stacker crane4while the stacker crane4is at a maintenance position7set on the travel path6. As described above, the maintenance facility1is adjacent to the first side X1, in the path direction, of the storage shelf5. Further, the maintenance facility1is disposed to surround an end of the travel path6for the stacker crane4which end is on the first side X1in the path direction. In the example ofFIGS.1,3, the maintenance facility1is disposed along the path direction X and the path perpendicular direction Y.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.1,6, the maintenance facility1stores the whole stacker crane4at the maintenance position7. Further, the maintenance facility1does not come into contact with the stacker crane4moving along the travel path6and entering the maintenance facility1. Note that the maintenance facility1may be configured to store part of the stacker crane4. For example, either of the first mast member42aand the second mast member42bmay be disposed at a position not overlapping with the maintenance facility1as viewed vertically, or the upper frame46may be disposed at a position higher than the upper end of the maintenance facility1. A specific configuration of the maintenance facility1will be described below.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the maintenance facility1includes a plurality of work stages10arranged in the up-down direction. The work stages10are disposed above the travel wagon41. Accordingly, the operator can perform the maintenance operation on a portion of the stacker crane4which portion is above the travel wagon41, by use of the work stages10. In the following description, one work stage10among the plurality of work stages10disposed above the travel wagon41is referred to as a first level stage11, and work stages10above the first level stage11are each referred to as an upper level stage12. In the present embodiment, the first level stage11is a lowermost work stage10among the plurality of work stages10.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.3, the maintenance facility1includes, as the upper level stage12, a first upper level stage12a, and a second upper level stage12bone stage higher than the first upper level stage12a. That is, the maintenance facility1includes the first level stage11as the lowermost work stage10, the first upper level stage12aone stage higher than the first level stage11, and the second upper level stage12b. Here, it is preferable that the height from the floor face to the first level stage11, the height from the first level stage11to the first upper level stage12a, and the height from the first upper level stage12ato the second upper level stage12bbe set to be slightly higher than the height of a general operator. For example, it is preferable that these heights be set to about the same height as a maximum position in the up-down direction that the operator standing on the work stage10can reach. When the plurality of work stages10is provided as such, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the operator performs a maintenance operation on an area above the maximum position in the up-down direction that the operator standing on the work stage10can reach. On this account, it is not necessary to use a relatively tall stepladder or the like, and it is possible to improve working efficiency of an operator who operates on each work stage10and safety for the operator.

In the example ofFIG.3, as described above, the first level stage11, the first upper level stage12a, and the second upper level stage12bare arranged in the up-down direction, but the work stage10may be further provided above the second upper level stage12bdepending on the scale of the stacker crane4to be used. Alternatively, as the upper level stage12, only the first upper level stage12amay be provided. An additional stage where the operator works may be provided between the floor face and the first level stage11. For example, the operator can use the additional stage as a scaffold to perform a maintenance operation on the travel wagon41or the lifting and lowering body44and the transfer device43disposed between the floor face and the first level stage11. Thus, in the present example, a work scaffold (a stage) different from the work stage10may be provided between the lowermost work stage10and the floor face. Similarly, a work scaffold different from the work stage10may be provided between a given work stage10and a work stage10one stage higher than the given work stage10.

As illustrated inFIGS.5to9, the first level stage11and the upper level stage12each include a mast penetration portion14through which the mast42of the stacker crane4at the maintenance position7passes in the up-down direction, a stage scaffold16provided in a region other than the mast penetration portion and functioning as a scaffold for the operator, and a support frame8configured to support the stage scaffold16. In the present embodiment, the work stage10(herein, the first level stage11, the first upper level stage12a, and the second upper level stage12b) is a region surrounded by the outer edge of the stage scaffold16and includes the mast penetration portion14. The support frame8configured to support each of the plurality of work stages10is disposed at a position around the outer periphery of each of the plurality of work stages10. In the present example, a plurality of support frames8is provided to correspond to the plurality of the work stages10. Here, to be “disposed at the position around the outer periphery of the work stage10” is not limited to a case where the support frame8is disposed in the whole region (in other words, the whole circumference) at the position around the outer periphery of the work stage10and also includes a case where the support frame8is disposed at only part of the position (in other words, only part of the whole circumference) around the outer periphery of the work stage10. In the example inFIG.3andFIGS.6to9, no support frame8is provided at a position in contact with the travel path6for the stacker crane4, in the position around the outer periphery of the work stage10.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the maintenance facility1includes a plurality of support poles91standing on the floor face in the up-down direction. In the present example, the plurality of support poles91is disposed separately in the path direction X and in the path perpendicular direction Y such that the maintenance facility1has a rectangular solid shape as a whole. The plurality of (herein, three) support frames8is supported on the support poles91such that the support frames8are away from each other in the up-down direction. The support frame8is disposed along the path direction X and the path perpendicular direction Y and has a rectangular shape as viewed vertically. A pair of mast penetration portions14is provided to correspond to the first mast member42aand the second mast member42bat the maintenance position7. The pair of mast penetration portions14is arranged along the travel path6and separated from each other in the path direction X. In the example inFIGS.5to9, the support frame8corresponding to each work stage10supports the opposite ends of the stage scaffold16in the path perpendicular direction Y and supports the opposite ends of the stage scaffold16in the path direction X. In the meantime, no support frame8is provided in an area corresponding to the mast penetration portion14on the second side X2in the path direction. Hereby, the stacker crane4can move from the second side X2in the path direction to the first side X1in the path direction to enter the maintenance facility1. Note that, in the example illustrated herein, the maintenance facility1includes a plurality of longitudinal members92for reinforcing the maintenance facility1, separately from the plurality of support poles91. The support frame8is also supported on the plurality of longitudinal members92.

As illustrated fromFIGS.6to9, when the stacker crane4enters the maintenance facility1, the first mast member42ais disposed in the mast penetration portion14on the first side X1in the path direction, and the second mast member42bis disposed in the mast penetration portion14on the second side X2in the path direction. In addition, the lifting and lowering body44is disposed at a position in no contact with the work stage10in the up-down direction and is disposed to overlap with an intermediate region (more specifically, part of the pair of mast penetration portions14, and a movable scaffold24and an auxiliary scaffold25to be described later) of the work stage10as viewed vertically. In the present example, the position where the stacker crane4is disposed as such is the maintenance position7.

As illustrated inFIG.4, in the present example, the maintenance facility1includes a wall K covering the inside of the maintenance facility1. The wall K is disposed to cover a region other than a first doorway90and a second doorway93of the maintenance facility1, and a region blocking the travel path6for the stacker crane4(herein, a region where the stacker crane4moves in and out from the mast penetration portion14on the second side X2in the path direction), and the wall K is supported on the plurality of support poles91. The first doorway90is provided between the floor face and the lowermost work stage10(the first level stage11). The operator passes through the first doorway90and enters a working area between the floor face and the first level stage11. In the example ofFIG.4, a first level ladder2(described later) is disposed in the first doorway90, but in a case where the operator enters and leaves the working area between the floor face and the first level stage11, the first level ladder2is detached from the first doorway90. The second doorway93is provided between the first level stage11and the first upper level stage12a. When the operator passes through the second doorway93, the operator can enter the first upper level stage12a. Note that the wall K may not necessarily be provided, and a region where the wall K is disposed can be modified appropriately. InFIG.3, the wall K is not illustrated.

As illustrated inFIGS.5to9, the stage scaffold16includes a fixed scaffold22fixed to the support frame8, and the movable scaffold24. In the present embodiment, the stage scaffold16further includes the auxiliary scaffold25. The fixed scaffold22and the movable scaffold24are provided on the stage scaffold16of each of the first level stage11, the first upper level stage12a, and the second upper level stage12b. Note that, in the present example, the first upper level stage12aand the second upper level stage12bhave the same structure. Accordingly, in the following description, the first upper level stage12aand the second upper level stage12bmay be described collectively as the upper level stage12, as necessary.

As illustrated inFIGS.5to9, the fixed scaffold22includes a first-side fixed scaffold26disposed on one side in the path perpendicular direction Y across a path (an alternate long and short dash line inFIGS.8,9) of the mast42, and a second-side fixed scaffold27disposed on the other side in the path perpendicular direction Y. The fixed scaffold22also includes a plurality of inner fixed scaffolds28disposed inwardly from the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27in the path perpendicular direction Y. In the present example, as illustrated inFIGS.6,7, in each of the first level stage11and the upper level stage12, the first-side fixed scaffold26is disposed on a first side in a path width direction relative to the second-side fixed scaffold27. The travel path6for the stacker crane4, including the mast penetration portion14, is formed between the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27. The second-side fixed scaffold27is disposed over the whole area in the path direction X on each of the first level stage11and the upper level stage12. The first-side fixed scaffold26is disposed over the whole area in the path direction X on the first level stage11(FIG.6). However, on the upper level stage12, the first-side fixed scaffold26is not disposed over the whole area in the path direction X (FIGS.7to9). On the upper level stage12, the first-side fixed scaffold26is disposed adjacent to the second side X2, in the path direction, of a passage penetration portion13(described later).

A plurality of (herein, four) inner fixed scaffolds28is disposed separately in the path direction X and in the path perpendicular direction Y across the path of the movable scaffold24. The inner fixed scaffolds28are disposed inwardly from the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27in the path perpendicular direction Y and separately disposed in the opposite ends of the work stage10in the path direction X. In the example inFIGS.6to9, two inner fixed scaffolds28disposed on the first side X1in the path direction among the four inner fixed scaffolds28are supported on the support frame8. Two inner fixed scaffolds28disposed on the second side X2in the path direction are each supported on a corresponding one of the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27.

As illustrated inFIGS.5to9andFIG.11, the movable scaffold24is changeable between a first retracting posture T1and a first deployment posture T2. The first retracting posture T1is a posture where the movable scaffold24does not come into contact with the path of the mast42when the travel wagon41travels along the travel path6, and in the first retracting posture T1, the movable scaffold24does not function as a scaffold for the operator. The first deployment posture T2is a posture where the movable scaffold24comes into contact with the path of mast42but does not come into contact with the mast42of the stacker crane4at the maintenance position7, and in the first deployment posture T2, the movable scaffold24functions as a scaffold for the operator. As illustrated inFIG.11, in the first retracting posture T1, the movable scaffold24stands, and in the first deployment posture T2, the movable scaffold24is along a horizontal plane. In the present embodiment, in a case where the movable scaffold24is in the first retracting posture T1, the travel path6for the stacker crane4is not blocked by the movable scaffold24as illustrated inFIGS.8,9. In a case where the movable scaffold24is in the first deployment posture T2, the travel path6for the stacker crane4is blocked by the movable scaffold24as illustrated inFIGS.6,7. More specifically, in the first deployment posture T2, the movable scaffold24is disposed to overlap with the travel path6as viewed vertically. In the present embodiment, the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2is disposed between the first mast member42aand the second mast member42bof the stacker crane4at the maintenance position7. In other words, the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2is disposed between the pair of mast penetration portions14. Further, the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2is disposed over the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27. In other words, when the movable scaffold24is in the first deployment posture T2, the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27are connected to each other.

As illustrates inFIGS.5to9andFIG.11, the movable scaffold24is configured to swing around a swing axis P1attached to the fixed scaffold22. More specifically, the movable scaffold24is configured to swing around the swing axis P1attached to the second-side fixed scaffold27. In the present example, the movable scaffold24is attached to the second-side fixed scaffold27via coupling mechanisms52. Herein, the coupling mechanisms52are hinges. When the movable scaffold24swings around the swing axis P1along the path direction X via the coupling mechanisms52, the movable scaffold24can be changed between the first retracting posture T1and the first deployment posture T2. In the example inFIGS.5to9, the second-side fixed scaffold27has a recessed shape recessed toward the second side Y2in the path perpendicular direction as viewed vertically. The movable scaffold24is attached to a recessed portion (a portion cut toward the second side Y2in the path perpendicular direction) of the second-side fixed scaffold27having a recessed shape in such a manner as to be swingable around the swing axis P1along the path direction X. As illustrated inFIGS.6,7, the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2is disposed to connect the first-side fixed scaffold26to the second-side fixed scaffold27. When the operator moves the movable scaffold24in the path perpendicular direction Y, the operator can move between the first-side fixed scaffold26and the second-side fixed scaffold27. As illustrated inFIGS.8,9,11, the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1is disposed to overlap with the second-side fixed scaffold27as viewed vertically. In a case where the movable scaffolds24of all the work stages10are in the first retracting posture T1, the travel path6is not blocked by the movable scaffolds24. This allows the stacker crane4to move on the travel path6to outside the maintenance facility1and to the maintenance position7in the maintenance facility1.

As illustrates inFIGS.5to9andFIG.11, the maintenance facility1includes a biasing mechanism9configured to bias the movable scaffold24in a swing direction around the swing axis P1. The biasing mechanism9is configured to bias the movable scaffold24toward the first retracting posture T1. In the present example, the movable scaffold24is attached to the second-side fixed scaffold27via the coupling mechanisms52and the biasing mechanism9. In the present example, the biasing mechanism9is provided separately from the coupling mechanisms52, but the coupling mechanisms52may have a function of the biasing mechanism9. For example, the coupling mechanisms52and the biasing mechanism9can be a hinge with power assistance. In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.11, the torque of the biasing mechanism9is larger than a torque around the swing axis P1which torque is applied to the movable scaffold24by self-weight of the movable scaffold24when the movable scaffold24is disposed closer to the first retracting posture T1than an intermediate posture T3, and the torque of the biasing mechanism9is smaller than a torque around the swing axis P1which torque is applied to the movable scaffold24by self-weight of the movable scaffold24when the movable scaffold24is disposed closer to the first deployment posture T2than the intermediate posture T3. Here, the intermediate posture T3is an intermediate posture between the first retracting posture T1and the first deployment posture T2. In the present example, when the operator moves up and down between the floor face and the first level stage11or the upper level stage12, the operator uses the first-side fixed scaffold26. The operator on the first-side fixed scaffold26changes the posture of the movable scaffold24. Here, when the operator catches the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1by use of a hook rod or the like and pulls the movable scaffold24toward the first side Y1in the path perpendicular direction, for example, the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1can be changed to the first deployment posture T2. When the operator changes the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2to the first retracting posture T1, the operator swings and lifts the movable scaffold24by use of a handle (not illustrated) of the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2. Since the operator can use the biasing mechanism9, the operator can change the posture of the movable scaffold24with a relatively small force in comparison with a case where the biasing mechanism9is not provided.

As illustrates inFIGS.5to9andFIG.13, the auxiliary scaffold25is coupled with the fixed scaffold22or the support frame8via the coupling mechanisms52. In the present example, the auxiliary scaffold25is coupled with the fixed scaffold22(herein, the inner fixed scaffold28) via the coupling mechanisms52. A plurality of auxiliary scaffolds25is provided to correspond to a plurality of inner fixed scaffolds28. The auxiliary scaffold25is disposed between the inner fixed scaffold28and the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2. In the example illustrated herein, the plurality of auxiliary scaffolds25is disposed on the opposite sides in the path perpendicular direction Y across the travel path6for the stacker crane4, including the pair of mast penetration portions14, and on the opposite sides in the path direction X across the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary scaffold25is changeable between a second retracting posture U1which does not come into contact with a path (an alternate long and two short dashes line inFIGS.6to9) to lift and lower the lifting and lowering body44of the stacker crane4at the maintenance position7and which does not allow the auxiliary scaffold25to function as a scaffold for the operator and a second deployment posture U2which comes into contact with the path of the lifting and lowering body44of the stacker crane4at the maintenance position7and which allows the auxiliary scaffold25to function as a scaffold for the operator. Each of the plurality of auxiliary scaffolds25is disposed as described above in the second deployment posture U2. Herein, the coupling mechanisms52are hinges. As illustrated inFIG.13, when the auxiliary scaffold25swings around a swing axis P2along the path perpendicular direction Y via the coupling mechanisms52, the auxiliary scaffold25is changeable between the second retracting posture U1and the second deployment posture U2. The auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2connects the inner fixed scaffold28to the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2. In the present example, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second retracting posture U1is disposed to overlap with the inner fixed scaffold28as viewed vertically. In the example illustrated herein, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second retracting posture U1is along the horizontal plane but can have a standing posture like the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1. Here, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.13, the movable scaffold24includes a support section23configured to support, from below, a portion of the auxiliary scaffold25which portion is different from a portion provided with the coupling mechanisms52. A plurality of (here, four) support sections23is provided to correspond to the plurality of auxiliary scaffolds25. The support sections23are provided to project outwardly in the path direction X from ends of the movable scaffold24in the path direction X. The support sections23are disposed to support the auxiliary scaffolds25in the second deployment posture U2from below. Thus, the auxiliary scaffold25is supported on the inner fixed scaffold28and the support section23. Further, in the present embodiment, the support section23supports the auxiliary scaffold25on a side opposite from the coupling mechanisms52across the auxiliary scaffold25. Thus, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2can be supported by the coupling mechanisms52(the hinges attached to the inner fixed scaffold28) and the support section23provided separately in the path direction X, thereby making it possible to easily increase stability of the auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2. Note that the support section23configured to support the auxiliary scaffold25may not necessarily be provided in the movable scaffold24. When the support section23is not provided in the movable scaffold24, for example, the auxiliary scaffold25can changed to a deployment posture earlier than the movable scaffold24. Note that, in the following description, respective postures of the movable scaffold24and the auxiliary scaffold25may be collectively referred to as the “retracting posture” and the “deployment posture.”

As illustrated inFIGS.8,9, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2overlaps with the lifting and lowering body44at the maintenance position7as viewed vertically. In the meantime, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second retracting posture U1does not overlap with the lifting and lowering body44at the maintenance position7as viewed vertically. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.8in a case where the auxiliary scaffolds25are in the second deployment posture U2and the movable scaffold24is in the first retracting posture T1in a given work stage10, when the stacker crane4is disposed at the maintenance position7, the lifting and lowering body44cannot pass through the given work stage10in the up-down direction. As illustrated inFIG.9, in a case where the auxiliary scaffolds25are in the second retracting posture U1and the movable scaffold24is in the first retracting posture T1in a given work stage10, when the stacker crane4is disposed at the maintenance position7, the lifting and lowering body44can pass through the given work stage10in the up-down direction.

In the present embodiment, as illustrates inFIGS.5to9andFIG.12, guide fences61are provided along the opposite edges of the movable scaffold24in the path direction X. The guide fence61is changeable between a guide posture V1standing relative to the movable scaffold24and a folding posture V2along the movable scaffold24. The guide fences61are provided on the opposite edges of the movable scaffold24in the path direction X, in an area where the guide fences61come into contact with the travel path6when the movable scaffold24is in the first deployment posture T2. In the example illustrated herein, a pair of guide fences61is disposed such that the guide fences61are in respective intermediate regions of the opposite edges of the movable scaffold24in the path direction X. The guide fences61are connected to the movable scaffold24via the coupling mechanisms52. Herein, the coupling mechanisms52are hinges. As illustrated inFIG.12, when the guide fence61swings around a swing axis P3along the path perpendicular direction Y via the coupling mechanisms52, the guide fence61changes between the guide posture V1and the folding posture V2. The guide fence61in the folding posture V2overlaps with the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2as viewed vertically. In the example illustrated herein, the guide fence61in the folding posture V2is a posture along the horizontal plane but is not limited to this.

Further, a plurality of guide fences61configured as such is provided in scaffolds other than the movable scaffold24. As illustrated inFIGS.5to9, the guide fences61are further provided in the auxiliary scaffold25and the fixed scaffold22(here, the inner fixed scaffold28). In the present example, the guide fence61is provided on an inner side edge (on a side facing the mast penetration portion14), in the path perpendicular direction Y, of each of the auxiliary scaffold25and the inner fixed scaffold28adjacent to each other in the path direction X. The guide fence61provided in the auxiliary scaffold25via the coupling mechanisms52(herein, hinges) is changeable between a guide posture V1standing relative to the auxiliary scaffold25and a folding posture V2along the auxiliary scaffold25, similarly to the guide fence61provided in the movable scaffold24. In the meantime, the guide fence61provided in the inner fixed scaffold28is fixed in a standing manner relative to the inner fixed scaffold28and is not changeable in posture. The example ofFIG.5illustrates all the guide fences61being standing when the movable scaffold24is in the first deployment posture T2and the auxiliary scaffolds25are in the second deployment posture U2. Thus, by providing the guide fences61in all portions of the stage scaffold16which portions are adjacent to the mast penetration portions14, it is possible to restrain such a situation that the operator who performs a maintenance operation in the stage scaffold16loses his or her footing toward the mast penetration portion14or a tool, a component, or the like put on the stage scaffold16falls into the mast penetration portion14by mistake. Note that, in a case where each of the movable scaffold24and the auxiliary scaffold25is changed to the retracting posture (the first retracting posture T1, the second retracting posture U1), it is preferable that the guide fences61have to be changed to the folding posture V2in advance. This makes it possible to easily avoid such a situation that, due to the posture change of the movable scaffold24or the auxiliary scaffold25with the guide fences61being in the guide posture V1, the guide fences61come into contact with other members or the like, and the movable scaffold24or the auxiliary scaffold25takes a half-done posture instead of an appropriate retracting posture, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIGS.7to9, the upper level stage12includes the passage penetration portion13passing through the upper level stage12in the up-down direction so that the operator can pass through the passage penetration portion13in the up-down direction by use of an upper level ladder3. The passage penetration portion13is disposed at a position overlapping with the stage scaffold16of the first level stage11as viewed vertically. In the present embodiment, each of the first upper level stage12aand the second upper level stage12bincludes the passage penetration portion13. The operator passes through the passage penetration portion13of the first upper level stage12ato move from the first level stage11to the first upper level stage12a. Similarly, the operator passes through the passage penetration portion13of the second upper level stage12bto move from the first upper level stage12ato the second upper level stage12b. When the operator passes through the passage penetration portion13, the operator uses the upper level ladder3provided in each of the first level stage11and the first upper level stage12a. Such a passage penetration portion13is disposed at a position overlapping with the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11as viewed vertically.

In the present example, the passage penetration portion13is provided at a position adjacent to the first side X1, in the path direction, of the first-side fixed scaffold26in the upper level stage12. No passage penetration portion13is provided on a side of the upper level stage12on which side the second-side fixed scaffold27is disposed. In the example illustrated herein, the passage penetration portion13is disposed to be surrounded by the inner fixed scaffold28, the auxiliary scaffold25, the first-side fixed scaffold26, and the support frame8. In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.5to9, the upper level stage12includes an openable and closable scaffold17as part of the stage scaffold16. The openable and closable scaffold17is changeable between a closed state (FIG.5,FIGS.7and8) in which the passage penetration portion13is closed such that the openable and closable scaffold17functions as the stage scaffold16and an open state (FIG.9) in which the passage penetration portion13is open such that the operator can pass through the passage penetration portion13. The openable and closable scaffold17is supported on the support frame8via the coupling mechanisms52(herein, hinges). When the openable and closable scaffold17swings around an axis along the path direction X via the coupling mechanisms52, the openable and closable scaffold17changes its state (its posture) between the closed state and the open state. When the operator reaches the first upper level stage12athrough the passage penetration portion13from the first level stage11by use of the upper level ladder3, for example, the operator changes the openable and closable scaffold17from the open state to the closed state. Hereby, since the passage penetration portion13is closed by the openable and closable scaffold17, the operator can perform a maintenance operation in the first upper level stage12aby use of the openable and closable scaffold17. Further, when the openable and closable scaffold17is changed to the closed state, it is possible to avoid the operator from falling into the passage penetration portion13by mistake. Here, the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state has a posture along the horizontal plane. It is preferable that the work stage10have no unevenness between the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state, the first-side fixed scaffold26, the inner fixed scaffold28, the movable scaffold24in the first deployment posture T2, the auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2, and the second-side fixed scaffold27. In the example illustrated herein, two openable and closable scaffolds17are arranged in the path direction X on the upper level stage12. It is also preferable that a support member for supporting the openable and closable scaffolds17in the closed state from below be provided in other members adjacent to the openable and closable scaffolds17.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,4,6, the first level ladder2as a ladder for the operator to reach the first level stage11from the floor face is disposed outwardly from the first level stage11as viewed vertically. As described above, the first level ladder2is provided outwardly from the first level stage11to block the first doorway90(FIG.3). The operator can move from the floor face to the first level stage11by use of the first level ladder2provided to block the first doorway90. In the present embodiment, the first level ladder2is provided to be connected to the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11. As illustrated inFIG.4, the first doorway90is provided on the second side X2in the path direction relative to the wall K as viewed in the path perpendicular direction Y. On this account, the first level ladder2is provided to be connected to a region on the second side X2in the path direction relative to a central portion, in the path direction X, of the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11. The first level ladder2is attachable to and detachable from the support frame8forming the first doorway90.

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIGS.6to8, the upper level ladder3as a ladder for the operator to reach the upper level stage12from the first level stage11is disposed at a position overlapping with the first level stage11as viewed vertically. In the present embodiment, the upper level ladder3is disposed at a position overlapping with the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11as viewed vertically. The upper level ladder3is attachable to and detachable from the plurality of work stages10and is also attachable to and detachable from the support frame8.

In the present example, the first level ladder2and the upper level ladder3have the same structure. On this account, the following describes the configuration of the upper level ladder3and does not describe the configuration of the first level ladder2. As illustrated inFIG.10, the upper level ladder3has an upper end to which an engageable section82having a hook shape is attached. These ladders each have a lower end to which a nonslip member18bis attached via a link-up member18a. The link-up member18ais fixed to the lower end of the upper level ladder3and is also fixed to the upper surface of the nonslip member18b. The nonslip member18band a portion of the link-up member18awhich portion abuts with the nonslip member18bhave an insertion hole20through which a fixing member19is passed. Herein, the fixing member19is a pin but may be a fastening bolt or the like. It is also preferable that the nonslip member18bbe an elastic member.

As illustrated inFIGS.4,6, when the engageable section82is engaged with the support frame8forming the first doorway90, the first level ladder2is attached to a front surface (an outer side in the path perpendicular direction Y relative to the first doorway90) of the first doorway90. In the example illustrated herein, the nonslip member18babuts with the upper surface of an auxiliary frame83disposed along the path direction X with the engageable section82being engaged with the support frame8. The wall K adjacent to the first side X1, in the path direction, of the first doorway90includes a first holding member35. The first holding member35can hold the first level ladder2. More specifically, when the engageable section82is engaged with a frame of the first holding member35, the first level ladder2is held by the first holding member35. Accordingly, in a case where the first level ladder2is not used, it is preferable that the first level ladder2be held by the first holding member35.

As illustrated inFIGS.6to9, the upper level ladder3is configured such that its lower portion is supported on the stage scaffold16other than the movable scaffold24in the work stage10where the upper level ladder3is disposed. As illustrated inFIG.6, the lower portion of the upper level ladder3to reach the first upper level stage12afrom the first level stage11is supported on a region on the first side X1in the path direction relative to the central portion, in the path direction X, of the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11. As illustrated inFIGS.7,8, the lower portion of the upper level ladder3to reach the second upper level stage12bfrom the first upper level stage12ais supported on the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state in the first upper level stage12a. The upper level ladder3is provided on the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state in the upper level stage12. Thus, since the upper level ladder3is disposed on the stage scaffold16other than the movable scaffold24, the operator can move up and down between the first upper level stage12aand the second upper level stage12bregardless of which posture the movable scaffold24has. In the present example, respective upper level ladders3provided in the plurality of work stages10(the first level stage11, the upper level stage12) are disposed at the same position on the work stages10such that the respective upper level ladders3overlap with each other as viewed vertically. In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.10, the maintenance facility1further includes a fixing section18for fixing the lower portion of the upper level ladder3to a portion of the stage scaffold16other than the movable scaffold. In the present example, the fixing section18is constituted by the link-up member18aattached to the lower end of the upper level ladder3, the nonslip member18b, and the fixing member19. The first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11and the openable and closable scaffold17of the upper level stage12have respective through-holes (not illustrated) through which the fixing member19is passed through, at respective positions where respective upper level ladders3are attached.

As illustrated inFIG.10, in an upper portion of the work stage10, an engaged section81extending downward from the support frame8configured to support the stage scaffold16disposed one stage higher than the work stage10is provided. When the engageable section82is engaged with the engaged section81, the upper level ladder3is disposed on the stage scaffold16. Thus, the upper portion of the upper level ladder3is directly supported on the support frame8. However, the upper level ladder3may be indirectly supported on the support frame8via the engaged section81such that the engaged section81is provided as an independent member from the support frame8. When the engageable section82is engaged with the engaged section81, the nonslip member18babuts with the attachment position on the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first level stage11or the openable and closable scaffold17of the upper level stage12. When the fixing member19is passed through the insertion hole20and the through-hole (not illustrated), the lower portion of the upper level ladder3is fixed to the work stage10. In a case where the upper level ladder3is not used, the upper level ladder3is held by a second holding member36provided in an end of the work stage10which end is on the first side Y1in the path perpendicular direction, as illustrated inFIGS.7to9. The second holding member36has the same structure as the first holding member35. Hereby, the upper level ladder3not to be used can be stored at a position on the stage scaffold16at which position the upper level ladder3can hardly disturb the maintenance operation. Note that, in the example illustrated inFIG.3, a support member84is fixed to an upper frame of the maintenance facility1. The support member84overlaps with the passage penetration portion13as viewed vertically and is disposed above the uppermost work stage10. A safety device such as a fall prevention wire, for example, can be attached to the support member84.

The following description describes a case where the operator performs a maintenance operation in the second upper level stage12b, as an example. Herein, the stacker crane4is disposed at the maintenance position7.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.4, the operator moves to the first level stage11through the second doorway93by use of the first level ladder2attached to the support frame8of the first doorway90. The operator fixes the upper level ladder3to the attachment position on the first-side fixed scaffold26and moves to the first upper level stage12aby use of the upper level ladder3. At this time, the operator passes through the passage penetration portion13of the first upper level stage12ato move to the first-side fixed scaffold26of the first upper level stage12a. The first-side fixed scaffold26of the upper level stage12is disposed adjacent to the second side X2, in the path direction, of the passage penetration portion13as described above. Then, the operator changes the openable and closable scaffold17from the open state to the closed state and fixes the upper level ladder3to the attachment position on the openable and closable scaffold17. The operator moves to the second upper level stage12bby use of the upper level ladder3. At this time, the operator passes through the passage penetration portion13of the second upper level stage12bto move to the first-side fixed scaffold26of the second upper level stage12b. After that, the operator changes the openable and closable scaffold17from the open state to the closed state. Hereby, the operator can perform the maintenance operation by use of the openable and closable scaffold17. Accordingly, even in a case where the passage penetration portion13is provided inside the upper level stage12, it is possible to secure a wide scaffold for the operator to perform the maintenance operation. Here, as described above, the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1is disposed to overlap with the second-side fixed scaffold27as viewed vertically. Since the movable scaffold24in the first retracting posture T1is disposed in a place that does not disturb the operator who moves on the first-side fixed scaffold26and the openable and closable scaffold17as such, it is possible to improve the working efficiency of the maintenance operation including the movement of the operator.

Subsequently, the operator on the first-side fixed scaffold26or the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state changes the movable scaffold24from the first retracting posture T1to the first deployment posture T2. Hereby, the operator can perform the maintenance operation by use of the movable scaffold24and the second-side fixed scaffold27. Subsequently, the operator changes the auxiliary scaffolds25from the second retracting posture U1to the second deployment posture U2. Hereby, the operator can perform the maintenance operation by use of the auxiliary scaffolds25.

In a case where the operator performs the maintenance operation on the lifting and lowering body44or the transfer device43in the second upper level stage12b, the operator moves the lifting and lowering body44to above the stage scaffold16of the second upper level stage12bbefore the operator enters the maintenance facility1. Accordingly, in a case where the operator performs the maintenance operation on the stacker crane4, it is necessary to change the movable scaffold24and the auxiliary scaffold25to the retracting posture (the first retracting posture T1, the second retracting posture U1) in each work stage10before the stacker crane4is stored in the maintenance facility1. In a case where the maintenance facility1is not used, it is preferable that the openable and closable scaffold17of the upper level stage12be in the open state.

Note that, in the present example, the coupling mechanisms52attached to the movable scaffold24, the auxiliary scaffold25, and the openable and closable scaffold17are hinges, but the coupling mechanisms52may be rectilinear guide mechanisms or the like.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(1) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the maintenance facility1is adjacent to the storage shelf5and disposed in an end region of the travel path6for the stacker crane4which end region is on the first side X1in the path direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the maintenance facility1may be disposed at a position away from the storage shelf5. Alternatively, the maintenance facility1may be disposed in the middle of the travel path6for the stacker crane4. In this case, the stacker crane4may pass through the maintenance facility1. InFIG.1, a plurality of stacker cranes4may be disposed, and a plurality of maintenance facilities1may be disposed to correspond to the plurality of stacker cranes4, respectively. For example, in a case where two stacker cranes4are disposed along one storage shelf5, one maintenance facility1may be disposed on each outer side of the storage shelf5in the path direction X. Alternatively, in a case where one storage shelf5is disposed on each outer side of one maintenance facility1in the path direction X, one stacker crane4can be disposed along each storage shelf5. In the example inFIG.1, the inbound and outbound conveyor94is disposed on the second side X2in the path direction relative to the storage shelf5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a place where the inbound and outbound conveyor94is disposed can be modified appropriately. The number of maintenance facilities1, stacker cranes4, travel paths6, or inbound and outbound conveyors94to be provided in the automated warehouse100or the arrangement thereof can be modified appropriately.

(2) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the upper level stage12includes the openable and closable scaffold17as part of the stage scaffold16, the openable and closable scaffold17is supported on the support frame8via the coupling mechanisms52, and the openable and closable scaffold17is changeable between the closed state and the open state by swinging via the coupling mechanisms52, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper level stage12may not include the openable and closable scaffold17. Even in a case where the upper level stage12includes the openable and closable scaffold17, the openable and closable scaffold17is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the support frame8, so that the openable and closable scaffold17can be brought into the closed state when the operator attaches the openable and closable scaffold17to the support frame8. The openable and closable scaffold17may be configured to be supported on a member other than the support frame8.

(3) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the stage scaffold16includes the auxiliary scaffold25, but the present invention is not limited to this. The stage scaffold16may not necessarily include the auxiliary scaffold25. Even in a case where the stage scaffold16includes the auxiliary scaffold25, the auxiliary scaffold25may not be configured to be changeable between the second retracting posture U1and the second deployment posture U2. In this case, for example, the auxiliary scaffold25can be attachable to and detachable from the work stage10.

(4) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the upper level ladder3is attachable to and detachable from the plurality of work stages10and is also attachable to and detachable from the support frame8, but the present invention is not limited to this. The upper level ladder3may be fixed to at least either of the plurality of work stages10and the support frame8so as not to be attachable thereto and detachable therefrom.

(5) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the auxiliary scaffold25is coupled with the inner fixed scaffold28of the fixed scaffold22via the coupling mechanisms52, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the auxiliary scaffold25may be connected to the first-side fixed scaffold26or the second-side fixed scaffold27of the fixed scaffold22via the coupling mechanisms52, and the auxiliary scaffold25in the second deployment posture U2can be supported from both sides in the path direction X by the inner fixed scaffold28and the movable scaffold24(more specifically, the support section23). Alternatively, the auxiliary scaffold25may be coupled with the support frame8via the coupling mechanisms52. For example, in the example inFIGS.5to9, in the configuration where the auxiliary scaffold25is coupled with the support frame8via the coupling mechanisms52, the inner fixed scaffold28is also provided as the auxiliary scaffold25. In this case, the support frame8can be further disposed to correspond to the inner fixed scaffold28on the second side X2in the path direction.

(6) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the lower portion of the upper level ladder3used to reach the second upper level stage12bfrom the first upper level stage12ais supported on the openable and closable scaffold17in the closed state in the first upper level stage12a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The lower portion of the upper level ladder3used to reach the second upper level stage12bfrom the first upper level stage12amay be supported on the fixed scaffold22adjacent to the openable and closable scaffold17, for example.

(7) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the stacker crane4includes, as the mast42, the first mast member42aand the second mast member42bdisposed away from each other in a direction along the travel path6, but the present invention is not limited to this. The stacker crane4can include only the first mast member42aas the mast42.

(8) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the maintenance facility1includes the fixing section18for fixing the lower portion of the upper level ladder3to a portion of the stage scaffold16other than the movable scaffold, but the present invention is not limited to this. The maintenance facility1may not include such a fixing section18. In this case, for example, the lower portion of the upper level ladder3may not be fixed to the stage scaffold16.

(9) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the movable scaffold24swings around the swing axis P1attached to the second-side fixed scaffold27, but the present invention is not limited to this. The movable scaffold24may be provided to swing around a swing axis attached to the first-side fixed scaffold26.

(10) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the maintenance facility1includes the biasing mechanism9configured to bias the movable scaffold24in the swing direction around the swing axis P1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The maintenance facility1may not necessarily include such a biasing mechanism9.

(11) The above embodiment has described, as an example, the configuration in which the guide fences61are provided along the opposite edges of the movable scaffold24in the path direction X, and the guide fences61are each changeable between the guide posture V1standing relative to the movable scaffold24and the folding posture V2along the movable scaffold24, but the present invention is not limited to this. The guide fences61may be fixed to the movable scaffold24in the guide posture V1without changing in posture as described above. Further, the movable scaffold24may not include the guide fences61.

(12) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above embodiment can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of the embodiments described as the other embodiments) as long as no inconsistency occurs. In terms of other configurations, the embodiment disclosed in the present specification is also just an example in all respects. Accordingly, various modifications can be made appropriately as far as it does not deviate from the scope of this disclosure.

OVERVIEW OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes the overview of the automated warehouse described above.

An automated warehouse according to this disclosure is an automated warehouse including: a storage shelf configured to store a plurality of articles; a stacker crane configured to transport the articles; and a maintenance facility in which maintenance of the stacker crane is performed. The stacker crane includes: a travel wagon configured to travel along a travel path set along the storage shelf; a mast provided on the travel wagon in such a manner as to stand along an up-down direction; and a lifting and lowering body configured to support a transfer device for holding and transferring the articles and to lift and lower along the mast. The maintenance facility is disposed at a position not overlapping with the storage shelf as viewed vertically and being configured to store at least part of the stacker crane while the stacker crane is at a maintenance position set on the travel path. The maintenance facility includes a work stage disposed above the travel wagon. The work stage includes: a mast penetration portion through which the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position passes in the up-down direction; at least one stage scaffold provided in a region other than the mast penetration portion; and a support frame configured to support the at least one stage scaffold. The at least one stage scaffold includes at least one fixed scaffold fixed to the support frame, and a movable scaffold. The movable scaffold is changeable between a first retracting posture and a first deployment posture. The first retracting posture is a posture in which the movable scaffold does not come into contact with a path of the mast to move when the travel wagon travels along the travel path and which does not allow the movable scaffold to function as a scaffold for an operator. The first deployment posture is a posture in which the movable scaffold comes into contact with the path of the mast but does not come into contact with the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position and which allows the movable scaffold to function as the scaffold for the operator.

This configuration can prevent the maintenance facility from disturbing the movement of the stacker crane in a case where the stacker crane is moved along the travel path between the maintenance position and other positions. This makes it possible to appropriately store the stacker crane in the maintenance facility or take the stacker crane out of the maintenance facility.

With this configuration, when the movable scaffold is changed to the first deployment posture, it is possible to expand a range where the operator who performs the maintenance operation is movable and to provide the stage scaffold at a position near the mast of the stacker crane at the maintenance position. This allows the operator to easily perform the maintenance operation.

As such, with this configuration, it is possible to store the stacker crane appropriately and to allow the operator to easily perform the maintenance operation on the stacker crane.

Here, the s at least one stage scaffold further includes an auxiliary scaffold, and the auxiliary scaffold is changeable between a second retracting posture in which the auxiliary scaffold does not come into contact with a path of the lifting and lowering body to lift and lower when the stacker crane is at the maintenance position and which does not allow the auxiliary scaffold to function as the scaffold for the operator and a second deployment posture in which the auxiliary scaffold comes into contact with the path of the lifting and lowering body of the stacker crane at the maintenance position and which allows the auxiliary scaffold to function as the scaffold for the operator.

With this configuration, when the auxiliary scaffold is changed to the retracting posture, it is possible to prevent the maintenance facility from disturbing the lifting and lowering body when the lifting and lowering lifts or lowers. While the lifting and lowering body stops at a position where the lifting and lowering body does not come into contact with the work stage, it is possible to set the stage scaffold at a position near the mast of the stacker crane by changing the auxiliary scaffold to the second deployment posture. This allows the operator to easily perform the maintenance operation.

It is also preferable that: the auxiliary scaffold be coupled with the at least one fixed scaffold or the support frame via a coupling mechanism; and the movable scaffold include a support section configured to support, from below, a portion of the auxiliary scaffold which portion is different from a portion provided with the coupling mechanism.

With this configuration, it is possible to stably support the auxiliary scaffold by the fixed scaffold or the support frame and the movable scaffold.

It is also preferable that: the mast of the stacker crane include a first mast member and a second mast member that are disposed away from each other in a direction along the travel path; and the movable scaffold in the first deployment posture be disposed between the first mast member and the second mast member of the stacker crane at the maintenance position.

With this configuration, while the stacker crane is at the maintenance position, the stage scaffold can be set between the first mast member and the second mast member by changing the movable scaffold to the first deployment posture. This allows the operator to perform the maintenance operation between the first mast member and the second mast member, thereby allowing the operator to further easily perform the maintenance operation.

It is also preferable that: the at least one fixed scaffold include a first-side fixed scaffold disposed on one side relative to the path of the mast, and a second-side fixed scaffold disposed on the other side relative to the path of the mast; and the movable scaffold be configured to swing around a swing axis attached to the second-side fixed scaffold.

In this configuration, the movable scaffold swings around the swing axis attached to the second-side fixed scaffold different from the first-side fixed scaffold, so that the operator on the first-side fixed scaffold can change the movable scaffold between the first deployment posture and the first retracting posture. This allows the operator to easily and safely change the posture of the movable scaffold.

It is also preferable that the maintenance facility include a ladder for the operator to reach the work stage from a floor face which ladder is provided to be connected to the first-side fixed scaffold.

With this configuration, the operator can move to the first-side fixed scaffold of the work stage from the floor face by use of the ladder, so that the operator on the first-side fixed scaffold can change the posture of the movable scaffold.

It is also preferable that: the movable scaffold be configured to swing around a swing axis attached to the at least one fixed scaffold; the maintenance facility include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the movable scaffold in a swing direction around the swing axis; and the biasing mechanism bias the movable scaffold toward the first retracting posture such that a torque of the biasing mechanism is larger than a torque around the swing axis which torque is applied to the movable scaffold by self-weight of the movable scaffold when the movable scaffold is disposed closer to the first retracting posture than an intermediate posture, and the torque of the biasing mechanism is smaller than a torque around the swing axis which torque is applied to the movable scaffold by self-weight of the movable scaffold when the movable scaffold is disposed closer to the first deployment posture than the intermediate posture, the intermediate posture being at an intermediate position between the first retracting posture and the first deployment posture.

With this configuration, the movable scaffold is biased toward the first retracting posture when the movable scaffold is placed closer to the first retracting posture than the intermediate posture, and the movable scaffold is biased toward the first deployment posture when the movable scaffold is placed closer to the first deployment posture than the intermediate posture. This allows the operator to easily change the movable scaffold from the first retracting posture to the first deployment posture and to easily change the movable scaffold from the first deployment posture to the first retracting posture. In this configuration, in comparison with a case where no biasing mechanism is provided, it is possible to decrease a force required when the movable scaffold is changed from the first deployment posture to the first retracting posture and when the movable scaffold is changed from the first retracting posture to the first deployment posture, thereby making it possible to reduce a burden on the operator to change the posture of the movable scaffold. In the above configuration, when the movable scaffold is in the first retracting posture, the movable scaffold is maintained in the first deployment posture due to the self-weight of the movable scaffold, thereby making it possible to reduce the necessity to provide an additional mechanism such as a locking mechanism for holding the movable scaffold in the first deployment posture.

It is also preferable that: the at least one fixed scaffold include a first-side fixed scaffold disposed on one side in a path perpendicular direction across the path of the mast, and a second-side fixed scaffold disposed on the other side in the path perpendicular direction across the path of the mast, the path perpendicular direction being a direction perpendicular to a path direction as viewed vertically, the path direction being a direction along the travel path as viewed vertically; the movable scaffold in the first deployment posture be disposed over the first-side fixed scaffold and the second-side fixed scaffold; the movable scaffold include guide fences provided along opposite edges of the movable scaffold in the path direction; and the guide fences be changeable between a guide posture in which the guide fences stand from the movable scaffold and a folding posture in which the guide fences are folded to face the movable scaffold.

With this configuration, when the guide fences are in the guide posture on the movable scaffold in the first deployment posture, it is possible to reduce such a possibility that the operator who works on the movable scaffold loses his or her footing to outside the movable scaffold or a tool or the like put on the movable scaffold falls. In this configuration, when the guide fences are in the folding posture, it is possible to avoid the guide fences from coming into contact with the fixed scaffold or the like and disturbing posture change of the movable scaffold at the time when the movable scaffold is changed to the first retracting posture.

The automated warehouse according to this disclosure should be able to achieve at least one of the above effects.