JP6475468B2 - Electric moving shelf device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric movable shelf apparatus including a plurality of movable shelves movable on rails and having a start input device for moving the movable shelves.

  In an article shelf apparatus having a plurality of shelves used in a warehouse or a library, a plurality of movable shelves arranged on rails extending in the front-rear direction laid on the floor are moved along the rails, In some cases, the efficiency of housing articles in a limited space is increased by forming a work space between adjacent movable shelves, and a motor is used as a means for moving the movable shelves. Electric moving shelf devices are generally known. In such an electric movable shelf device, a start input device having a structure in which a motor is started by operating a switch by hand is often used. For example, both hands are closed with an article stored by a user. There was a problem that the switch could not be operated in the situation where it was peeled off. Therefore, for example, an electric movable shelf apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been developed.

  The electric movable shelf apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 includes a start-up input device having a non-contact photoelectric sensor (object detection sensor) provided inside a recess provided in the lower part of the side surface of each movable shelf. The user's foot inserted into the recess of any movable shelf is detected by the photoelectric sensor, and the activation input device activates the motor based on this detection information. Therefore, the user can move the moving shelf even in a situation where both hands are blocked.

Japanese Patent No. 4341790 (pages 3, 4 and 3)

  However, since Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the photoelectric sensor is accommodated in the recess, the position / depth of the recess in which the photoelectric sensor is accommodated and the position of the article detection position by the photoelectric sensor are close to the moving shelf. It was sometimes difficult to see. Therefore, when a user inserts a foot into the recess and moves the movable shelf, the user may need to confirm the position of the recess at a position away from the movable shelf, which is inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric moving shelf device that allows easy confirmation of an article detection position of an object detection sensor.

In order to solve the above problems, the electric moving shelf device of the present invention is:
An electric movable shelf apparatus comprising a plurality of movable shelves arranged movably on a rail, and capable of forming a work space between adjacent movable shelves by a start signal of a start input device,
Each moving shelf includes a startup input device including a non-contact type object detection sensor for detecting an object near the floor, and visible light irradiation means for irradiating visible light indicating an object detection position of the object detection sensor; Is provided,
In the lower part of the side surface of each movable shelf, a stepped portion is formed inwardly, and the detection unit of the object detection sensor is provided in the stepped portion,
The step is provided continuously across both ends of the movable shelf .
According to this feature, since the visible light of the visible light irradiating means irradiates so as to indicate the object detection position of the object detection sensor on the floor surface, the object detection position of the object detection sensor can be easily confirmed. The detection object such as a foot can be easily placed at the object detection position of the object detection sensor while visually recognizing the visible light as a guide , and the steps are provided continuously across the both ends of the moving shelf, so the detection of the foot etc. The activation reaction of the moving shelf can be smoothly performed while improving safety without touching an object.

The object detection sensor detects the object using the visible light.
According to this feature, since the object detection sensor and the visible light of the visible light irradiation means can be used together, the structure can be simplified.

A step portion that is recessed inward is formed at a lower portion of the side surface of each movable shelf, and the detection portion of the object detection sensor is provided in the step portion.
According to this feature, since the detection unit of the object detection sensor is provided in the step portion recessed inward from the side surface of each movable shelf, the object detection sensor is located at a position on the floor surface as close as possible to the movable shelf. The object detection position can be set.

The step portion has an inclined surface inclined upward.
According to this feature, since the inside of the step portion is easily visible from a position close to the moving shelf due to the inclined surface, the user can insert the foot into the step portion with peace of mind.

The visible light irradiating means irradiates the floor light between adjacent moving shelves with the visible light, and between the adjacent moving shelves by object detection of the object detection sensor indicated by the visible light. It is characterized in that the work space can be formed.
According to this feature, the work space can be easily and reliably formed between the desired moving shelves by causing the object detection sensor to act in the vicinity between the moving shelves where the work space is desired to be formed.

It is a perspective view which shows the electrically-driven movable shelf apparatus in an Example. It is front sectional drawing which shows the side part lower part of a movement shelf. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 1 which shows a mark. It is front sectional drawing which shows the state which made the photoelectric sensor detect a user's leg | foot. It is a side view which shows the state which the movement shelf moved. It is a side view which shows another aspect in the movement of a movement shelf.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The form for implementing the electrically-driven movable shelf apparatus which concerns on this invention is demonstrated below based on an Example.

  An electric movable shelf apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Hereinafter, the front side of the screen in FIG. 2 will be described as the front side of the electric movable shelf device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric movable shelf device 1 of the present embodiment is used particularly in a library or a warehouse, and has two rails 6, 6 extending in parallel on the floor surface, Mainly composed of a fixed shelf 2 fixedly mounted on the rails 6 and 6 and a plurality of electric movable shelves 3, 4 and 5 mounted so as to be movable along the rails 6 and 6. Has been. The fixed shelf 2 and the movable shelves 3, 4 and 5 each have a plurality of upper and lower shelves, and articles such as books can be displayed on the shelves. As shown in FIG. 4, in this electric movable shelf apparatus 1, the longitudinal dimensions of the rails 6 and 6 are longer than the total dimension in the moving direction of the fixed shelf 2 and the movable shelves 3, 4, and 5. The movable shelves 3, 4, 5 adjacent to each other, or between the adjacent fixed shelves 2 and the movable shelves 3, between the movable shelves 3 and 4, and between the movable shelves 4 and 5. The work space S can be formed by selectively separating the spaces.

  The fixed shelf 2 is fixedly arranged at one end on the rails 6 and 6. Wheels (not shown) are provided on the bottom surfaces of the movable shelves 3, 4 and 5, and are placed on the rails 6 and 6 so as to be able to run on their own via the wheels. A stopper member 7 is provided at the other end of the rails 6 and 6, and the movement of the movable shelf 5 arranged on the most rear end side to the outside of the rails 6 and 6 can be stopped by the stopper member 7. The length of the rails 6 and 6 itself and the position of the stopper member 7 can be adjusted to appropriately change the number of movable shelves that can be arranged, the width of the work space S, and the like.

  A decorative panel 8 is detachably attached to the side surface of the fixed shelf 2, and a power switch 9 for the entire electric movable shelf device 1 and a monitor 10 that can be operated by a touch panel are attached to the surface of the decorative panel 8. And are provided. Further, in the decorative panel 8, a power switch 9, a monitor 10, and a control device 21 connected to the movable shelves 3, 4 and 5 by wire or wirelessly are arranged, and a part of an activation input device described later is provided. It is composed. A long hole 16 and a photoelectric sensor 12, which will be described later in detail, are provided below the decorative panel 8.

  The control device 21 moves and stops the moving shelves 3, 4, 5 and returns to the origin of the moving shelves 3, 4, 5 via the control device 21 by touching the monitor 10 (respective moving shelves 3, 4, 4). 5 and the fixed shelf 2 are in a converged state). It should be noted that by returning the origin of each of the movable shelves 3, 4 and 5, it is possible to prevent the articles such as books and documents stored in the fixed shelf 2 and the respective movable shelves 3, 4 and 5 from being dropped due to shaking such as an earthquake. . Further, the monitor 10 displays various information such as operation history information.

  Each of the movable shelves 3, 4, 5 includes an electric reversible motor (not shown) that is linked to the wheels, and the reversible motor is connected to the control device 21. By moving the reversible motor forward or backward, the movable shelves 3, 4, 5 can move along the rails 6, 6.

  Moreover, although not shown in figure, on each opposing surface which faces the longitudinal direction in the fixed shelf 2 and each moving shelf 3,4,5, position recognition means, such as an ultrasonic sensor, and the buffer member which consists of rubber | gum etc. Each is provided. The position recognizing means is connected to the control device 21, and the position recognizing means detects the distance between the movable shelves 3, 4, and 5, and the control device 21 detects each moving shelf based on the detected information. The positions 3, 4, and 5 can be grasped. Further, even if the movable shelves 3, 4, and 5 collide with each other, the shock is alleviated by the buffer member, and there is no possibility that the movable shelves 3, 4, and 5 are broken.

  Next, a specific configuration of the moving shelf will be described. Since the moving shelves 3, 4 and 5 have substantially the same configuration, the moving shelf 3 adjacent to the fixed shelf 2 will be described as an example, and the description of the moving shelves 4 and 5 will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the side of the movable shelf 3 is mainly composed of a frame 25 and a decorative panel 11 that is detachably attached to the frame 25. The frame 25 and the decorative panel A predetermined space is formed between the two.

  The decorative panel 11 includes a vertical surface 11a that vertically extends vertically, and an inclined surface 11b that is inclined from the lower portion of the vertical surface 11a toward the movable shelf 3 side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical surface 11 a of the decorative panel 11 is provided with the manual operation buttons 14 and 15 on both ends in the short direction, and the manual operation buttons 14 and 15 are controlled by the control device 21. And wired or wireless connection.

  When the manual operation button 14 is pressed while the movable shelf 3 is stopped, a pressing signal is sent to the control device 21, and the control device 21 drives the reversible motor based on the pressing signal, thereby moving the movable shelf 3 to the manual operating button 14. A process of moving in the side direction (left side of the screen in FIG. 5) is performed. When the manual operation button 15 is pressed while the movable shelf 3 is stopped, the control device 21 performs a process of moving the movable shelf 3 toward the manual operation button 15 (the right side of the screen in FIG. 5).

  Further, when the manual operation button 14 is pressed while the movable shelf 3 is traveling, the control device 21 stops the driving of the reversible motor based on the pressing signal during the traveling and stops the traveling of the movable shelf 3. Process.

  Further, the photoelectric sensor 12 capable of detecting an object is attached to the inclined surface 11b on the frame body 25 side, and a long opening as a position corresponding to the detection unit 26 (detailed later) of the photoelectric sensor 12 is provided. A hole 16 is formed. The photoelectric sensor 12 can detect an object on the floor surface F outside the decorative panel 11 from inside the decorative panel 11 through the long hole 16. The detection part 26 and the long hole 16 of the photoelectric sensor 12 are arranged close to one side of the inclined surface 11b (in the present embodiment, the moving shelf 4 side).

  When the photoelectric sensor 12 detects an object on the floor surface F while the movable shelf 3 is stopped, as described above, the control device 21 moves the movable shelf 3 toward the fixed shelf 2 (the left side of the screen in FIG. 5). Process. Since the movable shelf 3 is moved at the rotation speed of the reversible motor programmed in advance in the control device 21, the movable shelf 3 is stopped at the position of the movable shelf 3 ′ after the reversible motor has rotated a predetermined number of rotations (see FIG. 5). . Thus, when the photoelectric sensor 12 detects an object on the floor surface F, the movable shelf 3 moves and the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf on the side where the detection unit 26 and the long hole 16 of the photoelectric sensor 12 are disposed. A working space S is formed between the two. Note that when the photoelectric sensor 12 detects an object on the floor surface F while the movable shelf 3 is traveling, the control device 21 may be configured to perform the process of stopping the traveling movement of the movable shelf 3 as described above. . As described above, the manual operation buttons 14, 15, the photoelectric sensor 12, and the control device 21 constitute an activation input device that forms a work space S between adjacent movable shelves.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 26 of the photoelectric sensor 12 includes a light projecting unit 19 that emits visible light (irradiation light X) and a light receiving unit 20 that receives reflected reflected light Y. The presence of the object can be detected by changing the total amount of the reflected light Y reflected by 20. The irradiation light X irradiated from the light projecting unit 19 is irradiated to the floor surface F through the long hole 16 of the inclined surface 11b, and the reflected light Y reflected on the floor surface F is the long length of the inclined surface 11b. It is received by the light receiving unit 20 through the hole 16. Although the light projecting unit 19 of the present embodiment uses a light emitting diode, other illumination may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, since the irradiation light X emitted from the light projecting unit 19 of the photoelectric sensor 12 is visible light, the irradiation light X is placed on the floor surface F on the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12. Is displayed as a mark Z indicating. This mark Z is projected on the floor surface F of the movable shelf 3 near the movable shelf 4 side by arranging the detection portion 26 and the long hole 16 of the photoelectric sensor 12 close to one side of the inclined surface 11b. ing. The mark Z is located outside the virtual line α that hangs down from the outer surface of the vertical surface 11 a of the decorative panel 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the photoelectric sensor 12 is attached to an attachment plate 17 fixed to the frame 25 side of the inclined surface 11b. The mounting plate 17 has a slit 18 that extends in a curved manner. Specifically, the photoelectric sensor 12 has a fixed pin 22, and the fixed pin 22 is attached to the mounting plate 17 by a rotating shaft 23 so as to be guided by the slit 18 of the mounting plate 17. The position (object detection position) of the mark Z displayed on the floor surface F can be adjusted by rotating the detection unit 26 of the photoelectric sensor 12 with the rotation shaft 23 as a fulcrum. . Note that the fixing pin 22 and the rotating shaft 23 provided in the photoelectric sensor 12 are configured by bolts and the like that can be tightened and loosened with respect to the photoelectric sensor 12, and the fixing pin 22 or the rotating shaft 23 is tightened. The photoelectric sensor 12 is fixed to the mounting plate 17.

  Further, a horizontal piece 31 a extending along the upper surface 30 a of the bottom 30 and an upright piece 31 b extending vertically along the outer surface 30 b of the bottom 30 of the moving shelf 3 are provided on the side of the bottom 30 of the movable shelf 3. A lower panel 31 is attached, and the lower panel 31 is fixed to the bottom 30 of the movable shelf 3 with bolts or the like. The upright piece 31 b extends below the lower surface 30 c of the bottom 30 of the movable shelf 3, and closes the gap between the lower surface 30 c of the bottom 30 of the movable shelf 3 and the floor surface F. Therefore, a stepped portion 24 that is continuous in the moving direction of the movable shelf 3 is formed at the lower side of the movable shelf 3 so as to be recessed toward the movable shelf 3 by the inclined surface 11b and the upright piece 31b of the lower panel 31. Since the inside of the stepped portion 24 is visible from the position close to the movable shelf 3 by the inclined surface 11b, the user can insert the foot A into the stepped portion 24 with peace of mind, The over-insertion of the foot A is prevented by the upright piece 31b of the lower panel 31, and the safety is high.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the user's foot A is held over the mark Z of the movable shelf 3, the irradiation light X is blocked by the foot A, and the total amount of the reflected light Y reflected by the light receiving unit 20 is reflected. Since the light changes to light Y ′, the foot A, which is an object on the floor surface F, is detected by the photoelectric sensor 12, and the work space S is formed between the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4 as described above. The

  As described above, the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 is indicated on the floor surface F as the mark Z by visible light, so that the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 can be visually recognized even from a position close to the movable shelf 3. The foot A can be easily placed at the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 while visually recognizing the mark Z, and the operation of the movable shelf 3 can be started.

  The photoelectric sensor 12 has a mark Z located outside the virtual line α, and can detect the foot A without inserting the foot A into the step 24 of the movable shelf 3. Since the unit 24 is continuous in the moving direction of the moving shelf 3, even if the control device 21 immediately starts moving the moving shelf 3 after the photoelectric sensor 12 detects the user's foot A, There is no interference with the foot A, and the activation reaction of the movable shelf 3 can be smoothly performed while improving safety.

  In addition, the photoelectric sensor 12 has a function as a guide indicating the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 by making the irradiation light X emitted from the light projecting unit 19 for detecting an object visible light. It is not necessary to prepare a separate visible light irradiation means, and the structure of the electric movable shelf device 1 can be simplified. Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor 12 can be reliably detected by holding the foot A over the mark Z on the floor surface F.

  Further, since the photoelectric sensor 12 is disposed on the inclined surface 11b that forms the step portion 24 of the movable shelf 3, the object detection of the photoelectric sensor 12 is detected at an appropriate position on the floor surface F as close as possible to the movable shelf 3. You can set the position. For this reason, for example, the photoelectric sensor 12 detects a passerby near the movable shelf 3, and the problem that the movable shelf 3 malfunctions can be solved.

  Furthermore, since the photoelectric sensor 12 and the inclined surface 11b on which the photoelectric sensor 12 is installed are housed on the frame 25 side from the vertical surface 11a of the decorative panel 11 of the movable shelf 3, for example, when the movable shelf 3 moves. It is possible to prevent the photoelectric sensor 12 and the installation portion of the photoelectric sensor 12 from interfering with people or objects in the vicinity of the movable shelf 3.

  Further, as described above, the detection unit 26 of the photoelectric sensor 12 corresponds to the long hole 16 provided in the inclined surface 11 b constituting a part of the stepped portion 24. That is, the detection unit 26 of the photoelectric sensor 12 may be adjusted with respect to the long hole 16 in which the inclination angle is determined, and the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 is set to an appropriate position on the floor surface F as close as possible to the movable shelf 3. Easy adjustment for setting.

  Further, the mark Z is projected on the floor surface F in the vicinity of the movable shelf 4 in the movable shelf 3, and the foot A is placed over the mark Z so that the mark Z is located between the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4 near the mark Z. Since the work space S is formed in the space between the desired mobile shelves 3 and 4 by operating the photoelectric sensor 12 in the vicinity between the mobile shelves 3 and 4 where the work space S is to be formed. The work space S can be formed easily and reliably.

  In the above embodiment, the movable shelf 3 is stopped after the reversible motor is rotated at a rotation number programmed in advance in the control device 21. However, the position recognition unit, the movable shelf 3 and the fixed shelf 2 are stopped. Stop processing may be performed by detecting a physical collision.

  Moreover, although the mark Z which shows the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 was projected on the floor surface F outside the vertical surface 11a (virtual line α) of the movable shelf 3, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the mark Z may be projected in a region on the floor surface F in the stepped portion 24.

  Further, the step portion 24 does not have the inclined surface 11b, and may have a concave shape with a top surface having a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical surface 11a, for example. It is preferable that a space is continuously formed in the moving direction. The stepped portion 24 is not necessarily formed, for example, a long hole is formed in the decorative panel 11, and the photoelectric sensor 12 detects the surface F on the outer side of the decorative panel 11 through the long hole. You may do it.

  The photoelectric sensor 12 may be attached to the frame body 25. In this case, at least the detection part 26 of the photoelectric sensor 12 should be attached at a position close to the long hole 16 of the inclined surface 11b from the viewpoint of easy adjustment of the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 or sensitivity of the photoelectric sensor 12. Is preferred.

  Next, a mode in which the work space S is formed between the movable shelf 4 and the movable shelf 5 from the state of FIG. 1 will be described. In order to form the work space S between the movable shelf 4 and the movable shelf 5 from the state shown in FIG. 1, the photoelectric sensor 12 of the movable shelf 4 is operated. As a result, the control device 21 drives the reversible motors of the movable shelves 3 and 4 so that the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4 are moved to the fixed shelf 2 side (the left side of the screen in FIG. 5). A working space S is formed between the shelves 5. Note that the control device 21 may drive only the reversible motor of the movable shelf 4 and move it together without using the power of the reversible motor of the movable shelf 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, in order to form the work space S between the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4 in a state where both sides of the movable shelf 3 are close to the movable shelf 4 and the fixed shelf 2, The photoelectric sensor 12 of the movable shelf 3 described above is operated. Thereby, the control device 21 drives the reversible motor of the movable shelf 4, the movable shelf 4 is moved to the right side of the screen in FIG. 6, and a work space S is formed between the movable shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4. Although not shown, when the photoelectric sensor 12 of the fixed shelf 2 is operated, the movable shelf 3 is moved to the right side of the screen in FIG. 6, and a work space S is formed between the fixed shelf 2 and the movable shelf 3. As described above, the moving shelf that operates when the photoelectric sensor 12 is operated and the moving direction of the moving shelf are not necessarily constant, and change depending on the arrangement state of each moving shelf and the program of the control device 21.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the photoelectric sensor 12 is used as the non-contact type object detection sensor has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a non-contact type ultrasonic sensor, an image sensor, a thermal sensor, or the like Also good.

  Moreover, although the photoelectric sensor 12 demonstrated the aspect which can visually recognize the object detection position of the photoelectric sensor 12 by detecting an object using the irradiation light X which is visible light, it is not restricted to this, For example, an object Visible light irradiation means for irradiating visible light so as to indicate the object detection position of the detection sensor may be provided separately on each of the moving shelves 3, 4 and 5. In this case, it is not necessary for the visible light irradiation means to irradiate visible light so as to indicate the entire range in which the object can be detected by the object detection sensor, and part of the range in which the object can be detected by the object detection sensor is visible light. The object detection sensor may illuminate the vicinity of the range in which the object can be detected by the object detection sensor with visible light, and the object detection sensor is moved by holding the user's foot A over or close to the visible light. May be detected.

  Moreover, although the aspect by which the control apparatus 21 was provided in the fixed shelf 2 was demonstrated, the control apparatus 21 may be provided in any of the movement shelves 3, 4, 5, for example, and the fixed shelf 2 and each each You may provide in each of the movement shelves 3, 4, and 5. In addition, the electric movable shelf device 1 may have a configuration in which two or more fixed shelves 2 are provided, or the configuration of the fixed shelf 2 may be omitted. Further, the position of the fixed shelf 2 may be arranged at any position on the rails 6 and 6.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric moving shelf apparatus 2 Fixed shelf 3, 4, 5 Moving shelf 6, 6 Rail 7 Stopper member 11 Decoration panel 11a of moving shelf Vertical surface 11b Inclined surface 12 Photoelectric sensor (object detection sensor, starting input device, visible light irradiation) means)
14, 15 Manual operation button (start-up input device)
19 Light Emitting Unit 20 Light Receiving Unit 21 Control Device (Startup Input Device)
24 Step 31 Lower Panel A Foot (Detected Object)
F Floor S Work space X Irradiation light (visible light)
Y, Y 'Reflected light Z Marking α Virtual line

Claims (4)

An electric movable shelf apparatus comprising a plurality of movable shelves arranged movably on a rail, and capable of forming a work space between adjacent movable shelves by a start signal of a start input device,
Each moving shelf includes a startup input device including a non-contact type object detection sensor for detecting an object near the floor, and visible light irradiation means for irradiating visible light indicating an object detection position of the object detection sensor; Is provided,
In the lower part of the side surface of each movable shelf, a stepped portion is formed inwardly, and the detection unit of the object detection sensor is provided in the stepped portion,
The stepped portion is continuously provided across both ends of the movable shelf.   The electric moving shelf apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object detection sensor detects an object using the visible light. The electric moving shelf apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the step portion has an inclined surface inclined upward. The visible light irradiating means irradiates the floor light in the vicinity between the adjacent movable shelves, and between the adjacent movable shelves by the object detection of the object detection sensor indicated by the visible light. The electric moving shelf apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the work space can be formed.

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