Automated warehouse system

By optimizing the device layout and cargo handling direction of the automatic warehouse system and reducing the number of devices, the complexity and inefficiency problems caused by too many devices in the existing technology are solved, and efficient cargo handling is achieved.

CN115397750BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-03MURATA MASCH LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180027064.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-04-24
Filing Date
2021-03-09
Publication Date
2025-10-03
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing automated warehouse systems, the excessive number of devices involved in moving goods in and out increases system complexity and reduces efficiency.

Method used

An automated warehouse system is used, consisting of a rack, a transport trolley, a first transfer device, a relay device, a lifting and transporting device, and a second transfer device. By simplifying the device layout and optimizing the direction of cargo transport, the number of devices is reduced, achieving efficient cargo handling.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the number of devices, improves the efficiency of moving goods in and out, reduces system complexity and cost, and realizes the efficient operation of the automatic warehouse system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An automatic warehouse system (100) comprises: an automatic warehouse (110) having a shelf portion (120) and a plurality of transporting trolleys (130), wherein the shelf portion has a plurality of shelves (121) in the vertical direction and can store a plurality of goods (200); the transporting trolley (130) moves along the shelf portion (121) and has a first transfer device (131) for transferring goods (200) between the shelf portion (120); and a plurality of relay devices (140) for transferring goods (200). A cargo (200) is transferred by a first transfer device (131); and a lifting and transporting device (150), which includes a second transfer device (152) for transferring the cargo (200) between the transfer device and the relay device (140) and lifting and lowering the second transfer device (152), wherein the second transfer device (152) includes an arm (154) for moving forward to a transport path of the cargo (200) of the relay device (140), and transfers the cargo (200) based on the forward and backward movement of the arm (154).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic warehouse system including an automatic warehouse and a device for carrying goods in and out of the automatic warehouse. The automatic warehouse includes a transport trolley that travels along multiple-layer shelf sections provided on a rack section. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are automated warehouses equipped with a rack unit and multiple transport carts. The rack unit has multiple layers of shelves in the vertical direction that can store multiple items along a single axis in a horizontal plane. The transport carts move along the shelves and have transfer devices that transfer items between the shelves and the shelves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such automated warehouses can simultaneously transport multiple items at high speed within the warehouse, thereby moving the items stored on the shelves.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2012 / 147261 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, when loading and unloading goods in and out of automated warehouses, there are cases where a conveyor is provided that transports goods along a single axis in a horizontal plane and transfers goods between transport carts on each level, and a lifting and transporting device that lifts and lowers the goods to the position of the conveyor corresponding to each level. A switching device that switches the transport direction of the goods on the lifting and transporting device with that of the conveyor is installed at the end of each conveyor. This situation increases the number of devices required.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automated warehouse system capable of loading and unloading goods into and out of an automated warehouse with a small number of devices.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, one of the automatic warehouse systems of the present invention includes: an automatic warehouse, which includes a shelf part and a plurality of transport trolleys, the shelf part has a plurality of layers of shelf parts in the up and down directions that can store a plurality of goods along an axis in a horizontal plane, the transport trolley moves along the shelf part and has a first transfer device for transferring goods between the transport trolley and the shelf part; a relay device, which is arranged at a height position corresponding to the first transfer device, and uses the first transfer device to transfer goods between the relay device and the transport trolley; and a lifting and transporting device, which has a second transfer device for transferring goods between the lifting and transporting device and the relay device, and a lifting platform for lifting the second transfer device, the second transfer device has an arm that advances to the relay device in a direction intersecting with the transport direction of the goods of the relay device, and transfers goods based on the advance and retreat of the arm.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automated warehouse system that can efficiently carry goods in and out while reducing the number of devices used to carry goods in and out of the automated warehouse. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an automated warehouse system.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a top view showing an automated warehouse system.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the lifting and conveying device and the relay device.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of an automated warehouse system in another configuration form 1.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a top view showing a portion of the automated warehouse system in another configuration form 1.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the simultaneous transfer of two loads. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Next, an embodiment of the automatic warehouse system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below are all used to represent general examples or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions and connection forms of components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and the main purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components of the following embodiments, the components that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary components.

[0018] In addition, the drawings are schematic diagrams with appropriate emphasis, omission, and ratio adjustment for illustrating the present invention, and may differ from actual shapes, positional relationships, and ratios.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the automated warehouse system 100 . Figure 2 1 are top views of the automated warehouse system 100. Note that columns may be omitted in these figures. As shown in these figures, the automated warehouse system 100 is capable of automatically storing goods 200 brought in from the outside on a shelf 120 and automatically removing goods 200 stored on the shelf 120. The system comprises an automated warehouse 110, a relay device 140, and a lifting and transporting device 150. In this embodiment, the automated warehouse system 100 also comprises a loading and unloading device 170.

[0020] The automatic warehouse 110 includes: a rack portion 120, which includes multiple layers of shelf portions in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction in the figure) capable of storing multiple goods 200 along an axis (the X-axis in the figure) in a horizontal plane (the XY plane in the figure); and multiple transport carts 130, which move along the shelf portions 121 of the rack portion 120 and have first transfer devices 131 for transferring goods 200 between the transport carts 130 and the shelf portions 121. In the case of this embodiment, the automatic warehouse system 100 includes four automatic warehouses 110. In addition, an adjacent automatic warehouse 110 among the multiple automatic warehouses 110 is set as the first automatic warehouse 111, and another automatic warehouse 110 is set as the second automatic warehouse 112.

[0021] The rack unit 120 is a device that includes multiple shelves 121 arranged vertically within a vertical plane (the XZ plane in the figure). These shelves 121 are capable of storing multiple items 200 in the horizontal direction (the X-axis direction in the figure). In this embodiment, the shelves 120 are arranged parallel to the normal direction of the vertical plane (the Y-axis direction in the figure) within the automated warehouse 110. Furthermore, at least one of the shelves 120 arranged in the normal direction of the vertical plane is interrupted at least at one point along the direction in which the shelf 120 extends.

[0022] The transport cart 130 is a device that can travel along a rail 132 disposed at a position corresponding to the shelf portion 121 of the rack portion 120 and can hold the cargo 200. The transport cart 130 is equipped with a first transfer device 131.

[0023] The rail 132 is a rod-shaped member disposed to the side of the rack 120 at heights corresponding to the respective shelves 121 of the rack 120, and extends horizontally (in the present embodiment, in the X-axis direction) within a vertical plane. The shelf 121 on which the rail 132 is disposed is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, since the first transfer device 131 of the transport trolley 130 is capable of transferring only the cargo 200 stored on a single shelf 121, the rail 132 is disposed at heights corresponding to all the shelves 121 of the rack 120.

[0024] The first transfer device 131 is a device that is mounted on the transport trolley 130 and is capable of transferring the cargo 200 between the transport trolley 130 and the rack 120, and is also capable of transferring the cargo 200 between the transport trolley 130 and the relay device 140. The first transfer device 131 transfers the cargo 200 by sliding or lifting the cargo 200 in a direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure) that intersects (including orthogonally) with the direction of travel of the transport trolley 130 (the X-axis direction in the figure). The transfer method of the first transfer device 131 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include: a method of transferring the cargo 200 by sliding the cargo 200 between the first transfer device 131 and the rack 120 by pushing or pulling the sides of the cargo 200; a method of transferring the cargo 200 by lifting the cargo 200 using a fork or the like; and a method of transferring the cargo 200 by clamping the cargo 200.

[0025] The relay device 140 is a device that is arranged at a height corresponding to the first transfer device 131 of the transport trolley 130. The first transfer device 131 is used to transfer the cargo 200 between the relay device 140 and the transport trolley 130 in a horizontal plane in a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the arm 154 of the second transfer device 152, described later. The first transfer device 141 and the second transfer device 142 are arranged at the same height and are staggered in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the cargo 200 (in the X-axis direction in the figure). The type of relay device 140 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, it has the function of transporting the cargo 200, and examples thereof include conveyors such as belt conveyors and roller conveyors. Transporting the cargo 200 in a horizontal plane also includes transporting the cargo 200 along an incline of several degrees.

[0026] In this embodiment, the relay device 140 is positioned at a height corresponding to each of the multiple shelf sections 121 of the rack section 120, and transports goods in a horizontal plane in a direction intersecting (including perpendicular to) the direction of travel of the transport cart 130. Furthermore, multiple relay devices 140 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. At any height, the relay device 140 is positioned between the rack section 120 and the lifting and transporting device 150, and is positioned between the rack sections 120 that are separated in the direction in which the rack section 120 extends.

[0027] In addition, the first automated warehouse 111 is equipped with a first conveying device 141 as a relay device 140, and the second automated warehouse 112 is equipped with a second conveying device 142. The first conveying device 141 transfers goods 200 between the first conveying device 131 of the conveying trolley 130 of the first automated warehouse 111, and the second conveying device 142 transfers goods between the first conveying device 131 of the conveying trolley 130 of the second automated warehouse 112. A portion of the first conveying device 141 is arranged in a protruding shape within the area where the second automated warehouse 112 is located, and a portion of the second conveying device 142 is arranged in a protruding shape within the area where the first automated warehouse 111 is located. This arrangement allows the lifting and conveying devices 150 to be standardized (commonized) in the automated warehouse 110, and prevents the generation of ineffective space between the automated warehouses 110.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the lifting and conveying device and the relay device. The lifting and conveying device 150 is a device that vertically raises and lowers the cargo 200 being transferred between the lifting and conveying device 150 and the relay device 140. It includes a second transfer device 152 and a lifting platform 153. The lifting and conveying device 150 is raised and lowered to a desired position corresponding to the relay device 140.

[0029] The lifting platform 153 is a structural member that holds the second transfer device 152 and is lifted and lowered together with the second transfer device 152. In the case of this embodiment, the lifting platform 153 has a function of holding the cargo 200 received by the second transfer device 152 from the relay device 140.

[0030] The second transfer device 152 is a device that transfers the cargo 200 between the second transfer device 152 and the relay device 140. The second transfer device 152 includes an arm 154 that advances in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cargo 200 is conveyed by the relay device 140 (in the X-axis direction in the figure) into the conveyance path of the cargo 200 of the relay device 140. The second transfer device 152 transfers the cargo 200 based on the forward and backward movement of the arm 154. The transfer method of the second transfer device 152 is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include a method of transferring the cargo 200 by pushing or pulling the sides of the cargo 200 with the arm 154, thereby sliding the cargo 200 between the second transfer device 152 and the relay device 140, a method of transferring the cargo 200 by lifting the cargo 200 using the arm 154 functioning as a fork, or a method of transferring the cargo 200 by gripping the cargo 200.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the lifting and transporting device 150 is arranged between the first transporting device 141 and the second transporting device 142, and the second transfer device 152 installed on the lifting platform 153 of the lifting and transporting device 150 transfers the cargo 200 between the first transporting device 141 and the second transporting device 142. Figure 3 As shown by the dashed arrow, the first transport device 141 transports the cargo 200 from the transport trolley 130 of the first automated warehouse 111 toward the lift transport device 150 in a one-way manner. The second transport device 142 transports the cargo 200 from the lift transport device 150 toward the transport trolley 130 of the second automated warehouse 112 in a one-way manner. By setting the transfer direction of the cargo 200 by the second transport device 152 to be one-way, the presence of cargo 200 can be easily determined based on the transfer direction of the second transport device 152, simplifying the configuration of sensors used to determine the presence of cargo 200. If cargo 200 is detected at the transfer position of the first transport device 141, the cargo 200 can be introduced. If cargo 200 is not detected at the transfer position of the second transport device 142, the cargo 200 can be delivered. This allows control based on the transfer position and the presence of cargo 200, making determination easier. Furthermore, the transport of the goods 200 is one-way, and the lifting and transporting device 150 is used in both the first automated warehouse 111 and the second automated warehouse 112, thereby enabling the transfer of the goods 200 between the automated warehouses. Furthermore, the goods 200 can be moved across the automated warehouses by the lifting and transporting device 150, thereby enabling the height position of the shelf 121 to be changed and the goods 200 to be moved across the warehouses.

[0032] The controller 160 (see Figure 1 、 Figure 2) The second transfer device 152 is controlled so that the arm 154 moves faster toward the first conveying device 141 than toward the second conveying device 142. As described above, the first conveying device 141, the second transfer device 152, and the second conveying device 142 cooperate to transport the cargo 200 in a one-way manner. Therefore, when the arm 154 of the second transfer device 152 advances toward the first conveying device 141, the cargo 200 is not transported. Therefore, the arm 154 can be moved at a relatively high speed, thereby improving overall transport efficiency. By setting the flow of the transported cargo 200 in one direction as described above, even without executing a computer judgment, the arm 154 can be set to a faster speed when moving toward the first conveying device 141, further improving transport efficiency. Furthermore, the forward and backward speeds of the arm 154 can also be controlled by computer judgment.

[0033] As a specific example, the second transfer device 152 is provided with a hook portion 155 only at the end of an arm 154 located on the first transfer device 141 side (the negative side of the X axis in the figure) relative to the elevating transfer device 150. This reduces the number of components constituting the second transfer device 152, and enables at least one-way transfer of the cargo 200 from the first transfer device 141 to the elevating transfer device 150, or from the elevating transfer device 150 to the second transfer device 152.

[0034] The loading and unloading device 170 is a device that vertically overlaps at least a portion of the relay device 140. A portion of the device is located at a position where the second transfer device 152 of the lifting and transporting device 150 transfers the goods 200. This device performs at least one of loading and unloading the goods 200 into or out of the automated warehouse 110. In this embodiment, the loading and unloading device 170 is located above the transport path of the transport trolley 130, intersecting the transport path of the transport trolley 130 in a three-dimensional manner. The lifting and transporting device 150 can raise the lifting platform 153 to a position where the goods 200 can be transferred relative to the loading and unloading device 170 using the second transfer device 152. This allows for common loading and unloading of goods 200 across multiple automated warehouses, thereby reducing the cost of the automated warehouse system 100. Furthermore, a single loading / unloading device 170 can be used to load and unload goods into and out of multiple automated warehouses 110, and goods can be transferred between adjacent automated warehouses 110 or between automated warehouses 110 that extend across a single or multiple automated warehouses 110. Furthermore, a dedicated loading / unloading device 170 for loading and a dedicated loading / unloading device 170 for unloading may also be provided.

[0035] The type of the loading and unloading device 170 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conveyors such as a belt conveyor and a roller conveyor.

[0036] In the automated warehouse system 100 of the aforementioned embodiment, the second transfer device 152 is provided on the lift platform 153 of the lifting and transporting device 150. Therefore, a conversion device for converting the transport direction of the goods 200 need not be provided in each of the relay devices 140 arranged at multiple height positions for a single lifting and transporting device 150. This simplifies the overall structure of the automated warehouse system 100, even in situations where the transport direction of the goods 200 in the relay device 140 and the transfer direction of the goods 200 between the lifting and transporting device 150 and the relay device 140 are orthogonal, and can be expected to improve transport efficiency. Furthermore, a conversion device may also not be provided in the loading and unloading device 170.

[0037] Furthermore, by employing a configuration in which the second transfer device 152 transfers the goods 200 between the second transfer device 152 and the relay devices 140 disposed on either side of the lifting and conveying device 150 in the transfer direction of the second transfer device 152, the number of lifting and conveying devices 150 in the automated warehouse system 100 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the automated warehouse system 100 and saving installation space. The second transfer device 152 can transfer the goods 200 to the relay devices 140 on both sides, thereby enabling commonality between the two relay devices 140.

[0038] Furthermore, by disposing the lifting and transporting device 150 between the relay device 140 included in the first automated warehouse 111 and the relay device 140 included in the second automated warehouse 112 , the arrangement intervals of the automated warehouses can be narrowed, and the overall installation space of the automated warehouse system 100 can be miniaturized.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the components described in this specification may be arbitrarily combined, and other embodiments achieved by removing certain components may be considered as embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, modifications of the above-described embodiments that are conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention, i.e., the meaning of the text described in the claims, are also encompassed by the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of an automated warehouse system in another configuration form 1. Figure 5These are top views of a portion of an automated warehouse system in another configuration 1. As shown in these figures, the first transport device 141 may transfer goods 200 between the first transport device 141 and the transport vehicle 130 using the first transfer device 131 of the transport vehicle 130 of the first automated warehouse 111, and the second transport device 142 may transfer goods 200 between the second transport device 142 and the same transport vehicle 130 included in the first automated warehouse 111.

[0041] In addition, the loading and unloading device 170 does not need to intersect with the transport path of the transport vehicle 130 .

[0042] Alternatively, the loading / unloading device 170 may three-dimensionally overlap at least a portion of the relay device 140 vertically below the relay device 140. In this case, the lifting and conveying device 150 may lower the lifting platform 153 to a position where the cargo 200 can be transferred relative to the loading / unloading device 170 using the second transfer device 152.

[0043] As a result, the goods 200 provided can be efficiently transported to the picking station 171 that takes out the goods 200 in the automated warehouse 110 , picks the products in the goods 200 , and then puts the goods 200 back into the automated warehouse 110 .

[0044] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the controller 160 may control the arm 154 so that the second transfer device 152 transfers the cargo 200 placed on the elevating transfer device 150 to the second transfer device 142 simultaneously with the transfer of the cargo 200 placed on the first transfer device 141 to the elevating transfer device 150, when the first transfer device 141 transfers the cargo 200 from the transfer trolley 130 to the elevating transfer device 150, etc. In this case, hooks 155 may be provided at multiple locations on the arm 154 in the transfer direction of the cargo 200. Specifically, the following examples illustrate situations where, when extended toward the first conveying device 141, the hook 155 is located at the rear end (-X side in the figure) of the cargo 200 located on the first conveying device 141; and where, when extended toward the first conveying device 141, the hook 155 is located at the rear end (-X side in the figure) of the cargo 200 located on the lifting platform 153. This improves the efficiency of conveying the cargo 200. Alternatively, the hook 155 may be engaged at the front end of the cargo 200.

[0045] In addition, the transport trolley 130 is illustrated as including a first transfer device 131 corresponding to each shelf portion 121 of the rack portion 120, but the transport trolley 130 is not limited thereto. For example, the transport trolley 130 may include an elevator capable of raising and lowering the first transfer device 131 to a height position corresponding to the plurality of shelf portions 121 of the rack portion 120. For example, if the elevator can lift the first transfer device 131 by an amount corresponding to two shelf portions, the transport trolley 130 and the rail 132 are arranged for every two shelf portions 121 of the rack portion 120. If the elevator can lift the first transfer device 131 by an amount corresponding to three shelf portions 121, the transport trolley 130 and the rail 132 are arranged for every three shelf portions 121 of the rack portion 120. In this case, the first transport device 141 and the second transport device 142 may be arranged on the same layer without being staggered in the X-axis direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the lifting and transporting device 150 and the relay device 140 may be arranged not only at the exemplified positions but also at any positions.

[0047] Furthermore, in the automated warehouse 110, relay devices 140 for transporting goods 200 in the extending direction of the racks 120 (in the figure, the X-axis direction) may be disposed on extension lines of two opposing rack sections 120, and the lifting and transporting device 150 may be disposed between the relay devices 140. In this case, the lifting and transporting device 150 is located in the direction of travel of the transport vehicle 130. Alternatively, the lifting and transporting device 150 may be provided with a plurality of second transfer devices 152 on a lifting platform 153, for example, two second transfer devices 152 arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] Alternatively, Figure 3 As shown, the conveying direction of the goods 200 is limited to loading at one side and unloading at the other side, but for example, both sides may be unloading.

[0049] Alternatively, the relay device may be a member that supports the cargo 200 but does not have a conveying function.

[0050] Industrial Applicability

[0051] The present invention can be used in an automatic warehouse system including a transport vehicle that moves in accordance with the shelves of a rack unit.

[0052] Description of Reference Numerals

[0053] 100 Automatic Warehouse System

[0054] 110 Automated Warehouse

[0055] 111 First Automated Warehouse

[0056] 112 Second Automated Warehouse

[0057] 120 Frame

[0058] 121 Shelf

[0059] 130 transport trolley

[0060] 131 First transfer device

[0061] 132 tracks

[0062] 140 Relay Device

[0063] 141 First conveyor

[0064] 142 Second conveying device

[0065] 150 Lifting and transporting device

[0066] 152 Second transfer device

[0067] 153 Lift

[0068] 154 Arm

[0069] 155 Hook

[0070] 160 Controller

[0071] 170 Moving in and out equipment

[0072] 171 Picking Station

[0073] 200 goods

Claims

1. An automatic warehouse system comprising: An automated warehouse comprising a rack portion and a plurality of transport trolleys, wherein the rack portion has a plurality of shelves in a vertical direction and is capable of storing a plurality of goods along an axis in a horizontal plane, and the transport trolleys move along the shelves and have a first transfer device for transferring goods between the transport trolleys and the rack portion; a relay device, the relay device being arranged at a height corresponding to that of the first transfer device, and the first transfer device being used to transfer goods between the relay device and the transfer vehicle; and A lifting and transporting device including a second transfer device for transferring cargo between the lifting and transporting device and the relay device, and a lifting platform for lifting the second transfer device. The relay device transports the cargo in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the transport vehicle in a horizontal plane. The second transfer device includes an arm that advances toward the relay device in a direction intersecting the direction in which the goods are conveyed by the relay device, and transfers the goods based on the advance and retreat of the arm. The automated warehouse system includes a first transport device and a second transport device functioning as the relay device. The first conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged at the same height position corresponding to the multiple layers of the shelf portion of the rack portion, and are arranged in a manner such that the setting positions are staggered in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the goods of the relay device. The lifting and conveying device is arranged between the first conveying device and the second conveying device. The second transfer device transfers cargo between the second transfer device and the first conveying device and the second conveying device.

2. The automatic warehouse system according to claim 1, wherein: The system comprises a first automatic warehouse functioning as the automatic warehouse and a second automatic warehouse arranged in parallel with the first automatic warehouse. The first transport device transports goods in the arrangement direction of the first automated warehouse and the second automated warehouse, and transfers goods between the first transport device and the transport trolley of the first automated warehouse. The second transport device transports goods in the direction in which the first automated warehouse and the second automated warehouse are arranged, and transfers goods between the second transport device and the transport cart of the second automated warehouse.

3. The automatic warehouse system according to claim 1, wherein: The first transport device transports the goods from the transport trolley toward the lifting transport device, and transfers the goods between the first transport device and the transport trolley of the automated warehouse. The second conveying device conveys the cargo from the lifting conveying device toward the conveying trolley, and transfers the cargo between the second conveying device and the conveying trolley which is the same as the conveying trolley.

4. The automatic warehouse system according to claim 2, wherein: The first conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged at the same height.

5. The automatic warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The automatic warehouse is provided with a loading and unloading device which three-dimensionally overlaps with at least a portion of the relay device in the vertical direction, and a portion of the device is arranged at a position where the goods are transferred by the second transfer device of the lifting and conveying device, and performs at least one of loading and unloading of goods relative to the automatic warehouse.

6. The automatic warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A controller is provided for controlling the second transfer device so that the arm moves faster in the direction toward the first transfer device than in the direction toward the second transfer device when the first transfer device transfers goods from the transfer trolley toward the lifting transfer device and the second transfer device transfers goods from the lifting transfer device toward the transfer trolley.

7. The automatic warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: When the first transport device transports the cargo from the transport trolley toward the lifting transport device, and the second transport device transports the cargo from the lifting transport device toward the transport trolley, The arm of the second transfer device includes a hook portion only at the end portion located on the first transfer device side relative to the lifting transfer device. The hook portion is used to abut against the side surface or back surface of the cargo located on the first transfer device side relative to the lifting transfer device.

8. The automatic warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A controller is provided for controlling the arm of the second transporting device so as to transfer the cargo arranged on the elevating transport device to the second transporting device simultaneously with transferring the cargo arranged on the first transporting device to the elevating transport device, when the first transporting device transports the cargo from the transport trolley toward the elevating transport device and the second transporting device transports the cargo from the elevating transport device toward the transport trolley.

9. An automatic warehouse system comprising: An automated warehouse comprising a rack portion and a plurality of transport trolleys, wherein the rack portion has a plurality of shelves in a vertical direction and is capable of storing a plurality of goods along an axis in a horizontal plane, and the transport trolleys move along the shelves and have a first transfer device for transferring goods between the transport trolleys and the rack portion; a relay device, the relay device being arranged at a height corresponding to that of the first transfer device, and the first transfer device being used to transfer goods between the relay device and the transfer vehicle; and A lifting and transporting device including a second transfer device for transferring cargo between the lifting and transporting device and the relay device, and a lifting platform for lifting the second transfer device. The relay device transports the cargo in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the transport vehicle in a horizontal plane. The second transfer device includes an arm that advances toward the relay device in a direction intersecting the direction in which the goods are conveyed by the relay device, and transfers the goods based on the advance and retreat of the arm. The automated warehouse system includes a first transport device and a second transport device functioning as the relay device. The first conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged at the same height position corresponding to the multiple layers of the shelf portion of the rack portion, and are arranged in a manner such that the setting positions are staggered in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the goods of the relay device. The automated warehouse system includes a loading and unloading device, which three-dimensionally overlaps with at least a portion of the relay device in a vertical direction, and is partially arranged at a position where the second transfer device of the lifting and conveying device transfers goods, and performs at least one of loading and unloading of goods relative to the automated warehouse. The loading and unloading device transports cargo on a transport path that three-dimensionally intersects with the transport path of the transport vehicle.

Citation Information

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