Pallet-type automated warehouse

Abstract

To provide a shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse that solves the problem of restricted pallet placement and reduced logistics efficiency in conventional shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouses, where pallets are moved in and out of storage shelves by a shuttle equipped with a pallet loader entering the space below the stored pallets and moving the pallets vertically. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention is a shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse for storing and keeping pallets weighing 1 ton or more. Based on the results of an analysis that a pallet logistics system mainly using shuttles is inefficient and irrational, the invention utilizes roller conveyors and chain conveyors, restricts the use of shuttles which are physically demanding, and features pallet transport mainly using a conveyor mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a pallet-type automated storage warehouse, and particularly to a pallet-type automated storage warehouse in which a system for automatically managing and controlling the storage, storage, and incoming and outgoing of pallets loaded with articles is operated.

Background Art

[0002] The automated storage warehouse system is described as AS / RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) in JIS B8941:2012 of the Japan Standards Association, although its corresponding English is for reference only and is not limited to the use. It can be said that it is a warehouse in which a storage and retrieval system for articles is introduced. Among them, the distribution automated storage warehouse in the distribution industry to which the technology of the present invention is applied is defined as "an automated storage warehouse for the purpose of storage or sorting and shipping in the distribution process for business purposes", and its corresponding English is for reference only, "AS / RS in warehouse", so it is recognized as an automated storage warehouse in which the storage and incoming and outgoing of articles are managed by automatic control of a computer. In fact, currently, in large-scale logistics centers and the like, an AS / RS managed by a warehouse management system (WMS, Warehouse Management System), a warehouse control system (WCS, Warehouse Control System), or a warehouse operation management system (WES, Warehouse Execution System) has generally been introduced (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such automated storage and retrieval warehouses are broadly classified into pallet type and case type based on the storage method used in the storage shelves that constitute the storage equipment for goods and packages (hereinafter referred to as "goods") in the distribution process (for example, Non-Patent Document 2). The former is a warehouse in which containers or cardboard boxes containing goods are further stacked on pallets and stored on storage shelves, while the latter is a warehouse in which goods are stored on storage shelves while still in cases such as containers or cardboard boxes. Conventionally, regardless of the storage method of goods on the storage shelves, loading and unloading machines (SRM, Storage and As a Retrieval Machine, the mainstream approach has been to use a stacker crane equipped with a traveling mechanism that has wheels that travel vertically and horizontally on guide rails, and a lifting mechanism that has an item placement and transfer function for transferring pallets or cases (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). This is because a stacker crane has the advantage of being able to arrange storage shelves on both sides of its travel space, and one unit can access all storage shelves (hereinafter referred to as "partitioned shelves") on both sides of a single aisle, with their locations identified and partitioned to a predetermined width, height, and depth, and the operation is simple. However, the great advantage of this stacker crane type automated warehouse, that one stacker crane can access all partitioned shelves at locations on both sides of the storage shelves, can also lead to an excessive number of partitioned shelves being accessed, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency, and also indicates that there are limits to the processing capacity of a stacker crane type automated warehouse.

[0004] Therefore, with the advent of the internet-based mail-order business, or e-commerce (EC), and the resulting demand for automated storage and warehousing systems with even higher loading and unloading capacities per unit of time, the advantages of stacker crane-type automated storage and warehousing systems have become apparent as disadvantages, and the limits of their processing capacity have come under scrutiny. Consequently, the efficiency and rationalization of automated storage and warehousing systems have become an urgent issue, and the development of shuttle-type automated storage and warehousing systems, which are calculated to have higher processing capacities, has progressed.

[0005] First, regarding case-type automated storage warehouses, a shuttle system has been developed that provides an item transport shuttle equipped with the function of loading and transporting items in each row and tier, as well as the function of transferring items to partitioned shelves, thereby enabling access to partitioned shelves at all locations on each tier of the storage shelves. Furthermore, for the transport of items in the vertical direction, elevators or lifters are provided to enable access to partitioned shelves at all locations on each row, row, and tier of the storage shelves (for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). A typical case-type automated storage warehouse of this system has the following configuration: Storage shelves, each having a grid-like arrangement of partitioned shelves that can identify locations between the longitudinal (Y-axis, row) direction and the vertical (Z-axis, tier) direction, are installed facing each other with a predetermined space in the vertical (X-axis, column) direction of the YZ plane. The space side of the opposing storage shelves serves as the item entry / exit surface, and guide rails are attached at predetermined positions on this item entry / exit surface, allowing the item transport shuttle to travel in the Y-axis direction, thereby forming a storage block that constitutes one unit of the item storage zone. Furthermore, multiple of these storage blocks are arranged adjacently in the X-axis direction at the back of the storage shelves, and elevators equipped with item placement platforms for transporting items in the Z-axis direction are attached to predetermined positions adjacent to the guide rails at the ends of these storage blocks and / or inside them, thereby forming a storage zone, which is a unit for storing items. The item transport shuttle has an arm controlled by an actuator that can horizontally move items in the X-axis direction, and travels on guide rails arranged in the Y-axis direction of the storage shelves in the space formed by the opposing storage shelves, accessing all partitioned shelves at all locations in the YZ plane of each level, and loading and unloading of items by the movement of the arm. Items transported by the item transport shuttle are transported in the Z-axis direction via elevators equipped with item placement platforms, so that all partitioned shelves in each row, each row, and each level can be accessed at high speed. One example of such an automated storage warehouse is the "Multi-Shuttle (registered trademark)" system, which has extremely high processing capacity and storage density. Currently, this automated storage warehouse is widely used in various logistics facilities.

[0006] On the other hand, pallet-type automated storage warehouses have evolved through the following process, leading to the development seen in recent years. Traditionally, storage facilities using pallets consisted of standardized pallets, mostly standard 1,100mm square slatted platforms. Items of the same type or purpose, such as cardboard boxes, were stacked vertically and horizontally on these pallets, and these were generally stored as a single unit. These pallets, loaded with goods, were often placed flat in the storage facility, one pallet at a time. However, this was inefficient, so vertical storage facilities using flat shelves and forklifts for transfers became more common. Subsequently, to automate this facility and significantly improve storage efficiency and access to stored goods, pallet-type automated storage warehouses were developed. Unlike case-type automated storage warehouses, pallet-type automated storage warehouses have a larger pallet area, significantly increasing the number of goods that can be stored. The shelves installed are also correspondingly large and sturdy, so a stacker crane system, which moves horizontally along rails and wheels on the warehouse floor, was adopted as the transfer method. This was because it was highly compatible with the conventional forklift method. When this system was first adopted, goods were handled in pallet units and there was no need for detailed sorting, so there was no need for particularly high receiving and shipping capacity. However, with the recent increase in cases where a single logistics center handles a huge number of products and orders, such as in the e-commerce business, the number and quantity of goods that can be stocked have increased, and as a result, higher receiving and shipping capacity has become required. Furthermore, from an equipment perspective, reducing the installation area and increasing equipment efficiency is desirable because it reduces the overall area of ​​the logistics center, including the warehouse, which greatly contributes to reducing fixed costs. Therefore, in the case of automated pallet-type storage warehouses, similar to the automated warehouses mentioned above, the conventional method of using all the space between shelves as aisles for stacker cranes has been modified, and a system using shuttle cars and lifters has been considered.Furthermore, the reasons for considering this method include the fact that it allows for the efficient and rational handling of goods in the distribution process, including receiving, storing, and keeping goods in pallets loaded with goods in various forms such as heavy items, items of different shapes, and various cases containing goods. Therefore, it can be applied to automated warehouses in upstream manufacturing industries other than the aforementioned internet retail industry, such as the food and beverage industry, automotive industry, electronics industry, chemical industry, energy industry, and pharmaceutical industry, and there is high demand from various industries. Moreover, if a pallet-type automated storage warehouse is converted to a shuttle system, similar to a case-type automated storage warehouse, it is estimated that a more significant efficiency and rationalization effect than that of the case-type automated storage warehouse can be calculated. For these reasons, attempts have been made to switch the SRM system from the stacker crane system to the shuttle system.

[0007] However, in the case of pallet-type automated storage warehouses, the base area and volume of the pallets handled are large, and their weight can exceed 1 ton. This presents numerous obstacles that must be overcome compared to shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouses that handle lightweight and small cases. In particular, when using shuttles to transfer and transport pallets, it is difficult for arms like those in the above-mentioned shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse to horizontally transfer pallets weighing over 1 ton loaded with goods between the partition shelves and the shuttle.

[0008] Therefore, based on the idea that the role of the shuttle arm in the above-mentioned shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse should be taken over by a lifter capable of raising and lowering pallets loaded with items weighing 1 ton or more, and that a pallet transport shuttle with a base area equivalent to that of a pallet and a low height, which travels in two directions, and a pallet transport shuttle that moves the pallet transport shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the pallet transport shuttle should be used to access partitioned shelves with a specified location for the pallet storage zone, the following shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse has been devised and put into practical use (for example, Patent Documents 5 and 6).

[0009] Like case-type automated storage warehouses, pallet-type automated storage warehouses are constructed in the space formed by the X-axis (column), Y-axis (row), and Z-axis (tier), and the location of the partitioned shelves is specified by the row, row, and tier. Furthermore, the pallet-type automated storage warehouse has a pallet storage zone as a constituent unit, and the pallet storage zone is further structured around a pallet storage block as follows: This pallet storage block is constructed by stacking multiple rows of storage shelves in the Z-axis direction, with multiple partitioned shelves of approximately the same shape for storing pallets arranged in the Y-axis direction, and a predetermined space (secondary aisle) located directly below the storage shelves into which a pallet transport shuttle can enter. Each row of storage shelves and its corresponding space is considered one tier, and multiple rows of storage shelves are stacked in the Z-axis direction. In addition, each tier of these storage shelves has a pallet storage unit on the YZ plane, with a first guide rail for the pallet transport shuttle to travel positioned in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined location in the space. By arranging these pallet storage units in a series at predetermined intervals along the X-axis, a pallet storage block is formed, which forms the framework of the pallet storage zone. Along the X-axis at the end of this pallet storage block, a travel path (primary aisle) is provided for the pallet transport shuttle to travel, and a second guide rail is provided along the X-axis adjacent to the end of the first guide rail of each level. In addition, a travel path (tertiary aisle) is provided adjacent to one end of the second guide rail of each row and level, along the Z-axis, to which an elevator for transporting pallets, pallet transport shuttles, or pallet transport shuttle transport shuttles is attached. The pallet storage block, including the primary and tertiary aisles, constitutes a pallet storage zone, which is the constituent unit of a pallet-type automated storage warehouse.

[0010] In such a pallet storage zone, a pallet transport shuttle and a pallet transport shuttle transport shuttle work together as a pair to transport pallets thoroughly, constructing a shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse. The pallet transport shuttle has a lifter capable of vertically transferring pallets weighing 1 ton or more, and travels back and forth on a secondary aisle equipped with a first guide rail at a predetermined level and row of the pallet storage block. It accesses partitioned shelves at a location specified by the row and is responsible for raising and lowering pallets on those shelves using the lifter. On the other hand, the pallet transport shuttle transport shuttle carries the pallet transport shuttle and travels back and forth on a primary aisle equipped with a second guide rail at a predetermined level of the pallet storage zone. It has the function of transporting the pallet transport shuttle to a predetermined row and transferring it to the secondary aisle of that row. In that row, the pallet transport shuttle accesses partitioned shelves at a location specified by the row as described above and handles the loading and unloading of pallets. Furthermore, pallets, pallet transport shuttles, or pallet transport shuttle transport shuttles are transported to each level via a tertiary aisle equipped with an elevator adjacent to the second guide rail of the secondary aisle. This allows the pallet transport shuttles to access predetermined compartment shelves located in specific levels, rows, and columns. Therefore, such a shuttle-type pallet automated warehouse can be called a W-shuttle type pallet automated warehouse employing two shuttles with different functions. When the elevator transports pallets, at least one pallet transport shuttle and one pallet transport shuttle transport shuttle are provided at each level of the pallet storage shelf.

[0011] While there are no major differences in the basic configuration of the pallet storage zone that forms the framework of the shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse compared to the W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse, a shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse has emerged and is in practical use (for example, Patent Documents 7 and 8). This shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse integrates two shuttles with different functions into a single shuttle, is capable of transferring pallets weighing more than 1 ton, can travel in four directions (vertically and horizontally), and has a low height with a base area equivalent to that of a pallet, with a four-way shuttle handling the pallet transport.

[0012] In this case, the pallet storage zone, which is one component unit of the pallet-type automated storage warehouse, is structured like a W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse, with the following storage block as its framework: A row of storage shelves, each consisting of compartment shelves with approximately the same shape for storing pallets, is arranged in a series in the Y-axis direction, and a predetermined space (secondary aisle) directly below the storage shelves, into which a four-way shuttle can enter, is stacked in the Z-axis direction. This series of storage shelves and spaces constitutes one layer, and multiple layers of storage shelves are stacked in the Z-axis direction. At predetermined positions in the space of each layer of these storage shelves, a first guide rail for the four-way shuttle to travel is positioned in the Y-axis direction, forming a pallet storage unit in the YZ plane. These pallet storage units are then arranged in a series at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction to form a pallet storage block that forms the framework of the pallet storage zone. The configuration of this pallet storage block is approximately the same as that of the W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse. However, in this case, since a four-way shuttle is employed, the pallet storage blocks are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction, and a second guide rail for the four-way shuttle is provided in the X-axis direction at the end of the first guide rail in the Y-axis direction of each level of the pallet storage block, so as to create a planar intersection with the first guide rail, thereby forming the X-axis direction travel path (primary aisle) for the four-way shuttle. Furthermore, since the four-way shuttle can travel both vertically and horizontally, a third guide rail is provided adjacent to the outermost pallet storage unit of the pallet storage block in the Y-axis direction, so as to intersect with the second guide rail, thereby forming the Y-axis direction travel path (primary aisle) for the four-way shuttle, thereby increasing the speed and range of the four-way shuttle's operation. Then, adjacent to one end of any of the first, second, or third guide rails, a travel path (tertiary aisle) is provided with an elevator for transporting pallets or the four-way shuttle in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the pallet storage zone, which forms the framework of the pallet-type automated storage warehouse, is composed of the pallet storage blocks, the primary aisle and the tertiary aisle.

[0013] Both pallet-type automated storage warehouses that transport pallets using pallet transport shuttles and pallet transport shuttle-transport shuttles, and pallet-type automated storage warehouses that transport pallets using a four-way shuttle that integrates the functions of a pallet transport shuttle and a pallet transport shuttle-transport shuttle, have lifters capable of vertically transferring pallets loaded with goods weighing 1 ton or more, and there is no difference in the movement of pallets in and out. However, four-way shuttles are generally equipped with drive wheels on all four sides, with eight wheels in pairs of four for travel in the Y-axis direction and four or eight wheels in pairs of two or four for travel in the X-axis direction. The reason why this four-way shuttle can travel both vertically and horizontally is that the second and first guide rails in the X-axis and Y-axis directions form a plane intersection, and at this plane intersection, the wheels for travel in the X-axis direction move up and down, thereby controlling the contact and non-contact between the drive wheels for travel in the X-axis direction and the second guide rail in the X-axis direction, as well as the contact and non-contact between the drive wheels for travel in the Y-axis direction and the first guide rail in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, a single four-way shuttle travels back and forth on the first and second guide rails, accessing partitioned shelves with designated locations in specific rows and sequences at predetermined levels, and lifting and lowering pallets on those shelves using a lifter for loading and unloading. Furthermore, when pallets or the four-way shuttle are transported to each level via elevators installed adjacent to the first, second, or third guide rail, the four-way shuttle can access the partitioned shelves with designated locations in each level, row, and sequence. Thus, such a shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse can be called a four-way traveling shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse. When elevators transport pallets, at least one four-way shuttle is provided at each level of the pallet storage zone.

[0014] Thus, both shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses, by employing shuttles as SRMs, can improve the number of accesses per unit time to compartment shelves by the SRM compared to when the SRM is a stacker crane. Furthermore, the thin SRM, which can enter the narrow space between the upper and lower compartment shelves, does not require the large space between storage shelves that is required for large SRMs such as stacker cranes, thus significantly improving both processing capacity and storage density. However, when comparing the operation and movement of the shuttles in the shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse with those of the shuttles in both shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses, a fundamental challenge of the logistics system common to both shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses is recognized: there are limitations in processing capacity, similar to when a stacker crane is used as the SRM.

[0015] In a shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse, the shuttle moves cases along the X-axis using an arm, allowing it to access and retrieve items from any section shelf in each row aligned along the Y-axis. In contrast, in both shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses, a pallet transport shuttle or a four-way shuttle enters a space directly beneath a row of storage shelves arranged along the Y-axis, each containing pallets of roughly the same shape. The shuttle moves the lifter mounted on the shuttle up and down to retrieve pallets from the section shelves whose location is specified. Therefore, the shuttle must access the section shelves in the order they are arranged along the Y-axis, starting from the front in the direction the shuttle enters. In other words, using the direction the shuttle enters along the Y-axis as a reference, it is not possible to access pallets on section shelves further back, i.e., beyond the section shelves where pallets are stored, when viewed from the shuttle entry side. Consequently, it is clear that both shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses have limitations in their processing capacity. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-355404

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Non-Patent Document

[0017]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0018] As explained in the background technology section, the shuttle in a shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse can move cases in the X-axis direction using an arm, allowing it to access and retrieve items from any compartment shelf aligned in the Y-axis direction. In contrast, the shuttle in a shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse enters from one direction in the space directly below the compartment shelves aligned in the Y-axis direction of the pallet storage block, and transfers pallets to the shuttle by raising and lowering the shuttle's lifter, thus preventing it from accessing and retrieving items from any compartment shelf aligned in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse retrieves and retrieves pallets in the order of the compartment shelves aligned in the Y-axis direction from the direction of the shuttle's entry, thus inherently limiting its processing capacity. This limitation stems from the fact that the shuttle's lifter is responsible for the retrieval and retrieval of pallets from the storage shelves, and therefore cannot be avoided by either the W-shuttle system, which uses two types of shuttles traveling in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or the 4-way shuttle system, which can travel vertically and horizontally, as they share a common method of pallet retrieval.

[0019] Furthermore, the problems of such shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses are extremely important for the practical application of pallet-type automated storage warehouses, and are problems that the present invention aims to solve. Therefore, we will explain them in more detail using the schematic diagram of Figure 1, which was created with reference to the W-shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse disclosed in Patent Document 6. In order to make it easier to understand the positions and positional relationships of the components, as well as the operation and movement of the pallets and shuttles in the vertical transfer W-shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse, we have shown a schematic plan view 1(a) and a schematic cross-sectional view 1(b) in three dimensions. Figure 1(a) is a schematic plan view of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200, which are used to move pallets P up and down by the lifter 1520 of the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 to move them in and out of predetermined first compartment shelves 1111 and second compartment shelves 1211. Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200, taken by cutting perpendicularly to the plane of the paper along the cutting line connecting arrows A in Figure 1(a) and viewing in the direction of arrow A.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the characteristics of the shuttle-type pallet automated storage and retrieval system are reflected in the name, and it is named the vertical transfer W shuttle-type pallet automated storage and retrieval system. The vertical transfer W shuttle-type pallet automated storage and retrieval system 100 is composed of storage facilities of various scales and forms that combine storage blocks consisting of aisles and pallet storage shelves, and pallet storage zones consisting of aisles and pallet storage blocks in the space formed by the X-axis (column), Y-axis (row), and Z-axis (tier). Here, the vertical transfer W shuttle-type pallet automated storage and retrieval system 100-1 with the first storage zone (z11) 1100, which is the minimum constituent unit consisting of an aisle and a pallet storage block, as the framework, and the vertical transfer W shuttle-type pallet automated storage and retrieval system 100-2 with the second storage zone (z12) 1200 equipped with the second storage block (b11) 1110 as the framework are shown as representative examples.

[0021] The first storage zone (z11) 1100, which forms the framework of the vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100-1, consists of a first storage block (b11) 1110, a primary aisle 1310 arranged in the X-axis direction adjacent to one end of the first storage block (b11), and a first tertiary aisle 1331 provided adjacent to the primary aisle 1310. The vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100-1, which has such a first storage zone (z11) 1100 as its framework, can be constructed as the smallest automated storage warehouse among the vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouses 100. The first storage block (b11) 1110, which constitutes the first storage zone (z11) 1100, is configured such that a row of storage units in the YZ plane is stacked in the Z axis direction, with a row of storage shelves consisting of a row of first compartment shelves 1111, each having a substantially identical shape for storing pallets P, arranged in the Y axis direction, and a first secondary aisle 1321, which is a predetermined space located directly below the storage shelves through which a vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 can enter, and through which a first guide rail 1541 is laid. These YZ plane storage units are then stacked in the Z axis direction, with a predetermined interval in the X axis direction. On the other hand, the primary aisle 1310 is a passage in the X axis direction at one end of the first storage block (b11) 1110 for the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, which carries and transports the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, to travel, and a second guide rail 1440 is laid adjacent to the first guide rail 1541. Furthermore, the third aisle 1330 is adjacent to one end of the second guide rail 1440 of each row and level, and is a passage for transporting the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 in the Z-axis direction, and is equipped with a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1333 and an elevator 1334. In addition, a mechanism for transporting pallets P or vertical transfer pallet transport shuttles 1500 can also be used in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] On the other hand, the second storage zone (z12) 1200, which forms the framework of the vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100-2, is formed by arranging the second storage block 1210, which has the same configuration as the first storage block 1110, in the first storage zone (z11) 1100, with the primary aisle 1310 as the center of line symmetry.

[0023] The specific components of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200, as well as the first storage block (b11) 1110 and the second storage block (b12) 1210 that form their framework, can be defined using a row (r) indicating the position in the Y-axis direction, a column (c) indicating the position in the X-axis direction, and a tier (t) indicating the position in the Z-axis direction, which identify the location of the partitioned shelves. This definition clarifies the configuration and movement of the vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100. For example, partitioned shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3) indicates that it is the first partitioned shelf 1111 located in the first row, first row, and third tier of the first storage block (b11) 1110 that constitutes the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200. The primary aisle (z11-1a-t3) indicates that it is the third primary aisle 1310 adjacent to the compartment shelves in the first to sixth rows of the third row, first series, located in the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200. The secondary aisle (b11-2a1-c1-t3) indicates that it is the first secondary aisle 1321 directly below the compartment shelves (b11-c1-r1-t3~b11-c1-r3-t3) of the third row, first column, of the first storage block (b11) 1110 in the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200. The third aisle (z11-3a1-t13) indicates that it is the first third aisle 1331, which is located adjacent to the first row of the primary aisles (E11-1a-t1~E11-1a-t3) in the first to third stages of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200, on the partition shelf side.Furthermore, the tertiary aisle (z12-3a2-t13) is a second tertiary aisle 1332 of the newly established second storage zone (z12) 1200 when the second storage zone (z12) 1200, which is formed by adding a second storage block (b12) 1210 to the first storage zone (z11) 1100, is used as the framework for the vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse 100-2. It is a tertiary aisle that is located adjacent to the partition shelf side of the 6th column of the primary aisles (E11-1a-t1~E11-1a-t3) from the first to third stages of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200, but it is not necessarily required to add the second tertiary aisle 1332.

[0024] However, Figure 1 shows a case where, in such a vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100, the first receiving section 1610 and the second receiving section 1620, and the first shipping section 1710 and the second shipping section 1720 for pallets P are attached adjacent to the first level of the first tertiary aisle 1331 and the second tertiary aisle 1332. The first level of the first tertiary aisle 1331 and the second tertiary aisle 1332, which are the loading and unloading sections for pallets P, receives pallets P via the first receiving section 1610 and the second receiving section 1620, and also serves as a starting point for sending pallets P to the first section shelves 1111 and the second section shelves 1211, whose locations are specified, and as a starting point for sending pallets P from the section shelves, whose locations are specified, via the first shipping section 1710 and the second shipping section 1720.

[0025] Furthermore, in such a vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse 100 in which the first receiving section 1610 and the second receiving section 1620 and the first output section 1710 and the second output section 1720 are attached adjacent to each other, that is, in the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second storage zone (z12) 1200 that constitute it, a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 carrying a vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 travels along the primary aisle 1310, and after being loaded onto the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 and moving along the primary aisle 1310, the first secondary storage block (b11) 1110 A vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 travels along aisle 1321 or the second secondary aisle 1322 of the second storage block (b12) to move pallets P in and out of the first compartment shelf 1111 of the first storage block (b11) 1110 or the second compartment shelf 1211 of the second storage block (b12) 1210. The pallets P, which are moved in and out of the first compartment shelf 1111 of the first storage block (b11) 1110 or the second compartment shelf 1211 of the second storage block (b12) 1120 by the pallet loading lifter 1520 of the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, are operated in the following manner and movement path.

[0026] The first tertiary aisle 1331 of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 and the second tertiary aisle 1332 of the second storage zone (z12) 1200 are equipped with a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1333 and an elevator 1334, and the transport of pallets P in the Z-axis direction is carried out by raising and lowering a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 that carries a vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 loaded with pallets P. Conventionally, in the first receiving section 1610, pallets P to be stored are often transferred by forklift to a vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 loaded on a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400. In this state, an elevator 1334 in the first tertiary aisle (z11-3a1-t13) 1331 of the first storage zone (z11) 1100 in the Z-axis direction, or the second tertiary aisle (z12-3a2-t13) 1332 of the second storage zone (z12) 1200, transports the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, loaded on the vertical transfer tracked shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1333, to the level where the pallets P should be stored. For example, consider the case where pallets P are stored in a specific first section shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3) in the third row, first section of the first storage zone (z11) 1100. A vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, carrying a vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 loaded with pallets P, is guided by a guide rail 1440 to the first row of the primary aisle (z11-1a-t3) 1310 of the first storage block (b11) 1100. There, the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, having departed from the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, is guided by a first guide rail 1541 to enter the first compartment shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3) in the first secondary aisle 1321 located directly below the first compartment shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3~b11-c1-r3-t3) of the first storage block (b11) 1100, and the pallets P can be stored by the pallet loading lifter 1520 of the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500.Conversely, for example, when retrieving pallet P from the first section shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3) 1111 whose location has been identified, a vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 carrying a vertical transfer pallet transport tracked shuttle 1500 that does not have pallet P loaded on it is guided by the guide rail 1440 of the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 in the third stage primary aisle (z11-1a-t3) 1310 and transported to the first row of the primary aisle (z11-1a-t3) 1310 of the first storage zone (z11) 1100. Therefore, the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, which departed from the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, enters the first secondary aisle 1321 located directly below the first section shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3~b11-c1-r3-t3) of the first storage block (b11), guided by the guide rail 1541, and the pallet P stored in the first section shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3) is retrieved by the pallet loading lifter 1520 of the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500. Then, the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, which is not carrying the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, is guided by the first guide rail 1541 of the first secondary aisle 1321, which is directly below the first compartment shelf (b11-c1-r1-t3~b11-c1-r3-t3), to return to the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 loaded with pallets P, and is guided by the guide rail 1440 of the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400 in the third stage primary aisle (z11-1a-t3) 1310, to move, for example, to the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1333 in the first tertiary aisle (z-11-3a1-t13) 1331. Subsequently, the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1333 is lowered to the first stage by the elevator 1334, and at the first retrieval section 1710, the lifter retrieves and releases the pallet P.

[0027] The problem here is that, as is clear from Figure 1, the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 can only move pallets P in and out of the compartment shelves (r1) closest to the first compartment shelf 1111 and the second compartment shelf 1211, and the second secondary aisle 1322, and cannot directly move pallets P in and out of the compartment shelves (r3) further back. The reason for this is that the row of storage shelves (c) consisting of the first section shelf 1111 and the second section shelf 1211 for storing pallets P, and the first secondary aisle 1321 and the second secondary aisle 1322 into which the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 enters, are stacked in the Z-axis (stage) direction, and the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 travels through the first secondary aisle 1321 and the second secondary aisle 1322 located directly below the first section shelf 1111 and the second section shelf 1211, that is, the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500, which has departed from the vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1400, loads and unloads pallets by raising and lowering the pallet loading lifter 1520.

[0028] Based on the mechanism of this vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 1000, the processing capacity limitations resulting from the restriction of the first section shelves 1111 and the second section shelves 1211 that the vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle 1500 can access are the same drawbacks that occur regardless of the operation of other shuttles, as long as the storage method involves raising and lowering the pallets P stored in the first section shelves 1111 and the second section shelves 1211 and transferring them vertically. Therefore, shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses employing the four-way shuttle described in the background technology also suffer from exactly the same problem.

[0029] Thus, in a pallet-type automated storage warehouse where a shuttle equipped with a pallet lifter enters the space below the stored pallets and raises and lowers the pallets for entry and exit, the placement of pallets is restricted due to the fact that the entry and exit of pallets to and from the storage shelves is performed by the raising and lowering of the pallets. This presents a fundamental problem that logistics systems should avoid: it is difficult to increase logistics efficiency beyond a certain point. Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome this problem and provide a shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse with excellent logistics efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0030] To address this challenge, in addition to the shuttle-type case-type automated storage warehouse, stacker crane-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse, and shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse described in the background technology section, simulations of various types of automated storage warehouses revealed that a pallet logistics system primarily using shuttles is inefficient and irrational in pallet-type automated storage warehouses that store and keep pallets weighing over 1 ton. Therefore, we considered utilizing a conveyor mechanism in a pallet-type automated storage warehouse and found that a conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse, characterized by the use of roller conveyors and chain conveyors, limiting the deployment of shuttles which are physically demanding, and primarily using a conveyor mechanism for pallet transport, can be constructed as an efficient and rationally operated pallet-type automated storage warehouse.

[0031] In other words, the conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a pallet storage block in which storage shelves for storing and keeping pallets, each having substantially equal width, height, and depth and equipped with a conveyor mechanism in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis), are arranged in a grid pattern between the Y-axis direction and the vertical (Z-axis direction) so that their locations can be identified, and these storage shelves are arranged adjacently in the direction perpendicular to the YZ plane formed by the Y-axis and Z-axis (X-axis); a transport mechanism capable of moving pallets in the X-axis direction, which is disposed adjacent to one end of the pallet storage block; and a lifting mechanism attached adjacent to the transport mechanism for transporting pallets in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the conveyor mechanism of a partition shelf at an adjacent predetermined position among the partition shelves may be equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism capable of moving the pallet in the X-axis direction as well.

[0033] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first embodiment, the transport mechanism may be a conveyor mechanism equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism capable of moving the pallet to a predetermined position in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0034] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second embodiment, the transport mechanism may be a conveyor mechanism equipped with a mechanism capable of moving the pallet to a predetermined position in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0035] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first embodiment, the transport mechanism may be an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallet in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0036] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the transport mechanism may be an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallet in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0037] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first embodiment, the transport mechanism may be an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallet in the same X-axis direction as the transport mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0038] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in a second embodiment, the transport mechanism may be a guide rail mechanism for guiding a pallet transport shuttle, which is an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle), and is equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallet in the same X-axis direction as the transport mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0039] As a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the transport mechanism may be provided at predetermined adjacent positions at both ends of the pallet storage block, the pallet storage block held by the transport mechanism may be an essential component, and the pallet may be able to enter and exit from both ends of the pallet storage block.

[0040] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the lifting mechanism is provided with a pallet placement mechanism for placing the pallets, and the pallet placement mechanism is equipped with a right-angle branching conveyor mechanism consisting of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor.

[0041] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the lifting mechanism is provided with a pallet placement mechanism for placing the pallets, and the pallet placement mechanism is provided with a right-angle branching conveyor mechanism composed of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor.

[0042] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first, second, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth aspects, the lifting mechanism is provided with a shuttle mounting mechanism for mounting the pallet transport shuttle, and the pallet mounting mechanism is provided with a guide rail mechanism for guiding the pallet transport shuttle.

[0043] In the conveyor-type pallet-type automated warehouse of the present invention, the system for transporting pallets is controlled by an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS / RS), and the pallets can move throughout the entire conveyor-type pallet-type automated warehouse.

[0044] The distinguishing feature of the present invention's conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse is that the compartment shelves for storing and keeping pallets with specific locations are equipped with a conveyor mechanism at the bottom, and are also responsible for transporting the pallets. By having the compartment shelves serve both as storage and transport units for pallets, the entry and exit of pallets becomes extremely efficient, and the load on pallet transport can be rationally reduced. Furthermore, the problem of items tipping over or falling due to the intense vibration of the shuttle carrying pallets, and the resulting damage to the items, can be eliminated.

[0045] Since the conveyor mechanism for the partitioned shelves needs to be responsible for the storage, handling, and transport of large, heavy pallets, it is preferable that it be a roller conveyor or a chain conveyor, and it is preferable that it be installed for each partitioned shelf rather than being continuously installed across the entire storage shelf where multiple partitioned shelves are connected.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable that the conveyor mechanism of adjacent partition shelves within the partition shelves is equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism that allows pallets to be moved in the X-axis direction as well. This mechanism enables inter-shelve movement between partition shelves that constitute the storage rack, allowing for the optimization of pallet placement according to the conditions of the logistics system, thereby improving the efficiency of logistics and enabling control over logistics. In order to change the direction of large and heavy pallets at a right angle, it is preferable to employ a combination of roller conveyors and chain conveyors, and it is preferable that the chain conveyor is attached between the rollers, and that the mechanism allows either the roller conveyor or the chain conveyor to operate in a way that allows it to move up and down.

[0047] The transport mechanism deployed adjacent to one end of the pallet storage block can be a conveyor mechanism for transporting pallets or a shuttle mechanism that loads pallets and guides them on guide rails. A conveyor mechanism is preferred when safety of goods is a priority, while a shuttle mechanism is preferred when transport speed is a priority.

[0048] When a conveyor mechanism is used for transporting pallets, it is preferable that the conveyor mechanism transports pallets in the X-axis direction and is equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism at a predetermined position that allows pallets to be transferred in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism. To transport and transfer large and heavy pallets, the conveyor mechanism transporting pallets in the X-axis direction can be a roller conveyor, and the mechanism for changing direction at a right angle can be arranged as a chain conveyor, allowing it to move up and down between the rollers. Conversely, the conveyor mechanism transporting pallets in the X-axis direction can be a chain conveyor, and the mechanism for changing direction at a right angle can be arranged as a roller conveyor, allowing it to move up and down between the chain conveyors.

[0049] On the other hand, when a shuttle mechanism guided by guide rails is used for the transport mechanism, it is preferable that the shuttle mechanism be a pallet transport shuttle of an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring pallets in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism. For the mechanism that transfers large and heavy pallets in the Y-axis direction, a roller conveyor or a chain conveyor is preferable. This is to ensure smooth transfer to pallet storage racks on the YZ plane that are positioned perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0050] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the pallet loading mechanism of the transport mechanism is a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring pallets in the same X-axis direction as the transport mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism. Such a transfer mechanism is preferably a combination of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor, with the chain conveyor provided between the rollers of the roller conveyor, and is activated by raising and lowering the rollers or chain. This is to ensure smooth transfer of pallets in order to prevent damage to the goods on the pallets from tipping over or falling when transferring them to a lifting mechanism that transports pallets in the Z-axis direction and is located adjacent to the transport mechanism, by not subjecting the pallets to impact.

[0051] The lifting mechanism is equipped with a pallet placement mechanism for placing pallets, and it is preferable that the pallet placement mechanism is equipped with a right-angle branching conveyor mechanism consisting of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor. This is because, in addition to the smooth transfer of pallets from the conveying mechanism of the conveyor mechanism and shuttle mechanism to the lifting mechanism, the transfer of pallets to the loading / unloading section, which may be provided adjacent to the lifting mechanism, can be performed smoothly and automatically without the use of a lifter. The right-angle branching function is preferably implemented by providing a chain conveyor between the rollers of the roller conveyor and raising or lowering the rollers or chain in order to transfer large and heavy pallets.

[0052] On the other hand, if the transport mechanism is a shuttle mechanism, the lifting mechanism may be equipped with a shuttle loading mechanism for placing the pallet transport shuttle, and the pallet loading mechanism may be equipped with a guide rail mechanism for guiding the pallet transport shuttle. This allows for smooth transfer of the pallet transport shuttle to the lifting mechanism. In this case, smooth transfer of pallets to and from the loading / unloading section, which may be located adjacent to the lifting mechanism, is performed by a conveyor mechanism provided in the pallet loading mechanism of the pallet transport shuttle, which is capable of moving pallets in the same X-axis direction as the transport mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the transport mechanism.

[0053] To further improve the pallet processing capacity of the above-described conveyor-type pallet automated warehouse, it is preferable to have a conveying mechanism provided at predetermined positions adjacent to both ends of the pallet storage block, with the pallet storage block held by the conveying mechanism as an essential component, and a conveyor-type pallet automated warehouse configured to allow pallets to enter and exit from both ends of this pallet storage block. This doubles the opening for entering and exiting the stored pallets, significantly improving the pallet processing capacity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0054] The present invention provides a conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse that is efficient and rational by reducing the use of shuttles, which were the main cause of inefficiency and irrationality in shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses. Furthermore, since the opportunities to transport pallets loaded with goods using shuttles that vibrate and shake violently are reduced or eliminated, the problem of goods tipping over and falling on the pallets, and the resulting damage to the goods, can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1(a)] This is a schematic plan view of a vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet type automated storage warehouse, intended to illustrate the challenges of conventional shuttle-type pallet type automated storage warehouses. [Figure 1(b)] This is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet type automated storage warehouse, illustrating the challenges of conventional shuttle-type pallet type automated storage warehouses. [Figure 2(a)] This is a schematic plan view of an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2(b)] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3(a)] This is a schematic plan view of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3(b)]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4(a)] This is a schematic plan view of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse equipped with a shelf-to-shelf movement function, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4(b)] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse equipped with a shelf-to-shelf movement function, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5(a)] This is a schematic plan view of a primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which two primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet storage zones, each of which are essential basic component units, are arranged in parallel. [Figure 5(b)] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which two primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet storage zones, each consisting of a conveyor / shuttle-type pallet storage block clamped by a primary aisle, are arranged in parallel, with the pallet storage zone being an essential basic component unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings, illustrating typical embodiments. However, the embodiments specifically described with reference to the drawings are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention, and is limited only to the technical concept described in the claims.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view (a) and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse of the present invention is referred to as the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200, following the precedent of the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse of the prior art, which was referred to as the vertical transfer W shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 100, based on the fact that the loading and unloading of pallets to and from the compartment shelves constituting the storage shelves, i.e., the transfer, is performed by vertical lifting and lowering using a shuttle lifter. In this case, the compartment shelves constituting the storage shelves are equipped with a conveyor mechanism, and the loading and unloading of pallets to and from the compartment shelves, i.e., the transfer, is performed by horizontal movement using a conveyor mechanism adjacent to the compartment shelves, and the pallet-type automated storage warehouse is composed of a conveyor mechanism. Hereinafter, the names of all pallet-type automated storage warehouses according to embodiments of the present invention are also names that reflect their characteristics.

[0058] Furthermore, the configuration of the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention can be understood by comparing the schematic plan view shown in Figure (a) with the schematic cross-sectional view shown in Figure (b). Although goods are loaded on the pallets, this is omitted in the diagrams for simplification. In addition, since it is necessary to clarify the reference numerals and markings in the drawings in order to understand the present invention, the all-conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-1 of the present invention shown in Figure 2 will be used to define the reference numerals and markings indicating the components, and then the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The definitions of the reference numerals and markings shown here are consistent, coherent, and common to all drawings, so a detailed explanation of the definitions of the reference numerals and markings will be omitted in Figures 3 to 5. Note that the schematic cross-sectional view is a cross-section taken by cutting perpendicularly to the plane of the paper along the cutting line connecting arrows A in the plan view, and viewing in the direction of arrow A.

[0059] The first partition shelf 2111 is a partition shelf that constitutes the first storage block (b21). For example, partition shelf (b21-c2-r2-t3) refers to the first partition shelf 2111 located in the first storage block (b21) 2110, specifically the second column aligned in the X-axis direction, the second row aligned in the Y-axis direction, and the third tier aligned in the Z-axis direction. Other partition shelves are also defined according to this rule. The two types of aisles 2300 are passages through which pallets P are transported and are defined as follows: The primary aisle 2310 is a passage on each tier that transports pallets to a specific column on the same plane where they should be stored. For example, primary aisle (z21-1a-t3) indicates the primary aisle on the third tier of the first storage zone (z21) 2100. The tertiary aisle 2330 is a passage connecting each stage in the Z-axis direction to transport pallets to a specific stage that is not on the same plane as the storage stage. For example, the first tertiary aisle (z21-3a1-t13) 2331 is a tertiary aisle that constitutes the first storage zone (z21) 2100 and indicates a tertiary aisle connected to the first to third stages of the first storage zone (z21) 2100, and the second tertiary aisle (z22-3a2-t13) 2332 is a tertiary aisle that constitutes the second storage zone (z22) 2200 and indicates a tertiary aisle connected to the first to third stages of the second storage zone (z22) 2200. The first stage of the first tertiary aisle 2331 is the loading / unloading section for pallets P adjacent to the loading / unloading section, but the loading / unloading section is not necessarily required and is not necessarily included in the horizontal transfer W shuttle type pallet type automated storage warehouse 200 of the present invention.

[0060] Now, the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-1 shown in Figure 2 is selectively composed of partition shelves, which are the smallest units for storing pallets, storage blocks, which are collections of partition shelves, storage zones consisting of storage blocks and aisles through which pallets are transported, storage zones combining storage blocks and storage zones, and a pallet transport mechanism, all defined on the space created by the X-axis (column), Y-axis (row), and Z-axis (tier). The pallet-type automated storage warehouses shown in Figures 3 to 5 have a similar configuration, and the loading and unloading sections may also be included in various automated storage warehouses, however, the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse of the present invention does not necessarily require these as essential components.

[0061] First, the first storage block (b21) 2100, which is the basic unit in which pallets P of the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse 200-1 are stored, is formed by arranging the first compartment shelves 2111 in a grid pattern, with three shelves arranged in the Y-axis direction and three in the Z-axis direction, to form YZ-plane storage units adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. The first compartment shelves 2111 are equipped with a first roller conveyor 2112 capable of transporting pallets in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] Adjacent to one end of each YZ plane storage unit in the first storage block (b21) 2110, a primary aisle 2310 is provided, which serves as a transport passage for pallets P. This primary aisle 2310 is equipped with a conveyor mechanism consisting of a pallet transport roller conveyor 2311 that transports pallets P in the X-axis direction and a pallet transfer chain conveyor 2312 that can transfer pallets P in the Y-axis direction. Pallets P are transported by the pallet transport roller conveyor 2311 in the X-axis direction to a row where a predetermined partition shelf exists, and in that row, they are branched off in the Y-axis direction where a predetermined partition shelf exists by the pallet transfer chain conveyor 2312.

[0063] Furthermore, a first tertiary aisle 2331 for transporting pallets P in the Z-axis direction is provided adjacent to one end of the primary aisle 2310 of each stage. The first tertiary aisle 2331 of the first stage is adjacent to the first receiving section 2610 and the first shipping section 2710. Here, the first tertiary aisle 2331 is equipped with a lifting device 2334 to which a pallet transport / transfer lifting platform 2333 is attached, and is designed to transport only pallets P in the Z-axis direction. The pallet transport / transfer lifting platform 2333 has a conveyor mechanism in which a pallet transport roller conveyor 2333-1 and a pallet transfer chain conveyor 2333-2 are provided to move up and down between the rollers, in order to facilitate the smooth transfer of pallets P to and from the primary aisle 2310 and the first receiving section 2610 and the first shipping section 2710. As shown in Figure 2, the first storage block (b21) 2110, the primary aisle 2310, and the first tertiary aisle 2331 are arranged in predetermined positions to form the first storage zone (z21) 2100, which is the facility for storing pallets P. By combining various storage blocks represented by the first storage block (b21), storage zones represented by the first storage zone (z21), primary aisles represented by the primary aisle 2310, and tertiary aisles represented by the first tertiary aisle 2331, it is possible to design an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse 200 with various pallet storage facilities as its framework. Moreover, the first storage block (b21) allows for various changes in the number of rows and levels of the first compartment shelves 2111, which are its basic structural units, as well as various changes in the number of rows of the YZ plane storage units. Thus, the design of pallet-type automated storage warehouses primarily based on a wide variety of conveyor mechanisms is also the case for each of the pallet-type automated storage warehouses shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0064] However, to avoid making the drawings too complex, Figure 2 illustrates an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-1, which has as its framework a first storage zone (z21) 2100 consisting of a first storage block (b21) 2110, a first aisle 2310, and a first tertiary aisle 2331, and an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-2, which has as its framework a second storage zone (z22) 2200 in which a second storage block (b22) is placed in the first storage zone (z21). The same reason explains why smaller-scale conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses are illustrated in Figures 3 to 5.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example of a lifting platform attached to the elevator 2334 installed in the first tertiary aisle 2331, a pallet transport / transfer lifting platform 2333 is provided, equipped with a pallet transport roller conveyor 2333-1 and a pallet transfer chain conveyor 2333-2, for transporting pallets P in the Z-axis direction. This is to ensure smooth transport of pallets P between the primary aisle 2310 and the first tertiary aisle 2331, as well as transport of pallets between the first tertiary aisle 2331 and the first receiving section 2610 and the first shipping section 2710 in the first stage. In particular, if a conveyor mechanism (not shown) is installed in the first receiving section 2610 and the first shipping section 2710, automatic transport of pallets becomes possible. However, transport in the Z-axis direction in the tertiary aisle 2330 is not limited to such pallets.

[0066] Now, the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200 of the present invention has features that differ significantly from shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses. First, the first secondary aisle 1321 of the first storage block (b11) 1110, which was necessary in the conventional technology shown in Figure 1, is unnecessary. In the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-1, the first roller conveyor 2112 provided on the first compartment shelf 2111 performs this function, indicating that the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200 of the present invention has a simpler structure compared to the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse. This means that the compartment shelves that constitute the storage shelves for pallets P also serve as the transport path for pallets P. Thus, the combined use of conveyors for pallet transport and storage is a factor that simplifies the structure of the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200. The features of the conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse are common to the conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0067] Next, an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. This is an example of an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200, in which a second storage zone (z22) 2200 is formed by arranging a second storage block (b22) 2210, which has the same configuration as the first storage block (b21) 2110, in a position symmetrical to the first storage block (b21) 2110 with respect to the primary aisle 2310 as the axis of symmetry.

[0068] Here, the primary aisle 2310 of the first storage zone (z21) 2100 is shared by the first storage zone (z21) 2100 and the second storage zone (z22). On the other hand, a second tertiary aisle (z22-3a2-t13) 2332 is newly provided to increase the transport capacity of pallets P in the Z-axis direction and improve the overall processing capacity of the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse 200-2. However, this is not necessarily required, and it is preferable to consider its installation depending on the purpose and application. Also, the items transported in the Z-axis direction in the tertiary aisle 2330 are pallets P, just as in the first storage zone (z21) 2100. In this way, by combining the first storage block (b21) 2110, the first storage zone (z21) 2100, and the second storage zone (z22) 2200 as basic units, horizontal transfer shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouses 200 of various scales and forms can be constructed.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view (a) and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The characteristic of this conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 300 is that the conveyor mechanism of the primary aisle 2310 shown in Figure 2 has been replaced with a shuttle mechanism guided by guide rails, which is a transport mechanism that allows pallets to move in the X-axis direction. There are no other differences in the configuration.

[0070] This shuttle mechanism is a configuration that allows pallets to be loaded onto and transferred using a typical RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle). The pallet transport shuttle 3500 basically only needs to be equipped with a body 3510, a pallet transport roller conveyor 3520 capable of loading and transferring pallets, and drive wheels 3530. The transport mechanism that moves the pallets in the X-axis direction consists of this shuttle 3500 and guide rails 3540 positioned at predetermined locations on the primary aisle 3310. By using such a shuttle mechanism for the transport mechanism of the primary aisle 3310, the pallet transport speed is improved, and the processing capacity of the conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated warehouse 300 is improved compared to that of the all-conveyor type pallet type automated warehouse 200.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a pallet transport lifting platform 3333 is used as the lifting platform attached to the elevator 3334, but it can also be a pallet lifting platform for raising and lowering pallets. When using a pallet lifting platform, although not shown in the figure, it is preferable from the viewpoint of smooth transport of pallets P to provide the pallet transport roller conveyor of the pallet transport shuttle 3500 with a configuration that allows for right-angle branching by combining a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor, and similarly provide the pallet lifting platform with a right-angle branching function by combining a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor. Note that the other mechanisms are the same as those of the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated storage warehouse shown in Figure 2, so a detailed explanation of the drawings is omitted.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view (a) and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 400 equipped with a shelf-to-shelf movement function, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse 400-1 is characterized by replacing the first roller conveyors 4112 of adjacent first section shelves 4111 in the conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse 300-1 shown in Figure 3, specifically the first roller conveyors 4112 of (b41-c1-r2-t1)~(b41-c6-r2-t1), (b41-c1-r2-t2)~(b41-c6-r2-t2), and (b41-c1-r2-t3)~(b41-c6-r2-t3) in Figure 4, with right-angle branch roller conveyors 4113. The right-angle branching roller conveyor 4113 consists of a pallet transport roller conveyor 4113-1 and a pallet transfer chain conveyor 4113-2, enabling the transfer of pallets P between the first section shelves 4111, allowing for proper placement of pallets P. As a result, the processing capacity of the conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse 400, which is equipped with a shelf-to-shelf movement function, is improved compared to that of the conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse 300. Since there are no differences in other mechanisms compared to the all-conveyor type pallet type automated storage warehouse 200 and the conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse 300 shown in Figures 2 and 3, a detailed explanation of the drawings is omitted.

[0073] Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view (a) and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of a primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse 500-3, which according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which two primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle type pallet storage zones, each consisting of a pallet storage zone in which a conveyor / shuttle type pallet storage block is clamped by a primary aisle, are arranged in parallel.

[0074] As is clear from Figure 5, the primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse 500-3 has a first storage zone (z51) 5100 and a second storage zone (z52) 5200 with exactly the same configuration arranged in parallel, and is an example of a primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse 500 with multiple such storage zones.

[0075] The features of the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 500 are evident in the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 500-1, which is based on the primary storage zone (z51) 5100, a key component of the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 500-1. This configuration will be explained below. The primary storage zone (z51) 5100, which forms the framework of the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated storage warehouse 500-1, consists of a primary storage block (b51) 5100, a primary aisle 5311, and a tertiary aisle 5331. Similar to Figures 2-4, this primary storage block has a configuration in which a grid-like storage unit, formed by first compartment shelves 5111 equipped with a primary roller conveyor 5112 in the YZ plane, is arranged adjacently in the X-axis direction. The primary aisle 5331, as in Figures 3 and 4, is equipped with a transport mechanism consisting of a pallet transport shuttle 5500 and a first guide rail 5541-1 and a second guide rail 5541-2. The first primary aisle 5311-1 and the second primary aisle 5311-2 are arranged adjacent to each other at both ends of the first storage block (b51) 5100. The tertiary aisle 5331 is also arranged adjacent to one end of the primary aisle 5331, as in Figures 2 and 3.

[0076] Here, the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse 500-1 differs from those in Figures 3 and 4 in that the first primary aisle 5311-1 and the second primary aisle 5311-2 are arranged adjacent to both ends of the first storage block (b51) 5100, and the first storage block (b51) 5100 is clamped between the first primary aisle 5311-1 and the second primary aisle 5311-2. This configuration is a characteristic of the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse 500, and allows pallets P in each compartment shelf to be entered and exited from two directions, thereby improving the processing capacity of pallets P. Furthermore, a primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouse 500-3, which is constructed by arranging such primary aisle-clamping conveyor / shuttle-type pallet-type automated warehouses 500-1 in parallel, also becomes a pallet-type automated warehouse with superior processing capacity due to the configuration in which the storage blocks are clamped by the primary aisle. [Industrial applicability]

[0077] Shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses (SLAs) are capable of efficiently and rationally loading and unloading pallets that can hold various types of goods, such as heavy items, items of different shapes, and cases containing goods. As a result, (1) improved processing speed, (2) effective utilization of logistics facilities, (3) reduced damage to goods, and (4) reduced labor costs are analyzed to surpass stacker-crane-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses. Their introduction is being considered in various industries such as the food and beverage industry, automotive industry, electronics industry, chemical industry, energy industry, and pharmaceutical industry, and the shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse market is predicted to expand rapidly. Therefore, the industrial applicability of the present invention's conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse, which solves the problems caused by the use of shuttles in conventional shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses, is extremely high. Furthermore, the elemental technologies of the present invention are not only effective for shuttle-type pallet-type automated storage warehouses, but are also considered to have high industrial applicability from the perspective of future use in the intelligentization of various logistics facilities. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 100 Vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse 100-1 Vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse with the first storage zone as its framework (1) 100-2 Vertical transfer W-shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse with the second storage zone as its framework (2) 1100 The first storage zone (z11) constituting the vertical transfer W shuttle type pallet-type automated storage warehouse (1) 1110 First storage block (b11) including partition shelves and secondary aisles that constitute the first storage zone (z11) 1111 First compartment shelf constituting the first storage block (b11) 1200 Second storage zone (z12) constituting the vertical transfer W shuttle type pallet-type automated warehouse (2) 1210 Second storage block (b12) including partition shelves and secondary aisles that constitute the second storage zone (z12) 1211 Second compartment shelf constituting the second storage block (b12) 1300 Aisle (Passageway for transporting pallets) 1310 Primary aisle (a passage that transports pallets to a specific row on the same plane where they should be stored) 1320 Secondary aisle (a passage that transports pallets to a specific row on the same plane where they should be stored) 1321 The first secondary aisle constituting the first storage block (b11) 1322 Second secondary aisle constituting the second storage block (b12) 1330 Third aisle (a passage that transports pallets to a specific level that is not on the same plane as where they should be stored) 1331 The first tertiary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z11) 1332 Second storage zone (z12) consists of the second tertiary aisle 1333 Vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle lifting platform 1334 Elevator 1400 Vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttle 1410 Body 1420 Vertical transfer shuttle loading section 1430 Drive wheels 1440 Guide rails for vertical transfer shuttle transport shuttles 1500 Vertical Transfer Pallet Transport Shuttle 1510 Body 1520 Pallet Loading Lifter 1530 Drive wheels 1540 Guide rails for vertical transfer pallet transport shuttles 1541 First guide rail of vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle in first storage block (b11) 1542 Second guide rail of vertical transfer pallet transport shuttle in second storage block (b12) 1600 Stocking department 1610 First storage section attached to the first storage zone (z11) 1620 Second storage section attached to the second storage zone (z12) 1700 Outbound Section 1710 First loading section attached to the first storage zone (z11) 1720 Second loading section attached to the second storage zone (z12) 200 All-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse 200-1 All-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse (1) with the first storage zone (z21) as its framework. 200-2 All-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse (2) with the second storage zone (z22) as its framework. 2100 The first storage zone (z21) that constitutes an all-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse. 2110 The first storage block (b21) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the first storage zone (z21). 2111 First compartment shelf constituting the first storage block (b21) 2112 The first roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the first storage block (b21) 2200 The second storage zone (z22=z21+b22) that constitutes the all-conveyor type pallet-type automated warehouse. 2210 The second storage block (b22) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the second storage zone (z22). 2211 Second compartment shelf constituting the second storage block (b22) 2212 The second roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the second storage block (b22) 2300 Isle 2310 1st Isle 2311 Pallet transport roller conveyor 2312 Pallet transfer chain conveyor 2330 3rd Isle 2331 The first tertiary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z21) 2332 Second storage zone (z22) consists of the second tertiary aisle 2333 Pallet transport / transfer lifting platform 2333-1 Pallet transport roller conveyor 2333-2 Pallet transfer chain conveyor 2334 Elevator 2600 Stocking Department 2610 First storage section attached to the first storage zone (z21) 2620 Second storage section attached to the second storage zone (z22) 2700 Outbound Section 2710 First loading section attached to the first storage zone (z21) 2720 ​​Second loading section attached to the second storage zone (z22) 300 Conveyor / Shuttle Combined Pallet Type Automated Warehouse 300-1 Conveyor / Shuttle Combined Pallet Type Automated Storage Warehouse (1) with First Storage Zone (z31) as its framework 300-2 Conveyor / Shuttle Combined Pallet Type Automated Storage Warehouse (2) with Second Storage Zone (z32) as its framework 3100 Conveyor / Shuttle Combined Pallet Type Automated Storage Warehouse - First Storage Zone (z31) 3110 The first storage block (b31) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the first storage zone (z31). 3111 First compartment shelf constituting the first storage block (b31) 3112 The first roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the first storage block (b31) 3200 Conveyor / Shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse: Second storage zone (z32=z31+b32) 3210 The second storage block (b32) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the second storage zone (z32). 3211 Second compartment shelf constituting the second storage block (b32) 3212 The second roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the second storage block (b32) 3300 Isle 3310 1st Isle 3330 3rd Isle 3331 The first tertiary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z31) 3332 Second storage zone (z32) consists of the second tertiary aisle 3333 Pallet transport shuttle lifting platform 3334 Elevator 3500 pallet transport shuttle 3510 Body 3520 Pallet transport roller conveyor 3530 Drive wheels 3540 Guide rails for pallet transport shuttles 3600 Stocking department 3610 First storage section attached to the first storage zone (z31) 3620 Second storage section attached to the second storage zone (z32) 3700 Outbound Section 3710 First loading section attached to the first storage zone (z31) 3720 Second loading section attached to the second storage zone (z32) 400-unit automated warehouse with conveyor / shuttle system and shelf-to-shelf movement capabilities. 400-1 A conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse (1) with a shelf-to-shelf movement function, with the first storage zone (z41) as its framework. 400-2 Conveyor / Shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse (2) with shelf-to-shelf movement function based on the second storage zone (z42) 4100 The first storage zone (z41) of a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse equipped with shelf-to-shelf movement functionality. 4110 The first storage block (b41) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the first storage zone (z41). 4111 First compartment shelf constituting the first storage block (b41) 4112 The first roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the first storage block (b41) 4113 Right-angle branching roller conveyor that constitutes the partition shelf of the first storage block (b41) 4113-1 Pallet transport roller conveyor 4113-2 Pallet transfer chain conveyor 4200 Second storage zone (z42=z41+b42) constituting a conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse with inter-shelf movement function. 4210 The second storage block (b42) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the second storage zone (z42). 4211 First compartment shelf constituting the second storage block (b42) 4212 The first roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the second storage block (b42) 4213 Right-angle branching roller conveyor that constitutes the partition shelf of the second storage block (b42) 4213-1 Pallet transport roller conveyor 4213-2 Pallet transfer chain conveyor 4300 Isle 4310 1st Isle 4330 3rd Isle 4331 The first tertiary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z41) 4332 Second storage zone (z42) consists of the second tertiary aisle 4333 Pallet transport shuttle lifting platform 4334 Elevator 4500 Pallet Transport Shuttle 4510 Body 4520 Pallet transport roller conveyor 4530 Drive wheels 4540 Guide rails for pallet transport shuttles 4600 Stocking Department 4610 First storage section attached to the first storage zone (z41) 4620 Second storage section attached to the second storage zone (z42) 4700 Outbound Section 4710 First loading section attached to the first storage zone (z41) 4720 Second loading section attached to the second storage zone (z42) 500 Primary Aisle Clamping Conveyor / Shuttle Combined Pallet Type Automated Warehouse 500-1 Primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated warehouse (1) with the first storage zone (z51) as its framework 500-2 Primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated warehouse (2) with the second storage zone (z52) as its framework 500-3 Primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated warehouse (3) with third storage zone (z53) as its framework 5000 Primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated storage warehouse third storage zone (z50=z51+z52) 5100 Primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet type automated warehouse - First storage zone (z51) 5110 The first storage block (b51) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the first storage zone (z51). 5111 First compartment shelf constituting the first storage block (b51) 5112 The first roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the first storage block (b51) 5200 Second storage zone (z52) constituting the primary aisle clamping conveyor / shuttle combined pallet-type automated warehouse. 5210 The second storage block (b52) is a collection of partition shelves that make up the second storage zone (z52). 5211 Second compartment shelf constituting the second storage block (b52) 5212 The second roller conveyor (corresponding to the secondary aisle in Figure 1) that constitutes the partition shelf of the second storage block (b52) 5300 Isle 5310 1st Isle 5311 Primary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z51) 5311-1 The first primary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z51) 5311-2 Second primary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z51) 5312 Primary aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5312-1 The first primary aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5312-2 Second primary aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5330 3rd Isle 5331 Third aisle constituting the first storage zone (z51) 5331-1 The first tertiary aisle constituting the first storage zone (z51) 5331-2 Second 3rd Aisle Constituting the First Storage Zone (z51) 5332 Third aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5332-1 The first tertiary aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5332-2 The second tertiary aisle constituting the second storage zone (z52) 5333 Pallet transport shuttle lifting platform 5334 Elevator 5500 Pallet Transport Shuttle 5510 Body 5520 Pallet transport conveyor 5530 Drive wheels 5540 Guide rail for pallet transport shuttle 5541 Guide rails for pallet transport shuttle in the first storage zone (z51) 5541-1 First guide rail of pallet transport shuttle in first storage zone (z51) 5541-2 Second guide rail of pallet transport shuttle in first storage zone (z51) 5542 Guide rails for pallet transport shuttle in the second storage zone (z52) 5542-1 First guide rail of pallet transport shuttle in second storage zone (z52) 5542-2 Second guide rail of pallet transport shuttle in second storage zone (z52) 5600 Stocking Department 5610 Entry section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5611 First storage section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5612 Second storage section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5620 Storage compartment attached to the second storage zone (z52) 5621 First storage section attached to the second storage zone (z52) 5622 Second storage section attached to the second storage zone (z52) 5700 Outbound Section 5710 Retrieval section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5711 First loading section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5712 Second loading section attached to the first storage zone (z51) 5720 Retrieval section attached to the second storage zone (z52) 5721 First loading section attached to the second storage zone (z52) 5722 Second loading section attached to the second storage zone (z52) P Palette AA is an identification character indicating the cutting position when the cutting line connecting arrows A in the plan view is cut perpendicular to the plane of the paper and viewed in the direction of arrow A.

Claims

1. A pallet storage block is formed by storing and arranging partition shelves, each having approximately equal width, height, and depth, and equipped with a conveyor mechanism in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis), in a grid pattern that allows for location identification, with storage shelves connected in the Y-axis direction and the vertical (Z-axis direction), adjacent to each other in the direction perpendicular to the YZ plane formed by the Y-axis and the Z-axis (X-axis direction). A transport mechanism, which is positioned adjacent to one end of the pallet storage block and is capable of moving the pallet in the X-axis direction, A lifting mechanism is attached adjacent to the transport mechanism in order to transport the pallet in the Z-axis direction, A conveyor-type pallet-type automated warehouse characterized by having the following features.

2. The conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor mechanism of a partition shelf at an adjacent predetermined position among the partition shelves is equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism capable of transferring the pallet in the X-axis direction as well.

3. The conveying mechanism is a conveyor mechanism equipped with a right-angle branching mechanism capable of moving the pallet to a predetermined position in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism, as described in claim 1.

4. The conveying mechanism is a conveyor mechanism that is capable of moving the pallet to a predetermined position in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism, as described in claim 2.

5. The conveying mechanism is an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallets in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism, characterized in that it is a conveyor-type pallet-type automated warehouse according to claim 1.

6. The conveying mechanism is an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallets in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism, as described in claim 2.

7. The conveying mechanism is an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallets in the same X-axis direction as the conveying mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism, characterized in that it is a conveyor-type pallet-type automated warehouse according to claim 1.

8. The conveying mechanism is a guide rail mechanism for guiding a pallet transport shuttle, which is an RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle), and is equipped with a pallet loading mechanism capable of transferring the pallets in the same X-axis direction as the conveying mechanism and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the conveying mechanism.

9. The conveying mechanism is provided at predetermined adjacent positions at both ends of the pallet storage block, the pallet storage block held by the conveying mechanism is an essential component, and the pallets can be moved in and out from both ends of the pallet storage block, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lifting mechanism is equipped with a pallet placement mechanism for placing the pallets, and the pallet placement mechanism is equipped with a right-angle branching conveyor mechanism composed of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor.

11. The conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to claim 9, characterized in that the lifting mechanism is equipped with a pallet placement mechanism for placing the pallets, and the pallet placement mechanism is equipped with a right-angle branching conveyor mechanism composed of a roller conveyor and a chain conveyor.

12. The conveyor-type pallet-type automated storage warehouse according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, characterized in that the lifting mechanism is equipped with a shuttle mounting mechanism for mounting the pallet transport shuttle, and the pallet mounting mechanism is equipped with a guide rail mechanism for guiding the pallet transport shuttle.

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