Racks for automated storage warehouses

Abstract

We provide racks for automated storage warehouses that can store a large number of items while keeping costs down. [Solution] The rack for the automated storage warehouse is used in an automated storage warehouse where shuttles capable of traveling in four directions (main travel direction and secondary travel direction) transport pallets, and forklifts handle the loading and unloading of pallets onto the shuttles. The rack for the automated storage warehouse comprises a frame module formed by welding together a crossbeam 11 and support columns 2 that support the travel surface of the shuttle, and rails 5A and 5B for the travel of the shuttle connected to the frame module. The spacing between adjacent support columns in the secondary travel direction of the shuttle via a single crossbeam is greater than or equal to the spacing required to store multiple pallets. The upper layer above the travel surface constitutes a first area 7 where the shuttle transports and stores pallets, and the lower layer below the travel surface constitutes a second area 8 where forklifts handle pallets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rack for an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS).

Background Art

[0002] There is a method of storing articles by combining a transport cart called a four-way shuttle that automatically travels back and forth and left and right on a plane with a manual or automatic forklift for picking operations, which are used for a three-dimensional rack installed in a warehouse for storing articles (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-128227).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In such an automated storage and retrieval system, there is a desire to store many articles while suppressing costs. Therefore, a rack for an automated storage and retrieval system that can store many articles while suppressing costs is provided.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a rack for an automated storage and retrieval system is a rack used in an automated storage and retrieval system in which a shuttle transports a pallet and a forklift performs the loading and unloading of the pallet with respect to the shuttle. The shuttle can travel in four directions: the main traveling direction and the sub-traveling direction. The rack for an automated storage and retrieval system includes a frame module in which a cross beam supporting the traveling surface of the shuttle and a column are integrally formed by welding, and a rail for the shuttle to travel, which is connected to the frame module. The distance between columns adjacent in the sub-traveling direction of the shuttle via one cross beam is greater than or equal to the distance at which a plurality of pallets can be stored. The upper layer from the traveling surface constitutes a first area where the shuttle transports and stores the pallet, and the lower layer from the traveling surface constitutes a second area where the forklift loads and unloads the pallet.

[0006] Further details will be described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the overall structure of a rack system for an automated storage warehouse (hereinafter referred to as the rack system) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the rack system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the support columns and crossbeams. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the frame module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the support columns located at the end of the rack system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a frame module with rails attached. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a frame module with rails attached. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the main rail section of Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the reversal frame. [Figure 10] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the connection between the support column and the crossbeam in the rack system according to the embodiment, and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the connection between the support column and the crossbeam in the rack system according to the comparative example. [Figure 11] Figure 11A is a schematic plan view of a rack system according to a comparative example, and Figure 11B is a schematic plan view of a rack system according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <1. Overview of racks for automated storage warehouses> (1) The rack for the automated storage warehouse according to the embodiment is a rack used in an automated storage warehouse in which a shuttle transports pallets and a forklift loads and unloads pallets onto the shuttle. The shuttle is capable of traveling in four directions, including the main travel direction and the secondary travel direction. The rack for the automated storage warehouse comprises a frame module formed by welding together a crossbeam and a support column that supports the travel surface of the shuttle, and rails for the travel of the shuttle connected to the frame module. The spacing between adjacent support columns in the secondary travel direction of the shuttle via a single crossbeam is greater than or equal to the spacing required to store multiple pallets, the upper layer above the travel surface constitutes a first area where the shuttle transports and stores pallets, and the lower layer below the travel surface constitutes a second area where the forklift loads and unloads pallets.

[0009] Because the spacing between adjacent support columns in the shuttle's secondary travel direction, connected by a single crossbeam, is greater than the spacing required to store multiple pallets, the spacing between support columns in the secondary travel direction in this automated storage warehouse (SWD) rack is more than double that of conventional SWD racks. This allows for the storage of items equivalent to multiple pallets without the need for support columns in between. For example, while the spacing between support columns in a conventional rack system is approximately 1.3m, this SWD rack can be expanded to approximately 2.5m. As a result, the spacing between support columns in the second area is also increased, ensuring sufficient working space for forklifts to travel and turn. In other words, this SWD rack allows for the creation of a second area on the ground level that provides ample working space.

[0010] Due to height restrictions and safety considerations such as earthquake resistance, there are limitations on the height of racks used in automated storage warehouses (SWDs), and typically, structures of around 2-3 levels are adopted. On the other hand, there is a demand to store more goods in the warehouse. In this regard, as shown in Figure 11B, this SWD rack system allows for a larger ratio of the SWD rack's floor area to the factory area by creating a second area on the ground level, compared to conventional SWD racks. As a result, more storage space for goods can be secured.

[0011] In other words, this automated storage racking system can use approximately half the number of support columns compared to conventional automated storage racking systems, reducing the amount of steel used and lowering costs. It also reduces construction time and labor. Therefore, this automated storage racking system allows for the storage of a large quantity of goods at a lower cost.

[0012] (2) The rack for an automated storage warehouse according to (1), preferably further comprising rail support members for detachably fixing rails. Detachable fixing is, for example, by connection with bolts. Since the rails are detachably fixed, maintenance work is made easier as only the rails need to be replaced if they are damaged.

[0013] (3)(1) and (2) are racks for automated storage warehouses, preferably the spacing between adjacent support columns in the secondary travel direction of the shuttle is 2.5 m or more. This ensures sufficient working space in the second area for the forklift to travel and turn.

[0014] (4) A rack for an automated storage warehouse according to (1) to (3), preferably further comprising a switching frame positioned at the intersection of the rails in the running direction and the rails in the secondary running direction. The switching frame is formed by welding together a support member for the rails in the main running direction and a support member for the rails in the secondary running direction. The switching frame further has a connecting portion for connecting to a frame module. This makes it possible to connect the rails in the running direction and the rails in the secondary running direction to the frame module by crossing them.

[0015] In a conventional rack system, when assembling rails, horizontal adjustment work using various parts is required. This not only requires high expertise and accuracy from the constructor, but also necessitates individual adjustment work for all loading and unloading positions. In particular, at the intersection of the rails in the main traveling direction and the rails in the sub-traveling direction, the burden of adjustment work is large. In contrast, in the rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse according to the embodiment, since the switching frame is formed by integrally welding the support members of the rails in the main traveling direction and the support members of the rails in the sub-traveling direction, secondary horizontal adjustment work using various parts becomes unnecessary or simplified. This can reduce the burden on workers and significantly shorten the construction time.

[0016] (5) The rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse according to (1) to (4), preferably, the second area is a space below the traveling surface, partitioned by columns adjacent in the main traveling direction and columns adjacent in the sub-traveling direction, and is configured as a work space where a forklift can travel and turn. In the rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse according to the embodiment, by providing the second area on the ground floor, the ratio of the floor area of the rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse to the area of the factory can be made larger than that of the conventional rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse. As a result, more storage space for goods can be secured.

[0017] (6) The rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse according to (1) to (5), preferably, the columns and cross beams of the frame module are integrally formed by welding in advance before being carried into the three-dimensional automatic warehouse, and a column separate from the frame module and the cross beams of other frame modules can be connected to the frame module. Thereby, in the rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse according to the embodiment, the frame module can be shipped from the factory, and at the three-dimensional automatic warehouse, a column separate from the frame module and the cross beams of other frame modules can be connected to assemble the rack for a three-dimensional automatic warehouse. At that time, the work of welding the columns and cross beams at the three-dimensional automatic warehouse becomes unnecessary.

[0018] In a conventional rack system, a large number of bolts are required when connecting the racks. In contrast, in the rack for the automated storage and retrieval system according to the embodiment, before being carried into the automated storage and retrieval system, the columns and the cross beams are integrally formed by welding in advance, so that the operation of assembling the columns and the cross beams in the automated storage and retrieval system becomes unnecessary, and the number of required bolts can be reduced. As a result, the construction parts in the automated storage and retrieval system can be significantly reduced, and the construction time can be significantly shortened.

[0019] <2. Example of Rack for Automated Storage and Retrieval System> The rack system 1 for the automated storage and retrieval system according to this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as the rack system) is used in an automated storage and retrieval system. In this automated storage and retrieval system, a shuttle transports a pallet on which articles are loaded on the rack, and a forklift performs the loading and unloading of the pallet with respect to the shuttle. Loading and unloading refers to the forklift loading a pallet on which articles are loaded into the shuttle or the forklift unloading (picking) a pallet on which articles are loaded from the shuttle for出库.

[0020] (1) Explanation of the Structure of the Rack System FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the rack system 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the rack system 1, which is a schematic view seen in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1. In each figure, the direction indicated by the arrow A (hereinafter the A direction) is the main traveling direction of the shuttle, and the direction indicated by the arrow B (hereinafter the B direction) is the sub-traveling direction of the shuttle and is orthogonal to the A direction. In the rack system 1, a main passage of the shuttle is formed in the main traveling direction, and a sub-passage of the shuttle is formed in the sub-traveling direction.

[0021] (I. Columns and Cross Beams) The rack system 1 is composed of a plurality of welded integral racks 14. The welded integral rack 14 is a basic structural unit constituting the rack system 1. The welded integral rack 14 is composed of columns 2, cross beams 11 extending from the columns 2 in the B direction, and rails 5A, 5B for the shuttle to travel. The cross beam 11 supports the traveling surface of the shuttle and the surface on which the article 50 is stored.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the support column 2 and the crossbeam 11. The crossbeam 11 is attached perpendicular to the support column 2, with one end welded to the support column 2 for integration. The support column 2 and the crossbeam 11, which are integrated by welding, constitute a frame module 4 in the welded integrated rack 14. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the frame module 4. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the support column 2e, which is located at the end of the rack system 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the crossbeam 11 is attached integrally by welding so that one end is perpendicular to the first support column 2a. Figure 3 also shows how the support columns 2 of the frame module 4 are attached. That is, the first support column 2a is connected to the second support column 2b as shown in Figure 3. The first support column 2a and the second support column 2b are connected by a connecting part 21, and together they constitute the support column 2. The connecting part 21 may, for example, be a plate-type fixing bracket.

[0024] The second support column 2b has a connecting portion 22 and a connecting portion 23, as shown in Figure 3. The connecting portion 22 is provided on the side of the first support column 2a opposite to the side to which the crossbeam 11 is attached by welding, and is a connecting portion for connecting the end of the crossbeam 11 extending from the adjacent support column 2. The connecting portion 23 is provided at the lower end of the second support column 2b and is a connecting portion for connecting (installing) it to the warehouse floor. The connecting portion 22 may be connected by bolts or the like, for example.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the crossbeam 11 has two sets of pallet handling sections 6 in the B direction. The pallet handling section 6 is a member for supporting articles 50 loaded on one pallet. The pallet handling section 6 may be, for example, a set of L-shaped members spaced narrower than the length of the pallet in the B direction. In this case, each set of L-shaped members engages with a set of rod-shaped members 3 (see Figure 6) called beams for supporting articles 50, whose longitudinal direction coincides with the A direction. One set of pallet handling sections 6 can support articles 50 from one pallet. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, one welded integrated rack 14 can support articles 50 from up to two pallets when lined up in the B direction without a support column 2 in between (2-pallet compatible crossbeam).

[0026] The crossbeam 11 further has connecting parts 33. The connecting parts 33 are for detachably connecting the rails 5A. The connecting parts 33 may be, for example, flat plates on which the rails 5A are placed and connected with bolts. Two sets of connecting parts 33 are arranged side by side in the direction B on the crossbeam 11, and four rails 5A can be connected side by side in the direction B.

[0027] The crossbeam 11 further has a connecting portion 31 at the other end that is not welded to the first support 2a, as shown in Figure 4, for connecting to an adjacent first support 2a. The connecting portion 31 is connected to a connecting portion 22 of the adjacent first support 2a.

[0028] In conventional rack systems, the spacing between support columns is approximately 1.3m. However, in the rack system 1 according to this embodiment, by using the crossbeam 11, the spacing between support columns 2 in direction B becomes twice that of conventional rack systems, for example, to about 2.5m. In other words, in the rack system 1 according to this embodiment, the number of support columns in direction B can be reduced to about half that of conventional rack systems, thereby reducing the amount of steel used and lowering costs, as well as reducing construction man-hours and shortening the construction period.

[0029] In this embodiment, the crossbeam 11 is sized to accommodate two pallets, but it may be sized to accommodate three or more pallets. By lengthening the crossbeam 11 according to its material and welding strength, the number of support columns 2 can be further reduced, thereby lowering costs, and the spacing between the support columns 2 in direction B can be further increased.

[0030] (II. Rails) Rails 5A and 5B are attached to frame module 4. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of frame module 4 with rails 5A and 5B attached. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of frame module 4 with rails 5A and 5B attached. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, rail 5A in direction A (hereinafter referred to as the main rail) is detachably attached to frame module 4. A deflection frame 12 is attached to frame module 4 at the intersection where rail 5B in direction B (hereinafter referred to as the deflection rail) and the main rail 5A intersect. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the main rail 5A portion of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the deflection frame 12.

[0031] As an example, as shown in Figure 8, one end 51 of the main rail 5A is cut out in an L-shape and fixed in place on the upper surface of the crossbeam 11. The other end 52 of the main rail 5A is cut in a flat plane so as to be in contact with the side surface of the crossbeam 11 and is connected to the connection part 33 of the crossbeam 11.

[0032] As shown in Figure 9, the deflection frame 12 consists of four crossbeams: two crossbeams 12a in direction A, each with a main rail 5A attached to its upper surface, and two crossbeams 12b in direction B, each with a deflection rail 5B attached to its upper surface. These crossbeams 12a and 12b are pre-welded at right angles to each other. Therefore, the rails 5A and 5B mounted on them are also perpendicular. Each of the two crossbeams 12a of the deflection frame 12 has a connecting portion 45 at both ends, which connects to the adjacent crossbeams 11. Preferably, the connecting portion 45 is welded to the deflection frame 12. Two deflection frames 12 are mounted side by side in direction B to one crossbeam 11.

[0033] A main rail 5A is detachably attached to the upper surface of the crossbeam 12a, and a diverting rail 5B is detachably attached to the upper surface of the crossbeam 12b. Rails 5A and 5B are attached, for example, by bolt connections. In the diverting frame 12, the main rail 5A is separated where it intersects with the diverting rail 5B, and a rail 5Aa is attached to connect it to the main rail 5A attached to the adjacent frame module 4, as shown in Figure 9.

[0034] In the deflection frame 12, as shown in Figure 9, the upper surface of the main rail 5A and the upper surface of the deflection rail 5B may be at different heights. In this case, by making the upper surface of the main rail 5A and the upper surface of the deflection rail 5B at different heights, for example, when the shuttle is traveling in the secondary travel direction, it lowers the tires for traveling on the deflection rail 5B in the direction of B until they contact the deflection rail 5B. On the other hand, when traveling in the main travel direction, the shuttle can travel on the main rail 5A in the direction of A by displacing (raising) the tires for traveling on the deflection rail 5B in the direction of B to a reference position that is above the main rail 5A.

[0035] (2) Instructions for assembling the rack system The rack system 1 is assembled on-site (in the automated storage warehouse) for each welded, one-piece rack 14, which is the basic structural unit. Before being brought into the automated storage warehouse, the frame module 4 is pre-formed as a single integrated structure by welding the first support column 2a and the crossbeam 11 at the factory. For the assembly of the welded, one-piece rack 14, the pre-welded frame module 4, the second support column 2b, the support column used at the end of the rack system 1 (support column 2e in Figures 1 and 2), the directional frame 12, and the rails 5A and 5B are each shipped from the factory as separate components and brought into the automated warehouse.

[0036] In the automated storage warehouse, the first support column 2a of frame module 4 is attached to the second support column 2b, and the crossbeam 11 is attached to the first support column 2a of the adjacent frame module 4. The end of the crossbeam 11 of frame module 4 that is not welded to the first support column 2a is connected to the first support column 2a of the adjacent frame module 4. The end of the crossbeam 11 of the frame module 4 located at the end is connected to the support column 2e.

[0037] A main rail 5A is installed between the crossbeams 11 of two adjacent frame modules 4 in direction A. A deflection frame 12 is installed at the intersection, and the main rail 5A and deflection rail 5B are installed to the deflection frame 12. A deflection rail 5B is also installed between adjacent deflection frames 12 in direction B.

[0038] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the connection between the support column 2 and the crossbeam 11 in a rack system 1 according to an embodiment, and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the connection between the support column and the crossbeam in a conventional rack system, which is a rack system according to a comparative example.

[0039] Conventional racking systems require numerous bolts to connect the crossbeams to the support columns. For example, as shown in Figure 10B, seven bolts are needed at each connection point between the support column and the crossbeam, totaling 28 bolts at the four right-angle points within a single connection. Furthermore, if an additional bolt is required for cross-reinforcement, a total of 29 bolts may be needed per connection point. Additionally, each connection point requires 8 to 10 different types of fabricated parts.

[0040] In contrast, in the rack system 1 according to the embodiment, as shown in Figure 10A, the first support column 2a and one end of the crossbeam 11 are pre-formed as a single integrated structure by welding, eliminating the need to assemble the first support column 2a and one end of the crossbeam 11 in the automated storage warehouse. As a result, the number of bolts at one connection point can be reduced to 8 to 16. This significantly reduces the number of parts required for construction within the automated storage warehouse compared to conventional rack systems, and also significantly reduces construction time (by approximately 40% or more).

[0041] Furthermore, conventional rack systems require horizontal adjustment using various parts when assembling the rails, demanding not only high levels of expertise and precision from the installers, but also the need to individually adjust every loading / unloading position. The adjustment work is particularly burdensome at the intersections of the main rail and the diverting rail. As a result, conventional rack systems have long construction periods required for rail assembly.

[0042] In contrast, in the rack system 1 according to the embodiment, the main rail 5A is fixed to a frame module 4 in which the support columns 2 and crossbeams 11 are welded at a right angle in advance, thus eliminating or simplifying secondary horizontal adjustment work using various parts. Furthermore, at the intersection of the main rail 5A and the directional rail 5B, the rails 5A and 5B are fixed to a welded frame 9 that is welded at a right angle in advance, thus eliminating or simplifying secondary horizontal adjustment work using various parts. This reduces the burden on workers and significantly shortens construction time.

[0043] Furthermore, in the rack system 1 according to this embodiment, since the rails 5A and 5B are detachably fixed to the frame module 4, if the rails 5A and 5B are damaged, only the corresponding rails 5A and 5B need to be replaced, making maintenance work easier. Alternatively, since the rack system 1 according to this embodiment is assembled using welded integrated racks 14 as structural units, the frame module 4 can also be replaced as needed. This reduces maintenance costs.

[0044] (3) Explanation of how the rack system is used As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the rack system 1, the upper layer, which is the top surface of the frame module 4, constitutes a work area (first area) 7 where the shuttle transports and stores pallets. In the first area 7, the main passage for the shuttle is formed along the main rail 5A, and the secondary passage for the shuttle is formed along the redirection rail 5B. The redirection rail 5B is used to change the main passage on which the shuttle travels.

[0045] The lower layer, or ground level, which is the underside of the frame module 4, constitutes a work area (second area) 8 where automated equipment such as manual forklifts or automated forklifts on the ground load and unload pallets onto the shuttle.

[0046] The shuttle with the pallet placed in the second area 8 is transported to the upper first area 7 by a vertical conveyor (not shown) and placed on the reversing rail 5B. The shuttle travels along the reversing rail 5B in direction B to the designated main aisle. Next, the shuttle travels along the main rail 5A to the designated position on the main aisle. The shuttle performs a loading operation at that position.

[0047] The shuttle travels with the pallet held above a pair of rod-shaped members 3 on the running surface. Therefore, the shuttle travels along the main aisle without the pallet on which the goods 50 are placed coming into contact with the rod-shaped members 3. One example of a loading operation is when the shuttle lowers its height. As a result, the pallet that was above the pair of rod-shaped members 3 comes down to the rod-shaped members 3, making contact with them and separating from the shuttle. Then, as the shuttle travels along the main rail 5A again, the pallet on which the goods 50 are placed remains on the rod-shaped members 3.

[0048] In the rack system 1 according to this embodiment, the spacing between the support columns 2 in direction B is increased by using the crossbeam 11. As a result, sufficient workspace is secured in the first area 7. This makes it possible to perform emergency response work using manual forklifts, etc., even if maintenance is required due to a malfunction in the automated equipment. As a result, the continuity of warehouse operations can be ensured and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, the spacing between the support columns 2 in the ground level is also increased. As a result, sufficient working space necessary for the forklift to travel and turn can be secured, and the ground level can be designated as the second area 8. Figure 11A is a schematic plan view of a conventional rack system 1A according to a comparative example, and Figure 11B is a schematic plan view of a rack system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 11A, in conventional rack systems 1A, the spacing between the support columns 2 is small, so a second area 8A for cargo handling is often provided outside the rack system 1A. In contrast, in the rack system 1 according to this embodiment, sufficient working space necessary for the travel and turning of a forklift can be secured on the ground level, so a second area 8 can be provided on the ground level, as shown in Figure 11B.

[0051] Due to height restrictions and safety considerations such as earthquake resistance in automated storage warehouses, the height of rack systems is limited, and typically a structure of two to three levels is adopted. On the other hand, there is a demand to store more goods in automated storage warehouses. In this regard, the rack system 1 according to the embodiment provides a second area 8 on the ground level, which allows the ratio of the flat area of ​​rack system 1 to the area of ​​the automated storage factory F to be larger than that of the conventional rack system 1A. As a result, more storage space for goods can be secured.

[0052] (3) Variant As a variation of frame module 4, for frame module 4 positioned at the end of rack system 1, both ends of the crossbeam 11 may be welded to the support column 2a. In this case, the end support column 2 shown in Figure 5 becomes unnecessary.

[0053] Rack system 1 is not limited to a two-tiered structure, but may have a structure of three or more tiers.

[0054] As a variation of the frame module 4, the A direction may also be constructed with a combination of support columns 2 and crossbeams, similar to the B direction. That is, in both the A and B directions, crossbeams may be attached to the support columns 2.

[0055] <3. Addendum> This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Rack System 2: Strut 4: Frame Module 5A: Main rail 5B: Replacement rail 6: Pallet handling section 7: 1st area 8:Second area 11: Cross beam 12: Replacement Frame 14: Welded one-piece rack 50: Goods

Claims

1. A rack used in an automated storage warehouse where a shuttle transports pallets and a forklift loads and unloads the pallets onto the shuttle, The shuttle is capable of traveling in four directions: the main travel direction and the secondary travel direction. A frame module formed by welding together a crossbeam and a support column that support the running surface of the shuttle, The frame module is connected to a rail for the shuttle to run on, The spacing between adjacent support columns in the secondary travel direction of the shuttle, via one of the aforementioned crossbeams, is greater than or equal to the spacing required to store multiple of the aforementioned pallets. The area above the aforementioned running surface constitutes a first area in which the shuttle transports and stores the pallets. The area below the aforementioned running surface constitutes a second area in which the forklift loads and unloads the pallets. Racks for automated storage warehouses.

2. The rail further comprises a rail support member for detachably fixing the aforementioned rail. A rack for an automated storage warehouse as described in claim 1.

3. The distance between the support pillars adjacent to the shuttle in the secondary travel direction is 2.5 m or more. A rack for an automated storage warehouse according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further comprises a switching frame formed by welding together a support member for the rail in the main running direction and a support member for the rail in the secondary running direction, which are positioned at the intersection of the rail in the main running direction and the rail in the secondary running direction. The aforementioned redirection frame further includes a connection portion for connecting to the frame module. A rack for an automated storage warehouse as described in claim 1.

5. The second region is a space below the running surface, demarcated by support columns adjacent to the main running direction and support columns adjacent to the secondary running direction, and is configured as a working space in which the forklift can travel and turn. A rack for an automated storage warehouse as described in claim 1.

6. The support columns and crossbeams of the frame module are formed by welding together before being transported to the automated storage warehouse. The aforementioned frame module can be connected to a support column separate from the frame module, as well as to a crossbeam of another frame module. A rack for an automated storage warehouse as described in claim 1.

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