automated warehouse

Abstract

To provide an automated warehouse that makes it easy for workers to perform maintenance and inspection work, etc. [Solution] The walkway 4 is arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction of a target Y direction rail 21T, which is at least one of the multiple Y direction rails 21, and the moving device 5 comprises a support base 51 that supports the transport vehicle 1, a support rail 52 arranged on the support base 51 and on which the transport vehicle 1 can run, and a moving mechanism 53 that moves the support base 51, and a travel path 6 along the Y direction is provided between the target Y direction rail 21T and a position on the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the walkway 4, and the moving mechanism 53 is configured to be able to move the support base 51 to a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the walkway 4 so that the transport vehicle 1 can pass along the Y direction between the support rail 52 and the travel path 6.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse equipped with a plurality of transport vehicles, each of which transports an article. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such an automated warehouse is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the automated warehouse (100) of Patent Document 1, a plurality of linearly extending rails (101) are arranged parallel to one another. A transport vehicle (102) travels on each of the plurality of rails (101). Further, a storage section (201) for storing an article (200) is arranged along each of the plurality of rails (101).

[0004] In addition, a moving device (104) for moving the transport vehicle (102) is arranged so as to pass through a position adjacent to one end of the extending direction of the plurality of traveling rails (101). The moving device (104) includes a support base (144) for supporting the transport vehicle (102), a support rail (141) arranged on the support base (144) and along which the transport vehicle (102) can travel, and a moving mechanism (143) for moving the support base (144).

[0005] In the automated warehouse (100), when maintenance work or the like is to be performed on a transport vehicle (102), the moving device (104) moves to a position adjacent to the traveling rail (101) on which the target transport vehicle (102) travels. Then, the target transport vehicle (102) moves from the traveling rail (101) to the support rail (141) of the moving device (104). Thereafter, the moving device (104) moves the target transport vehicle (102) to the location (103) where the maintenance work or the like is to be performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-18611 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, automated warehouses often have walkways for workers to perform maintenance and inspections, etc. In such automated warehouses, since transport vehicles and storage units are arranged for each of a plurality of traveling rails, walkways are often provided for each traveling rail.

[0008] However, in a configuration where a walkway is provided for each running rail, when work spanning multiple running rails is required, workers are likely to have to move between multiple walkways, which makes maintenance and inspection work by workers more complicated.

[0009] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an automated warehouse that makes it easy for workers to perform maintenance and inspection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Considering the above, the characteristic configuration of an automated warehouse is as follows: a plurality of transport vehicles each transporting an item; a travel rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section disposed along the traveling rail and in which the article is stored; A walkway that workers can walk on, A moving device that moves the transport vehicle, A specific direction extending along the horizontal direction is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the horizontal direction and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the traveling rail includes a plurality of Y-direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged side by side in the X direction, and at least one X-direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction rails, At least some of the Y-direction rails are set as target Y-direction rails, The walkway is disposed so as to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the target Y-direction rail on the first side in the Y direction, the moving device includes a support base that supports the transport vehicle, a support rail that is disposed on the support base and on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism that moves the support base; Further provided is a passageway along the Y direction between the target Y direction rail and a position on the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway, through which the transport vehicle can travel; The moving mechanism is configured to move the support platform to a position adjacent to the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway so that the transport vehicle can pass along the Y direction between the support rail and the passageway.

[0011] According to this characteristic configuration, a walkway is arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the target Y-direction rail on the first side in the Y direction. This allows the walkway to be arranged in a direction that intersects with the multiple Y-direction rails including the target Y-direction rail, reducing the effort required for workers to move between multiple walkways and making it easier to perform maintenance and inspection work. In a configuration with a walkway arranged in this manner, the moving device that moves the transport vehicle cannot be positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction side of the target Y-direction rail. However, with the moving device positioned on the first Y-direction side of the target Y-direction rail across the walkway, the transport vehicle can pass along the Y direction between the target Y-direction rail and the support rail via the travel path. Therefore, even in a configuration with a walkway arranged as described above, the transport vehicle can be moved appropriately between the target Y-direction rail and the moving device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Plan view of an automated warehouse according to an embodiment [Figure 2] A side view showing an example of an operation of removing a transport vehicle from a traveling rail. [Figure 3] A side view showing an example of an operation of removing a transport vehicle from a traveling rail. [Figure 4] A side view showing an example of an operation of removing a transport vehicle from a traveling rail. [Figure 5] A side view showing an example of an operation of removing a transport vehicle from a traveling rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An automated warehouse 100 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the automated warehouse 100 includes a plurality of transport vehicles 1, a traveling rail 2, a storage section 3, a first walkway 4, a moving device 5, and a passageway 6. In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 further includes a second walkway 7. In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 is installed in a predetermined building.

[0015] Each of the plurality of transport vehicles 1 is configured to transport an article W. Each of the plurality of transport vehicles 1 travels along a traveling rail 2.

[0016] In the following description, a specific direction extending along the horizontal direction is referred to as the "Y direction," and a direction that is along the horizontal direction and intersects the Y direction is referred to as the "X direction." In this embodiment, the X direction is perpendicular to the Y direction. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are indicated by arrows marked with "X" and "Y," respectively, in the drawings. Here, in this application, "along a specific direction" includes not only a state parallel to the specific direction, but also a state intersecting the specific direction within a predetermined angle range (for example, 20° or less).

[0017] Furthermore, one side in the Y direction is referred to as the "Y-direction first side Y1," and the other side in the Y direction is referred to as the "Y-direction second side Y2." One side in the X direction is referred to as the "X-direction first side X1," and the other side in the X direction is referred to as the "X-direction second side X2."

[0018] The traveling rail 2 includes a plurality of Y-direction rails 21 and at least one X-direction rail 22 .

[0019] The multiple Y-direction rails 21 are formed to extend along the Y direction. The multiple Y-direction rails 21 are arranged side by side in the X direction. In this embodiment, the multiple Y-direction rails 21 are arranged at intervals in the X direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21 includes a pair of rail members spaced apart in the X-direction. A Y-direction walkway along which worker A can walk is provided between the pair of rail members in the X-direction and extends along the Y-direction.

[0021] In addition, in this embodiment, the multiple Y-direction rails 21 include a specific Y-direction rail 21S, which is a Y-direction rail 21 whose end position on the first Y-direction side Y1 is positioned on the second Y-direction side Y2 compared to the other Y-direction rails 21.

[0022] 1 , the first Y-direction rail 21A, which is the Y-direction rail 21 located closest to the second side X2 in the X direction, the second Y-direction rail 21B, which is the Y-direction rail 21 adjacent to the first Y-direction rail 21A on the first side X1 in the X direction, and the third Y-direction rail 21C, which is the Y-direction rail 21 adjacent to the second Y-direction rail 21B on the first side X1 in the X direction, correspond to the specific Y-direction rail 21S. In this example, the ends of the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C on the first side Y1 in the Y direction are arranged at the same position in the Y direction. Note that in this example, in order to avoid interference with a structure S such as a pillar of a building, each of the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C is designated as the specific Y-direction rail 21S.

[0023] At least one X-direction rail 22 is formed to extend along the X direction. At least one X-direction rail 22 is connected to a plurality of Y-direction rails 21. In this embodiment, the plurality of X-direction rails 22 are arranged side by side in the Y direction with a gap therebetween. Also, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of X-direction rails 22 includes a pair of rail members arranged with a gap therebetween in the Y direction.

[0024] 1, the X-direction rail 22 located closest to the first side Y1 in the Y direction is arranged so as to intersect with the Y-direction rails 21 except for the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C. The X-direction rail 22 adjacent on the second side Y2 in the Y direction to the X-direction rail 22 located closest to the first side Y1 in the Y direction is arranged so as to intersect with all of the Y-direction rails 21.

[0025] The storage section 3 is configured to store an article W. In this embodiment, the storage section 3 is configured to be able to store two articles W in the X direction. The storage section 3 is also configured to be able to store a plurality of articles W (five in FIG. 1) in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to deliver the article W to the storage section 3 in the X direction.

[0026] The storage units 3 are arranged along the traveling rails 2. In this embodiment, the storage units 3 are arranged along each of the plurality of Y-direction rails 21. The storage units 3 are arranged adjacent to each of the plurality of Y-direction rails 21 on both sides in the X direction.

[0027] The first walkway 4 is a "walkway" along which worker A can walk. The first walkway 4 is formed to extend along the X direction. The first walkway 4 is disposed adjacent to the target Y-direction rail 21T on the first side Y1 in the Y direction. Here, the target Y-direction rail 21T is at least a part of the Y-direction rails 21 among the multiple Y-direction rails 21. In this embodiment, the target Y-direction rail 21T is a specific Y-direction rail 21S. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the third Y-direction rail 21C corresponds to the target Y-direction rail 21T.

[0028] The second walkway 7 is configured to allow the worker A to walk along it. The second walkway 7 is formed to extend along the X direction. The second walkway 7 is disposed adjacent to the first Y-direction side Y1 of the Y-direction rails 21 except for the specific Y-direction rail 21S.

[0029] The moving device 5 is a device for moving the transport vehicle 1. The moving device 5 transfers the transport vehicle 1 between itself and the traveling rail 2. In this embodiment, the moving device 5 transfers the transport vehicle 1 between itself and the third Y-direction rail 21C at a reference position P, which is a position adjacent to the third Y-direction rail 21C on the first side Y1 in the Y direction, across the first walkway 4.

[0030] The travel route 6 is a route along which the transport vehicle 1 can travel in the Y direction between the target Y-direction rail 21T and a position on the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the first walkway 4. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 can travel via the travel route 6 between the third Y-direction rail 21C and the moving device 5 located at the reference position P.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the moving device 5 includes a support base 51, a support rail 52, and a moving mechanism 53.

[0032] The support base 51 is configured to be able to support the transport vehicle 1. The support rail 52 is configured to allow the transport vehicle 1 to travel on. The support rail 52 is disposed on the support base 51. In this manner, the support base 51 supports the transport vehicle 1 via the support rail 52. In this embodiment, the support rail 52 includes a pair of rail members spaced apart in the X direction.

[0033] The moving mechanism 53 is configured to move the support base 51. The moving mechanism 53 is configured to be able to move the support base 51 to a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the first walkway 4 so that the transport vehicle 1 can pass between the support rail 52 and the travel route 6 in the Y direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 53 is configured to be able to travel on the floor of the building so that the support platform 51 can move between a position adjacent to the third Y-direction rail 21C on the first side Y1 in the Y direction across the first walkway 4 and maintenance equipment (not shown) that performs maintenance work on the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 53 also includes an elevator 531 that raises and lowers the support platform 51. The elevator 531 includes, for example, a mast that guides the support platform 51 and a motor that outputs a driving force that raises and lowers the support platform 51 along the mast.

[0035] In this embodiment, each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 has multiple Y-direction wheels 11 that roll on the Y-direction rail 21 and multiple X-direction wheels 12 that roll on the X-direction rail 22. When each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along the Y-direction rail 21, it is controlled so that the multiple Y-direction wheels 11 come into contact with the Y-direction rail 21 and the multiple X-direction wheels 12 move away from the X-direction rail 22. When each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along the X-direction rail 22, it is controlled so that the multiple X-direction wheels 12 come into contact with the X-direction rail 22 and the multiple Y-direction wheels 11 move away from the Y-direction rail 21.

[0036] In this embodiment, a plurality of stories F are formed in a vertical direction by a plurality of traveling rails 2 and a plurality of storage sections 3. To explain further, a plurality of traveling rails 2 and a plurality of storage sections 3 are arranged in a vertical direction to form a plurality of stories F, each having a traveling rail 2 and a storage section 3 arranged thereon. In addition, in this embodiment, a travel route 6 is arranged for each of the plurality of stories F.

[0037] In this embodiment, a plurality of first walkways 4 are arranged vertically so as to correspond to at least some of the target Y-direction rails 21T of the plurality of target Y-direction rails 21T arranged vertically. In the illustrated example, a first walkway 4 is arranged for each of the uppermost target Y-direction rail 21T and the third target Y-direction rail 21T from the top, but no first walkway 4 is arranged for the second target Y-direction rail 21T from the top. Although not shown in the drawings, in this embodiment, a plurality of second walkways 7 are also arranged vertically, similar to the first walkways 4.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, a first lifting tool 41 is provided which is connected to a plurality of first walkways 4. The first lifting tool 41 is used by worker A to move to each of the plurality of first walkways 4. In addition, in this embodiment, a second lifting tool 71 is provided which is connected to a plurality of second walkways 7. The second lifting tool 71 is used by worker A to move to each of the plurality of second walkways 7. Note that a ladder, a staircase, etc. can be used as each of the first lifting tool 41 and the second lifting tool 71.

[0039] In this embodiment, a first safety fence 42 is provided to surround the periphery of the first walkway 4. The first safety fence 42 includes a fixed fence 421 and a movable fence 422.

[0040] The fixed fence 421 is formed to extend upward from the first walkway 4 along the outer edge of the first walkway 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. The fixed fence 421 is fixed to the first walkway 4. In this embodiment, the fixed fence 421 is not provided in a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the Y-direction rails 21 (here, the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C). This allows the worker A to move from the first walkway 4 to the Y-direction walkway located between a pair of rail members of the Y-direction rails 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixed fence 421 is not provided in a position adjacent to the second side Y2 in the Y direction with respect to the moving device 5 located at the reference position P.

[0041] The movable fence 422 is formed to extend upward from the first walkway 4. The movable fence 422 is configured to be able to change its position between a first position in which it intersects with the movement trajectory of the transport vehicle 1 traveling between the support rail 52 and the travel route 6, and a retracted position in which it does not intersect with the movement trajectory. In this embodiment, in the first position, the movable fence 422 blocks an area adjacent to the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the transport device 5 located at the reference position P, where the fixed fence 421 is not provided. In the second position, the movable fence 422 opens an area adjacent to the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the transport device 5 located at the reference position P, where the fixed fence 421 is not provided. With this configuration, the safety of the worker A can be ensured when the worker A walks along the first walkway 4, and the transport vehicle 1 can be appropriately moved between the support rail 52 and the travel route 6 when the transport vehicle 1 travels along the travel route 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, a second safety fence 72 is provided to surround the periphery of the second walkway 7. The second safety fence 72 is formed to extend upward from the second walkway 7 along the outer edge of the second walkway 7 when viewed in the vertical direction. The second safety fence 72 is fixed to the second walkway 7. In this embodiment, the second safety fence 72 is not provided in a position adjacent to the first Y-direction side Y1 of the Y-direction rail 21. This allows the worker A to move from the second walkway 7 to the above-mentioned Y-direction walkway arranged between a pair of rail members of the Y-direction rail 21.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in this embodiment, the automated warehouse 100 further includes a first support frame 8 and a second support frame 9.

[0044] The first support frame 8 is a “support frame” that supports the first walkway 4. In this embodiment, the first support frame 8 includes a first support member 81 and a second support member 82.

[0045] The first support member 81 and the second support member 82 are formed to extend in the vertical direction. The first support member 81 and the second support member 82 support a portion of the first walkway 4 adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the target Y-direction rail 21T (here, the third Y-direction rail 21C) (see FIG. 1). The first support member 81 is disposed closer to the first side Y1 in the Y direction than the second support member 82.

[0046] The second support frame 9 is configured to support the plurality of traveling rails 2 and the plurality of accommodation sections 3.

[0047] In this embodiment, the travel path 6 includes a pair of rail members spaced apart in the X direction. In this embodiment, the travel path 6 is rotatably supported by a second support frame 9. The travel path 6 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the transport vehicle 1 cannot pass and a second state in which the transport vehicle 1 can pass.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, in the first state, the travel route 6 is in a position (for example, a position extending in the vertical direction) that does not interfere with the worker A walking along the first walkway 4.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, in the second state, the travel path 6 extends along the Y direction, and is in a position that allows the transport vehicle 1 to pass between the target Y-direction rail 21T and a position Y1 on the first side in the Y direction of the first walkway 4.

[0050] In this embodiment, the walkway 6 is located at a different height from the first walkway 4, and is configured so that at least some of the components that make up the walkway 6 are supported by the first support frame 8. In the example shown in the figure, a support portion 8a that supports some of the components that make up the walkway 6 from below is provided on the first support member 81.

[0051] 2 to 5, an example of the operation of removing the transport vehicle 1 from the traveling rail 2 will be described below. In the example shown in Fig. 2 to 5, the transport vehicle 1 is removed from the uppermost traveling rail 2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, when worker A is walking along the first corridor 4 to perform maintenance and inspection work, or when the automated warehouse 100 is operating normally, all of the traffic routes 6 are in the first state.

[0053] In the operation of removing the guided vehicle 1 from the traveling rail 2, first, the target guided vehicle 1T, which is the guided vehicle 1 to be removed, is moved to the target Y-direction rail 21T on the story F where the target guided vehicle 1T is located (here, the uppermost story F). Note that if the target guided vehicle 1T is located on a Y-direction rail 21 that is not the target Y-direction rail 21T, the target guided vehicle 1T is moved to the target Y-direction rail 21T via the X-direction rail 22.

[0054] Next, the lifting unit 531 moves the support base 51 up and down so that the support rail 52 is at the same vertical height as the target Y-direction rail 21T on the story F where the target guided vehicle 1T is located.

[0055] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the travel route 6 on the floor F where the target guided vehicle 1T is located is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the target guided vehicle 1T is moved from the target Y-direction rail 21T to the support rail 52 via the travel route 6.

[0057] Finally, the support base 51 supporting the target transport vehicle 1T is lowered by the lifting unit 531 and moved by the moving mechanism 53 to the maintenance facility.

[0058] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the travel path 6 is switchable between a first state in which the transport vehicle 1 cannot pass and a second state in which the transport vehicle 1 can pass. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the travel path 6 may be configured to be detachable from at least one of the first support frame 8 and the second support frame 9. Alternatively, a rail may not be provided between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52. The distance between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52 may be set to an extent that the worker A can walk along the first walkway 4 and that the transport vehicle 1 can pass between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52, and a portion of the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52 may function as the travel path 6.

[0059] (2) In the above embodiment, the travel path 6 is rotatably supported relative to the second support frame 9. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, such that the travel path 6 is rotatably supported relative to the support base 51 of the moving device 5. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a travel path 6 for each of the multiple target Y-direction rails 21T.

[0060] (3) In the above embodiment, the storage unit 3 is disposed along the Y-direction rail 21. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the storage unit 3 may be disposed along the X-direction rail 22.

[0061] (4) In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which the storage units 3 are arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction of each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the storage units 3 may be arranged only on one side in the X direction of at least one Y-direction rail 21.

[0062] (5) In the above embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 travels on the Y-direction rail 21 and the X-direction rail 22. However, the transport vehicle 1 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured to include, for example, a child carriage that travels on the Y-direction rail 21 and a parent carriage that can support the child carriage and travels on the X-direction rail 22.

[0063] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which a plurality of stories F are formed by a plurality of traveling rails 2 and a plurality of storage sections 3 arranged in the vertical direction, and the movement mechanism 53 of the movement device 5 is provided with a lifting section 531 that raises and lowers the support base 51. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, a configuration in which only one story F is formed and the movement mechanism 53 is provided with wheels that move the support base 51 or a conveyor that moves the support base 51 may also be used.

[0064] (7) In the above embodiment, the third Y-direction rail 21C is the target Y-direction rail 21T. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a Y-direction rail 21 other than the third Y-direction rail 21C may be the target Y-direction rail 21T. Furthermore, multiple target Y-direction rails 21T may exist on the same story F.

[0065] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a plurality of first walkways 4 are arranged vertically in a line to correspond to some of the target Y-direction rails 21T of a plurality of target Y-direction rails 21T arranged vertically in a line. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a first walkway 4 may be arranged for each of all of the target Y-direction rails 21T arranged vertically in a line.

[0066] (9) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] [Summary of this embodiment] Below, an overview of the automated warehouse described above will be given.

[0068] The automated warehouse a plurality of transport vehicles each transporting an item; a travel rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section disposed along the traveling rail and in which the article is stored; A walkway that workers can walk on, A moving device that moves the transport vehicle, A specific direction extending along the horizontal direction is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the horizontal direction and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the traveling rail includes a plurality of Y-direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged side by side in the X direction, and at least one X-direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction rails, At least some of the Y-direction rails are set as target Y-direction rails, The walkway is disposed so as to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the target Y-direction rail on the first side in the Y direction, the moving device includes a support base that supports the transport vehicle, a support rail that is disposed on the support base and on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism that moves the support base; Further provided is a passageway along the Y direction between the target Y direction rail and a position on the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway, through which the transport vehicle can travel; The moving mechanism is configured to move the support platform to a position adjacent to the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway so that the transport vehicle can pass along the Y direction between the support rail and the travel path.

[0069] According to this configuration, the walkway is arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the target Y-direction rail on the first side in the Y direction. As a result, the walkway is arranged in a direction that intersects with the multiple Y-direction rails including the target Y-direction rail, which reduces the effort required for workers to move between the multiple walkways and makes it easier to perform work such as maintenance and inspection. In a configuration with a walkway arranged in this manner, the moving device that moves the transport vehicle cannot be positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction side of the target Y-direction rail. However, with the moving device positioned on the first Y-direction side of the target Y-direction rail across the walkway, the transport vehicle can pass along the Y direction between the target Y-direction rail and the support rail via the travel path. Therefore, even in a configuration with a walkway arranged as described above, the transport vehicle can be moved appropriately between the target Y-direction rail and the moving device.

[0070] Here, the automated warehouse further includes a support frame that supports the walkway, It is preferable that the passageway is configured so that at least some of the members constituting the passageway are supported by the support frame while being located at a different height from the walkway.

[0071] This configuration allows the components that make up the passageway to be properly supported while ensuring that the passageway does not interfere with the walkway.

[0072] The other side in the Y direction is defined as a second side in the Y direction, the plurality of Y-direction rails include a specific Y-direction rail, which is a Y-direction rail whose end portion on the first side in the Y direction is positioned closer to the second side in the Y direction than the other Y-direction rails; The target Y-direction rail is preferably the specific Y-direction rail.

[0073] According to this configuration, by configuring the multiple Y-direction rails to include a specific Y-direction rail, the automated warehouse can be installed appropriately while keeping the installation area of ​​the automated warehouse low, regardless of the shape of the area in which the automated warehouse can be installed.

[0074] In addition, a plurality of the traveling rails and the storage units are arranged in a vertical direction so as to form a plurality of stories in which the traveling rails and the storage units are arranged, The passage route is arranged for each of the plurality of stories, The moving mechanism preferably includes an elevator that raises and lowers the support table.

[0075] According to this configuration, the transport vehicles arranged on each of the multiple floors can be moved by a single moving device, thereby simplifying the configuration of the automated warehouse. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The technology disclosed herein can be used in an automated warehouse equipped with multiple transport vehicles, each of which transports items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100: Automated warehouse 1: Transport vehicle 2: Running rail 21: Y-direction rail 21S: Specific Y-direction rail 21T: Target Y direction rail 22: X-direction rail 3: Storage section 4: First corridor (corridor) 5: Mobile device 51: Support rail 52: Support stand 53: Movement mechanism 531: Lifting section 6: Route 8: First support frame (support frame) 8a: Support part 81: First support member 82: Second support member F :Hierarchy A: Worker W:Goods X :X direction Y: Y direction Y1: Y-direction first side Y2: Y-direction second side

Claims

1. a plurality of transport vehicles each transporting an item; a travel rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section disposed along the traveling rail and in which the article is stored; A walkway that workers can walk on, A moving device that moves the transport vehicle, A specific direction extending along the horizontal direction is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the horizontal direction and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, the traveling rail includes a plurality of Y-direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged side by side in the X direction, and at least one X-direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction rails, At least some of the Y-direction rails are set as target Y-direction rails, The walkway is disposed so as to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the target Y direction rail on the first side in the Y direction, the moving device includes a support base that supports the transport vehicle, a support rail that is disposed on the support base and on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism that moves the support base; Further provided is a passageway along the Y direction between the target Y direction rail and a position on the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway, through which the transport vehicle can travel; The automated warehouse is configured so that the moving mechanism can move the support platform to a position adjacent to the first side in the Y direction relative to the walkway so that the transport vehicle can pass along the Y direction between the support rail and the passageway.

2. Further comprising a support frame for supporting the walkway; The automated warehouse according to claim 1, wherein the passageway is configured to be located at a different height from the walkway, and at least a portion of the components constituting the passageway are supported by the support frame.

3. The other side in the Y direction is defined as a second side in the Y direction, the plurality of Y-direction rails include a specific Y-direction rail, which is a Y-direction rail whose end on the first side in the Y direction is positioned closer to the second side in the Y direction than the other Y-direction rails; The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target Y-direction rail is the specific Y-direction rail.

4. a plurality of the traveling rails and the storage units are arranged in a vertical direction to form a plurality of stories in which the traveling rails and the storage units are arranged, The passage route is arranged for each of the plurality of stories, The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism includes a lifting unit that raises and lowers the support platform.

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