Automated warehouse system

Abstract

This automated warehouse system comprises: a rack in which packages are stored in each of a plurality of storage sections; a conveyance cart for conveying the packages; and a controller that controls the conveyance cart. The rack has a scaffold for maintenance work provided at an upper position. The controller maintains an adjacent storage section adjacent to the scaffold for maintenance work among the plurality of storage sections as a vacant shelf and, when an abnormality occurs in the conveyance cart while conveying a package, causes the package to be lowered to the adjacent storage section.

Description

Automated Warehouse System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated warehouse system.

[0002] Conventionally, a device for detecting the collapse of cargo using a sensor disposed on the lifting platform of a stacker crane in an automated warehouse equipped with a stacker crane is known, as described in Patent Document 1. In this automated warehouse, when a slight collapse of a certain cargo is detected, the cargo is stored on an abnormality processing shelf that is larger than the normal section of the rack.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 2555112

[0004] In an automated warehouse system, an abnormality may occur in a transport vehicle while the transport vehicle is transporting an item. If an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle while an item is being removed from the warehouse, it may become difficult to remove the item.

[0005] The present disclosure describes an automated warehouse system that facilitates the retrieval of packages when an abnormality occurs in a transport vehicle.

[0006] [1] An automated warehouse system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes racks for storing cargo in each of a plurality of storage sections, a transport cart for transporting the cargo, and a controller for controlling the transport cart. The racks have a maintenance work scaffolding located at an upper position. The controller reserves an adjacent storage section among the plurality of storage sections adjacent to the maintenance work scaffolding as an empty shelf, and when an abnormality occurs in the transport cart transporting the cargo, causes the cargo to be unloaded into the adjacent storage section.

[0007] In the automated warehouse system of [1], the controller reserves an adjacent storage unit adjacent to the maintenance scaffold as an empty shelf. Workers can access the adjacent storage unit via the maintenance scaffold. For example, if an abnormality occurs in a transport vehicle while a package is being unloaded, the package may not be able to be retrieved until the system is restarted. However, in this automated warehouse system, the transport vehicle travels to an adjacent storage unit (empty shelf) as far as it can travel and unloads the package there. Therefore, a worker on the maintenance scaffold can retrieve the package and manually unload it. Packages that are being loaded but cannot reach their intended receiving location can be manually repositioned. Even in this case, the package can be temporarily evacuated to an adjacent storage unit (empty shelf), without interfering with the unloading of packages by other transport vehicles. Controlling the unloading of packages to an adjacent storage unit adjacent to the maintenance scaffold facilitates unloading even when an abnormality occurs in a transport vehicle.

[0008] [2] In the automated warehouse system described in [1] above, if the number of vacant shelves is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the controller may not unload the incoming parcel into an adjacent storage unit even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle transporting the incoming parcel, but may unload the outgoing parcel into an adjacent storage unit if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle transporting the outgoing parcel. In this case, the outgoing parcel is preferentially unloaded into the adjacent storage unit over the incoming parcel. Therefore, an adjacent storage unit is always available (or reliably available, even if not always) for the outgoing parcel to be unloaded, resulting in smoother parcel retrieval.

[0009] [3] In the automated warehouse system of [1] or [2] above, the transporting vehicle may have a first sensor that detects an abnormality in a load on the transporting vehicle, and the controller may unload the load into an adjacent storage unit when the first sensor detects an abnormality in the load. In this case, by temporarily evacuating the load to the adjacent storage unit, the transporting vehicle can be inspected and the cause of the load abnormality can be estimated. Furthermore, if necessary, appropriate measures (such as repairs) can be taken on the transporting vehicle.

[0010] [4] In any one of the automated warehouse systems [1] to [3] above, the transport vehicle may have a second sensor that detects an abnormality in the transport vehicle's travel system components, including the travel motor and tires, and the controller may unload the cargo into an adjacent storage unit when the second sensor detects an abnormality in the travel system components. In this case, by temporarily evacuating the cargo to the adjacent storage unit, the transport vehicle can be inspected and the cause of the travel system abnormality can be estimated. Furthermore, if necessary, appropriate measures (such as repairs) can be taken on the transport vehicle.

[0011] [5] In any one of the automated warehouse systems described in [1] to [4] above, when an abnormality occurs in a transport vehicle, the controller may unload the package into an adjacent storage unit and then move the transport vehicle to a shelter area. This makes it easier to inspect the transport vehicle, and does not interfere with transport by other transport vehicles.

[0012] [6] In the automated warehouse system according to any one of the above [1] to [5], the rack may be provided with a work ladder. In this case, a worker can easily use the work ladder to access a maintenance work platform (i.e., an adjacent storage section) located above the rack.

[0013] [7] In any one of the automated warehouse systems described above in [1] to [6], the rack may be equipped with an alarm device. In this case, a worker or manager can quickly detect when a package has been placed in an adjacent storage compartment in the rack (or when an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle, which is a prerequisite for this).

[0014] According to the present disclosure, by controlling the unloading of cargo into an adjacent storage unit adjacent to the maintenance work scaffolding, it becomes easy to remove cargo even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing an automated warehouse system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a plurality of storage sections in a rack and a maintenance work scaffold. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automated warehouse system according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of transferring (unloading) cargo to an adjacent storage section set in a rack.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the automated warehouse system S of this embodiment includes an automated warehouse 1 and an automated warehouse controller 40 that controls various transport operations in the automated warehouse 1.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the automated warehouse 1 is capable of storing multiple packages L (items) and is a device that automatically receives and stores the packages L in response to requests from an external system. Packages L are carried into and out of the automated warehouse 1 by a conveyor system (not shown). Packages L are composed of, for example, cases, trays, cardboard boxes, and folding containers capable of storing products. In the following description of the embodiment, one horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. The Z direction is the row direction of the rack 10. The X direction is the traveling direction of the transport vehicle 20. The Y direction is the transfer direction of the transport vehicle 20 by the transfer device 22.

[0019] The automated warehouse 1 includes racks 10 for storing packages L and a plurality of transport vehicles 20 for transporting the packages L. Although not shown, the automated warehouse 1 also includes an entry station, an outgoing station, an entry lifting device, an outgoing lifting device, etc. These devices include known components such as conveyors and lifters, and are capable of delivering and receiving the packages L.

[0020] The rack 10 has a plurality of storage sections 16 on which the cargo L is placed. The storage sections 16 are arranged in the X direction. For example, a plurality of racks 10 are arranged facing each other in the Y direction, sandwiching the travel area of ​​the transport vehicle 20. The storage sections 16 are also arranged in a plurality of stages in the Z direction (vertical direction). In other words, each rack 10 stores the cargo L in a matrix in the X and Z directions. As shown in FIG. 2 , the rack 10 is configured to include a plurality of support columns 11, a plurality of shelf boards 12, and a plurality of beam members 13. Note that another known configuration may be adopted for the rack 10. Another support member may be horizontally suspended instead of the shelf boards 12.

[0021] A plurality of transport vehicles 20 are provided corresponding to the respective storage sections 16 having multiple levels. The transport vehicles 20 are capable of reciprocating along the X direction at heights corresponding to the respective storage sections 16. The transport vehicles 20 are shuttle vehicles that hold and transport luggage L. The transport vehicles 20 are capable of running on a pair of rails (not shown) laid along the X direction at heights corresponding to the respective storage sections 16. Each transport vehicle 20 has a carriage body 21 including a running section and a transfer device 22 capable of transferring luggage L to each storage section 16. The carriage body 21 includes a travel motor, wheels, etc. provided on the vehicle body, and a holding section in the center of the vehicle body that holds the luggage L (neither of which are shown). The transfer device 22 is, for example, a rear hook type transfer device. The type of transfer device 22 is not particularly limited, and various types of transfer devices, such as a side clamp type transfer device, may be used.

[0022] Each transport vehicle 20 moves horizontally within the rack 10 and delivers the cargo L to any of the storage sections 16. In other words, the automated warehouse 1 is an automated warehouse with a platform for each shelf.

[0023] The rack 10 includes a plurality of vertically extending lift spaces 18. Each lift space 18 is provided with an elevator EV that places a cargo L therein and moves the cargo L up and down within the lift space 18. Each elevator EV is capable of transferring the cargo L onto a transport cart 20.

[0024] The automated warehouse 1 includes an area (retraction area) for maintenance of the transport vehicle 20, which is provided adjacent to the rack 10 in the X direction, for example. The number of the retraction areas is the same as the number of the rack 10 stages, and the transport vehicle 20 retracted to the retraction area can be removed from the rack 10 by a removal device.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , the rack 10 has a maintenance work scaffold 30 located above it in a portion of the X direction. The maintenance work scaffold 30 is located in a space overlapping the horizontal movement path (travel area) of the transport vehicle 20. The maintenance work scaffold 30 is located slightly below the rails on which the transport vehicle 20 travels. The maintenance work scaffolds 30 are arranged, for example, every four or five levels. (Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which maintenance work scaffolds 30 are arranged every two levels in order to show multiple maintenance work scaffolds 30 within the limited space.) Each maintenance work scaffold 30 is supported by the rack 10 facing it in the Y direction (the front rack 10 is not shown) and is located, for example, at a height slightly lower than the shelf 12. The maintenance work scaffold 30 includes long plates on which workers can stand, and the configuration of the maintenance work scaffold 30 can be selected appropriately. The maintenance work scaffold 30 is also sometimes called a walkway.

[0026] In this specification, "upper position" means at least a position that is out of reach or difficult to reach for a worker standing on the floor on which the rack 10 is installed, for example, a height of the third shelf or higher.

[0027] In the automated warehouse 1, the timing when workers perform work on the maintenance work scaffolding 30 is basically separated from the timing when mobile vehicles such as the transport carts 20 and elevators EV are operating. However, since the maintenance work scaffolding 30 is permanently installed within the automated warehouse 1, it is installed in a space that does not interfere with the mobile vehicles. Note that the maintenance work scaffolding 30 is normally stored under the shelves 12, and may be a retractable (or movable) scaffolding that is pulled out to the position shown in FIG. 2 only when necessary.

[0028] 1, a work ladder 19 is attached to the end of the rack 10. A worker can access each maintenance work scaffold 30 from the floor by climbing up and down the work ladder 19.

[0029] 3, the automated warehouse controller 40 is a computer having a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which programs and the like are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a communication circuit, etc. The automated warehouse controller 40 stores input data in the RAM based on signals output by the CPU, loads programs stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the programs loaded into the RAM to achieve various functions. The automated warehouse controller 40 is a control device that manages the automated warehouse system S.

[0030] The automated warehouse controller 40 controls each transport vehicle 20 by sending commands to the vehicle controller 28 provided in each transport vehicle 20. The automated warehouse controller 40 also receives information related to abnormalities, which will be described later, from each transport vehicle 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs in the transporting vehicle 20 when the luggage L is being transported by the transporting vehicle 20 to be released from the warehouse, or when the luggage L is being transported by the transporting vehicle 20 to be stored, control can be executed to evacuate the luggage L during transport to a predetermined position within the rack 10 (emergency evacuation control of luggage L). At that time, the luggage L is stored in a storage unit based on the maintenance work scaffolding 30 located above. In this specification, luggage L in the process of being released is referred to as luggage in transit, and luggage L in the process of being stored is referred to as luggage in transit. This control will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0032] The automated warehouse controller 40 reserves adjacent storage sections 17 adjacent to the maintenance scaffolding 30 as vacant shelves among the multiple storage sections 16. One or more adjacent storage sections 17 are reserved on each shelf. The automated warehouse controller 40 memorizes the positions of the adjacent storage sections 17. The adjacent storage sections 17 are shelves adjacent to the left and right (Y direction) of the maintenance scaffolding 30 and within reach of a worker standing on the maintenance scaffolding 30. The adjacent storage section 17 may be adjacent to the maintenance scaffolding 30 directly to the side, or may be located offset in the X direction. Note that the area in which the adjacent storage section 17 is provided may be narrower (shorter) than the maintenance scaffolding 30 in the X direction. The automated warehouse controller 40 prohibits normal cargo L (cargo L transported by a normal transport vehicle 20) from being stored in the adjacent storage section 17. In other words, the automated warehouse controller 40 causes each transport vehicle 20 to store the luggage L in a general storage section 16 other than the adjacent storage section 17.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the transport vehicle 20 has a load displacement sensor 23, a load protrusion sensor 24, and a transfer machine overload sensor 25. The load displacement sensor 23 detects a positional deviation of the load L on the transport vehicle body 21. The load protrusion sensor 24 detects a load protrusion state when the load L is flowing at an angle and cannot be loaded properly. The transfer machine overload sensor 25 detects an overload abnormality in the hook or arm of the transfer device 22 or a load protrusion state when an unbalanced load L falls over during loading. When the load displacement sensor 23, the load protrusion sensor 24, or the transfer machine overload sensor 25 detects an abnormality related to a positional deviation or protrusion of the load L (an abnormality of the load L), an abnormality detection signal is transmitted to the automated warehouse controller 40 via the communication unit 29 together with information identifying the transport vehicle 20. The load displacement sensor 23, the load protrusion sensor 24, and the transfer machine overload sensor 25 are first sensors S1 that detect abnormalities related to the positional displacement or protrusion of the load L, etc.

[0034] The transport vehicle 20 further has a motor torque sensor 26 and a travel position sensor 27. The motor torque sensor 26 detects, for example, the torque of the travel motor. The travel position sensor 27 detects the position of the wheels. When the motor torque sensor 26 detects a torque overload or the travel position sensor 27 detects a deviation in the stopping position (caused by wheel slippage), an abnormality detection signal is transmitted to the automated warehouse controller 40 via the communication unit 29 together with information identifying the transport vehicle 20. The torque overload and the deviation in the stopping position can be considered to be abnormalities related to the travel system components, including the travel motor and tires. The motor torque sensor 26 and the travel position sensor 27 are second sensors S2 that detect abnormalities related to the travel system components, including the travel motor and tires.

[0035] When the automated warehouse controller 40 detects an abnormality in the transport vehicle 20 transporting a certain package L, it controls the transport vehicle 20 to decelerate and stop it in front of one of the adjacent storage sections 17 set on the current shelf. The automated warehouse controller 40 controls the transport vehicle 20 to unload the package L into the adjacent storage section 17 (see FIG. 4 ; the unloaded package L is represented as “package Lx”). One or more alarm issuing devices 52 are provided on the rack 10. The alarm issuing devices 52 are signal towers, buzzers, or the like. When the automated warehouse controller 40 detects that the package Lx has been placed in the adjacent storage section 17, it causes the alarm issuing devices 52 to issue an abnormality notification. When multiple alarm issuing devices 52 are provided, the alarm issuing device 52 closest to the adjacent storage section 17 where the package Lx is stored may issue an abnormality notification. Furthermore, when an abnormality notification is issued, information identifying the location of the adjacent storage section 17 may be issued. This allows the worker to quickly access the adjacent storage section 17, while taking into consideration the safety of the worker. An abnormality alert may be issued on a display 51 provided in a central control room or the like. The automated warehouse controller 40 then stops the system. The automated warehouse controller 40 and the cart controller 28 then suspend the transport command for the luggage Lx.

[0036] When an abnormality occurs in the transporting vehicle 20, the automated warehouse controller 40 unloads the package Lx into the adjacent storage unit 17 and then moves the transporting vehicle 20 to an evacuation area (not shown). The evacuation area is provided in advance as an area where the transporting vehicle 20 can be pulled out. Note that the automated warehouse controller 40 may stop the transporting vehicle 20 in front of the adjacent storage unit 17 or the like without guiding the transporting vehicle 20 to the evacuation area.

[0037] Furthermore, when the number of empty shelves is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the automated warehouse controller 40 will not unload the incoming package into the adjacent storage section 17 even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20 transporting the incoming package, and will unload the outgoing package L into the adjacent storage section 17 if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20 transporting the outgoing package L. In this way, the automated warehouse controller 40 performs control that prioritizes the evacuation of the outgoing package L.

[0038] Depending on the level of the abnormality, the control of the transporting vehicle 20 may differ from the above. For example, when an emergency stop signal is input, the transporting vehicle 20 immediately stops.

[0039] In the automated warehouse system S, the automated warehouse controller 40 reserves at least one adjacent storage unit 17 adjacent to the maintenance scaffolding 30 as an empty shelf. A worker can access the adjacent storage unit 17 via the maintenance scaffolding 30. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20 while a package L is being unloaded, the package L may not be able to be retrieved until the system is restarted. However, in the automated warehouse system S, the transport vehicle 20 travels to the adjacent storage unit 17 (empty shelf) as long as it is able to travel and unloads the package into the adjacent storage unit 17. Therefore, a worker on the maintenance scaffolding 30 can retrieve the package L (package Lx in FIG. 4 ) and manually unload it. In this case, an aerial work platform 60 (see FIG. 4 ), such as a manual lift, or an aerial work vehicle may be used. Controlling the unloading of the package L into the adjacent storage unit 17 adjacent to the maintenance scaffolding 30 facilitates unloading even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20.

[0040] When the number of empty shelves is below a predetermined number, the automated warehouse controller 40 will not unload the incoming package into the adjacent storage section 17 even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20 transporting the incoming package, but will unload the outgoing package L into the adjacent storage section 17 if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle 20 transporting the outgoing package L. This allows outgoing packages to be unloaded into the adjacent storage section with priority over incoming packages. Therefore, an adjacent storage section is always (reliably) available for retrieving the outgoing package, making retrieval of packages smoother.

[0041] When the first sensor S1 detects an abnormality in the package L, the automated warehouse controller 40 unloads the package L into the adjacent storage section 17. By temporarily evacuating the package L to the adjacent storage section 17, the transport vehicle 20 can be inspected and the cause of the abnormality can be estimated. If necessary, appropriate measures (repairs, etc.) can be taken on the transport vehicle 20.

[0042] When the second sensor S2 detects an abnormality in a traveling system component, the automated warehouse controller 40 unloads the package L into the adjacent storage section 17. By temporarily evacuating the package L to the adjacent storage section 17, the transport vehicle 20 can be inspected and the cause of the traveling system abnormality can be estimated. Furthermore, if necessary, appropriate measures (repairs, etc.) can be taken on the transport vehicle 20.

[0043] When an abnormality occurs in a transport vehicle 20, the automated warehouse controller 40 unloads the package L into the adjacent storage section 17 and then moves the transport vehicle 20 to an evacuation area. This makes it easy to inspect the transport vehicle 20, and does not interfere with transport by other transport vehicles 20.

[0044] In the rack 10 of the above embodiment, a worker can easily use the work ladder 19 to access the maintenance work scaffold 30 (i.e., the adjacent storage section 17) located above.

[0045] The rack 10 is also provided with an alarm device 52. A worker or manager can quickly sense that a package L has been placed in the adjacent storage section 17 in the rack 10 (or that an abnormality has occurred in the transport vehicle 20, which is a prerequisite for this) through the alarm issued by the alarm device 52.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the automated warehouse controller 40 secures an adjacent storage unit 17 (empty shelf) and controls unloading of goods into the adjacent storage unit 17. The cart controller 28 of the transporting cart 20 may secure the adjacent storage unit 17 adjacent to the maintenance work scaffolding 30 as an empty shelf. The cart controller 28 may detect an abnormality occurring in the transporting cart and control unloading of the goods L being transported into the adjacent storage unit 17.

[0047] The automated warehouse controller 40 (or the cart controller 28) may control the unloading of the cargo being stored into the adjacent storage unit 17. For example, a cargo L that is being stored and has not reached the intended storage position can be manually repositioned. In this case, the cargo L can also be temporarily evacuated to the adjacent storage unit 17 (empty shelf), without interfering with the retrieval of the cargo L by other transport vehicles 20.

[0048] Control of unloading into the adjacent storage section 17 may be performed based on detection results other than those of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2. The type of "abnormality" in the transport vehicle 20 that triggers control of unloading into the adjacent storage section 17 is, for example, an error (such as a warning excluding a fatal error) that allows the transport vehicle 20 to continue traveling. For example, the trigger may be an abnormality related to the transfer device 22 or an abnormality related to the electrical system such as the battery.

[0049] The evacuation area for evacuating an abnormal transport vehicle 20 may be omitted. Even in this case, the transport vehicle 20 can be evacuated to, for example, the opposite side of the origin of the rack 10.

[0050] The work ladder 19 may be omitted. A mobile work ladder may be employed. Normally, the work ladder is retracted to the side opposite the origin, but when necessary (when retrieving luggage Lx from the adjacent storage section 17), the work ladder may be moved to the side of the maintenance work scaffold 30 or the like.

[0051] The alarm device 52 may be omitted from the rack 10. The transport vehicle 20 having an abnormality may issue some kind of signal indicating that the load should be unloaded into the adjacent storage section 17.

[0052] The transport control of the above embodiment may be applied to an automated warehouse in which the transport vehicle 20 moves horizontally along each of the storage sections 16 having multiple levels and vertically through the lifting space 18 to move between the shelves having multiple levels. That is, the transport control may be applied to an automated warehouse using a liftable cart. In this case, the adjacent storage section 17 does not have to be provided on each level (each floor), but may be provided on any one of the two, three, four, or five levels. Of course, depending on the type of abnormality anticipated for the transport vehicle 20, the adjacent storage section 17 may be provided on each level (each floor). Such an automated warehouse system also achieves the same effects as the automated warehouse system S. Furthermore, a deck adjacent to the rack 10 may be used as an evacuation area for the transport vehicle 20 having an abnormality.

[0053] Furthermore, in an automated warehouse using a liftable cart, another sensor for detecting abnormalities may be provided. For example, the transport cart 20 may have a line detection sensor in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned cargo shift sensor 23. The line detection sensor detects the position of a magnetic line related to travel guidance. In this case, when the line detection sensor detects a line detection failure, an abnormality detection signal is transmitted to the automated warehouse controller 40 via the communication unit 29 (see FIG. 3 ) together with information identifying the transport cart 20. The cargo shift failure and the line detection failure can be considered to be an abnormality related to the uneven load of the cargo L on the cart body 21 (an abnormality of the cargo L). The line detection sensor is a first sensor S1 that detects an abnormality related to the uneven load of the cargo L.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the transporting vehicle 20 may have a slip amount sensor in addition to or instead of the motor torque sensor 26. The motor torque sensor 26 detects, for example, an asymmetric state of left and right torque in the travel motor. The slip amount sensor detects, for example, the amount of slip of the wheels on a slope (inclined travel path). When the motor torque sensor 26 detects an asymmetric state of left and right torque, or when the slip amount sensor detects an amount of slip exceeding a threshold, an abnormality detection signal is transmitted to the automated warehouse controller 40 via the communication unit 29 together with information identifying the transporting vehicle 20. The asymmetric state of left and right torque and an excessive amount of slip can be considered to be an abnormality related to the travel system components, including the travel motor and tires. The motor torque sensor 26 and the slip amount sensor are second sensors S2 that detect abnormalities related to the travel system components, including the travel motor and tires.

[0055] 1...automated warehouse, 10...rack, 20...transport cart, 16...storage section, 17...adjacent storage section, 19...work ladder, 30...maintenance work scaffolding, 40...automated warehouse controller, 52...alarm device, L...baggage, S...automated warehouse system, S1...first sensor, S2...second sensor

Claims

1. An automated warehouse system comprising: a rack for storing cargo in each of a plurality of storage sections; a transport vehicle for transporting the cargo; and a controller for controlling the transport vehicle, wherein the rack has a maintenance work scaffolding provided at an upper position; and the controller reserves an adjacent storage section of the plurality of storage sections adjacent to the maintenance work scaffolding as an empty shelf, and when an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle transporting the cargo, causes the cargo to be unloaded into the adjacent storage section.

2. The automated warehouse system of claim 1, wherein, when the number of vacant shelves is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the controller does not cause the incoming cargo to be unloaded into the adjacent storage unit even if an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle transporting the incoming cargo, and when an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle transporting the outgoing cargo, the controller causes the outgoing cargo to be unloaded into the adjacent storage unit.

3. An automated warehouse system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport cart has a first sensor that detects an abnormality in the luggage on the transport cart, and the controller causes the luggage to be unloaded into the adjacent storage unit when an abnormality in the luggage is detected by the first sensor.

4. The automated warehouse system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport vehicle has a second sensor that detects abnormalities in the travel system components of the transport vehicle, including the travel motor and tires, and the controller causes the cargo to be unloaded into the adjacent storage section when an abnormality in the travel system components is detected by the second sensor.

5. An automated warehouse system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when an abnormality occurs in the transport vehicle, the controller causes the transport vehicle to unload the cargo into the adjacent storage section and then move the transport vehicle to an evacuation area.

6. The automated warehouse system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack is equipped with a work ladder.

7. An automated warehouse system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack is equipped with an alarm device.

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