Automated warehouse

Abstract

Provided is a shuttle-type automated warehouse capable of improving efficiency in loading / unloading cargo. A shuttle-type automated warehouse 1 according to the present invention comprises a rack having a plurality of shelf stages in a vertical direction, and a shuttle carriage that travels in a horizontal direction along a flat shelf of the rack. The rack includes a lower rack that is disposed on a foundation and has two or more shelf stages, and an upper rack that is disposed above the lower rack and has two or more shelf stages. The upper rack has a projecting rack part that projects farther sideward (in a direction that extends along the travel direction of the shuttle carriage or is parallel to the travel direction of the shuttle carriage) than the lower rack in front view. The shuttle-type automated warehouse 1 is provided with a lower-rack vertical conveyor 34 that is disposed below the projecting rack part and is disposed adjacent to a side-end section of the lower rack, and an upper-rack vertical conveyor 38 that is disposed adjacent to a side-end section of the projecting rack part of the upper rack.

Description

automated warehouse

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse, and more particularly to a shuttle-type automated warehouse equipped with a rack having a plurality of shelves arranged vertically and a shuttle cart that travels horizontally along the flat shelves of the rack.

[0002] Conventionally, an automated warehouse has been known that includes a rack with multiple shelves arranged vertically, shuttle carts that transport cargo on each shelf, and a lifting and lowering conveying device for transferring cargo between each shuttle cart (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2012-17188 A

[0004] In the technical field of automated warehouses, improving the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods has become an important issue. In response to this issue, the present inventors have focused on the fact that the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods in an automated warehouse mainly depends on the conveying capacity of the lifting and conveying device.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a shuttle-type automated warehouse that can improve the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a shuttle-type automated warehouse equipped with a rack having a plurality of shelves in the vertical direction and a shuttle cart that runs horizontally along the flat shelves of the rack, wherein the rack includes a lower rack having two or more shelves arranged on a foundation and an upper rack having two or more shelves arranged above the lower rack, wherein the upper rack has a protruding rack portion that protrudes laterally from the lower rack when viewed from the front, and is equipped with a lower rack lifting and transporting device that is arranged below the protruding rack portion and adjacent to the side end of the lower rack, and an upper rack lifting and transporting device that is arranged adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack portion of the upper rack.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, the lower rack lifting and conveying device and the upper rack lifting and conveying device can be operated in parallel to improve the conveying capacity of the lifting and conveying devices, thereby improving the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods in the automated warehouse. Furthermore, since goods can be stored and retrieved in parallel on the lower rack and the upper rack, the amount of goods stored and retrieving in the automated warehouse can also be increased.

[0008] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the system further includes an in / out conveyor that transports luggage for loading and unloading into the automated warehouse, the in / out conveyor being provided between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device, and transporting luggage in a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the shuttle cart, and capable of handing over luggage between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device. According to the present invention configured in this manner, a single in / out conveyor can transport luggage that is loaded and unloaded via the upper rack lifting and transporting device and the lower rack lifting and transporting device.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the loading / unloading conveyor transports cargo in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, the lower rack, the upper rack, the lower rack lifting and transporting device, and the upper rack lifting and transporting device are provided on both sides of the travel path of the shuttle cart, and the loading / unloading conveyor has a delivery section that operates to transfer cargo between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device located upstream and downstream of the loading / unloading conveyor, respectively, and the delivery section of the loading / unloading conveyor is operable to deliver cargo to either the lower rack lifting and transporting device or the upper rack lifting and transporting device for storage, while receiving cargo from either the lower rack lifting and transporting device or the upper rack lifting and transporting device for retrieval. According to the present invention configured in this manner, loading and unloading operations on a single loading / unloading conveyor can be performed simultaneously at the delivery section, thereby shortening the time required for loading and unloading.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the loading / unloading conveyor transports packages in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, and the lower rack, upper rack, lower rack lifting and transporting device, and upper rack lifting and transporting device are provided on both sides of the travel path of the shuttle cart, and the lower rack lifting and transporting device and upper rack lifting and transporting device located upstream of the loading / unloading conveyor are used for loading, while the lower rack lifting and transporting device and upper rack lifting and transporting device located downstream of the loading / unloading conveyor are used for unloading. According to the present invention configured in this way, packages can be handed over to the loading or upper rack lifting and transporting device for loading on the upstream side of the loading / unloading conveyor, and then the space vacated by the delivery of the package can be received and unloaded from the loading or unloading lower or upper rack lifting and transporting device on the downstream side of the loading / unloading conveyor, thereby increasing the amount of packages that can be loaded and unloaded on a single loading / unloading conveyor.

[0011] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that a second loading / unloading conveyor be disposed above and parallel to the loading / unloading conveyor. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the upper and lower loading / unloading conveyors can increase the amount of cargo that can be loaded and unloaded on the loading / unloading conveyor.

[0012] In addition, in the present invention, preferably, a second loading / unloading conveyor is further provided, the second loading / unloading conveyor being disposed on the opposite side of the upper rack lifting / transporting device from the loading / unloading conveyor. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the two rows of loading / unloading conveyors can increase the amount of goods that can be loaded and unloaded on the loading / unloading conveyor.

[0013] According to the automated warehouse of the present invention, the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods can be improved.

[0014] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a part of the automated warehouse for explaining how cargo is stored and handed over to the automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a part of the automated warehouse for explaining how cargo is stored and handed over to the automated warehouse according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a schematic plan view of a portion of an automated warehouse for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a portion of the automated warehouse in the upstream row shown in FIG. 9 for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of a portion of the automated warehouse in the downstream row shown in FIG. 9 for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a portion of an automated warehouse for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a portion of the automated warehouse in the upstream row shown in FIG. 12 for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of a portion of the automated warehouse in the downstream row shown in FIG. 12 for explaining aspects of loading and unloading of luggage at the automated warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Next, a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] First, the schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 indicates a shuttle-type automated warehouse according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as an "automated warehouse"). This automated warehouse 1 includes a rack 2 and a plurality of loading and unloading carts (shuttle carts) 4. As will be described later, the rack 2 has a lower rack 6 and an upper rack 8.

[0017] The rack 2 (6, 8) has a plurality of shelf levels 12 arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure), each of which has a series of shelves (flat shelves) 10 arranged in the left-right direction (X direction in the figure). Each series of shelves 10 is formed between a plurality of rack columns 14. Note that each of the plurality of shelves 10 may be separate bodies, or may be formed integrally.

[0018] Next, as shown in FIG. 2 , the rack 2 has a pair of racks 2 (6, 8) facing each other across a travel path 16 for the carts 4. The multiple carts 4 move independently from each other in the left-right direction along the travel path 16 having a pair of rails, and a transfer device 18 (described later) transfers goods to and from the shelves 10 on each side of the pair of opposing racks 2, i.e., unloads goods onto the racks 2 and picks goods from the racks 2 onto the carts 4. In this embodiment, the multiple carts 4 are arranged one for each of the multiple shelf levels 12. Note that as a modified example of the automated warehouse 1 of this embodiment, for example, one loading / unloading cart equipped with lifters for two levels may be arranged for every three shelf levels 12, so that the single cart can store goods on each of the three shelf levels 12.

[0019] Next, the lower rack 6 and upper rack 8 of the rack 2 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 1 , the lower rack 6 is provided on a foundation G (e.g., the floor of the building on which the automated warehouse 1 is installed), and the upper rack 8 is provided above the lower rack 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the upper rack 8 has a protruding rack (protruding rack portion) 8a that protrudes laterally from the lower rack 6 along / parallel to the traveling direction of the cart 4 when viewed from the front. In the example of FIG. 1 , the protruding rack 8a is formed horizontally longer than the lower rack 6 by the length of three shelves 10 on both the origin side and the counter-origin side. Note that this protruding length is not limited to this example and can be set as appropriate.

[0020] Here, the lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8 are both supported by the rack columns 14 and the like described above, and are structurally integrated. The lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8 may also be configured as structurally separate racks, each provided with the rack columns 14 and the like described above. The lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8 have the same basic configuration (the configuration of the flat shelf 10, the running path 16 having a pair of rails, etc.). Although not shown, the protruding rack 8a, particularly the end of its protruding portion, is supported from below by multiple columns (columns similar to the rack columns 14).

[0021] 1, the lower rack 6 is provided at its side end with a lower rack buffer conveyor 42 for transferring cargo between the lower rack 6 and the lifting platform conveyor 36 (described later) for each shelf level 12, and for temporarily storing the cargo. Also, the protruding rack 8a of the upper rack 8 is provided at its side end with an upper rack buffer conveyor 44 for transferring cargo between the lower rack 6 and the lifting platform conveyor 40 (described later) for each shelf level 12, and for temporarily storing the cargo.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a walkway 20 is provided below the lowest level of the upper rack 8 to serve as a foothold for workers when inspecting the automated warehouse 1, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the lower rack 6 is provided below this walkway 20, and the upper rack 8 is provided above the walkway 20, but this is not limited to this example. The height position of the walkway 20 is determined appropriately to a position that makes it easy for workers to work, depending on the number of levels of the lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8.

[0023] 1, the lower rack 6 has two shelves 12 and the upper rack 8 has four shelves 12, but this is not limited to this example, and both the lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8 may be configured with two or more shelves. For example, the automated warehouse may have eight shelves each, for a total of 16 shelves.

[0024] Next, a storage / retrieval device for loading / unloading cargo onto / from the rack 2 according to this embodiment will be described. The storage / retrieval device according to this embodiment has the same configuration on the origin side and the counter-origin side. Therefore, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The following description will discuss the configuration of the storage / retrieval device on the origin side, and will omit the configuration on the counter-origin side. Also, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example in which the same protruding rack 8a is provided on the origin side and the counter-origin side, and the same storage / retrieval device is provided on each side. Alternatively, the automated warehouse 1 may have the protruding rack 8a and storage / retrieval device only on the origin side (without them on the counter-origin side). In this case, the storage / retrieval operation of cargo using a conveyor or the like, as described below, also applies.

[0025] 1 and 2, the automated warehouse 1 is provided with an in- and out-of-stock conveyor 22 for transporting (carrying in, storing) goods to be stored in the racks 2 and for transporting (carrying out, retrieving) goods unloaded from the racks 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the in- and out-of-stock conveyor 22 is provided on a foundation G, and is a roller conveyor for transporting goods in one direction from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0026] 2, the loading / unloading conveyor 22 includes an upstream conveyor 24 connected to a loading station (not shown) or an unloading conveyor of another automated warehouse, a switching conveyor 26 provided at a branch point with upstream vertical conveyors 34a, 38a (described later), an intermediate conveyor 28 provided downstream of the switching conveyor 26, a switching conveyor 30 provided at a branch point with downstream vertical conveyors 34b, 38b (described later), and a downstream conveyor 32 connected to a unloading station (not shown) or a loading conveyor of another automated warehouse. Note that the loading / unloading conveyor 22 need not be a roller conveyor, but may be a rail-guided cart type conveyor or another type of conveyor.

[0027] Here, the diverting conveyors 26, 30 are elevating diverting conveyors that can divert the transport direction of cargo by 90 degrees relative to the basic transport direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the loading / unloading conveyor 22. These diverting conveyors 26, 30 function as conveyors that transfer cargo between them and the vertical conveyors 34, 38, as will be described later.

[0028] Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the automated warehouse 1 is provided with lower rack vertical conveyors (hereinafter referred to as "lower lifting devices") 34 adjacent to the side ends of the lower racks 6. In FIG. 2 , the upstream lower lifting device is designated by reference symbol 34a, and the downstream lower lifting device is designated by reference symbol 34b. As shown in FIG. 1 , these lower lifting devices 34 are provided with lifting platform conveyors 36 that move up and down in the vertical direction (Z direction) to transfer cargo between the lower racks 6 and each shelf 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the lower lifting devices 34 extend from the position of the foundation G to the position of the lower edge of the protruding rack 8a, and in this embodiment, their height is the same as the height of the lower racks 6.

[0029] The automated warehouse 1 also has upper rack vertical conveyors (hereinafter referred to as "upper lifting devices") 38 provided adjacent to the side ends of the protruding racks 8a of the upper racks 8. In FIG. 2, the upstream upper lifting device is indicated by reference symbol 38a, and the downstream upper lifting device is indicated by reference symbol 38b. As shown in FIG. 1, these upper lifting devices 38 are provided with lifting platform conveyors 40 that move up and down in the vertical direction (Z direction) to transfer goods between the upper racks 8 and each shelf 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper lifting devices 38 extend from the position of the foundation G to a position near the upper edge of the upper racks 8.

[0030] 1 and 2 , the automated warehouse 1 is provided with a connecting conveyor 46a between the diverting conveyor 26 upstream of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 and the downstream lower lifting device 34a, which allows cargo to be transferred between the diverting conveyor 26 and the downstream lower lifting device 34a and temporarily store the cargo. A similar connecting conveyor 46b is also provided between the downstream diverting conveyor 30 and the downstream lower lifting device 34b. The automated warehouse 1 is also provided with a connecting conveyor 48a between the upstream diverting conveyor 26 and the upstream upper lifting device 38a, which allows cargo to be transferred between the diverting conveyor 26 and the upstream upper lifting device 38a and temporarily store the cargo. A similar connecting conveyor 48b is also provided between the downstream diverting conveyor 30 and the downstream upper lifting device 38b.

[0031] As a modification of this embodiment, the connecting conveyors 46a, 46b, 48a, and 48b may not be provided. In this case, for example, cargo may be transferred directly between the diverting conveyors 26 and 30 and the platform conveyors 36 and 40 of the lifting devices 34a, 34b, 38a, and 38b. This also applies to the second to fourth embodiments described below. For example, the connecting conveyors 46c, 46d, 48c, and 48d of the third embodiment (see FIGS. 9 to 11) and the connecting conveyors 48e and 48f of the fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 12 to 14) may not be provided.

[0032] The automated warehouse 1 also includes a controller 50 that controls the operation of each cart 4 and each conveyor 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, etc. Each cart 4 and each conveyor etc. operate in accordance with control signals transmitted from the controller 50 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0033] As a modified example of the automated warehouse 1 of this embodiment, although not shown, a second upper rack (referred to as an "upper rack") may be provided further above the upper rack 8 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, this second upper rack is configured to have a protruding rack (protruding rack portion) that protrudes laterally from the upper rack 8, similar to the protruding rack 8a described above. In this modified example, the above-described upper rack vertical conveyor 38 is provided to extend to the lower edge of this protruding rack, and a second upper rack vertical conveyor is further added adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack of the second upper rack.

[0034] As a further modification, although not shown, the automated warehouse 1 may be configured with multiple upper racks. In this case, each upper rack may have a protruding rack similar to the protruding rack 8a described above. For example, if the automated warehouse 1 has three tiers of upper racks (a first upper rack 8 and second and third upper racks), the second upper rack may have a protruding rack that protrudes laterally relative to the first upper rack 8, and the third upper rack may have a protruding rack that protrudes laterally relative to the second upper rack. In this case, in addition to the above-described lower lifting device 34 and upper lifting device 38, the vertical conveyor may include an upper lifting device disposed adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack of the second upper rack and an upper lifting device disposed adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack of the third upper rack.

[0035] According to such a modified example, as will be described later, the use of multiple vertical conveyors 34, 38 makes it easy to increase the number of shelves 10 in the automated warehouse (for example, 8 levels each for the lower rack, upper rack, and second upper rack, for a total of 24 levels) while maintaining or improving the overall loading and unloading efficiency of the automated warehouse 1.

[0036] Next, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the operation of storing and retrieving goods controlled by the controller 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of the automated warehouse for explaining the storing and retrieving of goods in the automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view schematically showing a portion of the automated warehouse on the upstream side shown in Figure 3 for explaining the storing and retrieving of goods in the automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a front view schematically showing a portion of the automated warehouse on the downstream side shown in Figure 3 for explaining the storing and retrieving of goods in the automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Figures 3 to 5, the buffer conveyor 42 of the lower rack 6, the buffer conveyor 44 of the upper rack 8, the shelf 12 of the lower rack 6, and the shelf 12 of the upper rack 8 are not shown.

[0037] In the automated warehouse 1 of the first embodiment, the operations of the trolleys 4, conveyors, etc. are controlled so that, as the storing and retrieving operations of goods, (1) goods are retrieved from the lower rack 6 on the upstream side, (2) goods are stored in the upper rack 8 on the upstream side, (3) goods are stored in the lower rack 6 on the downstream side, and (4) goods are retrieved from the upper rack 8 on the downstream side. The storing and retrieving operations will be described below. In addition, in Figures 3 to 5, solid arrows schematically indicate the flow of goods entering and retrieving from the lower rack 6, and dashed arrows schematically indicate the flow of goods entering and retrieving from the upper rack 8.

[0038] [(1) Unloading of goods from the upstream lower rack 6] First, as shown by the solid arrows in Figures 3 and 4, goods stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing lower rack 6 (at a given shelf level 12) are loaded onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and then the cart 4 moves and is transferred to the buffer conveyor 42a (see Figure 2) of that shelf level 12. Next, the goods on the buffer conveyor 42a are handed over to the lifting platform conveyor 36 of the lower lifting device 34a, which has risen to the position of that shelf level 12. Next, the lifting platform conveyor 36 descends to the lowest level, and the goods are handed over to the connecting conveyor 46a. Next, the goods on the connecting conveyor 46a are handed over to the switching conveyor 26 at a predetermined timing and carried out downstream of the loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0039] [(2) Loading of Goods into the Upstream Upper Rack 8] Next, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrows in Figures 3 and 4, the goods carried in by the loading / unloading conveyor 22 have their conveying direction diverted by the diverting conveyor 26 and are transferred to the connecting conveyor 48a. Next, the goods on the connecting conveyor 48a are transferred to the lifting platform conveyor 40 of the upper lifting device 38a, which has lowered to the lowest level. Next, after the lifting platform conveyor 40 rises to the position of the target shelf 12, the goods are transferred to the buffer conveyor 44a (see Figures 1 and 2) of the upper rack 8. Next, the goods on the buffer conveyor 44a are taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and after the cart 4 moves to the target shelf position, the goods are stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing upper rack 8 by the transfer device 18.

[0040] [(3) Storing the Goods in the Downstream Lower Rack 6] Next, as shown by the solid arrows in Figures 3 and 5, the goods carried in by the loading / unloading conveyor 22 are conveyed to the downstream diverting conveyor 30, where the conveying direction is diverted and the goods are delivered to the connecting conveyor 46b. Next, the goods on the connecting conveyor 46b are delivered to the lifting platform conveyor 36 of the lower lifting device 34b, which has descended to the lowest level. Next, after the lifting platform conveyor 36 rises to the position of the target shelf 12, the goods are delivered to the buffer conveyor 42b (see Figure 2) of the lower rack 6. Next, the goods on the buffer conveyor 42b are taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and after the cart 4 moves to the target shelf position, the goods are stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing lower rack 6 by the transfer device 18.

[0041] [(4) Removal of Items from the Downstream Upper Rack 8] Next, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figures 3 and 5, an item stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing upper rack 8 (at a given shelf level 12) is taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and then the cart 4 moves and is transferred to the buffer conveyor 44b (see Figures 1 and 2) of that shelf level 12. Next, the item on the buffer conveyor 44b is handed over to the lifting platform conveyor 40 of the upper lifting device 38b, which has risen to the position of that shelf level 12. Next, the lifting platform conveyor 40 descends to the lowest level, and the item is handed over to the connecting conveyor 48b. Next, the item on the connecting conveyor 48b is handed over to the diverting conveyor 30 at a predetermined timing and carried out downstream by the loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0042] Here, an example of the timing of the cargo delivery operation at the switching conveyors (transfer sections) 26, 30 of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 will be described. First, as can be seen in Figure 4, the upstream switching conveyor 26 delivers cargo from the connecting conveyor 46a on the lower rack 6 side, while also delivering cargo to the connecting conveyor 48a on the upper rack 8 side. In other words, the switching conveyor 26 is operable to accept cargo from the lower lifting device 34a for delivery, while also delivering cargo to the upper lifting device 38a for storage. Therefore, by performing these operations simultaneously, the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo can be improved even with a single loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0043] 5, the upstream diverting conveyor 26 delivers cargo from the connecting conveyor 48b on the upper rack 8 side, while delivering cargo to the connecting conveyor 46b on the lower rack 6 side. In other words, the diverting conveyor 30 is operable to receive cargo from the upper lifting device 38b for retrieval, while delivering cargo to the lower lifting device 34b for storage. Therefore, by performing these operations simultaneously, even with a single loading / unloading conveyor 22, the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo can be improved.

[0044] Next, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8 , the loading and unloading operation of goods controlled by the controller 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically illustrating a portion of the automated warehouse for explaining the loading and unloading of goods in the automated warehouse according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view schematically illustrating a portion of the upstream row of automated warehouses shown in FIG. 6 for explaining the loading and unloading of goods in the automated warehouse according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically illustrating a portion of the downstream row of automated warehouses shown in FIG. 6 for explaining the loading and unloading of goods in the automated warehouse according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 according to the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted here. In FIGS. 6 to 8 , the buffer conveyor 42 of the lower rack 6, the buffer conveyor 44 of the upper rack 8, the shelves 12 of the lower rack 6, and the shelves 12 of the upper rack 8 are not shown.

[0045] In the automated warehouse 1 of the second embodiment, the operations of the trolleys 4, conveyors, etc. are controlled so that, as the storing and retrieving operations of goods, (1) goods are stored in the upstream lower rack 6, (2) goods are stored in the upstream upper rack 8, (3) goods are retrieved from the downstream lower rack 6, and (4) goods are retrieved from the downstream upper rack 8. That is, in the second embodiment, the trolleys 4, conveyors, etc. are controlled so that the upstream rack 2 is used as a storing rack and the downstream rack 2 is used as a retrieving rack. The storing and retrieving operations will be described below. Note that in FIGS. 6 to 8 , solid arrows schematically indicate the flow of goods entering and retrieving from the lower rack 6, and dashed arrows schematically indicate the flow of goods entering and retrieving from the upper rack 8.

[0046] 6 and 7 , the cargo carried in by the loading / unloading conveyor 22 has its conveying direction diverted by the diverting conveyor 26 and is transferred to the connecting conveyor 46a. Next, the cargo on the connecting conveyor 46a is transferred to the lifting platform conveyor 36 of the lower lifting device 34b, which has descended to the lowest level. Next, after the lifting platform conveyor 36 rises to the position of the desired shelf level 12, the cargo is transferred to the buffer conveyor 42b (see FIG. 2 ) of the lower rack 6. Next, the cargo on the buffer conveyor 42b is taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18. After the cart 4 moves to the desired shelf position, the cargo is stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing lower rack 6 by the transfer device 18.

[0047] [(2) Loading of Goods into the Upstream Upper Rack 8] Next, as indicated by the dashed arrows in Figures 6 and 7 , the goods carried in by the loading / unloading conveyor 22 have their conveying direction diverted by the diverting conveyor 26 and are transferred to the connecting conveyor 48a. Next, the goods on the connecting conveyor 48a are transferred to the lifting platform conveyor 40 of the upper lifting device 38a, which has lowered to the lowest level. Next, after the lifting platform conveyor 40 rises to the position of the target shelf 12, the goods are transferred to the buffer conveyors 44, 44a (see Figures 1 and 2 ) of the upper rack 8. Next, the goods on the buffer conveyor 44a are taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and after the cart 4 moves to the target shelf position, the goods are stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing upper rack 8 by the transfer device 18.

[0048] [(3) Unloading of Goods from the Downstream Lower Rack 6] Next, as shown by the solid arrows in Figures 6 and 8, goods stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing lower rack 6 (at a given shelf level 12) are loaded onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and then the cart 4 moves and is transferred to the buffer conveyor 42b (see Figure 2) of that shelf level 12. Next, the goods on the buffer conveyor 42b are handed over to the lifting platform conveyor 36 of the lower lifting device 34a, which has risen to the position of that shelf level 12. Next, the lifting platform conveyor 36 descends to the lowest level, and the goods are handed over to the connecting conveyor 46b. Next, the goods on the connecting conveyor 46b are handed over to the switching conveyor 30 at a predetermined timing and carried out downstream by the loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0049] [(4) Removal of Items from the Downstream Upper Rack 8] Next, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figures 6 and 8, an item stored on one of the shelves 10 of the opposing upper rack 8 (at a given shelf level 12) is taken onto the loading / unloading cart 4 by the transfer device 18, and then the cart 4 moves and is transferred to the buffer conveyor 44b (see Figures 1 and 2) of that shelf level 12. Next, the item on the buffer conveyor 44b is handed over to the lifting platform conveyor 40 of the upper lifting device 38b, which has risen to the position of that shelf level 12. Next, the lifting platform conveyor 40 descends to the lowest level, and the item is handed over to the connecting conveyor 48b. Next, the item on the connecting conveyor 48b is handed over to the switching conveyor 30 at a predetermined timing and carried out downstream by the loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0050] Here, an example of the timing of the cargo transfer operation on the switching conveyors (transfer sections) 26, 30 of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 will be described. First, as can be seen in Figure 7, cargo on the upstream switching conveyor 26 is transferred to either the connecting conveyor 46a on the lower rack 6 side or the connecting conveyor 48a on the upper rack 8 side. On the other hand, as can be seen in Figure 8, on the downstream switching conveyor 30, cargo is transferred (to the switching conveyor 30) from either the connecting conveyor 48b on the upper rack 8 side or the connecting conveyor 46b on the lower rack 6 side.

[0051] That is, on the upstream switching conveyor 26, basically all cargo is handed over to the lower lifting device 34a side or the upper lifting device 38a side, and this operation ensures a space where no cargo exists on the loading / unloading conveyor 22. Then, due to the operation of the loading / unloading conveyor 22, this space arrives at the downstream switching conveyor 30, so that cargo from the lower lifting device 34b side or the upper lifting device 38b side can be efficiently handed over to the switching conveyor 30. With this type of loading / unloading operation, even with only one loading / unloading conveyor 22, the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo can be improved.

[0052] Next, the operation of storing and retrieving goods controlled by the controller 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the automated warehouse for explaining the manner in which goods are stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a front view schematically showing a part of the automated warehouse in the upstream row shown in Figure 9 for explaining the manner in which goods are stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a front view schematically showing a part of the automated warehouse in the downstream row shown in Figure 9 for explaining the manner in which goods are stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In this third embodiment, a second loading / unloading conveyor 52 and connecting conveyors 46c, 46d, 48c, and 48d are added to the automated warehouse 1 of the first embodiment described above. The basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the third embodiment, excluding these added components, is the same as the basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that in FIGS. 9 to 11, the buffer conveyor 42 of the lower rack 6, the buffer conveyor 44 of the upper rack 8, the shelf levels 12 of the lower rack 6, and the shelf levels 12 of the upper rack 8 are not shown.

[0054] 9 to 11, in the third embodiment, a second loading / unloading conveyor 52 is disposed above the above-described loading / unloading conveyor 22 and in parallel with the loading / unloading conveyor 22. This second loading / unloading conveyor 52 is a roller conveyor that transports goods in one direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, similar to the loading / unloading conveyor 22, and is provided with a diverting conveyor (not shown) having the same configuration and function as the diverting conveyors 26, 30 of the loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0055] 9 and 10, a connecting conveyor 46c having the same configuration and function as the connecting conveyor 46a described above is disposed on the downward lifting device 34a side on the upstream side of the second loading / unloading conveyor 52, and a connecting conveyor 48c having the same configuration and function as the connecting conveyor 46a described above is disposed on the upward lifting device 38a side. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, a connecting conveyor 46d having the same configuration and function as the connecting conveyor 46b described above is disposed on the downward lifting device 34b side on the downstream side of the second loading / unloading conveyor 52, and a connecting conveyor 48d having the same configuration and function as the connecting conveyor 48b described above is disposed on the upward lifting device 38b side.

[0056] 9 to 11, the solid arrows indicate the general flow of cargo entering and leaving the lower rack 6, and the dashed arrows indicate the general flow of cargo entering and leaving the upper rack 8.

[0057] In the automated warehouse 1 of this third embodiment, as can be seen from FIGS. 9 to 11 , the loading and unloading operations of cargo using the loading and unloading conveyors 22 are controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by controlling the operations of each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc., so that (1) cargo is unloaded from the lower rack 6 on the upstream side, (2) cargo is stored in the upper rack 8 on the upstream side, (3) cargo is stored in the lower rack 6 on the downstream side, and (4) cargo is unloaded from the upper rack 8 on the downstream side.

[0058] On the other hand, as can be seen from Figures 9 to 11, in the loading and unloading operation of luggage using the second loading and unloading conveyor 52, the operation of each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc. is controlled so that (5) luggage is loaded into the lower rack 6 on the upstream side, (6) luggage is unloaded from the upper rack 8 on the upstream side, (7) luggage is unloaded from the lower rack 6 on the downstream side, and (8) luggage is loaded into the upper rack 8 on the downstream side.

[0059] The specific loading and unloading operations of cargo between these lower racks 6 on the upstream and downstream sides, and the specific loading and unloading operations of cargo between these upper racks 8 on the upstream and downstream sides are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments, and therefore will not be described here.

[0060] 10 and 11, in the third embodiment, the diverting conveyor upstream of the second loading / unloading conveyor 52 is operable to receive cargo from the upper lifting device 38a for retrieval while transferring cargo to the lower lifting device 34a for retrieval, and the diverting conveyor downstream of the second loading / unloading conveyor 52 is operable to receive cargo from the lower lifting device 34b for retrieval while transferring cargo to the upper lifting device 38b for retrieval. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, by simultaneously performing these operations, the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo can be improved using a single second loading / unloading conveyor 52.

[0061] In the automated warehouse 1 of the third embodiment, the loading and unloading operations are opposite on the loading and unloading conveyor 22 side and the second loading and unloading conveyor 52 side (for example, on the loading and unloading conveyor 22 side, (1) goods are unloaded from the upstream lower rack 6, and on the second loading and unloading conveyor 52 side, (5) goods are loaded into the upstream lower rack 6), but as a variant, each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc. may be controlled so that the same loading and unloading operations are performed (for example, goods are unloaded from the upstream lower rack 6 on both the loading and unloading conveyor 22 side and the second loading and unloading conveyor 52 side).

[0062] Furthermore, as a modified example, in the configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment described above, each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc. may be controlled so that the upstream rack 2 (lower rack 6, upper rack 8) is used as a rack for receiving goods, and the downstream rack 2 (lower rack 6, upper rack 8) is used as a rack for retrieving goods.

[0063] Next, the operation of storing and retrieving cargo controlled by the controller 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a plan view showing a schematic representation of a portion of the automated warehouse for explaining the manner in which cargo is stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13 is a front view showing a schematic representation of a portion of the automated warehouse in the upstream row shown in Figure 12 for explaining the manner in which cargo is stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a front view showing a schematic representation of a portion of the automated warehouse in the downstream row shown in Figure 12 for explaining the manner in which cargo is stored and retrieved from the automated warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] In this fourth embodiment, a second loading / unloading conveyor 54 and connecting conveyors 48e and 48f are added to the automated warehouse 1 of the first embodiment described above. The basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the fourth embodiment, excluding these added components, is the same as the basic configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that in FIGS. 12 to 14, the buffer conveyor 42 of the lower rack 6, the buffer conveyor 44 of the upper rack 8, the shelf levels 12 of the lower rack 6, and the shelf levels 12 of the upper rack 8 are not shown.

[0065] First, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, in the fourth embodiment, a second loading / unloading conveyor 54 is disposed on the foundation G at a position to the side of the above-mentioned loading / unloading conveyor 22. Also, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, this second loading / unloading conveyor 54 is disposed on the opposite side of the loading / unloading conveyor 22, with the upper lifting devices 38a, 38b in between. This second loading / unloading conveyor 54 is a roller conveyor that transports goods in one direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, similar to the loading / unloading conveyor 22, and is provided with a diverting conveyor having the same configuration and function as the diverting conveyors 26, 30 of the loading / unloading conveyor 22, although this is not shown.

[0066] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a connecting conveyor 48e having a configuration and function similar to that of the connecting conveyor 48a described above is arranged on the upper lifting device 38a side upstream of the second loading / unloading conveyor 54. Also, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, a connecting conveyor 48f having a configuration and function similar to that of the connecting conveyor 48b described above is arranged on the upper lifting device 38b side downstream of the second loading / unloading conveyor 54. More specifically, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the connecting conveyors 48e, 48f are arranged between the second loading / unloading conveyor 54 and the upper lifting devices 38a, 38b.

[0067] 12 to 14, the solid arrows indicate the general flow of cargo entering and leaving the lower rack 6, and the dashed arrows indicate the general flow of cargo entering and leaving the upper rack 8.

[0068] In the automated warehouse 1 of this fourth embodiment, as can be seen from Figures 12 to 14, the loading and unloading operations of luggage using the loading and unloading conveyors 22 are controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by controlling the operations of each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc. so that (1) luggage is unloaded from the upstream lower rack 6, (2) luggage is stored in the upstream upper rack 8, (3) luggage is stored in the downstream lower rack 6, and (4) luggage is unloaded from the downstream upper rack 8.

[0069] 12 to 14, in the loading / unloading operation of luggage using the second loading / unloading conveyor 54, each trolley 4 and each conveyor are controlled so as to (5) load luggage into the upstream upper rack 8 and (6) unload luggage from the downstream upper rack 8. As shown in FIG. 14, in the operation of unloading luggage from the downstream upper rack 8, luggage transferred from the upper rack 8 to the upper lifting device 38b is transferred to either one of the connecting conveyors 48b or the other connecting conveyor 48f, and the luggage is unloaded from one of the loading / unloading conveyors 22, 54.

[0070] Here, in the fourth embodiment, the specific loading and unloading operations of cargo between the lower racks 6 on the upstream and downstream sides, and the specific loading and unloading operations of cargo between the upper racks 8 on the upstream and downstream sides are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments, and therefore their description will be omitted here.

[0071] As can be seen from Figures 12 to 14, in the fourth embodiment of the loading / unloading conveyor 22, as in the first embodiment described above, the switching conveyors 26, 30 are operable to accept cargo from the lower lifting device 34a and the upper lifting device 38b for unloading, while handing over the cargo to the upper lifting device 38a and the lower lifting device 34b for loading. By performing these operations simultaneously, the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo can be improved using a single loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0072] On the other hand, as can be seen particularly from FIG. 12 , in the second loading / unloading conveyor 54 of the fourth embodiment, essentially all cargo is delivered to the upper lifting device 38a, as in the second embodiment described above. This operation ensures a space free of cargo on the second loading / unloading conveyor 54. Then, due to the operation of the second loading / unloading conveyor 54, this space arrives at the downstream diverting conveyor, so that cargo from the upper lifting device 38b can be delivered to the second loading / unloading conveyor 54 (diverting conveyor). This loading / unloading operation allows the additional loading / unloading conveyor 54 to improve the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo. In this way, in the fourth embodiment, the two rows of loading / unloading conveyors improve the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo.

[0073] As a modified example, on the downstream side, the cargo from the lower lifting device 34b may be handed over to the second loading / unloading conveyor 54. That is, the cargo handed over from the lower rack 6 to the lower lifting device 34b may be handed over to the second loading / unloading conveyor 54 via the lifting platform conveyor 36, the connecting conveyor 46b, the switching conveyor 30, the connecting conveyor 48b, the lifting platform conveyor 40, and the connecting conveyor 48f.

[0074] Furthermore, as a modified example, in the configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment described above, each trolley 4, each conveyor, etc. may be controlled so that the upstream rack 2 (lower rack 6, upper rack 8) is used as a rack for receiving goods, and the downstream rack 2 (lower rack 6, upper rack 8) is used as a rack for retrieving goods.

[0075] Next, the effects of the automated warehouse 1 according to each embodiment of the present invention and its modified examples will be described. First, a shuttle-type automated warehouse 1 according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications includes a rack 2 having a plurality of shelves 12 in the vertical direction, and a storage / retrieval cart (shuttle cart) 4 that travels horizontally along the flat shelves 10 of the rack 2. The rack 2 includes a lower rack 6 having two or more shelves arranged on a foundation G, and an upper rack 8 having two or more shelves arranged above the lower rack 6. The upper rack 8 has a protruding rack (protruding rack portion) 8a that protrudes laterally relative to the lower rack 6 (along the traveling direction of the cart 4 / in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the cart 4) in a front view, and includes lower rack vertical conveyors (lower rack lifting and transporting devices) 34, 34a, 34b that are arranged below the protruding rack 8a and adjacent to the side end of the lower rack 6, and upper rack vertical conveyors (upper rack lifting and transporting devices) 38, 38a, 38b that are arranged adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack 8a of the upper rack 8.

[0076] According to this embodiment and its modified examples configured as described above, the lower rack vertical conveyor 34 and the upper rack vertical conveyor 38 can be operated in parallel to improve the transport capacity of the vertical conveyors, thereby improving the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods in the automated warehouse 1. Furthermore, since goods can be stored and retrieved in parallel on the lower rack 6 and the upper rack 8, the amount of goods stored and retrieving in the automated warehouse 1 can also be increased.

[0077] Furthermore, the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications include an inlet / outlet conveyor 22 that transports goods for loading and unloading into the automated warehouse 1, and the inlet / outlet conveyor 22 is provided between the lower rack vertical conveyor 34 and the upper rack vertical conveyor 38, transports goods in a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the loading / unloading cart 4, and is capable of handing over goods between the lower rack vertical conveyor 34 and the upper rack vertical conveyor 38. According to this embodiment configured in this manner, a single inlet / outlet conveyor 22 can transport goods that are loaded and unloaded via the upper rack vertical conveyor 38 and the lower rack vertical conveyor 34.

[0078] In the first, third, fourth and modified embodiments, the loading / unloading conveyor 22 transports cargo in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, and the lower rack 6, upper rack 8, lower rack vertical conveyor 34 and upper rack vertical conveyor 38 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 and on both sides of the running path 16 of the loading / unloading cart 4, respectively, and the loading / unloading conveyor 22 is connected to the lower rack vertical conveyors located on its upstream side and downstream side, respectively. The diverting conveyors 26, 30 of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 are operable to transfer cargo to either the lower rack vertical conveyor 34 or the upper rack vertical conveyor 38 for storage, while accepting cargo from either the lower rack vertical conveyor 34 or the upper rack vertical conveyor 38 for retrieval. According to this embodiment and its modified example configured as described above, the diverting conveyors 26, 30 can simultaneously perform loading and unloading operations on one loading / unloading conveyor 22, thereby shortening the time required for loading and unloading.

[0079] In the second, third, fourth and modified embodiments, the loading / unloading conveyor 22 transports cargo in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, and the lower rack 6, upper rack 8, lower rack vertical conveyor 34 and upper rack vertical conveyor 38 are respectively provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 and on both sides of the running path 16 for the loading / unloading trolley 4, and the lower rack vertical conveyor 34a and upper rack vertical conveyor 38a located upstream of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 are used for loading, while the lower rack vertical conveyor 34b and upper rack vertical conveyor 38b located downstream of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 are used for unloading. According to this embodiment configured as described above, cargo is handed over to the lower or upper vertical conveyor for incoming racks 34a, 38a on the upstream side of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 for entry, and then, on the downstream side of the loading / unloading conveyor 22, cargo can be received and unloaded from the lower or upper vertical conveyor for outgoing racks 34b, 38b in the space vacated by the delivery of the cargo, thereby increasing the amount of cargo that can be loaded and unloaded on a single loading / unloading conveyor 22.

[0080] Furthermore, in the third embodiment and its modified example, in addition to the configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the first and second embodiments, a second loading / unloading conveyor 52 is provided that is arranged above the loading / unloading conveyor 22 and parallel to the loading / unloading conveyor 22. According to this embodiment configured in this manner, the upper and lower loading / unloading conveyors 22, 52 make it possible to increase the amount of cargo that can be loaded and unloaded on the loading / unloading conveyors 22, 52.

[0081] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment and its modified example, in addition to the configuration of the automated warehouse 1 of the first and second embodiments, a second loading / unloading conveyor 54 is provided, which is disposed on the opposite side of the loading / unloading conveyor 22 with the upper rack vertical conveyor 38 (38a, 38b) in between. According to this embodiment configured in this manner, the two rows of loading / unloading conveyors 22, 54 make it possible to increase the amount of cargo that is loaded and unloaded on the loading / unloading conveyors 22, 54.

[0082] G Foundation, floor surface 1 Automated warehouse 2 Rack 4 Incoming / outgoing cart (shuttle cart) 6 Lower rack 8 Upper rack 8a Protruding rack (protruding rack portion) 10 Shelf 12 Shelf level 14 Rack column 16 Running path 18 Transfer device 20 Walkway 22 Incoming / outgoing conveyor 26 Switching conveyor (handover conveyor) 30 Switching conveyor (handover conveyor) 34, 34a, 34b Vertical conveyor for lower rack (lifting device for lower rack) 36 Lifting platform conveyor 38, 38a, 38b Vertical conveyor for upper rack (lifting device for upper rack) 40 Lifting platform conveyor 42, 42a, 42b Buffer conveyor for lower rack 44, 44a, 44b Upper rack buffer conveyor 46, 46a, 46b Lower rack connection conveyor (delivery buffer conveyor) 48, 48a, 48b Upper rack connection conveyor (delivery buffer conveyor) 52 Second loading / unloading conveyor 54 Second loading / unloading conveyor

Claims

1. A shuttle-type automated warehouse equipped with a rack having a plurality of shelves in the vertical direction and a shuttle cart that travels horizontally along the flat shelves of the rack, wherein the rack includes a lower rack having two or more shelves arranged on a foundation and an upper rack having two or more shelves arranged above the lower rack, wherein the upper rack has a protruding rack portion that protrudes laterally from the lower rack in a front view, and the automated warehouse is equipped with a lower rack lifting and transporting device that is arranged below the protruding rack portion and adjacent to the side end of the lower rack, and an upper rack lifting and transporting device that is arranged adjacent to the side end of the protruding rack portion of the upper rack.

2. An automated warehouse as described in claim 1, further comprising an inlet / outlet conveyor for transporting cargo for loading and unloading into the automated warehouse, the inlet / outlet conveyor being provided between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device, transporting cargo in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the shuttle cart, and capable of transferring cargo between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device.

3. The automated warehouse of claim 2, wherein the loading / unloading conveyor transports cargo in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, the lower rack, the upper rack, the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device are respectively provided on both sides of the shuttle cart's running path, the loading / unloading conveyor has a transfer section that operates to transfer cargo between the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device located on its upstream side and downstream side, respectively, and the transfer section of the loading / unloading conveyor is operable to transfer cargo to either the lower rack lifting and transporting device or the upper rack lifting and transporting device for storage, while receiving cargo from either the lower rack lifting and transporting device or the upper rack lifting and transporting device for retrieval.

4. The automated warehouse of claim 2, wherein the loading / unloading conveyor transports cargo in one direction from its upstream side to its downstream side, and the lower rack, the upper rack, the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device are respectively provided on both sides of the shuttle cart's running path, and the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device located upstream of the loading / unloading conveyor are used for loading, while the lower rack lifting and transporting device and the upper rack lifting and transporting device located downstream of the loading / unloading conveyor are used for unloading.

5. The automated warehouse according to claim 2, further comprising a second inlet / outlet conveyor disposed above and parallel to the inlet / outlet conveyor.

6. The automated warehouse according to claim 2, further comprising a second loading / unloading conveyor disposed on the opposite side of the loading / unloading conveyor across the upper rack lifting / transporting device.

Images