Automated warehouse

Abstract

In this automated warehouse, a corridor (4) is disposed so as to extend along an X direction at a position adjacent on a Y-direction first side (Y1) to a target Y-direction rail (21T) being a Y-direction rail (21) that is at least part of a plurality of Y-direction rails (21). A movement device (5) comprises: a support base (51) that supports a transport vehicle (1); a support rail (52) which is disposed on the support base (51) and on which the transport vehicle (1) can travel; and a movement mechanism (53) that moves the support base (51). A passageway (6) on which the transport vehicle (1) can pass along the Y direction is provided between the target Y-direction rail (21T) and a position farther on the Y-direction first side (Y1) than the corridor (4). The movement mechanism (53) is configured to be capable of moving the support base (51) to a position adjacent to the Y-direction first side (Y1) with respect to the corridor (4) so that the transport vehicle (1) can pass along the Y direction between the support rail (52) and the passageway (6).

Description

Automated Warehouse

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse including a plurality of carrier vehicles each for carrying an article. [[ID=*]] [[ID=*]]

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

[0003] In the automated warehouse (100) of Patent Document 1, a plurality of traveling rails (101) each extending linearly are arranged side by side in parallel with each other. And a carrier vehicle (102) is traveling on each of the plurality of traveling rails (101). Further, a storage unit (201) for storing an article (200) is arranged along each of the plurality of traveling rails (101).

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

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

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013 - 18611

[0007] By the way, in many automated warehouses, corridors are provided for operations such as maintenance and inspection by workers. In the above-described automated warehouse, since the carrier vehicle and the storage unit are arranged for each of the plurality of traveling rails, corridors are often provided for each traveling rail.

[0008] However, in a configuration where a walkway is provided for each track, when work is required across multiple tracks, the effort involved in workers moving between multiple walkways tends to increase, making maintenance and inspection work more complicated.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for automated warehouses that facilitate maintenance and inspections by workers.

[0010] In view of the above, the characteristic configuration of the automated warehouse is an automated warehouse comprising: a plurality of transport vehicles, each transporting goods; a running rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section arranged along the running rail and where the goods are stored; a walkway on which workers can walk; and a moving device for moving the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction extending along the horizontal direction is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the horizontal direction and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, the running rail includes a plurality of Y direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged to be aligned in the X direction, and at least one X direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y direction rails, at least a portion of the plurality of Y direction rails being defined as target Y direction rails, and the walkway being arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the first Y direction side with respect to the target Y direction rails. The moving device comprises a support base for supporting the transport vehicle, a support rail arranged on the support base on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism for moving the support base, further comprising a passage path between the target Y-direction rail and a position on the first side in the Y direction from the walkway, on which the transport vehicle can travel along the Y direction, and the moving mechanism is configured to move the support base to a position adjacent to the first side in the Y direction from the walkway so that the transport vehicle can travel along the Y direction between the support rail and the passage path.

[0011] According to this characteristic configuration, the walkway is positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction rail of the target Y-direction, extending along the X-direction. As a result, the walkway is positioned along a direction that intersects with multiple Y-direction rails, including the target Y-direction rail, reducing the effort required for workers to move between multiple walkways and facilitating maintenance and inspection work. However, in this configuration with the walkway positioned as described above, the moving device for transporting the transport vehicle cannot be positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction rail of the target Y-direction. Nevertheless, even with the moving device positioned on the first Y-direction side of the target Y-direction rail, separated by the walkway, the transport vehicle can be moved along the Y-direction between the target Y-direction rail and the support rail via a passageway. Therefore, even with the walkway positioned as described above, the transport vehicle can be moved appropriately between the target Y-direction rail and the moving device.

[0012] Plan view of the automated warehouse according to the embodiment Side view showing an example of the operation of removing a transport vehicle from the running rail Side view showing an example of the operation of removing a transport vehicle from the running rail Side view showing an example of the operation of removing a transport vehicle from the running rail Side view showing an example of the operation of removing a transport vehicle from the running rail Side view showing an example of the operation of removing a transport vehicle from the running rail

[0013] In the following, the automated warehouse 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

[0015] Each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 is configured to transport goods W. Each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along a running rail 2.

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

[0017] Furthermore, one side in the Y direction will be designated as "Y direction first side Y1," and the other side in the Y direction as "Y direction second side Y2." Then, one side in the X direction will be designated as "X direction first side X1," and the other side in the X direction as "X direction second side X2."

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

[0019] Multiple Y-direction rails 21 are formed to extend along the Y direction. Multiple Y-direction rails 21 are arranged in a line along the X direction. In this embodiment, multiple Y-direction rails 21 are arranged with gaps in the X direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21 is provided with a pair of rail members spaced apart in the X-direction. Between the pair of rail members in the X-direction, a Y-direction walkway is provided that extends along the Y-direction, allowing worker A to walk.

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

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1, the first Y-direction rail 21A, which is the Y-direction rail 21 located furthest to the second side X2 in the X direction, the second Y-direction rail 21B, which is the Y-direction rail 21 adjacent to the first side X1 in the X direction relative to the first Y-direction rail 21A, and the third Y-direction rail 21C, which is the Y-direction rail 21 adjacent to the first side X1 in the X direction relative to the second Y-direction rail 21B, each correspond to a specific Y-direction rail 21S. In this example, the ends of the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C on the first side Y1 in the Y direction are all located at the same position in the Y direction. In this example, in order to avoid interference with structural elements S such as building columns, the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C are each designated as a specific Y-direction rail 21S.

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

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 1, the X-direction rail 22 located furthest to the first Y-direction side Y1 is positioned to intersect with all Y-direction rails 21 except for the first Y-direction rail 21A, the second Y-direction rail 21B, and the third Y-direction rail 21C. The X-direction rail 22 adjacent to the second Y-direction side Y2 relative to the X-direction rail 22 located furthest to the first Y-direction side Y1 is positioned to intersect with all Y-direction rails 21.

[0025] The storage section 3 is configured to store articles W. In this embodiment, the storage section 3 is configured to store two articles W in the X direction. Furthermore, the storage section 3 is configured to store multiple articles W (five in Figure 1) in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to transfer articles W to the storage section 3 in the X direction.

[0026] The housing section 3 is arranged along the running rail 2. In this embodiment, the housing section 3 is arranged along each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21. Furthermore, the housing section 3 is arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction with respect to each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21.

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

[0028] The second walkway 7 is configured to allow worker A to walk on it. The second walkway 7 is formed to extend along the X direction. The second walkway 7 is positioned adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the Y direction rails 21, excluding the specific Y direction rail 21S.

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

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

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

[0032] The support base 51 is configured to support the transport vehicle 1. The support rail 52 is configured to allow the transport vehicle 1 to travel on it. The support rail 52 is positioned on the support base 51. In this way, the support base 51 supports the transport vehicle 1 via the support rail 52. In this embodiment, the support rail 52 comprises a pair of rail members spaced apart in the X direction.

[0033] The moving mechanism 53 is configured to move the support base 51. The moving mechanism 53 is configured to move the support base 51 to a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the first walkway 4, so that the transport vehicle 1 can pass along the Y direction between the support rail 52 and the passage path 6.

[0034] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 53 is configured to be able to travel on the floor surface of the building so that the support base 51 moves between a reference position P and maintenance equipment (not shown) that performs maintenance work on the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 53 also includes a lifting unit 531 for raising and lowering the support base 51. The lifting unit 531 includes, for example, a mast that guides the support base 51 and a motor that outputs a driving force to raise and lower the support base 51 along the mast.

[0035] In this embodiment, each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 is equipped with multiple Y-direction wheels 11 that roll on a Y-direction rail 21 and multiple X-direction wheels 12 that roll on an X-direction rail 22. When each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along the Y-direction rail 21, the multiple Y-direction wheels 11 are controlled to be in contact with the Y-direction rail 21, while the multiple X-direction wheels 12 are controlled to be separated from the X-direction rail 22. Similarly, when each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along the X-direction rail 22, the multiple X-direction wheels 12 are controlled to be in contact with the X-direction rail 22, while the multiple Y-direction wheels 11 are controlled to be separated from the Y-direction rail 21.

[0036] In this embodiment, multiple layers F are formed by multiple running rails 2 and multiple housing units 3 arranged in the vertical direction. More specifically, multiple running rails 2 and housing units 3 are arranged in the vertical direction to form multiple layers F, each containing running rails 2 and housing units 3. In addition, in this embodiment, a passage path 6 is provided for each of the multiple layers F.

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

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a first lifting device 41 is provided, connected to a plurality of first walkways 4. The first lifting device 41 is used by worker A to move between each of the plurality of first walkways 4. In addition, in this embodiment, a second lifting device 71 is provided, connected to a plurality of second walkways 7. The second lifting device 71 is used by worker A to move between each of the plurality of second walkways 7. Ladder, stairs, etc. can be used as the first lifting device 41 and the second lifting device 71, respectively.

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

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

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

[0042] In this embodiment, a second safety fence 72 is provided so as to surround the second walkway 7. The second safety fence 72 is formed to extend upward from the second walkway 7 along the outer edge of the second walkway 7 when viewed in the vertical direction. The second safety fence 72 is fixed to the second walkway 7. In this embodiment, the second safety fence 72 is not provided at a position adjacent to the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the Y direction rail 21. As a result, worker A can move from the second walkway 7 to the Y direction walkway located between a pair of rail members in the Y direction rail 21.

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

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

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

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

[0047] In this embodiment, the passage path 6 includes a pair of rail members arranged at intervals in the X direction. Also, in this embodiment, the passage path 6 is rotatably supported with respect to the second support frame 9. And the passage path 6 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the carrier 1 cannot pass and a second state in which the carrier 1 can pass.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, in the first state, the passage path 6 is in a posture (for example, a posture extending along the vertical direction) that does not interfere with the operator A walking on the first corridor 4.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, in the second state, the passage path 6 extends along the Y direction, and the carrier 1 can pass between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the position on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the first corridor 4.

[0050] In this embodiment, the passage path 6 is configured such that at least a part of the members constituting the passage path 6 is supported by the first support frame 8 while being located at a different height from the first corridor 4. In the illustrated example, a support portion 8a that supports a part of the members constituting the passage path 6 from below is provided on the first support member 81.

[0051] The following describes an example of the process of removing the transport vehicle 1 from the running rail 2, with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In the example shown in Figures 2 to 5, the transport vehicle 1 is being removed from the uppermost running rail 2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, when worker A is walking along the first walkway 4 and performing maintenance and inspection work, or when the automated warehouse 100 is operating under normal conditions, all passageways 6 are in the first state.

[0053] In the operation of removing the transport vehicle 1 from the running rail 2, first, the target transport vehicle 1T, which is the transport vehicle 1 to be removed, is moved to the target Y-direction rail 21T on the tier F (in this case, the uppermost tier F) where the target transport vehicle 1T is located. If the target transport vehicle 1T is located on a Y-direction rail 21 that is not the target Y-direction rail 21T, the target transport vehicle 1T is moved to the target Y-direction rail 21T via the X-direction rail 22.

[0054] Next, the support base 51 is moved vertically by the lifting unit 531 so that the support rail 52 is at the same vertical height as the target Y-direction rail 21T on the floor F where the target transport vehicle 1T is located.

[0055] Then, as shown in Figure 3, the passage path 6 of the floor F where the target transport vehicle 1T is located is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the target transport vehicle 1T is moved from the target Y-direction rail 21T to the support rail 52 via the passage path 6.

[0057] Finally, as shown in Figure 5, the support base 51, which is supporting the target transport vehicle 1T, is lowered by the lifting unit 531 and moved to the aforementioned maintenance equipment by the moving mechanism 53.

[0058] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the passage path 6 can be switched between a first state in which the transport vehicle 1 cannot pass and a second state in which the transport vehicle 1 can pass. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the passage path 6 may be configured to be detachably attached to at least one of the first support frame 8 and the second support frame 9. Alternatively, without providing a rail between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52, the distance between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52 may be set to the extent that a worker A can walk along the first walkway 4 and the transport vehicle 1 can pass between the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52, and a part of the target Y-direction rail 21T and the support rail 52 may be configured to function as the passage path 6.

[0059] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the passage path 6 is rotatably supported with respect to the second support frame 9 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the passage path 6 may be rotatably supported with respect to the support base 51 of the moving device 5. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a passage path 6 for each of the multiple target Y-direction rails 21T.

[0060] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the housing section 3 is arranged along the Y-direction rail 21 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the housing section 3 may also be arranged along the X-direction rail 22.

[0061] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the housing section 3 is arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction of each of the multiple Y-direction rails 21 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the housing section 3 is arranged only on one side in the X direction of at least one Y-direction rail 21 is also possible.

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

[0063] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a plurality of layers F arranged vertically are formed by a plurality of running rails 2 and a plurality of storage units 3, and the moving mechanism 53 of the moving device 5 is equipped with a lifting unit 531 for raising and lowering the support base 51. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, only one layer F may be formed, and the moving mechanism 53 may be equipped with wheels for running the support base 51, or a conveyor for moving the support base 51.

[0064] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the third Y-direction rail 21C is the target Y-direction rail 21T was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and any Y-direction rail 21 other than the third Y-direction rail 21C may be the target Y-direction rail 21T. Also, there may be multiple target Y-direction rails 21T in the same hierarchical level F.

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

[0066] (9) The configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0067] [Summary of this embodiment] The following describes the overview of the automated warehouse described above.

[0068] The automated warehouse comprises a plurality of transport vehicles, each transporting goods; a travel rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section arranged along the travel rail and containing the goods; a walkway on which workers can walk; and a moving device for moving the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction extending horizontally is defined as the Y direction, a direction running horizontally and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, the travel rail includes a plurality of Y direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged to be aligned in the X direction, and at least one X direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y direction rails, at least a portion of the plurality of Y direction rails being defined as target Y direction rails, and the walkway being arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the first Y direction side with respect to the target Y direction rails. The moving device comprises a support base for supporting the transport vehicle, a support rail arranged on the support base on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism for moving the support base, further comprising a passage path between the target Y-direction rail and a position on the first side in the Y direction from the walkway, on which the transport vehicle can travel along the Y direction, and the moving mechanism is configured to move the support base to a position adjacent to the first side in the Y direction from the walkway so that the transport vehicle can travel along the Y direction between the support rail and the passage path.

[0069] In this configuration, the walkway is positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction rail of the target Y-direction, extending along the X-direction. As a result, the walkway is positioned along a direction intersecting multiple Y-direction rails, including the target Y-direction rail, reducing the effort required for workers to move between multiple walkways and facilitating maintenance and inspection work. However, in this configuration with the walkway positioned as described above, the moving device for transporting the transport vehicle cannot be positioned adjacent to the first Y-direction rail of the target Y-direction. Nevertheless, even with the moving device positioned on the first Y-direction side of the walkway with respect to the target Y-direction rail, the transport vehicle can be moved along the Y-direction between the target Y-direction rail and the support rail via a passageway. Therefore, even with the walkway positioned as described above, the transport vehicle can be moved appropriately between the target Y-direction rail and the moving device.

[0070] Here, the automated warehouse further comprises a support frame that supports the walkway, and it is preferable that the passageway is configured such that at least a portion of the members constituting the passageway are supported by the support frame, while the passageway is located at a different height from the walkway.

[0071] This configuration allows for proper support of the components constituting the passageway while ensuring that the passageway does not interfere with the walkway.

[0072] Furthermore, with the other side of the Y direction being the second side of the Y direction, the plurality of Y direction rails include a specific Y direction rail in which the end of the first side of the Y direction is positioned on the second side of the Y direction compared to the other Y direction rails, and the target Y direction rail is preferably the specific Y direction rail.

[0073] With this configuration, by having multiple Y-direction rails include a specific Y-direction rail, it is possible to install an automated warehouse appropriately while keeping the installation area of ​​the automated warehouse low, regardless of the shape of the area where the automated warehouse can be installed.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable that the running rails and the housing units are arranged in a vertical direction in a plurality of rows so as to form a plurality of levels, each of which has a running rail and a housing unit, and that the passage path is arranged for each of the plurality of levels, and that the moving mechanism includes a lifting unit for raising and lowering the support base.

[0075] This configuration allows transport vehicles positioned on each of the multiple levels to be moved by a single moving device. Therefore, the automated warehouse can be constructed in a simple manner.

[0076] The technology described herein can be used in an automated warehouse equipped with multiple transport vehicles, each transporting goods.

[0077] 100: Automated warehouse 1: Transport vehicle 2: Running rail 21: Y-direction rail 21S: Specific Y-direction rail 21T: Target Y-direction rail 22: X-direction rail 3: Storage area 4: First walkway (walkway) 5: Moving device 51: Support base 52: Support rail 53: Moving mechanism 531: Lifting section 6: Passageway 8: First support frame (support frame) F: Floor A: Worker W: Goods X: X-direction Y: Y-direction Y1: Y-direction first side Y2: Y-direction second side

Claims

1. An automated warehouse comprising: a plurality of transport vehicles, each transporting goods; a running rail on which the plurality of transport vehicles travel; a storage section arranged along the running rail and containing the goods; a walkway on which workers can walk; and a moving device for moving the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction extending horizontally is defined as the Y direction, a direction running horizontally and intersecting the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, the running rail includes a plurality of Y direction rails extending along the Y direction and arranged to be aligned in the X direction, and at least one X direction rail extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y direction rails, at least a portion of the plurality of Y direction rails being defined as target Y direction rails, and the walkway being arranged to extend along the X direction at a position adjacent to the first Y direction side with respect to the target Y direction rails. The moving device comprises a support base for supporting the transport vehicle, a support rail arranged on the support base on which the transport vehicle can travel, and a moving mechanism for moving the support base, further comprising a passage path between the target Y-direction rail and a position first in the Y-direction relative to the walkway, on which the transport vehicle can travel along the Y-direction, and the moving mechanism is configured to move the support base to a position adjacent to the walkway first in the Y-direction relative to the walkway so that the transport vehicle can travel along the Y-direction between the support rail and the passage path, an automated warehouse.

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

3. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the other side in the Y direction is the second side in the Y direction, and the plurality of Y direction rails include a specific Y direction rail whose end on the first side in the Y direction is positioned on the second side in the Y direction compared to the other Y direction rails, and the target Y direction rail is the specific Y direction rail.

4. The automated warehouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the running rails and the storage units are arranged in a vertical direction in a plurality of rows such that they form a plurality of levels, each of which has a running rail and a storage unit, and the passage path is provided for each of the plurality of levels, and the moving mechanism includes a lifting unit for raising and lowering the support base.

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