Automated storage and retrieval system for pallets and cases

Abstract

An automated storage and retrieval system for storing and picking a pallet and a case includes: a storage rack; a storage rack with a built-in conveyor that includes a configuration of the storage rack and a conveyor for unloading the case, wherein the conveyor is inserted through the storage rack with a built-in conveyor at a predetermined level; a travel lane; a pallet crane traveling on the travel lane to store or pick the pallet onto or from each shelf board; and a case picking crane traveling on a travel lane identical to the travel lane that lets the pallet crane travel, wherein the case picking crane is provided with two independent transfer units capable of moving on and down and each transfer unit picks one piece of the case placed on the shelf board.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field[0001]The present invention relates to a storage and retrieval system of an automated warehouse that allows a pal let crane and a case picking crane disposed on an identical travel lane at an automated warehouse to cooperatively operate and thereby performs pallet storing and case picking.Related Art[0002]At many automated warehouses, picking a predetermined number of cases stacked on a pallet involves unloading the entire pallet using a pallet crane and picking the cases. This method is effective for high-volume and low-variety picking, i.e. picking a large number of cases from one pallet at one command.[0003]Because of current Internet physical distribution, most of orders from customers require low-volume and high-variety picking on a one case basis. Unfortunately, the pallet storage method described above does not ensure due productivity in case picking.[0004]An hourly pallet loading and unloading capacity at ordinary automated warehouses is around 30 pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an automated storage and retrieval system for pallets and cases that allows for efficient and space-saving operations. This is achieved through the use of a pallet crane and a case picking crane on the same travel lane. The system is coordinated, allowing for pallet storing and picking, case picking, and case transfer to a conveyor. This setup saves time and increases efficiency in both picking and transfer. The use of transfer units with adsorbable arms and a crawler conveyor allows for reliable case transfer and reduces the number of necessary conveyors. Overall, the invention provides a simplified and efficient solution for storing and retrieving cases in automated warehouses.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the pallet storage method described above does not ensure due productivity in case picking.

This poses a cost problem.

This method involves a large amount of walking action since workers are required to pick cases by walking between pallets placed all over the warehouse floor.

This results in a low picking productivity of around 50 cases per hour.

This method also requires large storage space because pallets are not allowed to be stacked in layers.

Unfortunately, a configuration of an automated warehouse as disclosed in JP 3223709 B requires large space for one system because a pallet crane and a case picking crane run on their respective rails (lanes).

This may be disadvantageous in terms of space to current Internet-intended distribution warehouses and similar warehouses that handle a wide variety of items.

Since the comblike protrusion-fitted container (pallet) is indispensable for the automated warehouse, general two-slot pallets for forklifts are not compatible.

This causes the need for shifting of cases and the labor for that can be complicated.

Images