Patent attributes
A multi-tier automated warehouse includes first and second stacking racks having multiple tiers of shelves and being positioned facing one another in parallel; loading shuttles which are capable of horizontal travel between the stacking racks, and which carry out loading and unloading of cargo upon the shelves; and an elevator device for moving the loading shuttles to different tiers. The elevator device further includes masts which are positioned adjacent to the stacking racks; a shuttle elevator platform, which is positioned elevatably on the inner side of the masts, for elevating the loading shuttles; and cargo elevator platforms, which are positioned elevatably on the outer side of the masts, for elevating the cargo. In a state where the shuttle elevator platform is aligned with the cargo elevator platforms, it is possible for the loading shuttles on the shuttle elevator platforms to carry out cargo loading and unloading to the cargo elevator platforms, allowing handling cargo even while the loading shuttles are being elevated, obviating the need for wasteful waiting for cargo. As a result, it is possible to implement high performance.
