Storage and retrieval method

摘要

An automated storage/retrieval system comprises: a first multi-tier rack (12L) and a second multi-tier rack (12R) arranged parallel to each other; a first storage/retrieval station (18L) and a second storage/retrieval station (18R) that are disposed adjacent to one end of these respective multi-tier racks and have the same number of waiting conveyors (20) as that of shelves (14) of the multi-tier racks; a transferring shuttle (16) disposed between the first and second multi-tier racks, as well as between the first and second storage/retrieval stations; an elevating device (22) disposed at the opposite side from the multi-tier racks, the elevating device having a first elevating platform (26L) and a second elevating platform (26R) to deliver a unit load to and receive a unit load from the waiting conveyors of each of the first and second storage/retrieval stations; and a conveyor system (28, 128) to deliver a unit load to and receive a unit load from the first and second elevating platforms, wherein the conveying direction of the waiting conveyors in the first storage/retrieval station and the conveying direction of the waiting conveyors in the second storage/retrieval station at the same height levels are opposite to each other, as well as the conveying direction of part of the waiting conveyors in the first storage/retrieval station is opposite to the conveying direction of remaining waiting conveyors in the first storage/retrieval station.