MXPA96001588A - High speed storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of storage and handling of individual containers comprising: continuously and substantially moving a plurality of shelves in a storage carousel unit along a generally horizontal endless road, said road includes a site of driving. each of said shelves includes several rows of support elements for the containers, moving a plurality of lift trucks generally vertically along the descending and ascending ends of a generally vertical lifting unit, said vertical lifting unit being separated from said driving site, the lift trucks instantly adjacent to the lower end of said vertical lift unit defining a lower level, continuously and substantially driving a plurality of entrance trucks in an inlet conveyor unit between said handling site and said vertical lifting unit in a generally horizontal direction in substantial synchrony with the movement of said shelves, driving each of the individual input trucks selectively in a generally vertical direction to engage with preselected containers in said vertical lifting unit and carrying sferring them to preselected empty container support members, continuously and substantially driving a plurality of output trucks in an output conveyor unit between said handling site and said vertical lifting unit in a generally horizontal direction in substantial synchrony with the movement of said storage carousel, said lower level being placed below the horizontal position occupied by the lowest of said entry and exit trucks, driving each of said exit trucks individually and selectively in a generally vertical direction to be coupled with preselected containers in said storage carousel unit and transferring them to empty pre-selected lift trucks, transferring the containers between said lower level and a section of the conveyor belt and preventing and coordinating the selective vertical movements of said entry and exit trucks with the sites of the predetermined containers and empty sites in said storage carousel and the vertical lifting units

Description

HIGH-SPEED STORAGE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to high-speed storage systems and, in particular, to high-speed storage systems in which storage is provided by a high-speed storage system. carousel of storage of substantially continuous movement that is distanced from a vertical elevator, with communication between the storage unit and the vertical elevator achieving the above by means of a conveyor unit in continuous movement. The vertical elevator serves to transport storage containers or other objects to be stored between a conveyor level and the desired storage level on the storage carousel. 2. Description of the prior art. Previous resources where storage carousels with substantially continuous movement were proposed experience considerable difficulty in loading and removing storage containers or other objects in the storage carousel unit. In general, very complicated and expensive assemblies for insertion and extraction as those described in Lichti, et. to the. in U.S. Patent No. 4,983,091, it was believed necessary. Special assemblies were proposed for the assembly of containers and mechanisms for extraction or insertion that cooperate with them, for example, in Lichti, US Pat. No. 4,968,207. Matheny, et. US Pat. No. 4,561,820 proposes the use of an elevator mounted adjacent to and in direct communication with a storage carousel, thereby limiting substantially the speed of the system. These and other difficulties of the prior art have been overcome in accordance with the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A preferred example of the high-speed storage system according to the present invention comprises a substantially continuous moving storage carousel unit with associated input and output transport units, a vertical elevator unit and a system of control coordinated by conventional microprocessor. A conveyor system feeds the containers to and removes them from the high-speed storage system.

The storage carousel unit is provided with a multiplicity of shelves with multiple rows so that there is an arrangement of storage sites in the carousel unit. The arrangement of storage sites is generally in the form of regular rows and columns. The carousel unit is generally in the form of a link band where each section is a shelf. Sections or shelves are mounted or linked edge to edge so that an endless unit is formed. Generally, the only significant flexibility in the storage carousel unit is in the joints or hinges between one shelf and the next. The unit is usually mounted vertically on an edge. Bearings or empties are provided along the, usually, bottom edge of the endless linked storage unit so as to support the movement along a generally endless cycle. The endless cycle is usually in the form of a straight-sided race track with the sides at a short distance from each other to form a box between the sections that is about the width of a track. The bearings or holders that support the storage unit generally travel on the surface of a rail in a generally horizontal direction. The r-storage carousel unit with multiple shelves and rows generally rests on its, generally, upper end by means of an easel contact with an appropriate post.

In general], it is' preferred to use a single row conveyor belt system, although conveyor systems with multiple rows can be used if desired. Generally, conveyor belts are provided separately for each of the inlet and outlet sides of the system. To move containers or other objects from the conveyor system to the storage carousel system with multiple rows and back, it is necessary to provide mechanisms and procedures to achieve that transition. It has been found that a particularly efficient system is one in which the containers are received from and sent to the conveyor system by an independent vertical elevator and intermittently operated in cooperation with conveyor units with continuous movement. The movements of the conveyor units are coordinated with the movements of the storage carousel, preferably by an interconnected mechanism. In a usually less desirable configuration the conveyor unit can be operated by an independent transmission which is coordinated with the transmission of the carousel by an electrical interface.

The vertical elevator works to move the containers between the level of the conveyor belt and the level of the particular belt of the. Storage carousel unit where the container will be received or ejected. A conveyor unit for each of the inlet and outlet sides of the storage carousel unit carries the containers between the vertical elevator unit and the storage carousel unit.

The vertical elevator unit and the storage carousel unit have shelves that project outward to support the containers on them. The tf &nsport units are provided with trucks that are configured to pass around or through the shelves in order to lift containers or deposit containers on the shelves. A convenient configuration is one in which the contiguous edges of the shelves and the trucks are toothed. Thus, the serrated edges of the shelves and the trucks mesh with each other without interference. The innermost lobes of the toothed carts in the conveyor units are in a position to support the lower edges of a container that is placed on one of the shelves in the vertical elevator or in the storage carousel unit.

In general, the storage carousel unit preferably runs continuously and preferably at a constant rate in an endless cycle in a normally horizontal direction. In a usually less preferred configuration the rate at which the carousel unit runs may be varied or intermittent to accommodate the special insertion and removal requirements. Usually, if the rate at which the carousel unit runs is varied or intermittent, a clutch is provided for the conveyor to protect the conveying units from acceleration loads that could possibly dislodge or place in erroneous places the containers in the conveyor units. The vertical elevator unit runs intermittently and at variable speeds in an endless cycle in one direction, usually vertical. The conveyors move back and forth in continuous synchronization with the storage carousel unit along straight lines between the vertical elevator unit and the storage carousel unit, changing the direction of their trip at the end of each voyage . In general, it is preferred to place the inlet and outlet conveyor belt units that carry the containers to and receive the containers of the vertical elevator unit at a level below where the trucks of the conveyor units operate. In this way, the extraction and insertion between the shelves of the vertical elevator unit and the conveyor system can be carried out without any interference by the trucks in the conveyor units.

Preferably, a control system coordinated by a conventional microprocessor maintains an updated inventory of the site where each container is located within the system and coordinates the movement of the vertical elevator unit with the rest of the system. A computer and conventional computer programs are conveniently used in the microprocessor to carry out coordination and control.

Preferably, the storage carousel unit and the conveyor units are synchronized by an interconnected mechanism. The movement of the vertical elevator unit is preferably coordinated through the microprocessor and the vertical elevator has independent transmission. The conveyor system is coordinated with the movement of the vertical elevator, preferably by means of the microprocessor.

The trucks in the conveyor units are operated to acquire or release storage containers by a vertical movement over a short distance. Each pair of trolleys in the inlet and outlet conveyors have transmission independent of the other pair of trucks. This is, each cart can be operated to remove or deposit the container on a shelf independently of other pairs of carts. Thus, any or all of the truck units can be operated to transfer containers between the storage carousel unit and the vertical elevator unit while the conveyors move through a complete cycle from an operatively adjacent position to the elevator unit. vertical to a position operatively adjacent to the storage carousel unit and back to the vertical elevator unit. In general, the mechanical link between the conveyor units and the storage carousel unit is such that the conveyor units are driven through a complete cycle as the storage carousel unit moves along its endless path the length of a shelf or union. The trucks are preferably driven vertically by the same transmission that moves the storage carousel unit and the conveyor units to keep in synchrony the movements of the vertical elevator and the storage carousel by the mechanical link.

The movement of the conveyor system is coordinated, preferably through the control microprocessor, with the movement of the vertical elevator. Extending the vertical lift to at a level below those in which the trucks on the conveyor units operate and using these lower levels for input and removal of the conveyor system substantially increases the efficiency of the system and thus the speed at which which items can be handled.

The storage carousel unit is usually arranged so that there are two sections that run parallel to each other. Container transfer operations generally take place at one end of the track similar to a race track that the storage carrousel follows where the shelves rotate 180 degrees from the arrival leg to the exit leg. In general, the containers are preferably removed from the storage carousel unit at the end of the arrival section just before it begins its turn. The containers are preferably inserted in the storage carousel unit at the beginning of the exit section just before it has completed its turn.

The storage carousel unit is preferably driven along its endless path by a transmission assembly which is placed inside the box between, generally, the parallel inlet and outlet sections. In general, the transmission assembly of the maintenance carousel engages and is secured with one or more projections on one or more of the shelves, conducts the shelves a short distance along the endless path and is then released from the projections and it is coupled with similar protrusions in the following shelves. The transmission assembly is preferably coupled to the projections on a few of the shelves that are instantaneously in both the arrival and the exit sections. Preferably, the transmission assembly is coupled with only one to three shelves in each section at any point in time although there may be twenty or more shelves in each section. The transmission assembly positively engages with and ensures the projections on the shelves for safety reasons. In case of an earthquake, this positive coupling will serve to hold the storage carousel unit in its proper place on the shelf that supports it.

In a preferred form, the mechanical transmission for the storage unit consists of a chain drive in endless bearings that is placed in the box between the two sections of the conveyor belt. Specially shaped heads carried by the chain are guided by a cam to engage with the projections on the shelves. The same motor preferably drives the mechanical transmission for the storage unit, the conveyor units and the vertical actuator for the transport trucks. If desired, a single position clutch can be provided in this chain drive to allow decoupling of the conveyor units or the vertical actuator for the trucks or both from the storage carousel unit. This allows the storage tank to be operated separately for maintenance reasons or special situations in storage management. The unique position clutch ensures that the system will have proper synchronization when the mechanical interconnection is restored.

The vertical elevator is driven by an independent transmission assembly that is, for example, conveniently positioned between the descendant and ascending sections of the vertical elevator. The vertical elevator is normally driven from a full stop at a high relative speed and back to a total stop one or more times while the conveyor units cycle through the vertical elevator and the storage carousel. In general, the lift trucks on the vertical lift are stationary while the storage containers are inserted and removed from the vertical lift.

In a customary form, the elevator drive assembly comprises an endless chain drive that carries heads or cloths which, when driven together, positively engage with the parts of the conveyors for the lift trucks. The cloths in the ascending section of the endless chain transmission are coupled with the conveyors for the * lift trucks that are instantaneously at the upward end of the vertical lift and the cloths that are instantaneously at the downstream end of the chain drive without end are coupled with the conveyors that are in the descending section of the vertical elevator. As with the transmission of the storage carousel unit, this positive coupling provides a measure of safety in the event of an earthquake. Also, since the vertical elevator movement must be fast and intelligible, the transmission must be coupled and interconnected with the elevator sections to accommodate rapid acceleration and deceleration of loads. The vertical elevator can accelerate from a total stop and travel through a distance equal to that of the space between two b three or more shelves and then descends to a total stoppage one or more times while the conveyor makes a complete cycle. In this way, the vertical lift can accommodate the loading and unloading operations in the same conveyor cycle which increases the efficiency and speed of the system.

If desired, the width of the vertical elevator can be increased so that space is provided for a second storage container in each elevator truck. Generally, on a vertical double-wide elevator the conveyor interacts with the storage container that is closest to the storage carousel unit, leaving the adjacent space on the double-wide elevator truck on the vertical lift available for storage momentary and for container handling. Alternatively, the trucks of the conveyor unit can interact with both shelves in a double-wide vertical elevator unit.

According to an example, a set of simple stationary shelves can be interposed between the storage carousel and the vertical elevator for the purpose of temporarily handling storage containers. Under regular circumstances this temporary management area is not necessary. Under extreme circumstances where the storage container is operated at or near its maximum capacity, the efficiency can be improved and the capacity of the system can be increased a bit by the use of a temporary handling area particularly on the inlet side. Wherein said set of stationary shelves is provided with two sets of trucks that are provided in the associated conveyor. A set of carts serves to move the containers from the storage carousel to the stationary shelves and the other set moves the containers from the stationary shelves to the vertical elevator.

The conveyor units on the inlet and outlet sides usually move constantly and in unison along a generally vertical path between the storage carousel and the vertical elevator. The conveyor units are preferably interconnected by a common frame and share a common transmission so that they remain in synchrony with each other.

The conveyor unit supports members or forklifts that are selectively and individually driven through their lift and deposit cycles. The actuator mechanism for individually lifting the forklifts of the conveyor unit preferably comprises, for example, a independently operated latch mechanism for each forklift that is adapted to engage with a freely operated, freely moving member. When it is powered, the latch mechanism for a specific individual forklift engages with the free-moving member that that individual forklift carries through its lifting and depositing cycle and then releases it. The free-moving member runs continuously through the lifting and depositing cycle with each horizontal cycle of the conveyor unit. Individual forklifts only run through the lift and deposit cycle when they are attached to the latch a and capable of being released from the free-moving member for a particular cycle. When they are not joined in this way they only run horizontally with the conveyor unit. The path that the freely moving member follows through the lift and deposit cycle is defined, for example, by a cam or by any other appropriate means.

When a forklift drive mechanism engages for a particular cycle on the output side of the storage carousel unit, the forklift lifts the box or other item from the storage rack into the storage carousel, moves it and moves it forward. deposits on an empty support member in the vertical elevator unit. On the inlet side of the storage unit, it occurs or contrary to the forklift lifting the vertical elevator container and depositing it in an empty place in the storage car.

The conventional computer programs that are used in the microprocessor to control the system cause the system to anticipate that there is always an empty space in the vertical elevator which will be in position to receive a storage container when the forklift on the output side reach to the vertical elevator. The opposite occurs on the input side of the storage unit so that there is always an empty shelf in the storage carousel for the storage container.

The storage containers are conveniently moved between the conveyor belt units and the vertical elevator unit by power transmission bearings that are positioned to act on the containers and drive them on and off the shelves in the vertical elevator at the transfer level between the conveyor belt and the vertical elevator. AND? In general, the assisted transmission bearings are coupled with the trucks that comprise the shelves for the vertical elevator at the transfer level between the conveyor belt and the vertical elevator. If desired, other insertion and removal means may be employed, such as, for example, push plates and the like.

The storage system according to the present invention is particularly suitable for operations where the containers are inserted and continuously removed from the storage carousel. If desired, this storage system can be used under operating conditions where the storage carousel is fully charged in a continuous phase and then discharged in a continuous phase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With particular reference to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating more without limitation: Figure 1 is a schematic planar view of a preferred specimen of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic elevational view of the preferred example of Figure 1 with the vertical elevator and the exit conveyor omitted for reasons of clarity.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary schematic elevational view similar to Figure 2 showing an input conveyor unit in an intermediate position between the storage carousel unit and the vertical elevator unit.

Figure 4 is ufl & fragmented schematic elevational view similar to Figure 3 showing the path the trucks follow in an entry conveyor unit in a cycle on the entry side of the maintenance carousel.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary schematic elevational view similar to Figure 3 showing the path the trucks follow in an exit conveyor unit in a cycle on the exit side of the storage carousel.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary schematic planar view similar to Figure 2 showing the transfer end of the storage carousel unit with two shelves partially across the transition from the approaching section to the departing one.

Figure 7 is a simplified planar view of a storage carousel, vertical elevator unit and conveyor units.

Figure 8 is a simplified planar view of a storage carousel, vertical elevator unit and conveyor units.

Figure 9 is A simplified elevational view of the mechanical transmission elements for the storage carousel and conveyor units.

Figure 10 is a simplified planar view of the elements of the mechanical transmission for the conveyor units.

Figure 11 is a simplified partial elevational view of the drive mechanism of the forklifts.

Figure 12 is a simplified planar view of the synchronization mechanism in the lower conveyor.

Figure 13 is a simplified elevational view of the vertical elevator unit showing the elevator conveyors and the transmission unit without the support frame and the link connections.

Figure 14 is a partial cross planar view of the elevator drive bar and the associated support shelves.

Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the support shelves of the elevator and associated structure.

Figure 16 is a front elevational view of a forklift truck.

Figure 17 is a simplified side elevational view of the elevator drive assembly.

Figure 18 is a simplified front elevational view of the elevator drive assembly.

Figure 19 is A partial planar view of a forklift.

Figure 20 is A side elevational view of the forklift of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken looking down in the normal horizontal plane through the vertical elevator unit at a site on the elevator transmission assembly.

Figure 22 is an elevational view of the frame of the vertical elevator unit without the transmission assembly or elevator conveyors installed.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the vertical lift frame without the transmission unit or the forklift conveyors.

Figure 24 is a planar view of the cogwheel of the vertical elevator transmission.

Figure 25a is a planar view of the exit side of the vertical elevator at its lowest level.

Figure 25b is a planar view of the entrance side of the vertical elevator at its lowest level.

Figure 26 is a simplified view of the chain in the exhaust transmission for the outlet side of the vertical elevator taken along the line 26 in Figure 25a.

Figure 27 is A simplified view of the chain in the insertion transmission for the input side of the vertical riser taken along line 27 in the Figure 25b.

Figure 28 is a partial perspective view of the carousel unit with some panels removed to expose the carousel drive assembly.

Figure 29 is a transverse elevational view of the storage carousel unit that particularly illustrates the support mechanism.

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the carousel unit at the site of the carousel drive assembly.

Figure 31 is a partially fragmented and simplified planar view of the carousel drive assembly.

Figure 32 is a planar planar cross-sectional view of the carousel panels and the related hinge and void structure.

Figure 33 is a side elevational view of the lower mounting platforms for the storage carousel panels.

Figure 34 is a planar view of the lower mounting platforms of Figure 33.

Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the typical structure by which the conveyor units are supported by movement.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the typical structure by which the vertical transmission members lean with movement.

Figure 37 is A planar view of a conveyor assembly.

Figure 38 is a partial planar view of a conveyor assembly.

Figure 39 is an elevational view of the conveyor assembly of Figure 39.

Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the structure by which the conveyor assembly assemblies are mounted on the vertical transmission members.

Figure 41 is a schematic planar view of an additional instance in which a support station is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREDILECT EXEMPLES In the preferred copy that has been selected for the purposes of illustration, it is generally illustrated as a storage system. The storage system 10 comprises a storage carousel unit generally indicated as 12, a vertical elevator unit 28 and input and output conveyor units, 30 and 32 respectively. Inlet and outlet conveyor belts, 22 and 24 respectively, "items delivered to be stored in the storage system 10 and articles removed from the storage system 10 when these are removed from storage." The vertical elevator unit 28 operates within the zone. of transfer 20 for transporting vertically stored items between the level of the conveyor belt unit and the levels at which the articles will be stored from the conveyor belt .. The conveyor units 30 and 32 operate within the transfer zone or location 20 to carry articles stored at constant levels directly between the vertical elevator 28 and the storage carousel 12, preferably, without the use of any support area.Preferably, the conveyor belt units interact with the vertical elevator unit at a level below of or is at least different from that in which the units conveyors interact with the vertical elevator. For purposes of illustration, a system having a transfer zone on only one end of the carousel unit will be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a second transfer zone could be provided at a second end of the carousel unit. To facilitate understanding each nail of the units will be described first generally with reference to very schematic drawings and then the details of the different units will be described with reference to more detailed drawings. To avoid complicating the invention with too many details, through the drawings the conventional details such as support clamps, chain adjusters and the like, have been omitted unless they are necessary for the understanding of the invention.

In Figures 1 to 6 the system is shown in a very schematic form so as to facilitate an understanding of the invention, particularly as regards the various units and their cooperation with each, as well as their operation. In Figures 7 and 8 the structural detail has been simplified, again, to facilitate the understanding of the invention. Figures 9 and 10, which show the transmission mechanism and the mechanical interconnection between the storage carousel unit and the conveyor units also in a similar manner have been simplified for reasons of clarity.

The storage carousel unit 12 is in the form of a series of shelves or panels joined by edge-to-edge hinges in the form of a continuous seam band which is mounted on one edge by bearings or blanks 16 for movement on the rail 18 along a generally horizontal endless road. The upper edge of the storage carousel unit 12 is supported by an upper post 40 preferably by coupling the bearings or burs in the, normally, top edge of the storage carousel unit 12 with a rail that is carried by a top post 40. Rail 18 is mounted on a solid, carefully leveled solid so that the loaded storage carousel unit 12 is supported adequately and levelly for smooth movement. Similarly, the upper post 40 is carefully positioned and leveled so as to support the upper edge of the storage carousel unit 12. In a convenient example the upper post 40 is supported on conventional pedestals or vertical posts 15, which, for example, they extend up into the box defined between the entry and exit sections of the storage carousel unit 12. See, for example, Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 28, 29 and 30.

In general, the endless path sections are parallel to each other during at least a substantial part of the endless cycle or path along which the storage carousel unit 12 moves. One end of the generally elongated storage carousel unit is positioned at a transfer site generally indicated as 20. Storage containers or other objects are transferred to and from storage sites on storage shelves 14 at the transfer site 20. Storage containers or other objects are supported on shelves or panels 14 by an arrangement, for example, of carousel shelves, typical examples of which are indicated as 26. Other support means may be used if desired. All the carousel shelves 26 in a single row on the storage carousel unit 12 are generally placed in approximately the same plane to form a column of support means. There may be up to 30 rows of shelves, more or less, in the storage carousel unit 12. The spaces between the shelves of the carousel 26 are determined by the height of the containers and the necessary operational clearance. The clearance is usually about three inches. The bases should be generally smooth and of a size to be carried by the respective shelves and wheelbarrows. No specially designed containers are required since the containers simply rest on the shelves. The system allows great flexibility in the design of the combination of support media and containers. Special support media and containers in play can be used if desired. The system is very flexible in terms of scale. There can be as few as 10 or less and as many as 100 or more shelves in a typical storage carousel unit. Thus, a typical storage carousel unit can provide from 100 or less up to 2000 or more storage sites in a relatively small space, all easily and quickly accessible. Where all the storage shelves will be loaded or cleared in a time if generally less than two full revolutions of the carousel unit are required to carry out said loading and unloading.

The storage carousel unit is driven by a transmission assembly 54 which is positioned between the inlet and outlet sections of the unit 12 preferably at the lower edge of the storage carousel. The carousel transmission assembly is, in concept, a toothed equipment which is coupled with needles normally at the lower edge of the shelves 14 on both inlet and outlet sections. A gear is illustrated only to facilitate the understanding of the concept. In the preferred specimen, instead of a simple piece of equipment, an arrangement of padded cloths carried by a chain bearing is used, as more specifically described hereinafter, to provide safety during an earthquake. The toothed equipment is driven so that its engagement with the corresponding elements on the shelves 14 causes the entire storage carousel unit 12 to move along the endless path that is defined by the rail 18 and the upper post 40. Only one transmission is needed for the storage carousel so that any need to coordinate the actions of two or more transmissions is eliminated. For certain installations, such as very large systems, more carousel transmissions can be used, if desired. Under such circumstances, a conventional electrical interface must be used between the transmissions to keep them coordinated with each other. In accordance with the present invention, at a rate of 10 feet per minute for a carousel with 24 vertical levels the storage system according to the present invention can easily maintain an input and output rate of 1,200 or more, containers per hour.

The containers or other objects are dispensed into the storage system 10 by an input conveyor belt unit 22. The containers are removed from the storage system 10 by a conveyor belt unit 24. The conveyor belt units generally operate in one or , at most, two levels. Thus, some means must be provided to transport a container vertically to and from the level of the conveyor belts to the level of the row of shelves in the storage carousel unit 12 where the shelf 26 on which the container will be stored is placed. Moving the containers through the transfer site 20 without a holding station and at a rate as fast as the storage carousel unit can accommodate them is an important objective of this invention. Very significant efficiencies are achieved by supplying a vertical lifter with intermittent and independent transmission, operating in conjunction with a pair of conveyor units, 30 and 32 respectively, which are continuously driven in synchrony with the movement of the storage carousel unit 12 to move storage containers generally in a horizontal manner between the vertical elevator and the storage carousel unit 12. Once a container has been identified to transefer it in or out of the system it moves through the transfer site 20 without the need of no holding station, although management can be provided, if desired, by including a simple set of intermediate stationary shelves between the vertical elevator unit and the storage carousel unit 12.

The vertical elevator unit 28 moves the containers in a generally vertical direction between the conveyor belt units 22 and 24 and the desired row of shelves in the storage carousel unit 12. The input conveyor unit 30 is provided to transfer containers laterally between the vertical elevator unit 28 and the desired row of shelves on the storage carousel unit 12. Similarly, the outlet conveyor unit 32 transfers the containers from the shelves in the storage carousel unit 12 to the storage unit. vertical riser 28. Preferably, the rising portion of the vertical riser 28 is on the exit side of the system and the downgrade is on the entry side.

In the preferred example, where the vertical elevator unit 28 is capable of being operated at a rate such that at least two, and as many as ten or more, levels of forklifts, typical and illustrated as 34, reach the level of the system Conveyor belt during a cycle of the conveyor unit, a lot of containers can be transferred very quickly. The lower level, indicated generally as 70, of the Vertical elevator 28 is quickly cleared on the exit conveyor 24 as several levels of forklifts 34 in the downward section of the vertical elevator 28 move through the lower level 70 during each cycle of the conveyor units 30 and 32.

Similarly, several containers can be loaded on the inlet side in the rising portion of the elevator 28 of the conveyor system 22 during each cycle of the conveyor. The transfers between the conveyor system and the vertical elevator unit are conveniently carried out through the use of simple push plates, not illustrated. Alternatively, driven bearings can drive the containers on and off the lower level 70 of the vertical elevator unit 28.

The vertical elevator 28 generally runs is only one direction. Thus, the forklifts 34 in the vertical elevator unit 28 pass under and over the top of the vertical elevator unit as they are transferred between the extension ends up and down of the vertical elevator unit. If desired, the forklifts 34 in the vertical elevator unit 28 can be mounted with movement on their axis so that they can rotate outwards as they change their direction between the two ends. See, for example, Figure 8. This thus reduces the total vertical clearance that must be provided for the vertical elevator unit. The members mounted with movement on their axis 34 are driven by springs 35 in an operative position. A pair of upper guides 31 engage the members 34 as they approach the upper end of the vertical elevator unit 28 at the rising end and force them to rotate outwardly against the force of the springs 35. Custom-made that the members 34 pass over the upper end of the elevator 28 on the downward end of the elevator 28 the guides release them and the springs 35 propel them back to the operative position to receive and support the containers. Similarly, a pair of lower guides 33 act on the members 34 around the bottom of the elevator 28 between the ascending and ascending sections of the elevator. Where the vertical lift of the elevator 28 does not concern the members 34 it may be rigidly fixed to its conveyors so that they rotate about the ends without pivoting. The containers are not carried between the descending and ascending ends of the unit 28 so that the members 34 can be cleared before they reach the top and bottom, respectively, of the elevator 28.

The transmission for the vertical elevator unit, as well as for the storage carousel unit, drives the mobile elements of the elevator at the rising end and supports them on the downward end, which increases the safety of the system. Also, this coupling allows forklifts to move and stop quickly. The drive assembly for the vertical lift unit consists of a pair of specially configured chains that carry ratchets that engage with and drive the movement mechanism at the upstream end of the vertical lift and leave the downhill frame down, as described in greater detail. detail from here on.

While in transit through the transfer site 20 the containers are conveniently supported and the conveyors by shelves or trucks that are adapted to be coupled to the containers without interference between them. The vertical elevator unit 28 has shelves in the form of support members for the containers or lift trucks, of the typical ones and indicated as 34. The input conveyor unit 30 has support components for the containers or entrance conveyors, of the typical and indicated as 36, which are adapted to lift containers of the forklift trucks 34 on the input side of the storage system 10, transfer them to and deposit them on the shelves 26 in the rows 14 of the storage carousel unit 12 In a similar manner, support parts are provided to the outgoing conveyor containers or trucks 38 on the output conveyor 32 which operate to lift containers from the shelves 26, transfer them to the vertical elevator unit 28 on the output side of the system. storage 10.

It is apparent how the jagged edges of the forklifts 34 and the shelves of the carousel 26 are interconnected with the corresponding jagged edges of the entry conveyors 36 and the exit conveyors 38 so that the storage containers can be lifted from and deposited. on the shelves and support members without interference. These interconnected toothed edges make possible the efficient placement and release of the containers in the storage carousel unit 12 and the vertical elevator 28 by, for example, the simple movement of the structures including the inbound conveyors 36 and the forklift trucks output 38 along the rectangular inlet and outlet paths 50 and 52, respectively.

The inlet and outlet conveyor belts, 36 and 38, respectively, in the conveyor units run along the paths including horizontal and vertical components as they move through a complete operational cycle from the vertical elevator unit 28 to the storage carousel unit 12 and back again. The infeed conveyors 36 on the inlet side of the storage system 10, when operated, follow the entrance path generally indicated as 50, in Figure 4. When the a delivery conveyors support the containers 38 and the Exit conveyor 32 is actuated, these move generally along the exit path indicated as 52, in Figure 5. When a particular conveyor element or truck is not actuated, it simply moves in a forward wait cycle and backward in a straight line, generally below the site of shelves 26 in rows 14. Only when a particular shelf is driven that moves through either path 50 or 52 to pick up a container, move it to its new site and then deposit it.

The output conveyor trucks 38 are forced to move through the exit path 52 by selective and individual engagement with a free-motion vertical transmission member 58. See, for example, Figures 7 and 8. The free-motion vertical transmission member 58 is mounted with free sliding axial movement within the transverse members of the frame 43 of the output conveyor. The vertical transmission member 58 also passes through and is engageable with an option to be released from the transverse members on which the transport trucks are mounted. In Figures 7 and 8 the mechanism is shown very schematically to facilitate understanding. For a more detailed illustration of the conveyor assembly, attention is drawn to Figures 37 to 40. Each set of output conveyors has a solenoid 68 which serves to drive a needle driven by selenoid 66. When a needle 66 in particular is projected through the transverse member by the carrier trucks and engages with the vertical transmission member 58 ^ thereby securing the set of carts in particular to the member 58. When the member 58 moves vertically while it is secured this takes the wheelbarrows with him. The construction and operation of the vertical transmission member with free movement 60 in cooperation with the frame of the input conveyor 41 and the entry conveyors 36 is the same. The details of the transmission for transmission members 58 and 60 will be described in more detail hereafter. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other means of driving the forklift assemblies, either horizontally or vertically, individually or collectively, may be employed, if desired.

The frames of the input and output conveyors 41 and 43, respectively, of the conveyor units 30 and 32 are structurally joined in their, normally, upper edges by the frame 42 of the conveyors (Figures 2 to 5) which are extends between the transport units respectively. The conveyor frame 42 is guided by bearing means 44 along the upper post 40 which is shared with the carousel 12 and can be shared with the vertical elevator 28. The frames 41 and 43 are generally constructed, for example, in a similar to a ladder with forklift trucks 36 and 38 mounted thereon with vertical movement between the rails of the racks 41 and 43. the conveyor units 30 and 32 are supported with movement in their, generally, lower edges on the rails 48 of the conveyors by wheels with grooves 46. The wheels with grooves 46 are configured to match the contour of the upper surface of the conveyor rails 48 so as to guide the lower edges of the conveyor units in the desired straight paths.

In Figures 3 to 5, for example, the conveyor units are illustrated in an intermediate position between the vertical elevator unit 28 and the storage carousel unit 12. Particularly illustrated in Figures 3 and 8, the unit of vertical elevator 28 extends at least one shelf level lower than the lower row of exit trucks 38 on the exit conveyor 32 to provide a lower level, generally indicated as 70. The containers can thus be transferred between the forklifts 34 immediate lower and conveyor system without worrying about interference with the conveyor units. The efficiency and speed of the system are substantially increased by the provision of the lower level 70. In Figures 3 and 4 the output conveyor unit 32 has been omitted for clarity of the illustration. If desired, the transfer station can be placed, for example, on the hearth where the forklift trucks operate or at some intermediate level where there are no forklift trucks.

With particular reference to Figure 7, the conveyor units 30 and 32 are illustrated, once in illusory form and once in solid lines, in operative position with the vertical elevator unit 28 and the storage carousel unit 12. Note that in Figure 7 the storage carousel unit 12 is indicated moving in the opposite direction to that illustrated in Figure 1 and the positions of the inlet and outlet conveyors are, therefore, upside down. The storage container 56 is shown in illusory lines on the forklift trucks 34 on the vertical elevator 28 at the time of coupling with the input conveyor baskets 36 on the input conveyor unit.

As the shelves 14 change direction from the entrance section to the exit section of the storage carousel unit 12 within the transfer zone 20, the bearings 16 are moved through an arch that brings the rails 14 to through the illustrated configuration, for example, in Figure 6. The conveyor units are timed so that the transport trucks carrying the containers clear the shelves of the carousel 26 and any containers thereon as they rotate through the area. of transfer 20.

The various units are controlled and followed through a conventional microprocessor unit that uses conventional computer programs in such a way that the system knows where a container is located in the high-speed storage system at all times and which are the positions of the various elements of support and management of the containers. The microprocessor system preferably plans in the future to determine the existence of empty shelves or carts to receive the containers that are being handled within the storage system. The controls do not need to be adapted to control the horizontal movement of the carousel unit or of the conveyor units. These units are preferably interconnected and are operated horizontally at a continuous rate. The intervention of the control system is necessary to drive the respective input 50 and 52 cycles of the inlet and outlet transport trucks, 36 and 38 ,. respectively. In general, the control system directly controls the movement of the vertical elevator 28, The intermittent movement of the forklifts 34 on the vertical elevator unit 28 must be coordinated by the control system with the horizontal and vertical movements of the conveyors entry and exit, 36 and 38, respectively, as well as the location of specific containers on shelves or rows 14. All containers or other objects have some unique identification, for example, a bar code. That bar code is by conventional means as the container enters from the input side or exits from the output side of the storage system 10 and the information is processed in the microprocessor. Once identified on the input side, a storage container is kept under electronic control by conventional means until it exits on the output side of the storage system 10. The control system is provided, electronically, moment by moment ,. If a particular site in a unit is open or occupied, and if it is occupied, what is the identification of the specific container. The control system plans in the future and will not allow the vertical elevator to accept a container on the inlet side until it can be moved through the transfer site 20 to a shelf 26 in the storage carousel unit 12. Thus similarly, the control system plans in the future and will not remove a container from a rack 26 until it can be passed through the transfer site 20 to the output conveyor belt. If desired, the system can be operated, coordinated and controlled manually at a very slow pace by several people working in unison, although with a substantial loss of efficiency, capacity and certainty.

For a more detailed understanding of the chain for the mechanically interlocked transmission for the carousel and the conveyor units attention is drawn to, for example, Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 where the transmission assembly is illustrated in simplified schematic form for ease in illustration. The arrow of the transmission 76 is driven by suitable transmission means such as a conventional electric motor (Figure 7). A toothed pulley belt 78 is fixed to the arrow 76 and drives the toothed belt 80. The toothed belt 80 drives a second pulley 82 which is fixed to the arrow of the conveyor transmission. The third pulley 84 is fixed is fixed to the transmission shaft of the conveyor 90 and serves to drive a second toothed belt 86. The second toothed belt 86 drives the fourth toothed pulley which in turn drives the arrow of the transmission 88 of the carousel. The arrow on the conveyor 90 transmission also drives a cam disCo or a crank disc 92 The cam disk 92 has a cam surface 94 at its outer periphery. The inlet and outlet rail bars 74 and 75 are driven through mechanical joints by the action of cam parts 96 and 98 moved by others to raise and lower the rail bars 74 and 75 through the action of cam 100 and 102 and connecting posts 112 and 114, respectively. Acting by the points 112 and 114 with rotation on their axis, the connecting posts 112 and 114 actuate the bars of the rails 74 and 75 linearly. The bars of the posts 74 and 75 are secured in fixed members by the links of the bars of the rails 120 and 122, respectively. Because of this link, the linear movement of the bars of the rails 74 and 75 causes them to rise and fall by carrying the vertical transmission members with free movement 60 and 58 with them. The rotation of the cam disk 92, acting through this link, thus causes the action of the vertical transmission members. The profile of this cam surface 94 is such that the cam driver extends approximately 180 degrees. The cams driven by other cams 96 and 98 are positioned about 180 degrees apart so that the cam disk 92 rotates one cam driven by another one between the camshaft while another is coming out is east. As long as the bar of the entry rail 74 is in its highest position the bar of the exit rail 75 is in its lowest position and vice versa. The entry and exit transport trucks, 36 and 38, are thus obliged to follow the entry and exit paths, 50 and 52, respectively. Since the conveyors move back and forth the vertical transmission members with free movement 58 and 60 have cams driven by others or wheels 62 and 64, respectively, which travel on the upper smooth surfaces of the bars of the rails 74 and 75. Smooth top surface 72 of rail rod 75 is typical.

The cam disk 92 acts as a crank disk as the transmission chain for the conveyor units is involved. A needle 124 of the crank on the cam disk 92 is connected with movement on its axis to a transmission post 126 which is in turn connected with movement on its axis through a connection with movement on the floating axis 128 with the transmission post of the conveyor 130. The post 130 of the conveyor transmission is connected to the frame of the output conveyor 43 by a universal link 132. The conveyor unit moves along a linear reciprocal path so that a link of transmission on conveyor 134 is provided to accommodate the resultant axial movement of post 1130 of the conveyor transmission. The link 134 of the conveyor transmission is mounted on a stationary arm by a fixed pivot point 136 and the post 130 by a floating pivot point 138. The disc of the crank 92 drives both conveyor units 30 and 32 through the post 130. of conveyor transmission.

In addition to the upper structural connection via the frame 42, preferably, the conveyor units 30 and 32 are also attached to the bottom, for example, by a transmission shaft and rolling chains as illustrated in particular in Figure 12. The arrow of transmission of the interconnecting conveyor 140 extends between the lower parts of the conveyors 30 and 32. A length of the conveyor chain of the conveyor 142 is fixed to the conveyor arm 150 so that the conveyor chain of the conveyor 142 is slave of the movement of the conveyor 32. The movement of the conveyor unit 32 causes the conveyor chain of the conveyor 142 to be moved, taking with it the arm 144 which in turn drives the interconnected transmission arrow 140 and the arm 152. arm 152 drives chain conveyor 148. A section of chain 148 is fixed to arm 154 which is mounted on the conveyor unit 30. The movement of the chain 148 carries the conveyor unit 30 with it. The chain and arm system serves primarily to prevent the conveyor units from moving independently of each other small distances that might be encountered, for example, in an unwanted oscillation. The waiting arms 146 and 156 only serve to support the chains 142 and 148 in operative position.

The vertical elevator unit 28 consists of a frame 198 of the vertical elevator unit within which the elevator transmission assembly 168 is mounted. The trucks 158 of the forklifts are mounted with movement to the frame 198. The forklift assemblies 186 are mounted on the trucks 158 of the forklifts. The elevator drive assembly 168 is mounted in a fixed position within the frame 198 and serves to drive, via a positive mechanical coupling with the elevator transmission bars 166, the endless link band that is defined by the forklift trucks. Interconnected Elevators 158. See, for example, Figures 13 through 24.

The frame of the elevator unit 198 consists, for example, of four channels normally with vertical extension 204, transverse members 206 and spacer members 208. See, for example, Figures 21, 22 and 23. Channels 204 and transverse members 206 are usually permanently bonded, with, for example, weld, to form a ladder-like structure wherein the rails are defined * by the channels 204 and the steps by the transverse members 206. Two of these stair-like structures are attached in a vertical arrangement, spaced apart and parallel by a spacer member 208. The spacer members 208 are positioned opposite one face of the resulting generally rectangular structure and fixed to the transverse members 206 to provide space for the trolleys of the forklifts 158 to travel generally vertically along the two opposite sides of the frame 198 within the channels 204. A lift motor 210 is conveniently mounted on one of the other opposing faces of the frame 198. The elevator motor 210 serves to drive the elevator drive assembly 168 through the elevator drive shaft. 212. The channels 204 are preferably and generally U-shaped and transverse.

The open sides of Channels 204 e? the frame 198 is arranged to open towards each. Bearings or cams driven by other 202 of the elevator car intend to be received within the channels 204 to have contact in the rollers with one of the internal surfaces of the legs of the U-shaped channels 204. The use blocks 214 run the length of the channels 204 in a closed vicinity to the axial ends of the rollers 202 and serve to prevent an axial movement of the elevator transmission bar 166. The use blocks 214 may be made, preferably, of some material that has a low coefficient of friction. Typically at the upper and lower ends of the frame 198, the upper and lower elevator guides 216 and 218, respectively, are for guiding the trucks of the forklift trucks 158 laterally as they travel between the ascending and descending ends of the vertical elevator unit. 28. The link band that is formed by the forklift trucks link 158 is free to expand or contract at the ends where they travel between the up and down sections of the vertical elevator unit.

The vertical elevator unit 28 preferably has transmission independent of the rest of the system by an elevator transmission system or assembly which is indicated, for example, as 168. The elevator transmission assembly 168 is preferably positioned between the ascending and descending sections. of vertical riser 28 and comprises a pair of elevator drive chains 170 and 172 mounted around sprockets of elevator transmission 176 and 177 and sprockets awaiting lift 178 and 179. In Figure 18, pof reasons for clarity , the chains of the transmission 170 and 172 have been indicated but not fully illustrated in the area of the sprockets and the idle arrow on which the standby sprockets 178 and 179 are mounted are not illustrated. The gears of the elevator transmission 176 and 177 in harmony with and driven by the elevator motor 210. The arrows 180 extend laterally between and are carried by the elevator transmission chains 170 and 172 around an endless cycle. . Each arrow 180 carries a transmission ratchet 18Í2 which is cocked on the arrow 180. Each pair of forklifts 34 is mounted on a forklift truck 158. The forklift trucks 158 are adapted to be driven generally vertically by a temporary arrangement between the transmission bars 166, which are a part of the forklift truck and elevator pawls or spindles 182 that are part of the transmission assembly 168. See, for example, Figures 13 through 18 and 21.

The path along which the arrows 180 run through the chains of the elevator transmission 170 and 172 is defined by the peripheral surfaces of the platforms of the elevator cams 220 and 222. Each of the arrows 180 bears a pair of cams driven by others of the elevator or bearings 224 and 226. These cams driven by other 224 and 226 travel on the peripheral surfaces of the levator cam platforms 220 and 222, respectively, as they are carried along by the action of the elevator drive chains 170 and 172 on the arrows 180. They are provided. suitably eyebrows on the levator cam platforms 220 and 222, as illustrated, for example, as 228. The eyebrow 228 serves to prevent lateral movement of the cams driven by others of the elevator. The ratchets of the lifter 182 are stamped to give a movement on their axis in the arrows 180 and are driven by springs by the spring of the pawl 230 within the coupling with the pawl of the pawl 232 on the arrow 180. This allows the ratchets 182 to move slightly in a lateral direction, as may be necessary.

The arrows 180 are mounted to the chains of the elevator 170 and 172 transmission through connecting platforms illustrated for example as 234. The connecting platforms 234 are inserted into the elevator drive chains where they serve as connections in the Chains and for grinding the ends of the arrows 180. The attachment platforms 234 are longer than the normal links of the elevator chains 170 and 172 so that the gears of the elevator transmission 176 and 177 are specially configured with large teeth 234 and 236 and with any other special tooth profiles that might be necessary to accommodate this extra length and arrows 180. See, for example, Figure 24. The elevator cogwheels 178 and 179 may have Conveniently the shape of rollers instead of toothed wheels, if desired, to avoid the use of special configurations of tooth wheels. ace.

As a ratchet of the riser 182 travels upward it engages a drive rod 166 and carries it in a normally upward direction. See, for example, Figure 17. Between its coupling with arrow 180 and the transmission bar 166 the ratchet of the elevator 182 is kept in an operative position as it travels upwards. When it approaches the top of its travel and the cam driven by another of the elevator 224, for example, is routed on the normally upper semicircular periphery of the levator cam platform 220, the ratchet of the elevator 182 is disengaged from the transmission bar 166 that continues to move up. The ratchet of the elevator 182 is guided around an arc which leads it to a position to engage with a transmission bar 166 which is on the downward side of the vertical elevator unit 28. Said driving is conveniently provided by a platform 238 with a arched groove 240 guide the ratchet therein. The ratchet guide rollers 242 are mounted on the ratchets of the elevator 182. As the ratchets of the elevator 182 are disengaged from the transmission bars 166 near the top of the travel of the ratchets of the elevator the guide rollers of the ratchets 242 they enter slot 240. As the? elevator pawls 182 reach the downward side of the vertical elevator unit 28 are coupled with a downlink transmission bar 166 and exit the ratchet guide groove 240. The engagement between the slot 240 and the rollers 242 keeps the pawls properly positioned for fit with the descending transmission bars. While the ratchets are coupled with the transmission bars in the downward section of the vertical elevator, they are kept in the proper operative position by means of the cooperation between the transmission bars 166 and the arrows. 180. As the ratchets of the lifter 180 approach the end of their downward travel they are decoupled from the transmission rods 166. The transmission rods 166 continue downward on the downward trawl of the vertical lifter 28. The pawls are carried by the arrows 180 along a generally downward and inward path that is defined by the periphery of the levator cam platforms 220 and 222. As the pawls 182 are disengaged from the transmission rods 166 the guide needle comes into contact. ratchet pawl 244 serving to hold the pawls in the illustrated position, for example, in Figure 17. As the pawls move to the position where they begin their upward travel they come into contact with the ascending pawl guides. 246 and 248 which serve to force the ratchets to assume a position where they engage with the transmission bars 166 in the ascending section of the elevator 28. The action of the ascending ratchet guides on the rear portion 250 of the pawl 182 causes the front portion of the pawl 182 to rotate in contact with an upshift bus 166. As a pawl is guided upward it moves in full engagement with the transmission bar and carries the associated elevator car upwards. Because the elevator carriages are joined by spherical bearings 200 this serves to drive all the elevator cars in both sections. ascending and descending elevator 28. Although there may be from 10 or 20 elevator cars 158 e? the descending section of the elevator 28 it is only necessary to drive two or three of them at the same time. Thus, the elevator transmission assembly 168 preferably extends only one f of the height of the vertical elevator 28.

The elevator drive assembly 168 is preferably supported within the frame 198 by, for example, the elevator drive shaft 212 and support shaft 254. The elevator drive motor 210 is adapted to drive the elevator drive assembly. 168 quickly, accurately and intermittently. Thus, while the storage carousel 12 is moving the width of a shelf 14 the motor 210 can drive the elevator 168 drive assembly to move the trucks 34 through a distance equal to the length of several forklift trucks, stop them at a predetermined position and then move it back through the length of several forklift trucks and stop it at a second predetermined position.

The lift truck trolleys 158 include first elevator rack supports 160 and second elevator rack supports 162. The elevator shelf supports 160 and 162 project upward and generally in a parallel relationship with each other from a rack. generally rectangular composed of normally vertical bras 164, transmission bar 166 and the base of the shelf support 162. The first elevator truck supports 160 are preferably welded to the elevator transmission bar 166. The respective forklift trucks of the elevator 158 are coupled or chained together by links of the riser 174 that are rigidly mounted to the brackets 164 and are arched, preferably by spherical bearings, to the drive rod 166. The forklift trucks of the elevator are linked by chains so as to form a endless cycle in the form of an elevator link band. Preferably, the single articulation of this linkage system of the elevator is on the transmission bars 166. See, for example, Figures 14, 15 and 16.

The forklifts 34 are part of a forklift assembly generally indicated as 186. See, e.g., Figures 19 and 20. The forklift assembly includes forklifts 34, arrows of axially hollow forklifts 188, needles with movement on their axis of forklifts 184, springs of forklifts 135 and brake arm for forklifts 190. Arrows of forklifts 188 constantly extend the entire distance between the shelf supports of elevator 160 and 162 and are, for example, stamped on the needles with movement on their axis of the forklifts 184. As an alternative, the needles with movement on their axis 184 can be integral with the arrow of the forklift 188. The forklifts 34 are fixed to project generally normal from the arrows of the intermediate forklifts 188 to the ends thereof. The first and second shelf supports of the elevator 160 and 162 are spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the length of the arrows of the forklifts 188 and have bores 192 and 104 respectively, adjacent their free ends. The bores 192 and 194 are aligned so as to be able to receive the needles with movement on their axis of the forklifts 184, for example, in an amuhonada relation, where the trucks 34 have freedom of movement on their axes between the operative position they occupy in the ascending descending sections of the vertical elevator unit 28 and the divided position they occupy as they pass between those sections. See, for example, Figures 7 and 8. The springs 35 serve to direct the trucks 34 towards the generally parallel relationship illustrated, for example, in Figure 7. The brakes of the forklifts 196 in, for example, the second supports of the forklifts 160, in cooperation with the brake arm of the forklifts 190, limit the old one of the trucks 34 so that they are not directed beyond the desired parallel position by the action of the springs 35. Since the Union band defined by the interconnected truck trolleys 158 only runs in one direction, one side of the trolleys 34 serves to support the containers in the entrance section and the opposite sides of the trolleys serve to support the containers in the section of exit. If there is sufficient space to allow the trucks 34 to pass between the up and down sections of the vertical elevator unit 28 if they rotate to a low profile configuration then the trucks 34 can be welded to the forklift trucks 158.

The axiálmente opposite ends of the bar of transmission 166 serve to unite trucks of forklifts 158 through links of the elevator 174. The spherical bearings, 200, for example, are stamped on the bar of transmission 166 and mounted on the links of the elevator 174. The forklift rollers 202 are mounted on the opposite outer ends of the transmission rods 166, either on small arrows which are encased at the opposite outer ends of the transmission rod 166 as shown, for example, in the Figures 14, 15 and 21 or on reduced ends of the transmission bars 166.

The lower level 70 of the riser 28 has an appropriate mechanism for inserting and removing containers. A preferred example of said insertion and removal mechanisms is illustrated, for example, in Figures 25a, 25b, 26 and 27. In the illustrated example, the insertion and removal is carried out by several driven bearings which are placed to interconnect with the forklift trucks 34 and engaging with the lower surfaces of the containers at the transfer level 70. Under the impulse of the frictional coupling With these bearings the containers are driven laterally on or off the vertical elevator. On the input side the trucks 34 come from below the driven bearings and engage the containers after they have been moved into position by the driven bearings. On the outlet side of the vertical elevator 28 the containers are brought down by the trucks 34 until they engage with the driven bearings. The trucks continue to move downwards and the bearings lead the containers out of the vertical elevator and onto the outlet conveyor 24.

On the output side of the vertical riser 28 a mounting platform for the stationary input bearings 256 supports the input bearings 258 and 260 in a cantilever configuration, the input bearings 258 and 260 are generally projected in a common plane that is generally normal to platform 256. A container brake 262 projects upwardly at least two or three inches above the plane of the bearings 258 and 260 to engage the incoming container and stop it in the proper position relative to the trucks 34 The input bearing system on the input side is preferably driven by a conventional electric motor, not shown. A drive pulley 266 is mounted on the arrow of the input motor 264. The input drive belt 268 serves to drive the input pulleys 270 and 272. The input pulleys 270 and 272 are coaxed into the input bearings 260 and 258, respectively. The input standby pulley 274 tightens the input drive belt 268. The input bearings 258 and 260 include a coverage of some high friction rubber-like material that frictionally engages the bottoms of the containers as they are delivered. on the input side of the vertical riser 28 by the conveyor belt 22. An input shelf 276 may be provided, if desired, to bridge the gap between the end of the conveyor belt 22 and the input bearing 258, as well as to support the free end of the bearing 258. Small driven input grooves, typical and indicated as 278, are positioned within the toothed areas of the trucks 34. The wheels 278 are driven by input wheel bands, typical and illustrated as 280 The input wheel bands 280 are generally circular in cross-section and are entangled around the input bearing 258 in an area where the coverage is Removed from the inlet bearing 258. The wheels 278 are thus led by the inlet bearing 258. The wheels 278 are mounted on arms extending from the entrance rack 276 in a position such that the strips 280 come into contact with the bottoms of the containers in approximately the same plane as the bearings 258 and 260. The containers arriving from the conveyor belt 22 are thus supported and driven laterally on the trolleys 34 by a frictional engagement with the strips 280. As the containers move further in the position to be loaded by the trolleys 34 they frictionally engage the bearing 260 and finally come to rest against the brake of the container 262 in the position indicated for the container 56. In its final position the container 56 lies momentarily on bands 280, bearing 260 and wheels waiting for entry 282 before being lifted by trolleys 34. Wheels on standby 282 are mounted on arms that conveniently extend from the brake of the container 262 and are not driven. The standby wheels serve to support and assist to place the container 56 for a moment before being carried upwards by the trolleys 34. While the container 56 is loaded on the trolleys 34, the trolleys remain below the plane usually tangent to bearings 258 and 260, the bands 280 and the wheels 282. Preferably the input bearings and the wheels run continuously at a constant speed so that any container that is delivered by the conveyor belt 22 is immediately loaded. Alternatively, the motor that drives the arrow of the input motor 264 can be stopped and started with the same precision of the elevator drive motor 210. Preferably, a container is not delivered to the input side of the vertical elevator 28 by the conveyor belt 22 until there is a shelf 26 on the open carousel that will be in position to receive it when the container reaches the shelf.

On the output side of the vertical lifter 28 the driven bearing system includes three main bearings, namely the first output bearing 284, the second output bearing 286 and the third output bearing 288, as well as two sets of wheels output driven, namely, first and second driven output wheels, typical and illustrated as 290 and 292, respectively. The respective driven output wheels 290 and 292 are positioned within the teeth of the trucks 34 and are first driven by the first and second output transmission bands 296 and 298, respectively. The main bearings 284, 286 and 288 are stamped in and in cantilevered form generally normal to the mounting pad of the output bearings 292. The output assisted pulley 300 is fixed to the end of the arrow of the output motor 302 which is driven by a motor, not illustrated. An output band 304 runs around a series of pulleys that drive the bearings and output wheels. The first, second and third output pulleys 306, 308 and 310, respectively, drive the first, second and third output bearings 284, 286 and 288, respectively. The output transmission belts 296 and 298 run around and are driven by the output bearings 284 and 288, respectively. The output bearings 286 and 288 are covered with a material having a high coefficient of friction to promote good frictional coupling between these bearings and the bases of the containers. An exit bridge is provided on the exit shelf 316 which serves to provide a gap junction between the end of the outlet conveyor 24 and the vertical elevator 28 as well as to support the free end of the bearing 288. A cantilever clamp 318 is mounted to platform 292 and serves to support the free end of bearing 284.

As the forklifts 34 descend through the plane which is generally defined by the tangent of the main output bearings 284, 286 and 288, the base of any container being carried by the trucks enters into frictional engagement with the bearing 286 and bands 296 and 298. As the trucks 34 arrive below this plane the Container begins to move laterally out of the elevator in response to the action of the bearing and the bands. After moving a distance the base of the container comes into frictional contact with the bearing 288 which also helps to unload it from the vertical elevator 28. Preferably the bearings are driven continuously at a constant speed, but, like the input bearings, they can operate intermittently on demand.

The shelves 14 of the storage carousel unit 12 are guided laterally along their endless paths on the rail 18 by the bearings on the rails engaged in open channels in the support frame. The vertical loads on the rails 14 are carried by wheels 16. The guide structure is substantially the same at the upper and lower edges of the rails. See, for example, Figures 7, 8, 28, 29 and 30. In Figure 28 several of the panels 14 have been removed to allow the structure, particularly the transmission assembly of the carousel 54, to be seen. The upper post 40 is composed of hollow bearing posts 326, upper clamp 328 and upper abutment 330. The guide structure of the carousel on the upper edge of the carousel 12 includes an open channel to each ladd of the upper post 40. The open channels are defined by the outer inner guide platforms 320 and 324, respectively, which are fixed to the shank posts 326. The arms that mount the outer and upper guide platforms 324 with the bearing posts 326 are not illustrated but are similar to those illustrated at 332 and mounting the outer and lower guide platforms on the lower poles. See, for example, Figure 28. The bearing posts 326 are fixed to the pedestal 15 and the upper buttress 330. In general, the open channels defined by the upper and inner upper guiding platforms 320 and 324 run in straight lines. length of the carousel unit but do not extend around the edges of the rail 18 where the shelves 14 rotate between the entry and exit sections. The movement of the carousel in these turning positions is confined solely by the links between the shelves 14 so as to provide space for accommodating changes in the length of the carousel which occur, for example, due to changes in temperature. The upper guide bearings of the carousel 334 travel in the channels formed by the guide platforms 320 and 324. The same pins of the hinges 322 on which the bearings 332 are mounted extend downward through the upper shelf links 336. The pins of the hinges 332 are coined in spherical bearings, not shown, in the upper shelf links 336. The upper shelf links 336 are coupled to the panels or shelves 14 by the upper platforms 370. The upper platforms 370 are fixed, for example, with welding to the upper edges of the shelves 14. The lower guide bearings of the carousel 338 are similarly mounted on hinge pins 340 which are coined in spherical bearings 344 in the lower shelf links 342.

The lower shelf links 342 are fixed to the shelves 14 through the lower platform 372 and to the mounting platform of the emptier 374. See, for example, Figures 29, 32, 33 and 34. The mounting platform of the emptier 374 is attached directly to the base of the shelf or panel 14. The lower platform is attached to the links of the lower shelf 342 and to hexagonal nails of the transmission, typical and illustrated as 376. The nails 376 sort the structural members that are engaged by the assembly. of the transmission of the carousel 54 to move the carousel 12 along the rail 18, as will be described in greater detail hereafter. The links of the lower shelf 342 and the hexagonal nails of the transmission 376 are in turn welded to the mounting platform of the emptier 374 so that the lower platforms 372, the mounting platforms of the emptier 374, the lower shelf links 342 and the hexagonal nails of the 376 transmission form an integral unit. The cavities 378 in the lower links 342 are adapted to receive the spherical bearing 344. The bore of the caster 380 in the mounting platform of the caster 374 serves to assemble the caster assembly carrying the wheels 16. The bore of the upper hinge pin 382 on the chuck mounting platform 374 is axially aligned with the bore of the lower hinge pin 384 on the lower platform 372. The chuck 374 mounting platform and the lower platform 372 are spaced apart at the bores 382 and 384 site to receive between them the link 342 of an adjacent shelf. The hinge pin 340 extends through the bore 382, the spherical bearing 344 and through the bore 384. The hinge pins 322 and 340 are axially aligned so that the rail 14 is hinged on these bolts. Each shelves are hinged to their front and rear edges directly with the adjacent shelves, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 7 and 32. There is no other significant flexibility in the storage carousel 12. The upper platforms 370 are substantially identical to the lower platforms 372.

The lower chamferra posts 346 and the inner and outer lower guiding platforms 348 and 350, respectively, serve similar functions to their higher counterparts as described above. The guide platforms 348 and 350 run in straight lines the length of the storage carousel but do not extend around the ends where the shelves rotate between the entry and exit sections. The arms for mounting the guide platform 332 serve to keep the lower and outer guide platforms 350 in place. In the region of the carousel transmission assembly 54 the chamucera posts are replaced with solid rectangular bars that have sufficient strength to support the transmission assembly.

If desired, an earthquake protection measure can be provided by mounting hooks 352 on the panels 14 and using the counters 56 having ribs that are in position to engage with the hooks 352 as the containers 56 are lowered into position on the shelves of the carousel 26 by the inlet conveyors 36. See, for example, Figure 29. The hooks 352 are of such length that they are released from the mouth of the container 56 when the container is lifted off the shelf carousel 26 by exit trucks 38. It can provide greater protection against earthquakes, by example * by supplying brakes 354 on the shelves 26 very close to the lower edge normally exit of the container 56. See, for example, Figures 8 and 29.

The carousel unit 12 is driven through the same line of force that drives the conveyor units. Referring, for example, to Figures 9, 28, 30, 31 and 33, the drive shaft 76, acting by pulleys 78, 82 and 84 and the webs 80 and 86 drives the fourth pulley 87. The fourth pulley 87 is fixed to the drive shaft of the carousel 88. The driven sprockets of the carousel 356 and 358 drive the chains of the carousel transmission 360 and 362, respectively. The carousel drive chains 360 and 362 run around the sprockets awaiting the transmission of the carousels 364 and 366, respectively. The waiting cogwheels 364 and 366 are fixed to the arrow waiting for the transmission of the carousel 368. The chains of the carousel transmission 360 and 362 cooperate in carrying the mandrels of the carousel transmission, typical and illustrated as 390 and 392. The jaws 390 and 392 are adapted to securely hold the individual transmission nails 376 therebetween and move said nails a distance before releasing them, thereby causing the storage carousel 12 to move on the rail 18. The stabilizing blocks , typical and illustrated as 394 and 396, are mounted on and carried by the transmission chains 360 and 362, respectively.

The mechanism provided for driving the jaws 390 and 392 and for keeping them in operative position includes, for example, in addition to the transmission chains 360 and 362, the cam platform of the carousel 386 transmission with a cam surface of the transmission of the carousel 386 388 and stabilizing blocks 394 and 396. The stabilizing blocks 394 and 396 are mounted on arrowheads, typical and illustrated as 398 and 400, which are mounted to the chains of the transmission 360 and 362 by means of platforms. triangular mounting, typical and illustrated as 402, 404, 406 and 408. The chains of the transmission are pressed between the triangular mounting platforms. Jaws 390 and 392 are mounted with movement on their axes on movement arrows on their jaw axis, typical examples of which are illustrated as 410. Arrows 410 extend across all triangular platforms, both transmission chains and both jaws. The jaws are mounted with movement on their axis to the arrows 410 at a site about halfway between the transmission chains 360 and 362. Because the presence of the arrows 410 on the chain links the sprockets 358, 366, 356 and 364 have serrated shapes similar to those illustrated in Figure 24, as necessary to accommodate the aggregate length of the chain link and the presence of arrows 410. The stabilizer blocks 394 and 396 are mounted for a slidable coupling with rectangular bars 412 , 414, 416 and 418. due to the stiffness of the moving structure which includes the stabilizing blocks 394 and 396, the arrow ropes 398 and 400, the triangular mounting platforms 402, 404, 406 and 408 and the arrows with movement on their axis. the jaws 410, the slideable coupling of the stabilizer blocks with the rectangular bars is primarily responsible for preventing the jaws 390 and 393 from rotating out of the plane of the cam platform 386. These rectangular bars are solidly mounted to the rail 18 to help maintain the arrows of the moving carousel in the proper operating position. These rectangular bars extend in a straight line a little more than the length of the transmission assembly of the carousel 54. These rectangular bars are not curved to follow the jaws around the respective ends of the cam platform 386 because in those portions of the trip of the jaws are not under any significant load.

The jaws 390 and 392 have cams driven by other sliders, typical examples of which appear as 420 and 422. The cams driven by other sliders 420 and 422 slide on the circular surface of cam 388 of the cam platform 386 (Figures 30 and 31) as the chains 360 and 362 drive the jaws along the endless cycle defined by the sprockets 356, 364, 358 and 366. The profile of the circular cam surface 388, in cooperation with the cams driven by other sliders 420 and 422, cause the jaws 390 and 392 to engage, hold and then release the nails 376. As, for example, the cam driven by another slide 420 in the station 424 (Figure 31) holds the jaw 390 in a fully pressed configuration, the cam driven by another 422, being in an expanding portion of the cam surface 388, forces the jaw 392 to engage the nail 376. In the station 426 both cams driven by others are on the same level of cam surface 388 and jaws are fully attached to nail 376. A sudden jolt as might occur in an earthquake will not cause nail 376 to move laterally in the opposite direction to the jaws. It only takes one or two sets of jaws to be held on the nails on opposite sides of the carousel at any given time to stabilize the entire carousel because it is not flexible enough to move laterally if it is held at several points. At station 428 the cam driven by another slide 420 has passed to a reduced surface of cam surface 388, thereby releasing nail 376.

The cam driven by another slide 422 also moves to a reduced portion of cam surface 388 to no longer drive bolt 376. This allows the pair of jaws at station 428 to accelerate as they begin their turn without attempting to drive the nail 376 at a faster rate than that in the jaws at station 426. As illustrated particularly at station 424 where the drive chains have been separated and the stabilizer blocks removed, jaw 392 has slots for receive tongue 430 from the accompanying solid jaw.

The conveyor units 30 and 32 are mounted on the grooved wheels 46 which engage the conveyor rails 48. The rails of the conveyor 48 are preferably in the form of circular bars that are welded to the upper edge of the base rail member of the solid conveyor. 432. See for example, Figure 35. The racks of the conveyor 41 and 43 carry the respective forklifts that are driven by the vertical transmission members with free movement 60 and 58. The vertical transmission members move with the conveyor frames. respective but are carried with wheels 62 and 64 that roll on the surfaces of the bars of the rails 75 and 74, respectively. As described above, the rail bars are raised during one half of the cycle of the conveyor units and the second half is lowered to thereby drive those conveyor trolleys which are coupled with the transmission members along the paths 50 and 52. The details of a typical rail bar and the related support structure, joints and vertical transmission member are illustrated, for example, in cross-section in Figure 36. It should also direct attention to Figures 7, 8 and 12 The support member of the exit rail bar 434 mounts one end of the needle with movement on its axis in one bearing and the member of the conveyor rail 432 cups the other end of that needle in a bearing. The link of the rail bar 120 is fixed to the same needle between the members 432 and 434. The other end of the link of the rail bar is fixed to a hole that is stamped into a bearing on the rail rod 175. In Figure 36 the rail bar is illustrated in its lowest position.

A typical transporter assembly is illustrated, for example, in Figure 37. Attention should also be drawn to Figures 7, 8, 12, 38, 39 and 40. The transporter assembly of Figure 37 is illustrated mounted with limited vertical movement within the frame 43 on a common vertical arrow with individual clutches in each conveyor assembly. The cross member of the conveyor truck 436 of the conveyor assembly is mounted on a vertical transmission member 58. The conveyor assembly can not rotate in the plane of the conveyor trucks 38 due to the alignment arms. The bolts indicated at the ends of the alignment arms 442 are there for the purpose of adjustment and are preferably provided with a low friction material where they engage slidably with the face of the frame 43. These bolts can be adjusted to Support any game. The conveyor trucks 38 are mounted by, for example, screws on the transverse member 436 by the internal and external mounting arms 438 and 440, respectively. The mounting arms 438 and 440 are conveniently welded to the transverse member 436. The vertical transmission member 58 is mounted to the conveyor assembly by a mounting hose 444 which generally extends vertically through and is welded to the transverse member. 444. The vertical transmission member 58Í is received in a slidable fit within the first and second bearings 446 and 448. When a particular carrier assembly must be driven during a cycle of the conveyor unit carrying it, while the The rail bar is in its lowest position, a solenoid is actuated to cause a needle 66 to pass through the aligned openings in the mounting hose 444 and the vertical transmission member 5S, thus keeping these structures together. conveyor assembly moves thus upwards with the vertical transmission member when the

Claims (30)

rail bar with which it is related rises to its elevated position. The needle guide of the solenoid switch 450 serves to prevent the load, which the switch needle encounters when coupled with the vertical transmission member and the carrier assembly moves upward, from damaging the solenoid. In particular reference to Figure 41, if desired, an intermediate support station 283 can be provided between the vertical elevator 28 and the storage carousel. In the holding station 283 the holding plates 343 are fixed in place. A double set of conveyor belts 36, for example, carry containers from the vertical elevator 28 to the holding station 283 and a second assembly carries the containers from the holding station 283 to the carousel 12. All the transport trucks move as one unit just like in those copies without present support stations. The holding station 283 is usually not necessary except in those situations where the storage carousel is operated at or very close to its total capacity. Under these operating conditions the speed and efficiency can be improved a little by the inclusion of a holding station. What has been described are preferred examples in which modifications, changes and substitutions and investments of the parties can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
1. The claims are: 1. A storage system for storing and handling individual containers comprising: • "a movably mounted storage carousel unit for a generally horizontal and substantially continuous movement along a generally endless path, said storage carousel unit includes multiple shelves and said shelves include multiple rows of carousel shelves; a storage carousel transmission assembly adapted to drive said storage carousel unit along said endless path; a vertical elevator unit; separate from said storage carousel unit, said vertical lift unit includes a plurality of forklifts, said forklifts are mounted for a generally vertical movement along ascending and descending sections of said vertical elevator unit, the momentary forklift trucks adjacent to the bottom of said vertical elevator unit define a lower level; an inlet conveyor unit that includes a plurality of rows of inlet conveyors, said rows include a lower row, said inlet conveyors are adapted to be driven between said storage carousel unit and said vertical elevator unit in one direction Generally horizontally in substantial synchrony with the movement of said storage carousel unit, the input conveyors are adapted to be individually and selectively driven in a generally vertical direction to engage and release containers, wherein the conveyor unit is adapted for take pre-selected containers from said vertical elevator unit and take them to said storage carousel unit; an output conveyor unit that includes a plurality of rows of output conveyors, said rows include a lower row, said exit conveyors are adapted to be driven between said storage carousel and said vertical elevator unit in a generally vertical direction for attaching and releasing containers in which the outlet conveyor unit is adapted to take pre-selected containers from the storage carousel unit and transfer them to said vertical elevator unit, said lower level in said vertical elevator unit being normally below the bottom row and the lower row of said transport trucks; a conveyor belt section positioned adjacent said vertical elevator unit and adapted to transfer containers to and from said lower level.
2. 2. A storage system of claim 1 wherein the generally endless path along which the storage carousel unit moves includes an entry section and an exit section and said and said transmission assembly for the storage unit. it comprises an endless chain positioned between said inlet and outlet sections and a releasable row coupling mechanism carried by said endless chain, with which the coupling mechanism engages, drives and then releases said rows as they pass through the transmission assembly.
3. 3. A storage system of claim 1 wherein the forklifts in the vertical elevator unit are mounted for a generally vertical intermittent movement over a substantially closed cycle.
4. 4. A storage system of claim 1 wherein said storage carousel transmission assembly is mechanically interconnected with and drives said conveyor units.
5. 5. A storage system of claim 1 wherein the inlet and outlet trucks have a shape and are positioned to connect with the forklifts and the carousel shelves without interference.
6. 6. A storage system of claim 1 wherein the path along which the storage carousel unit moves includes an entry length and an exit length separated by the first and second rotating ends of the rows.
7. 7. A storage system of claim 6 wherein said inlet and outlet ends extend generally parallel to each other separated by a distance approximately equal to the distance between the centers of said rows.
8. 8. A storage system of claim 1 wherein the rows generally comprise rigid panels hinged together along their generally vertical edges to form a link band, guide members generally adjacent to the upper and lower edges of said link band and adapted to prevent lateral movement of said link band, said link band is movably supported on its generally lower edge.
9. 9. A storage system of claim 8 wherein the link band is driven by the storage carousel transmission assembly at a position adjacent said lower edge.
10. 10. A storage system of claim 1 including a conveyor drive assembly that is adapted to move said conveyor units through a complete cycle from the storage carousel to the vertical elevator unit and back to the custom storage carousel that the rows in the storage carousel unit move along said generally endless path the length of approximately one row and a vertical elevator drive assembly adapted to drive said vertical elevator unit a generally vertical height equal to less approximately two levels during said full cycle.
11. 11. A storage system of claim 10 wherein the conveyor transmission assembly is mechanically interconnected with said storage carousel transmission assembly and the vertical elevator transmission assembly is independent of the conveyor transmission assembly and the transmission assembly of the elevator. storage carousel.
12. 12. A storage system of claim 1 wherein said rows have widths that are substantially equal to each and that include a conveyor drive assembly that is adapted to move said conveyor units through a complete cycle from the storage carousel to the vertical elevator unit and back to the storage carousel as the rows in the storage carousel unit move along said generally endless path about the width of a row.
13. 13. A storage system of claim 1 wherein each row of carousel shelves has a row of inbound conveyor belts and a row of output conveyor belts operatively adjacent thereto; wherein a first container can be removed from and a second container can be inserted into each row of said storage carousel unit during a complete cycle.
14. 14. A storage system of claim 1 wherein said conveyor unit includes a free-motion transmission member operatively related to said independently movable conveyors and latches that are operatively interconnected with said individual free-motion transmission member and with individual conveyors.
15. 15. A storage system of claim 14 wherein vertically mounted freely moving transmission members are adapted to move with said conveyor units and are adapted to be driven with vertical movement during each cycle of said conveyor units.
16. 16. A storage system for storing and handling individual containers comprising: support means arranged in a plurality of rows over a plurality of rows on a substantially continuous moving storage unit to removably support individual storage containers, each of said rows generally includes a plurality of rows of said support means, each of said rows having a width; transmission means for the carousel for substantially continuously moving said storage carousel unit along an endless path; a vertical transfer unit separated from said storage carousel unit; conveyor belt means for receiving storage containers from and delivering storage containers to said transfer unit; conveyor means for transferring storage containers selected generally horizontally between said storage carousel unit and the vertical transfer unit, said conveying means include exit means for selectively coupling and removing storage containers from said support means and delivering them to said storage means. transfer unit and entry means for selectively coupling and removing storage containers from said transfer unit and delivering them to said support means; and switches for substantially continuously moving said input and output means between the transfer unit and the storage carousel in synchronization with said carousel transmission means and selectively actuating said input and output means for selectively coupling and transferring storage containers. Individuals between said transfer unit and said storage carousel unit, said transfer unit includes movable shelves to support the storage containers and take them generally vertically between the conveyor means and the conveyor belt means, said switches moving said means of transport. exit and entry through a complete cycle from said storage carousel unit to said transfer unit and back to said storage carousel unit while said transmission means moves said storage carousel unit to or along said generally endless path a distance approximately equal to the width of one of said rows.
17. 17. A storage system of claim 16 wherein there is generally at least one exit means and an entry means for each row of support means.
18. 18. A storage system for storing and handling individual containers comprising: support means arranged in a plurality of rows and columns to movably support individual storage containers, each of said columns having a width: transmission means for moving in a substantially continuous manner said support means along a generally endless path to and from a supporting position; a transfer unit separated from said support position, said transfer unit includes a plurality of movable shelves to movably support said storage containers on the ascending and descending sections of said transfer unit; conveyor belt means for receiving storage containers from and delivering storage containers to said shelves; conveyor means for selectively coupling and transferring pre-selected storage containers between the support means and the shelves, with a level of support means generally for each of said columns of support means, said conveyor means including input means for inserting storage containers on said support means and exit means for extracting containers from said support means; switches for moving said conveyor means between the transfer unit and the holding position in synchrony with said transmission means and for selectively coupling said conveyor means with individual storage containers, said switches adapted to move said conveyor means through a complete cycle from said support position to said transfer unit and back to said support position while said transmission means move said support means along said endless path a distance approximately equal to the width of one of said columns where a plurality of storage containers of each of said columns in said support position can be transferred between the support position and the transfer unit during a complete cycle.
19. 19. A storage system of claim 18 wherein said support means is mounted on a plurality of rows, said rows comprising generally rigid panels hinged together for an articulation along generally vertical axes to form an endless link band, guide means for preventing said endless link band from moving laterally and traction means for supporting said link band in a movement along said generally endless path. F
20. 20. A storage system of claim 19 wherein said transmission means is mounted in a transmission position adjacent said endless path and includes latches that are capable of opening to positively engage, propel and then release individual members of said rows as they move in front of said transmission position, at least one of said rows is positively coupled by said latch at all times.
21. 21. A storage system of claim 18 which includes means for transmitting racks to urge said racks intermittently in a generally vertical direction, said support means is driven substantially continuously in a generally horizontal direction and said racking transmission means are capable of of driving said shelves at such a rate that they travel at a vertical distance approximately equal to at least the distance between said two rows of support means during said complete cycle.
22. 22. A storage system of claim 21 including means for transferring a plurality of containers between a level of said shelves and said conveyor means during one of said complete cycles.
23. 23. A storage system of claim 18 including at least one shelf for each said support means column, wherein all the storage containers on the support means in said first column can be transferred to said transfer unit and all the support means in a second column can be filled with storage containers from said transfer unit during a complete cycle.
24. 24. A storage system of claim 18 wherein there is at least one more level of shelves than the levels of conveyor means, said conveyor means being positioned to exchange storage containers with said transfer means at a level of shelves where there is no corresponding level of conveyor means.
25. 25. A storage system comprising a transfer unit with a plurality of movable shelves in a generally vertical manner, a conveyor unit operatively positioned adjacent to said transfer unit, a storage carousel unit and a conveyor unit operatively positioned between the unit of transfer and storage carousel unit and adapted to transfer storage containers between said transfer unit and said storage carousel unit, said carousel unit includes a plurality of individual removable storage containers arranged in a plurality of rows and columns on said carousel unit, said conveyor unit includes a level of coupling members for storage containers for approximately each of said row, said coupling members for storage containers can be moved in an inventive manner. rsa in (1) a longitudinal direction between said storage carousel unit and said shelves with vertical movement and (2) a vertical direction for contacting and lifting at least one of said storage containers from one of said shelves with vertical movement: a transmission assembly of the carousel mounted in a fixed position adjacent to < said storage carousel unit and adapted to secure and drive at least one of said rows at a time a short distance at a substantially constant rate along a closed endless road; and a conveyor drive mechanism adapted to drive the conveyor unit between the storage carousel unit and the transfer unit.
26. 26. A storage system of claim 25 wherein said carousel drive assembly is interconnected with and drives said conveyor unit.
27. 27. A storage system of claim 25 wherein said carousel drive assembly includes cam driven jaws positioned to engage and hold the nails carried by said rows.
28. 28. A storage system of claim 25 wherein said storage carousel unit is mounted for a generally horizontal movement along an endless cycle with generally parallel entry and exit lengths, said carousel transmission assembly being mounted between said sections and adapted couple coupled substantially simultaneously with the rows on each of said sections.
29. 29. A storage system of claim 25 wherein said carousel drive assembly includes cam driven jaws positioned to engage and secure the nails carried by said rows, said jaws are mounted in an endless chain cycle for movement on said cams.
30. 30. A storage system comprising a transfer unit with a plurality of shelves with generally vertical movement, a conveyor belt unit operatively positioned adjacent to said transfer unit, a storage carousel unit and a conveyor unit operatively positioned between said transfer unit. and the storage carousel unit and adapted to carry the storage containers between said transfer unit and said storage carousel unit, said storage carousel unit includes a transmission assembly adapted to drive the storage carousel unit to a storage carousel unit. substantially constant rhythm along a closed endless path, a transmission mechanism operatively associated with the conveyor unit and adapted to drive said conveyor unit along a generally reciprocal path between the transfer unit and the unit d of storage carousel, said transmission assembly and said transmission mechanism are coordinated with each other, said carousel unit includes a plurality of removable individual storage containers arranged in a plurality of rows and columns on said carousel unit, each of said rows generally occupying a level, said conveyor unit includes a level of container engaging members For storage of approximately each of said rows, said transfer unit extends generally vertically to an empty level beyond the levels of said rows, said conveyor unit being positioned to inject and extract containers from said unit of transport. transfer in said empty level. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION A storage system that includes a storage area for containers in the form of a carousel of multiple rows and multiple rows for vertical conveyor belts and inlet and outlet conveyor units for transporting on the conveyor belt the containers between the vertical conveyor belt and the storage carousel. The vertical conveyor belt includes a loading area that is below the new operatives of the conveyor units. The storage arrusel and the conveyor units are driven by a mechanically common synchronized transmission. The vertical conveyor belt is pulsed intermittently and independently of the transitions of the rest of the system. IN WITNESS WHEREOVER, I sign this description and claim in Mexico, Federal District on the 29th day of the month of April of 1996. P.P. ROBERT D. LICHTI