CN1646780A - storage station - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage station comprising at least one basic structure or module (2a, 2b), each module comprising: -a lifting mechanism (50) with a quadrangular platform (11) and means (51-59), which lifting mechanism (50) moves said platform (11) along a vertical shaft (12) so that said platform (11) is in several positions along said shaft (12) corresponding to different levels (L1, L2 … Ln); a plurality of boxes (13) located at each of said different levels and arranged around the lift shaft, one side of each box being adjacent a respective side of the shaft, each box being arranged to receive a trolley (14) on which the objects to be stored are placed; means for translating the trolley and allowing the loading and unloading of the trolley onto and from the platform, wherein said loading and unloading are carried out according to mutually perpendicular directions by following suitable guides (16) crossed on the platform itself.

Description

storage station

The invention relates to a storage station for automatic storage of different kinds of objects, such as cars, pallets.

Automated multi-storey storage stations have long been known to be built as external (above-ground) structures and as underground structures.

Examples of automatic storage systems particularly suitable for automobiles are disclosed in DE4334973 and WO01/04439.

However, the known solutions require complex systems and offer few advantages, since most of these solutions require the movement of many elements in order to put the new object in the required position.

An object of the invention is to provide a storage station which is rational, cheap and simple to manufacture and manage.

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by a storage system as claimed in the appended claims.

According to the invention, the storage station comprises one or more individual basic structures or modules arranged side by side to form a storage station with very high space utilization.

Advantageously, the storage station of the invention comprises one lifting service for each module, with up to four boxes arranged in a cross for each level. The loading displacement is done by means of a trolley which is translated from and towards the lifting platform in mutually perpendicular directions along appropriate rails, such as rails, which intersect each other on the platform itself.

The need for rotational movement of the lifting platform or relative trolley movement is thus avoided, thereby making the station more compact and functional.

Further in accordance with the invention, advantageously, the translation of the trolley relative to the platform is obtained by means of a chain and sprocket system located below the lifting platform.

Thus, all components for moving the trolley are assembled on each lifting platform, with subsequent advantages from independent fixing points. Mutual independence of the basic structure or modules allows complete mutual isolation thereby, so that damage caused by fire or explosion involving one or more modules can be greatly reduced.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the preferred but not exclusive embodiments therein, which can be shown by the non-limiting reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a basic structure or module of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the module shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a storage station for multiple modules of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a platform;

Figure 5 is a front view of the platform shown in Figure 4, when the platform is in the first position (stop position);

Figure 6 is a front view of the platform shown in Figure 4, when the platform is in the second position (operating position);

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view of the platform shown in Fig. 4 along line A-A;

Figure 8 is a detailed side view of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the lifting mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the lifting mechanism shown in FIG. 9 .

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the storage station 1 of the present invention consists of a multi-storey modular structure and a plurality of boxes 13 comprising a lifting mechanism 50 which is placed in a shaft 12 located in the center of the module by suitable means. Vertically moving in the shaft 12 , while the boxes 13 have a shape and surface corresponding to the plan of the shaft 12 , on different levels L1 , L2 . . . Ln of the storage station 1 .

Preferably four boxes 13 are arranged on each level. The boxes have a square shape, preferably rectangular, and are arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement around the lifting mechanism 50 such that one side of each box 13 is adjacent to a side of the shaft 12 in which the lifting mechanism 50 moves.

As shown in Fig. 3, the storage station 1 comprises a first module 2a having a cross-shaped layout and a second module 2b having a T-shaped layout. The first module 2a will be located in the center of the structure, while the second module 2b will be placed along the perimeter of the structure.

Figure 3 relates to a car park and shows a logical arrangement of thirty three modules 2a, 2b in an area of approximately ^1800m2 (24m x 75m). The structure provides more than 600 car parks using five storey modules, and as in the case of an underground station, the structure requires a foundation pit approximately 11 meters deep.

The modules 2a, 2b are arranged side by side such that in each first module 2a three consecutive sides out of twelve sides of the intersecting perimeter are adjacent to three sides of each adjacent module. Such an arrangement allows a rational utilization of the available space, but also allows pre-determining a specific level, such as ground level, to enter each lifting mechanism 50 and likewise to exit via an inclined travel path (dotted line in FIG. 3 ). Thus, an optimum path to the lift mechanism 50 is obtained, while providing easy vehicle entry into the lift mechanism 50 and egress from the lift mechanism 50 .

The structure could also be built on the ground, without the need for ramps, with a lightweight weather cover provided on top of each lifting mechanism.

Each lifting mechanism 50 in each module 2 a , 2 b is provided with a rectangular platform 11 which can reach different levels L1 , L2 . . . Ln of the storage station 1 .

Each box 13 can accommodate a trolley 14 on which objects to be stored are placed. Each trolley 14 will also be provided with wheels or bearings 15 and will preferably be dedicated to a single case 13 .

According to architectural requirements, each level L1, L2...Ln of the storage station 1 may comprise from one to four boxes 13, so that in the case of an underground storage station, the said structure is adapted to the topography, or In the case of ground storage stations, a specific aesthetic shape is achieved.

Each storage module 2a, 2b forms an independent unit, and this makes the storage station advantageously versatile: in fact, it is possible to store from a small number of cars as required for a small apartment building To thousands of cars in the parking lot of a commercial area or an industrial area.

As mentioned above, in the case of a car park, the platform 11 is suitably of rectangular shape, dimensioned to accommodate a single car 10 . However, the invention can also be built to utilize platforms having different shapes, such as a square plan, and the suitable size depends on the objects being stored.

Referring now to Figures 4-6, platform 11 has a base 11a from which a series of uprights 11b project upwardly. The uprights 11b are arranged to support the plane 11c, which has hollow rails 16 intended to guide the wheels 15 of the trolley 14 when the trolley 14 is loaded onto and unloaded from the platform 11 .

The wheels 15 of the trolley 14 are oriented in dependence on mutually perpendicular directions along which the trolley 14 can move from and to the platform 11, and the wheels 15 are arranged in parallel rows so as to correspond to the hollow rails 16 provided on the platform 11 .

Corresponding rails are also provided in the box 13 to guide the trolley 14 and keep the wheels 15 therein in line with the rails of the platform 11 .

Rails 16 on platform 11 are oriented according to two perpendicular directions to allow movement of any cart 14 longitudinally and transversely relative to platform 11 .

Said trolley translation means allowing loading and unloading of the trolley 14 to and from the platform 11 are located between the plane 11c of the platform 11 and the base 11a.

Such means for translating the trolley 14 include chains or belts 30a, 30b arranged along mutually perpendicular axes parallel to the sides of the platform 11, and the chains or belts 30a, 30b are connected to Several pairs of sprockets or ring gears or pulleys 31 cooperate, and these sprockets or ring gears or pulleys 31 are driven by electric motors (not shown) also located in the base of platform 11 .

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention there are at least six chains 30a, 30b arranged in an H-shape. As shown in Figure 4, four chains 30a are arranged near and parallel to the smaller side of the platform 11, while the other two chains 30b are arranged perpendicular to the first chain along the centerline of the platform.

The chains 30a, 30b are also provided with a series of engaging elements 40 arranged to couple with the trolley 14 to move the trolley from the platform 11 onto the box 13 and vice versa. The elements 40 protrude from the platform plane 11c through corresponding notches 17 formed in the plane 11c.

Advantageously, the chains 30a, 30b and the corresponding notches 17 are of such length and arrangement that they do not interfere with each other.

The chain wheels 31 with which the chains 30a, 30b engage are arranged in pairs on the swing arms 32', 32", and the swing arms 32' can be rotated to the outside of the platform 11 by known means, such as pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders (not shown). ), while the swing arm 32" moves following the movement of the swing arm 32' and is held resiliently by the device as a tensioning device.

Due to the swing arms 32', 32", each chain 30a, 30b can have two positions: a first or stop position in which each chain 30a, 30b is located within the perimeter of the platform 11, thereby allowing the platform to move along the vertical movement of the shaft 12; and a second or operative position in which a portion of each chain 30a, 30b protrudes beyond the side edge of the platform 11 and is engaged by a member 40 with the trolley 14 in the corresponding box 13.

An H-pattern with six chains 30a, 30b allows two chains 30a to protrude from each major side of the platform 11 and one chain 30b to protrude from each minor side of the platform.

When the operating position is reached, in which each chain 30a, 30b protrudes from the platform 11 and the element 40 is in position for coupling with the trolley 14, the swing arm 32' is braked so that the corresponding chain 30a, 30b can be safely translated trolley14.

Three engaging elements 40 are preferably provided and are arranged such that they enter successively into respective seats 19 formed below the trolley 14, whereby the trolley depends on the direction of rotation of the respective chain from and to the platform. 11 moves.

The trolley 14 is locked to the platform 11 by a detent (not shown) protruding from the platform itself, such as a brake/clip. Once the trolley 14 is locked, the swing arm 32" is released and the swing arm 32' returns to the stop position. The platform 11 can thus move along the shaft 12 and bring the trolley to a level for loading/unloading objects to be stored. A new After the loading of the platform 11, the platform 11 is displaced until it reaches the level corresponding to the starting box. After the trolley 14 is released from the stop and the swing arms 32', 32" are rotated towards the outside of the platform 11, due to the rotation of the chain, the same trolley 14 with its load is placed into the box again through the engaging element 40 .

The platform 11 will be moved along the shaft 12 as required, that is to say the platform 11 will be moved to start the loading operation with an empty trolley from the corresponding bin 13 or with a loaded trolley for unloading stored objects.

As better shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , each engagement element 40 includes a roller 41 , preferably made of non-rigid material, supported by a pair of double forks 42 . One end of said double fork 42 is secured to the respective chain 30a, 30b by pins 46 at two suitably spaced links 33 of said chain 30a, 30b. Moreover, at the other end, the double fork 42 is pivotally connected with the roller 41 through a pivot pin 44 , and the roller 41 can rotate around the pivot pin 44 .

The pin 46 slides (with or without the aid of coaxial bearings or bushings) along the slot 17 in guide rails 47 located on either side of each chain 30a, 30b and fixed below the plane 11c, so that when the engaging element 40 When engaged in the seat 19, the fork 42 is stabilized during movement of the chains 30a, 30b.

Each fork 42 consists of two brackets 43 shaped so as to define, when connected to each other, a seat for the roller 41, a straight section through the notch 17 and a section for the chains 30a, 30b. Seat for link 33. In order to make the bifurcation 42 high in strength, the bracket 43 is welded along the contact portion 43a.

If these engaging elements 40 protrude appropriately so as to engage with appropriate seats or protrusions provided in the trolley 14, even though the engaging elements 40 have been disclosed with regard to the preferred embodiment, it is possible to manufacture engaging elements of different shapes, such as teeth or stops. Plate shape (bafle).

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a lifting device or mechanism 50 for moving the platform 11 vertically along the shaft 12 is disclosed.

Said lifting mechanism 50 comprises four chains 51 fastened to the corners of the platform 11 and encircling corresponding sprockets 52 fastened on two shafts 55 atop the lifting mechanism 50, and said The two axes 55 are parallel to each other and adjacent to the smaller side of the platform 11 .

An electric motor 58 is provided to rotate the shaft 55 and thus allow the platform 11 of the lifting mechanism 50 to be moved up and down. The electric motor 58 drives the shaft 55 through a drive gear 59 , the second shaft 56 and a pair of worm gear reducers 57 .

Each chain 51 is also provided at its free end with a counterweight which can slide in a suitable seat 54 provided beside the shaft 12 of the hoisting mechanism 50 . Preferably, the counterweights slide in tubular elements with square or rectangular cross-section, which are located at the corners of the shaft 12 and also serve as structural elements of the modules.

Thanks to such an arrangement of shaft and reducer, it is possible to obtain the double advantage of synchronizing the chain traction while loading the shaft with the torque to be translated to the sprockets, thereby reducing the weight on the other drive elements.

Further important advantages are: construction simplification, reduced space occupation in height and width and accessibility of all drive and control devices at the plane of site. In the case of underground stations, no accessibility advantage is provided by hydraulic lifting systems.

The advantageous mechanical solution described is also suitable for replacing four chains with four cables, each anchored at one end at a platform corner and at the other end at a corresponding cylinder with helical grooves in a winch , the cylinder thus replaces each sprocket. This arrangement requires no counterweights.

For safety reasons, it is even more necessary to isolate each shaft to prevent the entry of people or animals when the platform is moving. For this purpose, the shaft is provided with a perimeter railing which is lowered to ground level when the platform is to be moved. Said railing will advantageously comprise a suitably supported and driven rectangular frame along the perimeter of the shaft fastened to chains anchored to the floor slightly below the level of the site. Said chains, preferably interdigitated, can be easily extended when the frame is raised and can be gathered under the frame when the frame is lowered, without the need for suitable, cumbersome guides. Utilizing metal chains also allows high voltage electrification, which is suitable for keeping animals away.

Electronic and electromechanical means may also be provided for the automatic lifting mechanism 50, proper positioning and driving translation of the trolley 14 at different levels.

Furthermore, control, safety and management devices for car parks or storage stations are provided.

The present invention does not disclose means that would be readily conceivable to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims (17)

1. A storage station comprising at least one basic structure or module (2a, 2b), each basic structure or module comprising: a lifting mechanism (50) provided with a quadrangular platform (11) and means for raising and lowering said platform (11) along a vertical shaft (12) such that said platform (11) at several positions along said shaft (12) corresponding to different levels (L1, L2...Ln); a plurality of boxes (13) located at each of said different levels (L1, L2...Ln) and arranged around the shaft (12) of the lifting mechanism (50), each box (13) One side of which is adjacent to the corresponding side of the shaft (12), each box (13) is arranged to accommodate a trolley (14) on which objects to be stored are placed; It is characterized in that each trolley (14) can translate directly from its box (13) to the platform (11) and vice versa in a direction perpendicular to the adjoining line between said box (13) and said shaft (12) ground translation, and the platform (11) is provided with mutually perpendicular guide rails (16) for guiding the trolley (14) to move from and to any side of the platform (11). 2. A storage station according to claim 1, wherein said platform (11) and said boxes (13) have a square or rectangular plan, and in each level four of said boxes ( 13) Arranged around said shaft (12) so as to define a basic structure or module (2a, 2b) with a cross-shaped plan. 3. A storage station according to claim 1, wherein said platform (11) and said boxes (13) have a square or rectangular plan, and in each level three of said boxes ( 13) Arranged around said shaft (12) so as to define a basic structure or module (2a, 2b) with a T-shaped plan. 4. Storage station according to claim 2 and/or 3, comprising basic structures or modules (2a, 2b) with cross-shaped and/or T-shaped planes, each module (2a, 2b) comprising an associated The corresponding lifting mechanism (50) of the box (13), said modules (2a, 2b) are arranged adjacent to each other, so that each module has three consecutive sides on its periphery with each adjacent The modules (2a, 2b) are adjacent on three sides. 5. Storage station according to claim 1, wherein said trolley (14) is provided with wheels or bearings (15) cooperating with said mutually perpendicular guide rails (16) on which the trolley (14) moves The wheels are positioned in two different directions, the trolley (14) follows (follow) during translation from the platform (11) to the adjacent box (13) and vice versa, and the guide rails (16) preferably It is a hollow rail. 6. A storage station according to claim 1, wherein the platform (11) of each lifting mechanism (50) is provided with first means for moving the trolley (14) in east-west and west-east directions , and second means for moving the trolley (14) in north-south and south-north directions, said means comprising at least one closed-loop chain or belt (30a, 30b) supported and driven by suitable sprockets or pulleys ), and said closed loop chain or belt (30a, 30b) has at least one toothed engaging element or other engaging element (40), and these engaging elements (40) are arranged to be coupled with the trolley (14) to be moved, said The mobile device can be in a first position or a stop position, in which the chain (30a, 30b) exists within the peripheral range of the platform (11), and said mobile device can also be in a second position or an operating position, In this position, a portion of said chain (30a, 30b) protrudes beyond the side edge of the platform (11), so that said engaging element (40) can engage with a corresponding seat (19) in said trolley (14). ) engagement, thereby allowing the carriage (14) to move from and to the platform (11). 7. A storage station according to claim 6, wherein said sprocket or pulley (31) is mounted on a swing arm (32', 32") pivotally connected to a platform (11) such that said mobile device is in said first and second positions. 8. A storage station according to claim 6, wherein the number of said engaging elements (40) for each chain or belt (30a, 30b) is such that in said chain or belt (30a, 30b ) rotation allows complete translation of the cart (14) from the box (13) to the platform (11) and vice versa. 9. A storage station according to claim 6, wherein each of said moving means comprises at least two pairs of sprockets or pulleys (31), each pair of sprockets or pulleys (31) comprising A first sprocket or pulley (31) on the shaft on which the arm (32', 32") is pivotally mounted, and a first sprocket loosely mounted on the opposite end of said swing arm (32', 32") or pulleys (31), whereby, due to the semi-rotation of said swinging arms (32', 32"), a deformable parallelogram system is obtained which can be deformed to allow a said A second sprocket or pulley (31) is positioned under the trolley (14). 10. A storage station according to claim 9, wherein each swing arm (32') pivotally mounted near the outer edge of the platform (11) is provided with drive means for driving the swing of the arm, and wherein each The swing arm (32") that is pivotally mounted in the almost central position is provided with a resilient tensioner that keeps said chain or belt (30a, 30b) taut, and each swing arm ( 32") is also provided with a brake which will swing the arm (32" ) lock. 11. A storage station according to claim 6, wherein the engaging element (40) for the attachment of the trolley (14) comprises a pair of double forks (42) fastened to said chain or belt (30a, 30b) ), the two forks (42) engage each other and are pivotally connected with the chain or belt (30a, 30b) by a pin (45), thereby determining that the engaging element (40) is triangular and allowing the engaging element (40) Deform along a curved path. 12. Storage station according to claim 11, wherein said fork (42) is laterally extended from said The chains or belts (30a, 30b) protrude so that bearings or bushings, with or without interspersed bearings, can slide within appropriate longitudinal guides (47), thereby ensuring that the engaging elements (40) are in place during translation of the trolley (14). Stability under pressure. 13. Storage station according to claim 1, wherein, for moving the platform (11) of the lifting mechanism (50), four open chains (51) are provided, each chain having one end fastened to the platform (11) One corner, while the other end is fastened to a corresponding counterweight (53), each chain (51) is supported atop by a corresponding sprocket (52) mounted on the motor drive shaft. 14. A storage station according to claim 13, wherein there are provided two motor-driven parallel drive shafts (55) arranged on top of the shaft (12), each motor drive shaft (55) supporting two of the sprocket (52), and wherein for each said shaft (15) is provided with a worm gear reducer (57), said reducer (57) is driven by a single motor (58) through a drive gear (59) and a second Two shafts (46) drive. 15. Storage station according to claim 13, comprising a vertical guide rail (54), preferably consisting of a tubular element with a square or rectangular section, said guide rail (54) being part of the lifting mechanism (50) The structural element of the shaft (12) and it is arranged so that the guide rail (54) allows the sliding of said counterweight (53) therein. 16. Storage station according to claim 1, wherein movement of the platform (11) is also accomplished by cables, each cable anchored at the bottom end to a respective corner of the platform and at the top end to a winch on the corresponding rotatable cylinder. 17. A storage station according to claim 1, wherein each shaft (12) is surrounded by a vertically movable railing comprising a frame arranged along the perimeter of the shaft, the frame being fastened to an anchor to the floor on the chains slightly below the site level to such an extent that when the frame is lowered vertically to ground level the chains can gather below said site level.

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