ES2276051T3 - STORAGE INSTALLATION. - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage installation comprising at least one basic installation or module (2a, 2b), each module including: 5 -a lift (50) equipped with a quadrangular platform (11) and with means (51-59) to move said platform (11) along a vertical shaft (12) to make said platform take several positions corresponding to different levels (Ll, L2...Ln) along said shaft; -a plurality of boxes ( 13) located at each of said different levels 10 and arranged around the lift shaft, one side of each box being adjacent to a corresponding side of the shaft, each box being arranged to house a trolley (14) on which the object(s) to be stored is (are) placed; -means for translating the trolleys and allowing trolley loading 15 and unloading onto and from the platform according to mutually perpendicular directions, by following suitable guides (16) intersecting onto the platform itself.

Description

Storage facility

The present invention relates to a storage facility for automated storage of objects of different types, such as cars or pallets.

Facilities have been known for a long time automated multi-storey storage to build both surface structures and structures underground.

In documents DE4334973 and WO01 / 04439, describe examples of automated storage systems Especially suitable for cars.

In the document US-A-5,069,592 describes another example of storage facility for vehicles, in which the preamble of claim 1 is based.

However, known solutions require complex systems and are hardly advantageous, since they require, mostly, move a plurality of elements to locate a New object in the desired position.

It is an object of the present invention provide a storage facility that is rational and Cheap and simple to manufacture and manage.

The previous object and others of the present invention are achieved with the storage facility according to the annexed claims.

According to the invention, the installation comprises a or more basic installations or autonomous modules, which are arranged side by side to form installations with a exploitation of space very high.

Advantageously, the installation of storage according to the invention comprises, for each module, a elevator that serves, on each level, up to four Cross-shaped compartments. The displacement of the loading is done by wagons, which move to and from the elevator platform according to the directions mutually perpendicular along suitable guides, for example rails, that intersect on the platform itself.

Thus, the need for movements is avoided elevator platform or displacement rotary relative of the wagon, so the structure of the Installation becomes more compact and functional.

Furthermore, according to the invention, it is obtained in a manner advantageous the transfer of the wagon in relation to the platform by chain and sprocket systems located below the elevator platform

Thus, all the elements to move the Vans are grouped on the platform of each elevator, with the consequent advantages from the point of view of autonomy. The mutual independence of the basic facilities or modules allows a complete mutual isolation of them, so that they can considerably reduce damage caused by fire or  explosions with respect to one or more modules.

Other features and advantages of the invention they will become more apparent from the description of a form of preferred embodiment, but not the only one, of which shows as a non-limiting indication in the drawings that are accompany, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a basic installation or module according to the invention;

fig. 2 is a top view of the module shown in fig. one;

fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a multi-storey storage facility according to the invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic view from above of a platform;

fig. 5 is a front view of the platform shown in fig. 4, in a first position (position in empty);

fig. 6 is a front view of the platform shown in fig. 4, in a second position (position of functioning);

fig. 7 is a partial transverse view taken along the A-A line of the platform shown in fig. 4;

fig. 8 is a side view of a detail of fig. 7;

fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the elevator;

fig. 10 is a view from the top of the elevator shown in fig. 9.

With reference to figs. 1 and 2, the installation of storage 1 according to the invention consists of a structure multi-storey modular comprising an elevator 50, which moves vertically with suitable means in a recess 12 located centrally in the module, and a plurality of compartments 13, with shape and surface corresponding to the plane of the gap 12, located at various levels L_ {1}, L_ {2} ... L_ {n} of the installation 1.

Four are preferably provided 13 compartments on each level. The compartments are shaped quadrangular, preferably rectangular and are located in a cruciform arrangement around elevator 50, so that a side of each compartment 13 is adjacent to one side of the gap 12 in which elevator 50 moves.

As shown in fig. 3, installation 1 comprises first modules 2a with cruciform plane, and seconds 2b modules with T-shaped plane. The first 2a modules are they will be located in the center of the structure and the second modules 2b will be they will locate along the perimeter of the structure.

Fig. 3 refers to a parking lot and shows the rational arrangement of thirty-three modules 2a, 2b in one area of approximately 1,800 m2 (24 m x 75 m). The structure provides more than 600 parking spaces using modules five floors, which require an excavation of approximately 11 m deep in case of underground installation.

The modules 2a, 2b are arranged side by side on the other so that in each first module 2a, three sides Consecutive between the twelve sides of the cross perimeter are contiguous on three sides of each attached module. This arrangement it allows a rational exploitation of the available space and also, allows you to reserve a specific level, for example at ground level, to enter each elevator 50 and exit it through tracks of oblique circulation (dashed lines in fig. 3). Thus you get optimal access to elevators 50 while allows cars to enter and exit elevator 50 with ease.

The structure can also be built in the surface, without ramps, providing covers Light against bad weather at the top of each elevator fifty.

Each elevator 50 of each module 2a, 2b is equipped with a rectangular platform 11 that can reach various levels L_ {1}, L_ {2} ... L_ {n} of the installation one.

Each compartment 13 can accommodate a wagon 14 in which the object (s) that are placed It must be stored. In addition, each wagon 14 will be equipped with wheels or bearings 15 and preferably they will service exclusively to a single compartment 13.

According to the architectural requirements, each level L_ {1}, L_ {2} ... L_ {n} of installation 1 can comprise of one to four compartments 13, to adapt the structure to the soil shape, in case of underground installation, or to the way concrete aesthetic to be achieved, in case of installation in the surface.

Each storage module 2a, 2b forms a independent unit, and this makes the installation of storage is advantageously versatile: in fact, it will be possible store, combining a convenient number of modules, from a small amount of cars, as required for buildings Small apartments, up to thousands of cars for parking of commercial or industrial centers.

In the case of a parking facility, the platform 11 is properly rectangular in shape, as has been described above, with the right size to accommodate a single car 10. However, the invention can also be built using platforms with different shapes, for example, with plane square, and with the appropriate size according to the objects that must be stored

With reference now to figs. 4 to 6, the platform 11 has a base 11a from which an assembly protrudes from uprights 11b up. The uprights 11b are arranged to support a plane 11c with hollow rails 16 provided for guide the wheels 15 of the wagons 14 while they are loaded and download from platform 11.

The wheels 15 of the wagons 14 are oriented according to mutually perpendicular directions to what along which wagons 14 can move from and to the platform 11 and are arranged in parallel rows to correspond to the hollow rails 16 provided on the platform eleven.

Rails are also provided corresponding in compartments 13 to guide the wagons 14 and keep the wheels 15 thereof in alignment with respect to platform 11 rails.

Lanes 16 of platform 11 are oriented according to the two perpendicular directions to allow to move any wagon 14 both longitudinally and transversely with respect to platform 11.

The means of transfer of the wagon, which they allow loading and unloading the wagons 14 on platform 11, are located between plane 11c and base 11a of the platform eleven.

These means to move vans 14 they comprise chains or belts 30a, 30b, which are arranged as length of mutually perpendicular axes parallel to the sides of platform 11 and that cooperate with the pairs of sprockets or crown gears or pulleys 31, driven by motors (not show) also located at the base of platform 11.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least six chains 30a, 30b are provided, arranged in an H-shaped pattern. There are four 30th chains arranged near the minor sides of platform 11 and parallel to them, while there are two other chains 30b arranged perpendicularly to the first along the line center of platform 11, as shown in fig. Four.

Chains 30a, 30b are also provided with a set of connecting elements 40 arranged to engage with the vans 14 and move them from platform 11 to the compartments 13 and vice versa. The elements 40 protrude from the platform plane 11c through corresponding slots 17 formed in plane 11c.

Advantageously, chains 30a, 30b and corresponding slots 17 have such length and arrangement They do not interfere with each other.

The cogwheels 31, with which they mesh the chains 30a, 30b, are arranged in pairs on the arms oscillating 32 ', 32' '. The arms 32 'can be rotated with means known as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (not shown), towards the outside of the platform 11 while the arms 32 '' follow the movements of the arms 32 'and hold back  elastic with a device that acts as a tensioner.

Thanks to the swinging arms 32 ', 32' ', each chain 30a, 30b can take two positions: a first position, or empty position, in which each chain 30a, 30b remains within the perimeter of platform 11, thereby allowing that the platform moves vertically along the gap 12, and a second position, or operating position, in which a part of each chain 30a, 30b protrudes beyond the edge of the  platform 11 and joins, through one of the elements 40, with the wagon 14 inside the corresponding compartment 13.

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

When the operating position is achieved, in which each chain 30a, 30b protrudes from platform 11 and the element 40 is in proper position to engage with the wagon 14, the arm 32 'is braked so that the chain corresponding 30a, 30b can move the wagon 14 so safe.

Three elements are preferably provided junction 40 and are configured so that they successively enter each corresponding seat 19 formed on the bottom surface of wagon 14, so that the wagons move from and towards platform 11 according to the direction of rotation of the chain correspondent.

The wagon 14 locks on the platform 11 with immobilization means (not shown), for example a brake / anchor, protruding from the platform itself 11. Once that the carriage 14 has been locked, the arms 32 '' are released and they bring the arms 32 'back to the empty position. By consequently, platform 11 can move along the gap 12 and bring the wagon 14 to the loading / unloading level of the Objects to be stored. After receiving a new one load, platform 11 moves to the level corresponding to the initial compartment. The same wagon 14, with its load, in the compartment by connecting elements 40 thanks to the rotation of the chain, after that wagon 14 has been released from the immobilization means and after the oscillating arms 32 ', 32' 'have turned towards the outside of the platform 11.

Platform 11 will move along the gap 12 according to needs, that is, it will move to catch an empty wagon of a corresponding compartment 13 for start the loading maneuver, or to take a loaded wagon to download the object (s) stored (s).

As best shown in figs. 7 and 8, each connecting element 40 comprises a roller 41, preferably made with non-rigid material, supported by a pair of double forks 42. Said double forks 42 are secured at one end, with bolts 46, to a corresponding chain 30a, 30b, in two links separated 33 from said chain 30a, 30b. Also, on the other end, said forks 42 are pivotally connected in correspondence to said roller 41 through pivot bolt 44, over which said roller 41 can rotate.

The pins 46 slide (with or without the help of bearings or coaxial bushings) in guides 47 located in both sides of each chain 30a, 30b and secured below plane 11c, to along grooves 17, to stabilize the double forks 42 during the movement of the chain 30a, 30b when the connecting elements 40 with the seats 19.

Each double fork 42 is made with two brackets 43 with the appropriate shape to define, when they enter contact with each other, a seat for roller 41, a part rectilinear that passes through slot 17 and a seat for the link 33 of chain 30a, 30b. To confer one more resistance high to the double fork 42, the supports 43 are welded to length of contact sections 43a.

Although the connecting elements 40 have been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, they can be made joining elements with a different form, provided that stand out properly to join the seats or projections suitable, for example, in the form of a tooth or partition, provided in the wagon 14.

With reference to figs. 9 and 10, described the lifting device or elevator 50 to move vertically platform 11 along the gap 12.

Said elevator 50 comprises four chains 51 attached to the corners of platform 11 and turning on the corresponding sprockets 52 secured to two holes 55 located at the top of the elevator, said gaps being mutually parallel and adjacent to the smaller sides of the platform 11.

A motor 58 is provided to rotate the gaps 55, and therefore, allow platform 11 of the Elevator 50 moves up and down. The motor drives the axles 55 by means of a driving wheel 59, a secondary axle 56 and a pair of worm gear units 57.

Each string 51 is also provided in its free end of a counterweight 53 that can slide in a suitable seat 54 provided next to the gap 12 of the elevator 50. Preferably, the counterweights slide into tubular elements with a square or rectangular cross section, which are located in the corners of hole 12 and also serve as elements  structural of the module.

Thanks to this arrangement of the gaps and reducers, you get the double advantage of synchronizing the chain tension and the torque to be transmitted to the gearwheels on axles 55, so that the weight in the other drive elements.

Other important advantages are the simplicity of construction, reducing space occupancy both in height as in width, and the accessibility of all means of drive and control at the site plane: a system hydraulic lift would not allow this accessibility in case of An underground installation.

Said advantageous mechanical solution is also compatible with the use of four cables, instead of four chains, each cable having one end anchored to a corner of the platform and the other end anchored to a corresponding drum, provided with a helical groove, on a lathe that replaces Each cogwheel This provision does not require counterweights.

For security reasons, it is also necessary insulate each hole, when moving the platform, to prevent access of people or animals. To this end, the hole is equipped with a perimeter rail that goes down to ground level when the platform is about to move. This railing advantageously comprise a rectangular frame properly held and operated along the perimeter of the hole, having said frame chains attached to it and anchored to the ground, slightly below the site plan. These chains, which preferably intersect, can easily spread while the frame is being raised and come together under the frame when it is going down, without the need for adequate guiding means and bulky. The use of metal chains also allows a high voltage electrification, suitable for keeping out animals.

Devices are also provided electronic and electromechanical to automatically raise the elevator 50, for the correct positioning of the same in the various levels and to drive the transfer of the wagons 14.

In addition devices will be provided control, security and management for the installation of parking or storage.

These devices are not described because they are widely available to people who are not experts in matter.

Claims (21)

1. A storage facility that It comprises at least one basic installation or one module (2a, 2b), including each basic installation or module (2a, 2b):

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a elevator (50) equipped with a quadrangular platform (11) and with means (51-59) for raising and lowering said platform (11) along a vertical recess (12) so that said platform (11) is made to adopt various positions corresponding to different levels (L_ {1}, L_ {...} ... L_ {n}) a along said gap (12);

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a plurality of compartments (13) located in each of said different levels (L_ {1}, L_ {2}… L_ {n}) and arranged around the hollow (12) of the elevator (50), being adjacent a side of each compartment (13) to a corresponding side of the hole (12), each compartment (13) being arranged to accommodate a wagon (14) in which the object (s) to be placed (n) is placed ( n) be stored; each wagon (14) moving directly from its compartment (13) to the platform (11) and vice versa according to a direction perpendicular to the contiguity line between said compartment (13) and the gap (12), and said platform (11) being provided ) of means of transfer of wagon and mutually perpendicular guides (16) to govern the wagons (14) that move from or towards either side of the platform (11), said wagons (14) being provided with wheels or bearings ( 15) cooperating with said guides (16), said wheels or said bearings (15) being oriented according to the respective mutually perpendicular directions along which said wagons (14) can move from and towards said platform (11) and being arranged in parallel rows to correspond with said guides (16) provided on said platform (11), each compartment being equipped with its own corresponding wagon (14) that provides exclusive service e to a single compartment (13), characterized in that to enter and exit said wagons (14), the platform takes the wagons (14) of this elevator (50) to a reserved level where said object (s) (s) may (n) enter or exit said wagons (14) while said wagons (14) remain on said platform (11).

2. An installation according to claim 1, wherein said platform (11) and said compartments (13) have a square or rectangular plane, and four of these compartments (13) are arranged around the gap (12) on each level, by what defines a basic installation or module (2a, 2b) with plane cruciform 3. An installation according to claim 1, wherein said platform (11) and said compartments (13) have a square or rectangular plane, and three of these compartments (13) are arranged around the gap (12) on each level, by what defines a basic installation or module (2a, 2b) with plane T-shaped 4. An installation according to claims 2 and / or 3, which includes a plurality of basic facilities or modules (2a, 2b) with a cruciform plane (2a) and / or a plane in shape of T (2b), including each module (2a, 2b) an elevator corresponding (50) with associated compartments (13), being said modules (2a, 2b) arranged side by side so that each module has three consecutive sides of its perimeter adjacent to three sides of each adjacent module (2a, 2b). 5. An installation according to claim 4, wherein said facilities or said basic modules (2a, 2b) are arranged side by side so that in each module three consecutive sides are contiguous to three sides of each module adjacent, so to enter each elevator (50) and exit the same said object (s) can enter or leaving said wagons (14) at said reserved level by oblique roads determined by said provision. 6. An installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said level reserved in the that said object (s) can enter or exit of said wagons (14) corresponds essentially to the level of the ground. 7. An installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said basic installations or such modules is autonomous and allows a complete mutual isolation of it, so that they can be reduced considerably damage caused by fire or explosions with respect to one or more modules. 8. An installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said guides (16) are They get with hollow rails. 9. An installation according to claim 1, wherein said wagons (14) are provided with wheels or bearings (15) cooperating with said guides mutually perpendicular (16), said wheels (15) being oriented in the that the wagons (14) move along the respective two directions that wagons (14) must follow during the transfer from the platform (11) to an adjacent compartment (13) and vice versa, and preferably these guides (16) lanes gaps 10. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the platform (11) of each elevator (50) is provided with first means for moving the wagons (14) in an east-west and west-east direction, and with second means for moving the wagons (14) in a north-south and south-north direction, said means comprising at least one chain or closed loop belt (30a, 30b) supported and driven by suitable sprockets or pulleys (31), and said chain tending or closed loop strap (30a, 30b) at least one tooth or other connecting element (40) arranged to engage the wagon (14) to be moved, said movable means being able to adopt a first position, or empty position , wherein said chain (30a, 30b) remains within the perimeter of the platform (11), and a second position, or operating position, in which a part of said chain (30a, 30b) protrudes beyond the edge of the platform (11) so that said element joined n (40) can be joined with a corresponding seat (19) in said wagons (14), thereby allowing the

 \ hbox {wagons (14) move to and from the
platform (11).} 

11. An installation according to claim 10, wherein said sprockets or pulleys (31) are mounted on swing arms (32 ', 32' ') pivotally connected to the platform (11) to make said mobile media adopt said First and second position. 12. An installation according to claim 10, wherein the number of said connecting elements (40) for each chain or belt (30a, 30b) is such that, during the rotation of the chain or belt (30a, 30b), it is allowed to completely transfer the wagons (14) from said compartments (13) to said platform (11) and vice versa. 13. An installation according to claim 10, wherein each of said mobile means comprises at least two pairs of sprockets or pulleys (31), each pair comprising cogwheels or pulleys (31) a first cogwheel or pulley (31) pivotally mounted on the shaft on which it is mounted pivotally the corresponding swing arm (32 ', 32' '), and a second gear wheel or pulley (31) mounted in a vacuum in the opposite end of said swing arm (32 ', 32' '), so that you get a deformable parallelogram system that can deform due to the semi-rotation of the swinging arms (32 ', 32' '), to allow one of said second sprockets or pulleys (31) that remains outside of the platform (11). 14. An installation according to claim 13, in which each swing arm (32 ') pivotally mounted near the outer edge of the platform (11) is equipped with drive means that drive its oscillation, and in which each swing arm (32 '') pivotally mounted on a almost central position is equipped with an elastic tensioning means, which keeps said chain or belt tense (30a, 30b), and with a brake, which locks the arm as soon as the chain or belt (30a, 30b) must exercise an extraction action to transfer the wagon (14) from or to the platform (11). 15. An installation according to claim 10, in which the connecting elements (40) to engage with the Vans (14) comprise a pair of double forks (42) secured to chains or belts (30a, 30b), being articulated mutually said double forks (42) and being connected of pivoting shape to chains or belts (30a, 30b) by bolts (45), thereby determining a triangular configuration of the connecting element (40) and allowing its deformation along curvilinear trajectories. 16. An installation according to claim 15, in which the bolts (45) with which the double forks (42) are pivotally connect to chains or belts (30a, 30b) protrude transversely from said chains or belts (30a, 30b) so that they slide, with or without bearings or bushings interposed, within the appropriate longitudinal guides (47) that ensure the stability of the connecting element (40) when it is low tension during the transfer of the wagons (14). 17. An installation according to claim 1, in which, to move the platform (11) of the elevator (50), they provide four chains (51), each one extending one end secured to one of the corners of the platform (11) and the other end secured to a corresponding counterweight (53), being held each chain (51) on top with a wheel corresponding gear (52) mounted on a shaft driven with engine. 18. An installation according to claim 17, in which two parallel axes driven by motor are provided (55) arranged in the upper part of said recess (12), holding each of said motor driven shafts (55) two of said sprockets (52), and in which a worm gear reducer (57) for each of said shaft (55), said reducers (57) being driven with a single motor (58) by means of a driving wheel (59) and a secondary axle (46). 19. An installation according to claim 17, comprising vertical guides (54) that preferably consist in tubular elements with a square cross section or rectangular, said guides (54) being structural elements of the hole (12) of the elevator (50) and being arranged to allow said counterweights (53) slide inside. 20. An installation according to claim 1, in which the movements of the platform (11) are obtained by cables, each anchored by an end inferior to a corresponding corner of the platform and from the top to a corresponding rotary drum of a lathe. 21. An installation according to claim 1, in which each hole (12) is surrounded by a railing that can move vertically and comprising a frame arranged to along the perimeter of the gap, said frame tending chains attached to it and anchored to the ground, slightly below the site plan, to the point that they can be joined by below said site plane when the frame is falling vertically to floor level.