GB1449266A - Load handling mechanism for a storage and retrieval system - Google Patents

Abstract

1449266 Storage systems SUPREME EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS CORP 19 Nov 1973 53670/73 Heading A4T A load handling mechanism for location between groups 70, 70' of storage compartments comprises an elevator platform 26 having endless belt conveyer means 75, 75' for supporting a container 10, e.g. a drawer, withdrawn from storage, a slide 81 having retractable container-engaging means 84, Fig. 5, for pulling the container 10 on to or off the platform 26, and control means, Fig. 7 and 9 (not shown), for the mechanism comprising limit switches LS1-LS8 for monitoring the container position. The platform 26 is slidably supported on a vertical column of a carriage 25, which carriage 25 has upper and lower chassis frames 28, 27 which run on rails 21, 22, and is movable by means of wheels 32, (32'), Fig. 2 (not shown), driven by a motor (52) through reduction gear means (53) and chains 55, 33. For vertical platform movement, an endless chain (45) spans the length of the column, being secured at one point to the platform 26 and driven by a motor 51 and gear means 50. Tensioned cables 59, 60 anchored to the framework of the storage system are trained over idler pulleys on pins 61, 62 of the frames 28, 27 to improve stability. In operation, the platform 26, is positioned adjacent a required container 10 under the control of the circuit of Fig. 9 (not shown), which has an input keyboard (110), and the slide 81 is advanced towards the appropriate side so that the container engaging hook 84 is positioned below a co-operable portion 71 of the container 10, as indicated by the limit switch LS4. The hook 84 is then pivoted from retracted to projecting position, Fig. 5, by a solenoid 74, and on moving the slide 81, the container 10 is drawn out, being supported by the belts 75, 75', which are driven in synchronism with the slide. The platform 26 is then moved to an access position, Fig. 4, where the container 10 may be transferred automatically to a viewing surface A'3L, or to a second surface A 3R if the first is occupied.