Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02652635 2009-01-23
The invention title:
A facility for and a method of take-in, storage and take-out of containers or
platforms, either loaded or unloaded, in multi-level vertical structures
(sections) arranged as a line or as several parallel lines
The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certain
dimensions, such as, for
example, containers or other units, such as automobiles, the storage being
done in multi-level
sections following each other in a line or in several parallel lines, with
take-in of platforms at the
entrance point of the line and take-out of the goods both at the entrance and
the exit points of each
line.
The major advantages of the invention are as follows:
A Much better utilization of storage space, due to multi-level storage of
goods, i.e., more
efficient utilization of the building height or of the ground storage space,
at the expense of
multi-level structures arrangement into parallel lines, which would not
require lift-trucks
between these lines for loading and unloading of the goods.
B Take-in and take-out of the platforms both at the entrance point and at some
other point
along the line, allows full mechanization and automatic performance of the
take-in and the
take-out processes.
At present goods are stored on platforms rigidly fixed and attached to
structures that can relocate
only vertically; as a result, platforms have no way of being relocated
separately, either within a
section, or betweed different sections.
This invention uses a method which allows not to fix platforms rigidly to
movable elements of
the structure.
In order to illustrate how this invention can be applied, we have chosen a
method of vertical
relocation of platforms from one tier to another up and down within a section,
by way of of
gripping the platforms with special lug supports pin-hinged to pillars
opposing each other in
pairs, with at least one of the pairs being able to move up and down according
to a preset
sequence. In order to fix the platforms upon lug-supports, the lug-suports
have special fingers
that enter special holes in the platforms, which provides firm support of the
platforms, during
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
their relocation by lug-supports from one tier to another as well as after
they are installed upon
the lug-supports. This method is illustrated in Fig. 1 cx.a, l cxb , l Cxc.and
1 Cxd
Fig. 1 cxa presents a schedule of vertical upward relocation of platforms
within a section:
Step 0. The initial position: Platform 5 is installed on Lug Supports 4 of
Stationary Pipars 3 at the lowest (first) tierof the Section. Lifter 1 Lug
Supports 2 are pin-
hinged to Pillars 1 of the lifting device, below the upper surface of Lug
Supports 4 of their
stationary pillars. Fingers 6 are rigidly fixed , and Fingers 7 are rigidly
fixed to Lug-
supports 2 of the lifting device. At the same time Fingers 6 of Lug-supports 4
enter the
respective holes 8 of the platform.
Step 1. Pillar 1 is to be moved upward, Lug Supports 21ift Platforms 5 off
Lug Supports 4. At the same time Fingers 6 move out of Holes 8 of the
platforms, and
Fingers 7 of Lug-supports 2 of the lifting pillars enter respective holes of
Platforms 9.
Step 2. During the elevation, Lug Supports 2 enter their ingers 7 into Holes 9
of the platforms, which provide firm support of the platforms upon Lug-
Supports 2. While
Lug-supports 2 are lifting the platforms, Fingers 6 leave Holes 8 of the
platforms. The
platfonns are raised above Lug-supports 4, to a height enough for turning Lug-
supports 4
into a non-operational vertical position. Lug-supports 4 are turned
compulsively by way of
their contact with the contours of Platform 5 or with the help of a drive-
gear.
Step 3. Lifting pillars 1 use their Lug -Supports 2 to raise Platforms 5 into
the
upper position, with Lug-supports 4 to be rturned into their operational
(horizontal) position.
Then Lug Supports 2 continue lowering the platforms.
Step 4. Platforms 5 are installed upon Lug -supports 4, but one tier lower; at
the same time, Fingers 6 of these Lug Supports enter Holes 8 of the platforms,
providing for
their firm fixing upon Lug Supports 4. Then Lug Supports 2 are compulsively
turned into
their non-operatonal (vertical) position.
Step 5. Lifting Pillar I is lowered into the initial lower position, and their
Lug
Supports 2 are compulsively turned into their operational (horizontal)
position. This
operation ends platform upward relocation within the section and their
installation upon the
tier one level up. Fig. 1 Cxb shows the Steps and the interaction of all units
and details
during the process of relocating platforms downwards within a Section to a
tier one level
below.
Fig.lcxb.
Step 0. The initial position: Platform 5 is installed at Tier 2 of Lug
Supports 4 of
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Stationary Pillars 3, and Lug Supports 2 of the lifting pillars are pin-hinged
below Lug
Supports 4 of the stationary pillars at a height allowing to tum. Lug Supports
2 into a non-
operational (vertical) position. Platforms 5 are rigidly fixed upon Lug
Supports 4 with the
hrlp of Fingers entering Holes 8 of the platforms.
Step 1. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are compulsively turned into the
non-
operational (vertical) position.
Step 2. Lifting Pillar 1 is raised above Lug Supports 4of Stationary Pillars 3
to a
height allowing to turn Lug Supports 2.
Step 3. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are compulsively returned (or turn
on
their own because of their weight) into the operational (horizontal) position.
Step 4. Lifting Pillars 1 are raised into the upper position, where Lug
Supports 2 take
the platforms off Lug Supports 4 of Stationary Pillar 4 and raise them, while
Fingers 6 of
Lug Supports 4 leave Holes 8 of the platforms, and Fingers 7 of Lug Supports 2
enter Holes
9 of the platforms, fixing them rigidly upon Lug Supports 2.
Step 5. Lug Supports 4 of Stationary Pillars 3 are compulsively turned into a
non-
operational (vertical) position.
Step 6. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are lowered to a distance which
allows
Lug Supports 4 to be returned (either compulsively, or under teir own weight)
into their
operational (horizontal) position.
Step 7. Lug Supports 4 of the stationary pillars are returned into their
operational
(horizontal) position, and Lug Supports 2 lower Platforms 5 upon Lug Supports
4, while
Fingers 6 enter Holes 8 of the platforms, rigidly fixing them upon these Lug
Supports one
tier below..
Fig. 1 Cxc shows Platform 5 and Stationary Pillars 3, as well as Lug Supports
2 and 4
with Fingers 6 and 7 insude. Platform 5 has Holes 8 and 9 which, while
contacting Fingers 6
and 7 of Stationary Pillars 2 and 4, rigidly fix the platform upon the Lug
Supports, which
guarantees any occasional relocation of the platforms or their falling down.
Fig.1 Cxd Pos. l Illustrates crossection,consising of stationary frame 3 with
swiveling
paws4 and belonging to them fmgers 6,lifting frame 1 with attached to it
swiveling paws
7.Cylinders 11 work as activators which are attached by their shaft 13 to the
frame
12.Platform 5 has openings 8 and 9 which interact with fingers 6 and 7.When
paws 2 of the
elevator move down and platform being delayed on paws 4,the platform is
getting tilted
within the clearance bitween openings 8,9 and fingers 6,7 up to the point of
stopping of the
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
lifter and creation of additional resistance on the actuator which can be used
in control
system to halt the motion.
Pos.2 Illustrate the tilting of the platform 5 which can be caused by
asynchronous
movement of different sides of elevator 1 and corresponding paws 2.Platform 5
is being
fixated by its openings 9 with fmgers 7 belonging to the paws 2 in case of the
difference of
the levels of two sides of the elevater.After clearanses between fingers 7 and
openings 9
being illuminated,both sides of the elevator econtinnuue movement
synchronously
oterwwise the movement will stop whch can be used for timely correction of the
operation.
Interaction of fingers 6,7 of the paws and openings of 8,9 of the platform
insures
synchronous movement of the platforms and prevent their fall.
This method is offered as the basis for car storage on platforms.
At present, there are several types of structures for multi-level car storage.
Mainly, storage is done
on platforms attached to sections, with platforms being lifted and lowered
with the help of hydraulic
cylinders which assist in lowering a platform to Zero level, for car entrance,
after which the platform
with the car is to be raised to the top level. The next car is to be loaded in
the same manner, the
platform is to be raised to the level below the previous one, and so on, until
a car is loaded upon a
platform at the Zero level. The major drawback of this kind of structure is
the necessity to use an
operator in order to install a car upon a platform and in order to take the
car off the platform, which
results in utilizung more storage space. Besides, in order to get a car at the
top level ready for a
take-out, platdorms of the lower levels should be temporaily emptied of the
cars they store at the
moment.
The invention we offer, because of its ability to relocate individual
platforms up and down within
each section, and the possibility of their relocation from one section to
another, both with the upper
cart and with the transporter at Zero Level, allows any platform loaded with a
car to be relocated to
Zero level. Platforms relocation from one section to another at the lowest or
the top levels of the
same line allows delivering any required platform into the take-out section
without interfering with
the storage of other cars, which excludes the drawbacks of the method and of
the structures which
are used at present.
A description of the invention - the storage method and a storage structure
implementing the
method - is presented below.
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Fig. 1, 2, and 3, respectively, show the longitudinal cross-section, a
transverse cross-section and an
overhead view of the device. They show GuideRollers 1, Ramp 2, Platform 3,
Framework 4,
Platform Storage Section 5, Car Storage Section 6, Floor-level Transporter 7,
Top Carriage 8, and
Inspection Sensors of safe car clearance: in height( No10), in lenhth (No 9)
and in width, (No 1) in
Fig. l , 2, 3..
Fig. 4- Ramp consisting of Frame 4.2, Frame Rotation Cylinder 4.1, with the
frame in Pivot Joint
4.4. Guide Rollers 4.3 are attached to the framework. Fig.4a showa a ramp with
a car-loaded
platform on it, in the tilted position for car entering and exiting the
platform, as well as n the
horizontal position which allows connecting the platform with Pulling Finger
8.5 of the transporter,
with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 of Platform 5.1.
Fig. 5: A platform consisting of Base Frame 5.1 and Support Feet 5.2
guaranteeing the required
clearance between platforms when they are stacked for storage in the storage
section. The front part
of the base frame has a netlike recess, Recess 5.4, which is used to lock up
either one of the left
wheels, or the two front wheels of a car. A special locklift driven by
Cylinder 5.3 is used to raise a
wheel before the car is going to exit the platform. When a car enters the
platform, its front left
wheel is guided by Rollers 5.6 of MovableCarriage 5.8, which guarantees the
car movement along
the preset track-gauge. The movable carriage is to be returned into its
initial position with the help
of Wire shaft 5.5 which is connected with a tension roll driven by a spiral
spring. The platform is
locked with Pulling Finger 8.5 with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 fixed on
Axis Pins 5.10 of Holes 8
and 9 for gripping lug support fmgers. Fixator 5.11 is used to get the command
to stop the
platform, and Clutches 5.12 are used to get the signal to lower the platform
speed before it is going
to stop.
Fig. 6 illustrates a platform storage section consisting of Stationary Pillars
6.5 rigidly attached to
Frame 4 of Framework 4, Lifting Frames 6.4 driven by Cylinder 6.2.
Lug Supports 6.7 with Fingers 6 are gimbal-mounted to the lower level
stationary pillars. Tey are
simultaneously turned into the non-operational position and are returned into
the initial position with
the help of leverage (See Fig. 6a View D). Lifting Frames 6.4 have Lug
Supports 6.3 with attached
Fingers 7. The Lug Supports are rigidly attached to the Lifting Frames below
Rollers 8.1 of the Zero
level transporter. Chains 6.8 serve for synchronizing the movement of movable
frames. The chains
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
are linked by Sprockets 6.9, each pair of which is rigidly attached to Frame
4, with Shafts 6.11.
Sprockets 6.10 are rigidly attached to Framework 4. As the lifting frames at
the opposite ends are
connected by Chains 6.8., when a lifting frame at one end is moving, the
lifting frame at the other
side is moving simultaneously with the first one.
Fig. 6a. shows a cross-section of the section with the View B-B of the
leverage of the synchronous
turning movement of stationary pillars lug supports. The leverage system
consists of Drive 6a1, for
example, a cylinder, of Drag bars pivoted to Pillars 6a3 connexted to Shafts
6a4 installed on
bearings 6a5. Clutch Pinns 6a6 contacting with Fingers 6a7 upon Link Rods 6a8
are rigidly ttached
to Shafts 6a4. Fig. 6a,(Posl,2-3) Position 1, shows the initial position with
Lug Supports 6.7 are in
the horizontal position. When Cylinder 6.al is switched on, Pillars 6a3 move
from Position 1 to
Position 2, reaching Turn Restrain Device 6a7. While Pillars 6a3 are being
turned, Shafts 6a4
rigidly attached to them are turning, too. Rotation of Lug Supports 6.7 from
the initial position is
done by rotating Clutch Pin 6a6 contacting Finger 6a11 attached to the link-
rod, which provides
raising Lifting Rod 6a8. With the help of Fingers 6al0 attached to lifting
rods under each lug
support, the Lug Supports are turned into the non-operational position
(Position 2). Lug Supports
6.7 are brought back into the operationalposition while Cylinder 6a1 is
returned to its initial
position. Fingers 6a9 control the return of the lug supports into the
operational (horizontal) position
while Lifting Rod is being lowered, Position 3.
The lug supports are turprogrammd to be turned both at the take-in and the
take-out.
Note: Lug Supports 6.7 can be turned into the non-operational position during
their contact with a
raising platform as well as with the platforms being lowered under their own
weight.
Fig. 7 illustrates a car storage section. This section is designed similarly
to a platform storage
section. It differs from the latter in a larger number of Lug Supports 7.15 of
Stationary Pillars 7.8,
as well as of Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Frames 7.13. The number of lug
supports vertically
installed at the same distance from each other corresponds to the number of
tiers within a section.
Both the stationary pillar lug supports and the lifting frame lug supports are
attached on pin hinges
with Fingers 6 and 7. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frames are located at a
certain distance below
the level of Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars, and the lowest Lug
Supports 7.4 are located
below the level of Rollers 8.1 and form the lowest, Zero level.
Cross-bar 7.6 connects Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8.
Simultaneous turning movement
of stationary pillars lug supports is conducted compulsively, either during
the contact with the lug
supports of a rising platform, or with the help of a leverage with a drive
similar to the drive turning
lug supports in the platform storage section shown in Fig. 6a. Lifting Frames
7.13 are driven by
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
Hydrocylinder 7.16. In order to prevent any frame damage in case of
misalignment, Cylinders 7.16
can be attached to he section frame only by a slide-bar. Simultaneous
relocation of the lifting
frames at both ends is achieved by attaching them to Chains 7.2 which go
around Sprockets 7.9
attached to the chaft and Sprockets 7.10 attached to Framework 4.
Lug Supports 7.4 are turned into the non-operational position and back
simultaneously, with the
help of leverage with compulsory drive; the leverage system is shown in Fig.
7b,(Pos.1-5) It
operates in the following way. In its initial position the leverage system has
Pillars 6a3 in Position 1
(see Pos.1). Clutch pins 7a1 are fixed to Lifting Pillars 7.13 with the help
of Fingers 7a2. The
clutch pins contact Fingers 7a5 via Link Bar 7a9; Fingers 7a7 and 7a6 are used
to turn Lug Supports
7a8 when Link Bar 7a9 is raised. Templet 7a4 is in the non-operational
(vertical) position.
Tge leverage operates in the following way: When Cylinder 6a1 is switched on,
Motion Rod 6a2
moves Pillars 6a3 into Position 2; meanwhile, Shafts 6a4 attached to Pillars
6a3 turn and move
Templet 7a4 into a position in which it can contact Roller 7a3 (see Fig. 7b,
Pos. 2, 3). When the
lifting pillars move upward, Templer 7a4 contacts Roller 7a3, turning Clutch
Pins 7a5 to a certain
angle. Clutch Pin 7al contacts Finger 7a55 and lifts Link Rod 7a9. Link Rod
7a9 turns Lug
Support 7a8 into the non-operational position with the help of Finger 7a7.
While it continues to
move, Roller 7a3 continues sliding along the templet (see Fig. 7c Pos.4). It
keeps Cutch Pin 7al in
the operational position and Lug Support 7a8 - in the non-operational
position, until the roller does
not leave the templet (Pos.5). At this moment the clutch pin is set in its non-
operational position,
and Lug Support 7a8 goes down into the operatiobal position under the
influence of its own weight
and the weight of the link rod. Interaction of Templet 7a4, Lifting Pillar 7a9
and Clutch Pin 7al is
preprogrammed to assure turning Lug Support 7a8 into operational and into the
non-operational
positions.
Fig. 8 illustrates the design of the lowest, (Zero) level transporter which
serves for relocating car
loaded and empty platforms between sections at the lowest level and onto the
ramp and consists of
the following units: Rollers 8.1 attached to Base 8.2, Pulling Fingers 8.5
supported by Bearings 8.3.
The motion is performed with Roller Chain 8.4 (the drive sprocket and the
tension sprocket are not
shown). Bearings 8.3 roll upon Plates 8.7 and 8.6. Fig.8 shows how Platform
5.1 and its Ratchet
Dogs 5.9 are contacted by Finger 8.5 of the transporter. Each section uses
Roller 8.9 attached to
Rod 8.19 to stop a platform; the roller is connected to Lever 8.11 and Drive
8.10, for example, by an
electromagnet. (See Cross-section A-A).
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
Fig.9 illustrates the design of the top carriage which consists of U-type
Frame 9.2 with Rollers 9.1
attached to it and supported by double-T iron 9.6. Pillars 9.8 are attached to
Frame 9.2 base, and
have Lug Supports 9.5 in their bottom area, which are pin-hinged to the
pillars. The lug supports are
to be compulsorily rotated by two Shafts 9.9. They turn simultaneously with
the lug supports of
Stationary Pillars 7.6 of the car storage section, which is to be provided by
means of Special
Interlock 9.7 ("dovetail" joint).
Relocation of the top carriage is provided for by means of a roller chain
transporter not exhibited in
Fig.9. The top carriage is to be used for relocation of platforms between
sections at the top level.
Relocation of platforms at the top level with the help of the top carriage is
designed to be generally
used if the line has a small number of car storage sections, i,g, no more than
three, If the number of
car storage sections exceeds three, it is more ffective to to relocate the
section platforms with the
help of the lower level transporter; this alows for a lower height of the
device as well as for a
smaller period of time required for relocating a platform from one section to
another.
The offered car storage method and the device for car storage function in the
following way and
consist of the following stages:
A. CAR TAKE-IN FOR STORAGE
In order to accept a car for storage, it is necessary to take a platform from
a platform storage section
and to place it on a ramp, after which a car would enter the platform.
While approaching the ramp, the car is to go through a control system checking
the car
measurements which is to be installed at the ramp entrance; if the garage has
several lines, the car
measurements control system may be located ib front of the garage entrance, to
serve several lines at
once. After the car passes the car size mesurement system, the driver is to
stop his car in front of the
"Stop" sign. Next comes a conunand for the ramp to be lifted into the
horizontal position (Fig.4).
With this purpose Cylinder 4.1 is to be switched on, and Frame 4.2 with its
Rollers 4.3 turns on its
Hinge 4.4 into its horizontal position. At the same time a command is issued
to switch on Hydraulic
Cylinder 6.2 of the lifting drive in the car storage section.
Lifting Frames 6.4 are raised into their upper, final position (see Fig.6). At
the same time Lug
Supports 6.3 of Lifting Frames 6.4 raise the platform from Lug Supports 6.7.
At this moment
Fingers 7 of Lug Supports 6.3 enter Holes 9 of the platform. Fingers 6 of Lug
Supports 6.7
Stationary Pillars 6.5 leave Holes 8 while the platform is being raised. Fig,
Cxc shows a platform
with its Holes 8 and 9, as wll Fingers 6 aqnd 7, respectively, upon the
stationary lug supportsand the
CA 02652635 2009-01-23
lifting lug supports. The height to which platforms are to be raised should be
enough to allow the
possibility of rotating Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary pillars into the non-
operational (vertical)
position).
Lug Supports s 6.7 are turned simultaneously, with the help of leverage (Fig.
6a, Pos. 1,2,3). When
Cylinder 6a1 is switched on, Drag Bar 6a2 turns Pillars6a3, and they move from
Iinitial Position 1 to
Position 2 restricted by Block Stops 6a7. As Pillars 6a3 are rigidly fixed to
Shaft 6a4, ro which
Levers 6a6 are attached, when Shaft 6a4 is rotated, Levers 6a6 turn at a
certain angle; by contacting
Fingers 6a11 attached to Link Rods 6a8, they raise the link rods which use
Fingers 6a10 to turn Lug
Supports 6a7 from their operational (horizontal) position into the non-
operatopnal Position 2, which
allows free passage of platforms between the pillars. When Cylinder 6a1
returns into its initial
position (Position 1), Levers 6a6 go down, and Lug Supports 6.7 are placed
into the operational
(horizontal) position with the help of Finger 6a9 and under their own weight
and the weight of Link
Rod 6a8.
The lowest one of the stack of platforms platform is supplied to the take-out,
which is illustrated by
Fig. 6b (Pos. 0-5).
After the stack of platforms is raised, Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary pillars
are turned into the non-
operational position, and the whole stack resting on Lug Supports 6.3 goes
down to a distance
allowing clearance between the bottom platform resting on the lifting lug
supports and the next
platform of the stack resting on the bottom platform feet Then Lug Supports
6.7 are compulsively
returned into the initial horizontal position (either by a drive or under
their own weight). When Lug
Supports 6.3 of the lifting device continue moving downwards, the lowest
platform in the stack is
placed upon Lug Supports 6.7, with Fingers 6 entering Holes 8 of the platform,
which provides the
connxtionj of the stack with Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary Pillars 6.5, with
the lowest platform
going down on Rollers 8.1 of the tansporter.
The lifting device of thesection consists of twp Lifting Frames 6.4 facing
each other, each with
Driving Cylinder 6.2. (In order to avoid probable overloading of the lifting
frames if a platform
slants, it isrecommended to fix Cylinders 6.2 to the section frame only with
the help of guide bars).
In order to synchronize the movement of the lifting frames, the frames on the
opposite sides are
attached to Chains 6.8 which go around Chain Sprockets 6.9 sitting on Shafts
6.11 joint for each
couple of the frames.
After Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars are returned into their
horizontal position, there is a
command to go on with moving the lifter downwards, until it reaches its
initial lower position. The
platforms earlier raised by the lifter lug supports go down, but the platform
package or one platform
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
above the lowest one are lowered on Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary
pillars, and the lowest
platform resting upon Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter is lowered upon
Transporter Rollers 8.1.
Fig.6b shows the steps and the interaction of Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter
and of Lug Supports 6.7
of the stationary pillars, necessary for separating the lowest platform from
the platform stack
installed upon the lug supports of the stationary pillars.
Step 0. Initial position: Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter are rigidly attached
to
Frame 6.4 of the lifting device, at "h" distance below the surface where
Transporter
Rollers 8.1 operate. Platform Stack 5.1 or just one platform is sitting upon
Lug Supports
6.7 of the stationary pillars. Fingers 6 enter Holes 8, thus fixing the
platform upon Lug
Supports 6.7.
Step 1. Lug Supports6.3 of Lifter 6.4, as a result of Cylinder 6.2 being
activated,
raise the platform stack or one Platform 5.1 to an "h" height above Stationary
Lug
Supports 6.7, enough to allow their turning into the non-operational position.
Step 2. Lug Supports 6.7 are turned into a non-operational (vertical)
position.
Step 3. Lug Supports 6.3lower the platform stack to an h height, while Lug
Supports 6.7 are positioned between the the platform resting upon Lug Supports
6.3 and
Platform 5.1 of the platform stack. Clearance h between them shoul provide
enough
space for Lug Supports 6.7 into the horizontal position.
Step 4. Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars are brought back into their
operational (horizontal) position.
Step 5. A command is given to turn on Cylinder 6.2 for downward movement of
Lifter 6.4, with Lug Supports 6.3 placing Platform Sack 5.1 or one platform
upon Lug
Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars. Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter install
the lowest
platform separated from the stack upon Transporter Rollers 8.1. With the
lifter
continuing moving downwards, Lug Supports 6.3 are lowered into their initial
position
below Rollers 8.1.
After the frame of the lifter is moved into its lower initial position, a
command arrives to switch on
the transporter drag-out device to move in the ramp direction, see Fig. 4a.
Pulling Finger 6.1 of the
transpoprter contacts Ratchet 5.9 of the platform, and it is placed into a
preprogrammed position on
the ramp.
. Then comes a command to tilt the ramp with the platform into a preset
position allowing for a car
to mount the platform. "Stop" signal is eplaced by the signal allowing the car
to move. The driver
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
approaches the ramp (Fig.4a) and the car front left wheel enters a space
between two Rollers 1
angularly related to each other. Continuing to move, the wheel enters the
angle between Rolls 5.6 of
Carriage 5.8 installed on the platform.
Carriage 5.8 helps to keep the wheel in the platform track, and while the car
continues to move, the
wheel gets into Recess 5.4 of the platform Fig. 5.
After the car is installed upon the platform and is fixed in the "PARKING"
position, the driver
leaves the car and presses the button on a control board; the control board
sends a command to place
the platform with the car for storage. The ramp goes upward into the
horizontal position, the
transporter driving device is switched on, and while its pulling fmger comes
into contact with
Ratchet 5.9 of the platform, it is relocated to a free layer of the nearest
storage section along its way.
Considering the fact that for the device to function normally at least two
sections are required,
Section "n*" and section "n**+1", Fig. 7 illustrates the longitudinal and the
cross-sectional
overviews of these two section structures. Fig.7 illustrates longitudinal and
transvers cross-sections
of the structure of these to sections; one of them is marked with the sign *,
and the other - with the
sign **. Fig. 7a shows post-operational steps of the platform take-in for
storage , with a car or
without it. The transporter moves the platform to the nearest section which
has a free tier available.
The transporter stop at theappointed place, after this Lifting Frames 7.13 of
the section use their Lug
Supports 7.4 to raise Platform 5.1 off the rolling transporter, as well as all
the platforms stored upon
Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8 to a certain height above the lug
supports, enough for
their compulsory rotation; this is done either as a result of the raising
platform contacting the lug
supports, or by turning Lug Supports 7.15 into the non-operational ( vertical)
position. When
Lifting Device 7.4 arrives into its upper position, Lug Supports 7.15 of the
stationary pills, together
with Shafts 7.6, go back into their operational (horizontal) position under
their own weight. Then a
commands come to move the lifting device down. All the platforms resting on
Lug Supports 7.4 of
the lifting device are installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary
pills of their tiers, but one
level up, and the platform raised from the transporter rollers is placed upon
Lug Supports 7.15 of the
lowest tier of the same section. After the platforms are replaced from Lug
Supports 7.4 of the lifting
device onto Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars, Fingers 6 and 7 of
these lug supports enter
Holes 8 and 9, one after the other, which provides safe fixation of the
platform to the section pillars,
which excludes their unrestricted relocation or fall.
This ends the cycle of car take-in.(see Fig.7 and 7a)
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Fig. 7a shows post-operational steps of the take in of a platform, loaded with
a car or empty:
Step 0- Platform 5.1 meant for storage is installed upon Rollers 8.1 of the
lower transporter.
Step 1. The lifting device uses its Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the platform
from the
transporter's rollers, as well as all the platforms, from Lug Supports 7.15 of
Stationary Pillars to a
certain h height allowing rotating Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars
into the non
operational (vertical) position. At the same time Fingers 7 enter Hles 9 of
the platform, which
providfes fixation of the platform on the LugSupports, and Fingers 6 of Lug
Supports 7.15 leave
Holes 8 of the platform.
Step 2. Lug Supports 7.15 are turned into the non-operational (vertical)
position either by
raising the shafts with the help of the leverage system used for lug supports
rotation (see Fig. 6a,
pos. 1-3) or during the pltforms contact with the lug supports while the
platforms are being raised.
Step 3. Raising the lifting device Lug Supports 7.4 and of
Platforms 5.1 up to their top position.
Step 4. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are brought back into
their operational
(horizontal) position under the weight of the shafts and the lug supports.
Step 5. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting device are lowered into the initial
lower position and
the platforms are installed upon Lug Supports of the stationary pills, but one
level up, and the the
platform raised by Lug Supports 7.4 from the transporter Rollers 8.1 is
installed upon Lug asupports
7.15 of the lower tier of thesection. This ends the take-in of the platform
for storage.
B. Take-out of a platform loaded with a car or without it from the car storage
section.
A user who received information about the storage code during his car intake,
feeds this
information into the system of automated take-out. The following operations
are to follow,
depending on the tier where the platform with the stored car is located.
As an illustration, several versions of sequential operations and interaction
of mechanism are
offered below, which differ because of different tiers where the car loaded
platform may be
located.
1 The car loaded platform is located at the lower tier (see Fig. 7 and 7 b)
All Lug Supports 7.4 of the section liffting device are driven into the non-
operational (vertical)
position, after which the lifting device starts moving upward. After it rises
above Stationary Lug
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
Supports 7.15, they are brought back into the operational (horizontal)
position. If the liftind device
continues rising, its Lug Supports raise all the platforms resting upon
stationary pillars Lug Supports
to "h" height enough to allow turning Lug Supports 7.15 into the non-
operational (vertical) position.
The platform resting on the lower Lug Supports rises above the lug supports of
the stationary pillars
of the first tier. Then a command comes to turn Lug Supports 7.15 into their
non-operational
(vertical) position. After the lug supports have been turned, another command
comes, to continue
the movement of the lifting device downward. After the lifting device lug
supports are lowered to a
certain distance and brought below the level of Lug Supports 7.15 of the
stationary pillars, they are
returned into their operational (horizontal) position. After this one more
command follows, to
continue the movement of the lifting device downwards. This brings all the
platforms from the
lifting device lug supports to the lug supports of the stationary pillars, but
one tier lower. The
platform resting upon the lug supports of the lifting device Zero level is
installed upon the
transporter rollers, moves in the direction of the take-out point and is
installed upon the ramp.
In the same way the platforms located at the first tier of any car storage
section are given out.
Fig. 7b(Pos.O-2,3-5,5-8) illustrates the operational steps required for a
platform take-out.
Step 0. The initial position: the platform is located at the first tier
(marked
with * sign). The platform located in the second tier is marked with ** sign.
In this position Supports 7.4 of the lifting Frame are in their operational
(horizontal) position, below Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars and
below the
movement level of Roller 8.1 of the lower transporter.
Step 1. Supports 7.4 are brought into the non-operational (vertical) position.
Step 2. Lifting Frame 7.13 raises Lug Supports 7.4 to a certain height above
the platforms installed upon Lug Supports 7.15.
Step 3. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frame are brought back into their
operational (horizontal) position.
Step 4. Lifting Frame 7.13 uses Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the platforms
aboveLug Supports 7.15 to a height enough to allow turning these supports into
a
non-operational position.
Step 5.Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are turned into the non-
operational (vertical) position.
Step 6. Lifting Frame 7.13 uses its Lug Supports 7.4 to lower Platforms 5.1
below the level of Lug Supports 7.15, to a distance allowing enough space for
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
returning Lug Supports 7.15 into their initial (horizontal) position.
Step 7. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are brought back into the
initial (horizontal) position.
Step 8. Lifting frame 7.13 and Lug Supports 7.4 are lowered into the initial
lower position. At the same time all the platforms are removed from these Lug
Supports to Lug Supports 7.15, but one tier below. The lowest platform is
taken off
Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frame and is placed upon Rllers 8.1 of the
lower
transporter. With the lifting frame continuing its downward movement, Lug
Supports 7.4 are lowered below the rolling plane of Rollers 8.1, into their
initial
position. Then the platform is relocated in the direction of the take-out
point and is
installed upon the ramp.
Note: If the number of operating sections exceeds 3 and the platform
installed upon the lower transporter is not meant for the take-out, it is
relocated for
storage to the nearest section whose upper tier is not occupied.
2. The platform to be relocated for the car take-out is not located not at the
lowest tier, but at
some other tier, for example, at the second tier while there is another
platform installed for
storage att the first tier.
See Fig. 7 and Fig.7 b (Steps 0-8)
Fig. 7c* (n+l ) (Steps 8-13)
Fig. *n* Steps 14-18
Fig. *n* Steps 19-23
Tier 1 to the transporter rollers by way of performing the step sequence
indicated in Fig. 7 b.
But as the platform is to be kept in storage, it is to be transported to any
other section (n+l),
where it is to be installed upon the first tier of the section, but only if
the upper tier is not
occupied by another platform. If the higher Itier is occupied, the platform
from the higher tier
is to be relocated to the same section from which it was taken (*).
Below you will find a description of the interaction of the units and parts
during the take-out
process, this time from the second tier.
After the lifting device is brought into the lower initial position, a command
is given to switch
on the lower transporter in order to relocate a platform from "n" Section. But
if a platform
delivered for the take-out from this tier is transported in the direction of
the take-out, i.e. in the
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
direction where the ramp is located, a platform meant for the take-out from
the second level
tier**, after the platform * is installed upon the transporter, the platform
installed upon the
transporter moves not in the direction of the ramp, but to the ajacent (n+1)
section; at the same
time the top level transporter isswitched on, for relocating the carriage into
the same section.
As the design of the section is similar to that of the section from which the
platform was taken
out, all the details are marked with (*) sign.
After the platform and the top carriage both stop in this section, a command
arrives to raise
Li$ing Frame 7*.13 and Lug Supports 7.*4; then comes a command for Cylinder
7*.16 of the
lifting frame, to raise the platform to an "h" height above Lug Supports 7* 15
of the stationry
pillars, the space being enough to allow these lug supports to be turned into
the non-
operational (vertical) position. Then there comes a command to Shaft 7*.6 and
Lug Supports
7. * 15 of the section, and Lug Supports 9.5 of the top carriage are turned
into the non-
operational position by Shaft 9.7 contacting with Shaft 7*6.
The lifting device continues to move upward until it arrives to its final top
position, When this
happens, all the platforms are relocated in the upward direction, to a certain
height above
Stationary Supports 7* 15 of the section and Supports 9.5 of the top carriage.
Then the
stationary supports both of the section and of the top carriage are brought
back into the
operational (horizontal) position. Then a command arrives to move the lifting
device down,
and while yhis is happening, all the platforms are installed upon the lug
supports of the
stationary pillars, but one level up compared to their previous position, and
the platform from
the top tier is installed upon the lug sSupports of the top carriage.
Note: Relocation of platforms with the help of the top carriage is recommended
if the number
of storage sections does not exceed three sections/
The lifting device continues its downward movement until it reaches its bottom
position.
When this happens, a command arrives to bring the top carriage and the
platform installed
upon its lug supports back into Section "n", from which the previous platform
was earlier
taken out. From this moment on, all the operations aimed at platform
relocation described
above are to be repeated. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting device are turned
into the non-
operational (vertical) position and are raised to some height above the
platforms installed at the
lug supports of the stationary pillars. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting device
are brought back
into the operational (horizontal) position. Then lifting Cylinders 7.16 raise
Lifting device
Pillars 7.13 and Lug Supports 7.4 into the final top position. At the same
time Lug Supports
7.4 raise all the platforms from Lug Supports 7.15 and raise the platform from
Lug Supports
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
9.5 of the top carriage. Then Shafts 7.6 of the section come into interaction
with Shafts 9.9 of
the top carriage, bringing Lug Supports 7.15 and Lug Supports 9.5 of the top
carriage into the
non-operational (vertical) position. Then comes one more command, to move the
lifting
device down to a certain distance below Lug Supports 7.15 and Lug Supports
9.5, which are
turned into the operational (horizontal) position. While the lifting device is
moving
downward,
Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting device place the platforms upon Lug Supports
7.15, but one tier
below, and the platform earlier installed upon the top carriage is now moved
to the top tier of
the section. Platform ** from the section bottom tier is placed upon Rollers
8.1 of the lower
transporter. After Lifting Device 7.13 arrives into the initial bottom
position, there is one more
command, to switch on the lower transporter to move in the direction of the
take-out point, i.e.
in the direction of the ramp.
This is how Platform* * take-out from the second tier is performed.
Fig. 7.c.(n+l) shows post-operational steps required for the relocation of
Platform* from
Section "n+l" to Section "n".
Step 8, where Platform * is placed upon Rollers 8.1, with the lifting frame in
the
bottom initial position, serves as the initial starting point for further
steps.
Step 9. Lifting Frame 7* 13 uses its Lug Supports 7*4 to to raise all the
platforms
from Lug Supports 7.* 15 to a certain "h" allowing enough space for turning
Lug Supports
7* 15 into the non-operational (vertical) position.
Step 10. Lug Supports 7* 15 of the section and Lug Supports 9.5 are turned
into the
non-operational position.
Step l 1. Lifting frames 7.*13 use Lug Supports 7.*4 to raise the platforms to
a
certain height above Stationary Supports 7.* 15 of the section and above
Supports
9.5 of the top carriage.
Step 12. Lug Supports 7. * 15 and Lug Supports 9.5 of the top carriage are
turned into the operational (horizontal) position.
Step 13. Lifting Frames 7.* 13 are lowered into the bottom initial position,
meanwhile Lug Supports 7.*4lower all the platforms of the section upon Lug
Supports 7.* 15, but one tier up, and the top tier platform is installed upon
Lug
Supports 9.5 of the top carriage. After Lifting Frames 7. * 13 arrive into the
bottom
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CA 02652635 2009-01-23
level position, the top carriage drive is switched on, and the top carriage is
relocated to Section "n", together with the platform it is loaded with.
After Piatform (*) arrives into Section "n", the take-out of Platform (**)
begins,
starting from the initial position described below:
Step 14. The initial position, with Platform (**) located upon the bottom tier
of
Section "n".
Step 15. Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Pillars 7.13 are tumed into the non-
operational (vertical) position.
Step 16. Lug Supports 7.4 are raised above Stationary Lug Supports 7.15 to a
distance allowing nough space to turn Lug Supports 7.4 into the operational
(horizontal) position.
Step 17. Lug Supports 7.4 are brought back into their operational (horizontal)
position.
Step 18. Pillars 7.13 use their Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the platforrns to a
height allowing enough space for turning Lug Supports 7.15 into their non-
operational (vertical) position.
Step 19. Lug Supports 7.15 and 9.5 are turned into their non-operational
(vertical) position.
Step 20. Pillars 7.13 use their Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the platforms into
their
top position.
Step 21. Lug Supports 7.4 lower the platforms to a certain distance below Lug
Supports 7.15 and 9.5, allowing enough space for bringing them back into their
operational (horizontal) position.
Step 22. Lug Supports 7.15 and 9.5 are brought back into their operational
(horizontal) position.
Step 23. Pillars 7.13 are lowered into their initial bottom position, with Lug
Supports of Pillars 7.4 lowering the platform from Lug Supports 9.5 of the top
carriage to the top tier of the section, and lowering the other platforms to
Lug
Supports 7.15 one tier below. Lug Supports 7.4 of Stationary Pillar 7.13
install
Platform (**) from the bottom tier upon Rollers 8.1 of the transporter, and
then the
platform is sent to the take-out point.
If a platform from a higher tier is demanded for take-out, all the operations
relocating the platform
CA 02652635 2009-01-23
from one section to another are repeated, until the platform demanded for the
take-out is installed
upon the lower transporter.
Then the transporter is switched on to move in the direction of the take-out
point, and a command
to raise the ramp by bringing Cylinder 4.1 into the horizontal position, and
the car loaded platform
is installed upon the ramp. The next command sends the ramp into its tilted
position designed for
car exit from the platform. At the same time a command is sent to Cylinder
5.3, to raise the wheel
from the platform recess to the platform surface level. This makes the exit
much easier, and
requires less engine rotations, which, in its turn, lowers air pollution. This
ends the cycle of car
take-out, and after the car exit the ramp rises the platform into its
horizontal position. When the
transporter is switched on again, Ratches 5.9 of the platform hook Finger 6.1
of the transporter,
and the platform is relocated into the platform storage section. See Fig.6.
When the platform arrives into the storage section, a command is given to
Cylinder 6.2, and
Lifting Frame 6.4 uses its Lug Supports 6.3 to raise the platform. It is being
raised until its Feet
5.2 free Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars and raise the stored
platforms to a height
allowing enough space for turning Lug Supports 6.7 into the non-operational
(vertical) position
and a command follows to turn Lug Supports 6.7 into their operational
position. After they are
brought into the operational position, there comes a command to move the
lifiing frame down, to
its bottom, initial position. While this is happening, the whole platform
stack is installed upon
Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary Pillars 6.5.
The above described operations for car storage take-in and take-out , as well
as the interaction of
all units and parts of the described device, fully provide for the required
performance, i.e. take-in,
storage and take-out of cars or any other goods placed on platforms in multi-
level vertical sections
linearly arranged.
Using the top carriage for relocation of platforms from one section to another
at the top tier
is reasonable when a line has a rfestricted number of sections for car
storage, for examp,e, no more
than three sections. If there are more than three sections, platforms that are
brought down upon
the transporter but are not meant for immediate take-out are to be transported
into the nearest
section with the vacant to.
The materials offered above, i.e. the Figures and their descriptions, answer
the task of the
invention offered by the authors..
/6)...-.
