| JPH0656207 | AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE |
| JP5247942 | Transport equipment, culture equipment |
VENKATRAMAN GURUPRASAD (IN)
VENKATRAMAN GURUPRASAD (IN)
| WO2007032024A2 | 2007-03-22 |
| US20050047895A1 | 2005-03-03 |
| We claim 1. A system for storing and retrieving over-dimensional and heavy objects comprising: a. plurality of storage tiers with addressed storage slots on either side of a central causeway with a fixed track on it; b. at least one elevator with or without power arm to serve as input cum output device and their orientation transverse to the line of storing to maintain unidirectional receipt and delivery; c. at least one independently driven transfer module with reverse option in each tier moving on a fixed first track along the length of the tier to move the objects along the line of storing, d. each transfer module has an independently driven power arm with reverse option moving on a fixed second track along the length of the transfer module and at a lower elevation than the fixed first track to push/pull the objects into/out of the elevator and storage slots and with lifting means and electro magnetic means for coupling and decoupling , e. at least one rows of spherical bails or rollers along the length on both sides of the top surface of transfer modules, and bottom surface of storage slots and elevator over which the objects are moved with less friction for storing or retrieval. f. simple push-pull arrangement to effect transfer of objects from one location to another in the process of storage/retrieval; g. integral super structures on both sides of transfer module with their remotely controlled and power operated hold/release arrangements to provide additional security while in transit; h. a system controller to co-ordinate, control and monitor the entire operations. 2. A system as claimed in claim (1), but with an additional structure with an integral lifting mechanism at its centre, the whole additional structure arrangement capable of being moved by the power arm of the transfer module on the spherical balls/rollers provided on the transfer module top surface for a system to handle buses. 3. A system as described in (1) above, but without super structures on the transfer modules to handle heavy objects but with less height like billets, coiis etc. |
The invention relates to storing and retrieving over dimensional and heavy objects, other than cars, more particularly, containers in addressed slots in multi-levels in any storage area with a view to save space and to handle with minimum labour component and to provide better logistic control and management.
Background of the addition to the invention
Economic advancement brings new challenges every day. One such challenge is storing and retrieval of over-dimensional and heavy objects, in this context precisely directed to containers. Containers have come as a big business. Ports, transshipment points and wherever containers are handled are facing the problem of space availability, the logistic control of the containers and their stacking and retrieval. Further in ports where their handling is linked to the berthing and movement of expensive ship timings the problem gets further complicated. The situation demands an acceptable solution.
Prior arts
Regarding container handling in ports conventional heavy duty forklifts and gantry type cranes are in practice as prior arts. Conventional heavy duty fork lifts do not cope with the tasks on them on account of their height limitations, want of clear area for negotiation and of course the labour involvement both for its own operation. Further forklifts themselves are prone to high maintenance. Attempts are made to introduce gantry type cranes to effectively tackle the situation. Though the attempts are encouraging, the solution is not total and has its limitations due to its limited heights on design considerations and its inability for selective hassle free retrieval without disturbing other containers, and high skill for operation of cranes. Hence effective handing and their control remains a dream. Digging in operation, a common term in port operation, refer to releasiing a container caught below a pile of containers, is a big head-ache. Further the logistic controi relayed more on the manual records and entries with prior art systems. A solution without any limitation whatsoever is wanting in the industry for a long time. Invention
This invention, therefore, is to overcome the drawbacks .disadvantageous and limitations of the prior art systems and to offer storage system in multi-levels for over dimensional objects, precisely directed towards containers, which will ensure hassle free storing and retrieval without disturbing other stored containers in relatively less time, with more precision and with minimum labour content
Objective of the invention
• The main objective of this invention is to offer secured storing of containers in pofe, ware houses and manufacturing plants in multi- levels and thus save the expensive land space • Another objective of the invention is to facilitate stacking and retrieval of containers at will without hindrance to any other stored container (no digging in operation)and within acceptable tiros
• Still another objective of the invention is to minimize the labour content in stacking and retrieval of containers • Another objective of the invention is to provide covered parking to containers and offer maximum protection against sun, rain, dust, pilferage and sea breeze
• Another objective of the invention is ensure total reliability, i.e. a mechanism to release any stored container, manually in case of failure of one or all controls.
• Another objective of the invention is to minimize the downtime by introduction of the concept of unit replacement for all components save elevatois.
• It is another objective of the invention to offer better logistic control of containers for better management by PLC based controls. .
Description of the invention
Parking and retrieving of car was disclosed in my earlier invention.(PCT/IN06/00344 ) The present system for storing and retrieving over dimensional objects, precisely directed towards container is submitted as a new version for altogether a new application of our earlier invention above cited and is precisely directed to handle containers. The system retain following principal components and concepts of my earlier invention i.e. at least one elevator, its orientation, multiple storage tiers at designed levels, each tier having a central causeway, addressed storage slots on either sides of the said causeway, fixed first track on the centre of causeway, at least one transfer module moving on the said first fixed track in each tier, one power arm , integral with each transfer module, moving over a fixed second track on the transfer module, and push-pull technique, not by mechanical linkages, but by the associated movement of temporarily coupled motorized power arms for movement of objects for handling.
Pallets, introduced as intermediate member for effectively handling cars varying in design size and style .are no more required in the system on account of uniformity of the containers handled and hence are taken away from the system and consequently their storage and handling arrangements, are done with Since the peak hour management is not a demand on the system ,slat conveyors are removed. As the containers are handled by handling equipments, power arm in the elevator is removed. However, M required, a power arm can be added in the. elevator with same modifications, as adopted si the transfer modules in the design to permit pushing the container on the transfer module and to pull the container from the transfer module into the elevator or to pull the container from a truck into the elevator and to push the container from the elevator onto the truck or any medium for transporting further.
The additions that go into our earlier invention, besides deleting the componenfe mentioned above, is the concept to provide at least one or more rows spherical balls cr rollers on the top surface of the transfer module and bottom surface of the storage slots and elevator over which containers are moved for receipt, storage, retrieval and delivery and transfer modules with side structures with remotely controlled and powered hold/release arrangement to ensure more security while in transit. This arrangement ates prevents any possibility of skewing of containers during movement of lengthy containers for storage and retrieval. The other important factor is limiting the speed of all the operations connected with movement of containers to minimum (less than norms] human walking speed) to eliminate any chance of 4OT body getting appreciable momentum and moving erratically without any control. The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the invention. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description illustrate principle of invention. The drawings should not be taken as implying any necessary limitation or the essential scope of the invention. The drawings are given by way of non limitative example to explain the nature of the invention. For a more complete understanding of the instant invention reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.
The foregoing description is outlined rather broadly preferred and alternative feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that forms the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing and modifying other structures for carrying out the same purpose of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize such equivalent conception do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the invention in its broadest form.
The invention wϋl be better understood from the description of the embodiments with reference to accompanying figures as:
• Figure 1 illustrates the storage complex comprising one or more elevators, storage tiers with plurality of storage slots and the stored over dimensional objects
• Figure 2 illustrates a typical storage tier for containers, the said storage tier having plurality of storage slots on either side of the central runways to store the over dimensional objects; an elevator to carry the over dimensional objects from one elevation to other; rows of balls/roller arrangement on the elevator and storage slots, a transfer Module on the fixed track in each tier to move the objects from one point to other along the line of storage and a power-arm moving on a track on the transfer module to move the objects from one point to other transverse to the line of parking, to effect storage and retrieval into/from addressed storage slots. • Figure 3 illustrates a typical transfer module with its drive and a power arm with its drive, fixed second track in the transfer module which is: at a lower elevation to first track, lifting means attached to the power arm and the electromagnetic security means fixed on the power arm
• Figure 4 illustrates a super structure fixed to a transfer module ,with its side members and horizontal frames and controlled hold/release means and their power drives.
• Figure 5 illustrates a transfer module, power arm, super structures and a container in position and the rows of balls/rollers arrangement over the transfer module.
The following are the component identification that is used to refer to embodiment of the system
1. Storage complex
2. Storage tier
3. Storage slot
4. Elevator
5. Transfer Module 6. Fixed track for Transfer Module
7. Transfer Module drive
8. Power-arm
9. Fixed track for Power-arm
10. Power-arm drive 11. Power-arm lifting means
12. Power-arm electro magnetic security means
13. Rows of balls of the Transfer Module
14. Rows of balls of the Elevator
15. Rows of balls of the storage slots 16. Container
17. Vertical member of the super structure
18. Horizontal member of the super structure
19. Hold / Release clamp
20. Power drive for hold / release clamps Now the operation of the system is fully described below.
The container (parti 6, fig 2 & 5) is placed inside the elevator (part4, fig2) by an external agency like fork lift. The system controller recognizes and allots a slot for storage. The elevator rises to the designated floor. The Transfer Module (partδ, fig2) of this tier moves towards the elevator and the Power-arm (partδ, fig3) in the respective transfer module moves forward towards the elevator. The plunger in the lifting means (parti 1 , fig3) in the power-arm (partδ, fιg3) rises so that the corresponding electro magnetic means (parti 2, fig3) make a contact with the container. The Power-arm moves over its track (partθ, fig3) pulling the container so that the container is transferred from the elevator on to the said Transfer Module (parts, fig2). The electro magnetic means in the Power-arm are released and the plunger of the lifting means in the Power-arm is lowered to its original position. The holding clamps (parti 9, fig4) hold the container in position through its drive (part20, fig4) as commanded by system controller. The Transfer Module is now moved on the first track (partδ, fig2) to the designated slot (part3, fig2) as directed by system controller. The holding clamps are released. The Power-arm positions itself to the right place to effect pushing the container into the allotted storage slot (part3, fig2). The lifting means (parti 1, fig3) of the Power-arm raises and the concerned electro magnetic means (parti 2, fig3) is energized. The Power-arm pushes the container from the Transfer Module (part 5, fig3) into the storage slot. The power arm returns to its original position on the transfer module. The operation is reversed for retrieval. The rows of balls provided at the top of the Transfer Module (parti 3, fig2) and at the bottom of the storage slot (parti 5, fig2) and elevator (parti 4, fig2) facilitate smooth movement of the container with less friction.