초록 ▼

A semi-automated warehousing system for unitized loads, such as load carrying pallets, which are retained in storage racks arranged in a multiple lane, multiple tier array is provided. The system employs a man operated stacker crane that travels upon a fixed rail and serves as a host vehicle for a r

A semi-automated warehousing system for unitized loads, such as load carrying pallets, which are retained in storage racks arranged in a multiple lane, multiple tier array is provided. The system employs a man operated stacker crane that travels upon a fixed rail and serves as a host vehicle for a ratio controlled transfer vehicle which is powered by a rechargeable battery. An elevator, which forms part of the crane is mounted between masts of the crane and a man carrying cab is secured to the elevator. The transfer vehicle can move laterally away from the crane, in either direction, in response to radio command signals controlled by the operator in the cab. The transfer vehicle rides on support rails in the storage racks and, upon command, deposits or picks up a pallet. The battery which powers the transfer vehicle is recharged each time the vehicle returns to the elevator portion of the crane.

대표청구항 ▼

A stacker crane for use in a warehousing system comprising: spaced masts; a headpiece joining said masts together at the top thereof and a base joining said masts together at the bottom thereof; wheels joined to said base adapted to ride along a track located in a floor; an elevator spanning the spa

A stacker crane for use in a warehousing system comprising: spaced masts; a headpiece joining said masts together at the top thereof and a base joining said masts together at the bottom thereof; wheels joined to said base adapted to ride along a track located in a floor; an elevator spanning the space between said masts; a hydraulic cylinder and piston extensible therefrom; a moveable sheave nest secured to said piston; chain means fixed at one end to one of said masts and fixed at the other end to said elevator with the intermediate length passing about said moveable sheave; hydraulic system means, including said hydraulic cylinder, for actuating said piston relative to said cylinder to shift said moveable sheave relative to said chain means and thereby alter the position of said elevator; a pair of guide rails secured to the upper piston of the elevator, said guide rails being adapted to accomodate a transfer vehicle; and a stop member secured at the front of the upper elevator surface inwardly of said guide rails and substantially perpendicular thereto, said stop member cooperating with a transfer vehicle\s body so as to automatically stop the latter\s movement when such a transfer vehicle is improperly oriented relative to the surface of said elevator.