Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for use in a shelf channel of rack storage facilities. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises circulating conveying means (2) for conveying and storing goods. The conveying means (2) is an endless loop formed partially by a roller chain (3) and partially by a tape (4). The roller chain (3) includes a plurality of chain links. Adjacent chain links are interconnected by an axes of a roller. The plurality of interconnected chain links includes two end links (31, 32). The end links (31, 32) are interconnected by the tape (4). A rail (10) extends linearly and supports a portion of said endless loop. The rail (10) has a loading/unloading end where the goods are loaded onto said conveying means (2) and unloaded from said conveying means (2). The rail (10) includes a first and a second deflection member (5, 6). The first deflection member (5) is located in a region of the loading/unloading end and the second deflection member (6) is located in a region remote from the loading/unloading end.

Abstract: A chain conveyor comprises a roller chain (6) [should read “8”] and a supporting rail (5) for vertically supporting the roller chain (6) [should read “8”]. The roller chain (6) [should read “8”] consists of a plurality of supporting rollers (3) that are interconnected by means of chain links (1). The chain links are of U-shaped design inasmuch as they comprise two legs (11, 12) and a base portion (10) located there between. The mean length (L) of the base portion (10) corresponds at least approximately to the distance (A) of the axes of two adjacent supporting rollers (3). The front faces of adjacent base portions of adjacent chain links are correspondingly designed and act as stops, inasmuch as they limit the mutual rotating movement of adjacent chain links, exceeding a predetermined angle, in such a way that the roller chain can transmit thrust forces.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for shelf channels of shelf storage facilities comprises two parallely arranged, circulating conveying means (2) for receiving pallets (P). The conveying means (2) are partially designed as support roller chains (3) whose ends are interconnected by a rope (3). Two deflections (5, 6) are provided per conveying means (2) by means of which the particular conveying means is divided into an upper (7) and a lower run (8). In order to bring the two conveying means into a defined initial position after unloading the last pallet, several chain links (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the end region of the particular chain (3) near the unloading end are provided with a smooth surface. Moreover, an end stop member (15, 16) is provided for each conveying means (2) that limits the path of displacement of the chain (3) in the unloading direction.

Abstract: The chain conveyor comprises a roller chain and a supporting rail adapted to vertically support the roller chain. The roller chain is provided with a plurality of roller members which are connected to each other by means of strap members. In order to laterally guide the roller chain with respect to the supporting rail, discrete guide elements are provided. These guide elements comprise a guide cam which protrudes the strap members of the upper run of the roller chain downwards towards the supporting rail. Moreover, the guide elements comprise supporting pin members which laterally project from the guide elements. The guide elements are located between the roller members and fixed to the strap members. The guide cam engages a longitudinal groove provided at the top of the supporting rail, while the lateral supporting pin members vertically support the lower run of the roller chain with the help of auxiliary rail members provided on the supporting rail.

Abstract: A tunnel stand bearing arrangement includes a plurality of shelf channels. Each shelf channel is provided with a circulating conveyor, on which the goods to be stored are received in a frictional manner. Each shelf channel is provided with a stationary slide member located in its end region where the goods are unloaded. The slide member has an active length corresponding to 0.8 to 1.2 times the mean brakeless run-out distance of the conveyor set in motion by the removal of goods. The conveyor is designed such that the non-positive frictional coupling between the conveyor and the goods stored thereon is released in front of the active portion of the slide member.

Abstract: A speed control device for controlling the speed of a transport vehicle rolling on a rail track, especially for use in a shelf storage system in which a pair of spaced apart rails form part of the structure of a warehouse shelf and constitutes the supporting and guiding track for the vehicle, the transport vehicle being supported on the rails and wherein a rotating braking and accelerating member is provided for the vehicle. The speed control device for driving the braking and accelerating member drives at a predetermined speed. The braking and accelerating member consists essentially of a spring-tensioned endless belt, a fixed subframe, bracket support member, and a spring member. The belt is resiliently supported on the fixed subframe and is able to move from a rest position which is out of engagement with the driving member but in the path of said vehicle to a working position which is in engagement with the driving member and in frictional engagement with the vehicle.

Abstract: A shelf storage system comprises a plurality of shelves on which are supported a plurality of mobile storage and transport units. Each unit comprises a first part consisting of a four sided frame in which rollers are housed with their axes of rotation above the frame and a second part which is adapted for carrying the goods to be stored and is detachably supported on the first part. The second part may be any one of a large variety of forms chosen in dependence upon the goods which are to be stored therein.