Garage for multi-level parking of cars

Abstract

The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certain dimensions, such as, for example, containerss or open platforms loaded with goods, the storage being done in multi-level sections following each other in a line or in several parallel lines, with the take-in of the platforms at one end of each line (the entrance point) and take-out of the goods either at the opposite end of each line (the exit point), or at both the entrance and the exit points, simultaneously.

Description

The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certain dimensions, such as, for example, containers or open platforms loaded with goods, the storage being done in multi-level sections following each other in a line or in several parallel lines, with the take-in of the platforms at one end of each line (the entrance point) and the take-out of the goods either at the opposite end of each line (the exit point), or at both the entrance and the exit points, simultaneously.

The major advantages of the invention are listed below:

• • A A much better utilization of storage space, due to multi-level storage of goods, i.e., a more efficient utilization of a building height or of a ground storage space, due to 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 goods loaded on 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.
    • Further on we are going to illustrate practical implementation of the invention, by describing a method of relocating platforms from one level to another vertically within a section, up and down, by way 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. (See FIG. 1cx.aand 1cxb). FIG. 1cxa 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 Pillars 3 at the lowest (first) level of the Section Lifter 1 Lug Supports 2 are pin-hinged to Pillar 1, at h distance below the upper surface of Lug Supports 4 of their stationary pillars.
      • Step 1. Pillar 1 is to be moved upward, Lug Supports 2 lift Platforms 5 off Lug Supports 4 of the stationary pillars, to h height, which is enough to turn Lug Supports 4 into the non-operational (vertical) position.
      • Step 2. Lug Supports 4 of the stationary pillars are turned into a non-operational (vertical) position.
      • Step 3. Lifting pillars 1 use their Lug Supports 2 to raise Platforms 5 into the upper position.
      • Step 4. Lug Supports 4 of Stationary Pillars 3 are moved back into their operational (horizontal) position.
      • Step 5. Lifting Pillar 1 is lowered into the initial lower position, while Platforms 5 are being installed one level up on Lug Supports 4 of the stationary pillars, with the help of Lug Supports 2 of the Lifter. (FIG. 4 presents it as lifting from Level 1 (the lower one) to Level 2, etc.)

FIG. 1 cxb represents the steps and the inter-working of units while platforms are being relocated to the next lower level within the Section.

• • Step 0. The initial position: Platform 5 is installed at Level 2 of Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4, and Lug Supports 2 of the lifting pillars are pin-hinged below Lug Supports 3 of the stationary pillars at height h, which is enough to turn Lug Supports 2 into a non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 1. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are turned into the non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 2. Lifting Pillar 1 is raised to h height above Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4.
  • Step 3. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are returned into the initial (horizontal) position.
  • Step 4. Lifting Pillars 1 are raised into the upper position, where Lug Supports 2 take the platforms off Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillar 4 and raise them.
  • Step 5. Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4 are turned into a non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 6. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are lowered to an h distance which allows Lug Supports 3 to be returned into their operational (horizontal) position.
  • Step 7. Lug Supports 3 of the stationary pillars are returned into their operational (horizontal) position.
  • Step 8. Lifting Pillars 1 are lowered into the initial lower position, with Platforms 5 being lowered from Lug Supports 2 of the Lifter to Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4, one level lower than the preceding one.

This method is offered as the basis for a car storage structure making use of 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 loaded with the car is to be raised to a higher level. The next car is to be loaded in the same manner, the platform is to be raised to the level under the previous one, and so on, until a car is loaded at a platform at the Zero level. The major drawbacks of this structure are the necessity to use additional space for entrance and exit, and the necessity to free the lowest level platforms of the stored cars at the moment when cars stored above these levels are to be taken out.

The invention we offer, because of its ability to relocate individual platforms up and down within each section, and their relocation from one section into an adjacent section, allows any platform loaded with a car to be relocated to Zero level by way of relocating platforms from one section into another along one line, leaving other stored cars intact, and excludes the storage drawbacks described above.

DESCRIPTION

A description of the invention—the storage method and a storage structure implementing the method—is presented below.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, respectively, represent the longitudinal section, a cross-section and an overhead view of the device. They show Guide Rollers 1, Ramp 2, Platform, 3, Framework 4, Platform Storage Section 5, Car Storage Section 6, Floor-level Transporter 7, and Top Carriage 8.

FIG. 4: A ramp consisting of Frame 4.2, Frame Rotation Cylinder 4.1 in Pivot Joint 4.4. Rollers 4.3 are fixed on the frame.

FIG. 4.a represents a ramp with a platform loaded with a car installed on the ramp. The ramp is shown in the tilted position, for the car entrance onto, and exit from the platform, and in the horizontal position where it can facilitate connecting Platform 5.1 with Finger 8.5 of the transporter with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 of the platform.

FIG. 5: A platform consists of Base Frame 5.1 and Support Feet 5.2 which guarantee 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, necessary for holding either the left front wheel, or both front wheels of a car. In order to raise the wheel before the car is going to exit the platform, Cylinder 5.3 is used. When a car enters the platform, its front left wheel is guided by Rollers 5.6 of Movable Carriage 5.8, and the movable carriage is returned into its initial position with the help of Frame 5.5 contacting with the wheel while the car is exiting the platform. The platform is gripped with Finger 8.5 with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 fixed on Axis Pins 5.10.

FIG. 6 illustrates a platform storage section consisting of Stationary Pillars 6.5. rigidly attached to Frame 4 of movable Frames 6.4 driven by Cylinder, 6.2. Lug Supports 6.7 are gimbal-mounted to the lower level stationary pillars, and are to be driven up and down with Actuator 6.6 which could be a cylinder. Movable Frames 6.4 have Lug Supports 6.3 which are rigidly attached to them below the level of Rollers 8.1 of the Zero level transporter. Chains 6.8 serve for synchronizing the movement of movable frames. They form Sprockets 6.9., each pair of which is rigidly attached to Frame 4, with Shafts 6.11. Sprockets 6.10 are rigidly attached to Frame 4. As the lifting frames at the opposite ends are connected via 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. 7 illustrates a car storage section. This section is designed similarly to a platform storage section. The first one, though, differs from the second one in having a greater number of Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8, as well as of Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Frames 7.13. Their number corresponds to the number of levels within a section, and as they are vertically installed at a certain distance from each other, these vertical steps form levels. Both the stationary pillar lug supports and the lifting frame lug supports are attached on pin hinges. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frames are attached at a certain distance from the level at which Lug Supports 7.15 of stationary pillars are attached, and the lower Lug Supports 7.4 are located below Rollers 8.1, which form a lower, Zero level.

Cross-bar 7.6 connects Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8 to a drive mechanism, for example, Cylinder 7.7. Cross-bar 7.6 helps to turn Lug Supports 7.15 into a non-operational (vertical) position and back. Lifting Frames 7.13 have Hydro-cylinder 7.16 for a driving mechanism. Simultaneous movement of the lifting frames at the opposite ends is provided by connecting them to Chains 7.2 that go around Sprockets 7.9 attached to the shaft, and Sprockets 7.10 at Frame 4. Lug Supports 7,4 have a shaft, Shaft 7.18, with Driving Mechanism 7.17, to provide for their turning into a non-operational position and back.

FIG. 8 illustrates the design of the lower, (Zero) level transporter which serves for relocating car loaded and empty platforms between sections at the lower level and onto the ramp, and has 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 are supported by Plates 8.7 and 8.6. FIG. 8 shows how Platform 5.1 and its Ratchet Dogs 5.9 are to be driven by Finger 8.5 of the transporter.

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 rotated with the 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 a special interlock (“dovetail” joint).

Motion 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 upper level.

OPERATION

The offered car storage method and the storage structure can operate in the following way:

A Cars 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 come to a halt in front of the “Stop” sign. Next comes a command 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.

See FIG. 6.

Movable Frames 6.4 are raised in their upper, final [position. At the same time Lug Supports 6.3 of Lifting Frames 6.4 raise the platform from Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary Pills 6.5 to a height allowing Lug Supports s 6.7 of their stationary pillars enough space to move into a non-operational (vertical) position. Then comes the command to switch on Cylinder 6.6 and to bring Lug Supports 6.7 into the non-operational (vertical) position. Then the next command comes, to move the lifting device down, to the level allowing clearance between the platform resting on the Lug Supports of the lifting device and the platform resting on its support feet. The clearance is necessary for Lug Supports 6.7 to be returned into their initial (horizontal) position, which is achieved either with the help of the driving mechanism (the cylinder), or just happens because of the weight of the platform.

The lifting frame structure of each section consists of two Frames 6.4. They face each other at the opposite ends of the section. Each of the frames has its own driving mechanisms, Cylinders 6.2. To synchronize their movement, the frames on both 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 is 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. (See FIGS. 6 and 6a)

FIG. 6a shows the steps and the interaction of Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter and of Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars, which is necessary in order to separate the lowest platform from the platform package installed at 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 lifter, at “h” distance below the surface where Transporter Rollers 8.1 operate. Platform Package 5.1 or just one platform is sitting upon Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars.
  • Step 1. Lug Supports 6.3 of Lifter 6.4, as a result of Cylinder 6.2 being activated, raise the platform package or one Platform 5.1 at “h” height above Stationary Lug Supports 6.7, enough for their turning into a non-operational position, for example, into the vertical position.
  • Step 2. Lug Supports 6.7 are turned into a non-operational position when Cylinder 6.6. is turned into its non-operational position.
  • Step 3. Lug Supports 6.3, without the help of the lifter, raise the platform package into the top end 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 the platform package or one platform upon Lug Supports 6.7 of stationary pillars. The lowest platform separated from the package is placed 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 I moved into its lower initial position, a command arrives to switch the transporter drag-out device in the ramp direction, see FIG. 4a. Pulling Finger 8.5 of the transporter pulls Platform Ratch 5.10, and the platform is relocated into a preset 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 substituted by the signal allowing the car to move. The driver approaches the ramp (FIG. 4) 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.

After the car is installed upon the platform and is fixed in the “PARKING” position, there is a command to place the platform with the car for storage. The ramp goes upward into the horizontal position, the transportation driving device is switched on, and while its pulling finger 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 post-operational steps in accepting a platform, with a car or empty, for storage.

The transporter stops at the pre-appointed area of the section, after which Lifting Frames 7.13 of the section use their Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the platform from the roller transporter, as well as all the other platforms resting on Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8 to a certain height above these lug supports, enough for their mandatory turn over into a non-operational (vertical) position. After Lifter 7.13 raises into its upper position, Lug Supports 7.15 of their stationary pillars are forced back into their operating (horizontal) position. This is done with Shafts 7.6 driven from Cylinder 7.7. Then the next command sends the lifter down, and all the platforms resting upon Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter are installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars at their level, which is one level up. The platform raised from the transporter rollers is installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the lower level of the section.

This ends the cycle of car acceptance for storage.

(see FIG. 7 and FIG. 7a)

FIG. 7a demonstrates post-operational steps of platform acceptance for storage, with or without a car:

• • Step 0. Platform 5.1 to be stored is installed upon Rollers 8.1 of the lower transporter.
  • Step 1. The transporter's Lug Supports 7.4 lift the platform off the transporter rollers, and all the other platforms off Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars. All of them are risen to “h” height which offers enough room for Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars to be turned into a non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 2. When Cylinder 7.7 is switched on, shafts 7.6 turn Lug Supports 7.15 into the non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 3. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter and Platform 5.1 are lifted into their upper position.
  • Step 4. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are brought back into their operational (horizontal) position by switching Cylinder 7.7 on.
  • Step 5. The lifter Lug Supports 7.4 are brought into their lower initial position, with the platforms being installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars, but one level upward, and the platform raised off Rollers 8.1 with the help of Lug Supports 7.4 is placed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the lower level.
  • This brings the process of accepting the platform for storage to an end.

A Take-Out of a Platform Loaded with a Car or Without it from the Car Storage Section.

A user who received the information about the storage code during the car intake, feeds this information into the system of its automated take-out. The following operations are to follow, depending on the layer 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 layers where the car loaded platform is located.

1 The Car Loaded Platform is Located at the Lower Layer (See FIGS. 7 and 7 b)

All Lug Supports 7.4 of the section lifter are driven into the non-operational (vertical) position, after which the lifter starts moving upward. After it passes higher than Stationary Lug Supports 7.15 are, Lug Supports 7.4 go back into their operational (horizontal) position. If the lifter continues rising, the lifter Lug Supports raise all the platforms resting upon stationary pillars Lug Supports to height “h” which is enough to turn 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 layer. 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 lifter downward. After the lifter 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 lifter downwards. This brings all the platforms from the lifter lug supports to the lug supports of the stationary pillars, but one level lower than before. The platform resting upon the lug supports of the lifter Zero level lug supports 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 level of any car storage section are given out.

FIG. 7b illustrates the operational steps required for a platform take-out.

• • Step 0. The initial position: the platform is located at the first level (marked with * sign). The platform located in the second level 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 of the Roller 8.1 of the lower transporter movement plane.
  • Step 1. Supports 7.4 are brought into the non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 2. Lifting Frame 7.13 raises Lug Supports 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 raises the platforms from Lug Supports 7.15 with the help of Lug Supports 7.4, to a height enough for 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 to lower Platforms 5.1 below Lug Supports 7.15, to a distance allowing enough space for returning Lug Supports 7,5 into their operational 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. All the platforms are removed from hese Lug Supports to Lug Supports 7.15, but one level below. The lowest platform is taken off Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frame and place them down, upon Rollers 8.1 of the lower transporter. With the frame continuing its downward movement, Lug Supports 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.

B. The Platform to be Relocated for the Car Take-Out is Not Located at a Lower Level, but at Some Other Level, for Example, at the Second Level, While There is Another Platform at the First Level.

See FIG. 7 and FIG. 7 b (steps 0-8)

7c* (n+1) (Steps 8-13)

*n* Steps 14-18

• • *n* Steps 19-23

First, Platform (*) is lowered from Level 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+1), where it is to be installed at the first level of the section, but on the condition that the upper level is not occupied by another platform. If the higher level is occupied, the occupying platform is to be relocated, with the top carriage, to the section from which Platform (*) 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 level.

After the lifter is brought into the lower initial position, a command is given to switch on the lower transporter in order to relocate a platform from Section “n”. But if this platform, while being delivered for the take-in from this level, moves in the direction of the take-out, a platform required for the take-out from the second level**, after Platform * is installed upon the transporter, it is switched on to move not in the direction of the ramp, but in the direction of the adjacent section (n+1). At the same time, the transporter relocating the top carriage is switched on, for moving the top 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 stop in this section, a command arrives to raise Lifting 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 a “h” height above Lug Supports 7/*15 of the syationry 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, which through Shaft 9.7 contacting with Shaft 7*6 are turned into the non-operational position.

The lifter 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 the 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. There is a command to move the lifter down, and while it moves, all the platforms are installed upon the Lug Supports of the stationary pillars, but one level up compared to their previous positioning, and the platform from the top layer has now been installed upon the Lug Supports of the top carriage.

The lifter continues its downward movement until it reaches its lower position. When this happens, a command arrives to bring back the top carriage and the platform installed upon its lug supports into Section “n”, from which the previous platform was taken out. Starting from this moment, all the operations aimed at platform relocation described above are to be repeated. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter 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 lifter are brought back into the operational (horizontal) position. Then lifting Cylinders 7.16 raise Lifter Supports 7.13 and Lug Supports 7.4 into the final upper 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 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 lifter down to some distance below Lug Supports 7.15 and Lug Supports 9.5, allowing enough space for them to be turned into the operational (horizontal) position. While the lifter is moving downward,

Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter place the platforms upon Lug Supports 7.15, but one lever below, and the platform from the top carriage is now installed at the top level of the section. Platform ** from the section lower level is placed upon Rollers 8.1 of the lower transporter. After Lifter 7.13 arrives into the initial lower position, there is one more command, to switch on the lower transporter moving in the direction of the take-out point, i.e. in the direction of the ramp.

This is how a platform take-out is performed from the second level.

FIG. 7 c (n+1) shows post-operational steps required for the relocation of Platform * from Section “n+1” to Section “n”.

Step 8, where Platform * is placed upon Rollers 8.1, with the lifting frame in the lower initial position serves as the starting, initial position for further steps.

• • Step 9. Lifting Frame 7*13 uses its Lug Supports 7*4 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 11. Lifting frames 7/*13 use Lug Supports 7/*4 to raise the platforms to some 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 lower initial position, meanwhile Lug Supports 7.*4 lower all the platforms of the section upon Lug Supports 7.*15, but one level up, and the top level platform is installed upon Lug Supports 9.5 of the top carriage, and after Lifting Frames 7.*13 arrive into the bottom level position, the top carriage drive is switched on, and the top carriage, together with the platform it is loaded with, is relocated to Section “n”.
  • After Platform (*) arrives into Section “n”, the take-out of Platform (**) begins, starting from the initial position described below:
  • (See FIG. 14-18)
  • Step 14. The initial position, with Platform (**) positioned at the lower level of Section “n”.
  • Step 15. Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Pillars 7.13 are turned into the non-operational (vertical) position,
  • Step 16. Lug Supports 7.4 are raised above Stationary Lug Supports 7.15 to a distance allowing for turning 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 platforms to a height allowing enough space for turning Lug Supports 7.15 into their non-operational (vertical) position.
  • (see FIG. 19-23)
  • Step 19. Lug Supports 7.1′5 abd 9.5 are turned into their non-operational (vertical) position.
  • Step 20. Pillars 7.13 use their Lug Supports to raise the platforms into their upper position.
  • Step 21. Lug Supports 7.4 lower the platforms below Lug Supports 7.15 and 9.5, to a distance 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 lower initial position, with the lug supports of these Pillars 7.4 lowering the platform from Lug supports 9.5 of the top carriage to the upper level of the section, and lowering the other platforms to Lug Supports 7.15, but one level below. Platform (**) from the lower level of Lug Support 7.4 of Stationary Pillar 7.13 is installed upon Rollers 8.1 of the transporter, and then the platform is sent to the take-out point.

If a platform from a higher level is demanded for take-out, all the operations relocating the platform from one section to another are repeated, until the platform demanded for the take-out is installed upon the lower transporter.

After the transporter is switched on to move in the direction of the take-out point, a command arrives to raise the ramp by bringing Cylinder 4.1 into a horizontal position, and the 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, for rising the wheel from the recess in the platform 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 a car take-out, and after the car exit the ramp lowers the platform into its horizontal position. When the transporter is switched on, 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 it until Feet 5.2 of the platform free Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars and raise the stored platforms to a height allowing enough space to turn Lug Supports 6.7 into the non-operational (vertical) position with he help of Cylinder 6.1. Then the lifting frame is raised into its upper position, 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 lifting frame down, to its lower, initial position. While this is happening, the whole platform package is installed upon Lug Supports 6.7 of Stationary Pillars 6.5.

Claims

1. We claim this is a method of, and a device for take-in, storage, and take-out of containers or platforms, either containing goods or empty, utilizing multi-level vertical sections which are laid out as a line or as several parallel lines.

The method DIFFERS in the following points: Lug supports of a lifting frame relocate a platform or all the platforms installed in the section levels upon lug supports of stationary pillars, both upward and downward, by successive intercepting the platforms with the lug supports of the lifter and with the lug supports of stationary pillars, according to a preset program.

2. We claim the method repeats the method described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in a multi-level section lug supports of the lifter, as well as of the stationary pillars, are turned simultaneously at all the levels, for which purpose the lug supports both of the lifter and of the stationary pillars are connected with individually driven shafts.

3. We claim he method repeats the method described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to relocate platforms from one section into another, a platform located at the lower level is to be relocated with the help of the Zero Level transporter, while a platform located at the top level is to be relocated with the help of a top carriage.

4. We claim the device repeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to relocate a car on a platform in a rigidly fixed direction, a carriage is installed on a platform, equipped with rollers placed at an angle to each other. The front wheel is rigidly fixed between the rollers, thus providing the car straight line motion of the car on the platform.

5. The device repeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to fix the car after it is placed upon a platform, there is a grid recess in which the front wheel of the car, or both its front wheels, are placed.

6. The device repeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to provide for easier exit of the car from the ramp, the ramp is tilted in the direction of the exit, and the car wheel is pushed out of the recess with a special thrustor driven by the hydro-cylinder.

7. The device repeats the one described in 6, but DIFFERS in the following points: to provide for proper functioning of the low level transporter at the moment a car enters or exits the tilted ramp, the platform on the ramp takes out its ratches out of contact with the pulling finger of the transporter.

8. The device repeats the one described in 3, but DIFFERS in the following points: In order to save the time of the top carriage relocation, there can be more than one top carriage.

9. The device repeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to save time for a platform take-in or take-out, for installing the platform on the ramp or to remove it from the ramp, at least one of the sections should be used for platform storage only.