A novel crane system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crane system (1) for use in AS / RS automated storage systems, which allows multiple loads / products (Y) to be transported simultaneously and comprises at least one vertical carrier (2) for being movably connected to the lower and upper profiles (A) positioned in a storage area, at least one carrier platform (3), which is positioned on the vertical carrier (2) such that there will be multiple carrier platforms arranged one under the other, and which is used for transporting the load / product (Y), at least one first movement assembly (33), which is located on the carrier platforms (3) and used for picking up and dropping off the load (Y), and at least one second movement assembly (4), which is used for the up and down movement of each platform on the vertical carrier (2).

Description

[0001] A NOVEL CRANE SYSTEM

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a crane system which is used in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) and allows multiple products to be transported to the production line simultaneously, thus preventing potential bottlenecks in the production line.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] In the state of the art, AS / RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) systems are used for placing, organizing and unloading the products on the shelves in shelf storage areas. AS / RS automated storage system is a system in which storage activities are completely controlled by computer systems. In this system, operations such as storing, organizing, unloading and even order picking of the loads on the shelves are managed by computers. The said AS / RS automated storage systems are provided with crane assemblies for operations such as picking, lifting and placing the loads on the shelves.

[0006] In the state of the art, products arriving at the end of the line are picked up one at a time and placed on the shelves by a crane with a single load carrier. Therefore, the crane picks up a product at the end of the line and places it on the shelf, then returns and picks up another product and places it on the shelf. This leads to bottlenecks in the line and the inability to produce new products in plants with short production times and no buffer storage space at the end of the line. This results in a financial loss for the plant. Patent application no. CN210267743, known in the state of the art, relates to an AS / RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) which is used for placing products on shelves and comprises a means for picking up and transporting the product to place it on the shelves. In the said document, there is provided a means used for placing the products on the shelves, which can perform ascending and descending movement with a movable arm.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of the present invention relates to a crane system which is used in AS / RS automated storage systems and allows multiple products to be transported to the production line simultaneously, thus preventing potential bottlenecks in the production line.

[0009] The objective of the present invention relates to a crane system which minimizes product transport / travel time and provides an advantage in terms of total storage time in AS / RS automated storage systems.

[0010] The objective of the present invention relates to a crane system which comprises internal mechanisms that operate efficiently and in a coordinated manner.

[0011] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0012] The crane system developed to fulfill the objectives of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0013] Figure 1. is a front perspective view of the use of the crane system of the present invention in a shelf storage.

[0014] Figure 2. is a front perspective view of the crane system of the present invention on the guide profiles of the storage area. Figure 3. is a front perspective view of the carrier platform and movement assemblies in the crane system of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4. is a front perspective view of the connection detail of the carrier platform and vertical carrier in the crane system of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5. is a front perspective view of the connection detail of the carrier platform and vertical carrier in the crane system of the present invention.

[0017] The parts in the figures are individually numbered and their equivalents are given below.

[0018] 1. Crane system

[0019] 2. Vertical carrier

[0020] 21. Lower bearing

[0021] 22. Upper bearing

[0022] 23. First drive device

[0023] 3. Carrier platform

[0024] 31. Fixed part

[0025] 32. Moving part

[0026] 33. First movement assembly

[0027] 331. Slide assembly

[0028] 332. Second drive device

[0029] 333. Belt

[0030] 334. Third drive device

[0031] 335. Belt shaft

[0032] 4. Second movement assembly

[0033] 41. Fourth drive device

[0034] 42. Transmission shaft

[0035] 43. Pinion gear

[0036] 44. Rack and pinion 45. Rail structure

[0037] 46. Trolley

[0038] 461. Channel structure

[0039] A. Lower and upper profiles

[0040] Y. Load

[0041] A crane system (1) suitable for use in AS / RS automated storage systems, which allows multiple loads / products (Y) to be transported simultaneously, comprises:

[0042] - at least one vertical carrier (2) for being movably connected to the lower and upper profiles (A) positioned in a storage area,

[0043] - at least one carrier platform (3) which is positioned on the vertical carrier (2) such that there will be multiple carrier platforms arranged one under the other, and which is used for carrying the load / product (Y),

[0044] - at least one first movement assembly (33) which is located on the carrier platforms (3) and used for picking up and dropping off the load (Y),

[0045] - at least one second movement assembly (4) which is used for the up and down movement of each carrier platform (3) on the vertical carrier (2).

[0046] The crane system (1) of the present invention works such that it can move on the profiles (A) placed on the ceiling and floor along the aisle located between the shelves in the storage areas by means of the vertical carrier (2) and comprises a plurality of carrier platforms (3) positioned one under the other on the vertical carrier (2). The said load carrier platforms (3) can be moved independent of or dependent on each other on the vertical carrier (2), and thus a plurality of loads / products (Y) can be carried simultaneously and transported in the aisles. In addition, the horizontal movement of the carrier platform (3) in the crane system (1) allows the loads / products (Y) to be picked up from the shelves or placed on the shelves. In this way, the crane system (1) allows both transporting multiple products / loads (Y) and, after being transported, placing them individually on shelves or picking up the products / loads (Y) from the shelves. As an example of the working principle of the crane system (1) of the present invention, in the storage area, loads (Y) are put on each carrier platform (3) and the vertical carrier (2) is moved on the profiles (A) placed on the ceiling and floor along the aisle and stops in front of the relevant shelf structure in the relevant aisle. Then, the carrier platform (3) is raised by the second movement assembly (4) up to the height of the shelf on which the load / product (Y) will be placed, and the carrier platform (3) moves horizontally on the shelf via the second movement assembly (4) and drops off the load on the shelf. Afterwards, the carrier platform (3) moves backwards via the first movement assembly (33) and returns to its original position after unloading the load / product (Y). In this way, the process of unloading the load / product (Y) is completed. Then, the other load (Y) on the other carrier platform (3) is also raised to the relevant shelf height and placed on the relevant shelf by following the same processes.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the vertical carrier (2) consists of two opposing carrier profiles parallel to each other and the carrier platforms (3) are positioned between the opposing carrier profiles. In this way, a more rigid structure is achieved.

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, in order to movably connect the vertical carrier (2) to the upper and lower profiles (A) positioned in the storage area, the vertical carrier (2) comprises a lower bearing (21) in its lower part and an upper bearing (22) in its upper part. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower bearing (21) and the upper bearing (22) are wheel assemblies with a structure movable on lower and upper profiles (A) comprising a rail.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one first drive device (23) is provided for moving the vertical carrier (2) on the lower and upper profiles (A). In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive device (23) is located on the lower profile bearing (21) of the vertical carrier (2) and moves the vertical carrier (2) on the lower and upper profiles (A). In an embodiment of the invention, the second movement assembly (4) comprises a transmission shaft (42) connected to a fourth drive device (41) located on the carrier platform, a pinion gear (43) located at the end of the transmission shaft (42), and a rack and pinion gear (44) located on the vertical carrier (2), and therefore the up and down movement of the carrier platform in the vertical direction can be realized.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a trolley (46) which is used for properly ascending and descending the load carrier platform (3) and positioned so as to match with a rail structure (45) on the vertical carrier (2) and the rail structure (45) on the load carrier platform (3). In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a channel structure (461) located on the trolley (46) and this channel structure (461) engages into the rail structure (45). The said trolley (46) moves within the rail structure (45), allowing the carrier platform (3) to move linearly up and down on the vertical carrier (2).

[0051] In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier platform (3) consists of a fixed part (31) and a moving part (32) which is movable relative to the fixed part (31) and used for receiving a load (Y) inside or delivering the load (Y) outwards. The said moving part (32) can be moved forward and backward by the first movement assembly (33).

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the first movement assembly (33) comprises: at least one slide assembly (331) for movably connecting the moving part (32) and the fixed part (31) to each other, at least one second drive device (332) for moving the moving part (32) forward and backward on the slide assembly (331).

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second drive device (332) is a pneumatic piston. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one first movement assembly (33), which is used for picking up and dropping off the load (Y), comprises: a third drive device (334) located in the carrier platform (3), a belt shaft (335) located in the carrier platform (3) and connected to a third drive device (334) and at least one belt (belt conveyor) (333) rotatable with the belt shaft (335) and for moving the loads (Y) received thereon towards the carrier platform (3) or outwards from the carrier platform (3).

[0054] The load carrier platform (3) that has reached the storage and pick-up level starts to move for picking up and dropping off the load once the belt (333) is driven and operated by the third drive device (334) for picking up and dropping off the load (Y). To be able to pick up the load (Y) in a balanced manner, the load is transferred via the third drive device (334) onto the belt conveyor (333) driven by a belt shaft (335). After the belt (333) starts to move, the moving part (32) is opened by the third drive device (334) and the load carrier platform (3) advances on the slide mechanism (331) for picking up and dropping off the load and enters the shelf to perform its storage and retrieval task.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the first movement assembly (33) and / or the second movement assembly (4) are provided for each of the carrier platforms (3) arranged one under the other, and thus each load (Y) can be delivered to a separate shelf.

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, there are 6 carrier platforms (3) arranged one under the other, and thus the transport and placement operation of the load (Y) optimal for the height of the existing storage shelf can be realized. In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive device (23), the second drive device (332), the third drive device (334), and / or the fourth drive device (41) are a motor. In an embodiment of the invention, the said crane system (1) operates together with an AS / RS system and the first drive device (23), the second drive device (332), the third drive device (334), and / or the fourth drive device (41) operate via commands that the crane system receives from the AS / RS system / a control unit, thereby realizing the movement of the crane system (1). In this system, operations such as storing, organizing, unloading and even order picking of the loads (Y) on the shelves are handled by computerized control unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A crane system (1) for use in AS / RS automated storage systems, which allows multiple loads / products (Y) to be transported simultaneously, characterized by- at least one vertical carrier (2) for being movably connected to the lower and upper profiles (A) positioned in a storage area,- at least one carrier platform (3) which is positioned on the vertical carrier (2) such that there will be multiple carrier platforms arranged one under the other, and which is used for transporting the load / product (Y),- at least one first movement assembly (33) which is located on the carrier platforms (3) and used for picking up and dropping off the load (Y),- at least one second movement assembly (4) which is used for the up and down movement of each platform on the vertical carrier (2).

2. A crane system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the vertical carrier (2) which comprises / consists of two opposing carrier profiles parallel to each other for positioning the carrier platforms (3) therebetween.

3. A crane system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the vertical carrier (2) which comprises / consists of a lower bearing (21) located at the lower part and an upper bearing (22) located at the upper part of the vertical carrier (2) for being movably connected to the lower and upper profiles (A).

4. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first drive device (23) for moving the vertical carrier (2) on the upper and lower profiles (A).

5. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the second movement assembly (4) which comprises a transmission shaft (42) connected to a fourth drive device (41) located on the carrier platform, apinion gear (43) located at the end of the transmission shaft (42), and a rack and pinion gear (44) located on the vertical carrier (2).

6. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a trolley (46) which is used for properly ascending and descending the load carrier platform (3) and positioned so as to match with a rail structure (45) on the vertical carrier (2) and the rail structure (45) on the load carrier platform (3).

7. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the carrier platform (3) which comprises a fixed part (31) and a moving part (32) movable relative to the fixed part (31) and used for receiving a load (Y) inside or delivering the load (Y) outwards.

8. A crane system (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the carrier platform (3) which is movable in the forward and backward direction by the first movement assembly (33).

9. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first movement assembly (33) which comprises at least one slide assembly (331) for movably connecting the moving part (32) and the fixed part (31) to each other and at least one second drive device (332) for moving the moving part (32) on the slide assembly (331) in a forward and backward direction.

10. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the second drive device (332) which is a pneumatic piston.

11. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first movement assembly (33) which comprises a third drive device (334) located in the carrier platform (3), a belt shaft (335) located in the carrier platform (3) and connected to the third drive device (334), and at least one belt (belt conveyor) (333) rotatable with the belt shaft (335) and for moving theloads (Y) received thereon towards the carrier platform (3) or outwards from the carrier platform (3).

12. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first movement assembly (33) and / or second movement assembly (4) which are located in each of the carrier platforms (3) arranged one under the other.

13. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by 6 carrier platforms (3).

14. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first drive device (23), the second drive device (332), the third drive device (334) and / or the fourth drive device (41) which are a motor.

15. A crane system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first drive device (23), the second drive device (332), the third drive device (334), and / or the fourth drive device (41) which operate via commands that the crane system receives from the AS / RS system / a control unit.

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