A vertical drawer store, suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height

Abstract

A vertical drawer store (M), suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height, wherein it comprises: a frame (T), which in turn comprises a box structure (S); a plurality of drawers (C) which each comprise a first flank (F1) and a second flank (F2) which is opposite the first flank (F1), each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises a first plurality of protrusions (1) which protrude from the relative first flank (F1) and a second plurality of protrusions (2) which protrude from the relative second flank (F2); a plurality of supports (3) for restingly receiving the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) so that the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) are arranged one above another; a first hooking element (4) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a first translation unit (5) which is borne by the frame (T) and is able to move the first hooking element (4) along a vertical direction and along a horizontal direction; a second hooking element (8) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a second translation unit (7) which is borne by the frame (T) and is able to move the second hooking element (8) along the vertical direction and along the horizontal direction; a control unit which is configured in such a way as to command the first translation unit (5) and the second translation unit (7) so as to carry out the following sequence: hooking a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8); externally moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and vertically moving the selected drawer, hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

Description

[0001] A VERTICAL DRAWER STORE, SUITABLE FOR EXTRACTING A SELECTED DRAWER AND BRINGING THE SELECTED DRAWER TO A PREDETERMINED HEIGHT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns the technical sector relating to vertical drawer stores, suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height.

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] A vertical drawer store is known that comprises: a box structure, which in turn comprises a first containment part, a second movement part and an opening positioned at a predetermined height of the box structure which places in communication the outside of the box structure and the movement part; a plurality of drawers; a plurality of supports which are arranged in the first containment part and are suitable to support the drawers of the plurality of drawers one above another and to horizontally guide each drawer of the plurality of drawers.

[0006] The supports of the plurality of supports, in particular, form guides that allow a corresponding drawer to be able to translate horizontally until complete extraction thereof from the first containment part of the box structure.

[0007] The vertical drawer store further comprises: a support and movement plane which is arranged in the second movement part frontally to the plurality of drawers supported by the plurality of supports, which is vertically movable to position itself at the height of a selected drawer and which is dimensioned to restingly receive the drawer selected and completely extracted from the first containment part of the box structure; extraction devices borne by the support and movement plane which are able to move horizontally on the corresponding guides each drawer of the plurality of drawers in order to be completely extracted from the first containment part of the box structure and to be borne resting on the support and movement plane.

[0008] Following the selection of a drawer of the plurality of drawers, the support and movement plane is moved vertically in order to be positioned at the height of the selected drawer.

[0009] The extraction device moves the selected drawer horizontally along the corresponding guides in such a way as to extract it from the first containment part and position it resting on the support and movement plane.

[0010] The support and movement plane on which the selected drawer is resting is moved vertically to position the selected drawer at the desired height frontally of the opening of the box structure from which the selected drawer is accessible.

[0011] The overall depth of the vertical drawer store is given by the depth of the first containment part, in more detail by the depth of the drawers of the plurality of drawers arranged in the first containment part, and by the depth of the second movement part, in more detail by the depth of the support and movement plane on which each drawer is to be positioned to be borne to the predetermined height at the opening.

[0012] The vertical drawer store is primarily used in environments where there are large spaces for positioning thereof and cannot be placed in a room of a domestic dwelling and / or in a shop, pharmacy and the like in which the space available for positioning it is limited.

[0013] In a room of a domestic dwelling and / or a shop, and / or a pharmacy and the like, to contain a plurality of articles, the maximum available height is exploited, i.e. the height between the floor and the ceiling seeking, however, to leave the most possible space free inside the room of the dwelling and / or of the shop, and / or of the pharmacy and the like for other uses.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to obviate the above-mentioned drawback.

[0016] The above-mentioned aim has been obtained with a vertical drawer store, suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height, according to the contents of claim 1.

[0017] The vertical drawer store comprising a first hooking element and a second hooking element which can be respectively moved along a vertical direction and along a horizontal direction, advantageously enables obtaining a vertical drawer store that has, in the non-use position thereof, a depth volume given by the depth of the drawers of the plurality of drawers and by the arrangement of the first hooking element, of the first translation unit, of the second hooking element, of the second translation unit laterally flanking the drawers of the plurality of drawers internally of the box structure.

[0018] In the non-use position all the drawers of the plurality of drawers are contained internally of the box structures, i.e. the drawers of the plurality of drawers are positioned resting on the supports internally of the box structure so as to be arranged one above the other, and the first hooking element is in the first retracted position and the second hooking element is in the second retracted position, at the sides of the drawers of the plurality of drawers and, therefore, the overall volume of the vertical drawer store is minimised.

[0019] Only in the use position is the selected drawer of the plurality of drawers positioned externally of the box structure, i.e. the hooked selected drawer is outside until it is fully extracted with respect to the remaining drawers of the plurality of drawers.

[0020] It is specified, therefore, that by “use position” it is meant that the condition in which a user needs to collect an article placed internally of a drawer of the plurality of drawers.

[0021] In fact, following the selection of the drawer which is to be brought to a predefined height, the first hooking element and the second hooking element are moved in synchrony in order to be moved internally of the box structure along a vertical direction, in order to be then positioned at the selected drawer of the plurality of drawers in order to hook the selected drawer of the plurality of drawers, and are moved along a horizontal direction only during the use condition so that the hooked selected drawer is moved externally until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer with respect to the remaining drawers of the plurality of drawers.

[0022] The movement mechanisms of each drawer of the plurality of drawers are, therefore, configured so as to be arranged in the box structure laterally to the drawers of the plurality of drawers in such a way as to optimise the overall volume of the vertical drawer store.

[0023] The vertical drawer store advantageously enables, therefore, exploiting the maximum internal volume of an environment where it is to be positioned. The vertical drawer store, with an appropriate dimensioning in height and appropriate dimensions of the drawers of the plurality of drawers and with the arrangement of the first hooking element and the second hooking element flanking the plurality of drawers in the non-use condition, can be positionable both in an industrial environment (for example, in an industrial storage area, an industrial store or the like) and in a room of a domestic dwelling and / or a shop and / or a commercial area.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

[0026] - figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vertical drawer store, suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height, object of the invention, in which a selected drawer is shown, partially extracted with respect to the remaining drawers of the store;

[0027] - figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical drawer store of figure 1, in which a selected drawer is shown, completely extracted with respect to the remaining drawers;

[0028] - figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical drawer store of figure 1 and 2, in which the drawer brought to a predefined height is highlighted;

[0029] - figure 4 illustrates the perspective view of figure 2 from which the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall of the box structure of the vertical drawer store of the invention have been removed as well as a part of the plurality of drawers of the drawer store, better to illustrated internal parts of the box structure; - figure 5 illustrates a larger-scale view of the detail A of figure 4, from which some supports of the plurality of supports have been removed to better highlight certain parts;

[0030] - figure 6 illustrates a larger-scale view of the detail B of figure 4;

[0031] - figure 7 illustrates a larger-scale view of the detail K of figure 5 from which the drawers of the plurality of drawers and the supports of the plurality of drawers of the relative drawers have been removed to better highlight the parts illustrated;

[0032] - figure 8 illustrates a larger-scale view of detail D of figure 6 from which have been removed the drawer, the supports of the plurality of supports of the relative removed drawers of the plurality of drawers and the base of the box structure in order better highlight the parts illustrated in the figure;

[0033] - figure 9 illustrates a larger-scale view of detail E of figure 6 from which have been removed the selected drawer of the plurality of drawers, the supports of the plurality of supports of the relative drawers of the plurality of eliminated supports, and the base of the box structure in order better highlight the parts illustrated in the figure;

[0034] - figure 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of figure 8;

[0035] - figure 11 illustrates a larger-scale view of section l-l of figure 8;

[0036] - figure 12 illustrates a partially exploded view of figure 9;

[0037] - figure 13 illustrates a larger-scale view of detail F of figure 1 , in a view rotated by 180° from which some drawers of the plurality of drawers have been removed better highlight part of the supports of the plurality of supports of each drawer of the plurality of drawers;

[0038] - figure 14 illustrates a larger-scale perspective view of section ll-ll of figure 13;

[0039] - figure 15 illustrates a larger-scale view of detail J of figure 2 rotated by 180° from which the second hooking element has been removed, better highlight some parts; - figure 16 illustrates a schematic lateral view of the sequence of movement of a selected drawer of the plurality of drawers, in a first embodiment of each drawer of the plurality of drawers, not illustrated in detail;

[0040] - figure 17 illustrates a schematic lateral view of the movement sequence of a drawer of the selected plurality of drawers in a second embodiment of each drawer of the plurality of drawers, the corresponding movement of which is partially illustrated in figures 1, 2, 3.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (M) denotes a vertical drawer store, suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height, object of the present invention.

[0043] The vertical drawer store (M), suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height: comprises a frame (T), which in turn comprises a box structure (S); comprises a plurality of drawers (C) which each comprise a first flank (F1) and a second flank (F2) which is opposite the first flank (F1); each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first plurality of protrusions (1) which protrude from the relative first flank (F1); and a second plurality of protrusions (2) which protrude from the relative second flank (F2); comprises a plurality of supports (3) which are fixed to the frame (T) and which are arranged internally of the box structure (S) so as to restingly receive the drawers (01) of the plurality of drawers (C) in such a way that the drawers (01) of the plurality of drawers (C) are arranged one above another; comprises a first hooking element (4) which in turn comprises a first hook (41) and a second hook (42) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (01) of the plurality of drawers (C); comprises a first translation unit (5) which: is borne by the frame (T); is able to move the first hooking element (4) along a vertical direction so as to position the first hooking element (4) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C); is able to move the first hooking element (4) along a horizontal direction between a first retracted position, wherein the first hooking element

[0044] (4) is internal of the box structure (S), and a first extracted position, wherein the first hooking element (4) is at least partially external of the box structure

[0045] (5); comprises a second hooking element (8) which in turn comprises a third hook (83) and a fourth hook (84) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); comprises a second translation unit (7) which: is borne by the frame (T); is able to move the second hooking element (8) along the vertical direction in order to position the second hooking element (8) at the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C); is able to move the second hooking element (8) along a horizontal direction between a second retracted position, wherein the second hooking element (8) is internal of the box structure (S), and a second extracted position, wherein the second hooking element (8) is at least partially external of the box structure (S); comprises a control unit (not illustrated) which is configured in such a way as to command the first translation unit (5) and the second translation unit (7) in such a way that the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are movable in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence: hooking a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8); externally moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted to a predetermined height.

[0046] The predetermined height preferably corresponds to a height at which each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is accessible to a user.

[0047] The vertical drawer store (M) preferably can further comprise a user interface (not illustrated) which is connected to the control unit.

[0048] The control unit is preferably further configured in such a way as to command the first translation unit (5) and the second translation unit (7) in such a way that the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are movable in synchrony so as to carry out a following return sequence: vertically moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) positioned at the predetermined height in order to bring it to the height corresponding to the position that the hooked selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) initially occupies the inside of the box structure (S); moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) to full extraction with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) towards the inside of the box structure (S) so as to position the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) so that the hooked selected drawer (C2) is aligned with the respective drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); unhooking the hooked selected drawer (C2) from the first hooking element (4) and from the second hooking element (8).

[0049] The control unit is advantageously configured to move the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) to reposition the extracted selected drawer to the initial position thereof in which the vertical drawer store (M) newly assumes the closed configuration thereof, in which all the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) are internally of the box structure (S) and in which the vertical drawer store (M) occupies, in depth, a modest space.

[0050] The box structure (S) comprises a first lateral wall (S1) and a second lateral wall (S2), which is opposite the first lateral wall (S1).

[0051] The box structure (S) can also comprise a rear wall (Sp) adjacent to the first lateral wall (S1) and to the second lateral wall (S2) and an opening (Sa) which is opposite the rear wall (Sp).

[0052] The vertical drawer store (M) preferably comprises, between the first lateral wall (S1) and the plurality of drawers (C), a first vertical slot (SF1) in which the first hooking element (4) is moved (figures 1, 2, 3).

[0053] The vertical drawer store (M) preferably comprises, between the second lateral wall (S2) and the plurality of drawers (C) a second vertical slot (SF2) in which the second hooking element (8) is moved.

[0054] The first vertical slot (SF1)and the second vertical slot (SF2) advantageously respectively allow the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) to be moved in a horizontal direction in order to enable the extraction and introduction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) outside and inside the box structure (S) and in a vertical direction in order to enable the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) to vertically move the hooked selected drawer (C2) and bring it to the predetermined height.

[0055] Each support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) comprises a first face (31) and a second face (32) opposite the first face (31) (figures 4, 6 13).

[0056] Each support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) can preferably be a plane.

[0057] As illustrated in figure 4, each support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) can preferably be a shelf element.

[0058] The shelf element can be fixed in a cantilever fashion to a corresponding vertical element (6) in turn fixed to the frame (T).

[0059] Each shelf element is an L-shaped member comprising, at an end thereof, a fixing part suitable to be fixed to the vertical element (6).

[0060] The shelf element is advantageously easily fixable to the vertical element (6), and is easily movable by an assembler in the assembly step of the drawer store, as the operations of assembly of the store are simplified and replacement of the shelf element itself is possible.

[0061] Further, the shelf element enables having, internally of the box structure (S), spaces that are easily accessible to the assembler for any maintenance operations.

[0062] Each support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) can preferably comprise at least a stabilising stop (90) (figure 14) which is arranged on a first face (31) of the support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) and which is suitable for stabilising the position of a drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) when supported by at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) internally of the box structure (S).

[0063] The stabilising stop (90), for example, can be a pin which extends vertically upwards from the first face (31) of the support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3), (figure 14).

[0064] Each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can be supported by two shelf elements (figures 4, 5, 6).

[0065] Each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) further comprises a rear side (F3), adjacent to the first flank (F1) and to the second flank (F2), a front side (F4) opposite the rear side (F3), and a bottom (F5).

[0066] The bottom (F5) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can comprise an external face (fe) and an internal face (fi).

[0067] The external face (fe) of the bottom (F5) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can comprise at least a housing (91).

[0068] The at least a housing (91) is included in proximity of one of the two longitudinal edges of the bottom (F5) and is suitable to restingly coupling receive the at least a stabilising stop (90) (figure 14).

[0069] When a drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is supported by at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) the stabilising stop (90) advantageously inserts internally of the housing (91) to prevent the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) from involuntarily exiting externally of the box structure (S) and to guarantee the position thereof internally of the box structure (S).

[0070] The internal face (fi) of the bottom (F5) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can comprise a plurality of longitudinal ribs (L) (figures 2, 3, 4, 6, 13, 14).

[0071] The longitudinal ribs (L1) of the plurality of longitudinal ribs (L) can be spaced away from one another.

[0072] The longitudinal ribs (L1) of the plurality of longitudinal ribs (L) delimit, internally of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) of the areas for the positioning of containment boxes of articles (not illustrated).

[0073] The at least a housing (91) is realised beneath the at least a longitudinal rib (L1) of the plurality of longitudinal ribs (L) (figure 13).

[0074] The positioning of the containment boxes in predefined positions internally of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) advantageously enables a predefined distribution of the weight internally of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0075] Each protrusion of the first plurality of protrusions (1) and of the second plurality of protrusions (2) can be a pawl.

[0076] Each from between a first hook (41), second hook (42), third hook (83), and fourth hook (84) can form a U-shaped element.

[0077] The control unit is preferably further configured in such a way that, following the hooking of a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C), and before the outward movement of the hooked selected drawer (C2) until its full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved in synchrony to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

[0078] The configuration of the control unit is advantageously such that the lifting of the hooked selected drawer (C2) by a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the same selected drawer is resting prevents the dragging of part of the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3).

[0079] Therefore, wear and damage to the hooked selected drawer (C2) that a constant dragging would cause over a period of time is prevented.

[0080] Further, maintenance operations can be reduced, as a drawer sliding without dragging does not require lubrication and maintenance with respect to a drawer that is constantly subject to friction.

[0081] The box structure (S) preferably comprises a first lateral wall (S1) as previously described and a second lateral wall (S2), which is opposite the first lateral wall (S1); the frame (T) comprises a first vertical guide (T1) which is arranged internally of the box structure (S), in proximity of the first lateral wall (S1); the frame (T) comprises a second vertical guide (T2) which is arranged internally of the box structure (S), in proximity of the second lateral wall (S2) (figures 6, 7, 8, 10); the first translation unit (5) comprises: a first carriage (50) (figures 6, 9, 12) which bears the first hooking element (4) and which is vertically movable along the first vertical guide (T 1); a first horizontal guide (51) which is borne by the first carriage (50) and on which the first hooking element (4) is movable; first movement means for moving the first carriage (50); third movement means for moving the first hooking element (4); the second translation unit (7) comprises: a second carriage (70) (figures 6, 7, 8, 10) which bears the second hooking element (8) and which is vertically movable along the second vertical guide (T2); a second horizontal guide (71), which is borne by the second carriage (70) and on which the second hooking element (8) is movable; second movement means for moving the second carriage (70); fourth movement means for moving the second hooking element (8).

[0082] The first vertical guide (T1) can be fixed to a first vertical plate (P1).

[0083] The first vertical plate (P1) can in turn, for example, be fixed to the frame (T) of the box structure (S) in proximity of the frontal opening (Sa) of the box structure (S).

[0084] The second vertical guide (T2) can be fixed to a second vertical plate (P2).

[0085] The second vertical plate (P2) can in turn, for example, be fixed to the frame (T) of the box structure (S) in such a way as to be opposite the first vertical plate (P1) and also to be in proximity of the frontal opening (Sa) of the box structure (S).

[0086] The first hooking element (4) slides on the first horizontal guide (51) by means of first skates (510) (figure 12) which are fixed to the first hooking element (4).

[0087] The second hooking element (8) slides on the first horizontal guide (71) by means of second skates (710) (figure 10) which are fixed to the second hooking element (8).

[0088] The first movement means can preferably comprise a first belt conveyor (53).

[0089] The first movement means can also comprise a first motor (solution not illustrated).

[0090] The second movement means can preferably comprise a second belt conveyor (73).

[0091] The second movement means can also comprise a second motor (solution not illustrated).

[0092] In the example illustrated in figures 4, 5, the first motor and the second motor are integrated in a single first drive motor (54).

[0093] The vertical drawer store (M) can comprise a first belt transmission system (500) which moves the first belt conveyor (53) and the second belt conveyor (73) (figure 5).

[0094] The single first drive motor (54) and the single second drive motor (74) are arranged internally of the box structure (S).

[0095] The first belt transmission system (500) can also comprise a transmission shaft (55), which is arranged longitudinally internally of the box structure (S) between the first belt conveyor (53) and the second belt conveyor (73), for example in the upper end portion of the box structure (S).

[0096] The first belt conveyor (53) can comprise a first drive pulley (531), a first driven pulley (532) and a first movement belt (533).

[0097] The first drive pulley (531) and the first driven pulley (532) can be borne by the first vertical plate (P1).

[0098] The first drive pulley (531) is activated by the drive shaft (55).

[0099] The first carriage (50) can be fixed to the first movement belt (533).

[0100] The second belt conveyor (73) can comprise a second drive pulley (731), a second driven pulley (732) and a second movement belt (733).

[0101] The second drive motor (731) and the second driven pulley (732) can be borne by the second vertical plate (P2).

[0102] The second drive pulley (731) is activated by the drive shaft (55).

[0103] The fact of having a single first drive motor (54) which activates the first drive pulley (531) of the first belt conveyor (53) and the second drive pulley (731) of the second belt conveyor (53) advantageously simply enables moving the first carriage (50) and the second carriage (70) in synchrony, minimising the movement mechanisms of the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0104] Further, the arrangement of the drive shaft (55) of the first belt transmission system (500) longitudinally internally of the box structure (S) in the upper end portion of the box structure (S) enables optimising the spaces for the arrangement of the movement mechanisms of the first belt conveyor (53) and the second belt conveyor (53) internally of the box structure (S), facilitating the accessibility to the single first drive motor (54) for any eventual maintenance operations.

[0105] The first translation unit (5) preferably further: comprises a first cogwheel (56) (figures 9, 12), which is borne by the first carriage (50), which is provided with a first outer cogging (not visible in the appended figures) and which is centrally provided with a first axial through- hole (not visible in the appended figures); comprises a first shaft (57) which is drawable in rotation by the third movement means, and which couples with the first axial through-hole of the first cogwheel (56) in such a way as to draw of the first cogwheel (56) in rotation while enabling relative sliding of the first cogwheel (56) along the first shaft (57); comprises a first cogged belt (58) (figure 12) which is borne by the first hooking element (4) and which enmeshes with the first outer cogging of the first cogwheel (56) to enable the movement of the first hooking element (4); and, preferably, the second translation unit (7): comprises a second cogwheel (75) (figure 11), which is borne by the second carriage (70), which is provided with a second outer cogging (750) and which is centrally provided with a second axial through-hole (751); comprises a second shaft (76) which is drawable in rotation by the fourth movement means, and which couples with the second axial through-hole (751) of the second cogwheel (75) in such a way as to draw the second cogwheel (75) in rotation while enabling relative sliding of the second cogwheel (75) along the second shaft (76); comprises a second cogged belt (77) which is borne by the second hooking element (8) and which enmeshes with the second outer cogging (750) of the first cogwheel (56) to enable the movement of the first hooking element (4).

[0106] The third movement means, in a solution not illustrated, can comprise a third motor which drives the first shaft (57).

[0107] The fourth movement means, in a solution not illustrated, can comprise a fourth motor which activates the second shaft (76).

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen in figures, 4, 5, the third motor and the fourth motor can be integrated in a single second drive motor (74) which by means of a drive belt (740) actuates the first shaft (57) and the second shaft (76) in synchrony in a known way.

[0109] The fact that the first translation unit (5) further and advantageously comprises the first cogwheel (56), the first shaft (57) and the first cogged belt (58), enables having a movement of the first hooking element (4) in a simple and effective way.

[0110] In fact, following the activation of the third activating means (in the embodiment described the second drive motor (74)) the first shaft (57) is drawn in rotation, which consequently draws the first cogwheel (56) in rotation.

[0111] The rotation of the first cogged belt (56) allows the horizontal movement of the first cogwheel (58) and, consequently, of the first hooking element (4).

[0112] The considerations made in the foregoing are also to be considered for the second cogwheel (75), the second shaft (76) and the second cogged belt (77).

[0113] The first shaft (57) can preferably be grooved and the first axial through-hole of the first cogwheel (56) can have a first inner cogging (not illustrated), so that the first shaft (57) enmeshes with the first inner cogging.

[0114] Alternatively, (not illustrated), the first shaft (57) can couple with the first axial through-hole by splining.

[0115] Preferably, the second shaft (76) can be grooved and the second axial through-hole (751) of the second cogwheel (75) can have a second inner cogging (752), so that the second shaft (76) enmeshes with the second inner cogging (752)

[0116] Alternatively (solution not illustrated), the second shaft (76) can couple with the second axial through-hole (751) by splining.

[0117] The first shaft (57) can be arranged between the first lateral wall (S1) of the box structure (S) and the plurality of drawers (C).

[0118] The first shaft (57) can be arranged in proximity of the frontal opening (Sa) of the box structure (S).

[0119] The second shaft (76) can be arranged between the second lateral wall (S2) of the box structure (S) and the plurality of drawers (C).

[0120] The second shaft (76) can be arranged in proximity of the frontal opening (Sa) of the box structure (S). The fact that the first shaft (57) is grooved and the second shaft (76) is also grooved advantageously enables, during the vertical movement of the first carriage (50) and the second carriage (70), a simple coupling that allows the first cogwheel (56) to slide freely with respect to the first grooved shaft (57) and the second cogwheel (75) to slide with respect to the second grooved shaft (76).

[0121] Further, the use of a single first drive motor (54) and a single second drive motor (74), of a first belt conveyor (53), of a second belt conveyor (73), a first grooved shaft (57), a second grooved shaft (76) for moving each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), arranged internally of the box structure (S), enables optimising the spaces internally of the box structure (S), which has a positive effect on the overall depth volume of the vertical drawer store (M).

[0122] Indeed, the movement mechanisms, being advantageously minimised, enable the extraction of each selected drawer to be brought to the desired height, reducing the possibility of malfunctions and damage requiring maintenance operations.

[0123] The first cogged belt (58) preferably comprises a first terminal part (58a) and a second terminal part (58b); the first terminal part (58a) and a second terminal part (58b) are fixed to the first hooking element (4); the first translation unit (5) comprises first stretching rollers (59) borne by the first carriage (50) and configured to stretch the first cogged belt (58); the second cogged belt (77) comprises a third terminal part (77a) and a fourth terminal part (77b); the third terminal part (77a) and the fourth terminal part (77b) are fixed to the second hooking element (8); the second translation unit (7) comprises second stretching rollers (78) borne by the second carriage (70) and configured to stretch the second cogged belt (77).

[0124] The fact that the first terminal part (58a) and the second terminal part (58b) of the first cogged belt (58) are fixed to the first hooking element (4) and that the first cogged belt (58) is stretched on the first stretching rollers (59) advantageously allows the first cogged belt (58) to enmesh perfectly with the first outer cogging of the first cogwheel (56), thus guaranteeing the horizontal movement of the first hooking element (4).

[0125] The above-described considerations are to be taken as valid also for the anchoring of the second cogged belt (77) to the second hooking element (8) and the stretching of the second cogged belt (77).

[0126] In a first embodiment, the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), see the schematic illustration of figure 16, preferably comprises: a first protrusion (10) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a second protrusion (20) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a third protrusion (30) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a fourth protrusion for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0127] Figure 16 illustrates, in a dotted line, a vertical line which schematically represents the position of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) with respect to the box structure (S) before and after the horizontal movement thereof.

[0128] The arrangement of the first protrusion (10), the second protrusion (20), the third protrusion (30) and the fourth protrusion (40) are advantageously such that each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can be hooked by the first hooking element (4) and by the second hooking element (8) without the hooked selected drawer (C2) being able to tip.

[0129] In greater detail, the distance between the first protrusion (10) and the second protrusion (20) and between the third protrusion (30) and the fourth protrusion (40) is such that the centre of gravity of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is always on the rest base, where the rest base is actually the first protrusion (10), the second protrusion (20), the third protrusion (30) and the fourth protrusion (40), thus guaranteeing a greater stability of the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0130] In a second embodiment, the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), see the schematic illustration of figure 17, preferably comprises, in a variant embodiment: a first protrusion (11) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a second protrusion (12) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4); a third protrusion (13) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), a fourth protrusion (14) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the third protrusion (13) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the first protrusion (11) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the second protrusion (12) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a fifth protrusion (25) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a sixth protrusion (26) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8); a seventh protrusion (27) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8); an eighth protrusion (28) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the seventh protrusion (27) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the fifth protrusion (25) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the sixth protrusion (26) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0131] Figure 17 illustrates in a dotted line, a vertical line which schematically represents the position of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) with respect to the box structure (S) before and after the horizontal movement thereof.

[0132] The fact that the first plurality of protrusions (1) comprises the first protrusion (13), the second protrusion (14), the third protrusion (15) and the fourth protrusion (16), and that the second plurality of protrusions (2) comprises the fifth protrusion (25), the sixth protrusion (26), the seventh protrusion (27) and the eighth protrusion (28), advantageously enables each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) to be hooked so that it can be moved and be completely extracted using a first hooking element (4) and a second hooking element (8) which have a dimension in length that is shorter with respect to the dimension which the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) have in the first embodiment illustrated schematically in figure 16.

[0133] In detail, the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are dimensioned in length as a function of the distance (d) between the first protrusion (11) and the second protrusion (12), and implicitly between the third protrusion (13) and the fourth protrusion (14) of the first hooking element (4).

[0134] Likewise, the second hooking element (8) is dimensioned in length as a function of the distance (d) between the fifth protrusion (25) and the sixth protrusion (26), and implicitly between the seventh protrusion (27) and the eighth protrusion (28).

[0135] More precisely, the first hook (41) and the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), and the third hook (83) and fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8) are spaced from one another by distance (d) which implies a reduction of the dimension in length of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8).

[0136] The first horizontal guide (51) on which the first hooking element (4) is movable, and the second horizontal guide (71) on which the second hooking element (8) is movable have a dimension in length that is sized as a function of the distance (d).

[0137] This sizing has a positive effect on the dimension in depth of the box structure (S) internally of which both the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the first hooking element (4) and the second element (8) are positioned, to the advantage of the overall depth of the vertical drawer store (M).

[0138] Each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can preferably comprise a first anti-tip stop (not illustrated) which projects from the relative first flank (F1) in order to be in proximity of a protrusion of the first plurality of protrusions (1) in proximity of the first end (E1) of the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and in order to be configured to cooperate with the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4) to prevent the tipping of the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) at least when completely extracted.

[0139] Each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) can preferably comprise a second anti-tip stop (900) which projects from the relative second flank (F2) in order to be in proximity of a protrusion of the second plurality of protrusions (2) in proximity of the first end (E1) of the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) in order to be configured to cooperate with the third hook (83) of the second hooking element to prevent the tipping of the drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) at least when completely extracted.

[0140] The first anti-tip stop (not illustrated) can preferably be arranged between the first protrusion (10) and the second protrusion (20) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) (first embodiment) of the relative first flank (F1), at the first projection (10) or at least between the first projection (11) and the second protrusion (12) (the second embodiment) of the relative first flank (F1), at the first projection (11).

[0141] The second anti-tip stop (not illustrated) can preferably be arranged between the third protrusion (30) and the fourth protrusion (40) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of the relative second flank (F2), at the third protrusion (30) (first embodiment) or at least the fifth protrusion (25) and the sixth protrusion

[0142] (26) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of the relative second flank (F2), at the fifth protrusion (25) (second embodiment).

[0143] The first anti-tip stop (not illustrated) can preferably be arranged between the third protrusion (13) and the fourth protrusion (14) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of the relative first flank (F1), at the third protrusion (13) (second embodiment).

[0144] The second anti-tip stop (900) can preferably be arranged between the seventh protrusion (27) and the eighth protrusion (28) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of the relative second flank (F2), at the seventh protrusion

[0145] (27) (second embodiment), figure 15.

[0146] The first anti-tip stop and the second anti-tip stop (900), as illustrated in figure 15, can be a pin.

[0147] The arrangement of the first anti-tip stop is such that the first hook (41) can hook the corresponding protrusion of the first plurality of protrusions (1), in such a way that the first hook (41) flanks and in part contacts the first anti-tip stop.

[0148] The arrangement of the second anti-tip stop (900) is such that the third hook (83) can hook the corresponding protrusion of the second plurality of protrusions (2) in such a way that the second hook (83) flanks and in part contacts the second anti-tip stop (900) (figure 15).

[0149] The first anti-tip stop and the second anti-tip stop (900) prevent both the first hook (41) and the second hook (83) from changing the respective hooked position with the corresponding protrusion both during the movement of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) and when the drawer is completely extracted externally of the box structure (S).

[0150] The vertical drawer store (M) can preferably comprise (figure 4, 6, 13) a first plurality of sensors (R1), in which each sensor (r) of the first plurality of sensors (R1) detects the position of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) resting on at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) internally of the box structure (S).

[0151] Each sensor (r) of the first plurality of sensors (R1) can be arranged on a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3), for example in proximity of the corresponding fixing part (figure 13) of the support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3).

[0152] The control unit, as a function of the detections carried out by the first plurality of sensors (R1), advantageously controls the vertical movement of the first carriage (50) and the second carriage (70), so that the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) can be moved to in proximity of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C).

[0153] In greater detail, a collision is avoided between the protrusions of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the first hook (41) and the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), and between the protrusions of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the third hook (83) and fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8) during the vertical movement the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8).

[0154] The vertical drawer store (M) can preferably comprise a second plurality of sensors (N2) (figures 4, 6), in which each sensor (n) of the second plurality of sensors (N2) detects the position of at least one from between the first hooking element (4) or the second hooking element (8) with respect to the position of a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) before the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved horizontally.

[0155] Each sensor (n) of the second plurality of sensors (N2) can be arranged on the frame (T) in proximity of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) (figures 5, 6).

[0156] At least one from between the first carriage (50) and the second carriage (70 can comprise a position detecting plate (60).

[0157] In the embodiment of figures 6 and 9, the first horizontal guide (51) is fixed to a first bar (B1) to which, externally, in an opposite position with respect to the position of the first horizontal guide (51), the position detecting plate (60) is in turn fixed.

[0158] The position detecting plate (60) is advantageously detected by the sensor (n) of the second plurality of sensors (N2) adjacent to the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) in such a way that in the absence of this detection the control unit controls the activation of the horizontal movement of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) to prevent a collision between the protrusions of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the first hook (41) and the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4) and between the protrusions of the second plurality of protrusions (2) and the third hook (83) and fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8).

[0159] The following is a description of a method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) according to the description in the foregoing.

[0160] The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M), includes steps of:

[0161] - moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) along a vertical direction until positioning the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C);

[0162] - moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence:

[0163] - hooking a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8);

[0164] - externally moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C);

[0165] - vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

[0166] The above-mentioned steps advantageously enable moving to and positioning each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) at a predetermined height by moving in a simple way and in synchrony only the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8).

[0167] Following the step of vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height, a return step is preferably included in which in the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved in synchrony to: vertically move the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) positioned at the predetermined height in order to bring it to the height corresponding to the position that the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) initially occupied the inside of the box structure (S); moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) to full extraction with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) towards the inside of the box structure (S) in order to position the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) so that the hooked selected drawer (C2) is aligned with the respective drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); unhooking the hooked selected drawer (C2) from the first hooking element (4) and from the second hooking element (8).

[0168] The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M), preferably includes after the hooking of a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8), and before the outward movement of the hooked selected drawer (C2) until its full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved in synchrony to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

[0169] The advantage deriving from the step in which the hooked selected drawer (C2) is raised from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer is resting is the same advantage as previous described relatively to the dragging of part of the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3), for which reason it is not repeated.

[0170] The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M), preferably includes: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (10) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a second protrusion (20) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a third protrusion (30) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a fourth protrusion (40) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the step of hooking a selected drawer by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) comprises sub-steps of:

[0171] - moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the first protrusion (10) and so that the second hook (42) hooks the second protrusion (20), and

[0172] - moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the third protrusion (30), and so that the fourth hook (84) hooks the fourth protrusion (40).

[0173] The advantages given by the hooking step described above are the same as those given in the preceding part of the description, for the arrangement of the first protrusion (10), the second protrusion (20), the third protrusion (30) and the fourth protrusion (40) and, and, therefore, are not newly described.

[0174] The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M), preferably includes: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (11) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a second protrusion (12) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4); a third protrusion (13) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4); a fourth protrusion (14) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the third protrusion (13) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the first protrusion (11) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the second protrusion (12) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a fifth protrusion (25) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8); which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a sixth protrusion (26) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8); a seventh protrusion (27) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8); an eighth protrusion (28) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the seventh protrusion (27) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the fifth protrusion (25) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the sixth protrusion (26) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); it comprises steps of:

[0175] - moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) along a vertical direction until positioning the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C);

[0176] - moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence: a) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the first protrusion (11) and the second hook (42) hooks the second protrusion (12); b) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the fifth protrusion (25) and the fourth hook (84) hooks the sixth protrusion (26); c) moving the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C), hooked by the first hooking element (4) and by the second hooking element (8), externally so that a partial extraction takes place of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); d) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the third protrusion (13) and the second hook (42) hooks the fourth protrusion (14); e) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the seventh protrusion (27) and the fourth hook (84) hooks the eighth protrusion (28); f) moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked by the first hooking element (4) and by the second hooking element (8), externally so that a full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) takes place with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); g) vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

[0177] The advantages given by the steps of the afore-mentioned movement and hooking are the same as those given in the preceding part of the description in relation to the fact that it is possible to size the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in such a way as to reduce the depth dimension of the vertical drawer store (M); for this reason no further description is made thereof.

[0178] The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M), preferably includes: following sub-steps a), b) and before sub-step c) carrying out a sub-step as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting; following sub-step c) and before sub-step d), carrying out a sub-step as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to lower the hooked selected drawer (C2) until releasing the hooked selected drawer (C2) resting on the at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3), with the consequence that the first hook (41) unhooks the first protrusion (11), that the second hook (42) unhooks from the second protrusion (12), that the third hook (83) unhooks from the fifth protrusion (25) that the fourth hook (84) unhooks from the sixth protrusion (26); following sub-steps d), e) and before sub-step f), carrying out a sub-step as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from the at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

[0179] The advantages given by the described hooking step are the same as those given in the preceding part of the description in relation to the lifting of the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) from the at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) and, therefore, are not newly described.

[0180] Following the sub-step g), the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) can preferably be moved in synchrony to carry out the following return sequence: h) vertically moving the hooked selected drawer (C2), and completely extracted to the outside with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) in order to bring it to the height corresponding to the position that the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) initially occupied inside of the box structure (S); i) moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted completely to the outside with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) towards the inside of the box structure (S) so that there is a partial re-entry of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and a positioning of the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3); l) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) unhooks the third protrusion (13) and the second hook (42) unhooks the fourth protrusion (14); m) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) unhooks the seventh protrusion (27) and the fourth hook (84) unhooks the eighth protrusion (28); n) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the first protrusion (11) and the second hook (42) hooks the second protrusion (12); o) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the fifth protrusion (25) and the fourth hook (84) hooks the sixth protrusion (26); p) moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) from the first hooking element (4) and from the second hooking element (8), towards the inside of the box structure (S) in order to position the hooked selected drawer (C2) on the corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) so that the hooked selected drawer (C2) is aligned with the respective drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); q) unhooking the hooked selected drawer (C2) from the first hooking element (4) and from the second hooking element (8).

[0181] The movement of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) to reposition the extracted selected drawer to the initial position thereof is advantageously such that the vertical drawer store (M) newly assumes the closed configuration thereof, in which all the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) are inside the box structure (S) and in which the vertical drawer store (M) occupies, in depth, a modest space.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vertical drawer store (M), suitable for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height, wherein: it comprises a frame (T), which in turn comprises a box structure (S); it comprises a plurality of drawers (C) which each comprise a first flank (F1) and a second flank (F2) which is opposite the first flank (F1); the vertical drawer store (M) is characterised in that: each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first plurality of protrusions (1) which protrude from the relative first flank (F1); and a second plurality of protrusions (2) which protrude from the relative second flank (F2); it comprises a plurality of supports (3) which are fixed to the frame (T) which are arranged internally of the box structure (S) so as to restingly receive the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) so that the drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) are arranged one above another; it comprises a first hooking element (4) which in turn comprises a first hook (41) and a second hook (42) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); it comprises a first translation unit (5) which: is borne by the frame (T); is able to move the first hooking element (4) along a vertical direction so as to position the first hooking element (4) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C); is able to move the first hooking element (4) along a horizontal direction between a first retracted position, wherein the first hooking element(4) is internal of the box structure (S), and a first extracted position, wherein the first hooking element (4) is at least partially external of the box structure(5); it comprises a second hooking element (8) which in turn comprises a third hook (83) and a fourth hook (84) for hooking at least a part of the protrusions of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C);it comprises a second translation unit (7) which: is borne by the frame (T); is able to move the second hooking element (8) along the vertical direction in order to position the second hooking element (8) at the selected drawer; is able to move the second hooking element (8) along a horizontal direction between a second retracted position, wherein the second hooking element (8) is internal of the box structure (S), and a second extracted position, wherein the second hooking element (8) is at least partially external of the box structure (S); it comprises a control unit which is configured in such a way as to command the first translation unit (5) and the second translation unit (7) in such a way that the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are movable in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence:- hooking a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8);- externally moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and- vertically moving the selected drawer, hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

2. The vertical drawer store (M) of the preceding claim, wherein: the control unit is further configured in such a way that, following the hooking of a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C), and before the outward movement of the hooked selected drawer (C2) until its full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved in synchrony to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

3. The vertical drawer store (M) of any one of the preceding claims,wherein: the box structure (S) comprises a first lateral wall (S1) and a second lateral wall (S2), which is opposite the first lateral wall (S1); the frame (T) comprises a first vertical guide (T1) which is arranged internally of the box structure (S), in proximity of the first lateral wall (S1); the frame (T) comprises a second vertical guide (T2) which is arranged internally of the box structure (S), in proximity of the second lateral wall (S2); the first translation unit (5) comprises: a first carriage (50) which bears the first hooking element (4) and which is vertically movable along the first vertical guide (T1); a first horizontal guide (51) which is borne by the first carriage (50) and on which the first hooking element (4) is movable; first movement means for moving the first carriage (50); third movement means for moving the first hooking element (4); the second translation unit (7) comprises: a second carriage (70) which bears the second hooking element (8) and which is vertically movable along the second vertical guide (T2); a second horizontal guide (71), which is borne by the second carriage (70) and on which the second hooking element (8) is movable; second movement means for moving the second carriage (70); fourth movement means for moving the second hooking element (8).

4. The vertical drawer store (M) of the preceding claim, wherein: the first translation unit (5); comprises a first cogwheel (56), which is borne by the first carriage (50), which is provided with a first outer cogging and which is centrally provided with a first axial through-hole; comprises a first shaft (57) which is drawable in rotation by the thirdmovement means, and which couples with the first axial through-hole of the first cogwheel (56) in such a way as to draw the first cogwheel (56) in rotation while enabling relative sliding of the first cogwheel (56) along the first shaft (57); comprises a first cogged belt (58) which is borne by the first hooking element (4) and which enmeshes with the first outer cogging of the first cogwheel (56) to enable the movement of the first hooking element (4); the second translation unit (7): comprises a second cogwheel (75), which is borne by the second carriage (70), which is provided with a second outer cogging (750) and which is centrally provided with a second axial through-hole (751); comprises a second shaft (76) which is drawable in rotation by the fourth movement means, and which couples with the second axial through-hole (751) of the second cogwheel (75) in such a way as to draw the second cogwheel (75) in rotation while enabling relative sliding of the second cogwheel (75) along the second shaft (76); comprises a second cogged belt (77) which is borne by the second hooking element (8) and which enmeshes with the second outer cogging (750) of the second cogwheel (75) to enable the movement of the first hooking element (4).

5. The vertical drawer store (M) of the preceding claim, wherein: the first cogged belt (58) comprises a first terminal part (58a) and a second terminal part (58b); the first terminal part (58a) and the second terminal part (58b) are fixed to the first hooking element (4); the first translation unit (5) comprises first stretching rollers borne by the first carriage (50) and configured to stretch the first cogged belt (58); the second cogged belt (77) comprises a third terminal part (77a) and a fourth terminal part (77b);the third terminal part (77a) and the fourth terminal part (77b) are fixed to the second hooking element (8); the second translation unit (7) comprises second stretching rollers borne by the second carriage (70) and configured to stretch the second cogged belt (77).

6. The vertical drawer store (M) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (10) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a second protrusion (20) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a third protrusion (30) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a fourth protrusion (40) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

7. The vertical drawer store (M) of any one of claims from 1 to 5, wherein: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (11) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a second protrusion (12) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4); a third protrusion (13) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4); a fourth protrusion (14) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or inproximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the third protrusion (13) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the first protrusion (11) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the second protrusion (12) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a fifth protrusion (25) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a sixth protrusion (26) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8); a seventh protrusion (27) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8); an eighth protrusion (28) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the seventh protrusion (27) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the fifth protrusion (25) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the sixth protrusion (26) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C).

8. The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) according to any one of claims from 1 to 4, wherein it comprises steps of: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) along a vertical direction until positioning the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C); moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element(8) in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence: hooking a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8), externally moving the hooked selected drawer (C2) until full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

9. The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) according to the preceding claim, wherein after the hooking of a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8), and before the outward movement of the hooked selected drawer (C2) until its full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C), the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) are moved in synchrony to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

10. The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (10) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a second protrusion (20) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C);the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a third protrusion (30) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); and a fourth protrusion (40) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the step of hooking a selected drawer by means of the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) comprises sub-steps of: moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the first protrusion (10) and so that the second hook (42) hooks the second protrusion (20), and- moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the third protrusion (30), and so that the fourth hook (84) hooks the fourth protrusion (40).

11. The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) according to any one of claims from 1 to 4, wherein: the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a first protrusion (11) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a second protrusion (12) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4); a third protrusion (13) for being hooked by the first hook (41) of the first hooking element (4); a fourth protrusion (14) for being hooked by the second hook (42) of the first hooking element (4), which is arranged at or in proximity of a second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) which is opposite the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the third protrusion (13) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the first protrusion(11) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the second protrusion (12) of the first plurality of protrusions (1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) comprises: a fifth protrusion (25) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the first end (E1) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); a sixth protrusion (26) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8); a seventh protrusion (27) for being hooked by the third hook (83) of the second hooking element (8); an eighth protrusion (28) for being hooked by the fourth hook (84) of the second hooking element (8), which is arranged at or in proximity of the second end (E2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); the seventh protrusion (27) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) is interposed between the fifth protrusion (25) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C) and the sixth protrusion (26) of the second plurality of protrusions (2) of each drawer (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); it comprises steps of:- moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) along a vertical direction until positioning the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) at a selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C);- moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony so as to carry out a following sequence: a) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the first protrusion (11) and the second hook (42) hooks the second protrusion(12); b) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the fifth protrusion (25) and the fourth hook (84) hooks the sixth protrusion(26); c) moving the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C), hooked by the first hooking element (4) and by the second hooking element (8), externally so that a partial extraction takes place of the hooked selected drawer (C2) with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); d) moving the first hooking element (4) so that the first hook (41) hooks the third protrusion (13) and the second hook (42) hooks the fourth protrusion (14); e) moving the second hooking element (8) so that the third hook (83) hooks the seventh protrusion (27) and the fourth hook (84) hooks the eighth protrusion (28); f) moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked by the first hooking element (4) and by the second hooking element (8), externally so that a full extraction of the hooked selected drawer (C2) takes place with respect to the remaining drawers (C1) of the plurality of drawers (C); g) vertically moving the selected drawer (C2), hooked and extracted, to a predetermined height.

12. The method for extracting a selected drawer and bringing the selected drawer to a predetermined height in a vertical drawer store (M) of the preceding claim, wherein: following sub-steps a), b) and before sub-step c) carrying out a substep as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from a corresponding at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting; following sub-step c) and before sub-step d), carrying out a sub-step as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to lower the hooked selected drawer (C2) until releasing the hooked selected drawer (C2) resting on the at least asupport (3a) of the plurality of supports (3), with the consequence that the first hook (41) unhooks the first protrusion (11), that the second hook (42) unhooks from the second protrusion (12), that the third hook (83) unhooks from the fifth protrusion (25) that the fourth hook (84) unhooks from the sixth protrusion (26); following sub-steps d), e) and before sub-step f), carrying out a substep as follows: moving the first hooking element (4) and the second hooking element (8) in synchrony in such a way as to raise the hooked selected drawer (C2) from the at least a support (3a) of the plurality of supports (3) on which the selected drawer (C2) of the plurality of drawers (C) is resting.

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