Patent ID: 9630777
Date: 2017-04-25
CPC Classifications: B65G

Claim:
1. An automated storage/retrieval system comprising: a first multi-tier rack and a second multi-tier rack, each having shelves that are arranged in a parallel position to each other; a transferring shuttle that can run in a horizontal direction along said shelves of a selected tier between the first multi-tier rack and the second multi-tier rack to store a load (P) onto or retrieve a load (P) from one of said shelves; and an elevator to move the transferring shuttle ( wherein the elevator includes a shuttle elevating platform that is adapted to move upward and downward with the transferring shuttle placed thereon, the shuttle elevating platform being able to move upward and downward adjacent to the first multi-tier rack and the second multi-tier rack, and a first load elevating platform and a second load elevating platform adapted to move upward and downward with a load (P) placed thereon, respectively, the first load elevating platform and second load elevating platform being able to move upward and downward together with the shuttle elevating platform while being in a horizontal alignment with the shuttle elevating platform; a storage conveyor and a retrieval conveyor extending from a conveying system outside of the automated storage/retrieval system, said storage conveyor adapted to place a load onto one of the load elevating platforms when that load elevating platform is at a height level of the storage conveyor, said retrieval conveyor adapted to receive a load from the other of the load elevating platforms when that load elevating platform is at a height level of the retrieval conveyor; wherein when the shuttle elevating platform is in alignment with the first load elevating platform, the transferring shuttle on the shuttle elevating platform can deliver a load (P) to or receive a load (P) from the first load elevating platform; and wherein when the shuttle elevating platform is in alignment with the second load elevating platform, the transferring shuttle on the shuttle elevating platform can deliver a load (P) to or receive a load (P) from the second load elevating platform wherein at least some of the tiers of the first multi-tier rack and the second multi-tier rack each have waiting platforms that are directly accessible by the shuttle and adapted to temporarily receive a load (P) thereon, thereby enabling the load (P) to be delivered to or received from one of the first load elevating platform and second load elevating platform, wherein the first load elevating platform and second load elevating platform each comprises a handling mechanism that can push a load (P) onto one of the waiting platforms or can pull a load (P) from one of the waiting platforms.