| CPC B65G 1/0464 (2013.01) [B61B 5/02 (2013.01); B66B 9/00 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
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1. An automated storage and retrieval system comprising:
a first track system comprising:
a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the first track system and
a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the first track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the first track system,
said first and second sets of tracks of the first track system forming a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell of the first track system comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks, and
storage columns located beneath the first track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening;
a second track system comprising:
a third set of parallel tracks arranged in a second horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the second track system, and
a fourth set of parallel tracks arranged in the second horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the second track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the second track system,
said third and fourth sets of tracks forming a grid pattern in the second horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell of the second track system comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the third set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the fourth set of tracks,
storage columns located beneath the second track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening;
wherein the first horizontal plane of the first track system and second horizontal plane of the second track system are arranged vertically displaced relative each other,
wherein the automated storage and retrieval system further comprises:
a vehicle lift device for transfer of at least one vehicle arranged on the first track system to the second track system and vice versa,
the vehicle lift device comprising:
a platform arranged to carry the vehicle, the platform comprising a guiding and positioning structure for positioning and maintaining the vehicle in a motionless or near motionless position on the platform during the transfer between the first and second lift stop positions, the guiding and positioning structure comprising a platform track arrangement comprising at least one set of parallel tracks extending in a direction X and at least one set of parallel tracks extending in a direction Y perpendicular to the direction X, and
a lift mechanism arranged to move the platform between:
a first lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the first track system for enabling relocation of the vehicle between a support position on the platform and an operative position on the first track system, and
a second lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the second track system for enabling relocation of the vehicle between the support position on the platform and an operative position on the second track system.
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