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Automatic storage unit and automatic storing method

  • US 6,398,476 B1
  • Filed: 01/26/1998
  • Issued: 06/04/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/24/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An automatic storage system so configured that a container box for accommodating a box-like carrier which is conveyed by a carrier car and which holds a plurality of plate-like works arranged in one direction, is received for a temporary storage and then said carrier is taken out from said container box and moved to said carrier car, the automatic storage system comprising:

  • a storage unit having an inlet/outlet port through which said container box is taken in and out of said storage unit;

    a plurality of shelves disposed in said storage unit and on which said container box is put;

    a stacker crane traveling within said storage unit to and from said inlet/outlet port and for putting said container box on one of said plurality of shelves and picking up said container box from said one shelf;

    an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing said container box staying before said inlet/outlet port;

    a sensor detecting whether or not a container box is disposed before said inlet/outlet port; and

    a control means operating said stacker crane on the basis of a previously set take-in/take-out schedule for container boxes and on the basis of information provided by said sensor, for taking in and out said container box and for causing an empty container box to stay before said inlet/outlet port after a take out operation in which said carrier is taken out from said container box and moved to said carrier car, without returning said empty container box to said shelf.

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