Container handling vehicle with motor at lower elevation than first and second lifting shafts, a system comprising the container handling vehicle, and method of driving the first and second lifting shafts

A container handling vehicle for moving storage containers stacked in stacks within an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the container handling vehicle is configured to move on a rail system above storage columns and comprises a first set of wheels for movement on the rail system in a first direction and a second set of wheels for movement on the rail system in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction;

• wherein the container handling vehicle comprises a lifting assembly which comprises:
• a lifting frame connectable to a storage container;
• a first lifting shaft and a second lifting shaft supported in an upper portion of the vehicle;
• two lifting bands extending from each of the first and second lifting shafts to the lifting frame;
• a first lifting shaft pulley for rotation with the first lifting shaft;
• a second lifting shaft pulley for rotation with the second lifting shaft;
• at least one guide pulley;
• a tensioning pulley for tightening and loosening a drive belt;
• a motor for driving a drive belt for rotating the first lifting shaft and the second lifting shaft;
• a drive belt pulley for outputting drive from the motor;
• a drive belt defining one closed loop, wherein the drive belt rotatably connects the first lifting shaft pulley, the second lifting shaft pulley, the at least one guide pulley, the tensioning pulley and the drive belt pulley;
• the first lifting shaft pulley is in contact with an outer surface of the drive belt;
• and
• the second lifting shaft pulley is in contact with an inner surface of the drive belt;
• wherein the motor is arranged at a lower elevation than the first and second lifting shafts.