Automatic store

An automatic store comprising:

• at least two vertical structures constituted by a plurality of planes, each of which are adapted to house at least one container, which planes are superposed so as to be aligned on a vertical surface, a lift truck being adapted to transport at least one of the containers and being able to move in a vertical direction in a vertical work space parallel to and between the vertical surface on which the planes are aligned, the lift truck on command being able to be positioned facing one of the planes, and being able to interact with the planes in order to remove or insert a single container;
• further comprising a plurality of the vertical structures which are arranged parallel and afford a plurality of the work spaces for movement of the lift truck and are conformed to enable transfer of the lift truck at least from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces;
• means being provided to enable and to operate a transfer of the lift truck from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces as well as to operate a displacement of the lift truck at least in a vertical direction along a single work space of the work spaces,
• wherein the plurality of vertical structures have bases which are tunnel-shaped in order to afford a runway, perpendicular to the vertical structures, along which runway the lift truck can transit to transfer at least from one of the plurality of work spaces to another thereof or to stations which are external of the plurality of vertical structures;
• wherein the means to enable and operate a transfer of the lift truck comprise:
• first fixed racks predisposed along the runway to enable horizontal-direction movement of the lift truck;
• second fixed racks associated to the vertical structures to enable movement of the lift truck in a vertical direction along a work space;
• and
• means for drawing, associated to the first fixed racks or to the second fixed racks, for producing a controlled translation in two directions of the lift truck along the first fixed racks or along the second fixed racks,
• wherein the means for drawing comprise cogwheels which are predisposed to make, with the first fixed racks or with the second fixed racks, rack and pinion type couplings for transmission of motion with no dragging.