IT202000018886A1 - VERTICAL WAREHOUSE WITH DRAWERS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the Italian Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

?VERTICAL WAREHOUSE WITH DRAWERS?

field of technique

The present invention generally relates to a vertical drawer magazine and, more in particular, a vertical drawer magazine provided with an apparatus for detecting any protruding obstacles in the maneuvering volume of the relative elevator.

State of the art

? It is known that a vertical drawer magazine comprises an external structure having the shape of a parallelepiped, which is internally divided into at least two volumes, of which at least one storage volume for a plurality? of mutually superimposed drawers, and at least one maneuver volume in which ? housed an elevator suitable for picking up and placing one drawer at a time from/into the storage volume, making it pass through an (imaginary) separation plane interposed between said maneuvering volume and said storage volume.

In particular, the elevator? associated with an appropriate movement system that allows it to move in a vertical direction within the maneuvering space, so? to be able to transport the drawers from any portion of the storage volume to a delivery bay of the high-bay warehouse and vice versa.

Except? ? is it possible that, in normal use of the vertical warehouse, one or more? drawers are positioned incorrectly, in particular that they partially protrude from the storage volume in the maneuvering volume, hindering the movement of the elevator, which can? why? be subject to a potentially harmful impact both for its own functioning and sometimes for the stability? structure of the entire vertical warehouse.

Situations of this type can occur, for example, following maintenance operations, when an operator, entering the vertical warehouse, could accidentally and inadvertently move a drawer from its correct position.

Sometimes an incorrect positioning of the drawers can? also occur due to an error in the automated management of the warehouse, in particular in the automatic recognition of the size of the objects (packages) that are loaded in each drawer.

The drawers are in fact generally shaped like trays, above which the objects to be stored are placed.

Depending on the height of these objects, the overall vertical size of the drawer can vary, so drawers that contain objects more? tall must be stowed in compartments vertically pi? wide compared to drawers that contain objects of reduced height.

This selection is done automatically by a unit? warehouse control electronics which, through appropriate sensors, ? able to recognize the maximum height of the objects loaded in the drawers and to direct them towards the corresponding compartments of the storage volume.

However, a malfunction of these sensors could lead the unit? control electronics to try to insert a drawer in a compartment of insufficient height, with the risk of obtaining only partial insertion of the drawer, or with the risk of wedging the objects between the relative drawer and the one above, so that, during a subsequent If only one of these drawers is pulled out, jammed objects could cause unwanted and anomalous pulling out of the other too.

This last phenomenon of coupling pu? sometimes also depend on the characteristics of the objects contained in the drawers.

Can? in fact, it may happen that some drawers contain boxes or other objects that can be opened which, due to accidental or fortuitous causes, could actually open and vary their vertical dimension in an unexpected way or could change their arrangement with respect to the support surface on the drawer, hooking the drawer above.

Moving the drawers from their correct position can? finally be caused by external stresses, such as earthquakes or strong impacts against the external structure of the vertical warehouse.

Another problem associated with vertical warehouses then concerns an aspect of safety and consists mainly in the need to to prevent the lift from hitting any operators, for example maintenance workers, who find themselves working inside the warehouse.

In this regard, vertical warehouses are normally provided with physical and/or optical barriers designed to prevent an operator from entering inside, unless the elevator handling devices are switched off.

However, when the maintenance operation is performed by two operators, ? Is it possible that an operator enters inside the maneuvering volume when the lift is? actually off, but that the other operator inadvertently or involuntarily puts the lift into operation at a later time and without the knowledge of the first operator.

Although this possibility can be limited by procedure, a residual risk remains, also because? not C?? generally visibility? direct between inside and outside the warehouse.

In other sectors, this visibility? could it be achieved with the aid of video cameras placed inside the dangerous areas but in vertical drawer warehouses this solution is not? decisive, as the vertical stack of drawers can? hide a large number of spaces between drawers, moreover in a variable and unpredictable way depending on the use and filling of the warehouse, within which an operator could enter to work without the cameras being able to detect him.

Exhibition of the invention

In the light of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is that of solving or at least mitigating the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, preferably in the context of a simple, rational and relatively low-cost solution.

This and other purposes are achieved thanks to the characteristics of the invention set forth in the independent claim 1. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention, without however being essential for its implementation.

In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical drawer magazine, comprising:

- an external structure defining internally at least one storage volume for a plurality? of mutually superimposed drawers and at least one maneuvering volume placed adjacent to said storage volume and ideally separated from it by a vertical separation plane, - an elevator housed in the maneuvering volume and equipped with gripping devices for extraction and insertion of at least one drawer from/into said at least one storage volume via said separation plane,

- a movement system adapted to move said elevator at least in a vertical direction within the maneuvering volume, e

- a detection device installed on board the lift and configured to detect the presence of protruding obstacles within the maneuvering volume.

Thanks to this solution ? advantageously possible to recognize automatically and efficiently if the lift? free to move within the maneuvering volume or if, during this movement, it would risk colliding with an obstacle, for example with a badly positioned drawer or with an operator working inside.

According to one aspect of the invention, the aforementioned detection apparatus can comprising at least one optical device capable of realizing an optical barrier which lies in a vertical plane capable of at least partially delimiting the maneuvering volume.

In this way, a virtual (non-physical) barrier is created, substantially free of bulk and weight, the interception of which by an obstacle effectively makes it possible to detect that this obstacle is at least partially located within the maneuvering volume of the barrier. elevator.

In some embodiments, the vertical plane in which the light curtain lies can be parallel or coincident with the plane of separation between the storage volume and the maneuvering volume.

Thanks to this solution, the detection apparatus? effectively able to detect any badly positioned drawers which, partially protruding from the storage volume to the maneuvering volume, could interfere with the movement of the elevator.

In other embodiments, the vertical plane in which the light curtain lies can be transversal (for example orthogonal) to the plane of separation between the storage volume and the maneuvering volume.

In this way, the? detection apparatus? effectively able to detect any obstacle that may extend into the maneuvering volume from the lateral side of the warehouse, as well as? as could happen, for example, if an operator extended his body, head or arm inside the warehouse to carry out maintenance or control operations.

However, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the detection apparatus can comprise a plurality of of the aforesaid optical devices, for example an optical device for each side of the elevator, which are individually suitable for realizing a respective optical barrier which lies in a vertical plane suitable for at least partially delimiting the maneuvering volume.

The advantage of this solution? that of creating a sort of virtual (non-physical) fence that surrounds the lift, not necessarily completely, but still allowing the detection of obstacles that protrude inside the maneuvering volume from several? sides and therefore improving the effectiveness of the detection apparatus.

According to one aspect of the invention, each optical device can comprising at least a first source for the emission of a first light beam (or linear light beam) lying in the respective vertical plane and a first sensor for receiving said first light beam.

In this way a very simple optical barrier is obtained, reducing the overall dimensions and costs of the optical device.

In some embodiments, the first sensor can? be separated and aligned with the first source, cos? to be capable of receiving the first ray of light directly.

In other embodiments, the optical device could however comprise at least one reflecting body suitable for reflecting the first light ray emitted by the first source towards the first sensor.

This solution can be useful for realizing the first source and the first sensor as a single integrated component, avoiding the need? to install two separate components.

Another possible application of this solution? to use one or more? reflecting bodies to engage the light beam to complete a complex path, made up of several? straight sections suitably inclined to each other, in order to create a sort of lattice that increases the capacity? of the optical barrier to detect variously positioned obstacles.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first source and the first sensor can both be arranged above the elevator or below it, for example so that the first light beam can simply be oriented horizontally.

In this way, the first ray of light is advantageously capable of detecting the presence of obstacles located at a higher or lower level than the lift.

In other embodiments, the first source and the first sensor could however be disposed respectively above and below the elevator or vice versa, for example in such a way that the first light beam is inclined and therefore disposed at least partially below above and at least partially below the elevator.

Thanks to this solution, the first ray of light ? potentially capable of detecting obstacles protruding into the maneuvering volume both below and above the lift.

Obviously, although the use of even a single light beam can allow the detection of a good number of obstacles, it leaves several areas uncovered and can therefore sometimes not be entirely reliable.

For this reason, a preferred aspect of the invention provides that each optical device can comprise at least a second source for the emission of a second light beam (or linear light beam), which lies substantially in the same vertical plane as the first light beam, and a second sensor for detecting said second light beam, optionally but not necessarily after being reflected by at least one reflecting body.

In this way, while remaining within the ambit of a rather simple and economical solution, it? is it possible to create an optical barrier more? structured, able to detect the presence of any obstacles in a greater number of areas and/or with greater reliability.

According to an embodiment, the first source and the first sensor can for example both be positioned on the same side of the elevator, for example above it, while the second source and the second sensor can both be positioned on the opposite side ( typically with reference to a horizontal position for receiving the drawer), for example below the elevator.

In this way the first and a second light beam are entirely arranged on opposite sides of the elevator and can therefore respectively detect obstacles above and below it.

In particular, according to one aspect of this solution, the first and second light beams can be mutually parallel, for example both oriented horizontally.

This solution is particularly suitable for detecting the presence of obstacles which may have a width smaller than the width of the side of the elevator to which the optical barrier? associated, and which can be arranged in any position along this side, as happens for example in the case of the lateral side, where the main objective is? to detect an operator leaning inside the warehouse.

On the other hand, this solution does not allow detecting obstacles which are positioned in the space between the two light beams, for example substantially at the same height as the lift.

To overcome this drawback, especially but not exclusively when the optical barrier is associated with the lateral side of the elevator, the optical device could include one or more? additional pairs of sources and sensors capable of transmitting further light rays lying in the same vertical plane as the first and second light rays and arranged in the space between the latter, for example equidistant from each other.

However, this last solution could be superfluous if the potential obstacles to be detected have a width comparable to that of the side of the elevator to which the barrier is? applied, as happens for example in the case of the longitudinal side, where the? main objective? to detect any badly positioned drawers.

In this and other cases? in fact, it is possible to detect potential obstacles located above, below but also substantially at the same height as the lift, by arranging the first source and the first sensor respectively above and below the lift or vice versa, and similarly by also arranging the second source and the second sensor respectively above and below the elevator or vice versa.

Thanks to this solution, the first light beam and the second light beam can both be inclined so as to pass from one side of the elevator to the other, so that an obstacle, for example a drawer, which is positioned substantially at the same height as the elevator and approaches it, for example due to an earthquake or other external stress, always intercepts at least one of these beams and is detected.

In particular, according to one aspect of this solution, the first and second light beams can intersect each other, for example being arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the intersection point.

In this way ? advantageously is it possible to optimize? efficiency and reliability? of the optical device.

According to a different aspect of the invention, the automatic warehouse outlined above can further understand a unit? control electronics connected with the detection apparatus and with the elevator movement system, which ? configured to prevent the movement of the elevator when the detection device detects the presence of an obstacle.

Thanks to this solution, any collision between the lift and any obstacle detected is effectively prevented in an automatic, safe and reliable way.

Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables.

Figure 1 ? an isometric view of a vertical warehouse according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 ? a schematic view from above of the vertical warehouse in figure 1. Figure 3 ? the detail indicated with III in figure 1 shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 4 ? the detail indicated with IV in figure 1 shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 5 ? a front view of the vertical warehouse in figure 1.

Figure 6 ? a side view of the vertical warehouse in figure 1.

Figure 7 ? an isometric view of a vertical warehouse according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 ? the detail indicated with VIII in figure 7 shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 9 ? the detail indicated with IX in figure 7 shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 10 ? a front view of the vertical magazine of figure 7.

Figure 11 ? a side view of the vertical magazine of figure 7.

Figure 12 ? the side view of figure 11 shown in a different situation. Figure 13 ? the detail indicated with XIII in figure 12 shown on an enlarged scale.

Figure 14 ? an isometric view of a vertical warehouse according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 ? a front view of the vertical magazine of figure 14.

Figure 16 ? the detail indicated with XVI in figure 15 shown on an enlarged scale.

Figure 17 ? a side view of the vertical magazine of figure 14.

Figure 18 ? the view of figure 17 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

From the aforementioned figures it can be seen a vertical magazine 100 suitable for storing objects arranged inside drawers 900.

The drawers 900 can be identical to each other and individually shaped like substantially flat trays, possibly delimited by a series of lateral containment walls and open at the top.

In particular, each drawer 900 can? having a substantially rectangular plan shape having two longitudinal edges, mutually parallel and opposite, and two side edges, mutually parallel and opposite, which are orthogonal and alternate with the longitudinal edges.

The longitudinal edges can have a greater extension than the lateral edges.

The drawers 900 are contained in an external structure or frame 105 of the vertical magazine 100, which can generally present the shape of a parallelepiped and pu? externally covered with infill paneling (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the internal space of the structure 105 can be ideally divided into three distinct volumes, of which a first storage volume 110, a second storage volume 115, and a maneuvering volume 120 interposed between the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

In other cases, the vertical warehouse 100 could however comprise only one storage volume, for example only the first storage volume 110 or only the second storage volume 115.

The first storage volume 110 ? ideally separated from the maneuvering volume 120 (at least partially) by a first separation plane P1 (imaginary) oriented vertically, while the second storage volume 115 ? ideally separated from the maneuvering volume 120 (at least partially) by a second separation plane P2 (imaginary) parallel to the first separation plane P1.

In reality, in correspondence with these separation planes P1 and P2, the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115 are open and in communication with the maneuvering volume 120, so as to allow the passage of the drawers 900 as will result? clear in the sequel.

The first storage volume 110 can? present the shape of a parallelepiped with an internal face, parallel or possibly coinciding with the first separation plane P1, an external face, opposite and parallel to the internal face, and two lateral faces, orthogonal to the internal face, vertical, parallel and reciprocally opposing.

As said the internal face? open towards the maneuvering volume 120, while the external face and the two lateral faces can be delimited by corresponding walls of the external structure 105.

The first storage volume 110 ? capable of accommodating a plurality of drawers 900 mutually superimposed on each other in a vertical direction, so as to form a stack.

In the first storage volume 110, each drawer 900 can be oriented horizontally with its longitudinal edges parallel to the inner face and its lateral edges parallel to the lateral faces.

In particular, each drawer 900 can? be housed in a respective compartment of the first storage volume 110, supported, at its side edges, by a respective pair of shelves which are firmly fixed to the walls of the external structure 105 defining the opposite side faces of the first storage volume 110.

In light of the foregoing, the first storage volume 110 can? be defined as the space occupied by the stack of mutually superimposed drawers 900, or approximately as the vertically developed space which is ideally delimited by four vertical planes tangent respectively to the longitudinal edges and lateral edges of each drawer 900 of the stack (when these drawers 900 are correctly positioned).

In a completely analogous way, the second storage volume 115 can? have the shape of a parallelepiped with an internal face, parallel or possibly coinciding with the second separation plane P2, an external face, opposite and parallel to the internal face, and two lateral faces, orthogonal to the internal face, vertical, parallel and reciprocally opposing.

The external face and the two lateral faces can be delimited by corresponding walls of the external structure 105, while the internal face ? open towards the maneuvering volume 120.

Also the second storage volume 115 ? capable of accommodating a plurality of drawers 900 mutually superimposed on each other in a vertical direction, so as to form a stack, each of which can? be oriented horizontally with its longitudinal edges parallel to the inner face and its lateral edges parallel to the lateral faces.

In particular, each drawer 900 can? be housed in a respective compartment of the second storage volume 115, supported, at its side edges, by a respective pair of shelves which are firmly fixed to the walls of the external structure 105 defining the opposite side faces of the second storage volume 115.

Again, the second storage volume 115 can? therefore be defined as the space occupied by the stack of mutually superimposed drawers 900, or approximately as the space with vertical development which is? ideally delimited by four vertical planes tangent respectively to the longitudinal edges and lateral edges of each drawer 900 of the stack (when these drawers 900 are correctly positioned).

The maneuvering volume 120 pu? also have approximately the shape of a parallelepiped equipped with a rear face, parallel or possibly coinciding with the first separation plane P1, a front face, substantially coinciding with the second separation plane P2, and two lateral faces, orthogonal both to anterior face and posterior face, vertical, parallel and mutually opposite.

The front and rear faces are open respectively towards the first storage volume 110 and towards the second storage volume 115, while the side faces can be delimited by corresponding walls of the external structure 105.

As schematically illustrated in figure 2, the walls of the external structure 105 which delimit the lateral faces of the maneuvering volume 120 can be equipped with inspection openings 122, through which an operator can access inside, with the whole body or only with a part of it (e.g. the arms, the head or the torso).

These inspection openings 122 can be laterally delimited by fixed vertical profiles 123 (which are not shown in the other figures) and can normally be closed by openable or removable panels (not shown).

Preferably, the lateral faces of the maneuvering volume 120 are parallel to the lateral faces of the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

The distance between the side faces of the maneuvering volume 120 can? however be greater than the distance between the side faces of the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

In this way, the width of the maneuvering volume 120, defined along a horizontal direction and parallel to the first and second separation planes P1 and P2, is substantially greater than the width, defined along the same direction, of the first and second volume of storage 110 and 115, and pu? therefore be greater than the length of the longitudinal edges of each drawer 900.

Inside the maneuver volume 120 ? welcomed a lift 125, which ? generally adapted to withdraw one drawer 900 at a time from the first or second storage volume 110 or 115, to keep it on board in a predetermined reception position and to release it at a delivery bay 130, in which said drawer 900 is accessible for users who can then pick up and place objects from/into it.

Naturally, the 125 lift? also suitable for taking the drawer 900 from the delivery bay 130 and returning it to the first or second storage volume 110 or 115.

The delivery bay 130 can? be defined by a special compartment, which pu? be for example vertically aligned with the second storage volume 115 (see figure 1).

This compartment can be positioned at the foot of the vertical warehouse 100 or at any other height.

The 125 elevator can? be essentially shaped like a platform, which ? oriented horizontally within the maneuvering volume 120, where can? make a horizontal loading surface available to support the drawer 900.

In particular, the elevator 125 pu? generally comprise a pair of side members 135, mutually parallel and coplanar, and a pair of crosspieces 140, mutually parallel and coplanar, which are orthogonal to the side members 135 and are firmly fixed at the opposite ends? of the same, so as to form a rigid frame with them.

The side members 135 can be parallel and face the first and second separation planes P1 and P2 respectively, while the crosspieces 140 can be parallel and face the walls of the external structure 105 which delimit the side faces of the maneuvering volume 120.

When the drawer 900 is in the aforementioned reception position on board the elevator 125, the same ? generally arranged horizontally with its longitudinal edges parallel to the separation planes P1 and P2, for example parallel to the side members 135.

However, the distance between the side members 135 pu? be smaller than the distance between the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900 which is in the reception position on board the elevator 125.

Therefore, the drawer 900 in the reception position can? protrude with respect to both side members 135 of the elevator 125, extending towards the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

In this way, the drawer 900 in the reception position can increase the footprint of the elevator 125 and the maneuvering volume 120 can? therefore be defined as the volume obtained from the movement of the elevator 125 with the drawer 900 on board.

As illustrated in figure 2, the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900 which is in the position for receiving it on board the elevator 125 are preferably separated from the first storage volume 110 and from the second storage volume 115 by two gaps suitable for avoiding collisions between the drawer 900 on board the elevator 125 and the drawers 900 stored.

The separation plane P1 pu? be ideally positioned inside the interspace between the first storage volume 110 and the drawer 900 on board the elevator 125, for example in the center line of the same.

Similarly, the separation plane P2 can? be ideally positioned inside the interspace between the second storage volume 115 and the drawer 900 on board the elevator 125, for example in the center line of the same. As far as the crosspieces 140 are concerned, their mutual distance can be greater than the distance between the side edges of the drawer 900 which is in the reception position, so that? the latter can? be completely contained in the longitudinal dimensions of the lift 125.

In particular, the crosspieces 140 can be located in plan view in the portions of the maneuvering space 120 which protrude outwards with respect to the side faces of the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

Furthermore, the crosspieces 140 can extend transversely and terminate in end appendages? which go beyond the separation planes P1 and P2, positioning themselves partially alongside the first and second storage volumes 110 and 115.

These end appendages? they can be covered outwards by the vertical profiles 123 which laterally delimit the access openings 122 to the maneuvering volume 120.

The vertical warehouse 100 further comprises a movement system, which ? adapted to move the elevator 125 in a vertical direction within the maneuvering volume 120, so as to be able to move it between the level of the delivery bay 130 and any level where the drawers 900 are positioned.

This movement system generally comprises guide members suitable for guiding the vertical movement of the elevator 125 and actuation members suitable for carrying out this movement.

The guide members can comprise for example tracks, oriented vertically and fixed at the walls of the external structure 105, for example close to the side faces of the maneuvering volume 120, as well as of the corresponding skates (typically equipped with wheels), which are fixed to the elevator 125, for example to the end appendices? of each crossbar 140, and are slidably coupled with said rails.

The drive members can include one or more? motors, for example electric motors, and corresponding transmission systems, for example belt drives, suitable for transforming the rotation of the motors into a suitable translation of the elevator 125 in the vertical direction.

The transmission systems can also be positioned at the walls of the external structure 105 which define the lateral faces of the maneuvering volume 120, for example suitably connected to the crosspieces 140 of the lift 125.

In any case, the handling system of the 125 lift? by itself known by those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in greater detail. Suitable gripping and release members are further installed on the elevator 125 which, when the elevator 125 is ? stopped at a certain height in the maneuvering volume 120, they are generally able to hook a drawer 900 which is located in the first or second storage volume 110 or 115, or which is located in the delivery bay 130, and to drag it with a horizontal translational movement on board the lift 125 bringing it in the gi? mentioned reception position.

The same gripping and release members, which are not shown in the drawings since? by itself conventional, are naturally also able to move a drawer 900 which is in the receiving position on board the elevator 125, with a horizontal translational motion, towards the inside of the first or second storage volume 110 or 115, or towards the interior of delivery bay 130.

During the loading/unloading operation of the drawer 900, the gripping and releasing members can temporarily go beyond the separation planes P1 or P2.

To guarantee the safety and correct functioning of the vertical magazine 100, the latter is equipped with a detection apparatus, which ? installed on board the lift 125 and ? generally configured to detect the presence of any obstacles which, protruding inside the maneuvering volume 120, could collide with the elevator 125 itself or possibly with the drawer 900 carried by it.

These obstacles can be represented, for example, by one or more? drawers 900 which, due to accidental or fortuitous causes during the normal operation of the elevator 125, have partially come out of the respective compartments of the first or second storage volume 110 or 115, thus invading the maneuvering volume 120.

In other circumstances, the obstacles can be represented by an operator or by a part of the body of an operator who, for example in the execution of an activity? of maintenance, invades the maneuvering volume 120 while the elevator 125 ? still in operation.

The detection device installed on board the 125 lift? therefore configured to detect? the possible presence of these obstacles and ? preferably connected with a unit? of electronic control (not illustrated) of the vertical warehouse 100, which pu? be in turn connected with the movement system of the elevator 125, for example with the actuating members, and configured to command said movement system to stop the movement of the elevator 125, or to prevent it from moving, when the? detection apparatus detects the presence of an obstacle.

To this end, the detection apparatus can? comprise at least one optical device, globally indicated with 145, which ? generally configured to create an optical barrier and to generate an electrical signal, corresponding to the identification of an obstacle, when said optical barrier is intercepted/crossed by an object.

The electrical signal possibly generated by the optical device 145 can then be transmitted to the unit? control electronics, which takes care of stopping the elevator.

In particular, the optical barrier created by the optical device 145 preferably lies in a vertical plane which can be parallel or coincident with the plane of separation P1 and that can? be arranged externally with respect to the drawer 900 which is in a position for receiving it on board the elevator 125 (e.g. tangent to the longitudinal edge of said drawer 900 or at least slightly distanced from it towards the outside).

Pi? precisely, said optical barrier pu? lie in any plane parallel to the separation plane P1 and positioned in the interspace between the stack of drawers 900 placed in the first storage volume 110 and the drawer 900 which is located on board the elevator 125.

In this way, the vertical plane in which the optical barrier lies? able to delimit at least partially the maneuvering volume 120, in this case in the part that ? facing and facing the first storage volume 110.

The detection apparatus installed on the elevator 125 preferably also comprises a second optical device 145, identical/similar to the previous one but arranged to create an optical barrier lying in a vertical plane interposed between the drawer 900 which is in the on-board reception position of the elevator 125 and the stack of drawers 900 placed in the second storage volume 115, for example coinciding or parallel to the separation plane P2.

In this way, the optical barrier generated by the second optical device 145 also lies in a vertical plane capable of at least partially delimiting the maneuvering volume 120, in this case in the part which ? facing and facing the second storage volume 115.

As illustrated in the details shown in Figures 3 and 4, to realize the respective optical barrier, each optical device 145 can comprise a first source 150 (e.g. laser) capable of emitting a first light beam (or linear light beam) R1 which lies in the corresponding vertical plane, and a first sensor 155 (e.g. photocell) capable of receiving said first light beam R1 and configured to generate the electric signal corresponding to obstacle identification, if reception of the first light beam R1 is interrupted.

We wish to specify here that, in the present description, by light ray we mean a ray (or linear beam) of light having wavelengths in any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, both in the portion visible to the human eye and possibly in portions not visible to human eye, for example in the infrared range.

The optical device 145 can? further comprising a second source 160 (e.g. laser) able to emit a second light beam (or linear light beam) R2 which lies substantially in the same vertical plane in which the first light beam R1 also lies, and a second sensor 165 (e.g. laser). photocell) adapted to receive said second light beam R2 and configured to emit the electric signal corresponding to the identification of the obstacle, should the reception of the second light beam R2 be interrupted.

In general terms, each source 150 and 160 and each corresponding sensor 155 and 165 are arranged on board the elevator 125 in such a way that the respective light beam R1 and R2 is not vertical but extends horizontally or possibly inclined, preferably throughout the extension of the longitudinal edge of the drawer 900 on board the elevator 125, for example along the entire length of the side member 135.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the first and second light beams R1 and R2 are both horizontally oriented and entirely arranged respectively above and below the elevator 125, preferably but not necessarily equally spaced from the latter, i.e. from the plane in which the crosspieces 140 lie.

There? of course, the first and second light beams R1 and R2 may sometimes be at least slightly inclined, possibly remaining in any case parallel to each other.

In any case, to obtain this configuration, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be made as two separate components, both of which are arranged above the elevator 125, preferably at the opposite lateral sides of the latter .

In particular, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides with respect to the drawer 900 which is in the reception position, with reference to a horizontal direction and parallel to the separation plane P1, and can they be mutually spaced, along this direction, by an amount? greater than the length of the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900 (see fig.2).

In this way, it is ensured that the first light beam R1 extends along the entire length of the portion of the elevator 125 which faces the first storage volume 110, and it is also ensured that the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 do not interfere with the drawers 900 in the vertical movement phases of the elevator 125 or in the loading and unloading phases of the elevator 125.

Returning to Figures 3 and 4, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be individually brought to the end? of a respective support bracket 170, each of which can? be fixed and pu? protrude above from a respective crosspiece 140 of the elevator 125.

However, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be made as a single component which is arranged at only one of the side sides of the elevator 125, for example on one of the two support brackets 170, arranging in correspondence with the other lateral side, for example on the other support bracket 170, a reflecting element (e.g. a mirror) which is? designed to reflect the first light beam R1 backwards.

Similarly, the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be made as two separate components, both of which are arranged below the elevator 125, preferably at the opposite lateral sides of the latter.

For the same reasons explained above, also the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides with respect to the drawer 900 which is in the reception position, with reference to a horizontal and parallel direction to the plane of separation P1, and can be mutually spaced, along the aforementioned direction, by an amount? greater than the length of the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900.

For example, the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be individually brought to the end? of a respective support bracket 175, each of which can? be fixed and pu? protrude below from a respective crosspiece 140 of the elevator 125.

However, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, also the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be made as a single component which is arranged in correspondence with a lateral side of the elevator 125, for example on one of the two brackets support 175, arranging at the other lateral side, for example on the other support bracket 175, a reflecting element (eg a mirror) suitable for reflecting the second light beam R2 backwards.

Thanks to this arrangement, by means of only two light beams R1 and R2, the optical device 145 ? advantageously capable of detecting the presence of any obstacles protruding from the corresponding storage volume 110 or 115 inside the maneuvering volume 120, both below and above the elevator 125, in whatever position they are along the ?longitudinal extension of the latter and whatever their size.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, ? For example, it is possible to hypothesize that the obstacle consists of an operator who, finding himself inside the first storage volume 110 (in this case obviously without some drawers 900), extends his arms inside the maneuvering volume 120 through the (imaginary) plane of separation P1.

If the elevator 125 is above the operator?s arms and is descending (as shown in the figures), before a collision or contact can occur, the operator?s arms will intercept the second light beam R2, interrupting it and causing the generation of an electrical signal which stops the lowering of the elevator 125.

Similarly, if the elevator 125 were below the operator?s arms and was going up (situation not shown in the figures since it mirrors the previous one), before a collision or in any case a contact could occur, the operator?s arms would intercept the first light beam R1, interrupting it and causing the generation of an electric signal which stops the lifting of the elevator 125.

In the same way, the optical device 145 is naturally also capable of detecting, for example during the normal operation of the vertical warehouse 100, the presence of any drawers 900 which, due to accidental causes, protrude from the first storage volume 110 inside the maneuvering volume 120 crossing the plane (ideally ) of separation P1.

However, this arrangement of light rays R1 and R2 is not ? capable of detecting the possible presence of protruding drawers 900 being substantially at the same height as the elevator 125, or at a height between the first and second light beams R1 and R2, as could happen if the movement of these drawers 900 happened, for example following an earthquake, while the elevator 125 ? stopped.

To overcome this limitation, without complicating the optical device 145, another embodiment of the invention (illustrated in figures 7 to 13) provides that both light rays R1 and R2, while continuing to lie substantially in the same vertical plane, can be inclined so as to be disposed partially above and partially below the elevator 125.

In other words, the first light beam R1 and the second light beam R2 can be arranged in a cross and intersect at a common point, which can be placed for example at the same height as the elevator 125, in this case at the same height as the floor where the crosspieces 140 lie.

For example, the first light beam R1 and the second light beam R2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane containing the point of mutual intersection, as well as optionally with respect to a vertical plane passing through the point of mutual intersection and orthogonal to their plane of arrangement.

As illustrated in figures 8 and 9, to obtain this configuration, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be made as two separate components, which are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator 125, for example above and below respectively below the elevator 125 or vice versa, remaining in any case preferably located at the opposite lateral sides of the latter.

Also in this case, the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides of the drawer 900 which is in the receiving position, with respect to a horizontal direction and parallel to the separation plane P1, and can they be mutually spaced, along the same direction, by an amount? greater than the length of the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900.

In this way, it is ensured that the first light beam R1 extends in an inclined manner along the entire length of the portion of the elevator 125 which faces the first storage volume 110, and it is also ensured that the first source 150 and the first sensor 155 do not interfere with the drawers 900 during the vertical movement phases of the elevator 125 or during the loading and unloading phases of the elevator 125.

For example, the first source 150 pu? be brought to? the extreme? of the support bracket 170 fixed to a first crossbar 140 of the elevator 125, while the first sensor 155 can? be brought to? the end? of the support bracket 175 fixed to the second crosspiece 140, or vice versa.

Similarly, the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be made as two separate components, which are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator 125, for example respectively above and below the elevator 125 or vice versa, preferably in correspondence of the opposite lateral sides of the latter.

For the same reasons explained above, also the second source 160 and the second sensor 165 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides of the drawer 900 which is in the receiving position, with respect to a horizontal direction and parallel to the plane separation P1, and can be mutually spaced, along said direction, by a quantity? greater than the length of the longitudinal edges of the drawer 900.

For example, the second source 160 pu? be brought to? the extreme? of the support bracket 175 fixed to the first crosspiece 140 of the elevator 125, while the second sensor 165 can? be brought to? the end? of the support bracket 170 fixed to the second crosspiece 140, or vice versa.

Even in this case, however, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, each source 150 and 160 can be made in a single component with the corresponding sensor 155 and 165, which is arranged at a lateral side of the elevator 125 , arranging a reflecting element (e.g. a mirror) on the other lateral side suitable for reflecting the corresponding light beam backwards.

In any case, thanks to this cross arrangement, if the lifter 125 is below a protruding drawer 900 and is going up (as illustrated in figures 9 and 10), before a collision or contact can occur, the end? higher than at least one of the light rays R1 and R2 will come? intercepted by the drawer 900, interrupting itself and thus allowing the optical device 145 to generate the electrical signal which stops the lifting of the elevator 125.

In particular, if the drawer 900 protrudes following a partial extraction, the same could intercept the ends? upper ends of both light rays R1 and R2, if instead the drawer 900 protrudes following a rotation around a vertical axis, the same could intercept the end? higher than only one of the light rays R1 and R2.

Similarly, if the elevator 125 is above the protruding drawer 900 and is descending (situation not illustrated since it is mirrored to the previous one), before a knock or in any case a contact can occur, the end? lower than at least one of the light beams R1 and R2 would be intercepted by the drawer 900, interrupting itself and thus allowing the optical device 145 to generate an electric signal which stops the descent of the elevator 125. As in the previous case, if the drawer 900 protruded as a result of a partial extraction, the same could intercept the extremities? of both light beams R1 and R2, if instead the drawer 900 protrudes following a rotation around a vertical axis, the same could intercept the end? lower than only one of the light rays R1 and R2.

Finally, should a drawer 900, which is substantially at the same height as the elevator, protrude from the first storage volume 110 while the elevator 125 is? stationary or in transit (as shown in figures 11 and 12), does this drawer 900 interceptor? at least one of the light rays R1 and R2 in correspondence with a central section thereof, typically close to the mutual intersection point, interrupting it and allowing, also in this case, the optical device 145 to generate an electrical signal which stops or in any case prevents further movements of the ?elevator 125.

Also in this case, if the drawer 900 protruded following a partial extraction, it could intercept both light rays R1 and R2, if instead the drawer 900 protruded following a rotation around a vertical axis, the same could intercept only one of the aforementioned light rays R1 and R2.

It should be noted here that this crossed-beam solution therefore makes it possible to create a device which also allows to verify the correct transfer of the drawer 900 from the reception position on the elevator 125 to the storage position of the same in the storage volume 110 or 115 or in the delivery bay 130 or vice versa.

It should also be noted that this type of detection could theoretically also work with a single light beam R1 or R2 arranged obliquely, which however? it may not always be effective in detecting any drawers 900 which protrude slightly rotated on their own plane, ie around a vertical axis.

Alternatively or in addition to what has been described previously, the detection apparatus can comprise at least one further optical device 180 suitable for detecting any obstacles protruding into the maneuvering volume 120 from one of the lateral faces defined by the walls of the external structure 105.

Again, the optical device 180 can? be configured to create an optical barrier and to generate an electric signal, corresponding to the identification of an obstacle, when said optical barrier is intercepted/crossed by an object.

The electrical signal possibly generated by the optical device 180 can then be transmitted to the unit? control electronics, which takes care of stopping the elevator 125.

Unlike the previous cases, the optical barrier created by the optical device 180 lies in a vertical plane which can be orthogonal to the planes of separation P1 and P2 and that can? be arranged externally with respect to the crosspieces 140 of the elevator 125 (for example tangent to one of these crosspieces 140 or at least slightly spaced outwards from it).

For example, this optical barrier can? lie in any plane orthogonal to the separation planes P1 and P2 and included between a respective crosspiece 140 and the wall of the external structure 105 facing and ? proximal to said crosspiece 140.

In this way, the vertical plane in which the optical barrier created by the optical device 180 lies? adapted to at least partially delimit the maneuvering volume 120, in this case in correspondence with a first of the side faces facing outwards.

The detection apparatus installed on the elevator 125 preferably also comprises a second optical device 180, identical/similar to the previous one but arranged to form an optical barrier lying in a vertical plane orthogonal to the separation planes P1 and P2 and interposed between the second crosspiece 140 of the lift 125 and the wall of the external structure 105 which overlooks and ? proximal to said second crosspiece 140.

In this way, also the vertical plane in which the optical barrier created by the second optical device 180 lies? adapted to at least partially delimit the maneuvering volume 120, in this case in correspondence with the second lateral face facing outwards.

As illustrated in figure 17, to realize this optical barrier, each optical device 180 can comprising a first source 185 able to emit a first light beam (or linear light beam) R3 which lies in the aforementioned vertical plane, and a first sensor 190 able to receive said first light beam R3 and configured to emit the electrical signal corresponding to the identification of the ?obstacle, if the reception of the first light beam R3 is interrupted.

The optical device 180 can? further comprise a second source 195 suitable for emitting a second light beam (or linear light beam) R4 which lies substantially in the same vertical plane in which the first light beam R3 lies, and a second sensor 200 suitable for receiving said second light beam R4 and configured to emit the electric signal corresponding to the identification of the obstacle, if the reception of the second light beam R4 is interrupted.

In general terms, each source 185 and 195 and each corresponding sensor 190 and 200 are arranged on board the elevator 125 so that the respective light beam R3 and R4 is not vertical but extends horizontally or possibly inclined.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first and second light beams R3 and R4 are both horizontally oriented and entirely arranged respectively above and below the elevator 125, preferably but not necessarily equidistant from it. last, i.e. from the plane in which the crosspieces 140 lie.

There? of course, the first and second light beams R3 and R4 may be at least slightly inclined, possibly remaining in any case parallel to each other.

In any case, to obtain this configuration, the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be made as two separate components, both of which are arranged above the elevator 125, preferably at the opposite ends of the sensor. of the same side of the latter. In particular, as illustrated in figure 2, the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides with respect to the space between the first and second separation planes P1 and P2, with reference to a horizontal direction and orthogonal to said planes of separation P1 and P2, resulting therefore? mutually spaced, along the same direction, of a quantity? greater than the distance between the first and second separation planes P1 and P2 themselves.

In this way, it is ensured that the first light beam R3 extends along the entire length of the portion of the elevator 125 which faces the side access opening 122, and it is also ensured that the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be hidden behind the vertical profiles 123 which laterally delimit said access opening 122.

Returning to figure 17, the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be individually brought to the end? top of a respective vertical support rod 205, each of which can be fixed at a respective end? of the same crossbar 140.

However, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be made as a single component which is arranged at the same end. of the lateral side of the elevator 125, for example on the same support rod 205, arranging at the other end? of the lateral side, for example on the other support rod 205, a reflecting element (eg a mirror) capable of reflecting the first light beam R3 backwards.

Similarly, the second source 195 and the second sensor 200 can be made as two separate components, both of which are arranged below the elevator 125, preferably at opposite ends. of the lateral side of the latter.

For the same reasons explained above, also the second source 195 and the second sensor 200 can be positioned on board the elevator 125 on opposite sides of the space delimited between the first and second separation planes P1 and P2, with respect to a direction horizontal and orthogonal to said separation planes.

For example, the second source 195 and the second sensor 200 can be individually brought to the end? lower than a respective one of the already? mentioned support rods 205.

However, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, also the second source 195 and the second sensor 200 can be made as a single component which is arranged at one end of the sensor. of the lateral side of the elevator 125, for example on one of the two support rods 205, arranging at the other end? of the lateral side, for example on the other support rod 205, a reflecting element (eg a mirror) capable of reflecting the second light beam R4 backwards.

Thanks to this arrangement, by means of the two light beams R3 and R4, the optical device 180 ? advantageously capable of detecting the presence of any obstacles protruding inside the maneuvering volume 120 from one of the two side faces, whether said obstacles are above or below the elevator 125, and in whatever position they occupy along the lateral extension of the latter.

For example, ? It is possible to hypothesize that the obstacle consists of an operator who, finding himself outside the vertical magazine 100, places his body or a part of it inside the maneuvering volume 120, for example through the access opening 122 obtained in the wall of the external structure 105 which defines the lateral face of the maneuvering volume 120.

If the elevator 125 is above the operator and is descending (as illustrated in figures 14, 15 and 17), before a collision or in any case a contact can occur, the operator's body will intercept? the second light beam R4, interrupting it and allowing the optical device 180 to generate an electric signal which stops the lowering of the elevator 125.

Similarly, if the elevator 125 were below the operator and was going up (situation not illustrated since it mirrors the previous one), before a collision or in any case a contact could occur, the operator's body would intercept the first light beam R3, interrupting it and allowing the optical device 145 to generate an electrical signal which stops the lifting of the elevator 125.

As also indicated in the previous discussion, the light beams R3 and R4 alone are however not able to detect the possible presence of obstacles that are positioned substantially at the same height as the elevator 125, or at a height between the first and the second light beam R3 and R4, as could happen if the operator inserted his arms inside the maneuvering volume 120 precisely at that altitude, for example while the elevator 125 is? stop or ? in transit.

A possible solution to overcome this limit? illustrated in figure 18 and provides that both light rays R3 and R4, while continuing to lie substantially in the same vertical plane, can be inclined so as to be arranged partially above and partially below the elevator 125.

In particular, the first light beam R3 and the second light beam R4 can be arranged in a cross and intersect in a common point, which can be placed for example at the same height as the elevator 125, in this case at the same height as the floor where the crosspieces 140 lie.

For example, the first light beam R3 and the second light beam R4 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane containing the mutual intersection point, as well as optionally with respect to a vertical plane passing through the point of mutual intersection and orthogonal to their plane of arrangement.

To obtain this configuration, the first source 185 and the first sensor 190 can be made as two separate components, which are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator 125, for example respectively above and below the elevator 125 or vice versa , remaining however preferably located at the opposite ends? of the same lateral side of the elevator 125 itself.

For example, the first source 185 pu? be brought to? the extreme? top of one of the support rods 205, while the first sensor 190 can? be brought to? the end? bottom of the other support rod 205 or vice versa.

Similarly, the second source 195 and the second sensor 200 can be made as two separate components, which are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator 125, for example respectively above and below the elevator 125 or vice versa, preferably in correspondence of opposite ends? of the latter.

For example, the second source 195 pu? be brought to? the extreme? bottom of one of the support rods 205, while the second sensor 200 can? be brought to? the end? top of the other support rod 205 or vice versa.

Even in this case, however, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, each source 185 and 195 can be made in a single component with the corresponding sensor 190 and 200, which is arranged at one end? of the side of the elevator 125, arranging at the other end? a reflecting element (e.g. a mirror) capable of reflecting the corresponding light beam backwards.

How can you? appreciate from figure 18, an oblique and crossed arrangement of the light rays R3 and R4 could in this case not be the preferred one, as it could not be able to effectively detect the presence of the arms or other parts of the body above and below below the elevator 125, for example if they were arranged at the center line of the lateral side.

Therefore ? in this case it is preferable to adopt the solution of figure 17 with the precaution that the optical barrier created by each optical device 180 comprises one or more? additional light rays Rn which lie substantially in the same plane as the first and second light rays R3 and R4 and which are arranged in the space between the latter.

For example, the light rays Rn can be parallel to the light rays R3 and R4 and suitably equidistant from each other.

Each of these additional light rays Rn can? be generated by a corresponding source and pu? be received by a corresponding sensor (not shown in the drawings), which can be installed on the support rods 205 in a similar way to those which produce the first and second light beams R3 and R4.

Thanks to this solution, if an operator were to insert an arm, or any other part of the body, into the space between the first and second light beams R3 and R4, he would intercept at least one of the remaining light beams Rn, interrupting it and thus allowing the device optical 180 to generate an electrical signal which immediately stops the elevator 125 or possibly prevents it from moving.

We wish to observe that, in this context, the unit? control electronics could be configured to disable one or more? of the light rays pi? external edges of the optical device 180, when the elevator 125 approaches the upper and lower limit switches of its vertical travel, i.e. when it reaches a predetermined upper limit position and when it reaches a predetermined lower limit position.

In particular, when the elevator 125, moving upwards, exceeds the upper limit position, the unit? control electronics could temporarily disable the first light beam R3 and possibly one or more? of the light rays Rn immediately below it, for example progressively as the elevator device 125 continues to rise until it reaches the limit switch.

Conversely, when the elevator 125, moving downwards, exceeds the lower limit position, the unit? control electronics could temporarily disable the second light beam R4 and possibly one or more? of the light rays Rn immediately above it, for example progressively as the elevator device 125 continues to descend until it reaches the limit switch.

By disabling it is generally meant that the unit? control electronics does not detect any obstacle (and therefore does not stop the lift) even if the light rays are intercepted, or that the unit? control electronics switches off and makes the corresponding sensor and/or the corresponding source inactive.

In this way ? advantageously possible to avoid false detections of obstacles when in reality? the optical barrier created by the optical device 180 would be intercepted by bodies belonging to the base or ceiling of the external structure 105 of the vertical warehouse 100.

Obviously, to all of the above described, a technician in the sector could? make numerous modifications of a technical application nature, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (15)

1. A vertical magazine (100) with drawers (900), comprising: - an external structure (105) defining internally at least one storage volume (110, 115) for a plurality of of mutually superimposed drawers (900) and at least one maneuvering volume (120) placed adjacent to said storage volume (110, 115) and ideally separated from it by a vertical separation plane (P1, P2), - an elevator (125) housed in the maneuvering volume (120) and equipped with gripping members for the extraction and insertion of at least one drawer (900) from/into said at least one storage volume (110, 115) through said parting plane (P1, P2), - a movement system adapted to move said elevator (125) at least in a vertical direction within the maneuvering volume (120), and - a detection apparatus installed on board the lift (125) and configured to detect the presence of protruding obstacles inside the maneuvering volume (120). 2. A warehouse (100) according to claim 1, wherein said detection apparatus comprises at least one optical device (145, 180) suitable for realizing an optical barrier which lies in a vertical plane suitable for delimiting at least partially the maneuvering volume ( 120). 3. A magazine (100) according to claim 2, wherein said vertical plane is parallel or coinciding with the separation plane (P1, P2) between the storage volume (110, 115) and the maneuvering volume (120). 4. A magazine (100) according to claim 2, wherein said vertical plane is transversal to the separation plane (P1, P2) between the storage volume (110, 115) and the maneuvering volume (120). 5. A magazine (100) according to claim 2, wherein said sensing apparatus comprises a plurality of of said optical devices (145, 180), which are individually suitable for realizing a respective optical barrier which lies in a vertical plane suitable for at least partially delimiting the maneuvering volume (120). 6. A magazine (100) according to any one of claims from 2 to 5, wherein said optical device (145, 180) comprises at least a first source (150, 185) for emitting a first light beam (R1, R3 ) lying in said vertical plane and a first sensor (155, 190) for receiving said first light beam (R1, R3). 7. A magazine (100) according to claim 6, wherein the optical device (145, 180) comprises at least one reflecting body able to reflect towards the first sensor (155, 190) the first light beam (R1, R3) emitted by the first source (150, 185). 8. A magazine (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first source (150, 185) and the first sensor (155, 190) are both located above the elevator (125) or below the same. 9. A magazine (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first source (150, 185) and the first sensor (155, 190) are arranged respectively above and below the elevator or vice versa. 10. A magazine (100) according to any one of claims from 6 to 9, wherein said optical device (145, 180) comprises at least a second source (160, 195) for the emission of a second light beam (R2, R4 ), which lies substantially in the same vertical plane as the first light beam (R1, R3), and a second sensor (165, 200) for detecting said second light beam (R2, R4). 11. A magazine (100) according to claims 10 and 8, wherein the second source (160, 195) and the second sensor (165, 200) are both arranged on the opposite side of the elevator (125) with respect to the first source ( 150, 185) and to the first sensor (155, 190) with reference to a horizontal receiving position of the drawer (900). A magazine (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first light beam (R1) and the second light beam (R2) are parallel to each other. 13. A magazine (100) according to claims 10 and 9, wherein the second source (160, 195) and the second sensor (165, 200) are arranged respectively above and below the elevator (125) or vice versa. A magazine (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first light beam (R1) and the second light beam (R2) intersect each other. 15. A magazine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising units? control electronics connected with the detection apparatus and with the elevator movement system (125), which ? configured to prevent the movement of the elevator (125), when the detection apparatus detects the presence of an obstacle. .