AU2019283903A1

AU2019283903A1 - Storage System

Info

Publication number: AU2019283903A1
Application number: AU2019283903A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen John Adams; Robert Neil EVANS
Original assignee: APC GROUP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: APC GROUP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-18
Filing date: 2019-12-18
Publication date: 2020-07-02

Abstract

A shelving system 10 comprises a plurality of shelving units 12 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and a track system 13 comprising a plurality of tracks 14. Movement of the shelving units 12 is possible because each shelving unit 12 comprises a lower chassis 22 having a plurality of carriages 24 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the carriages 24 comprise a plurality of wheels 28 adapted to engage with respective tracks 14. Some of the carriages 24b further comprise at least a first collector wheel 36 for collection of electrical energy to supply to a motor 31 provided in the shelving unit. One of the tracks 14 comprises a busbar 44 adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply, and at least a first rail 38 for receiving the first collector wheel 36. Distribution of the electrical energy to the motor 31 is done via rolling contact between the busbar 44 and the first collector wheel 36. Drawing suggested to accompany the Abstract: Figures 7 to 9 0 o ces) CI&n

Description

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SHELVING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to shelving systems.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to shelving systems having electrically powered mobile shelving units.

BACKGROUND ART

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Shelving systems comprising electrically powered shelving units are known. These conventional shelving systems comprise (1) a plurality of shelving units arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to each other along a particular direction from an upstream end to a downstream end and (2) a track system comprising a plurality of tracks arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to each other along a direction perpendicular to the particular direction. The shelving units are arranged in a single or tandem relationship and mounted on the track to permit moving of the shelving units.

As mentioned above, each of the shelving units are electrically powered; thus, electrical energy needs to be supplied to each of the shelving units. Typically, this is done through overhead wiring which are electrically connected to conductors electrically connected to a power source of relative high voltage. Having conductors at ground level is not suggested due to the safety risks that it involves during installation and use of the shelving system; this is particularly true due to the fact that currently the conductors are electrically connected to a power source of relative high voltage.

Furthermore, the electrical conductors connected to the power source and to the wiring within the tracks of the shelving system need to be drawn from locations above the shelving system such as the roof - typically, this makes the installation process of the shelving system cumbersome.

Further, in view that each shelving unit is independently electrically powered, the wiring within the track system is complex and cumbersome to install as well as prone to be damaged due to constant movement of the shelving units during operation of the shelving system. US patent 6,845,721 discloses such a conventional shelving system.

It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a track for a shelving system, the track comprising a busbar adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply, and at least a first rail for receiving at least a first collector wheel mounted on a carriage for distributing electrical energy to an electric motor wherein, in use, the busbar is adapted to receive the collector wheel in rolling engagement therewith for collection of the electrical energy.

Preferably, the track comprises a first rail for receiving the busbar.

Preferably, the first rail comprises a guide adapted to insulate the busbar to impede flow of electrical energy into the track.

Preferably, the track comprises a second rail, and the first and second rails extend parallel along the track.

Preferably, the power supply comprises a socket adjacent the ground.

Preferably, the power supply supplies electrical energy of relative low voltage.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an electrically powered shelving unit having an electric motor, the shelving unit being adapted to engage at least one track as defined hereinbefore mounted on a surface for moving of the shelving unit over the surface, the shelving unit comprising a lower chassis, and wherein the chassis comprises at least a first carriage having at least a first collector wheel for engagement with the first rail, the shelving unit comprising an electric system having an electric circuit for electrically connecting the first collector wheel with the electric motor for driving of the shelving unit over the surface.

Preferably, the electric motor drives a first wheel that engages with the second rail.

Preferably, the first wheel comprises a sprocket wheel for engaging a chain located within the second rail.

Preferably, a plurality of collector wheels is rotatably mounted on a carriage in the lower chassis of the shelving unit.

Preferably, a pair of collector wheels is provided in the carriage, each collector wheel being rotatably mounted on a collector arm.

Preferably, each collector arm is pivotally mounted on the carriage and is adapted to press the collector wheel into rolling engagement with the first rail.

Preferably, the shelving unit further comprises a control system electrically connected to each collector wheel and to the motor for supplying energy to the control system, the motor, user interfaces and electric equipment of the shelving unit for operation thereof.

Preferably, the electric equipment comprises sensors and lighting.

Preferably, the control system is adapted to be wirelessly connected to other shelving units in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a shelving system comprising at least one track in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and at least one shelving unit in accordance with the second aspect of the invention operatively engaged to the track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a shelving system according to the present embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the lower end of a shelving unit of the shelving system shown in Figure 1 having alower shelf removed;

Figure 3 is an end view of a particular arrangement of a track according to the present embodiment of the invention of the shelving system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the track shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view of a detail of the track shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is schematic drawing of the electric circuit of the track system shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the lower chassis of a shelving unit of the shelving system shown in Figure 1 with the shelving unit removed for clarity;

Figure 8 is an enlargement detail of one of the carriages in the lower chassis shown in Figure 7, shown in partial cross-section view; and,

Figure 9 is an enlargement detail of another one of the carriages in the lower chassis shown in Figure 7, shown in partial cross-section view.

It should be noted that the Figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiments of the present invention as well as of the particular applications of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 shows a particular arrangement of a shelving system 10 according to the present embodiment of the invention. The shelving system 10 comprises a plurality of shelving units 12 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along a particular direction from an upstream end to a downstream end.

The shelving system 10 further comprises a track system 13 comprising a plurality of tracks 14 arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to each other along a direction perpendicular to the particular direction.

The shelving units 12 are adapted to move independently from each other along the track system 13. This permits moving of the shelving system 10 selectively between a contracted condition and an extended condition. In the contracted condition, all of the shelving units 12 are located side by side with no spacing between the shelving units 12; in the extended condition, all of the shelving units 12 are arranged in a spaced apart condition with spacing between neighboring shelving units 12. However, typically, during use of the shelving system 10, particular shelving units 12 remain side by side with no spacing between them while a required aisle has been opened; in particular, during use the shelving units 12 are typically arranged such that, for example as shown in Figure 1, two groups 16a and 16b of shelving units are defined with an aisle18 therebetween to allow access to the shelves 20 of the exposed faces of the shelving units 12b and 12c.

As mentioned before, shelving units 12 are adapted to move independently from each other; this permits defining the aisle 18 by moving one or more shelving units 12 while other shelving unit(s) 12 are maintained in static condition.

As shown in Figures 2 and 7, movement of the shelving units 12 is possible because each shelving unit 12 comprises a lower chassis 22 having a plurality of carriages 24 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other between the sides 26 of each shelving unit 12. The number of carriages 24 and the spacing between the carriages 24 is equal to the number of tracks 14 and the spacing between the tracks 14a to 14c as is shown in Figure 1; in this manner, for each track 14 there is a counterpart carriage 24 permitting engagement of the carriages 24 with the tracks 14 to permit movement of the shelving unit 12.

Each of the carriages 24 comprises a plurality of wheels 28 extending spaced apart with respect to each other and adapted to engage with one of the tracks 14. One of the carriages 24a also comprises a motor 31. The wheels 28 are also rotatably attached to the carriage 24a. Movement of each carriage 24a (and therefore of the shelving unit 12 containing a particular carriage) occurs via a sprocket 33 operatively connected to the motor 31 which engages a chain 35 located within the particular track14, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 8. Another one of the carriages 24b comprises a plurality of wheels 28 and a collector wheel 36 for collection of electrical energy to supply to the motor 31 in carriage 24a.

Further, each shelving unit 12 is adapted to be controlled by users of the shelving units 12. Control of the shelving unit 12 may be done via a control system 30 including a user interface 34 (see Figure 6); the user interface comprising a screen such as a touchscreen adapted to display information and receive commands from the users for moving of the shelving unit 12 - see Figure 1. The control system 30 may include hardware (such as a CPU, RAM and ROM memory devices) and software.

Alternatively, the shelving units 12 may be controlled by the user using control remotes adapted to communicate wirelessly with the control system 30 of each shelving unit 12.

Furthermore, the electronic controls 32 are adapted to communicate with respect to each other (such as wirelessly) to permit movement of the shelving units 12 in consortium in accordance with the instructions provided by the users and relative with respect to each other. Sensors may be included to detect personnel or objects in the aisle 18 defined between spaced apart shelving units 12 to avoid crushing personnel or objects located within the spacing 18.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 9, there is shown an end view of a particular track 14 having mounted thereon a carriage 24b and a collector wheel 36 for collection of electrical energy to supply to the motor 31 in carriage 24a for driving thereof. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 4 and 5, there are provided a plurality of collector wheels 36. Preferably a pair of collector wheels 36 made from brass are provided in each carriage 24b.

As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the track 14 comprises a first rail 38 and a second rail 40. The rails 38 and 40 extend parallel with respect to each other along the track 14. The first rail 38 is adapted to receive the collector wheels 36. The second rail 40 is adapted to receive wheels 28.

The first rail 38 comprises a guide 42 embedded in the inside of the first rail 38. The guide 42 is adapted to receive a busbar 44. The guide 42 may be of an insulating material to isolate the busbar 44 impeding electric current to flow into the track 14. The busbar 44 comprises an electric conductor or rod for receiving electrical energy from a power source 46 (see Figure 6) and distribution to the motor 31 of each of the shelving units 12.

Distribution of the electrical energy to the motor 31 is done via rolling contact between the busbar 44 and the collector wheels 36; for this the busbar 44 is adapted to receive the collector wheels 36 as can be seen Figures 3 and 9. Advantageously the collector wheels 36 are rotatably mounted on collector arms 37, and the collector arms 37 are pivotally mounted on the carriage 24b. Preferably the collector arms 37 are biased in a downwards direction whereby, in use, the collector wheels 36 are pressed against the busbar 44 to maintain firm rolling contact and good electrical conductivity.

The collector wheels 36 are electrically connected to the control system 30 to deliver the collected electrical energy from the busbar 44 to the control system 30 for use by the control system 30 and distribution to the electric motor 31, the user interface 34, sensors, lights and any other electric equipment that each shelving unit 12 may have.

Figure 6 shows the electric circuit for a particular arrangement of the present embodiment of the invention.

In the particular arrangement of the present embodiment of the invention, the electric power supply is a 24 volt DC power supply. It is particularly advantageous that the electrical power supply is of relatively low voltage because it permits having an electrically conducting busbar (which is directly connected to a power source) located within the track and on the ground thus avoiding having on the ground and in the track naked electric conductors of a relatively high voltage.

Further, another advantage of the present embodiment of the invention is that the electrical power supply may comprise a transformer that is connected to an electrical power socket which typically is located at the lower end of the wall of building structures. This is particularly advantageous because it facilitates installation of the shelving systems: after installation of the shelving system 10, electrical power is provided to the shelving system 10 by simply plugging in the power socket(s) plug of the transformer(s) that supply to the busbar 44 the electrical energy of relatively low voltage such as 24 volts DC. This is in sharp contrast with the conventional shelving systems where it is required that the electrical energy be supplied from a location above the shelving systems (such as the roof) to avoid any supply of electrical energy occurring at ground level for safety reasons.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A track for a shelving system, the track comprising a busbar adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply, and at least a first rail for receiving at least a first collector wheel mounted on a carriage for distributing electrical energy to an electric motor wherein, in use, the busbar is adapted to receive the collector wheel in rolling engagement therewith for collection of the electrical energy.

2. A track for a shelving system as defined in claim 1, wherein the track comprises a first rail for receiving the busbar.

3. A track for a shelving system as defined in claim 2, wherein the first rail comprises a guide adapted to insulate the busbar from the track to impede flow of electrical energy into the track.

4. A track for a shelving system as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the track comprises a second rail and the first and second rails extend parallel along the track.

5. A track for a shelving system as defined in claim 4, wherein the power supply comprises a wall socket mounted adjacent the ground.

6. A track for a shelving system as defined in claim 5, wherein a transformer is provided at the wall socket to supply electrical energy to the busbar of relatively low voltage.

7. An electrically powered shelving unit having an electric motor, the shelving unit being adapted to engage at least one track as defined in claim 4 mounted on a surface for moving of the shelving unit over the surface, the shelving unit comprising a lower chassis, and wherein the chassis comprises at least a first collector wheel for engagement with the first rail, the shelving unit comprising an electric system having an electric circuit for electrically connecting the first collector wheel with the electric motor for driving the shelving unit over the surface.

8. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 7, wherein the electric motor drives a first wheel that engages with the second rail for driving of the shelving unit over the surface.

9. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 8, wherein the first wheel comprises a sprocket wheel for engaging a chain located within the second rail.

10. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 7, wherein a plurality of collector wheels is rotatably mounted on a carriage in the lower chassis of the shelving unit.

11. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 10, wherein a pair of collector wheels is provided in the carriage, each collector wheel being rotatably mounted on a collector arm.

12. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 11, wherein each collector arm is pivotally mounted on the carriage and is adapted to press the collector wheel into rolling engagement with the first rail.

13. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in any one of claims 7 to claim 12, wherein the shelving unit further comprises a control system electrically connected to each collector wheel and to the motor for supplying energy to the control system, the motor, user interfaces and electric equipment of the shelving unit for operation thereof.

14. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 13, wherein the electric equipment comprises sensors and lighting.

15. An electrically powered shelving unit as defined in claim 14, wherein the control system is adapted to be wirelessly connected to other similar shelving units.

16. A shelving system comprising at least one track as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one shelving unit as defined in any one of claims 7 to 15 operatively attached to the track.

Dated this 1 8 th day of December 2019

APC Group Pty Ltd By its Patent Attorneys Wrays