GB1204337A - Improvements in storage installations comprising mobile shelf units - Google Patents

Abstract

1,204,337. Cabinets etc.; storage systems. W. K. RÍ ÍSLI. 24 Nov., 1967 [28 Nov., 1966], No. 53478/67. Headings A4B and A4J. [Also in Division B7] A storage installation comprises a fixed shelf unit 8 and a plurality of wheeled shelf units 1-5 arranged in a row and movable on rails 7 so that a service passage may be provided selectively between any two adjacent units, an end unit 1 being provided with a reversible electric motor 9 driving a wheel 6 and the installation including an electric control circuit remotely operable to effect selective coupling and uncoupling of adjacent units 1-5. The coupling devices may comprise pairs of electromagnets 14-18 which co-operate with magnetisable plates (19, Fig. 3) on adjacent units. Alternatively (Fig. 5), a mechanical coupling is effected by interengagement of a pin (50) on one unit and the hooked end (48) of a two armed lever (44) which pivots under the control of an electromagnet (47). In use, to create a service passage between units 4 and 5 from the position in Fig. 1, a push button switch 28 on the unit 4 is pressed and held to power the motor 9 so that units 1-3 are advanced to unit 4. The switch 28 is in parallel with similar switches 25-27 and 29 on other units. When the unit 3 reaches unit 4 a limit switch (13) effects a reversal of the motor 9 with the switch 28 held depressed. Simultaneously, electromagnets 14-16 are energised to affect a coupling of the units 1-4 which move away from unit 5 until operation of a limit switch (12) stops the motor 9. A safety switch (23) is actuated to stop the motor 9 by a pivoted guard rail (22, Fig. 3) when the latter meets an obstacle.