GB1261293A - Improved storage rack installation - Google Patents

Abstract

1,261,293. Storage rack installation. FORSTER & CO. May 8, 1969 [May 9, 1968], No. 23538/69. Headings A4B and A4T. A storage rack installation comprises a rank of movable storage racks 10a-10d, disposed in lateral juxtaposition, and capable of being moved, individually or collectively, by drive means to open an access passage between any two racks, wherein each rack has a plurality of wheels, at least one being driven by a reversible motor, and common control unit 21 is provided which determines the direction of rotation of the motor by reference to the position of a two-way switch 14 on each rack, the position of the switch depending on the position of the rack. Each two-way switch may be associated with two sets of relays, which are alternatively operable (12 and 13). The common control unit, correspondingly contains two separately controlled sets of contacts. The twoway switches, 14 are affected by magnets NI5a-d and S16a-d, corresponding to the opposed ends of the traverses of racks 10a-d, respectively. Before the rack can be moved, switch 18 or 18<SP>1</SP> must be closed. Then the correct button 12, or 13 is pressed on the rack which is to move to create the opening. The voltage is then cut off from the button circuits, and the racks affected move automatically to the end of their traverse. The racks are inter-connected by cables 20. The circuit in Fig.3 (not shown) achieves this effect, and also includes various safeguards, e.g. stop bars 9 on each rack which stop the motion if contact is made. The wheels may run on the floor or on tracks, and at least some of them are preferably connected by shafting.