GB881568A - Improvements in or relating to storage arrangements comprising movable containers - Google Patents

Abstract

881,568. Storage systems. INGOLD, H. Jan. 16, 1959 [Jan. 24, 1958; Jan. 5, 1959], No. 1610/59. Class 78 (4). In a storage system, e.g. for books comprising a number of wheeled containers 1-5, Fig. 1, mounted on rails, the containers may be coupled and moved through a distance B by container 1 which is secured to a chain drive 8 whereby they may be shunted to provide a gangway between any two containers. The chain 8, Fig. 4, is driven by a motor 15 and the direction of drive is controlled by switches 18 and 19, operated by relays 20 and 21 respectively, via which the 3-phase mains supply 46 is connected to the motor. A low-tension supply for operating the relays is derived from the transformer 49 connected to one phase of the supply. The two relay control circuits extend via overhead lines to controls on the containers, including switches 29 and 30 on container 1 which are operated by co-operation between plunger 26 and ramp 27 and plunger 31 and ramp 32 respectively to limit the movement of container 1. Switchboards 37 on containers 2-5 and 17 include emergency switches 39 which weak the relay circuit and hence the motor circuit (these are also provided on containers 1 and 16), switches 40 which are keyoperated and prepare the circuit for operation of associated switches 41 and 42 which control the forward and reverse movement of the container 1 respectively. In the coupled position a slide 34 on one container lifts a roller 36 on an adjacent container whereby a switch 35 in that container is operated. This switch is in parallel with the key-operated switch 40 on the container so that a key-operated switch is only effective on a container (container 2 as shown) adjacent a working gangway on which the switch 35 is unoperated. Movement of the containers is therefore controlled from a point overlooking the gangway ensuring safe opertion. Further safety measures include switch 43 on container 1 which opens the motor circuit when its plunger contacts a body or object in its path, switches 44 which are operated by chain weakage and key-operated switch 53 in the main control circuit.