Racking system with remotely operated shelf adjustment - has shelf load detectors and motor-driven jacking system

摘要

Each section of the racking system consists of vertical threaded pillars (6) and horizontal shelves (8). Set into the corners of each shelf are threaded.collars (7), which can rotate within retaining blocks. The collars have internal threads which mesh with the threads on the vertical pillars. A toothed belt (9) passes around the ribbed outer surfaces of each collar (7). At the centre of the shelf, the belt is directed by guide rollers (11), so that it meshes with a drive wheel driven by an electric motor (10). Along one edge of each shelf is an array of ultrasonic detectors. The signals from detectors are used by an electronic processor to control the motor, so that shelves will not be lowered onto loaded shelves and possibly crush items stored on the rack.