Patent Publication Number: US-2023148748-A1

Title: Storage system with movable platforms and internal electrical power distribution system

Description:
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/278,820 filed Nov. 12, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present inventions relates generally to a storage system which has movable platforms for storing items, and more particularly to such a system with an internal electrical power distribution system for providing electrical power for electrical devices carried on the movable platforms. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The Applicant manufactures a number of storage system products which are particularly suited to maximize vertical storage space and to minimize footprint. Such systems employ movable shelves or platforms which circulate, such as on a carousel, around a prescribed path within a frame of the storage system. It may be desirable to supply electrical power to the storage shelves or platforms of such a system to increase flexibility of the types of items which can be stored. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a storage system for storing items and carrying electrical devices comprising: 
     a frame arranged for resting on a support surface and defining a storage space and an access opening therefor; 
     a plurality of platforms supported within the storage space for movement relative to the access opening and along a prescribed path, for receiving the items to be stored and selectively presented at the access opening; 
     a drive assembly configured to move the platforms along the prescribed path; and 
     an electrical power distribution system for providing electrical power for the electrical devices on the platforms, wherein the electrical power distribution system comprises:
         a set of distribution terminals arranged for electrical connection to an electrical power source and extending along respective paths which follow the prescribed path of movement of the platforms; and   a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies connected for movement along the set of distribution terminals and respectively mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms, wherein the electrical bridging assemblies have respective first electrical terminals electrically connected to the distribution terminals and respective second electrical terminals located at or adjacent the platforms and configured to supply the electrical power from the electrical power source to the electrical loads on the platforms.       

     In one arrangement, the prescribed path of movement of the platforms is loop-shaped and the set of distribution terminals are loop-shaped so as to follow loop-shaped paths. 
     In one such arrangement, the loop-shaped distribution terminals are disposed side-by-side so as to be respectively concentric to the prescribed path of movement of the platforms. 
     In one arrangement, the loop-shaped distribution terminals encompass a loop-shaped member defining the prescribed path of movement so as to be located outwardly thereof. 
     In one arrangement, the distribution terminals comprise electrically-conductive channels. 
     In one arrangement, the distribution terminals comprise electrical conductors which span the respective paths of the distribution terminals. 
     In one arrangement, when the platforms are respectively mounted to a carrier arranged to move along the prescribed path and when the prescribed path has at least one turn, the electrical bridging assemblies comprise slip rings mounted to the carrier and forming the respective second terminals. Thus the respective platform can pivot relative to the set of distribution terminals without losing electrical contact therewith. 
     In one such arrangement, the electrical power distribution system further includes electrical outlets mounted to the platforms and configured to receive electrical plugs, and the electrical bridging assemblies further include electrical wires with first ends electrically connected to terminals of the slip rings and second ends electrically connected to the electrical outlets on the platforms. 
     In one such arrangement, the electrical bridging assemblies comprise electromechanical assemblies forming the respective first terminals, wherein the electromechanical assemblies are configured for movable electrical contact with the set of distribution terminals and are electrically connected to the slip rings to transfer electrical power thereto. 
     In one arrangement, the electrical power distribution system comprises power electronic converters respectively supported on the platforms and electrically connected downstream from the electrical bridging assemblies. The power electronic converters are configured to transform the power from the source to a format usable by the electrical devices on the platforms. 
     Typically, the electrical power source is external. 
     Typically, the electrical power source is mains electrical power. 
     Also, the drive assembly is usually also electrically connected to the electrical power source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    schematically illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of storage system according to the present invention, showing some components which otherwise would not be visible; 
         FIG.  2    schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    schematically illustrates a sectional view showing a portion of an electrical power distribution system and a platform of the arrangement of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged cross-sectional view like  FIG.  2    showing the elements in  FIG.  3   . 
     
    
    
     In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The accompanying figures show a storage system  10  for storing items and carrying electrical devices. The storage system  10  comprises movable shelves or platforms  12  configured to receive and support the storage items and the electrical devices, which are circulated along a prescribed path  14  so the platforms are selectively locatable at an access opening  15  of the system  10  for retrieval of the items stored thereon. In the illustrated arrangement, the storage system  10  is a vertical type storage system where the prescribed path  14  lies in an upstanding plane, which minimizes a footprint of the system  10  on an underlying support surface SS. 
     Generally speaking, and referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the storage system  10  comprises a frame  18  arranged for resting on the support surface SS, such as a floor, and which defines an internal storage space  20  within a periphery of the frame and the access opening  15  for the storage space. 
     Typically, the frame  18  comprises a framework of vertical and horizontal beams  22  interconnected to define an uninterrupted interior storage space  20  centrally within the frame  18 . The frame  18  is covered by panels  23  spanning between adjacent pairs of beams of the framework to enclose the storage space, except for at the access opening  15 . The frame  18  and covering panels  23  therefore collectively form a housing containing the platforms  12  and other components of the storage system  10 . 
     As mentioned, the storage system  10  also comprises a plurality of shelves or platforms  12  supported within the storage space  20  for movement relative to the access opening  15  and along a prescribed predetermined path  14  within the frame  18 . Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , each platform  12  comprises a base or floor member  26  which is substantially horizontally oriented and defines an upwardly facing support surface  27  for carrying items or articles to be stored, as well as other equipment, for example electrical devices such as refrigerators or lighting configured to illuminate an individual storage space over the support surface  27  of a respective one of the platforms. Preferably, as in the illustrated arrangement, each platform or shelf  12  also includes a peripheral wall  29  standing upwardly from the floor  26 . 
     To move the platforms  12  along the prescribed path  14 , the system  10  includes a drive assembly configured therefor. In the illustrated arrangement, the drive assembly comprises a carousel  33  arranged to rotate in a vertically upstanding plane and a motor  34  operatively connected thereto to rotate the carousel. The carousel  33  comprises a tensioned loop-shaped member  37  encircling one or more spaced rotational axes  38  and following the prescribed path  14 . In the illustrated arrangement, the carousel  33  is elliptical with opposite parallel linear runs  39 A,  39 B and rotates around a pair of rotational axes, one of which is arranged above the other one of the pair. The loop-shaped member  37  is for example an endless chain entrained on sprockets  40  respectively defining the rotational axes  38 . The motor  34  is operatively coupled to at least one of the sprockets  40 , in this case indicated by an arrow in  FIG.  3   , to drive rotation of the loop-shaped member  37 . The drive assembly, and more specifically the motor  34  thereof, is arranged for electrical connection to, so as to be powered by, an electrical power source  3  distinct from the drive assembly. Typically, as in the illustrated arrangement, the power source  3  is mains power which is distributed through a building or structure in which the storage system  10  is used. The mains power  3  therefore is an external power source to the storage system  10 . 
     It therefore will be appreciated that the loop-shaped member  37  defines the prescribed path  14  followed by the movable platforms  12 . Since the member  37  is driven for rotation and the platforms are coupled in fixed relation thereto so as to move with the member  37 , the member  37  serves as a carrier for translating the platforms  12 . 
     Since the carousel  33  is generally vertical, the platforms  12  are respectively mechanically connected to the loop-shaped member  37  with pivotal joints  42  so that each platform  12  moves in fixed relation to a prescribed point on the loop-shaped member, defined by the joint  42 , but is able to pivot relative to the member  37  upon transition from one runs such as  39 A of the carousel to the other such as  39 B. Furthermore, each platform  12  is suspended from its corresponding mounting joint  42  such that gravity acts to maintain the platform horizontal even upon transition between carousel runs. An end wall portion  43  of the peripheral wall  29  is connected to pivotal joint  42  to locate the floor  26  below same. 
     Each platform  12  is operatively connected at a respective end thereof, defined by end wall portion  43 , to the carousel  33  disposed on an interior side of an upstanding wall of the housing of the storage system  10 , and is also usually supported at an opposite end of the platform by a distinct complementary support member (not shown) from carrier  37  that is arranged, by positioning and being shaped, to mirror the prescribed path  14 . The complementary support member may be a stationary track or a driven loop-shaped member like that at  37 , rotationally supported by sprockets respectively arranged at the rotational axes  38  and driven by the motor  34 . 
     In order to deliver electrical power to the movable platforms  12 , for example for refrigeration or electrical charging of items received thereon, the system  10  includes an internal electrical power distribution system. The power distribution system comprises a set of distribution terminals  47  arranged for electrical connection to the electrical power source  3  and extending along respective paths which follow the prescribed path  14  of movement of the platforms  12 . In such a manner, regardless of position of a respective one of the platforms  12  along the prescribed path  14 , there is provided a corresponding location on one or more of the distribution terminals registered with the position of the platform  12  on the path  14 , from which power can be drawn for electrical devices on the platform. The distribution terminals  47  are electrically connected to the external electrical power source  3  with or without any intervening power-altering or modifying component such as a transformer. In the illustrated arrangement, there is no intervening power-altering or modifying component. 
     Furthermore, the power distribution system comprises a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies  50  connected for movement along the set of distribution terminals  47  and respectively mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms  12 . The electrical bridging assemblies  50  comprise respective first electrical terminals  51  electrically connected to the distribution terminals  47  and respective second electrical terminals  53  located at or adjacent the platforms  12  and configured to supply electrical power for the electrical loads thereon. The distribution terminals are stationary relative to the frame  18  of the storage system  10 . 
     Since the prescribed path is loop-shaped, the distribution terminals  47 , too, are loop-shaped, so as to follow loop-shaped paths. More specifically, the terminals are endless and elliptical-shaped with opposite parallel linear portions interconnected by a pair of semicircular arcuate portions. The distribution terminals  47  are arranged to be coplanar with the prescribed path and is equidistant thereto across the full perimeter of the path. 
     The loop-shaped distribution terminals  47  encompass the loop-shaped member  37  defining the prescribed path  14  of platform movement within the storage space  20  so as to be located outwardly of the carousel member  37 . Thus, any electrical connection to the distribution terminals  47  extends outwardly from the loop-shaped member  37  of the drive assembly, which in the illustrated arrangement delimits the periphery of the drive assembly such that remaining components thereof are contained within same, so as not to interfere with the drive assembly. Furthermore, the distribution terminals  47  are disposed side-by-side so as to be respectively concentric to the prescribed path  14  of movement of the platforms  12 . As such, electrical connections spanning between the distribution terminals  47  and the loop-shaped carrier  37  do not interfere with one another. 
     The distribution terminals  47  of the illustrated arrangement comprise electrical conductors which span the respective paths of the distribution terminals  47 . As such, when the terminals  47  are loop-shaped, the conductors are endless. Thus, power can be drawn uninterruptedly across the full length of the terminals. 
     In the illustrated arrangement, the terminals  47  comprise electrically-conductive channels of a metallic material such as copper. The conductive channels are U-shaped so as to have a base wall and a pair of opposite sidewalls upstanding to the base wall. Interiors of the channels are exposed for electrical contact but exteriors thereof are covered with electrical insulation to prevent short-circuiting. The channel-shape of the terminals  47  forms a track along which an electromechanical assembly configured for movable electrical contact can move therealong, following movement of the respective platform  12  along the prescribed path  14 . 
     Turning initially to a perspective from the carrier  37  where physical translation of the platforms originates, since the paths as travelled by the platforms  12  and as followed by the distribution terminals  47  are loop-shaped so as to have turns or curves in the prescribed path, the electrical bridging assemblies  50  for transferring power from the terminals  47  to the platforms  12  for connection of electrical devices thereon comprise slip rings mounted to the carrier. The slip rings form the second electrical terminals of the bridging assemblies  50  and are therefore indicated at  53 . The slip rings are mounted to the loop-shaped carrier  37  so as to circulate around the one or more rotational axes  38 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the slip rings  53  are of a conventional design and comprise outer electrical terminals  54  which are rotatably supported, typically mechanically, around inner electrical terminals  55  electrically connected thereto such that electrical power can be transferred therebetween. Each slip ring  53  comprises an outer rotational body  56 A mechanically connected in fixed relation to the carrier  37  and supporting the outer electrical terminals  54 , which are annular, and a rotational inner body  56 B, rotationally coaxially connected to the outer body  56 A and mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platform  12  and supporting the inner electrical terminals  55  which is annular. 
     To electrically interconnect the slip rings and the electrical distribution terminals  47 , the electrical bridging assemblies  50  further comprise electromechanical assemblies forming the respective first electrical terminals of the bridges  50  and configured for movable electrical contact with the distribution terminals  47 . The electromechanical assemblies, which follow the slip rings  53  in regard to physical or movement, define the first electrical terminals of the electrical bridges  50  and therefore are indicated at  51 . The electromechanical assemblies  51  follow driven movement of the slip rings  53  and can therefore be referred to as followers in relation to the carrier  37 . 
     The electromechanical assemblies  51  have respective first members  57  in sliding electrical contact with the set of distribution terminals  47  and respective second members  58  in rotational electrical contact with respective terminals of the slip rings, which in the illustrated arranged are the outer terminals  54 . 
     More specifically, the sliders  57  each carry electrical contacts  59  configured for insertion into the conductive channels of the terminals  47  and a base  60  external to the conductive channels on which the contacts  59  are supported. The electrical contacts  59  are mechanically biased into electrical contact with the distribution terminals  47 . 
     The second members  58  comprise conduits  58 A spanning between the distribution terminals  47  and the carrier  37  and carrying electrical wires there, which electrically interconnect the electrical contacts  59  of the sliders  57  and the corresponding terminals, in this case at  54 , of the slip rings  53 . The conduits  58 A are respectively mechanically connected at first ends to the bases  60  of the sliders  57  and at opposite ends to the outer bodies  56 A of the slips rings  53 . Thus, the conduits  58 A of the second members act as physical bridges between the set of distribution terminals  47  and the carrier  37  to shield electrical wiring spanning therebetween from physical or mechanical contact with components of the drive assembly. 
     Downstream from the slip rings  53 , the power distribution system further includes electrical outlets  62  mounted to the platforms and configured to receive, in mating engagement, electrical plugs, for example multi-pronged connectors or USB-type connectors. As such, the electrical bridging assemblies  50  further include electrical wires (represented by the arrows showing direction of power flow) electrically interconnected between terminals of the slip rings (in this case, the inner ones  55 ) and the electrical outlets  62  on the platforms. The outlets  62  are of conventional designs and constructions. 
     Also, the power distribution system optionally comprises power electronic converters  65  respectively supported on the platforms  12 , for example on the end wall portions  43 , and electrically connected to the electrical bridges  50 . Typically, the power electronic converters  65  are electrically interconnected between the slip rings  53  forming the second electrical terminals of the electrical bridges  50  and the outlets  62  which define terminal ends of the internal electrical distribution system of the storage system  10 . The power electronic converters  65  are configured to transform the power into suitable formats, in regard to current-type (AC vs DC) and voltage, for the electrical devices stored on the platforms. 
     In use, electrical power is transferred from a source  3 , usually external to the storage system  10 , to the internal power distribution system for subsequent delivery to electrical loads situated on the platforms  12  which circulate within the storage space  20  around the prescribed path  14  depending on a selected one of the platforms to be retrieved and thus presented at the access opening  15 . 
     Power from the source  3  is supplied to a set of distribution terminals  47  which are physically stationary, relative to the frame  18  of the storage system  10 , and which encompass the prescribed path  14  of movement of the platforms. Thus, electrical power is made accessible for subsequent delivery adjacent all points along the prescribed path  14 . 
     Power is transferred from the distribution terminals  47 , which form a bus bar, to the platforms  12  by individual electrical bridges  50  provided therebetween. Each such bridge  50  is mechanically affixed to a rotatable carrier or carousel to which the platforms  12  are mechanically connected, and is supported for moving contact with the distribution terminals  47 . Structurally speaking, each electrical bridge  50  extends outwardly from the platform carrier  37  and past the distribution terminals to locate a connection terminal therefor on outward side of the bus bar  47 . As the bus bar is equidistant from the prescribed path  14  along the full length thereof, the connection terminal of the electrical bridge  50  is supported outwardly of the bus bar by the bridge&#39;s mounting location on the carrier into biased contact with the distribution terminal. 
     For each platform  12 , power is transferred from the electrical bridge  50  to a conventional electrical outlet  62  to which electrical devices can be electrically connected. An optional power electric converter  65  may be provided between the electrical bridge and the outlet  62  to transform the power to a format different from the source  3 , which is more suitable for the load on the platform. Typically, a voltage level of the power source  3  is much higher than voltage levels at which electrical devices operate, so the power electronic converters often step-down the voltage of the source  3  for the electrical devices. 
     As described hereinbefore, the present invention relates to a storage system with platforms for storing items, which are movable along a prescribed path. The storage system features an internal electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical power at each of the movable platforms to operate electrical devices thereon, such as refrigerators or chargers. The power distribution system comprises a set of distribution terminals or bus bar electrically connected to an external electrical power source, such as mains power, which extend along respective paths following the prescribed path of movement of the platforms. Further, the distribution system comprises a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies respectively bridging between the platforms and the distribution terminals. The electrical bridging assemblies are mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms and connected in movable electrical contact with the distribution terminals. 
     In other words, the present invention, as described hereinbefore, relates to a storage system utilizing a bus bar loop and slip rings connected directly to the shelves of a carousel. The bus bar system can run at the same electrical specifications of the carousel input and further power conversion can be done at the shelf level (additional transformer). For instance, a 480V carousel can have 480V on each shelf or 110V among multiple possible configurations. This invention can be used, but not limited to, for pre-heat molds before the point of use (time savings in set-up), keep items refrigerated, such as vaccines for pharmaceutical companies or groceries for a retail operator (especially for curb side pick-up programs) and recharging battery devices. 
     The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.