Multi-conductor power bar system and trolley therefor

Abstract

An elongated housing in the general shape of an inverted “U” having a lengthwise slot in a lower portion which includes six inner elongated conductor strips. Disposed within the housing and extending through the lower slot is a trolley with four sets of three conductive contact brushes each in linear alignment, with each set of three conductive contact brushes engaging one of four input power conductor strips. The trolley includes two additional brushes each in contact with a respective control conductor strip in the housing. The trolley is coupled to and controls the operation of a mobile machine such as used in automatic storage/retrieval systems. Springs urge the conductive contact brushes into intimate contact with a conductor strip, while support wheels on the trolley engage a lower, inner portion of the elongated housing for distributing the load and providing smooth passage over expansion joints or through transfer guides. Upper guide wheels on the trolley engage an upper, inner portion of the housing to prevent lifting of the trolley during acceleration, while side guide wheels prevent trolley misalignment, reduce wear between the trolley and the housing, and ensure even contact brush pressure distribution. Each set of three contact brushes is connected to a common copper bus bar which terminates in a junction box mounted on the bottom of the trolley, providing one connection point for one single conductor wire per conductor strip.