EP1805733B1 - Storage dispenser for objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a storage machine for objects, as indicated in the preamble of claim 1.

From the JP 03-221014 A a parcel machine is specified with a plurality of manually closable by individual doors compartments. In the event that a packet is detected by a packet detection sensor of the machine in a compartment, the compartment can be locked by pressing a lock button. Furthermore, a security sensor is formed, which detects unauthorized entry of a movable body, such as a child or an animal. This safety sensor can be formed for example by an infrared sensor. When a child or animal is detected by this safety sensor, an output from this sensor prevents a child from being trapped, increasing the child safety of the machine. In addition, the disadvantage of caging animals is eliminated. Automatically driven and closing doors are not available on this machine.

US 2001/034665 discloses an article storage machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention has for its object to provide a suitable for storing and retrieving objects storage machines for a general group of people who is easy and comfortable to use due to automated procedures, but still ensures increased personal safety against a threat starting from the automation measures.

This object of the invention is achieved by a storage machine according to the features indicated in claim 1.

It is advantageous that the increased degree of automation of the storage machine allows a comfortable operation of the same. In addition, more complex processes can be carried out without this leading to misunderstandings or incorrect operation by the user or operator. This is achieved, inter alia, by the automatically activatable or deactivatable drives of the machine. It is particularly advantageous that, despite the increased degree of automation, the dangers emanating from the machine for the operator or for other persons in the environment of the machine particularly are low, so that the storage machine according to the invention has a total, a special, increased personal safety. Due to this increased personal safety against a potential threat from the automatic processes of the machine this can also have a high access security against unauthorized access. In particular, stable, high-drive and relatively manipulation-safe drives or movement elements can be used by the measures for increased personal safety. That is to say that an automatic storage machine according to the invention can be executed both in a person-safe manner and in a particularly secure manner. In particular, in a storage machine according to the invention, a high level of personal security and access security can be implemented almost uncompromisingly, although these are in part contradictory properties.

Advantageous embodiments are defined in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Aufbewahrungsautomaten mit Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zur Erzielung erhöhter Personensicherheit in stark vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2

den Aufbewahrungsautomaten nach Fig. 1, geschnitten gemäß den Linien II-II in Fig. 1 in schematischer, beispielhafter Darstellung;

Fig. 3

eine andere Ausführung eines Sicherheitssystems für einen Aufbewahrungsautomaten in schematischer, beispielhafter Darstellung;

Fig. 4

einen weiteren Aufbewahrungsautomaten mit erhöhter Personensicherheit in stark vereinfachter Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 5

weitere Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung der Personensicherheit im Zugriffsbereich eines Aufbewahrungsautomaten;

Fig. 6

weitere Sicherheitsmaßnahmen für den Zugriffsbereich eines Aufbewahrungsautomaten für Gegenstände in schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 7

einen Teilbereich des Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 6, geschnitten gemäß den Linien VII-VII in Fig. 6 in Verbindung mit weiteren Sicherheitsmaßnahmen;

Fig. 8

eine vereinfachtes Schnittbild eines Aufbewahrungsautomaten mit zusätzlichen Sicherheitsmaßnahmen in schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 9

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Aufbewahrungsautomaten mit Sicherheitssystemen zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit für Personen in stark vereinfachter, symbolischer Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a preferred embodiment of a storage machine with security measures to achieve increased personal safety in a highly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 2

to the storage machines Fig. 1 , cut according to the lines II-II in Fig. 1 in a schematic, exemplary representation;

Fig. 3

another embodiment of a security system for a storage machine in a schematic, exemplary representation;

Fig. 4

another storage machine with increased personal safety in a greatly simplified sectional view;

Fig. 5

further measures to increase personal safety in the access area of a storage machine;

Fig. 6

further security measures for the access area of an article storage machine in a schematic representation;

Fig. 7

a portion of the storage machine according to Fig. 6 , cut according to the lines VII-VII in Fig. 6 in conjunction with other security measures;

Fig. 8

a simplified sectional view of a storage machine with additional security measures in a schematic representation;

Fig. 9

a further embodiment of a storage machine with security systems to increase the security of persons in a highly simplified, symbolic representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and these are mutatis mutandis to transfer to a new position to the new situation. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent separate, inventive or erfmdungsgemäße solutions.

In the Fig. 1 and 2 is a possible embodiment of a storage machine according to the invention schematically illustrated. Such an electromechanical storage machine 1 for various items or goods preferably finds use as a parcel deposit or as a parcel dispenser for the postal service or delivery service. Optionally, such a storage machine 1 can also be designed as a vending machine for goods or as a luggage storage device at railway stations or airports. Such a storage machine 1 can also be used for renting or for lending different types of objects, such as tools, or adapted as a transfer station for various services, such as clothes cleaning, photographic work, repairs and the like. Serve. But it can also be used as a clothes storage device, eg in swimming pools or fitness centers.

In particular, with such a storage machine 1 is a temporary, secure storage of objects or a transfer of objects between different persons, in whose temporally decoupled presence at the transfer location, i. in the corresponding storage machine 1, allows. At most, can be accomplished with such a storage machine and a delivery or sale of items without the direct participation of sales personnel is required.

The storage machine 1 has a relative to unauthorized access or against vandalism sufficiently stable machine housing 2, which essentially represents the outer boundary of the machine. The particular access or burglar-proof machine housing 2 thus represents a mechanical access protection on the stored inside the machine items. Parts of the machine housing 2 can also be formed by other boundary, for example by a masonry or the like., And so the respective objects protect against unauthorized access.

The machine housing 2 encloses, at least in sections, a plurality of compartments 3, which are provided for the temporary deposit of a plurality of articles or goods. The compartments 3 can be arranged in a field or matrix manner or can also be structured in a carousel or magazine shape. That is, within the machine housing 2, a matrix-shaped or field-shaped or circular magazine-like compartment arrangement 4 with a plurality of individual, one-sided open compartments 3 can be formed. Preferably the compartments 3 of the tray assembly 4 are formed in at least two different sizes to better meet the storage of different sized packages or items can. In the illustrated embodiment, three shed sizes are provided. In particular, large trays A, medium-sized trays B and small trays C are formed.

The individual compartments 3 with preferably different sizes, in particular different width dimensions, may optionally be provided with special devices for the storage of certain objects, such as e.g. Holding devices, receiving cups, compartment partitions or the like. Have. However, the compartments 3 can also be devices for achieving certain storage conditions, such as e.g. Heater devices, cooling devices, humidity control, lighting units, moving devices, devices for the production of a protective atmosphere or to ensure freedom from sterility and the like. Be connected or connected to such devices.

In order to be able to automatically regulate the access to individual or specific compartments 3 of the compartment arrangement 4, the automatic storage unit 1 also comprises at least one access mechanism 5. In particular, at least one selectively releasable and lockable access opening 6 is formed on compartments 3 of the compartment arrangement 4 in the machine housing 2. These in their size, in particular in their width and height dimensions, predefined access opening 6 in the machine housing 2 or in the other boundary of the machine is preferably formed at a central position of the machine housing 2. This access opening 6 in the machine housing 2 is at least partially or partially releasable by means of at least one relative to the access opening 6 or relative to the machine housing 2 adjustable closure device 7 or completely blockable or lockable against access. By an interaction between the machine housing 2 formed in their dimensions predefined access opening 6 and the closure device 7 thus access to a particular single compartment 3 or to a specific subject group can be specifically released or prevented. A maximum width 8 of the access opening 6 essentially corresponds to a compartment width 9 of the largest compartment 3A of the compartment arrangement 4. A height 10 of the largest possible access opening 6 defined in the machine housing 2 essentially corresponds to the overall height of the compartment arrangement 4 behind it Access opening 6 and the fixed size in the maximum size predetermined access breakthrough in the machine housing 2 corresponds In particular, in the preferred embodiment of a carousel-shaped or round magazine-like compartment arrangement 4, the access opening 6 extends over all of the compartment levels arranged one above the other.

It follows that a free cross section or a breakthrough size of the formed in the machine housing 2 access opening 6 is preferably sized larger than the cross-sectional area of the largest underlying tray 3A at its open, the closure device 7 facing front. In particular, the central access opening 6 in the machine housing 2 extends in height at least over a level of the compartment system preferably having several shelves and widthwise at least over the compartment width 9 of the widest compartment 3A in the respective level. Preferably, it is also possible to provide separate access openings 6 per machine level in the machine housing 2, the widths 8 each to the width of the widest compartment 3A in the are adapted to the respective technical level.

Likewise, it is conceivable to provide a central access opening 6, which is divided only by narrow webs, which coincide with the shelves or compartment separating planes of the tray assembly 4.

The automatically controllable access mechanism 5 or the closure device 7 comprises at least one slide element 11 or it consists of one or more doors which allow or prevent access to trays 3 located behind it within the boundary of the access opening 6.

Preferably, a closure device 7 is provided for each existing level, which is formed by at least one, preferably a single, guided in the horizontal direction or adjustable in the horizontal direction slide element 11, depending on a required opening width 12, which essentially the width of a 9 behind underlying compartment 3A, 3B, or 3C, regulates the access to the specific user for the particular compartment 3 or to the specific section for each user.

Optionally, in addition to a compartment 3 with a certain height and several compartments 3 smaller height can be arranged in a particular height grid. The vertical dimensions of the closure devices 7 and their positions correspond to the intended height grid.

For automatic or automatic adjustment of the closure device 7 or at least one slide element 11, at least one drive device 13 is formed. Preferably, a reversible drive device 13 is provided for each slide element 11 of the closure device 7. Alternatively, it is also possible to assign a drive device 13 via selectively activatable and deactivatable coupling devices to a plurality of slide elements 11. This at least one drive device 13 for the closure device 7 is designed for the controlled positioning of the closure device 7 or the respective slide element 11 as a function of the respective size, in particular the compartment width 9, of a compartment 3A, 3B or 3C provided for access by an authorized user , In particular, the opening width 12 of the closure device 7 and the individual slide elements 11 is variable such that the opening width 12 either the width of the compartment A, the width of the compartment B or the width of the compartment C corresponds, so that only access to the respective, for the user certain compartment 3 or a shared compartment group and all other compartments 3 behind the closure device 7 and the slide elements 11 and the machine housing 2 continue to remain protected from access. A subject group is to be understood as meaning a specific group of adjacent subjects 3.

The height of the individually displaceable, superimposed slide elements 11 is adapted approximately to the height of the underlying level level or to the height of the compartments 3 in this floor of the compartment assembly 4. Within a compartment level, a plurality of compartments of different compartment width 9 can then be designed, as is best of all Fig. 2 is apparent.

The individual slide elements 11 or alternatively a plurality of doors of the closure device 7 are preferably drivable or displaceable via at least one respective assigned drive device 13, which can be controlled by an electronic control device 14 of the machine. The sum of the compartments 3 is in the preferred embodiment The closure device 7 can thereby create a defined single access opening 15 with in at least one or with in two dimensions variable size, as can be seen from the synopsis of the storage machine 1 greater than the sum of the individual slide elements 11 and doors in front of the different sized compartments Fig. 1 and 2 is clearly removable.

By means of the embodiment shown above with vertically superimposed slide elements 11 per level so a controlled single access to a underlying compartment section of the compartment assembly 4 of the machine within the machine housing 2 formed, relatively larger access opening 6 is possible. In particular, an introduction of an object or a removal of an object via the respective shared access section or via a closure device 7 in its size and in its position relative to the machine housing 2 or relative to the maximum possible access opening 6 defined individual access opening 15 are made possible. All other, unchanged closed slide elements 11 continue to deny unauthorized access to adjacent compartments 3 and their subject matter in a reliable manner.

The preferred embodiment of the machine further comprises a transport device 16, with which a controllable relative adjustment of the compartments 3 or the entire compartment assembly 4 or individual storage levels relative to the housing side predefined, maximum access opening 6 in the machine housing 2 is possible. The transport device 16 in this case comprises at least one drive unit 17 for the movably mounted compartment arrangement 4. The compartment arrangement 4 is preferably formed by a round magazine 19 rotatable about a vertical axis 18, to which a rotary drive 20 is assigned. This rotary drive 20 may be formed by any known from the prior art rotary actuators, in particular by a gear drive, a belt drive, a chain drive or a cable drive. The round magazine 19 is preferably mounted constant in height, i. its shelf levels remain permanently in the respective predefined plane and are rotatable about the vertical axis 18.

In order to run the respective functions of the storage machine 1 at least partially automated, the storage machine 1 is at least one electrical or electronic control device 14 assigned or integrated in this. As is known per se, such an electrical control device 14 comprises at least one software-controlled processor or microcontroller for controlling, monitoring or regulating at least the internal processes and / or the device functions. The control device 14 has for this purpose a plurality of electrical or optical interfaces to corresponding actuators and / or sensors of the storage machine 1. The control device 14 includes, inter alia, a commercially available computing unit for general purposes, in particular a standard PC or industrial PC.

Furthermore, the control device 14 forms a user-side interface, in particular a so-called human-machine interface or an operator interface 21. This user interface 21 is designed in the manner of a built-in storage machine 1 terminal 22, but may of course also independently formed and arranged somewhat distanced to the actual storage machine 1 with the various compartments 3. The operator interface 21 or the terminal 22 has input and / or output means 23 known from the prior art for influencing the operating functions or sequences of at least the automatic storage machine 1. These input and / or output means 23 may, for example, by buttons, switches, displays and / or by combined input and / or output means 23, such. be formed by a touch-sensitive screen in the manner of a so-called touch-screen. The storage machine 1 preferably also includes a document scanner, barcode scanner and receipt printer.

Preferably, as input and / or output means 23, any identification and / or authorization checking means 24 known from the prior art is also provided. Such an electronic unit for checking persons or authorization can be formed for example by a card reader for identification cards or for credit or payment cards (EC cards) and / or by input means for user name and possibly for passwords or PIN codes. However, the user identification may also be provided by barcode sections, by biometric identification means, e.g. Fingerprint sensors, by voice recognition modules and / or by mechanical keys or transponders or by a combination of several such means are accomplished.

As input and / or output means 23 for data or information and commands are Opto-electronic scanner 25, magnetic card or chip card readers, electromagnetic transmitting and / or receiving devices and the like. In the storage machine 1 can be integrated or connected to the control device 14.

The amount of electrical or electrotechnical components implemented in the storage machine 1 essentially depends on the required functionality of the same, wherein a number of expansion stages or special functionalities for the storage machine 1 are conceivable, as will be explained in more detail below. The electrotechnical input and / or output means 23 of the machine in particular also enable a data communication with decentralized agencies, in particular with a control center for several, installed at different locations storage machines 1. The input and / or output means 23 but also allow communication with the respective users or operators of the storage machine 1.

The transport device 16 makes it possible to position at least one selected compartment 3, contained in the machine, of a preferably altogether movable compartment arrangement 4 in the access area behind the access mechanism 5. For this purpose, the schematically illustrated construction with round or drum-type and rotatable magazines or with paternoster-type, linearly movable or belt-like circulating compartment arrangements is preferably used. But even machines with stationary shelving arrangements 4 or magazines can have automatically driven locking devices 7 and correspond to the inventive concept.

A significant advantage of the generic storage machine 1 is the relatively flexible possibility of dividing the entire compartment volume into compartments 3 of different sizes, whose combination meets the intended conditions of use, i. the advent of storage objects of different sizes, can be adjusted. Preferably, the distribution of the magazine volume is made possible even after the commissioning of the storage machine 1. Such a conversion or adaptation of the compartment sizes would be e.g. in box-like Aulbewahrungsautomaten or lockers, in which for each compartment a size-matched door is provided, only with difficulty.

The closure device 7 or the individual slide elements 11 are starting from the control device 14 preferably moves automatically. In particular, an automatic movement of the closure device 7 by means of the drive device 13 in the opening direction - arrow 26 - possible. The respective opening width 12 of the closure device 7 is dependent on the size of the compartment 3 positioned behind or dependent on the access rights of the respective user previously determined via the electronic input and / or output means 23.

Preferably, starting from the control device 14, an automated closing operation of the closure device 7 via the drive device 13. a previously provided for a specialized access single access opening 15 with a certain opening width in the respective level is completely closed after the storage of an object or after removal of an item or after a defined period of time or after a manual closing command by the user or in the closed position, for which the closure device 7 or the at least one slide element 11 is moved according to arrow 27. For this purpose, the same drive device 13 is preferably used, which is also provided for the opening movement of the closure device 7.

This automated movable closure device 7 brings a certain risk potential for an operator of the storage machine 1 with it, as from moving parts occasionally risks to the health of people can go out, if injury-critical driving forces are required at the machine or if improper operations or improper use of the Automates done. An inventive storage machine 1 for objects is characterized in that it has at least one security system 28 for a far-reaching, increased personal safety with respect to a threat from automated processes or with regard to its automatic movement drives, as will be described below. Under motion drive is the at least one drive device 13 for the at least one closure device 7 and / or the at least one drive unit 17 for the tray assembly 4 to understand.

As in Fig. 1 has been schematically illustrated, the storage machine 1 to increase the safety of at least one monitoring device 29 for monitoring an area in front of the compartment opening at least one compartment 3 have. Such a monitoring device 29 is preferably provided for monitoring an access or punch-through region of the compartment opening of at least one compartment 3. Preferably, such a monitoring device 29 for the storage machine 1 is formed by electrical means. In the execution after Fig. 1 the predominantly automatically functioning monitoring device 29 has at least one camera arrangement 30. In this case, a detection direction or a detection plane of this camera arrangement 30 preferably runs approximately perpendicularly or slightly inclined to a support plane 31 of the automatic storage machine 1. Preferably, the at least one camera arrangement 30 is fastened in the upper section of the automatic storage device 1 and thus detects the underlying sections of the automatic storage machine 1 or the area in front of the central access opening 6 with the automatically releasable and closable compartment openings of the compartment arrangement 4.

The camera assembly 30 may be mounted on a projection of a roof of the storage machine 1 and thereby have an image acquisition plane which is aligned parallel or slightly inclined to the support plane 31 of the storage machine 1. This ensures that with only one camera arrangement 30 or with a few camera modules, the most complete and reliable detection of the access area in front of the compartment arrangement 4 or the penetration area of the central access opening 6 is provided.

The monitoring device 29, in particular the camera arrangement 30, is operatively connected to an associated control unit or to the central control device 14 of the automatic storage machine 1 or to a control device for the at least one closure device 7. In particular, the monitoring device 29 is coupled with at least one of the drive devices 13 and / or with the drive unit 17 for the relatively adjustable compartment arrangement 4 in terms of control technology. In the event that an object, in particular a hand, a foot or another body part of a person enters the monitored, critical danger zone from the monitoring device 29, the possibly dangerous driving device 13 of the closure device 7 or the drive unit 17 for the Tray assembly 4 automatically stopped or transferred to a safe for persons or objects state. To the monitored danger area In particular, when at least one of the drive devices 13 is activated for the at least one closure device 7 and / or the immediate area in front of the automatically movable compartment assembly 4 counts especially the adjustment or the travel of the closure device 7 and / or the immediate area. or above all, when the drive unit 17 is active for the compartment assembly 4, the monitoring device 29 is ready or active to a sudden onset of a hazardous condition for a person or when an object enters the monitored danger zone, a shutdown of the respective drive or to bring about or initiate a transition of the respective machine component in a secure state immediately and automatically. In the event of danger, the monitoring device 29 outputs a corresponding danger signal to the control device 14 or is directly from the monitoring device 29, a shutdown or switching back of the potentially dangerous drive 13; 17 causes.

When the monitoring device 29 is designed as a camera arrangement 30, this comprises, as is known per se, at least one CCD module for recording image data. The camera arrangement 30 is connected via at least one line 32 to the evaluation device for the acquired image data or to the control device 14 that optionally assumes this functionality. The evaluation device or control device 14 is executed software-controlled and allows the detection or detection of objects entering the danger zone, so that with a corresponding evaluation result, an adequate hazard signal causes the shutdown of drive energy or the achievement of a safe operating condition. However, the software-controlled evaluation device can also be embodied within the camera arrangement 30 and can forward a corresponding evaluation or danger signal to the control device 14 or directly to a switching device for the drive device 13 and / or the drive unit 17.

Alternatively or in combination to that in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated, image data evaluating embodiment of the monitoring device 29 is also the in Fig. 3 illustrated, optoelectronic monitoring device 29 possible.

In the training according to Fig. 3 the safety system 28 or the monitoring device 29 comprises at least one light barrier arrangement 33 or a light curtain or a light grid 34 in front of a compartment opening or in front of the central access opening 6, with reference to an access direction for the compartment arrangement 4. The light barrier arrangement 33 can emit a light grid 34 or a light curtain or even a single light beam. The respective light beams run in a plane oriented at least approximately vertically to the contact plane 31. The light barrier arrangement 33 can operate according to the reflection principle, ie be formed by a so-called reflection light barrier, in which the transmitting and receiving elements for the wave radiation at a location or side by side. In the event that in such a reflection light barrier, the emitted light is reflected or otherwise received again or no longer reflected, this state change is detected as an intrusion of an object in the danger zone to be monitored and issued or provided a corresponding hazard signal.

Preferably, the light barrier arrangement 33 emits light which lies in a wavelength range invisible to humans. Preferably, therefore, the light barrier arrangement 33 is designed for transmitting and / or receiving infrared light.

In Fig. 3 In the upper area of the machine housing 2, a light barrier arrangement 33 is schematically illustrated according to the reflection principle. Alternatively or in combination with this, the light barrier arrangement 33 can also be designed according to the transmission and reception principle and for this purpose comprise at least one light-emitting element 35 and at least one light-receiving element 36 for light emitted by at least one light-emitting element 35. This at least one light-emitting element 35 and the at least one light-receiving element 36 are arranged in such a way that a single-line or grid-like light barrier arrangement 33 is constructed in the region in front of the access opening 6. The at least one light-emitting element 35 and light-receiving element 36 is preferably designed for the transmission or detection of infrared light. Preferably, the light-emitting and light-receiving elements 35, 36 are arranged on immovable components or rigid sections of the machine housing 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light-emitting and light-receiving elements 35, 36 are arranged on lateral, opposite boundary surfaces 37, 38 of the access opening 6. As a result, on the one hand a harmonious and vandal-proof integration in the machine housing 2 is achieved and is also a functionally reliable and structurally simple monitoring device 29 for the danger zone in front of the automated closure devices 7 or before the automated moving compartment assembly 4 created.

As in Fig. 3 has also been illustrated schematically, the monitoring device 29 as an alternative embodiment, a transmitting and / or receiving device 39 for infrared light and / or ultrasound, as was schematically indicated by dashed lines. In particular, this transmitting and / or receiving device 39 may be formed by a so-called passive infrared detector, which emits or provides a sensor signal when entering an infrared radiation source in the surveillance area or the danger zone of the storage machine 1, which is the entrance of a person or a living being signaled to the surveillance zone. The at least one passive infrared detector 40 is preferably attached to the machine housing 2 and has a detection area or a detection zone which extends substantially over the entire, central access opening 6. The detection range of this passive infrared detector 40 is relatively narrow with respect to a direction parallel to the direction of access to the tray assembly 4. With reference to this direction of access to the storage machine 1, the so-called depth of the detection zone of the monitoring device 29 is a maximum of approximately 0.7 m. This ensures that only a potentially dangerous portion is monitored by the monitoring device 29 in front of the access opening 6 of the storage machine 1 and persons and objects located at a sufficiently safe distance in front of the access opening 6 can not interfere with the sometimes automated sequence of the storage machine 1. Thus, on the one hand increased personal safety is created and also an undisturbed automatic operation is ensured. To use a passive infrared detector 40 as a monitoring device 29 offers the possibility of building a cost-effective and reliable monitoring device 29 to secure the automated movement against people or living things. Instead of using an infrared detector 40, it is also possible to use ultrasonic signals for checking or checking the presence of an object or a person within the danger zone or within the spatially exactly limited monitoring area immediately before the access opening 6.

As in Fig. 4 has been illustrated schematically, the security system 28 and the monitoring device 29 to increase the safety of persons also by at least a striking or contact strip 41 may be formed. Such a striking or contact strip 41 for automated shutdown of a movement, in particular a closing movement of the closure device 7, is arranged at least in a direction of the closing direction, front end portion or in one of the front closing edge nearest portion of the closure device 7 and a slide element 11, like this in Fig. 4 was shown with full lines. Alternatively or in combination with this - as was symbolically illustrated by dashed lines - at least one impact or contact strip 41 on a housing side, the compartment opening bounding stop edge 42 for the closure device 7 and the respective slide elements 11 may be formed on the machine housing 2. This is at least one impact or contact strip 41, as shown schematically, connected to the control device 14 or directly to the drive device 13 to at detection of an object, such as a hand, in the danger area or travel of the closure device 7 at least an immediate shutdown of to cause potentially dangerous movement. The monitoring device 29 or the at least one impact or contact strip 41 can thus prevent or terminate at least one further closing operation when detecting an obstacle in the surveillance or danger zone, ie in the adjustment region of the closure device 7, or release a signal for reopening the closure device 7. As a result, jamming of objects or a violation of possibly careless persons is virtually ruled out, although high-drive and therefore relatively force-resistant drives or force transmission elements can be formed between the drive device 13 and the closure device 7 or the slide element 11. This means that it is also possible to form rigidly coupled motion transmission elements and to provide drives with high drive torques and yet an injury or physical or psychological danger to persons is virtually ruled out after the automatic monitoring device 29 reliably prevents such hazards.

It is likewise possible to form an elastically yielding and restoring buffer element 44 on the stopper edge 43 on the closure device 7 and / or on the stop edge 42 for the closure device 7 on the machine housing 2. Such a soft elastic buffer element 44 on the stop edge 42 and / or 43 can reduce the surface pressure acting on body parts, such as, in particular, the hand or the fingers, so that bruising or other injuries are largely avoided in a simple manner can. It is also possible to form a shock and contact strip 41 causing an electrical switching function as a flexible buffer element 44, so that on the one hand a reduced surface pressure between moving machine parts and a stationary machine part is achieved and beyond a safety-related shutdown or return movement of the dangerous automatic part, in particular the closure device 7, can be initiated automatically.

In Fig. 5 Further safety systems 28 or measures for increasing the personal safety of a generic storage machine 1 are illustrated. It is provided that engageable by a user closing edges 45 on the machine housing 2 and / or on the closure device 7 with radii 46 of more than 2 mm, preferably in about 4 mm, are provided. Such radii 46 at the closing edges 45 of the machine housing 2 and / or at least at the front closing edges of the closure device 7, the risk of injury, such as abrasions or bruises is significantly reduced.

Alternatively or in combination with this, the closure device 7, in particular the at least one linearly adjustable slide element 11 of the closure device 7, can have a minimum depth or a minimum thickness 47 of approximately 15 mm. This minimum thickness of approximately 15 mm is provided at least in the front end section of the closure device 7 or of the at least one slide element 11 which is related to the closing direction. Preferably, the side facing away from the compartment assembly 4 outside of the closure device 7 and the slider elements 11 is completely smooth or at least approximately planar surface to prevent entanglements or dangerous squeezing edges on the outside of the automated movable closure device 7.

It is also expedient for the closure device 7, in particular the at least one slide element 11 of the closure device 7 to strike against a boundary surface 48 of the access opening 6 of the machine housing 2 in a blunt, ie largely overlapping, manner when the closure device 7 is in the fully closed position. Shearing movements and resulting abrasions on body parts or objects due to a closing movement of the closure device 7 can thereby be avoided.

Like from the Fig. 6 and 7 can be seen, elastic filling or cover 49 may be formed to increase the safety of the storage machine 1 to persons. Such filling or covering elements 49, which are preferably constructed elastically and optionally labyrinth-like, are preferably arranged in gaps 50 between the closure device 7, in particular the slides 11, and the machine housing 2. As an alternative or in combination, gaps 51 between the individual slide elements 11 arranged one above the other can also be provided with such elastic filling or covering elements 49. These filling or covering elements 49 prevent garments or limbs from entering the gaps 50; 51 retracted or pinched, since these filling or covering 49, the column 50; 51 fill or cover as completely as possible. Especially when these filling or covering 49, the column 50; Disassemble labyrinth-like, a retraction of garments or body parts due to moving slide elements 11 can be almost eliminated.

It may also be expedient if a deflector element 52 in the manner of an elastic sealing lip is formed on the closure device 7 formed by at least one linearly adjustable slide element 11. This deflector element 52 abuts against at least one boundary surface 48 of the compartment opening and is attached to the slider element 11, so that it slidably rests against the at least one boundary surface 48 when the slider element 11 is moved via the associated drive. Also, this can be avoided by pulling or pinching garments or body parts, after the deflector element 52 rejects objects located in the adjustment region of the slide element 11 or avoids their entry into gaps or gaps between moving and non-moving parts. It is advantageous if a deflector lip 53 of the deflector element 52 forms an obtuse angle 54 between perpendicular to each other extending boundary surfaces 48 of the compartment opening or includes.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the storage machine 1, as in Fig. 7 has been illustrated, at least one optical and / or acoustic signaling element 55, which is designed to deliver an optical and / or acoustic warning signal. Such a warning signal is from the optical and / or acoustic signaling element 55 immediately before the beginning and / or during the automated movement of the closure device 7, in particular of the at least one slide element 11, delivered. As a result, the operator of the storage machine 1 is signaled prematurely or timely that an automated execution of a movement is imminent or initiated, so that this can adjust to it and may take appropriate precautions. In addition, such an audible or optical announcement avoids that a user or operator of the storage machine 1 is frightened by a sudden movement of the machine. How out Fig. 7 can be seen, such a signaling element 55 may be formed by a speaker 56 and / or by a lighting means 57, which with the control device 14 - see, for example Fig. 4 - connected is.

Out Fig. 7 Furthermore, an embodiment of an elastic buffer member 44 can be removed, which forms the boundary surfaces 48 of the compartment opening, so as to reduce the risk of injury to persons.

The preferred type of storage machine 1 has a closure device 7, which at least two superimposed, independently adjustable slide elements 11 forms, as for example Fig. 6 is apparent. These independently controllable and thereby adjustable slide elements 11 serve to regulate the access to the compartments 3 of the reference to the access direction of a person behind the slide elements 11 lying tray assembly 4, as the Fig. 7 or the Fig. 8 combined with Fig. 1 is easy to remove.

As in a further embodiment of the storage machine 1 according to Fig. 8 can be seen, the slide elements 11 at least one, a plurality of slide elements 11 overlapping or a the entire, central access opening 6 covering protective door 58 may be arranged upstream. This protective door 58, which is arranged with respect to the direction of access to the compartments 3 in front of the automatically movable slide elements 11, serves as a cover or as access protection against the automatically adjustable slide elements 11. This protective door 58 can be pivotably mounted about a vertical pivot axis, such as this according to the execution Fig. 4 shows. Alternatively, this protective door 58 may be executed in front of the individual slide elements 11 or in front of or directly in the access opening 6 of the machine housing 2 in the manner of a sliding door and preferably be mounted adjustably in the horizontal direction, as the embodiment according to Fig. 8 illustrated. For adjustment in the horizontal direction or within a vertical plane of the protective door 58 is assigned at least one guide device 59, via which the plate-like protective door 58 is mounted in the manner of a sliding door.

The protective door 58 may also be associated with a power and / or speed-limited drive device 60 in order to enable automatic movement or adjustment of the protective door 58. Alternatively, the protective door 58 can also be made manually adjustable. In the fully closed position of the protective door 58 - as shown in FIG Fig. 8 the slider elements 11 or the compartment arrangement 4 are as completely as possible covered or sealed off from access.

Especially when the protective door 58 is associated with a force- and / or speed-limited drive device 60, the protective door 58 is assigned according to a preferred embodiment also a control-deactivatable tumbler 61, which an automated or manual opening of the protective door 58 - starting from the complete closed position of the protective door 58 - prevented when the tumbler 61 is effective. This tumbler 61 can be formed, for example, by an electromagnetically adjustable locking device 62, as shown in FIG Fig. 8 has been illustrated schematically. The tumbler 61 or the electromagnetic locking device 62 is controlled or controllable starting from the control device 14 in order to accomplish an automated locking or release of the protective door 58. In the active state of the tumbler 61, ie in the state in which the protective door 58 is locked, is an opening of the protective door 58, starting from the in Fig. 8 illustrated, fully closed position in the opening direction - according to arrow 26 - secured prevented. A deactivation of the tumbler 61 is possible via a corresponding, preferably active control signal starting from the electronic control device 14. That is, only when there is an inactive state of the tumbler 61 opening the protective door 58 in the opening direction - according to arrow 26 - is possible. Preferably, the tumbler 61 is active in the state without energy supply and the tumbler 61 by supplying energy, preferably electrical energy or optionally pneumatic drive energy, into a deactive state, so that the protective door 58 manually and / or via the respectively associated drive device 60 in the opening direction - According to arrow 26 - can be moved.

According to an advantageous development of the protective door 58 may be associated with a sensory control device 63. This sensory control device 63 is operatively connected to the control device 14 or to at least one of the potentially dangerous drives. This sensory control device 63 is used to determine the closed or open state of the protective door 58. In the event that via the control device 63, an open or partially open protective door 58 is detected, is via the control device 14 or by acting directly on a Switching an automated adjustment of the slide elements 11 and the tray assembly 4 avoided to preclude a hazard to persons. The sensory control device 63 can be formed by electrical switching elements or by other, operating on any physical principle sensors that transmit depending on the closed or open state of the protective door 58 representative reporting signals to the control device 14 and in a suitable manner Switching devices for the drive device 13 and act on switching devices for the drive unit 17.

The arrangement of a protective door 58 in front of the slide elements 11 also enables an advantageous mode of operation of the storage machine 1. In particular, a plurality of compartments 3 or more compartment openings of several slide elements 11 can be released for a loading operation of the storage machine 1 with objects. During an automatic adjustment movement of the compartment assembly 4 or the compartments 3, these can be concealed solely by the protective door 58 or secured from access, so as to avoid injury due to a moving compartment assembly 4, when the compartment assembly 4 for the purpose of providing the intended subjects 3 via the drive unit 17 is moved automatically.

An active, sensory monitoring device 29 - as described above - can also be used to protect a person in the course of a loading operation with objects during a movement of the tray assembly 4 with open compartments 3 and open slide elements 4, respectively. Above all, in the case of automated operation by drivers who are instructed to drive, an adequate safety level can be achieved via the monitoring device 29, although the moving compartment arrangement 4 would basically be graspable or touchable due to an at least partially open closure device 7. In particular, via the monitoring device 29 is an immediate Shutdown and / or deceleration of the compartment assembly 4 can be introduced when a driven or trained deliverer enters the defined monitoring area of the monitoring device 29. As a result, a comparatively rapid storage of objects for a basically familiar with the storage machine 1 or driven instructed deliverer is achieved especially in mass mailings. The monitoring device 29 for the automated shutdown or deceleration of a moving compartment assembly 4 thus increases the operational safety for trained deliverers of items. In particular, a shutdown of the potentially dangerous drives 13 and / or 17 is automatically brought about when a hazardous condition or when detecting an object in the monitoring and danger zone of the sensor-controlled storage machine 1.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 an alternatively or in combination with the protective door 58 deployable light barrier assembly 33, which operates on the reflection principle, shown schematically in the access opening 6.

In combination with at least one embodiment of the previously proposed monitoring devices 29, it is now possible to form the drive devices 13 for the closure device 7 formed by individual slide elements 11 also by self-locking drives. This is mainly because the risk of injury to the operator by the shown security systems 28 and the sensory monitoring devices 29 is hardly any more. Self-locking drive devices 13 for the slide elements 11 increase advantageously the burglary or security against unauthorized access to the intended tray 3 adjacent, not provided for access compartments 3. This access control can self-locking drive devices 13 for the slide elements 11 structurally simple, safe and be implemented inexpensively. Under self-locking drives are eg worm gear, brake motors and the like. To understand. In particular, a self-locking drive device 13 remains at shutdown of the supplied kinetic energy with sufficiently high holding or braking force at standstill or at the respective holding position, even if external forces, in particular manual pushing forces, are exerted on the mechanical components of the slide element 11.

According to an advantageous development, each plate-like slide member 11 of the storage machine 1 a control technology selectively unlockable, electromechanical locking element 64 may be assigned, as in Fig. 8 was exemplified. When taking the locking state, this locking element 64 prevents opening or sliding of the respective slide element 11, starting from the fully closed position of the respective slide element 11. In particular, when the locking element 64 is operative, an opening or squeezing the automatically controllable with this locking element 64 provided slide element 11 securely prevented. This ensures that a tray assembly 4 which may be moving behind the slide element 11 is not accessible or unauthorized access to trays 3 is denied highly secure.

The storage machine 1 may further comprise a standstill monitoring device 65 for a relatively movably mounted tray assembly 4. This electrical or sensory standstill monitoring device 65 is used to detect any movements of the compartment assembly 4 and its drive unit 17 sensory. The standstill monitoring device 65 in this case comprises at least one sensor which can detect any movements or stoppages of components, in particular the compartment arrangement 4 or its drive unit 17, according to any physical principle. The standstill monitoring device 65 is - as schematically indicated - functionally coupled to the control device 14 and / or with a separate evaluation and / or with at least one locking element 64 for the slide elements 11. In particular, an electromechanically unlockable locking element 64 for a slide element 11 can only be unlocked when a release signal is present from the control device 14 and at the same time a release signal is present from the standstill monitoring device 65. This ensures that access to the compartment assembly 4 is possible only when it is at a standstill. Otherwise, an opening of a slide element 11 due to the active locking element 64 is prevented with high reliability via the standstill monitoring device 65.

In order to increase the reliability of operation or safety, the electromechanically unlockable locking elements 64 for the slide elements 11 may also be assigned electrical or sensory control devices 66. Such a control device 66 may include a simple electrical control contact or a control sensor 67. The control device 66 is designed in such a way that it provides an active release signal for a drive device 13 of the compartment arrangement 4 only when the slide elements 11 are fully closed and locked by means of the locking elements 64. It may be expedient that the control devices 66 or the control outputs of a plurality of locking elements 64 are interconnected or linked for a plurality of slide elements 11 such that the drive unit 17 can only be activated for the relative adjustment of the compartment arrangement 4 if all the slide elements 11 are closed and also are definitely locked in their closed position. Thus, a highly automated, highly secure machine control is achieved.

The execution according to Fig. 9 shows a further storage machine 1 with a security system 28 to achieve increased personal safety. Here, the storage machine 1 comprises a manually operable by an operator safety switching device 68, as shown in Fig. 9 has been illustrated schematically. This safety switching device 68 is to be activated by the operator, especially when a closing operation and / or an opening operation of the closure device 7, in particular of the at least one slide element 11, by means of the associated drive device 13 to be executed. This safety switching device 68 is preferably designed in safe technology according to relevant standards and preferably formed by a so-called safety button 69. Such a safety switching device 68 takes into account increased technical reliability requirements. Above all, a safety switching device 68 designed as a safety button 69 is also referred to as a so-called enabling button, which only emits or provides a release or consent signal, especially for performing an automated closing movement and / or for performing an opening movement of the closure device 7 , For this purpose, the safety switching device 68 - as shown schematically - connected to the control device 14 and / or switched like a switch in the power supply line for the safety device to be hedged drive device 13.

It is advantageous if this safety switching device 68 is mounted in child-safe height. That is, the security switching device 68 is placed in such a way that it does not properly or not from children, which risks the machine may have can fully assess, can not be achieved. Accordingly, the safety switching device 68 is at a height of more than 1 m, preferably more than 1.5 m, above a contact plane 31 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) of the machine attached or attached to the machine housing 2. This ensures that infants up to the age of about 6 years can not or only with difficulty reach the safety switching device 68 for triggering potentially dangerous movements.

The safety switching device 68 is so integrated with the control device 14 or in the control-technical processes of the storage machine 1 that only in a manually activated or actively operated safety switching device 68, the drive energy for the drive device 13 of the closure device 7 and / or for the drive unit 17 of the compartment assembly 4 is unlocked or can be switched through. As a result, on the one hand, it is possible to activate these potentially dangerous drives only when deliberate initiation of machine movements or potentially dangerous actions by a user is undertaken. In particular, by activating the safety switching device 68, the user is aware that now a movement of the closure device 7 or the compartment arrangement 4 of the machine via the drive device 13 or the drive unit 17 is imminent or executed.

According to an advantageous development, the safety switching device 68 may be designed to start a timing element 70 with a predefined release time span for the execution of a closing and / or opening operation of the closure device 7. The release period of this timing element 70 is limited in time to less than 1 min and after the release period, the drive device 13 for the closure device 7 and / or the drive unit 17 for the compartment assembly 4 is energized. This prevents a closing or opening operation from taking place in an unattended moment by the authorized operator.

Expediently, the closure device 7, in particular the respective slide element 11, remains open when the safety switching device 68 has not been actuated by the operator of the machine. Likewise, it is advantageous if an open compartment of the compartment assembly 4 must be closed by a user of the storage machine 1 for the time being, before the actual storage or retrieval process can be performed. The mentioned Measures reduce the likelihood of erroneous confinement of playing at the machine children or climbed into the compartments 3 of the storage machine 1 animals.

A further increase in functional reliability is given when the safety switching device 68 or an electrotechnical disconnecting device for the drive energy by the actual control device 14 of the storage machine 1 independently acting or independently executed additional safety circuits or switching elements is formed. Thereby, a possible error in the control sequence of the control device 14, e.g. as a result of the occurrence of an unforeseen special operating condition, do not lead to a loss of security.

According to another embodiment with increased reliability of operation, the timing switch 70 is implemented in a safe technique. A predefined release time period of the time switching element 70 corresponds to a standard time duration for the complete closing of the closure device 7 or the slide element 11 present in a specific open position. After the release time period predetermined by the automatic device structure or the respective open positions of the various slide elements 11 has elapsed, a closure device 7 is provided has not reached the lock position, no longer automatically moved to the closed position. Rather, the closure position of the closure device 7 must be brought about manually or the time switching element 70 must be reset by actuation of the safety switching device 68 in order to initiate a user-conscious complete closing operation.

It may also be expedient if the locking element 64 can only be activated for a slide element 11 located in the closed position if the release time span for the drive energy of the slide element 11 is still running or active. This can also be an erroneous inclusion of children or living things or an unconscious locking in the compartment assembly 4 of the storage machine 1 can be prevented because the burglar-proof or violent shut-off locking elements 64 can be activated for the respective slide elements 11 only when the limited release period still running. This means that after expiry of the release time, a machine-side, automatic locking of a slide element 11 does not take place, but is selectively prevented.

On the other hand, it is possible that a closing operation of the closure device 7 or an open slider element 11 only in the presence of a valid identification means readable or inserted therein by the identification and / or authorization checking means 24, such. a magnetic and / or a chip card or other means of identification, is possible, which can also be prevented that children can include or endanger due to dangerous game actions in the storage machine 1. In addition, it can be easily registered and tracked via this identification and / or authorization checking means 24 when and from which user a closing process of the automatic storage machine 1 was initiated or permitted.

Optionally, it may also be provided in the control technology sequence of the automatic storage machine 1 that an automated closing movement of the closure device 7 or the at least one slide element 11 is only possible within a certain period of time after a successful user identification, for example by a magnetic or chip card.

To increase the security of the storage machine 1 with respect to a possible risk to persons, an electronic detection device 71 for determining the current weight of the entire compartment assembly 4 and / or individual compartments 3 may be formed. With this electronic detection device 71 is automatically verifiable, whether after a user-initiated removal process, the weight of the tray assembly 4 has risen appreciably or substantially and then a closing operation of the storage machine 1 can be denied because after initiation of a removal process, the weight of the tray assembly 4 should decrease or It can at least remain the same if the item has not been removed for various reasons. However, under no circumstances should the weight of the shed assembly 4 after a paging operation be higher than before, since this can be traced to an inadmissible storage or this weight gain may have been caused by an unobserved crawling of a child or a living being in the compartment assembly 4. In the case of an atypical increase in weight, which can be determined by the determination device 71, at least one automatic closing operation of the closure device 7 or of the respective slide element 11 is not carried out.

To check or detect the changes in weight, it is possible that the total weight of the compartment assembly 4 or the weight of at least individual compartments 3 is determined cyclically and the respective values are stored as measurement results. This measured values over the weight states of the storage machine 1 also allows conclusions about the actual loading and unloading operations on the storage machine. 1

Appropriately, therefore, an automated closing operation of the closure device 7 and the slide elements 11 only if the weight of the tray assembly 4 and the respective tray 3 is not higher or only slightly higher than the weight of the tray assembly 4 and the respective tray 3 before the user-initiated removal process. Optionally, a closing operation of the closure device 7 or of the corresponding slide element 11 can also be triggered automatically on the basis of a recognized weight reduction. As a result, the ease of use is increased or thereby the automated processes are highly automated.

However, the determining device 71 for determining the weight of the compartment arrangement 4 or individual compartments 3 can also be used to avoid overstressing or overstressing the machine. In particular, this determination device 71 or the control device 14 connected to the determination device 71 can prevent further storage processes or refuse the storage of an overly heavy object. As a result, both the safety of persons and the functional safety of the storage machine 1 are upheld.

Furthermore, the determining device 71 can be used to determine the weight increase or weight loss in order to achieve the most uniform possible distribution of the weight load for the compartment assembly 4. In particular, it can be avoided via the control device 14 in conjunction with the determining device 71 that a single shelf section is highly loaded and only relatively light objects are stored in an adjacent or opposite section. In particular, the control device 14 or determining device 71 may be designed or programmed in order to achieve the most homogeneous possible weight distribution in the preferably movable, in particular rotatably mounted compartment arrangement 4 and to avoid unilateral peak loads.

Alternatively or in combination with this, the determination device 71 for the weight or loading state of the compartment arrangement 4 or individual compartments 3 can also be used for detecting or detecting entry or departure activities at the storage machine 1. As a result, a multifunctionally deployed determining device 71 is provided which has a plurality of combination effects and advantageous benefits.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the storage machine 1 and the security system 28, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather also various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the automatic storage machine 1, this or its components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

storage machine

2

breaker boxes

3

subject

4

array

5

access mechanism

6

access opening

7

closure device

8th

width

9

compartment width

10

height

11

slide element

12

opening width

13

driving device

14

control device

15

Individual access orifice

16

transport means

17

drive unit

18

axis

19

round magazine

20

rotary drive

21

Operator Interface

22

terminal

23

Input and / or output means

24

Identification and / or authorization checking means

25

scanner

26

arrow

27

arrow

28

security system

29

monitoring device

30

camera assembly

31

standing plane

32

management

33

Light barrier arrangement

34

light Curtain

35

Light emitting element

36

Light-receiving element

37

boundary surface

38

boundary surface

39

Transmitting and / or receiving device

40

infrared detector

41

Impact or contact strip

42

stop edge

43

stop edge

44

buffer element

45

closing edge

46

radius

47

minimum thickness

48

boundary surface

49

Filling or covering element

50

gap

51

gap

52

deflector

53

Abweiserlippe

54

angle

55

optical and / or acoustic signaling element

56

speaker

57

Lamp

58

safety door

59

guiding device

60

driving device

61

tumbler

62

locking device

63

control device

64

locking element

65

Motion monitoring system

66

control device

67

control sensor

68

Safety switching device

69

safety switch

70

Timing circuit

71

detecting device

Claims (47)

1. Storage machine (1) for objects, comprising a compartment system (4) with a plurality of compartments (3) which are at least partially enclosed by a machine housing (2) or some other surround, and with at least one closure mechanism (7) which can be displaced relative to a central, predefined access orifice (6) in the machine housing (2) in order to release or prevent access to a specific individual compartment (3) or to a specific group of adjacent compartments (3), and with at least one drive system (13) for effecting a controlled displacement of the closure mechanism (7), whereby the ability of the closure mechanism (7) to move is dependent on an access right which can be checked by a control system, and the storage machine (1) has at least one safety system (28) to ensure extensive, increased personal safety with respect to risks posed by automated sequences and with respect to moving drives which can be automatically activated, characterised in that a safety switch system (68), in particular a security button (69) is provided, which must be manually operated by a user and which must be operated in order to produce an automatically driven closing and/or opening movement of the closure mechanism (7), and a timer switch element (70) with a predefined release time is provided in order to start a closing and/or opening operation of the closure mechanism (7) so that a limited time is set within which a closing movement is automatically effected, and the closure mechanism (7) can not be automatically directly closed other than if deliberately released by a user and supervised by the latter.
2. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the safety switch system (68) is mounted on the machine so that it is out of a child's reach.
3. Storage machine as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the safety switch system (68) is mounted on the machine housing (2) more than 1 m, preferably more than 1.5 m, above a standing plane (31) of the machine.
4. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the driving power for the drive system (13) of the closure mechanism (7) and/or for the drive unit (17) of the compartment system (4) is released or connected by means of a manually activated or operated safety switch system (68).
5. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, when the release time has elapsed, power to the drive system (13) for the closure mechanism (7) and/or the drive unit (17) for the die compartment system (4) is switched off.
6. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, if the safety switch system (68) is not operated, an open closure mechanism (7), in particular the respective slide element (11), is left open and is not automatically closed.
7. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an open compartment (3) of the compartment system (4) must be closed by a user of the storage machine (1) before a deposit or removal can be made.
8. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that that the safety switch system (68) or a release switch system for the driving power is provided by additional safety circuits or switch elements which operate independently of the actual control system (14) of the storage machine (1).
9. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a timer switch element (70) is provided, the release time of which corresponds to the time it usually takes for the closure mechanism (7) to fully close and when this predefined release period elapses, a closure mechanism (7) that has not reached the closed position can no longer be automatically moved into the closed position.
10. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a lock element (64) for the closure mechanism (7) in its closed position can be activated exclusively when a release time for applying power to the closure mechanism (7) is running.
11. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a closing operation of the closure mechanism (7) can not take place except in the presence of a valid means of identification such as a magnetic and/ or a chip card, which can be inserted in and read by an identification and/or authorization checking means (24) of the machine.
12. Storage machine as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that an automated closing movement is possible only within a certain period once a user has been successfully identified.
13. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one monitoring system (29) is provided for monitoring an area in front of the compartment opening of at least one compartment (3).
14. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1 or 13, characterised in that at least one monitoring system (29) is provided for monitoring a reaching-in area through a compartment opening of at least one compartment (3).
15. Storage machine as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the monitoring system (29) has at least one camera arrangement (30).
16. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring system (29) has at least one transmitter and/or receiver system (39) for infrared light or for ultrasound.
17. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring system (29) is connected to a central control system (14) of the storage machine (1) or to a control system for the at least one closure mechanism (7), in particular is coupled with the at least one drive system (13) for control purposes.
18. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that monitoring system (29) is provided with at least one photoelectric barrier system (33), a light screen (34) or a light curtain in front of a compartment opening or in front of the central access orifice (6) in the access direction.
19. Storage machine as claimed in claim 18, characterised in that monitoring system (29) has light transmitting and light receiving elements (35, 36), in particular for infrared light, which are disposed on non-displaceable or non-moved components or portions of the machine housing (2).
20. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a stop or contact bar (41) is provided on a front end portion or in a front portion lying adjacent to the front closing edge of the closure mechanism (7) by reference to the closing direction and/or on a housing-side abutment edge (42) for the closure mechanism (7) bounding the compartment opening on the machine housing (2).
21. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring system (29) or a stop or contact bar (41) prevents or interrupts a closing operation if an obstacle is detected in the monitoring or danger area, or emits a signal in order to re-open the closure mechanism (7).
22. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an abutment edge (42; 43) on the machine housing (2) and/or on the closure mechanism (7) is provided with an elastically flexible and rebounding buffer element (44).
23. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that closing edges on the machine housing (2) and/or on the closure mechanism (7) which can be gripped by a user are provided with radii (46) of more than 2 mm, preferably approximately 4 mm.
24. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure mechanism (7), provided in particular in the form of at least one linearly displaceable slide element (11), has a minimum depth or minimum thickness (47) of approximately 15 mm, at least in the front end portion by reference to the closing direction.
25. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one closure mechanism (7), in particular provided in the form of at least one slide element (11), lies flush with a boundary surface (48) of the machine housing (2) in the closed state.
26. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that gaps (50) between the closure mechanism (7), in particular the at least one slide element (11), and the machine housing (2) and/or gaps (51) between individual slide elements (11) disposed one above the other are provided with elastically flexible and rebounding blanking or cover elements (49).
27. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a deflector element (52) in the form of an elastic deflector lip (53) is provided on the closure mechanism (7) formed by the at least one linearly displaceable slide element (11), which lies against at least one boundary surface (48) of a compartment opening in a sliding arrangement.
28. Storage machine as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that the deflector lip (53) of the deflector element (52) forms or subtends an obtuse angle (54) between boundary surfaces (48) of the compartment opening extending at right angles to one another.
29. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an optical and/ or acoustic signalling element (55) is provided as a means of emitting an optical and/or acoustic warning signal directly before the start of and/or during an automated movement of the closure mechanism (7), in particular the at least one slide element (11).
30. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure mechanism (7) has at least two slide elements (11) disposed one above the other which can be displaced separately from one another for controlling or regulating access to the compartments (3) of the compartment system (4) lying behind.
31. Storage machine as claimed in claim 30, characterised in that at least one protective door (58) covering several slide elements (11) or the entire central access orifice (6) is disposed in front of the slide elements (11).
32. Storage machine as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that the protective door (58) is provided with a drive system (60) of limited speed and/or force for automatically displacing the protective door (58).
33. Storage machine as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that the protective door (58) is provided with a tumbler (61) which can be deactivated by the control system.
34. Storage machine as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that the protective door (58) is provided with a control mechanism (63) for reliably determining the closed/ open status of the protective door (58).
35. Storage machine as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that several compartments (3) or several compartment openings are released by the slide elements (11) for depositing objects and during an automatic displacement of the compartment system (4) are covered or secured against access by only the protective door (58) or are protected or blocked off by an active sensor-based monitoring system (29) to prevent contact during a movement of the compartment system (4).
36. Storage machine as claimed in claim 30, characterised in that the drive systems (13) for the slide elements (11) are provided in the form of frictionally retained drives.
37. Storage machine as claimed in claim 30, characterised in that every slide element (11) is provided with an electromechanical lock element (64) which can be released on a controlled basis.
38. Storage machine as claimed in claim 37, characterised in that the electromechanically releasable lock element (64) of each slide element (11) can not be released unless a release signal is emitted by the control system (14) of the machine and a release signal is simultaneously emitted by a motion monitoring system (65) for the compartment system (4) or its drive unit (17).
39. Storage machine as claimed in claim 37, characterised in that the electromechanically releasable lock element (64) for a slide element (11) has an electric control mechanism (66), e.g. a control contact or a control sensor (67), and the control mechanism (66) does not emit an active release signal for supplying power to the drive unit (17) of the compartment system (4) unless the locked slide element (11) is fully closed and locked by means of the lock element (64).
40. Storage machine as claimed in claim 39, characterised in that the control mechanisms (66) or control outputs of several lock elements (64) for the slide elements (11) are switched or linked so that a drive unit (17) can only be activated for a relative displacement of the compartment system (4) if all the slide elements (11) are closed and locked in their closed position.
41. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an electronic detection system (71) is provided for determining the current weight of the entire compartment system (4) and/or individual compartments (3).
42. Storage machine as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that the total weight of the compartment system (4) or the weight of at least individual compartments (3) is determined cyclically or as a function of events and the respective values are stored as measurement results.
43. Storage machine as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that the detection system (71) or one connected to the control system (14) checks whether the total weight of the compartment system (4) or the weight of the relevant compartment (3) has reduced or remains the same after a deposit or removal operation or whether an increase in weight has occurred.
44. Storage machine as claimed in claim 43, characterised in that an automated closing operation of the closure mechanism (7) takes place only if the determined weight is not higher or is only negligibly higher than the weight prior to the removal.
45. Storage machine as claimed in claim 43, characterised in that a closing operation is automatically triggered when a reduction in weight is detected.
46. Storage machine as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that the detection system (71) is designed to prevent overloading or excessive strain.
47. Storage machine as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that the detection system (71) is provided as a means of detecting or sensing attempts to break into or break open the machine.

Images