EP1636770B1 - Storage machine for articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage machine (1) for articles which comprises a plurality of compartments which are open to one side and which are configured on a rotatably mounted rotary magazine (10) that is at least partially surrounded by a housing (21) or any other delimitation. The storage machine further comprises at least one closing element (13), adjustable relative to a predefined center access opening (22) in the housing (21) and controlling, especially releasing or preventing, access to defined or individual compartments. The closing element (13) comprises at least one closing shutter that is mounted in such a manner as to be adjustable relative to the access opening (22) or the housing (21), and openings that are predefined in terms of size and/or height position and that are at least approximately adapted to the respective compartment openings and/or compartment height positions, and at least one door (15) that is mounted upstream of the compartments with respect to the direction of access or depth. Said door optionally releases or prevents access to the closing shutter or to a compartment positioned behind an opening.

Description

The invention relates to a storage machine for articles, as described in the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating an automatic storage machine for objects, as set out in claim 41.

Well-known storage machines consist at least of a storage volume for the temporary, safe storage of items and an electrical control device. In particular, a specialized system with a plurality of usually secured against access compartments or subjects is usually provided, with a single or multiple access mechanisms, the accessibility to the respective subjects of the specialized system is regulated. This accessibility is dependent on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions for authorized persons. Usually, a local and / or locally distanced control device is designed, which is able to determine the access authorization of a person or the access conditions. This control device is also capable of handling the transactions or legal transactions, if any, tied to the transfer of goods, e.g. Handle payment transactions, control access to the compartments and control all other functions of the storage machine required for regular operation. Optionally, this or an additional control device can take on even more functions and tasks in connection with the operation of the storage machine, as is known from the prior art in many forms.

A similar machine in use as a vending machine will be used in the DE 42 02 801 C2 described or as a safe-deposit in the EP 0 140 839 A2 presented.

In the US 3,107,815 A is a vending machine with round magazine and single-door access mechanism described in which the round magazine is divided into individual and individually rotatable levels. The individual levels require separate drives and all subjects of a level have the same height and width.

To keep the volume of construction for a certain number of subjects as low as possible or the number of simultaneously settable storage cases for a specific storage volume To maximize, the tray system preferably has compartments of different sizes and different numbers. The size and number of these subjects is determined on the basis of empirical values or statistical evaluations from the usual package or goods volume. Possible embodiments of such specialized systems are, for example, the US 5,337,920 A refer to. The respective compartments can be divided or combined by inserting or removing dividing walls or shelves and so be adjusted in size and number of variable operating conditions.

The exchange of modularly grouped compartments is known, the module types each having different divisions, the module outer dimensions, however, give a uniform grid, so that different types of modules can be used interchangeable with each other in the shelving system of the machine. For the different sized compartments, if a plurality of doors of different sizes is to be avoided, an access mechanism is required, which is adaptable in size and position to the particular compartment openings to be released.

Storage or dispensing machines with such a closing mechanism are eg from the WO 01/65431 A2 and also from the WO 99/43234 A1 known. The closure elements proposed therein comprise a pair of opposed doors movable along a common travel path or in a common plane, respectively, or a pair of louver-like diaphragms which are flexible about at least one axis. These doors or roller shutters can be positioned by motor so that they release an access opening within predetermined limits. These closure elements are movable or positionally variable, at least in one dimension, so that an underlying compartment can be released if necessary, while access to other compartments of the machine is reliably prevented. Although access openings of almost any size and position can be created by these closure elements, however, these closure elements have a mechanically relatively filigree structure. In particular, these shutters or other flexible closure parts consist of a plurality of small and articulated interconnected segments. In addition, maintenance-critical guide rails and a plurality of rolling or sliding elements are used in order to achieve a smooth, movable storage. Even a slight deformation of the shutter or these sliding doors, such as as a result of violence or due to an impact a heavy object, may impair or even prevent the function of this mechanical closure element. Furthermore, there is the problem that the required actuating forces can increase significantly with increasing wear or increasing contamination of the rolling or sliding elements or with any deformation of the closure parts or the guide rails with continuous service life.

According to the WO 01/65431 A2 A variable height tray system is required to manage a multi-tray magazine through a central dispensing port. This also leads to relatively complex and long-term vulnerable detail solutions.

A further embodiment for the creation of variable size access openings is shown in FIG US 5,533,645 A described. In this case, a plurality of sliding closure plates are arranged behind a common sliding door. Depending on the size of the underlying compartment they are moved with the common sliding door. This arrangement is also mechanically relatively sensitive.

A vending machine with a carousel-like compartment system with different sized compartments is also in the US 5,067,630 A presented, wherein the subjects within a level of the carousel are at least vertically the same height and for each level a separate access door is required.

The present invention has for its object to provide a storage machine for a secure transfer of items, which has a plurality of storage compartments of different sizes and thereby has a simple or robust mechanical structure, in particular concerning the closure means for the specialist system.

Regardless of another object of the invention is to provide a method for operating an automatic storage machine for objects, with which a plurality of receiving compartments of different sizes and / or in different storage levels via a central access opening with objects selectively loaded or provided with subjects compartments for a Removal can be specifically released.

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

An advantage resulting from the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 is that a door access mechanism is provided in which a plurality of shelves for access are selectively enabled and disabled by means of a single door or with few door elements can be. In particular, the manual accessibility to a plurality of separate compartments of a compartment system with different compartment sizes can be controlled in a simple manner by means of a one-piece or multi-part door. The number of movable or moving parts of the closure means or the selective door access mechanism is relatively low, so that a long-term maintenance-free as possible operation of the storage machine can be achieved. In addition, a relatively high robustness can be achieved by the stated mechanical structure, which is particularly important when using the storage machines in public places with regard to vandalism, criminal intentions and the like .. Of particular importance. An advantage of the specified storage machine is also that the respective compartment or the respective object is always transported in a certain access area, which is preferably close to the controls of the machine or the control unit, and the operator or customer as opposed to a planar Tray arrangement with a large number of compartment doors not only a specific subject, eg by a number, must search. Orientation difficulties or misunderstandings of the deliverer or collector of objects with respect to the respective assigned or provided compartment can thus be almost excluded by the central access opening of the machine. Furthermore, a relatively high degree of automation of the automatic storage machine according to the invention can be achieved with relatively few drives or control components.

An advantage of this is an embodiment according to claim 2, as this, the storage volume of the storage machine can be significantly increased and still present compact dimensions. The individual storage levels can be controlled with the designated door or shutter mechanism of the machine with respect to the release and lock the access to the respectively provided or assigned compartments relatively inexpensive, yet reliable and easy to maintain.

Another advantage is also an embodiment according to claim 3 or 4, as a technically highly reliable storage machine with multiple storage levels and low maintenance is created. Nevertheless, all the functionalities of the machine with the designated common locking mechanism can be managed in a simple way with regard to the accessibility depending on the presence of an access authorization to a specific compartment.

In the embodiment according to claim 5 is advantageous that a structurally independent machine is created, the subjects are protected from access from the outside primarily by the corresponding housing. In particular, thereby the shutter can enclose only a portion of the round magazine and are not covered by the shutter, protected from access to be protected sections of the compartment system from the housing of the machine. In addition, compared to an alternative possible bricking of the machine in conjunction with a corresponding wall opening as access opening in this wall, a higher flexibility or mobility of the machine can be achieved. Furthermore, the installation or commissioning of the specified machine in the correspondingly provided locations is simplified by the largely self-contained machine housing.

According to the embodiment according to claim 6, a relatively high number of subjects of different sizes may be formed in several levels, the access to the respective for the deliverer or collector of a particular subject in a simple manner by means of a mechanically robust or hardly maintenance-prone Closing or release element comprising this multiply open-worked shutter can be regulated.

Due to the possible development according to claim 7, especially when at least some of the openings in the shutter by means of simple flaps or slide elements in their opening sizes or dimensions and / or shapes can be changed to some extent, also a relatively simple conversion or adaptation of the machine to other, especially if necessary changeable compartment dimensions of the specialist system can be made without the shutter would have to be replaced.

The measures according to claim 8 ensure relatively simple technical measures that within the relatively large access opening in the housing only that compartment is effectively accessible, to which there is an access authorization for the respective user of the machine.

Due to the embodiment according to claim 9, a relatively thin-walled shutter can be formed, which nevertheless achieves sufficient mechanical stability and high safety against external forces. Especially when the shutter is designed in the manner of a hollow cylinder or tube, in the lateral surface of a plurality of different breakthroughs can be arranged so that a correspondingly high number of different compartment sizes and levels can be met. In addition, the specified pivot bearing for this shutter is mechanically simple and robust executable, so even a maintenance requirement is kept very low or may even be unnecessary during the entire life of the machine. In addition, by such an embodiment, the outer dimensions of the machine can be kept relatively low because compared to the round magazine no special space for the adjustment of the shutter must be created relative to the round magazine.

In the embodiment according to claim 10 is advantageous that such a shutter can be produced particularly easily and inexpensively in terms of production technology.

Due to the configuration according to claim 11, the outer wall or lateral surface of the round magazine and the inside of the shutter can be spaced relatively close or narrow to each other over the entire peripheral region. As a result, a secure or gapless separation is achieved and the additional volume of construction or the additional space required by the machine beyond the round magazine can be kept particularly low.

The embodiment according to claim 12 ensures in a simple manner that a maximum size object for a corresponding compartment in the storage machine can be easily stored and subsequently retrieved. In addition, only those sections are released from the housing or outer shell of the machine for access, which are absolutely necessary to the feed of the corresponding To be able to accomplish subjects or the removal of appropriate items, the remaining areas of the storage machines remain unproblematic manner enclosed by a highly secure or stable housing and are protected from access.

On the one hand, it is ensured by the embodiment according to claim 13 that the maximum possible size of an object in the machine can easily be transferred or retrieved. In addition, even with respect to the access opening completely open door essentially only those areas of the shutter exposed, which are essential to handle the largest possible objects without significant restrictions can.

Of advantage is also an embodiment according to claim 14, as this allows depending on the existing authorization of the operator or customer of the machine either with a one-piece or multi-part door access to all shelf levels of the round magazine or regulated without the tray system or the round magazine would have to be made variable in height.

Also advantageous is an embodiment according to claim 15, characterized in that an automation-technically advantageous, in particular a relatively easy-to-drive or safety-friendly to be monitored door is designed.

The advantage here is an embodiment according to claim 16, as a particularly space- or space-saving articulation of the door with respect to the housing of the machine is created, so that the construction volume and space requirements of the machine can be kept relatively low. In addition, the clear width and clear height of the access opening or machine opening can be fully released by such a sliding door.

Due to the configuration according to claim 17, the distance between the inside of the door and the outside of the shutter can be set relatively low, so that a particularly compact design of the storage machine is possible.

Due to the configuration according to claim 18, even with a relatively thin-walled construction a high mechanical stability of the door can be achieved and is also a particularly compact design of the machine allows without this would be caused by functional impairment.

By the embodiment according to claim 19, a kind of transfer lock can be created, with which a highly secure storage or retrieval of objects, such as valuables is possible.

The embodiment according to claim 20 offers handling advantages in particular with any manual adjustment movement, in particular during opening movements and / or closing movements of the door by a customer or operator of the machine.

Another advantage is also an optional development according to claim 21, since this can accelerate or simplify a loading and / or unloading operation of a plurality of objects.

The embodiment according to claim 22 or 23 achieves that a vertical axis or a surface line parallel to the axis of rotation intersects only at most one aperture along the closing aperture. As a result, in the case of overlapping or adequate placement of a corresponding breakthrough prior to the opening of the matching compartment and access opening at least partially or completely released by the door, access is provided to the envisaged compartment located behind the access opening and / or the compartment behind it limited to this.

The embodiment according to claim 24 achieves that, despite a relatively large access opening from the shutter which can be opened by the door, only that compartment or only that compartment group is released for access for which the respective user has the corresponding access authorization features. All other compartments of the compartment system, which are basically bounded by the door or the access opening, thus remain concealed in a simple but effective manner by the shutter and are thus inaccessible.

By appropriate interaction of the specified in claim 25 components of Automata, the access to a variety of subjects with a plurality of different specialist types or sizes in this subject system with relatively little mechanical effort can be regulated in a reliable manner.

In the embodiment according to claim 26, it is advantageous that relatively robust or tamper-proof openings or breakthroughs are created, via which the respective maximum possible access levels are predefined. In particular, in this storage machine or at its shutter, in principle, no automated or driven adjustable breakthrough openings required to selectively release shelf access or specialized systems with multiple shelves and / or different levels for access access or secure access.

By the embodiment according to claim 27 it is ensured that the comparatively largest sections of the machine or round magazine remain covered by the housing always and thus a possible manipulation-proof design is created.

The respectively required access width or a respective access width adapted to the corresponding compartment can be set in a simple manner by a configuration according to one or more of claims 28 to 30.

According to the embodiment according to claim 31, an adaptation to the respective required or to be released access width can also be achieved by appropriate interaction between the angular position of the round magazine and / or opening width of the door. This is especially favorable in those specialized systems in which the compartments arranged directly one above the other have different widths and thus different, lateral boundary edges.

Due to the configuration according to claim 32, a large number of different access widths can be created, which result in a simple manner from the interaction between the shutter and the door and possibly the round magazine.

Due to the construction according to claim 33, a plurality of relative positions between These components of the machine are created. In particular, a compartment system with a high number of compartments can be covered or locked with a few and mechanically simple components and made selectively accessible.

The embodiment according to claim 34 achieves that exactly that compartment or compartment can automatically be placed in the area of the access opening for which the respective operator of the machine has the corresponding access authorizations. All other subjects of the subject system remain in a reliable manner inaccessible.

The embodiment according to claim 35 ensures that the door is unlocked only in the presence of appropriate access rights and subsequently locked again.

The embodiment according to claim 36, the ease of use of the machine can be significantly increased and is also the presence of an access authorization for the respective operator by the automated opening of the door clearly and unmistakably recognizable.

An advantage of the embodiment according to claim 37 is that the door is automatically held immovably in any position or at any opening width, so manipulation attempts are ineffective after external forces on the door, especially in fully energy-free machine, no additional adjustment result , The door can thus be locked or fixed in a simple manner even in a semi-open or partially open position.

The embodiment according to claim 38 ensures that in the event of external forces, e.g. is prevented by a person with criminal intentions, an impermissible change in the position or the angular position of the shutter or the round magazine relative to the housing and thus access to other subjects is prevented.

Due to the configuration according to claim 39 is simple technical measures on the one hand creates a drive for the circular magazine and the shutter and ensures blocking or fixing the respective position after deactivating the respective drive.

Finally, an embodiment according to claim 40 is advantageous, since it allows autonomous and at least partially automated operation of the automatic storage machine without possibly existing network-technical connection or connection to a control system or a remote control center.

The second-mentioned object of the invention is achieved by the method specified in claim 41.

A resulting advantage is that with relatively few, adjustably mounted components a variety of subjects of different sizes and / or in different levels of expertise can be secured against unauthorized access and also selectively a compartment or a related department for an authorized user of the machine can be released without gaining access to the surrounding or the other, not provided for the respective user subjects of the subject system. Another advantage is that with relatively few, electrically controlled or electrically controlled drives a high degree of automation of the machine can be achieved and, consequently, a high ease of use and high security against criminal abuse can be achieved. Despite a relatively high degree of automation such a storage machine can be made relatively robust and can be achieved with appropriate design and dimensioning and a relatively low maintenance for the storage machine. An advantage of this operating method of the storage machine is also that the compartments provided for loading and / or emptying are automatically adjusted in the area within a central access opening in the housing or in any other boundary of the compartment system. Thus, the user is given a virtually unambiguous subject assignment or recognition of the subject assignment and, moreover, a more comfortable handling procedure is achieved.

Also advantageous are the measures according to claim 42 or 43, since thus a uni- or bidirectional movement in only one spatial direction is required, whereby the drive engineering measures can be performed relatively easily.

Furthermore, measures according to the features specified in claim 44 are advantageous because thereby the vertical access level can be adjusted to the round magazine in a simple and reliable manner.

Furthermore, a procedure according to the features specified in claim 45 is advantageous because thus in a simple and reliable way a regulation of the accessibility to a certain level of a compartment arranged in several shelves system can be accomplished.

In addition, a procedure according to the features specified in claim 46 is advantageous because thereby the effective access width can be adjusted to the round magazine with simple or long-term functionally reliable means within a relatively large range of values.

Finally, a procedure according to the measures defined in claim 47 is advantageous, as a specific subject or a coherent subject group from a relatively large number of different sized and / or arranged in different height positions subjects with appropriate control measures and relatively simple mechanical components targeted or selective can be released and all subjects can be reliably secured against unauthorized access in a rest or initial state of the machine.

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

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Frontansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Aufbewahrungsautomaten in vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht des Automaten nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine weitere perspektivische Seitenansicht des Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

den Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 1 mit seinen mechanischen Hauptkomponenten in vereinfachter Explosionsdarstellung in Verbindung mit einigen alternativen Ausführungsformen zu seinen Hauptkomponenten;

Fig. 5

den Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 1 mit schematisch bzw. durchscheinend angedeutetem Gehäuse bei verdeckter Zugriffsöffnung bzw. geschlossener Tür;

Fig. 6

den Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 5 in entnahmebereiter Stellung für einen vergleichsweise kleinen bzw. schmalen Gegenstand aus einem bestimmten Fach des Fachsystems;

Fig. 7

den Aufbewahrungsautomat gemäß Fig. 5 in entnahmebereiter Stellung für einen eingelagerten Gegenstand aus einem Fach mit vergleichsweise größeren Abmessungen;

Fig. 8

den Aufbewahrungsautomaten gemäß Fig. 5 während einem speziellen Betriebszustand vorwiegend für die Einlagerung von Gegenständen in mehrere unterschiedliche Fächer des Fachsystems.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a front perspective view of an embodiment of the storage machine according to the invention in a simplified representation;

Fig. 2

a perspective side view of the machine after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a further perspective side view of the storage machine according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

the storage machine according to Fig. 1 with its main mechanical components in a simplified exploded view in conjunction with some alternative embodiments to its main components;

Fig. 5

the storage machine according to Fig. 1 with schematically or translucently indicated case with concealed access opening or closed door;

Fig. 6

the storage machine according to Fig. 5 in a ready-to-pick position for a comparatively small or narrow object from a specific compartment of the compartment system;

Fig. 7

the storage machine according to Fig. 5 in a ready-to-pick position for a stored object from a compartment with comparatively larger dimensions;

Fig. 8

the storage machine according to Fig. 5 during a special operating condition mainly for the storage of objects in several different subjects of the specialized system.

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 are to be transferred to a new position analogous to the new situation. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features may also be shown and described represent different embodiments of their own, inventive or inventive solutions.

In the Fig. 1 to 4 a possible embodiment of a storage machine 1 according to the invention for basically any physical objects 2 is illustrated. Such articles 2 may also be formed by any containers for liquid or gaseous media. However, the objects 2 that can be picked up by the automatic storage machine 1 can also be defined by packaging or containers with free-flowing materials or goods.

The function of the inventive automatic storage machine 1 is not limited to a storage or landfill or temporary storage of items 2, but the specified storage machine 1 can also be used for a sale, a handover an issue and / or a return of items 2. Optionally, within the storage machine 1 various processing or treatment operations, such. reprocessing or restoring objects 2 received therein. The storage machine 1 can thus also function as a vending machine, automatic return machine, automatic locker, parcel depot or for the handling of other services. A purpose of the storage machine 1 according to the invention can thus also be to ensure a secure transfer of an object 2 between authorized persons or a certain group of persons, such as a person. between a service provider and a service recipient to accomplish despite temporally different presence at the transfer location or at the storage machine 1.

Optionally, the transfer of an object 2 between corresponding persons may also be linked to a remuneration for various services in connection with the object 2. Such compensation may, for example, occur or be required as a result of a sale, a processing, a storage, a lending of objects 2. Such a payment process at the storage machine 1 can be handled in the form of cash or non-cash deposit or withdrawal transactions, by collection or cancellation of credit vouchers. Such processes can be carried out or initiated at least partially automatically via the automatic storage machine 1.

The storage machine 1 described in detail below is thus to be understood as an umbrella term for machines of the type specified above and as an umbrella term for similar apparatuses having a similar effect on the intended use.

For receiving or temporarily storing corresponding objects 2, the automatic storage machine 1 comprises a plurality of separate, but usually adjacent compartments 3. 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 4 assigned or integrated in this. As is known per se, this electrical control device 4 comprises at least one software-controlled processor or microcontroller for controlling, monitoring or regulating at least the internal processes and / or device-side functions. This control device 4 has a plurality of electrical or optical interfaces to corresponding actuators and / or sensors of the storage machine 1. Furthermore, the control device 4 forms a user-side interface, in particular a so-called human-machine interface or user interface 5. This user interface 5 is embodied in the manner of a terminal 6 integrated in the storage machine 1, but can of course also be designed independently and arranged somewhat distanced to the actual storage machine 1 with the respective compartments 3. The user interface 5 or the terminal 6 comprises input and / or output means 7 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 7 can be provided, for example, by buttons, switches, displays , Screens and / or by combined input or output means 7, such as be formed by touch-sensitive screens in the manner of a so-called touch screen 8.

The input and / or output means 7 of the storage machine 1 can also comprise any known from the prior art identification means 9. Such means of identification 9 for persons may be, for example, by means of identification cards, credit or payment cards (EC cards), by input means for user names and possibly for passwords or PIN codes or for barcode sections, by biometric identification means such as fingerprint sensors, speech recognition modules and / or be formed by mechanical keys, transponders or a combination of several such means. A special Advantageous identification means 9 with regard to reliability and vandalism security are wirelessly communicating identification means 9, such as individualized microwave transponders.

Optoelectronic scanners, magnetic or chip card readers, electromagnetic transmitting and / or receiving device and the like can be integrated in the automatic storage machine 1 as input and / or output means 7 for data or information and commands.

The amount of electrical or electronic components implemented in the storage machine 1 essentially depends on the required functionality of the same, with a number of expansion stages or special functionalities for the automatic storage machine 1 are conceivable, as will be explained in more detail below.

The mechanical structure of the storage machine 1 comprises a plurality of unilaterally, in particular frontally open compartments 3. These compartments 3 are preferably formed on a carousel-like round magazine 10. This round magazine 10 which forms or supports the individual compartments 3 is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis 11, so that each compartment 3 or each compartment-like compartment with superimposed compartments 3 of the compartment system formed on the round magazine 10 reaches a defined position of the automatic storage device 1, in particular can be moved to an input and / or output point for objects 2.

A rotary bearing 12 forming the vertical axis 11 for the round magazine 10 can be formed by any bearing devices known from the prior art. In particular, it is possible to provide as a pivot bearing 12 relatively short pivots or entire rotary shafts with corresponding radial and / or axial bearings to accomplish a rotational mobility of the round magazine 10. Preferably, the entire round magazine 10 is rotatably mounted about the vertical axis 11, so that all trained thereon compartments 3 are rotated together about the axis 11. Preferably, only a drive is carried out with which all compartments 3 of the compartment system can be pivoted about the axis 11 and rotated. It is also possible to provide as a pivot bearing 12 corresponding rail or sheet guides to make the round magazine 10 rotatably.

In particular, in the case of a design of several shelf levels on the round magazine 10, it is alternatively also possible to adjust individual shelf levels independently of the other shelf levels, in particular to turn them.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the round magazine 10 is preferably formed substantially cylindrical or disc-shaped, wherein the axis of rotation of the preferably rotationally symmetric round magazine 10 extends vertically and ideally coincides with the axis 11 of the pivot bearing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the round magazine 10 is designed taking into account its outer surfaces or outer boundary edges substantially as a rotationally symmetric cylinder whose axis of rotation is vertical and thus can be referred to as a "standing cylinder body". In the outer surface of this cylindrical body, so to speak, in the lateral surface of this "standing cylinder", the individual compartments 3 and compartments for receiving or depositing diverse objects 2 are formed. The individual compartments 3 extend preferably radially to the axis 11 of the round magazine 10, i. a depth of the respective compartments of the round magazine 10 is measured in the radial direction to the axis 11. The end region of the compartments 3 facing away from the axis 11 is open or at least partially open, i. it is either no or only a relatively narrow, strip-like front or boundary wall or boundary strip executed at least on some subjects 3. In the axis 11 nearest sections of the compartments 3 compartment rear walls are usually arranged, with in sectoral planector-shaped or substantially triangular compartments 3 a separate compartment rear wall is unnecessary.

The individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 are thus essentially formed by a shelf, two compartment side walls, an upper compartment cover in the manner of a compartment lid and optionally by a compartment rear wall. Optionally, individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 may also include partitions or shelves to create subdivisions or smaller sections within individual compartments 3.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the round magazine 10 comprises a compartment system with a plurality of juxtaposed and stacked compartments 3. That is, a plurality of front side at least partially open compartments 3 are executed on an imaginary mantle or peripheral surface of the round magazine 10. These compartments 3 can be like a matrix be trained at regular or even irregular intervals. In particular, the compartment widths of immediately adjacent, in particular superposed compartments 3 may be different and / or the compartment heights of adjacent, in particular immediately adjacent compartments 3 may be different.

How best Fig. 4 It can be seen that the quasi-column-like superimposed compartments 3 are preferably designed with a uniform compartment width and can vary the compartment heights of the individual compartments 3 within such a "compartment column". This is made possible in a simple manner by the fact that the shelves or shelves are variably fixed to a support frame of the round magazine 10. That is to say, different or different compartment levels can occur between adjacent compartment gaps of the round magazine 10 due to different height positions of the respective shelves and / or upper compartment lid. In this way, a maximum of variability or flexibility of the round magazine 10 or automatic storage machine 1 is created, since a large number of objects 2 of different size or with very different volumes can be accommodated as compactly as possible or with maximum utilization of the available storage volume in the round magazine 10 ,

In the context of the invention, it is of course also possible to perform the round magazine 10 only disc-shaped, wherein the individual distributed over the peripheral region of this round magazine 10 compartments 3 are arranged exclusively adjacent to each other and thus only a single level is performed.

Furthermore, it is of course also possible within the scope of the invention for the round magazine 10 to be only partially cylindrical. In particular, it is possible to execute the round magazine 10 in a circle-segment-shaped plan view. For example, the round magazine 10 in plan view, a circle segment with an opening angle of about 40 ° to 180 ° represent or result in plan view approximately a quarter, third, or semicircle. Instead of a circular cover or bottom surface or outline contour, the round magazine 10 may also have a polygonal outline and be composed, for example, of a plurality of approximately triangular individual segments, so that a polygonal outline contour, for example a three, four, five, six or polygonal contour shape or cross-sectional shape of the round magazine 10 results.

In addition, the storage machine 1 according to the invention comprises at least one adjustable relative to the round magazine 10 closure element 13. Via this multi-part closure element 13, the access to individual of the compartments 3 can be controlled, in particular released or prevented. This closure element 13 is designed such that either the access to all compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 is prevented within the storage machine 1 for persons or access to at least one particular compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 is allowed or allows, without access to surrounding, not intended for access, other compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 to obtain. By means of the storage machine 1, therefore, the access rights to individual or specific compartments of the round magazine 10 are automatically controlled or controlled, so that an authorized user of the storage machine 1 receives exclusively access to the compartment 3 designated or assigned to him, whereas the access to other resp ., adjacent compartments 3 of the round magazine 10, to which there is no access permission, reliable and tamper-proof is prevented.

This accessibility to individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 is at least largely automated controlled inter alia by appropriate combination of the relative position of the rotatably mounted round magazine 10 and the relatively adjustable, multi-part closure element 13, as will be explained in more detail below.

This closure element 13 comprises at least one closure panel 14 which precedes the round magazine 10 or at least partially surrounds the round magazine 10 and a door 15 which is assigned to or refers to an access direction on the compartments 3 Exposing at least a portion of the outer or circumferential surface of the shutter 14 is formed.

Optionally, the door 15 may be placed between the shutter 14 and the round magazine 10, but there are certain disadvantages of access to the automatically moving shutter 14 or in some cases to protect special security arrangements, such as light barriers or so-called light curtains would have to be taken.

Both the shutter 14 and the door 15 are made relative to the rotatably mounted round magazine 10 relatively adjustable. Preferably, the shutter 14 as well as the round magazine 10 is rotatably mounted, for which purpose a pivot bearing 16 is carried out for the shutter 14. Preferably, an axis 17 of the pivot bearing 16 for the shutter 14 coincides with the axis 11 of the rotary bearing 12 of the round magazine 10. Alternatively, the pivot bearing 16 may be formed for the shutter 14 by an arcuate rail guide, with which a relative adjustment between the shutter 14th and the round magazine 10 is enabled. Alternatively, of course, it is also possible to provide a rectilinear rail guide as adjusting means for the shutter 14.

The round magazine 10 upstream shutter 14 for the tray system with the unilaterally open compartments 3 can be plate-like, cup-shaped, or as from Fig. 4 can be seen, preferably designed as a tubular or hollow cylindrical element. When forming a tubular or hollow cylindrical shutter 14, this is virtually wound around the lateral surface of the round magazine 10 or slipped over the round magazine 10, wherein the axis 17 and the axis 11 preferably coincide or coincide in terms of their position and orientation. That is, the round magazine 10 and the round magazine 10 at least partially surrounding shutter 14 are preferably arranged concentrically to each other.

In the plate-shaped, shell-shaped or tubular shutter 14, a plurality of in principle fixed in size predefined openings 18 are formed. Under basically fixed is to be understood that these openings 18 are not intended for automated adjustment or modification, but are preferably formed by predetermined apertures 18 with certain height and width dimensions. Optionally, it is conceivable to make these apertures 18 variable by means of additional apertures, flaps or sliding parts at least in one dimension, wherein preferably tools or Schnellarretierungsmechanismen be used to change or define a new breakthrough size.

The size or the format of the individual openings 18 in the closure panel 14 is adapted to the compartment system of the round magazine 10, ie that the openings 18 so are dimensioned such that they correspond to the respective formed on the round magazine 10 compartment sizes. In particular, the apertures 18 are made such that each tray formed in the round magazine 10 can be made accessible or accessible via at least one mating aperture 18 in the shutter 14 when the corresponding aperture 18 overlaps or overlaps the desired underlying tray 3 is brought. Individual openings 18 of the total existing openings 18 of the shutter 14 may also be dimensioned such that access to a plurality of immediately adjacent, in particular stacked compartments 3 is allowed.

This shutter 14, which is repeatedly interrupted in the lateral surface or wall surface or is provided with a plurality of openings in the form of apertures 18, the preferably automated controlled door 15 is assigned, preferably upstream. By means of this preferably one-part or multi-part door 15, access to the shutter 14 or a compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 located behind it can optionally be permitted and prevented. With reference to the direction of access or a depth direction to the compartments 3, this door 15 is thus preferably located in front of the shutter 14 and can at least partially cover its lateral or broad side surface in the closed position, whereas in the open or inactive position of the door 15 at least one defined section or area of the shutter 14 or of the round magazine 10 is accessible.

The door 15 can be designed as a plate-like or cup-shaped, ie arched sliding door 19. Such a sliding door 19 can be linear or rotatably adjustable. Is the sliding door 19 according to the advantageous embodiment according to Fig. 4 rotatably mounted, so its axis of rotation 20 coincide with the axis 17 of the shutter 14 and with the axis 11 of the round magazine 10. The plate-like door element of this sliding door is spaced or distanced in the radial direction to the axis of rotation 20, as is apparent from Fig. 4 can be clearly seen. This door 15 is thus rotatably adjustable or displaceable as a whole about the axis of rotation 20, which is distanced to its inner side.

Of course, it is also possible, the sliding door 19 by means of linear or arcuate guides relative to the round magazine 10 and the shutter 14 adjustable store and / or other rotational or articulation points for the door 15 provided.

Alternatively, the door 15 may be mounted via at least one hinge on the outer casing or housing 21 of the machine and designed in the manner of a flap or as a swing door or door leaf.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable, the door 15 for automated control of access rights or access to the shutter 14 or the compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 as a revolving door or in the form of a slider or in the manner of a pivotally mounted in a corner plate or Flapper.

The Fachkarussell or circular magazine 10 of the storage machine 1 is preferably height-constant via the pivot bearing 12 and stored immutable with respect to the height level. In particular, it is not necessary that circular magazine 10 can be made adjustable in the vertical direction in order to be able to operate all shelf levels of the round magazine 10. Only when the maximum storage height of the round magazine 10 reaches or exceeds the size of a person, in particular should be higher than 1.70 m or if relatively heavy objects 2 are to be deposited, it is recommended that the round magazine 10 and the shutter 14 automatically adjustable in height perform. As a result, the ease of use of the storage machine 1 with respect to the lowermost or uppermost storage levels can be made more comfortable or made possible at all. However, this would mean a height-variable pivot bearing 12, 16 or a lifting and lowering device for the round magazine 10 and the shutter 14 and thus a higher mechanical complexity, in particular with regard to the rotary bearings 12, 16. Preferably, therefore, the compartment levels of the round magazine 10 via the pivot bearing 12 are constant in height or stored in their height level immutable.

The round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 are preferably arranged in a housing 21 surrounding these components at least in some areas. This housing 21 has at least one through the at least one door 15 optionally lockable and releasable access opening 22. Via this access opening 22 there is an accessibility to the shutter 14 or to individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 not covered by the shutter 14 when the door 15 is open or laterally displaced and preferably locked position of the door 15, the access opening 22 in the housing 21 is preferably completely covered or closed, so that no access to the underlying shutter 14 and the underlying round magazine 10 is possible.

Preferably, in the closed position of the door 15 - as is the case Fig. 1 It can be seen - the access opening 22 to be completely blocked or covered so that any access to the optionally verstellende, in particular automated twisting shutter 14 and / or on the temporarily adjusting, in particular automatically rotating round magazine 10 or its fan 3 is prevented, so On the one hand injuries to the operator or abusive or vandalistic actions can be avoided or at least made more difficult.

Instead of forming a housing 21 around the round magazine 10 or the shutter 14, it is of course also possible to perform the optionally closable and releasable access opening 22 of the door 15 as a breakthrough in another wall. For example, it is conceivable to arrange the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 behind a plate or wall and to form the access opening 22 through a wall opening or as a wall opening. Such is for example in the deposit of objects 2 with high value, especially in the deposit of valuables or cash conceivable because a lining of the round magazine 10 in comparison to a housing with steel or trim parts may be cheaper and burglar resistant.

One of the door 15 releasable size or dimension of the access opening 22 in the outer shell or in the housing 21 of the machine corresponds to at least approximately the size of the largest compartment 3 in the round magazine 10. Usually, the access opening 22 is at least one dimension, especially in terms of height dimension This dimension ensures that the compartments 3 can be loaded and loaded comfortably and with the best possible use of the available volume of space with the objects 2.

It is expedient, if the releasable from the door 15 access opening 22 of the storage machine 1 corresponds at least approximately to the size of the largest aperture 18 in the shutter 14 or the access opening 22 exceeds this aperture size. This ensures that that portion of the round magazine 10, which is not covered by the shutter 14, comfortably loaded or can be used as full volume filling.

Especially if only one door 15 is formed on the automatic storage machine 1 and no stacked, independently adjustable door sections are provided, it is useful if a height 23 of the access opening 22 in the outer casing or in the housing 21 of the storage machine 1 substantially one Height or maximum storage height 24 of the round magazine 10 corresponds. As a result, all compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 can be operated via only one access opening 22, depending on the position and / or size of the apertures 18 and / or the position of the shutter 18.

It is essential that this access opening 22 of the storage machine 1 in a simple manner via the above-described single-door access mechanism, in particular via the above-described multi-part closure element 13 is optionally completely coverable to prevent access to all compartments 3 and at least partially or sections can be opened or uncovered to allow access to specific or released by the machine compartments 3 of the tray system or the round magazine 10.

The movable, in particular rotatable covering or closure panel 14 for individual compartments 3 or individual sections of the round magazine 10 can optionally have a so-called storage opening 25 or an arrangement of a plurality of, in particular vertically stacked openings 18, the or substantially over the entire storage height 24 of the round magazine 10 runs or run. In particular, this special, optionally formed Einlagerungsdurchbruch 25 or a corresponding group of individual apertures 18 extends over all or at least over several shelf levels of the round magazine 10. By means of this comparatively high-dimensioned Einlagerungsdurchbruch 25, which optionally also by individual intermediate webs in the region of the shelves in several Sections may be divided, the storage of a plurality of articles 2 in a plurality of different compartments 3 for an authorized supplier or deliverer can usually be significantly simplified or accelerated.

As can be seen from the illustrations, each individual breakthrough 18 within the closure panel 14 - except for an optionally formed storage opening 25 in the closure panel 14 - has a size or dimension which is only a fraction of the housing-side access opening which is fixedly predefined in terms of its dimensions and position 22 is. As a result, in a simple and reliable manner, a "dazzling effect" or coverage of subjects in the overlap area with the access opening 22, but not provided for access compartments 3 is achieved.

In particular, for the case that the round magazine 10 is cylindrical or silo-shaped, the round magazine 10 upstream or upstream shutter 14 is tubular and surrounds the round magazine 10 at least on its outer or lateral surface. That is, in such a case, the tubular shutter 14 is virtually inverted over the round magazine 10 and that the tubular shutter 14 is at least partially laid around the round magazine 10 and relative to the round magazine 10 is relatively movable, preferably rotatably mounted.

Some alternatively possible embodiments of various components of the storage machine 1 have been described in Fig. 4 indicated by dashed lines.

Especially when a relatively small number of storage levels or a small number of differently sized compartments 3 is formed on round magazine 10, instead of a tubular or self-contained cover or shutter 14, this also cup-shaped, for example as a pipe segment 26 and be executed as a curved or even-planar slider-like plate 27. Such a slider-shaped plate 27 with adapted to the sizes of the round magazine 10 breakthroughs 18 can be used especially when the length dimensions of the housing 21 and storage machines 1 play a subordinate or sibling role. However, especially with a large number of required openings 18 due to a large number of shed levels and a large number of different shed sizes, the use of a tubular shutter 14 or a segment of a tubular shutter 14 is recommended.

Especially if, for example, due to a high number of different compartment sizes and / or level a large number of differently dimensioned and / or positioned Breakthroughs 18 is required, the shutter 14 may also be made in several parts. In particular, two or more successively arranged or concentric nested shutter apertures 14 and shutter members can be used, which in combination, in particular by changing the relative position to each other, a variety of different apertures 18 or opening sizes can form, with the underlying compartments 3 of the Fachsystems or round magazine 10 to be able to correspond.

Referring to the formation of a tubular shutter 14 and a pipe segment 26, the individual openings 18 for the controlled access to at least one particular, underlying tray 3 of the round magazine 10 in the circumferential or rotational direction of the shutter 14 - according to arrow 28 - one behind the other or arranged one after the other. Referring to the formation of a plate-shaped shutter 14, the individual openings 18 in the preferably one or optionally multi-part shutter 14 in each case in the adjustment or displacement of the shutter 14 - according to arrow 29 - behind or arranged successively.

Referring to a planar or curved plate 27 as a shutter 14 whose apertures 18 in the adjustment or displacement direction according to arrow 29, which usually runs horizontally and optionally bidirectionally, also formed successively or successively.

Preferably, the individual apertures 18 are positioned or dimensioned such that there is no overlapping region between two nearest apertures 18, as is best said Fig. 4 is apparent. The individual, usually quadrangular openings 18 can - as from Fig. 4 can be seen - be positioned "corner to corner". According to a preferred embodiment, the individual openings 18 are positioned in the closure panel 14 such that a vertical straight line on a broadside surface 30 or on a lateral surface 31 of the closure panel 14 intersects only one opening 18 in each case.

For the sake of completeness, it is stated that the openings 18 of a slider-like plate 27 penetrate its broad side surfaces 30 and the openings 18 of a tubular Shutter 14 are formed in the lateral surface 31. That is, in individual circumferential segments or longitudinal sections 32, 33, 34 of the shutter 14, preferably only one opening 18 is made, via which access to at least one underlying compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 is made possible. The sizes or dimensions and / or contour contours of the respective openings 18 are adapted to the compartment dimensions or compartment sizes and / or cross-sectional shapes of the underlying compartments 3 in the respective compartment level.

The height positions of the individual openings 18 are of course adapted to the respective height positions of the corresponding or associated compartments 3. That is, each compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 is accessible by at least a partial overlap with a corresponding aperture 18 in the shutter 14 by an operator when, in addition, the door 15 is open. The apertures 18 in the lateral surface 31 or in the broad side surface 30 of the shutter 14 are thus placed in conformity with the height of the various fan levels or the different height positions of the compartments 3.

Preferably in vertical or height direction, in particular parallel to the axis 17 of the shutter 14 adjacent or superposed apertures 18 with respect to the horizontal circumferential or rotational direction - according to arrow 28 - or referring to the adjustment or displacement direction - Arrow 29 - the shutter 14 preferably arranged without intersection offset. In particular, the individual openings 18 in the closure panel 14 can be distributed in a helical or helical manner or in a stepped manner within the lateral surface 31 or the broadside surface 30.

Each adapted, vertical dimension 35 of the respective apertures 18 determines the maximum possible vertical access height to the underlying tray 3 or the underlying compartments 3 of round carousel or round magazine 10. That is, by appropriate definition of the vertical dimension 35 of an opening 18 of the access on at least one subject or on several underlying, stacked compartments 3 is possible. Usually, the vertical dimensions 35 of the apertures 18 are chosen such that unimpeded accessibility exists only to a corresponding, underlying tray 3.

A maximum possible access width 36 to the round magazine 10 or the shutter 14 is preferably determined substantially by a width 37 of the access opening 22 in the housing 21 of the machine. That is to say, the clear width of the access opening 22 or the maximum opening width of the door 15 essentially determines the maximum possible access width 36 on the round magazine 10 or the shutter 14 located behind it. An effective access width 38 on the round magazine 10 or its fan 3 can by the respective width dimensions 39 of the individual apertures 18 and / or by the relative position of the door 15 against lateral boundary edges 40, 41 of the access opening 22 and / or by the relative position of the round magazine 10th and / or be determined by the relative position of the shutter 14 with respect to the access opening 22. This means that even by different relative positions of the shutter 14 and / or by different relative positions of the single or multi-part door 15 with respect to the housing 21 of the machine or with respect to the access opening 22 an effective access width 38 on the round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 regulated or ., can be determined from the synopsis of the individual main components according to Fig. 4 or off Fig. 6 can be seen in a simple manner.

An effective access width 38 on the round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 is therefore also determinable by appropriate selection of the relative position of the preferably automatically moving round magazine 10 with respect to one of the lateral boundary edges 40, 41 of the access opening 22. Likewise, by suitable choice of the relative position of the preferably automatically adjusting shutter 14 or door 15, the effective access widths 38 can be automatically regulated on the compartments 3 or adapted to the respective requirements in terms of control technology.

Furthermore, an effective access width 38 to a particular compartment 3 or to a specific compartment group of several superposed compartments with different widths by taking a defined rotational angular position of the round magazine 10 relative to the access opening 22 of the machine, in particular with respect to the left or right boundary edge 40, 41 of Access opening 22 and / or by appropriate choice or limitation of the opening width of the door 15 are respectively adjusted accordingly, so that only the respective intended for access tray 3 by an operator or user of the storage machine 1 is accessible.

In particular, an adaptation to different widths of the round magazine 10 can be made by control-technical or automatically controlled change of the relative position between the shutter 14 and its openings 18 and the door 15.

From the above, it can be seen that the round magazine 10, the shutter 14 and the door 15 are to be stored independently adjustable. At least the circular magazine 10 and the shutter 14 are each assigned at least one drive, which can be controlled via the control device 4 or controlled accordingly. At least the round magazine 10 and the shutter 14 are thus automatically controlled or driven via the control device 4 and these components can be blocked in the respective rest position. As a result, an abusive attempt to adjust or move the round magazine 10 or the shutter 14 can be counteracted by criminal persons.

Preferably, the door 15 or at least individual door portions of a multi-part door 15 are automatically adjustable, in particular electrically controlled or automatically movable by the door 15 is assigned at least one drive. Optionally, the door 15 can also be operated only by hand, i. opened and / or closed. Alternatively, the door 15 can be at least partially moved by stored spring force in one direction, the door 15 must be moved manually in the other direction against the spring force and the spring is thereby tensioned again. Prerequisite for a manual or spring energy driven adjustability of the door 15 is a prior release of the locking device by the control device 4, in the presence of the corresponding access or operating rights of the respective person relative to the machine or at least one of its compartments. 3

In any case, the one- or multi-part door 15 is associated with a locking device, not shown, with which the door 15 automatically controlled locked and / or unlocked. This locking device of the door 15 may be formed by any known from the prior art in various embodiments locking mechanisms. For example, it is possible to provide electromagnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically activatable or acting locking devices for the door 15, wherein the respective operation or control of the locking device takes place automatically via the control device 4.

In addition or as an alternative to an independently formed locking device, the drive for the door 15 itself can be a locking device. In particular, the door 15 may be associated with a self-locking drive, wherein in the de-energized or inactive state of the drive, an adjustment of the door 15 is reliably prevented due to a force on the door 15. Such self-locking drives, for example, by a worm gear for the door 15, a mechanical brake for the door drive or dg1. be formed. In particular, when forming a mechanical brake this is preferably associated with a brake fan, which only releases an adjustment of the door 15 when the brake fan and the drive with energy, in particular with electrical energy, are applied.

Preferably, the round magazine 10 and the shutter 14 is a locking or blocking device for securing the respectively automatically occupied relative position relative to the access opening 22 of the machine assigned or these components each on a self-locking drive driving and locking or fixable.

It should also be noted that the door 15 and the shutter 14 are preferably designed dimensionally rigid or predefined in their shape, so do not have to be as flexible or changeable shape as shutters.

In the Fig. 5 to 8 is a possible functional or operational sequence of an inventively designed storage machine 1 exemplified and partially illustrated.

The housing 21 of the machine, which can of course also be formed by an at least partially self-contained space or a wall or by any other housing, is to be regarded as transparent and was therefore indicated by dashed lines. It is essential that in the front area of the machine, in particular close to its control or operating elements, the single or common access opening 22 is placed on the consisting of several compartments 3 specialist system. This access opening 22 to the compartment system of the machine is controlled by the preferably automated Door 15 at least partially releasable and - as in Fig. 5 is illustrated - preferably completely closed. The opening and closing movement of the door 15 with respect to the access opening 22 is preferably only one-dimensional, in particular aligned horizontally, wherein the door 15 is preferably bidirectionally adjustable. According to the illustrated, advantageous embodiment, the plate-like, vertically oriented door 15 is pivotally mounted for an adjustment in the horizontal direction about the inside of the door spaced, vertical axis of rotation 20. For an automatic adjustment of the door 15 of this is associated with a schematically indicated drive 42. This drive 42 may be formed, for example, by a friction wheel drive, a chain drive, a belt or transmission-assisted drive or the like. At the in Fig. 5 illustrated operating state closes the door 15 the size fixed predefined access opening 22 in the housing 21 completely, so that no single compartment 3 of the compartment system or the round magazine 10 is accessible.

After appropriate identification or after checking the authorization of a potential user of the machine by means of the control device 4 of the storage machine 1, the respective provided for this user, in particular for a deliverer or collector of articles tray 3 is moved in the region of the access opening 22, in particular rotated and at the same time or with a time offset, the breakthrough 18 matching the size of the compartment opening is placed in the shutter 14 in front of the compartment opening of the respective compartment 3. Subsequently, the door 15 is at least so far opened that at least approximately the full width of the selected or intended compartment 3 is accessible.

At the in Fig. 6 shown operating state is a relatively narrow compartment 3 user side and / or control side selected and placed in the region of the access opening 22, in particular rotated so that the door 15 is present only in one of these compartment width corresponding opening width. This opening width of the door 15, in particular the actual width 37 of the access opening 22 corresponds to a part of the maximum possible access width 36 of the access opening 22. All other subjects of the tray system or the circular magazine 10 remain via the housing 21, the door 15 and through the Cover 15 is hidden and thus secured against access. This is especially true for the subjects to the intended tray 3 adjacent subjects, in particular for the above and below the intended tray 3 arranged compartments 3 of the tray system.

For preferably automated adjustment of the round magazine 10 via the control device 4 this is assigned a purely schematically indicated drive 43. Likewise, a further, preferably independent drive 44 is assigned to the preferred automated adjustment of the shutter 14 via the control device 4 of the shutter 14.

The drives 42 to 44 are preferably activated independently of one another and these drives 42 to 44 are either self-locking or it is these drives 42 to 44 and / or the elements driven therewith each an unspecified, automatically switchable locking or blocking device for fixing the respective relative position relative to the housing 21 and the access opening 22 assigned.

When taking the in Fig. 6 shown relative position between the round magazine 10, the shutter 14 and the door 15 with respect to the access opening 22 in the housing 21 of the machine, the removal or storage of an object 2 relative to a relatively small example, according to lying in a middle level of the tray system tray 3 allows.

In comparison, in Fig. 7 an operating state of the storage machine 1 is shown, in which the door 15 is opened substantially over the entire maximum access width 36 of the access opening 22 and in which the storage or removal of a relatively large object 2 relative to a corresponding compartment 3 from the upper level the tray system or round magazine 10 is possible.

In Fig. 8 an optional special operating state of the storage machine 1 is illustrated. In this case, a storage or removal of objects 2 with respect to a plurality of vertically superposed compartments 3 of the compartment system or round magazine 10 is made possible. In particular, the opening or insertion opening 25 of the shutter 14, which extends relatively widely in the vertical direction, has been moved into the region of the access opening 22 and the round magazine 10 has been aligned accordingly. Furthermore, the door 15 has been opened so that the compartments 3 bounded by the storage opening 25 or by the correspondingly large opening in the closure panel 14 are provided for access. Above all, if this operating state is used for storing a plurality of objects 2 intended for different persons, a Storage process significantly accelerated or simplified. Of course, the output of the articles 2 stored in this way can of course be restricted to the respective collector, independently of the type of storage, as can be clearly seen from the preceding description parts.

To summarize, the storage machine 1 essentially comprises a rotatably mounted compartment system in the form of a round magazine 10 or carousels with a plurality of compartments 3, which are in all dimensions, i. in their width, height or depth, may have different sizes and a this tray system substantially surrounding, regardless of the tray system rotatably mounted shutter 14 with recessed in the lateral surface openings, which can be positioned in size, shape and position with behind the lateral surface positionable compartments 3rd correspond to the specialist system, ie can be brought into line with appropriate openings. The cutouts or apertures 18 of different size and height are mounted in the lateral surface in such a way that normally only one compartment 3 which can be positioned behind it is accessible from a stack of superimposed compartments 3, i. per circumferential segment of the lateral surface, only one opening is cut out in the vertical direction. The compartmentalized carousel together with the closure panel 14 surrounding this compartment system is housed together in a surrounding housing 21, which has at one point a lockable access opening 22 extending over the entire height of the compartment system in the form of a lockable sliding door or flap.

After positive identification of a person authorized to access and fulfillment of all other conditions for permission to access, and possibly the reservation of a previously unused compartment by the control unit of the machine, the corresponding compartment 3 by means of the drive 43 of the round magazine 10 in the opening area of the common access opening 22nd brought, simultaneously or temporally offset the shutter 14 is rotated so that an appropriate size and vertical position opening in the lateral surface is positioned in front of the associated compartment opening and then the door 15 either automatically opened by the controller or unlocked for manual opening. As a result, a person is allowed access through the door 15 and through exactly one opening of the shutter 14 on a tray 3 located behind.

By a curved and substantially one-piece design of the shutter 14 a significant improvement in stability, mechanical reliability and security against violent influences is achieved at the same time simple design compared to flat formations. The axis of rotation of the shutter 14 is usually, but not necessarily, with the axis of rotation of the round magazine 10 together. The bearing can be used for both parts with known bearing elements, e.g. Rolling bearings cost-effective, low-maintenance and robust realized. The required driving forces and performance for the moving parts are also low and therefore cost.

The shutter 14 preferably has a cylindrical surface, but in principle may be other rotationally symmetrical shape, e.g. have the shape of a truncated cone or a combination of truncated cone, cylinder or similar bodies of revolution. The jacket of the closure tube may optionally consist of a plurality of sections planar segments instead of extending along the circumference curvature, so that the overall curved shape is approximated by a polygon.

The formation of the access openings is not limited to the lateral surface, but may also include at least one top surface of a cylindrical or tubular shutter 14 beyond.

The closure panel 14 may also have an opening 18 in a peripheral segment, which extends over the entire height of the compartment system and releases a plurality of compartments arranged one above the other and side by side and thus enables a delivery time-saving possibility for storing a plurality of items 2 or parcels. Such a large shell opening can also allow access to the compartment system for maintenance or the replacement of entire modules of the specialist system when loading the machine with goods, consignments or other items 2. For reasons of mechanical stability of the shutter 14, this large opening can be divided at certain points by web-like connections in two or more openings.

The shutter 14 may have rib-like stiffeners or beads at various locations which further enhance the mechanical stability of the domed shell construction. Stiffeners can especially in the peripheral region of the breakthroughs 18 to improve the stiffness of the broken arched shell structure.

Instead of a single shutter 14, in principle, two or more, nested, independently rotatable shutter 14 can be used, in which case the apertures 18 to tune and rotate so that at least partially overlapping openings 18 of multiple shutter 14 a remaining through-opening desired Size and position in the region of the lockable access opening 22 is formed. This configuration is recommended when a small diameter of the round magazine 10 and thus small shell circumference of the shutter 14, a large number of different sized openings 18 or positions must be realized, which would not all side by side on the circumference of a single shutter place.

The shutter 14 may be constructed of a plurality of individual pipe segments, which may be mounted individually on a support frame. This simplifies the manufacture (e.g., painting) and favors the storage of disassembled items.

Optionally, special anti-graffiti coatings can be attached to the housing 21, the sprayed-on dyes or soiling subsequently easily made removable. Furthermore, special, antifungal coatings can be carried out on the inner surfaces of the compartments 3.

For the pivotal mounting of the shutter 14 or the support frame of the shutter 14 or the round magazine 10, e.g. conventional rolling or plain bearings are used, which either directly support the respective axis of rotation or as wheels can be mounted several times in the vicinity of the circumference. In the latter case, the circulation in rails and / or an additional fixation of the axle by a radially acting bearing is advantageous.

The lockable and unlockable door 15 is preferably designed as a curved (and thus stable) sliding door. It can either be opened manually after unlocking by the control device 4 or opened automatically with its own drive 42. It is also a semi-automatic operation feasible, in which the sliding door or the door 15 after Unlocking is opened by the control device 4 at least a piece of previously stored spring energy and the spring when manually closing the sliding door or the door 15 is tensioned by the user again. This can represent an advantageous compromise between fully automatic drive and completely manual movement of the door 15 or the sliding door, especially with regard to simpler safety measures against injuries and the absence of drive means. In addition, this outer door 15 may be designed so that it can be opened or opened depending on the control device 4 only a certain distance, depending on the width of the compartment 3 to which the access is to be permitted. In this case, the openings 18 of the shutter 14 are adapted to the maximum width dimension 39 of the compartments 3 and the access width 38 actually formed is limited by the adjustment path of the door 15 permitted by the control device 4.

In particular, in the case of an automatically opening or closing door 15, means can be provided in the automatic storage machine 1 which can prevent damage to objects 2 or the machine or injury to persons upon the occurrence of any obstacles in the travel path of the door 15. Such agents may be sensory in nature, e.g. Photoelectric barriers or so-called blow bars, which detect an obstacle and act on the drive 42 of the door 15 via the control device 4. However, means may also be provided which ensure a limitation of the mechanical forces acting on an obstacle via the door 15 to a harmless degree, such as e.g. a momentary limitation of the drive motor, either by the drive control itself e.g. by a current limiting, or by a slip clutch or by other mechanical power transmission elements such. Knee lever mechanisms that reversibly trigger when exceeding or reaching certain maximum forces and prevent further power transmission.

The storage machine 1 preferably has means for locking the door 15, which prevent opening of the door 15 even with a completely energy-free machine, or with the door 15 open a rotation of the shutter 14 and / or the round magazine 10 by externally applied forces and moments prevent. Such means may be formed, for example, by spring-biased and electromagnetically unlockable bolts which engage directly in the door 15, the shutter 14 or the round magazine 10 or in their drives 42, 43, 44. These agents can also be in the form of self-inhibiting Drives 42, 43, 44, for example with Schneckenradantrieben be formed.

The storage machine 1 has a control device 4 or arithmetic unit, which usually includes one or more processors, memory and various interfaces and communication means to various sensors, actuators and user interfaces. The control device 4 coordinates, controls and monitors e.g. all essential components of the machine, processes all data and information related to the storage cases, forwards the communication with the user, checks identities or access permissions, detects faults, operating conditions and the like.

The storage machine 1 further preferably has sensory means with which the positions or movements of the moving parts of the machine, in particular the door 15, the shutter 14 and the round magazine 10 can be detected and evaluated by a control device 4. These agents may e.g. be formed in the form of mechanical limit switches, inductive or capacitive proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, angle or rotary encoders or similar displacement or angle encoders. The positions of the moving parts can be determined by the control device 4 either directly from the sensor signals or can be reconstructed from sensory detectable reference positions and the following movement commands.

The automatic storage machine 1 can optionally have means with which stored articles 2 are modified in a specific manner before being dispensed. This can be done, for example, by printing on objects 2 or by charging, activating or filling vessels or energy stores or by programming data carriers, such as e.g. programmable microwave transponders or from data carriers in the field of EDP or consumer electronics.

The storage machine 1 can optionally have means with which the nature of objects 2 during storage via the control device 4 can be checked with regard to certain features. These may be agents that detect certain shapes, electrical or other physical properties, in particular mass or special chemical properties, or be means that detect the intended function of specific objects 2 by sensors and are signaled by the control device 4 in an appropriate manner can. Optionally, the control device 4 may be able, depending on the result of the evaluation, to accept or reject an article 2 for storage, to return any deposit that may have been retained, or to trigger directly perceptible or silent alarm messages.

The automatic storage machine 1 can optionally have means by which a user can clear a cash debit associated with the ordering, storage, processing or removal of an item 2 by inserting coins or entering bills or even cashlessly by providing billing data such as bills. Account number, bank code, credit card number, customer number or similar data. Such means include, for example, known coin or bank note payer with appropriate validation and storage device or also known terminals for entering credit card information and PIN codes which via a connection to remote servers or by accessing locally stored records or other test information, the validity of the provided Check billing data.

The local control device 4 of the storage machine 1 is capable of creating, changing or processing data records for individual storage cases, in which an association between data on the object 2, the supplier, the recipient, the dealer or service provider, the storage compartment in the machine , to identification data for the subject access, to reservation data, order data and billing data, to product information, at times of individual events in connection with the storage case, etc. is produced. These data records can be part of a comprehensive database, stored locally in the storage machine 1 or stored and retrievable via a data network connection on a remote server.

The automatic storage machine 1 can also have the following means and features:

Optionally, means for establishing a data-technical connection of the machine with other remotely located data sources or data sinks, eg a central server or control computer, for example, can record operating data of a whole group of such machines and which data for settlement, issue and storage of goods or objects 2 can provide, receive and store. The automatic storage machine 1 can also be used for connection via the Internet or comparable communication media with a variety of personal computers or communication terminals to create means of communication for customers, for example, for reservation of subjects, for ordering goods, for remote retrieval of the storage status of certain subjects or the presence of goods or Articles 2, the operating or maintenance state of the machine or the like. Be formed.

Preferably, means for identifying authorized users, ie deliverers, merchants, customers, recipients and maintenance personnel are provided, such identification means such as identification cards, credit or payment cards (EC cards), input means for user names and possibly password or PIN, barcode sections, biometric Identification means, speech recognition, keys, transponders or other known identification means or combinations of several such means may be. Also provided with data interfaces devices with individually unique and electronically evaluable device identifiers, such as. in modern mobile phones or personal data assistants (PDAs), can be used as identification means. Particularly advantageous identification means with regard to reliability and security against vandalism are wirelessly-communicating microwave transponders individualized by stored identification data.

Preferably, means are also provided for communicating with persons during the handling of the actions required for accessing a compartment 3 and for the acquisition and output of all relevant information. Such information includes, for example, those that allow subsequent identification of persons authorized to access the conditions for subsequent professional access, such as the price of a good or a delivery to be paid, the nature or characteristics of a good or shipment, and order numbers , Contact information for a notification upon arrival of an item 2 in the machine, the sender and recipient address of a stored item 2, storage conditions for the item 2, about execution or treatment instructions for objects to be processed 2, about time limits for the collection of an object 2 and inform the like.

The input means themselves can be in addition to a conventional keypad or a touch screen, for example, barcode reader, document scanner or facilities, as previously described for the identification to be. The input means may also be specially designed for operation by the visually impaired and may comprise, for example, speech output and or keys with Braille.

As input means are also interfaces and connections to higher-level servers to understand, via which at least parts of the designated information in the machine or from the machine can be transferred. For the output means are typically screens, preferably suitable for displaying colored graphics or various other optical and acoustic signaling means in question. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide printers of different types or technologies for the provision of documents via processed processes.

Furthermore, a power supply for supplying the electrical and electronic components of the machine, possibly with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to complete ongoing operations immediately after a failure of the power supply, possibly with a local alarm monitoring or audible alarm message regarding the remaining life of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Storage media are also preferably provided for at least temporary storage of the data and processes necessary for operation and / or resulting from the operation of the machine and for storage of the operating software for the local control or computing unit. At least part of the total installable storage capacity can be made up of removable, non-volatile removable media (flash disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM / RW, DVD or the like), allowing easy updating of data and software.

The installation of the storage machine 1 is usually carried out in public places or other, for the intended user circle conveniently accessible places, such as within company premises or shops. A placement is possible both in buildings and outdoors and also in certain means of transport, such as on ships. For the preparation of such machines in the open air are depending on the expected climatic conditions suitable means for air conditioning of the interior, for shading against direct sunlight, to seal against moisture, salt spray, dust and similar influences, and to provide against the unwanted intrusion of animals.

Also advantageous is a roof coupled to the housing 21, above all over the area of the user interface 5 and the common access opening 22, as for example the Fig. 1 can be seen. Furthermore, at least in the area of the user interface 5 and the access opening 22, a lighting can be provided, which is preferably automatically switched on in the dark. Likewise, measures to ensure sufficient robustness against electromagnetic interference (eg electrostatic discharge), lightning, conducted interference and the like may be provided.

A number of other sensors, e.g. Proximity sensors or cameras may be provided to detect the approach of a person and corresponding automatic operations such as e.g. the display of a welcome screen, turning on a lighting, the announcement of a welcome text or the like. Activate. Furthermore, sensors for monitoring the housing state and for detecting violent opening attempts including appropriate alarm means may be provided in acoustically perceptible and / or silent form.

There may also be sensory means for the automatic detection of specific substances, in particular typical hazardous substances, e.g. Explosives, be provided. Further sensors can be provided, in particular by the automatically opening and closing closure element 13 to prevent endangering of persons or damage to objects by pinching or crushing.

The detailed design of the control device 4 or the drives or sensors and / or actuators to fulfill the individual tasks and functions of such machines are well known in the art from the prior art.

Storage machines 1 according to the described embodiment are preferably part of a whole network of such machines, usually under the control of one or more machines several central processing units or servers operated. The operator of such machines or networks of machines can operate them themselves, for example for sales purposes, or as a provider of transport or delivery services or provide the provision and maintenance of the machines as a service provider to other companies. Typical uses of the described vending machine or system of vending machines are the sale of goods, the delivery of purchased or ordered goods, the rental or lending of items, eg tools or videocassettes, unmanned repair acceptances and returns, recycling of consumables and energy storage, such as Printer cartridges or gas cartridges, the distribution of office supplies, baggage or luggage storage and the like.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the storage machine. 1

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.

Claims (47)

1. Machine (1) for storing articles (2), comprising a plurality of compartments (3) open on one side in at least two differently sized compartment openings, which compartments (3) are disposed adjacent to one another and one above the other on at least two levels, and are disposed on a rotatably mounted rotary magazine (10) at least partially enclosed by a housing (21) or some other surround, and with at least one closure element (13) which can be displaced relative to a central, pre-defined access opening (22) in the housing (21) in order to control access options to specific or individual compartments (3), in particular to release or prevent access, characterised in that the closure element (13) comprises at least one closure screen (14) mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the access opening (22) or housing (21) with apertures (18) of a pre-defined size and height position at least approximately matching the respective sizes of the compartment openings and the respective compartment height positions, and at least one door (15) disposed in front of the rotary magazine (10) by reference to the access direction to or depth direction of the compartments (3), by means of which access to the closure screen (14) or a compartment (3) positioned behind an aperture (18) can be selectively released and prevented.
2. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the compartments (3) are disposed in a cylindrical, part-cylindrical, barrel-shaped or frustoconical rotary magazine (10).
3. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a rotary bearing (12) for the rotary magazine (10) mounts it and its compartment levels at a constant height.
4. Storage machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the compartment levels of the rotary magazine (10) are mounted via the rotary bearing (12) of the latter at a constant height.
5. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotatably displaceable rotary magazine (10) and the displaceable closure screen (14) are as far as possible enclosed in the housing (21) with the exception of the region of the central access opening (21) and this central access opening (21) can be selectively locked and released via the displaceable door (15) in order to prevent access to the rotary magazine (10) and individual ones of its compartments (3) generally or selectively to permit access.
6. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure screen (14) has a plurality of fixed, pre-defined apertures (18) which, in terms of their size and/or shape and their height position, at least largely match differently sized compartment openings or compartment shapes at different compartment levels of the rotary magazine (10).
7. Storage machine as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the closure screen (14) has a plurality of apertures (18) which can be changed by means of flaps or slide elements, which can be at least largely adapted to differently sized compartment openings or different compartment shapes and/or different compartment levels of the rotary magazine (10) in terms of their size and/or shape.
8. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, with the exception of a loading aperture (25) which might be provided as an optional feature, every individual aperture (18) in the closure screen (14) is of a size which is only a fraction of the size of the pre-defined housing-side access opening (22), which is fixed in terms of its dimensions and position.
9. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure screen (14) is of a tubular shape or is provided as a tube segment (26) and is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the rotary magazine (10).
10. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure screen (14) is of a panel-type design, in particular is provided in the form of a flat panel (27), and is mounted so that it can slide relative to the rotary magazine (10).
11. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an axis (17) of a rotary bearing (16) for the closure screen (14) is congruent with an axis (11) of a rotary bearing (12) for the rotary magazine (10).
12. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the maximum size of the access opening (22) in an external casing or housing (21) of the machine which can be released by the door (15) corresponds at least approximately to the size of the biggest compartment (3) in the rotary magazine (10).
13. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the size of the access opening (22) in an external casing or housing (21) of the machine which can be released by the door (15) corresponds at least approximately to the size of the biggest aperture (18) in the closure screen (14).
14. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a height (23) of the access opening (22) in an external casing or housing (21) of the machine essentially corresponds to a construction height or storage height (24) of the rotary magazine (10).
15. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door (15) is a sliding door (19).
16. Storage machine as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the sliding door (19) is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the housing (21) about a vertical axis of rotation (20) and the panel-shaped door element is thus spaced at a distance apart from the axis of rotation (20) in the radial direction.
17. Storage machine as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the vertical axis of rotation (20) of the sliding door (19) is congruent with an axis (17) of a rotary bearing (16) for the closure screen (14) and/or with an axis (11) for a rotary bearing (12) of the rotary magazine (10).
18. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door (15) is curved in the transverse direction or cambered in its horizontal cross-section, and a radius of curvature of the internal face of the door (15) measured perpendicular to its axis of rotation (20) is at least slightly bigger than half an external diameter of a closure screen (14) provided in the form of a hollow cylinder or tube segment (26).
19. Storage machine as claimed in one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the door (15) is a rotating door.
20. Storage machine as claimed in one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the door (15) is mounted on the external casing or stationary housing (21) of the machine by means of at least one hinge or articulated joint and operates as a flap or door panel.
21. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a loading aperture (25) or a group of individual apertures (18) is provided in the closure screen (14), running essentially across the entire storage height (24) of the rotary magazine (10) and thus extending across all compartment levels.
22. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that vertically extending, imaginary straight lines on the closure screen (14) always intersect only one aperture (18) as a possible access opening to the rotary magazine (10).
23. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that mutually adjacent apertures (18) lying one above the other in the vertical direction and in the direction parallel with an axis (17) of the closure screen (14) by reference to a horizontal circumferential or rotation direction - arrow (28) - of the closure screen (14) are spaced at least slightly apart from one another.
24. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the individual, uniformly or non-uniformly distributed circumferential segments or longitudinal portions (32, 33, 34) of the closure screen (14), there is only one aperture (18) in each case, either uninterrupted or comprising several part-openings with webs extending in between, which is adapted to the available compartment sizes and/or compartment levels serving as the access to the carousel-type rotary magazine (10).
25. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, depending (i) on the size and height position of the respective apertures (18) in the closure screen (14), (ii) the relative position between the rotary magazine (10) and closure screen (14) with respect to the access opening (22) and (iii) the open or closed position of the door (15), access to at least one compartment (3) lying behind with an essentially matching compartment size is permitted or prevented in at least certain regions.
26. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a vertical access height to the compartments (3) of the rotary magazine (10) is defined by a vertical dimension (35) or height of the respective apertures (18) in the displaceably mounted closure screen (14).
27. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a maximum possible access width (36) to the rotary magazine (10) or on the closure screen (14) disposed in front of it is defined by a width (37) of the access opening (22) in the housing (21) of the machine.
28. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an effective access width (38) to the rotary magazine (10) is defined or partially defined by the respective width dimensions of the apertures (18) in the closure screen (14) when moved into the region of the access opening (22).
29. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an effective access width (38) to the rotary magazine (10) is defined or partially defined by the respective relative position of the closure screen (14) and/or the respective relative position of the door (15) with respect to the housing (21) or front wall of the machine and its access opening (22).
30. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an effective access width (38) to the compartments (3) of the rotary magazine (10) is defined or partially defined by the respective relative position of the rotary magazine (10) with respect to one of the side boundary edges (40, 41) of the access opening (22).
31. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an access width (38) to a specific compartment or a specific compartment group comprising several compartments (3) disposed one above the other with different widths is respectively adapted by at least the rotary magazine (10) assuming a position at a defined angle of rotation with respect to the left or right boundary edge (40, 41) of the access opening (22) and/or the left or right edge of the door (15).
32. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an effective possible access width (38) is adapted to compartments (3) of the rotary magazine (10) of different widths by changing the relative position between the closure screen (14) and door (15) and/or rotary magazine (10).
33. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotary magazine (10), the closure screen (14) and the door (15) are mounted so that they can be displaced independently of one another.
34. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the rotary magazine (10) and the closure screen (14) can be automatically controlled or driven.
35. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door (15) can be locked and released by a control system.
36. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door (15) is automatically displaceable, in particular electrically controlled or driven.
37. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a drive (42) operating by friction co-operates with the door (15) in order to mechanically lock whatever relative position is assumed with respect to the access opening (22) simultaneously.
38. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the rotary magazine (10) and the closure screen (14) are provided with a locking or blocking mechanism for locking whatever relative position is automatically assumed with respect to the access opening (22) of the machine.
39. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a drive (43, 44) operating by friction is provided for at least the rotary magazine (10) and the closure screen (14).
40. Storage machine as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided with at least one local control mechanism (4) for the at least partially automated control and/or monitoring of internal sequences and/or device-end functions or one is integrated in its housing (21).
41. Method of operating a machine (1) for storing articles (2), comprising a plurality of compartments (3) open on one side in at least two differently sized compartment openings, which compartments (3) are disposed adjacent to one another and one above the other on at least two levels and are disposed in a rotatably mounted rotary magazine (10), and with at least one closure element (13) which is displaceable relative to the rotary magazine (10) in order to control access options to specific or individual ones of the compartments (3), in particular to release or prevent access, characterised in that in order to load and/or unload a specific compartment (3) or an associated compartment group, a compartment (3) selected using control technology and/or by a user is rotated on an automated basis into the region of a common, pre-defined access opening (22) in a housing (21) of the machine that is significantly bigger than its compartment opening, and one automatically determined aperture (18) of a plurality of different apertures (18) in the closure screen (14) matching the size and/or shape of the compartment opening and matching the height position of the selected compartment (3) is positioned on an automated basis in front of the selected compartment (3) or within the housing-end access opening (22), which is of a constant size, after which a door (15) which usually closes off or overlaps the access opening (22) in the housing (21) can be automatically opened or unlocked and manually opened wide enough to render the selected or intended compartment (3) accessible, and access to all the others, in particular the compartments (3) adjacent to the selected compartment (3), continues to be prevented by the housing (21), the closure screen (14) and optionally by part-regions of the door (15).
42. Method as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that, in order to position an aperture (18) of matching size or shape in front of the specific compartment (3) or specific compartment group, the closure screen (14) is moved exclusively in rotation or horizontally.
43. Method as claimed in claim 41 or 42, characterised in that the door (15) is moved exclusively in rotation or linearly in order to release and lock access to the rotary magazine (10) or the closure screen (14).
44. Method as claimed in one of claims 41 to 43, characterised in that a vertical access height to the rotary magazine (10) is defined by the differently sized vertical dimensions (35) of the different apertures (18) in the closure screen (14).
45. Method as claimed in one of claims 41 to 44, characterised in that one access option to different compartment levels of the rotary magazine (10) is by different height positions of the apertures (18) in a fixedly pre-defined position in the closure screen (14).
46. Method as claimed in one of claims 41 to 45, characterised in that an effective access width (38) to the rotary magazine (10) is defined or partly defined by different width dimensions (39) of the apertures (18) disposed in the closure screen (14).
47. Method as claimed in one of claims 41 to 46, characterised in that an effective access width (38) to the rotary magazine (10) is defined or partly defined by different relative positions of the door (15) and/or the closure screen (14) and/or the rotary magazine (10) with respect to the access opening (22).

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