EP3921815A1

EP3921815A1 - Automated, modular and compact, addressable object storage device

Info

Publication number: EP3921815A1
Application number: EP19809366.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thibault SOULIER
Original assignee: Ouidrop
Current assignee: Ouidrop
Priority date: 2019-02-05
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2021-12-15
Also published as: WO2020160807A1; FR3092321A1; CA3127674A1; US20220108583A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for storing at least one object OB, with a front face (2) comprising at least one level (L0, L1), characterised in that it comprises: - mechanical means for depositing and retrieving (10) the at least one object OB, - means for receiving the at least one object OB, - mechanical means for transferring the means for receiving said at least one object OB, - mechanical means for storing the means for receiving said at least one object OB, and - mechanical and software means (50) for identifying an owner seeking to deposit or retrieve the at least one object OB.

Description

Title of the invention: STORAGE DEVICE ADDRESS OF OBJECTS,

AUTOMATED, MODULAR AND COMPACT

The invention relates to an object addressed device, automated, modular and compact, in particular for use as a cloakroom. Said device may include stage modules.

The present invention is described in application to a locker room but the applications could be the storage of specific personal equipment such as medical equipment, safety equipment, sensitive and fragile devices, using the same storage device. The aim is to provide a storage device which comprises mechanical removal means, storage means and recovery of at least one OB object, mechanical means for transferring said at least one OB object, means storage mechanisms of said at least one OB object and mechanical means and software for identifying a holder wishing to store or take back the at least one OB object.

[0002] Such a storage device is advantageously:

- adaptable according to the nature of the OB objects to be stored,

- mobile to be able to position said device in different places depending on temporary events such as trade fairs, sporting events, congresses or other ephemeral needs,

- modular according to the necessary storage volumes. Modular is understood to mean modularity of the industrial type, that is to say of the “Modulated and Used” type, similar to “Plug and Play”, a very significant Anglo-Saxon formulation on the absence of intervention in the heart. of a device, in this case by avoiding interventions from the point of view of the mechanics of the various means of the storage device and interventions from the point of view of the software as will be indicated above. The only interventions are mechanical and wire connections.

[0003] The storage device comprises movements of various organs and the particularity is to provide only linear movements along the three axes: X, Y and Z.

[0004] According to the present invention, the storage device comprises. Subsequent introduction of part of the claims by AQ.UINOV before filing

The present invention is now described with the aid of an embodiment which is only illustrative and in no way limiting the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: [0006] [Fig. 1] shows a simplified perspective view of the storage device of at least one object OB according to the present invention, in use.

[0007] [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view of the structure of the storage device for at least one OB object, the covering panels being removed,

[0008] [Fig. 3] shows an isolated perspective view of a first part of the mechanical transfer means,

[0009] [Fig. 4] shows an isolated perspective view of the means for receiving an object OB,

[0010] [Fig. 5] shows a detailed view of the driving means of the first

means of transfer,

[0011] [Fig. 6] shows a perspective view of a second part of the mechanical transfer means,

[0012] [Fig. 7] shows an isolated perspective view, in detail, of the storage means.

The storage device according to the present invention comprises, in its main embodiment, several parts assembled and cooperating with each other. The device according to the present invention is illustrated in the various figures indifferently and comprises two levels, a level L0 on the ground and a stage superimposed on level L1. The storage device is described according to an orthonormal reference X, Y and Z and takes the general shape of a piped parallel. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the front face 2 being the origin. The direction of the X axis is perpendicular to this front face 2, the + direction going from the front face 2 to the rear face 4. The Y axis is oriented perpendicular to the X axis in the horizontal plane, the + direction being from the left face 6 to the right face 8 of the drawing. The Z axis is oriented vertically, perpendicular to the XY plane and the + direction is from bottom to top. The senses will therefore be either positive or negative depending on the part described. As shown in Figure 2, the storage device according to the present invention comprises a metal frame, this type of metal frame mounting being well known as such, the connections can be made with removable connections such as screws. / nut, snap-fastening, keying or with fixed connections such as welding to produce a mechanically-welded structure, this in no way modifying the invention.

The storage device according to the present invention, see Figure 2, com

take :

- mechanical means 10 for removing and picking up at least one OB object,

- reception means 20 of at least one object OB,

- mechanical transfer means 30 of the reception means 20 of said at least one OB object,

- mechanical storage means 40, reception means 20 of said at least one OB object, and

mechanical means and software for piloting and identifying 50 a holder wishing to deposit or take back the at least one OB object.

For the remainder of the description, the term “OB object” is understood to mean goods, personal items such as bags, clothing in the case of a cloakroom.

The example of the cloakroom is also that which is used in no way limiting.

The mechanical means of removal and recovery 10 of an OB object by a holder, shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprise a metal frame defining at least one station 102, in this case two stations, a first station 102G left removal and recovery station and a second right 102D removal and recovery station, both accessible on the front face 2 of the storage device. These two removal and recovery stations 102G and 102D are strictly identical from the point of view of design and operation and are symmetrically arranged on the front face. Each removal and pick-up station 102G and 102D has an opening 104G and 104D, made in the metal frame and each provided with a shutter 106G and 106D. Each shutter is of the guillotine type and can take, each independently or simultaneously, two positions, one fully closed or the other fully open. The translational direction of the guillotine movement is + Z / -Z. These shutter flaps 106G and 106D can be mounted advantageously with an upper pair and a lower pair of guide means, for example rollers mounted on the side edges of said shutters, rolling in vertical rails or sliding pads in a rail with anti-friction material. In particular, each slide com carries an offset d towards the rear, in line with the upper pair of rollers when the shutter is in the low position. Thus, during the vertical upward translation, from the start of the translation, each shutter 106 undergoes a displacement of a value d along the X axis, therefore from the front to the rear. Each shutter 106 comprises, in the upper part, two translational drive pins 108, said pins projecting on the rear face of each shutter shutter, and oriented in the X direction. Instead of d 'a slide with offset and fixed pegs, the slide can be rectilinear and the fixed pegs 108 are replaced by movable pegs, namely a plunger of a solenoid, movable between a basic retracted position under the effect of a spring return and an operational protrusion position when the solenoid is supplied, this in a known manner. Each shutter 106G and 106D is associated with its own motor means 110G and 110D, for example a worm and a threaded sleeve mounted on the screw and secured to said shutter. Such an arrangement is also well known in itself and makes it possible by rotation of the screw to cause the sleeve to translate and therefore to operate the closure flap associated with said sleeve. Limit switches, force limiters and other safety accessories are normally associated with these motor means, depending on the regulations in force and the applicable standards.

The reception means 20 of the at least one OB object, is in the form of containers 202. Such containers are shown in Figure 4. These containers 202 have the same dimensions in height along the Z axis, in width along the Y axis and identical or variable depths along the X axis. The volumes of the containers can therefore all be identical V but also of different volumes VI, V2, etc., depending on the needs and the applications.

These containers each comprise six faces, including a front face 204, oriented along the -X axis. This front face 204 is movable in vertical translation relative to the other five faces. A suitable assembly allowing sliding is in the form of runners 206G and 206D, integral with the right 208D and left 208G walls of the container 202 or in the form of portions of runners in the embodiment shown. A stop 210, advantageously a third slide 212, arranged in the lower part and integral with the lower part 214, ensures a limitation of the downward translation. When the movable front face 204 rests on the stop 210, the container is closed and when the movable front face 204 is translated upwards, access to the interior volume V of the container 202 is made possible. The front face 204 is naturally supported on the stop by its own weight. These containers 202 are completed by hooking means 216. These hooking means 216 comprise stops 218, arranged at the edge of the container and symmetrical, so as to allow hooking on each side. Advantageously, each container comprises at the top of the suspension means 220, in this case a rail R, of profile suitable for rolling on rollers. This rail R is capable of rolling on rollers. In addition, each front face 204 includes two gripping holes formed at the top, on each side, so as to receive the drive pins 108 or the plungers in the case of a solenoid, as will be explained in further operation.

The mechanical means 30 for transferring the receiving means 20 from to at least one OB object are shown in Figures 2 and 4 in particular and include two elevators 302G and 302D, each arranged respectively within the first left drop-off and pick-up station 102G and within the second right drop-off and pick-up station 102D. The sole purpose of these elevators is to position each of the receiving means 20, in this case each of the containers 202, at level L0 or level L1, in the embodiment used as an example, comprising two levels. The mechanical transfer means 30 comprise a lower central corridor 304, at level L0 and an upper central corridor 306 at level L1. Each corridor is oriented in the direction of the X axis, for each level. The mechanical transfer means 30 comprise, for each level L0 and L1, a shuttle 308 and 310 respectively, allowing in particular transfer movements in translation in the X, -X directions, in each of said lanes. Each shuttle 308, 310 comprises rolling means, in this case rollers and a motor with rack, capable of rolling on the mechanically welded structure. Its own motorization 312, 314 of each boat 308, 310 allows controlled indexed movement, in particular by virtue of a well-known pinion / rack motorization.

[0019] The mechanical means 30 for transferring the receiving means 20 further comprise on-board means for loading and unloading a container 202, respectively an on-board loading / unloading means 316 for the L0 level and an on-board means loading / unloading 318 for level Ll. Each loading / unloading means 316, 318 is supported by the corresponding shuttle 308, 310. These loading / unloading means 316, 318 each comprise gaets intended to receive the rail R of a container 202. In addition, means for translational maneuvering 320, 322 of the containers are provided to move each container transversely, according to the Y axis. These translational maneuvering means 320, 322 comprise, according to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a motorized and indexed belt, provided with two drive tabs 324, 326, integral with said belt. These dragging cleats are able to cooperate by resting on the attachment means 216 of the containers, as shown in FIG. 6. When the belt rotates, the container 202 translates along the Y axis.

The storage device according to the present invention also comprises mechanical storage means 40 of the receiving means 20 of said at least one OB object. These mechanical storage means 40 are arranged on either side of each corridor 304, 306 and at each level, which leads to 4 storage modules 402, 404, 406, 408 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. The storage modules are made advantageously in a welded structure. These modules each comprise ramps of rollers, parallel to each other and spaced apart in a suitable manner to receive the receiving means 20, in this case the containers 202. These ramps of rollers are oriented in the + Y -Y directions, closed exterior side, and lead into each corridor. These roller ramps are intended to receive the rails R of the containers 202. Particularly advantageously, the ramps are slightly inclined along the Z axis, the opening end on the aisle side being higher than the end on the outside. The containers 202, by their own weight, are thus held in abutment on the exterior side. In the case of a storage device using containers 202 of different volumes and therefore of different depths, the spacing of the ramps is adapted to the depth of each container and to the number of containers of each of the depths. Each on-board loading / unloading means 316 for level L0 and 318 for level L1 can thus load and unload a container 202 on a roller ramp of one of the storage modules 402, 404, 406, 408.

The storage device according to the present invention comprises mechanical means and piloting and identification software 50 of a desired holder both to deposit or take back the at least one OB object. These mechanical and software identification means 50 comprise for example a terminal 502 with a control screen 504, such as a touch screen and also comprises a programmable automatic mate 506, advantageously integrated into the terminal, possibly connected to an operational center remotely for maintenance or the resolution of a remote problem for example. The control screen 504 comprises a menu and means for allowing the identification of a holder of an OB object, for example a biometric parameter or means for transmitting a personal code, whatever its form, QR code for example. The commands are then simple since they consist for the holder to request either the removal or the recovery of his OB object. During removal, the programmable automaton 506 provides a means of identification by recording the biometric parameter or by delivering a code and when resuming, the holder provides this means of identification to the programmable automaton on his request. The 506 programmable controller has the mapping of OB objects and R rails of the storage modules and of the positions of the shuttles because all movements are indexed. [0022] The operation of the device is now described, in accordance with the figures indifferently. The description which will be presented relates to the removal of an OB object of the cloakroom type, for example a coat and a bag. The holder presses the “deposit” button on the control screen 504 of the terminal 502, which has the consequence of requesting from the holder a biometric parameter such as a fingerprint, or of delivering a code. Possibly, when there are containers of different volumes, the holder chooses what suits him. Consequently, the shutter 106G and 106D of one of the openings 104G and 104D of one of the removal and recovery stations 102G and 102D opens, releasing the interior of a container 202, of the required volume if the choice is offered. The holder then places his cloakroom in the container 202 which can have accessories such as a hanger, a bin, etc. The holder returns to the terminal to press "Done" and can leave the premises.

To achieve this result, the storage device according to the invention performs the following operations. As soon as the holder has indicated his request for container 202, has optionally chosen the volume, and has been identified, the programmable controller 506 sends a shuttle 308 or 310 to look for an empty container 202, of the appropriate volume, stored on one of the ramps rollers from one of the storage modules 402, 404, 406, 408. Once the shuttle is positioned to the right of the container sought and identified by the automaton, the belt 316, 322 of the shuttle turns to bring a stopper drive 324, 326 against the hooking means 216, in this case the catch 218 of the identified container, and translates said container from the roller ramp of the storage module onto the rollers of the shuttle concerned. The shuttle with its container moves in -X towards the depositing module and positions the rail R of the container 202 in line with the rollers of one of the elevators HOd and 110G. Belt 316,

322 rotates again in the appropriate direction depending on whether the container is to be deposited at the right 102D or left 102G drop-off and pick-up station, with an OB object. The belt, by its drive lugs, pushes the container by rolling its rail R towards the rollers of the corresponding elevator, 302G or 302D. The elevator descends from level L1 or stays at level L0 if it is already there. Then, from the container positioned in front of an opening 104G or 104D, the shutter 106G or 106D of this opening 104G or 104D of the removal and recovery station 102G or 102D concerned, opens. When the shutter concerned is driven upwards, it drives with it the front face 204, movable of the container 202 in place by means of the two translational dragging pins 108, said pins projecting on the rear face of each closure flap and cooperating with the gripping holes made in the front face 204. The opening concerned is then cleared and access to the interior volume of the container 202 is accessible to the holder. The holder can leave his OB object there, in this case his cloakroom.

It is possible to provide all the necessary safeguards for said device, these safeguards being within the reach of those skilled in the art. Thus, a sensor, not shown, can detect a bad positioning of the object OB in the container, for example in the case of a cloakroom, the coat protruding. Likewise, if the shutter is closed, if a third party or the user puts their hands and arms back into the opening at the last moment, a detector raises the shutter and in all cases, a sensor. effort limits the effort exerted.

For the recovery, it is the reverse operations which are carried out once the user has indicated his biometric or coded identification to the terminal.

It is also possible to optimize the storage device by the software of pi lotage of the programmable controller. Thus, in the case of containers of different volumes, the containers can be arranged according to their volumes but in an alternating manner so that the access times are as short as possible. It is also possible to request at the terminal from the holder an approximate recovery time or a storage period to advance the container.

It is noted that the device is very compact, very accessible as soon as the trim panels of Figure 1 are removed. This storage device can be transportable to position it in different geographical locations. All that is needed is an electrical power connection. The device can also receive means of payment when the service is chargeable.

Claims

[Claim 1] Device for storing at least one OB object, with a front face

(2), comprising at least one level (LO, Ll), characterized in that it comprises:

- mechanical means for removing and recovering (10) the at least one object O B,

- reception means (20) of at least one object OB,

- mechanical transfer means (30) of the reception means (20) of said at least one OB object,

- mechanical storage means (40) receiving means (20) of said at least one OB object, and

- mechanical means and software for identification (50) of a holder wishing to deposit or take back the at least one OB object.

[Claim 2] Device for storing at least one OB object according to

Claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical removal and recovery means (10) of the at least one OB object comprise at least one removal and recovery station (102), accessible on the front face (2) of the device, comprising an opening (104), provided with a closing flap (106).

[Claim 3] Device for storing at least one OB object according to

Claim 2, characterized in that each closing flap (106) is of the guillotine type which can take two positions of total closing or total opening of the opening (104).

[Claim 4] Device for storing at least one OB object according to

claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each flap

shutter (106) is mounted with an upper pair and a lower pair of rolling or sliding means, mounted on the lateral edges of said shutter, rolling or sliding in vertical slides, each slide comprising an offset d towards the rear , so that, during the vertical upward translation, said shutter flap undergoes a movement and characterized in that said shutter flap comprises, in the upper part, two translational drive pins (108), in protrusion on the rear face.

[Claim 5] Device for storing at least one OB object according to

claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each flap

shutter (106) is mounted with an upper pair and a lower pair of rolling or sliding means, mounted on the side edges of said shutter, rolling or sliding in guides vertical, mounted on the lateral edges of said shutter, the shutter comprising a solenoid with a plunger forming a drive pin in translation (108).

[Claim 6] Device for storing at least one OB object according to one

any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reception means (20) of the at least one object OB, is in the form of containers (202).

[Claim 7] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to

Claim 6, characterized in that the containers (202) each comprise six faces and the front face (204) is movable in vertical translation with respect to the five other faces.

[Claim 8] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to

Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the containers (202) comprise hooking means (216) and rolling means (220), able to roll on rails R.

[Claim 9] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to

claim 4 or 5 and one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the front face (204) of each container (202) comprises two gripping holes formed at the top, on each side, so as to receive the translation drive pins (108) of the shutter (106).

[Claim 10] Device for storing at least one OB object according to one

any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the mechanical means (30) for transferring the receiving means (20) of at least one OB object comprise an elevator (302) for each at least one drop-off and pick-up station (102).

[Claim 11] Device for storing at least one OB object according to one

any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the mechanical transfer means (30) comprise at least one central corridor (304, 306) per level, and a transfer shuttle (308, 310) in translation in each of the corridors, by level.

[Claim 12] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to

Claim 11, characterized in that each shuttle (308, 310) comprises rolling means and on-board means for loading and unloading (316, 318) of a container (202).

[Claim 13] A device for storing at least one OB object, according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the means of loading / unloading (316, 318) each comprise a ramp of rollers, intended to receive a rail R of a container.

[Claim 14] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to one

any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical storage means (40) of the receiving means (20) of said at least one object (OB) comprise storage modules (402, 404, 406, 408), arranged on either side of a corridor, said modules each comprising ramps of rollers for receiving the rails R of containers (202).

[Claim 15] Device for storing at least one OB object, according to one

any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical means and software for identifying (50) a holder wishing to deposit or take back the at least one OB object comprise a terminal (502) with a control screen (504), and a programmable controller (506).