Modular storage system with horizontal and vertical movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular storage device (1) for an interior room defined by a floor, a ceiling, and at least one side wall rising between said floor and said ceiling. The device (1) comprises at least one supporting structure (10) intended to be attached to the ceiling and / or said wall and is provided with main means (30) for moving at least one movable storage unit (50) in two perpendicular directions (X, Y) defining a substantially horizontal plane. The device is characterized in that it further comprises secondary means (200) for moving said unit (50) between a high storage position in which said unit is retracted near said ceiling and a low operating position in which the interior of the unit is accessible. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular storage device with horizontal and vertical movement. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motorized / robotic furniture, and more particularly to an optimized, modular and intelligent discreet storage device.

[0002] The invention has applications both for private individuals (bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, corridors, attics, etc.), in order to optimize their living space (especially in small areas), but also in the professional field such as the layout of offices, coworking spaces, warehouses (handling), meeting rooms, shops, in the field of hospitality and accommodation in general, or even the medical field (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.). Previous technique

[0003] In the field of residential furniture design for private individuals (houses / apartments), there are already many types of storage solutions used for clothing, shoes, linens, toys, decorative items, everyday accessories, kitchen utensils, bottles, boxes, household electrical appliances, etc. The most common of these are vertical cabinets, with doors or drawers, chests, wardrobes, bedside tables, chests of drawers, tallboys, shelves, etc. Each of these pieces of furniture has a number of drawbacks. Items placed on shelves are visible to everyone and can collect dust, fall and break, or cause accidents. Closed furniture such as cupboards, wardrobes, chests, or the like occupies a significant amount of floor space, which reduces the usable area of ​​the room in which they are installed.

[0004] Attempts have already been made to solve this problem by proposing the installation of hinged cupboards suspended from the ceiling of a room, for example, a hallway or bedroom, but access to them is generally particularly difficult. Some use a cable / tape system for hanging or are simply hinged on a horizontal axis. However, these devices are often unsightly, complex to install, and extremely expensive. Storage capacity is not optimized, and they are not very easy to operate.

[0005] Thus, existing solutions are standard furniture solutions, which are placed or fixed to the floor. They therefore encroach on the surface area and volume of the property and on the living space.

[0006] In the industrial sector, there are also numerous storage solutions that generally still rely on shelving, often very tall and close together, sometimes automated. However, these robotic / automated systems used in huge warehouses storing parts before shipment (mail order) are particularly expensive and unsuitable for offices or individual or multi-family dwellings.

[0007] The idea behind this innovation is therefore to use a part of a dwelling (bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc.) or office, some of whose spaces are not used / usable (ceiling, basement, attic, etc.), to store everyday belongings in modular units. For example, this could be used for clothing / shoes, utensils and cookware, etc., for individuals, or for documents such as office files for professionals.

[0008] The objective is therefore to optimize the space of the living rooms where the invention is installed, while facilitating access to objects stored and hidden from view. Presentation of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach. In particular, the solution simplifies users' daily lives by providing a clear understanding of where things are stored and by facilitating access to belongings for people with reduced mobility (accessibility and practicality). Furthermore, the solution can help avoid moving due to lack of space, allow for the construction of smaller homes, and create a more comfortable living environment since the system allows for the reclaiming of living spaces as belongings are stored in unused / usable areas.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a modular storage device for an interior room defined by a floor, a ceiling and at least one side wall rising between said floor and said ceiling, said device comprising at least one load-bearing structure intended to be hung on the ceiling and / or said wall and provided with main means for moving at least one mobile storage box in two perpendicular directions defining a substantially horizontal plane, characterized in that it further comprises secondary means for moving said box between a high storage position in which said box is retracted near said ceiling and a low use position in which the interior of the box is accessible.

[0011] This solution makes it possible to use a volume that is not very useful (except for hanging a light fixture such as a chandelier), at a height to be determined (mainly depending on the available ceiling height), to store / hide from view a significant number of different objects, whether they are frequently used (everyday clothes) or seasonal (summer or winter clothes / shoes), rarely used or bulky objects (duvet, stuffed animals, bath towels, cushions, etc.), various accessories, while guaranteeing quick and extremely practical access.

[0012] This solution is therefore very well suited to small dwellings where space is limited and where it is possible to easily exploit part of the available ceiling height (with or without a false ceiling) over a certain area (not necessarily the whole of the room in question) in order to benefit from a large storage area in terms of volume, easy to access, protected from dust and practical to use (the system will be connected to an application to control the movement of the modules).

[0013] The invention is implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0014] Advantageously, the direction of movement of the storage box by secondary means extends along a vertical axis, along the wall.

[0015] This solution also makes it possible to take advantage of a wall to support and guide the vertical movement of the box in order to facilitate access to it, without occupying a large volume.

[0016] Preferably, the support structure comprises a central assembly of transport / guidance rails perpendicular to each other so as to form a grid comprising a first set of longitudinal rails parallel to each other and a second set of transverse rails parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rails of the first set, the support structure comprising at least one first upper lateral rail supporting a motorized container carrier circulating linearly along said first upper lateral rail in a first direction of movement X.

[0017] This solution makes it possible to provide a rigid and solid load-bearing structure, but still light and versatile, in a reduced footprint and with elements that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0018] More specifically, the motorized carrier is hung under the first upper lateral rail and slides along a long guide profile parallel to the first upper lateral rail by means of a transmission belt engaged with at least one sprocket.

[0019] This solution allows the conveyor to be guided for optimal linear movement.

[0020] According to a supplementary feature, the first upper lateral rail comprises two parallel U-shaped profiles arranged back to back and whose respective openings are opposed to receive a guide for attaching the motorized carrier.

[0021] According to an alternative, the first upper lateral rail comprises a central support rail and two U-shaped lateral rails arranged back to back and whose respective openings are opposed to receive a motorized carrier attachment guide, the whole forming a single support and guide profile.

[0022] Each of these solutions allows simple, efficient and reliable guidance along the profiles of the upper rail.

[0023] In addition, the motorized carrier includes a vertical post fixed securely to the guide and supporting a transverse selection arm extending along a second axis Y, perpendicular to the first axis X, said transverse selection arm being adapted to move a storage box carried by the central assembly of transport rails.

[0024] Preferably, the motorized carrier's selection cross arm includes a reversible hooking system that can be actuated when a storage box is placed above said cross arm to move said box from one location to another and vice versa.

[0025] More specifically, the reversible attachment system consists of several electromagnet pads cooperating with corresponding magnetic insertion cones arranged under the storage box.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the reversible attachment system consists of two pairs of legs erected vertically from the structure of the carrier and which penetrate notches provided under the storage box.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motorized carrier's selection cross arm further comprises a pusher that moves in translation alternately about the Y axis and an actuator mechanically associated with said pusher to slide a box using said cross arm from a first initial location to a second destination location.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment, the pusher has a cross or T shape and the actuator is a motor linked to a toothed wheel in constant mesh with two racks and rotating in one direction or the other to produce the alternating back-and-forth movements of said pusher.

[0029] Preferably, the supporting structure comprises two parallel lateral upper rails, each supporting at least one motorized carrier.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the supporting structure is connected to at least one vertical guide rail for translation from top to bottom. bottom and bottom to top of a storage unit and means of moving said unit along said vertical rail.

[0031] According to a complementary aspect, the means for vertically moving the storage unit include: - a mobile receiving platform for a sliding crate along the vertical guide rail, and - a motorized drive element connected to the supporting structure and comprising at least one tensioned cable attached on one side to a winding motor and on the other side to said platform.

[0032] According to an additional feature, the platform has a substantially "L"-shaped form and comprises: - a first dorsal wall equipped with at least one pad cooperating by sliding with the vertical guide rail, and - a second back wall intended to receive a storage box.

[0033] According to an alternative, the back wall of the platform is provided with two pads cooperating respectively by sliding with two vertical guide rails spaced laterally from each other.

[0034] In addition, the back wall of the platform has two opposing lateral slices, each slice being equipped with a pair of pads, respectively upper and lower, each pair of pads cooperating by sliding with a vertical guide rail.

[0035] Advantageously, the platform is connected to at least one cable of the motorized drive element, each cable passing around at least one upper return pulley before being connected to a common rotating shaft of the winding motor.

[0036] According to a specific embodiment, each vertical guide rail contains a cable and has a strip of protective bristles.

[0037] According to a particular feature, the motorized drive element is mounted on the load-bearing structure opposite the vertical guide rails.

[0038] Preferably, the winding motor of the drive motorized element is of the stepper or brushless type.

[0039] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the device includes limit switches for the mobile receiving platform.

[0040] In the same spirit, the device includes at least one weight sensor for the mobile receiving platform.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, the motorized drive element includes at least one sensor for the total weight supported by the cable.

[0042] According to a particularly interesting feature of the present invention, the device comprises an obstacle detector disposed on the path of the mobile receiving platform along the vertical guide rail(s).

[0043] Preferably, each storage unit comprises: - an upper closure section designed to move along the rails of the grid of the supporting structure to pass from one location to another, for example from a storage location to a delivery location, - a lower storage section that is completely separable from the upper closing section and intended either to rest on the main means of transport or to be connected to secondary means of transport, - removable means of connection between the upper closure part and the lower storage part, and - an air and liquid seal disposed at least locally between the upper closing part and the lower storage part.

[0044] According to a complementary aspect, the upper part of the closure has a top wall comprising guide pads cooperating with the longitudinal and / or transverse rails of the grid of the supporting structure, said rails having for this purpose a lower portion with a C-shaped cross-section with an opening directed towards the ground and receiving said guide pads for their sliding in the X and / or Y direction.

[0045] More specifically, the upper closing part comprises two opposing side walls, each equipped with at least one lateral protective pad, and preferably two spaced pads.

[0046] Preferably, the upper closing part comprises a front wall provided with at least one front pad cooperating by sliding with a corresponding groove formed in a back wall of the lower storage part of another storage box.

[0047] According to an alternative, the lower storage part comprises a back wall provided with at least one rear sliding pad cooperating by sliding with a front longitudinal groove formed in a front wall of the upper closing part of another storage box.

[0048] Advantageously, each storage box comprises two parallel sliding pads cooperating with two parallel and spaced longitudinal sliding grooves.

[0049] According to a particular feature, the removable connecting means comprise at least: - an articulated hook attached to the upper part of the closure, - a prominent hooking axis attached to the lower storage section and suitable for receiving the hook in a position close to the contact of the upper closing section and the lower storage section, and - a mechanical actuator for rotating the articulated hook to engage / disengage it from the prominent axis.

[0050] In addition, the actuator is of the linear type and consists of a double-acting cylinder pushing / pulling a prominent leg of the articulated hook.

[0051] Preferably, the hooks and corresponding prominent axes are each two in number, one pair for each side of a storage box.

[0052] Advantageously, one of the upper closing part and the lower storage part is equipped with positioning pins cooperating with corresponding bores belonging to the other of the lower storage part and the upper closing part when the two parts are assembled.

[0053] According to an additional feature, the lower peripheral edge of the upper closing part is equipped with two pairs of positioning pins cooperating with corresponding bores provided in the upper peripheral edge of the lower storage part when the two parts are brought together.

[0054] Advantageously, the lower storage part includes a bottom wall equipped with positioning studs cooperating with openings provided on the upper wall of the platform.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the device includes a module for recognizing any type of object placed in the lower storage part of the box.

[0056] For example, the recognition module includes a camera incorporating an object recognition algorithm or an RFID type identification module.

[0057] Advantageously, comprises an integrated control system including at least one embedded programmable card equipped with a transmitter / receiver sending user requests so that the card controls the movements of the various motorized means of transport.

[0058] According to a further feature, the programmable card includes an integrated circuit containing a computer program implementing a self-learning algorithm of user behavior to organize and predict the location and movements of each storage box.

[0059] Preferably, includes a visual indicator of the position of the platform and the remaining weight that can be placed on it. Brief description of the figures

[0060] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes and in no way as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is an isometric perspective top view of a device modular storage unit conforming to the present invention;

[0062] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of the device of [Fig.1] installed in a room housing;

[0063] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the device in Figures 1 and 2;

[0064] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the device in Figures 1 to 3;

[0065] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view from below of the device shown in Figures 1 to 4, surrounded by formwork;

[0066] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a top perspective view of a carrier belonging to the device of figures 1 to 5;

[0067] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a top perspective view of a load-bearing structure belonging to the arrangement in figures 1 to 5;

[0068] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from below of a load-bearing structure belonging to the device of figures 1 to 5;

[0069] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a detail view of [Fig.8];

[0070] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view of an element belonging to the load-bearing structure;

[0071] [Fig.11] [Fig.11] is a top perspective view of an element of the carrier of [Fig.6];

[0072] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a detail view of [Fig. 11];

[0073] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a cross-sectional view of a carrier upright;

[0074] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a detailed view of a drive element of the carrier ;

[0075] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a top perspective view of a variant embodiment of [Fig. 11];

[0076] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a top perspective view of a box belonging to the storage device of the present invention;

[0077] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a detail view of a guide element of the box;

[0078] [Fig.18] [Fig.18] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.17];

[0079] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a top perspective view of a lower portion of the box;

[0080] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a perspective view from below of a lower portion of the box;

[0081] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a top perspective view of an upper portion of the box;

[0082] [Fig. 22] [Fig. 22] is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the [Fig. 16];

[0083] [Fig. 23] [Fig. 23] is a top perspective view of an upper portion of the box of the [Fig.22];

[0084] [Fig. 24] [Fig. 24] is a detailed perspective view of a locking element upper and lower parts of the box of the [Fig. 16], in a first engaged locking position;

[0085] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is a view similar to [Fig.24] in which the organ of blockage is in a disengaged position;

[0086] [Fig. 26] [Fig. 26] is a perspective view of a means of vertical movement of the box;

[0087] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] is a view similar to [Fig.27] in which the means of vertical displacement supports a box;

[0088] [Fig. 28] [Fig. 28] is a perspective view of a support platform for box belonging to the means of vertical movement;

[0089] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] is a detail view of the rear of the platform;

[0090] [Fig.30] [Fig.30] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.29];

[0091] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] is an exploded perspective view of figures 29 and 30;

[0092] [Fig.32] [Fig.32] is a detail view of figures 26 and 27;

[0093] [Fig.33] [Fig.33] is a partial side view of figures 26 and 27;

[0094] [Fig. 34] [Fig. 34] is a detail of an alternative embodiment of the system motorized from [Fig.26] to 30;

[0095] [Fig. 35] [Fig. 35] is a detail of an activation system for blocking upper and lower portions of the casing; and

[0096] [Fig.36] [Fig.36] is a variant embodiment of [Fig.35]. Description of the implementation methods

[0097] This description is given by way of non-limiting attribution, each feature of one embodiment being able to be combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.

[0098] It is noted from the outset that the figures are not necessarily to scale, without this affecting their understanding.

[0099] Figures 1 to 5 show a modular storage device 1 according to the present invention and installed in a room P, for example a bedroom, the interior volume of which is defined by a floor 2 (plane), a ceiling 3 parallel to said floor 2, and several lateral walls 4 erected vertically between the floor 2 and the ceiling 3. In the present case, two adjacent vertical walls 4 form a right angle with each other, although other angular configurations are conceivable. Similarly, the walls The opposites represented in [Fig.2] are parallel to each other, but other configurations are possible.

[0100] The device 1 typically comprises a supporting structure 10 (part of which is also shown in Figures 7 and 8) intended to be hung (suspended) from the ceiling 3, for example, by means of metal anchors 6 (see [Fig. 3]) and preferably also fixed laterally to two parallel facing walls 4. Other variations are conceivable depending on the requirements, the room configuration, and the weight of the device 1, such as, for example, simple suspension from the ceiling 3, or suspension from the ceiling 3 and fixing to two adjacent walls 4 in a corner of the room P.

[0101] As shown in more detail in Figures 8 and 9, the supporting structure 10 typically comprises a central assembly 11 of metal rails perpendicular to each other so as to form a grid. This grid includes a first set of (portions) of longitudinal rails 12 parallel to each other and a second set (portions) of transverse rails 13 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal rails 12 of the first set. This central rail assembly 11, also called the modulation circuit, enables the guiding, load transfer, and T and L movements along the X and Y axes of storage boxes 50 (also called lockers or storage modules), which will be described later. It is typically made of welded tubular metal beams forming a regular grid.

[0102] More specifically, the longitudinal rails 12 of the central assembly 11, an example of which is shown in cross-section in [Fig. 10], each have a double "back-to-back" structure consisting of an upper fixing portion 12a, formed of a hollow metal profile with a square or rectangular cross-section, and a lower guide portion 12b in the shape of an inverted U, the arms of which have tabs 12c folded inwards at right angles, leaving a space 12d (groove) between them. The area inside the lower portion 12b, between the upper portion 12a and the folded tabs 12c, forms a sliding track 12e for suspension lugs 64 of the boxes 50, as will be explained later.

[0103] The upper portion 12a is primarily used to fix the central assembly 11 to the ceiling 3 and to route mechanical and electrical components. For this purpose, as shown in particular in [Fig. 2], brass metal anchors 6 are used when fixing to a concrete ceiling 3. Screws fitted with flat washers are thus inserted into the upper portion 12a for fixing the rail 12, for example, every 10 cm. The aim is for the screw head not to protrude into the guide track 12e but to be accessible for tightening tools (for example, a socket wrench for a hex socket head screw). ") from groove 12d, and also to prevent any risk of loosening of the ceiling anchor points 3. Other types of fixing are possible, such as tie rods, dowels, or known type hangers. Given the significant load (several tens of kilograms to over one hundred kilograms) supported by the load-bearing structure 10 and the movement of the boxes 50 along the central assembly 11, the fixing to the ceiling 3 must be particularly firm to prevent any falling.

[0104] More specifically, these rails 12 are thus composed of two tubes welded to each other along their edges. Each tube measures, for example, approximately 40 x 20 mm externally, with a material thickness of approximately 3 mm. The opening between the folded tabs 12c, designed to accommodate suspension lugs 64 (see below), measures approximately 12 mm. The rails are, for example, made of 6060 T6 aluminum. Of course, the shapes and dimensions are given only as a guide and can be modified. The entire rail 12 can also be drawn in one piece.

[0105] The transverse rails 13 of the central assembly 11 are identical to the longitudinal rails 12, only their length differs. They are constructed in exactly the same way (two back-to-back portions, a hollow upper portion for fixing to the ceiling 3 and a lower portion for sliding the suspension lugs 64) and each notably includes a groove 13d.

[0106] The shapes located at the ends of the profiles allow for quick assembly, simplifying the installer's work. These shapes act as both a guide and a keying device, preventing any risk of confusion during assembly. The aim is to achieve a very simple and quick installation.

[0107] To ensure the long-term mechanical stability of the load-bearing structure, particularly the central assembly 11, stiffening elements are placed at each intersection. These elements prevent unintentional deformation of the structure. Preferably, reinforcing aluminum angle brackets 7 are provided at the intersections of the longitudinal rails 12 and the transverse rails 13. Larger angle brackets 8 are placed at the four corners of the central assembly 11. Flat tabs 9 can also be added where the rails 12 and / or 13 are not continuous. All these stiffening elements can be screwed, riveted, or welded.

[0108] The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, called the 3x3 system, allows for the storage and movement of between six and eight, and preferably seven, identical storage boxes 50, each typically measuring approximately 30 cm wide along the lateral X direction, approximately 80 cm long along the longitudinal Y direction, and approximately 30 cm high along the vertical Z direction; for example, fourteen identical boxes 50 in the present case. In this case, the supporting structure 10 measures between approximately 1.3 and 1.5 m wide along the X direction, and between approximately 3.3 m and 3.5 m wide along the vertical Z direction. The longitudinal Y-axis and approximately 40 to 50 cm in height along the Z-axis (for a 2.6 m ceiling, this is perfectly adequate as it leaves 2.2 m of clearance under the storage unit, which meets regulatory requirements) are provided for illustrative purposes only. Of course, the dimensions of the 50 cm units and the 10 cm supporting structure are given only as examples, as the possibilities are endless to adapt to the room dimensions, the specific needs, and the size / number of units used. For example, a 4x4 system is also available to accommodate twelve to fifteen units, preferably thirteen to fourteen, each measuring 80 cm long, 40 cm high, and 40 cm wide.

[0109] The central assembly 11 is connected, for example, by metal brackets 17 to two parallel lateral upper rails 15, which can also be securely suspended from the ceiling 3 in the same way as the rails 12 and 13 of the central assembly 11 (directly with metal anchors 6 or by means of intermediate rigid hangers of adjustable length) along an upper side 15a and / or fixed along an outer side 15b to two parallel facing side walls 4, and / or fixed at their ends 15c to two longitudinal walls. The connecting metal brackets 17 are also preferably fixed to the ceiling 3 in the same way as the central assembly 11, with brass metal anchors 6.

[0110] The load-bearing structure 10 further comprises vertically downward stiffening uprights 16 at the ends 15c of the upper lateral rails 15, and a straight guide bar 18 (for example, a round bar) extending between the lower ends 16d of two vertical uprights 16 on the same lateral side. These vertical uprights 15 are preferably fixed to the adjacent vertical walls, for example, by means of metal rods similar to those used for the assembly 11 or the brackets 17. For added security, two of these vertical uprights 16 (those facing each other longitudinally or transversely) may even be doubly fixed to two adjacent walls 4 at the corners of the room P.

[0111] Each assembly consisting of a lateral upper rail 15, two vertical uprights 16, and a guide rod 18 serves as a support for a motorized conveyor 30 for moving the boxes 50, said conveyor 30 being mobile transversely along said rail 15 and said guide rod 18. Two pairs of crossed tension cables 19 are also provided, optionally, between the upper and lower ends of the vertical uprights 16 of each assembly, as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The objective is to provide the guide rod 18 with solid anchorages, so that the conveyor 30 can move and distribute the forces during the movements of the boxes 50.

[0112] As can be seen in Figures 11, 12 and especially in [Fig. 13], each first upper lateral rail 15 comprises two parallel U-shaped profiles arranged back back-to-back (to form two back-to-back "C"s) and whose respective openings 15f are opposed to receive a hooking guide 31 of the motorized conveyor 30. As an alternative not shown, each first upper lateral rail 15 comprises a central support rail and two U-shaped lateral rails arranged back-to-back (to form two back-to-back "C"s) and whose respective openings are opposed to receive the hooking guide 31 of the motorized conveyor 30, the whole of these three rails then forming a single support and guide profile for the motorized conveyor 30.

[0113] With regard to the motorization of each conveyor 30 along the X-axis along the upper transverse rail 15 and the guide rod 18, a belt 41 is used, in association with a motor 42 mounted directly on the welded tubular structure 32 of the conveyor 30, in accordance with Figures 12 and 14.This belt 41, preferably toothed and made of elastomer internally reinforced with metal cables, is fixed at each end by two plates (not shown) sandwiching the belt. These plates are fixed to the upper transverse rail 15 by threaded holes. Each plate has a shape complementary to the toothing of the belt 41 to tension the belt and cause the linear movement of the conveyor 30 in the transverse direction X. These plates are made of steel for reasons of mechanical strength over small areas. A rack and pinion system could replace the belt.

[0114] The hooking guide 31 has two smooth tension / pressure rollers 44 arranged on either side of a toothed wheel 45 in constant contact, over about half of its circumference, with the toothed belt 41 so that the rotation of the motor 42 allows the alternating movement of the carrier 30 along the upper rail 15 and the guide rod 18.

[0115] As previously stated, the carrier 30 allows the boxes 50 to be moved within the central assembly 11 both in the transverse direction X, as indicated above, and also in the longitudinal direction Y, in order to place said box 50 (previously selected by the user as will be described later) in view of the delivery opening in accordance with arrows T and L.

[0116] To this end, the carrier 30 comprises a vertical upright 34 connected to the attachment guide 31, a welded tubular structure 32 (also called a transverse selection arm) sufficiently rigid, strong, but light enough to support a filled container 50. The arm-shaped structure 32 supports a T-shaped pusher 33 that is longitudinally movable in translation along the Y direction by means, for example, of a double rack and pinion push system 35 of the "comb" type, meshing with the teeth of a toothed wheel 36 rotated by a rear motor 37. When the motor 37 rotates in a first direction of rotation (for example, clockwise), It rotates the toothed wheel 36, which, due to its double meshing with the rack 36, advances the pusher 33 so that it moves a few centimeters (approximately 1 to 3 cm depending on the length of the double rack 35) away from the guide rod 18. When the motor 37 rotates in the opposite direction, the pusher 33 returns to its initial position thanks to the reverse rotation of the toothed wheel 36. The pusher thus performs a reciprocating movement along the Y-axis. This movement along the longitudinal axis Y, coordinated with the movement of the conveyor 30 along the transverse axis X, allows the boxes 30 to be moved anywhere within the grid along the respective hooking and guide rails 12 and 13 as indicated by arrows T and L.

[0117] According to a variant illustrated in [Fig. 15], when the motor 37 retracts the push arm 33 by 5 mm, this moves a rocker (not visible) which allows a greater displacement in the opposite direction of 20 mm. This 20 mm displacement slides an axis in translation to raise the pads 38 by means of cams 39.

[0118] The boxes (or modules) 50 are storage units for storing goods of all kinds. They can be made of different materials according to customer requirements (wood, metal, plastic, etc.). As previously mentioned, they have a rectangular parallelepiped shape and consist mainly of an upper closing portion 60 forming a movable lid and a lower storage portion 70. The upper portion 60 and the lower portion 70 each have, viewed in profile, a cross-section substantially in the shape of a right triangle whose respective hypotenuses define an inclined plane joining the two portions.

[0119] According to the principle of the invention, the upper closure portion 60 remains permanently suspended from the rails 12 and 13 of the modulation circuit 11 and allows the enclosure 50 to move along the X and Y axes by means of the transport robot 30, while the lower storage portion 70 is either attached to said upper closure portion 60, in the raised position, or detached from it, in the lowered position, as will be explained later. Put simply, the upper closure portion 60 remains permanently hidden while the lower storage portion 70 is the one that descends to the user so that they can fill / empty it.

[0120] More specifically, the upper portion 60 has a lower peripheral rim 61 and the lower portion 70 has an upper peripheral rim 71 which align with the lower peripheral rim 61 of the upper portion 60 in the closed position of the box 50.

[0121] The aim is for the lower portion 70 of the housing 50 to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. It is therefore essential to maximize the integration of the visible mechanical elements on the upper portion 60 of said housing.

[0122] For this purpose, the lower peripheral rim 61 of the upper portion 60 of the box 50 has prominent positioning pins 62 preferably made of metal, while the other upper peripheral rim 71 of the lower portion 70 of said box 50 has bores 72, the positioning pins 62 penetrating (fitting) into said bores 72 in the closed position of the box 50 to properly align the upper portions 60 and lower portions 70 with each other when they are to meet. For example, at least two positioning pins 62 / bores 72 can be provided for each of the longer parts (longitudinal parts extending along the X axis) of the rims 61 and 71, and optionally at least one pin 62 / bore 72 for the two other shorter parts of the rims 61 and 71 (transverse parts extending along the Y axis).The bores 72 preferably receive metal reinforcing bushings to prevent any degradation of the peripheral rim 71.

[0123] An air and water seal 73, for example made of silicone elastomer (of (preferably transparent), is also provided around the entire perimeter of at least one of the peripheral edges 61 and 71 (the upper edge 71 of the lower portion of storage 70 in this case). This sealing gasket 73 is approximately 3 mm thick and compresses by approximately 2 mm.

[0124] The upper portion 60 of each box 50 further comprises an upper wall 63 provided with at least one pair of suspension pads 64 having a metal rod 64a, for example made of stainless steel, fixed to a load-bearing plate 64b (for example screwed firmly at three points into the upper wall 63) and receiving a double head 64c (two small, thin plates with a substantially square cross-section with rounded corners, known as a "squircle") surrounding a prominence 64d of the metal rod 64a), said heads 64c of said suspension pads 64 being adapted to fit into the rib 12d / 13d provided between the folded-down tabs of the lower portion of the rails 12 and 13 in order to allow the box 50 concerned to slide in the X and U directions by means of the carrier 30.

[0125] It is important to note at this stage that it is these suspension blocks 64 which are used to carry the boxes 50 (empty or filled) and not the carrier 30 as will be explained later, the weight of these boxes being more precisely supported permanently by two adjacent rails 12 and two adjacent rails 13 along which the boxes 50 travel.

[0126] Each suspension mount 64 thus allows the considered enclosure 50 to move within the grid defined by the central assembly 11 (modulation circuit). The principle used is based primarily on the sliding of the heads 64c, preferably made of a plastic material having a good coefficient of sliding (low coefficient of friction) so that the movement of the carrier 30 moving the The 50 bearings should be positioned along the X and Y axes as easily and smoothly as possible to minimize the force required. For example, the material used for the double head 64c of the suspension lugs 64 is HDPE 1000, which has a coefficient of friction between 0.15 and 0.3. Each suspension lug 64 can be made from a single molded piece (or 3D printed), preferably in the plastic material mentioned above.

[0127] In practice, the two plastic elements constituting the head 64c of each suspension stud 64 are positioned on either side of the metal tabs of the lower portion of the rails 12 and 13, the protrusion 64d allowing the sliding of the studs 64 in each groove 12d or 13d. A small functional clearance (on the order of 0.3 mm) is provided on either side (above and below) of the elements of the double head 64c, while a small functional clearance (on the order of 0.2 mm) is provided between the diameter of the protrusion 64d and the width of the groove 12d or 13d. Thus, for an internal dimension of the lower portion of rail 12 or 13 measuring approximately 34 mm wide by approximately 16 mm high, the elements 64c of the head each measure approximately 33.7 mm on each side by approximately 4.4 mm thick (the central metal prominence 64d of the rod 64b measuring, for example, approximately 5 mm thick).Thus, the rod 64a allows the bottom of the rail 12 or 13 to be moved away from the top of the housing 50, while leaving sufficient space for the passage of part of a locking system 80 described later. As previously mentioned, the plate 64b serves to support the load of the storage housing 50. It is preferably positioned inside the upper portion 60 of said housing 50 so that the entire surface supports the load, in particular thanks to circular recesses formed on the inner face of the upper wall 63, the rod 64a then passing through the thickness of said wall.

[0128] As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated by Figures 22 and 23, the elements of which described below can be integrated into the embodiment of Figures 16 to 21, the upper portion 60 of each box 50 also comprises two side walls 65, each with a pair of pads 66. These side pads 66, preferably made of HDPE 1000, serve two purposes. First, they allow the boxes 50 to move along the longitudinal Y direction, so that they push against each other without damaging the visible part of the side walls 65. Second, they prevent collisions with the fastening systems 80 of the box portions 50, as described below.

[0129] The upper portion 60 of each box 50 also comprises a front wall 67 equipped with at least one pair of front sliding pads 68, and preferably two identical pairs, arranged near its vertical edges. These front sliding pads 68 are in the form of elongated strips. Slightly protruding (a few mm thick), preferably made of PET, are positioned to fit into longitudinal U-shaped grooves 76 extending along the entire length of a dorsal wall 77 of each of the lower portions 70. These grooves preferably receive a U-shaped aluminum metal profile to increase their strength. The interaction of the pads 68 within the grooves 76, through penetration, guides the modules 50 in their movements along the Y-axis and prevents them from buckling. Using plastic materials with a good coefficient of friction limits the friction and noise generated by the modules moving against each other along the Y-axis, while also creating a degree of homogeneity and mechanical resistance (through a "block" effect) among several adjacent modules 50.

[0130] Indeed, each side wall 65 of the upper portion 60 of a box 50 comprises such a fastening system 80 allowing the two upper 60 and lower 70 portions of the box 50 to be locked together in the closed position. More specifically, this fastening system 80 comprises, for each side wall 65, a locking tab (plate) 81 articulated around a pivot 82 and equipped, at its respective ends, on the one hand with an upper activation tab 83 and on the other hand with a lower hook 84 cooperating, in the closed position of the upper 60 and lower 70 portions, with a hooking axis 74 projecting laterally from a side wall 75 of the lower portion 70 of said box 50.

[0131] The lower portion 70 of each box 50 also includes a bottom wall 78 equipped, at the level of longitudinal edges, on the one hand with two pairs of displacement notches 79 cooperating with the carrier 30 and on the other hand with positioning studs 90 placed under said bottom wall 78.

[0132] The notches 79 allow the conveyor 30 to move a container 50 along the Y direction by means of two pairs of tabs 38 extending vertically from the structure 32 of the conveyor 30 and which penetrate into the notches. These notches 79 are, for example, fairly strong metal profiles screwed into recesses (counters) provided for this purpose in the edges of the bottom wall 78. The system of notches 79 and tabs 38 can, for example, be replaced by a magnetic cone system.

[0133] Figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the carrier 30 in which the Structure 32 is slightly different, and the supports 38 have a different shape. A worm gear system can be used in this alternative to replace the rack and pinion system for moving the box 50 along the Y-axis and removing it from the supports 38.

[0134] The positioning blocks 90 for the bottom wall 78 cooperate with openings 101 made in a bottom wall 102 of a platform 100 belonging to secondary means 200 of vertical transport generally visible in figures 1 to 3. It should be noted that these positioning pads 90 can take any shape as long as they can be received in openings 101 of suitable shape.

[0135] As can be seen in Figures 27 and 28, the platform 100 consists mainly of an "L"-shaped structure made up of a bottom wall 102 and a back wall 104, these two walls preferably being made of a single piece. The bottom wall 102 has a sensor 160 that measures the weight of the supported container 50. It is possible to equip each of the openings 101 in the bottom wall 102 with such a sensor 160 in order to measure the distribution of the weight of the container 50 resting on the platform 100. This information can be used to indicate to the user that their container 50 is unbalanced in its load, which could hinder or even prevent its ascent by the platform 100.

[0136] The secondary movement means 200 allow the platform 100 (and therefore a storage box 50 resting on it) to move vertically (arrow V) along two parallel rails 110 fixed against a vertical wall 4 of part P in a known manner. These rails 110 terminate at the top in a high loading zone 5 of the device 1, formed by an opening in a protective and masking casing 20 surrounding the central assembly 10 (see [Fig. 5]). The rails 110 thus serve as guides (they are not, a priori, motorized, even though they could be) for the platform 100.

[0137] To this end, these rails 110 are in the form of common "closed U" shaped metal profiles inside which two parallel pairs of superimposed guide pads 120 slide vertically. These pads are securely fixed to the back wall 104 of the platform 100. These pads 120 have the same structure as the suspension lugs 64 of the upper portion 60 of the box 50 (plate, rod, double head made of plastic with a good coefficient of sliding, protrusion sandwiched between the elements constituting the double head). It is therefore unnecessary to describe them in more detail. The rails 110 also have the same structure as the rails 12 and 13, namely a back portion for fixing to the wall 4 and a front portion for sliding the guide pads 120.

[0138] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by figures 29 to 31, the skates 120 consist of a plate 121 connected to a rod 122 surmounted by a head 123 comprising a first element 124 inside which is incorporated a disc 125 mounted on a square end 126 of the rod 122. The operation of this skate is identical and it allows the platform 100 to slide vertically in the rails 110.

[0139] A third central rail 112 may be provided as an option between the two rails 110 to supply electricity to the platform 100. Preferably panels of Masking 115 made of wood or plasterboard covers all non-useful parts of the rails 110 and will leave only the sliding openings of the pads 120 visible. The rails 110 may also include a bristle system (not shown) of a known type to prevent / reduce the penetration of debris or dust into their respective sliding openings of the pads 120.

[0140] The platform 100 is driven in vertical motion by a motorized system 130 comprising, in this case, two traction cables 131 connected to at least one rotary motor 132 linked to two winders 133 by a common shaft 134, said traction cables 131 being further tensioned over upper return pulleys 135. It is possible to provide two rotary motors 132 spaced apart, driven by a common winder / unwinder motor shaft. Each traction cable 131 is attached to the platform 100 by means of fasteners 106 provided on its back wall 104.

[0141] It is also possible, as illustrated in [Fig.31], to provide "endless" winders 133 with double traction cables 131 for each of the vertical rails 110, each double traction cable 131 passing around two high return pulleys 135 before descending to the attachments 106 of the platform.

[0142] A brake-type cable locking system 136 is also provided to stop any movement of the platform 100 in the event of detection of a potential risk (excessive load, obstacle). This brake 136 is positioned so as to compress each traction cable 131 when the housing 50 is stopped. It releases automatically when there is movement. For this purpose, a monostable electromagnet is used, for example, which compresses the traction cable 131 when the power supply is deactivated. This brake 136 could be replaced by the use of a worm gear reducer, which has the characteristic of being irreversible and therefore only moving when movement is generated by the motor (when not moving, the system remains static).

[0143] A second safety weighing system 137, linked this time to the cables (or to the motor(s)), is also provided to detect the weight of the assembly consisting of the platform 100 and the box 50 in order not to damage the traction cables 131, the motor(s) 132 or the pulleys 133.

[0144] An obstacle detector 161, located on the path of the mobile receiving platform 100, is positioned within each of the vertical guide rails 110 to prevent any movement of the platform if an object is detected, in order to avoid in particular damaging the rails 110 or the suspension pads 120.

[0145] The motor(s) 132 positioned opposite the rails 110, sockets (welded hollow tubes) are preferably provided transversely (along the X direction) through the longitudinal rails 13 for the passage of the traction cables 131. These sockets 14 can be replaced by small pulleys arranged below or above the longitudinal rails 12. It is also possible to replace the bushings 14 (or pulleys) with simple openings, preferably wider (for example oblong), allowing to reduce or even prevent any contact between the traction cables 131 and the rails 13.

[0146] A material capable of absorbing possible vibrations generated by the movement of the boxes and the vibration of the various motors can also be placed on the area between the guide rails 12 and 13 and the ceiling 3, for example rubber strips or pads.

[0147] It is also planned to double the guide bushings (side by side) for the realization of a closed loop with the traction cable 131.

[0148] The platform 100 also incorporates electronic components, in particular an electronic board, the four load cells mentioned above, limit switches (for example, four sensors evenly distributed under the bottom panel 102 of the platform 100), and a known type of LED strip placed, for example, on the front edge of the bottom panel 102. The limit switches detect movement of the lower portion 70 of the storage box 50 in order to prevent collisions between the platform 100 and an object located below. The LED strip diffuses light and provides a visual indicator to the user regarding the load in the box through a color variation (green = OK, red = box too heavy / unbalanced).The height of the band on the platform also indicates the maximum height not to be exceeded when filling the 50 box.

[0149] A control console 150, for example a touchscreen, is positioned, for example, near the vertical guide rails, at eye level (approximately 1m50). This console 150 includes a microprocessor containing a program that communicates with the control electronics of the various mechanical elements of the device 1 and calls upon an identified storage compartment 50. The screen can, for example, display a summary of the objects stored in each of the compartments 50, which have been previously entered into the system, or automatically scanned by a smart camera with automatic object recognition, or by means of RFID chips / readers. The device can also be controlled remotely via a dedicated application installed on a smartphone or computer.

[0150] The program preferably uses an internally operating self-learning algorithm to track user behavior. This program allows the stored drawers to be organized and one or more to be lowered according to the user's habits. This allows drawers used regularly at certain times of the day (morning / evening) to be lowered more quickly. or time of year (weekday / weekend, summer / winter). The program also includes a function allowing the system to self-analyze and adapt to its environment. This will make it possible to identify potential weaknesses and also allow the program to adapt to the aging of the installation.

[0151] In order for the two portions 60 and 70 of the box 50 to be joined together, two linear actuators 85 (of the cylinder type) can pull or push the upper activation tab 83 by means of a gripper 87 so as to transform a linear movement of said tab 83 into a rotational movement of the locking tab 81 around its pivot 82 so that the lower hook 84 engages or disengages from the hooking axis 74. [Fig. 35] illustrates a first embodiment of joining referred to as "horizontal movement" which relates to the boxes of Figures 22 and 23, while [Fig. 36] illustrates a joining solution referred to as "vertical movement" which relates to the boxes of Figures 16, 24 and 25.

[0152] Since the actuator 85 is preferably chosen with low power, there must be no element obstructing its trajectory. For this reason, a combination of movements is necessary. This combination is achieved by the platform 100, which compresses the sealing gasket 73 completely by pressing the lower portion 70 against the upper portion 60 by approximately 1 mm during its upward movement. This then allows for a maximum of one millimeter of play between the peripheral edges 61 and 71 to release any tension that was present on the locking tab 81. The shape of the hook 84 is also important. For this reason, the bottom of this hook 84 describes a curved trajectory centered on the pivot 82, which generates automatic retention once the portions 60 and 70 are attached by the compression of the gasket 73.

[0153] Description of the movement of one (or more) box(es) 50 along the X axis: - The transporter 30 positions itself with regard to a box 50 (a priori filled with objects) present in front of it thanks to a movement along the X axis produced by the motor 42 and the toothed belt 41; - The transporter 30 pushes the container 50 along its entire stroke along the Y axis; - The transporter 30 returns to its initial position along the X axis; - Carrier 30 is available again to make a new move along the X axis (then Y axis).

[0154] Description of the movement of one (or more) box(es) along the Y axis: - The transporter 30 positions itself in front of a box 50 in front of it thanks to a movement along the X axis (arrow T) produced by the motor 42 and the toothed belt 41; - The transporter 30 advances approximately 10-20 mm along the Y axis (arrow L) thanks to the motor system 37, toothed wheel 36 and racks 35. The studs 38 of the transporter 30 engage in the housings 79 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50; - The transporter 30 moves and positions itself at the new desired position along the X axis (arrow T) thanks to the motor 42 and the toothed belt 41; - The robot transporter 30 moves back approximately 10-20 mm along the Y axis (arrow L) thanks to the motor system 37, toothed wheel 36 and racks 35. The pads 38 of the transporter 30 disengage from the housings 79 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50; - Carrier 30 is available again to make another move along the Y axis.

[0155] Description of the displacement of one (or more) box(es) along the Z axis: - A box 50 is positioned in front of the descent zone 5 using a combination of movement of the transporter 30 along the X and Y axes, as described previously; - The platform 100 rises by actuating the motorization along the Z axis using the motor 142 and the cables 141 so that the studs 90 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50 fit into the housings 101 of the platform; - Platform 100 continues to rise slightly over a distance of about one millimeter to relieve the stress on the locking system 80 of box 50; - The electric cylinders 85 are activated to release the lower portion 70 of the box 50 from the upper part 60; - Platform 100 descends to the desired height by activating the motorization along the Z axis, and rises again following the reverse process once the user has finished using the box in the lower position (partial or total filling / emptying); - A new 50mm caisson descent is ready to be made.

[0156] The box 50 is made in two separate parts for reasons of sealing (to prevent air, moisture and dust infiltration inside the box thanks to the seal 73), to facilitate its use thanks to more ergonomic shapes, to reduce the quantity of costly aesthetic elements, to reduce the load supported by the platform, to optimize any maintenance time when the customer wishes to change the box.

[0157] It must be clearly understood that the detailed description of the object of the Invention, given solely by way of illustration, does not in any way constitute a limitation, technical equivalents also being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0158] Thus, the positioning pins 62 can be arranged on the upper peripheral rim 71 of the lower portion 70 of each box 50, in which case the bores 72 are arranged on the lower peripheral rim 61 of the upper portion 60 of said box 50 (reversal of male / female structure).

[0159] The positioning studs 90 of the bottom wall 78 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50 can be replaced by recessed housings, in which case the housings 101 of the platform 100 are replaced by protrusions (reversal of male / female structure).

[0160] The two guide rails 110 can be replaced by a single central rail, in which case only one central pair of pads 120 is provided, superimposed vertically on the back wall 105 of the platform 100.

[0161] According to another variant, there are indeed two rails 110, but they are slightly further apart. In this case, the pads 120 are not supported by the back wall 105 of the platform 100 and oriented towards the wall 4, but are arranged on the edge 103 of said platform 100, so that the open areas of the "closed U"s of the rails 110 face each other rather than being perpendicular to the wall 4 which supports said rails 110.

[0162] The 50 boxes can take other forms than the "rectangular parallelepiped" shape (cubic, spherical, oblong, etc.), be made of various materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc.), or include a glazed wall, a door, drawers, internal dividers, compartments, etc.

[0163] The linking system between the upper portion 60 and the lower portion 70 of the box 50 can be made in different ways using in particular magnets, suction cups, cams, screwed elements, an anti-theft type system, a quick-release tapping chuck type system, a fork type system.

[0164] Several loading areas 5, and therefore several up / down rails 110, can be provided, in particular when the number of boxes 50 is large.

[0165] Several devices 1 conforming to the present invention can share the same loading area 5 and the same up / down rails 110.

[0166] The platform 100 might not contain a bottom wall 102, in which case the storage box 50 would be attached to it by a vertical indexing system.

[0167] The platform 100 could be designed to move two caissons 50 simultaneously one above the other.

[0168] The vertical guide rails 110 may include their own integrated vertical movement system for the platform 100. The platform 100 may itself integrate its own raising and lowering system along said rails.

[0169] The entire system is modular in the sense that it can be made entirely to measure according to the dimensions of the room to be furnished, the various installation constraints (in particular the ceiling height), and, of course, the needs expressed.

Claims

Demands

1. Modular storage device (1) for an interior room (1) defined by a floor (2), a ceiling (3) and at least one side wall (4) rising between said floor (2) and said ceiling (3), said device (1) comprising at least one supporting structure (10) intended to be hung from the ceiling (3) and / or said wall (4) and provided with principal means (30) for moving at least one movable storage unit (50) in two perpendicular directions (X, Y) defining a substantially horizontal plane and secondary means (200) for moving said unit (50), along a vertical Z axis along the wall (4), between a high storage position in which said unit is retracted near said ceiling (3) and a low operating position in which the interior of the unit is accessible, the supporting structure (10) comprising a central assembly (11) of rails (12,13; 15) perpendicular to each other so as to form a grid comprising a first set of longitudinal rails (12) parallel to each other and a second set of transverse rails (13) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rails (12) of the first set, the supporting structure (10) comprising at least one first upper lateral rail (15) supporting a motorized carrier (30) of box (50) circulating linearly along said first upper lateral rail (15) in a first direction of movement X, characterized in that the secondary means (200) are distinct from the main means (30) and the motorized carrier (30) comprises a vertical post (34) fixed rigidly to a hooking guide (31) hooked under the first upper lateral rail (15) and supporting a transverse selection arm (32) extending along a second axis Y, perpendicular to the first axis X,said transverse selection arm (32) being adapted to move a storage box (50) carried by the central assembly (11) of transport rails (12, 13).

2. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motorized carrier (30) slides along a longitudinal guide profile (18) parallel to the first upper lateral rail (15) by means of a transmission belt (41) engaged with at least one sprocket (45).

3. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first upper lateral rail (15) comprises two parallel U-shaped profiles arranged back to back and whose respective openings (15f) are opposed to receive a hooking guide (31) of the motorized carrier (30).

4. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first upper lateral rail (15) comprises a central support rail and two U-shaped lateral rails arranged back to back and whose respective openings (15f) are opposed to receive a hooking guide (31) of the motorized carrier (30), the whole forming a single support and guide profile.

5. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse selection arm (32) of the motorized carrier comprises a reversible hooking system (38) actuable when a storage box (50) is placed above said transverse arm to move said box (50) from one location to another and vice versa.

6. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reversible attachment system (38) consists of several electromagnet pads cooperating with corresponding magnetic insertion cones arranged under the storage box (50).

7. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reversible attachment system (38) consists of two pairs of legs erected vertically from the structure (32) of the carrier (30) and which penetrate notches (79) provided under the storage box (50).

8. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transverse selection arm (32) of the motorized conveyor (32) further comprises a pusher (33) movable in translation alternately about the Y axis and an actuator (35, 36, 37) mechanically associated with said movable pusher (33) to slide a box (50) by means of said transverse arm from a first initial location to a second destination location.

9. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pusher (33) has a cross or T shape and the actuator is a motor (37) linked to a toothed wheel (36) in constant mesh with two racks (35) and rotating in one direction or the other to produce the alternating back-and-forth movements of said pusher (33) along the Y axis.

10. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the supporting structure (10) comprises two parallel lateral upper rails (15) each supporting at least one motorized carrier (30).

11. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (10) is connected to at least one vertical guide rail (110) for translational movement from top to bottom and from bottom to top of a storage box (50) and means (130) for moving said box (50) along said vertical rail (110).

12. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the means (130) for vertical movement of the storage box (50) comprise: - a mobile platform (100) for receiving the box (50) sliding along the vertical guide rail (110), and - a motorized drive element (133) connected to the supporting structure (10) and comprising at least one tensioned cable (131) attached on one side to a winding motor (132) and on the other side to said platform (100).

13. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the platform (100) has a substantially "L" shape and comprises: - a first back wall (104) provided with at least one pad (120) cooperating by sliding with the vertical guide rail (110), and - a second bottom wall (102) intended to receive a storage box (50).

14. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the back wall (104) of the platform (100) is provided with two pads (120) cooperating respectively by sliding with two vertical guide rails (110) spaced laterally apart from each other.

15. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the back wall (104) of the platform has two opposing lateral slices (103), each slice (103) being equipped with a pair of pads (120), respectively upper and lower, each pair of pads (120) cooperating by sliding with a vertical guide rail (110).

16. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the platform (100) is connected to at least one cable (131) of the motorized drive element (133), each cable (131) passing around at least one upper return pulley (135) before being connected to a common rotating shaft (134) of the winding motor (132).

17. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that each vertical guide rail (110) contains a cable (131) and has a protective bristle strip.

18. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the motorized drive element (133) is mounted on the supporting structure (10) opposite at least one vertical guide rail (110).

19. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the winding motor (132) of the motorized drive element (133) is of the stepper or brushless type.

20. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that it comprises limit switches of the mobile receiving platform (100).

21. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that it comprises at least one weight sensor (160) of the mobile receiving platform (100).

22. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the motorized drive element comprises at least one sensor (137) of the total weight supported by the cable (131).

23. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that it comprises an obstacle detector (161) disposed on the path of the mobile receiving platform (100) along the vertical guide rail(s) (110).

24. Assembly comprising a modular storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one storage box (50) transported by said device, characterized in that each storage box (50) comprises: - an upper closing part (60) intended to move along the rails (12, 13) of the grid (11) of the supporting structure (10) to move from one location to another, for example from a storage location to a delivery location, - a lower storage part (70) entirely separable from the upper closing part (60) and intended either to rest on main means of movement (30) or to be connected to secondary means of movement (200), - removable connecting means (62, 72;80) between the upper closure part (60) and the lower storage part (70), and - an air and liquid seal (73) disposed at least locally between the upper closure part (60) and the lower storage part (70).;

25. Assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the upper closing part (60) has a top wall (63) having guide studs (64) cooperating with the longitudinal (12) and / or transverse (13) rails of the grid (11) of the supporting structure (10), said rails (12; 13) having for this purpose a lower portion (12b) with a C-shaped cross-section with an opening directed towards the ground and receiving said guide studs (64) for their sliding along the X and / or Y direction.

26. Assembly according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the upper closing part (60) comprises two opposing side walls (65) each provided with at least one lateral protective pad (66), and preferably two spaced pads.

27. ​​Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the upper closing part (60) comprises a front wall (67) provided with at least one front sliding pad (68) cooperating by sliding with a corresponding longitudinal groove (76) formed in a back wall (77) of the lower storage part (70) of another storage box (50).

28. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the lower storage part (70) comprises a back wall (77) provided with at least one rear sliding pad cooperating by sliding with a front longitudinal groove formed in a front wall (67) of the upper closing part (60) of another storage box (50).

29. Assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 28, characterized in that each storage box (50) comprises two parallel sliding pads cooperating with two parallel and spaced longitudinal sliding grooves.

30. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the removable connecting means (80) comprise at least: - an articulated hook (84) linked to the upper closing part (60), - a prominent hooking axis (74) linked to the lower storage part (70) and adapted to receive the hook (84) in a position close to contact of the upper closing part (60) and the lower storage part (70), and - a mechanical actuator (85) for rotating the articulated hook (84) to engage / disengage it from the prominent axis (74).

31. Assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that the actuator (85) is of the linear type and consists of a double-acting cylinder pushing / pulling a prominent leg (83) of the articulated hook (84).

32. Assembly according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the hooks (84) and corresponding prominent axes (74) are each two in number, one pair for each side of a storage box (50).

33. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that one of the upper closing part (60) and the lower storage part (70) is equipped with positioning pins (62) cooperating with corresponding bores (72) belonging to the other of the lower storage part (70) and the upper closing part (60) when the two parts are assembled.

34. Assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the lower peripheral rim (61) of the upper closure part (60) is equipped with two pairs of cooperating positioning pins (62) with corresponding bores (72) provided in the upper peripheral rim (71) of the lower storage part (70) when the two parts are brought together.

35. Assembly according to claim 13 and any one of claims 24 to 34, characterized in that the lower storage part (70) comprises a bottom wall (78) equipped with positioning studs (90) cooperating with openings (101) provided on the upper wall (101) of the platform (100).

36. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 35, characterized in that it comprises a module for recognizing an object placed in the lower storage part (70) of the box (50) comprising a camera integrating an object recognition algorithm or an RFID type identification module.

37. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 36, characterized in that it comprises an integrated control system (150) comprising at least one on-board programmable card equipped with a transmitter / receiver sending user requests so that the card controls the movements of the various motorized means of locomotion.

Images