Object storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage device (1) for objects comprising a parallelepiped-shaped casing (10) defined by a plurality of outer walls (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged to form at least one first hollow compartment (100a); a front wall (10d) comprising: at least one closing member (101) for the first hollow compartment (100a), said closing member (101) being movable between an open position and a closed position; at least one movable locking member (101) between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locking member (101) being adapted to cooperate with the closing member (101). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Object storage device technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of an object storage device. Prior art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to use for the storage of objects containers or lockers having a door adapted to open and close when a user wishes to deposit or take an object stored in said locker.

[0003] However, during their manufacture, the lockers are standardized and offer only one possible compartment size. Therefore, these lockers are large enough to accommodate all types of objects. If it is desired to offer lockers of different sizes, these must be custom-made. Thus, to offer lockers of different sizes, it is necessary to manufacture devices with several locker sizes that are large and therefore cumbersome and difficult to handle. Finally, due to their dimensions, these lockers are not designed to be moved once installed.

[0004] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention aims to provide a storage device for objects of standardized dimensions while offering various storage sizes within the same device and adapted for portability. Presentation of the invention.

[0005] The invention relates to an object storage device comprising: a parallelepiped-shaped casing defined by a plurality of outer walls arranged to form at least one first hollow compartment; a front wall comprising at least one closing element for the first hollow compartment, said closing element being movable between an open position and a closed position; and at least one locking element movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration under the action of an actuator, said locking element being adapted to cooperate with the closing element. The invention is notable in that two of the walls of the plurality of outer walls are side walls and in that the casing comprises, on at least one of said side walls, a gripping element.

[0006] The parallelepiped-shaped casing may have a plurality of parallel walls. The casing may have two parallel side walls orthogonal to a rear wall. The casing may also have a top wall and a bottom wall. The outer walls of the casing may form a hollow compartment. The hollow compartment may be adapted to hold objects For example, clothing, parcels, or shopping bags. The hollow compartment can be adapted to store items. The hollow compartment can also be adapted to dispense items that have previously been received and stored.

[0007] The housing may include a front panel with an opening closed by a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism may be a door or a hatch. The closing mechanism may be movable between an open and a closed position.

[0008] The housing may include a locking member configured to cooperate with the closing member. The locking member may adopt a locked and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the locking member may be adapted to hold the closing member in the closed position. In the unlocked configuration, the closing member is not locked. Thus, when an actuator actuates the locking member to move it from the locked to the unlocked configuration, the closing member can be unlocked so that it automatically moves from the closed to the open position.Similarly, when a user pushes the closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position, the locking mechanism can switch from the unlocked to the locked configuration in order to keep the closing mechanism in the closed position. In this case, the user can act as an actuator.

[0009] The front panel may include a return mechanism arranged to return the closing mechanism to its open position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. Thus, the return mechanism can allow the door to open automatically when the locking mechanism is unlocked by the actuator.

[0010] At least one of the side walls of the housing may include a gripping element. The gripping element may allow the storage device to be moved easily. In a particular embodiment, the gripping element may cooperate with a complementary gripping element mounted on an object dispensing device.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the object storage device can have standardized external dimensions but still allow for different storage sizes within the same device. Furthermore, thanks to the gripping element, it becomes easy to move the object storage device.

[0012] Advantageously, the case comprises at least a first inner wall arranged to separate the first compartment and a second compartment and in that the front wall comprises at least two closing mechanisms.

[0013] The housing may include at least one first inner wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first inner wall can be vertical so that it delimits the first compartment and a second compartment so that they can be positioned next to each other.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first inner wall can be horizontal so that it delimits the first compartment and a second compartment so that they can be positioned one above the other.

[0016] In both of these embodiments, each of the first and second compartments may include its own closing device.

[0017] Advantageously, the first inner wall is a vertical wall.

[0018] The first vertical wall can delimit the first compartment and the second compartment so that they can be juxtaposed.

[0019] In this embodiment, the front wall may include a cavity from which the locking mechanism can be manually accessed. Indeed, in the event of a malfunction, it may therefore be possible to manually unlock the locking mechanism from the cavity and thus access the contents of the corresponding hollow compartment.

[0020] Advantageously, the case includes at least a second horizontal inner wall arranged to separate the first and a third compartment and to separate the second and a fourth compartment.

[0021] In this embodiment, the housing may comprise the first vertical wall and a second horizontal inner wall. The second inner wall may be orthogonal to the first vertical wall. The second horizontal wall, together with the first vertical wall, may form four hollow compartments.

[0022] In another embodiment, the housing may include a third internal wall, which may be horizontal. In another embodiment, the housing may include a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth horizontal internal wall.

[0023] In this embodiment, the case may have two columns of compartments. The case may have between one and eight rows of compartments. In this embodiment, the case may therefore have between two and sixteen compartments.

[0024] In this embodiment, the front panel may include a cavity adapted to allow manual release of each of the locking mechanisms. Indeed, in the event of a malfunction, it may therefore be possible to manually unlock each of the locking mechanisms from the cavity and thus access the contents of the various corresponding hollow compartments.

[0025] Advantageously, the first inner wall is a horizontal wall.

[0026] The first horizontal wall can delimit the first compartment and the second compartment so that they can be positioned one above the other.

[0027] Advantageously, the case includes at least one second horizontal inner wall arranged to separate the second compartment and another compartment.

[0028] In this embodiment, the housing may include the first horizontal wall and a second horizontal inner wall. The second inner wall may be parallel to the first horizontal wall. The second horizontal wall may, together with the first horizontal wall, form three hollow compartments.

[0029] In another embodiment, the housing may include a third internal wall, which may be horizontal. In another embodiment, the housing may include a fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh horizontal internal wall.

[0030] In this embodiment, the housing may have one column of compartments. The housing may have between one and eight rows of compartments. In this embodiment, the housing may therefore have between two and eight compartments.

[0031] Advantageously, one of the walls of the plurality of external walls is a rear wall, opposite the front wall, comprising a fastening element and in that the storage device comprises a guiding means comprising a complementary fastening element adapted to cooperate with the fastening element of said rear wall.

[0032] The housing may include a rear wall opposite the front wall. The rear wall may include an upper end with a fastening element. A guide element may be mounted on the rear wall, the guide element and the rear wall being continuous with each other. The guide element may include a complementary fastening element adapted to cooperate with the fastening element of the rear wall.

[0033] The guiding means may comprise a first portion continuous with the rear wall of the housing and a second portion perpendicular to said first portion so as to form an angle between them. The angle formed by the guiding means may be forward or backward. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is forward. The guiding means may facilitate the movement of the object storage device by cooperation with an object dispensing device.

[0034] Advantageously, each side wall includes a gripping member.

[0035] In one embodiment, the object storage device may include a gripping member on each of its side walls. The use of two gripping members may increase the standardization of said device. object storage since it is then possible to move it from either side with an additional gripping device mounted on an object distribution device.

[0036] Advantageously, one of the outer walls includes a recognition element for said device.

[0037] The recognition device can be mounted on one of the outer walls of the housing. The recognition device can be mounted on one of the side walls. Advantageously, the recognition device can be mounted on each of the side walls.

[0038] In one embodiment, the recognition element can be produced by printing on one of the walls of the housing. In another embodiment, the recognition element can be produced by engraving on one of the walls of the housing. In one embodiment, the recognition element can be produced by drilling the housing. In yet another embodiment, the recognition element can be produced by embossing on one of the walls of the housing.

[0039] The invention also relates to an object distribution device comprising a parallelepiped-shaped casing defined by a plurality of external walls, arranged to form at least one first hollow compartment; a front wall having at least one hole; a cavity mounted in the hollow compartment, at least a portion of which is positioned opposite said hole and adapted to receive an object storage device; a closing means arranged in said front wall and arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0040] The parallelepiped-shaped casing may have a plurality of parallel walls. The casing may have two parallel side walls orthogonal to a rear wall. The casing may also have a top wall and a bottom wall. The outer walls of the casing may form a hollow compartment. The hollow compartment may be adapted to hold various storage devices for objects such as, for example, clothing, packages, or shopping bags.

[0041] The housing may have a front wall with a hole. The housing may have a cavity mounted in the hollow compartment, such that at least a portion of this cavity is opposite said hole. The cavity may be adapted to receive at least a portion of said hole. The hole may be closed by a closing means. The closing means may be a door or a hatch. The closing means may be movable between an open and a closed position. The closing means may be adapted to fit different opening sizes.

[0042] Thanks to the invention, the closing means can be adapted to open onto the cavity and therefore onto an object storage device by adapting to the desired opening.

[0043] Advantageously, the cavity is configured to adopt an empty configuration in which it is devoid of the object storage device and a full configuration in which it includes the object storage device.

[0044] The cavity can be adapted to receive an object storage device. When the cavity is in a closed configuration, the closing means can become movable from the closed position to the open position so that the bore can be opened onto said cavity and thus onto the object storage device which can be housed in said cavity.

[0045] Advantageously, the closing means comprises at least an upper portion and a lower portion arranged to cooperate together.

[0046] The closing means may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion, such that said upper and lower portions may form a jaw. Said upper and lower portions may cooperate so that, when in the open position, the bore can be opened onto said cavity and thus onto the object storage device that can be housed in said cavity, and when they are in the closed position, the bore is concealed.

[0047] Advantageously, the front wall includes a drive system adapted to drive the upper portion between a first configuration called closed and a second configuration called open.

[0048] The drive system may include a worm gear. The drive system may be adapted to move the upper portion of the closing means from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.

[0049] Advantageously, the training system is adapted to train the upper portion in a third configuration called intermediate.

[0050] In one embodiment, the drive system can cause the upper portion of the closing means to move from the closed position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the closed position. The intermediate position can be defined as a semi-open position located between the closed position and the open position.

[0051] Advantageously, the drive system includes a drive element for the lower portion arranged to drive said lower portion between a first position called closed and a second determined position.

[0052] The drive system may include a drive element specifically used to drive the movement of the lower portion. The drive element This mechanism allows the upper and lower portions to be linked and held together. Specifically, the drive unit can be adapted to move the lower portion between a closed position and a second, predetermined position. The closed position can be a low position of the lower portion. The predetermined position can be an intermediate or a high position.

[0053] Advantageously, the drive system is configured to drive the upper portion simultaneously with the drive member driving the lower portion, up to the second determined position of said lower portion, and to drive only the upper portion from said determined position of said lower portion up to the second or third configuration of said upper portion.

[0054] Initially, the drive system and the drive element can simultaneously drive the upper and lower portions. When the lower portion reaches the predetermined position, the drive element can be stopped. When the lower portion reaches the predetermined position, the drive system can continue its movement, driving only the upper portion to the second or third position, namely the open or intermediate position, and leaving the lower portion in its predetermined position.

[0055] In an embodiment in which the closing means moves from the open position to the closed position, the drive system may only drive the upper portion from the open or intermediate position to the first closed position. As soon as the upper portion reaches the lower portion in its determined position, the drive system simultaneously drives the upper portion, the drive member, and the lower portion to the closed configuration of the closing means.

[0056] Advantageously, the object distribution device includes a control unit configured to communicate with a computer terminal of said device and adapted to control the drive system and the drive element following an opening instruction transmitted by said computer terminal.

[0057] The determined position of the lower portion of the closing means can be determined and dictated by the control unit. Indeed, the control unit can give an instruction regarding the opening size to the drive system and the drive element.

[0058] When a user activates the computer terminal, it can send an opening information from the closing means to the control unit, which can then be adapted to control the drive system and the drive element.

[0059] Similarly, when a user activates the computer terminal, it can send a closing information from the closing means to the control unit, which can then be adapted to control the drive system and the drive element.

[0060] Advantageously, the lower portion includes at least one first unlocking device.

[0061] The first unlocking element can unlock an object storage device when the object is in the cavity in its full configuration. The first unlocking element may include an actuator.

[0062] Advantageously, the lower portion includes a second unlocking mechanism.

[0063] In this embodiment, the lower portion may include two unlocking members adapted to unlock locking members of an object storage device when the latter is in the cavity in full configuration.

[0064] Advantageously, the control unit is capable of controlling at least one unlocking element of the object storage device following an unlocking instruction transmitted by the computer terminal.

[0065] When a user activates the computer terminal, the terminal can send an unlock signal to the control unit, which can then be adapted to control the unlocking mechanism. When the control unit receives the unlock signal, the unlocking mechanism can then be actuated to unlock an object storage device when it is in the cavity in a full configuration.

[0066] Advantageously, the cavity includes a retaining element configured to retain the object storage device when the cavity is in the full configuration.

[0067] The retaining member can be configured to retain the object storage device in the cavity when it is in full configuration, so that when the closing means is open, the bore can lead to the object storage device and not to the cavity in empty configuration.

[0068] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for depositing an object comprising the following steps: transitioning the cavity from an empty configuration to a full configuration by cooperation of said cavity with the object storage device; following the receipt of an opening instruction by the control unit from the computer terminal, simultaneous movement of the upper portion from the first configuration and of the lower portion from the first position to the second determined position; following the movement of the lower portion to the determined position, movement only of the upper portion to the second or third configuration.

[0069] Advantageously, following the movement of the upper portion to the second or third configuration, the control unit receives an instruction to unlock the object distribution device via the unlocking mechanism.

[0070] When a user operates the computer terminal, the terminal can send an opening instruction to the closing mechanism and an unlocking instruction so that an object storage device can be placed in the cavity, thereby changing the cavity from an empty to a full configuration. Once the cavity is in the full configuration, the retaining element can hold the object storage device in the cavity. The control unit then sends an opening instruction to the drive system and the drive element, which can simultaneously actuate the upper and lower portions.When the lower portion reaches the predetermined position, the drive mechanism can be stopped, and the drive system can continue its movement, driving only the upper portion to the second or third position—namely, the open or intermediate position—leaving the lower portion in its predetermined position. The control unit can then control the unlocking mechanism. When the control unit receives the unlocking signal, the unlocking mechanism can then be actuated to unlock the object storage device when it is in the cavity in its full configuration. Brief description of the figures.

[0071] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0072] [Fig-1] schematically represents a perspective view of a device storage of objects according to a particular embodiment.

[0073] [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective view of a device storage of objects according to a particular embodiment.

[0074] [Fig.3] schematically represents a perspective view of a device storage of objects according to a particular embodiment.

[0075] [Fig.4] schematically represents a perspective view of a device storage of objects according to a particular embodiment.

[0076] [Fig.5] schematically represents a perspective view of a device storage of objects according to a particular embodiment.

[0077] [Fig.6] schematically represents a portion of a perspective view of a hollow compartment whose locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration according to an embodiment.

[0078] [Fig.7] schematically represents a portion of a perspective view of a hollow compartment whose closing mechanism is in the open position according to one embodiment.

[0079] [Fig.8] schematically represents a portion of a profile view of an object storage device according to one embodiment.

[0080] [Fig.9] schematically represents a perspective view of an object storage device according to one embodiment.

[0081] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of a method of implementation.

[0082] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an object storage device 1 according to one embodiment. The object storage device 1 is also described in relation to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, which show a perspective view of a storage device 1 according to other embodiments. The object storage device 1 is also described in relation to Figures 6, 7, and 9, which show said device 1 in an open configuration according to one embodiment. Figure 8 completes the representation with a side view of a portion of the object storage device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0083] Figures [1] to [9] describe an object storage device 1 comprising a parallelepiped-shaped housing 10 defined by a rear wall 10a, two side walls 10b, 10c, a top wall, and a bottom wall arranged to form at least one first hollow compartment 100a. In the embodiment described in [1], the housing 10 comprises a single hollow compartment 100a. The hollow compartment 100a is adapted to receive objects. The hollow compartment 100a is adapted to store the objects. The hollow compartment 100a is adapted to dispense the objects that have previously been received and stored.

[0084] The housing 10 has a front wall lOd comprising a closing member 101 for the first hollow compartment 100a. The closing member 101 is movable between a closed position and an open position as described in [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 8]. The closing member 101 is a door. In [Fig. 6], the closing member 101 is in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions. In [Fig. 8], the closing member 101 is in the open position.

[0085] The front wall lOd includes a locking member 101.1. The locking member 101.1 is adapted to cooperate with the closing member 101. The locking member 101.1 is movable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration under the action of an actuator.

[0086] In the locking configuration, the locking member 101.1 is adapted to hold the closing member 101 in the closed position. In the unlocking configuration, the closing member 101 is not locked. Thus, when an external actuator actuates the locking member 101.1 to move it from the locked to the unlocked configuration, the closing member 101 is unlocked so that it automatically moves from the closed to the open position. Similarly, when a user pushes the closing member 101 from the open to the closed position, the locking member 101.1 moves from the unlocked to the locked configuration so as to hold the closing member 101 in the closed position. In this case, the user acts as the external actuator.

[0087] The front wall 101 includes a return element arranged to return said closing element 101 to its open position when the locking element 101.1 moves to the unlocked configuration. Thus, the return element can allow automatic opening of the door 101 when the locking element 101.1 is unlocked by the action of the actuator, as described in [Fig. 8].

[0088] The housing 10 has a gripping member 10.1 on each of its two side walls 10b, 10c. The gripping member 10.1 allows the storage device 1 to be moved easily. In a particular embodiment, the gripping member can cooperate with a complementary gripping member mounted on an object dispensing device.

[0089] The rear wall 10a has an upper end with a fastening member. The housing 10 has a guide means 11 with a complementary fastening member adapted to cooperate with said fastening member of said rear wall 10a. The guide means 11 is mounted on the rear wall 10a such that said guide means 11 and said rear wall 10a are continuous with each other.

[0090] The guide means 11 comprises a first portion continuous with the rear wall 10a of the housing 10 and a second portion perpendicular to said first portion so as to form an angle between them. The angle formed by the guide means 11 is forward. The guide means 11 facilitates the movement of the object storage device 1 by cooperation with an object distribution device.

[0091] Each lateral wall 10b, 10c includes a grasping member 10.1.

[0092] Each lateral wall 10b, 10c includes a recognition element 10.2. The element reconnaissance 10.2 is carried out by drilling the side wall 10b, 10c.

[0093] Figure 2 describes the housing 10 of Figure 1, which has a first inner wall 10.1 arranged to separate the first compartment 100a and a second compartment 100b. The front wall lOd has two closing elements 101. The first inner wall 10.1 is a horizontal wall such that the first compartment 100a and the second compartment 100b are positioned one above the other. The front wall lOd has two locking elements 101.1. In this embodiment, the housing 10 has one column and two rows of compartments.

[0094] Fig. 3 describes the case 10 of Fig. 2 which has a second horizontal inner wall 10.2 arranged to separate the second compartment 100b and another compartment 100e.

[0095] The second inner wall 10.2 is parallel to the first horizontal wall 10.1. The second horizontal wall 10.2, together with the first horizontal wall 10.1, forms three hollow compartments 100a, 100b, 100e. The front wall lOd has three closing elements 101. The front wall lOd has three locking elements 101.1. In this embodiment, the housing 10 has one column and three rows of compartments.

[0096] Figures 4 and 9 describe the housing 10 of Figure 1, which has a first vertical inner wall 10.1. The housing 10 has a second horizontal inner wall 10.2. The second inner wall 10.2 is orthogonal to the first vertical wall 10.1. The second horizontal wall 10.2, together with the first vertical wall 10.1, forms four hollow compartments 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The first vertical inner wall 10.1 is arranged to separate the first compartment 100a and the second compartment 100b, which are positioned side by side. The front wall lOd has four locking mechanisms 101. The second inner wall 10.2 is arranged to separate the first 100a and a third compartment 100c and to separate the second 100b and a fourth compartment lOOd. The third 100c and fourth lOOd compartments are positioned side by side.In this embodiment, the case 10 has two columns and two rows of compartments.

[0097] Fig. 5 describes the housing 10 of Fig. 4, which has a third inner wall that is horizontal and parallel to the second inner wall 10.2. In this embodiment, the housing 10 has two columns of compartments and four rows of compartments.

[0098] Figure 7 describes a plurality of cavities 101.2 mounted on one of the side walls. The object allows access to a manual unlocking of each of the locking members 101.1 from said cavity 101.2. Indeed, in the event of a malfunction, it is therefore possible to manually unlock each of the closing members 101 from the cavity 101.2 and thus access the contents of the various corresponding hollow compartments 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d.

[0099] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to offer a storage device for objects of standardized dimensions while offering various storage sizes in the same device and adapted to be able to be moved, by offering a storage device for objects having standardized external dimensions but allowing the possibility of offering different storage sizes in the same storage device and which is easy to move.

[0100] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Demands

1. Object storage device (1) comprising: - a parallelepiped-shaped case (10) defined by a plurality of outer walls (10a, 10b, 10c), arranged to form at least one first hollow compartment (100a); - a front wall (10d) comprising: • at least one closing member (101) of the first hollow compartment (100a), said closing member (101) being movable between an open position and a closed position; • at least one movable locking member (101.1) between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration under the action of an actuator, said locking member (101.1) being adapted to cooperate with the closing member (101) characterized in that two of the walls of the plurality of outer walls (10a, 10b, 10c) are side walls (10b, 10c) and in that the housing (10) has on at least one of said side walls (10b, 10c), a gripping member (10b.1).

2. Object storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the case (10) comprises at least one first inner wall (10.1) arranged to separate the first compartment (100a) and a second compartment (100b) and in that the front wall (10d) comprises at least two closing members (101).

3. Object storage device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the first inner wall (10.1) is a vertical wall.

4. Object storage device (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the case (10) has at least one second horizontal inner wall (10.2) arranged to separate the first (100a) and a third compartment (100c) and to separate the second (100b) and a fourth compartment (100d).

5. Object storage device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the first inner wall (10.1) is a horizontal wall.

6. Object storage device (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the case (10) has at least one second horizontal inner wall (10.2) arranged to separate the second compartment (100b) and another compartment (100e).

7. Object storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the walls of the plurality of outer walls (10a, 10b, 10c) is a rear wall (10a), opposite the front wall (10d), comprising a fastening member and in that the storage device (1) comprises a guiding means (11) comprising a complementary fastening member adapted to cooperate with the fastening member of said rear wall (10a).

8. Object storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side wall (10b, 10c) has a gripping member (10b.1, 10c.1).

9. Object storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the outer walls (10a, 10b, 10c) has a recognition device (10b.2, 10c.2) for said device (1).

Images