Horizontally and vertically movable modular storage device

The modular storage device addresses the inefficiencies of traditional storage solutions by using ceiling space and advanced travel mechanisms, offering optimized storage, accessibility, and aesthetics.

WO2025056635A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-20UNVOID +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/075419
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-12
Filing Date
2024-09-12
Publication Date
2025-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing storage solutions, such as vertical cupboards and shelves, occupy valuable space, are aesthetically unpleasing, and offer limited accessibility, especially in small areas.

Method used

A modular storage device that utilizes unused ceiling space, featuring a carrier structure with horizontal and vertical travel mechanisms to move storage boxes between high and low positions, optimizing storage volume and accessibility.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides efficient use of vertical space, enhances accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and maintains a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing environment, while also reducing the need for physical relocation of items.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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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 extending between the floor and the ceiling, the device (1) comprising at least one support structure (10), intended to be attached to the ceiling and / or to the wall and provided with primary means (30) for moving at least one storage box (50) that is movable in two perpendicular directions (X, Y) defining a substantially horizontal plane, characterised in that the device further comprises secondary means (200) for moving the box (50) between a high, storage position in which the box is stowed close to the ceiling and a low, usage position in which the interior of the box is accessible.
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Description

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 relates to an optimized, modular and intelligent discreet storage device.

[0002] The invention finds applications both for individuals (bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathrooms, corridors, attics, etc.), in order to optimize their living space (particularly in small areas), but also in the professional field such as the layout of offices, coworking spaces, warehouses (handling), meeting rooms, shops, in the hotel and accommodation sector in general, or even the medical field (hospitals, EHPAD / retirement homes, etc.). Prior art

[0003] In the field of home improvement for individuals (houses / apartments), there are already many types of devices used to store clothes, shoes, linens, toys, decorative objects, everyday accessories, kitchen utensils, bottles, boxes, electrical appliances for domestic use, etc. The most common of these are vertical cupboards, with doors or drawers, chests, wardrobes, nightstands, dressers, chests of drawers, shelves, etc. Each of these pieces of furniture has a number of disadvantages. Objects placed on shelves are in full view of everyone and can collect dust or fall and break or cause accidents. Closed furniture such as cupboards, wardrobes, chests or similar take up a significant amount of floor space, which reduces the surface area of ​​the room in which they are installed.

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

[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 many storage solutions that generally always use shelves, often very high and close to each other, sometimes robotic. However, these robotic / automated devices used in huge warehouses for storing parts before shipping (mail order) are particularly expensive and unsuitable for offices or individual or collective homes.

[0007] The idea behind this innovation is to use a part of a home (bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc.) or office, some of which are not used / usable (ceiling, cellar, attic, etc.) to store everyday belongings and objects in modules. Examples include clothing / shoes, utensils and cookware, etc. for individuals, and documents such as office archives for professionals.

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

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach. The solution makes it possible to simplify the daily lives of users, by knowing exactly where things are stored, by simplifying access to goods for people with reduced mobility (accessibility and practicality). At the same time, the solution can help avoid moving due to lack of space, build smaller properties, and feel more comfortable in small spaces since the system allows you to find your living spaces as goods are stored in unused / usable spaces.

[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 supporting structure intended to be hung from the ceiling and / or said wall and provided with main means for moving at least one movable 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 close to said ceiling and a low use position in which the interior of the box is accessible.

[0011] This solution allows you to use an underused volume (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 homes where space is limited and where it is possible to easily use part of the available ceiling height (with or without false ceiling) over a certain area (not necessarily the entire area of ​​the room in question) in order to benefit from a storage area that is large 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 in any technically effective combination.

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

[0015] This solution also allows you to take advantage of a wall to support and guide the vertical movement of the box in order to facilitate access, without taking up a large volume.

[0016] Preferably, the supporting structure comprises a central assembly of box transport / guide 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 supporting structure comprising at least one first upper lateral rail supporting a motorized box transporter circulating linearly along said first upper lateral rail in a first direction of movement X.

[0017] This solution provides a rigid and solid, yet lightweight and versatile supporting structure, with a small footprint and elements that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0018] More specifically, the motorized conveyor is hooked under the first upper side rail and slides along an elongated guide profile parallel to the first upper side rail using 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 an additional characteristic, the first upper lateral rail comprises two parallel U-shaped profiles arranged back to back and whose respective openings are opposite to receive a hooking guide for the motorized conveyor.

[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 opposite to receive a hooking guide of the motorized conveyor, the assembly forming a single support and guide profile.

[0022] These solutions each provide simple, efficient and reliable guidance along the upper rail profiles.

[0023] Additionally, the motorized conveyor comprises a vertical upright fixedly attached 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 transverse selection arm of the motorized conveyor comprises a reversible hooking system that can be activated when a storage box is placed above said transverse arm to move said box from one location to another and vice versa.

[0025] More precisely, the reversible hanging system consists of several electromagnet studs cooperating with corresponding magnetic fitting cones fitted under the storage box.

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

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transverse selection arm of the motorized conveyor further comprises a pusher movable in translation in an alternative manner along the Y axis and an actuator mechanically associated with said movable pusher to slide a box using said transverse 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 upper lateral rails parallel to each other and each supporting at least one motorized conveyor.

[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 and from bottom to top of a storage box and means for moving said box along said vertical rail.

[0031] According to a complementary aspect, the means of vertical movement of the storage box comprise: - a mobile platform for receiving the box sliding along the vertical guide rail, and - a motorized drive element connected to the supporting structure and comprising at least one taut cable attached on the one hand to a winding motor and on the other hand to said platform.

[0032] According to an additional characteristic, the platform has a substantially “L” shape and comprises: - a first back wall provided 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] Alternatively, the back wall of the platform is provided with two runners 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 opposite side sections, each section 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 high 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 protective hair band.

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

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

[0039] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the device comprises end-of-travel sensors 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 comprises at least one sensor of the total weight supported by the cable.

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

[0043] Preferably, each storage box includes: - an upper closing part intended to circulate along the rails of the grid of the supporting structure to move from one location to another, for example from a storage location to a delivery location, - a lower storage part which is entirely separable from the upper closing part and intended either to rest on the main means of movement or to be connected to the secondary means of movement, - removable connecting means between the upper closing part and the lower storage part, and - an air and liquid seal arranged at least locally between the upper closing part and the lower storage part.

[0044] According to a complementary aspect, the upper closing part has a top wall comprising guide studs 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 section with an opening directed towards the ground and receiving said guide studs for their sliding in the X and / or Y direction.

[0045] More specifically, the upper closing portion comprises two opposite side walls each provided with at least one protective side pad, and preferably two spaced pads.

[0046] Preferably, the upper closing part comprises a front wall provided with at least one front shoe cooperating by sliding with a corresponding groove provided 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 characteristic, the removable connecting means comprise at least: - an articulated hook linked to the upper closing part, - a prominent hooking axis linked to the lower storage part and capable of receiving the hook in a close contact position between the upper closing part and the lower storage part, and - a mechanical actuator for rotating the articulated hook to engage / disengage it from the protruding axis.

[0050] Additionally, 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 protruding pins 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 brought together.

[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 comprises 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 integrating an object recognition algorithm or an RFID-type identification module.

[0057] Advantageously, it includes an integrated control system 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 transport.

[0058] According to an additional feature, the programmable card comprises 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, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the following description given, for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0061] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view from above of a modular storage device according to the present invention;

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

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

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

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

[0066] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a conveyor belonging to the device of Figures 1 to 5;

[0067] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a supporting structure belonging to the device of Figures 1 to 5;

[0068] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of a supporting structure belonging to the device of Figures 1 to 5;

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

[0070] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a sectional view of an element belonging to the supporting structure;

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

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

[0073] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a sectional view of an upright of the conveyor;

[0074] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a detail view of a drive element of the conveyor;

[0075] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of Figure 11;

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0082] [Fig. 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of Figure 16;

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

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

[0085] [Fig. 25] Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 24 in which the locking member is in a disengaged position;

[0086] [Fig. 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a means for vertically moving a box;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0096] [Fig. 36] Figure 36 is an alternative embodiment of Figure 35. Description of the embodiments

[0097] This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment.

[0098] It should be noted, from now on, that the figures are not necessarily to scale, without this hindering their understanding.

[0099] Figures 1 to 5 represent 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 side 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 between them, although other angular configurations are possible. Similarly, the opposite walls shown in Figure 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 using metal dowels 6 (see Figure 3) and preferably also fixed laterally to two parallel walls 4 facing each other. Other variants are possible depending on the needs, the configuration of the room and the weight of the device 1, such as for example a simple suspension from the ceiling 3, or a suspension from the ceiling 3 and a 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 comprising 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 assembly 11 of rails, also called modulation circuit, makes it possible to carry out the guidance, the load recovery and the movements T and L along axes X and Y of storage boxes 50 (also called racks or storage modules) which will be described later. It is typically made up of mechanically welded tubular metal beams forming a regular grid.

[0102] More specifically, the longitudinal rails 12 of the central assembly 11, one example of which is shown in section in Figure 10, each comprise a double “back-to-back” structure composed of an upper fixing portion 12a, formed from a hollow metal profile with a square or rectangular section, and a lower guide portion 12b in the shape of an inverted U, the branches of which comprise legs 12c folded inwards at a right angle, leaving a space 12d (groove) between them. The area located inside the lower portion 12b, between the upper portion 12a and the folded legs 12c, forms a sliding track 12e for suspension pads 64 of the boxes 50 as will be explained later.

[0103] The upper portion 12a mainly serves to fix the central assembly 11 to the ceiling 3 and to pass mechanical and electrical power supply elements. For this purpose, as shown in particular in Figure 2, brass metal dowels 6 are used in the case of fixing to a concrete ceiling 3. Screws provided with flat washers are thus inserted into the upper fixing portion 12a of the rail 12, for example every 10 cm. The objective is that the head of the screw does not protrude into the sliding guide track 12e but is accessible for screwing tools (for example a socket wrench for a “hexagonal socket” screw head) from the groove 12d, and also to prevent any risk of loosening of the anchor points to the ceiling 3. Other types of fixing are possible such as tie rods, studs or hangers of known type.Given the significant load (several tens of kilograms to more than a hundred kilograms) supported by the supporting structure 10 and the movements of the boxes 50 along the central assembly 11, the fixing to the ceiling 3 must be particularly firm to avoid any fall.

[0104] More specifically, these rails 12 are thus composed of two tubes welded to each other on the edge. Each tube measures externally for example approximately 40 x 20 mm, with a material thickness of approximately 3 mm. The opening between the folded tabs 12c, provided for inserting suspension studs 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 for information only and can be modified. The entire rail 12 can also be drawn in a single 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 pads 64) and each include in particular a groove 13d.

[0106] The shapes located at the ends of the profiles allow for quick assemblies, simplifying the installer's work. In fact, these shapes serve as a foolproofing and guide to avoid any risk of confusion during assembly. The goal is to have a very simple and quick installation.

[0107] To ensure good mechanical strength of the supporting structure over time, in particular the central assembly 11, stiffening elements are placed at each intersection. They allow the structure to prevent unintentional deformations. Preferably, aluminum reinforcing angles 7 are provided. at the intersections of the longitudinal rails 12 and the transverse rails 13. Other larger angles 8 are placed at the four corners of the central assembly 11. Flat tabs 9 can also be added in cases where the rails 12 and / or 13 are not in one piece. All these stiffening elements can be screwed, riveted or welded.

[0108] The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, called the 3x3 system, makes it possible to store and move between six and eight, and preferably seven, identical storage boxes 50, each typically measuring approximately 30 cm in width in the lateral direction X, approximately 80 cm in length in the longitudinal direction Y and approximately 30 cm in height in the vertical direction Z, 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 in width in the X direction, between approximately 3.3 m and 3.5 m in the longitudinal direction Y, and approximately 40 to 50 cm in height in the Z direction (for a ceiling at 2.6 m this remains entirely suitable since this leaves 2.2 m of height under the storage device, i.e. a regulatory height).Of course, the dimensions of the boxes 50 and the supporting structure 10 are given only for illustration purposes since the possibilities are infinite in order to adapt to the dimensions of the room, the needs expressed and the dimensions / number of boxes used. Thus, a solution called a 4x4 system is also planned to contain twelve to fifteen boxes, preferably thirteen to fourteen, each measuring 80 cm in length, 40 cm in height and 40 cm in width.

[0109] The central assembly 11 is connected for example by metal brackets 17 to two parallel lateral upper rails 15 which can also be firmly suspended from the ceiling 3 in the same way as the rails 12 and 13 of the central assembly 11 (directly with metal dowels 6 or using intermediate rigid hangers of adjustable length) along an upper side 15a and / or fixed along an external side 15b to two parallel lateral walls 4 facing each other, 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 dowels 6.

[0110] The supporting structure 10 also comprises stiffening uprights 16 erected vertically downwards at the ends 15c of the upper lateral rails 15, a rectilinear 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 vertical walls which adjoin them, for example using metal rods similar to those used for the assembly 11 or the legs 17. For greater safety, two of these vertical uprights 16 (those facing each other longitudinally or transversely) can 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 movable transversely along said rail 15 and said guide rod 18. Two pairs of crossed tension cables 19 are also provided, as an option, between the respectively upper and lower ends of the vertical uprights 16 of each of the assemblies, as illustrated in Figure 6. The objective is to allow the guide rod 18 to have solid anchors, 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 Figure 13, each first upper lateral rail 15 comprises two parallel U-shaped profiles arranged back to back (to form two back-to-back “C”s) and whose respective openings 15f are opposite each other 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 opposite each other to receive the hooking guide 31 of the motorized conveyor 30, all of these three rails then forming a single support and guide profile for the motorized conveyor 30.

[0113] As regards the motorization of each conveyor 30 along the X axis along the transverse upper rail 15 and the guide rod 18, a belt 41 is used, in association with a motor 42 mounted directly on the mechanically welded tubular structure 32 of the conveyor 30, in accordance with figures 12 and 14. This belt 41, preferably notched and made of elastomer internally reinforced with metal cables, is fixed at each end by two plates (not shown) sandwiching said belt. These plates are fixed on the transverse upper rail 15 by threads. Each plate has a shape complementary to the notching of the belt 41 to achieve the tension of the latter and cause the linear movement of the conveyor 30 in the transverse direction X. These plates are made of steel for a question of mechanical resistance on small surfaces. A rack solution could replace the belt.

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

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

[0116] For this purpose, the conveyor 30 comprises a vertical upright 34 connected to the hooking guide 31, a mechanically welded tubular structure 32 (also called a transverse selection arm) sufficiently rigid, strong but light to be able to support a filled box 50. The arm-shaped structure 32 supports a pusher 33 in the shape of a “T” movable longitudinally in translation in the Y direction using, for example, a double rack thrust system 35 of the “comb” type meshed with the teeth of a toothed wheel 36 set in rotation by a rear motor 37. When the motor 37 rotates in a first direction of rotation (for example clockwise), it turns the toothed wheel 36, which, due to its double meshing with the rack 36, advances the pusher 33 so that it moves away from the guide rod 18 by a few centimeters (approximately 1 to 3 cm depending on the length of the double rack 35). When the motor 37 rotates in the opposite direction, the pusher 33 returns to the initial position thanks to the rotation in the opposite direction of the toothed wheel 36. The pusher therefore performs a back and forth 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, thus makes it possible to move the boxes 30 anywhere in the grid along the hooking and guide rails 12 and 13 respectively according to the arrows T and L.

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

[0118] The boxes (or modules) 50 are storage elements for storing goods of all kinds. They can be made of different materials depending on customer requirements (wood, metal, plastic, etc.). As indicated previously, they have a rectangular parallelepiped shape and are mainly composed of an upper closing portion 60 forming a movable cover and a lower storage portion 70. The upper portion 60 and the lower portion 70 each have, seen in profile, a 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 closing portion 60 remains permanently suspended from the rails 12 and 13 of the modulation circuit 11 and allows the box 50 to move along the X and Y axes thanks to the transport robot 30, while the lower storage portion 70 is either attached to said upper closing portion 60, in the high position, or detached from the latter, in the low position, as will be explained later. More simply, the upper closing portion 60 remains permanently hidden while the lower storage portion 70 is the one that descends near the user so that he 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 box 50 to be as aesthetic as possible. It is therefore essential to maximize the integration of the mechanical elements visible on the upper portion 60 of said box.

[0122] For this purpose, the lower peripheral edge 61 of the upper portion 60 of the box 50 comprises prominent positioning pins 62 preferably made of metal while the other upper peripheral edge 71 of the lower portion 70 of said box 50 comprises bores 72, the positioning pins 62 penetrating (engaging) in said bores 72 in the closed position of the box 50 to properly align the upper 60 and lower 70 portions with each other when they are to join. For example, at least two positioning pins 62 / bores 72 may be provided for each of the longest parts (longitudinal parts extending along the X axis) of the edges 61 and 71, and optionally at least one pin 62 / bore 72 for the other two shorter parts of the edges 61 and 71 (transverse parts extending along the Y axis). The bores 72 preferably receive metal reinforcement sleeves to prevent any damage to the peripheral edge 71.

[0123] An air and watertight seal 73, for example made of silicone elastomer (preferably transparent), is also provided around the entire circumference of at least one of the peripheral edges 61 and 71 (the upper edge 71 of the lower storage portion 70 in this case). This seal 73 measures approximately 3 mm in thickness and is compressed 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 studs 64 comprising a metal rod 64a, for example made of stainless steel, fixed to a load-bearing plate 64b (for example screwed firmly at three points in the upper wall 63) and receiving a double head 64c (two small, thin plates with a substantially square section with rounded corners called a "squircle") surrounding a prominence 64d of the metal rod 64a), said heads 64c of said suspension studs 64 being adapted to be inserted 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 directions X and U thanks to the conveyor 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 conveyor 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 circulate.

[0126] Each suspension stud 64 thus allows the box in question 50 to move in the grid defined by the central assembly 11 (modulation circuit). The principle used is mainly based on the sliding of the heads 64c, preferably shaped in a plastic material having a good sliding coefficient (low coefficient of friction) so that the movement of the conveyor 30 moving the boxes 50 along the X and Y axes is as easy and fluid as possible so as to reduce the force required. By way of non-limiting illustration, the material used to produce the double head 64c of the suspension studs 64 is for example HDPE 1000 which has a sliding coefficient of between 0.15 and 0.3. It is possible to produce each suspension stud 64 from a single molded part (or manufactured by 3D printing), preferably in the plastic material indicated 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 making it possible to guide the sliding of the studs 64 in each groove 12d or 13d. A small functional clearance (of 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 (of 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 in width by approximately 16 mm in height, the elements 64c of the head each measure approximately 33.7 mm on each side. about 4.4 mm thick (the central metal protrusion 64d of the rod 64b measuring for example about 5 mm thick). Thus, the rod 64a makes it possible to move the bottom of the rail 12 or 13 away from the top of the box 50, while leaving sufficient space for the passage of a part of a locking system 80 described later. As indicated previously, the plate 64b serves to take up the load of the storage box 50. It is preferably positioned inside the upper portion 60 of said box 50 so that the entire surface takes up the load, in particular thanks to circular housings provided on the internal face of the upper wall 63, the rod 64a then passing through the thickness of said wall.

[0128] As can be seen in the variant embodiment illustrated by figures 22 and 23, the elements described below of which 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 comprising a pair of pads 66. These side pads 66, preferably made of HDPE 1000, have two uses. On the one hand, they are used for the movement of the boxes 50 in the longitudinal direction Y, so that they push each other without the visible part of the side walls 65 being damaged. On the other hand, they are used to avoid collision with attachment systems 80 of the portions of the box 50, as described below.

[0129] The upper portion 60 of each box 50 further comprises a front wall 67 provided with at least one pair of front sliding pads 68, and preferably two identical pairs, arranged close to its vertical edges. These front sliding pads 68 are in the form of slightly protruding elongated strips (a few mm thick) preferably made of PET. They are positioned so as to fit into longitudinal "U"-shaped grooves 76 extending along a back wall 77 of each of the lower portions 70 and preferably receiving a U-shaped metal profile made of aluminum to increase its strength. Thus, the collaboration by penetration of the pads 68 into the grooves 76 makes it possible to guide the boxes 50 in their movements along the Y axis and to prevent them from buckling.The use of plastic materials with a good sliding coefficient makes it possible to limit the friction and noise generated by the movement of the boxes against each other in the Y direction, while creating a certain homogeneity / mechanical resistance (by "block" effect) of several adjacent boxes 50.

[0130] Indeed, each side wall 65 of the upper portion 60 of a box 50 comprises such an attachment system 80 allowing the two upper 60 and lower 70 portions of the box 50 to be locked in the closed position on each other. More precisely, this attachment system 80 comprises, for each side wall 65, a locking tab (plate) 81 articulated around a rotation 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 pin 74 projecting laterally from a side wall 75 of the lower portion 70 of said box 50 in question.

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

[0132] The notches 79 allow the conveyor 30 to move a box 50 considered in the Y direction thanks to two pairs of legs 38 erected vertically from the structure 32 of the conveyor 30 and which penetrate into the latter. These notches 79 are for example fairly solid metal profiles screwed into housings (counterbores) provided for this purpose in the edges of the bottom wall 78. The system of notches 79 and erected legs 38 can for example be replaced by a magnetic cone system.

[0133] Figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the conveyor 30 in which the structure 32 is slightly different and the studs 38 have a different shape. A worm screw system may be used in this alternative in order to replace the toothed wheel and rack system for moving the box 50 along the Y axis and removing it from said studs 38.

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

[0135] As can be seen in Figures 27 and 28, the platform 100 is mainly composed of an “L”-shaped structure composed of the bottom wall 102 and a back wall 104, these two walls preferably being a single piece. The bottom wall 102 comprises a sensor 160 measuring the weight of the supported box 50. It is possible to provide each of the openings 101 of the bottom wall 102 with such a sensor 160 in order to measure the distribution of the weight of the box 50 resting on the platform 100. This information can be used to indicate to the user that his box 50 is filled in an unbalanced manner, which could hinder or even prevent it from being raised 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 in a sliding manner vertically (arrow V) along two parallel rails 110 fixed against a vertical wall 4 of the room P in a known manner. These rails 110 end at the top in a high loading zone 5 of the device 1, materialized by an opening made in a protective and masking casing 20 surrounding the central assembly 10 (see figure 5). The rails 110 therefore serve as guidance (they are not a priori motorized, even if they could be) for the platform 100.

[0137] For this purpose, these rails 110 are in the form of common metal profiles in a “closed U” shape inside which slide vertically two parallel pairs of superimposed guide pads 120 which are securely fixed to the back wall 104 of said platform 100. These pads 120 are of identical structure to that of the suspension pads 64 of the upper portion 60 of the box 50 (plate, rod, double head made of plastic with a good sliding coefficient, prominence 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 rails 12 and 13, namely a dorsal wall fixing portion 4 and a frontal sliding portion for the guide pads 120.

[0138] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by figures 29 to 31, the pads 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 pad 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 bring electricity into the platform 100. Preferably, masking panels 115 made of wood or plasterboard cover all the non-useful parts of the rails 110 and will only leave 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 movement by a motorized system 130 comprising in the present case two traction cables 131 linked to at least one rotary motor 132 connected to two winders 133 by a common shaft 134, said traction cables 131 being furthermore stretched on high return pulleys 135. It is possible to provide two rotary motors 132 spaced from each other in engagement with 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 Figure 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 towards 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 (load too heavy, obstacle). This brake 136 is positioned so as to compress each traction cable 131 when the box 50 is stopped. It is released automatically when there is movement. For this, for example, a monostable electromagnet is used which compresses the traction cable 131 when the power is off. This brake 136 could be replaced by the use of a screw and tangential wheel reducer which has the particularity of being irreversible and therefore of only moving in the event of movement generated by the motor (when the system is not moving, it remains static).

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

[0144] An obstacle detector 161 arranged 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 or if it reaches the end of its travel, in particular to avoid damaging the rails 110 or the suspension pads 120.

[0145] The motor(s) 132 may be positioned opposite the rails 110, bushings (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 bushings 14 may be replaced by small pulleys arranged below or above the longitudinal rails 12. It is also possible to replace the bushings 14 (or the pulleys) by simple openings, preferably wider (for example oblong), making it possible 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) to create a closed loop with the traction cable 131.

[0148] The platform 100 also accommodates electronic components, in particular an electronic card, the four load cells mentioned above, end-of-travel sensors (for example, four sensors regularly distributed under the bottom wall 102 of the platform 100) and an LED strip of known type and placed, for example, on the front edge of the bottom wall 102. The end-of-travel sensors make it possible to detect a 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 allows the light to be diffused and aims to provide a visual indicator to the user in relation to the load present in the box thanks to a variation in color (green = OK, red = box too heavy / unbalanced). The height of the strip on the platform also indicates the maximum height not to be exceeded when filling the box 50.

[0149] A control console 150, for example a touch screen, is positioned for example close to the vertical guide rails, at eye level of a person (approximately lm50). This console 150 comprises a microprocessor containing a program which makes it possible to communicate with the control electronics of the various mechanical elements of the device 1 and to call up an identified storage box 50. The screen may for example show a summary of the objects stored in each of the boxes 50 and which will have been previously indicated to the system, or scanned automatically by a smart camera with automatic object recognition, or even using RFID chips / readers. The control of the device may also be “off-center” and carried out via a dedicated application installed on a smartphone or a computer and be accessible remotely.

[0150] The program preferably uses a self-learning algorithm for user behavior that works internally. This program allows the stored boxes to be organized and one or more boxes to be lowered according to the user's habits. This allows boxes used regularly to be lowered more quickly at certain times of the day (morning / evening) or during certain periods of the year (week / weekend, summer / winter). The program also includes a function that allows the system to self-analyze and self-adapt to its environment. This will allow it to know where the potential flaws and also that the program gets used to the aging of the installation.

[0151] In order for the two portions 60 and 70 of the box 50 to be secured, two linear actuators 85 (of the jack type) can pull or push the upper activation tab 83 using a clamp 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. Figure 35 illustrates a first embodiment of securing called "horizontal movement" which relates to the boxes of Figures 22 and 23, while Figure 36 illustrates a so-called "vertical movement" securing solution 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 hindering its trajectory. This is why a combination of movements is necessary. This combination is carried out thanks to the platform 100 which compresses the seal 73 in its entirety by pressing the lower portion 70 against the upper portion 60 by approximately 1 mm during its rise. This then makes it possible to release a maximum of one millimeter of play between the peripheral edges 61 and 71 to release all the tensions which were present on the locking tab 81. The shape of the hook 84 is also important. This is why the bottom of this hook 84 describes a curved trajectory which has as its center the rotation pivot 82, which generates automatic support once the portions 60 and 70 are attached thanks to the compression of the seal 73.

[0153] Description of the movement of one (or more) box(es) 50 along the X axis: - The conveyor 30 is positioned opposite 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 conveyor 30 pushes the box 50 over its entire travel along the Y axis; - The conveyor 30 returns to its initial position along the X axis; - Carrier 30 is again available to perform a new movement along the X (then Y) axis.

[0154] Description of the movement of one (or more) box(es) along the Y axis: - The conveyor 30 is positioned in front of a box 50 present 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 conveyor 30 advances by 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 conveyor 30 engage in the housings 79 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50; - The conveyor 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 studs 38 of the transporter 30 disengage from the housings 79 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50; - Carrier 30 is again available to perform a new movement along the Y axis.

[0155] Description of the movement 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 conveyor 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 pads 90 of the lower portion 70 of the box 50 are integrated into the housings 101 of the platform; - The platform 100 continues to rise slightly over a distance of approximately one millimeter to relieve the forces of the locking system 80 of the box 50; - The electric jacks 85 are activated to release the lower portion 70 of the box 50 from the upper part 60; - The platform 100 descends to the desired height by activating the motorization along the Z axis, and rises using the reverse process once the user has finished using the box in the low position (partial or total filling / emptying); - A new 50 caisson descent is ready to be carried out.

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

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

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

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

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

[0161] According to another variant, the rails 110 are indeed two in number but they are slightly further apart from each other. In this case, the pads 120 are not carried by the back wall 105 of the platform 100 and oriented towards the wall 4 but they are arranged on the edge 103 of said platform 100, so that the open areas of the “closed U” 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 shapes than the “rectangular parallelepiped” shape (cubic, spherical, oblong, etc.), be manufactured in various materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc.), or include a glass wall, a door, drawers, interior dividers, lockers, etc.

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

[0164] Several loading zones 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 in accordance with the present invention can share the same loading area 5 and ascent / descent rails 110.

[0166] The platform 100 could 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 50 boxes simultaneously above each other.

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

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

Claims

Claims Claim 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 on the ceiling (3) and / or said wall (4) and provided with main means (30) for moving at least one storage box (50) movable in two perpendicular directions (X, Y) defining a substantially horizontal plane and secondary means (200) for moving said box (50), along a vertical axis Z along the wall (4), between a high storage position in which said box is retracted close to said ceiling (3) and a low use position in which the interior of the box 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 conveyor (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 conveyor (30) comprises a vertical upright (34) fixed integrally 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)., Claim 2. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motorized conveyor (30) slides along an elongated guide profile (18) parallel to the first upper lateral rail (15) using a transmission belt (41) engaged with at least one pinion (45). Claim 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 opposite to receive a hooking guide (31) of the motorized conveyor (30). Claim 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 opposite to receive a hooking guide (31) of the motorized conveyor (30), the assembly forming a single support and guide profile. Claim 5. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse selection arm (32) of the motorized conveyor 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. Claim 6. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reversible attachment system (38) consists of several electromagnet studs cooperating with corresponding magnetic fitting cones arranged under the storage box (50). Claim 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 conveyor (30) and which penetrate notches (79) arranged under the storage box (50). Claim 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 along the Y axis and an actuator (35, 36, 37) mechanically associated with said movable pusher (33) to slide a box (50) using said transverse arm from a first initial location to a second destination location. Claim 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 engagement 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. Claim 10. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the supporting structure (10) comprises two upper lateral rails (15) parallel to each other and each supporting at least one motorized conveyor (30). Claim 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 rail (110) for guiding in translation from top to bottom and from bottom to top a storage box (50) and means (130) for moving said box (50) along said vertical rail (110). Claim 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 stretched cable (131) attached on the one hand to a winding motor (132) and on the other hand to said platform (100). Claim 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). Claim 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 from each other. Claim 15. Modular storage device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the back wall (104) of the platform has two opposite lateral edges (103), each edge (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). Claim 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 passing (131) around at least one high return pulley (135) before being connected to a common rotary shaft (134) of the winding motor (132). Claim 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 strip of protective bristles. Claim 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). Claim 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. Claim 20. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that it comprises end-of-travel sensors for the mobile receiving platform (100). Claim 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). Claim 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). Claim 23. Modular storage device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that it comprises an obstacle detector (161) arranged on the path of the mobile reception platform (100) along the vertical guide rail(s) (110). Claim 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 circulate 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) which is entirely separable from the upper closing part (60) and intended either to rest on the main movement means (30) or to be connected to the secondary movement means (200), - removable connecting means (62, 72; 80) between the upper closing part (60) and the lower storage part (70), and - an air and liquid tight seal (73) arranged at least locally between the upper closing part (60) and the lower storage part (70). Claim 25. Assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the upper closing part (60) has a top wall (63) comprising 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 section with an opening directed towards the ground and receiving said guide studs (64) for their sliding in the X and / or Y direction. Claim 26. Assembly according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the upper closing part (60) comprises two opposite side walls (65) each provided with at least one protective side pad (66), and preferably two spaced pads. Claim 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). Claim 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). Claim 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. Claim 30. Assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the removable connecting means (80) comprises 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 capable of receiving the hook (84) in a close contact position 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). Claim 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). Claim 32. An assembly according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the hooks (84) and the corresponding protruding pins (74) are each two in number, one pair for each side of a storage box (50). Claim 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 brought together. Claim 34. Assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the lower peripheral rim (61) of the upper closing part (60) is equipped with two pairs of positioning pins (62) cooperating with corresponding bores (72) formed in the upper peripheral rim (71) of the lower storage part (70) when the two parts are brought together. Claim 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). Claim 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. Claim 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 the user's requests so that the card controls the movements of the various motorized movement means.

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