A storage device for storing objects

Abstract

A storage device (100) for storing objects (101) comprises at least one inner disc (102) and one outer disc (104) having a common axis (105) around which the discs (102, 104) can be rotated. The discs (102, 104) have numbers of sectors (107) and the sectors (107) plurality of slots (109) for storing the objects. The slots (109) of adjacent sectors (107) form rows (136). All the inner discs (102) comprise at least one free slot (112) in each row (136, 137), which are free of the objects (101) during use. The device has also a collecting device (113), for collecting the object (101) from the slot (109) of the sector (107) of at least one disc (102, 104). The collecting device (113) is configured to enter to the slots (109) of all the other discs (104) except the innermost discs (102) via said free slots (112) of the inner discs (102).

Description

[0001] A STORAGE DEVICE FOR STORING OBJECTS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a storage device for storing object.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Different kinds of storage solutions are commonly known for storing objects, such as security keys or other substances, for example. Typically, the storage is equipped with a lock system so that only desired persons have access to the storage and to the objects.

[0006] However, there are still some disadvantages, namely the person having access to the storage may have access to all objects to the storage, even if only access to one object could be enough. For example, a guard driving by a patrol car and arriving at a destination, need to have access only to one key corresponding the destination, but very often he has access to all keys, which is a security risk at least in some level. In addition, typically there is no control whether the guard has returned the key back after visiting the destination and if, whether the key is returned to its own place or not, or is it the same key which is returned which was also picked up.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the invention is to alleviate and eliminate the problems relating to the known prior art. Especially the object of the invention is to provide a storage device, which allows the user to have access to certain objects only.

[0009] The invention relates to a storage device according to claim 1 .

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention a storage device for storing objects comprises at least one inner disc and one outer disc but may also comprise at least one other disc locating between the innermost and outermost discs. The discs have a common longitudinal axis around which the discs can be rotated independently from each other. The discs comprise numbers of sectors, which are divided to plurality of slots in a direction of radius of the disc. The slots of adjacent sectors form rows. The slots are for storing the objects, or rather for storing solid casings or boxes including the objects, which can be arranged to the slots. In addition, the storage device comprises a collecting device for collecting the casings and objects from the slots, as well as returning the casings back to the slots with (or without) the objects.

[0011] According to the invention all the inner discs except the outermost disc comprise at least one free slot in each row, so that the innermost row (closest to a center of the disc) comprises at least one free slot in a certain sector, the next row outwards from the center comprises at least one free slot in a certain sector. It is to be noted that all the free slots may locate at the same sector, but naturally in the different rows, or at least some of them may locate in different sectors, but so that all rows of the inner discs comprise at least one free slot. The free slots are free of the casings and objects, so no objects are stored to those free slots. The free slots function as a freeway for the collecting device to the other slots locating in the sectors of other discs than the innermost disc. For collecting the casing and object from the slot locating in the sector of some other disc than in the innermost discs, all the inner discs that are located between the collecting device and the disc having the slot in question, must be rotated so that the free slots of those inner discs are aligned with the slot where the object to be collected locates.

[0012] The present invention offers advantages over the known prior art, such as it provides a very compact storage device, thanks for the discs with the slots, which are arranged so that in practise only one collecting device can reach all the slots of different discs just when the discs are rotated a certain way as described elsewhere in this document, in particular with the connection of discussions of the embodiments described in the Figures. In addition, the storage device according to the invention can offer the access to the users to a certain object only and prevent the access from other objects.

[0013] The exemplary embodiments presented in this text are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific example embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Next the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figures 1-2, 13 illustrate a principle of an exemplary storage device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

[0017] Figures 3-11 illustrate detailed portions and parts of the storage device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and

[0018] Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary casing of the storage device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figures 1 ,2 and 13 illustrate a principle of an exemplary of a storage device 100 for storing objects 101 according to the invention, where storage device 100 comprises at least one inner disc 102 and one outer disc 104. In addition, the storage device advantageously comprises also at least one other disc 103, which is hereby understand as the inner disc (or not as the outermost disc). The discs 102, 103, 104 have a common longitudinal axis 105 extending through a center 106 of the discs, and around which the discs 102, 103, 104 are configured to be rotated. The rotation can be achieved by a rotating motor (not shown), which rotation is controlled by a controller 130. The discs 102, 103, 104 can be advantageously rotated independently from each other, advantageously both clockwise and counterclockwise. The discs 102, 103, 104 comprise numbers of sectors 107 radiated from the center 106 towards an outer rim 108 of the discs. The slots 109 of adjacent sectors 107 form concentric rows 136, 137 (see e.g. Fig. 8). The sectors 107 are divided to plurality of slots 109 in a direction 110 of radius of the discs, wherein the slots 109 are configured to storage the objects 101 so that each slot is typically only for one object. According to the invention all the inner discs 102 103 (except the outermost disc 104) comprise one sector 111 having free slots 112. Alternatively, all the inner discs 102 (except the outermost disc) comprise at least one free slot 112 in each row 136, 137, which is configured to be free of the objects 101 during use. The free slots 112 are free of the objects so no objects are stored to those free slots 112, but the free slots 112 function as a freeway to other slots 109 locating in the sectors of discs 103, 104, which are not in the innermost disc 102. For collecting the object from the slot 109 locating in the sector I row of some other disc 103, 104 than in the innermost discs 102, all the discs that are locating further inside as the disc in question must be rotated so that the free sector with the free slot or free slots of a certain row of each discs locating inward from the disc in question are aligned with the slot where the object to be collected locates. It is to be noted that the row of the slot in question determines the row whose free slots in each inner disc must be rotated and aligned with the slot in question. For example, if the object locates at the row 136, then the free slot of each inner disc in row 136 must be rotated and aligned with the slot having the object.

[0021] In addition, the storage device 100 comprises also at least one collecting device 113, which is configured to collect the object 101 from the slot 109 of the sector 107 of at least one disc 102, 103, 104. The collecting device 113 enters advantageously to the slots 109 of all the other discs 103, 104 except the innermost disc 102 via the free slots 112 of the inner discs 102, 103.

[0022] Figures 3-11 illustrate detailed portions and parts of the storage device 100 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The inner discs 102, 103 can be rotated advantageously so that the free sectors 111 of the inner discs 102, 103 or free slots of the rows are aligned with each other on the same alignment axis 114, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis 105, as can be seen especially in Figures 4, 5 and 7. Now, the slot 115 in question (as can be seen in Figure 7) locating in some other disc 104 than in the innermost discs 102, 103 is addressed on same angular plane 131 with the free slots 112 of the free sectors 111 or free slots of the rows of other inner discs 102, 103. Therefore, the collecting device 113 can enter to the slot 109 in question via the free slots 112 of the inner discs 102, 103. The collecting device 113 moves essentially in the direction of an alignment axis 114, which is essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis 105. It is to be noted that if the slot 109 in question locates in the inner most disc 102, there is no need to rotate all the other discs 103, 104 at all, but it is enough that the collecting device 113 has access to the slot 109 of the sector 107 of the inner most disc

[0023] 102.

[0024] According to an embodiment the storage device comprises two separate packs 117, 118 of the discs 102, 103, 104, as can be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 9 especially. The discs 102, 103, 104 in each pack can be advantageously rotated independently form each other. According to an embodiment the collecting device 113 locates between the packs 117, 1 18.

[0025] In the example illustrated in the Figures the storage device comprises two packs 117, 1 18 and three discs 102, 103, 104 in each pack, but naturally the invention is not limited to those only, but the pack may have one or more discs and the storage device may have one or more packs of discs. However, the storage device with two packs of disc is found very useful and compact, namely the collecting device 113 may locate between the packs and reach the slots of all discs of both packs easily.

[0026] According to an embodiment the collecting device 1 13 comprises a collecting arm 132, which comprises two ends 132A, 132B. The first end 132A of collecting arm 132 is advantageously configured to enter to the slots 109 of the discs 102, 103 104 of the first pack 117, and second end 132B of the collecting arm 132 is configured to enter to the slots 109 of the discs 102,

[0027] 103, 104) of the second pack 118 of the discs. In addition, according to an advantageous embodiment the collecting arm 132 of the collecting device 113 is configured to be entered to the free slots 112 of the first pack 117 of the discs, when the discs of the second pack 118 are rotated, and again to the free slots 112 of the second pack 1 18, when the discs of the first pack 117 are rotated. In this way a very compact storage device can be achieved because there is no need for any extra space because of the elongated collection arms 132 of the collection device 113.

[0028] It is to be noted, that the collection device 113 may have number of collection arms 132, as can be seen in Figures 10 and 11 , whereupon one arm is for a certain row of slots and can enter though all the discs 102, 103 except the outermost one 104 (because there is no need for that). The collecting device may have e.g. an electric motor to drive the arm(s) suitable distance into the free slots of the first or second pack of discs so to reach the casing in question, as well also drive all arms to the free slots of one pack 117 when the discs of the other pack 118 is rotated. In addition, it is to be noted that the arms 132 of the collection device 113 may also have telescopic feature, but this is not mandatory.

[0029] In addition, it is to be noted that when the disc comprises plurality of slots 109 in the direction 1 10 of radius of the disc 102, 103, 104, such as 4 slots in the exemplary Figures illustrated, also the collecting device 113 may advantageously comprise as many collecting arms 132 as there are slots in one sector, so one collecting arm 132 for each row (in an x-direction) of slots 109. Further, it is to be understood that the disc may have free number of sectors, as well as rows, and the sector may comprise free number of slots. In addition, the size of the slots typically varies in the direction 110 of radius z of the disc, whereupon larger the radius, more rows or more spacious slot can be provided.

[0030] According to an embodiment, casings 119 (illustrated in Figure 12) are used for storing the objects 101 in the slots 109 so that the object is located in the casing, whereupon the slots 109 of the storage device is configured to receive the casing 119 handled by the collection device 113. It is to be noted that the slots 109 in a certain sector 107 of the disc are different sizes with each other so that the smallest one locates next to the center 106 and the biggest ones are located next the outer rim 108. Thus, there are also different size casings so that the smallest one fits to the slot 109 or rows 137 next to the center and the biggest one fits to the slot 109 next the outer rim 108 or rows 136, respectively.

[0031] The casing 119 advantageously comprises a first locking (or attaching) member 124 and the collecting device 113 comprises a second locking (or attaching) member 125 compatible with the first locking member 124 of the casing 119 so that the second locking member 125 of the collecting device 113 can be attached or locked with the first locking member 124 of the casing in a detachable manner. The attaching or locking can be implemented e.g. by a suitable groove to which the counterpart portion can be inserted and turned to lock and reverse turning to open. For example, the second locking member 125 of the collecting device can be pushed in to the first locking member 124 of the casing 119, whereafter the second locking member 125 is turned a certain angle, like 90°, whereupon the collecting device 113 is attached or locked with the casing 119, and the casing can be pulled out from the slot. Vice versa, when returning the casing 119 to its slot 109, the second locking member 125 is turned backwards to un-attach or unlock the collecting device 113 from the casing 1 19.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the casing 119 may also comprise an identifier 120 identifying the casing 119, whereupon the storage device comprises a reading device 121 for reading the identifier 120. The reading device 121 is advantageously in connection with the collecting device 113. Alternatively, or in addition to, the storage device 100 has access to data having information about the particular slot 109 having the casing 119 with the object 101 to be retrieved, whereupon the controller 130 can control the rotation of discs 102, 103, 104 so that the slot 109 having said casing 119 is rotated to a certain angular position so that the collection device 113 have access to the slot 109 so to collect the casing 119 located in the slot 109. The controller 130 advantageously controls also the collection device 113 movement and movements of the collection arm 132 to pick up the casing. The controller may also control the locking member of the collection arm 132 to be attached or locked to the casing 1 19.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the storage device may comprise a data register 123, or storage device may be in a data connection 122 with an auxiliary data register 123. The register advantageously keeps a record of the slots 109 and corresponding casings 1 19 having certain objects.

[0034] In addition, the storage device may also comprise a weighing device 126, which is configured to weight the casing 119 with the object 101 , when the object is retrieved by the collecting device 113, as well as when the object 101 is returned back to the slot 109 with the casing 119. The storage device may be configured to make a notification or alarm if the weight of the object 101 was not the same when retrieved and returned.

[0035] In addition, the storage device may comprise or be arranged in a data connection with a positioning device 127, such as GPS, and / or a clock 128, and a register 123, 129, where the register 123, 129 keeps a record of the objects 101 and / or corresponding casings 119 related to a certain predefined geographical area and / or time, whereupon the storage device is configured to allow collecting and / or returning a certain casing 119 (and thus a certain object) only if the casing 119 in question matches with the current location and / or a predefined time range related to said casing.

[0036] The collection device 113 may be arranged to offer or bring forth the retrieved casing 119 to the user. The storage device may also comprise a transferring device 116, such as a belt conveyor, whereupon the collecting device 1 13 may bring the casing of the object 101 collected from the slot 109 to the transferring device 116 and the transferring device 116 is configured to transfer said casing of the object 101 outside the storage device. According to an embodiment, the transferring device 1 16 may have a third locking member 133 for connecting, attaching and / or locking with the casing, whereupon the transferring device 1 16 transfers the casing 119 with the object 101 out from the storage. The transferring device 116 may have an opening 134 at its distal end so that the casing 119 is transferred to the opening 134 and a cover 135 of the casing is opened so that the user can have access to the object 101 locating inside the casing 1 19. The casing 119 is still advantageously locked to the locking member 133 of the transferring device. When the object 101 is returned, the user can put the object 101 back to the casing 119 locating at the opening 134 of the transferring device, after which the transferring device transfers the casing 119 with the object 101 back to the collection device 113, which can pick up the casing 1 19 from the transferring device and transfer and place the casing 119 back to the slot 109 corresponding to the casing in question.

[0037] In an example, the person, such as a guard for example, may have the storage device according to the current invention in a security company’s vehicle. When the person has arrived at a certain location and needs a key, for example, he enters a query to the device to get the key to building located at the location. The system may then check whether the location of the vehicle corresponds to the location of the building for which the person is requesting the key. If the location of the vehicle does not correspond to the location of the building, the storage device does not give the object. If the location of the vehicle, instead, corresponds to the location of the building, the storage device may additionally check whether the current time corresponds to a predetermined time or time limit, when the person should be at the location or should have access to the location. If not, the storage device does not give the object, but if also the current time corresponds to a predetermined time or time limit, the storage device gives the object (or the casing with the object).

[0038] In practice, if the object to be retrieved, locates in the inner most disc 102, the collecting device 1 13 has direct access to it, because there are no other discs between the collecting device 113 and the slot of the inner most disc 102. Thus, according to an embodiment the collecting device 113 can be turned e.g. around the longitudinal axis 105 so that the collecting device 113 can pick up the object. According to another embodiment, the inner disc is rotated around the longitudinal axis 105 so that the slot 109 in question having the casing 119 with the object 101 to be reached is in a certain angular position 131 in relation to the longitudinal axis 105, such as so that the sector 107 having the slot 109 in question is e.g. in an upright position z and so that the collecting device 113 can pick up the object. Advantageously one of the collecting arms 132 of the collecting device 113 picks up the casing 119 having the object 101 .

[0039] If the casing locates in some other disc 103, 104 than in the innermost disc 102, then the inner most disc 102 as well as the disc 103, 104 having said casing are advantageously rotated so that sector 111 of free slots 112 or free slots 112 of the rows 136, 137 of the innermost disc 102 and the sector 107 or row with the slot 109 having the casing 119 in question are all at the same angular line 131 , whereupon the collecting arm 132 can penetrate through the free slots 112 of the innermost disc 102 to the slot 109 of the some other disc 103, 104 than the innermost disc, where said slot 109 of said some other disc 103, 104 has the casing 119 in question.

[0040] In addition, if there are more than one discs 102, 103 between the collection device 113 and the disc 104 having the slot 109 on question, all innermost discs 102, 103 between the collection device 113 and the disc 104 having the slot 109 on question are rotated so that all the sectors 111 of free slots 112 or free slots 1 12 of the rows 136, 137 of the innermost disc 102, 103 are rotated at the same angular line 131. In addition, also the disc 104 having the casing 119 in question is rotated so that the slot 109 having the casing 119 in question locates at the same angular line 131 with the free sectors 111 or free slots or rows of the innermost discs 102, 103. Thus, the collecting arm 132 can penetrate through the free slots 112 of the sectors 111 or free slots of rows 136 of the all innermost discs 102, 103 located between the collection device 113 and the slot in question, and reach the slot 109 and casing 119 in question.

[0041] When the first end 132A of collection arm 132 has reached the casing (after penetrating through the free slots 112, if needed) and the second locking (or attaching) member 125 of the first end 132A is rotated to attach and lock the first end of the collection arm 132 to the casing 119, after which the collection arm 132 is retracted backwards through the free slots 1 12. At the same, the discs 102, 103, 104 of another pack 118 must be rotated so that the free slots 111 are aligned at the same angular line 131 as the free slots 111 of the discs in the first pack 117 so that the second end 132B and also the rest of the collection arm 132 can be pushed to the free slots 1 11 of the second pack 118. Thus, the second pack 118 functions as a place of escape to the collection arm 132 when the first pack 1 17 is active (and vice versa, the first pack 117 functions as a place of escape to the collection arm 132 when the second pack 1 18 is active).

[0042] Then, when the casing 119 is retrieved by the collection device 113, it is handed over to the transferring device 116, typically attached and locked to the third locking member 133 of the transferring device, after which the transferring device 116 transfers the casing 119 to the opening 134 of the transferring device and opens the cover 135 of the casing 119 so that the user can pick up the object, such as the key. It is to be noted that the cover 135 of the casing 1 19 can be opened also by the user, when the casing is at the opening 134 of the transferring device, e.g. by gently pressing the cover, after which the cover pops open.

[0043] Advantageously the storage device has weighted the casing 119 together with the object 101 before opening the cover 135 of the casing 119. The storage device may e.g. save the information related to the event, such as ID of the person making the request, coordinates of the location, time related to the event, as well as weight of the casing 119 with the object 101 (and additionally and possibly also the weight of the casing 119 after the object 101 is removed).

[0044] When the person is then returning the object 101 , such as the key, the similar operations may be performed than in handing over the object. For example, when the object, such as the key, is returned back to the casing 119 locating at the opening 134 of the transferring device 116, advantageously being attached and locked to the third locking member 133, the weight of the casing 119 together with the object 101 is advantageously measured. The casing may be weighted as such just before putting the object 101 back to the casing 119, as well as right after receiving the object 101 , and the measured weight can be compared to the information stored before. If there is no match, the storage device may make notifications or alarms, for example. In addition, also the location and / or time may be checked whether they match the data which they should, and if not, again the storage device may make notifications or alarms, for example.

[0045] If everything is correct and acceptable in the returning, the cover 135 of the casing 119 is closed and the transferring device 116 transfers the casing 119 back to the collection device 113. The collection device 113 and again the first or second end 132A, 132B of the collection arm 132 may pick up the casing and again transfers the casing 1 19 to its slot 109. Overall, the controller 130 controls advantageously all the measurements, like weights, locations and time, but also movements and transfers of the parts and portions of the storage device, such as movement of the collection device 113, movement of the transferring device 116 as well as locking and unlocking the casing with the locking members 125 and 133, as well as also rotations of discs 102, 103, 104 of different packs 117, 118.

[0046] As described in the connection with the examples above, the object 101 may be e.g. a key, such as a key for security service or guard. The invention is, however and naturally, not limited to any particular object, but also other objects can be stored by the storage device according to the invention, such as e.g. dose of a substance, such as a nutritious or medicament.

[0047] In addition, it is to be noted that the storage device is advantageously a mobile device, but naturally the storage device can also be fixedly attached to a certain stationary location, such as a hospital, nursing home, school or the like.

[0048] Further, the features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

Claims1 . A storage device (100) for storing objects (101 ), wherein the storage device (100) comprises:- at least one inner disc (102) and one outer disc (104), said discs (102,104) having a common longitudinal axis (105) extending through a center (106) of the discs, and around which at least all the inner discs (102) are configured to be rotated, o wherein the discs (102, 104) comprise numbers of sectors (107) radiated from the center (106) towards an outer rim (108) of the discs, characterized in that o the sectors (107) are divided to plurality of slots (109) in a direction (110) of radius of the disc, and wherein the slots (109) of adjacent sectors (107) form rows (136), and wherein said slots (109) are configured to storage said objects (101 ), and o wherein all the inner discs (102) comprise at least one free slot (112) in each row (136, 137), which is configured to be free of the objects (101 ) during use, wherein the storage device (100) further comprises:- at least one collecting device (113), which is configured to collect the object (101 ) from the slot (109) of the sector (107) of at least one disc (102, 104), and wherein the collecting device (113) is configured to enter to the slots (109) of all the other discs (104) except the innermost disc (102) via said free slots (112) of the inner discs (102), and- wherein the device comprises two separate packs (117, 118) of the discs(102, 104), whereupon the collecting device (113) is configured to be located between the packs (117, 1 18).

2. A storage device of claim 1 , wherein at least the inner discs (102) are configured to be rotated so that the free slots (112) of the inner discs (102) are aligned with each other at a same angular plane (131 ), whereupon the slot (1 15) in question locating in some other disc (104) than in the innermost disc (102) is addressed on the same alignment axis (114) with said free slots (112) of other inner discs (102), whereupon the collecting device (113) is configured to enter through at least to the slots (109) of all the other discs (104) except the innermost disc (102) via said free slots (112) of the inner discs (102) essentially in direction of said alignment axis (114).

3. A storage device of any of previous claims, wherein the device comprises a transferring device (116), such as a belt conveyor, whereupon the collecting device (113) is configured to bring the object (101 ) collected from the slot (109) to the transferring device (116) and the transferring device (116) is configured to transfer said object (101 ) outside the storage device.

4. A storage device of any of previous claims, wherein the collecting device (113) is also configured to pick up the object (101 ) outside the storage device, such as from the transferring device (116) of claim 3, and again the collecting device (113) is configured to place the object (101 ) to a desired slot (109) of the desired disc (102, 104).

5. A storage device of claims 1 , wherein the collecting device (113) comprises first and second ends of collecting arms (132A, 132B), wherein said first end of the collecting arm (132A) is configured to enter to the slots (109) of the discs (102, 104) of the first pack (117) of the discs, and second end of the collecting arm (132B) is configured to enter to the slots (109) of the discs (102, 104) of the second pack (118) of the discs.

6. A storage device of any of claims 1 -5, wherein the discs (102, 104) of the first pack (117) of the discs and the discs (102, 104) of the second pack (118) of the discs are configured to be rotated independently of each other.

7. A storage device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the collecting arm (132) of the collecting device (113) is configured to be entered to the free slots (112) of the first pack (117) of the discs, when the discs (102, 104) of the second pack (118) are rotated.

8. A storage device of any of previous claims, wherein the device comprises a casing (119) for storing the object (101 ).

9. A storage device of claim 8, wherein the casing (119) comprises an identifier (120) identifying said casing (119), and wherein the device comprises reading device (121 ) for reading said identifier (120).

10. A storage device of any of claims 8-9, wherein the storage device comprises or is in a data connection (122) with a register (123, 129), said register configured for keeping a record of the slots (109) and corresponding casings (119), whereupon the storage device is configured to control the rotation of the discs (102, 104) so that the slot (109) corresponding saidcasing (119) in question is achievable by said collecting device (113) through the free slots (112) of all the inners discs (102).

11. A storage device of any of claims 8-10, wherein the casing (119) comprises a first locking member (124) and wherein the collecting device (113) comprises a second locking member (125) compatible with the first locking member (124) so that the second locking member (125) of the collecting device (113) can be locked with the first locking member (124) of the casing in a detachable manner.

12. A storage device of any of previous claims, wherein the storage device comprises a weighing device (126), which is configured to weight the casing (119) with the object (101 ), when the object is retrieved by the collecting device (113) and / or when transferred by the transferring device (116), as well as when the object (101 ) is returned back to the slot (109) with the casing (119) and make a notification whether the weight of the object (101 ) was same and / or not when retrieved and returned.

13. A storage device of any of previous claims, wherein the storage device comprises or is in a data connection with a positioning device (127), such as GPS, and / or a clock (128), and a register (123, 129), which is for keeping a record of the objects (101 ) and / or corresponding casings (119) related to a certain predefined geographical area and / or time, whereupon the storage device is configured to allow collecting and / or returning a certain object or casing (119) only if the object or casing (119) in question matches with the current location and / or a predefined time range related to said object or casing.

14. A storage device of any previous claims, wherein the object (101 ) is e.g. a key, or dose of a substance, such as a nutritious or medicament.

15. A storage device of any previous claims, wherein the storage device is a mobile storage device, such as attachable to mobile vehicles, like cars.

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