WO2004114234A1

WO2004114234A1 - Storage machine for articles

Info

Publication number: WO2004114234A1
Application number: PCT/AT2004/000174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Scheba; Franz Perndorfer
Original assignee: Keba Ag
Priority date: 2003-06-20
Filing date: 2004-05-18
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: AT500112B8; ATE401635T1; EP1636770B1; EP1636770A1; DE502004007617D1; AT500112B1; AT500112A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage machine (1) for articles which comprises a plurality of compartments which are open to one side and which are configured on a rotatably mounted rotary magazine (10) that is at least partially surrounded by a housing (21) or any other delimitation. The storage machine further comprises at least one closing element (13), adjustable relative to a predefined center access opening (22) in the housing (21) and controlling, especially releasing or preventing, access to defined or individual compartments. The closing element (13) comprises at least one closing shutter that is mounted in such a manner as to be adjustable relative to the access opening (22) or the housing (21), and openings that are predefined in terms of size and/or height position and that are at least approximately adapted to the respective compartment openings and/or compartment height positions, and at least one door (15) that is mounted upstream of the compartments with respect to the direction of access or depth. Said door optionally releases or prevents access to the closing shutter or to a compartment positioned behind an opening.

Description

Automatic storage machine for objects

The invention relates to an automatic storage machine for objects, as described in the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for operating an automatic dispenser for objects, as specified in claim 41.

Well-known automatic storage machines consist at least of a storage volume for the temporary, safe storage of objects and an electrical control device. In particular, a compartment system is usually provided with a large number of compartments or compartments which are usually secured against access, accessibility to the respective compartments of the compartment system being regulated with a single or with multiple access mechanisms. This accessibility depends on the fulfillment of specified conditions for authorized persons. A local and / or locally distant control device is usually designed, which is able to determine the access authorization of a person or the access conditions. This control device is also able to perform the actions or legal transactions, such as e.g. Process payment processes, control access to the compartments and control all other functions of the storage machine that are required for regular operation. If necessary, this or an additional control device can take on further functions and tasks in connection with the operation of the automatic storage device, as is known in a wide variety of forms from the prior art.

A similar machine in use as a vending machine is described in DE 42 02 801 C2 or presented as a safe system in EP 0 140 839 A2.

No. 3,107,815 A describes a vending machine with a round magazine and a single-door access mechanism, in which the round magazine is divided into individual and individually rotatable levels. The individual levels require separate drives and all compartments on one level have the same height and width.

In order to keep the construction volume for a certain number of compartments as low as possible or the number of storage cases that can be handled at the same time for a certain storage To maximize volume, the subject system preferably has subjects in different sizes and different numbers. The size and number of these subjects is determined on the basis of experience or statistical evaluations from the usual package or goods volume. Possible configurations of such specialist systems can be found, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,337,920 A. The respective compartments can be divided or combined by inserting or removing dividing walls or intermediate floors and thus adjusted in size and number to changing operating conditions.

It is also known to exchange subjects grouped into modules in groups, the module types each having different subject divisions, but the module outer dimensions giving a uniform grid size, so that different module types can be used interchangeably in the shelving system of the machine. For the differently sized compartments, if a plurality of differently sized doors are to be avoided, an access mechanism is required which can be adjusted in size and position to the respective compartment openings to be released.

Storage and dispensing machines with such a locking mechanism are known, for example, from WO 01/65431 A2 and also from WO 99/43234 AI. The locking elements proposed therein include a pair of opposing doors that move along a common travel path or in a common plane, or a pair of blind-like panels that are flexible about at least one axis. These doors or roller shutters can be positioned by a motor in such a way that they open an access opening within predetermined limits. These closure elements can be moved or changed in position at least in one dimension, so that a compartment behind them can be released if necessary, while access to other compartments of the machine is reliably prevented. Access openings of almost any size and position can be created by these closure elements, but these closure elements have a mechanically relatively filigree structure. In particular, these roller shutters or other flexible closure parts consist of a large number of small and articulated segments. In addition, maintenance-critical guide rails and a plurality of rolling or sliding elements are to be used in order to achieve smooth, movable storage. Even a slight deformation of the roller shutter or these sliding doors, for example as a result of violence or due to an impacting a heavy object can impair or even prevent the function of this mechanical locking element. Furthermore, there is the problem that the required actuating forces can increase considerably with increasing wear or increasing contamination of the rolling or sliding elements or with any deformation of the closure parts or the guide rails with continuous use.

According to WO 01/65431 A2, a height-variable compartment system is required in order to be able to manage a magazine with several compartment levels via a central output opening. This also leads to relatively complex and long-term sensitive detail solutions.

A further embodiment for creating access openings with a variable size is described in US Pat. No. 5,533,645. Here, several sliding locking plates are arranged behind a common sliding door. Depending on the size of the compartment underneath, these are moved along with the common sliding door. This arrangement is also relatively mechanically sensitive.

A vending machine with a carousel-like compartment system with compartments of different sizes is also presented in US Pat. No. 5,067,630 A, the compartments being at least vertically the same height within one level of the carousel and a separate access door being required for each level.

The present invention has for its object to provide a storage machine for a secure transfer of objects, which has a plurality of storage compartments of different sizes and has a simple and robust mechanical structure, in particular with regard to the locking means for its compartment system.

Independently of this, a further object of the invention is to provide a method for operating an automatic storage device for articles, with which a plurality of receiving compartments of different sizes and / or in different compartment levels are selectively loaded with objects or compartments for a content via a central access opening Removal can be released specifically. The first-mentioned object of the invention is achieved by an automatic storage machine according to the features specified in claim 1.

An advantage resulting from the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 lies in the fact that a locking mechanism or door access mechanism is created in which a plurality of compartments for access are selectively released and blocked or blocked for access by means of a single door or with a few door elements can be. In particular, the possibility of manual access to a large number of separate compartments of a compartment system with different compartment sizes can be specifically controlled in a simple manner by means of a one-piece or multi-part door. The number of moving or moving parts of the locking means or of the selective door access mechanism is relatively small, so that the storage machine can be operated as maintenance-free as possible in the long term. In addition, a relatively high level of robustness can be achieved through the specified mechanical structure, which is particularly important with regard to vandalism security, criminal intentions and the like, in particular when the storage machine is used in publicly accessible places. Another advantage of the specified storage machine is that the respective compartment or object is always transported in a certain access area, which is preferably close to the control elements of the machine or the control unit, and the operator or customer, in contrast to an area Compartment arrangement with a multitude of compartment doors not just a specific compartment, e.g. using a number. Orientation difficulties or misunderstandings of the deliverer or pick-up of objects with respect to the respectively assigned or intended subject can thus be almost eliminated by the central access opening of the machine. Furthermore, a high degree of automation of the storage machine according to the invention can be created with relatively few drives or control technology components.

An embodiment according to claim 2 is advantageous, since the storage volume of the automatic storage device can thereby be increased considerably and yet compact dimensions are present. The individual compartment levels can be checked relatively inexpensively and nevertheless reliably and in a maintenance-friendly manner with the marked door or locking mechanism of the machine with regard to the release and blocking of the access possibility to the respectively provided or assigned compartments. An embodiment according to claim 3 or 4 is also advantageous, since it creates a technically extremely reliable automatic foreign exchange machine with several specialist levels and low maintenance requirements. Nevertheless, all compartment levels of the machine can be managed with the marked, common locking mechanism in a simple manner with regard to the access possibility depending on the presence of an access authorization to a specific compartment.

In the embodiment according to claim 5, it is advantageous that a structurally independent automat is created, the compartments of which are primarily protected from outside access by the corresponding housing. In particular, the closure panel can thereby also enclose only a partial region of the round magazine and the sections of the compartment system that are not covered by the closure panel and are to be protected from access are covered by the housing of the machine. In addition, in comparison to an alternatively possible walling in of the machine in conjunction with a corresponding wall opening as an access opening in this wall, greater flexibility or mobility of the machine can be achieved. Furthermore, due to the largely self-contained machine housing, the installation or commissioning of the specified machine at the appropriate locations is simplified.

According to the embodiment according to claim 6, a relatively high number of compartments of different sizes can be formed in several compartment levels, with access to the compartment intended for the deliverer or collector of an item in a simple manner by means of a mechanically robust or hardly maintenance-prone Verschlussbzw. Release element comprising this multi-perforated shutter can be regulated.

Through the possible further development according to claim 7, a relatively simple retrofitting or adaptation can be achieved, above all, if at least some of the openings in the closure panel can be changed to a certain extent by means of simple flaps or slide elements in their opening sizes or dimensions and / or shapes of the machine to other, in particular if necessary changeable, specialist dimensions of the compartment system without the closure panel having to be exchanged. The measures according to claim 8 ensure, with relatively simple technical measures, that within the comparatively large access opening in the housing only that compartment can be accessed effectively to which the respective user of the machine has access authorization.

By the embodiment according to claim 9, a relatively thin-walled shutter can be formed, which nevertheless achieves sufficient mechanical stability or high security against external forces. Especially when the closure panel is designed in the manner of a hollow cylinder or tube, a large number of different openings can be arranged in its outer surface, so that a correspondingly high number of different compartment sizes or compartment levels can be met. In addition, the specified rotary bearing for this closure panel can be carried out mechanically in a simple and robust manner, so that maintenance requirements are kept particularly low or can even be dispensed with during the entire service life of the machine. In addition, the outer dimensions of the machine can be kept relatively small by such a design, since compared to the round magazine no special free spaces for the adjustment of the closing panel relative to the round magazine have to be created.

In the embodiment according to claim 10, it is advantageous that such a closure panel can be produced particularly simply and inexpensively in terms of production technology.

Due to the configuration according to claim 11, the outer wall or jacket surface of the round magazine and the inside of the closure panel can be spaced relatively closely or closely to one another over the entire circumferential area. This ensures a safe or complete separation of the compartments and the additional construction volume or the additional space required by the machine beyond the round magazine can be kept particularly low.

The configuration according to claim 12 ensures in a simple manner that an object of maximum size for a corresponding compartment can be stored in the storage machine in an uncomplicated manner and subsequently removed again. In addition, only those sections are released from the housing or outer casing of the machine that are absolutely necessary in order to match the loading. to be able to accomplish appropriate subjects or the removal of corresponding objects, the remaining areas of the storage machine remaining in an unproblematic manner enclosed by a highly secure or stable housing and protected from access.

On the one hand, the embodiment according to claim 13 ensures that the maximum possible size of an object can be effortlessly stored or removed from the machine. In addition, even when the door is completely open with respect to the access opening, essentially only those areas of the closure panel are exposed which are absolutely necessary in order to be able to handle even the largest possible objects without significant restrictions.

An embodiment according to claim 14 is also advantageous, since depending on the existing authorization of the operator or customer of the machine, access to all specialist levels of the circular magazine can be made possible or regulated either with a one-part or multi-part door, without the specialist system or the circular magazine should be adjustable in height.

An embodiment according to claim 15 is also advantageous, as a result of which a door that is advantageous in terms of automation technology, in particular a door that is relatively easy to drive or that is easy to monitor in terms of security technology, is designed.

An embodiment according to claim 16 is advantageous, since this creates a particularly space-saving or space-saving articulation of the door relative to the housing of the machine, so that the construction volume or the space requirement of the machine can be kept relatively small. In addition, the clear width and clear height of the access opening or automatic opening can be completely released by such a sliding door.

Due to the configuration according to claim 17, the distance between the inside of the door and the outside of the closure panel can be set relatively low, so that a particularly compact structure of the automatic storage device is made possible.

Due to the configuration according to claim 18, even with a relatively thin-walled structure a high mechanical stability of the door can be achieved and, in addition, a particularly compact construction of the machine is made possible without this causing functional impairments.

Through the embodiment according to claim 19, a type of transfer lock can be created with which a highly secure storage or retrieval of objects, for example valuables, is made possible.

The configuration according to claim 20 offers handling-related advantages especially in the event of any manual adjustment movement, in particular in the case of opening movements and / or closing movements of the door by a customer or operator of the machine.

An optional further development according to claim 21 is also advantageous, since this can accelerate or simplify a storage or retrieval process of a plurality of objects.

It is achieved by the configuration according to claim 22 or 23 that a vertical axis or a surface line parallel to the axis of rotation along the closure panel only intersects at most one opening at a time. In this way, if a corresponding opening is covered or adequately placed before the opening of the compartment to be fitted, and if the access opening is at least partially or completely released through the door, access to the intended subject, or the subject group located behind, into the area of the access opening is made possible and limited to this.

The embodiment according to claim 24 ensures that, despite a relatively large access opening that can be released by the door, only that compartment or only that compartment group for which the respective user has the appropriate access authorization is released for access by the closure panel features. All other compartments of the compartment system, which are fundamentally delimited by the door or the access opening, therefore remain hidden in a simple but effective manner by the closure panel and are therefore inaccessible.

By appropriate interaction of the components of the specified in claim 25 Automatic access to a large number of compartments with a plurality of different compartment types or compartment sizes in this compartment system can be regulated in a reliable manner with relatively little mechanical effort.

In the embodiment according to claim 26, it is advantageous that relatively robust or tamper-proof openings or openings are created, via which the respective maximum possible access heights are predefined. In particular, with this automatic storage machine or with its closing panel, no automated or driven adjustable opening openings are required in principle in order to selectively release or cover access to shelving or compartment systems with several compartment heights and / or different compartment levels for access.

The embodiment according to claim 27 ensures that the comparatively largest sections of the machine or circular magazine are always covered by the housing and thus a design that is as tamper-proof as possible is created.

The access width required in each case or one adapted to the respective subject can be set in a simple manner by a configuration according to one or more of claims 28 to 30.

According to the embodiment according to claim 31, an adaptation to the respectively required or to be released access width can also be achieved by a corresponding interaction between the rotational angle position of the round magazine and / or opening width of the door. This is particularly advantageous for those compartment systems in which the compartments arranged directly one above the other have different widths and therefore different lateral boundary edges.

A large number of different access widths can be created by the configuration according to claim 32, which result in a simple manner from the interaction between the closing panel and the door and possibly the round magazine.

Due to the design according to claim 33, a plurality of relative positions between - lo ¬

between these components of the machine. In particular, a compartment system with a large number of compartments with a few and mechanically simple components can be covered or locked and selectively released or made accessible.

It is achieved by the embodiment according to claim 34 that exactly that subject or that subject group can be automatically placed in the area of the access opening for which the respective operator of the machine has the appropriate access authorizations. All other subjects in the subject system remain reliably inaccessible.

The configuration according to claim 35 ensures that the door is only unlocked if appropriate access rights are present and is subsequently locked again.

The ease of use of the machine can be significantly increased by the configuration according to claim 36, and the presence of access authorization for the respective operator can be clearly and unambiguously recognized by the automated opening of the door.

An advantage of the embodiment according to claim 37 is that the door is automatically and immovably held in any position or opening width, so that attempts at manipulation are ineffective after external force effects on the door, especially even in the case of a fully energy-free machine, do not result in any additional adjustment movement , The door can thus be locked or fixed in a simple manner even in a half-open or partially open position.

The embodiment according to claim 38 ensures that external forces, e.g. by a person with criminal intentions, an inadmissible change in the position or the angular position of the closure panel or the round magazine relative to the housing is prevented and access to other subjects is prevented.

Through the configuration according to claim 39, simple technical measures are used on the one hand, a drive for the round magazine and the closing panel is created, and a blocking or fixing of the respective position after deactivation of the respective drive is ensured.

Finally, an embodiment according to claim 40 is advantageous, since it enables an autonomous and at least partially automated operation of the storage machine without any existing network connection or connection to a control system or a remote control center.

The second object of the invention is achieved by the method specified in claim 41.

A resultant advantage is that, with relatively few, adjustable components, a large number of compartments of different sizes and / or in different subject levels can be secured against unauthorized access and a subject or a related subject group can be selectively selected for an authorized user of the machine can be released without gaining access to the surrounding or other subjects of the subject system that are not intended for the respective user. A further advantage is that a relatively high degree of automation of the machine can be achieved with relatively few, electrically controlled or electrically controlled drives and, as a result, a high level of user comfort or high security against criminal misuse can be achieved. Despite a relatively high degree of automation, such a storage machine can be made relatively robust and, with the appropriate design or dimensioning, a relatively low maintenance outlay for the storage machine can also be achieved. An advantage of this operating method of the automatic storage system is also that the compartments provided for loading and / or emptying are automatically moved into the area within a central access opening in the housing or in another boundary of the compartment system. This provides the user with an almost unmistakable subject assignment or recognition of the subject assignment and, moreover, a comfortable handling sequence is achieved.

The measures according to claims 42 and 43 are also advantageous, since a uni- or bidirectional movement in only one spatial direction is required, as a result of which the drive-related measures can be carried out relatively easily.

Furthermore, measures according to the features specified in claim 44 are advantageous because the vertical access height to the round magazine can be regulated in a simple and reliable manner.

Furthermore, a procedure according to the features specified in claim 45 is advantageous because regulation of the access possibility to a specific compartment level of a compartment system arranged in several floors can thus be accomplished in a simple and reliable manner.

In addition, a procedure according to the features specified in claim 46 is advantageous because it enables the effective access width to the circular magazine to be regulated within a relatively large range of values using simple or long-term function-reliable means.

Finally, a procedure according to the measures defined in claim 47 is advantageous, since it enables a specific subject or a related subject group from a relatively high number of subjects of different sizes and / or arranged in different height positions with corresponding control measures and relatively simple mechanical components in a targeted or selective manner can be released and all compartments can be reliably secured against unauthorized access when the machine is at rest or in the initial state.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the invention

Storage machines in a simplified representation; Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows another perspective side view of the storage machine according to

Fig. 1;

4 shows the automatic storage machine according to FIG. 1 with its main mechanical components in a simplified exploded view in connection with some alternative embodiments to its main components;

5 shows the automatic storage machine according to FIG. 1 with a schematically or translucent housing with a concealed access opening or closed door;

6 shows the automatic storage machine according to FIG. 5 in the position ready for removal for a comparatively small or narrow object from a specific compartment of the compartment system;

7 shows the storage machine according to FIG. 5 in the position ready for removal for an stored object from a compartment with comparatively larger dimensions;

8 shows the automatic storage machine according to FIG. 5 during a special operating state predominantly for the storage of objects in several different compartments of the compartment system.

In the introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position information selected in the description, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., are based on the figure described and illustrated immediately and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from those shown and described can also be used represent different exemplary embodiments for independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 to 4 illustrate a possible embodiment of a storage machine 1 according to the invention for basically any physical objects 2. Such objects 2 can also be formed by any containers for liquid or gaseous media. The objects 2 that can be picked up by the automatic storage device 1 can also be defined by packaging or containers with free-flowing materials or goods.

The function of the automatic storage machine 1 according to the invention is not only limited to a storage or depositing or intermediate storage of objects 2, but the specified automatic storage machine 1 can also be used for a sale, a handover, an issue and / or a return of objects 2. If necessary, various processing or treatment processes, such as e.g. a reprocessing or restoration of objects 2 contained therein are carried out or expire. The automatic storage device 1 can thus also function as a vending machine, return machine, locker machine, parcel depot or also for handling other services. One purpose of the storage machine 1 according to the invention can therefore also be to securely transfer an object 2 between authorized persons or a certain group of people, such as between a service provider and a service recipient, in spite of a different presence at the transfer location or at the storage machine 1.

If necessary, the transfer of an item 2 between corresponding persons may also be linked to a remuneration for various services in connection with the item 2. Such performance remuneration can occur or be demanded, for example, as a result of a sale, processing, storage, or rental of objects 2. Such a payment process at the automatic deposit machine 1 can be carried out in the form of cash or non-cash deposit or withdrawal processes, by collecting or voiding credit vouchers. Such processes can preferably be carried out or initiated at least partially automatically via the automatic storage device 1. The automatic storage machine 1 described in detail below is thus to be understood as an umbrella term for machines of the type specified above and as an umbrella term for similar devices which act in a similar manner to the intended use.

For storing or temporarily storing corresponding objects 2, the automatic storage device 1 comprises a plurality of compartments 3 which are separate from one another, but usually adjacent to one another. In order to allow the respective functions of the automatic storage machine 1 to run at least partially in an automated manner, the automatic storage device 1 is at least one electrical or electronic control device 4 assigned or integrated in this. As is known per se, this electrical control device 4 comprises at least one software-controlled processor or microcontroller for controlling, monitoring or regulating at least the internal processes and / or device-side functions. This control device 4 has a plurality of electrical or optical interfaces to corresponding actuators and / or sensors of the automatic storage device 1. Furthermore, the control device 4 forms an interface on the user side, in particular a so-called human-machine interface or operator interface 5. This user interface 5 is designed in the manner of a terminal 6 integrated in the automatic storage machine 1, but can of course also be designed independently and arranged somewhat distant from the actual automatic storage machine 1 with the respective compartments 3. The operator interface 5 or the terminal 6 comprises input and / or output means 7 known from the prior art for influencing the operating functions or processes of at least the automatic storage device 1. These input and / or output means 7 can be implemented, for example, by buttons, switches, displays , Screens and / or by combined input or output means 7, such as be formed by touch-sensitive screens in the manner of a so-called touch screen 8.

The input and / or output means 7 of the automatic storage device 1 can also comprise any identification means 9 known from the prior art. Such identification means 9 for people can, for example by means of identification cards, credit or payment cards (EC cards), by means of input for user names and possibly for passwords or PIN codes or for barcode sections, by means of biometric identification means, such as fingerprint sensors, voice recognition modules and / or be formed by mechanical keys, transponders or a combination of several such means. A be Particularly advantageous identification means 9 with regard to reliability and security against vandalism are wirelessly communicating identification means 9, such as individualized microwave transponders.

As input and / or output means 7 for data or information and commands, optoelectronic scanners, magnetic or chip card readers, electromagnetic transmitting and / or receiving devices and the like can also be integrated in the automatic storage device 1.

The range of electrical or electronic components implemented in the automatic storage device 1 essentially depends on the required functionality thereof, a number of expansion stages or special functionalities for the automatic storage device 1 being conceivable, as will be explained in more detail below.

The mechanical structure of the automatic storage device 1 comprises a plurality of compartments 3 which are open on one side, in particular on the front side. These compartments 3 are preferably formed on a carousel-like round magazine 10. This round magazine 10, which forms or supports the individual compartments 3, is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis 11, so that each compartment 3 or each column-like compartment group with superimposed compartments 3 of the compartment system formed on the round magazine 10 is in particular at a defined location of the storage machine 1 can be moved to an entry and / or exit point for objects 2.

A rotary bearing 12 forming the vertical axis 11 for the round magazine 10 can be formed by any bearing devices known from the prior art. In particular, it is possible to provide relatively short pivots or entire rotary shafts with corresponding radial and / or axial bearings as the rotary bearing 12 in order to bring about a rotatability of the round magazine 10. Preferably, the entire round magazine 10 is rotatably mounted about the vertical axis 11, so that all the compartments 3 formed thereon are rotated together about the axis 11. Preferably, only one drive is designed with which all compartments 3 of the compartment system can be pivoted or rotated about the axis 11. It is also possible to provide corresponding rail or sheet guides as the rotary bearing 12 in order to make the round magazine 10 rotatable. In particular, if several specialist levels are formed on the round magazine 10, it is alternatively also possible to adjust, in particular twist, individual specialist levels independently of the other specialist levels.

According to the embodiment shown, the round magazine 10 is preferably essentially cylindrical or disk-shaped, the axis of rotation of the preferably rotationally symmetrical round magazine 10 extending vertically and ideally coinciding with the axis 11 of the rotary bearing 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the circular magazine 10, taking into account its outer surfaces or outer boundary edges, is essentially designed as a rotationally symmetrical cylinder, the axis of rotation of which is vertical and can therefore be referred to as a “standing cylinder body”. In the outer surface of this cylindrical body, that is to say virtually in the lateral surface thereof "Standing cylinder", the individual compartments 3 or departments are designed for the separate reception or depositing of various objects 2. The individual compartments 3 preferably extend radially to the axis 11 of the round magazine 10, i.e. a depth of the respective compartments of the round magazine 10 is measured in the radial direction to the axis 11. The end region of the compartments 3 facing away from the axis 11 is open or at least partially open, i.e. there is either no or only a relatively narrow, strip-like front or boundary wall or boundary strip, at least on some compartments 3. In the sections of the compartments 3 closest to the axis 11, compartment rear walls are usually arranged, a separate compartment rear wall being unnecessary in the case of compartments 3 which are circular sector-shaped or essentially triangular in plan view.

The individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 are thus essentially formed by a shelf, two compartment side walls, an upper compartment closure in the manner of a compartment lid and, if appropriate, by a compartment rear wall. If necessary, individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 can also comprise partition walls or intermediate floors in order to create subdivisions or smaller sections within individual compartments 3.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the round magazine 10 comprises a compartment system with a plurality of compartments 3 arranged side by side and one above the other. That is to say that a multiplicity of compartments 3 which are at least partially open on the front are implemented on an imaginary outer surface or circumferential surface of the round magazine 10. These subjects 3 can be matrix be well-trained at regular or irregular intervals. In particular, the compartment widths of immediately adjacent compartments 3, in particular one on top of the other, can be different and / or the compartment heights of adjacent compartments 3, in particular one arranged directly next to one another, can be different.

As can best be seen from FIG. 4, the compartments 3 which are quasi-column-like one above the other are preferably designed with a uniform compartment width and the compartment heights of the individual compartments 3 can vary within such a "compartment column". This is made possible in a simple manner by the compartment heights or shelves can be variably determined on a support frame of the round magazine 10. That is, between adjacent compartment columns of the round magazine 10 different or varying compartment levels can occur due to different height positions of the respective shelves and / or upper compartment lid Flexibility of the round magazine 10 or automatic storage device 1 is created, since a large number of objects 2 of different sizes or with greatly different volumes are accommodated in the round magazine 10 in a space-saving manner or with maximum use of the available storage volume can.

Within the scope of the invention, it is of course also possible to design the round magazine 10 only in the form of a disk, the individual compartments 3 distributed over the circumferential area of this round magazine 10 being arranged only next to one another and thus only a single compartment level.

Furthermore, it is of course also possible within the scope of the invention to design the round magazine 10 only partially cylindrical. In particular, it is possible to design the circular magazine 10 in the form of a segment of a circle in plan view. For example, the round magazine 10 can represent a segment of a circle with an opening angle of approximately 40 ° to 180 ° in plan view or approximately a quarter, third, or semicircle in plan view. Instead of a circular top or bottom surface or outline contour, the round magazine 10 can also have a polygonal outline shape and be composed, for example, of a plurality of approximately triangular individual segments, so that a polygonal outline contour, for example a three, four, five, six or polygonal outline shape or cross-sectional shape of the round magazine 10 results. In addition, the automatic storage device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one locking element 13 that is adjustable relative to the round magazine 10. Access to individual compartments 3 can be controlled, in particular enabled or prevented, via this multi-part locking element 13. This closure element 13 is designed such that either access to all compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 within the automatic storage device 1 for persons is prevented or access to at least one specific compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 is permitted or made possible without access to surrounding, to obtain other subjects 3 of the round magazine 10 that are not intended for access. By means of the automatic storage machine 1, the access rights to individual or certain subjects of the round magazine 10 are automatically controlled or controlled, so that an authorized user of the automatic storage machine 1 only has access to the compartment 3 intended or allocated to him, whereas access to others or neighboring compartments 3 of the round magazine 10, to which access is not permitted, are reliably and tamper-proof prevented.

This access option to individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 is controlled, at least to a large extent, automatically, among other things, by a corresponding combination of the relative position of the rotatably mounted round magazine 10 and the multi-part closure element 13 which can be adjusted relative thereto, as will be explained in more detail below.

This closure element 13 comprises at least one closure panel 14 upstream of the round magazine 10 or at least partially surrounding the round magazine 10, as well as a door 15 assigned to or referring to an access direction to the compartments 3. This door 15 is used for covering or Exposing at least a portion of the outer or outer surface of the closure panel 14 is formed.

If necessary, the door 15 can also be placed between the closure panel 14 and the round magazine 10, although there are certain disadvantages of having access to the automatically moved closure panel 14 or, in some cases, special safety precautions, such as light barriers or so-called light curtains, would have to be taken to secure them , Both the closure panel 14 and the door 15 are designed to be able to be adjusted relative to the rotatably mounted round magazine 10. Preferably, the closure panel 14, like the round magazine 10, is rotatably mounted, for which purpose a rotary bearing 16 is designed for the closure panel 14. Preferably, an axis 17 of the rotary bearing 16 for the closure panel 14 coincides with the axis 11 of the rotary bearing 12 of the round magazine 10. Alternatively, the rotary bearing 16 for the closure panel 14 can also be formed by an arcuate rail guide with which a relative position between the closure panel 14 and the round magazine 10 is made possible. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to provide a straight line guide as adjusting means for the closure panel 14.

The front cover 14 for the compartment system with the compartments 3 open on one side can be plate-like, shell-shaped, or, as can be seen from FIG. 4, preferably configured as a tubular or hollow cylindrical element. When a tubular or hollow cylindrical closure panel 14 is formed, it is quasi wrapped around the outer surface of the round magazine 10 or placed over the round magazine 10, the axis 17 and the axis 11 preferably overlapping or meeting in terms of their position and orientation. This means that the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 at least partially surrounding the round magazine 10 are preferably arranged concentrically to one another.

A plurality of openings 18, which are basically predefined in their size, are formed in the plate, shell or tubular closure panel 14. Basically fixed is to be understood that these openings 18 are not intended for automated adjustment or change, but are preferably formed by predetermined openings 18 with specific height and width dimensions. If necessary, it is conceivable to make these openings 18 variable in at least one dimension by means of additional screens, flaps or sliding parts, tools or quick locking mechanisms preferably being used to change or define a new opening size.

The size or the format of the individual openings 18 in the closure panel 14 is adapted to the compartment system of the round magazine 10, ie the openings 18 of the are dimensioned such that they correspond to the respective compartment sizes formed on the circular magazine 10. In particular, the breakthroughs 18 are designed such that each compartment embodied in the round magazine 10 can be made accessible or accessible via at least one matching breakthrough 18 in the closure panel 14, if the corresponding duct breakthrough 18 overlaps or overlaps with the desired one behind it Tray 3 is brought. Individual openings 18 of the overall openings 18 of the closure panel 14 can also be dimensioned such that access to a plurality of immediately adjacent compartments 3, in particular one above the other, is permitted.

This closing panel 14, which is repeatedly perforated in the lateral surface or wall surface or is provided with a plurality of openings in the form of openings 18, is associated with the preferably automatically controlled door 15, preferably upstream. By means of this preferably one-part or multi-part door 15, access to the closing panel 14 or a compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 behind it can be optionally permitted and prevented. With respect to the direction of access or a depth direction to the compartments 3, this door 15 is therefore preferably in front of the closure panel 14 and can at least partially cover its lateral or broad side surface in the closed position, whereas in the open or inactive position of the door 15 at least one defined section or area of the closure panel 14 or of the round magazine 10 is accessible.

The door 15 can be a plate-like or bowl-shaped, i.e. arched sliding door 19 to be executed. Such a sliding door 19 can be adjustable linearly or rotatably. If the sliding door 19 is rotatably supported in accordance with the advantageous embodiment according to FIG. 4, its axis of rotation 20 can coincide with the axis 17 of the closure panel 14 or with the axis 11 of the round magazine 10. The plate-like door element of this sliding door is spaced or spaced in the radial direction from the axis of rotation 20, as can be clearly seen from FIG. 4. This door 15 can thus be rotated or displaced as a whole about the axis of rotation 20 distanced from its inside.

Of course, it is also possible to adjust the sliding door 19 by means of linear or curved guides relative to the round magazine 10 or the closing panel 14 store and / or provide other pivot points for the door 15.

Alternatively, the door 15 can be mounted on the outer casing or housing 21 of the machine via at least one hinge and can be designed in the manner of a flap or as a pivoting door or door leaf.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use the door 15 for the automated control of the access rights or the access to the closure panel 14 or the compartments 3 of the circular magazine 10 as a revolving door or in the form of a slide or also in the manner of a plate pivotably mounted in a corner area or Execute flap.

The specialist carousel or circular magazine 10 of the storage machine 1 is preferably mounted at a constant height or unchangeably with respect to the height level via its rotary bearing 12. In particular, it is not necessary to design the round magazine 10 to be adjustable in the vertical direction in order to be able to operate all the specialist levels of the round magazine 10. Only when the maximum storage height of the round magazine 10 reaches or exceeds the size of a person, in particular should be higher than 1.70 m or when relatively heavy objects 2 are to be deposited, is it advisable to adjust the height of the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 automatically perform. As a result, the ease of use of the automatic storage device 1 with respect to the lowest or uppermost compartment levels can be made more comfortable or made possible at all. However, this would mean a height-adjustable rotary bearing 12, 16 or a lifting and lowering device for the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 and thus a higher mechanical outlay, in particular with regard to their rotary bearings 12, 16. Preferably, the compartment levels of the round magazine 10 are mounted at a constant height or unchangeable at their height level via its rotary bearing 12.

The round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 are preferably arranged in a housing 21 that at least partially surrounds these components. This housing 21 has at least one access opening 22 which can be optionally locked and released by the at least one door 15. Via this access opening 22, when the door 15 is open or laterally displaced, there is an access possibility to the closing panel 14 or to individual compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 that are not covered by the closing panel 14. When the door 15 is in the closed and preferably locked position, the access opening 22 in the housing 21 is preferably completely covered or closed, so that it is not possible to access the closing panel 14 behind it or the circular magazine 10 behind it.

Preferably, in the closed position of the door 15 - as can be seen from FIG. 1 - the access opening 22 should be completely blocked off or covered, so that any possibility of access to the possibly changing, in particular automatically rotating, closure panel 14 and / or to the temporarily adjusting, in particular automatically rotating, round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 is prevented so that on the one hand injuries to the operator or abusive or vandalistic actions can be avoided or at least made more difficult.

Instead of forming a housing 21 around the round magazine 10 or the closure panel 14, it is of course also possible to design the access opening 22, which can optionally be closed and released by the door 15, as an opening in another wall. For example, it is conceivable to arrange the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 behind a plate or wall and to form the access opening 22 through a wall opening or as a wall opening. This is conceivable, for example, when depositing objects 2 of high value, in particular when depositing valuable objects or cash, since walling in the round magazine 10 may be less expensive and more burglar-proof than a housing with steel or cladding parts.

A size or dimension of the access opening 22 in the outer casing or in the housing 21 of the machine, which can be released by the door 15, corresponds at least approximately to the size of the largest compartment 3 in the round magazine 10. Usually, the access opening 22 is at least one dimension, in particular the height dimension dimensioned larger than the largest height of the compartments 3 in the round magazine 10. This ensures that the compartments 3 can be loaded or loaded with the objects 2 comfortably and with the best possible use of the available space.

It is also expedient if the access opening 22 of the opening that can be released by the door 15 automatic storage machines 1 at least approximately correspond to the size of the largest opening 18 in the closure panel 14 or the access opening 22 exceeds this opening size. This ensures that that section of the round magazine 10 which is not covered by the closure panel 14 can be conveniently loaded or used to fill the volume as much as possible.

Especially when only one door 15 is formed on the automatic storage device 1 and there are no door sections which are arranged one above the other and are adjustable independently of one another, it is expedient if a height 23 of the access opening 22 in the outer casing or in the housing 21 of the automatic storage device 1 is essentially one Height or maximum storage height 24 of the round magazine 10 corresponds. As a result, all compartments 3 of the round magazine 10 can be operated via only one access opening 22 depending on the position and / or size of the openings 18 and / or the position of the closure panel 18.

It is essential that this access opening 22 of the automatic storage device 1 can be completely covered in a simple manner via the previously described single-door access mechanism, in particular via the previously described, multi-part locking element 13, in order to prevent access to all compartments 3 and at least area-wise. or can be released or uncovered in sections in order to allow access to certain compartments 3 of the compartment system or of the round magazine 10 that have been released by the machine.

The movable, in particular rotatable cover or closure panel 14 for individual compartments 3 or individual sections of the round magazine 10 can optionally have a so-called storage opening 25 or an arrangement of a plurality of openings 18, in particular vertically one above the other, which essentially over the Entire storage height 24 of the round magazine 10 runs or run. In particular, this special, optionally designed storage opening 25 or a corresponding group of individual openings 18 extends over all or at least over several specialist levels of the round magazine 10. By means of this comparatively large-sized storage opening 25, which may also be provided by individual intermediate webs in the area of the shelves can be divided into several sections, the storage of a plurality of objects 2 in several different compartments 3 can usually be considerably simplified or accelerated for an authorized supplier or deliverer. As can be clearly seen from the illustrations, each individual opening 18 within the closure panel 14 - with the exception of an optionally formed storage opening 25 in the closure panel 14 - has a size or dimension which is only a fraction of the housing-side access opening which is predefined in terms of its dimensions and position Is 22. As a result, in a simple and reliable manner, a “diaphragm effect” or covering of compartments 3 that are located in the overlap area with the access opening 22 but are not intended for access is achieved.

In particular, in the event that the round magazine 10 is cylindrical or silo-shaped, the closing diaphragm 14 which is connected to or arranged upstream of the round magazine 10 is tubular and surrounds the round magazine 10 at least on its outer or outer surface. This means that in such a case the tubular closure panel 14 is placed over the round magazine 10 or that the tubular closure panel 14 is at least partially placed around the round magazine 10 and is mounted relative to the round magazine 10 in a relatively movable, preferably rotatable, manner.

Some alternatively possible embodiments of various components of the storage machine 1 were indicated in FIG. 4 with dashed lines.

Especially if a relatively small number of compartment levels or a small number of differently dimensioned compartments 3 is formed on the round magazine 10, instead of a tubular or self-contained cover or closure panel 14, this can also be bowl-shaped, for example as a tubular segment 26 or be designed as a curved or even flat slide-like plate 27. Such a slide-shaped plate 27 with openings 18 adapted to the compartment sizes of the round magazine 10 can be used above all if the length dimensions of the housing 21 or automatic storage devices 1 play a subordinate or secondary role. Particularly when there are a large number of openings 18 due to a large number of compartment levels and a large number of different compartment sizes, however, the use of a tubular closure panel 14 or a segment of a tubular closure panel 14 is recommended.

Especially when, for example, due to a large number of different subject sizes and / or subject levels, a large number of differently dimensioned and / or positive nier breakthroughs 18 is required, the closure panel 14 can also be made in several parts. In particular, two or more closure panels 14 or closure panel parts arranged one behind the other or concentrically one inside the other can also be used, which in combination, in particular by changing the relative position to one another, can form a multiplicity of different openings 18 or opening sizes in order to be able to use the compartments 3 behind Subject system or circular magazine 10 can correspond.

With reference to the formation of a tubular closure panel 14 or a tube segment 26, the individual openings 18 for the controlled access to at least one specific, underlying compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 in the original direction or direction of rotation of the closure panel 14 - according to arrow 28 - one after the other or arranged one after the other. With reference to the formation of a plate-shaped closure panel 14, the individual openings 18 in the preferably one-part or possibly multi-part closure panel 14 are arranged one behind the other or one after the other in the direction of adjustment or displacement of the closure panel 14 according to arrow 29.

Referring to a flat or curved plate 27 as a closure panel 14, the openings 18 thereof in the adjustment or displacement direction according to arrow 29, which usually runs horizontally and optionally bidirectionally, are also formed one behind the other or one after the other.

The individual openings 18 are preferably positioned or dimensioned such that there is no overlap area between two nearest openings 18, as can best be seen from FIG. 4. The individual, usually quadrangular openings 18 can - as can be seen from FIG. 4 - be positioned virtually “corner to corner”. According to a preferred embodiment, the individual openings 18 are positioned in the closure panel 14 in such a way that a vertical straight line on a broad side surface 30 or on an outer surface 31 of the closure panel 14 cuts only one opening 18.

For the sake of completeness, it is stated that the openings 18 of a slide-like plate 27 penetrate its broad side surfaces 30 and the openings 18 of a tubular gene shutter 14 are formed in the lateral surface 31. That is to say that in individual circumferential segments or longitudinal sections 32, 33, 34 of the closure panel 14 there is preferably only one opening 18, through which access to at least one underlying compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 is made possible. The sizes or dimensions and / or outline contours of the respective openings 18 are adapted to the subject dimensions or subject sizes and / or cross-sectional shapes of the underlying subjects 3 in the respective subject level.

The height positions of the individual openings 18 are of course adapted to the respective height positions of the corresponding or associated compartments 3. This means that each compartment 3 of the round magazine 10 can be accessed by an operator with at least partial overlap or overlap with a corresponding opening 18 in the closure panel 14 if the door 15 is also open. The openings 18 in the lateral surface 31 or in the broad side surface 30 of the closure panel 14 are thus placed in a height-conforming manner to the various compartment levels or the different height positions of the compartments 3.

The openings 18 which are adjacent or one above the other in the vertical or vertical direction, in particular parallel to the axis 17 of the closure panel 14, are preferred with reference to the horizontal circumferential or rotational direction - according to arrow 28 - or with reference to the adjustment or displacement direction. Arrow 29 - the closure panel 14 preferably arranged offset from one another without overlap. In particular, the individual openings 18 in the closure panel 14 can be arranged in a helical or helical or step-like manner distributed within the lateral surface 31 or the broad side surface 30.

A respectively adapted, vertical dimension 35 of the respective openings 18 determines the maximum possible vertical access height to the compartment 3 or the compartments 3 behind it of the round carousel or round magazine 10. That is to say that access is determined by appropriately defining the vertical dimension 35 of an opening 18 on at least one compartment or on a plurality of compartments 3 located one behind the other is possible. The vertical dimensions 35 of the openings 18 are usually selected such that there is only unhindered access to a corresponding compartment 3 located behind them. A maximum possible access width 36 to the round magazine 10 or the closure panel 14 is preferably essentially determined by a width 37 of the access opening 22 in the housing 21 of the machine. This means that the clear width of the access opening 22 or the maximum opening width of the door 15 essentially determines the maximum possible access width 36 to the round magazine 10 or the closure panel 14 located behind it. An effective access width 38 to the round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 can be achieved by the respective width dimensions 39 of the individual openings 18 and / or by the relative position of the door 15 with respect to lateral boundary edges 40, 41 of the access opening 22 and / or by the relative position of the round magazine 10 and / or be determined by the relative position of the closure panel 14 with respect to the access opening 22. Ie that also through different relative positions of the closure panel 14 and / or through different relative positions of the one-part or multi-part door 15 with respect to the housing 21 of the machine or with respect to its access opening 22 regulates or controls an effective access width 38 to the round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 can be determined, as can be seen in a simple manner from an overview of the individual main components according to FIG. 4 or from FIG. 6.

An effective access width 38 to the round magazine 10 or its compartments 3 can thus also be determined by appropriate choice of the relative position of the preferably automatically moving round magazine 10 with respect to one of the lateral boundary edges 40, 41 of the access opening 22. Likewise, the effective access widths 38 to the compartments 3 can be automatically regulated or adapted in terms of control technology to the respective requirements by suitable selection of the relative position of the preferably automatically adjusting closure panel 14 or door 15.

Furthermore, an effective access width 38 to a particular compartment 3 or to a particular compartment group from a plurality of compartments arranged one above the other with different widths can be achieved by taking a defined rotational angle position of the round magazine 10 with respect to the access opening 22 of the machine, in particular with respect to the left or right boundary edge 40, 41 Access opening 22 and / or by appropriate choice or limitation of the opening width of the door 15 are respectively adapted accordingly, so that only the respective compartment 3 intended for access can be accessed by an operator or user of the automatic storage device 1. In particular, adaptation to different compartment widths of the round magazine 10 can also be carried out by control-related or automatically controlled changes in the relative position between the closure panel 14 or its openings 18 and the door 15.

It can be seen from the above statements that the round magazine 10, the closing panel 14 and the door 15 are adjustable and can be stored independently of one another. At least one drive is assigned to at least the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14, which drive can be controlled via the control device 4 or controlled accordingly. At least the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 are thus automatically controlled or driven via the control device 4 and these components can be blocked in the respective rest position. In this way, an improper attempt to adjust or move the circular magazine 10 or the closure panel 14 by criminal persons can be counteracted.

The door 15 is also preferably adjustable or at least individual door sections of a multi-part door 15 can be automatically adjusted, in particular electrically controlled or can be moved automatically, in that the door 15 is assigned at least one drive. If necessary, the door 15 can only be operated by hand, i.e. opened and / or closed. Alternatively, the door 15 can be moved in one direction at least in part by stored spring force, the door 15 having to be moved manually in the other direction against the spring force and the spring is thereby tensioned again. A prerequisite for a manual or spring-powered adjustability of the door 15 is a prior unlocking of the locking device by the control device 4 when the corresponding access or operating rights of the respective person to the machine or at least one of its compartments 3 are present.

In any case, the one-part or multi-part door 15 is assigned a locking device, not shown, with which the door 15 can be locked and / or unlocked in an automatically controlled manner. This locking device of the door 15 can be formed by any locking mechanisms known from the prior art in various embodiments. For example, it is possible to provide electromagnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated or acting locking devices for the door 15, the respective actuation or control of the locking device takes place automatically via the control device 4.

In addition or as an alternative to an independently designed locking device, the drive for the door 15 itself can represent a locking device. In particular, the door 15 can be assigned a self-locking drive, in which an adjustment of the door 15 as a result of a force acting on the door 15 is reliably prevented when the drive is inactive or inactive. Such self-locking drives can be formed, for example, by a worm wheel drive for the door 15, a mechanical brake for the door drive or the like. In particular when a mechanical brake is formed, this is preferably associated with a brake fan, which only releases adjustment of the door 15 when the brake fan and the drive are acted upon by energy, in particular electrical energy.

Preferably, the round magazine 10 and the closure panel 14 is a locking or. Blocking device for securing the automatically assumed relative position relative to the access opening 22 of the machine is assigned, or these components can each be driven and locked or fixed via a self-locking drive.

It should also be noted that the door 15 and the closure panel 14 are preferably designed to be dimensionally stable or predefined in their shape, that is, they do not have to be flexible or reshapeable like roller shutters.

5 to 8, a possible functional or operational sequence of an automatic storage device 1 designed according to the invention is illustrated by way of example and in part.

The housing 21 of the machine, which can of course also be formed by an at least partially self-contained space or a wall or by another enclosure, is to be regarded as transparent and was therefore indicated with dashed lines. It is essential that in the front area of the machine, in particular close to its operating and control elements, the only or common access opening 22 is placed on the compartment system consisting of several compartments 3. This access opening 22 to the compartment system of the machine is controlled by the preferably automated th door 15 at least partially unlockable and - as illustrated in Fig. 5 - preferably completely lockable. The opening and closing movement of the door 15 with respect to the access opening 22 is preferably only one-dimensional, in particular oriented horizontally, the door 15 preferably being bidirectionally adjustable. According to the advantageous embodiment shown, the plate-like, vertically oriented door 15 is pivotally mounted for adjustment in the horizontal direction about the vertical axis of rotation 20 distanced from the inside of the door. For an automated adjustment of the door 15, a schematically indicated drive 42 is assigned to it. This drive 42 can be formed, for example, by a friction wheel drive, a chain drive, a belt- or gear-assisted drive or the like. In the operating state illustrated in FIG. 5, the door 15 completely closes the size of the predefined access opening 22 in the housing 21, so that not a single compartment 3 of the compartment system or the round magazine 10 is accessible.

After corresponding identification or after checking the authorization of a potential user of the machine by means of the control device 4 of the automatic storage machine 1, the respective compartment 3 intended for this user, in particular for a deliverer or pick-up of articles, is moved into the area of the access opening 22, in particular rotated and at the same time or at different times, the opening 18 matching this size of the compartment opening is placed in the closure panel 14 in front of the compartment opening of the respective compartment 3. Subsequently, the door 15 is opened at least to such an extent that at least approximately the full compartment width of the selected or intended compartment 3 is accessible.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 6, a relatively narrow compartment 3 is selected on the user side and / or on the control side and placed, in particular rotated, in the area of the access opening 22, so that the door 15 is only available in an opening width corresponding to this compartment width. This opening width of the door 15, in particular the actual width 37 of the access opening 22, corresponds to a part of the maximum possible access width 36 of the access opening 22. All other compartments of the compartment system or the round magazine 10 remain via the housing 21, the door 15 and also through the Locking panel 15 is covered and are thus secured against access. This applies above all to the subjects adjacent to the intended subject 3, in particular to the subjects 3 of the subject system arranged above and below the intended subject 3. For the preferably automated adjustment of the round magazine 10 via the control device 4, a purely schematically indicated drive 43 is assigned to it. Likewise, a further, preferably independent drive 44 is assigned to the preferably automated adjustment of the closure panel 14 via the control device 4 of the closure panel 14.

The drives 42 to 44 can preferably be activated independently of one another and these drives 42 to 44 are either designed to be self-locking or these drives 42 to 44 and / or the elements driven thereby are each an automatically switchable locking or blocking device for fixing, which is not shown in detail assigned to the respective relative position relative to the housing 21 or the access opening 22.

6, the relative position between the round magazine 10, the closure panel 14 and the door 15 opposite the access opening 22 in the housing 21 of the machine is the removal or storage of an object 2 compared to an example relatively small, in one middle compartment level of the compartment system lying compartment 3 allows.

In comparison to this, FIG. 7 shows an operating state of the automatic storage machine 1, in which the door 15 is essentially open over the entire maximum possible access width 36 of the access opening 22 and in which the storage or retrieval of a relatively large object 2 is opposite a corresponding compartment 3 from the upper compartment level of the compartment system or round magazine 10 is made possible.

An optional special operating state of the automatic storage device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this case, the storage or removal of objects 2 relative to a plurality of vertically superimposed compartments 3 of the compartment system or round magazine 10 is made possible. In particular, the removal or storage opening 25 of the closure panel 14, which extends relatively extensively in the vertical direction, has been adjusted in the region of the access opening 22 and the round magazine 10 has been aligned accordingly. Furthermore, the door 15 was opened so that the compartments 3 delimited by the storage opening 25 or the correspondingly large opening in the closure panel 14 are provided for access. Especially if this operating state is used for storing several objects 2 intended for different people, one can Storage process can be significantly accelerated or simplified. The output of the items 2 stored in this way can then of course be limited to the respective pickup, regardless of the type of storage, as can be clearly seen from the preceding description parts.

Repeatedly repeated, the automatic storage device 1 essentially comprises a rotatably installed compartment system in the form of a round magazine 10 or carousel with a plurality of compartments 3, which in all dimensions, i.e. may differ in their width, height or depth from one another and a closure panel 14, which essentially surrounds this compartment system and is rotatably mounted independently of the compartment system, with openings recessed in the lateral surface, the size, shape and position of which have compartments 3 that can be positioned behind the lateral surface correspond to the subject system, ie can be brought into line with corresponding specialist openings. The cutouts or breakthroughs 18 of different sizes and heights are provided in the lateral surface in such a way that normally only one compartment 3, which can be positioned behind them, is accessible from a stack of compartments 3 lying one above the other, i.e. only one opening is cut out in the vertical direction per circumferential segment of the lateral surface. The specialist carousel together with the closure panel 14 surrounding this compartment system is housed together in a surrounding housing 21, which at one point has a lockable access opening 22 in the form of a lockable sliding door or a flap that extends over the entire height of the compartment system.

After positive identification of an authorized person and fulfillment of all other conditions for permitting access, as well as the reservation of a previously unused compartment by the control unit of the machine, the corresponding compartment 3 is moved into the opening area of the common access opening 22 by means of the drive 43 of the round magazine 10 brought, at the same time or offset in time, the shutter 14 rotated so that a suitable size and vertical position opening in the outer surface is positioned in front of the associated compartment opening and then the door 15 is either automatically opened by the control or unlocked for manual opening. This enables a person to have access through the door 15 and through exactly one opening of the closure panel 14 to a compartment 3 located behind it. Due to a curved and essentially one-piece shape of the closure panel 14, compared to flat designs, a considerable improvement in stability, mechanical reliability and also the security against violent influences with a simple construction is achieved. The axis of rotation of the closure panel 14 usually coincides, but not necessarily, with the axis of rotation of the round magazine 10. The storage can be realized inexpensively, with low maintenance and robustly for both parts with known bearing elements, for example roller bearings. The driving forces and power required for the moving parts are also low and therefore inexpensive.

The closure panel 14 preferably has a cylindrical outer surface, but in principle it can also have a different rotationally symmetrical shape, e.g. have the shape of a truncated cone or a combination of a truncated cone, cylinder or similar rotating bodies. Instead of a curvature running along the circumference, the jacket of the sealing tube can optionally consist of a large number of segmentally flat segments, so that the overall arched shape is approximated by a polygon.

The design of the access openings is not only limited to the outer surface, but can also include at least one top surface of a cylindrical or tubular closure panel 14.

The closure panel 14 can also have an opening 18 in a circumferential segment, which extends over the entire height of the compartment system and releases several compartments arranged one above the other and next to one another and thus enables a delivery person a time-saving possibility for storing several objects 2 or packages. Such a large jacket opening can also enable access to the compartment system for maintenance work or the exchange of entire modules of the compartment system when loading the machine with goods, mail items or other objects 2. For reasons of the mechanical stability of the closure panel 14, this large opening can also be divided into two or more openings at certain points by web-like connections.

The closure panel 14 can have rib-like stiffeners or ribs at various points, which further improve the mechanical stability of the curved shell construction. Stiffeners can in particular also in the peripheral area of the openings 18 may be expedient to improve the rigidity of the perforated arched shell structure.

Instead of a single closure panel 14, in principle two or more interlocking, independently rotatable closure panels 14 can also be used, in which case the openings 18 are to be coordinated and rotated in such a way that at least partially overlapping openings 18 of a plurality of closure panels 14 provide a desired passage opening Size and position in the area of the lockable access opening 22 arises. This configuration is recommended if, with a small diameter of the round magazine 10 and thus a small circumference of the closure panel 14, a large number of openings 18 of different sizes or positions have to be realized, which would not all find space side by side on the circumference of a single closure panel.

The closure panel 14 can be constructed from several individual tube segments, which can be individually mounted on a support frame. This simplifies production (e.g. painting) and favors the storage of disassembled individual parts.

If necessary, special anti-graffiti coatings can also be applied to the housing 21, which make sprayed-on dyes or soiling subsequently easily removable. Furthermore, special antifungal coatings can be carried out on the inner surfaces of the compartments 3.

For the rotary mounting of the closure panel 14 or the support frame of the closure panel 14 or of the round magazine 10, e.g. Conventional roller or plain bearings are used, which either directly support the respective axis of rotation or can also be attached several times as circumferential wheels. In the latter case, the circulation in rails and / or an additional fixation of the axis by a radially acting bearing is advantageous.

The lockable and unlockable door 15 is preferably designed as a curved (and thus stable) sliding door. After unlocking by the control device 4, it can either be opened manually or opened automatically with its own drive 42. It is also possible to implement semi-automatic operation in which the ScMebetür or the door 15 after Unlocking by the control device 4 is at least partially opened by previously stored spring energy and the spring is tensioned again by the user when the sliding door or the door 15 is closed manually. This can represent an advantageous compromise between fully automatic drive and fully manual movement of the door 15 or the sliding door, especially with regard to simpler safety measures against injuries and omitted drive means. In addition, this outer door 15 can be designed such that it can be opened or opened only a certain distance depending on the control device 4, depending on the width of the compartment 3 to which access is to be permitted. The openings 18 of the closure panel 14 are adapted to the maximum width dimension 39 of the compartments 3 and the access width 38 actually formed is limited by the adjustment path of the door 15 permitted by the control device 4.

Particularly in the case of an automatically opening or closing door 15, means can be provided in the automatic storage device 1 which can prevent damage to objects 2 or the machine or even injury to persons if any obstacles occur in the travel path of the door 15. Such means can be sensory, e.g. Light barriers or so-called blow bars that detect an obstacle and act on the drive 42 of the door 15 via the control device 4. However, means can also be provided which ensure that the mechanical forces acting on an obstacle via the door 15 are limited to a non-hazardous level, such as e.g. a momentary limitation of the drive motor, either by the drive control itself e.g. by a current limitation, or by a slip clutch or also by other mechanical power transmission elements such as Toggle mechanisms that trigger reversibly when certain maximum forces are exceeded or reached and prevent further power transmission.

The automatic storage device 1 preferably has means for locking the door 15, which prevent the door 15 from opening even when the machine is completely without energy, or prevents the closure panel 14 and / or the round magazine 10 from rotating when the door 15 is open due to forces and moments applied from the outside prevent. Such means can be formed, for example, by spring-loaded and electromagnetically unlockable bolts which engage directly in the door 15, the closure panel 14 or the round magazine 10 or also in the drives 42, 43, 44 thereof. However, these agents can also take the form of self-locking Drives 42, 43, 44, for example with worm wheel drives, may be formed.

The automatic storage device 1 has a control device 4 or computing unit, which usually comprises one or more processors, memories and various interfaces and communication means to various sensors, actuators and user interfaces. The control device 4 coordinates, controls and monitors e.g. all essential components of the machine, processes all data and information related to the bearing traps, conducts communication with the user, checks identities or access authorizations, records faults, operating states and the like.

The automatic storage machine 1 also preferably has sensory means with which the positions or the movements of the moving parts of the machine, in particular the door 15, the closure panel 14 and the round magazine 10, can be detected and evaluated by a control device 4. These means can e.g. in the form of mechanical limit switches, inductive or capacitive proximity sensors, light barriers, angular or angular momentum sensors or similar displacement or angle sensors. The positions of the moving parts can either be determined directly by the control device 4 from the sensor signals or can be reconstructed from sensor-detectable reference positions and the subsequent travel commands.

The automatic storage device 1 can optionally have means with which stored objects 2 are modified in a certain manner before being dispensed. This can be done, for example, by printing on objects 2 or by charging, activating or infecting vessels or energy stores or also by programming data carriers such as e.g. Programmable microwave transponders or data carriers from the field of EDP or entertainment electronics.

The automatic storage device 1 can optionally have means with which the properties of objects 2 can be checked with respect to certain features during storage via the control device 4. These can be means that detect specific shapes, electrical or other physical properties, in particular mass or special chemical properties, or can be means that sensorically detect the intended function of specific objects 2 and are signaled in a suitable manner by the control device 4. that can. If necessary, the control device 4 may be able to accept or reject an object 2 for storage, depending on the result of the evaluation, to retouch the deposit, if necessary, or to trigger directly perceptible or silent alarm messages.

The automatic storage machine 1 can optionally have means by which a user can transfer a cash debt related to the ordering, storage, processing or removal of an object 2 in cash by inserting coins or entering banknotes or also cashlessly by providing billing data such as e.g. Account number, bank routing number, credit card number, customer number or comparable data can settle. Such means include, for example, known coin or banknote depositors with corresponding validation and storage devices or also known terminals for entering credit card information and PIN codes which connect to remote servers or access locally stored data records or other test information to ensure the validity of the information provided Can check billing data.

The local control device 4 of the storage machine 1 is able to create, change or process data records for individual storage cases, in which an assignment between data to the object 2, to the supplier, to the recipient, to the dealer or service provider, to the storage compartment in the machine , identification data for specialist access, reservation data, order data and billing data, product information, at the times of individual events in connection with the storage situation, etc. These data records can be part of an extensive database, stored locally in the automatic storage device 1 or can be stored and called up on a remote server via a data network connection.

The automatic storage device 1 can also have the following means and features:

Optionally, means for establishing a data connection between the machine and other remotely positioned data sources or data sinks, for example a central server or control computer, which can, for example, record operating data of a whole group of such machines and which data for processing, issuing and storing goods or can provide, receive and store objects 2. The storage machine 1 can also be used to connect via the Internet or comparable communication media with a variety of PCs or communication terminals to create communication tools for customers, e.g. to reserve subjects, to order goods, to remotely query the storage status of certain subjects or the presence of goods or objects 2, the operating or maintenance status of the machine or the like.

Means are preferably provided for identifying authorized users, ie deliverers, dealers, customers, recipients and maintenance personnel, such means of identification being, for example, identification cards, credit or payment cards (EC cards), input means for user names and possibly password or PIN, barcode sections, biometric Identification means, voice recognition, keys, transponders or other known means of identification or combinations of several such means can be. Devices with data interfaces with individually unique and electronically evaluable device identifiers, such as In modern mobile phones or personal data assistants (PDAs), they can be used as a means of identification. Particularly advantageous identification means with regard to reliability and security against vandalism are wirelessly communicating microwave transponders, individualized by stored identification data.

Means are preferably also provided for communicating with people during the handling of the actions required for access to a compartment 3 and for the recording and output of all information relevant for this. Such information includes, for example, information that enables a later identification of authorized persons who affect the conditions for a later access to the subject, such as the price to be paid for a product or a delivery, the type or properties of a product or a shipment, or order numbers , Contact information for a notification when an item 2 arrives at the machine, via the sender and recipient address of an item 2 being stored, about storage conditions for the item 2, about execution or treatment instructions for items 2 to be processed, about deadlines for picking up an item 2 and inform the like. In addition to a conventional keypad or a touch screen, the input means themselves can also be, for example, barcode readers, document scanners or devices as described above for identification. The input means can also be specially designed for use by the visually impaired and can include, for example, voice output and or keys with Braille.

Interfaces and connections to higher-level servers are also to be understood as input means, via which at least parts of the designated information can be transmitted in or out of the machine. For the output means, screens are typically suitable, preferably suitable for displaying colored graphics or various other optical and acoustic signaling means. Furthermore, printers of different types or technologies can also be provided to provide receipts for completed processes.

Furthermore, there is a power supply to supply the electrical and electronic components of the machine, possibly with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to complete ongoing operations immediately after a power supply failure, if necessary with a local alarm monitoring or acoustic alarm message regarding the remaining duration of the uninterruptible Power supply (UPS) executed.

Storage media are preferably also designed for at least temporarily storing the data and processes required and / or arising from the operation of the machine and for storing the operating software for the local control or computing unit. At least part of the total installable storage capacity can be formed from exchangeable, non-volatile removable data carriers (flash disk, floppy disks, CD-ROM / RW, DVD or the like. This enables an uncomplicated update of data and software.

The automatic storage machine 1 is usually set up in publicly accessible places or in other locations which are conveniently accessible for the intended group of users, such as, for example, within company premises or shops. Placement is possible both indoors and outdoors and also in certain means of transport, such as on ships. For the installation of such machines outside are depending on the expected climatic conditions suitable means for air conditioning the interior, for shading against direct sunlight, for sealing against moisture, salt spray, dust and similar influences, as well as against the unwanted intrusion of animals.

A canopy coupled to the housing 21 is also advantageous, above all above the area of the operator interface 5 and the common access opening 22, as is the case, for example, 1 can be seen. Furthermore, at least in the area of the user interface 5 and the access opening 22, lighting can be provided, which is preferably switched on automatically in the dark. Measures can also be taken to ensure adequate robustness against electromagnetic interference (e.g. electrostatic discharge), lightning strikes, line-based interference and the like.

A number of other sensors, e.g. Proximity sensors or cameras can be provided to detect the approach of a person and corresponding automatic operations, such as to activate the display of a welcome screen, the switching on of lighting, the announcement of a welcome text or the like. Furthermore, sensors for monitoring the condition of the housing and for detecting violent attempts at opening, together with corresponding alarm means, can be provided in an acoustically perceptible and / or silent form.

Sensory means for the automatic detection of specific substances, in particular typical hazardous substances, such as e.g. Explosives may be provided. Additional sensors can be provided, in particular to prevent danger to persons or damage to property by jamming or crushing due to the automatically opening and closing closure element 13.

The detailed design of the control device 4 or the drives or sensors and / or actuators for fulfilling the individual tasks and functions of such automats is well known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art.

Automatic storage machines 1 according to the described embodiment are preferably part of an entire network of such automatic machines, mostly under the control of one or several central processing units or servers. The operator of such machines or networks of machines can operate them himself, for example for sales purposes, or as a provider of transport or delivery services, or make the provision and maintenance of the machines available to other companies as a service provider. Typical uses of the vending machine described or the system of vending machines are the sale of goods, the delivery of purchased or ordered goods, the rental or rental of objects, e.g. tools or video cassettes, unmanned repair assumptions and returns, recycling of consumables and energy stores, e.g. Printer cartridges or gas cartridges, the distribution of office supplies, the baggage check or baggage storage and the like.

The exemplary embodiments show possible design variants of the automatic storage machine 1, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated design variants, but rather also various combinations of the individual design variants with one another are possible and this variation possibility is based on the teaching of technical action through objective Invention lies in the skill of those skilled in the art. Thus, all the design variants that are possible by combining individual details of the illustrated and described design variant are also included in the scope of protection.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for better understanding of the structure of the automatic storage device 1, these or its components have been partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The object on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual versions shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 can form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures. REFERENCE NUMBERS

Storage machine 36 access width

Item 37 width

Tray 38 access width

Control device 39 width dimension

Operator interface 40 boundary edge

Terminal 41 boundary edge

Input and output means 42 drive

Touch screen 43 drive

Identification means 44 drive

round magazine

axis

pivot bearing

closure element

shutter

door

pivot bearing

axis

breakthrough

sliding door

axis of rotation

casing

access opening

height

storage height

Storage breakthrough

pipe segment

plate

Circumference or direction of rotation

Adjustment or displacement direction

Broadside surface

lateral surface

Circumferential segment or longitudinal section

Circumferential segment or longitudinal section vertical dimension

Claims

Patent claims

1. Storage machine (1) for objects (2), comprising a plurality of compartments (3) open on one side with at least two differently sized compartment openings and / or with compartments (3) arranged one above the other in at least two levels, which are attached to a housing ( 21) or another boundary, at least partially enclosed, rotatably mounted round magazine (10), and with at least one locking element (13) which is adjustable relative to a central predefined access opening (22) in the housing (21), in order to provide access to certain or Controlling individual compartments (3), in particular releasing or stopping them, characterized in that the closure element (13) has at least one closure panel (14) which is relatively adjustable relative to the access opening (22) or the housing (21) and is of a size and / or predefined height position, the respective compartment openings and / or compartment height positions at least ann approximately adapted openings (18) and at least one door (15) upstream of the circular magazine (10) with respect to the access or depth direction to the compartments (3), with which the access to the closure panel (14) or to a rear a breakthrough (18) positioned compartment (3) can optionally be released and prevented.

2. Storage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the compartments (3) of the at least approximately circular, polygonal or circular segment-shaped or overall cylindrical, partially cylindrical, barrel-shaped or truncated cone-shaped round magazine (10) are arranged next to and above one another and thus train several subject levels.

3. Automatic storage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a rotary bearing (12) for the round magazine (10) stores this or its compartment levels constant or unchangeable in height.

4. Storage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compartment levels of the round magazine (10) via its rotary bearing (12) are stored at a constant height or unchangeable in their height level.

5. On the storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, thereby indicates that the rotatably adjustable round magazine (10) and the adjustable closing panel (14) are largely enclosed except for the area of the central access opening (21) in the housing (21) and this central access opening (21) is optionally available via the adjustable door (15) is lockable and exposed to generally deny or selectively allow access to the circular magazine (10) or individual of its subjects (3).

6. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure panel (14) has a plurality of pre-defined openings (18), the size and / or shape and in their height position with different sized compartment openings or compartment shapes in different Subject levels of the round magazine (10) at least largely match.

7. Automatic storage machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the closure panel (14) has a plurality of openings (18) which can be varied by means of flaps or slide elements and which, in terms of their size and / or shape, have different sized compartment openings or different compartment shapes and / or are at least largely adaptable to different specialist levels of the round magazine (10).

8. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, except for an optionally formed storage opening (25), each individual opening (18) in the closure panel (14) only a fraction of the size of the housing-side access opening which is predefined in terms of its dimensions and position (22).

9. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure panel (14) is tubular or as a tubular segment (26) and is rotatably mounted relative to the round magazine (10).

10. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure panel (14) is plate-like, in particular in the form of a flat plate (27) and is displaceably mounted relative to the round magazine (10).

11. On the storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, thereby indicates that an axis (17) of a rotary bearing (16) for the closure panel (14) coincides with an axis (11) of a rotary bearing (12) for the round magazine (10).

12. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum size of the access opening (22) that can be released by the door (15) in an outer casing or housing (21) of the machine is at least approximately the size of the largest compartment (3) in Round magazine (10) corresponds.

13. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum size of the access opening (22) that can be released from the door (15) in an outer casing or housing (21) of the machine is at least approximately the size of the largest opening (18) in corresponds to the closure panel (14).

14. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a height (23) of the access opening (22) in an outer casing or housing (21) of the machine essentially corresponds to a height or storage height (24) of the round magazine (10).

15. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (15) is designed as a sliding door (19).

16. Storage machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the sliding door (19) about a vertical axis of rotation (20) relative to the housing (21) rotatably mounted and the plate-like door element is spaced in the radial direction from the axis of rotation (20).

17. Storage machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the vertical axis of rotation (20) of the sliding door (19) with an axis (17) of a rotary bearing (16) for the closure panel (14) and / or with an axis (11) for a rotary bearing (12) of the round magazine (10) covers.

18. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (15) curved in the transverse direction or in its horizontal transverse cut is arched, a radius of curvature of the inside of the door (15) measured perpendicular to its axis of rotation (20) being dimensioned at least slightly larger than half an outer diameter of a closure panel (14) designed as a hollow cylinder or as a tube segment (26),

19. Storage machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the door (15) is designed as a revolving door.

20. Automatic storage machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the door (15) is mounted via at least one hinge or hinge on the outer casing or fixed housing (21) of the machine and is designed as a flap or door leaf.

21. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closure panel (14) a storage opening (25) or a grouping of individual openings (18) is formed, which or over the entire storage height (24) of the Round magazine (10) runs or run and thus extends or extend across all subject levels.

22. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that vertically running, imaginary straight lines on the closure panel (14) always cut only one opening (18) as a possible access opening to the round magazine (10).

23. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the vertical direction adjacent to one another or in the parallel direction to an axis (17) of the closure panel (14) superimposed openings (18) referring to a horizontal circumferential or rotational direction - arrow (28) - the closure panel (14) are arranged at least slightly spaced from one another.

24. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the individual, evenly or unevenly divided circumferential segments or longitudinal sections (32, 33, 34) of the closure panel (14) in each case only one adapted to the existing compartment sizes and / or compartment levels, from several partial openings With webs running between them, composite or uninterrupted opening (18) is designed as an access to the carousel-like round magazine (10).

25. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on (i) the size and / or height position of the respective openings (18) in the closure panel (14), (ii) the relative position between the round magazine (10) and the closure panel ( 14) in relation to the access opening (22) and (iii) the open or closed position of the door (15), access to at least one compartment (3) behind it with an essentially corresponding compartment size is at least partially enabled or prevented.

26. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vertical access height to the compartments (3) of the round magazine (10) by a vertical dimension (35) or height of the respective openings (18) in the adjustably mounted closure panel ( 14) is determined.

27. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum possible access width (36) to the round magazine (10) or its upstream closure panel (14) by a width (37) of the access opening (22) in a housing (21) or is intended for the machine in another front or boundary wall.

28. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an effective access width (38) on the round magazine (10) is determined by the respective width dimensions of the openings (18) in the area of the access opening (22) in the closure panel (14) or is co-determined.

29. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an effective access width (38) to the round magazine (10) by the respective relative position of the closure panel (14) and / or the respective relative position of the door (15) relative to the housing (21 ) or the front wall of the machine or its access opening (22) is determined or co-determined.

30. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an effective access width (38) to the compartments (3) of the round magazine (10) by the relative position of the round magazine (10) relative to one of the lateral boundary edges (40, 41) Access opening (22) is determined or co-determined.

31. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an access width (38) to a specific compartment or a specific compartment group from a plurality of compartments (3) arranged one above the other with different widths by taking a defined angular position of at least the round magazine (10) relative to the Access opening (22) of the machine, in particular in relation to the left or right boundary edge (40, 41) of the access opening (22) and / or the left or right edge of the door (15) is adapted in each case.

32. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by changing the relative position between the closure panel (14) and the door (15) and / or round magazine (10) an effectively possible access width (38) to differently wide compartments (3) of the round magazine (10) is adjusted.

33. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the round magazine (10), the closure panel (14) and the door (15) are mounted such that they can be adjusted independently of one another.

34. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the round magazine (10) and the closure panel (14) are automatically controlled or driven.

35. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (15) can be locked and unlocked in a controlled manner.

36. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (15) is automatically adjustable, in particular electrically controlled or driven.

37. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a self-locking drive (42) is assigned to the door (15) for simultaneously mechanically securing the respectively assumed relative position with respect to the access opening (22).

38. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the round magazine (10) and the closure panel (14) are assigned a locking or blocking device for securing the automatically assumed relative position relative to the access opening (22) of the machine.

39. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a self-locking drive (43, 44) is assigned to at least the round magazine (10) and the closure panel (14).

40. Automatic storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is assigned at least one local control device (4) for at least partially automated control and / or monitoring of at least the internal processes and / or device-side functions or is integrated in the housing (21) thereof.

41. Method for operating an automatic storage device (1) for objects (2), comprising a plurality of compartments (3) open on one side with at least two differently sized compartment openings and / or with compartments (3) arranged in at least two levels, which can be rotated on one stored round magazine (10) are formed, and with at least one locking element (13) which is adjustable relative to the round magazine (10), in order to control, in particular to enable or prevent access to certain or individual of the compartments (3), characterized in that for loading and / or emptying a certain compartment (3) or a related compartment group, a compartment (3) selected in terms of control technology and / or user automatically in the area of a common, compared to its compartment opening, significantly larger, predefined access opening (22) in a housing (21) of the machine is rotated, further on the size and / or shape of the Compartment opening and / or automatically determined opening (18) matching the height position of the selected compartment (3) from a plurality of different openings (18) in the closure panel (14) automatically in front of the selected one Compartment (3) or within the size of the access opening (22) on the housing side is positioned and subsequently a door (15) which normally closes or covers the access opening (22) in the housing (21) is automatically opened or unlocked and can be opened manually until the selected or provided compartment (3) can be accessed, all other compartments (3), in particular the compartments (3) adjacent to the selected compartment (3), through the housing (21), the closure panel (14) and optionally through Parts of the door (15) must be secured against access.

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that for the positioning of a size or shape-related opening (18) in front of the intended compartment (3) or the intended subject group, the closure panel (14) is moved only in a rotational or horizontal manner.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the door (15) for releasing and blocking access to the round magazine (10) or the closure panel (14) is adjusted only in a rotary or linear manner.

44. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that a vertical access height to the round magazine (10) is determined by the differently dimensioned vertical dimensions (35) of the various openings (18) in the closure panel (14).

45. Method according to one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that an access possibility to different specialist levels of the round magazine (10) is determined by different height positions of the fixedly predefined openings (18) arranged in the closure panel (14).

46. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 45, characterized in that an effective access width (38) to the round magazine (10) is determined or co-determined by different width dimensions (39) of the openings (18) arranged in the closure panel (14).

47. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 46, characterized in that a effective access width (38) to the round magazine (10) is determined or co-determined by different relative positions of the door (15) and / or the closing panel (14) and / or the round magazine (10) relative to the access opening (22).