WO2016076726A1

WO2016076726A1 - Storage cabinet, method for storing goods therein and lock therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016076726A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050801
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sander EGBERS
Original assignee: Kastiel Groep B.V.
Priority date: 2014-11-14
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Also published as: EP3218884A1; NL2013805B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage cabinet and a method therefor. The storage cabinet according to the invention comprises: a frame provided with a number of side walls, a rear wall, a top side and a bottom side, a controller connected operatively to the frame for administering and/ or controlling the storage cabinet, a number of compartments arranged in the frame, wherein the number of compartments are provided with a closable door, an electronic lock connected operatively to the door of a compartment, wherein the electronic lock is provided with electrical contact points configured to transfer power and data, preferably via power line communication, between the controller connected operatively to the frame and the door. Opening of the door can be set in flexible manner, including in a so-called "popper", "push to open", "release" and "knock to open" manner. Both a wired and stand-alone system are possible according to the invention.

Description

STORAGE CABINET, METHOD FOR STORING GOODS THEREIN

AND LOCK THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a storage cabinet provided with at least one compartment and a door for closing thereof. Such storage cabinets are also referred to in practice as lockers.

Many types of storage cabinet are known in practice. Such storage cabinets are used in, among other places, schools, sports centres, swimming pools and company premises. The storage cabinets are usually provided from (steel) plates which serve as side wall and rear wall, wherein shelves are provided for the purpose of realizing storage space or compartments which are preferably individually closable with a door. The size of the compartments in such a storage cabinet depends largely on the application. Examples of applications relate to compartments in which a coat can be hung, a bag can be stored, or the compartment can function as a kind of postbox and the like. Other applications are however also possible.

Likewise known in practice are storage cabinets provided with a central control system, wherein a user can request access to an individual compartment at a central location, for instance using a code, identification card or in other manner. This usually requires installation of a data cable and a power cable via the storage cabinet and the hinge of the door so as to enable remote control of the lock. Such a construction for storage cabinets, which are usually exposed to not inconsiderable loads, is found in practice to limit their lifespan.

The present invention has for its object to provide a storage cabinet with which the above stated problems are obviated or at least reduced, and which particularly has a sufficient robustness such that an optimal lifespan is achieved.

This object is achieved with the storage cabinet according to the invention, the storage cabinet comprising:

- a frame provided with a number of side walls, a rear wall, a top side and a bottom side;

- a controller connected operatively to the frame for administering and/ or

controlling the storage cabinet;

- a number of compartments arranged in the frame, wherein the number of compartments are provided with a closable door;

- an electronic lock connected operatively to the door of a compartment, wherein the electronic lock is provided with electrical contact points configured to transfer power and data, preferably via power line communication, between the controller connected o eratively to the frame and the door.

A basis for the storage cabinet is formed by providing a number of side walls, a rear wall, a top side and a bottom side. Use is made here of two or more side walls or partition walls. It is thus possible for instance to make use of four side walls or partition walls, whereby a storage cabinet with three vertical columns is obtained. Such a storage cabinet can be supplied in relatively simple manner as an individual unit, whereby the number of assembly operations on site is limited. Such a vertical column of a storage cabinet is for instance about 1.80 metres high. One to ten compartments are realized in such a vertical column by using for instance o to 9 shelves. It will be apparent that another configuration of the storage cabinet according to the invention is also expressly possible. In the context of the present invention a storage cabinet is also understood to mean a dispensing system with compartments.

Each compartment is preferably closable by one or more doors connected hingedly to the body of the basis of the storage cabinet. In addition, the number of doors preferably corresponds to the number of compartments so that each compartment can be closed individually. Each door is then preferably provided here with an individual lock so that each compartment can be allocated to an individual user. The number of compartments is adapted to the specific application, for instance use for placing bags, coats in a

compartment or use as a kind of postbox.

Each door is preferably provided with an individual and preferably electronic lock, which can for instance be operated by a user using a personal code, identity card, iris scan, fingerprint and the like. In a currently preferred embodiment use is made of a central controller or central module wherein the user can request access to the allocated compartment of the storage cabinet. It is additionally or alternatively also possible to provide a controller for a group of compartments and/or to provide each compartment with an individual controller. The (central) controller connected operatively to the lock is able for this purpose to administer and/or control the storage cabinet, in particular the locks of doors of individual compartments thereof. An effective and user-friendly operation of the compartment is in this way achieved for a user.

Providing the electronic lock with electrical contact points achieves that power and data can be transferred by means of these contact points from the (central) controller to the door, with components optionally arranged thereon, and, if relevant, vice versa. The contact points are configured here such that they in any case make contact as soon as the door of the associated compartment is closed. A contact point is preferably arranged for this purpose on the hinged door and a contact point is arranged on the frame of the lock. After the door has been closed transfer of power and data is in this way possible such that the lock can be operated. The lock can for instance be locked or unlocked. Providing contact points for transfer of data and power achieves that an operative connection between the electronic lock and the (central) controller is obtained in effective manner. This connection is safe and relatively insusceptible to interference from other signals, as can be the case for instance in wireless transfer of data between a (central) controller and the lock.

The contact points are preferably provided at or close to the lock such that the use of cables between frame and door is avoided. Wireless transfer of power and data between door and lock is hereby realized. Breaking of wires, damage and other malfunctions, including vandalism of the cables which are for instance carried along or through the hinge of the door, are in this way avoided. A robust storage cabinet is hereby provided.

In the transfer of power and data between door and lock use is made according to the invention of Power Line Communication (PLC), for instance AC or DC, wherein data and power are transferred using the electrical contact points which realize a connection when a door is closed. The use of the electrical contact points in combination with PLC makes it possible to make a direct electrical connection for data and power via the lock instead of with a cable along or through the hinge of the compartment door. This prevents wear to cables and/or reduces the risk of damage due to vandalism.

In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention the transfer of data and power is combined by providing a DC-PLC module, for instance comprising system software, for the (central) controller with which both data and power can be exchanged between the (central) controller and at least some of the number of doors of the storage cabinet over the same line or connection. In such a currently preferred embodiment, wherein use is made of so-called Direct Current Power Line Communication (DC-PLC), it is possible to transfer both power and data via the same DC-PLC connection. It has been found that when this DC-PLC technique is applied in storage cabinets a robust and vandal-proof transfer of both data and power can be realized. A system which is relatively insusceptible to malfunction is obtained by using a limited number of contact points for transfer of data and/or power.

It is possible according to the invention to dispense with a (central) controller by embodying the lock as a stand-alone variant, wherein an operating function is mounted as a module on, at or close to the door. Power supply can be provided from a battery here if desired. This is further elucidated to some extent later in the application.

A further particular advantage of a storage cabinet according to the present invention is that the procedure for opening the door of the compartment can be set in simple manner without mechanical modifications to the storage cabinet being required. Opening of the door is thus possible via a so-called "popper" function wherein the user identifies him/herself and the door then as it were pops open. Opening is also possible via a so-called "push to open" function wherein the user identifies him/herself and applies a slight pressure against the door, after which it then opens further, or via a "release" function wherein the user identifies him/herself, unlocks the lock and the user then opens the door manually, or via a "knock to open" function wherein a user can open the door by knocking on the door element once the compartment has been released.

In the storage cabinet according to the invention the above-mentioned ways of opening are preferably integrated into the lock in effective manner such that a purchaser or installer of the storage cabinet can select which manner of opening has to be used. It is possible to switch in simple manner between the different functions during use. It is also possible for a supplier or administrator to modify, optionally remotely, this functionality in the software. The storage cabinet, in particular the (central) controller thereof, is provided for this purpose with remote control means, wherein use is for instance made of an internet or intranet module such that the installer, administrator or supplier can set the desired parameters of the storage cabinet remotely, including particularly the above stated manner of opening the door. Multi-functionality is hereby added in effective manner to the storage cabinet according to the invention.

An open-selector, with which the desired opening procedure can be selected, is provided in a currently preferred embodiment for the purpose of selecting the manner of opening the door. The open-selector is preferably remotely controllable in an above described manner by an administrator, installer or user. This further increases the flexibility of the storage cabinet according to the invention. According to the invention the open-selector can be provided in the form of software or hardware, or as combination.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the electrical contact points of the electronic lock comprise first contact elements arranged on a locking pin or door contact arranged on the door and movable between open and closed position, and second contact elements arranged in or on a housing for the lock provided in or on the frame or operatively connected thereto, wherein the first and second contact elements are mutually connected in closed position of the door for the purpose of transferring data and power.

By providing first and second contact elements an electrical contact between the individual contact elements is achieved when a door is closed. These contact elements are for instance embodied as so-called slide contacts. Power and data are transferred between the (central) controller and the lock by making the connection, i.e. the contact. A robust and vandal-proof connection between lock and (central) controller is hereby realized. It is hereby possible to dispense with particularly a cable running from the door via the hinge side and optionally the walls of the storage cabinet. As stated above, in addition to being susceptible to vandalism, such a connection is susceptible to metal fatigue as a result of the many movements performed with the door and the hinge. In such an embodiment the first contact elements are provided at or on the door element, such as on a locking pin, and the second contact elements are provided here in or on the frame of the lock or are at least operatively connected thereto.

The use of a DC-PLC module further provides an individual and cost-effective way of controlling the storage cabinet. A high degree of flexibility can hereby be imparted to the storage cabinet according to the invention, for instance in respect of the procedure for opening a compartment door.

The storage cabinet preferably comprises securing means for securing the contact between the first and second contact elements in closed position of the door. Such securing means provide a good transfer of power and data between lock and (central) controller by guaranteeing a desired connection between the first and second contact elements. Such securing means can for instance comprise a spring element or other pressing element, such as a catch, with which the first and second contact elements are pressed against each other during closing of the door. A good operation of the transfer of data and power is hereby ensured, also during long-term use.

In a currently preferred embodiment according to the present invention the storage cabinet comprises a processor arranged on or at the inner side of the door for controlling modules arranged in, on or at the door.

By providing a processor, which is also understood to mean a microprocessor, on the door a connection can be made in simple manner between the processor and the relevant module arranged on the door, and thereby between this module and the (central) controller. Such modules are for instance a display screen/display, for instance embodied as a so-called E-paper, as well as an identification module such as an iris scan, card reader or fingerprint reader. A user can in this way communicate in simple manner with the (central) controller via the module on the door. Use is preferably made here of the electronic lock with the electrical contact points, preferably via the DC-PLC module. The user is in this way given great freedom in respect of the location of the individual modules on the door and an additional module can also be arranged in simple manner, even at a later stage in the use of the storage cabinet according to the invention. The flexibility for the user, in particular the owner or administrator of the storage cabinet, is hereby further increased. The lifespan of the storage cabinet can also be prolonged by the modification options. A storage cabinet which can be utilized flexibly and is cost-effective is in this way provided.

The invention further relates to a storage system comprising one or more storage cabinets as described above.

Such a storage system provides similar advantages and effects as described above for the storage cabinet.

The storage system according to the invention for instance makes use of one (central) controller with which diverse storage cabinets according to the invention are controlled or administered. A cost-effective device can in this way be provided.

The invention further also relates to a method for storing goods in a storage cabinet, the method comprising of:

- providing a storage cabinet and/or storage system as described above;

- opening the door of a compartment;

- placing goods in and/or removing goods from the compartment; and

- closing the door, wherein data and power are transferred between the (central) controller and the door in the closed position of the door.

Such a method provides the same advantages and effects as described for the storage cabinet and/or the storage system. In order to open the door the user preferably makes a choice between the different possible ways of opening already stated above, for instance with the open-selector, which can optionally be remotely operated. When the door is opened data are transferred between the (central) controller and the lock of the door, preferably via the DC-PLC module, for the purpose of opening the lock and releasing the compartment to the user.

The invention further also relates to a lock suitable for a storage cabinet as described above, wherein the lock is provided with electrical contact points configured to transfer power and data between a (central) controller and a door.

The lock provides the same effects and advantages as described for the storage cabinet and/or the associated method. The lock is particularly suitable for transferring data and power via PLC technology, more particularly via DC-PLC. It has been found that a robust and flexible lock can hereby be obtained, wherein use is optionally made of the diverse measures as described above for the storage cabinet and/or method.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of the preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the

accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures lA and B show views of a storage cabinet and storage system according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a detail view of the storage cabinet of figure l; - Figures 3A and B show detail views of the lock of figures 1 and 2 in an open and closed position; and

- Figures 4A, B and C show views of an alternative embodiment of the lock for a storage cabinet of figures 1 and 2.

Storage cabinet 2 (figure lA) is formed from two or more side walls or partition walls 4 which are connected to a rear wall 16, top plate 6 and bottom plate 8. In the shown embodiment top plate 6 is embodied as a flat plate. In order to prevent objects being placed on top of cabinet 2 it can if desired also be provided in downward sloping form. In the shown embodiment individual cabinet 2 has two vertical columns, each provided with a number of doors 10, wherein each door 10 is provided with lock 12 and number plate or identification plate 14 which in the shown embodiment is integrated into the edge of door 10. Rear wall 16 imparts the necessary stability to storage cabinet 2. An individual compartment 18 is provided with an individual door 10 and individual lock 2.

In the shown embodiment door 10 (figure 2) is provided on the front side with display screen 20, for instance in the form of a so-called E-paper, reader 22 configured to read a fingerprint, iris scan, RFID scan, card and the like. Door 10 is provided on the inner side with a microchip 24 for controlling objects 20, 22 arranged on the outer side of door 10. Chip 24 communicates for this purpose with reader 22 via signal and/ or power supply line 26, with display screen 20 via signal and/ or power supply line 28, and with lock 12 via signal and/or power supply line 30. In addition to data, power can optionally also be supplied via signal and/ or power supply lines 26, 28, 30, preferably making use of DC- PLC technology.

Lock 12 communicates with (central) controller 34 via signal line 32 (figures lA and B). Signal line 30 preferably likewise makes use of DC-PLC technology, so that power supply and data can be transferred. In the shown embodiment (central) controller 34

(figure lA) is supplied from power source 36 via power supply line 38 and communicates data to and from one or more databases 40 via signal line 42. Optionally provided is a central reader 44 which can communicate via signal line 46 with (central) controller 34, whereby the user can identify him/herself to the (central) controller and the (central) controller can for instance release an individual compartment 18. Compartments 18 of cabinet 2 are optionally grouped (figure lB) per hub 31 for control purposes. A connection between lock 12 and terminal 35, for instance comprising central reader 44 and/or payment terminal 35a, is realized via switch 33. Via server 37, which can be realized both physically and in the cloud, lock 12 is optionally connected to external administration system 39a, online portal 39b and/or a wireless application (app) 39c by means of near- field communication. Lock 12 (figures 3A and B) comprises a first housing 48, which in the shown embodiment is connected to the frame of storage cabinet 2, and a locking pin 50 which in the shown embodiment is connected to door 10. In closed position (figure 3A) pin 50 is situated in opening 52 of housing 48. In the shown embodiment catch 54 is pressed into spring 56. Blocking pin 58 is provided with locking member 60 and is movable substantially transversely of the direction of movement of pin 50. In closed position locking member 60 engages in a recess of pin 50 such that it is blocked. In open situation (figure 3B) of lock 12 locking member 60 is retracted and pin 50 can move in and out of opening 52. Blocking pin 58 is driven by motor 64 arranged on support 62. Activation of motor 64 enables locking member 60 to be moved into a desired position, for instance wholly clear of pin 50, wholly in engagement with pin 50 for a complete blocking in the closed position, and intermediate positions which are for instance made possible by for instance the inclining surface of locking member 60. By means of a small activation of motor 64 in the closed position, for instance "1 click", lock 12 can thus be brought for instance into the so-called "push to open" situation, and with a further activation, for instance "2 clicks", lock 12 can be brought into unlocked position and wholly out of the closing position, in which spring 56 presses pin 50 out of opening 52.

Securing element 66 is connected to locking pin 58 such that in closed position (figure 3A) it presses against block 68 which is provided rotatably around shaft 70.

Contact block 68 is provided with contact element 72 which is pressed by securing element 66 against corresponding contact element 74 on pin 50. The desired electrical connection between (central) controller 34 and lock 12 with microprocessor 24 is made via contact elements 72, 74, preferably via DC-PLC technology.

In the shown embodiment pin 50 is provided on door 10, wherein on the inner side is provided holder 76 which is in contact with a module 20, 22 on the outer side of door 10. It is also possible if desired to likewise provide holder 76 on the outer side of door 10. It is optionally likewise possible according to the invention to provide contact elements 74 at another position on door 10 instead of or as well as on pin 50. In the closed position contact elements 74 on door 10 then come into contact with contact elements 72 provided in operative connection to lock 12. Contact between elements 72, 74 can additionally or alternatively also be secured with for instance a spring element.

When a user wishes to place objects or other goods in compartment 18, a user will request a compartment via (central) controller 34. Once compartment 18 has been allocated, door 10 is opened by removing pin 50 from opening 52 if door 10 is not already in the opened position. After placing objects in compartment 18 the user closes door 10, after which a connection is realized between lock 12 and (central) controller 34 such that door 10 is closed by placing pin 50 in opening 52 and subsequently locking the pin 50 with locking pin 58. If desired, data is optionally shown on display screen 20, such as an indication of the user of compartment 18.

In an alternative embodiment lock 76 (figures 4A-C) comprises housing 78 in which printed circuit board 80 and motor 82 are arranged. During use motor 82 drives locking pin 86 with shaft 84 in order to lock pin 88. Shaft 84 moves sliding element 90 which is provided with tongue 92. The position of tongue 92 can be detected with sensor 94, which is provided for instance on printed circuit board 80. In the shown embodiment locking pin 86 is connected operatively to spring element 96 which presses locking pin 86 into a recess in pin 88 in the closed position. The contacts for communication are formed by bringing pins 98 into contact with contacts 100 via contact blocks 102. In the shown embodiment blocks 102 are held in/pressed into position with spring elements 104.

Tongues 106, 108 make detection of the position of blocks 102 possible using sensors 110, which in the shown embodiment are provided on printed circuit board 80.

When a door is closed pin 88 is pressed shut. Locking pin 86 is pressed inward here counter to the spring action of spring element 96. At the position of the recess in pin 88 the locking pin 86 springs outward again in order to bring about the locking. Spring elements 104 provide for a constant pressure for the purpose of securing the contact between elements 98 and 100.

In a possible embodiment the manner of opening door 12 can be set by a user, administrator or supplier, if desired remotely via for instance an internet or intranet connection.

If the user wishes to open compartment 18, the user will identify him/herself via reader 22 or central reader 44, after which (central) controller 34 performs a check and, following approval, will open door 10. Door 10 can be opened in a number of ways here, including in a so-called "popper", "push to open", "release" and "knock to open" manner. It is optionally possible to set selection of the different ways via an open-selector, which can preferably be remotely operated via an internet or intranet connection and with which an administrator, installer or supplier has access to the software of the (central) controller 34 and can make the desired selection.

It is possible according to the invention to dispense with a (central) controller by embodying lock 12 as a stand-alone variant with an operating function mounted as a module on, at or close to door 10. Power supply can if desired be provided here from a battery. In order to open door 10 a choice can if desired be made from the above-described ways, including a so-called "popper", "push to open", "release" and "knock to open" manner, which is optionally still adjustable during use. In a central or local system with a (central) controller 34 and/or hubs 31 (figures lA and B) a central control of locks 12 can take place, for instance by means of a central terminal 35a and/or a local control of locks 12 via module 20, 22 on door 10. (Central) controller 34 and/or terminal 35 can provide for the control without it being required for these control components to be visible to a user. A particular advantage is that the stand-alone embodiment and a wired embodiment can still be converted from one to the other during use, wherein the flexible use of the invention is further enhanced.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. It is thus possible for instance to embody storage cabinet 2 with a composite, plastic and/or wood as well as with steel plates.

Claims

CLAIMS l. Storage cabinet, comprising:

- a controller connected operatively to the frame for administering and/or

controlling the storage cabinet;

- an electronic lock connected operatively to the door of a compartment, wherein the electronic lock is provided with electrical contact points configured to transfer power and data, preferably via power line communication, between the controller connected operatively to the frame and the door.

2. Storage cabinet as claimed in claim l, wherein the controller is provided with a DC-PLC module configured to exchange data and power between the controller and at least some of the number of doors via Direct Current - Power Line Communication.

3. Storage cabinet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical contact points of the electronic lock comprise:

- first contact elements arranged on a locking pin or door contact arranged on the door and movable between an open and closed position; and

- second contact elements arranged in or on a housing for the lock provided in or on the frame or operatively connected thereto, wherein the first and second contact elements are mutually connected in closed position of the door for the purpose of transferring data and power.

4. Storage cabinet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising securing means for securing the contact between the first and second contact elements in closed position of the door.

5. Storage cabinet as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising an open-selector for selecting an opening procedure.

6. Storage cabinet as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a processor arranged on or at the inner side of the door for controlling modules arranged in, on or at the door.

7. Storage cabinet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the module comprises a display screen.

8. Storage cabinet as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the module comprises an identification module.

9. Storage cabinet as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising remote control means configured to set the storage cabinet remotely, including the manner of opening a door.

10. Storage cabinet as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein an operating function is mounted as a module on, at or close to the door in order to realize a standalone application.

11. Storage system comprising a storage cabinet as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims.

12. Lock suitable for a storage cabinet as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the lock is provided with electrical contact points configured to transfer power and data between a controller and a door.

13. Method for storing goods in a storage cabinet, comprising of:

- providing a storage cabinet and/or storage system provided with a lock as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims;

- opening the door of a compartment;

- placing goods in and/or removing goods from the compartment; and

- closing the door, wherein data and power are transferred between the controller and the door in the closed position of the door.

14. Method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising of opening the door, wherein for opening purposes data are transferred between the controller and the lock of the door.

15. Method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the transfer of data comprises use of a DC- PLC module for combined transfer of data and power.

16. Method as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising of setting the manner of opening a door of a compartment using an open-selector.

17. Method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the manner of opening comprises one or more of the following ways: popper function, push to open function, release function and knock to open function.