EP0793433B1 - Device for storing and dispensing small objects - Google Patents

Device for storing and dispensing small objects Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0793433B1
EP0793433B1 EP95941136A EP95941136A EP0793433B1 EP 0793433 B1 EP0793433 B1 EP 0793433B1 EP 95941136 A EP95941136 A EP 95941136A EP 95941136 A EP95941136 A EP 95941136A EP 0793433 B1 EP0793433 B1 EP 0793433B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
series
drum
receptacles
orifices
access
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EP95941136A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0793433A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Lesieur
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Individual
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F1/00—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise
    • A47F1/04—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs
    • A47F1/08—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom
    • A47F1/10—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means, e.g. with buttons or handles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for storage, storage and distribution controlled small objects and especially keys.
  • the most used technique to ensure this type of management consists in storing the keys by inside with a key cabinet traditional fitted with hooks provided with means identification. Each hook thus receives one or several keys of a specific lock and, in these conditions, the user wishing to have a key stored either for a person in charge of storage and distribution of keys is carried out himself storing and picking up the keys which he requires.
  • This classification mode presents notable disadvantages which are due to the fact that due to its manual in nature, it cannot be used to ensure safe and efficient management of a number of keys important.
  • This type of device ensures, so efficient, managing a very large number of small objects but has the disadvantage of requiring complex and expensive servo mechanisms.
  • a device for storing, storing and distribution of keys comprising a housing and a series of cells having an access opening is described for example in EP-A-291614
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing small objects, and in particular keys, particularly suitable for management automated, in particular management managed by computer, and that is of a constitution particularly simple and inexpensive.
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a device for storing, storing and controlled distribution of small items, such as including keys, including a case and a series cells intended to collect each at least one object, characterized in that the cells are arranged on a drum in the shape of a cylinder of revolution, mounted rotating around its horizontally arranged axis, each of said cells comprising at least one orifice access which opens on one of the bases of the drum and which are grouped by successive series of orifices, each orifice of the same series belonging to the same radius of a drum base, this device comprising drum control and indexing means suitable for bring it into respective positions such as each of said series of orifices can be arranged along a fixed radius determined relative to the housing, and means of addressing and accessing each of the orifices of the series of orifices arranged along said fixed radius determined.
  • the cells are inclined relative to the axis of rotation and are closed by a fixed wall relative the housing, this fixed wall being pierced by two rectangular windows that extend vertically and radially respectively above and below the axis of rotation, and which respectively communication with the outside of the drum, the means addressing and access include access ports of two diametrically opposite series of cells of the means for closing each orifice of the two said series of cells, individually addressable, being provided in each window.
  • the alveoli are cylindrical in shape and their axes of respective symmetry are arranged in planes successive radials of the drum.
  • the shutter means are constituted by shutters.
  • each flap is pivotally mounted in a conduit, so as to occupy two positions, namely a first position in which it ensures the obturation of the access orifice of a cell opposite of which it is arranged, and a second position in which it frees access to said orifice.
  • the shutter when it located in the second position closes the cross section of the conduit, so as to guide an object through an alveolus or out of it.
  • control means and drum position indexing can include a stepping motor engaged therewith and means of logic and counting able to control the rotation of the stepper motor the number of steps corresponding to a drum rotation such as the series of orifices to which belongs to the selected cell either positioned along said determined fixed radius.
  • the invention comprises a parallelepiped housing 1 to the interior of which is arranged a cylindrical drum 3 provided with a hub 5 rotatably mounted on bearings 7 horizontal axis xx ', integral with the housing 1.
  • the drum 3 is delimited by a wall cylindrical device 9 and by a flat bottom 11 perpendicular to the axis xx '.
  • the drum 3 contains a plurality of cells 12 each intended to accommodate keys.
  • These cells 12 are formed of tube elements cylindrical 15, of rectangular section, one of which end is pressed against the wall 11, so that this constitutes a bottom of each of the cells 12.
  • the tube elements 15 are assembled together, and fixed to the drum, in particular by gluing, so as to constitute a given number N of series of tube elements 15.
  • the tube elements 15 of the same given series are arranged so that their respective axes of symmetry are located in a radial plane of the drum 3 and are inclined at a given angle a relative to the axis of rotation xx 'thereof.
  • the tube elements 15 located below the axis xx ′ are thus inclined from the top to the bottom when one goes (in FIGS. 2 and 3) from the center of the case 1 towards the outside thereof and in the opposite direction for the tube elements 15 situated above the horizontal axis xx '.
  • the other end of the tube elements 15 is closed by a vertical wall 17 integral with the housing 1.
  • This wall 17 is pierced with two windows rectangular, (figure 6) namely a window upper window, or recovery window 19, and a window bottom, or 19 'loading window, which extend vertically and radially, respectively above and below the hub 5.
  • the windows 19, 19 ' open onto respective ducts of rectangular section, at know an upper duct 21, or duct of recovery, and a lower duct 21 ', or loading.
  • the recovery duct 21 opens, at its lower part, on a recovery chute 23 which opens into the front wall 25 of the housing 1, by an orifice 27 which terminates outside of the housing 1 on a recovery tank 29.
  • the loading duct 21 ' opens, as for him, at his upper part, on a chute load 23 'which opens into the front wall 25 of the case 1 through an orifice 27 '.
  • the peripheral wall 9 of the drum 3 is provided a toothing 28 engaged with a pinion 31.
  • This pinion 31 is integral with rotary drive means, which may consist, in particular, of a stepper motor not, or any other likely means of training to be controlled by indexing means, one of which first function is to allow positioning of any series of cell orifices 12 facing one of the windows 19, 19 'and of which a second function will be specified below.
  • the wall 17 in which are window 19, 19 ' is provided with a series of flaps 30, mounted articulated around horizontal axes 32, and which are of dimensions close to the orifices 13 of the cells 12.
  • flaps 30 are provided with means for control allowing them to occupy two positions, know a first position in which they ensure the closure of cell 12 in front of which they are arranged, and a second position, or position opening, in which they ensure the extension of the "floor" of a cell (for cells arranged below the axis of rotation xx ') or the "ceiling" an alveolus (for alveoli arranged above the axis of rotation xx ').
  • the flaps 30 can for example be actuated by electromagnets, not shown in the drawing.
  • control means and indexing are to enable or disable the electromagnets controlling the opening of the flaps 30. These the latter are provided with recall means such as springs, not shown in the drawing, which, in the absence of solicitation of the electromagnets, the apply in the closed position.
  • the control means and indexing positions the drum 3 so that the series in which the determined cell is located found next to the vertical loading window 19 '.
  • the means of access ensure the excitation of the electromagnet controlling the opening of the flap 30 allowing access to cell 12 in which we want to store the key.
  • the means of control and indexing rotate the drum 3, so that the series of cells in which is found the alveolus 12 containing the key is facing the recovery window 19.
  • the slope of the cells 12 is directed in the direction reverse, namely down, so it is enough to control the opening of the flap 30 closing the entry of the cell 12, by exciting its electromagnet, to allow the key in it to go down by gravity in the recovery duct 21, then in the chute 23 and finally in the recovery tank 29.
  • the excitement of the electromagnet of the shutter 30 is cut, so that it returns to its closed position of cell 12, under the action of its jurisdiction.
  • the device can be controlled by means semi-automated or fully automated management systems.
  • a semi-automated management system the user has for example a table of manual control on which it displays the location of the key he wishes to either store or collect, know the serial number and the position of the cell inside this series.
  • Control means and appropriate indexing points determine the angle of rotation that the drum 30 must perform to position the series containing the cell considered facing either the recovery window 19 either at the storage window 19 '. Then addressing and access means allow to access the selected cell of this series.
  • the search for coordinates of a cell is entrusted for example to a microcomputer which has, in a memory file, the key references and its coordinates, and which controls automatically, by means of a interface, on the one hand the rotation of the drum 3 so to bring the series of the cell associated with the key seen facing recovery windows or storage, then the excitation of the electromagnet ensuring the opening and then the closing of said cell 12.
  • each cell may include means for determining whether it may or may not contain a key.
  • These means can by example consist of a proximity sensor reacting to the presence of a metallic mass in alveolus 12 or, on the contrary, consist of two conductive elements isolated from each other, namely a conductive element 40 disposed in the "floor” and a conductive element 40 'disposed on the bottom of the cell 12, which are brought into electrical contact with each other by the presence of a key in this cell 12.
  • the cells 12 can be tilted in reverse, i.e. from bottom to top when we go from the center of box 1 outwards, for the cells located below the axis xx '. In such a mode of implementation the positions of the conduits loading 21 'and recovery 21 are reversed.
  • the cells 12 can also be formed by any means other than the assembly of tube elements. They can in particular be obtained by machining in the drum 3 mass, folding and welding etc ...
  • the means of addressing and accessing each of the cells of a series of cells do not consist of flaps controlled by electromagnets but with a load 50 formed by a set of tubes 52 mounted sliding into each other so as to form a telescopic assembly ending at its downstream part, or lower in FIGS. 7 and 8, by a "nozzle" of distribution 54 which opens in the immediate vicinity of access holes 13 of the cells 12.
  • the lower element 56 of the telescopic assembly has two lateral longitudinal bosses 58, each crossed by an endless screw 60, which are in taken with it. Control means result in rotation of the endless screws 60, so as to position the opening of the nozzle 54 opposite the orifice 13 chosen from the series of holes in front of the window lower 19 '.
  • This mode of implementation thus replaces the addressing means constituted by the flaps 30 and the electromagnets controlling the opening of these.
  • means are provided for subjecting the drum to vibrations when inserting or removing a object, so as to avoid jamming, or allow his release if he is stuck.
  • the monitoring devices can be devices able to be triggered and implemented remotely, using in particular lines telephone or radio link means.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 show means of access to each of the cells 12 of a series cells which are accessible through the upper window 19 produced in the wall 17.
  • a succession of flaps shutters 30 which are pivotally mounted around axes 32 'vertical and which ensure the obturation of all alveoli which open onto the upper window 19.
  • a toothed pinion 72 centered on the axis 32 ', is secured to the flap 30 and is engaged with a horizontal rack 76.
  • the rack 76 extends out of the duct 21 and carries, at its outer end, a head 78. In these conditions, all traction on head 78, directed following arrow G, has the effect of causing opening the flap 30 by pivoting it to inside the duct 21.
  • Reminder means elastic are provided on each rack 76 to bring it back to its rest position and thus ensure positioning shutter 30.
  • each rack 76 is carried out by a claw 80 secured to an axis 82 an electromagnet 84 which, when energized, displaces claw 80 in the direction of arrow G.
  • the electromagnet 84 is placed in a housing 85 provided with a nut 86 which is engaged with a vertical worm 88. In giving the worm 88 a rotation of a number of appropriate turns, it is thus possible to position the claw 80 so that it can solicit one any of the racks 78.
  • This device allows thus to order the opening of any of the shutters 30 closing a series of cells arranged in the window 19.

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Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif destiné au rangement, au stockage et à la distribution contrôlée de petits objets et notamment de clés.The present invention relates to a device for storage, storage and distribution controlled small objects and especially keys.

On sait que la gestion de petits objets, tels que les clefs, pose aux organismes qui ont en charge la gestion d'un nombre important de ces petits objets, divers problèmes et notamment ceux de savoir à un instant quelconque donné les références des clés qui sont en stock et le nom des personnes qui sont en possession des clés qui ne sont plus stockées.We know that the management of small objects, such as the keys, pose to the organizations in charge of management of a large number of these small objects, various problems and in particular those of knowing at a moment any given key references which are in stock and the names of the persons who are in possession of keys that are no longer stored.

La technique la plus utilisée pour assurer ce type de gestion consiste à stocker les clés en les disposant à l'intérieur d'une armoire à clés traditionnelle équipée de crochets pourvus de moyens d'identification. Chaque crochet reçoit ainsi une ou plusieurs clés d'une serrure déterminée et, dans ces conditions, l'utilisateur souhaitant disposer d'une clé stockée soit s'adresse à une personne préposée au rangement et à la distribution des clés soit effectue lui-même le rangement et le prélèvement des clés dont il a besoin.The most used technique to ensure this type of management consists in storing the keys by inside with a key cabinet traditional fitted with hooks provided with means identification. Each hook thus receives one or several keys of a specific lock and, in these conditions, the user wishing to have a key stored either for a person in charge of storage and distribution of keys is carried out himself storing and picking up the keys which he requires.

Ce mode de classement présente de notables inconvénients qui sont dus au fait, qu'en raison de sa nature manuelle, il n'est pas utilisable pour assurer de façon sûre et efficace la gestion d'un nombre de clés important. This classification mode presents notable disadvantages which are due to the fact that due to its manual in nature, it cannot be used to ensure safe and efficient management of a number of keys important.

On a proposé, dans d'autres domaines, et notamment dans le domaine automobile, des dispositifs de classement automatique des pièces détachées d'une voiture qui sont constitués d'une série de colonnes et de rangées d'alvéoles formant ainsi une matrice, le contenu de chaque alvéole étant accessible par des moyens robotisés commandés notamment par ordinateur.We have proposed, in other areas, and particularly in the automotive field, automatic classification of car spare parts which consist of a series of columns and rows cells thus forming a matrix, the content of each cell being accessible by robotic means controlled in particular by computer.

Ce type de dispositif permet d'assurer, de façon efficace, la gestion d'un très grand nombre de petits objets mais présente l'inconvénient de nécessiter des mécanismes d'asservissement complexes et onéreux.This type of device ensures, so efficient, managing a very large number of small objects but has the disadvantage of requiring complex and expensive servo mechanisms.

Un dispositif destiné au rangement, au stockage et à la distribution de clés comportant un boítier et une série d'alvéoles comportant un orifice d'accès est decrit par exemple dans EP-A-291614 A device for storing, storing and distribution of keys comprising a housing and a series of cells having an access opening is described for example in EP-A-291614

La présente invention a pour but de proposer un dispositif de rangement de petits objets, et notamment de clés, se prêtant particulièrement bien à une gestion automatisée, notamment une gestion pilotée par ordinateur, et qui est d'une constitution particulièrement simple et peu onéreuse.The object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing small objects, and in particular keys, particularly suitable for management automated, in particular management managed by computer, and that is of a constitution particularly simple and inexpensive.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet un dispositif destiné au rangement, au stockage et à la distribution contrôlée de petits objets, tels que notamment des clés, comprenant un boítier et une série d'alvéoles destinées à recueillir chacune au moins un objet, caractérisé en ce que les alvéoles sont disposées sur un tambour en forme de cylindre de révolution, monté à rotation autour de son axe disposé horizontalement, chacune desdites alvéoles comprenant au moins un orifice d'accès qui s'ouvre sur l'une des bases du tambour et qui sont groupés par séries successives d'orifices, chaque orifice d'une même série appartenant à un même rayon d'une base du tambour, ce dispositif comportant des moyens de commande et d'indexation du tambour aptes à amener celui-ci dans des positions respectives telles que chacune desdites séries d'orifices puisse être disposée suivant un rayon fixe déterminé par rapport au boítier, et des moyens d'adressage et d'accès à chacun des orifices de la série d'orifices disposée suivant ledit rayon fixe déterminé.The subject of the present invention is therefore a device for storing, storing and controlled distribution of small items, such as including keys, including a case and a series cells intended to collect each at least one object, characterized in that the cells are arranged on a drum in the shape of a cylinder of revolution, mounted rotating around its horizontally arranged axis, each of said cells comprising at least one orifice access which opens on one of the bases of the drum and which are grouped by successive series of orifices, each orifice of the same series belonging to the same radius of a drum base, this device comprising drum control and indexing means suitable for bring it into respective positions such as each of said series of orifices can be arranged along a fixed radius determined relative to the housing, and means of addressing and accessing each of the orifices of the series of orifices arranged along said fixed radius determined.

Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, les alvéoles sont inclinées par rapport à l'axe de rotation et sont fermées par une paroi fixe par rapport au boítier, cette paroi fixe étant percée de deux fenêtres rectangulaires qui s'étendent verticalement et radialement respectivement au-dessus et au-dessous de l'axe de rotation, et qui mettent respectivement en communication avec l'extérieur du tambour, les moyens d'adressage et d'accès comprennent les orifices d'accès de deux séries diamétralement opposées d'alvéoles des moyens d'obturation de chaque orifice des deux dites séries d'alvéoles, adressables individuellement, étant prévus dans chaque fenêtre. Préférentiellement les alvéoles sont de forme cylindrique et leurs axes de symétrie respectifs sont disposés suivant des plans radiaux successifs du tambour.In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are inclined relative to the axis of rotation and are closed by a fixed wall relative the housing, this fixed wall being pierced by two rectangular windows that extend vertically and radially respectively above and below the axis of rotation, and which respectively communication with the outside of the drum, the means addressing and access include access ports of two diametrically opposite series of cells of the means for closing each orifice of the two said series of cells, individually addressable, being provided in each window. Preferably the alveoli are cylindrical in shape and their axes of respective symmetry are arranged in planes successive radials of the drum.

Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention les moyens d'obturation sont constitués par des volets. Préférentiellement, chaque volet est monté pivotant dans un conduit, de façon à occuper deux positions, à savoir une première position dans laquelle il assure l'obturation de l'orifice d'accès d'une alvéole en face de laquelle il est disposé, et une seconde position dans laquelle il libère l'accès audit orifice. Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention le volet, lorsqu'il se trouve dans la seconde position obture la section droite du conduit, de façon à assurer le guidage d'un objet dans une alvéole ou hors de celle-ci.In one embodiment of the invention, the shutter means are constituted by shutters. Preferably, each flap is pivotally mounted in a conduit, so as to occupy two positions, namely a first position in which it ensures the obturation of the access orifice of a cell opposite of which it is arranged, and a second position in which it frees access to said orifice. In a mode of implementation of the invention the shutter, when it located in the second position closes the cross section of the conduit, so as to guide an object through an alveolus or out of it.

Suivant l'invention les moyens de commande et d'indexation de la position du tambour peuvent comprendre un moteur pas à pas en prise avec celui-ci et des moyens de logique et de comptage aptes à commander la rotation du moteur pas à pas du nombre de pas correspondant à une rotation du tambour telle que la série d'orifices à laquelle appartient l'alvéole sélectionnée soit positionnée suivant ledit rayon fixe déterminé.According to the invention the control means and drum position indexing can include a stepping motor engaged therewith and means of logic and counting able to control the rotation of the stepper motor the number of steps corresponding to a drum rotation such as the series of orifices to which belongs to the selected cell either positioned along said determined fixed radius.

Suivant l'invention, la position de l'orifice d'accès d'une alvéole spécifique est déterminée dans un système de coordonnées de type coordonnées polaires, à savoir d'une part par l'angle trigonométrique formé par la série à laquelle appartient ladite alvéole spécifique par rapport à une série de référence et, d'autre part, par la distance de cette alvéole spécifique au centre du tambour. On peut bien entendu simplifier ce système et remplacer l'angle trigonométrique par un simple numéro attribué à chacune des séries d'alvéoles et remplacer la distance de l'alvéole au centre, dans une série donnée, par un numéro compté par exemple à partir du centre du tambour, le système de commande et d'indexation effectuant lui-même le calcul du nombre de pas nécessaires.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en coupe frontale d'un mode de mise en oeuvre du dispositif suivant l'invention, suivant la ligne I-I de la figure 2.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale de ce même dispositif, suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue partielle, à plus grande échelle, de la figure 2, montrant des alvéoles de rangement situées au-dessous de l'axe de rotation du tambour de stockage, dans laquelle un volet d'obturation d'une de ces alvéoles est en position ouverte.
  • La figure 4 est une vue partielle à plus grande échelle de la figure 2, montrant des alvéoles de rangement situées au-dessus de l'axe de rotation du tambour de stockage, dans laquelle un volet d'obturation d'une de ces alvéoles est en position ouverte.
  • La figure 5 est une vue frontale partielle, à plus grande échelle, du tambour mis en oeuvre dans le dispositif suivant l'invention.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe frontale du mode de mise en oeuvre représenté sur les figures 1 à 5, suivant la ligne VI-VI de la figure 2, les goulottes d'alimentation et de récupération étant ôtées.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en coupe partielle d'une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention représentant la partie inférieure du tambour de stockage et des moyens d'adressage et d'accès à chacun des orifices des alvéoles d'une même série.
  • La figure 8 est une vue partielle suivant la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 7 des moyens d'adressage et d'accès à chacun des orifices des alvéoles d'une même série.
  • La figure 9 est une vue partielle en coupe d'une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.
  • La figure 10 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne X-X de la figure 11 d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.
  • La figure 11 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne XI-XI du mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention représenté sur la figure 10.
    • According to the invention, the position of the access orifice of a specific cell is determined in a coordinate system of the polar coordinate type, namely on the one hand by the trigonometric angle formed by the series to which said part belongs. specific cell with respect to a reference series and, on the other hand, by the distance of this specific cell from the center of the drum. We can of course simplify this system and replace the trigonometric angle by a simple number assigned to each series of cells and replace the distance from the cell to the center, in a given series, by a number counted for example from center of the drum, the control and indexing system itself calculating the number of steps required.
  • FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, along line II of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of this same device, along line II-II of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a partial view, on a larger scale, of FIG. 2, showing storage cells located below the axis of rotation of the storage drum, in which a shutter for closing one of these alveoli is in the open position.
  • Figure 4 is a partial view on a larger scale of Figure 2, showing storage cells located above the axis of rotation of the storage drum, in which a shutter for closing one of these cells is in the open position.
  • Figure 5 is a partial front view, on a larger scale, of the drum used in the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a front sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, along the line VI-VI of Figure 2, the feed and recovery chutes being removed.
  • Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the lower part of the storage drum and means for addressing and accessing each of the orifices of the cells of the same series .
  • Figure 8 is a partial view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 7 of the addressing means and access to each of the orifices of the cells of the same series.
  • Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is a sectional view along line XX of Figure 11 of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view along line XI-XI of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10.

    • Sur les figures 1 à 4 le dispositif suivant l'invention comprend un boítier parallélépipédique 1 à l'intérieur duquel est disposé un tambour cylindrique 3 pourvu d'un moyeu 5 monté à rotation sur des roulements 7 d'axe horizontal xx', solidaires du boítier 1.In Figures 1 to 4 the following device the invention comprises a parallelepiped housing 1 to the interior of which is arranged a cylindrical drum 3 provided with a hub 5 rotatably mounted on bearings 7 horizontal axis xx ', integral with the housing 1.

    Le tambour 3 est délimité par une paroi périphérique cylindrique 9 et par un fond plan 11 perpendiculaire à l'axe xx'. Le tambour 3 contient une pluralité d'alvéoles 12 destinées chacune à accueillir des clés.The drum 3 is delimited by a wall cylindrical device 9 and by a flat bottom 11 perpendicular to the axis xx '. The drum 3 contains a plurality of cells 12 each intended to accommodate keys.

    Ces alvéoles 12 sont formées d'éléments de tubes cylindriques 15, de section rectangulaire, dont une extrémité est appliquée contre la paroi 11, si bien que celle-ci constitue un fond de chacune des alvéoles 12. These cells 12 are formed of tube elements cylindrical 15, of rectangular section, one of which end is pressed against the wall 11, so that this constitutes a bottom of each of the cells 12.

    Les éléments de tube 15 sont assemblés entre eux, et fixés au tambour, notamment par collage, de façon à constituer un nombre donné N de séries d'éléments de tube 15. Les éléments de tube 15 d'une même série donnée sont disposés de façon que leurs axes de symétrie respectifs soient situés dans un plan radial du tambour 3 et soient inclinés d'un angle a donné par rapport à l'axe de rotation xx' de celui-ci. Les éléments de tube 15 situés au-dessous de l'axe xx' sont ainsi inclinés du haut vers le bas lorsque l'on va (sur les figures 2 et 3) du centre du boítier 1 vers l'extérieur de celui-ci et en sens opposé pour les éléments de tube 15 situés au-dessus de l'axe horizontal xx'.The tube elements 15 are assembled together, and fixed to the drum, in particular by gluing, so as to constitute a given number N of series of tube elements 15. The tube elements 15 of the same given series are arranged so that their respective axes of symmetry are located in a radial plane of the drum 3 and are inclined at a given angle a relative to the axis of rotation xx 'thereof. The tube elements 15 located below the axis xx ′ are thus inclined from the top to the bottom when one goes (in FIGS. 2 and 3) from the center of the case 1 towards the outside thereof and in the opposite direction for the tube elements 15 situated above the horizontal axis xx '.

    L'autre extrémité des éléments de tube 15 est fermée par une paroi verticale 17 solidaire du boítier 1. Cette paroi 17 est percée de deux fenêtres rectangulaires, (figure 6) à savoir une fenêtre supérieure, ou fenêtre de récupération 19, et une fenêtre inférieure, ou fenêtre de chargement 19', qui s'étendent verticalement et radialement, respectivement au-dessus et au-dessous du moyeu 5. Les fenêtres 19, 19' s'ouvrent sur des conduits respectifs de section rectangulaire, à savoir un conduit supérieur 21, ou conduit de récupération, et un conduit inférieur 21', ou conduit de chargement. Le conduit de récupération 21 s'ouvre, à sa partie inférieure, sur une goulotte de récupération 23 qui débouche dans la paroi frontale 25 du boítier 1, par un orifice 27 qui aboutit à l'extérieur du boítier 1 sur un bac de récupération 29. The other end of the tube elements 15 is closed by a vertical wall 17 integral with the housing 1. This wall 17 is pierced with two windows rectangular, (figure 6) namely a window upper window, or recovery window 19, and a window bottom, or 19 'loading window, which extend vertically and radially, respectively above and below the hub 5. The windows 19, 19 'open onto respective ducts of rectangular section, at know an upper duct 21, or duct of recovery, and a lower duct 21 ', or loading. The recovery duct 21 opens, at its lower part, on a recovery chute 23 which opens into the front wall 25 of the housing 1, by an orifice 27 which terminates outside of the housing 1 on a recovery tank 29.

    Le conduit de chargement 21' s'ouvre, quant à lui, à sa partie supérieure, sur une goulotte de chargement 23' qui débouche dans la paroi frontale 25 du boítier 1 par un orifice 27'.The loading duct 21 'opens, as for him, at his upper part, on a chute load 23 'which opens into the front wall 25 of the case 1 through an orifice 27 '.

    La paroi périphérique 9 du tambour 3 est pourvue d'une denture 28 en prise avec un pignon 31. Ce pignon 31 est solidaire de moyens d'entraínement en rotation, qui peuvent être constitués, notamment, d'un moteur pas à pas, ou de tout autre moyen d'entraínement susceptible d'être contrôlé par des moyens d'indexation, dont une première fonction est de permettre le positionnement d'une série quelconque d'orifices d'alvéoles 12 face à l'une des fenêtres 19, 19' et dont une seconde fonction sera précisée ci-après. La paroi 17 dans laquelle sont réalisées les fenêtre 19, 19' est pourvue d'une série de volets 30, montés articulés autour d'axes horizontaux 32, et qui sont de dimensions voisines des orifices 13 des alvéoles 12. Ces volets 30 sont pourvus de moyens de commande leur permettant d'occuper deux positions, à savoir une première position dans laquelle ils assurent l'obturation de l'alvéole 12 devant laquelle ils sont disposés, et une seconde position, ou position d'ouverture, dans laquelle ils assurent le prolongement du "plancher" d'une alvéole (pour les alvéoles disposées au-dessous de l'axe de rotation xx') ou le "plafond" d'une alvéole (pour les alvéoles disposées au-dessus de l'axe de rotation xx').The peripheral wall 9 of the drum 3 is provided a toothing 28 engaged with a pinion 31. This pinion 31 is integral with rotary drive means, which may consist, in particular, of a stepper motor not, or any other likely means of training to be controlled by indexing means, one of which first function is to allow positioning of any series of cell orifices 12 facing one of the windows 19, 19 'and of which a second function will be specified below. The wall 17 in which are window 19, 19 'is provided with a series of flaps 30, mounted articulated around horizontal axes 32, and which are of dimensions close to the orifices 13 of the cells 12. These flaps 30 are provided with means for control allowing them to occupy two positions, know a first position in which they ensure the closure of cell 12 in front of which they are arranged, and a second position, or position opening, in which they ensure the extension of the "floor" of a cell (for cells arranged below the axis of rotation xx ') or the "ceiling" an alveolus (for alveoli arranged above the axis of rotation xx ').

    Les volets 30 peuvent par exemple être actionnés par des électroaimants, non représentés sur le dessin. The flaps 30 can for example be actuated by electromagnets, not shown in the drawing.

    La seconde fonction des moyens de commande et d'indexation est d'activer ou de désactiver les électroaimants commandant l'ouverture des volets 30. Ces derniers sont pourvus de moyens de rappel tels que des ressorts, non représentés sur le dessin, qui, en l'absence de sollicitation des électroaimants, les appliquent en position de fermeture.The second function of the control means and indexing is to enable or disable the electromagnets controlling the opening of the flaps 30. These the latter are provided with recall means such as springs, not shown in the drawing, which, in the absence of solicitation of the electromagnets, the apply in the closed position.

    Sur les figures le tambour 3 comporte seize séries d'alvéoles 12 (N=16) écartées les unes des autres d'un angle au centre de 22,5°. Compte tenu de la largeur des alvéoles 12, et comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 5, les séries d'alvéoles successives comportent des nombres différents d'alvéoles, si bien que l'on a des séries principales, de n1 alvéoles 12, débutant à toucher le moyeu 5 et qui sont intercalées avec des séries intermédiaires de n2 alvéoles qui débutent dès que l'écartement des séries principales est suffisant pour intercaler une série intermédiaire. Des moyens de commande et d'indexation permettent de présenter devant les fenêtres 19,19' l'une quelconque de ces 16 séries d'alvéoles 12 et des moyens d'adressage et d'accès permettent d'ouvrir l'un des quelconques volets 30 donnant accès à chacune des (n1 ou n2) alvéoles 12 de cette série.In the figures, the drum 3 comprises sixteen series of cells 12 (N = 16) spaced from each other by an angle at the center of 22.5 °. Given the width of the cells 12, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the series of successive cells have different numbers of cells, so that there are main series, of n 1 cells 12, beginning to touch the hub 5 and which are interspersed with intermediate series of n 2 cells which begin as soon as the spacing of the main series is sufficient to interpose an intermediate series. Control and indexing means make it possible to present any of these 16 series of cells 12 in front of the windows 19, 19 'and addressing and access means make it possible to open any of the flaps 30 giving access to each of (n 1 or n 2 ) cells 12 of this series.

    On décrira maintenant les opérations à effectuer pour charger une clé, dans une alvéole 12 déterminée et, à l'inverse, pour extraire une clé stockée dans une alvéole 12. We will now describe the operations to be performed to load a key, in a determined cell 12 and, conversely, to extract a key stored in a cell 12.

    Pour stocker une clé, lorsque les moyens de gestion (informatiques ou autres) ont établi dans quelle alvéole 12 déterminée une clé donnée doit être disposée, dans un premier temps les moyens de commande et d'indexation positionnent le tambour 3 de façon que la série dans laquelle se trouve l'alvéole déterminée se trouve en regard de la fenêtre verticale de chargement 19'. Dans un second temps les moyens d'accès assurent l'excitation de l'électroaimant commandant l'ouverture du volet 30 permettant l'accès à l'alvéole 12 dans laquelle on souhaite ranger la clé. Une fois cette opération effectuée, l'utilisateur introduit ladite clé par l'orifice 27' prévue dans le boítier 1, et celle-ci descend par gravité dans la goulotte de chargement 23' puis dans le conduit de chargement 21', jusqu'à ce qu'elle entre en contact avec le volet ouvert 30 qui, à la manière d'un aiguillage, la dirige alors dans l'alvéole 12 choisie. Après une temporisation de durée déterminée, permettant la descente de la clé dans l'alvéole 12, l'excitation de l'électroaimant est coupée, si bien que le volet 30 reprend sa position d'obturation de l'alvéole, sous l'effet d'un ressort de rappel.To store a key, when the means of management (IT or other) have established in which cell 12 determined a given key must be placed, initially the control means and indexing positions the drum 3 so that the series in which the determined cell is located found next to the vertical loading window 19 '. Secondly, the means of access ensure the excitation of the electromagnet controlling the opening of the flap 30 allowing access to cell 12 in which we want to store the key. Once this operation performed, the user enters said key by the orifice 27 'provided in the housing 1, and the latter descends by gravity into the 23 'loading chute then in the loading duct 21 ', until that it comes into contact with the open flap 30 which, at the way of a referral, then directs it in the cell 12 chosen. After a time delay determined, allowing the key to descend into the cell 12, the excitation of the electromagnet is cut off, so that the flap 30 returns to its closed position of the cell, under the effect of a return spring.

    Lorsque, à l'inverse, on souhaite retirer une clé stockée dans une alvéole 12 déterminée, les moyens de commande et d'indexation font tourner le tambour 3, de façon que la série d'alvéoles dans laquelle se trouve l'alvéole 12 renfermant la clé se trouve face à la fenêtre de récupération 19. On constate que, dans cette position, la pente des alvéoles 12 est dirigée en sens inverse, à savoir vers le bas, si bien qu'il suffit de commander l'ouverture du volet 30 obturant l'entrée de l'alvéole 12, en excitant son électroaimant, pour permettre à la clé contenue dans celle-ci de descendre par gravité dans le conduit de récupération 21, puis dans la goulotte 23 et enfin dans le bac de récupération 29. Après une temporisation couvrant le temps de déplacement de la clé dans l'appareil, l'excitation de l'électroaimant du volet 30 est coupée, si bien qu'il reprend sa position d'obturation de l'alvéole 12, sous l'action de son ressort.When, conversely, we wish to withdraw a key stored in a determined cell 12, the means of control and indexing rotate the drum 3, so that the series of cells in which is found the alveolus 12 containing the key is facing the recovery window 19. We see that in this position, the slope of the cells 12 is directed in the direction reverse, namely down, so it is enough to control the opening of the flap 30 closing the entry of the cell 12, by exciting its electromagnet, to allow the key in it to go down by gravity in the recovery duct 21, then in the chute 23 and finally in the recovery tank 29. After a delay covering the travel time of the key in the device, the excitement of the electromagnet of the shutter 30 is cut, so that it returns to its closed position of cell 12, under the action of its jurisdiction.

    Le dispositif peut être commandé par des moyens de gestion semi-automatisés ou entièrement automatisés.The device can be controlled by means semi-automated or fully automated management systems.

    Dans un système de gestion semi-automatisé l'utilisateur dispose par exemple d'un tableau de commande manuel sur lequel il affiche la localisation de la clé qu'il souhaite soit ranger soit récupérer, à savoir le numéro de la série, et la position de l'alvéole à l'intérieur de cette série. Des moyens de commande et d'indexation appropriés déterminent l'angle de rotation que le tambour 30 doit effectuer pour positionner la série contenant l'alvéole considérée face soit à la fenêtre de récupération 19 soit à la fenêtre de rangement 19'. Ensuite des moyens d'adressage et d'accès permettent d'accéder à l'alvéole choisie de cette série.In a semi-automated management system the user has for example a table of manual control on which it displays the location of the key he wishes to either store or collect, know the serial number and the position of the cell inside this series. Control means and appropriate indexing points determine the angle of rotation that the drum 30 must perform to position the series containing the cell considered facing either the recovery window 19 either at the storage window 19 '. Then addressing and access means allow to access the selected cell of this series.

    En mode de gestion automatisé, la recherche des coordonnées d'une alvéole est confiée par exemple à un micro-ordinateur qui possède, dans un fichier mémoire, les références de la clé et les coordonnées de celle-ci, et qui commande de façon automatique, au moyen d'une interface, d'une part la rotation du tambour 3 afin d'amener la série de l'alvéole associée à la clé considérée face aux fenêtres de récupération ou de rangement, puis l'excitation de l'électroaimant assurant l'ouverture puis la fermeture de ladite alvéole 12.In automated management mode, the search for coordinates of a cell is entrusted for example to a microcomputer which has, in a memory file, the key references and its coordinates, and which controls automatically, by means of a interface, on the one hand the rotation of the drum 3 so to bring the series of the cell associated with the key seen facing recovery windows or storage, then the excitation of the electromagnet ensuring the opening and then the closing of said cell 12.

    Comme représenté sur la figure 3, chaque alvéole peut comporter des moyens permettant de déterminer si elle contient ou non une clé. Ces moyens peuvent par exemple être constitués d'un détecteur de proximité réagissant à la présence d'une masse métallique dans l'alvéole 12 ou, au contraire, être constitués de deux éléments conducteurs isolés l'un de l'autre, à savoir un élément conducteur 40 disposé dans le "plancher" et un élément conducteur 40' disposé sur le fond de l'alvéole 12, qui sont mis en contact électrique l'un avec l'autre par la présence d'une clé dans cette alvéole 12.As shown in Figure 3, each cell may include means for determining whether it may or may not contain a key. These means can by example consist of a proximity sensor reacting to the presence of a metallic mass in alveolus 12 or, on the contrary, consist of two conductive elements isolated from each other, namely a conductive element 40 disposed in the "floor" and a conductive element 40 'disposed on the bottom of the cell 12, which are brought into electrical contact with each other by the presence of a key in this cell 12.

    Bien entendu, les alvéoles 12 peuvent être inclinées en sens inverse, à savoir du bas vers le haut lorsque l'on va du centre du boítier 1 vers l'extérieur, pour les alvéoles situées au dessous de l'axe xx'. Dans un tel mode de mise en oeuvre les positions des conduits de chargement 21' et de récupération 21 sont inversées.Of course, the cells 12 can be tilted in reverse, i.e. from bottom to top when we go from the center of box 1 outwards, for the cells located below the axis xx '. In such a mode of implementation the positions of the conduits loading 21 'and recovery 21 are reversed.

    Les alvéoles 12 peuvent également être formées par tout moyen autre que l'assemblage d'éléments de tube. Elles peuvent notamment être obtenues par usinage dans la masse du tambour 3, pliage et soudage etc....The cells 12 can also be formed by any means other than the assembly of tube elements. They can in particular be obtained by machining in the drum 3 mass, folding and welding etc ...

    Dans une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, représentée sur les figures 7 et 8, les moyens d'adressage et d'accès à chacune des alvéoles d'une série d'alvéoles ne sont pas constitués de volets commandés par des électroaimants mais d'un conduit de chargement 50 formé d'un ensemble de tubes 52 montés coulissant les uns dans les autres de façon à former un ensemble télescopique se terminant à sa partie aval, ou inférieure sur les figures 7 et 8, par une "buse" de distribution 54 qui débouche à proximité immédiate des orifices d'accès 13 des alvéoles 12.In an implementation variant of the invention, shown in Figures 7 and 8, the means of addressing and accessing each of the cells of a series of cells do not consist of flaps controlled by electromagnets but with a load 50 formed by a set of tubes 52 mounted sliding into each other so as to form a telescopic assembly ending at its downstream part, or lower in FIGS. 7 and 8, by a "nozzle" of distribution 54 which opens in the immediate vicinity of access holes 13 of the cells 12.

    L'élément inférieur 56 de l'ensemble télescopique comporte deux bossages longitudinaux latéraux 58, traversés chacun par une vis sans fin 60, qui sont en prise avec celle-ci. Des moyens de commande entraínent en rotation les vis sans fin 60, de façon à positionner l'ouverture de la buse 54 en face de l'orifice 13 choisi de la série d'orifices se trouvant en face de la fenêtre inférieure 19'.The lower element 56 of the telescopic assembly has two lateral longitudinal bosses 58, each crossed by an endless screw 60, which are in taken with it. Control means result in rotation of the endless screws 60, so as to position the opening of the nozzle 54 opposite the orifice 13 chosen from the series of holes in front of the window lower 19 '.

    Ce mode de mise en oeuvre remplace ainsi les moyens d'adressage constitués par les volets 30 et les électroaimants commandant l'ouverture de ceux-ci.This mode of implementation thus replaces the addressing means constituted by the flaps 30 and the electromagnets controlling the opening of these.

    Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, des moyens sont prévus pour soumettre le tambour à des vibrations lors de l'introduction ou du retrait d'un objet, de façon à éviter un coincement de celui-ci, ou à permettre sa libération s'il est coincé.In one embodiment of the invention, means are provided for subjecting the drum to vibrations when inserting or removing a object, so as to avoid jamming, or allow his release if he is stuck.

    On peut disposer en différents endroits du dispositif suivant l'invention des moyens permettant d'assurer une surveillance des zones importantes du dispositif de façon à en contrôler le bon fonctionnement ou, au contraire déceler une anomalie de fonctionnement. Ainsi que représenté sur la figure 9, on peut ainsi disposer à la base du conduit 56 qui assure la distribution des clés aux alvéoles 12, une caméra de surveillance 70 qui permet de contrôler si les clés distribuées par la "buse" 54 sont bien amenées jusqu'à leur destination finale, à savoir dans une alvéole 12.We can have in different places the device according to the invention of the means allowing to monitor important areas of the device so as to control its proper functioning or, on the contrary, detect an operating anomaly. As shown in Figure 9, we can thus arrange at the base of the conduit 56 which ensures the distribution of the keys to the cells 12, a 70 monitoring which allows you to check whether the keys distributed by the "nozzle" 54 are well brought up to their final destination, namely in a cell 12.

    Les dispositifs de surveillance peuvent être des dispositifs en mesure d'être déclenchés et mis en oeuvre à distance, en utilisant notamment des lignes téléphoniques ou des moyens de liaison radio.The monitoring devices can be devices able to be triggered and implemented remotely, using in particular lines telephone or radio link means.

    On a représenté sur les figures 10 et 11 des moyens d'accès à chacune des alvéoles 12 d'une série d'alvéoles qui sont accessibles par la fenêtre supérieure 19 réalisée dans la paroi 17. On a ainsi réalisé dans le conduit de récupération 21 une succession de volets obturateurs 30 qui sont montés pivotant autour d'axes verticaux 32' et qui assurent l'obturation de toutes les alvéoles qui s'ouvrent sur la fenêtre supérieure 19. Un pignon denté 72, centré sur l'axe 32', est solidarisé du volet 30 et est en prise avec une crémaillère horizontale 76. La crémaillère 76 s'étend hors du conduit 21 et porte, à son extrémité externe, une tête 78. Dans ces conditions, toute traction sur la tête 78, dirigée suivant la flèche G, a pour effet de provoquer l'ouverture du volet 30 en le faisant pivoter à l'intérieur du conduit 21. Des moyens de rappel élastiques, non représentés sur le dessin, sont prévus sur chaque crémaillère 76 pour ramener celle-ci à sa position de repos et assurer ainsi la mise en position d'obturation du volet 30.Figures 10 and 11 show means of access to each of the cells 12 of a series cells which are accessible through the upper window 19 produced in the wall 17. Thus, in the recovery duct 21 a succession of flaps shutters 30 which are pivotally mounted around axes 32 'vertical and which ensure the obturation of all alveoli which open onto the upper window 19. A toothed pinion 72, centered on the axis 32 ', is secured to the flap 30 and is engaged with a horizontal rack 76. The rack 76 extends out of the duct 21 and carries, at its outer end, a head 78. In these conditions, all traction on head 78, directed following arrow G, has the effect of causing opening the flap 30 by pivoting it to inside the duct 21. Reminder means elastic, not shown in the drawing, are provided on each rack 76 to bring it back to its rest position and thus ensure positioning shutter 30.

    La sollicitation de chacune des crémaillères 76 est effectuée par une griffe 80 solidaire d'un axe 82 d'un électroaimant 84 qui, lorsqu'il est excité, déplace la griffe 80 dans le sens de la flèche G. L'électroaimant 84 est disposé dans un boítier 85 pourvu d'un écrou 86 qui est en prise avec une vis sans fin verticale 88. En conférant à la vis sans fin 88 une rotation d'un nombre de tours appropriés, il est ainsi possible de positionner la griffe 80 de façon qu'elle puisse solliciter l'une quelconque des crémaillères 78. Ce dispositif permet ainsi de commander l'ouverture de l'un quelconque des volets 30 obturant une série d'alvéoles disposées dans la fenêtre 19.The solicitation of each rack 76 is carried out by a claw 80 secured to an axis 82 an electromagnet 84 which, when energized, displaces claw 80 in the direction of arrow G. The electromagnet 84 is placed in a housing 85 provided with a nut 86 which is engaged with a vertical worm 88. In giving the worm 88 a rotation of a number of appropriate turns, it is thus possible to position the claw 80 so that it can solicit one any of the racks 78. This device allows thus to order the opening of any of the shutters 30 closing a series of cells arranged in the window 19.

    Claims (12)

    1. Device for the controlled storing, storage and dispensing of small objects, such as in particular keys, comprising a box (1) and a series of receptacles (12) intended each to receive at least one object, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are disposed on a drum (3) in the form of a cylinder of revolution, mounted to rotate about its horizontally disposed axis (xx'), each of said receptacles (12) comprising at least one orifice for access (13) which opens on one of the bases of the drum (3) and which are grouped in successive series of orifices (13), each orifice (13) of the same series belonging to the same radius of a base of the drum (3), this device comprising means for control and indexation of the drum (3) adapted to take the latter into respective positions such that each of said series of orifices (13) can be disposed along a determined fixed radius with respect to the box (1), and means for addressing and accessing each of the orifices (13) of the series of orifices disposed along said determined fixed radius.
    2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are of cylindrical form and their respective axes of symmetry are disposed along successive radial planes of the drum (3).
    3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receptacles (12) of the same series are parallel.
    4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are inclined with respect to the axis of rotation (xx') of the drum (3).
    5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are closed at least at their lower end by a wall (17) fixed with respect to the box (1), this wall (17) being pierced with a radial and vertical window (19) giving access to each of the orifices of the series of orifices disposed along said determined fixed radius, the device comprising means for obturating each of the lower openings of the receptacles (12), the opening of which may be controlled by addressing means.
    6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the obturation means are constituted by pivoting flaps (30).
    7. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are closed, at least at their upper end, by a wall (17) fixed with respect to the box (1), this wall being pierced with a radial and vertical window (19'), the device comprising addressing means allowing access to the upper end of any one of the receptacles (12) of the series of receptacles of which the inlets are disposed in the window (19').
    8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that each orifice (13) for access to a receptacle (12) is obturated by a flap (30) which is pivotally mounted in a conduit for charging objects (21'), so as to occupy two positions, namely a first position in which it ensures obturation of the orifice (13) for access to a receptacle (12) opposite which it is disposed, and a second position in which it releases the access to said orifice (13).
    9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that, in said second position, the flap (30) obturates the cross section of the charging conduit (21') so as to ensure guiding of an object in a receptacle (12).
    10. Device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the means for control and indexation of the drum (3) comprise a motor, particularly a stepper motor, in mesh with the drum (3) and logic and counting means adapted to control a given number of rotations of the motor in order to position, along said determined fixed radius, the series of orifices to which the selected receptacle (12) belongs.
    11. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that said addressing means comprise a conduit (52, 56) of which the downstream end terminates in a "nozzle" (54) mounted mobile along said determined fixed radius, adapted to be positioned opposite any one of the orifices (13) for access to the series of receptacles (12) positioned along said determined fixed radius.
    12. Device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that it comprises means adapted to subject the drum (3) to vibrations.
    EP95941136A 1994-11-25 1995-11-23 Device for storing and dispensing small objects Expired - Lifetime EP0793433B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9414154 1994-11-25
    FR9414154A FR2727298B1 (en) 1994-11-25 1994-11-25 DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISTRIBUTING SMALL OBJECTS
    PCT/FR1995/001550 WO1996016577A1 (en) 1994-11-25 1995-11-23 Device for storing and dispensing small objects

    Publications (2)

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    EP0793433A1 EP0793433A1 (en) 1997-09-10
    EP0793433B1 true EP0793433B1 (en) 1999-08-11

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    DE (1) DE69511426D1 (en)
    FR (1) FR2727298B1 (en)
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    GB2450183A (en) * 2007-06-12 2008-12-17 Jeremy Ralph Shadbolt Gravity operated self sorting storage rack

    Family Cites Families (4)

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    US2653850A (en) * 1949-11-17 1953-09-29 Theodore F Vollten Combination storage and dispensing rack
    EP0291614B1 (en) * 1987-05-22 1989-11-23 KEY-MATIC INDUSTRIES Inc. Key storage and inventory system
    US4838453A (en) * 1988-02-16 1989-06-13 Luckstead Jon D Pill dispenser
    US5251782A (en) * 1991-08-16 1993-10-12 Creative Technology, Inc. Object dispenser apparatus and method

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    WO1996016577A1 (en) 1996-06-06
    FR2727298B1 (en) 1997-01-17
    DE69511426D1 (en) 1999-09-16
    FR2727298A1 (en) 1996-05-31
    EP0793433A1 (en) 1997-09-10

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