EP0453381B1 - Storage locker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a deposit cabinet, that is to say a cabinet comprising a plurality of lockers each comprising a closing door, and an individualized and reversible locking means, making it possible to block the door in the closed position, and controlled only by the user of said locker; this locking means consists, for example, of a lock with its own key, different from other locks, the key being held by the user during the deposit period, that is to say the period during which an object is stored in the locker that the user has chosen and retained himself.

Lockers have already been proposed comprising locks with computer code, and controlled by a centralized computer system, permanently in the cabinet for example.

Thus, according to document EP-C-0 065 605, a deposit locker has been described, comprising a plurality of compartments arranged one above the other, in a column. Each locker comprises a door, and a mechanism for locking the latter, of the striker type, locking itself in closing, by the single closing movement of the door; this mechanism is associated with an unlocking device when opening, with an external electrical control, of the electro-magnetic return type. This locking mechanism therefore makes it possible to block the door in closing, by the sole closing movement of the latter, under the action of the user, and after the unlocking in opening of this same mechanism, the user must open it- even the door to access the interior of the locker.

• un périphérique de sortie, à savoir une imprimante pour l'impression sur un ticket, et donc la sortie de plusieurs informations de type alphanumérique, notamment un code unique d'accès au casier retenu par l'utilisateur
• un périphérique d'entrée, à savoir un clavier pour la frappe par l'utilisateur, et donc l'entrée d'une ou plusieurs informations de type alphanumérique, notamment le code d'accès remis à l'utilisateur
• et un processeur chargé d'un programme d'exécution permettant de contrôler tous les casiers.

Still according to document EP-C-0 065 605, a centralized system controls all the lockers, and integrates, in addition to the external commands of the latter previously described, on the one hand, indicators allowing to visualize the free or occupied state of the different lockers, and secondly selection buttons for these. This centralized system understands and communicates with:

• an output device, namely a printer for printing on a ticket, and therefore the output of several alphanumeric information, in particular a unique access code to the locker retained by the user
• an input device, namely a keyboard for typing by the user, and therefore the entry of one or more type of information alphanumeric, including the access code given to the user
• and a processor responsible for an execution program making it possible to control all the lockers.

• adressage et mise en mémoire de l'adresse du casier retenu par l'utilisateur
• création ou génération d'un code de contrôle alphanumérique, mise en mémoire de ce code, et sortie de ce code de contrôle sur le périphérique de sortie
• à la saisie d'un message d'entrée alphanumérique sur le périphérique d'entrée, comparaison du message et du code de contrôle mis en mémoire ; émission d'un signal de déblocage en ouverture vers la commande extérieure de l'organe de déblocage du casier correspondant à l'identité du code de contrôle mémorisé pour ce dernier, et du message d'entrée.

This execution program makes it possible to accomplish at least the following sequences:

• addressing and storage of the address of the locker retained by the user
• creation or generation of an alphanumeric control code, storage of this code, and output of this control code on the output device
• when entering an alphanumeric input message on the input device, comparing the message and the control code stored in memory; emission of an unlocking signal when opening towards the external control of the locker unlocking member corresponding to the identity of the control code memorized for the latter, and of the input message.

• l'utilisateur se présente avec l'objet à entreposer devant l'armoire de consigne, dont toutes les portes sont fermées, les casiers libres étant repérés par un voyant individuel, allumé, et les casiers occupés par un voyant individuel éteint
• l'utilisateur choisit alors un casier libre, en appuyant sur le bouton individuel correspondant à celui retenu
• dès ce moment, et après avoir réglé par un monnayeur la somme indiquée sur un afficheur, le système centralisé active l'organe de déblocage en ouverture du mécanisme de verrouillage de la porte du casier retenu
• l'utilisateur ouvre la porte débloquée du casier retenu, y entrepose son objet, et referme la porte qui se bloque alors d'elle-même en fermeture
• en même temps, l'imprimante lui délivre un ticket indiquant notamment le code de contrôle affecté par le système au casier retenu
• lorsque le même utilisateur se présente à nouveau devant l'armoire, pour retirer l'objet entreposé, il compose le code de contrôle sur le clavier ; dès que ce code est reconnu, le système centralisé active l'organe de déblocage en ouverture du mécanisme de verrouillage de la porte du casier correspondant au code de contrôle mémorisé, et le système allume le voyant individuel correspondant
• l'utilisateur ouvre la porte débloquée du casier correspondant au voyant ainsi allumé, retire l'objet déposé, et referme la porte qui se bloque elle-même en fermeture.

The use of a cabinet according to document EP-C-0 065 605 follows from the preceding description:

• the user presents himself with the object to be stored in front of the deposit locker, all the doors of which are closed, the free lockers being identified by an individual indicator light, lit, and the lockers occupied by an individual indicator light off
• the user then chooses a free locker, by pressing the individual button corresponding to the selected one
• from this moment, and after having adjusted the amount indicated on a display by a coin mechanism, the centralized system activates the unlocking device when the locking mechanism of the selected locker door is opened
• the user opens the unlocked door of the selected locker, stores his object there, and closes the door which then locks itself when closing
• at the same time, the printer issues him a ticket indicating in particular the control code assigned by the system to the selected locker
• when the same user appears again in front of the cabinet, to remove the stored object, he dials the control code on the keyboard; as soon as this code is recognized, the centralized system activates the unlocking device when the locker door locking mechanism corresponding to the memorized control code is opened, and the system lights up the corresponding individual indicator
• the user opens the unlocked door of the locker corresponding to the indicator light thus lit, removes the deposited object, and closes the door which itself locks when closing.

In accordance with document EP-C-0 006 403, a deposit locker of the same type has been described as that described above with reference to EP-C-0 065 605, but having the following specificities, in terms of centralized control system and equipment of lockers, as well as execution program.

Regarding the lockers, each comprises, independently of its opening-closing, an electromagnetic locking and unlocking member, requiring an electrical control for each position. With regard to the opening-closing, this is carried out under the sole action of the user, or under the effect of a return means, in the direction of opening, once the member electromagnetic aforementioned brought into its unlocked position. Each locker also includes a detection member, only for the closed position of the door, regardless of the state of the locking / unlocking member.

As for the centralized control system, it comprises an electrical control member for unlocking the locker retained or identified by the same system, actuated by the user; this unlocking is used to access a full locker, when the user wants to recover its content, and possibly after the system has assigned him an empty locker, and before depositing content therein. This electrical control member is therefore under the control of the centralized system, and its locking function remains entirely controlled by said system.

Regarding the execution program, it is the control system which allocates an empty locker to the user, after the latter has specified, by pressing a key, the type of locker he is retaining, for example large or small; it is therefore the user who directly activates the execution program, for the allocation of a control code, in correspondence with the locker retained at the same time by the system. And, as indicated previously, the control sequence to access a full locker ends with the authorization to unlock the latter, this latter operation requiring manual intervention by the user.

In accordance with document EP-A-0 334 726, another deposit box has been described, of the same type as that described above with reference to EP-C-0 065 605, having the following specificities, in terms of centralized control system , equipment of lockers, as well as execution program.

Regarding the lockers, each is equipped, firstly with an electro-mechanical locking and unlocking device for the door, requiring an electrical control for each locked and unlocked position, secondly with an indicator light indicating the free or occupied state. said locker, thirdly a detector of the locked position of the locking / unlocking member, and fourthly a closing return means.

As for the centralized control system, it integrates, via appropriate input / output interfaces, the separate commands for opening and closing of the various locking / unlocking devices, the various indicator lights for the lockers, and the sensors for the locked position of the locking / unlocking devices. The indicator lights indicating the free or occupied status of the lockers are combined into a single signaling table.

Regarding the execution program, it includes a sequence allowing the user to enter a personal code, which he chooses and retains himself, when depositing an object, and which he repeats at time of removal of the same object. It is the user who, after choosing the empty locker in which he wants to place his object, and depositing the latter in said locker thus chosen, types on an alpha-numeric keyboard, and enters the memory of the control system. designation of the locker retained, for example in the form of a letter preceding his personal code; he must therefore retain and memorize the locker he has chosen himself. And it is the entry of the personal code of the user which controls, on the one hand the locking of the door of the selected locker, after he has deposited the object there, the door of said locker closing from it -same, and on the other hand unlocking the same door, with lighting of the corresponding indicator light, to extract said object from said locker. Furthermore, the execution program includes a sequence for checking the correctly locked position of the locker retained by the user.

Such lockers remain relatively complicated to use, and their ergonomics do not appear satisfactory in many respects. This complexity can be the source, on the one hand of operating incidents of the control system, and on the other hand of defective commands from the user. This leads, in one way or another, to assign personnel to the surveillance of such cabinets, in particular to restore their operation or explain their instructions to the user.

These constraints are incompatible with an environment for which the safety of people is an imperative, for example the use of such cabinets in the banking sector, which must protect itself against attack.

• lorqu'une personne pénètre dans le sas par la porte extérieure, le détecteur détecte toute masse métallique portée par ladite personne, au-delà d'un seuil pré-réglé
• si le détecteur détecte une masse métallique supérieure au seuil pré-réglé, la porte intérieure reste bloquée, alors qu'elle est débloquée pour une détection inférieure à ce seuil
• en cas de blocage de la porte intérieure, un dispositif à synthèse vocale ou des indications visuelles invitent alors la personne à ressortir du sas, par la porte extérieure, et à déposer les objets métalliques détectés, à l'extérieur du sas, dans une armoire de consigne
• la personne pénètre à nouveau dans le sas, par la porte extérieure, puis en sort par la porte intérieure, dans le périmètre bancaire protégé
• en sens inverse, et à la sortie du sas, la même personne récupère les objets métalliques déposés dans l'armoire de consigne.

To take the sole example of banking establishments, they are increasingly equipped with airlocks with slaved doors, incorporating a metal mass detector, operating as follows:

• When a person enters the airlock through the exterior door, the detector detects any metallic mass carried by said person, beyond a pre-set threshold
• if the detector detects a metallic mass higher than the preset threshold, the interior door remains blocked, whereas it is unlocked for a detection lower than this threshold
• in the event of blockage of the interior door, a device with voice synthesis or visual indications then invite the person to leave the airlock, by the external door, and to deposit the metallic objects detected, outside the airlock, in a cupboard deposit
• the person enters the airlock again, through the exterior door, then exits through the interior door, into the protected banking perimeter
• in the opposite direction, and at the exit of the airlock, the same person collects the metallic objects deposited in the deposit locker.

The banking sector, to cite only this one, therefore needs practical and simple lockers, avoiding the user to get stuck in his manipulation or control of the cabinet, and playing any false maneuver wanted and simulated of the user, the objective being to avoid or suppress any intervention by banking personnel outside the security perimeter on the cabinet site.

The present invention therefore relates to a deposit locker according to claim 1 with centralized control system, limiting to the maximum the operating choices of the user, and simplifying its handling.

• d'une part, à chaque casier est associé un détecteur de la position fermée du mécanisme de verrouillage, et tous les détecteurs desdits casiers respectivement sont intégrés dans le système centralisé de contrôle
• et d'autre part, un moyen de rappel en ouverture est associé ou coopère avec la porte de chaque casier ; ce moyen de rappel est chargé par la fermeture de la porte du casier par l'utilisateur, et il agit dès que le mécanisme de verrouillage est débloqué en ouverture, pour ouvrir complètement la même porte.

According to the present invention, in combination:

• on the one hand, each locker is associated with a detector of the closed position of the locking mechanism, and all the detectors of said lockers respectively are integrated into the centralized control system
• and on the other hand, an opening return means is associated or cooperates with the door of each locker; this return means is loaded by the closing of the door of the locker by the user, and it acts as soon as the locking mechanism is unlocked in opening, to completely open the same door.

• la séquence d'adressage et mise en mémoire de l'adresse du casier retenu par l'utilisateur est activée par la réception d'un signal de position fermée en provenance d'un détecteur
• et la séquence de comparaison du message d'entrée avec le code de contrôle se termine par l'ouverture complète et automatique de la porte du casier correspondant à l'identité du message d'entrée et du code de contrôle.

Regarding the execution program loaded on the processor:

• the address sequence and storage of the address of the locker retained by the user is activated by the reception of a closed position signal from a detector
• and the sequence for comparing the entry message with the control code ends with the complete and automatic opening of the door of the locker corresponding to the identity of the entry message and the control code.

• l'utilisateur en se présentant avec un objet à déposer, devant l'armoire, visualise directement les casiers libres, par leurs portes ouvertes ; il peut y déposer directement l'objet
• lorsque l'utilisateur revient devant l'armoire, pour retirer l'objet déposé, le système ouvre automatiquement la porte du casier correspondant au code de contrôle, ce qui permet à l'utilisateur, d'une part de repérer immédiatement son casier, et d'autre part de retirer directement son objet, et ce sans avoir à refermer la porte du même casier.

And the use of such a cabinet becomes particularly simple:

• the user, presenting himself with an object to deposit, in front of the cabinet, directly visualizes the free lockers, by their open doors; he can drop the object directly there
• when the user returns to the cabinet, to remove the deposited object, the system automatically opens the door of the locker corresponding to the control code, which allows the user, on the one hand, to immediately locate his locker, and on the other hand to remove his object directly, without having to close the door of the same locker.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une armoire de consigne conforme à l'invention
• les figures 2, 3 et 4 représentent un casier donné, par exemple le casier n° 1, en coupe selon II.II de la figure 1, respectivement dans une position ouverte, en cours de fermeture, et fermée
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe selon V.V de la figure 4 du même casier
• la figure 6 représente l'organigramme de fonctionnement d'une armoire de consigne selon l'invention.

The present invention is now described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a deposit cabinet according to the invention
• Figures 2, 3 and 4 show a given locker, for example locker n ° 1, in section along II.II of Figure 1, respectively in an open position, during closing, and closed
• 5 shows a sectional view along VV of Figure 4 of the same locker
• FIG. 6 represents the operating flow diagram of a deposit cabinet according to the invention.

A cabinet according to the invention has a generally parallelepiped shape, and has two vertical rows of ten compartments, numbered 1 to 10 in the case of the first row, and 11 to 20 in the case of the second row.

Each locker has a closing door 21, bearing on its outside, in large letters, the inscription "occupied", and a locking means 22, individualized and reversible, making it possible to block the corresponding door in the closed position, and controlled as described below by the user of said locker.

• un mécanisme de verrouillage 23 se bloquant de lui-même en fermeture, par le seul mouvement de fermeture, de haut en bas comme décrit ci-après, de la porte 21 du casier correspondant
• un organe 24 de déblocage en ouverture du mécanisme de condamnation, avec une commande électrique 25 extérieure, à savoir un électro-aimant
• un moyen de rappel ou ressort 40, rappelant la porte 21 en ouverture complète vers le haut, c'est-à-dire dans la position représentée à la figure 2, avec un dispositif d'amortissement non représenté
• et un détecteur 26 de la position fermée du mécanisme de verrouillage.

More precisely, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each locking means 22 comprises:

• a locking mechanism 23 locking itself in closing, by the only closing movement, from top to bottom as described below, of the door 21 of the corresponding locker
• an unlocking member 24 at the opening of the locking mechanism, with an external electrical control 25, namely an electromagnet
• a return means or spring 40, recalling the door 21 in full opening upward, that is to say in the position shown in Figure 2, with a damping device not shown
• and a detector 26 of the closed position of the locking mechanism.

More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the door 21 of each locker comprises two cheeks 21a and 21b having a rear contour in an arc, perpendicular to a central part 21c constituting the door itself. The cheeks 21a and 21b pivot around a common axis of rotation 80, parallel to the plane 21c of the door 21. This axis of rotation is arranged relative to the opening of the crate on the one hand, and to the upper wall of the latter on the other hand, in such a way that the door 21 has a rotation travel, from a closed position (FIG. 4), in which the door is arranged vertically in the opening of the locker, with the exterior inscription "occupied", in an open position (cf. FIG. 2), in which the door is arranged horizontally, opposite and below the upper wall of the locker considered; and the position of the axis of rotation 80 is also chosen, so that at no time of its opening or closing, the door 21 does not significantly exceed the volume of the corresponding locker, by its lower right edge 21g, this which avoids disturbing the metal mass detection system, in the event that the locker cabinet is located in the vicinity of an access airlock comprising such a detector. Still with the aim of avoiding any disturbance of a metal mass detection system, the door 21 of each locker is made of non-magnetic material.

The locking mechanism 23 consists, on the one hand in a hole 21d provided on one of the cheeks of the door, for example the cheek 21a, and on the other hand in a bolt 81 pushed back towards the cheek 21a by a spring 82 , disposed on a side wall of the rack 21. This bolt 81 is arranged in correspondence with the hole 21d, in the closed position of the door 21, and arranged to penetrate itself into said hole, under the thrust of the spring 82 , in said closed position.

The opening unlocking member 24 consists of an electromagnet, acting on the tail of the bolt 81, and comprising an electrical control 25. Consequently, when the control 25 is not electrically supplied, and the door 21 is closed, the corresponding rest position of the bolt 81 locks the door 21 in closing. For safety, the tail of the bolt can be provided with a manual unlocking ring.

The detector 26 of the closed position of the door consists of a micro-contactor, or "micro-switch", opening or closing an electric detection circuit, placed at the rear of the electromagnet 24, and actuated by the tail of bolt 81.

The return means 40 in the open position consists of a spring, hooked at one end on a fixed pin provided in the wall of the crate, and at its other end on a movable pin 21e in rotation, provided on one of the cheeks 21a or 21b. The position of the pin 21e is chosen to ensure the return to full opening of the door 21, by the relaxation of the spring 40.

• une imprimante 28, ou périphérique de sortie, pour la sortie d'une information de type alpha-numérique, c'est-à-dire pour l'impression d'un ticket, et la délivrance de ce dernier à l'utilisateur, comme décrit ci-après
• un clavier 29 à 12 touches ou plus, ou périphérique d'entrée, pour l'entrée ou la saisie d'une information de type alpha-numérique
• un afficheur 30, permettant de visualiser les informations saisies sur le clavier 29, ou de visualiser les informations de sortie du système de contrôle
• un processeur non représenté, chargé de différents programmes d'exécution décrits ci-après dans leur organisation générale, et supportés par une mémoire appropriée du type EPROM par exemple.

As shown in Figure 1, the deposit locker according to the invention is provided with a centralized locker control system 27, integrating as described below the various detectors 26 and the various external controls 25 of the members 24 for unlocking the lockers 1 to 20 respectively. This centralized system also includes:

• a printer 28, or output device, for the output of information of the alpha-digital type, that is to say for the printing of a ticket, and the issuance of the latter to the user, as described below
• a keyboard 29 to 12 keys or more, or input device, for entering or entering information of the alpha-numeric type
• a display 30, making it possible to display the information entered on the keyboard 29, or to display the output information of the control system
• a processor not shown, responsible for various execution programs described below in their general organization, and supported by an appropriate memory of the EPROM type for example.

The general flowchart of operation of the control system is shown in Figure 5, and incorporates several sequences now described.

A first sequence concerns the commands or instructions executed at the closing of a given locker, for example locker 1, followed by the possible closure of another locker, for example locker 2.

When the locker 1 is closed, the corresponding detector 26 sends, according to the action 51, a closed position signal to the control system. From command 51, first the keyboard 29 is locked according to 61, secondly the closed locker is addressed according to 52, with storage of the address according to the writing 53, thirdly an alphanumeric code of control, random, is generated or created, by advancing along 55 of a step of a random register, the register generated according to 56 being stored in memory 54 according to writing 53, and fourthly a time delay, for example of 30 seconds, is started according to 57. The control code and the address of the locker are printed according to 66 with generation of a ticket 67. After the closure of locker 1, according to 51, a next locker, for example 2, cannot be blocked in closing according to 58, only '' after the period of 30 seconds for example, failing which thanks to the control 59 a signal 60 of unlocking in opening is sent to the external control 25 of the locker release member 2.

A second sequence relates to the commands or instructions executed by the user, on the keyboard 29, allowing the unlocking and reopening of a given locker. The user enters on the keyboard 29, first of all the number of the locker used, and then an alpha-numeric entry message, written on the ticket printed according to 67. The locker number and the entry message entered on the keyboard 29 are displayed according to 62, on the display or screen 30. The alpha-numeric message is first of all checked according to 63, as for its conformity, a non-compliant message ordering according to 64 a reset of the display 30. The alpha-numeric message is then compared according to 65 with the alpha-numeric code in memory 54, for the address of the locker entered by the user. In case of identity of the input message and the control code, for the locker entered by the user, the address of the latter is decoded according to 69, and an unlocking signal 70 in opening is sent to the external control. 25 of the unlocking unit of the identified locker. If the user makes several incorrect entries, appropriate signaling can be ordered according to 68.

The operating flow diagram according to FIG. 5 of the control system also includes several sequences accessible only to the operator of the deposit cabinet.

One of these sequences, of initialization, is accessible to the operator, by entering according to 71 by the keyboard 29 an initialization message, by checking this message as for its conformity according to 72, a nonconforming code generating according to 64 resetting the display 30 to zero, by comparing the initialization message according to 73 with a stored pre-existing code, and by transmitting, according to 74, an unlock signal when opening towards the different lockers, which can open at the same time or successively.

The same flowchart also includes a deactivation sequence, only accessible to the operator, according to which after blocking 75 when the doors of all the lockers are closed, and this successively taking into account time delay 57/59, but without creating control codes according to 55/56, all the unlocking members 24 of the different lockers are deactivated, these then remaining in the locked position. This deactivation according to 76, occurs after a time control according to 77, to take account of the aforementioned time delay.

The same operating flowchart can be associated to a remote control 78 of the unlocking member 24 of one or more lockers permanently closed, this remote control operating in parallel with the control of these same lockers under the control of the processor.

The previously described cabinet may also include a central technical sheath 40, only accessible to the operator by two locks 79, by which in the event of an incident the locking mechanisms 23 of all the lockers can be unlocked manually.

Finally, and always for the sole operator, the cabinet can include a remote or remote display device for open and closed compartments, as well as an alarm to signal the end of the printer's paper strip 28.

• l'utilisateur introduit l'objet à déposer dans un casier ouvert, adapté en dimension et en volume à l'objet précité, puis il ferme le casier en basculant la porte 21 ; cette porte fermée laisse apparaître de manière particulièrement visible l'inscription extérieure "occupé"
• la porte fermée comme précédemment demeure verrouillée, sous l'action du mécanisme de verrouillage 23 correspondant
• ce verrouillage en fermeture ayant été détecté, le système de contrôle 27 imprime et délivre automatique un ticket prédécoupé comportant le numéro du casier, le code de contrôle, et éventuellement le jour et l'heure de dépôt
• pour retirer du casier précité l'objet déposé ou consigné, l'utilisateur compose sur le clavier 29 le code de contrôle figurant sur son ticket, après avoir introduit, toujours par le clavier 29, le numéro de casier figurant sur son ticket, ou mémorisé
• si le numéro de code est correct, l'organe de déblocage en ouverture du casier est commandé, ce qui débloque le mécanisme de verrouillage 23, et provoque l'ouverture complète de la porte 21, compte tenu de son moyen de rappel en ouverture.

The operation of a cabinet as previously described is then as follows:

• the user introduces the object to be deposited in an open locker, adapted in size and volume to the aforementioned object, then he closes the locker by tilting the door 21; this closed door lets the particularly visible exterior inscription "occupied" appear
• the door closed as above remains locked, under the action of the corresponding locking mechanism 23
• this locking in closing having been detected, the control system 27 prints and automatically delivers a precut ticket comprising the number of the locker, the control code, and possibly the day and time of deposit
• to remove from the aforementioned locker the object deposited or consigned, the user dials on the keyboard 29 the control code appearing on his ticket, after having entered, still by keyboard 29, the locker number appearing on his ticket, or memorized
• if the code number is correct, the unlocking member in the opening of the locker is controlled, which unlocks the locking mechanism 23, and causes the complete opening of the door 21, taking into account its opening return means.

The hardware described above has the following advantages.

• les casiers fermés sont occupés, et l'inscription "occupé" figurant à l'extérieur de la porte renforce la visualisation ;
• les casiers ouverts sont à la disposition des utilisateurs, ces derniers choisissant alors le casier retenu selon la taille de l'objet à déposer.

You can choose an empty locker at a glance:

• the closed lockers are occupied, and the inscription "occupied" appearing outside the door strengthens the display;
• open lockers are available to users, these the latter then choosing the locker retained according to the size of the object to be deposited.

• de réduire l'encombrement de la consigne, le débattement des portes étant interne à l'appareil ; un tel avantage est important lorsque l'armoire de consigne est disposée dans un pré-sas ;
• d'éviter tous parasitages du détecteur de masse métallique, puisque le débattement de la porte s'effectue à l'intérieur de la structure métallique de l'armoire qui fait cage.

The opening-closing movement of a locker door, in a quarter circle, allows:

• reduce the size of the deposit, the travel of the doors being internal to the device; such an advantage is important when the deposit locker is arranged in a pre-lock;
• avoid all interference from the metal mass detector, since the door travel is carried out inside the metal structure of the cabinet which forms a cage.

The lockers are free from any mechanical key lock.

In the event of a failure of the control system 27, the operator can intervene on the cabinet by unlocking the technical sheath 40, giving access to the locking mechanism of the various lockers.

By controlling the unlocking members 24 during opening, the unlocked locker doors automatically return to the open position, by means of the return means or an equivalent compensation device.

By a programmable code available to the operator, the latter can either close all the locker doors, without issuing a ticket, or unlock all these doors in order to visualize that no object has been left there.

Given the time delay separating the successive closing of two lockers, it is avoided that an attacker voluntarily, and almost simultaneously, closes all the doors, to force the operator to leave his security perimeter.

Thanks to the lockers permanently closed and unlockable remotely by the operator, the latter can thwart the maneuver of a possible attacker, simulating a misunderstanding of the operation of the deposit locker.

Of course, and as already said, a deposit locker according to the invention can receive other applications, in public places for example.

Claims (6)

1. Deposit cabinet comprising a plurality of lockers, each comprising a closing door (21), a system for opening/closing the door and a locking mechanism (23) of the door which is automatically fastened shut by the closing movement alone of the said door, associated with a member (24) for releasing open the said mechanism, with an external control means (25) of the electrical type, and a centralised control system (27) for the said lockers, incorporating the external control means (25) of the said lockers and comprising:

   - an output peripheral (28), in particular a printer, for the outputting of a datum of the alphanumeric type

   - an input peripheral (29), in particular a keyboard, for the inputting of a datum of alphanumeric type

   - a processor loaded with a program for executing at least the following sequences:

   a) addressing and memorisation of the address of the locker reserved by the user, creation and memorisation of an alphanumeric control code, and outputting of this control code at the output peripheral (28)

   b) upon the calling up of an alphanumeric input message at the input peripheral (29), comparison of the message with the control code and emission of a releasing-open signal to the external control means (25) of the corresponding releasing member, in the event of identity between the input message and the control code, characterised in that, on the one hand, a detector (26) of the closed position of the locking mechanism (23) is associated with each locker, the said detectors being incorporated in the centralised control system and, on the other hand, a means for return into the open position is associated with the door of each locker, acting as soon as the locking mechanism is released open, as a result of which the sequence a) of the execution program is activated by the reception of a closed-position signal originating from a detector (26), and the sequence b) of the same execution program terminates in the automatic opening of the door of the locker corresponding to the identity between the input message and the control code, the opening/closing system of the door being arranged such that the lower edge (21g) of the door (21) does not project substantially from the volume of the locker when it moves from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa.
2. Cabinet according to Claim 1, characterised in that the opening/closing system (31) for the door (21), enables it to move from a closed position (Fig. 4), in which the door is arranged vertically, to an open position (Fig. 2), in which the door is arranged horizontally, facing underneath the upper wall of the locker.
3. Cabinet according to Claim 1, characterised in that the door (21) of each locker is made from a non-magnetic material.
4. Cabinet according to Claim 1, characterised in that the execution program comprises a time-delay sequence according to which, after the closure of a given locker, a following locker can be fastened shut only after a predetermined lapse of time, failing which a releasing-open signal is emitted to the external control means (25) of the member (24) for releasing the said following locker.
5. Cabinet according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a control means at a distance from the releasing member (24) of at least one permanently closed locker, in parallel with the control means (25) under the control of the processor.
6. Cabinet according to Claim 1, characterised in that the closing door (21) of each locker bears on its outer face the word "occupied".

Images