Patent Publication Number: US-9890549-B2

Title: Storage system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a storage system for vehicles, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles. 
     PRIOR ART 
     In the case of conventional storage systems for vehicles, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles, vehicles are stored individually or jointly in a storage region. 
     WO 2007/029026 presents a storage box for a motor cycle, wherein there is sufficient space available in the box to stow a motorcycle and the associated equipment, such as helmet and protective clothing, therein. The box has an access system which permits access to an authorized person. If multiple motorcycles are to be stowed, it is necessary for multiple such boxes to be arranged adjacent to one another. This requires a large amount of space and a large amount of installation and maintenance outlay, because the boxes are independent of one another and each must be supplied with electricity, and each has a dedicated access system. 
     US 2010/0204823 presents an automated bicycle storage system in which a bicycle can, at a loading and unloading station, be suspended by way of the front wheel on a hook provided for the purpose. A robot arm transfers the bicycle, suspended on the hook, to a transportation system which is situated in a storage region and which serves simultaneously for transportation and for storage. A storage system of said type permits only the storage of bicycles without accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,788 presents a bicycle storage system in which multiple bicycles can be arranged adjacent to one another on a common bar. The arrangement is performed by way of special suspension devices which can be fastened to the respective handlebar and saddle. Multiple bars are connected to one another by way of common, closed-loop transportation chains. In the case of a storage system of said type, the supply of the bicycle is cumbersome, and the arrangement of the bicycles makes it possible for a user to have access to all bicycles. 
     PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a storage system for vehicles, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles, which storage system avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art. 
     Said object is achieved by way of a storage system having the features of claim  1 . 
     A storage system according to the invention for vehicles, in particular two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles, has a substantially closed housing with a storage region which is not accessible from the outside and with at least one closable loading and unloading station of the vehicles, a transportation system for conveying the vehicles from the at least one loading and unloading station into the storage region and within the storage region, wherein the vehicles can be stored and conveyed in mutually separate containers. This has the advantage that, for example, a bicycle can be simply pushed into the container at the loading and unloading station. Thereafter, only an authorized user has access to the respective vehicle, and it is possible for not only the vehicle but also further articles, such as for example baggage, clothing, helmets or electrical accumulators, such as batteries or the like, to be accommodated and securely stored in the container. 
     It is preferable for each of the containers to be of substantially cuboidal shape and to be at least partially closed at least by a base and by side walls on three sides. For example, a rear wall and the two side walls laterally adjoining said rear wall are substantially closed. Alternatively, a front wall situated opposite the rear wall may be provided instead of one side wall. In both cases, this makes it possible for a vehicle to be easily pushed in from the front or from the side. 
     In a preferred embodiment, each container additionally has a closable door by way of which a further side is at least partially closable, and/or has a lid by way of which a top side is at least partially closable. The closable door may be formed instead of the front wall or instead of a side wall. A closable door or a closable lid are conducive to achieving that the interior of the container is better protected against external influences. 
     The door and the lid are preferably operatively connected and movable jointly with one another. For example, the opening of the lid may have the effect that the door is simultaneously opened, and during the closing of the lid, the door closes simultaneously. This simplifies the operating process. Furthermore, it is possible for assistance elements, such as for example spring elements or counterweights, to be arranged in or on the container, which assistance elements assist the opening and closing of door and/or lid, which makes the operating process more comfortable, because less force has to be expended. 
     It is preferably the case that each container can be at least partially deployed out of the housing at the at least one loading and unloading station. This allows the loading and unloading station to be arranged at any desired point of the housing. If the loading and unloading station is arranged at a lateral edge of the housing, lateral loading and unloading of the container is possible even without the container being deployed out of the housing. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the transportation system is designed such that the containers can be conveyed in a horizontal or vertical direction. This permits flexible storage of the vehicles, which can be adapted to the local installation conditions. 
     The transportation system is preferably divided into units which are responsible for the horizontal conveyance of the containers and units which are responsible for the vertical conveyance of the containers, wherein the containers are movable independently of one another or jointly with—one another. This permits a modular construction of the storage system, which is conducive to optimum utilization of the available space. For example, in the case of a limited floor area, it is thus possible for multiple horizontal transportation units to be arranged one above the other, which horizontal transportation units may be combined with one or more vertical transportation units, or, in the case of a limited height, multiple vertical transportation units may be arranged adjacent to one another, which vertical transportation units may be combined with one or more horizontal transportation units. It is also possible for multiple horizontal or vertical transportation units to be combined, and to thus in turn form horizontal or vertical transportation units. The individual transportation units may have dedicated drives, or may have a common drive. This applies to horizontal and vertical transportation units respectively in themselves, or to the combination of horizontal and vertical transportation units. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the units for the vertical conveyance of the containers are arranged laterally in each case on an opposite side of the units for the horizontal conveyance of the containers, or the units for the horizontal conveyance of the containers are arranged in each case above or below on an opposite side of the units for the vertical conveyance of the containers. This arrangement of the transportation units allows the containers to be conveyed in a type of circuit, that is to say the individual transportation units are coordinated with one another such that the same number of containers is conveyed simultaneously from one unit into a subsequent unit in the conveying direction. This leads to uniform loading of the storage system. 
     It is preferable for at least a multiplicity of the containers to be connected by way of the transportation system, and for at least the multiplicity of the containers to be movable simultaneously with one another. This has the advantage that it is not necessary for a multiplicity of drive systems to be coordinated with one another, which leads to a simplification of the overall system. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the storage system has a charging system, by way of which electrical energy can be supplied to each container. This makes it possible for each container to have a dedicated electrical supply. This makes it possible for each container to have at least one inwardly oriented electrical terminal to which an electrical device can be connected by a user. It is possible for multiple different electrical terminals to be provided, such as for example locally conventional plug sockets for electrical current, USB ports or other connectors that are suitable for the transmission of electrical energy. 
     The electrical terminals are preferably designed such that an electrical accumulator for a vehicle with an electric drive, or a vehicle with an electric drive, can be connected to the inwardly oriented electrical terminal. The electrical terminals may, as described above, be in the form of plug sockets, though they may alternatively or additionally have an extension cable, to the free end of which an electrical device can be connected. This increases the convenience for the user, because he or she can for example connect the cable terminal to an electric bicycle, or can alternatively connect the battery of an electric vehicle separately and deposit this in the container. It is likewise possible for an electrical adapter for a user&#39;s own charging device to be connected to a plug socket connector. Through the selection of the different connection possibilities, a flexible and user-friendly storage and charging system is made available. 
     The storage system preferably also has an input unit which allows a user access to the system, a control unit for controlling and monitoring the system and for optional data communication with an external control unit, wherein the control unit can be actuated by the input unit, and wherein the control unit is responsible in particular for access authorization for the user and for the conveyance of the vehicles. At the input unit, it is for example possible for a user to input his or her authorization, to make a payment or to request assistance. For payment, use may be made of known payment methods such as for example credit cards, smartphones, vouchers or cash. The storage system must then be equipped with the corresponding apparatus for recording of payments. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the storage system has at least one securing element by way of which the system can be secured in a usage space, such that unauthorized removal of the storage system can be prevented. This is advantageous in particular in the case of relatively small storage systems that are transportable, for example, by way of a lightweight truck, in order that said storage systems cannot be simply loaded thereon. 
     Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below on the basis of the drawings, which serve merely for explanation and are not to be interpreted as being restrictive. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a storage system according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the storage system of  FIG. 1 , without an upper cover element and with a deployed container, 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of the storage system of  FIG. 1 , without front cover elements, 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the vertical transportation units of the storage system, 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the framework of the horizontal transportation unit of the storage system, 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the drive system of the horizontal transportation unit of the storage system, 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a container of the storage system from the front, 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a container of the storage system from the rear, 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic front view of the charging system of the storage system, 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a current collector of the charging system, and 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a current rail of the charging system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a storage system according to the invention, having a closed housing  1 , having a loading and unloading station  2  which can be closed by way of a hatch  20 , and having an input unit  7  which is arranged, so as to be accessible from the outside, on the housing  1 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the storage system of  FIG. 1 , without an upper cover element  11  and with a deployed container  9 . A lateral cover element of the housing  1  has likewise been removed in this view, such that a control unit  8  situated behind it is visible. To be able to deploy the container  9  at the loading and unloading station  2 , the hatch  20  must first be opened. This is performed by way of a conventional sliding hatch drive. 
     A deploying system arranged at the loading and unloading station  2  ensures reliable and stable retraction and deployment of the container  9  into and out of the housing  1 . 
     The container  9  that is shown has a base  90 , a rear wall  94 , and two side walls  91  which laterally adjoin the rear wall  94 , which side walls are at least partially closed. On that side of the container  9  which is situated opposite the rear wall  94  there is arranged a door  92 , which constitutes a further closable side wall of the container  9 . In this illustration, the container does not have a lid. 
     Owing to the omission of the upper cover element  11 , the internal structure of the housing  1  is partially visible. Said structure is a frame construction  10  which is closed off to the outside by way of upper  11  and lateral  12  cover elements. Some lateral cover elements  12  can be removed from the outside by maintenance personnel using special tools, thus facilitating access to the control unit  8  for maintenance purposes. 
     The housing  1  has substantially three regions: a central region, in which the horizontal transportation and storage unit  3  is situated, and two regions arranged to the side thereof, in which there is situated in each case one vertical transportation and storage unit  4 ,  5 . In comparison to the first vertical transportation unit  4 , the second transportation unit  5  is of larger form in order that it can additionally accommodate the input unit  7  and the control unit  8  therein. 
       FIG. 3  shows a front view of the storage system of  FIG. 1 , without front cover elements. The horizontal transportation unit  3  has a horizontal framework  100  in the form of a frame construction. The same applies to the vertical frameworks  101  and  102  of the first and second vertical transportation units  4  and  5  respectively. In the embodiment illustrated, the horizontal transportation unit  3  provides space, in each case in an upper and a lower region, for five containers  9  arranged adjacent to one another. Each of the available spaces is occupied by a container  9 . Each of the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5  provides space for two containers  9  arranged one above the other. However, in each case only one space is occupied by a container  9 , because the respective free space is required for the transfer of the containers  9  between the respective horizontal and vertical transportation units. 
     The modular construction of the system makes it possible for horizontal and vertical transportation units to be combined with one another as desired. As an alternative to the two rows of containers  9  arranged one above the other as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , it is possible for three, four, five, six or more such rows to be arranged one above the other. It is for example also possible for an even greater number of horizontal and vertical transportation units to be added to the units illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The illustrated container  9  provides space for two bicycles parked adjacent to one another. There is still sufficient space in addition to this for the stowage of equipment and/or luggage. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5  of the storage system of  FIG. 1 . The first vertical transportation unit  4  has a framework  101  in which a container  9  and transportation means are provided, which transportation means make it possible for the container  9  to be moved from a lowered position into an upper position and vice versa. The framework  101  is a frame construction with metallic profiles which are connected to one another. On the framework  101  of the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5  there are provided connecting elements  103  for the connection to the horizontal transportation unit  3 , which has corresponding connecting elements  104 . 
     The illustrated transportation means is a belt drive, in the case of which belt pulleys  44  are arranged on drive shafts  41 , and the belt pulleys  44  of two parallel drive shafts  41  are connected to one another by way of belts  42 . In each case two belt pulleys  44  are arranged adjacent to one another, and spaced apart from one another, on a common drive shaft  41 . On the belts  42  there are arranged rails  43 , into/onto which a container  9  can be slid laterally. In each case two such belt drives are arranged in a vertical transportation unit, such that the container is supported on the rails  43  on two opposite sides (front and rear). 
     The second vertical transportation unit  5  is of substantially identical construction to the first. The framework  102  is however designed to be slightly broader such that, aside from the belt drives, there is still sufficient space available in the framework for an input unit  7  and for a control unit  8 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the first and the second vertical transportation units are driven by a common, centrally arranged electromechanical drive  40 . From the drive  40 , the drive torque is transmitted by way of drive shafts  41  to the belt drives of the first and second transportation units  4 ,  5 . 
     It is alternatively possible for sprockets and chains to be used instead of the belt pulleys and belts. It is also possible for each vertical transportation unit to have a dedicated drive. In this case, the drives must however be coordinated with one another in order that the movement of the transportation units is synchronized with one another. The vertical movement may however also be realized by way of pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical cylinders. It is important that the movements of the individual elements be coordinated with one another such that the rails  43  move parallel to and synchronously with one another, in order that the containers  9  are moved synchronously with one another and parallel to one another. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the framework  100  of the horizontal transportation unit  3  of the storage system of  FIG. 1 . The framework  100  is a frame construction with metallic profiles which are connected to one another. On the framework  101  of the horizontal transportation unit  3  there are provided connecting elements  104  for the connection to the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5 , which have corresponding connecting elements  103 . On the front side and rear side, that is to say on the side of the loading and unloading station  2  and on the side opposite the latter, rails  33  are arranged on the framework  100 , which rails are directed toward the interior of the framework  100 . The rails  33  are designed such that corresponding guide rollers  972 ,  973 , which are arranged on the container  9 , can be received and guided therein. On the rear side of the framework  100  there are arranged current rails  61 ,  62  which are parallel to the rails  33 . Each rail  33  is assigned a current rail which is arranged below, and spaced apart from, the respective rail  33 . The current rails  61 ,  62  are designed so as to form a sliding connection with corresponding current collectors  63  which are arranged on the containers  9 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the drive system of the horizontal transportation unit  3  of the storage system of  FIG. 1 . The system has two parallel belt drives which are driven by a common drive  30 . The drive torque is transmitted by way of a drive shaft  31  to each of the belt drives. Owing to the mechanical coupling, the two drives run synchronously, and the container  9  is driven along by drivers  35  which are arranged on each belt  32 . 
     The belt pulleys are arranged in the respective framework  101 ,  102  of the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5 , which makes it possible for the container  9  to be transferred from the horizontal transportation unit  3  into a vertical transportation unit, or to be taken from said vertical transportation unit. A chain drive may be used as an alternative to the belt drive. 
     On the framework  100  of the horizontal transportation unit  3  there are provided rails  33 , on or in which the containers  9  are guided. By way of the belt drive with the drivers  35 , it is possible for a container  9  to be conveyed from the rails  33  of the horizontal transportation unit  3  to the rails  43  of a vertical transportation unit, or vice versa. 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a container  9  of the storage system from the front. As described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , the container  9  has a base  90 , a rear wall  94 , and two side walls  91  which laterally adjoin the rear wall  94  and which are at least partially closed. A closable door has not been illustrated in this figure in order to make the interior more clearly visible. The container  9  has a frame  97  in its upper region. The frame  97  has first and second frame elements  970 ,  971 , which together form a substantially closed frame. 
     The first frame elements  970  are arranged at the front and at the rear on the container  9 , and have first and second guide rollers  972 ,  973 , which can be guided in the rails  33  of the horizontal transportation unit  3  and the rails  43  of the vertical transportation units  4 ,  5 , wherein the first guide rollers  972  lie on top of the rails, and the second guide rollers  973  bear laterally against the rails. The second frame elements  971  connect the first frame elements  970  to one another. 
     The second frame elements  971  have guide rails and guide rollers, and enable a container body which has the base  90 , the side walls  91  and the rear wall  94  to move relative to the frame  97 . The container body can thus be pulled out in the manner of a drawer. On the side of the rear wall  94  there is provided, on the frame  97 , a stop which prevents the container body, in the rear region, from being able to move out beyond the frame  97 . 
     A drive which can effect the relative movement between the frame  97  and the container body is optional, and is not illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, in the region of the loading and unloading station  2 , there is arranged a drive which can effect the relative movement when a container is situated in the position of the loading and unloading station  2 . 
     In the interior of the container  9  there is provided an electrical terminal  95 . The terminal  95  may have a plug socket which allows common plugs to be connected. Alternatively or in addition, the terminal  95  may have a cable which is designed such that it can be guided within the container  9  and likewise permits the connection to common plugs or electrical accumulators or electric vehicles. To accommodate the relative movement between container body and frame  97 , a flexible connection  96 , in this case in the form of a cable carrier, is provided between the electrical terminal on the frame and the terminal  95  in the container interior. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a container  9  of the storage system from the rear. The current collector  63  is arranged in the region of the rear wall  94  on the first frame element  970 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a schematic front view of the charging system  6  of the storage system of  FIG. 1 . It is the aim of the system to supply electrical current to the individual containers  9 , regardless of where the containers  9  are presently situated. The system has current rails  61 ,  62  which are arranged in the frameworks  100 ,  101 ,  102  of the transportation systems such that current collectors  63  arranged on the containers  9  can be placed in contact with the rails  61 ,  62 . The current rails  61 ,  62  are designed such that the current collector  63  of a container  9  that is situated in one of the vertical transportation units  4 , can run out of or run into the corresponding current rail. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a current collector  63  of the charging system  6  of  FIG. 6 . The current collector  63  has a fastening  630 , an arm  631  arranged pivotably on the fastening  630 , and a contact  632  arranged pivotably on the arm  631 , wherein the contact  632  may have multiple contacts arranged adjacent to one another. The current collector  63  is arranged by way of the fastening  630  on the container  9 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a current rail  61  of the charging system  6  of  FIG. 6 . Each rail  61  has, at least at its free ends, a fastening  610  and a lead-in portion  611 . Each rail may have multiple rails arranged parallel to one another. The rail  61  is arranged by way of the fastening  610  on the respective frameworks  100 ,  101 ,  102 . The lead-in portion  611  facilitates the run-in of the current collector  63 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  Housing 
           10  Frame/framework 
           100  Horizontal framework 
           101  First vertical framework 
           102  Second vertical framework 
           103  Connecting element 
           104  Connecting element 
           11  Upper cover 
           12  Lateral cover 
           13  Securing element 
           2  Loading and unloading station 
           20  Hatch 
           3  Horizontal transportation unit 
           30  Drive 
           31  Shaft 
           32  Belt/chain 
           33  Rail 
           34  Pulley 
           35  Driver 
           4  First vertical transportation unit 
           40  Drive 
           41  Shaft 
           42  Belt/chain 
           43  Rail 
           44  Belt pulley 
           5  Second vertical transportation unit 
           6  Charging system 
           61  Lower rail 
           610  Fastening 
           611  Lead-in portion 
           62  Upper rail 
           63  Current collector 
           630  Fastening 
           631  Arm 
           632  Contact 
           7  Input unit 
           8  Control unit 
           9  Container 
           90  Base 
           91  Side wall 
           92  Door 
           93  Lid 
           94  Rear wall 
           95  Terminal 
           96  Flexible connection 
           97  Frame 
           970  First frame element 
           971  Second frame element 
           972  First guide roller 
           973  Second guide roller