DE102009028211A1 - Fixed storage dispenser for use in rental system for bicycle or bicycle additional device, particularly bicycle with electric drive, has retaining device for retaining bicycle or bicycle additional device - Google Patents

Abstract

The fixed storage dispenser (1) has a retaining device for retaining a bicycle (6) or bicycle additional device. An input device provides the extraction of the bicycle or bicycle additional device from the retaining device or provides restitution of the bicycle or bicycle additional device in the retaining device. An operating device (9) controls the input device for the extraction or restitution of the bicycle or bicycle additional device in dependence of a user. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a rental system.

Description

Currently For example, a bicycle rental system is well known, such as It operates the German course AG in several German cities. The bikes This rental system is equipped with a special combination lock. For one Using such a bicycle, the user must provide an identification number dial the bike by phone, whereupon he is given a four-digit numerical code. After input this number codes into the combination lock unlocks this the rear tire of the bicycle, thereby enabling use of this bicycle is. Use of the bicycle is then terminated by that the user turns off the bicycle at any intersection and a return button the combination lock operated to lock the same. At this point, he is turned on the display of the combination lock a receipt code displayed which the user to a specific point by phone submit must to finish the borrowing.

adversely In the rental system described above, the fact has proved that its bicycles (even) when parked, So when the loan is over, it is highly exposed to vandalism are. For example, again and again bicycles of this rental system are damaged in rivers or the like found.

task of the present invention, in particular those described above Disadvantage to eliminate.

These Task is solved by the stationary storage machine according to claim 1, by the Rental system according to claim 20 and / or by the method of operating a rental system according to claim 22.

Accordingly, a stationary storage machine for at least one bicycle / bicycle accessory, in particular a bicycle with electric drive, provided, comprising At least one receptacle for receiving the bicycle / bicycle accessory, a Access device comprising removal of the bicycle / bicycle accessory the or a return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment allowed in the receiving device, wherein in the receiving device not picked up by a user taken bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment can be used and removed from the receiving device Bicycle / Additional equipment can be used by the user; and an operating device, which the access device depending on the user for Withdrawal or return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment controls.

Further will be a rental system for Bicycles provided which at least a first and a second storage machine according to the invention having, which are provided spaced from each other.

Further discloses a method of operating the rental system of the invention provided with the steps of: detecting the user identification means the user at the first storage machine; Selection of the Bicycle / bicycle auxiliary equipment by the user; Assignment of user identification means to the bicycle identification means; Removal of the bicycle / bicycle accessory depending on from a selection of the user by means of the access device the receiving device of the first storage machine for use by the user; Use of the bicycle / bicycle accessory by the user; Detecting the bicycle identification means at the second Storage machine; return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment in the receiving device of the second storage machine by means its access device; and debiting the due rental fee from the Account of the user.

The The idea underlying the present invention is that that a bicycle of the rental system exclusively at the one or more storage machines returned and the bike / bike accessory after return dwells on these fixed points until it is again by a user is borrowed. Thus, a vandalism and theft can be beneficial Bicycle / bicycle auxiliary equipment at least be reduced. For example, it is due to the storage machine according to the invention not possible anymore a bike whose rental is finished throwing in a river or similar. It also simplifies the maintenance of bicycles, because they are concentrated at several fixed points.

advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent the dependent claims as well as from the description in conjunction with the figures of Drawing.

present under bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment is (a) "a bicycle or bicycle accessory" or (b) "a bicycle and bicycle accessories ".

By "stationary" is meant that means, such as screws, are provided to secure the storage machine to the ground or that the automatic storage machine, due to its size and weight for persons under normal circumstances, is not movable.

With "bicycle" is present meant any kind of bicycle, for example a trekking bike, Road bike, mountain bike, etc. With "bike accessories" are present one or more equipments meant that are commonly used in the context of bicycles, so For example, child seats, helmets or cargo trailer.

Instead of of a bicycle / bicycle accessory It is also conceivable that the storage machine for each any vehicle is used with electric drive. A "vehicle with electric drive" is present a vehicle with at least two wheels, (a) with muscle power and auxiliary electric motor or (b) only is powered by an electric motor and also room for at least offers a user. The following embodiments, developments us exemplary embodiments apply accordingly for the vehicle with electric drive. An example of such a vehicle is a "senior caddy" (similar to a Golf Caddy), so a four-wheeled companions with electric drive, which for Seniors is suitably trained.

With "recording" is present a complete or partial intake meant. With "complete recording" is present such meant when the bicycle / bicycle accessory in is arranged in a closed room, whereas "partially Recording "means that the bicycle / bicycle accessories equipment only partially, for example by means of a claw which partially surrounds the frame is.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the storage machine is in the recording device recorded bicycle / bicycle accessories for persons inaccessible. This makes the bike / bike accessory even better against vandalism protected, there according to this Design now not only a removal of the bicycle / Fahrradzusatzausrüstung (as Whole) no longer possible is, but also prevents damage "on the spot" can be.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a receiving device and / or the access device partially or completely surrounding Wall, in particular of transparent material, provided. Preferably both the receiving device and the access device within this wall, for example in the form of a box (although a box bottom is optional). As a result, both the Recording device and the access device as well as the Bicycle / Additional equipment protected against vandalism. The use of transparent material has the advantage that Users can already see from a distance whether a bicycle / bicycle accessory in the Storage machine is available, which is available for a borrowing.

According to one Another advantageous embodiment of the invention are several the receiving devices provided. This makes it possible on the one hand Variety of customers to use. On the other hand, it can also different Bicycle types and / or different types of bicycle accessories be provided, giving the user the freedom of choice, with the for him / her the most suitable bicycle / bicycle accessory supply. For example, could he has the choice between a bicycle, a bicycle with electric Drive, a mountain bike or a road bike. The present is under "with electrical Drive "both to understand a purely electrical drive as well as a drive in which the electric motor acts as an auxiliary drive.

In addition to bicycles and bicycle accessories It is also conceivable that the storage machine further recording devices as well a corresponding access device, wherein in the receiving devices private valuables the user can be kept.

According to one furthermore preferred advantageous embodiment of the invention is by means of the operating direction of a bicycle / Fahrradzusausrüstung by the user selectable, wherein the operating device, the access device for removal or return a selected one Bicycle / bicycle auxiliary equipment from one of the several receiving devices or into one of the several Controls recording devices. Thus, automatically the right one Bicycle / Additional equipment taken or returned become.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention, the access device Paternoster lift on and the reception facilities form cabins this paternoster lift out. Such a paternoster lift draws characterized by a comparatively simple mechanics. Come in addition, that in such a paternoster lift the bicycles / bicycle accessories in the vertical direction, that is arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground are. This is advantageous in view of the existing shortage of space in metropolitan areas.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional device and a gate by means of which access to the cabin accommodating the selected bicycle / bicycle accessory or to which the bicycle / bicycle accessory is to be returned is releasable. This can advantageously be ensured that the user receives only access to the cabin, which also contains the bicycle / bicycle accessories selected by him, which is advantageous in terms of theft.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention, the access device has a Robot on and the receiving devices are designed as shelves. Also by means of this configuration, the bicycles / bicycle accessories in Arrange high direction, what the described space advantage in urban centers brings with it.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the access device Go on by means of which an access to an issuing place, on the the selected one Bicycle / Additional equipment is off by means of the robot or on which the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment of the robot for a return can be stored on the shelf, is releasable. Also in this embodiment is advantageously achieved that the user only access to the one selected by him Bicycle / Additional equipment granted which can prevent theft.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention is the gate in the surrounding the receiving device and the access device Wall provided. Thus, the storage machine forms a closed Unit (except in the moment of a withdrawal or return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory) which is advantageous in terms of vandalism and theft.

The Recording devices can also designed as lockers especially for bicycle accessories. The lockers can be in the wall of the storage machine be integrated.

According to one Another preferred embodiment are the bicycles and the bicycle accessory equipment different access devices and / or recording device assigned. The storage machine can thus, for example, two Paternoster included, one of which contains bicycles and the other bicycle accessories. These can then a common or separate access for a removal of the bicycle or the bicycle accessory equipment exhibit. Thereby can the cabins of the paternoster lift each specific to the bikes and the bicycle accessory adapted trained. For example, they tend to be for the Bicycle Additional Equipment small cabins (maybe too a smaller paternoster lift) than for bicycles. Corresponding can also be provided two shelves, which have the same or different Robots are approached, the one shelf contains bicycles and the other shelf bike accessory.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving device has a Charging station for Charging a battery of the bicycle in the electric drive on. The storage automat comes with a double function to, namely Storage on the one hand and power supply on the other.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the invention, a detection device is provided, which automatically detects if it is in the receiving device taken bicycle around a bike with or without electric Drive acts and, if it recognizes that it is a bicycle with electric drive, the accumulator is charging. Thereby Ensures that the user is always a fully charged bike borrows.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a bicycle identification device provided, which is adapted to the bicycle / bicycle accessory by means of a bicycle identification means attached to it, for example, a memory chip with data to identify. When Bicycle identification means is also, for example, a particular one conceivable barcode printed on the frame. On the one hand, this is essential for bicycle returns, because it should preferably only such bicycles from the storage machine for one taking back which are actually accepted belong to the rental system. On the other hand can thus be detected, which bicycles / bicycle accessories equipment itself located in the respective storage machine. This information could For example, online, so for example via the Internet, are provided. Users have the opportunity to inform in advance on which storage machines the desired Bicycle / Additional equipment to disposal stands.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, features of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment, for example wattage of the electric auxiliary motor, can be displayed on the operating device to the user on the basis of the identification. Other features may be, for example, the frame size, the type of bicycle, and the like. In this way, the user can simply look at the type of driver / bike available equipment and, on the other hand, their specific characteristics. In this case, for example, it can also be ensured that the user is only shown such bicycles whose battery is also charged or it could be displayed a waiting time until the battery is recharged. It is also conceivable that the user enters his destination in the operating device, and is calculated on the basis of the route to be handled, which bicycle is loaded with sufficient amount of energy. Preferably, the identification of the bicycle / bicycle accessory is wireless.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a user identification device is provided which is suitable for identifying the user on the basis of user identification means, for example a debit card, carried by the user. The user identification means may also be merely a code known to the user. Other possible user identification means, for example, a chip, iPod ^® or mobile phone. Thus, a borrowed bicycle / bicycle accessory component can be clearly assigned to a user, whereby this on the one hand the borrowing, so borrowing fee, can be charged and on the other hand this can be held liable for any damage to the bicycle / bicycle accessories.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the invention, an allocation device is provided, which an assignment of the user identification means to the bicycle identification means before taking a removal of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment the receiving device releases. This will ensure that one Borrowing the bicycle / bicycle accessory component is only possible although it is clear who the user is.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the invention, a checking device is provided, which checks if the Bicycle identification means the user identification means is assigned, and only if the result is a return of the Release bike / bike accessory equipment. This will ensure that no one will return the bike / bike accessory can. When returning of the borrowed bike / vehicle With electric motor, the user can specify whether the bicycle / bicycle accessories damage has (for example: light is broken, too little air in the tire). Of There is also the possibility that there is a sensor in the vending machine, the bike / bicycle accessories after return on Damage checked and this then charged to the user. The flap of the machine should be only then close, if the bike / bike accessory returned correctly was - so z. B. connected by plug or click system on the charger is. A "logout" from the Control device and the automatic return of the bank card should first after correct return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment done by the user.

According to one further preferred embodiment is a debiting device provided on return of the bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment the due rental from the user's account or deducting such a debit. For example can the rental fee be deducted directly from the account of the user, as far as this money has booked on the chip of his debit card. A debit is triggered if For example, the user has communicated his bank account and the debit via a central debiting system with which one or more Storage machines are connected.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a bicycle / bicycle accessory equipment one of the storage machines removed and the other returnable and vice versa.

The Invention will be described below with reference to embodiments according to the attached Figures closer explained. Show it:

1 a side view of the storage machine according to the invention,

2 a view B from 1 ; and

3 a view A from 1 ,

In The figures of the drawing are identical and functionally identical elements and characteristics - if nothing else done is with provided the same reference numerals.

1 shows a storage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The storage machine 1 has a substantially box-shaped housing 2 of transparent material, in particular glass, on. In the case 2 is a paternoster 3 arranged, which several cabins 4 having. The conveying direction of the paternoster 3 runs essentially perpendicular to the ground 5 , Each of the cabins 4 - explained below using the example of the uppermost cabin - has a footprint 5 on which a bike 6 is arranged. A holding column 7 , which are on the frame of the bicycle 6 attack, hold the bike in position. In the support column 7 For example, electrical connections can be integrated, via which the Ak accumulator (in the case of a bicycle with electric drive). Near the ground is a gate 8th in the case 2 provided by means of which an access to the lowest cabin 4 ' is releasable. The storage machine also has an operating device 9 with a screen 10 and an input keyboard 11 on.

In 3 are more than lockers 12 trained recording devices shown in which additional bicycle equipment, such as helmets 13 or cargo trailer is receivable shown.

An operation of the storage machine is explained in more detail below:
First, the user must be at the control device 9 with a suitable means of identification, such as its debit card, register. After that, him on the display 10 all existing bicycles 4 and additional alignments 13 displayed. The user can now choose, for example between bicycles with and without electric drive or between mountain bikes and racing bikes. In this case, he can also the state of charge of a particular bicycle and the associated range of the same (with electric drive) are displayed. After he got the bike he wanted 6 as well as the desired additional equipment 13 at the operating device 9 has been selected, the user identification means the corresponding identification means of the bicycle and the bicycle accessory component are assigned and reported to a central system, which also other storage machines 1 can access. Then the paternoster moves 3 for example, clockwise, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in 2 indicated, until the cabin 4 ' with the selected bike 6 in front of the gate 8th located. Then the gate opens 8th and the user can, as indicated by the arrow in 1 indicated in the cabin 4 ' enter and there the bike 6 remove. Then the gate closes 8th again. Furthermore, the locker corresponding to the selection of the user opens 12 so that this is his chosen bicycle accessory equipment 13 can take. Then closes the locker 12 again or is closed by the user.

Then you can the user can freely use and attach the bicycle, including bicycle accessories another appropriately trained storage machine or return the same.

For the return, the user logs on to the operating device of the storage machine and enters into this that he wants to return a bicycle. After that the paternoster moves 3 to a position where an empty cabin 4 ' the gate 8th opposite. Then the gate opens 8th and the user can be his bike 6 hand back. An identification device now preferably checks whether it is the cabin 4 ' parked bike is also about the borrowed bike. For this purpose, a memory chip can be provided in the frame of the bicycle, on which the corresponding specific features of the bicycle 6 are stored. These bicycle identification means are then compared with the bicycle identification means used by the user identification means when lending the bicycle 6 have been assigned (at the first storage machine). If these match, the gate closes 8th , Then the loan for the bike 6 charged and deducted a corresponding fee from the account of the user or make such a debit.

For the bicycle accessory 13 applies accordingly. These, for example, can be provided with memory chips.

The access device for the lockers 12 is formed by appropriate locking mechanisms, however, in 3 are not shown. The advantageous embodiments described for the storage machines apply correspondingly to the rental system according to the invention as well as to the method according to the invention for operating a rental system.

The above embodiments, developments and embodiments can be combine in any way. In particular, those for the storage machine described embodiments of the rental system and / or method applicable to the operation of the rental system.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

storage machine

2

casing

3

father Noster

4, 4 '

cabin

5

footprint

6

bicycle

7

support column

8th

gate

9

operating device

10

screen

11

input keyboard

12

locker

13

helmet

Claims (22)

Stationary storage machine ( 1 ) for at least one bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ), in particular a bicycle ( 6 ) with electric drive, comprising: - at least one receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' ) for receiving the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ); - an access device ( 3 ), which is a removal of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) from or a return of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) in the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ), wherein in the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) recorded bike ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) can not be used by a user and that from the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) removed bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) can be used by the user; and - an operating device ( 9 ), which the access device ( 3 ) depending on the user for taking or returning the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) controls. A storage machine according to claim 1, wherein said in the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) recorded bike ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) is inaccessible to persons. A storage machine according to claim 2, wherein a receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) and / or the access device ( 3 ) partially or completely surrounding wall ( 2 ), in particular of transparent material, is provided. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the receiving devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) are provided. Storage machine according to claim 4, wherein by means of the operating device ( 9 ) a bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) is selectable by the user and the access device ( 3 ) is controllable such that a selected bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) from one of the several receiving devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) or in one of the plurality of receiving devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) is returnable. Storage machine according to claim 5, wherein the access device ( 3 ) has a paternoster lift and the receiving devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) are formed as cabins of the same. A storage machine according to claim 6, wherein the access device further comprises a gate ( 8th ), by means of which access to the cabin ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ), which the selected bike ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) or in which the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ), is releasable. Storage machine according to claim 5, wherein the access device ( 3 ) has a robot and the receiving devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) are designed as shelves. A storage machine according to claim 8, wherein the access device further comprises a gate ( 8th ), by means of which access to an issuing station on which the selected bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) can be turned off by means of the robot or on which the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) is receivable by the robot for a return to the shelf, is releasable. A storage machine according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the gate ( 8th ) in which the reception facilities ( 4 . 4 ' ) and the wall surrounding the access device ( 2 ) is provided. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle ( 6 ) or bicycles and bicycle accessories ( 13 ) different access devices ( 3 ) and / or recording devices ( 4 . 4 ' . 12 ) assigned. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' ) has a charging station for charging an accumulator of the bicycle with electric drive. Storage machine according to claim 12, wherein a recognition device is provided which automatically recognizes whether or not it is in the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' ) recorded bike ( 6 ) is a bicycle with or without electric drive, and, if it recognizes that it is a bicycle with electric drive, the accumulator is charging. Storage machine according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein a bicycle identification device is provided, which is suitable to use the bicycle / bicycle accessory on the basis of this attached bicycle identification means, e.g. B. memory chip with data, to identify. A storage machine according to claim 14, wherein, based on the identification, features of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ), z. B. wattage of the electric auxiliary motor, on the operating device the user can be displayed. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a user identi is provided fizierungseinrichtung, which is adapted to the user on the basis of entrained by this user identification means, for. B. EC card to identify. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an allocation device is provided, which performs an assignment of the user identification means to the bicycle identification means, before it can take a removal of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) releases from the receiving device. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a checking device is provided, which checks whether the bicycle identification means are assigned to the user identification means, and only if the result is positive, a return of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) releases. Storage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a debiting device is provided which upon return of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) debits the due rental fee from the account of the user or initiates such a debit. Rental system for bicycles, comprising: - at least a first and a second storage machine ( 1 ), each according to one of the preceding claims, which are provided spaced from each other. Rental system according to claim 20, wherein a bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) in one of the storage machines ( 1 ) can be removed and returned to the other and vice versa. Method for operating a rental system according to claim 20 or 21, comprising the following steps: - detecting the user's user identification means at the first storage machine; - Selection of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) by the user; Assignment of the user identification means to the bicycle identification means; - removal of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) in response to a selection of the user by means of the access means from the receiving means of the first storage machine for use by the user; - use of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) by the user; - detecting the bicycle identification means on the second storage machine; - return of the bicycle ( 6 ) / Bicycle accessories ( 13 ) in the receiving device of the second storage machine by means of its access device; and - debiting the due rental fee from the user's account or triggering such a debit.

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