Bicycle storage system

Abstract

Title: Bicycle Storage System The invention relates to a bicycle storage system 1 comprising: • A fixed structure 11 including a cylindrical side wall 111 with a door 112, • A carousel 12 mounted for rotation within the fixed structure 11 about a vertical axis and comprising a plurality of partition walls 121 extending from the vertical axis and distributed around this axis, delimiting, in pairs, a bicycle storage space 2, and • A drive device 13 for moving the carousel to a plurality of predetermined positions in each of which a storage space 2 is located opposite the door 112 of the fixed structure 11, such that a storage space associated with an authorized user is, upon request, positioned opposite the door to allow the user to alternatively store or retrieve a bicycle into or from said storage space, respectively. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle storage system technical field

[0001] The present relates to bicycle storage systems. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Current bicycle storage systems are mostly: a. Either hoops to which bicycles are attached and are therefore exposed to their environment, and thus to damage; b. Either secure and / or humanized spaces, with limited opening hours, providing bicycles or bicycle storage; c. Either bike-sharing systems; d. Or with terminals that leave the bikes exposed to their environment and offer only one model of bike operated by a single operator.

[0003] Other systems according to the prior art may take the form of a series of lockers, each with an access door, each locker being of a size that allows it to store at least one bicycle.

[0004] Among the problems posed by such storage systems, one can cite: a. The need to have an access door to each locker, and b. Its size, and in particular its footprint.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. SUMMARY

[0006] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a bicycle storage system is provided comprising: a. A fixed structure comprising a side wall of substantially cylindrical shape and including a door, b. A carousel mounted to rotate within a fixed structure around a vertical axis, the carousel comprising a plurality of partition walls extending from the vertical axis and distributed around it, delimiting, in pairs, a storage space for at least one bicycle, and c. A device for driving the rotation of the carousel and stopping the rotation of the carousel in a plurality of predetermined positions in each of which a determined storage space is located opposite the door of the side wall of the fixed structure.

[0007] Thus, in response to a request issued to that effect by an authorized user, a storage space associated with the authorized user is located opposite the door in the side wall of the fixed structure to allow alternative storage or removal of a bicycle by the authorized user in or from said storage space, respectively.

[0008] Each storage space is thus delimited on one side by the inner walls of the carousel, and on the other by the side wall of the fixed structure, so that each storage space is accessible from outside the storage system only when said storage space is located opposite the door formed by the side wall of the fixed structure, and by opening said door. The storage system is secure at least in that opening the door requires the user to possess a "key" enabling them to open the door. Consequently, access to all the storage spaces of the system is permitted, via the same door, to any person authorized to access them.

[0009] In addition, the size and footprint of the system are advantageously and significantly reduced for a corresponding plurality of storage spaces relative to a storage system according to the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] represents a partial perspective view of a storage system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a partial side view of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0013] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents a partial top view of the embodiment illustrated in the [Fig.1].

[0014] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] represents a partial perspective view of a drive device of the embodiment illustrated in the [Fig.1].

[0015] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] represents a partial cross-sectional view of the drive device illustrated in the [Fig.4] mounted on the fixed structure of the storage system illustrated in the [Fig.1].

[0016] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a partial perspective view of the carousel of the storage system illustrated in Fig.1.

[0017] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the drawings are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0019] According to one example, the drive device can be fixed to the fixed structure and the carousel can be mounted to rotate mobilely in the fixed structure via the drive device.

[0020] According to another example, the carousel may include a central post from which the separating walls extend and whose axis is mounted vertically in the fixed structure.

[0021] According to the previous example, the drive device can engage the carousel by the two ends of the central post of the carousel and / or the drive device includes a rigid frame extending from the central post of the carousel to engage a part of the fixed structure that delimits the door.

[0022] According to another example, the drive device may include a motor, preferably electric, configured to rotate the carousel around the vertical axis.

[0023] According to another example, the storage system may further include a device for indexing the rotation of the carousel around the vertical axis and the indexing device is configured to stop the rotation of the carousel only when the door gives access to one and only one storage space.

[0024] According to another example, the storage system may include at least one vertical bicycle lift in at least one storage unit, and preferably includes a vertical bicycle lift in each storage unit.

[0025] According to another example, the storage system may include an electronic control box for the carousel and / or the door.

[0026] According to another example, the storage system may include an application interface for controlling the carousel and / or opening the door, from a user's electronic device.

[0027] According to another example, the side wall of the fixed structure may include at least one of a metal mesh and a wooden cladding.

[0028] According to another example, the system is clean and intended for at least one application chosen from among parking, rental and sharing of mechanical or electric bicycles.

[0029] The preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0030] As illustrated in the partial view of [Fig. 1], the preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a storage system 1 for bicycles.

[0031] This storage system 1 essentially comprises: a. a fixed structure 11, b. a carousel 12, and c. a drive device 13 for rotating the carousel 13 in the fixed structure 11.

[0032] The fixed structure 11 comprises more particularly a side wall 111 of substantially cylindrical shape and a door 112. The door 112 is the only access to the interior of the fixed structure 11 via the side wall 111. The remainder of the side wall 111 is effectively obstructed by at least one of the following: wire mesh and wooden cladding, not shown in [Fig. 1]. The wooden cladding is, for example, made using battens.

[0033] The carousel 12, preferably as illustrated in [Fig. 6], is mounted to rotate freely within the fixed structure 11 around a vertical axis. It comprises a plurality of partition walls 121 extending from the vertical axis and distributed around this axis, delimiting, in pairs, a storage space for at least one bicycle. Only the rigid metal structure of the carousel 12 is shown in [Fig. 1], to give an idea of ​​how the carousel is arranged in the fixed structure 11. Note here that each side wall 121 can be materialized in the form of one or more planks, for example made of wood or metal, mounted in a frame extending radially from the central post 122 of the carousel 12. More specifically, the carousel 12 includes a central post 122 from which the separating walls 121 extend and whose axis is mounted vertically in the fixed structure 11.The axis around which the carousel rotates is thus materialized by the central post 122.

[0034] The drive device 13 is configured to allow not only the rotation of the carousel 12, but also to interrupt the rotation of the carousel 12 in a plurality of predetermined positions in each of which a storage space 2 is located opposite the door 112 of the side wall 111 of the fixed structure 11. To do this, the drive device 13 may include a motor, preferably electric, arranged for example under a roof of the storage system 1, or even on either side of the central post 122 of the carousel 12, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].At each end of the central post 122 of the carousel 12, circular plates with holes for an indexing finger for the rotation of the carousel 12 can be arranged, fixed to the central post 122 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the carousel 12 in the fixed structure 11. The indexing finger is functionally connected to the drive device 13 to allow, in particular, the stopping of the rotation of the carousel 12 when it has reached the position requested by the user from among the plurality of predetermined positions. As an alternative to the above, the drive device 13 could be purely mechanical and, for example, controlled by the user.

[0035] Detection stops and / or positioning detectors of the carousel 12 in the Fixed structure 11 can also be provided to detect when the carousel is brought into one of the specific positions among the plurality of predetermined positions already mentioned above. For example, system 1 includes as many carousel positioning detectors 12 as it has storage spaces 2. A corresponding set of contactors can be included in system 1, in particular so that the door 112 can only be powered if the carousel 12 is in one of the said predetermined positions; this prevents the door from being unlocked when it does not provide full access to a single reserved storage space 2. More generally, the circular plates and / or detection stops can constitute all or part of a device for indexing the rotation of the carousel 12 around the vertical axis.

[0036] In this way, in response to a request made in this regard by an authorized user, a storage space 2 associated with the authorized user may come to be located opposite the door 112 to allow alternatively a storage or removal of a bicycle by the authorized user in or from said storage space 2, respectively.

[0037] As will become clear from reading the following description, the storage system 1 may consist in part of a welded assembly comprising electromechanical elements controlled by a PLC, potentially connected to a computer server, communicating with users via a Web or Smartphone application.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates a partial view of the drive device 13. This is fixed to the fixed structure 11 as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5. In this way, the carousel 12 can advantageously be mounted to rotate freely within the fixed structure 11 via the drive device 13. Preferably, the carousel 12 is not welded to the drive device 13, but is instead removably mounted on the drive device 13, in particular to facilitate possible maintenance operations or replacement of the carousel 12. For example, the carousel 12 is screwed onto the drive device 13.

[0039] Figure 4 shows that the drive device 13 is partly composed of a rigid metal structure or rigid frame 131 extending from top to bottom of the space delimited by the fixed structure 11, from the central axis to the door frame 112 (not shown in Figure 4, but nevertheless referenced). It is understood that the rigid frame 131 of the drive device 13 contributes to the robustness of the storage system 1 by reinforcing the side wall 111 of the fixed structure 11 at the door 112. For example, the fixed structure 11 and the rigid frame 131 of the drive device 13 are welded together.

[0040] Note here that Figures 2 and 3 illustrate, from a different view, the same constituent elements of the storage system 1 as those illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The Figures 2 and 3 also include dimensions, in millimeters, which give an example of the dimensioning of the storage system 1. Note that similar dimensions are also shown on [Fig.4] which gives an example of the dimensioning of the drive device 13, and more particularly of its rigid frame 131.

[0041] The storage system 1, according to the preferred embodiment described herein, comprises approximately ten storage spaces 10 for bicycle(s). It is understood that the storage system can be dimensioned to accommodate more storage spaces 10. To this end, the central post 122 of the carousel could, for example, extend over a diameter greater than that illustrated in the figures, so as to provide an increased circumference that can form the base of a greater plurality of storage spaces 10.

[0042] At least one vertical bicycle lift, such as the type known by the trade name SteadyRack® or any other similar system, can be arranged in each storage space 2, and more particularly at the back of each storage space 2. In this way, the user can very easily store their bicycle vertically in their storage space 2, thus limiting the floor space occupied by the storage system 1. The system 1, comprising about ten storage units, advantageously has a footprint of approximately 12 m², preferably only about 9 m², and a larger transverse dimension advantageously limited to about 3 m. Furthermore, the weight associated with the carousel 12 of such a storage system 1 can be approximately 450 kg, and the weight associated with the fixed structure 11 and the drive device 13 can be approximately 750 kg.The external dimensions of storage system 1 are, for example, approximately 3.2 m by 3.2 m with regard to its transverse dimensions and approximately 2.5 m in height.

[0043] One or more electronic control units for the carousel 12 and / or the door 112 may be included in the storage system 1. The electronic control unit is, for example, partially arranged under the roof of the fixed structure 11 and is functionally connected to the motor of the drive device 13 to control it and / or to an electronic locking and unlocking device for the door 112 to control it. The electronic control unit may further include a human-machine interface, for example, arranged on or near the door 112. This machine interface may be arranged to allow communication with a user's electronic device, such as a smartphone, and / or to allow payment for any service offered by the system 1 and requested by the user.

[0044] The storage system 1 can also benefit from an application interface installed on an electronic device, for example a smartphone, belonging to the user. The application interface can advantageously be configured to control, by For example, via the aforementioned electronic control box, the rotation of the carousel 12 and / or alternatively the opening and closing of the door 112. The storage system 1 thus prevents vandalism of the equipment it houses, while offering simplified access for users via their smartphones. The application interface is, for example, of the type developed by Kliteam®. It allows the user to geolocate, reserve, and pay for their storage space 2 within the storage system 1 according to the invention.

[0045] The electronic control unit and the application interface can together constitute an automaton controllable at the request of an authorized user to allow their access to a storage space 2.

[0046] The storage system 1 described above is clean and intended for at least one application chosen from among the parking, rental, and sharing of mechanical or electric bicycles. It should be noted, however, that other applications of the storage system 1 according to its embodiment described above or according to variations thereof are envisaged, and in particular applications for the storage of skis or surfboards, for the provision of parcels, clothing, or other items, especially with a length or height between 1.5 and 2 m, and typically with a volume between 0.5 and 3 m³.

[0047] The storage system 1 according to the present invention can, according to some of the characteristics described above, constitute a secure shelter connected allowing both the individual securing of a user's bicycle in a storage space 2 and the provision of a fleet of bicycles for rental or bike-sharing by several operators or operators.

[0048] The storage system 1 according to the present invention can also, according to some of the characteristics described above, make it possible to carry out the aforementioned services of securing and / or renting bicycles or bicycle sharing, in a way integrated with other transport services, and in particular with public transport services (bus, train, carpooling station, etc.)

[0049] It is also envisaged that the storage system 2 may be accessible by an authorized third party for example for the purpose of carrying out maintenance work on a user's bicycle.

[0050] It should be noted that the storage system 1 according to the present invention can advantageously be integrated into an existing room. This room can form all or part of the side wall 111 of the fixed structure 11, or even the door 112 of the fixed structure 11. In particular, the storage system 1 according to the invention can be glued to existing prefabricated modules to add other functions, such as that of a bicycle shelter.

[0051] For example, the storage system 1 can be coupled to a re energy source renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro turbines, can be added. This allows storage system 1 to be advantageously energy self-sufficient.

[0052] Preferably, the storage system 1 is configured so that the time required for access to one of the storage spaces 2 by a user is not more than 1.5 min.

[0053] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Storage system (1) for bicycles comprising: • A fixed structure (11) comprising a side wall (111) of substantially cylindrical shape and comprising a door (112), • A carousel (12) mounted to rotate in the fixed structure (11) around a vertical axis, the carousel (12) comprising a plurality of separating walls (121) extending from the vertical axis and distributed around this axis, delimiting, in pairs, a storage space (2) for at least one bicycle, and • A device (13) for driving the carousel in rotation and for stopping the rotation of the carousel in a plurality of predetermined positions in each of which a determined storage space (2) is located opposite the door (112) of the side wall (111) of the fixed structure (11), • so that, in response to a request issued in this sense by an authorized user,a storage space (2) associated with the authorized user is located opposite the door (112) of the side wall (111) of the fixed structure (11) to allow alternatively storage or removal of a bicycle by the authorized user in or from said storage space (2), respectively.,

2. Storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the drive device (13) is fixed to the fixed structure (11) and the carousel (12) is mounted to rotate in the fixed structure (11) via the drive device (13).

3. Storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the carousel (12) comprises a central post (122) from which the partition walls (121) extend and the axis of which is mounted vertically in the fixed structure (11), and wherein the drive device (13) engages the carousel by the two ends of the central post (122) of the carousel (12).

4. A storage system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the carousel (12) comprises a central post (122) from which the partition walls (121) extend and from which the axis is mounted vertically in the fixed structure (11), and wherein the drive device (13) comprises a rigid frame (131) extending from the central post (122) of the carousel to engage a portion of the fixed structure (11) which delimits the door (112).

5. Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for indexing the rotation of the carousel (12) around the vertical axis and in which the indexing device is configured to stop the rotation of the carousel (12) only when the door (112) gives access to one and only one storage space (2).

6. A storage system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one upright bicycle lift in at least one storage (2), and preferably comprising one upright bicycle lift in each storage.

7. Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic control box for the carousel (12) and / or the door (112).

8. Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an application interface for controlling the carousel and / or opening the door, from an electronic device of a user.

9. A storage system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall (111) of the fixed structure (11) comprises at least one of a metal mesh and wooden cladding.

10. Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, suitable for and intended for at least one application chosen from parking, rental and sharing of mechanical or electric bicycles.

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