Collection point

Abstract

The invention relates to a collection point (10) comprising a frame (12), a plurality of compartments (14), each delimiting a space intended to receive at least one object, each compartment (14) being equipped with a door (52) and a lock capable of being controlled in a locked or unlocked state, and an electronic central unit, characterized in that each compartment (14) is equipped with an electronic device that allows the associated lock to be controlled, and in that the central unit is capable of communicating remotely by waves with each electronic device to remotely control the associated lock in its locked or unlocked state. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Collection terminal Field of invention

[0001] The present patent application relates to the field of sorting and collection, and more particularly to the field of collecting electronic devices.

[0002] The present invention will also find advantageous application as a point of collection and deposit of goods.

[0003] The terminal according to the invention can also fulfill multiple functions, in particular functions of a charging station for telephones, a terminal for exchanging books and media, a locker, a terminal for renting tools and equipment and a first aid station. State of the art

[0004] Collection terminals for electronic devices and electrical devices of simple design, such as cardboard boxes or wooden boxes, are known.

[0005] This type of collection terminal generally has the shape of a parallelepiped box and delimits an opening which allows a user to place a device inside, the terminal being emptied regularly to recover the collected objects and to recycle them for example.

[0006] One of the advantages of this type of box-shaped collection terminal is its ease of use and its manufacturing cost.

[0007] However, such a collection terminal is not secure; it allows an individual to pass his hand through the opening to retrieve objects inside.

[0008] Indeed, certain objects such as cell phones or other electronic devices retain a certain market value.

[0009] The security problem is overcome by a type of so-called electronic collection terminal, such as the terminal described and represented in document EP2548184B1.

[0010] So-called electronic collection terminals resemble an ATM; they generally include a screen forming a communication interface between the terminal and the user, a secure hatch which allows the object to be collected to be deposited and a device for recognizing the object deposited by the user.

[0011] The so-called electronic collection terminal evaluates the price of the object deposited and proposes a transaction to the user who deposited the object.

[0012] This type of electronic collection terminal has the advantage of being secure, in the sense that the collected objects cannot be retrieved from the collection hatch.

[0013] However, such an electronic collection terminal is not intended to allow the recovery of boxes and accessories associated with the deposited item.

[0014] In addition, electronic collection terminals are bulky in relation to the number of collected objects that they are capable of storing.

[0015] To overcome these problems, document FR3131422A3 describes and represents a secure collection terminal which has an improved ratio between size and storage capacity of collected objects, and which allows the collection of boxes and accessories associated with the deposited object.

[0016] For this purpose, document FR3131422A3 proposes a collection terminal comprising: - a frame which delimits a plurality of cells, - a plurality of removable lockers which are each arranged in one of the cells and which each delimit a housing intended to receive at least one device to be collected, each locker being equipped with a door and a lock, - a central unit forming a control device for the lock of each locker, and - a communication interface between the terminal and the user.

[0017] The multiplicity of lockers allows the terminal to be resilient and to continue to operate even if one or more lockers are defective.

[0018] Each lock is an electric impulse lock which is capable of being locked and unlocked by the computer.

[0019] For this purpose, each lock is connected to a power supply by at least a first electrical cable and each lock is connected to the computer by at least a second electrical cable.

[0020] Such an abundance of cables makes the installation of the collection terminal tedious and time-consuming.

[0021] In addition, in the event of a breakdown, the entanglement of the cables makes interventions time-consuming and expensive.

[0022] Also, this type of fixed architecture limits the possibilities of modifying or extending the terminal according to needs, hindering adaptation to the specific demands of the operators of the collection terminal. Statement of the invention

[0023] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above, by eliminating the drawbacks of the cited prior art, by providing a collection terminal which is distinguished by its design combining a reduction in the number of cables, increased modularity, customization of the assembly and possibilities of modular extension.

[0024] This objective, as well as others which will appear upon reading the following description, is achieved with a collection terminal which includes: - a frame, - a plurality of lockers which each delimit a dwelling intended to receive at at least one object, each locker being equipped with a door and a lock, said lock being capable of being controlled in a state of locking or unlocking said associated door, and - an electronic central unit, characterized in that each locker is equipped with an electronic device which makes it possible to control the associated lock, and in that the central unit is capable of communicating remotely by waves with each electronic device to remotely control the associated lock in its locked or unlocked state.

[0025] Thus each locker becomes unique and the assembly process is improved.

[0026] It is no longer a question of passing a set of cables to connect the locks, but of connecting lockers which have become independent.

[0027] Unlike the architectures of the prior art where a centralized electronic device manages several locks, often with unused locations if all the spaces are not occupied, the terminal according to the present invention is optimized, it uses exactly the number of electronic devices corresponding to the number of lockers, thus limiting the electronic devices only to what is necessary, without superfluous.

[0028] According to other optional characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0029] - the collection terminal comprises a wireless mesh network which includes the unit central unit, said electronic devices of the lockers and a router which ensures communication between the central unit and each electronic device. This network architecture makes it possible in particular to add a second additional terminal juxtaposed with a first terminal without having to add a second central unit, the different electronic devices of each locker of the two terminals being able to be networked and in communication with a single central unit;

[0030] - the collection terminal is equipped with a power supply which supplies the devices electronic positives of the lockers in electricity, the electronic devices being intended to be electrically connected in series with each other, each electronic device being able to power another. This feature allows each electronic device to supply power to a neighboring electronic device, in chain mode, thus avoiding a tangle of cables;

[0031] - the collection terminal is equipped with an internet connection device which allows the terminal's central unit to communicate with a remote terminal via the Internet. This feature allows, in particular, the terminal to be controlled remotely and to intervene remotely on the terminal, for example to carry out updates;

[0032] - each electronic device is equipped with a light which informs of the functional status of said electronic device. Thus, an operator can instantly identify a faulty electronic device using an intuitive color code;

[0033] - the collection terminal includes a communication interface between the terminal and the user;

[0034] - the collection terminal comprises at least one modular box of a first type and at least one divider which is provided to partition said box into at least two separate compartments. Thus, each box can be divided into several parts using the dividers, in order to create compartments of different sizes. This modularity also makes it easier to adapt to the needs of different collection locations;

[0035] - said box is removably mounted on the terminal between a hindered position in which the box is secured to the frame of the terminal and a free position in which the box is detached from the frame and can be removed from the terminal. Thus, in the event of a failure, after identifying the problematic box, a similar box is factory-mounted with pre-installed wiring. The operator only has to replace the faulty box, reset the terminal and return the faulty box to the maintenance center. Thanks to the electrical architecture of the terminal and the network, the terminal continues to be usable;

[0036] - the collection terminal comprises a plurality of boxes which are sized for be joined to each other, each box being equipped with at least one mechanical assembly device with at least one adjacent box. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0038] [Fig-1] is a three-quarter front perspective view illustrating the collection terminal according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the terminal of [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.3] is a rear view of the terminal of [Fig.l] with the rear doors open;

[0041] [Fig.4] is a three-quarter front perspective view, in which the terminal of [Fig.l] is shown without the locker doors;

[0042] [Fig.5] is a three-quarter front perspective view, in which the terminal of [Fig.l] is shown with the locker doors open;

[0043] [Fig.6] is an exploded three-quarter perspective view from behind illustrating the modular boxes and the framework of the terminal of [Fig.l];

[0044] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional detail view illustrating a mechanical assembly device designed to lock the moving boxes;

[0045] [Fig.8] is a schematic rear view of the electrical circuit of the terminal of the [Fig.l].

[0046] In the description and the claims, the terminology longitudinal, vertical and transverse will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron L, V, T indicated in the figures, considering that the terminal illustrated in [Fig.l] extends vertically upright from the ground.

[0047] Also, the expressions “upper” and “lower” will be used without limitation in reference to the upper part and the lower part respectively of [Fig.l].

[0048] Throughout these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs.

[0049] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0050] [Fig.l] shows a collection terminal 10 comprising a frame 12 which supports a plurality of lockers 14 formed by modular boxes 16a, 16b, 16c.

[0051] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the frame 12 has a cabinet shape which comprises a first upright 18 and a second upright 20 vertically, an upper shelf 22 and a lower shelf 24 which extend transversely between the two uprights 18, 20 and an intermediate transverse shelf 26.

[0052] The front face of the frame 12 is covered by an attached facade 28.

[0053] Also, the terminal 10 is closed by two rear doors 29 which are pivotally mounted on the frame 12 each around a vertical axis, between an open position illustrated in [Fig.3] and a closed position.

[0054] In this example, with reference to Figures 2 and 4, the terminal 10 comprises eleven modular boxes which are divided into three types of boxes 16a, 16b, 16c, namely six boxes 16a of a first type, which are square in shape and which are arranged in an upper half of the terminal 10, two boxes 16b of a second type which are elongated rectangular in shape and which are arranged below the boxes 16a of the first type and three boxes 16c of a third type which are rectangular in shape and which are arranged in a lower part of the terminal 10.

[0055] It will be noted that the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are dimensioned to be placed next to each other according to different layouts which each perfectly fill the volume delimited by the frame 12 of the terminal 10.

[0056] For this purpose, the external dimensions of the sides of each type of box 16a, 16b, 16c are multiples of the same whole number, the sides of the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c being for example twenty centimeters, forty centimeters or sixty centimeters.

[0057] Such an architecture based on modular boxes allows a large number of combinations and tailor-made adaptation to the needs of the operators of terminal 10 according to the invention.

[0058] For example, an operator such as a phone shop that wants to focus on collecting small equipment may choose to install only small lockers.

[0059] Whereas a DIY store may choose to install larger lockers to allow the collection of larger equipment.

[0060] It should be noted that it is not only mechanical logic which allows this modularity but also the electronic architecture of terminal 10, which is described below.

[0061] With reference to figures 6 and 7, each box 16a, 16b, 16c is delimited by two vertical side walls 30, a transverse upper wall 32 and a transverse lower wall 34.

[0062] In addition, each box 16a, 16b, 16c is equipped with a mechanical assembly device 35 designed to block the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c in movement.

[0063] For this purpose, the external face of the upper wall 32 of each box 16a, 16b, 16c forms two blind grooves 36 which extend longitudinally from rear to front each from a rear edge of the associated box, to a blind end forming a stop 38, visible in [Fig.6].

[0064] In addition, the lower plate 24 and the shelf 26 of the frame 12 also each have two blind grooves 36 which extend longitudinally from rear to front from a rear edge of the associated box, up to a blind end forming a stop 38.

[0065] In addition, each box 16a, 16b, 16c is equipped with four tenons 40 which project from the external face of the lower wall 34 of the associated box and which are aligned longitudinally in pairs.

[0066] The tenons 40 of each box 16a, 16b, 16c are provided to cooperate with the grooves 36 of at least one box 16a, 16b, 16c arranged directly below and with the grooves 36 of the lower plate 24 and of the shelf 26 of the frame 12, so that the tenons 40 limit the longitudinal travel and block the transverse movement of the associated box.

[0067] In this example, the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are inserted from back to front from the rear of the terminal 10.

[0068] Firstly, the boxes 16a, 16c which rest on the lower plate 24 and the shelf 26 of the frame 12 are inserted longitudinally until the tenons 40 meet the stops 38 of the grooves 36 concerned.

[0069] In a second step, the remaining boxes 16a, 16b are inserted longitudinally, resting on the boxes inserted previously.

[0070] Thus, the assembly device blocks the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c in transverse and longitudinal movement towards the front.

[0071] To block the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c in longitudinal movement towards the rear, each box 16a, 16b, 16c is equipped with a handle 42 which projects from the associated lower wall 34 and which is intended to bear against the rear doors 29 when the latter occupy their closed position.

[0072] Thus, the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are removably mounted on the terminal 10 between a restrained position in which the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are secured to the frame 12 and a free position in which the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are detached from the frame 12 and can be removed from the terminal 10.

[0073] This characteristic makes it possible in particular to quickly replace one box 16a, 16b, 16c with another.

[0074] As can be seen in [Fig.4], the terminal 10 is equipped with a plurality of spacers 44a, 44b, 44c which are provided to partition and divide the volume of the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c into several separate compartments 14.

[0075] In this example, the terminal 10 is equipped with three types of spacers 44a, 44b, 44c, a first type of spacer 44a in the shape of a cross which makes it possible to divide the boxes 16a of the first type into four compartments 14, a second type of spacer 44b in a T shape which makes it possible to divide the boxes 16a of the first type into three compartments 14 and a third type of spacer 44c which forms a board and which makes it possible to divide the boxes 16c of the third type into two compartments 14.

[0076] The four internal faces of the boxes 16a, 16c of the first type and of the second type each delimit a longitudinal groove 46 to accommodate the free ends of the branches of each spacer 44a, 44b, 44c.

[0077] It will be noted that the boxes 16b of the second type are not equipped with a spacer or a groove.

[0078] The spacers 44a, 44b, 44c are inserted longitudinally from back to front, from the rear of the terminal 10.

[0079] Preferably, the receiving grooves 46 are blind to form a stop which limits the travel of the spacers 44a, 44b, 44c, in order to prevent them from coming out of the front of the terminal 10.

[0080] Also, each box 16a, 16b, 16c is equipped with a vertical rear closing plate 48 which is slidably mounted in two vertical grooves 50 provided for this purpose.

[0081] As can be seen in [Fig.6], the vertical grooves 50 are provided on the side walls 30 of each box 16a, 16b, 16c.

[0082] Each locker 14 is designed to receive one or more objects in a secure manner.

[0083] For this purpose, with reference to [Fig.5], each locker 14 is equipped with a door 52 and an associated electric lock 54, of the impulse lock type for example.

[0084] Each door 52 is pivotally mounted on the associated locker 14 between an open position illustrated in [Fig.5], which allows an object to be introduced into the locker 14 and a closed position, illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0085] Each lock 54 comprises a strike plate 58 which is integral with the associated door 52, and a block comprising a complementary bolt 56 which is fixed on an internal face of the associated locker 14, at the entrance to the locker 14bolt 56.

[0086] Also, each lock 54 is capable of being electrically controlled in a state of locking the associated door 52 in which the bolt 56 is secured to the strike plate 58 or in a state of unlocking the associated door 52 in which the bolt 56 is detached from the strike plate 58.

[0087] For this purpose, each locker 14 is equipped with an electronic device 60 which makes it possible to control the lock 54 of the associated locker 14.

[0088] The electronic devices 60, visible in [Fig. 3], each comprise an electronic card which carries electronic components and which is mounted on the rear plate 48 of the associated box 16a, 16b, 16c.

[0089] The electronic devices 60 are connected to the associated lock 54 by a cable 62, visible in Figures 3 and 5, which makes it possible to control and supply the lock 54 with electricity.

[0090] Also, terminal 10 includes an electrical circuit illustrated schematically in [Fig.8], which supplies the various electrical components of terminal 10.

[0091] The electrical circuit comprises a first transformer 64, a second transformer 66 and a terminal block 68.

[0092] The first transformer 64 is connected to an electrical network of the two hundred and twenty volt type and it provides an output voltage of twenty volts.

[0093] The second transformer 66 is connected to the first transformer 64 and forms a power supply 66 which provides an output voltage of twelve volts.

[0094] Terminal block 68 is connected to first transformer 64 and second transformer 66, to divide the electrical connections into twenty volts and twelve volts.

[0095] It will be noted that the electrical circuit can be opened or closed by a switch 70 which is arranged directly downstream of the first transformer 64 and which is placed on top of the terminal 10.

[0096] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the second twelve-volt transformer 66 and the terminal block 68 are mounted on the back plate 48 of a technical locker 71.

[0097] According to the invention, the electronic devices 60 are designed to be electrically connected in series with each other, that is to say that each electronic device 60 is designed to supply energy to another neighboring electronic device 60, in chain mode, thus avoiding a tangle of cables.

[0098] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 8, if we consider that the electronic devices 60 are arranged in seven transverse lines, the first electronic device 60 of each line is supplied with electricity by a cable connected to the terminal block 68, and each first electronic device 60 cascade-feeds the dis- 60 following electronic positives which are arranged on the same line.

[0099] The electronic devices 60 are connected to each other by a plug-in cable 72 of the “jack” type, which has the advantage of allowing rapid, simple and intuitive connection of the electronic devices 60.

[0100] Thus, the terminal 10 according to the invention makes it possible to wire a box 16a, 16b, 16c in a workshop upstream of a maintenance operation, with a view to replacing a defective box.

[0101] It will be noted that the electronic devices 60 are fixed to the rear plate 48 of the modules 16a, 16b, 16c by plug-in pins (not shown).

[0102] This feature allows the electronic devices 60 to be quickly installed and uninstalled without tools and screws, particularly during a maintenance operation. This approach not only guarantees rapid installation, but also an intuitive user experience for the operators.

[0103] In addition, each electronic device 60 is equipped with a light indicator 74 which provides information on the functional state of the associated electronic device 60.

[0104] Thus, by opening the rear doors 29 of the terminal 10, an operator can instantly locate a defective electronic device 60 thanks to an intuitive color code.

[0105] According to another aspect of the invention, the technical locker 71 of the terminal 10 contains a central unit 76 of the microcomputer type, a border router 78, an internet connection device 80 and a communication interface 82 between the terminal 10 and the user.

[0106] The central unit 76 is capable of communicating remotely by waves with each electronic device 60 to remotely control the associated lock 54 in its locked or unlocked state.

[0107] The expression “by waves” means by means of a so-called “wireless” connection, as opposed to wired communication which would require cabling between the central unit 76 and the electronic devices 60 or the locks 54.

[0108] For this purpose, the central unit 76, the border router 78 and the electronic devices 60 are connected in a mesh network, the border router 78 ensuring communication between the central unit 76 and each electronic device 60.

[0109] The mesh network is for example based on the “Thread” protocol.

[0110] The wireless connectivity of the electronic devices 60 makes it possible to add a additional juxtaposed terminal 10 or the addition of modular boxes 16a, 16b, 16c, to meet specific needs, without requiring the addition of another central unit 76.

[0111] Indeed, the Thread network has a range of several meters, and can accommodate up to 250 devices, and therefore 250 lockers 14 connected to a single central unit 76.

[0112] Also, the internet connection device 80 is for example a router which is based on a mobile network of the “4G” type, and which allows communication between the central unit 76 of the terminal 10 and a remote terminal via the internet.

[0113] Thus, the internet connection device 80 allows remote access to the central unit 76 and to the electronic devices 60 of the lockers 14.

[0114] Each electronic device 60 can communicate the state of the lock 54 of the associated locker 14, locked or unlocked, as well as its identification number.

[0115] This feature makes it possible to quickly detect if an electronic device 60 leaves the network unexpectedly, and also makes it possible to intervene remotely and carry out a remote update of the electronic devices 60 via the central unit 76.

[0116] In addition, the central unit 76 can send several commands over the network to lock or unlock the lock 54 of a particular locker 14, or simply to be informed of its current state.

[0117] Also, for ecological reasons, the frame 12 of the terminal 10 and the boxes 16a, 16b, 16c are made of plywood panels.

[0118] Plywood provides a combination of strength and lightness, which helps minimize the amount of material used without compromising the durability of the terminal 10.

[0119] In this example, the communication interface 82 between the terminal 10 and the user comprises a touch screen and a camera which are integrated into the door of the technical locker 71 and which are connected to the central unit 76.

[0120] Finally, the terminal 10 follows a commissioning phase which consists of assigning an identifier to each electronic device 60 and sending this identifier to the central unit 76 so that the electronic devices 60 join the network and can be controlled remotely by the central unit 76.

[0121] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Collection terminal (10) which comprises: - a frame (12), - a plurality of lockers (14) which each delimit a housing intended to receive at least one object, each locker (14) being equipped with a door (52) and a lock (54), said lock (54) being capable of being controlled in a state of locking or unlocking of said associated door (14), and - an electronic central unit (76), characterized in that each locker (14) is equipped with an electronic device (60) which makes it possible to control the associated lock (54), and in that the central unit (76) is capable of communicating remotely by waves with each electronic device (60) to remotely control the associated lock (54) in its locked or unlocked state.

2. Collection terminal (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a wireless mesh network which comprises the central unit (76), said electronic devices (60) of the lockers (14) and a router (78) which ensures communication between the central unit (76) and each electronic device (60).

3. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with an electrical power supply (66) which supplies the electronic devices (60) of the lockers (14) with electricity, and in that the electronic devices (60) are designed to be electrically connected in series with each other, each electronic device (60) being able to supply another.

4. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with an internet connection device (80) which allows the central unit (76) of the terminal (10) to communicate with a remote terminal via the internet.

5. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each electronic device (60) is equipped with a light indicator (74) which provides information on the functional state of said electronic device (60).

6. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface (82) between the terminal (10) and the user.

7. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims- preceding, characterized in that it comprises at least one modular box (16a, 16b, 16c) of a first type and at least one spacer (44a, 44b, 44c) which is provided to partition said box (16a, 16b, 16c) into at least two separate compartments (14).

8. Collection terminal (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said box (16a, 16b, 16c) is removably mounted on the terminal (10) between a hindered position in which the box (16a, 16b, 16c) is secured to the frame (12) of the terminal (10) and a free position in which the box (16a, 16b, 16c) is detached from the frame (12) and can be removed from the terminal (10).

9. Collection terminal (10) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of boxes (16a, 16b, 16c) which are sized to be placed next to each other, each box (16a, 16b, 16c) being equipped with at least one mechanical assembly device (35) with at least one adjacent box (16a, 16b, 16c).

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