Automatic cycle storage system, cycle and locking station for such a system.

Abstract

An automatic cycle storage system comprising: - cycles (1) each comprising an electrical device and a locking member (11) having a locking body and an electrical contact pad connected to the electrical device, - locking stations (7) adapted to receive one cycle each and including: - a structure including a strike plate (9) open in an engagement direction (X) and defining a receiving zone (10) adapted to receive the locking member of a cycle by interlocking in the engagement direction, - a movable locking member for selectively locking and unlocking the cycle's locking body in the strike plate, - an electrical supply circuit having a first pole connected to an electrical contact arranged to bear against the pad of the locking member, and a second terminal connected to the strike plate.which is electrically conductive and arranged to be in contact with the locking body when the cycle is locked at the locking position, the locking body being electrically conductive. Figure from the abstract: Figure 2,

Description

Title of the invention: Automatic cycle storage system, cycle and locking station for such a system. Technical field

[0001] This description relates to automatic cycle storage systems, cycles and locking stations for such systems. Previous technique

[0002] Document EP2639143A1, according to its abstract, describes an automatic cycle storage system comprising locking stations, each of which includes a strike plate adapted to receive a cycle locking device. The strike plate has two electrical contacts that bear against contacts of the locking device when the cycle is locked onto the locking station. Summary

[0003] The present description aims in particular to propose an improved automatic cycle storage system.

[0004] To this end, the present description proposes an automatic cycle storage system comprising: - a plurality of cycles, each comprising an electrical device, each of these cycles further comprising a locking element having a locking body and an electrical contact pad connected to the electrical device of the cycle, - a plurality of locking stations adapted to each receive a cycle, - at least one control system adapted to control the locking stations, each locking station including: — a structure including a strike plate that opens in a direction of engagement and defines a receiving area suitable for receiving the locking mechanism of a cycle by interlocking in said direction of engagement, — a movable locking member between, on the one hand, a locked position where said locking member is adapted to block the cycle locking body in the strike plate and, on the other hand, an unlocked position where the locking member is adapted to allow the cycle locking body to enter and exit the strike plate in the direction of engagement, — a suitable control mechanism for operating the locking device, — a suitable electrical supply circuit for supplying power to the cycle's electrical device when the cycle's locking device is locked in the locking station's strike plate, the electrical supply circuit having a first pole and a second pole, the first pole being electrically connected to an electrical contact arranged to bear against the pad of the locking mechanism when the cycle is locked at the locking position, in which the strike plate is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole of the electrical supply circuit, said strike plate being arranged to be in contact with the locking body when the cycle is locked in the locking position, said locking body being electrically conductive and connected to the electrical device of the cycle so that said electrical device of the cycle is electrically supplied through said pad and said locking body when the cycle is locked in the locking position.

[0005] Thanks to these arrangements, the mechanical connection between the locking body and the strike plate is used to also establish the electrical connection of the cycle's electrical device with the second pole of the electrical power source, thus eliminating the need for one of the electrical contact pads on the locking mechanism and one of the electrical contacts on the locking station to make this electrical connection. The implementation of the automatic cycle storage system is therefore simplified.

[0006] In addition, since the cycle locking member has one less electrical contact pad, the remaining electrical contact pad can possibly extend over a larger area to make the electrical contact with the electrical contact of the locking station reliable, so as to make the electrical connection despite possible positioning defects of the cycle when it is locked onto the locking station.

[0007] In addition, since the cycle locking member has one less electrical contact pad and the locking station has one less electrical contact, the surface thus freed up at the interface between the strike plate and the cycle locking member can possibly be used to accommodate one or more additional technical function(s).

[0008] In embodiments of the automatic cycle storage system, one may optionally also use one and / or the other of the following arrangements (alone or in all their mutual combinations):

[0009] - the locking member is also electrically conductive and is connected electrically to the second pole of the electrical power supply circuit.

[0010] - the locking body has an external face which is disposed towards the post locking when the cycle is locked at said locking station, said external face extending over a certain width perpendicular to the direction of engagement, and the pad of the locking member extending over a major part of said width.

[0011] - the pad of the locking member is carried by an electrically insulating material that is attached to the locking body.

[0012] - the electrical contact protrudes into said receiving area and is activated elastically towards said receiving area.

[0013] - the electrical contact is carried by an electrically insulating support fixed to the strike plate.

[0014] - the latch includes a short-range radio communication interface and the component The cycle locking system includes a radio communication device which is positioned offset from the pad so as to communicate with the short-range radio communication interface without being obstructed by the pad when the cycle is locked at the locking station.

[0015] - the skate is supported by an electrically insulating sole which is fixed to the body of locking and which covers the radio communication device to the outside of the locking mechanism, said electrically insulating base being permeable to radio waves, and the electrical contact is carried by an electrically insulating support which is fixed to the strike plate and which covers the short-range radio communication interface to the reception area defined by the strike plate, said electrically insulating support being permeable to radio waves.

[0016] According to another aspect, a cycle for a system as defined above comprises an electrical device, a locking member having a locking body and an electrical contact pad connected to the electrical device of the cycle, the locking member being adapted to engage in an engagement direction in a receiving area of ​​a strike plate belonging to a locking station, said locking body being electrically conductive and connected to the electrical device of the cycle so that said electrical device of the cycle can be electrically supplied through said pad and said locking body when the cycle is locked to the locking station.

[0017] In embodiments of the cycle, one may also use one and / or the other of the following arrangements (alone or in all their mutual combinations):

[0018] - the locking body has an external face which is disposed towards the post locking when the cycle is locked at said locking station, said external face extending over a certain width perpendicular to the direction of engagement, and the pad of the locking member extending over a major part of said width.

[0019] - the pad of the locking member is carried by an electrically insulating material that is attached to the locking body.

[0020] - the cycle locking mechanism includes a radio communication device which is offset from the skate according to the direction of engagement and which is covered through the electrically insulating sole to the outside of the locking mechanism, said electrically insulating sole being permeable to radio waves.

[0021] According to another aspect, a locking station for a system as defined above comprises a structure including a strike plate open in an engagement direction and defining a receiving area adapted to receive a cycle locking member by interlocking in said engagement direction; a movable locking member between, on the one hand, a locked position where said locking member is adapted to block the cycle locking member in the strike plate and, on the other hand, an unlocked position where the locking member is adapted to allow the cycle locking member to enter and exit the strike plate in the engagement direction; a control mechanism adapted to control the locking member;an electrical supply circuit adapted to electrically supply the cycle when the cycle locking member is locked in the latch of the locking station, the electrical supply circuit having a first pole and a second pole, the first pole being electrically connected to an electrical contact arranged to bear against a pad of the locking member when the cycle is locked in the locking station, wherein the latch is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole of the electrical supply circuit, the latch being arranged to be in contact with the locking member when the cycle is locked in the locking station.

[0022] In embodiments of the locking station, one may optionally also use one and / or the other of the following arrangements (alone or in all their mutual combinations):

[0023] - the locking member is also electrically conductive and is connected electrically to the second pole of the electrical power supply circuit.

[0024] - the electrical contact protrudes into said receiving area and is activated elastically towards said receiving area.

[0025] - the electrical contact is carried by an electrically insulating support fixed to the strike plate.

[0026] - the strike plate includes a short-range radio communication interface, the support electrically insulating covering the short-range radio communication interface to the reception area defined by the strike plate, said electrically insulating support being permeable to radio waves. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other features and advantages will become apparent during the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with regard to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] On the drawings: Fig. 1

[0029] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view showing a station of an automatic cycle storage system according to one embodiment, Fig. 2

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detailed perspective view showing the locking mechanism. during a cycle on one of the locking stations of the station in [Fig. 1], Fig. 3

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a detailed perspective view showing the strike plate of the position locking of [Fig. 2], Fig. 4

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a detailed perspective view of the locking member of the cycle of the [Fig.2], Fig. 5

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of [Fig.4], Fig. 6

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a horizontal section of the locking post of [Fig.3] at level of its latch, Fig. 7

[0035] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a detailed perspective view showing the mechanism of Locking mechanism located inside the locking position at the level of the strike plate, Fig. 8

[0036] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a detailed perspective view showing the mechanism of locking only, Fig. 9

[0037] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a horizontal cross-sectional view similar to [Fig.6], showing the cycle locked on the locking station, and Fig. 10

[0038] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a block diagram of part of the cycle storage system. More detailed description

[0039] In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

[0040] As shown in [Fig.1], the present description relates to an automatic system for storing cycles 1 such as bicycles, allowing for example the storage of cycles 1 on the public road so as to make them available to the public.

[0041] This automatic cycle storage system 1 can comprise several cycle storage stations BS, one of which is shown in [Fig. 1]. Each cycle storage station BS comprises a central station 2, which can, for example, be in the form of an interactive kiosk with a user interface comprising, for example, a keyboard 3, a screen 4, a reader 5 for electronic handheld cards, a ticket printing device 6, etc.

[0042] Cycle 1 or at least some of cycle 1 each includes an electrical device which will be detailed later.

[0043] The central station 2 communicates on the one hand with a central server S which manages subscriptions and rentals of cycles 1, and on the other hand with a plurality of locking stations 7 which allow the cycles 1 to be locked during their storage and which can for example take the form of locking posts fixed to the ground on the public road.

[0044] The locking posts 7, and optionally the central station post 2, can be mounted on one or more metal plates 8 fixed to the ground without excavation, which can also provide the passage of cables between the central station post 2 and the locking posts 7.

[0045] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], each locking station 7 has a strike plate 9 forming a rigid housing which is part of the structure 7a of the locking station 7. The strike plate 9 defines a receiving area 10 open horizontally in an engagement direction X and is adapted to receive and retain a locking member 11 fixed, for example, to the frame la of the cycle 1. The engagement direction X can advantageously be parallel to the ground, therefore generally substantially horizontal, so that the cycle 1 can be locked onto the locking station 7 by rolling the cycle 1 on the ground in the engagement direction X, forward in the normal direction of travel of the cycle, to engage the locking member 11 in the receiving area 10 defined by the strike plate 9.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the locking member 11 has a locking body 12 and an electrical contact pad 13 connected to the electrical device of the cycle 1. The locking body 12 is made partially or entirely of a rigid conductive material, for example, metal, particularly steel. The locking body 12 may be in the form of a plate arranged in a vertical plane in the normal operating position of the cycle, and extend between a rear end 12a fixed to the frame la of the cycle, and a free front end 12b. The locking body 12 has an external face 12c disposed opposite the frame la of the cycle, i.e., towards the locking station 7 when the cycle 1 is locked onto the locking station 7. The locking body 12 may have a recess 14 towards its front end, to receive a locking member belonging to the station of locking 7, as will be explained below. The locking body 12 may further include a housing 15 towards its rear end 12a, which housing is open at the external face 12c.

[0047] The outer face 12c extends over a certain width L perpendicular to the engagement direction X, and the skate 13 can extend over a major part of said width L, for example over at least two-thirds of said width L.

[0048] The pad 13 of the locking member is made of a conductive material and is insulated from the locking body 12. For example, the pad 13 may be supported by an electrically insulating plate 16 which is fixed to the locking body 12 by screws or other fasteners. For example, the plate 16 may be mounted in the housing 15 by sealing said housing 15 at the external face 12c, advantageously with a seal. The plate 16 may be made, for example, of plastic or other insulating material permeable to radio waves.

[0049] The sole 16 may have an opening 16a in which the pad 13 is mounted such that the pad 13 is exposed at the outer face 12c of the locking body. Advantageously, the pad 13 seals the opening 16a.

[0050] The locking member 11 may further include a radio communication device 17, for example a transponder, in particular an RFID transponder. The radio communication device 17 is disposed in the housing 15 and is covered by the insulating pad 16 on the outside of the locking member. The radio communication device 17 is offset from the pad 13 so that the pad 13 does not cover the radio communication device 17 towards the locking station 7 when the cycle 1 is locked onto the locking station. For example, the radio communication device 17 may be offset from the pad 13 towards the rear of the pad 13 in the engagement direction X.

[0051] As shown in [Fig.5], the strike plate 9 has a receiving face 9a which is arranged opposite the external face 12a of the locking body 12 when the cycle 1 is locked on the locking station 7.

[0052] The receiving face 9a is provided with a recess 9b, which is sealed, advantageously with a seal, by an electrically insulating support 18 fixed to said strike plate 9. The strike plate 9 is made partially or entirely of an electrically conductive material, for example, metal, in particular steel. In this way, the strike plate 9, or at least a part of the strike plate 9, is in electrical contact with the locking body 12 when the cycle 1 is locked at the locking position 7.

[0053] The electrically insulating support 18 carries an electrical contact 19 which is exposed in the receiving area 10 and which is arranged to come into contact with the skate 13 when the cycle 1 is locked at the locking position.

[0054] The electrical contact 19 can pass through an orifice 18a provided in the electrically insulating support 18, so as to protrude into the receiving space 10.

[0055] The strike plate 9 may further include a short-range radio communication interface 20, for example a radio antenna, disposed near the radio communication device 17 of the locking member 11 to communicate with it when the cycle 1 is locked at the locking position 7.

[0056] The electrically insulating support 18 covers the short-range radio communication interface 20 to the receiving area 10 defined by the strike plate, said electrically insulating support being permeable to radio waves. Advantageously, the short-range radio communication interface 20 can be fixed to the inner face of the electrically insulating support 18, for example by clipping.

[0057] The electrical contact 19 can be elastically forced towards the receiving area 10, for example by means of a spring 21 disposed in the interior space 22 covered by the electrically insulating support 18, which spring 21 can bear against a flange 23 electrically insulated from the strike plate (see figures 6 and 7).

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the locking station 7 further comprises a locking member 24 movable between, on the one hand, a locked position where said locking member is adapted to block the locking body 12 of the cycle 1 in the strike plate 9 and, on the other hand, an unlocked position where the locking member 24 is adapted to allow the locking body 12 of the cycle to enter and exit the strike plate in the engagement direction X.

[0059] The locking member 24 is normally held elastically in the locked position, shown in the drawings, where said locking member protrudes into the receiving space 10. This elastic holding can be achieved, for example, by a spring 25 ([Fig. 7]). The movement of the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions can, for example, be a pivoting movement about a vertical axis Z fixed to the strike plate 9.

[0060] The locking member 24 may have a cam surface 24a against which the front end 12b of the locking body 12 abuts when said locking body is engaged in the strike plate 9. By cam action, the front end 12b of the locking body thus pushes the locking member 24 towards the inner space 22 allowing the complete engagement of the locking body 12, after which the locking member 24 can return to the locked position under the effect of the spring 25, by engaging in the recess 14.

[0061] The locking member 24 is controlled by a control mechanism 26 which includes, for example, a cylinder 27 connected with a control finger 24b of the locking member 24, to move the locking member in unlocked position for example for a predetermined duration, on the order of a control system, when a cycle taken by a user is released.

[0062] As schematically represented in [Fig. 9], when cycle 1 is locked at the locking position 7, the locking member 11 of the cycle is engaged in the strike plate 9 of the locking position, the locking member 24 being engaged in the recess 14 of the locking body 12. In this position, the electrical contact 19 of the locking position is in contact with the electrical contact pad 13 of the locking member, while the strike plate is in electrical contact with the locking body 12. In addition, the short-range radio communication interface 20 is then in close proximity to the radio communication device 17 and in communication with it, in particular so that the short-range radio communication interface 20 can query the radio communication device 17 and receive from it an identifier of cycle 1.

[0063] As shown in [Fig. 10], the central station 2 may include a power supply 28 (AL) and a central unit 29 (CU) such as a microcontroller or similar, which controls various devices of the interactive terminal 2, including the aforementioned elements such as the keypad 3 (KB), the screen 4 (SC), the card reader 5 (CR) and the ticket printing device 6 (P), as well as, for example, a communication interface 30 (COM1) adapted to communicate with the aforementioned server S and a communication interface 31 (COM2) adapted to communicate with the locking stations 7 of station BS.

[0064] Each locking station 7 may include a power supply 32 (AL) powered for example by the power supply 28 of the interactive terminal 2.

[0065] Each locking station 7 may also include a communication interface 33 (COM2) adapted to allow communication between the central unit 29 of the central station 2 and a central unit 34 (CU - microcontroller or other) of the locking station. This central unit 34 may control, in particular, the short-range radio communication interface 20 (ANT), the actuator 27 (LCK) of the control mechanism 26, and optionally a user interface 35 (UI) including, for example, a contactless reader and / or a control button to locally command or confirm the unlocking of cycle 1.

[0066] Cycle 1 includes an electrical device 42 comprising a charger 36 (CH) adapted to power a battery 37 (BAT) connected to a power supply 38 (AL). The power supply 38 is adapted to power a central processing unit 39 (CU) such as a microcontroller or other, as well as, in particular, a motor 40 (M) and a light 41 (LI) which are controlled by the central processing unit 39.

[0067] The output of the power supply 32 of the locking station 7 has a first pole 32a (for example, a + pole in the case of a DC power supply) and a second pole 32b (for example one pole - in case of direct current supply) which are connected respectively to the electrical contact 19 and to the strike 9.

[0068] The input of the charger 36 of cycle 1 has a first pole 36a (for example a + pole in the case of a direct current supply) and a second pole 36b (for example a - pole in the case of a direct current supply) which are connected respectively to the electrical contact pad 13 and the locking body 12.

[0069] When cycle 1 is locked onto the locking position 7, the locking body 12 of the cycle is in electrical contact with the strike plate 9 and the pad 13 of the cycle is in electrical contact with the electrical contact 19, so that the first pole 32a of the output of the power supply 32 is electrically connected to the first pole 36a of the input of the charger 36, while the second pole 32b of the output of the power supply 32 is electrically connected to the second pole 36b of the input of the charger 36.

[0070] Optionally, the locking member 24, metallic and electrically conductive, can be electrically connected to the second pole 32b of the output of the power supply 32 and thus contribute to the electrical connection of this second pole 32b to the second pole 36b of the charger 36, by contact between the locking member 24 and the locking body 12.

[0071] Thanks to the arrangements described above, the mechanical connection between the locking body 12 and the strike plate 9, plus possibly the mechanical connection between the locking member 12 and the locking member 24, is used to also make the electrical connection of the electrical device 42 of the cycle with the second pole 32b of the electrical supply 32, which makes it possible to use only one electrical contact pad 13 on the locking member 11 and one electrical contact 19 on the locking station.The implementation of the automatic cycle storage system is therefore simplified, the electrical contact pad 13 can be made with a larger surface area to make the electrical connection more secure even in the event of imperfect positioning of cycle 1 relative to the locking station, and it is possible to house the radio communication means (radio communication device 17 and short-range radio communication interface 20) respectively in the locking member 11 next to the contact pad 13 and in the strike plate 9 next to the electrical contact 19. .

[0072] Nomenclature: BS station server S X-axis engagement direction, L-axis width, Z-axis cycle 1 frame the central station 2 keyboard 3 screen 4 5-card electronic portable card reader ticket printing device 6 locking station 7 structure 7a of the locking station platinum 8 9 reception face 9a reception area 10 locking mechanism 11 locking body 12 rear end 12a front end 12b outer face 12c electrical contact pad 13 obviously 14 accommodation 15 16 electrically insulating sole opening 16a radio communication device 17

[0073] electrically insulating support 18 electrical contact 19

[0074] short-range radio communication interface 20

[0075] spring 21

[0076] interior space 22 bride 23 locking mechanism 24 cam surface 24a

[0077] control finger 24b spring 25 control mechanism 26 cylinder 27 power supply 28 central unit 29

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] communication interface 30 communication interface 31 32V power supply communication interface 33 central unit 34 user interface 35 charger 36 battery 37 power supply 38 central unit 39 40 engine lighting 41 electrical device 42

Claims

1. Demands Automatic cycle storage system (1) comprising: - a plurality of cycles (1) each comprising an electrical device (42), each of these cycles (1) further comprising a locking member (11) having a locking body (12) and an electrical contact pad (13) connected to the electrical device (42) of the cycle, - a plurality of locking stations (7) adapted to each receive a cycle (1), - at least one control system (2, S) suitable for controlling the locking stations (7), each locking station (7) including: — a structure including a strike plate (9) open along an engagement direction (X) and defining a receiving area (10) adapted to receive the locking member (11) of a cycle (1) by interlocking in said engagement direction (X), — a movable locking member (24) between, on the one hand, a locked position where said locking member (24) is adapted to lock the locking body (12) of the cycle in the strike plate (9) and, on the other hand, an unlocked position where the locking member (24) is adapted to allow the locking body (12) of the cycle to enter and exit the strike plate (9) in the engagement direction (X), — a control mechanism (26) adapted to control the locking member (24), — an electrical power supply circuit (32) adapted to electrically supply the electrical device (42) of the cycle when the cycle's locking member (11) is locked in the strike plate (9) of the locking position, the electrical power supply circuit (32) having a first pole (32a) and a second pole (32b), the first pole (32a) being electrically connected to an electrical contact (19) arranged to bear against the pad (13) of the locking member (11) when the cycle (1) is locked in the locking position (7), wherein the strike plate (9) is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole (32b) of the electrical power supply circuit (32), said strike plate being arranged to be in contact with the locking body (12) when the cycle (1) is locked in the locking position (7), said locking body (12) being electrically conductive and connected to the electrical device (42) of the cycle so that said electrical device of the cycle is electrically supplied through said pad (13) and said locking body (12) when the cycle (1) is locked at the locking station (7).

2. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the blocking member (24) is also electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole (32b) of the power supply circuit (32).

3. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking body (12) has an external face (12c) which is disposed towards the locking station (7) when the cycle (1) is locked to said locking station (7), said external face (12c) extending over a certain width (L) perpendicular to the engagement direction (X), and the pad (13) of the locking member extending over a major part of said width (L).

4. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pad (13) of the locking member is carried by an electrically insulating sole (16) which is fixed to the locking body (12).

5. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electrical contact (19) protrudes into said receiving area (10) and is elastically forced towards said receiving area.

6. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electrical contact (19) is carried by an electrically insulating support (18) fixed to the strike plate (9).

7. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (9) has a short-range radio communication interface (20) and the cycle locking member (11) has a radio communication device (17) which is arranged offset from the pad (13) so as to communicate with the short-range radio communication interface (20) without being hindered by the pad (13) when the cycle is locked at the locking station.

8. Automatic cycle storage system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the pad (13) is carried by an electrically insulating sole (16) which is fixed to the locking body (12) and which covers the radio communication device (17) to the outside of the locking member (11), said electrically insulating sole (16) being permeable to radio waves, and wherein said electrical contact (19) is carried by an electrically insulating support (18) which is fixed to the strike plate (9) and which covers the short-range radio communication interface (20) to the receiving area (10) defined by the strike plate, said electrically insulating support (18) being permeable to radio waves.

9. Cycle (1) for a system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an electrical device (42), - a locking member (11) having a locking body (12) and an electrical contact pad (13) connected to the electrical device (42) of the cycle, the locking member being adapted to engage in an engagement direction (X) in a receiving area (10) of a strike plate (9) belonging to a locking station (7), said locking body (12) being electrically conductive and connected to the electrical device (42) of the cycle so that said electrical device (42) of the cycle can be electrically supplied via said pad (13) and said locking body (12) when the cycle (1) is locked to the locking station (7).

10. Cycle according to claim 9, wherein the locking body (12) has an external face (12c) which is disposed towards the locking station (7) when the cycle (1) is locked to said locking station (7), said external face (12c) extending over a certain width (L) perpendicular to the engagement direction (X), and the pad (13) of the locking member extending over a major part of said width (L).

11. Cycle according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the pad (13) of the locking member is carried by an electrically insulating sole (16) which is fixed to the locking body (12).

12. Cycle according to claim 11, wherein the locking member (11) of the cycle comprises a radio communication device (17) which is offset relative to the pad (13) along the engagement direction (X) and which is covered by the sole (16) electrically insulating towards the outside of the locking member, said electrically insulating sole (16) being permeable to radio waves.

13. A locking station (7) for a system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: — a structure including a strike plate (9) open in an engagement direction (X) and defining a receiving area (10) adapted to receive a locking member (11) of a cycle (1) by interlocking in said engagement direction (X), — a locking member (24) movable between, on the one hand, a locked position where said locking member (24) is adapted to block the cycle's locking member (11) in the strike plate (9) and, on the other hand, an unlocked position where the locking member (24) is adapted to allow the cycle's locking member (11) to enter and exit the strike plate (9) in the engagement direction (X), — a control mechanism (26) adapted to control the locking member (24),— an electrical power supply circuit (32) adapted to electrically supply the cycle (1) when the locking member (11) of the cycle is locked in the strike plate (9) of the locking station, the electrical power supply circuit (32) having a first pole (32a) and a second pole (32b), the first pole (32a) being electrically connected to an electrical contact (19) arranged to bear against a pad (13) of the locking member (11) when the cycle (1) is locked in the locking station (7), wherein the strike plate (9) is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole (32b) of the electrical power supply circuit (32), the strike plate (9) being arranged to be in contact with the locking member (11) when the cycle (11) is locked in the locking station (7).

14. Locking station (7) according to claim 13, wherein the locking member (24) is also electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the second pole (32b) of the power supply circuit (32).

15. Locking station (7) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein said electrical contact (19) protrudes into said receiving area (10) and is elastically forced towards said receiving area.

16. Locking station (7) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said electrical contact (19) is carried by an electrically insulating support (18) fixed to the strike plate (9).

17. Locking station according to claim 16, wherein the strike plate (9) has a short-range radio communication interface (20), the electrically insulating support (18) covering the short-range radio communication interface (20) to the receiving area (10) defined by the strike plate, said electrically insulating support (18) being permeable to radio waves.

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