Parking station for scooters, bicycles and similar

Abstract

A parking station (1; 100) for scooters (M) and / or bicycles (G) is modular and comprises a first module (2) wherein at least a first parking area is defined suitable for housing at least a first scooter (M) and / or at least a first bicycle (G), and at least a second module (3,4) wherein at least a second parking area is defined suitable for housing at least a second scooter (M) and / or at least a second bicycle (G), and also comprises connecting means for mutually connecting said first module (2) with said at least a second module (3, 4) in a removable and oscillating manner around an axis of rotation, the arrangement is such that the parking station (1; 100) is configured for assuming a first non-operational transport condition wherein it is configured compact with reduced bulk with said modules (2, 3, 4) arranged in a side-by-side condition in contact one with each other, and a second operating condition wherein said first modules (2, 3, 4) are arranged in an opened angled condition one with respect to each other. The parking station (1; 100) also comprises locking means (10) for locking said scooters (M) and / or bicycles (G) on said parking station (1; 100).

Description

[0001] "PARKING STATION FOR SCOOTERS , BICYCLES AND THE LIKE" >»X<« DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present invention concerns a parking station for scooters and / or bicycles . More speci fically, the present invention concerns a modular parking station, with variable configurations , for the parking of electric scooters and / or bicycles . Further, the present parking station provides the possibility of the electric charging during the permanence of the scooters and / or bicycles and in the case the latter are electric .

[0003] Prior art

[0004] In recent years , with a view to power saving, environmental protection, and increasingly sustainable mobility, the use of light vehicles , mostly electric, has become increasingly widespread; this has given rise to the phenomenon of the micromobility .

[0005] Normally, the term "micromobility" refers to mobility related to short-distance urban routes and made possible thanks to the use of light and bulky means of transport that are also less polluting than traditional ones .

[0006] Two examples of vehicles suitable for the micromobility are electric scooters and electric bicycles , i . e . pedal- assisted bicycles .

[0007] All this combined with the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, commonly known as Covid- 19 , has led more and more people to prefer the use of small and comfortable electric vehicles , as an alternative to public transport , in particular electric bicycles , scooters and especially electric scooters .

[0008] In recent times , therefore , there has been a progressive and constant increase in the sales and rental of electric scooters and electric bicycles .

[0009] In fact , the expression " sharing mobility" refers to the sharing of vehicles for the micromobility between di f ferent people and through temporary rental .

[0010] Currently, there are two di f ferent formulas for shared micromobility, or two di f ferent ways of implementing shared micromobility .

[0011] On the one hand, there are the so called " station-based shared mobility systems" , which of fer to each user the possibility of picking up and leaving the vehicle at the end of the j ourney only in speci fic fixed parking stations .

[0012] On the other hand, there are the so called " free- floating shared mobility systems" , which of fer to each user the possibility of picking up the vehicle located in the closest and most convenient location for the user to reach and thereafter leaving it at the arrival or destination location .

[0013] Free- floating shared micromobility systems of fer great convenience for the user, resulting from the distribution of vehicles in a given area of interest .

[0014] However, these systems cause some critical issues , first of all the unruled parking of shared micromobility vehicles , which could be parked in this case in places that constitute architectural barriers for disabled citi zens .

[0015] In addition, these systems could also lead to problems with traf fic and urban decorum .

[0016] The aforementioned illustrated shared micromobility systems with fixed stations allow to solve the above described problems , typical of the so called free- flow shared micromobility systems , but they generate a constraint and little freedom of choice for the user who is in fact forced to pick up and leave the vehicle only at the fixed stations provided .

[0017] The shared micromobility systems with fixed stations provide , as mentioned, the use of fixed parking stations for the vehicles , which are normally intended to be positioned and left in a certain place for an indefinite period of time .

[0018] However, there may be a need to move the parking stations with a certain frequency from one area of the city to another, depending on the needs of use of the shared micromobility vehicles in di f ferent periods of the year and in di f ferent areas of the city .

[0019] Such a need for the moving could arise , for example , in specific urban areas where the turnout of people strongly depends on time slots, days of the week and / or periods of the year, such as areas affected by the presence of schools, leisure facilities and recreational facilities.

[0020] For example, schools are normally open from Monday to Friday (or Saturday) in the period from September to June; this means that it would be useless, or at least superfluous, to leave parking stations in school areas outside of these days and months of the year.

[0021] The parking stations for shared micromobility currently available are rather bulky and difficult to move, i.e. for the moving thereof they require the execution of rather laborious and complicated operations and also the use of different vehicles and loading equipment.

[0022] In addition to the aforementioned need to move parking stations, there may also be a need to increase or reduce the capacity of the parking station, i.e. the number of spaces intended for parking vehicles, depending on the potential demand for shared micromobility vehicles by users, which as abovementioned may depend on the installation area of the parking station and / or the periods of the week or of the year .

[0023] In view of the above, therefore there is a need to provide a parking station for electric scooters and electric bicycles which is flexible in its scope of application, i.e. which can be easily moved from the installation site and which has a structure such as to be able to increase or reduce, depending on the needs, the relative parking capacity in a simple, rapid and convenient manner.

[0024] On the other hand, in addition to the shared vehicles which can be found in our cities, there are also users who use their own private vehicles and the related problems they often face for a safe and easy-to-use parking area. One of the related problems is in fact that of theft or tampering of these vehicles, which are light and, therefore, easy to remove .

[0025] To date, with the aim of solving the aforementioned problems of theft and tampering, attempts are being made to find solutions to be able to park and lock these vehicles safely . At the state of the art , di f ferent types of solutions have been proposed .

[0026] For example , in the document US2020031247A1 a universal locking and charging system for a light electric vehicle ( LEV) such as a scooter or similar is described . The charging system includes a charging adapter configured to be mounted on the light electric vehicle ( LEV) , a charging station, and a processor configured to control the charging of the LEV . The charging adapter may have electrical contacts for attachment to a charging station and a charging interface for supplying power from the charging station to a battery of the LEV . The charging station may have at least one attachment unit for receiving the charging adapter of the LEV . The at least one coupling unit may have additional electrical contacts for connection to the charging adapter of the LEV .

[0027] In addition, document US2015096335A1 provides a safe and easy-to-use structure for safely locking all types of bicycles with di f ferent frames and shapes without the need to carry a personal lock . The structure provides for the simultaneous locking of the frame and the wheel of the bicycle .

[0028] Furthermore , document IT202100019769A1 illustrates a locking device configured to ensure the locking of a wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle when housed inside a stall , and physically connected on the upper surface of the stall . Furthermore , a plurality of proximity sensors are provided connected with a management unit designed to activate and manage the custody of said vehicle .

[0029] However, all these locking systems do not ef fectively solve the above highlighted problems .

[0030] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above highlighted problems of the prior art and to satis fy the above highlighted needs .

[0031] Another purpose of the invention here proposed is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that has a high level of versatility and flexibility of use .

[0032] A further purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that has a structure that can easily and quickly increase or reduce its relative parking capacity, i . e . the number of spaces available for the parking of electric scooters and / or electric bicycles .

[0033] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that allows the vehicles to be stored therein easily, conveniently and quickly at the end of the use thereof .

[0034] A further purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that allows easy and convenient access to the vehicles parked therein .

[0035] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that can be easily and conveniently transported in a non-operational configuration with a small bulkiness .

[0036] A further purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that has a small bulkiness compared to its parking capacity, or compared to the number of parking spaces made available in the same parking station .

[0037] Another purpose o f the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that also allows for the electrical charging of the vehicles parked therein .

[0038] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles that has a high level of reliability and durability .

[0039] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a locking system for light vehicles that is safe , ef fective , easy to use and intuitive .

[0040] Brief description of the invention Therefore , the obj ect of the present invention is a parking station for electric and non-electric scooters and / or bicycles , said parking station being modular and comprising a first module wherein at least one first parking area is defined for housing at least one first scooter and / or at least one first bicycle , and is characterised by the fact that it can be interfaced with at least one second module wherein at least one second parking area is defined for housing at least one second scooter and / or at least one second bicycle , and by the fact that it comprises connecting means for mutually connecting said first module with said at least one second module in a removable manner and oscillating around an axis of rotation, the arrangement being such that said at least one second module is movable with respect to said first module between a first position, wherein said at least one second module is arranged adj acent and substantially parallel to said first module , and a second position wherein said at least one second module is arranged in an angled condition with respect to said first module defining an empty space between said at least one first parking area of said first module and said at least one second parking area of said at least second module , and such that said parking station is capable of assuming a first non-operational condition and prepared for transport , wherein it is configured compactly with a small bulkiness with each of said first module and / or said at least one second module arranged in a side-by-side condition in contact with one another, and a second operational condition of operation, wherein said first module and / or said at least one second module are arranged in an angled condition with respect to one another .

[0041] Furthermore , the parking station has a locking system mountable in said parking station, which locking system has j aws operated by an actuator, the j aws being designed to close either on a wheel or, alternatively, on a portion of the frame of the light vehicle and locking the latter onto the parking station . Advantageously according to the invention, said parking station may comprise connecting means for releasably constraining the at least one second module in said second position .

[0042] Preferably according to the invention, said connecting means comprise an arm rotatably connected to the first module , or to the at least one second module , and constrainable to said at least one second module , or to said first module .

[0043] Conveniently according to the invention, the first module may comprise a first plurality of wheels for moving said first module on the surface , and the at least one second module may comprise a second plurality of wheels for moving said at least one second module on the surface .

[0044] Preferably according to the invention, the first connecting means are arranged at a corner area of the first module and at a corner area of the at least one second module .

[0045] Further according to the invention, said parking station may comprise electrical connection means to allow the passage of electrical power between the first module and the at least one second module when said at least one second module is in said second position .

[0046] Still according to the invention, the at least one second module may comprise locking devices for locking scooters and bicycles to said first and at least one second module ; said locking devices being electrically operable and electrically connected to said electrical connection means .

[0047] Preferably according to the invention, the station comprises charging means for electrically recharging scooters and / or bicycles i f electric when parked in said station, the charging means being electrically connected to said electrical connection means .

[0048] Advantageously according to the invention, said parking station may comprise at least a third module wherein at least two parking areas substantially parallel to each other are defined for parking, in use , substantially parallel to each other, two scooters or two electric bicycles and not , and related connecting means for connecting the at least one third module to the first module or the second module in a removable manner and rotatable around an axis of rotation, and in such a way that the at least one third module is movable with respect to the first module or the second module between a first position, wherein the at least one third module is arranged substantially parallel to the first or second module , and a second position wherein said at least third module is in an angled position with respect to said first or second module , so as to define an empty space between a first parking area and a second parking area .

[0049] Further according to the invention, said parking station may also comprise multiple modules as described above .

[0050] Furthermore , according to the invention, the parking station comprises a locking system for electric and nonelectric scooters and / or bicycles , which has j aws operated by an actuator, the aws being designed to close either on a wheel or, alternatively, on a portion of the frame of the light vehicle and locking the latter on the parking station .

[0051] Detailed description of the invention

[0052] The features and advantages will be better highlighted by the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the parking station of the present invention, given by way of a non-limiting example , with re ference to the attached drawings , in which :

[0053] Figure 1 shows a parking station for electric scooters according to the present invention, arranged in the relevant compact non-operational configuration, prepared for the transporting thereof and comprising a basic module and two additional modules connected to said basic module , with six electric scooters parked therein;

[0054] Figure 2 shows the same parking station represented in Figure 1 , but in the relevant extended operational open configuration, with six electric scooters parked therein;

[0055] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the basic module of the parking station of Figures 1 and 2 , with two electric scooters parked therein;

[0056] Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the aforementioned basic module , with two electric scooters parked therein;

[0057] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first additional module of the parking station shown in Figures 1 and 2 , with two electric scooters parked there ;

[0058] Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the first additional module , with two electric scooters parked there ;

[0059] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second additional module of the parking station shown in Figures 1 and 2 , with two electric scooters parked there ;

[0060] Figure 8 is a further perspective view of the second additional module , with two electric scooters parked there ;

[0061] Figure 9 shows the same parking station in the extended configuration shown in Figure 2 , but completely empty, i . e . without electric scooters ;

[0062] Figure 10 is a first detailed view, relating to Figure 9 ;

[0063] Figure 11 is a second detailed view, relating to Figure 9 ;

[0064] Figure 12 shows a detail relating to a variant of the parking station shown in Figure 9 ;

[0065] Figure 13 shows , from below, a mobile component of the parking station of Figure 9 , in a first position corresponding to the extended configuration of the same parking station;

[0066] Figure 14 shows , from below, the same mobile component illustrated in Figure 13 , but arranged in a second position corresponding to the compact configuration of the parking station;

[0067] Figure 15 shows the parking station of Figure 1 in the compact configuration, loaded on a cart pulled by a bicycle together with the six electric scooters parked therein;

[0068] Figure 16 shows a parking station according to the present invention, comprising the basic module , two first additional modules and two second additional modules , and arranged in the relative open configuration, and ten electric scooters parked in the same parking station;

[0069] Figure 17 shows a parking station for electric bicycles according to the present invention, with six electric bicycles parked therein;

[0070] FIG . 18 is a top perspective view illustrating a portion of the scooter parking station incorporating the locking system of the present invention;

[0071] FIG . 19 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the portion of the parking station incorporating the scooter locking system of FIG . 18 ;

[0072] FIG . 20A is a top perspective view partially illustrating the locking system of the present invention in an open and unlocked non-operational condition;

[0073] FIG . 20B is a top perspective and partially crosssection view of the locking system of the present invention in the condition of FIG . 20A;

[0074] FIG . 21A is a top perspective view partially illustrating the locking system of the present invention in a closed and locked operating condition;

[0075] FIG . 21B is a top perspective view partially in crosssection of the locking system of the present invention in the condition of FIG . 21A;

[0076] FIG . 22A is a side elevation view partially illustrating the locking system of the present invention when interacting with a light vehicle wheel in an open and unlocked nonoperating condition;

[0077] FIG . 22B is a top and side perspective view partially in cross-section of the locking system of the present invention in the condition of FIG . 22A;

[0078] FIG . 23A is a side elevation view partially illustrating the locking system of the present invention when interacting with a light vehicle wheel in a closed and locked operating condition;

[0079] Figure 23B is a top and side perspective view and partially in cross-section of the locking system of the present invention in the condition of Figure 23A; and

[0080] Figure 24 is a partial top and s ide perspective view illustrating the interaction of the locking system of the present invention in the operating condition with a bicycle wheel .

[0081] With reference now to the figures , the numeral 1 shows as a whole a parking station for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles and according to the embodiment of the present invention .

[0082] The parking station 1 for electric scooters is modular and comprises , in the speci fic case shown in Figures 1 and 2 , a base module 2 and a first additional module 3 and a second additional module 4 respectively connectable , in a rotatable and removable manner, to the base module 2 at two opposite sides 2a, 2b of the latter .

[0083] The basic module 2 includes , in turn, a control unit 5 for managing the functions of the electric scooter parking station 1 .

[0084] The control unit 5 has , in its upper part , a plurality of input devices 6 for the data input and / or information by users and a display 7 for the display of data and / or information and / or images , relating to the operation of the electric scooter parking station 1 .

[0085] The same control unit 5 also includes communication devices (not shown in the figures attached hereto ) designed to allow the trans fer of incoming and / or outgoing data and / or information, i . e . from an external device to the control unit 5 and / or from the latter to an external device .

[0086] The basic module 2 also includes a first platform 8 and a second platform 9 configured to act as a supporting base for a respective electric scooter M and allow it to be parked .

[0087] In particular, the first 8 and the second 9 platforms are rigidly connected to the control unit 5 , at two opposite sides of the latter, and oriented parallel to each other .

[0088] In the front part of the first 8 and the second 9 platforms there is a respective locking member 10 operationally connected to the control unit 5 and designed to allow the locking of the front wheel A of an electric scooter M .

[0089] To facilitate the moving of the base module 2 , and of the entire electric scooter parking station 1 , four wheels are mounted under the control unit 5 , of which two front wheels 11 and two rear wheels 12 , arranged at the vertices of an imaginary rectangle and each orientable around a respective vertical rotation axis .

[0090] Also , for the purpose of facilitating the moving of the basic module 2 , in the front area of the first 8 and second 9 platforms , a first front wheel 8 ' and a second front wheel 9 ' are respectively provided, preferably having their respective rotation axis in a fixed hori zontal position .

[0091] The basic module 2 also includes power means (not shown in the figures ) for the electrical power supply to the basic module 2 itsel f , necessary to al low its correct operation and eventually the electrical recharging of the electric scooters M parked therein; these power means may include , for example , one or more rechargeable batteries , and / or a connector for connecting to a public electrical grid, and / or one or more photovoltaic panels for the conversion of solar power into electrical power .

[0092] As shown in figures 5 and 6 , the aforementioned first additional module 3 comprises a platform 13 wherein two parking positions ( i . e . two parking positions ) are defined, parallel to each other, to allow the parking of two electric scooters M arranged parallel to each other .

[0093] In the front part of this platform 13 there are two locking members 14 to allow, precisely, the locking of the front wheel A of the two electric scooters M .

[0094] To facilitate the movement of the first additional module 3 and of the entire parking station for electric scooters 1 , in the front part of the same platform 13 there are mounted two front wheels 15 having, preferably, the respective rotation axis in a fixed hori zontal position .

[0095] As shown in figures 7 and 8 , the aforementioned second additional module 4 has a shape symmetrical to that of the first additional module 3 and therefore also offers the possibility of parking on the relevant platform 16 two electric scooters M arranged parallel to each other and locking them during their stop by means of similar locking members 17.

[0096] The second additional module 4 is therefore also equipped with two front wheels 17' placed in the front part of the relative platform 16, to facilitate its movement.

[0097] As mentioned above, the first 3 and the second 4 additional modules are both connectable to the basic module 2 in a rotatable and removable way.

[0098] To make this rotating and removable connection possible, in the respective two front corner areas of the basic module 2, of the first additional module 3 and of the second additional module 4, two connecting portions 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 are provided, respectively.

[0099] For example, as shown in figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, such connecting organs or portions 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 may comprise portions of the relative platform 8, 9, 13, 16 wherein respective vertical through holes 24, 25, 26, 27,

[0100] 28, 29 are formed, directed according to a respective axis orthogonal to the supporting surface on which the electric scooter parking station 1 is supported; in this case, the mutual connection between such perforated platform portions is obtained by inserting connecting pins 30 into the aforementioned vertical through holes 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,

[0101] 29.

[0102] These connecting pins 30 can be inserted into the vertical through holes 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 in a removable manner .

[0103] The type of connection provided between the basic module 2, the first additional module 3 and the second additional module 4 therefore allows the electric scooter parking station 1 to be opened in an open angled manner by rotating the first 3 and the second 4 additional modules outwards, around the rotation axes defined by the connecting pins 30 ( see figures 2 and 9 ) .

[0104] This open angled shaped opening of the electric scooter parking station 1 allows users to have convenient and easy access to the parking spaces for the electric scooters M provided in the basic module 2 and in the first 3 and second 4 additional modules when the latter two are arranged spaced apart from the same basic module 2 , as shown in figures 2 and 9 , thus facilitating both the removal of the electric scooters M parked therein, and the placing of the electric scooters M in the aforementioned parking spaces at the end of the use thereof , despite having a parking station for electric scooters 1 of a limited si ze even in the relative extended configuration shown in figures 2 and 9 .

[0105] To maintain the electric scooter parking station 1 in the relative extended configuration shown in figures 2 and 9 , a respective locking mechanism 31 is provided between the basic module 2 and the first additional module 3 and between the same basic module 2 and the second additional module 4 .

[0106] Each locking mechanism 31 comprises a movable arm 32 having a first end 33 hinged on the bottom of one of the three modules 2 , 3 , 4 indicated above , so as to be able to rotate around a respective vertical rotation axis R orthogonal to the plane on which the electric scooter parking station 1 is supported .

[0107] More speci fically, this arm 32 is movable between a non-operating position, wherein it is housed in a corresponding seat 34 obtained on one side of the module to which the aforementioned first end 33 of the arm 32 is connected ( see figure 14 ) , and an operational position wherein the arm 32 is rotated by a certain angle around the aforementioned vertical rotation axis R so as to extend substantially orthogonally from the side of the module to which the relative first end 33 is connected ( see figure 13 ) .

[0108] At the second end 35 of the arm 32 a through hole 36 is provided .

[0109] To lock the arm 32 in the relative inactive position shown in figure 14 , it is possible to insert a locking pin 37 in a corresponding seat obtained in the module in question ( i . e . , the module to which the first end 33 of the arm 32 is connected) by passing it through the aforementioned through hole 36 located in a position above said seat ; the locking pin 37 can be inserted in the corresponding seat , mentioned above , in a removable manner .

[0110] When the arm 32 is in the relative inactive position, it is therefore possible to arrange the two mutually adj acent modules by the above said locking mechanism 31 , in such a way that the relative sides come into contact with each other as shown in figure 14 .

[0111] In the compact configuration of the electric scooter parking station 1 , shown in figure 1 , the two locking mechanisms 31 provided therein are in the respective inactive position, and the mutually facing sides of the three modules 2 , 3 , 4 are , in fact , contacting one with each other ; this allows to obtain the minimum overall dimensions of the electric scooter parking station 1 .

[0112] In order to keep the first 3 and the second 4 additional module at a determined distance from the base module 2 arranged between them, as shown in figures 2 and 9 , it is necessary to arrange the aforementioned two locking mechanisms 31 in their respective operating position, and by inserting a respective locking pin 38 (which could be the same locking pin 37 mentioned above ) in a corresponding seat 39 formed in the module adj acent to the module to which the first end 33 of the arm 32 is connected, passing the same locking pin 38 in the through hole 36 as shown in figure 13 ; the locking pin 38 can be inserted in the corresponding seat 39 in a removable manner .

[0113] In this case , the electric scooter parking station 1 would be in the relative extended configuration as shown in figures 2 and 9 .

[0114] To return the electric scooter parking station 1 to its compact configuration, it is necessary to remove the locking pins 38 from the seats 39 and arrange the arms 32 in their respective seats 34 by rotating them around the relative vertical rotation axis R, and then bring the first 3 and the second 4 additional modules into contact with the base module 2 by rotating them around the aforementioned connecting pins

[0115] 30.

[0116] To release the first 3 and the second 4 additional modules from the base module 2, it will be necessary, instead, to arrange the arms 32 of the two locking mechanisms

[0117] 31 in their relative non-operating position, after extracting the locking pins 38 from the corresponding seats 39, and remove the connecting pins 30 from the respective vertical through holes 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 of the aforementioned connecting organs or portions 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 of the same modules 2, 3, 4.

[0118] On the aforementioned opposite sides 2a, 2b of the basic module 2 and at a front area thereof, there are respectively provided a first pair of electrical connectors 40, 41 and a second pair of electrical connectors 42, 43, connected or connectable to an electrical energy supply, to transmit the electrical power, respectively, to the first additional module 3 and to the second additional module 4 when the latter two are connected to the basic module 2.

[0119] Each electrical connector of the first pair of electrical connectors 40, 41 and of the second pair of electrical connectors 42, 43 is arranged at a respective seat 44, 45 obtained in the aforementioned opposite sides 2a, 2b of the basic module 2.

[0120] In the attached figures, only the two (i.e. the seats 44, 45) of the four seats provided for the aforementioned two pairs of electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43; the two non-visible seats are equal to the seats 44, 45 shown in figure 8.

[0121] In each of the four seats 44, 45 indicated above, a respective compression spring 46, 47 is housed which acts in such a way as to constantly push the relevant electrical connector outwards, i.e. in the opposite direction to the relative seat. Therefore, when no external force acts on the aforementioned electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43, in addition to the elastic force of the spring, they come to be in the respective position of maximum extraction from the relative seat (see figure 11) ; when, instead, external forces act on the same electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43 such as to overcome the elastic action of the springs, the same connectors 40, 41, 42, 43 will arrange themselves in the relative minimum extraction position, entering at least partially into the respective seat.

[0122] Similarly, at the sides 3a, 3b of the first additional module 3 and on the sides 4a, 4b of the second additional module 4 there are provided respective pairs of electrical connectors 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 with the relative seats 56, 57 and compression springs 58, 59, as provided in the basic module 2.

[0123] The seats and the compression springs of the two pairs of electrical connectors 48, 49, 50, 51 of the first additional module 3 are not visible in the attached figures but are the same as those shown in figure 11.

[0124] Similarly, the seats and compression springs of the two pairs of electrical connectors 52, 53, 54, 55 of the second additional module 4 are also the same as those shown in figure 11, even though only some of them are visible (see figure 11) .

[0125] More precisely, the pairs of electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 provided in the basic module 2, in the first additional module 3 and in the second additional module 4 are arranged in positions such as to be in mutual contact when the electric scooter parking station 1 is in the relative extended configuration shown in figures 2 and 9.

[0126] As mentioned above, the mutual contact between the aforementioned pairs of electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 makes it possible to transmit electrical power from the basic module 2 to the first additional module 3 and to the second additional module 4.

[0127] In the basic module 2, as well as in the first 3 and in the second 4 additional modules, respective electrical cables (not shown) are provided, connected to the above- mentioned electrical connectors 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, to allow the propagation of electrical power from the aforementioned electrical power supply to the areas of the same modules 2, 3, 4 wherein their use is necessary .

[0128] Such electric power can be used, for example, to operate the locking members 10, 14, 17 of the basic module 2 and of the first 3 and second 4 additional modules and / or to allow the electric recharging of the electric scooters M parked in the same modules 2, 3, 4.

[0129] According to a alternative construction of the present invention, shown in figure 12, the electric connectors 60, 61, 62 for the passage of the electric power can be provided at the aforementioned connecting members or portions of the three modules 2, 3, 4 and can be connected to a respective torsion spring 63, 64, 65 operating in such a way as to push the relative electric connector 60, 61, 62 against a respective metal surface 60', 61', 62' of the adjacent module, so that, in fact, the passage of electric power occurs between adjacent modules, i.e. from the basic module 2 to the first additional module 3 and / or from the basic module 2 to the second additional module 4; also in this case, in the three modules 2, 3, 4 there are respective electric cables (not shown in the figures) connected to the aforementioned electric connectors 60, 61, 62 and to said metal surfaces 60', 61', 62', for the passage of electric power .

[0130] The electric scooter parking station 1 is configured for being transported with extreme comfort and ease, thanks to its small size in its compact configuration and also thanks to the presence of the wheels 11, 12, 8', 9' , 15, 17' mentioned above which facilitate its movement.

[0131] As shown in figure 15, the electric scooter parking station 1 can also be transported on a trolley C pulled by a bicycle B .

[0132] Thanks to the modularity and composability features of the electric scooter parking station described above , the latter it is conf igured to satis fy any need relating to the number of parking spaces to be made available in the area of its installation .

[0133] The electric scooter parking station according to the present invention can in fact comprise from a single module , namely the basic module 2 , up to an indeterminate number of modules by adding to the basic module 2 one or more first additional modules 3 and / or one or more second additional modules 4 and connecting them together as shown in figure 16 .

[0134] Thanks to the aforementioned connecting members or portions 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 provided in the first 3 and in the second 4 additional module , it is in fact possible to connect two or more first additional modules 3 together and also connect two or more second additional modules 4 together .

[0135] In figure 17 , an electric bicycle parking station 100 is shown in accordance with the present invention, configured to of fer parking spaces to a plurality of electric bicycles G .

[0136] This electric bicycle parking station 100 is substantially the same as the electric scooter parking station 1 described above , except for the fact that the platforms of the electric bicycle parking station 100 have larger dimensions than those of the electric scooter parking station 1 , in order to be able to provide support to electric bicycles which are normally larger and longer than electric scooters .

[0137] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the figures , the parking station 100 comprises both modules for parking electric scooters M such as those illustrated in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6, 7 , 8 , 15 and 16 , and modules for parking electric bicycles G such as those shown in figure 17 , giving in this case the possibility to park electric scooters M as well as electric bicycles G .

[0138] As can be seen from the preceding description, the parking station 1 for electric scooters and / or electric bicycles according to the present invention has a structure such that it can increase or reduce , depending on the needs , the relative parking capacity in a simple , convenient and fast way .

[0139] The same parking station can also be moved and transported in an extremely easy manner .

[0140] In fact , and as is evident from the description provided with reference to the attached figures and in particular figure 15 , the parking station according to the present invention is suitable for assuming a first non-operational condition suitable for the transporting thereof , wherein it is configured compact and with reduced bulkiness with each of said first module and / or with said at least one second module arranged in a side-by-side condition in contact one with another, and a second operating condition as illustrated in the figures , in particular figures 16 and 17 , wherein said first module and / or said at least one second module are arranged in an open angled condition one with respect to another suitable for facilitating the parking and the locking or unlocking and removal of the vehicles .

[0141] The parking station also allows easy and convenient access to the vehicles parked therein .

[0142] The parking station also allows electric scooters and / or electric bicycles to be eas ily parked therein at the end of their use .

[0143] With reference now to figures 18 and 19 , they illustrate the arrangement of the locking system 10 inside the platforms 8 and 9 ( only one of which is illustrated in the figures ) in a non-operating condition .

[0144] As can be seen in figure 18 , it illustrates therein the platform 8 from above . The platform 8 has a slightly inclined surface 80 to facilitate the housing of light vehicles or scooters M ( the latter not shown in the figure ) and at its front part there is a pair of locking systems 10 , each of which is able to lock in position by means of respective j aws 101 a relative wheel A of a respective scooter M ( the latter not shown in the figure and better illustrated below) .

[0145] As can be seen in figure 19 , it illustrates the platform 8 from below . The platform 8 has two housings 81 to house respective wheels (not shown in the figure ) for its movement . At its front part is arranged the pair of locking systems 10 . Each locking system 10 has a frame 10 ' on which it is mounted on the platform 8 in the manner illustrated . The system 10 also comprises an electromechanical actuator 102 suitable for operating the aws 101 ( all better illustrated below) .

[0146] With reference now to figure 20A, it illustrates the locking system 10 in a non-operating condition . As can be understood from the figure , the electromechanical actuator 102 is mounted on the frame 10 ' and locked there by means of a fixing pin 103 . The j aws 101 are mounted in an oscillating manner in special seats 104 of the frame 10 ' and connected to the latter by means of a hinge pin 105 . Furthermore , the locking system 10 further comprises a plate 106 mounted in an oscillating manner on an end part of the frame 10 ' by means of a hinge pin 107 .

[0147] With particular reference now to figure 20B, it shows in perspective and in cross-section the movement mechanism of the j aws 101 with respect to the frame 10 ' and the plate 106 . More precisely, each j aw 101 has an integral protruding element 108 of substantially cylindrical shape , which is suitable to be housed in a relative region 109 obtained entirely in the plate 106 , the arrangement is such that for each oscillation of the plate 106 there corresponds a mutual approach or separation of the j aws 101 .

[0148] With reference now to figures 21A and 21B, the locking system 10 is illustrated in an operating condition . As can be understood from the figures , following an actuation of the electromechanical actuator 102 , the plate 106 is made to oscillate on the pin 107 and is blocked in a hori zontal condition and parallel to the frame 100 . Following this oscillation of the plate 106 , the two j aws 101 are in a condition brought closer together and blocked by the plate

[0149] 106 .

[0150] With reference to figure 21B, the blocked condition of the aws 101 caused by the dragging of the protruding elements 108 in the regions 109 when the plate 106 is arranged in the lowered condition and parallel to the frame 10 ' is partially illustrated in cross-section . It will be evident that the locking mode of the j aws 101 is reversible , that is , the unlocking of the j aws 101 is obtained by oscillating the plate in the opposite direction to that illustrated .

[0151] With reference now to figures 22A, 22B, 23A and 23B, the operating principle of the locking system 10 is partially illustrated when it cooperates with a wheel A of a scooter or similar .

[0152] In more detail and with reference to figures 22A and 22B, the actuator 102 is mechanically and swinging connected to one end of the plate 106 by means of a hinged j oint 110 .

[0153] More precisely and with reference now to figures 23A and 23B, the locking system 10 is illustrated in the operating condition wherein it blocks the wheel A of the scooter M . The arrangement is such that , following an excursion of the electromechanical actuator 102 , the j oint 110 causes the plate 106 to oscillate around its own pin

[0154] 107 , until it is blocked in a hori zontal condition and parallel to the frame 100 . In this condition, the two j aws 101 are in a close condition and block the wheel A between them ( fig . 23B ) . The locking of the j aws 101 is caused by the dragging of the protruding elements 108 in the regions 109 of the plate 106 when the latter is arranged in the lowered (hori zontal ) condition and parallel to the frame

[0155] 100 .

[0156] It will be evident that the locking mode of the j aws

[0157] 101 is reversible , that is , the unlocking of the j aws 101 is obtained by actuating the actuator 102 in the opposite direction to the locking movement and in such a way as to li ft the plate 106 , therefore causing the j aws 101 to move away from each other .

[0158] With reference now to figure 24 , it is illustrated in perspective the use of the locking system 10 for a bicycle B . As is evident , the locking system 10 of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in light vehicles equipped with both spoked and lenticular wheels A.

[0159] Advantages

[0160] The parking station of the present invention has a number of advantages .

[0161] A first advantage is given by the fact that all the modules that compose it are associated with each other in a detachable manner . Therefore , it is possible to transport it in a completely disassembled condition to reduce the overall dimensions during the transporting thereof as much as possible .

[0162] A second advantage is given by the fact that the parking station is configured to assume a first non-operational transporting condition, wherein it is configured compact with reduced overall dimensions with each of the modules arranged in a side-by-side condition in contact one with each other, and a second operational functioning condition wherein said modules are arranged in an open angled condition one respect to each other to facilitate the parking and the locking or unlocking and the removal of the vehicles .

[0163] A third advantage is given by the fact that each module has a plurality of wheels to facilitate its moving and transport .

[0164] A fourth advantage is given by the fact that the parking station can include electrical connection means to allow electrical power between the modules .

[0165] A fi fth advantage is that each module incorporates locking devices for locking scooters and / or bicycles to each module , and wherein the locking devices are electrically operable and electrically connected to the control unit .

[0166] A sixth advantage is that the parking station includes charging means for electrically charging electric scooters and / or bicycles when parked at said parking station .

[0167] A seventh advantage is that the scooter and / or bicycle locking system provided on each module is particularly suitable for use in light vehicles equipped with both spoked and lenticular wheels .

[0168] An eighth advantage is that the scooter and / or bicycle locking system provided on each module can be used both to lock the wheels of light vehicles and to lock parts of the frame of the light vehicle . A ninth advantage is that the scooter and / or bicycle locking system provided on each module can be operated both locally and remotely .

Claims

CLAIMS1. Parking station (1; 100) for scooters (M) and / or bicycles (G) , said parking station (1; 100) being modular and comprising a first module (2) wherein at least a first parking area is defined for the housing of at least a first scooter (M) and / or at least a first bicycle (G) , wherein said parking station (1; 100) is interfaceable with at least a second module (3,4) wherein at least a second parking area is defined for the housing of at least a second scooter (M) and / or at least a second bicycle (G) , and further comprising connecting means (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) for mutually connecting said first module (2) with said at least one second module (3,4) in a removable and oscillating manner around an axis of rotation, the arrangement being such that said at least one second module (3,4) is movable with respect to said first module (2) between a first position, wherein said at least one second module (3,4) is arranged adjacent and substantially parallel to said first module (2) , and a second position wherein said at least one second module (3,4) is arranged in an angled condition with respect to said first module (2) and defining an empty space between said at least one first parking area of said first module (2) and said at least one second parking area of said at least second module (3,4) , and further comprising connecting means (31) for removably connecting said at least one second module (3,4) when said at least one second module (3,4) is in said second position with said first module (2) , characterized in that said connecting means (31) comprise an arm (32) which is rotatably connected to said first module (2) and / or to said at least one second module (3,4) , and said arm (32) being configured to be removably locked with said first module (2) and said at least one second module (3) , the arrangement being such that said parking station (1; 100) is able to be arranged in a first non-operationaltransport condition, wherein it is arranged in a compact with reduced bulkiness configuration wherein each of said first module (2) and / or with said at least one second module(3,4) are arranged in a side-by-side condition contacting one with the other, and a second operational functioning condition, wherein said first module (2) and / or said at least one second module (3,4) are arranged in an angled condition one with respect to the other.

2. Parking station (1; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first module (2) comprises a first plurality of wheels (8' , 9' , 11, 12) for the moving of said first module (2) , and wherein said at least one second module(3,4) comprises a second plurality of wheels (15) for the moving of said at least one second module (3,4) .

3. Parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) connect in a hinged manner said first module (2) with said at least one second module (3,4) .

4. Parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrical power supply, and electrical connecting means (40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) between said first module (2) and said at least one second module (3,4) , the arrangement being such that said electrical connecting means (40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) electrically connect said first module (2) with said at least one second module(3,4) .

5. Parking station (1; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein both said first module (2) and said at least one second module (3,4) comprise locking means (10,14,17) for securing a relevant scooter (M) and / or a relevant bicycle (G) to said first and at least one second parking area, and wherein said locking means (10,14,17) are electrically operated and electrically connected to said electrical connecting means (40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) .

6. Parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said scooters (M) and / or said bicycles (G) are electric operated, and wherein said parking station (1; 100) further comprises electric charging means for carrying out an electric charging of one or more electric scooters (M) and / or one or more electric bicycles (G) when parked and locked on said first module (2) and / or on said at least one second module (3,4) .

7. Parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first module (2) houses at least two scooters (M) and / or at least two bicycles (G) in said first parking area, and wherein said at least one second module (3,4) houses at least two scooters (M) and / or at least two bicycles (G) in said second parking area.

8. Parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one second module (3,4) comprises one or more parking areas each suitable for housing one or more scooters (M) and / or bicycles (G) substantially in a parallel arrangement to each other.

9. Locking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an electromechanical actuator (102) and a supporting frame ( 10 ’ ) of said electromechanical actuator (102) on a supporting and containment frame (8) of said parking station (1, 100) , characterized by the fact that it also comprises:- locking means (101) for the locking of said scooter (M) or bicycle (B) on said parking station (1; 100) , said locking means (101) being mounted in an oscillating manner on said supporting frame (10' ) , and- means (106) for the moving of said locking means (101) , said moving means (106) being mounted in an oscillating manner on said supporting frame (10' ) and being kinematically connected with said locking means (101) , the arrangement being such that the movement of said electromechanical actuator (102) causes the oscillation ofsaid moving means (106) between a first open position, wherein said locking means (101) are in an open condition, and a second locked position, wherein said locking means (101) are in a closed condition.

10. Locking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said locking means comprise a pair of jaws (101) mounted in an oscillating manner in respective seats (104) obtained in said frame (10' ) and connected to the latter by means of a hinge pin (105) .

11. Lo eking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said moving means comprises a plate (106) mounted in an oscillating manner on an end part of said frame (10' ) by means of a hinge pin (107) , and wherein said actuator (102) is connected in an oscillating manner to an end of said plate (106) by means of a hinge joint (110)12. Lo eking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein each jaw (101) has an integral protruding element (108) having of substantially cylindrical shape, each protruding element (108) of each jaw (101) being configured to be housed in a sliding manner in a relative region (109) obtained integrally in said plate (106) , the arrangement being such that for each oscillation of said plate (106) said protruding elements (108) of each jaw (101) are dragged, causing said pair of jaws (101) to oscillate between a mutually approaching position and a mutually distancing position.

13. Locking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein following a reversible actuation in one direction of said electromechanical actuator (102) , said plate (106) oscillates in one direction around said pin (107) up to a condition corresponding to a first position, and whereinfollowing a reversible actuation in the opposite direction of said electromechanical actuator (102) said plate (106) oscillates in the opposite direction around said pin (107) up to a condition corresponding to a second locked position, and wherein the closed locked condition of said jaws (101) is reversibly obtained by dragging the protruding elements (108) in the regions (109) when said plate (106) is arranged in the lowered and parallel condition with respect to said electromechanical actuator (102) .

14. Locking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to any of claims 9-13, wherein said locking system (10) is configured to cooperate for the locking of a wheel (A) of said scooter (M) or bicycle (B) .

15. Locking system (10) for the locking of a scooter (M) or bicycle (B) parked on said parking station (1; 100) according to any of claims 9-14, wherein said locking system (10) is operatively connected to said control unit (5) .

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