DE102018126978A1 - Vehicle-based depot - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for mounting in a vehicle comprises a first closable shelf for receiving a first object; and a second lockable shelf for receiving a second item. The container is designed to be attached to the inside of an opening of the vehicle that is accessible from the outside, so that the shelves are only accessible from outside the vehicle through the opening.

Description

The invention relates to a depot for storing and providing an object. In particular, the invention relates to a depot on board a vehicle.

In order to transport a thing from a sender to a recipient, a depot can be used, in which the thing is stored by a sender so that the recipient can pick it up from there. Access by another party can be prevented. For this purpose, the depot can have a large number of storage spaces which are managed by means of access control. A user must authenticate himself before he has access to a storage in which an object assigned to him is stored. Such a depot is known in Germany under the name "Packstation" and is operated by a transport company.

It was proposed to use a recipient's car as a depot to deliver something to him. A supplier can have access to a trunk of the vehicle, for example, to put the object down, and the recipient can pick up the object from the motor vehicle.

Finding a motor vehicle assigned to the receiver can be complex. If a large number of objects are to be delivered to many recipients, the effort for depositing the objects can be large and / or securing the motor vehicles against unauthorized use can be complex overall.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved technology for the flexible delivery of objects by means of a secured depot. The invention achieves the object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Sub-claims reflect preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect, a container for mounting in a vehicle comprises a first closable shelf for receiving a first object; and a second lockable shelf for receiving a second item. The container is designed to be attached to the inside of an opening of the vehicle that is accessible from the outside, so that the trays are only accessible from the outside of the vehicle through the opening.

The container can expand the vehicle into a mobile depot that can be used to deliver items to a variety of users. The vehicle can be moved to a predetermined location as needed, for example, to be placed near a predetermined group of users. If the depot is no longer required, the vehicle can be removed. The container can be easily removed from the vehicle so that the vehicle cannot be restricted in its function. The container can be used in different vehicles. A vehicle can be equipped with different containers which have, for example, storage compartments of different sizes. A vehicle can also hold several containers at the same time.

The container can be set up to connect flush with the opening. In particular, the container can be adapted to a shape of the opening in order to prevent access to an interior of the vehicle past the container.

If the opening includes, for example, an entry for a person into the interior, the closure can include a door. The opening can also provide access to a loading space of the vehicle, the closure usually being designed as a door or flap. The cargo space is preferably located on the inside of the vehicle and can be separated from the rest of the interior, in particular from a passenger or engine compartment.

The opening can be closed by means of a closure, the container furthermore having an interface for connection to the vehicle in order to connect access to one of the trays to access to the opening. The interface can be set up to exchange signals, which can control the release or actuation of the closure or a cover of one of the shelves. In one embodiment, the interface comprises a data bus such as CAN or LIN. Protective measures can be provided on the part of the vehicle and / or on the part of the container in order to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to predetermined information on the data bus. For example, data can only be exchanged in a predetermined direction or only predetermined data can be provided at the interface. The data can also be encrypted or signed.

Additional security can be achieved by jointly controlling the closure and the cover. The release and / or locking of the closure and the cover can alternatively be controlled on the part of the container or on the part of the vehicle.

In addition to data, the interface can also provide electrical energy. For this, the Interface be connected to an electrical vehicle electrical system. Alternatively, a requirement of the container for electrical energy can also be met by a local battery or a generator. The electrical energy can be used for administration or access tasks. Optionally, one or more of the shelves can be actively heated, cooled or ventilated. In one embodiment, a shelf can be air-conditioned and / or illuminated, for example to accommodate a living being. Further functions on a shelf are also conceivable in order to provide predetermined environmental conditions for an object to be picked up or picked up.

The interface can also comprise a mechanical part in the form of a physical connection in order to fix the container on board the vehicle. The fixing can be carried out to secure the container in transit while the vehicle is moving or to secure it against unauthorized removal or attachment of the container or for both purposes.

In particular, a standardized mechanical interface can help make it easier to exchange a container between different vehicles or different containers on a vehicle. The lock can be locked or unlocked and unlocking can be done manually or automatically. In one embodiment, the mechanical part comprises a holder for child seats according to the Isofix standard. In another embodiment, a safety belt of the vehicle can be included in the interface.

The container can further comprise a processing device which is set up to determine a user's access request to one of the trays and to control the user's access to the tray and through the closure. The access request can be recorded using a user interface. Control of the closure can include outputting a signal via an interface.

The processing device can be configured to carry out a method described here in whole or in part. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the container or a system described herein, or vice versa.

The container may further include a scanner for user authentication. The legitimacy can be predetermined or determined, for example, when the object is deposited. The legitimation is preferably related to an individual user or a predetermined group of users. The verification of legitimacy can include comparing a code provided by the user with a predetermined code. The code can be provided by the user by entering or presenting a document. For example, the code can include a bar code or a two-dimensional optical binary code (QR code). Alternatively, a biometric feature of the user can also be scanned and compared with predetermined information. The biometric feature can include, for example, the user's face, iris, or fingerprint.

The container can also include a processing device for controlling access by a user to one of the storage locations depending on a signal received via the interface. For this purpose, the container can in particular receive a predetermined signal from the vehicle via an interface.

At least one of the trays can be movable with respect to the vehicle so that the tray can be moved to a first position in which it is accessible through the opening or in a second position in which it is inaccessible through the opening. The movement of the tray can be controlled by a processing device of the container or the vehicle. The container can have a drive device for moving the tray relative to the container. Several shelves can be moved like a paternoster or a drum magazine. Movements of the shelves are preferably coupled to one another and can be controlled such that access to only one of the shelves is always possible through the opening of the vehicle.

The container can further comprise an actuator in order to close a closure which is set up to close the opening. The closure is usually part of the vehicle and can for example be designed as a door or flap, which can preferably open to the outside. The actuator can then close the door or flap by means of a drawstring, pulling cable or similar device by pulling the door or flap shut. The closure can be opened manually by the user.

The opening of the container can be closed by means of a displaceable element, the shelves along a sliding path of the Elements are arranged. An opening degree of the element can control the accessibility of a shelf. For example, the closure can be realized by a window pane that can be moved vertically, and the shelves can be arranged vertically one above the other. If the window pane is only opened a little, access to the top shelf can only be possible. If access to a shelf located further down is to be made possible, the window pane can be lowered further. This can be practical if an order in which objects are to be removed from the trays is known.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprises a cell that separates an interior from an exterior of the vehicle. An opening is made in the cell so that the interior of the vehicle is accessible from the outside through the opening. The opening can be closed by means of a closure and an actuator is provided to control access to the interior through the opening. The vehicle is in particular set up to accommodate a container according to one of the preceding claims. For this purpose, the vehicle can support an interface described here in mechanical, electrical and / or information technology terms. In addition, the opening can be shaped such that the container can be attached in the vehicle and in the region of the opening in such a way that the container fills the opening as completely as possible.

The vehicle may further have an access control that is configured to control access to the opening and access to one of the storage areas of the container. For this purpose, a request of a user for access to one of the filing can be sensed. The user can also be legitimized by the access control, for example by scanning a code or a biometric feature, as described above. An in-vehicle sensor can be used to determine the request and / or to scan the code, for example a camera, a locking system or a biometric sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system includes a container described herein, a vehicle described herein.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a system described herein includes steps of detecting a user's request for access to a tray of the container; checking a user's legitimation; and controlling access to the closure of the opening of the vehicle and the tray.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Behälters zur Anbringung in einem Fahrzeug;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs zur Aufnahme eines Behälters;
• 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Behälters; und
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines exemplarischen Verfahrens

illustriert.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a schematic representation of a container for attachment in a vehicle;
• 2nd a schematic representation of a vehicle for receiving a container;
• 3rd another embodiment of a container; and
• 4th a flow diagram of an exemplary method

illustrated.

1 shows a schematic representation of a container 100 . The container 100 includes several shelves 105 . There are four shelves 105.1 , 105.2 , 105.3 and 105.4 intended. Suffixes of other elements indicate the assigned storage 105 there. There should be at least two shelves 105.1 and 105.2 be provided; up is the number of shelves 105 Usually only limited by existing space.

Every shelf 105 is for holding an object 110 set up. For holding objects of different sizes 110 can store different sizes 105 be provided. Every shelf 105 can by means of an assigned tumbler 115 can be locked or unlocked individually. The tumblers 115 can preferably by means of a processing device 120 to be controlled. The processing facility 120 can by means of an input device 125 and / or an output device 130 that on the container 100 may be appropriate for interacting with a user 135 to be prepared. For this purpose, the output device 130 for example a display device or a touchscreen, and the input device 125 for example include a keyboard, a touchscreen, a microphone, a loudspeaker or another customary interaction element.

The container optionally includes 100 a scanner 140 used to identify the user 135 and / or to check a legitimation of the user 135 is set up. The scanner can do this 140 to scan a biometric feature or a code 145 be set up via which the user 135 disposes. The code 145 can be entered manually or scanned without contact, for example optically or electromagnetically. In one embodiment, the user owns 135 a transponder or similar device that uses the code 145 contains, and that by means of the scanner 140 can be read out. In the illustrated embodiment, the code is 145 implemented as binary optical code. A transmitter that an object 110 in one of the trays 105 deposited, the code 145 to the user 135 send the code 145 can gain physical access to the item by using the code 145 the scanner 140 shows. The scanned code 145 can then use a predetermined code 145 be compared. Are the codes correct? 145 match, the user can 135 be determined as legitimate to access one of the trays and the tray 105 can be unlocked.

The container is adapted to be mounted on board a vehicle, as in particular below with reference to FIG 2nd is described in more detail. Information is preferably exchanged between the containers 100 and the vehicle via an interface 150 . the interface 150 can in particular exchange data unilaterally or bilaterally using a predetermined protocol. Optionally, electrical energy can also be sent via the interface 150 be replaced. A supply of the container 100 with electrical energy can also be done using a local battery. In another embodiment, the interface is 150 set up a fluid between the vehicle and the container 100 exchange to transport air, heat or cold in a predetermined direction. the interface 150 can also include a mechanical aspect by the container 100 is non-positively connected to the vehicle when the interface 150 is closed. The non-positive part can be realized by means of a seat belt or an Isofix connection. Each of the aspects of the interface 150 can also be implemented separately from the other aspects and multiple interfaces 150 be provided.

Optionally, the container 100 an actuator 155 comprise, which is configured to close a closure of the vehicle. Optionally, the actuator can also open, lock and / or unlock 155 to be controlled.

2nd shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 200 , in particular a motor vehicle, more preferably a passenger car, the vehicle 200 to hold a container 100 is set up. The vehicle 200 includes a cell 205 that separates an interior from an exterior. The cell 205 comprises at least one opening 210 . There are two openings 210 provided with a first opening 210 by means of a door 215 and a second opening 210 by means of a flap 220 can be locked. The door 215 preferably leads to a passenger compartment in which a person in the vehicle 105 can be promoted. The flap 220 preferably leads to a luggage compartment in which an object in the vehicle 200 can be transported. In another embodiment is a window 218 provided that especially in the door 215 can be included. The window 218 can be moved to open, for example in the vertical or horizontal direction.

It is particularly preferred that the container 100 inside the vehicle 200 can be included, more preferably in such a way that access by a user 135 from outside to one of the shelves 115 is only possible after a door 215 or flap 220 was opened. To do this, the container 100 if possible in the area of an assigned opening 110 of the container. Ideally, the container fills 100 the opening 110 with the door open 215 or flap 220 largely or completely, so that access to the interior on the container 100 past is at least difficult. In the case of a closure that opens the opening 110 can release gradually, especially in the form of the sliding window 218 , can be controlled via the degree of opening, on which shelves 105 can be accessed.

The vehicle 200 preferably comprises an interface 225 going to the interface 150 of the container 100 is compatible. An information technology aspect of the interface 225 can by connecting to a data bus of the vehicle 200 be realized with which one or more control units can be connected. One of the control units can open or close or lock or unlock the door 215 or the mouth 220 Taxes. An exemplary processing device is present 230 with the interface 225 connected and preferably set up an actuator and / or a tumbler 235 the door 215 or the mouth 220 to control physical access to the associated opening 210 to grant or refuse.

An electrical aspect of the interface 225 can include the provision of electrical energy. The interface can do this 225 with an electrical system of the vehicle 200 be connected. A mechanical aspect of the interface 225 can attach the container 100 on board the vehicle 200 allow.

For scanning a code 145 a user 135 can demonstrate access to a filing system 105 of the container 100 desires a scanner 245 be provided. The scanner 245 can be on board the vehicle 200 built-in sensors relate, for example, to a camera or a reader for a transponder.

The vehicle 200 and the container 100 can together form a system that allows selective access by multiple users 135 on different shelves 105 can realize. An access by the user 135 can on the part of the vehicle's own processing facility 230 , on the part of the container's own processing facility 120 or controlled in cooperation or in a combination of both. The exact procedure is referred to below 4th described in more detail.

3rd shows a further embodiment of a container 100 . A variety of n shelves 105.1 , 105.2 ... 105.n are movable in relation to the container 100 arranged, in the present case all trays 105 are connected and can be moved together. An aperture 305 with a recess 310 controls a user's access 135 , the recess 310 preferably in the area of the opening 210 of the vehicle 200 lies. Through the recess 310 can on one of the shelves 105 can be accessed while simultaneously accessing the other trays 105 is prevented. Depending on the position in which the movable shelves are 105 can be controlled so on which of the shelves 105 can be accessed.

Moving the shelves 105 can be done when accessing the recess 310 is otherwise prevented, especially if the opening 210 of the vehicle 200 by means of the door 215 or the mouth 220 is closed.

Another closure in the area of the opening can optionally be used 210 be attached, which can be closed to prevent access.

In 3rd are the shelves 105 arranged in the manner of a paternoster elevator. Over an upper wheel 315 and a lower wheel 320 is a chain 325 placed on the shelves 105 are attached at predetermined intervals by means of rotatable fasteners. Become one of the wheels 315 , 320 rotated, the chain moves 325 lengthways and the trays 105 appear one after the other in the area of the recess 310 . The chain 325 can also be redirected by additional wheels for more storage 105 to attach. In another embodiment, only one of the wheels is 315 , 320 provided the chain 325 omitted and the shelves 105 are directly on the remaining wheel 315 , 320 attached. This principle is also known as revolver magazine or ferris wheel magazine.

4th shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 to control a container 100 on board a vehicle 200 , in particular a motor vehicle. To carry out the procedure 400 can elements of the container 100 and the vehicle 200 interact, for which purpose communication via the interfaces 150 and 225 can be done.

In one step 405 becomes a user's access request 135 detected. The container can request access 100 be determined, for example, by actuating the input device 130 or by means of the scanner 140 . The access request can also be made by the vehicle 100 can be determined, in particular by means of the scanning device 240 .

In one step 410 authentication of the user is preferred 135 checked. This means that it is determined on which shelf 105 the user 135 want to access and access by the user 135 on this shelf 105 is provided. For example, access to remove an item 110 from an empty shelf 105 or access to drop an item 110 in an already filled shelf 105 be denied. In addition, it can be determined whether an inquiring person is actually a predetermined user 135 acts. For this purpose, an authentication can be carried out, for example by checking a biometric feature. Alternatively, the legitimation can be based on a non-public, the user 135 accessible information such as an access code can be determined. The information can be stored in a token that the user 135 is accessible. The token can be read out for example by means of RFID technology or in the form of a binary optical code, in particular a one or two-dimensional code such as a bar code or a QR code. The identification information and the information on which filing 105 to be accessed can be connected.

In one step 415 can access the vehicle 100 in the area of the container 100 to be controlled. A door in particular can do this 215 or flap 220 making the opening 210 hidden behind which the container is 100 on board the vehicle 100 located, unlocked or opened. In one embodiment, access can be through the opening 210 can also be made available to a user 135 to allow further with the container 100 to interact. In this case, part of the above with regard to the steps 405 , 410 mentioned tasks only in or after the step 415 be performed.

Optionally, in one step 420 one of the shelves 105 be prepared for the desired access. Is the shelf 105 movable, so it can be placed in a position where it can be accessed. In a subsequent step 425 can access the shelf 105 to be controlled. Especially when the container 100 or the filing 105 has its own access protection, this can be solved. Alternatively, the through the vehicle 100 realized access protection can only be lifted when the container 100 is ready to access the desired storage 105 to allow.

In one step 430 can the container 100 and / or the vehicle 100 be closed again. Is an actuator 155 provided this can be used to open the door 215 or flap 220 , through which access to the shelf 105 was enabled to close again.

Reference list

100

container

105

Filing

105.1

first filing

105.2

second shelf

105.3

third shelf

105.4

fourth shelf

110

object

110.1

first item

110.2

second object

110.3

third item

110.4

fourth subject

115

Tumbler

115.1

first tumbler

115.2

second tumbler

115.3

third tumbler

115.4

fourth tumbler

120

Processing device

125

Input device

130

Dispenser

135

user

140

Scanner

145

code

150

interface

155

Actuator

200

vehicle

205

cell

210

opening

215

door

218

window

220

flap

225

interface

230

Processing device

235

Actuator / guard locking

240

Scanner

305

cover

310

Recess

315

first wheel

320

second wheel

400

method

405

Capture access request

410

Check legitimation

415

Control access to vehicle

420

Prepare shelf

425

Control access storage

430

lock

Claims (14)

Container (100) for mounting in a vehicle (200), the container (100) comprising: - a first lockable shelf (105) for receiving a first object (110); - A second lockable shelf (105) for receiving a second object (110); - The container (100) being set up to be attached to the inside of an opening (210) of the vehicle (200) which is accessible from the outside, so that the trays (105) from outside the vehicle (200) only through the opening (210 ) are accessible. Container (100) after Claim 1 , wherein the container (100) is set up to connect flush to the opening (210). Container (100) after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the opening (210) can be closed by means of a closure (215, 218, 220); wherein the container (100) further includes an interface for connection to the vehicle (200) to connect access to one of the trays (105) with access to the opening (210). Container (100) after Claim 3 , further comprising a processing device which is set up to determine a user (135) access request to one of the trays (105) and the user (135) access to the tray (105) and through the closure (215, 218, 220) to control. Container (100) after Claim 4 , further comprising a scanner for user authentication (135). Container (100) according to one of the Claims 3 to 5 , further comprising a processing device for controlling access by a user (135) to one of the stores (105) as a function of a signal received via the interface. A container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the trays (105) is movable relative to the vehicle (200) so that the tray (105) can be moved to a first position in which it can be passed through the opening (210) is accessible, or in a second position in which it is inaccessible through the opening (210). The container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator for closing a closure (215, 218, 220) that is configured to close the opening (210). Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (210) can be closed by means of a displaceable element and the shelves (105) are arranged along a sliding path of the element. A vehicle (200) comprising: - a cell (205) that separates an interior from an exterior of the vehicle (200); - An opening (210) in the cell so that the interior is accessible from the outside through the opening (210); - a closure (215, 218, 220) of the opening (210); - an actuator (235) to control access to the interior through the opening (210); - The vehicle (200) being set up to receive a container (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (200) after Claim 10 , further comprising an access control (230) which is set up to control access to the opening (210) and access to one of the trays (105) of the container (100). Vehicle (200) after Claim 11 , wherein the access control (230) is set up to legitimize a user (135). System (100, 200) comprising a container (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 and a vehicle (200) according to one of the Claims 10 to 12th . Method (400) for controlling a system according to Claim 13 , the method comprising the following steps: - detecting (405) an access request by a user (135) to a shelf (105) of the container (100); - checking (410) a legitimation of the user (135); and - controlling (415, 425) access to the closure (215, 218, 220) of the opening (210) of the vehicle (200) and to the shelf (105).

Images