DE202018102800U1 - Device for storing objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for storing objects, comprising: - a space (2) into which objects can be introduced, - a flap (3) which can close an opening (4) of the space (2), - a closing device (5 ), which can block a movement of the flap (3) which releases the opening (4), - an electronic control unit (6) arranged to actuate the closing device (5) in response to a closing signal, - an identification device (7) via which the Device (1) can be identified, - a processing device (8), configured for actuating the electronic control unit (6) in dependence on a legitimization signal, which the processing device (8) of at least one higher-level management device (9) or a mobile terminal (10) provided.

Description

The invention relates to a device for storing objects, a processing device for a device for storing objects and a network. The invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with a locker and / or a wall with lockers for use.

It is known to store items in lockers. In this context, for example, at stations and / or airports vorzufindende walls are known in which a plurality of lockers are arranged one above the other and next to each other. Such lockers are usually each equipped with, for example, a coin slot, a banknote feeder and / or a Geldkarteneinschub having conventional payment interface at which a user can pay for a period of use of the respective locker. However, corresponding conventional payment interfaces have the disadvantage that they are usually arranged in an area that is free and immediately accessible to users or other passersby, so that these conventional payment interfaces may fall victim to vandalism or even be deliberately broken up. Moreover, fixed tariffs (stored) stored in the payment interface, or even fixed usage periods, can usually only be selected at such conventional payment interfaces.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention, at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a device for storing objects, a processing device for a device for storing objects as well as a network are specified, each of which at least contribute to reducing an attack surface for vandalism or even targeted attacks. In addition, in particular more flexible billing options, a higher capacity utilization and / or lower maintenance requirements are to be provided.

These objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent protection claims can be combined with each other in any technologically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the claims in the description are specified and explained in more detail, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

• - einen Raum, in den Gegenstände einbringbar sind,
• - eine Klappe, die eine Öffnung des Raums schließen kann,
• - eine Schließeinrichtung, die eine die Öffnung freigebende Bewegung der Klappe blockieren kann,
• - eine elektronische Steuereinheit, eingerichtet zum Betätigen der Schließeinrichtung in Abhängigkeit eines Schließsignals,
• - eine Identifikationseinrichtung, über die die Vorrichtung identifiziert werden kann,
• - eine (digitale) Verarbeitungseinrichtung, eingerichtet zum Betätigen der elektronischen Steuereinheit in Abhängigkeit eines Legitimationssignals, welches der Verarbeitungseinrichtung von zumindest einer übergeordneten Verwaltungseinrichtung oder einem mobilen Endgerät bereitgestellt wird.

Proposed here is a device for storing objects, comprising:

• - a room in which objects can be brought in,
• - a flap that can close an opening in the room,
• a locking device which can block a movement of the flap which releases the opening,
• an electronic control unit configured to actuate the closing device in response to a closing signal,
• an identification device by means of which the device can be identified,
• - A (digital) processing device, configured to operate the electronic control unit in response to a legitimization signal, which is provided to the processing means of at least one higher-level management device or a mobile terminal.

The closing device may for example comprise one or more locking bolts, which can be moved by a locking mechanism into a closed position and back out of this. The locking pins can be held in the (first) housing or in the flap. Accordingly, openings in which the striker bolts can engage to block a (pivoting) movement of the flap may be disposed in the flap or the (first) housing. The electronic control unit can actuate the closing mechanism, for example, by a corresponding energization of the closing mechanism. Hereby, the control unit may cause the closing mechanism to move the locking bolts to the closed position when the control unit has received a closing signal. The closing signal is usually sent from the processing device to the control unit. The closing signal may contain information about how long the locking bolts are to remain in the closed position or after what period the locking bolts are to be moved out of the closed position again.

The electronic control unit can be made considerably simpler than control units of conventional coin-operated lockers. Thus, it is proposed according to a particularly advantageous embodiment that the electronic control unit only in the manner of an electronic Switch is executed, which energized in response to a closing signal, the closing device or not. In particular, the electronic control unit does not comprise a relay, as required in particular in conventional coin-operated lockers.

The (digital) processing device is set up to operate the electronic control unit in response to a legitimation signal. For this purpose, the processing device may cause the control unit, for example by sending the closing signal, to energize the closing mechanism by way of example in such a way that the locking bolts are moved into the closed position and remain there for a duration possibly determined by the processing device and / or the legitimizing signal.

The legitimization signal is provided to the processing device by at least one higher-level administrative device or a mobile terminal. The higher-level administrative device can be, for example, a central server and / or a so-called "cloud". The mobile terminal may, for example, be a so-called "smartphone" or a portable computer, in particular a so-called "tablet" computer. The legitimisation signal may contain information about the (booked) period of use and the relevant (booked) device or space.

In this case, provision is made in particular for the locking mechanism not simply to open after the booked period of use has expired. Rather, it can be provided that the locking mechanism opens only when the user is actually on site, which, for example via an acknowledgment on the mobile terminal, an operation of the manual actuator and / or a detection of the mobile terminal within a predefined distance to the Device, which can be detected for example via near field communication technology (NFC), can be realized. If the user is not on the spot after expiry of the booked period of use, it may be provided that the further period of use is billed with a possibly higher amount.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the electronic control unit and the processing device are combined with each other. For example, these can be accommodated and / or integrated in a common (electronic) module. This module may for example be accommodated and / or mounted on the back of the device.

Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the electronic control unit and the processing device are arranged separately from one another. In this context, the electronic control unit can be located, for example, in or on the first housing and the processing device can be located, for example, in or on the second housing.

Preferably, the device further comprises a first housing and a second housing. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the space is arranged in the first housing. Further preferably, the processing device is arranged in the second housing. The second housing is preferably arranged at a distance from the first housing. Alternatively, the second housing may be arranged on a (facing away from the flap) back of the first housing. Preferably, the second housing is separated from and / or objected to by the first housing such that the processing device is disposed separately from an area that is free and immediately accessible to users or other passers-by (in the second housing). For example, the second housing may surround a service room provided with a lockable door which is accessible only to maintenance personnel. As a result, the processing device can be arranged in a particularly advantageous manner separately from a freely and immediately accessible to users or other passers-by area.

In this connection, it is further preferred that at least two rooms are arranged in the first housing, wherein a flap, a closing device, an electronic control unit and an identification device over which the space can be identified are present for each room. Preferably, the first housing is formed in the manner of a wall in which a plurality of (closable) spaces are formed one above the other and next to one another. It is further preferred that the (at least two) electronic control units are connected to a common processing device (signal-technically), which is particularly preferably arranged in the second housing. Alternatively, however, it may be provided that a processing device is provided in the second housing for each room, which is in particular connected to the relevant electronic control unit (signal technology).

The or each (belonging to a room) control unit is preferably connected via a wired signal line (signaling technology) with the belonging to the same room or a common processing device. If a first and a second housing are provided, extends the signal line or the signal lines usually (also) extend between the first housing and the second housing. The processing device (s) is / are preferably connectable or connected via a radio link to the superordinate administrative device and / or the mobile terminal.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the legitimization signal is formed as a function of the identified space. Preferably, the authentication signal is formed using information for identification provided using the identification means.

For example, a mobile terminal can read in / out an identification device (associated with a room) and thus obtain information which can contribute to the identification of the relevant room. Alternatively or cumulatively, a user may enter information into the mobile terminal that may help identify the space in question. For example, the mobile terminal could read in / out an identification device (associated with a room) and thus obtain information for identifying a device. In this connection, a user could additionally input information for identifying the relevant space within the (identified) device (e.g., room number 1 of the identified device) in the mobile terminal. In addition, it can be provided that the mobile terminal can read in or read out an identification device (associated with a room) and thus obtain (directly) information for identifying the room.

Via the mobile terminal, the information (thus obtained) can be provided for identifying the space of the superordinate administrative facility and / or (directly) the processing facility. In this context, it may be provided, for example, that a user can determine a (in particular for the identified space), in particular a flexibly determinable use duration, via the mobile terminal. For example, an application could be installed on the mobile terminal which provides the information for identifying the space of the superordinate administrative facility and / or (directly) the processing facility, and in particular receives a (time) occupancy schedule of the (relevant) space in response. The user can then specify or reserve the duration of use in the application, in particular on the basis of the allocation plan.

In addition, it can be provided here that the user can pay for the duration of use in the application (directly) or within a service called up by the application (online). This advantageously allows a so-called "prepaid" solution, so that the device can manage in a particularly advantageous manner without (conventional) payment interface. Instead of a "prepaid" solution could also be a payment on account, which may also mean that the device can get along in a particularly advantageous manner without (conventional) payment interface.

In addition, the occupancy plan may be arranged to specify flexible rates. For example, provision could be made for a tariff (price per minute) issued by the occupancy plan in connection with the room to be reduced or reduced if the room in question is not occupied for an extended period of time. Furthermore, provision could be made for a tariff (price per minute) issued by the occupancy schedule in connection with the room to be reduced over a certain period of time if a low occupancy probability is to be expected during this period (for example due to statistical surveys).

After the user has determined or reserved or even booked the period of use of the (identified) room with the application, the application can provide corresponding information to the higher-level administrative unit. The higher-level management device can then form a legitimization signal in dependence on this information. This legitimizing signal contains an example of information about the space and the duration of use. This represents an example of how the legitimization signal can be formed depending on the identified space. Alternatively, the legitimation signal could be formed (directly) by the application.

The legitimization signal can then be provided to the processing device of the device so that the processing device can form and / or output the closing signal as a function of the legitimizing signal. If the higher-level management device has formed the legitimization signal, it can transmit the legitimization signal directly (for example via a (direct) radio link) or indirectly (for example via the mobile terminal) to the processing device of the device. If the application has formed the authentication signal, the mobile terminal can transmit the legitimization signal directly to the processing device of the device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the identification device comprises an optically identifiable identification means. Preferably, at least part of the Identification means arranged to be (only) by means of an optical sensor (such as a camera) of a mobile terminal read in and / or (only) using the mobile terminal (on the example, a corresponding, usable for this application is installed ) can be identified. Preferably, the identification means comprises a QR code (a two-dimensional code) and / or a bar code (bar code). Further preferably, the identification means comprises a QR code (or bar code) and a number (or a letter). Alternatively or cumulatively, the identification device may comprise an RFID technology-based chip, in particular a near field communication chip (NFC chip).

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the processing device is set up to provide the closing signal as a function of the legitimization signal. As indicated above, the legitimating signal may include information about the room and / or information about the period of use. The closing signal may now also contain, for example, this information about the period of use and / or be output during the period of use (continuously) from the processing device. In particular, if a common processing device for a plurality of control units (or more rooms with associated control units) is provided, the legitimization signal may also contain information about the room. This may allow the common processing device to provide the closing signal for the correct space or to transmit it to the correct control unit.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device further comprises a manual actuating device, configured for actuating the electronic control unit in response to a manual actuation of an actuating means of the actuating device. The (manual) actuating means may be, for example, a key. For example, the control unit can be set up such that it can be actuated both by the processing device and by the manual actuating device. In this context it can be provided that the closing signal can put the control unit in a kind of standby state, in or during which the control unit can actuate the closing device. In this case, moreover, provision may be made for the (actual) actuation of the closing device (opening or closing) to take place only when (during the standby state) a manual actuation of the actuating means of the actuating device takes place. A corresponding standby state can in particular begin at the beginning and / or end of a period of use, have a certain minimum duration and / or end with the manual actuation of the actuating means of the actuating device.

The manual operating device also contributes in particular to the fact that the user deliberately opens the device and, for example, does not unexpectedly open the device after expiry of a booked period of use or in the event of an accidental actuation of the mobile terminal. In order to avoid an unexpected opening, alternatively or cumulatively, an approach device (described in more detail below) can contribute, which, moreover, can contribute to a non-contact operation of the device in a particularly advantageous manner.

Further preferably, the device comprises an approach device, configured to actuate the electronic control unit in response to an approach of a user and / or (specific) mobile terminal to the device.

For this purpose, the approaching device can be set up to detect the presence of a (specific) mobile terminal (namely that of the user who has booked the duration of use) within a predefined distance to the device, for example via inductive methods and / or near-field communication technology (NFC). is detectable. For example, the control unit can be set up such that it can be actuated both by the processing device and by the approach device. In this context it can be provided that the closing signal can put the control unit in a kind of standby state, in or during which the control unit can actuate the closing device. In this case, moreover, provision may be made for the (actual) actuation of the closing device (opening or closing) to take place only when (during the standby state) an approach of a user and / or (specific) mobile terminal to the device detected by means of the approach device he follows. A corresponding standby state can in particular begin at the beginning and / or end of a period of use, have a certain minimum duration and / or end with a detected approach. The approach device can also be set up to detect an inductive or capacitive influencing of an electric field in the region of the device, which is triggered by the approach of a user. In a preferred embodiment, the device is arranged so that the flap opens when the user moves a hand in a certain area in front of the flap. This area is preferably displayed to the user on the device by a corresponding note. Whether the user has one Hand moved into the area is monitored inductively or capacitively by the approach device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device further comprises a signaling device, configured for outputting a signal as a function of the operating state of the device. The signal device is preferably an optical signal device. This may include one or more bulbs. Preferably, the signaling device comprises at least one light source per space. The signaling device can be set up, for example, such that a first illuminant illuminates when the space is not closed (assignable), and a second illuminant illuminates when the space is closed (occupied).

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the legitimization signal is formed as a function of a period of use. In this connection, reference may be made to the above explanations concerning the legitimation signal. Preferably, the period of use is flexible or can be selected as needed and / or possibly even be extended. This can be carried out in an advantageous manner via an application discussed above and installed on the mobile terminal.

The legitimizing signal is preferably formed as a function of the identified device or of an identified space of the device. In this context too, reference may be made to the above explanations regarding the legitimization signal.

According to a further aspect, a device for storing objects is proposed, which is set up to actuate an electronic control unit of the device in response to a legitimization signal which is provided to the processing device by at least one higher-level management device or a mobile terminal.

According to a further aspect, a network is proposed, comprising a superordinate administrative device, at least one mobile terminal and at least one device proposed here or a processing device proposed here. There may be a multiplicity of devices proposed here and / or a large number of mobile terminals in the network or connected to the network.

The details, features and advantageous embodiments discussed in connection with the device can accordingly also occur with the management device and / or the network presented here, and vice versa. In that regard, reference is made in full to the statements there for a more detailed characterization of the features.

• 1: eine hier vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung,
• 2: eine weitere hier vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung,
• 3: eine weitere hier vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung,
• 4: ein hier vorgeschlagenes Netzwerk.

The solution presented here and its technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited by the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and / or findings from other figures and / or the present description. They show schematically:

• 1 a device proposed here,
• 2 another device proposed here
• 3 another device proposed here
• 4 : a network proposed here.

1 schematically shows a device proposed here 1 , The device 1 serves for the storage of objects. The device 1 includes a room 2 , in which objects can be introduced, a flap 3 that have an opening 4 of the room 2 can close a locking device 5 one opening 4 releasing movement of the flap 3 can block as well as an electronic control unit 6 , set up for actuating the locking device 5 in response to a closing signal. In addition, the device includes 1 an identification device 7 about which the device 1 can be identified and a (digital) processing device 8th , set up to operate the electronic control unit 6 depending on a legitimization signal, which the processing device 8th from at least one higher level administrative entity 9 (not shown here, cf. 4 ) or a mobile device 10 (not shown here, cf. 4 ) provided.

The locking device 5 is indicated here by way of example with two locking bolts, which in corresponding (also in 1 indicated) openings of the flap 3 for blocking a pivoting movement of the flap 3 can intervene.

As shown 1 are the electronic control unit 6 and the processing device 8th combined together. This combined unit can, for example, have an in 1 indicated radio communication with the parent management device and / or a mobile terminal communicate.

The identification device 7 here has an optically identifiable identification means 13 on. The means of identification 13 includes as shown by 1 a QR code.

In the 1 illustrated device 1 further comprises a manual actuator 14 , arranged for actuating the electronic control unit 6 in response to a manual operation of an actuating means 15 the actuator 14 , The actuating means 15 is here exemplified in the manner of a round button.

In addition, the device includes 1 a signaling device 17 configured to output a signal in dependence on an operating state of the device 1 , The signaling device 17 is an example of an optical signal device and includes here for illustrative purposes two light sources.

2 schematically shows another device proposed here 1 , The device 1 to 2 has many similarities with the device 1 on. In addition, the reference numerals are used uniformly here. Therefore, especially the differences to the device below 1 according to 1 explained.

As shown 2 has the device 1 exemplary four rooms 2 (not shown here, but illustrated by their flaps 3 ) on. These are in a (common) housing 11 arranged. Thus illustrated 2 a device 1 in which at least two rooms 2 in a (first) housing 11 are arranged, with each room 2 a flap 3 , a closing device 5 , an electronic control unit 6 and an identification device 7 about which the room 2 can be identified exists.

The control units 6 (not shown here) are each with the (common) processing device 8th , For example, via a wired signal line (signal technology) connected. In 2 the signal lines and their exemplary curves are indicated by different dashed lines.

Another difference to the device 1 to 1 is that the means of identification 13 includes a QR code and a number. The QR code could be the device 1 and the number the room 2 the device 1 identify.

3 schematically shows another device proposed here 1 , The device 1 to 3 has many similarities with the device 2 on. In addition, the reference numerals are used uniformly here. Therefore, especially the differences to the device below 1 according to 2 explained.

The device 1 according to 2 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 , These are spaced from each other. In the first case 11 it can, for example, be a wall in which four rooms 2 (indicated by the flaps 3 ) are arranged. The first case 11 can thus be formed in the manner of a locker wall.

The processing device 8th is here in the second housing 12 arranged. The second housing 12 For example, it may surround a service room provided with a lockable door which is accessible only to maintenance personnel. The illustrated size of the second housing 12 , in particular in relation to the first housing 11 is just an example. So can the second case 12 also be made significantly smaller. In particular, the second housing needs 12 not be accessible. This allows the processing device 8th be arranged separately from a free and immediately accessible to users or other passers-by area.

The differently trimmed lines in turn indicate the exemplary signal lines and their exemplary profiles for (signaling) connection of the control units 6 (not shown here) with the (common) processing device 8th at.

4 schematically shows a network proposed here 16 , The network 16 includes a parent administration facility 9 , a mobile device 10 and a device presented here 1 ,

Proposed here are a device for storing objects, a processing device for a device for storing objects and a network which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. Specifically, there are provided an article storage apparatus, an article storage apparatus processing apparatus, and a network, each of which at least contribute to reducing an attack surface for vandalism or even targeted attacks. In addition, by means of the device, the processing device and the network in particular more flexible billing options, a higher capacity utilization and / or lower maintenance requirements can be provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

room

3

flap

4

opening

5

closing device

6

Electronic control unit

7

identification device

8th

processing device

9

Parent administrative facility

10

Mobile terminal

11

First case

12

Second housing

13

identification means

14

actuator

15

actuating means

16

network

17

Signal device

Claims (18)

Device (1) for storing objects, comprising: a space (2) into which objects can be introduced, a flap (3) which can close an opening (4) of the space (2), - A locking device (5) which can block the opening (4) releasing movement of the flap (3), - An electronic control unit (6), arranged for actuating the closing device (5) in response to a closing signal, an identification device (7) by means of which the device (1) can be identified, - A processing device (8), adapted for operating the electronic control unit (6) in response to a legitimization signal which the processing means (8) of at least one higher-level management device (9) or a mobile terminal (10) is provided. Device after Claim 1 wherein the electronic control unit (6) and the processing device (8) are combined with each other. Device after Claim 1 , further comprising a first housing (11) and a second housing (12). Device after Claim 3 wherein the space (2) is arranged in the first housing (11). Device after Claim 3 or 4 wherein the processing device (8) is arranged in the second housing (12). Device according to one of Claims 3 to 5 in which at least two spaces (2) are arranged in the first housing (11), wherein for each space (2) a flap (3), a closing device (5), an electronic control unit (6) and an identification device (7), over which the space (2) can be identified exists. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the legitimizing signal is formed as a function of the identified space (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification device (7) comprises an optically identifiable identification means (13). Device after Claim 8 wherein the identification means (13) comprises a QR code. Device after Claim 8 or 9 wherein the identification means (13) comprises a QR code and a number. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (8) is adapted to provide the closing signal in response to the legitimization signal. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a manual actuator (14) arranged to actuate the electronic control unit (6) in response to manual actuation of an actuator (15) of the actuator (14). Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an approach device, arranged for actuating the electronic control unit (6) in response to an approach of a user and / or mobile terminal (10) to the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a signaling device (17) configured to output a signal in dependence on an operating state of the device (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the legitimizing signal is formed as a function of a period of use. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the legitimizing signal is formed as a function of the identified device. Processing device (8) for a device (1) for storing objects, configured for actuating an electronic control unit (6) of the device (1) as a function of a legitimization signal, which the processing device (8) of at least one higher-level management device (9) or a mobile terminal (10) is provided. Network (16), comprising a higher-level management device (9), at least one mobile terminal (10) and at least one device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 16 or a processing device (8) Claim 17 ,

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