FR3119919A1 - Electric battery rental device and associated assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for renting electric batteries and associated assembly The present invention relates to a device (14) for renting electric batteries (12), each electric battery (12) being referenced by an identifier accessible via an identification datum written on the battery ( 12), the rental device (14) comprising a structure (16) in which is provided an opening (18) for the passage of the batteries (12) referenced, the structure (16) comprising: - a support (24) comprising a plurality of housings for receiving and charging batteries (12), and - a routing unit (26) suitable for, during a rental request, routing a battery (12) referenced, from the housing of the support (24 ) in which the battery (12) is charging, to the opening (18), and when returning a battery (12), conveying the battery (12) to an available housing for charging the battery (12). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Device for renting electric batteries and associated assembly

The present invention relates to a device for renting electric batteries. The present invention also relates to an associated assembly.

Electrical devices, especially portable ones, are an integral part of our daily lives. Such devices are powered by batteries of limited capacity, which requires them to be recharged regularly.

To this end, many public spaces, such as stations or public transport, are equipped with connectors to power the batteries of electrical devices.

However, the connectors being in limited number, in case of affluence, it is sometimes difficult to find an available connector. In addition, on the move, the user does not always have enough time for the charge to take place.

There is therefore a need for a system allowing a user to recharge the battery of his electrical device quickly and without affecting his movements.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for renting electric batteries, each electric battery being referenced by an identifier accessible via an identification datum written on the battery, the rental device comprising a structure in which a opening for the passage of the referenced batteries, the structure comprising:

• a payment unit suitable for acquiring payment data relating to a battery rental request and for communicating said data to an external server for validation of the payment,
• a battery identification unit capable of identifying each referenced battery introduced into the opening of the structure by reading the identification data written on the battery,
• a support comprising a plurality of housings for receiving and charging batteries, each housing comprising a connector capable of being connected, on the one hand, to an electrical network and, on the other hand, to a referenced battery received in the housing for charge the battery, and
• a routing unit specific to:
  • during a rental request, after validation of the corresponding payment, transport a referenced battery, from the housing of the support in which the battery is charging, to the opening, and
  • upon return of a battery referenced by the opening, after identification of the battery by the identification unit and when the carrier includes available slots, routing the battery to an available slot to charge the battery.

According to particular embodiments, the device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

- The device comprises a shielded box for storing referenced batteries returned when the support has no available housing;

- the identification unit includes:

1. a first identification device capable of determining whether an element introduced into the opening is a referenced battery, by reading any identification data written on the element, and
2. a second identification member suitable for identifying each referenced battery by reading the identification data written on the battery;

- The support is a rotating barrel in which the housings for receiving and charging the batteries are formed;

- the transport unit is only movable in vertical and horizontal translation;

• the device includes a controller configured to:

1. during a rental request, after validation of the corresponding payment, determining the referenced battery to be transported by the routing unit, among the batteries in charge in the support, according to first information comprising the identifiers of the batteries in charge in the structure, the housing of said batteries and the state of charge of said batteries, and
2. when returning a referenced battery, when the structure includes available housing, determine a housing for charging the returned battery based on the first information;

- the controller is configured to update data representative of the wear and tear of each battery each time the battery is rented;

- the device is such that:

1. during a rental request, a deposit is associated with the payment, the controller being configured to record in a database the identifier of the rented battery, associated with an identifier relating to the payment, and
2. when returning a referenced battery, the controller is configured to update the database by disassociating the identifier of the returned battery and the identifier relating to the payment, and to cancel the deposit;

- the structure comprises a disinfection unit, the disinfection unit advantageously comprising an ultraviolet lamp.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:

1. a plurality of electric batteries, each electric battery being referenced by an identifier accessible via identification data written on the battery,
2. at least one electric battery rental device referenced as defined above.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings which are:

• [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an assembly comprising batteries and a device for renting these batteries,
• [Fig 2] Figure 2 is an example of a schematic representation of part of a rental device, the part shown illustrating a support comprising housings for receiving and charging batteries and a routing unit of batteries, and
• [Fig 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part of the rental device of Figure 2, the routing unit having moved in vertical and horizontal translation.

An assembly 10 comprising batteries 12 and a device 14 for renting said batteries 12 is illustrated by the .

Batteries 12 are electric batteries for electrical appliances. The batteries 12 are, for example, identical, that is to say suitable for powering electrical appliances of the same type. As a variant, at least two models of batteries 12 are provided, in order to power electrical devices of different kinds (mobile telephone and laptop computer for example).

For example, at least one battery 12 is chosen from the group consisting of: an external cell phone battery, an external laptop battery and a battery for a vehicle, such as a bicycle or an electric car with a removable battery.

The batteries are, for example, lithium-ion batteries.

The batteries 12 are said to be referenced in the sense that each battery 12 has an identifier of its own. The identifier of each battery 12 is in particular accessible via an identification datum written on the battery 12. The identification datum is thus readable by a dedicated reader. The identification data is, for example, in the form of a bidirectional code, such as a QR code (from the English “quick response code” translated into French by “code à response rapide”) or a code- bars, an RFID tag (from the English "radio frequency identification" translated into French by "identification radiofrequency), or even a series of alphanumeric characters.

The rental device 14 is suitable for renting the batteries 12.

The rental device 14 comprises a structure 16 acting as a container for a set of elements of the rental device 14 (described in the following description). The structure 16 is, for example, a parallelepiped box.

Advantageously, the structure 16 is shielded. This makes it possible to avoid possible electromagnetic disturbances for the electrical appliances positioned near the rental device 14.

Advantageously, the structure 16 is made of an airtight material, such as stainless steel, for example 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Advantageously, the structure 16 is ventilated and/or air-conditioned. In this case, the structure 16 is, for example, equipped with fans and/or air conditioners.

The structure 16 has an opening 18, provided in the structure 16, and adapted for the passage of batteries 12 referenced. In other words, the dimensions of the opening 18 are adapted to the dimensions of the batteries 12 to allow the introduction of batteries 12 into the structure 16 or the extraction (removal) of batteries 12 from the structure 16.

As schematically illustrated by the , the structure 16 comprises a payment unit 20, an identification unit 22, a support 24 and a routing unit 26. Preferably, the structure 16 also comprises one or more of the following elements: a shielded box 28, a user interface 30, a controller 32, and a disinfection unit 34. The elements located inside the structure 10 and not directly accessible by a user are illustrated in dotted lines on the .

The payment unit 20 is able to acquire data from a payment relating to a rental request for a battery 12 and to communicate said data to an external server, such as the server 36 illustrated in , for confirmation of payment. The payment unit 20 is accessible by a user from outside the structure 16.

The payment unit 20 is, for example, an electronic terminal. The external server is, for example, a bank server. The payment includes, for example, an actual payment for the actual rental of the battery 12 and a deposit. The deposit is, for example, withdrawn and then returned upon return of the recognized and corresponding battery 12 or only blocked on an account until the return of the battery 12. In an exemplary implementation, the payment is only validated when the user's account has been the subject of a balance check (including the fixed amount of the deposit) via the banking server.

The identification unit 22 is able to identify each battery referenced 12, introduced into the opening 18 of the structure 16, by reading the identification data written on the battery 12. The identification unit 22 is typically inside the structure 16 so as not to be accessible to a user.

Advantageously, the identification unit 22 is also able to identify the batteries being charged in the structure 16.

In one example, the identification unit 22 includes a first identification member and a second identification member.

The first identification member is able to determine whether an element introduced into the opening 18 is a referenced battery 12, by reading any identification data written on the element. Thus, when the element introduced does not include identification data or includes unrecognized identification data, the element introduced is considered to be different from a battery 12 and is not introduced further downstream in the rental device 14. The first identification member is preferably arranged at the level of the opening 18 formed in the structure 16.

The second identification member is able to identify each battery 12 referenced by reading the identification data written on the battery 12. The second identification member is preferably arranged downstream of the first identification member, so that the identification data of the battery 12 introduced into the opening 18, is first read by the first identification member, then, if necessary, by the second identification member. For example, the second identification device is integrated in the transport unit 26. This makes it possible to reduce the duration of the charging process for the batteries 12.

In a variant, the identification unit 22 comprises a single identification member suitable for, on the one hand, determining whether the element introduced is a battery referenced 12 and, if such is the case, identifying the battery 12.

The support 24 is a frame comprising a plurality of housings 40 for receiving and charging batteries 12.

The support 24 is made of a material capable of supporting heavy weights, typically greater than or equal to 50 kilograms. Advantageously, the material of the support 24 is also chosen to take into account the cantilever effects of the supported elements. The support 24 is, for example, made of stainless steel.

Each housing 40 comprises an electrical connector 42 adapted to be connected, on the one hand, to an electrical network and, on the other hand, to a referenced battery 12 received in the housing 40 to charge the battery 12.

The housings 40 are adapted to the dimensions of the batteries 12 referenced. Thus, in one example, the support 24 comprises housings 40 of different sizes for charging batteries 12 of different types, and therefore sizes (batteries of mobile telephones, laptop computers, electric bicycles).

Optionally, each slot 40 is equipped with a detector to detect whether or not the slot 40 is occupied by a battery 12. The detector is, for example, a photodetector or a weight sensor.

The support 24 is typically inside the structure 16 so as not to be accessible to a user. The user thus does not have direct access to the batteries 12 being charged in the support 24.

Advantageously, the support 24 is mobile. For example, in the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, the support 24 is a rotating barrel in which the housings 40 for receiving and charging the batteries 12 are formed. a cylindrical piece in the shape of a barrel suitable for pivoting on itself. Such a barrel makes it possible to store a large number of batteries 12 while facilitating access to said batteries 12. Such a barrel also has the advantage of being compact. In this example, the support 24 comprises two types of housings of different sizes, which makes it possible to receive and charge batteries of different sizes. For example, the housings 40 in the upper part of the barrel are suitable for laptop computer batteries, and the housings in the lower part of the barrel, which are smaller, are suitable for mobile telephone batteries.

Alternatively, the support 24 is static, that is to say not mobile. For example, support 24 is a static cabinet in which housings 40 for receiving and charging batteries 12 are provided.

The routing unit 26 is suitable for routing batteries referenced 12 between the opening 18 and the housings 40 of the support 24.

During a rental request, the routing unit 26 is capable of, after validation of the corresponding payment, routing a referenced battery 12, from the housing 40 of the support 24 in which the battery 12 is charging, to the opening 18.

When a referenced battery 12 is returned, after identification of the battery 12 by the identification unit 22 and when the support 24 includes available slots 40, the routing unit 26 is able to route the battery 12, from the opening 18, to a housing 40 available to charge the battery 12.

Routing unit 26 is in an example implementation driven by controller 32.

The routing unit 26 comprises at least one routing member 44. The routing member 44 has a compartment 45 for receiving and transporting at least one battery 12.

Preferably, each routing member 44 is movable only in translation along directions perpendicular or parallel to each other, in particular in vertical and horizontal translation. Thus, in the example illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, the routing member 44 is movable in vertical translation on a rail 50. It has a gutter 46 (visible on the ) deployable in horizontal translation for the insertion of a battery 12 in a housing 40 or the reception of a battery 12 from its housing 40. In particular, the combination of the support 24 in the form of a rotating barrel and such a routing member 44 makes it possible to optimize the use of space and to increase the capacity in batteries 12 by making them accessible by a simple system (limited number of degrees of freedom), robust, fast and secure.

Alternatively, the or at least one conveying member 44 is movable in translation and in rotation. The routing member 44 is, for example, a motorized articulated arm.

As an optional addition, the routing unit 26 comprises two routing members 44: a first routing member 44A for transporting the batteries 12 only from the housings 40 of the support 24 towards the opening 18, and a second member routing 44B for transporting the batteries 12 only from the opening 18 to the housings 40 of the support 24.

As a variant, the conveying unit 26 comprises a single conveying member 44 suitable for transporting the batteries 12 between the housings 40 of the support 24 and the opening 18.

The shielded box 28 is suitable for storing batteries 12 referenced returned, when the support 24 has no housing 40 available. Shielding prevents electromagnetic interference. An example of a shielded box 28 is illustrated in the . The shielded box 28 thus makes it possible to accommodate an excess (potentially substantial in number) of batteries 12, without recharging them, in order to allow them to be redistributed to other rental devices 14 via human action.

The user interface 30 is suitable for acquiring commands from the user, in particular relating to the number of batteries 12 requested or to the nature of the batteries 12 requested. The user interface 30 is however optional insofar as in one embodiment, the rental device 14 is configured to deliver a single battery 12 of a single type once the payment has been validated.

Advantageously, the user interface 30 is capable of acquiring data relating to the defect of a battery 12. Such data is communicated by the user. For example, the data is then stored in a memory of the controller 32 and communicated directly to a central external server, such as the external server 60 illustrated in the , in order to avoid the transmission of the defective battery to another rental device 14. This will also make it possible to test this battery 12 as a priority during a maintenance process for the rental device 14 concerned.

The controller 32 is for example a computer comprising a calculation unit interacting with a computer program product which comprises an information carrier. The calculation unit comprises a processor and at least one memory. The information carrier is, for example, a memory. On the data carrier is stored the computer program product comprising program instructions.

The controller 32 is configured to, during a rental request, after validation of the corresponding payment, determine the referenced battery 12 to be routed by the routing unit 26, among the batteries 12 in charge in the support 24, according to first information comprising the identifiers of the batteries 12 being charged in the structure 16, the housing 40 of said batteries 12 and the state of charge of said batteries 12.

The pairs, identifiers of batteries 12 and corresponding housings 40 are, for example, stored in a database accessible by the controller 32. The database is, for example, stored in a memory of the controller 32. As a variant or in addition, the database is stored on an external server 60 (as illustrated in ) with which the controller 32 communicates (for example by a wireless link, such as a Wifi link). The external server 60 is preferably different from the external server 36 which made it possible to acquire the data.

The state of charge of the batteries 12 is, for example, also stored in a database accessible by the controller 32. The database is, for example, stored in a memory of the controller 32. In this case, the state is updated at different times depending on the initial state of charge and the charging time. As a variant, the state of charge of each battery 12 is communicated to the controller 32 via sensors present in the structure 16 and capable of measuring the charge of each battery 12 in real time.

The determination is, for example, made by the controller 32 so as to satisfy a first positioning criterion. The first positioning criterion stipulates, for example, that the battery 12 to be offered for rental is the most charged battery 12 and that, at equivalent charge, the battery offered is the battery closest to a reference point. In the example illustrated by figures 2 and 3, the reference point is, for example, the middle of rail 50.

As a variant, the battery 12 to be offered for rental is chosen randomly from among the batteries 12 being charged in the housings 40 of the support 24.

The controller 32 is also configured to, during the return of a referenced battery 12, when the structure 16 comprises available slots 40, determine a slot 40 for charging the returned battery 12 according to the first information.

The determination is, for example, made by the controller 32 so as to satisfy a second positioning criterion. The second positioning criterion stipulates, for example, that the battery 12 is routed to the available slot 40 closest to a reference point. This makes it possible to limit the wear of the routing unit 26-support 24 assembly while guaranteeing an optimal rental speed. In the example illustrated by figures 2 and 3, the reference point is, for example, the middle of rail 50.

Alternatively, battery 12 is routed to a randomly selected available slot 40.

Advantageously, when no housing 40 is available, the controller 32 commands the placement of the battery 12 in the shielded box 28, which is, for example, carried out by the routing unit 26.

Advantageously, the controller 32 is configured to update data representative of the wear of each battery 12 each time the battery 12 is rented. For example, the wear of each battery 12 is defined by a reference number stored in a database (list) accessible by the controller 32. The database is, for example, stored on an external server, such as the server 60 shown in , with which the controller 32 communicates (for example by a wireless link, such as a Wifi link). The controller 32 is then configured to increment the reference number of each battery 12 rented. When the reference number of a battery 12 is greater than a predetermined number, the battery 12 is considered used. A test is then carried out, during maintenance by a user, to evaluate the effective wear of the battery 12.

Advantageously, when a deposit is associated with the payment during a rental request, the controller 32 is configured to store in a database the identifier of the battery 12 rented, associated with an identifier relating to the payment. The identifier relating to the payment is a piece of data that uniquely identifies the transaction carried out. The database is, for example, stored in an external server remote from the controller 32, such as the server 60 (centralized) illustrated in , with which the controller 32 communicates (for example by a wireless link, such as a Wifi link). Thus, this information is also accessible to any other rental device 14 by which the battery 12 is likely to be returned later. When a referenced battery 12 is returned, the controller 32 is configured to update the database (associating the battery identifiers with the transaction identifiers) indicating that the battery 12 has been returned and to cancel the deposit.

It should be noted that the rental device 14 does not necessarily include an integrated controller. Alternatively, the controller 32 belongs to an entity located remotely and remotely communicates commands to the routing unit 26 in particular.

The disinfection unit 34 is suitable for disinfecting the interior of the structure 16 so as to eliminate the germs and microbes likely to be present on the returned batteries 12. The disinfection unit 34 is, for example, capable of disinfecting the interior of the structure 16 at predefined time intervals, for example periodically, such as every hour.

In one example, the disinfection unit 34 includes an ultraviolet lamp.

Alternatively, the disinfection unit 34 includes a vaporizer of a disinfectant gas or liquid.

An example of the operation of the rental device 14 will now be described.

In the example described, several slots 40 of support 24 are occupied by batteries 12 being charged and other slots 40 are empty.

In the case of a request for rental of batteries 12, the user communicates via the user interface 30 (when the latter is present) his choice of batteries 12 (model, number). He then makes the corresponding payment.

The payment unit 20 acquires the payment data relating to the rental request and communicates said data to an external server, such as a bank server, for validation of the payment.

The validation of the payment is communicated to the controller 32 which determines the battery 12 to be offered for rental and sends a routing command to the routing unit 26. The controller 32 also stores in a database the identifier of the rented battery 12, associated with a unique identifier relating to the payment.

Optionally, for example in parallel, the controller 32 updates data relating to the wear of the battery 12 chosen for the rental. This makes it possible to guarantee that the number of uses of each battery is less than a predetermined number (for example 1000) and thus that the battery considered is a priori operational.

The conveying unit 26 moves to extract the determined battery 12 from its housing 40 in the support 24 and then conveys it towards the opening 18.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the support 24 is a rotating barrel, the support 24 pivots on itself to position the determined battery 12 in the extraction field of the routing unit 26.

Optionally, the identification unit 22 identifies the battery 12 routed before its introduction into the opening 18. This makes it possible to verify that the battery 12 routed is indeed the one which had been determined. This thus makes it possible to guarantee the proper functioning of the entire charging loop, recognition and availability of the battery.

Once the battery 12 has been introduced into the opening 18, it is retrieved by the user for charging an electrical device.

In the case of the return of a rented battery 12, the battery 12 is introduced by the user into the opening 18 of the structure 16.

The identification unit 22 identifies the battery 12 returned by reading the identification data written on the battery 12. Any element not identified by the identification unit 22 is, for example, returned via the opening 18 to return to the user.

Once the battery 12 has been identified, the controller 32 determines, among the housings 40 available, the housing 40 of the support 24 in which to route the battery 12 to charge it (if necessary according to a positioning criterion as described above).

Furthermore, when a deposit has been associated with the payment, the controller 32 updates the corresponding database by dissociating the identifier of the rented battery 12 and the identifier relating to the payment. It also sends a deposit cancellation request to the corresponding external server (server 36 on the ).

The routing unit 26 moves to route the battery 12 to the determined housing 40. In an exemplary embodiment, when the support 24 is a rotating barrel, the support 24 pivots on itself to position the chosen housing 40 in the field of movement of the routing unit 26.

When no suitable housing 40 is available, the returned battery 12 is routed, for example through the routing unit 26, into the shielded box 28.

Thus, the rental device 14 meets the needs of a user wishing to recharge the battery 12 of an electrical device quickly and without limiting his movements. The 12 batteries offered for rental are already charged, the electrical device is operational quickly. In addition, since 12 batteries are rented to the user, the user is free to move.

Such a device is adaptable for charging all types of batteries 12, and all types of portable electronic devices with an integrated battery.

In addition, it should be noted that a network of rental devices 14 can be deployed over a given area, insofar as the different information (rented batteries, battery wear) are intended to be exchanged by the different location 14 via a centralized external server.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above can be combined to form new embodiments provided that they are technically compatible and that the invention described herein is not limited to the embodiments specifically described and that any other equivalent embodiment should be assimilated to the present invention.

Claims (10)

Device (14) for renting electric batteries (12), each electric battery (12) being referenced by an identifier accessible via identification data written on the battery (12), the rental device (14) comprising a structure ( 16) in which is formed an opening (18) for the passage of the batteries (12) referenced, the structure (16) comprising:

1. a payment unit (20) capable of acquiring payment data relating to a rental request for a battery (12) and of communicating said data to an external server (36) for validation of the payment,
2. an identification unit (22) of batteries (12) capable of identifying each referenced battery (12) introduced into the opening (18) of the structure (16) by reading the identification data written on the battery (12 ),
3. a support (24) comprising a plurality of housings (40) for receiving and charging batteries (12), each housing (40) comprising a connector (42) able to be connected, on the one hand, to an electrical network and , on the other hand, to a referenced battery (12) received in the housing (40) to charge the battery (12), and
4. a routing unit (26) suitable for:
   1. during a rental request, after validation of the corresponding payment, conveying a referenced battery (12), from the housing (40) of the support (24) in which the battery (12) is charging, towards the opening (18 ), And
   2. upon return of a battery (12) referenced by the opening (18), after identification of the battery (12) by the identification unit (22) and when the support (24) comprises housings (40) available, routing the battery (12) to an available slot (40) to charge the battery (12).

Device according to Claim 1, in which the device comprises a shielded box (28) for the storage of batteries (12) referenced returned when the support (24) has no available housings (40). Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the identification unit (22) comprises:

1. a first identification device suitable for determining whether an element introduced into the opening (18) is a referenced battery (12), by reading any identification data written on the element, and
2. a second identification device capable of identifying each battery (12) referenced by reading the identification data item written on the battery (12).

Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the support (24) is a rotating barrel in which the housings (40) for receiving and charging the batteries (12) are formed. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the conveying unit (26) is only movable in vertical and horizontal translation. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a controller (32) configured to:

1. during a rental request, after validation of the corresponding payment, determining the referenced battery (12) to be routed by the routing unit (26), among the batteries (12) in charge in the support (24), by function of first information comprising the identifiers of the batteries (12) being charged in the structure (16), the housing (40) of said batteries (12) and the state of charge of said batteries (12), and
2. when returning a referenced battery (12), when the structure (16) includes available housings (40), determining a housing (40) for charging the returned battery (12) based on the first information.

Device according to claim 6, in which the controller (32) is configured to update data representative of the wear and tear of each battery (12) each time the battery (12) is rented. Device according to claim 6 or 7, in which:

1. during a rental request, a deposit is associated with the payment, the controller (32) being configured to record in a database the identifier of the battery (12) rented, associated with an identifier relating to the payment, and
2. when a referenced battery (12) is returned, the controller (32) is configured to update the database by disassociating the identifier of the returned battery (12) and the identifier relating to the payment, and to cancel the deposit.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the structure (16) comprises a disinfection unit (34), the disinfection unit (34) advantageously comprising an ultraviolet lamp. Set (10) comprising:

1. a plurality of electric batteries (12), each electric battery (12) being referenced by an identifier accessible via identification data written on the battery (12),
2. at least one rental device (14) for the electric batteries (12) referenced, the device being according to any one of claims 1 to 9.