ITUB20155908A1 - LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND RECHARGING SYSTEM OF A PARK OF VEHICLES AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES - Google Patents

Description

LOGISTICS AND RECHARGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF A

PARK OF VEHICLES AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention refers to an automation and control system for the management of vehicles and electrical devices enabled for the transport of people. In particular, it refers to so-called "light" electric vehicles and devices, of the type used for example as a mobility aid for people suffering from motor difficulties.

However, it should be understood that the present invention can also be advantageously used in different fields and with reference to electric vehicles of different types, for example bicycles, scooters, minicars, cars, etc.

Brief description of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a system that simplifies and rationalizes all the technical and administrative operations related to the use, sharing and rental of vehicles and electrical devices by a plurality of users

As it is easy to imagine, in this context there is both the need to implement and develop the system from a purely technical point of view in relation to the charging of the batteries and the protection of parked vehicles in order to avoid unauthorized collection, and to manage the rental and shared use by multiple users under a more strictly administrative and commercial profile and therefore in relation to the calculation of rates based on the time of use, etc.

Therefore, by means of the present invention it is intended to overcome the problems set out above, and this is achieved through a system as defined in claim 1.

Further characteristics of the present invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The main advantages of the present invention are to be found in the ease of implementation and installation of the various components, in the possibility of operation both online (using the network connection it is possible to connect to the server remotely and to know in real time all the technical and functional characteristics of the different vehicles and electrical devices connected to the system such as vehicle identification, battery charge status, time of use, etc.) which offlìne (thanks to an internal memory card the system is able to store all the data of the system) maintaining a temporal consistency in the data (RTC), in the simplicity of activation / deactivation of users and vehicles; in the traceability of used and rented vehicles; in the system's ability to evaluate and manage the state of charge of the battery so as to be able to deliver to users a car with a battery charged no less than the value set by the service manager.

Another important advantage of the invention is that relating to the flexibility of the system which is able to manage different types of vehicles and electrical devices at the same time so as to satisfy most of the mobility needs of people.

Further advantages, together with the characteristics and methods of use of the present invention, will become evident from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example.

Brief description of the figures

Reference will be made to the drawings shown in the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a possible configuration of the system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view of a parking bar of the system of Figure 1; Figures 3 to 5 show a locking device and a connector according to the present invention; And

figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the present invention.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The present invention will be described below with reference to the figures indicated above.

In particular, referring first to Figure 1, this shows some elements of one of the possible configurations of the system 1 according to the present invention.

In more detail, part of a logistics and recharging management system for a fleet of electric vehicles is shown, designed for the supply of a mobility service to a plurality of users.

Such a system first of all comprises a plurality of stations 10, each for parking a vehicle (for simplicity not shown in the figure).

Each station 10 is certainly equipped with an electrical predisposition 50 suitable for the electrical connection of the parked vehicle to allow the battery of the vehicle itself to be recharged during parking.

Moreover, advantageously, the system comprises a mechanical locking device 52 of the parked vehicle to prevent its pick-up when not previously authorized.

Furthermore, necessarily, the system includes an apparatus for recharging the batteries of parked vehicles.

The whole system is supervised by a control unit 30 which in turn comprises:

o means for identifying users in order to authorize the pick-up of vehicles by deactivating the respective blocking devices; or means for storing in a database data relating to users and to pick-up times of corresponding vehicles;

or means for processing such data.

According to an embodiment, the system can further comprise:

o means for identifying and monitoring the main characteristics of the different vehicles connected to the system;

o means for remote management and monitoring of all installed systems.

Preferably, the means for identifying users comprise a reader of identification cards (badges) of the users themselves, and still preferably, readers and said cards are made according to RFID technology.

For example, the user can obtain the badge in two ways:

- electronically, by registering with an e-commerce portal of the service manager who will send a personalized badge enabling the user to access and use the service from any installed station;

- physically, at an authorized center which, through the use of a mobile POS, performs the temporary enabling. The authorized center in turn receives the badges from the rental service manager. The badges are filed on a database.

Once the user has obtained a badge enabled to collect a vehicle, he can go to one of the readers, for example placed on a totem 30 near the parking positions.

The withdrawal of a vehicle involves the approach of the enabled badge to a reader on the column (or TOTEM) which will verify the badge, and will unlock a vehicle by deactivating the mechanical locking device 52, for example through an electromechanical actuator 54.

This actuator is for example implemented by said control unit as a function of said data.

By way of example, and as can be seen in the figures, the mechanical locking device can comprise a movable bolt 53 between an unlock position and a lock position in which it is able to interfere with a safety device provided on the vehicle.

More specifically, on each vehicle of the vehicle fleet, a connector safety device 51 can be provided which comprises a seat 57 suitable for accommodating this bolt 53. An example of this connector is shown in Figures 3 to 5.

Advantageously, the connector 51 can also comprise an electrical socket 55, complementary to a plug 56, for the electrical connections necessary for recharging the batteries.

The control unit 30, on the basis of the data available, may decide to deactivate the locking device relating to the vehicle - among those available - with the maximum charge level, or in any case, with a charge level sufficient to guarantee the correct operation of the vehicle itself.

Preferably, vehicles with charge levels below the minimum threshold will not be delivered. The unit will memorize the initial rental time for the purpose of the subsequent calculation of the amount due.

The return of the vehicle can take place in two phases in sequence:

1) the user parks the vehicle at a parking position, inserting the connector device in the corresponding housing, thus causing the activation of the locking device and the stopping of a rental time counter.

2) the user approaches the badge again to the reader on the totem, which displays and prints the receipt of the amount to be paid on an integrated monitor / printer.

If the user has registered electronically and is therefore in possession of a personalized badge, upon returning the vehicle, the system will automatically register the transaction by charging the relevant cost to the user's account. The registered user will have the ability to access their own reserved area through the service manager's telematic portal and check all charges relating to the use of the service. In the event that the user has a (temporary) daily badge when the badge is returned to the authorized center, the operator will further verify the amount to be paid on the POS, and will collect the amount due.

According to an embodiment, by way of example schematically shown in Figure 6, the system according to one of the preceding claims also comprises means for connection to a telecommunications network.

In this way, the data database can advantageously be stored on a remote server, consequently, more parking centers can operate using the remote connection.

From a more constructive point of view, a description of the various components of the system is given below, a description which must however be understood as an example and not a limitation.

TOTEM

Represents the system user interface. It is a column that includes the following hardware components:

Control unit;

Input / output devices (touch-screen monitor and printer);

RFID reader;

Microcontroller;

Connection to internet and electricity.

The basic functions of TOTEM are as follows:

Reads and writes RFID badges;

Shows any communications to be provided to the user. Accept input via touch monitor;

Print the payment receipt for the customer;

Sends control signals to the locking device via LAN; Receives status signals from the locking device via LAN; It manages an internal database as a replica of the general database containing data on vehicles, enabled badges and the transitions that are made.

Locking device

Represents the interface with electric vehicles. For example, it is inserted into a metal bar equipped with special standardized pins for powering vehicles. Each device consists of the following hardware components:

• Eprom memory;

• Microcontroller;

• Relay;

• Internet and electrical network connection.

The basic functions of the locking device are as follows:

• Communicate via LAN line with the TOTEM;

• Lock / Unlock the vehicle by means of an electromechanical system;

• Identify the vehicle being charged by reading an Eprom memory installed in the vehicle plug;

• Check the charge status of the vehicle.

POS

It is a portable device used by the staff of authorized centers to enable badges, before delivery to users. It includes the following hardware components:

• RFID reader;

• Microcontroller;

• Display;

• Battery.

The basic functions of the POS are as follows:

• Read and write RFID badges;

• Manage a display for viewing data;

Switch

The communication between the TOTEM and the locking device takes place through a pair of LAN switches installed respectively inside the two.

Other elements of architecture, not directly mentioned are for example:

Central database:

The central database can be advantageously replicated on the totems so that they are able to function temporarily even in the absence of an internet connection,

Charging device:

Battery recharging device on board the vehicle. Also able to block the same by means of an electromechanical safety system.

Badges:

Card equipped with RFID tag containing data on the service center and its status (enabled, in use, used, disabled). The badges are distributed by the service manager, subject to a census, to the authorized centers, which arrange for the distribution / collection to / from customers.

Regarding the hardware implementation of the system, a possible embodiment can be described as below.

Each TOTEM is made using the following hardware components:

- a Raspberry Pi type microprocessor board

- an Arduino UNO type microprocessor board

- Network card (e.g. Ethernet type)

- Printer

- Display

- RPi power transformer

- Rfid reader

Each locking device is made up of the following components: - an Arduino UNO type microprocessor board

- Network card (e.g. Ethernet type)

- Eprom memory

- Relay board

- Power supply

Finally, the POS is created by integrating:

- a UNO type microprocessor board

- Display

- RFID card

- Battery or power transformer

From a purely functional point of view, the system can be programmed in such a way as to implement a series of functions that make it safe, reliable and simple.

For example, some of the features are described below.

A - Vehicle pick-up phase

The customer, after receiving the validated RFID badge, goes to the totem to pick up the vehicle by bringing the badge close to the TOTEM near the RFID reader.

In the event of an invalid badge, an alarm will be sent to the centralized system. In the case of a valid badge, the following situations can occur:

1) Vehicle available and loaded.

In this case the TOTEM:

- writes the session ID to the RFID

- initializes the rental session on the local database

- stops battery charging

- sends a microcontroller release signal to the release device - remains in stand-by for one of the following cases:

a) the vehicle is picked up from the station:

- starts the counter for billing

- puts the session in the ACTIVE state on the local database and marks the timestamp

b) after 90 seconds the vehicle is still in position - rearm the vehicle lock

- puts the session in the CANCELED state on the local database

- shows a message on the monitor for the customer asking to reposition the badge on the reader to cancel the previously activated session without charge.

The actuator will be connected to an electromechanical device delegated to the physical release of the vehicle.

2) No vehicles available.

In this case the TOTEM, through a courtesy message, will warn the customer to wait for the availability of a vehicle;

3) Vehicle available but not loaded

In this case the TOTEM, through a courtesy message, will warn the customer to wait for the vehicle to be loaded;

B - Vehicle delivery phase

The customer returns the vehicle and connects it to the RELEASE DEVICE. The microcontroller notifies the TOTEM <(> 'that it has been returned by reading the RFID on the vehicle. In this case the TOTEM

- closes the session on the local database by marking the timestamp

- asks the customer to reposition the badge on the TOTEM Rfid reader - writes the rental time and amount on the RFID badge and closes the session

- displays the amount to be paid on the monitor

- prints a receipt which in the case of an occasional user must be returned to the authorized center to make the payment while in the case of a registered user it will serve as a receipt and to keep track of the session.

The location where the vehicle will be returned is not important, as it will be recognized by the Eprom memory;

If the customer places the RFID badge before reconnecting the vehicle, a courtesy message will be displayed indicating the correct procedure;

In case the customer loses the receipt, he can go to the TOTEM and place the badge back on the reader to get the print again. To avoid abuse of this service, a timeout will be activated between the prints following the first one. The return of the receipt to the cashier is NOT technically necessary for the payment, but in the opinion of the customer it can be made mandatory.

If the printer is not working, the session will be closed correctly without issuing a receipt and at the same time the centralized system will be notified of the anomaly.

In case the customer loses the badge during the rental, he can return to the totem. The customer, after returning the vehicle, will be able to access the menu reserved for the loss of the card.

TOTEM will print the receipt. The rental session is closed and the badge is canceled on the TOTEM.

If the vehicle gets stuck during the rental, the customer can leave it where it is. Back to TOTEM, you will be able to access the assistance menu. In this case the session is closed, the receipt is printed. In the absence of an Internet connection, the receipt will show the report of the anomaly and the number to access assistance. The customer can go back to the cashier and conclude the rental.

If connected to the Internet, TOTEM will send the report to the control panel.

In the event of a broken vehicle and loss of the badge, the customer can return to the TOTEM and access the assistance menu. Since this situation is at the limits of automated management, we reserve the right to contact technical assistance for resolution. The receipt is printed. In the absence of an Internet connection, the receipt will show the report of the anomaly and the number to access assistance.

The customer can go back to the cashier and conclude the rental.

If connected to the Internet, TOTEM will send the report to the control panel.

If there are no customer activities for the collection or return of vehicles, TOTEM, if connected to the internet, will send

- 1 session data to the centralized system

- The RENTAL / CHARGING / AVAILABLE / FAULT status of the vehicles - A remote command request message (e.g. DISABLE ALL VEHICLES)

If the connection is absent, the TOTEM works correctly but it is not possible to know the data described above remotely.

The present invention has been described up to now with reference to its preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that each of the technical solutions implemented in the preferred embodiments, described here by way of example, can advantageously be combined in different ways, to give rise to other embodiments, which pertain to the same inventive core and all in any case fall within the scope of the same invention. scope of the claims set out below.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. Logistics and recharging management system for a fleet of vehicles and electric devices, for the supply of a mobility service to a plurality of users, including: - a plurality of stations (10), each for parking a vehicle, each station being equipped with: or an electrical arrangement (55, 56) suitable for the electrical connection of the parked vehicle to allow the recharging of a battery of said vehicle; or a mechanical locking device (52) of the parked vehicle to prevent unauthorized pick-up; - an apparatus for recharging the batteries of parked vehicles; - a control unit comprising: or means for the identification of said users in order to authorize the withdrawal of vehicles by deactivating the respective locking devices; or means for storing in a database of data relating to said users and to pick-up times of corresponding vehicles; and o means for processing said data. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein said control unit comprises means for controlling the recharging of said batteries. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, in which said means for the identification of said users comprise one or more readers of identification cards of said users. 4. System according to claim 3, in which said readers and said cards are made according to RFID technology. System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for connecting to a telecommunications network (100). System according to claim 5, wherein said database is stored on a remote server (101). System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said electrical arrangement (55, 56) comprises an electrical plug (55), complementary to a socket (56) present on the vehicle to be loaded. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical locking device comprises an electromechanical actuator (54) managed by said control unit as a function of said data. System according to claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking device comprises a movable bolt (53) between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it is adapted to interfere with a safety device (57) provided on the vehicle.