JP3611989B2 - Key management device for electric assist bicycle shared use system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to key management apparatus applied to an electrically assisted bicycle Joint utilization system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, shared systems such as bicycles and electric assist bicycles are becoming widespread for apartment houses. This shared use system is intended to solve problems such as shortage of bicycle parking lots such as condominiums, neglected bicycles and theft, and to reduce the burden cost of each person through shared use. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-306630, 306631, and 307952 related to the prior application of the present applicant describe a key management system and a battery supply device in a bicycle shared use system including a battery detachable electric assist bicycle Are disclosed.
[0003]
According to the key management system and the battery supply device of the prior application, the key supply device and the battery supply device are installed at one corner of the bicycle parking lot. When the user wishing to use the key supply device reads the shared user certificate, the key supply device determines whether the user certificate is authentic and then lends it to the applicant. The assisted bicycle or battery that can be rented is notified to the joint user by display or the like from the key management system side. The shared user who received the key lends the key supply device to read the user card after use, and then returns the key and battery.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the key management system of the prior application, a notification regarding a power-assisted bicycle or a battery that can be rented to a joint user is performed from the system side. This notification is always only one-way from the system to the joint user. For this reason, there is a problem that the information held by the joint user is not reflected on the system side and the convenience is low. Also, in this type of shared use system for electrically assisted bicycles, the key management device is changed to be installed at a meeting place or the like away from the bicycle parking lot.
[0005]
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to greatly improve the convenience of the system by providing a transmission path for information from the joint user to the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a key management device suitable for installation in a location away from a storage location for a shared object.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The key management device of the electric power assisted bicycle shared use system according to the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art receives a report of a failure made by a joint user specifying one of the keys, and the key fails. It is inconvenient that each joint user goes to a storage location such as a bicycle parking lot without knowing that there is a failure by providing a failure notification reception / display means that displays the key to the electric assist bicycle It is configured to avoid this.
[0007]
Furthermore, according to the key management device of the electrically assisted bicycle shared use system according to the present invention , lamps indicating the charge state of the corresponding electrically assisted bicycle are arranged corresponding to each of the keys, and the failure notification reception / The display means is configured to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the apparatus by displaying the above failure by blinking the corresponding lamp.
[0008]
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the lamps also serves as an input key for identifying one of the keys when reporting the failure, thereby further reducing the number of parts and the device. It is configured to reduce the size.
[0009]
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the notification of the failure is performed at the time of key return processing, so that it is not necessary to install an input key for identifying one of the keys when reporting the failure. Thus, the number of parts can be further reduced and the apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0010]
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at the time of reporting the failure, the failure mode is input and held by a corresponding identifier, so that the maintenance work can be speeded up and labor-saving can be achieved. Has been.
[0011]
According to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the failure mode is input, the relationship between the failure mode and its identifier is displayed on the screen so that the failure mode can be notified easily and reliably. It is configured.
[0012]
According to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the number of failure notifications exceeds a predetermined number, the fact is notified by an automatic call to a predetermined destination telephone, whereby the system operation rate is increased. And it is configured to greatly improve the convenience of joint users.
[0013]
【Example】
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the key management device 10 used in the shared system for electrically assisted bicycles according to one embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the one described in the above-mentioned patent publication, the key management device 10 of this embodiment is not installed in a bicycle parking lot of a housing complex such as an apartment or in one corner thereof, and is a set separated from such a bicycle parking lot. It is installed in a meeting place or a manager's room of a house.
[0014]
FIG. 6 is a functional block showing a functional configuration of the key management apparatus 10. 4 and 5, 1 is a digital processor, 2 is a data memory, 3 is a card reading unit, 4 is a key lock / release unit, 5 is a display unit, 6 is a lamp / input key, and 7 is a key. An input unit, 8 is a print output unit, 9 is a wireless transmission / reception unit, 11 is an automatic telephone call unit, 12 is a case, and 13 is an ID card insertion slot.
[0015]
First, referring to the external view of FIG. 5, ten key holder insertion openings k1, k2, k3... K10 are formed on the front panel of the casing 12 that accommodates the key management device 10. A rectangular plate-like key holder with a key attached to the tip is inserted into each key holder insertion port, and held in a locked state.
[0016]
The lock state for each key holder is released when the key is lent to the joint user and when the key is returned from the joint user. A joint user who wants to borrow a key or return a borrowed key inserts his / her ID card made up of a magnetic card or a non-contact type IC card into the ID card insertion slot 13 and magnetically In the case of a card, the identifier is read by this key management device 10 by moving it up and down (Kosuru).
[0017]
Directly above each of the key holder insertion openings k1 to k10 are input keys that also serve as rectangular lamps that indicate the charging state of the electric assist bicycle using this key, that is, the lamp / input keys 6a, 6b, 6c, ... 6j are installed, and each of the lamps and input keys 6a to 6j is lit in green when the corresponding electric assist bicycle is charged, and red when it is being charged. Above each of the lamp / input keys 6a to 6j, a key number is displayed as an arithmetic number, and a corresponding arithmetic number is also displayed on the key holder of each key.
[0018]
The battery-assisted bicycle is charged at a bicycle parking lot away from the key management device 10, and a status signal indicating whether the battery is charged or being charged is generated by a remote sensor installed in the bicycle parking lot, and is transmitted from a wireless transmitter. The digital processor 1 is transmitted via the wireless transmission / reception unit 9 of the key management apparatus 10 and is managed on the data memory 2.
[0019]
Next, the contents of the failure notification acceptance process performed by the digital processor 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Shared use when you notice a failure of a power-assisted bicycle to be rented is to insert your own ID card composed of a magnetic card or a non-contact type IC card into the ID card insertion slot 13, and this is the case in the case of a magnetic card. Move up and down. The card reading unit 3 that has read this ID card notifies the digital processor 1 to that effect.
[0020]
Upon receiving this notification, the digital processor 1 reads the identifier of the joint user transferred from the card reader 3, and this matches one of the identifiers of joint use in the system registered in the data memory 2. The legitimacy is determined depending on whether or not to perform (step A1). The joint user performs a key input operation of pressing one of the lamp / input keys 6a to 6j arranged corresponding to the key of the malfunctioning electric assist bicycle, so that the electric assist bicycle is in a malfunctioning state. Report that.
[0021]
If the digital processor 1 determines in step A1 that the identifier of the reporter of this failure is valid, the digital processor 1 detects the lamp / input key operated by the reporter (step A2). The digital processor 1 registers the key identifier corresponding to the detected lamp / input key in the data memory 2 and shifts the lamp / input key to a blinking red state (step A3), and performs a failure notification receiving process. finish.
[0022]
The manager of this shared use system knows that the corresponding power-assisted bicycle is out of order because the lamp / input key is flashing red, and repairs or replaces it. When this repair or replacement is completed, an ID card of an administrator in the system composed of a magnetic card or the like is inserted into the ID card insertion slot 13 and moved up and down. The card reading unit 3 that has read this ID card notifies the digital processor 1 to that effect. Receiving this notification, the digital processor 1 starts a failure notification canceling process as shown in FIG.
[0023]
First, the digital processor 1 reads the administrator's identifier transferred from the card reading unit 3, and verifies its validity depending on whether or not it matches the identifier of the system administrator registered in the data memory 2. Determine (Step B1). The administrator commands the release of the failure notification by pressing the reset button of the key input unit 7.
[0024]
When the digital processor 1 determines that the administrator's identifier is valid in step B1, the digital processor 1 detects the operation of the reset button by the administrator (step B2), and the key related to the failure being registered in the data memory 2 is detected. In addition to deleting the identifier, the lamp / input key in the red blinking state is returned to the above-described charging display mode for displaying the charging state (step B3), and the process is terminated.
[0025]
The key management apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention has only the display function of the ten lamp / input keys 6a to 6j in the key management apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This is a replacement for the normal 10 lamps. Since all other points are the same as the key management apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the key management apparatus of the second embodiment is not shown.
[0026]
The contents of the failure notification acceptance process performed by the key management apparatus of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this key management device, failure notification acceptance processing is started following the key return processing. One of the reasons related to the key return process in this way is that a joint user who borrowed the key without knowing the failure noticed the failure and immediately gave up using the vehicle. This is because it is considered that a report is often made when returning a key, or when a joint user who has broken down or noticed the occurrence of a failure returns the key.
[0027]
First, after completing the key return process, the digital processor 1 waits for a failure notification for a predetermined time (steps S1 and S2), and ends the failure notification reception processing if there is no failure notification. A joint user who wants to report a failure operates a predetermined key of the key input unit 7 installed on the front panel of the housing 12 immediately after the key return process is completed. When the digital processor 1 detects the operation of the predetermined key in step S 1, the digital processor 1 reads a list of failure modes and their identifiers registered in the data memory 1 and displays them on the display unit 5.
[0028]
As illustrated in FIG. 3, this list is a pair of typical failure modes such as brake failure and puncture, and identifiers of the modes. The notifier of the failure sees the display on the display unit 5 and reports the failure mode by inputting the identifier from the key input unit 7 on the front panel. This key input method may be any appropriate method, for example, depending on the number of times a specific key is operated. The digital processor 1 waits for an input of the failure mode identifier for a predetermined time (steps S4 and S5). When this identifier is input, the processing proceeds to the next step S6.
[0029]
In step S6, the digital processor 1 updates the system management information being managed in the data memory 2. As illustrated in FIG. 4, this system management information includes information on whether or not all of the assisted bicycles to be rented are being rented, whether they are being rented, charged or charged, using the vehicle number (key identifier) as a key. Information indicating various statuses, such as whether or not contacted, is displayed as a 1-bit flag “1” / “0”, and information such as failure mode, reporter ID, report reception date and time is written It is included.
[0030]
In step S6, the digital processor 1 sets a failure flag in the column of the vehicle number of the electrically assisted bicycle corresponding to the key for which the return processing is completed immediately before the failure notification acceptance processing, and the failure mode input in step S4. The common user ID identified during the return process is written as the reporter ID, and the reception date and time of the failure report read from the built-in calendar is written. As described above, by performing the failure notification receiving process subsequent to the key return process in which the return vehicle and the returner are specified, the key input for specifying the failed vehicle and the notification party specifying process can be omitted.
[0031]
When the update of the management information is completed, the digital processor 1 shifts the lamp displaying whether charging is in progress or charging to red flashing (step S7). Next, the digital processor 1 checks the number of failed faults in the system management information (step S8), and determines whether this is a predetermined value or more, for example, two or more (step S9). The digital processor 1 activates the automatic telephone call unit 11 when the number of faulty vehicles that have not been contacted exceeds a predetermined value (step S10).
[0032]
The activated automatic telephone calling unit 11 sends a specific message notifying the occurrence of a failure recorded in advance on a magnetic tape or the like to a specific telephone such as an administrator of the shared use system or a repair shop with a maintenance contract. Send it out. When the digital processor 1 confirms that the automatic call has been executed by a response from the telephone automatic call unit 11, the digital processor 1 sets the contacted flag in the system management information to indicate that the failure has been notified. Is displayed (step S11), and the failure information receiving process is terminated.
[0033]
Administrators of this shared use system and repair shop workers who know that a failure has occurred by flashing a red lamp or an automatically called message insert an ID card for the administrator or an ID card for the maintenance person. After accessing the port 13, by operating a specific key of the key input unit 7, a part relating to the failure mode in the system management information held in the data memory 2 is displayed on the display unit 5, or the print output unit 8. To print out and know the failure mode.
[0034]
If the failure mode is other and the details are unknown, it is possible to make an inquiry to the reporter who is known from the reporter ID as necessary. It should be noted that the failure notification cancellation processing after the maintenance work is completed is performed according to a procedure substantially similar to that in the case of the first embodiment described above.
[0035]
Thus, by adopting a configuration that reports not only the occurrence of a failure but also the failure mode, the operation for specifying the failure portion becomes unnecessary, and the maintenance operation becomes quick and easy. In addition, it is possible to omit the key input for identifying the broken vehicle and the identification process of the reporter by adopting a configuration in which the failure report reception process is performed following the key return process in which the vehicle to be returned and the returnee are identified. .
[0036]
As described above, the configuration in which the failure mode identifier is input by operating the key input unit 7 in the second embodiment has been exemplified, but the display unit 5 is configured by a touch panel, and this identifier is input by pressing the displayed identifier. It can also be set as this.
[0037]
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the failure mode is input by the identifier is illustrated. However, a recording / playback device may be installed in the key management device so that shared use for reporting a failure reports a failure mode by a voice message. In such a case, a failure mode based on the voice message of the reporter may be added to the message automatically transferred to a predetermined destination by the automatic telephone calling unit 11.
[0038]
Furthermore, the present invention has been described by taking as an example the case where the object to be shared is an electrically assisted bicycle. However, it is obvious that the present invention can be applied not only to electrically assisted bicycles but also to shared use systems in which different types of vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles coexist. Further, the shared object is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a wide variety of items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, the key management device of the shared use system according to the present invention receives a failure report made by a joint user specifying one of the keys, and the key is in the shared state where the key is in failure. Because it is configured to include a failure notification acceptance means that displays the key to the use of materials, it avoids the inconvenience that each joint user goes back to a storage location such as a bicycle parking lot without knowing the failure. The effect that it is possible is produced.
[0040]
Further , according to the key management device of the present invention, the lamps indicating the charging state of the corresponding electrically assisted bicycle are arranged corresponding to the keys, and the failure notification receiving / displaying unit displays the display relating to the failure. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a new lamp, and the apparatus can be reduced in price and size. This is done by paying attention to whether or not charging is terminated if the electrically assisted bicycle is out of order and cannot be used.
[0041]
Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention that reports the failure mode indicating the state of the failure that has occurred in addition to the notification of the occurrence of the failure, the work for specifying the failure location is not required. As a result, maintenance work is easily and quickly performed, and the system operation rate and the convenience of joint users are greatly improved.
[0042]
In addition, by adopting a configuration that performs failure notification acceptance processing following the key return processing in which the vehicle to be returned and the returnee are identified, key entry for identifying the failed vehicle is unnecessary, and the number of parts is reduced And downsizing of the device is realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the contents of a failure notification acceptance process (A) and a failure notification release process (B) performed by a key management apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing details of a failure notification acceptance process performed by a key management apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a list of failure modes and identifiers displayed by the key management apparatus of the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of system management information managed by the key management apparatus of the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the key management apparatus of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the key management apparatus of the first embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Key management apparatus 1 Digital processor 2 Data memory 5 Display part 6a-6j Lamp | Input key 7 Key input part 8 Print output part 9 Wireless transmission / reception part 11 Telephone automatic calling part 13 ID card insertion slot

Claims (6)

In the key management device that manages the rental and return of the keys of a plurality of electric assist bicycles to be rented in the electric assist bicycle shared use system,
A plurality of keys, and a housing having a front panel arranged on the surface corresponding to lamps indicating by different lighting colors whether the electric assist bicycle corresponding to each key is charged or being charged,
Failure notification acceptance / display means for accepting a failure report made by a joint user specifying one of the keys and indicating that the power-assisted bicycle corresponding to this key is in failure by flashing the corresponding lamp key management system of the electric assisted bicycle interoperable system comprising the. In claim 1 ,
Wherein each lamp, key management device of the electric assisted bicycle interoperable system, characterized in that it also serves as an input key for identifying one key upon notification of the failure. In claim 1 or 2 ,
The failure management is performed during the key return process, and is a key management device for a power-assisted bicycle shared use system. In claim 3 ,
A key management device for a power-assisted bicycle shared use system, further comprising means for holding a failure mode corresponding to an identifier input when reporting the failure . In claim 4 ,
A key management device for a power-assisted bicycle shared use system, comprising means for displaying on a screen a correspondence relationship between an identifier input when reporting a failure and a corresponding failure mode . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 ,
The key management device for a power-assisted bicycle shared use system, wherein when the number of failure reports exceeds a predetermined number, the fact is notified by automatic transmission to a telephone of a predetermined destination.

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