Automatic delivery system and method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure driving

Abstract

The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure driving comprises a central express delivery placing point, an underground transportation passage and a linkage control center, the central express delivery placing point is provided with an express delivery opening and mechanical arms, the underground transportation passage is communicated with elevator hoistways of all buildings, the mechanical arms are arranged below elevator cars of all the buildings respectively, and the linkage control center is connected with the underground transportation passage. The mechanical arm is provided with an RFID scanning device, and the mechanical arm and the RFID scanning device are connected with the linkage control center. A plurality of groups of underground air valves are arranged below the express delivery port and correspond to elevator shafts of all the buildings respectively, every two groups of underground air valves are matched to open and communicate the elevator shafts of the two buildings, a plurality of underground transportation channels for express delivery are formed, and the underground transportation channels are provided with guide rails and transportation trays installed on rolling wheels. The transportation tray is located below the express delivery port, and the linkage control center is connected with a control switch of the express delivery port, a control switch of the underground air valve and an elevator operation monitoring module of each building elevator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of elevator control technology, and more specifically, to an automatic express delivery system and method based on wind pressure driven by underground passages and elevator shafts. Background Technology

[0002] On rainy days, delivery drivers struggle to sort packages between buildings in the open air, and property management companies typically prohibit delivery personnel from entering underground parking garages for safety and management reasons. This leads to package backlogs, delivery delays, and damage from rain and moisture. Existing solutions (such as setting up tents) require property management approval and occupy public space, making rapid deployment difficult. Meanwhile, existing underground logistics systems (such as airport baggage conveyors) are costly, require large areas, and are unsuitable for the specific environments of ordinary residential communities or industrial parks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects and shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automatic delivery system and method based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure drive. It does not require additional power and can cleverly use the wind pressure difference generated by the elevator operation to drive the express delivery. By centrally processing the express delivery and uniformly scheduling it to each building, it effectively avoids repeated delivery routes and significantly improves delivery efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive includes a central express delivery point, an underground transport passage and a linkage control center. The central express delivery point is equipped with an express delivery port and a first robotic arm. The underground transport passage connects to the elevator shafts of each building. A second robotic arm is installed under the elevator car of each building. The first and second robotic arms are equipped with RFID scanning devices. The first robotic arm, the second robotic arm and the RFID scanning devices are respectively connected to the linkage control center. Multiple underground air valves are installed below the express delivery outlet. Each set of underground air valves is corresponding to the elevator shaft of each building. When two sets of underground air valves are paired and opened, they can connect the elevator shafts of two buildings, forming multiple underground transportation channels for express delivery. The underground transportation channels are equipped with guide rails and transportation trays installed on rollers. The transportation trays are located below the express delivery outlet. The linkage control center is connected to the control switch of the express delivery outlet, the control switch of the underground air valves, and the elevator operation monitoring module of each building's elevator. The elevator operation monitoring module acquires elevator operation data from each building. The linkage control center determines that the operation of elevators in two buildings will form an elevator wind pressure drive mechanism. It controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm to identify express delivery that matches the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot, places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot, and sends it to the destination building shaft through elevator wind pressure drive. It then controls the second robotic arm to grab the express delivery and transport it to the target floor.

[0005] Furthermore, each building's elevator shaft is equipped with a ventilation module, which is connected to the linkage control center.

[0006] Furthermore, the underground gas valve adopts an electrically controlled butterfly valve. The control switch of the underground gas valve includes a PLC output module and a relay. The linkage control center is connected to the PLC output module, the PLC output module is connected to the relay, and the relay is connected to the electrically controlled butterfly valve.

[0007] Furthermore, a weighing sensor is installed in the middle of the transport pallet, and an absolute encoder is installed in the roller. The weighing sensor and the absolute encoder are respectively connected to the linkage control center.

[0008] Furthermore, the elevator operation monitoring module uses a Modbus / RS485 adapter board, and the elevator operation monitoring module is connected to the elevator control system.

[0009] Furthermore, each floor of the elevator shaft in each building is equipped with a temporary parcel storage device, which is located next to the elevator door on each floor.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner wall of the underground transport channel is smooth, and the transport pallet uses a polycarbonate sliding plate. The rollers drive the transport pallet to slide along the guide rail under the wind pressure of the elevator.

[0011] An automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, applied to any of the above-mentioned automatic delivery systems based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, includes the following steps: Package handling: The courier delivers the packages to the central package drop-off point; Express delivery: The linkage control center determines that the operation of the elevators in the two buildings will form an air duct, controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm of the central express delivery point to identify express deliveries that match the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot of the central express delivery point, and places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot. Utilizing elevator air pressure transmission: When the elevator operation monitoring module detects that the elevator in the target building is rising while the elevator in another building in the same group is descending, it determines that the air pressure difference is established. The linkage control center controls the underground air valve in the underground transportation channel to open, and the airflow flows from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side. The transportation tray slides to the transfer point of the target building with the help of the air pressure difference. If the air pressure is insufficient, the linkage control center controls the activation of the air guide module in the elevator shaft of the building to enhance the airflow. Express delivery outbound and terminal delivery: The transport pallet is positioned by an absolute encoder. After it arrives at the bottom of the target building, the second robotic arm installed under the elevator car identifies the express delivery through an RFID scanning device, grabs the express delivery, and transports the express delivery to the target floor as the elevator goes up.

[0012] An electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the above-described automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive.

[0013] A storage medium, a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the automatic delivery system based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure drive of this invention has multiple advantages. In terms of green energy saving, the system requires no additional power and cleverly utilizes the wind pressure difference generated by elevator operation to propel the packages. Simultaneously, the system is constructed in a sealed underground space, completely resisting the effects of rain, wind, and other harsh weather conditions, ensuring transportation stability. In terms of efficiency, by centrally processing and uniformly scheduling packages to various buildings, duplicate delivery routes are effectively avoided, significantly improving delivery efficiency. The system architecture requires no complex tracks or power devices, making it more lightweight and lower-cost than traditional underground logistics pipelines, and possessing good adaptability, suitable for existing mid-to-high-rise buildings, providing a feasible path for the upgrading and renovation of old residential areas. The system combines intelligent recognition and building sorting mechanisms to achieve automatic path selection and transportation, further enhancing its intelligent scheduling capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of an automatic delivery system driven by the wind pressure of an underground passage and an elevator.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of an automatic delivery system driven by the wind pressure of an underground passage and an elevator.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic delivery system driven by the wind pressure of an underground passage and an elevator.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a control diagram of an automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The automatic delivery system and method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure driven by the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This invention discloses an automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, including a central express delivery point, an underground transportation passage and a linkage control center. The central express delivery point is equipped with an express delivery port and a first robotic arm. The underground transportation passage connects to the elevator shafts of each building. A second robotic arm is respectively installed under the elevator car of each building. The first robotic arm and the second robotic arm are equipped with RFID scanning devices. The first robotic arm, the second robotic arm and the RFID scanning devices are respectively connected to the linkage control center.

[0021] Multiple underground air valves are installed below the express delivery outlet. Each set of underground air valves is corresponding to the elevator shaft of each building. When two sets of underground air valves are paired and opened, they can connect the elevator shafts of two buildings, forming multiple underground transportation channels for express delivery. The underground transportation channels are equipped with guide rails and transportation trays installed on rollers. The transportation trays are located below the express delivery outlet. The linkage control center is connected to the control switch of the express delivery outlet, the control switch of the underground air valves, and the elevator operation monitoring module of each building's elevator.

[0022] The elevator operation monitoring module acquires elevator operation data from each building. The linkage control center determines that the operation of elevators in two buildings will form an elevator wind pressure drive mechanism. It controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm to identify express delivery that matches the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot, places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot, and sends it to the destination building shaft through elevator wind pressure drive. It then controls the second robotic arm to grab the express delivery and transport it to the target floor.

[0023] The central parcel drop-off point serves as an area where logistics companies centrally store parcels from residential communities. The underground transport tunnel has smooth inner walls, utilizing materials such as HDPE pipes and roller rails to reduce friction and aid in pushing the parcels. The transport pallets use polycarbonate sliding plates, with rollers propelled along the guide rails by elevator air pressure. A load cell is located in the center of the transport pallet, and absolute encoders are installed in the rollers. Both the load cell and the absolute encoder are connected to the central control system.

[0024] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) scanning devices use RFID reader modules, such as the MFRC522, to identify express delivery addresses. The elevator operation monitoring module uses a Modbus / RS485 adapter board, connecting to the elevator control system to read elevator direction data.

[0025] The underground gas valve uses an electrically controlled butterfly valve, such as the Belimo CM24-T. The control switch of the underground gas valve includes a PLC output module and a relay. The linkage control center is connected to the PLC output module, the PLC output module is connected to the relay, and the relay is connected to the electrically controlled butterfly valve.

[0026] Each building's elevator shaft is equipped with an air guide module, which is connected to the linkage control center and can adjust the air supply direction according to the delivery direction of the packages. The air guide module uses an axial flow fan, such as the ebm-papst W2S130-AA03-01, and is installed directly below the elevator shaft in each building. Each floor in each building's elevator shaft is equipped with a package storage device, located next to the elevator door on each floor.

[0027] The elevator's air pressure drive mechanism is based on the air pressure changes in the shaft caused by the elevator's operation, creating an air pressure difference that drives the package to its destination building. Utilizing the interconnected structure of elevator shafts in adjacent buildings, when one elevator ascends and the other descends, an air pressure difference is created within the shaft, automatically transporting the package to its destination building.

[0028] The linkage control center controls the timing of package delivery based on the elevator's direction of movement and floor registration information, combined with the delivery destination, and pairs it with the underground air valve. It also communicates with the elevator operation monitoring module of each building's elevator, the control switch of the package delivery port, the control switch of the underground air valve, and the air guide module via wired or wireless communication.

[0029] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The present invention also discloses an automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, applied to the above-mentioned automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, comprising the following steps: Package handling: The courier delivers the packages to the central package drop-off point; Express delivery: The linkage control center determines that the operation of the elevators in the two buildings will form an air duct, controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm of the central express delivery point to identify express deliveries that match the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot of the central express delivery point, and places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot. Utilizing elevator air pressure transmission: When the elevator operation monitoring module detects that the elevator in the target building is rising while the elevator in another building in the same group is descending, it determines that the air pressure difference is established. The linkage control center controls the underground air valve in the underground transportation channel to open, and the airflow flows from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side. The transportation tray slides to the transfer point of the target building with the help of the air pressure difference. If the air pressure is insufficient, the linkage control center controls the activation of the air guide module in the elevator shaft of the building to enhance the airflow. Express delivery outbound and terminal delivery: The transport pallet is positioned by an absolute encoder. After it arrives at the bottom of the target building, the second robotic arm installed under the elevator car identifies the express delivery through an RFID scanning device, grabs the express delivery, and transports the express delivery to the target floor as the elevator goes up.

[0030] The underground transport tunnel uses smooth-walled HDPE pipes and roller guides to reduce friction. The central parcel drop-off point on the ground has a parcel delivery slot, which is normally closed; when opened, the parcels enter the underground transport tunnel.

[0031] Each package is bound to a unique building code or RFID tag. The first robotic arm at the central package drop-off point identifies the package to be delivered using an RFID scanning device. After the central control system obtains the expected operating trajectories of the two elevators, it controls the first robotic arm to grab the package, opens the delivery slot, and delivers it to the transport pallet below. The weighing sensor on the transport pallet records the data and links it to the package delivery information.

[0032] When the central control system detects that two elevators are traveling in opposite directions (upward / downward), the control switch of the underground air valve will open the underground air valve between the two buildings' underground transport channels, creating an airflow channel. The pressure difference then propels the express delivery. Simultaneously, a ventilation module installed inside the underground transport channel enhances the airflow during transport. This ventilation module is located directly below the elevator shafts of each building within the underground transport channel, and its airflow direction is controlled by the central control system.

[0033] Once the package arrives at the foot of the corresponding building, it is identified and picked up by a second robotic arm beneath the elevator car using an RFID scanning device. After the elevator stops at the destination floor, the package is placed into a temporary storage device located on each floor.

[0034] An absolute encoder is installed on the rollers beneath the transport pallet. The pallet's position is calculated by the number of roller rotations. Once the pallet reaches the designated building, the central control unit shuts off the underground air valve and ventilation module of the underground transport channel, stopping the airflow. After the second robotic arm grabs the package, the central control unit, based on data from the weighing sensor, controls the pallet to return to its original position directly below the package delivery slot when the elevator restarts, using the same method.

[0035] The following example is a smart community in Guangzhou. The community covers an area of ​​approximately 80,000 square meters and has 16 residential buildings, each with 20 floors. Each building is equipped with 2 elevators and has a centralized parcel collection and delivery point located near the north gate of the community.

[0036] This invention relates to an automatic delivery method driven by the wind pressure of underground passages and elevators. The specific implementation process is as follows: Centralized parcel processing: Couriers deliver parcels to the "central parcel drop-off point" on the north side of the residential area.

[0037] Package delivery: When the elevators in Building A and Building B are expected to form an air duct, the linkage control center controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm in the "central package delivery point" to identify packages that match the transportation trajectory. Then, it controls the first robotic arm to grab the package, open the package delivery port, and place it on the transportation tray below.

[0038] Utilizing elevator air pressure transmission: When the elevator in the target building is detected to be ascending while the elevator in another building in the same group is descending, it is determined that an air pressure difference has been established; the linkage control center opens the valve (Belimo CM24-T) through the PLC output module (Siemens SM322) → drive the relay → open the valve, allowing airflow to flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side; the transport pallet slides to the transfer point of the target building using the air pressure difference; if the air pressure is insufficient, the air guide module can be activated to enhance the airflow.

[0039] Express delivery outbound and terminal delivery: The transport pallet is positioned by an absolute encoder. After it moves to the bottom of the target building, the telescopic second robotic arm (with integrated RFID scanning device) installed at the bottom of the elevator car grabs the express. After the elevator descends to the pit, the second robotic arm retracts and transports the express to the target floor along with the elevator as it goes up.

[0040] The present invention may also employ the following optional extensions or alternatives: Indoor expansion: Install "express delivery arrival reminders" (electronic paper + sound prompts) in the building's central control room; residents can receive express delivery reminders via mobile app or video doorbell.

[0041] Integration with property management platforms: The platform can set scheduling strategies such as "delayed delivery" and "priority delivery"; delivery records can be used to analyze peak delivery periods in buildings and optimize elevator scheduling.

[0042] Safety mechanisms and anomaly handling: Each section of the underground transport channel is equipped with two infrared detectors to prevent blockages; if no transport pallet is detected passing through within 10 seconds, the system will automatically alarm and prompt manual inspection.

[0043] In summary, the system provided by this invention possesses multiple advantages: In terms of green energy conservation, it requires no additional power and cleverly utilizes the wind pressure difference generated by elevator operation to propel express delivery; simultaneously, the system is constructed in an underground, enclosed space, completely resisting the effects of rain, wind, and other harsh weather conditions, ensuring transportation stability. In terms of efficiency, by centrally processing and uniformly scheduling express deliveries to various buildings, it effectively avoids duplicate delivery routes, significantly improving delivery efficiency. The system architecture requires no complex tracks or power devices, making it more lightweight and cost-effective to deploy compared to traditional underground logistics pipelines, and possessing good adaptability, making it suitable for existing mid- to high-rise buildings and providing a feasible path for the upgrading and renovation of older residential communities. Furthermore, the system combines intelligent identification and building sorting mechanisms to achieve automatic path selection and transportation, further enhancing its intelligent scheduling capabilities.

[0044] This invention also discloses an electronic device, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the automatic delivery method based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure as described in any of the preceding claims. The electronic device of this invention can execute the automatic delivery method based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure, and can execute any combination of the steps of the method embodiments, possessing the corresponding functions and beneficial effects of the method.

[0045] This invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the automatic delivery method based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure drive as described in any of the preceding claims. The computer-readable storage medium of this invention can execute the automatic delivery method based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure drive of this invention, and can execute any combination of the steps of the method embodiments, possessing the corresponding functions and beneficial effects of the method.

[0046] The above description is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made under the technical spirit disclosed in the present invention should fall within the patent scope covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic delivery system based on underground passages and elevator wind pressure drive, characterized in that, It includes a central express delivery point, an underground transportation channel, and a linkage control center. The central express delivery point is equipped with an express delivery slot and a first robotic arm. The underground transportation channel connects to the elevator shafts of each building. Each building has a second robotic arm under the elevator car. The first and second robotic arms are equipped with RFID scanning devices. The first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the RFID scanning devices are connected to the linkage control center. Multiple underground air valves are installed below the express delivery outlet. Each set of underground air valves is corresponding to the elevator shaft of each building. When two sets of underground air valves are paired and opened, they can connect the elevator shafts of two buildings, forming multiple underground transportation channels for express delivery. The underground transportation channels are equipped with guide rails and transportation trays installed on rollers. The transportation trays are located below the express delivery outlet. The linkage control center is connected to the control switch of the express delivery outlet, the control switch of the underground air valves, and the elevator operation monitoring module of each building's elevator. The elevator operation monitoring module acquires elevator operation data from each building. The linkage control center determines that the operation of elevators in two buildings will form an elevator wind pressure drive mechanism. It controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm to identify express delivery that matches the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot, places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot, and sends it to the destination building shaft through elevator wind pressure drive. It then controls the second robotic arm to grab the express delivery and transport it to the target floor.

2. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each building's elevator shaft is equipped with a ventilation module, which is connected to the linkage control center.

3. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underground gas valve is an electrically controlled butterfly valve. The control switch of the underground gas valve includes a PLC output module and a relay. The linkage control center is connected to the PLC output module, the PLC output module is connected to the relay, and the relay is connected to the electrically controlled butterfly valve.

4. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, A weighing sensor is installed in the middle of the transport pallet, and an absolute encoder is installed in the roller. The weighing sensor and the absolute encoder are respectively connected to the linkage control center.

5. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elevator operation monitoring module uses a Modbus / RS485 adapter board and is connected to the elevator control system.

6. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each building's elevator shaft is equipped with a temporary parcel storage device on each floor, located next to the elevator door.

7. The automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underground transport passage has smooth inner walls, and the transport pallets are made of polycarbonate sliding plates. The rollers drive the transport pallets to slide along the guide rails under the pressure of the elevator wind.

8. An automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive, applied to the automatic delivery system based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Package handling: The courier delivers the packages to the central package drop-off point; Express delivery: The linkage control center determines that the operation of the elevators in the two buildings will form an air duct, controls the RFID scanning device on the first robotic arm of the central express delivery point to identify express deliveries that match the transportation trajectory, controls the first robotic arm to grab the express delivery, controls the opening of the express delivery slot of the central express delivery point, and places the express delivery on the transportation tray below the express delivery slot. Utilizing elevator air pressure transmission: When the elevator operation monitoring module detects that the elevator in the target building is rising while the elevator in another building in the same group is descending, it determines that the air pressure difference is established. The linkage control center controls the underground air valve in the underground transportation channel to open, and the airflow flows from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side. The transportation tray slides to the transfer point of the target building with the help of the air pressure difference. If the air pressure is insufficient, the linkage control center controls the activation of the air guide module in the elevator shaft of the building to enhance the airflow. Express delivery outbound and terminal delivery: The transport pallet is positioned by an absolute encoder. After it arrives at the bottom of the target building, the second robotic arm installed under the elevator car identifies the express delivery through an RFID scanning device, grabs the express delivery, and transports the express delivery to the target floor as the elevator goes up.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive as described in claim 8.

10. A storage medium, a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the automatic delivery method based on underground passage and elevator wind pressure drive as described in claim 8.

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