ARTICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The article management system addresses the challenge of automating item sorting and storage by using autonomously movable electric trolleys and a controller to manage delivery efficiently based on item-specific conditions, enhancing delivery service convenience.

DE102022202715B4Active Publication Date: 2026-06-11HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-03-21
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current article management systems lack automation in sorting and managing items based on specific storage requirements, such as temperature and fragility, which complicates delivery services.

Method used

An article management system comprising electric trolleys that can be autonomously moved, sorted, and charged, with a controller to manage their movement and storage, ensuring items are stored and delivered efficiently based on their specific conditions.

Benefits of technology

The system enables automated and efficient management of articles, ensuring delivery convenience by optimizing storage and delivery routes based on item-specific requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Article management system, featuring: an electric trolley (100) configured to load an item onto it and designed to be mobile; a wagon storage facility (200) configured to store the electric wagon (100) on it; and a controller (300) configured to communicate with and control the electric vehicle and move it to a preset destination, wherein the trolley storage device (200) has a roller unit (250) configured to support the electric trolley (100) when the electric trolley (100) is being loaded, and the roller unit (250) assists in moving the electric trolley (100) as it rotates.
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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system that manages articles automatically and easily and ensures the convenience of the delivery service by automating article delivery. Description of the related technique

[0002] Recently, mobility vehicles have been developed that can be used in various fields, such as freight containers and medical transport. Mobility vehicles with improved energy efficiency have been developed and have reached the stage of practical application.

[0003] Furthermore, the mobility vehicle was developed to perform autonomous driving flawlessly, and various types of services, including delivery services, are available through the mobility vehicles that can perform autonomous driving flawlessly.

[0004] To implement the delivery service, a room for sorting and managing items is required, as well as an automated system for this purpose. Specifically, items will be classified based on temperature: those that must be stored and handled at room temperature, those that must be refrigerated, and those that must be frozen. Furthermore, items will be categorized according to their fragility, size, and other similar criteria. Currently, items must be sorted according to their specific storage requirements before delivery.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to automate item management in a facility for sorting and maintaining items.

[0006] Furthermore, from US 2019 / 0329691A1, an article management system is known, comprising: an electric cart configured to load an article onto it and designed to be movable; a cart storage facility configured to store the electric cart on it; and a controller configured to communicate with the electric cart and to control and move the electric cart to a preset destination.

[0007] US Patent 10241516B1 discloses autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) that can be deployed from facilities (e.g., material handling facilities) to deliver items to specific locations (e.g., users' residences). In various implementations, AGVs can utilize different techniques for long-distance travel between material handling facilities and delivery locations (e.g., solar charging, strategically placed charging stations, energy-efficient driving). In various implementations, AGV facilities (e.g., smaller types of material handling facilities) can be sized to be more easily accommodated in densely populated urban areas (e.g., to be closer to various delivery locations) and can serve as home bases where AGVs are stationed and / or where items (e.g., from transport vehicles) are received for delivery to local delivery locations.

[0008] US Patent 10,315,674 B2 describes a portable storage device comprising a storage body with multiple sides enclosing a space suitable for storing items, and a wheel assembly attached to the storage body that enables the portable storage device to be moved across a surface. The wheel assembly includes one or more wheels pivoting on axle assemblies. During storage or use of the portable storage device, the wheels can be pivoted inward into a storage position. When the user is ready to move or transport the portable storage device on its wheels, the wheels can be pivoted outward.

[0009] The JP 4 418 381 B2 also shows a charging station for a battery in an autonomous mobile robot, which has a charging terminal for a battery provided in a housing and is configured to be movable by means of two independently driven drive wheels and at least one driven auxiliary wheel.

[0010] The information contained in this section, Background of the Present Invention, is provided solely to enhance understanding of the general background of the present invention and is not to be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art already known to anyone with technical expertise. QUICK OVERVIEW

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an article management system that manages articles automatically and easily and ensures the convenience of the delivery service by automating article delivery.

[0012] The task is solved by an article management system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0013] Several aspects of the present invention provide an article management system comprising: an electric cart or trolley configured to load an article onto it and designed to be autonomously movable; a cart storage device configured for sorting and storing the electric cart and charging the stored electric cart with electrical energy; and a controller configured to communicate with the electric cart and to control and move the electric cart to a preset destination.

[0014] The electric trolley can be provided in multiples, the multitude of electric trolleys can be sorted for specific items and have different charging functions, and the trolley storage facility can have storage areas that are subdivided for the respective electric trolleys with the same charging function.

[0015] The electric cart may include: a body section with a cargo space, the article being configured to be loaded into the same; and electric wheels provided at a lower end section of the body section and configured to operate under control of the control system.

[0016] A receiving groove section can be formed on the lower end section of the body section and be recessed to receive the electric wheel, and the electric wheel can be rotatably provided in the receiving groove section in such a way that the electric wheel can be received in the receiving groove section when the electric carriage is loaded into the carriage storage facility, and the electric wheel can be stored on a floor surface when the electric carriage is unloaded from the carriage storage facility.

[0017] The body section may have a locking device configured to selectively fix a rotational position of at least one of the electric wheels.

[0018] The body section may have a sensor unit configured to detect whether the electric carriage is being moved and loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage facility, and the locking device may release the electric wheel when the sensor unit inputs a signal indicating that the electric carriage is being loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage facility.

[0019] The wagon storage facility may have a storage space for storing the electric wagon, a door may be provided on an upper end section of the wagon storage facility that can be opened and closed, and a lower end section of the wagon storage facility may be designed to engage the electric wheel of the electric wagon.

[0020] A fastening unit may be provided on the lower end section of the body section, and a connecting unit may be provided on the carriage bearing device and configured to be connected to the fastening unit to fix the body section when the electric carriage is loaded and moved into a storage position.

[0021] A power source unit can be provided at the lower end section of the body section, and a charging unit can be provided on the carriage storage device and configured to be connected to the power source unit to supply the power source unit with electrical energy when the electric carriage is being charged and is moving into a storage position.

[0022] The trolley storage device may include a roller unit configured to store the electric trolley when the electric trolley is being loaded, and the roller unit may assist in moving the electric trolley as it rotates.

[0023] The article management system may further include: a delivery mobility vehicle configured to move autonomously and having a receiving space, wherein, when an article delivery to a destination is requested, the control is configured to control the electric cart loaded with the article and enables it to be loaded into the receiving space of the delivery mobility vehicle, and controls and moves the delivery mobility vehicle to the destination.

[0024] The article management system, structured as described above, uses the electric cart, which can move autonomously, automatically and easily managing the articles and ensuring the convenience of the delivery service through the automation of article delivery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration view that illustrates an article management system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are views to explain a situation in which an electric car is being loaded into a car storage facility. The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views to illustrate a situation in which the electric car is being unloaded from the car storage facility. Fig. Figure 6 is a view that illustrates the wagon storage facility by way of example. Fig. Figure 7 is a view illustrating an example of a lower end section of the wagon bearing device. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along a line AA to illustrate a fastening unit of a body section and a connecting unit of the carriage bearing device. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along a line BB to illustrate a power source unit of the body section and a loading unit of the wagon storage facility.

[0025] It may be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and show a somewhat simplified representation of various features that illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention contained herein, which include, for example, certain dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be partly determined by the intended application and operating environment.

[0026] In the figures, the reference numbers throughout the various figures of the drawing refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Various embodiments of the present invention(s) will now be discussed in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the present invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be clear that this description is not intended to limit the present invention(s) to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the present invention(s) is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be contained within the nature and scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0028] Below, an article management system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration view that exemplifies an article management system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which Fig. 2 and Fig. Three views are shown to explain a situation in which an electric car is loaded into a car storage facility, which Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views to illustrate a situation in which the electric car is being unloaded from the car storage facility, Fig. 6 is a view that illustrates the wagon storage facility by way of example, Fig. 7 is a view that illustrates an example of a lower end section of the wagon bearing device, Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along a line AA to illustrate a fastening unit of a body section and a connecting unit of the carriage bearing device, and Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along a line BB to illustrate a power source unit of the body section and a loading unit of the wagon storage facility.

[0030] As in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an article management system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprising the following: electric trolleys 100 configured for loading articles onto them and designed to be movable; a trolley storage device 200 configured for storing the electric trolleys 100 and charging the stored electric trolleys 100 with electrical energy; and a controller 300 configured to communicate with the electric trolleys 100 and to control and move the electric trolleys 100 to a preset destination.

[0031] In this case, the electric cart 100 can move autonomously and has a loading space for the item. The electric cart 100 can have a specific storage function, which is defined according to a storage condition for the item. For example, the electric cart 100 can be configured to set a temperature for loading an item that requires a specific temperature. Furthermore, the electric cart 100 can be configured to dampen shocks, allowing an item to be loaded with a minimized impact. Alternatively, the electric cart 100 can be configured to divide the space according to the size of the item.

[0032] Meanwhile, the car storage facility 200 is configured to sort and store the electric cars 100 and to charge the charged electric cars 100 with electrical energy. That is, the electric cars 100 are sorted and stored in the car storage facility 200, which facilitates the management of the electric cars 100.

[0033] This means that multiple electric trolleys (100) are provided, and these trolleys are sorted according to their respective items and have different charging functions. The trolley storage system (200) divides the storage space into one area for storing electric trolleys (100) with the same charging function and another area for storing electric trolleys (100) that need to be moved to the same location.

[0034] Since the multitude of electric trolleys 100 have different charging functions, as described above, it is possible to provide a user with the electric trolley 100 that meets the condition for storing the item.

[0035] Furthermore, the trolley storage facility 200 is also provided in multiple configurations. The storage area includes space for storing electric trolleys 100 with the same charging function and space for storing electric trolleys 100 that need to be moved to the same location. Therefore, the electric trolleys 100 are easily managed. This means that the trolley storage facility 200 can subdivide the storage area according to the size of the electric trolley 100, its charge level or state, the storage environment, the delivery location, and the like. In addition, the trolley storage facility 200 can have special functions, such as cleaning or sterilization.

[0036] As described above, the multiple electric trolleys (100) are sorted according to their loading requirements. Therefore, it is possible to store items with differing storage conditions in the electric trolleys (100), and the items stored in the electric trolleys (100) also meet the storage requirements. Furthermore, the trolley storage system (200) is also provided in multiples, and the multiple trolley storage systems (200) store the sorted electric trolleys (100), thus facilitating the management of the electric trolleys (100).

[0037] The control unit 300 can communicate with the electric trolley 100 and control it, moving it to a preset destination. That is, the control unit 300 enables the electric trolley 100 to be moved to and stored in the trolley storage facility 200, or to move the electric trolley 100 to a delivery location.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller 300 can sort the electric trolleys 100 into those electric trolleys 100 that have the same charging function and those electric trolleys 100 that are to be moved to the same destination. The controller 300 can preferably move the electric trolleys 100 that are positioned close together, thereby improving the efficiency of the delivery of the electric trolleys 100.

[0039] The electric vehicle 100 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. As in the Fig. 1 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the electric cart 100 can include a body section 110 which has a cargo space for loading an item, and electric wheels 120 which are provided at the lower end section of the body section 110 and are configured to operate under control of the control system.

[0040] This means that the electric trolley 100 contains the body section 110 and the electric wheels 120. The body section 110 has the loading compartment into which the item is loaded. The body section 110 can have a specific loading function. In this case, the loading function could be a function for setting a temperature in the loading compartment, a function for damping a shock, a sterilization function, or the like. Different loading functions can be applied to the respective electric trolleys 100, and the electric trolley 100 suitable for storing the item can be assigned.

[0041] The electric carriage 100 has electric wheels 120, which are provided at the lower end of the body section 110. The electric carriage 100 is moved by actuating the electric wheels 120. The electric wheels 120 can be actuated by an internal motor and can be fitted with a steering function that moves the electric carriage 100 into a specific position. Furthermore, the electric carriage 100 communicates with the control unit 300, and the electric wheels 120 operate under the control of the control unit 300.

[0042] Therefore, the article can be loaded onto the body section 110 of the electric carriage 100 and moved, while the electric carriage 100 is moved into the specified position by actuating the electric wheels 120.

[0043] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, a receiving groove section 111, which is recessed to receive the electric wheel 120, is formed on the lower end section of the body section 110, and the electric wheel 120 is rotatably provided in the receiving groove section 111. Therefore, the electric wheel 120 is received in the receiving groove section 111 when the electric carriage 100 is loaded into the carriage storage facility 200. The electric wheel 120 rests on the floor surface when the electric carriage 100 is unloaded from the carriage storage facility 200.

[0044] As described above, the receiving groove section 111 can be formed at the lower end section of the body section 110, and the electric wheel 120 can be rotatably provided and received in the receiving groove section 111. Of course, the electric wheel 120 can be received in or removed from the receiving groove section 111 by a vertical movement instead of a rotational movement. Sufficient installation space must be ensured at the lower end section 220 of the body section if the electric wheel 120 is configured to perform the vertical movement. Furthermore, if the electric wheel 120 performs the vertical movement, its movement can be restricted while the electric wheel 120 is engaged by the carriage support device 200 when the electric carriage 100 is moved into the carriage support device 200 and loaded.Therefore, the electric wheel 120 is configured to perform the rotary motion, which allows the electric carriage 100 to easily enter the carriage storage facility 200.

[0045] Since the receiving groove section 111 is formed in the body section 110 and the electric wheel 120 is rotatably mounted in the receiving groove section 111, the electric wheel 120 can be mounted in or removed from the receiving groove section 111. Therefore, when the electric carriage 100 is loaded into the carriage storage device 200, the electric wheel 120 is mounted in the receiving groove section 111 while the latter is rotated. Thus, the electric carriage 100 can easily enter the storage space of the carriage storage device 200. Furthermore, when the electric carriage 100 is unloaded from the carriage storage device 200, the electric wheel 120 is rotated to be removed from the receiving groove section 111 and brought into contact with the base. Therefore, the body section 110 can be moved into the desired position by actuating the electric wheel 120.

[0046] In the present case, a locking device 112 can be provided for selectively fixing the rotational position of the electric wheel 120 in the body section 110. The locking device 112 can be provided on the body section 110 and connected to a rotating shaft of the electric wheel 120, thereby selectively fixing the position of the electric wheel 120.

[0047] The electric wheel 120 can, for example, be configured as a drive wheel that is rotated by the motor and the rotating shaft, which is rotatably mounted on the lower end section of the body section 110. In this case, the rotating shaft can be configured to receive a spring force from a spring and rotate in a direction toward the base. Furthermore, the locking device 112 can include a locking pin configured to extend or retract magnetically and fix the rotating shaft in a specific position. A structure for changing the rotational position of the electric wheel 120 and a structure for fixing a position of the electric wheel 120 using the locking device 112 can be implemented differently, as long as these structures serve the same purpose.

[0048] Meanwhile, a sensor unit 113 can be arranged on the body section 110 and detect whether the electric carriage 100 is being moved and loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage device 200. The sensor unit 113 is provided at the lower end section of the body section 110 and detects whether the body section 110 is being loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage device 200. Various sensors, such as a contact sensor or a laser sensor, can be used. In several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the sensor unit 113 is provided on the side of the electric wheel 120 and configured to detect contact with the carriage storage device 200.

[0049] When the sensor unit 113 sends a signal to the locking device 112 indicating that the electric car 100 is being loaded into or unloaded from the car storage unit 200, the locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120. That is, when the electric car 100 is moved and loaded into the car storage unit 200, the sensor unit 113 detects the loading of the electric car 100 and transmits a signal to the locking device 112. The locking device 112 then releases the electric wheel 120 so that it can be received in the receiving section 111. Furthermore, when the electric car 100 is moved and unloaded from the car storage unit 200, the sensor unit 113 detects the unloading and transmits a signal to the locking device 112.The locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120, so that the electric wheel 120, which was received in the receiving groove section 111, is removed from the receiving groove section 111 and placed on the ground surface. In this case, the signal detected by the sensor unit 113 can be transmitted to the controller 300, and then the controller 300 can input an instruction into the locking device 112.

[0050] Meanwhile, a roller unit 250 is provided on the carriage support device 200. When the electric carriage 100 is loaded, the roller unit 250 supports the electric carriage 100 and assists in moving it as it rotates. The electric carriage 100 can be moved into the storage space by rotating the roller unit 250 in the position where the electric wheel 120 is received in the receiving groove section 111 of the body section 110. In this case, the roller unit 250 can be rotated by a separate motor, allowing the body section 110 of the electric carriage 100 to move into a storage position in the storage space.

[0051] If the electric car is 100, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, when the vehicle is loaded into the storage unit 200, the sensor unit 113 detects the storage unit 200, so that the locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120. As shown in Figure 2, the sensor unit 113 detects the storage unit 200, so that the locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the electric wheel 120 of the electric carriage 100 is therefore pressed through the carriage bearing assembly 200 and received in the receiving groove section 111 of the body section 110. Furthermore, the electric carriage 100 can be moved into the bearing position by rotating the roller unit 250, which is provided on the carriage bearing assembly 200.

[0052] If the electric car is 100, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, while unloading is taking place from the wagon storage unit 200, the sensor unit 113 can detect that the electric wagon 100 is moving and being unloaded from the wagon storage unit 200. Therefore, the locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120 so that the electric wheel 120 can rotate. As shown in Figure 4, the sensor unit 113 can detect that the electric wagon 100 is moving and being unloaded from the wagon storage unit 200. Therefore, the locking device 112 releases the electric wheel 120 so that the electric wheel 120 can rotate. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the electric wheel 120 is therefore moved in the direction in which the electric carriage 100 is unloaded from the carriage support device 200, so that the electric wheel 120 is rotated towards the ground surface and rests on the ground surface when the electric wheel 120 is separated from the carriage support device 200. Therefore, the electric carriage 100 can be moved while the electric wheel 120 is rolling.

[0053] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the wagon storage facility 200 has the storage space for storing the electric wagon 100. A door 211 is provided on an upper end section 210 of the wagon storage facility 200 in a way that allows it to be opened and closed, and a lower end section 220 of the wagon storage facility 200 can be designed to engage the electric wheel 120 of the electric wagon 100.

[0054] Since the door 211 is designed to be opened and closed at the upper end section 210 of the wagon storage facility 200, it is prevented that the electric wagon 100, which is being loaded into the wagon storage facility 200, obstructs the open door 211. The door 211 can be opened or closed at the upper end section 210 of the wagon storage facility 200 by turning, sliding, or folding it down.

[0055] When the electric car 100 reaches the car storage facility 200, the electric car 100 and the car storage facility 200 identify each other. If the electric car 100 and the car storage facility 200 identify each other normally, the door 211 opens so that the electric car 100 can be stored in the storage space. Therefore, the car storage facility 200 only stores the identified electric car 100 in the storage space. This prevents the electric car 100 from being stored via an alternate route or from entering the storage space due to an error.

[0056] Meanwhile, the lower end section 220 of the wagon storage device 200 is designed to engage the electric wheel 120 of the electric wagon 100. That is, the lower end section 220 of the wagon storage device 200 can have a height that engages the electric wheel 120 when the electric wagon 100 is moved to be loaded into the wagon storage device 200. Since the electric wheel 120 of the electric wagon 100 is engaged and folded in by the lower end section 220 of the wagon storage device 200 when the electric wagon 100 is loaded into the wagon storage device 200, the electric wagon 100 can easily enter the wagon storage device 200.

[0057] As in the Fig. 7 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, a fastening unit 114 is provided on the lower end section of the body section 110 and a connecting unit 230 is provided on the carriage bearing device 200 such that the connecting unit 230 is connected to the fastening unit 114 in order to fix the body section 110 when the electric carriage 100 is loaded and moved into the storage position.

[0058] Therefore, when the electric trolley 100 is loaded into the trolley storage device 200, the connecting unit 230 of the trolley storage device 200 is connected to the fastening unit 114, which is provided on the lower end section of the body section 110, so that the electric trolley 100 can be fixed in the storage position of the trolley storage device 200. The fastening unit 114 of the electric trolley 100 can be provided in the form of a groove, and the connecting unit 230 of the trolley storage device 200 can be provided in the form of a pin configured to extend in an upward / downward direction from the lower end section 220.

[0059] The trolley storage device 200 can include a sensor configured to detect whether the electric trolley 100 is positioned in a precise storage position. If the sensor detects that the electric trolley 100 is in the precise storage position, the connecting unit 230 can be connected to the fastening unit 114 in such a way that the position of the electric trolley 100 can be fixed in the storage space.

[0060] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, a power source unit 115 is provided at the lower end section of the body section 110, and the carriage storage device 200 has a charging unit 240 which is configured to be connected to the power source unit 115 and to provide electrical energy when the electric carriage 100 is loaded and moved into the storage position.

[0061] When the electric car 100 is loaded into the car storage facility 200, the charging unit 240 of the car storage facility 200 can therefore be connected to the power source unit 115, which is provided at the lower end section of the body section 110, thereby charging the electric car 100 with electrical energy. The power source unit 115 of the electric car 100 and the charging unit 240 of the car storage facility 200 can be configured as power connections or configured to charge the electric car 100 wirelessly.

[0062] At the time of charging the electric carriage 100 in the carriage storage facility 200, the power source unit 115 and the charging unit 240 are used to charge the electric carriage 100 in the state in which the electric carriage 100 is loaded into the carriage storage facility 200 and the electric carriage 100 is then fixed by the connection between the connecting unit 230 and the fastening unit 114.

[0063] As in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 1, the article management system further includes a delivery mobility vehicle 400, configured for autonomous movement and featuring a receiving area. The delivery mobility vehicle 400 can be an air mobility vehicle that flies by operating a propeller or a mobility vehicle that travels on the ground by rotating wheels. Furthermore, the delivery mobility vehicle 400 can have a receiving area for the electric cart 100 and deliver the articles, along with the electric cart 100, to the remote destination while moving completely autonomously.

[0064] When the delivery of the articles to the destination is requested, the controller 300 therefore controls the electric trolley 100, which is loaded with the articles, to load the electric trolley 100 into the receiving space in the delivery mobility vehicle 400, and controls the delivery mobility vehicle 400 and moves it to the requested destination.

[0065] This means that when the item to be delivered and the delivery destination are determined, the control unit 300 enables the electric trolley 100, which is loaded with the requested item, to be unloaded from the trolley storage facility 200.

[0066] In the present case, the controller 300 can first sort the electric trolleys 100 that are loaded with the same item, secondarily sort the electric trolleys 100 that are to be moved to the same delivery destination, and manage the respective electric trolleys 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the controller 300 controls the electric cart 100 to load the electric cart 100 into the delivery mobility vehicle 400, which is to be moved to the delivery destination, and controls the delivery mobility vehicle 400 and moves it to the delivery destination, delivering the items.

[0068] In the present case, the controller 300 checks a movement route at the time the delivery mobility vehicle 400 moves to the delivery destination, so that the delivery mobility vehicle 400 can deliver the items sequentially from the local delivery destination to the long-distance delivery destination.

[0069] The article management system, which is structured as described above, uses the electric trolley 100, which can move autonomously, with the articles being managed automatically and easily, and the convenience of the delivery service being ensured through the automation of article delivery.

[0070] Furthermore, the term "control device," such as "controller," "control unit," "control device," or "control module," etc., refers to a hardware device containing a memory and a processor configured to execute one or more steps that are interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of a method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.The control device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store algorithms for controlling an operation of various components of a vehicle or data about software instructions for executing the algorithms, and a processor configured to perform an operation as described above using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated on a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors. The processor can include various logic circuits and operating circuits, process data according to a program provided by the memory, and generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0071] The control device can be at least one microprocessor which is actuated by a predetermined program which may contain a series of instructions for executing the method contained in the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention mentioned above.

[0072] The aforementioned invention can also be embodied as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device capable of storing data that can subsequently be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memory (ROMs), random-access memory (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the internet).

[0073] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each operation described above can be performed by a control device, and the control device can be configured by a plurality of control devices or an integrated single control device.

[0074] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the control device can be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0075] For the sake of clarity and accurate definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "upwards", "downwards", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "rear", "backwards", "inwards", "outwards", "inside", "outwards", "inside", "outside", "internal", "external", "forwards", and "backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with respect to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. Furthermore, it will be clear that the term "connect" or derivatives thereof refer to both direct and indirect connections.

Claims

[1] Article management system, comprising: an electric trolley (100) configured to load an item onto it and designed to be mobile; a wagon storage facility (200) configured to store the electric wagon (100) on it; and a controller (300) configured to communicate with and control the electric vehicle and move it to a preset destination, wherein the trolley storage device (200) has a roller unit (250) configured to support the electric trolley (100) when the electric trolley (100) is being loaded, and the roller unit (250) assists in moving the electric trolley (100) as it rotates. [2] Article management system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the wagon storage device is further configured to charge the stored electric wagon (100) with electrical energy; and [3] Article management system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electric trolley (100) is provided in a plurality and the plurality of electric trolleys (100) is sorted by the control (300) for respective items and has different charging functions, and that the trolley storage facility (200) has storage spaces which are subdivided for the respective electric trolleys (100) with the same charging function. [4] Article management system according to claim 3, characterized by , that the controller (300) is configured to first sort the electric trolleys (100) that are loaded with the same item, secondarily to sort the electric trolleys (100) that are to be moved to the same delivery destination, and to manage the respective electric trolleys (100). [5] Article management system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electric car (100) contains the following: a body section (110) with a cargo space, wherein the article is configured to be loaded into the same; and electric wheels (120) which are provided on a lower end section of the body section (110) and are configured to operate under control of the control unit (300). [6] Article management system according to claim 5, characterized by, that receiving groove sections (111) are formed and recessed on the lower end section of the body section (110) to receive the electric wheels (120), and the electric wheels (120) are pivotably mounted on the body section (110) into the receiving groove sections (111), so that the electric wheels (120) are received in the receiving groove sections (111) when the electric carriage is loaded into the carriage storage facility (200), and the electric wheels (120) are stored on a floor surface when the electric carriage (100) is unloaded from the carriage storage facility (200). [7] Article management system according to claim 6, characterized by , that the body section (110) has a locking device (112) configured to selectively lock a rotational position of at least one of the electric wheels (120). [8] Article management system according to claim 7, characterized by, that the body section (110) has a sensor unit (113) configured to detect whether the electric carriage (100) is being moved and loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage facility (200), and the locking device (112) releases the at least one electric wheel (120) when the sensor unit (113) inputs a signal into the locking device (112) indicating that the electric carriage (100) is being loaded into or unloaded from the carriage storage facility. [9] Article management system according to claim 5, characterized by, that the wagon storage facility (200) has a storage space for storing the electric wagon (100), a door (211) is provided at an upper end section (210) of the wagon storage facility (200) that can be opened and closed, and a lower end section (220) of the wagon storage facility (200) is designed to engage the electric wheels (120) of the electric wagon (100). [10] Article management system according to claim 5, characterized by , that a fastening unit (114) is provided on the lower end section of the body section (110) and a connecting unit (230) is provided on the carriage storage device (200) and is configured to be connected to the fastening unit (114) in order to fix the body section (110) when the electric carriage (100) is loaded and moves into a storage position. [11] Article management system according to claim 5, characterized by, that a power source unit (115) is provided at the lower end section of the body section (110) and a charging unit (240) is provided on the carriage storage device (200) and is configured to be connected to the power source unit (115) in order to supply the power source unit (115) with electrical energy when the electric carriage (100) is being charged and is moving into a storage position. [12] Article management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a delivery mobility vehicle (400) configured to move autonomously and has a receiving area, wherein, when an item delivery to a delivery destination is requested, the controller (300) is configured to control the electric trolley (100) loaded with the item and to enable it to be loaded into the receiving space of the delivery mobility vehicle (400), and is configured to control the delivery mobility vehicle (400) and move it to the delivery destination. [13] Article management system according to claim 12, characterized by , that the controller (300) is configured to determine a movement route at a time when the delivery mobility vehicle (400) is moving to the delivery destination, so that the delivery mobility vehicle (400) delivers the item sequentially from a near delivery destination to a far delivery destination.