Device for delivering goods

Abstract

Device for delivering goods, large-volume distribution items, parcels or packages, with a receiving device designed as a housing (2) having an interior (9), wherein the housing (2) has at least one opening (7) which can be closed with a door (8) or flap movable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the receiving device has a locking device (10), characterized in that the locking device (10) has a device (23) with which the locking device (10) can be set to one of two operating modes, wherein the first possible operating mode provides that the receiving device is generally not locked and locking of the receiving device is only possible by a delivery person when goods have been inserted, and wherein the second possible operating mode provides thatthat the receiving device is generally locked and the goods can only be placed into the receiving device after the delivery person has unlocked it, before the receiving device is then locked again.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for delivering goods, in particular large-volume distribution items such as parcels, packages or the like, in particular for carrying out the method, with a receiving device which is designed as a housing having an interior, wherein the housing has at least one opening which can be closed with a door or flap movable between a closed position and an open position and wherein the receiving device has a closing device, for example a lock having a movable bolt.

[0002] Devices for delivering goods, especially large-volume items such as parcels, packages, or the like, are known in various designs from the prior art. The prevalence of these devices is increasing with the rise of e-commerce, and both users and delivery personnel have an interest in them. For users, these devices enable secure and reliable delivery even without the user's presence, while for delivery personnel, they significantly simplify delivery, even when the recipient or user cannot personally accept the goods.Furthermore, these devices allow for better use of centrally located collection points with individual storage facilities, since the storage facilities to be deposited and kept ready for collection of goods are only used for recipients who do not have a suitable device or whose device is too small or temporarily occupied for the goods to be delivered.

[0003] From DE 20 2011 106 184 U1, a device for receiving items to be delivered, such as parcels, packages, letters, or other packaged or unpackaged goods, such as foodstuffs, is known. This previously known device consists of a housing enclosing a receiving chamber with an opening that can be closed with a flap or door, wherein the flap or door has a locking device and a detection device is arranged in the receiving chamber, which can be activated by an inserted item. The locking device can be controlled via the detection device in such a way that the flap or door can only be moved into a locked position when the detection device is activated, and the locking device can only be reopened by means of a key that unlocks the locking device.

[0004] Another device for delivering goods is known from DE 20 2013 009 163 U1. According to this prior art, after inserting a delivery item, a delivery person moves a door or flap of a housing with a receiving compartment into a closed position. A first locking mechanism then secures the door or flap in such a way that subsequent opening without authorization, for example in the form of a mechanical and / or electronic key containing a specific security code, is not possible. The key is usually held by the user of the device or a person authorized by the user.For this purpose, a second locking mechanism is provided, which the user can move from a locked to an unlocked position using the key. This also unlocks the first lock, allowing the user to open the door or flap and retrieve the intended delivery item from the receiving area. Following removal, both the first and second locks remain open, thus preparing the device for another delivery.

[0005] Such a device has proven its worth and offers its user a high level of safety.

[0006] From DE 20 2011 052 080 U1, a device for receiving shipments of all kinds is known, which has a housing with a receiving space, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged in the receiving space, which detects the presence of a package or other goods and blocks a control of the locking system for access by the delivery person.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 101 48 300 A1 discloses a method for delivering goods, particularly large-volume items such as parcels, packages, or the like, in which the goods are placed by a delivery person into a lockable receiving device. The delivery person then transmits an individualized access authorization for the locked receiving device to a recipient, which the recipient can use to unlock and open the receiving device once in order to remove the goods intended for them. The delivery person can open the receiving device with a key, insert the goods, and then lock the receiving device so that it can subsequently be opened once by the recipient using the individualized access authorization. It is then up to the recipient whether to lock the receiving device again after removing the goods or leave it open.If the recipient leaves the receiving device open, the delivery person can make a subsequent delivery without first opening it. However, the delivery person will then close the receiving device again. This simplifies delivery, and it is also known from this prior art that the receiving device, once opened by the recipient, cannot be closed again until the next delivery person fills it. This eliminates the need for the delivery person to have a key for delivery, which is particularly advantageous when the delivery person fills multiple receiving devices, each with different locking systems. This would require the delivery person to carry several keys and find and use the correct one for each device.This very often leads to the delivery person, under time pressure, leaving the goods to be delivered next to the locked receiving area or handing the goods to someone else to pass on to the recipient, in order to fulfill their delivery task. Such a delivery procedure naturally has disadvantages, as it is not guaranteed that the goods will reach the recipient, or that they will be stolen or embezzled.

[0008] Furthermore, the receiving facility can only be used in one direction of goods traffic within the context of e-commerce. Returning goods to the delivery person via the receiving facility is not intended, although often desired. The recipient must then hand the returned goods to the delivery person in person, which requires waiting for the delivery person, who may not arrive daily, or visiting a service point where goods to be sent are centrally received. Particularly in rural areas, this requires the recipient to travel longer distances and is also bound by opening hours.

[0009] Further prior art is described in publications EP 2 835 078 A1, US 2018 / 0177318 A1, and DE 101 25 948 A1. This prior art deals with various methods for delivering goods to receiving devices, always with the primary focus on ensuring secure delivery even when the recipient is not present, but the receiving device should still be accessible. For example, EP 2 835 078 A1 discloses a receiving device with a locking device and an access device, through which various delivery operations can be carried out. The access device is used by the recipient, for example, to enable opening via a stored telephone number when a call is received from that number. Access can also be granted temporarily or by pressing a button. In any case, the receiving device is always locked by the recipient.

[0010] Furthermore, US 2018 / 0177318 A1 discloses a system for the delivery of goods to a receiving facility, in which selective access is granted.

[0011] Finally, DE 101 25 948 A1 discloses a goods depot facility with remote triggering of a locking device.

[0012] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to improve a generic device with regard to the disadvantages described above and, in particular, to provide a device that simplifies the handling of the delivery of goods to the recipient or to the delivery person and, in particular, expands the usability of the device for the recipient and enables it for the delivery person without significant time expenditure.

[0013] The solution to the aforementioned problem in a device according to the invention provides that the locking device has a device with which the locking device can be set to one of two operating modes, wherein the first possible operating mode provides that the receiving device is generally not locked and locking of the receiving device is only possible when goods have been inserted, in particular by a delivery person, and wherein the second possible operating mode provides that the receiving device is generally locked and the goods can only be inserted into the receiving device after the receiving device has been unlocked, in particular by the delivery person, before the receiving device is subsequently locked again.

[0014] The device according to the invention can be used to carry out a method as described below.

[0015] This method offers the recipient the option of operating the receiving device in different modes. If the recipient chooses not to lock the receiving device, i.e., to leave it open for delivery, the delivery person can fill and close it very quickly. The delivery person simply needs to open the door or flap (no key required), place the goods inside, and then close the door or flap again. The door or flap then locks automatically or can be manually locked by the delivery person, allowing the recipient to subsequently open the receiving device with their key and remove the goods.The receiving device is now prepared for the next delivery. The door or flap may be closed, but it is not locked, so it can be opened without a key (mechanical or electronic). The recipient or user of the receiving device can also choose a second operating mode, which is activated. In this mode, the recipient places goods into the receiving device for delivery by the courier to a third party. The courier then removes and takes the goods.

[0016] In this operating mode, the recipient can use the receiving device even if, for example, they do not wish to receive delivery due to their absence. The recipient can also select this operating mode if they discover that their receiving device is being misused.

[0017] The locking device can be operated via a control unit, whereby a motor-gear unit within the locking device is activated by the control unit to move the locking device from an open to a closed position or vice versa. The motor-gear unit can be connected to a latch and / or bolt of the locking device and move the latch and / or bolt between a closed and an open position.

[0018] It can be provided that the operating mode is automatically switched after the receiving device has been used. This ensures that, after the receiving device has been sent by the recipient via the delivery person to a third party (for example, a return to the sender), it is not subsequently blocked for the usual and more frequent deliveries by the delivery person and only becomes available again after action by the recipient. The first operating mode can therefore be defined as the primary operating mode, into which the receiving device is automatically switched after an event or after a certain period of time.

[0019] With this method, the delivery person can assume that their delivery attempts will be predominantly successful. Opening the door or hatch can be done in a very short time. Handing the goods over to a third party for onward delivery to the recipient would take significantly more time, especially if documentation is required. Furthermore, securing the goods in the receiving device is also considerably simplified and takes no time at all. The delivery person simply needs to move the door or hatch into the closed position, where it can be automatically locked. If necessary, the delivery person may need to activate the lock by pressing a button, but this also does not take much time.

[0020] Overall, the method and thus the device according to the invention offer significant advantages for both the sender and the recipient.

[0021] A further development of the procedure provides that the receiving device locks automatically after the door or flap is moved into the closed position. This design significantly simplifies the use of the receiving device for the delivery person. The door or flap can also be equipped with a closing mechanism, so that no action is required from the delivery person in this respect. Whether locking is required is then detected, for example, by a sensor that recognizes the presence of goods and then indirectly activates the locking mechanism to initiate the locking process. The sensor is described below.

[0022] According to a further feature of the procedure, the receiving device is locked by the delivery person in the course of an active operation of a locking mechanism, independent of the door or flap being moved into the closed position.

[0023] As described above, a further supplementary feature of the invention provides that the operating modes can be set reversibly and indefinitely. The setting can either depend on an action by the recipient and / or be automated after a predetermined period. This allows, for example, the receiving device to be locked during the recipient's vacation, thus preventing deliveries.

[0024] Since the system can also be used for returning delivered goods to the delivery person, it is additionally provided that at least one delivery person receives access authorization when the device is operating in the second mode. This access authorization can be used once by the delivery person to retrieve deposited goods from the locked receiving device. The access authorization is specifically designed as an electronically transmitted key code and can be transferred from the delivery person to the locking device, for example, via Bluetooth or another NFC connection. If the key code is correct, the locking mechanism of the receiving device opens, and the delivery person can then open the receiving device to retrieve the deposited goods.Of course, it can also be arranged that the recipient grants access authorization to a third party independent of the delivery person, enabling that third party to open the receiving device in order to retrieve goods. This is also possible in the first operating mode if the recipient wishes to authorize a third party to retrieve the goods on their behalf, as is often desirable in the case of the recipient's absence, also to avoid blocking the receiving device with goods for an extended period, thus preventing further deliveries.

[0025] Preferably, the operating mode is set electronically, for example by wirelessly transmitting a signal, in particular via Bluetooth or another NFC connection, in the locking device. This allows the operating mode to be set even from a remote location of the receiver.

[0026] According to a further feature of the invention, the operating mode of the locking device is indicated by a signaling device visible from outside the device. Upon reaching the receiving device, the delivery person is shown which operating mode is selected, so that they can see whether the receiving device is ready for delivery or whether a collection of goods is desired. Additional states of the receiving device can also be displayed, which also provide added value for the recipient, such as the status that goods are inserted, the power status of any electronic components, or the like.

[0027] It has already been described that the operating mode is controlled via a sensor and a control unit. This control can be particularly advantageous in addition to the operating mode controllable by the receiver. This prevents the receiver from changing the operating mode when the receiving device is used with goods for collection and, unaware of this condition, from switching the receiving device from the second to the first operating mode, thus setting the locking mechanism to "always open." The sensor detects the inserted goods, and the control unit blocks any change in the operating mode.

[0028] Preferably, the second operating mode can only be set when there are no goods inserted.

[0029] The device, in particular the locking mechanism, can also be permanently locked, preventing its use for deliveries. This operating mode can be activated, for example, when the user or recipient is absent. This prevents deliveries. This operating mode can also be selected if the device has been repeatedly misused.

[0030] In addition to the operating modes described, it can also be provided that the door or flap is in its closed position. In this case, the door or flap can also be locked to the housing, for example by a latch, such that the latch must be pushed back to open the door. This opening process can be triggered by a release device, such as a button, which the delivery person can press to open the door or flap and place goods into the receiving area before the door or flap is closed again. In this case, no authorization code is required to push back the latch.A distinction must therefore be made between an open / closed position of the door or flap and an open / closed position of the locking mechanism, in which the door or flap can preferably only be opened after an authorization code has been entered, thus moving the locking mechanism to the open or unlocked position, so that the door or flap can subsequently be moved from the closed to the open position. Even in the case of a closed door or flap without a locked locking mechanism, one can therefore speak of an "always closed" operating mode. Overall, the operating modes "always closed" and "always open" can refer to both the door or flap and / or the locking mechanism.An authorization code may only be required if the locking device is moved into the open position to remove delivered goods or to place goods to be delivered in front of a delivery person for collection.

[0031] According to the invention, the device comprises a mechanism that enables the operating mode of the locking device to be changed. In the simplest case, this can be a mechanical switch located in the area of ​​the locking device, which can be actuated, in particular, by the receiver and user of the device. However, electronic embodiments of this mechanism are preferable. For example, a mechanism that is part of a control unit for the locking device, so that data or signals can be transmitted from the user or receiver to the control unit, with which the operating modes are selected and set. The transmission of this data or these signals can preferably be wireless, for example via the mobile network or by means of NFC transmission, for example via Bluetooth.

[0032] According to a further feature of the invention, the receiving device includes an actuator that automatically triggers a locking mechanism after the door or flap is moved into the closed position, and / or the receiving device includes a manually operated actuator that moves a locking mechanism from an open to a closed position after the door or flap is moved into the closed position. This configuration supports the first operating mode and, in particular, the delivery person. In the first operating mode, the receiving device is generally open and accessible to the delivery person. When the door or flap is moved into the closed position after goods have been placed in the receiving device, a switching process is triggered such that the control unit addresses the locking device and initiates a closing process.The receiving area is now locked and can only be opened with a key. Access without a key is no longer possible. The delivery person only needs to move the door or flap into the closed position, which automatically initiates the locking process. This helps prevent delivery errors.

[0033] Alternatively, an actuator, such as a switch or push button, can be provided in the housing of the receiving device, which the operator must actively press to initiate the closing process. It can also be advantageous that the actuator can only be activated when the door or flap is in the closed position, thus preventing, for example, the erroneous extension of a bolt outside of its receptacle in a strike plate of the device. In this case, it is advantageous if the position of the door or flap relative to the housing is also detected, so that a locking process can only be carried out when the door or flap is in a position that allows it and this position is detected.

[0034] Accordingly, it is further advantageous that the receiving device includes a control unit with which the operating mode of the closing device can be set, the control unit preferably including a receiver for wirelessly transmitted data. The control unit may have further functions, in particular monitoring functions with regard to detecting the position of the door or flap relative to the housing and / or detecting the fill level of the receiving device. Sensors connected to the control unit are provided for this monitoring function.

[0035] In addition, according to a further feature of the invention, the receiving device may have a signaling device that indicates at least the operating mode and, in particular, additionally an operating state of the closing device. In this case, the operating state is to be understood as a statement about the presence of goods in the receiving device.

[0036] Furthermore, according to a further development of the device according to the invention, the receiving device has a sensor that detects an operating state, for example, an occupancy of the interior, a movement in the interior, a temperature and / or a temperature change in the interior, and that the sensor is connected to the control unit of the locking device, and that the control unit activates, blocks or releases a locking and / or closing of the locking device when the sensor generates a signal based on a specific operating state and transmits it to the control unit.

[0037] The sensor is preferably designed as a motion detector. This is an electronic sensor that detects movements in its immediate vicinity and can therefore function as an electrical switch.

[0038] Motion detectors can operate actively using electromagnetic waves (RF, microwaves, or Doppler radar), with ultrasound (ultrasonic motion detectors), or passively by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the moving person and the surrounding environment. For example, the pyroelectric sensor described below is a passively operating sensor. Of the pyroelectric sensors, the pyroelectric infrared sensor is the most commonly used type of motion detector. It reacts to small changes in temperature. Alternatively, microwave-based motion detectors can be used, which react optimally when the distance to the sensor changes. A pyroelectric sensor can be used as the sensor. A pyroelectric sensor is a semiconductor sensor used to detect temperature changes. Such sensors are based on pyroelectricity, a property of some piezoelectric semiconductor crystals.A change in temperature leads to a measurable change in electrical voltage. Unlike temperature sensors, which can also be used, pyroelectric sensors do not react to a constant temperature level over time, but only to a change in temperature and are therefore particularly suitable for solving the problem according to the invention.

[0039] Since pyroelectric sensors detect temperature changes, they are practically wavelength-independent and can detect radiation ranging from deep ultraviolet radiation through the visible and infrared wavelength ranges up to terahertz radiation with a wavelength of 1 mm, provided the pyroelectric crystal has a suitable absorption coating. Specific wavelength selectivity can be achieved using electrodes with wavelength-dependent absorption coefficients.

[0040] A sensor is therefore provided that can detect movements within the recording space, thus providing a clear indication that a living being is present. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can measure the temperature within the recording space and generate a signal at a specific value. Furthermore, temperature changes within the recording space can be detected by the sensor, allowing it to detect and generate a signal regardless of the outside temperature. Preferably, and to increase safety, the sensor is designed to record multiple parameters. To prevent a signal from being triggered by an insect, additional parameters can be checked, or the sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted to a specific physical quantity that excludes an insect from triggering a signal.

[0041] The sensor is connected to the control unit of the locking device. The control unit has an evaluation unit that compares the values ​​transmitted by the sensor with data stored in a data memory, for example, in order to block and / or release the locking device if the result is positive.

[0042] When the sensor detects a specific value representing a particular state, it transmits a signal to the control unit. The control unit communicates with the locking device, which is then locked based on the received signal. If the locking device is already in its closed position, it can also be activated and moved to its open position. Furthermore, the operating mode of the locking device can be controlled or adjusted based on the sensor's detected operating states.

[0043] Additionally, the control unit can be connected to further sensors located within the recording space. These additional sensors, which react to movement, temperature, and / or temperature changes, can prevent erroneous signal transmissions, for example, due to an insect trapped within the recording space. For this purpose, the sectors can have a shared monitoring area within the recording space, so that a signal is only generated when a predetermined parameter is detected within this shared area. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure sensor can also be provided within the recording space. This allows for the highly reliable detection, based on signals relating to movement within the recording space and a specific weight, for example, on the floor of the enclosure, of the presence of a child or an animal, such as a dog or cat, within the recording space.

[0044] In a further training program, the locking mechanism is designed to include a motor-gearbox unit that interacts with a latch and / or bolt within the locking mechanism. The control unit can actuate the motor-gearbox unit to, for example, block the locking mechanism from engaging. The locking mechanism remains in the open position, preventing the door or flap from being locked. This also prevents a child from accidentally locking themselves inside the device by closing the door or flap.

[0045] According to a further feature of the invention, a signaling device for optical and / or acoustic signals is connected to the control device.

[0046] This design has the advantage that an acoustic and / or visual signal is generated in the event of a malfunction. This can be important, for example, if the locking device can be closed when the battery is low, but cannot be reopened, even if the sensor detects an operating condition that blocks the locking device from being moved into the closed position.

[0047] Since goods are generally not delivered at night, it can be advantageous to equip the control unit with a time-detection and / or light sensor. This allows core hours to be defined during which the sensor is active. For energy-saving reasons—such devices may be installed in areas without a power grid and therefore rely on battery power—periods can be defined during which the monitoring of the interior is switched off or performed at significantly longer intervals. This reduces, for example, the daily energy consumption.

[0048] Furthermore, a light sensor can be provided inside the device to detect light entering the interior. If no light is detected inside, this indicates, among other things, that the door or flap is in the closed position and therefore locking of the locking device is permissible. This prevents the locking device from moving into the closed position even though the door or flap is not in the closed position. With the device according to the invention, the user can select an operating mode in which the device is generally locked, so that goods can only be placed inside by the delivery person if the delivery person can unlock the device and then open the door or flap. This operating mode has the advantage, for example, that the user can determine which delivery person should have access.This operating mode is also advantageous for the return of goods that the delivery person is to remove from the device, as the user can insert the goods at any time, and the delivery person can remove them independently at any time. With this operating mode, the user can also select specific delivery persons from among several authorized personnel. Finally, this operating mode prevents misuse of the device, such as the unauthorized locking of the device by third parties, thereby denying a delivery person access. Since delivery persons typically have only a very short timeframe for delivery, any interruption of a specific process, such as the one described above, can prevent the delivery person from completing this process, resulting in the goods not being inserted into the device, but rather left next to it or delivered to a neighbor.

[0049] Further features and advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a device according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 in a cutaway top view; Fig. 3 a control device with sensors and locking device for a device according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a first embodiment of an operating unit for a device according to the Fig. 1 to 3 and Fig. 5 a second embodiment of an operating unit for a device according to the Fig. 1 to 3.

[0050] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 1 with a housing 2. The housing 2 has a back wall 3, a base 4, a lid 5 aligned parallel to the base 4, and two side walls 6, which are parallel to each other and aligned at right angles to the base 4, back wall 3, and lid 5, and are connected to each other. Opposite the back wall 3 is an opening 7, which can be closed by a door 8 pivotally mounted on a side wall 6 via a hinge. Inside the housing 2 is a receiving compartment 9, into which goods to be delivered by a delivery person for a user of the device 1 can be placed. The delivery person can then close the door 8, which then locks, so that the user can subsequently open the door 8 using a key.

[0051] The housing 2 is made of metal and the door 8 has a locking device 10. In addition to a bolt 11 ( Fig. 3) The locking device 10 can additionally include a latch 12 ( Fig. 3) have a locking mechanism that allows the door 8 to be locked in the closed position in such a way that the user can pull the latch 12 out of the closed position with a key and open the door 8.

[0052] The locking device 10 can be mechanical or electronic. In the mechanical version, the locking device 10 includes a locking cylinder (not shown) which can be operated with a mechanical key in a manner known per se. However, in the exemplary embodiment, a motor-gearbox unit is preferably provided. Alternatively or additionally, an electronic locking cylinder can be provided. The motor-gearbox unit can be controlled via an electrical signal, which is transmitted, in particular wirelessly, after the relevant key code has been transmitted. Following this, the motor-gearbox unit moves the locking device 10 into an open or a closed position. In the open position, the door 8 can be opened, while in the closed position, opening the door 8 is not possible.

[0053] Two pyroelectric sensors 13 are arranged in the recording chamber 9. The sensors 13 are located in transition areas between the opposing side walls 6 and the cover 5, with the sensors 13 being attached to inner surfaces of the side walls 6 in the area of ​​the opening 7. At least one sensor 13 can also be located on an inner surface of the door 8. Each sensor 13 is oriented such that it forms a V-shaped monitoring field 14 extending from the sensor 13 to a diametrically opposite transition area between the opposite side surface 6 and the rear wall 3. The two monitoring fields 14 form a core area 15 in a central region of the recording chamber 9. The monitoring fields 14 can be two- or three-dimensional.

[0054] Sensors 13 detect specific parameters, such as movement or temperature changes in the recording room 9, and transmit these to a control unit 16. The control unit 16 analyzes the detected parameters, for example, by comparing them with data stored in a data memory 17 regarding specific states that indicate a situation suggesting the presence of, for example, a child or an animal such as a dog or cat in the recording room 9. For this purpose, the control unit 16 includes an evaluation unit 18.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 3 shows data transmission paths represented by arrows 19, 20, and 21. The data transmissions from the sensors 13 to the control unit 16 are unidirectional, as indicated by arrow 19, while the data transmission between the evaluation unit 18 and the data storage unit 17 is bidirectional, as indicated by arrow 20.

[0056] If the control unit 16 has analyzed the data as an indication of the presence of, for example, a child or animal, such as a dog or a cat, in the recording room 9, the control unit 16 controls the locking device 10 in accordance with the arrows 21 in order to transmit a command to the locking device 10 not to assume the closed position or to move from the closed position to the open position in order to prevent the door 8 from closing and thus a child or animal from being locked inside the recording room 9 in any case.

[0057] Additionally, a signaling device 22 is provided which emits an optical signal in the event of a detected indication of the presence of, for example, a child or animal, such as a dog or a cat, in recording room 9.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3 additionally shows a device 23 with a switch 24. This device 23 – which is only shown symbolically – allows the locking device 10 to be set to one of two possible operating modes. The first possible operating mode stipulates that the receiving device, namely the door 8, is generally not locked. In this operating mode, the door 8 of the receiving device can only be locked after goods have been inserted by a delivery person. The second possible operating mode stipulates that the door 8 of the receiving device is generally locked, and goods can only be inserted after the door 8 of the receiving device has been unlocked before it is subsequently locked again.

[0059] In this operating mode, the delivery person needs a key to unlock and open door 8. Closing and locking door 8 is then achieved by moving it into the closed position.

[0060] This allows the door 8 to reach a switch 25 located in the opening 7 of the housing 2, which is actuated by the door 8 and transmits a signal to the control device 16, which controls the locking device 10 and moves it into the locked position.

[0061] The receiving device has a signaling device 26 in the area of ​​door 8, which indicates the operating mode and additionally the operating status of the locking device 10.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a control unit 27 in view. The control unit 27 has a control panel 28 with a button 29 for activating the locking device 10 and a numeric keypad 30, via which, for example, a numeric code for opening or closing the device 1 can be entered. Furthermore, the control panel 28 has several display elements 31 to 35, which can be used to display operating states and process sequences or action prompts. The display elements 31 to 35 have different colors and are additionally equipped with a light source 36, which lights up green when correctly activated and red when incorrectly activated.

[0063] The display elements 31 to 35 are furthermore arranged in a row along a lower edge 37 of the control panel 28, resulting in a sequence of a logical process for handling the device 1 for a delivery person.

[0064] When the delivery person reaches device 1 and it is in the first of the two possible operating modes, in which the receiving device is generally not locked and is locked by the delivery person once goods have been inserted, the delivery person presses button 29, thus activating the locking device 10 of device 1. Specifically, the control unit 16 is activated, which detects the operating mode of device 1 and subsequently displays the further sequence of events for the delivery person via the display elements 31 to 35.

[0065] Since the device is not locked, the delivery person can first open door 8. This is indicated to the delivery person by the illumination of indicator element 32. If the door is properly opened, the delivery person receives an acknowledgment signal via the light source 36 in indicator element 32. The subsequent indicator element 33 then indicates to the delivery person that the goods to be delivered can be placed inside. After the goods have been placed inside and this process has been detected, indicator element 34 indicates to the delivery person that door 8 should now be closed, unless an automatic closing process is initiated. If door 8 is properly closed, the locking device 10 can be automatically locked, and this is indicated by indicator element 35.

[0066] The indicator element 35 can also be designed as a button that the delivery person presses after closing door 8 to manually initiate the locking process. Once the locking position is reached, the indicator element 35 can show that the door is properly locked. A missing lock can also be indicated by the light source 36 in the indicator element 35, for example, by a red light. This can signal a malfunction to the delivery person, prompting them to remove the goods and choose an alternative delivery method.

[0067] When the delivery person reaches device 1 and it is in the second possible operating mode, in which the receiving device is generally locked and the goods can only be placed in the receiving device after the delivery person has unlocked it and then relocked it, the procedure is essentially the same as described above. However, it is additionally provided that the display element 31 indicates to the delivery person that an access code must be entered via the keypad 30 to move the locking device 10 to the unlocked position and open door 8. The subsequent procedure then corresponds to the procedure described above for when door 8 is open.

[0068] In addition to the visual signals, for example those provided by the light source 36, acoustic signals can be provided for the delivery person as an alternative or supplement.

[0069] A signaling device may also be provided to indicate to the delivery person that goods are to be taken from device 1.

[0070] A second embodiment of an operating unit 27 is described in Fig. 5 shown and in accordance with the first embodiment according to Fig. 4 is provided for installation in a corresponding recess in a housing 2 of a device 1. Preferably, the operating unit can be installed in an opening in the door 8.

[0071] The control unit 27 according to Fig. Device 5 has a control panel 28. The control panel 28 displays two graphic representations 38 and 39 of the expected actions of a delivery person. Graphic representation 38 shows the delivery person the expected action of opening the door 8 of the device 1. To the right of graphic representation 38, arranged in logical order, is graphic representation 39, which shows the delivery person the subsequent actions after opening the door 8, namely placing the goods to be delivered, for example a package, followed by the action of closing the door.

[0072] It should be noted that opening and closing door 8 is not necessarily equivalent to unlocking and locking the locking device 10. These actions depend on the selected operating mode. Unlocking requires an additional action by the delivery person, such as entering a code via the keypad 30, and locking the locking device 10 also requires an active action by the delivery person, such as pressing a button. However, locking the locking device 10 can also be automated when door 8 is in its closed position against the housing 2, thereby activating a button or sensor that signals to the control unit 16 that the locking device 10 should now be locked.

[0073] Graphic representations 38 and 39 are assigned displays 40 in the form of light sources, for example LEDs, which can also be used for light sources 36, which additionally indicate to the delivery person which action is required.

[0074] In addition to the graphic display 38, a button 29 is located, which activates the control device so that the delivery person can carry out the delivery process as intended after pressing button 29. For this purpose, button 29 displays the word "Start" and additionally has a symbol representing the action "Press".

[0075] Another key, 41, is located next to graphic representation 39 and displays the word "End" as well as the symbol of key 29, which represents the "Press" action. The delivery person can use key 41 to end the delivery process. Keys 29 and 41, along with graphic representations 38 and 39, are located in the lower half of the control panel 28, with keys 29 and 41 flanking graphic representations 38 and 39 on the outside. This results in a logical arrangement that corresponds to the usual reading direction from left to right.

[0076] Button 41 also has an indicator 40, which is designed to resemble indicator 41 and is a light source. If the delivery process has been successfully carried out by the delivery person, with at least the door 8 being correctly moved into its closed position, indicator 40 of button 41 signals to the delivery person that the delivery process has been successfully completed. Preferably, indicator 40 lights up green, particularly when the locking device 10 is moved into the closed position and the device 1 is thus locked, so that only an authorized recipient can subsequently open the door and remove the delivered goods using a key code. For example, this key code can be entered via the keypad 30.

[0077] The keypad 30 can also be used by the delivery person to open the locking device 10 and thus the device 1, should the door 8 and the locking device be in the closed position. In this case, the delivery person receives a code that can be used for the one-time opening of the device 1.

[0078] In the area of ​​the keypad 30, several light sources 36 are arranged one above the other in two rows. One row of light sources 36 illuminates red when activated, while the second row illuminates green. The light sources 36 visually indicate incorrect or correct code entries. Each row contains three light sources 36 at equal intervals. The light sources 36 are controlled by the control unit 16, which also receives the input to the keypad 30 as signals and evaluates them together with the evaluation unit 18. Energy for the light sources 36, 40, the control unit 16, and the locking device 10 can be supplied by a battery or rechargeable battery that is replaceable and located in the device 1.

[0079] In addition, the control panel 28 features a further graphic display 42 next to the numeric keys of the keypad 30, which signals to the delivery person that the device is locked, either because the user has selected a corresponding operating mode and / or because a delivery to the device 1 has already taken place, but the delivered goods have not yet been removed, so that a further delivery is not possible or not desired. The graphic display 42 also features an indicator 40 in the form of a light element, which is clearly visible and preferably designed as a red LED.

[0080] Not shown is a possible further graphic representation that signals to the delivery person that there is a good in device 1 which the delivery person is to remove and which the delivery person is to send to a third party, i.e. take from the device.

[0081] Instead of a keypad 30, a reading device for reading a code from a transponder chip and / or a receiving device for a code can also be provided, whereby the code is transmitted, for example, via a smartphone using Bluetooth or an alternative NFC data transmission method. Naturally, several code entry devices can also be present on a single device 1 to enable the device 1 to be used by different delivery personnel with different code transmission procedures. This allows the device 1 to be adapted to changes in delivery procedures without significant technical effort.

[0082] Furthermore, all features and further developments as they relate to the first embodiment of the control unit 27 according to Fig. 4 are also described in the second embodiment of the control unit 27 according to Fig. 5 is provided for. The same applies in reverse.

[0083] The in the Fig. 4 and Fig. The five control units shown and described above can also be used independently of the operating modes and / or monitoring methods with sensors as described above in other devices, particularly parcel boxes, and thus represent an advantageous device for parcel boxes in their own right. They serve in particular to simplify the handling of delivery processes, enabling these processes to be carried out easily and in the shortest possible time. Nevertheless, the other features of the operating modes and / or monitoring methods with sensors are naturally advantageously associated with the control unit. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 cases 3 Back panel 4 floors 5 lids 6 side wall 7 Opening 8 Door 9 Recording room 10 Locking device 11 bars 12 Traps 13 Sensor 14 Monitoring field 15 Core area 16 Control unit 17 Data storage 18 evaluation units 19 Arrow 20 Arrow 21 Arrow 22 Signaling device 23. Facility 24 switches 25 switches 26 Signaling device 27 Control unit 28 Control panel 29 key 30 keypad 31 Display element 32 Display element 33 Display element 34 Display element 35 Display element 36 light bulbs 37 bottom edge 38 graphic representation 39 graphic representation 40 ads 41 key 42 graphic representation QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2011 106 184 U1

[0003] DE 20 2013 009 163 U1

[0004] DE 20 2011 052 080 U1

[0006] DE 101 48 300 A1

[0007] EP 2 835 078 A1

[0009] US 2018 / 0177318 A1 [0009, 0010] DE 101 25 948 A1 [0009, 0011]

Claims

[1] Device for delivering goods, large-volume distribution items, parcels or packages, with a receiving device designed as a housing (2) having an interior (9), wherein the housing (2) has at least one opening (7) which can be closed with a door (8) or flap movable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the receiving device has a closing device (10), characterized by, that the locking device (10) has a device (23) with which the locking device (10) can be set to one of two operating modes, wherein the first possible operating mode provides that the receiving device is generally not locked and locking of the receiving device is only possible by a delivery person when goods have been placed in it, and wherein the second possible operating mode provides that the receiving device is generally locked and the goods can only be placed in the receiving device after the receiving device has been unlocked by the delivery person before the receiving device is subsequently locked again. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the receiving device has an actuator (25) which automatically triggers a locking mechanism of the door (8) or flap after the door (8) or flap has been moved into the closed position, or that the receiving device has a manually operated actuator which moves a locking mechanism from an open to a closed position after the door (8) or flap has been moved into the closed position. [3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the receiving device has a control device (16) with which the operating mode of the locking device (10) can be set, wherein the control device (10) has a receiving device for wirelessly transmitted data. [4] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the receiving device has a signaling device (26) which indicates at least the operating mode and additionally an operating state of the locking device (10). [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the receiving device has a sensor (13), that the sensor (13) detects an operating state from the list Occupancy of the interior (9), Movement in the interior (9), Temperature or temperature changes in the interior (9), that the sensor (13) is connected to a control unit (16) of the locking device (10), and that the control unit (16) activates, blocks, or releases a locking or closing of the locking device (10) when the sensor (13) generates a signal based on a specific operating state and transmits it to the control unit (16). [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the locking device (10) is designed as a motor-gearbox unit. [7] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the sensor (13) is designed as a motion detector. [8] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the locking device has a lock having a sliding bolt (12). [9] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that the motion detector is designed as a pyroelectric sensor.

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