Mail storage device

Abstract

Energy-autonomous mail storage device (1), comprising - a mail container (2), preferably lockable by means of a lock (18), for the protected storage of a mail item (3) placed in the mail container (2), - an electric temperature control unit (5) for temperature control, preferably for cooling, of an interior (4) of the mail container (2), - an electric accumulator (6) which is set up to supply electrical power to the temperature control unit (5), and - a charging electronics (8) by means of which the accumulator (6) can be charged with electrical energy as required, as soon as a renewable energy source (7) is / is electrically connected to the charging electronics (8), - in particular so that food can be kept cool in the interior (4) independently of a public power supply, - preferably wherein access to the interior (4) of the mail container (2) is restricted by means of an electronic access restriction which opens the lock (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mail storage device, which can be implemented, for example, in the form of a lockable mail box and can be set up in almost any location to store mail items in a mail container of the mail storage device for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated method by which an interior space can be cooled as needed for storing temperature-sensitive mail items such as shipments of food or medicines (formerly more commonly referred to as pharmaceuticals).

[0002] The ongoing digital transformation has led to a significant shift in purchasing behavior among broad consumer groups, resulting in an increasing number of items being ordered online. This trend, which began in the late 1990s with digital book orders, has since expanded to include all kinds of consumer goods and, more recently, pharmaceuticals. While it is already possible to order groceries online through dedicated sales portals and have them delivered to your home by standardized delivery services, this generally only applies to food items that can be stored at normal temperatures without additional refrigeration, or the delivery service requires the customer to accept the delivered groceries directly. For example, when meals are delivered, it is currently standard practice for the delivery person to hand them directly to the customer at their front door.

[0003] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing a mail storage device that significantly improves the usability for both delivery services and the actual user of the mail storage device, i.e., the addressee and thus recipient of the respective mail item or the sender of a mail item.

[0004] To solve this problem, the invention proposes a mail storage device according to claim 1. The mail storage device according to the invention comprises a mail container which is designed and configured to securely store a mail item placed in the mail container. It is preferred that the mail container be lockable by means of a (mechanical) lock. This allows, in particular, control of access to the interior of the mail container and thus to the mail item placed therein.

[0005] For the purposes of this text, a postal item can be understood to mean, for example, a parcel, especially one containing perishable foodstuffs, or other items such as packaged or unpackaged foodstuffs that need to be kept refrigerated, or beverages or similar items, or other temperature-sensitive objects.

[0006] The invention further proposes that the mail storage device also includes an electric temperature control unit, which is configured and designed to actively regulate the temperature, and in particular actively cool, the interior of the mail container (generally only as needed). This temperature control / cooling can preferably be configured such that the interior temperature of the mail container can be maintained at least 10°C below an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0007] According to the invention, the mail storage device can be designed to be energy self-sufficient and then includes an electric accumulator configured to supply the temperature control unit with sufficient electrical current for operation. Furthermore, in this case, the mail storage device includes charging electronics by means of which the accumulator can be recharged with electrical energy as needed. This charging of the accumulator using the charging electronics becomes possible, in particular, as soon as a renewable energy source is electrically connected to the charging electronics. It should be mentioned at this point that the mail storage device can, of course, include such a renewable energy source that is electrically connected to the charging electronics.

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, the term "temperature unit" can also refer to a device that is not only capable of removing heat from the interior, but also of supplying heat to the interior as needed, thereby raising the interior temperature (compared to the ambient temperature). Depending on its design, the temperature unit can thus be a cooling unit, a heating unit, or a combined heating and cooling unit. Depending on the geographical location, it may be advantageous to implement only a cooling function or only a heating function with the temperature unit. Active heating of the interior with the temperature unit can be useful, for example, in winter to prevent perishable food products from suffering frost damage when placed in the mail container and stored there, for instance, overnight.Such active heating of the interior of the mail container can also be accomplished using the energy supplied by the renewable energy source, because this energy is also available at night, as it can be stored in the electrical accumulator provided according to the invention.

[0009] Depending on the requirements, different renewable energy sources (or, for example, during maintenance work, alternative external energy storage devices) can be connected to such a mail storage device according to the invention in order to ensure a continuous or only temporary energy supply to the device even without a nearby public power grid.

[0010] An advantage of the previously described embodiments of the mail storage device according to the invention is in particular that food, medicines or other temperature-sensitive mail items can be stored in the interior of the mail container at a comfortable temperature, in particular cooled (because the internal temperature of the mail container can be actively controlled by means of the temperature unit), and in particular completely independently of a public power supply.

[0011] Another technical advantage is that access to the interior of the mail container can be restricted by means of an electronic access control device. This device opens the aforementioned lock, which secures the mail container. In other words, the electronic access control allows access to the interior to be granted or blocked. The lock does not necessarily have to be closed by the access control device itself; it can, for example, be self-closing (such as a self-closing / snap-lock mechanism that engages when the mail container's access door is manually closed).

[0012] The access restriction can thus be configured to open the aforementioned mechanical lock upon entry of an access code and, optionally, to relock the lock later, thereby granting and, optionally, actively locking access to the interior of the mail container. This ensures that only authorized persons in possession of the access code actually gain access to the (preferably burglar-proof) interior of the mail container. Locking access can also be purely mechanical, for example, by manually closing the aforementioned access door, whereupon the lock automatically engages and secures access to the interior.

[0013] According to a second aspect, which may be of independent inventive character, a mail storage device as described in claim 2 is also proposed to solve the problem. This mail storage device thus comprises a mail container, preferably lockable, as described above, and a temperature control unit, as described above, with which the temperature of the interior of the mail container can be actively changed. This (second) mail storage device according to the invention can also be, but need not be, energy self-sufficient, in particular as described above (i.e., for example, with the features according to claim 1). To solve the problem, however, this second mail storage device comprises a mail entry sensor, which is configured to detect the presence of a mail item in the mail container and / or the insertion of a mail item into the mail container.

[0014] This device can also be configured with an electronic access restriction as described above. In this case, the mail input sensor can be set up so that it detects the insertion of a mail item when the access restriction is activated (for the purpose of opening the mail container). With such a configuration, the device assumes that whenever the access restriction is activated (to gain access to the interior of the mail container), a mail item is also being inserted into the interior of the mail container.

[0015] The invention thus recognizes that, especially with deliveries of temperature-sensitive mail items such as medications for diabetics or other substances that must be stored within a narrow temperature range, there is a need to provide digital proof of compliance with the cold chain, which is possible automatically with the mail storage device just described: As soon as the mail incoming sensor detects the presence / insertion of a mail item, the mail storage device can automatically create digital proof of the mail item's insertion, which can already suffice as proof of compliance with the cold chain.For this reason, it can also be useful if the mail receiving sensor not only detects the insertion of the mail item, but is also configured to digitally document the insertion, and preferably also the associated time of insertion and / or the associated internal temperature (which, for example, prevails inside the mail container at the time of insertion or within a few minutes thereafter). It is understood that the mail storage device can also include the necessary technical means for this purpose (data storage, temperature sensor, clock, etc.).

[0016] All of this boils down to the fact that, according to this concept, the mail storage device can be set up to digitally document the insertion (and, if necessary, the maintenance of a cold chain during insertion) of a mail item into the mail container, for example by means of a digital incoming mail stamp.

[0017] In addition to the aforementioned possibility of using the mail receipt sensor to detect the opening of the mail container by activating the electronic access restriction as proof of mail insertion, a preferred embodiment provides that the mail receipt sensor includes a reader with which a mail item being inserted into the mail container can be read / recorded. Such a reader can be implemented, for example, optically using an optical code scanner or a camera, or as an RFID (radio frequency identification) reader and / or based on near-field communication (NFC), whereby combinations of such approaches can also be used. The mail item can thus be read optically and / or electronically by the reader.

[0018] It can be particularly advantageous if the reader is designed so that the mail receiving sensor can use the reader to scan a digital stamp (optically or electronically) to detect the receipt of the mail item. Such a "digital stamp" (which can be implemented, for example, as a QR code or other machine-readable code, or especially via an RFID chip) can preferably be attached to the mail item itself. Alternatively, the postal service provider or the sender can also provide the digital stamp for scanning in another way when inserting the mail item, for example, as a QR code on a smartphone display. In all these cases, the postal service provider simply needs to present the digital stamp to the reader to scan it and thus automatically document the insertion of the mail item using the mail storage device.

[0019] According to the invention, the problem mentioned at the outset can also be solved by further advantageous embodiments according to the dependent claims, which are explained in detail below: To ensure energy self-sufficiency, the mail storage device can, as mentioned, include a renewable energy source in addition to the previously mentioned components, which is electrically connected to the charging electronics. In this way, the renewable energy source can supply regeneratively generated electricity to the battery via the charging electronics to charge it. Preferably, the aforementioned at least one renewable energy source can include or be configured as at least one solar module and / or a wind turbine and / or a thermoelectric energy source. Combinations of such different renewable energy sources can also be used to further improve self-sufficiency and / or, for example, to make it less dependent on weather fluctuations.

[0020] A preferred embodiment provides that the interior of the mail container is thermally insulated from the outside (i.e., from the environment) by means of thermal insulation in order to minimize heat and / or cold losses. This is advantageous for limiting the energy required to heat the interior and thus ensuring energy self-sufficiency even when the renewable energy source is temporarily unavailable.

[0021] To ensure reliable temperature control of the interior, the mail storage device can also be equipped with a temperature controller. This temperature controller can act on the temperature control unit to actively regulate the interior temperature. When the temperature control unit is operating, heat is dissipated from the interior to the outside, thus lowering the interior temperature.

[0022] In this context, a preferred embodiment provides that the internal temperature can be set via a digital application (app). The transmission of the corresponding control commands from the application to the temperature controller can be mediated by a communication module of the mail storage device. In this way, the internal temperature can be set remotely via a remote control connection.For example, a user of the mail storage unit who receives a notification on their smartphone that a postal service has placed a mail item inside the unit can use the digital application installed on their smartphone to establish a wireless remote control connection to the mail storage unit (whereupon the communication module of the mail storage unit wirelessly receives corresponding commands) and thus control the temperature regulator and therefore the temperature control unit. In this way, the user can, for example, lower the internal temperature only when needed (namely, when a mail item has actually been placed inside), for instance, to store food in the mail container for a few hours or a few days.

[0023] As mentioned earlier, the mail storage device can include a mail entry sensor designed to detect the presence of mail in the mail container and / or the insertion of mail into the mail container. Once this occurs, the mail entry sensor emits a corresponding signal indicating the presence or insertion of mail.

[0024] Such a mail receipt sensor can, for example, be implemented using a simple motion sensor (which detects the insertion of the mail item) or using a weighing device that detects the weight of the inserted mail item, or, for example, using the aforementioned electronic access restriction or an access door sensor, each of which only detect when the mail container is opened (in which case it is assumed that a mail item has been inserted, even if this is not the case).

[0025] One advantage of using an incoming mail sensor is that the mail storage device can be configured to send a digital incoming mail notification to a designated recipient or a digital mail collection request to a designated person in response to a signal from the sensor, using a communication module (particularly the one mentioned earlier). As previously explained, this transmission can occur wirelessly via a public communications network or via a wired connection if the mail storage device is connected to such a system. This configuration allows the recipient / person in charge to be automatically notified by the mail storage device that a package has been deposited and is ready for collection (by the end user / recipient or the person in charge / parcel service provider).

[0026] Furthermore, the mail storage device can be configured (additionally or alternatively, and particularly for the purpose of documenting compliance with a cold chain) to send a digital mail receipt in response to a signal from the mail incoming mail sensor. Such a digital mail receipt, which can also be sent using the communication module described above, can serve not only as proof that a desired mail item was indeed placed in the mail container; the mail receipt can also document the corresponding insertion time and internal temperature, as explained above with reference to claim 2, in particular so that it is verifiable whether a cold chain was maintained during the transport of the mail item to the recipient.

[0027] Furthermore, a temperature controller (especially the one mentioned earlier) in the mail storage device can be configured to actively regulate, and in particular lower, the internal temperature of the mail container in response to a signal from the mail incoming mail sensor. This saves valuable time because the user does not need to manually adjust the internal temperature via the app after being notified that mail has been deposited; instead, the internal temperature is automatically lowered by the mail storage device as soon as a mail item is placed in the container.

[0028] This active temperature control offers particular advantages for temperature-sensitive mail items such as medications, as it helps ensure that a cold chain is maintained. Depending on the type of mail being stored, the mail storage unit can also be equipped with a receiving module configured to receive a digital mail notification (which can be sent, for example, by the postal service provider). Such a notification alerts the mail storage unit to the imminent arrival of a temperature-sensitive item. Accordingly, the mail storage unit can then be configured to proactively adjust the internal temperature of the mail container upon receiving this digital notification, even before the announced item is inserted.This ensures that the desired storage temperature is reached inside the unit as soon as the mail item is placed inside. It goes without saying that with this setup, it is advisable to provide the postal service provider with a digital address for the mail storage unit so that they can send the mail notification digitally to that address.

[0029] As previously mentioned, the mail storage device can include a communication module. This module can be configured, in particular, to automatically send a mail receipt notification to an intended recipient or a mail collection request to a designated person after a mail item has been placed in the mail container, and / or to receive a mail announcement notification as described above (e.g., from a postal service provider who intends to deliver a package to the mail container soon). Preferably, sending and receiving these notifications can be done wirelessly and electronically via a public communications network. Furthermore, it is preferred that the mail receipt notification or the mail collection request is only sent automatically by the mail storage device after it has detected that the mail container has been closed (after the mail item has been placed inside).However, the mail storage device should be permanently capable of receiving mail notifications so that these can be processed in a timely manner.

[0030] For example, a supplier who deposits a mail item for collection by the end customer in the mail storage facility can inform the end customer of the deposit via an automatically sent mail receipt notification. Furthermore, a digital mail notification allows the supplier to inform the mail storage facility itself about the impending delivery, thereby initiating proactive pre-tempering, particularly pre-cooling, of the interior of the mail container. This can increase the safety of maintaining a suitable storage temperature, especially when delivering medications.

[0031] If, however, the end customer wishes to send a package themselves, they can deposit it in the mail storage unit and request collection from the postal service provider via an automatic collection notification sent by the unit. This notification can also include an access code, particularly in the form of a machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code), which the recipient / collector can enter via an input device on the mail storage unit or present to the unit's camera on a digital device such as a smartphone. This activates the electronic access restriction, granting access to the interior and thus to the mail item.

[0032] A mail storage device according to the invention can therefore also include a camera configured to monitor access to the interior of the mail container. Alternatively or additionally, the camera can also be configured to read a machine-readable code as an access identifier, recognize this code, and, in response to this recognition, grant access to the interior by activating an access restriction (in particular, one mentioned above). For example, a postal service provider could use a smartphone to display a machine-readable code on the smartphone's screen to the camera of the mail storage device. In this case, after recognizing the code, the camera can open the mail container to allow the mail item to be inserted.In the same way, however, an owner or user of the mail storage device can also deposit a mail item in the mail container of the mail storage device for collection by presenting a suitable machine-readable code to the camera (in order to open the mail container).

[0033] Since the mail storage device is designed to be energy self-sufficient, it is suitable for installation or mounting in locations without access to public or private power. For this purpose, the mail storage device can include a frame, allowing it to be set up and / or mounted outdoors at any location, even if it changes location.

[0034] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the interior is designed to protect against moisture and other weather influences, so that perishable foodstuffs in particular can be stored in the interior.

[0035] The inventive approach can also be implemented using the following method for providing an on-demand cooled interior for storing temperature-sensitive mail (especially food shipments) in order to solve the aforementioned problem: It is therefore proposed that a mail storage device (which may preferably be configured as previously explained or according to one of the claims relating to a mail storage device) be operated using a renewable energy source, wherein the mail storage device is installed and / or suspended without connection to a public power grid. This method is therefore suitable for providing a cooled interior for storing temperature-sensitive mail at virtually any location, particularly independent of a public power supply.

[0036] Furthermore, the procedure may provide that the mail storage device (automatically!), in particular (i) in response to the placement of a postal item in a postal container of the postal storage device and / or (ii) in response to the closing of a (in particular the aforementioned) mail container of the mail storage device and / or (iii) in response to the receipt of a digital postal notice, The internal temperature of the mail container is actively controlled (i.e., actively cooled and / or actively heated) using a temperature control unit (and / or a temperature controller). This approach has the advantage that the mail storage device can operate completely autonomously, meaning that the internal temperature can be actively lowered and / or raised as needed (depending on the design of the temperature control unit), particularly without active intervention from the recipient or sender of the mail item on site.

[0037] Naturally, all steps of this process can also be carried out using appropriate components of the mail storage device, which were previously explained in connection with possible embodiments of mail storage devices according to the invention.

[0038] From another perspective, the invention thus proposes an energy-autonomous mail storage device that has a renewable energy source for the electrical operation of the mail storage device or at least an electric accumulator with associated charging electronics (designed for electrical connection to a renewable energy source). This mail storage device is configured to actively regulate the internal temperature of the mail container in response to the insertion of a mail item into a mail container of the mail storage device and / or in response to the closing of a mail container of the mail storage device, which can be achieved, for example, by means of a temperature control unit and / or by means of a temperature controller.The mail storage device according to the invention is thus able to actively lower the internal temperature as needed, namely when a mail item is currently in the mail container, or (as an alternative or optional feature) to actively raise it. In this way, it can be ensured that a storage temperature suitable for temperature-sensitive mail items is always maintained inside the mail container of the mail storage device during the time the mail item is stored in the mail container.

[0039] A particularly preferred embodiment provides that a user can enter incoming mail information via an input unit of the mail storage device when placing the mail item into the mail container. This can be implemented particularly easily, for example, by allowing the user to enter the incoming mail information via a touch display or camera of the mail storage device that can identify machine codes, or via another input device.

[0040] In such a case, it is particularly advantageous if the incoming mail information also includes temperature information regarding a required storage temperature (this can be specified, in particular, as a temperature range). The mail storage device can then be configured to maintain or establish the storage temperature specified by the temperature information, based on the incoming mail information received via the input unit and the temperature information contained therein, at least for the duration of the mail item's storage in the mail container, by actively controlling the temperature of the container's interior. In this way, suitable temperature control of the mail container's interior can always be ensured for a wide variety of goods requiring different storage temperatures, fully automatically and with an overall reduction in energy consumption.

[0041] To increase energy efficiency, it is advantageous if the mail storage device, when no mail is currently stored in the mail container, either completely disables temperature control of the container's interior or at least operates an energy-saving mode for active temperature regulation. For example, in such an energy-saving mode, a wider temperature range may be permitted within the container, so that while the interior is still temperature-controlled to a limited extent, the desired storage temperature is not yet maintained or established in advance. Instead, the desired storage temperature is only achieved after the mail is inserted, through active temperature regulation of the interior in a normal energy-saving mode.

[0042] To solve the problem and provide a cooled interior space for storing temperature-sensitive mail items, it is further proposed that the interior of a mail container of a mail storage device (which may preferably be designed as described above and / or according to one of the claims directed to such a device) be actively temperature-controlled by means of an electric temperature control unit of the mail storage device in order to achieve a desired storage temperature. This active temperature control can occur in response to the insertion of a mail item into the mail container and / or in response to the receipt of a digital mail notification.

[0043] As previously explained in connection with the device according to the invention, the mail storage device can detect the insertion of the mail item using a mail entry sensor (as described in detail above) and / or the mail storage device can itself receive the mail notification message using a receiver module (in particular designed as described above), preferably wirelessly via a public communications network. This approach is also ideally suited to meet the needs of customers and postal service providers, in particular, regarding the security of the cold chain during the shipping and temporary storage of temperature-sensitive mail items such as pharmaceuticals.

[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, but is of course not limited to this single example; rather, the invention can be realized in numerous other embodiments, as can be seen by combinations of the features from the dependent claims.

[0045] It shows: Fig. 1 - a schematic illustration of a mail storage device according to the invention.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a mail storage device designated as a whole by the number 1, which – as the detail in the upper left corner of the Fig.Figure 1 shows the postal storage device 1 being located in a parking lot at the edge of a main road, i.e., at a specific location 23 without an existing public power supply. The postal storage device 1 is implemented as a stationary post box, for which purpose the device has a frame 15 with several support feet 30. Inside the postal box 1 is a postal container 2, which is insulated against cooling by means of thermal insulation 11 and which offers sufficient space to store a delivery of food (as a possible temperature-sensitive postal item 3) for several hours up to several days.

[0047] To ensure a suitable storage temperature in the interior 4 of the mail container 2, the mail storage device 1 has a solar module 9, which is mounted on the roof of the mail box 1 and serves as a renewable energy source 7. The solar power supplied by the solar module 9 is converted into a suitable voltage by charging electronics 8 so that an electric battery 6 can be charged with the solar power. The battery 6 provides electrical energy for the operation of the digital mail storage device 1, enabling it to operate energy-autonomously in the parking lot without connection to a public power grid.

[0048] The mail storage device 1 also includes a temperature sensor 26, which continuously measures the temperature of the interior 4. The temperature sensor 26 transmits its data to a temperature controller 10, which in turn controls a temperature control unit 5 of the mail storage device 1. This unit actively regulates the temperature in the interior 4, raising or lowering it as needed. The temperature control unit 5 is thus designed not only to dissipate heat from the interior 4 but also to heat it electrically when required.

[0049] Access to mail container 2 is controlled by a mechanical lock 18, which secures an access door to mail container 2. An input unit 24 is located on the front of mail box 1. A user wishing to deposit mail 3 in mail container 2 can use this unit to enter access information, thereby activating an electronic access restriction 22, which then opens the lock 18. The input unit 24 has a touch display 25 for entering information and a camera 16b designed to read a machine-readable code (a kind of "digital stamp") that the user can present to the camera 16b, for example, on the display of their smartphone.This approach means that only authorized persons can deposit postal items 3 in the interior 4, either for collection by the final recipient of the postal item 3 or for collection by a postal service provider, as indicated by the illustrated postal delivery van 21.

[0050] The camera 16b also functions as a reader 31 for an incoming mail sensor 19, thus reading the mail item 3 to be inserted, more precisely the aforementioned digital stamp. In this way, the incoming mail sensor 19 not only detects the receipt of the mail item 3, but also automatically documents the current internal temperature of the compartment 4 as well as the time the mail item 3 was inserted into the compartment 4. This is helpful for later verification that a required cold chain was maintained during the transport of the mail item 3. Another possible implementation would be an RFID reader 31, which, as part of the incoming mail sensor 19, can read an RFID chip attached to the mail item 3 as a digital stamp in order to detect the insertion of the mail item 3.

[0051] When a mail item 3 is placed in the interior 4, the mail storage device 1 detects the placement using a mail entry sensor 19 designed as a motion detector. If the access door of the mail container 2 is then properly closed, the mail storage device 1 sends an electronic mail receipt notification 13 to the final recipient of the mail item 3 or a mail collection request 20 to the desired postal service provider, depending on the information the user entered via the input unit 24 or the camera 16a when placing the mail item 3 in the mail container 2.

[0052] To enable the wireless transmission of these messages 13, 20, the mail storage device 1 has a communication module 12, through which the mail storage device 1 can communicate wirelessly with a public communication network 14. In this way, it is also possible to remotely control the mail storage device 1 using a remote control connection 17 mediated by the public communication network 14 and the communication module 12, for example, to read the current temperature of the interior 4 using a digital application and adjust it if necessary.

[0053] Furthermore, the mail storage device 1 also has a receiving module 32, via which it can receive a digital mail notification 33. In response, the mail storage device 1 then proactively pre-heats the interior 4 to a desired storage temperature, which is transmitted in the mail notification 33.

[0054] The mail storage device 1 is configured such that, when no mail item 3 is placed in the mail container 2, it continues to actively regulate the temperature of the interior 4, albeit in an energy-saving mode in which certain temperature fluctuations within the interior 4 are tolerated by the device 1. Only after the actual mail item 3 is placed in the interior 4, which the mail storage device 1 detects using the mail entry sensor 19, does the temperature controller 10 switch to a normal operating mode. In this mode, it actively regulates the temperature within the interior 4 to a desired storage temperature by appropriately controlling the temperature control unit 5. For example, this can be configured so that the user specifies the storage temperature via the input unit 24 when placing the mail item 3.

[0055] In summary, a digital mail storage device 1 with an actively temperature-controlled and preferably thermally insulated mail container 2, which preferably features an electronic access control 22, is proposed. Mail items 3 containing temperature-sensitive goods can be temporarily stored in the mail container 2 for later collection and kept securely at a desired storage temperature during the storage period. This device 1, which can be designed to be energy self-sufficient and can also document the insertion of mail items, is therefore suitable for the temporary storage of, in particular, food shipments or pharmaceuticals delivered by a postal service provider to an end customer, but also for storing temperature-sensitive mail items 3 that a postal service provider is to collect and transport at a later time. Reference symbol list 1 Mail storage device 2 mail containers 3 Postal shipment 4 Interior (of 2) 5 Temperature unit 6 electric accumulator (Li-ion accumulator, supercapacitor, etc.) 7. Renewable energy source (e.g. PV module, wind turbine, thermoelectric source, etc.) 8 Charging electronics 9 solar module 10 temperature controllers 11. Thermal insulation (e.g. in the form of an insulating layer with a suitable heat exchange coefficient) 12 communication modules (for wireless communication with 14) 13 (digital) incoming mail notification 14 public communications network 15 frame 16 cameras 17 Remote control connection 18 Lock (for locking 2 / 4) 19 Incoming mail sensor 20 (digital) mail collection requests 21 postal delivery vans 22 Access restrictions 23 Installation location 24 Input unit 25" Touch Display 26 Temperature sensor 27 (final) recipient (of 3) / collector (of 3) 28 wireless communication links 29 senders (out of 3) 30 Mounting feet 31 Reader (for capturing / reading 3) 32 Receiver module 33 Postal Announcement Notice

Claims

[1] Energy-autonomous mail storage device (1), comprising - a mail container (2), preferably lockable by means of a lock (18), for the protected storage of a mail item (3) placed in the mail container (2), - an electric temperature control unit (5) for temperature control, preferably for cooling, of an interior (4) of the mail container (2), - an electric accumulator (6) which is set up to supply electrical power to the temperature control unit (5), and - a charging electronics (8) by means of which the accumulator (6) can be charged with electrical energy as required, as soon as a renewable energy source (7) is / is electrically connected to the charging electronics (8), - in particular so that food can be kept cool in the interior (4) independently of a public power supply, - preferably wherein access to the interior (4) of the mail container (2) is restricted by means of an electronic access restriction which opens the lock (18). [2] Intelligent mail storage device (1), in particular configured according to claim 1, comprising - a mail container (2), preferably lockable by means of a lock (18), for the protected storage of a mail item (3) placed in the mail container (2), - an electric temperature unit (5) for cooling an interior (4) of the mail container (2), and - a mail incoming sensor (19) configured to detect the presence and / or insertion of a mail item (3) into the mail container (2), preferably and to digitally document an associated time and / or an associated internal temperature, - preferably wherein access to the interior (4) of the mail container (2) is restricted by means of an electronic access restriction which opens the lock (18). [3] Mail storage device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the mail incoming sensor (19) comprises a reading device (31) with which a mail item (3) to be placed in the mail container (2) can be read / detected, - in particular wherein the reader (31) is based on an RFID sensor and / or near field communication (NFC) and / or a camera, - preferably so that the incoming mail sensor (19) can read a digital postage stamp, preferably attached to the postal item (3), with the reading device in order to detect the receipt of the postal item (3). [4] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises at least one renewable energy source (7), preferably in the form of at least one solar module (9) and / or a wind turbine and / or a thermoelectric energy source, which is / are electrically connected to the charging electronics (8). [5] Mail storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the interior (4) is thermally insulated from the outside by means of thermal insulation (11) in order to minimize cold losses. [6] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises a temperature controller (10) which can act in a controlling manner on the temperature unit (5) in order to regulate an internal temperature of the interior space (4), - preferably wherein the internal temperature can be specified remotely via a digital application and mediated by a communication module (12) of the mail storage device (1) via a remote control connection (17). [7] Mail storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the mail storage device (1) is configured to send a digital mail receipt notification (13) to a predetermined recipient of the mail item (3) wirelessly via a public communications network (14) in response to a signal from the mail receipt sensor (19) and / or - wherein a temperature controller (10) of the mail storage device (1) is configured to actively control, in particular lower, the internal temperature of the interior (4) of the mail container (2) in response to a signal from the mail incoming sensor (19). [8] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises a communication module (12) which is configured to automatically send a mail receipt notification (13) or a mail collection request (20) to a respective intended recipient / collector of the mail item (3) wirelessly and electronically via a public communication network (14) after a mail item (3) has been placed in the mail container (2), preferably and after the mail container (2) has been closed. [9] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises a receiving module (32) which is configured to receive a digital mail notification (33), - preferably wherein the mail storage device (1) is configured to proactively regulate the internal temperature of the interior (4) of the mail container (2) in response to the receipt of such a mail notification (33) even before the announced mail item (3) is inserted. [10] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises a camera (16) which is configured to - to monitor access to the interior (4) and / or to, - to read and recognize a machine-readable code as an access identifier and, in response, to release access to the interior (4) by activating an access restriction. [11] Mail storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mail storage device (1) comprises a frame (15) such that the mail storage device (1) can be set up and / or hung on the basis of the frame (15) outdoors at any and changing locations, - preferably wherein the interior (4) is designed to be protected from moisture and other weather influences, so that in particular perishable foodstuffs can be stored in the interior (4).

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