Storage device and delivery / receiving system

Abstract

To provide a storage device and a delivery / receiving system that facilitate the smooth loading / unloading and transportation of deliveries addressed to users which are stored in a storage device such as a home delivery locker, and realize cost reduction.SOLUTION: The delivery / receiving system comprises a storage device 10 installed in the premises of a building having a private area used or occupied by users and storing deliveries related to the users in the locked state, a management server 20 such as a server device managing information such as the storage status of the storage device 10, a user terminal 30 that is an information processing device operated by the users, and a conveyance device 40 that conveys deliveries stored in the storage device 10 to the users at the delivery destinations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device and a delivery delivery system, and more particularly to a storage device and a delivery delivery system that removes deliveries temporarily stored in a storage box and delivers them to a transport means that transports them to a delivery destination. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, Japan's productive labor force has been in a decline. In order to maintain the labor force, measures are needed to utilize the labor force more effectively and improve productivity. Against this background, robotic process automation is attracting attention as a means of increasing productivity with fewer people than before. In particular, in recent years, the rise of e-commerce has led to a chronic labor shortage in the delivery sector, and it is not uncommon for this to result in problems such as delays in product delivery.

[0003] As one of the conventional techniques for improving the efficiency of the above-mentioned delivery operations, a logistics robot and a logistics system disclosed in Patent Document 1 have been proposed. The logistics robot disclosed in Patent Document 1 realizes automation of delivery operations, for example, by transporting packages accumulated in a logistics center to the residence of a user, which is the delivery destination. In addition, the logistics robot in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to store parcels in delivery lockers using the conveyors and rollers that it is equipped with. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-60161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the logistics robot and logistics system of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 cannot adequately handle the delivery of deliveries using parcel lockers, which have been increasing in number in recent years. In other words, because the logistics robot in Patent Document 1 is only equipped with actuators such as conveyors and rollers, although it can store packages in delivery lockers, it has difficulty in retrieving packages from the lockers. In addition, the logistics robot in Patent Document 1 needs to be equipped with a lifting device that lifts the robot to the height of the storage box in which the luggage is stored, which makes the configuration of each logistics robot complex, and there is a risk that the manufacturing costs and overall logistics costs will rise.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a storage device and a delivery receiving / delivery system that smoothly carries out the storage and transportation of deliveries addressed to users that have been stored in a storage device such as a parcel locker, thereby reducing the costs involved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve this objective, the present invention provides a storage device for temporarily storing items including deliveries, comprising a storage section comprising one or more storage boxes for storing items, and a delivery item loading / unloading section arranged on the open loading / unloading side of the storage box, approximately parallel to the surface of the loading / unloading opening, for loading and unloading items via the loading / unloading opening of the storage box, wherein the delivery item loading / unloading section unloads items from the storage box, and while holding the unloaded items, moves to the position of a transport device that transports the items to their destination, and loads the items onto the transport device. The above items include deliveries and / or containers.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the delivery loading / unloading section moves along two moving paths arranged perpendicular to each other on a plane approximately parallel to the loading / unloading opening of the storage box, and reaches a position opposite the opening side of the loading / unloading opening of the storage box to load and unload items.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the delivery item loading / unloading section is characterized by having a support frame installed approximately parallel to the surface of the opening side of the loading / unloading port of the storage box, a moving frame that moves horizontally within the support frame, and a moving section that moves vertically within the moving frame.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the moving section has a pair of arms that can move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the entrance / exit of the storage box, and the pair of arms move in the depth direction until they enter the storage box, clamp an item in the storage box, and then move in the depth direction opposite to the depth direction while holding the item, to remove the item from the storage box.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the movable frame moves horizontally to a position opposite the waiting area of ​​the conveying device, the movable part moves vertically to a position opposite the waiting area of ​​the conveying device, and the pair of arms move in the depth direction while holding the item, thereby loading the delivery item onto the conveying device.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the items include a container that is placed in the storage box and contains the delivery items, and the pair of arms move in the depth direction until they enter the storage box, and apply pressure to the sides of the container from the outside to hold the container in place.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the container is formed in a box shape, and a pair of notches are provided along the depth direction at the bottom of the box-shaped container, and the pair of arms squeeze the side surfaces of the pair of notches from the outside to hold the container in place.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the container is characterized in that a wall for preventing deliveries from flying out is provided at least on the open loading / unloading entrance side of the storage box.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, the delivery item loading / unloading section is characterized in that when the conveying device completes its conveying operations and returns to the waiting area, it holds the items loaded by the conveying device and re-stores the items in the storage box in which the items were stored.

[0016] In addition, the storage device of the present invention is characterized in that it further has a control unit that regulates the entry of new deliveries from other entry / exit ports of the storage box after the delivery item entry / exit section has removed the container from the storage box and until the container is returned to the storage box and stored therein.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, when a request for delivery of items including a delivery item is input in order to receive the delivery item near the installation location of the storage device, the delivery item entry / exit section retrieves the items for which a delivery request has been input from the storage box, and moves to the location of the specified receiving location while holding the retrieved items.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, when a request for delivery of items including a delivery item is input in order to receive the delivery item near the installation location of the storage device, if a transport device is currently waiting at a specified receiving location for the item requested to be delivered, the storage device is further characterized by having a control unit that generates evacuation request information requesting that the transport device withdraw from the waiting location, and a communication unit that transmits the generated evacuation request information to the transport device.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, it further has a display unit that displays information regarding the storage device, and the storage box is provided with another entrance / exit in addition to the entrance / exit through which the delivery loading / unloading section loads and unloads the delivery, and when the control unit determines after input of a shipping request that a fault has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading section, the display unit displays a message urging the user to unload the delivery from the other entrance / exit of the storage box.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the storage device of the present invention, when a request for delivery of items including a delivery item is input in order to receive the delivery item near the installation location of the storage device, if a transport device is currently waiting at the specified receiving location of the item for which delivery is requested, the delivery item loading / unloading section retrieves the item for which the request for delivery has been input from the storage box, and while holding the retrieved item, moves to the position of the transport device that will transport the item to its destination, and loads the item onto the transport device.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a delivery receiving and delivering system having a storage device for temporarily storing items including deliveries, and a transport device for transporting the items to a destination, wherein the storage device has a storage section comprising one or more storage boxes for storing deliveries, and a delivery item loading / unloading section which is arranged on the open loading / unloading side of the storage box, approximately parallel to the surface of the loading / unloading opening, and which loads and unloads items via the loading / unloading opening of the storage box, and which is characterized in that the delivery item loading / unloading section unloads items from the storage box, moves while holding the unloaded items to the position of the transport device which transports the items to the destination, and loads the items onto the transport device.

[0022] In addition, according to the delivery receipt and delivery system of the present invention, the system further includes a user terminal that is operated by a user receiving the delivery and is capable of sending and receiving information with the storage device, and the user terminal is characterized in that if the number of transportation requests by the transport device accepted by the storage device or the working time is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value, it receives a message indicating that transportation by the transport device is impossible.

[0023] In addition, according to the delivery delivery system of the present invention, the system further includes a user terminal that is operated by a user receiving the delivery and is capable of sending and receiving information with the storage device, and the user terminal is characterized in that if a fault occurs in the delivery entry / exit section of the storage device, the user terminal receives a message indicating that transportation by the transportation device is impossible.

[0024] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention among methods, devices, systems, computer programs, and recording media storing computer programs, are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0025] The present invention is a storage device for temporarily storing items including deliveries, and has a storage section comprising one or more storage boxes for storing items, and a delivery item loading / unloading section that is arranged on the open loading / unloading side of the storage box, approximately parallel to the surface of the loading / unloading opening, and performs loading and unloading of items via the loading / unloading opening of the storage box. The delivery item loading / unloading section unloads items from the storage box, and while holding the unloaded items, moves to the position of a transport device that transports the items to their destination, and loads the items onto the transport device, thereby making it possible to smoothly perform the loading / unloading and transporting of deliveries addressed to users that have been stored in a storage device such as a delivery locker, and to achieve cost reduction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a delivery delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a delivery service provided by a delivery delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a delivery delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a front side of a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a rear side of a storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a database stored in an information storage unit of a storage equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a user DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a storage box DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a usage history DB in the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a transport device DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a transport operation DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a see-through perspective view showing an example of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a see-through perspective view showing an example of how a container is stored in a storage box in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (rear side) of a state in which a container is stored in a storage box in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a delivery loading / unloading section in the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 17] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a moving mechanism of a moving frame in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a moving mechanism of a moving section in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a moving section in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1(a) to 1(c) are diagrams showing a process of movement of a delivery loading / unloading section 17 when a delivery is shipped out in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1(a) to 1(d) are diagrams illustrating a process of unloading a container (delivery) by a moving section according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving section inserts an arm into an arm insertion space in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22]1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving unit places a container on a platform in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a database managed by a management server in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transport device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a database managed by the transport device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a transport device DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a map DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a route DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of map information and route information in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of operations for applying for a delivery transportation service by the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of a delivery operation of the delivery receiving / delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a loading section on which containers are loaded in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of a delivery transport operation by the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of a delivery transport operation by the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a container return operation by the delivery transfer system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a delivery delivery operation by the delivery delivery system when a user receives a delivery at an installation location of a storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a delivery delivery operation by the delivery delivery system when a user receives a delivery at an installation location of a storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a receiving location of a user and a waiting location of a transport device in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 42] 13 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a delivery retrieval operation by the delivery delivery system when a user receives a delivery at the installation location of the storage device in the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] 10 is a sequence chart showing a flow of operations performed by the delivery delivery system when there are an excessive number of transportation requests in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] 13 is a sequence chart showing a flow of operations performed by the delivery delivery system in the second embodiment of the present invention when a failure occurs in the delivery warehousing section during direct delivery of the delivery to the user. [Diagram 45] 13 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the delivery delivery system in the second embodiment of the present invention when a failure occurs in the delivery warehousing section when transportation of a delivery is requested by a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] <First embodiment> (Overview of the first embodiment) The delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention is a system having a storage device such as a delivery locker. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a delivery service provided by the delivery system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, an overview of the delivery service provided by the delivery delivery system in this embodiment will be described with reference to these figures.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage equipment 10 is installed at the entrance of a common area of ​​an apartment building. Each storage box of the storage device 10 is provided with an entrance / exit on both the front and rear sides, allowing items to be inserted and removed from the storage box on both sides. An auto-lock door is provided at the common entrance, and a user can pass through the front of the storage device 10, unlock the door, go around to the rear side of the storage device 10, and proceed further to the living space or the like at the back. In this example, in principle, the delivery company enters and leaves the delivery in and out of the storage equipment 10 from the front side without unlocking the auto-lock door. On the other hand, the user who is a resident of the apartment building can enter and leave the delivery in and out of the storage equipment 10 from the front side, or can enter and leave the delivery in and out from the back side by unlocking the auto-lock door and passing through it.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage equipment 10 has a delivery loading / unloading section 17 on the rear side of the storage section 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 unloads deliveries addressed to users stored in the storage section 16, and delivers and loads the deliveries to the conveying device 40 waiting at the rear side of the storage device 10. The transport device 40 transports the loaded delivery to a receiving location designated by the user (for example, in front of the individual entrance of the user's living space). The user receives the delivery addressed to him / her from the transport device 40 that has arrived at the receiving location. After delivering the delivery to the user, the transport device 40 returns to the standby location on the rear side of the storage equipment 10.

[0030] As described above, in the delivery delivery system of this embodiment, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 of the storage device 10 unloads the delivery addressed to the user that has been stored in the storage section 16 and loads it onto the transport device 40, which then transports the delivery to a receiving location designated by the user, thereby saving the user the trouble of having to go all the way to the location of the storage device 10, such as the entrance to an apartment building, to pick up the delivery addressed to him / her. In addition, since the delivery loading / unloading section 17 unloads the delivery from the storage section 16 and loads it onto the conveying device 40, there is no need to provide each conveying device 40 with a delivery loading / unloading mechanism, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the conveying device 40.

[0031] (Configuration of the first embodiment) [1] Overall configuration of the delivery system FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a delivery system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the delivery receiving and delivering system is installed on the premises of a building having a private area where a user lives or uses, and is composed of a storage device 10 that stores deliveries related to the user in a locked state, a management server 20 such as a server device that manages information such as the storage status of the storage device 10, a user terminal 30 which is an information processing device operated by the user, and a transport device 40 that transports deliveries stored in the storage device 10 to the user's delivery destination. The delivery delivery system also includes a network 100, such as the Internet or a LAN, that connects the storage equipment 10, the management server 20, the user terminal 30, and the transport equipment 40 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 3, only one each of the storage equipment 10, management server 20, user terminal 30 and transport equipment 40 is depicted, but the number of each may be multiple.

[0033] The building in which the storage equipment 10 is installed may be, for example, an apartment building, a building, a commercial facility, or a public facility. The exclusive use area is, for example, each dwelling unit in an apartment building, each work space in an office building, each tenant in a commercial facility, or each space in a public facility. The users may be, for example, residents of an apartment building, workers in an office building, staff at a commercial facility, or users of a facility such as a public facility.

[0034] A delivery company is a business entity that performs delivery operations, and is staffed with employees (delivery personnel) who are actually responsible for delivery operations. Delivery companies are not limited to delivery companies in the narrow sense, but may also include mail-order companies, online supermarkets, dry cleaning stores, auction site operators, auction listing agents, delivery personnel from various stores and companies, and other service providers that operate storage services, as long as they deliver items for users.

[0035] A delivery person of the delivery company stores the delivery item addressed to the user in a storage device 10 installed in the apartment building or the like where the user lives. The delivery loading / unloading section of the storage device 10 takes out the delivery stored in the storage device 10 together with the container, and delivers it to the transport device 40 waiting in the vicinity of the storage device 10. The conveying device 40 conveys the delivery item by automatic driving to the delivery destination of the delivery item, such as the living space of a user. When the transport device 40 arrives at the user's living space or the like, the user receives the delivery item held by the transport device 40. Thereafter, the transport device 40 automatically travels back to the installation location of the storage device 10 and returns the containers to the storage device 10.

[0036] The configurations of the storage equipment 10, the management server 20, the user terminal 30 and the transport equipment 40 will be described in detail below.

[0037] [2] Configuration of storage device 10 (1) Overview of storage device 10 The storage device 10 is a storage device where a delivery company temporarily deposits deliveries addressed to users before handing them over to the transport device 40, and includes a plurality of lockable storage boxes. When the transport device 40 moves to deliver the delivery to the user but the user does not receive it, the transport device 40 returns to the installation location of the storage device 10 while holding the delivery, and the delivery entry / exit section of the storage device 10 receives the delivery from the transport device 40 and stores the delivery in the storage box again. In this embodiment, the storage equipment 10 has a function of transmitting information relating to the receipt and delivery of deliveries to the management server 20 via the network 100 when the information is input.

[0038] In each of the box-shaped storage boxes of the storage device 10, a removable tray-shaped container is placed. The size and shape of the container may vary for each storage box to match the size and shape of each storage box. When a delivery is placed in a storage box, it is preferable that the delivery is placed on a container rather than directly on the floor inside the box-shaped storage box, in order to make it easier to remove the delivery later.

[0039] The storage device 10 may be installed in, but is not limited to, apartment buildings and other collective housing, offices, stores and commercial facilities such as convenience stores and supermarkets, and public facilities and institutions such as stations and hospitals.

[0040] The storage device 10 can deposit and store various items, including deliveries such as parcels. For example, the storage equipment 10 temporarily stores a delivery item delivered to a user by a delivery company until the user picks it up. The storage equipment 10 may also be used to temporarily store delivery items that a user has requested to be collected for delivery until the items are picked up by a delivery company.

[0041] A user can also use the storage device 10 to receive a "cleaning" delivery service. A user deposits uncleaned items such as his / her own clothes in the storage device 10, and a cleaning company collects the deposited clothes and cleans them. Thereafter, the cleaned items may be stored in the storage device 10 again, and the user may remove the cleaned items from the storage device 10.

[0042] As described above, the storage equipment 10 can provide various services to the user.

[0043] (2) Overall Configuration of Storage Device 10 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the front side of the storage device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rear side of the storage device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the storage equipment 10 will be described below with reference to these figures.

[0044] Here, the directions in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the "vertical direction (Z direction)" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal floor surface on which the storage equipment 10 is placed. In this embodiment, the "horizontal direction (X direction)" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction on a plane approximately parallel to the opening plane of the entrance / exit 1612 of the storage box 161 shown in FIG. 6 (approximately perpendicular to the horizontal floor surface on which the storage device 10 is installed). In the present embodiment, the term "left and right (direction)" refers to the left and right directions among the above-mentioned horizontal directions. In the present embodiment, the "left and right directions" are also written as the "horizontal left direction" and the "horizontal right direction", respectively. In this embodiment, the "depth direction (Y direction)" refers to a direction perpendicular to a plane approximately parallel to the opening plane of the loading / unloading opening 1612 of the storage box 161. Within the depth direction, the direction toward the back of the depth direction as viewed from the rear side is referred to as the "depth direction." The direction opposite to the depth direction and toward the front of the depth direction as viewed from the rear side is referred to as the "depth direction." In this embodiment, the above-mentioned "horizontal direction (X direction)", "vertical direction (Z direction)", and "depth direction (Y direction)" are perpendicular to each other.

[0045] In this embodiment, "substantially parallel" refers to a direction that is allowed to deviate from theoretical parallelism by a certain angle. In this embodiment, "substantially perpendicular" refers to a direction that is allowed to deviate from the theoretical perpendicular by a certain angle.

[0046] In this embodiment, "position information" refers to information indicating the relative position of each object with respect to an arbitrary reference point, and is expressed, for example, in Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the storage equipment 10 is configured to include a control unit 11 consisting of a CPU etc. and controlling the entire storage equipment 10, an information storage unit 12 for storing various information, a communication unit 13 for communicating with the management server 20 and the transport device 40 via the network 100, a display unit 14 for displaying various information, an operation unit 15 having various keys for inputting information, a storage unit 16 having one or more storage boxes for storing items, and a delivery entry / exit unit 17 for removing deliveries stored in the storage unit 16 and handing them over to the transport device 40 waiting in the vicinity of the storage equipment 10. Each of the units 11 to 17 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 11, various processes are executed.

[0048] The storage box 161 of the storage equipment 10 can be shared by multiple users. For example, if the storage equipment 10 is installed in an apartment building, the storage box 161 of the storage equipment 10 can be shared by multiple residents (users) living in the same apartment building. In other words, the storage box 161 of the storage equipment 10 can store deliveries addressed to multiple residents living in the same apartment building or deliveries that residents wish to have delivered.

[0049] When a delivery item has already been stored in the storage box 161 of the storage device 10 and the door is closed and locked, only the recipient (user or delivery company) can unlock the storage box 161 from the front side, and no one else can unlock it. The storage box of the storage device 10 is allowed to store other items only after all stored items have been removed and the storage box is emptied.

[0050] (3) Configuration of control unit 11 The control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls the entire storage device 10, and is composed of, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 12 and writing of information to the information storage unit 12 . The control unit 11 controls the operation of the storage boxes, such as locking / unlocking and opening / closing the doors, controls the operation of the screen display by the display unit 14, performs authentication processing when the storage device 10 is used, and manages information regarding users and delivery companies and the usage status of each storage box.

[0051] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 of the delivery loading / unloading unit 17, moves the moving unit 173 to the position of the storage box in which the delivery is stored and to the position of the waiting area for the conveying device 40, and hands over the delivery in the storage box to the conveying device 40. In addition, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 of the delivery loading / unloading unit 17, moves the moving unit 173 to the position of the waiting area of ​​the conveying device 40 and the position of the storage box to receive the delivery, and receives the delivery held by the conveying device 40 into the storage box. Furthermore, the control unit 11 controls the operation of an arm provided on the moving unit 173 to grip and release the delivery item, thereby transferring the delivery item between the storage device 10 and the transport device 40.

[0052] (4) Configuration of information storage unit 12 The information storage unit 12 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 12 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 11, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 11 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 11 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 12, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes. The information storage unit 12 stores each database, which will be described later.

[0053] In this embodiment, a user can visit the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed and pick up a delivery from the delivery receiving and delivering section 17 on the spot. The information storage unit 12 stores location information of the location near the storage equipment 10 where the user will receive the delivery. When a user operates the operation unit 15 to request receipt of a delivery addressed to the user, the delivery receiving / unloading unit 17 carries the delivery to the receiving location and performs the delivery operation.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a database stored in the information storage unit 12 of the storage equipment 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 12 stores a user DB 121 that manages resident information related to the residents, a storage box DB 122 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 16, a usage history DB 123 that manages the usage history of each storage box, a transport device DB 124 that manages the transport status of the transport device 40, and a transport work DB 125 that manages the transport work performed by the transport device 40. The data configuration of each of the databases 121 to 125 will be described in detail below.

[0055] The user DB 121 is a database for managing information related to users. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the user DB 121 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, user DB121 manages, in association with a "user ID" which is an individual user's identification information, the "room number" of the user's living space, "location information of the living space," a "PIN number" used by the user to unlock a storage box or authenticate when receiving a delivery, "personal information of the user" such as the user's name and address, and "notification destination information (email address of user terminal 30, and other contact information for communication)."

[0056] In the example shown in the figure, user DB121 manages "room numbers" as "private area information" for identifying the space in which a user lives or uses, but instead of "room numbers," it may also be possible to manage information that identifies the living space or use space of other users, such as the room number or tenant number of the office in which the user works in the building.

[0057] The storage box DB 122 is a database for managing the characteristics (attributes) and current usage status of each storage box of the storage equipment 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the storage box DB 122 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the storage box DB122 manages, in association with a "box number" that identifies each storage box, the "location information of the storage box," the "attributes of the storage box," the "usage status of the storage box," and, for a storage box that is in use (a delivery item is being stored in the storage box) or a delivery item is being transported by the transport device 40, the "room number" of the user using the box.

[0058] The "storage box location information" may be, for example, location information in a Cartesian coordinate system, and is used to identify the location of the storage box when the delivery item loading / unloading section 17 loads and unloads a delivery item (container) between the storage box and the delivery item.

[0059] The "attributes of the storage box" is information indicating, for example, the size of the storage box, the position of each storage box in the storage equipment 10, and whether or not the storage box has a freezing or refrigeration function.

[0060] "Storage box usage status" manages whether each storage box is in "unused," "in use," or "in transit." "Unused" indicates a state in which no items are stored in the storage box and new items are permitted to be stored. "In use" indicates a state in which an item is currently stored in the storage box and storage of other items is prohibited. "Transporting" indicates a state in which no item is currently stored in the storage box, but the transport device 40 is transporting the item.

[0061] The storage box DB 121 may manage information capable of identifying other users (for example, other private area information or user IDs) instead of the above-mentioned "room number."

[0062] The storage section 16 has one or more storage boxes, and each storage box is assigned a box number 1, 2, . . . to identify it.

[0063] The usage history DB 123 is a database for managing usage history information (storage, delivery, transportation, etc.) of each storage box of the storage equipment 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the usage history DB 123 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the usage history DB123 manages, in association with a "usage history number" assigned to each operation of entering / leaving or transporting a storage box, the "box number" of the storage box from which a delivery was entered / leaved or transported, a "usage time" indicating the time when the delivery was entered / leaved or transported, a "usage content" indicating whether the storage box was used for "entering," "leaving," or "transportation," a "transportation history number" assigned to the "transportation" operation if the "usage content" is "transportation," an "entry history number" indicating the "usage history number" when the "entry" or "transportation" delivery was received if the "usage content" is "leaving" or "transportation," and a "room number" for identifying the user to whom the delivery is addressed.

[0064] Regarding the above-mentioned "usage details" managed in the usage history DB 123, when a delivery person or the like stores a delivery item addressed to a user in the storage device 10, it is registered as "storage," when a delivery item is removed from the storage box at the user's instruction and the user receives it on the spot, it is registered as "removal," and when a delivery item is removed from the storage box at the user's instruction and the transport device 40 transports the delivery item to the receiving location, it is registered as "transport."

[0065] The usage history DB 123 may manage information capable of identifying other users (for example, other private section information or user IDs) instead of the above-mentioned "room number".

[0066] The transport device DB 124 is a database that manages the status of the transport operation of the transport device 40, the position information of the transport device 40, and the like. In principle, the storage equipment 10 manages in the transport equipment DB 124 only information on the transport equipment 40 that performs the transport work of the delivery stored in the storage equipment 10 itself.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the transport device DB 124 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the conveying device DB 124 manages, in association with a "conveying device ID" assigned to each conveying device 40 for identifying it, "location information of a waiting location" near the storage device 10 where the conveying device 40 receives deliveries from the delivery entry / exit section 17, "location information of a retreat location" where the conveying device 40 retreats from the waiting location so as not to interfere with the user's receipt of deliveries, "location information of the current location" of the conveying device 40, "work status" indicating the status of the conveying work by the conveying device 40, and a "conveying history number" assigned to the conveying work by the conveying device 40.

[0068] The "waiting place" is a place near the storage equipment 10 where items are waiting to be transported. Furthermore, the transport device 40 receives the container (delivery) from the delivery loading / unloading section 17 at the waiting location, and delivers the container (delivery) to the delivery loading / unloading section 17.

[0069] The "evacuation location" is a location near the storage device 10 where the transport device 40 temporarily retreats from the above-mentioned standby location. In addition to requesting transportation from the transport device 40, the user can visit the location where the storage device 10 is installed and receive the delivery directly from the delivery receiving and unloading section 17. When a user receives a delivery from a delivery loading / unloading section 17, if the receiving location and the waiting location overlap, the transport device 40 moves to a shelter location once so as not to be an obstacle to the user receiving the delivery. After the user receives the delivery, the transport device 40 returns from the evacuation location to the waiting location.

[0070] The "position information of the waiting place" and the "position information of the evacuation place" managed by the transport device DB 124 may be, for example, position information in a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0071] The "position information of the waiting place" is set taking into consideration the position (for example, height) at which the delivery is loaded on the conveying device 40.

[0072] The "work status" managed by the transport device DB 124 is managed as, for example, "waiting" when the delivery (container) is not loaded and the delivery device is waiting at a waiting location near the storage device 10, "transporting" when the delivery device is loaded and moving between the waiting location and the user's receiving location, "transportation completed" until the delivery device returns to the waiting location after handing over the delivery to the user at the receiving location, and "evacuating" when the delivery device is waiting at an evacuation location.

[0073] The “transportation history number” managed in the transport device DB 124 is common to the “transportation history number” managed in the usage history DB 123 .

[0074] The transport work DB 125 is a database for managing the usage history information (storage, delivery, transport, etc.) of each storage box of the storage equipment 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the transport job DB 125 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the transport job DB 125 stores, in association with a "transport history number" assigned to the transport job performed by the transport device 40, "position information of the starting point" of the transport job, The "location information of the end point" of the transport work and the "work status" indicating the status of the transport work by the transport device 40 are managed.

[0075] The "start point position information" and the "end point position information" managed in the transfer job DB 125 may be, for example, position information in a Cartesian coordinate system. The “position information of the starting point” and the “position information of the end point” indicate the position information of the starting point and the end point of the transport path of the transport device 40. For example, when the transport device 40 transports a delivery from a waiting location near the storage equipment 10 to a receiving location designated by a user, the starting point is the "waiting location" and the ending point is the "receiving location."

[0076] The “transportation history number” managed in the transport work DB 125 is common to the “transportation history number” managed in the usage history DB 123 and the transport device DB 124 .

[0077] The “work status” managed in the transport task DB 125 is common to the “work status” managed in the transport device DB 124 .

[0078] (5) Configuration of storage section 16 As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 16 is composed of one or more storage boxes 161 for temporarily storing deliveries, lockable doors 162 for closing the front side of each storage box 161, containers 163 that are placed in each storage box 161 and store received deliveries, and a storage detection unit 164 that detects whether the delivery item and container 163 are stored in the storage box 161.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each storage box 161 in the storage section 16 is a box-shaped storage unit, and has a storage space 1611 therein for storing delivery items. Furthermore, the storage box 161 is open on both the front side and the opposing back side, and each has an entrance / exit 1612 for deliveries, and a lockable door 162 is provided on the front side to close the entrance / exit 1612, so that the entry or exit of deliveries can be regulated from the front side. On the other hand, at the rear side of the storage box 161, the entrance / exit 1612 is left open. The delivery loading / unloading section 17 loads and unloads deliveries through an opening in / out port 1612 on the rear side thereof. However, for storage boxes 161 that are not loaded or unloaded by the delivery loading / unloading section 17, as shown in FIG. 6, a lockable door 162 is provided not only on the front side but also on the rear side, and when locked, the loading / unloading port 1612 on the rear side is closed. In the following, the storage box 161 will be described as a storage box 161 into and out of which the delivery loading / unloading section 17 loads and unloads, that is, a storage box 161 with an opening on the back side.

[0080] At the front side of the storage device 10, the user can unlock the door 162 of a storage box 161 in which a delivery addressed to the user is stored by inputting predetermined authentication information, but cannot unlock a storage box 161 in which a delivery addressed to another person is stored. The structure for regulating the entry and exit of deliveries at the front side of the storage box 161 is not particularly limited other than the door 162 closing the entry / exit opening 1612 .

[0081] At the rear side of the storage box 161, an entrance / exit 1612 remains open. The delivery loading / unloading section 17 unloads the delivery stored in the storage box 161 through its loading / unloading port 1612 which remains open, and delivers it to the transport device 40 waiting in the vicinity of the storage device 10 for loading.

[0082] In addition, the delivery receiving and unloading section 17 can also directly deliver the unloaded delivery to the user on the rear side of the storage equipment 10. In this case, the user must input predetermined authentication information using a predetermined device in order to receive the delivery, and the authentication must be successful.

[0083] When a delivery is received or removed from the delivery storage / receiving section 17, the delivery is received or removed while being stored in the storage container 163. The container 163 is provided with a common structure to facilitate easy loading and unloading of delivery items from the delivery loading and unloading section 17 (described in detail later). Therefore, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 is capable of stably carrying out loading / unloading operations without difficulties caused by the size and shape of the delivery.

[0084] FIG. 13 is a see-through perspective view showing an example of a container 163 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a see-through perspective view showing an example of how container 163 is stored in storage box 161 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example (rear side) of a state in which container 163 is stored in storage box 161 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The container 163 will be described below with reference to these figures.

[0085] As shown in these figures, container 163 is formed in a tray shape, and is configured to have a bottom 1633 that forms the bottom surface, and a wall 1631 that is provided vertically above bottom 1633 and forms a side surface. Further, a pair of notches 1632 are provided on both the left and right ends of the bottom portion 1633 when viewed from the front, and steps are formed on both the left and right ends of the bottom portion 1633 when viewed from the front.

[0086] A delivery person of the delivery company enters the delivery through the entrance 1612 on the front side. At this time, the delivery person places the delivery item on the bottom 1633 of the container 163 inside the storage box 161. In order to facilitate the storage of deliveries, it is preferable that a wall 1631 that completely covers the front side of the container 163 is not formed, or that even if a wall 1631 is formed, the wall 1631 is low in height. In the example of FIG. 13, no wall 1631 is provided on the front side.

[0087] On the other hand, it is preferable that a wall 1631 is formed on the rear side of the container 163. When a wall 1631 (wall 1631a in FIG. 13) is provided on the rear side of the container 163, when the container 163 is placed in the storage box 161, the entrance / exit 1612 on the rear side is blocked by the wall 1631 (1631a). In this manner, the loading / unloading entrance 1612 on the rear side is blocked by the wall 1631 (1631a), so that when a delivery person brings a delivery item into the warehouse through the loading / unloading entrance 1612 on the front side, the delivery item is prevented from falling onto the floor from the open loading / unloading entrance 1612 on the rear side due to excessive force.

[0088] The container 163 may be provided with walls 1631 (walls 1631b in FIG. 13) on both the left and right side surfaces in addition to the rear surface side.

[0089] It is preferable that the top side of container 163 is open and does not have a wall 1631 so that users can easily take out the delivery from above container 163 when container 163 is unloaded from delivery loading / unloading section 17 through loading / unloading opening 1612 on the rear side.

[0090] As described above, a pair of notches 1632 are provided along the depth direction at both left and right ends of the bottom 1633 when viewed from the front, and steps are formed at both left and right ends of the bottom 1633. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the container 163 is stored in the storage space 1611 in the storage box 161, a pair of rectangular arm insertion spaces 1613 are formed in the depth direction between the cutouts 1632 on both the left and right side surfaces of the bottom of the container 163 and the bottom of the storage space 1611 of the storage box 161.

[0091] Figure 15 is a view of the storage box 161 from the rear side, and this figure shows that a pair of tunnel-shaped arm insertion spaces 1613 are formed in the depth direction between the cutout 1632 of the container 163 and the bottom surface of the storage space 1611. When the moving section 173 of the delivery loading / unloading section 17 described later removes a delivery from the back side of the storage box 161, the pair of arms of the moving section 173 move toward the depth direction and are inserted into the pair of arm insertion spaces 1613, respectively, and the pair of arms squeeze the step portions of the left and right notches 1632 from the outside on the sides, thereby enabling the moving section 173 to grasp the delivery together with the container 163.

[0092] As described above, the delivery item is held by the moving section 173 while being stored in the container 163, so the delivery loading / unloading section 17 can stably move the delivery item regardless of the shape of the delivery item.

[0093] For example, the storage detection unit 164 includes a sensor that utilizes infrared rays, a weight scale, or the like that is generally used in the field of storage devices, and detects whether an article has been stored in the storage space of the storage box 161.

[0094] Using the above-mentioned detection function, the storage detection unit 164 can detect which of the three states is in the storage box 161: "only the container 163 is contained," "the container 163 and the delivery item are contained," or "neither the container 163 nor the delivery item is contained." For example, when the storage detection unit 164 detects the weight of the container 163, the control unit 11 determines that "only the container 163 is stored." When the storage detection unit 164 detects a weight exceeding the weight of the container 163, the control unit 11 determines that "the container 163 and the delivery are stored." When the storage detection unit 164 detects that the weight is zero, the control unit 11 determines that "neither the container 163 nor the delivery is stored."

[0095] Also, for example, the storage detection unit 164 is equipped with an infrared sensor that detects both the height of a specified part of the container 163 and the height above that specified part, and when the infrared sensor detects the presence of an object at the height of the specified part of the container 163 but does not detect the presence of an object at a height above that specified part, the control unit 11 determines that "only container 163 is contained." In addition, when the infrared sensor detects the presence of an object both at the height of a specified part of the container 163 and at a height above that specified part, the control unit 11 determines that "the container 163 and the delivery item are contained." In addition, when the infrared sensor does not detect the presence of an object at both the height of a specified part of the container 163 and the height above that specified part, the control unit 11 determines that "neither the container 163 nor the delivery item is contained."

[0096] (6) Configuration of delivery item receiving and retrieving section 17 FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the delivery loading / unloading section 17 in the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side. As shown in Figures 4 and 16, the delivery item loading / unloading section 17 is composed of a support frame 171 which is a rectangular frame body made of steel or the like with a predetermined strength or more and is installed approximately parallel to the opening surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612 on the rear side of the storage box 161, a movable frame 172 which is a rectangular frame body made of steel or the like with a predetermined strength or more and moves horizontally within the internal space of the support frame 171, and a movable section 173 which moves vertically within the internal space of the movable frame 172. The moving frame 172 moves horizontally (approximately parallel to the opening surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612) within the support frame 171, and the moving unit 173 moves vertically (approximately parallel to the opening surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612) within the moving frame 172, so that the moving unit 173 can move to any position close to the opening surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612 on a moving plane that is approximately parallel to the opening surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612 (for example, 1 cm from the opening surface). Therefore, the moving section 173 can move to a position facing the loading / unloading entrance 1612 on the rear side of any storage box 161, making it possible to load and unload containers 163 (deliveries) between each storage box 161.

[0097] The support frame 171 is installed so as to cover a part or the whole of the opening face of the entrance / exit 1612 of the storage box 161 of the storage equipment 10 when viewed from the rear side (a part of it in the example of FIG. 6).

[0098] As shown in Figures 6 and 16, the support frame 171 is configured to have a frame body 1711 which is a frame body having a predetermined level of strength and formed into a rectangular shape by rod- or column-shaped upper, lower, left and right frames made of, for example, steel, a drive unit 1712 which has a drive source such as a motor and moves the moving frame 172 horizontally (in the X-axis direction) inside the frame body 1711, and a guide rail 1713 which is provided at least inside the lower frame of the frame body 1711 and which guides the movement of the moving frame 172 in the horizontal direction (in the X-axis direction) within the support frame 171.

[0099] The driving unit 1712 may use a known mechanism and is not particularly limited. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing an example of a movement mechanism of the moving frame 172 by a driving unit 1712 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in (a) of FIG. 17, for example, the drive unit 1712 is composed of a pair of pulleys arranged at a distance from each other, a circular wire stretched across the pulleys, and a motor (not shown) as an example of a drive source that rotates one of the pair of pulleys. When such a configuration is used for the driving unit 1712, the moving frame 172 is attached to a part of the circular wire. Then, the pulley rotates forward and backward by driving the motor. As a result, the moving frame 172 reciprocates in the horizontal direction (X direction) within the frame body 1711, as shown in Figures 16 and 17(a). It is also possible to provide a belt conveyor instead of the annular wire and fix the belt conveyor to the moving frame 172. In this case, the moving frame 172 moves on the belt conveyor with the rotation of the pulley, and moves back and forth in the horizontal direction (X direction) within the frame main body 1711.

[0100] As shown in Figures 6 and 16, the movable frame 172 is configured to have a frame body 1721 which is a frame body having a rectangular shape formed by upper, lower, left and right frames which are shaped like rods or columns and made of, for example, steel, and which has a predetermined level of strength, a drive unit 1722 which has a drive source such as a motor and moves the movable body 173 in the vertical direction (Z direction) inside the frame body 1721, and a pair of guide rails 1723 which are provided inside the left and right frames of the frame body 1721 and which guide the movement of the movable body 173 in the vertical direction (Z direction) within the movable frame 172.

[0101] The driving unit 1722 may use a known mechanism and is not particularly limited. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing an example of a movement mechanism of the moving unit 173 by the driving unit 1722 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in (b) of FIG. 17, for example, the drive unit 1722 is composed of a pair of pulleys arranged at a distance from each other, a circular wire stretched across the pulleys, and a motor (not shown) as an example of a drive source that rotates one of the pair of pulleys. When such a configuration is used for the driving unit 1722, the motor and the circular wire are installed on the left and right inner sides of the frame body 1721, and the moving body 173 is attached to one part of the pair of circular wires. The pulley rotates forward and backward by driving the motor. As a result, the moving body 173 reciprocates in the vertical direction (Z direction) within the frame body 1721, as shown in Figures 16 and 17(b). Note that a belt conveyor may be provided instead of the circular wire provided in the drive unit 1722, and the belt conveyor may be fixed to the moving body 173. In this case, the moving body 173 moves together with the belt conveyor as the pulley rotates, and moves back and forth in the vertical direction (Z direction) within the frame main body 1721.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the moving unit 173 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram of the moving part 173 as viewed from above on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 18, the movable body 173 is composed of a movable body 1731, a pair of left and right arms 1732 provided on both the left and right ends of the movable body 1731 and movable in the depth direction (Y direction) by a driving source such as a motor, and a base 1733 which is a platform-like member provided on the movable body 1731 and on which the container 163 removed from the storage box 161 by the arms 1732 is placed.

[0103] The base portion 1733 is a plate-like base made of, for example, steel and having a predetermined strength or more.

[0104] The left and right ends of the moving body main body 1731 are respectively attached to a pair of circular wires of the above-mentioned drive unit 1722, and the moving unit 173 moves vertically (Z direction) within the moving frame 172 in accordance with the movement of the circular wires that move in response to the forward or reverse rotation of the motor of the drive unit 1722.

[0105] The arms 1732 are movable in the depth direction (Y direction) as described above, and are also configured to be able to slightly move inward by a drive source to clamp the container 163 from the outside.

[0106] During the movement of the moving section 173 or the moving frame 172, it is preferable that the arms 1732 are positioned to the sides of the base section 1733 as shown in FIG.

[0107] In this embodiment, arm 1732 slides in both depth directions to protrude from movable body 1731, and allows container 163 to be loaded and unloaded from storage box 161, and container 163 to be delivered to and from conveying device 40, but arm 1732 may be caused to protrude in both depth directions by other mechanisms. For example, the arm 1732 may be provided with a telescoping tube structure that can be extended and retracted in both depth directions by a drive source, thereby allowing the arm 1732 to protrude.

[0108] Although not shown, a placement sensor that detects that the container 163 is placed on the base portion 1733 is provided. The control unit 11 acquires the detection results of the placement sensors, and controls the operation of the delivery storage and unloading unit 17 based on the detection results.

[0109] The placement sensor is, for example, a weight sensor, which measures the weight of an object placed on platform 1733 and detects the presence or absence of an object placed on platform 1733 based on the measured weight. The placement sensor outputs information indicating the measured weight to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 determines the object placed on the platform 1733 based on the weight measured by the placement sensor. Based on the measured weight, the control unit 11 determines, for example, whether "nothing is placed on the platform 1733," "container 163 is not containing a delivery item and only container 163 is placed on it," or "container 163 is placed on it and contains a delivery item."

[0110] (Removal from storage box 161) Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a process of movement of the delivery loading / unloading section 17 when a delivery is unloaded in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a view seen from the rear side. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a process of unloading container 163 (delivery item) by moving section 173 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a diagram seen from vertically above. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state in which the moving section 173 inserts the arm 1732 into the arm insertion space 1613 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state in which moving section 173 has placed container 163 on platform section 1733 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of moving unit 173 to move container 163 out of storage box 161 will be described with reference to these figures. 21 and 22, the delivery items contained in the container 163 are omitted and not depicted.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 19( a ), in the delivery storage and unloading section 17 , a moving frame 172 is provided within a support frame 171 , and within the moving frame 172 , a moving section 173 is provided. FIG. 19(a) also shows an entrance / exit 1612 of a storage box 161 through which deliveries are delivered.

[0112] When a delivery request signal for a delivery item stored in a specified storage box 161 is input from the control unit 11, the delivery item loading / unloading unit 17 moves the moving frame 172 in the X direction to the horizontal coordinate position of the storage box 161, as shown in Figure 19 (b).

[0113] Next, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the moving section 173 moves in the Z direction to a position of the vertical coordinate of the storage box 161, and moves to a position facing the entrance / exit 1612 of the storage box 161 from which the delivery is to be delivered.

[0114] As shown in Figure 20(a), when the moving section 173 moves to a position facing the entrance / exit 1612 of the storage box 161 for which removal is requested, as shown in Figures 20(b) and 21, the pair of arms 1732 move in the depth direction (Y direction) and are respectively inserted into the pair of arm insertion spaces 1613. Next, as shown in FIG. 20( c ), the pair of arms 1732 move slightly inward while inserted into the arm insertion space 1613 , and press both notches 1632 of the container 163 to clamp the container 163 . At this time, the container 163 is in a state where the side surfaces of both notches 1632 are sandwiched between the side surfaces of the pair of arms 1732 and the bottom surfaces of both notches 1632 are placed on the upper surfaces of the pair of arms 1732.

[0115] Next, as shown in Figures 20(d) and 22, the pair of arms 1732, while still holding the container 163, move back in the depth direction to a position to the side of the base 1733, and the container 163 is placed on the base 1733 while still being held by the pair of arms 1732. In order to ensure smooth movement of the moving part 173 and the moving frame 172 when they move, it is preferable that the pair of arms 1732 are positioned on the sides of the base part 1733 and do not protrude in the depth direction or the depth forward direction, as shown in Figures 20(d) and 22.

[0116] With container 163 placed on base 1733, moving section 173 moves vertically (Z direction) and moving frame 172 moves horizontally (X direction) until moving section 173 moves to a position where conveying device 40 is waiting. Then, the pair of arms 1732 move toward the front depth while still holding container 163, and delivers container 163 to loading section 49, which is the loading space of conveying device 40. At this time, the movement of the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 is performed in the reverse order of the movement of the transport device 40 from the waiting place to the storage box 161 to be removed, that is, from FIG. 19(c)→FIG. 19(b)→FIG. 19(a). This completes the operation of the delivery loading / unloading section 17 for unloading the container 163 from the storage box 161.

[0117] When the conveying device 40 detects that the container 163 has been loaded onto the loading section 49, it moves to a pre-designated delivery receiving position based on the received delivery request signal and carries out the delivery work of the delivery.

[0118] (Storage box 161) When the conveying device 40 has completed delivery of the delivery item to the user at the receiving location, or when delivery of the delivery item to the user has not been completed, the conveying device 40 returns to a waiting location near the storage device 10 with the container 163 still loaded (if the delivery is successful, the container 163 is empty, and if the delivery is unsuccessful, the container 163 contains the delivery item). When the control unit 41 of the transport device 40 determines that the transport device 40 has reached (returned to) the waiting location, it generates return information to that effect, and the communication unit 43 transmits the return information to the management server 20.

[0119] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the return information from the transport device 40, it transmits the return information to the storage equipment 10.

[0120] When the communication unit 13 of the storage equipment 10 receives the return information from the management server 20, the control unit 11 recognizes that the conveying device 40 has returned to the waiting location with the container 163 loaded, and outputs a warehousing request signal to the delivery warehousing / unloading unit 17.

[0121] When a signal requesting storage of a delivery to a specified storage box 161 is input, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 moves the moving frame 172 horizontally and the moving section 173 vertically until the moving section 173 moves to a position opposite the waiting location of the conveying device 40. At this time, the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 move in the order shown in FIG. 19(c)→FIG. 19(b)→FIG. 19(a).

[0122] Then, the pair of arms 1732 of the moving section 173 move toward the front depth without holding anything, clamp the container 163 loaded on the loading section 49 of the conveying device 40, and move toward the rear depth while still holding the container 163, loading the container 163 onto the platform 1733.

[0123] As shown in Figures 19(a) -> 19(b) -> 19(c), with container 163 loaded on base 1733, moving part 173 moves vertically and moving frame 172 moves horizontally until moving part 173 moves to a position opposite storage box 161 to be stored. Then, the pair of arms 1732 move in the depth direction while holding container 163, and container 163 is stored in storage space 1611 of storage box 161. Next, the pair of arms 1732 each move slightly outward, releasing the constriction pressure on the container 163 . Then, the pair of arms 1732 move in the depth direction so as to be drawn out of the arm insertion space 1613, and return to the fixed position (position to the side of the platform portion 1733) when the moving portion 173 moves. This completes the storing operation of the container 163 into the storage box 161 by the delivery storing / receiving section 17.

[0124] (7) Configuration of communication unit 13 The communication unit 13 is an interface that controls communication with the management server 20 and the transport device 40 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 13 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0125] (8) Configuration of display unit 14 and operation unit 15 The display unit 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or a lamp using a light-emitting element such as an LED. The control unit 11 reads out an image from the information storage unit 12, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 11 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 14. The display unit 14 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 11 can also output a control signal to the display unit 14 to light up a lamp that the display unit 14 has.

[0126] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 14 is provided inside the storage device 10 body, but it may be an external display device connected so as to be communicable via wire or wirelessly. For example, the display unit 14 is a tablet terminal or a display device that is provided outside the storage device 10 body and displays image information input from the control unit 11 via the wired or wireless connection.

[0127] The operation unit 15 includes an information input device composed of various keys, for example, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 14. The operation unit 15 accepts various operations by a user or a delivery staff member, etc., and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 11, etc. When the control unit 11 receives a signal indicating the operation content, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal to the display unit 14 to cause the display unit 14 to execute a screen display corresponding to the operation content, according to the content of the signal. When the display unit 14 receives the control signal, it performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 may be integrated together to form a touch panel.

[0128] The operation unit 15 also includes an information reading device that reads information from an information recording medium by performing short-distance wireless communication such as infrared communication. When the user or delivery person brings an information recording medium (authentication medium) on which authentication information for unlocking the storage box is recorded, over the operation unit 15 (information reading device), for example, and brings it within a specified distance, the operation unit 15 reads the authentication information from the information recording medium. The technique for reading the authentication information by the operation unit 15 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a short-distance wireless communication method such as Felica (registered trademark), MIFARE (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In addition, when code information is printed or provided on the surface of the information recording medium, the operation unit 15 optically reads the code information. The information recording medium is, for example, a contactless IC card in which authentication information for identifying a user or a delivery company is written, or a portable terminal having a similar function.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 are provided on both the front and rear sides, and are configured to enable screen display and information input on both sides.

[0130] [3] Configuration of management server 20 The management server 20 is a server device that manages user information, the usage status of the storage equipment 10, the status of the transport work, and the like.

[0131] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of the management server 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the management server 20 is configured to have a control unit 21 that is composed of a CPU or the like and controls the entire management server 20, an information storage unit 22 that stores user information, etc., and a communication unit 23 that transmits and receives information to and from the storage device 10, the user terminal 30, and the transport device 40 via the network 100, either wirelessly or via wired communication. Each of the units 21 to 23 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 21, various processes are executed.

[0132] The control unit 21 is a processing unit that controls the entire management server 20, and is configured, for example, with an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 21 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 22 and writing of information to the information storage unit 22 .

[0133] The information storage unit 22 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 22 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 21, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 21 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 21 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 22, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0134] The communication unit 23 is an interface that controls communications with the storage equipment 10, the user terminal 30, and the transport equipment 40 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 23 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0135] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a database managed by the management server 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, each database stored in the information storage unit 22 of the management server 20 is shown. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 22 stores a user DB221 that manages resident information related to residents, etc., a storage box DB222 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 16, a usage history DB223 that manages the usage history of each storage box, a transport device DB224 that manages the transport status of the transport device 40, a transport work DB225 that manages the transport work performed by the transport device 40, a map DB226 that manages map information showing a map of the building or facility where the transport device 40 moves, and a route DB227 that manages route information showing the travel route (movement range) of the transport device 40.

[0136] The management server 20 integrates and collectively manages data from each of the databases with the same name, namely, user DB221, storage box DB222, usage history DB223, transport device DB224 and transport work DB225, of one or more storage devices 10.

[0137] Also, either one of the storage equipment 10 and the management server 20 may be configured to manage a part of the information managed in the database of the other. The management server 20 may communicate with the storage equipment 10 at predetermined time intervals to synchronize each database stored in the management server 20 with each database of the same name in the storage equipment 10.

[0138] The management server 20 integrates and collectively manages the data of each of the databases with the same names, namely, the transport device DB 224, the map DB 226 and the route DB 227 described below, stored in one or more delivery company terminals 40.

[0139] In addition, either one of the transport device 40 and the management server 20 may be configured to manage a portion of the information managed in the database of the other. The management server 20 may communicate with the transport device 40 at predetermined time intervals to synchronize each database stored in the management server 20 with each database of the transport device 40 having the same name.

[0140] [4] Configuration of user terminal 30 The user terminal 30 is an intercom or a video door phone installed in a private area of ​​the user, or a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or any other terminal used by the user.

[0141] Using the user terminal 30, the user receives notification from the management server 20 regarding the storage of a delivery addressed to the user in the storage device 10, or the transport status of the delivery by the transport device 40.

[0142] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 30 is composed of a control unit 31 composed of a CPU etc. and controls the operation of the entire user terminal 30, an information storage unit 32 that stores input information and information received via the network 100, a communication unit 33 that sends and receives information via the network 100, a display unit 34 composed of a display etc. and displays information on a screen, and an operation unit 35 composed of keys, a mouse etc. and used to input information, etc. Moreover, the display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrally configured to configure a touch panel. Each of the units 31 to 35 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 31, various processes are executed.

[0143] The control unit 31 is a processing unit that controls the entire user terminal 30, and is configured, for example, with an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 31 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 32 and writing of information to the information storage unit 32 .

[0144] The information storage unit 32 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 32 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 31, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 31 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 31 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 32, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0145] The communication unit 33 is an interface that controls communication with the management server 20 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 33 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0146] The display unit 34 is a display device such as a display or a lamp. The control unit 31 reads out an image from the information storage unit 32, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 31 also executes image output processing on image information received by the communication unit 33 from the management server 20 or the service provider server 70 to generate screen information. The control unit 31 outputs the generated image information to the display unit . The display unit 34 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 31 can also output a control signal to the display unit 34 to light up a lamp such as an LED that the display unit 34 has.

[0147] The operation unit 35 includes an information input device consisting of various keys, for example, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 34. The operation unit 35 accepts various operations by the order-receiving side, etc., and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 31, etc. When the control unit 31 receives the signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 34 instructing the display unit 34 to perform a screen display according to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the display unit 34 receives the control signal, it performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal.

[0148] The user terminal 30 can receive and display screen information, for example, a Web page, from the management server 20 functioning as a Web server. The user terminal 30 has a function in which the control unit 31 generates and transmits an HTTP request in response to a request from the user, and a function in which the control unit 31 interprets an HTTP response (an example of a response) and presents it to the user. For example, the information storage unit 32 stores a Web browser as an example. The control unit 31 interprets the HTTP response, generates image data and audio data, and presents the HTTP response to the user by displaying the data on the display unit 34 or outputting audio from a speaker that the user terminal 30 has.

[0149] [5] Configuration of the conveying device 40 The transport device 40 is a mobile device that travels autonomously through passageways or the like within a building or facility, and travels between the installation location of the storage equipment 10 and the location of the delivery destination of the delivery item. The transport device 40 loads the delivery items delivered to the storage equipment 10 together with the containers 163, and transports the delivery items to their destinations. After the transport device 40 delivers the delivery to the user at the delivery destination, it returns to the installation location of the storage equipment 10 and returns the emptied container 163 to the storage box 161 of the storage equipment 10. In addition, even if the delivery of the delivery item is not completed due to the absence of the user, the transport device 40 returns to the installation location of the storage device 10 again and returns the container 163 containing the delivery item to the storage box 161 of the storage device 10.

[0150] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transport device 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the conveying device 40 is configured to have a control unit 41 composed of a CPU or the like and controls the operation of the entire conveying device 40, an information storage unit 42 that stores input information and information received via the network 100, a communication unit 43 that sends and receives information via the network 100, a display unit 44 composed of a display or the like and displays information on a screen, an operation unit 45 composed of keys, buttons, etc. and used to input information, a running unit 46 that drives the conveying device 40, a running assistance unit 47 that assists the driving of the conveying device 40, and a loading unit 49 that loads the container 163. The display unit 44 and the operation unit 45 may be integrally configured to configure a touch panel. Each of the units 41 to 49 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 41, various processes are executed. Also, although not shown, the conveying device 40 may have a battery for storing power to be used for the operation of the device itself, and a charging connection port for connecting a cord for charging the battery with power.

[0151] The control unit 41 is a processing unit that controls the entire transport device 40, and is configured, for example, with an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 41 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 42 and writing of information to the information storage unit 42 .

[0152] The information storage unit 42 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 42 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 41, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 41 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 41 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 42, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0153] The communication unit 43 is an interface that controls communication with the storage equipment 10 or the management server 20 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter or the like. The communication unit 43 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0154] The display unit 44 is a display device such as a display or a lamp. The control unit 41 reads out an image from the information storage unit 42, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 41 also executes image output processing on image information received by the communication unit 43 from the management server 20 to generate screen information. The control unit 41 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 44 . The display unit 44 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 41 can also output a control signal to the display unit 44 to light up a lamp such as an LED that the display unit 44 has.

[0155] The operation unit 45 includes an information input device composed of various keys, for example, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 44. The operation unit 45 accepts various operations by the order-receiving side, etc., and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 41, etc. When the control unit 41 receives the signal indicating the operation content, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the display unit 44 instructing the display unit 44 to perform a screen display corresponding to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the display unit 44 receives the control signal, it performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal.

[0156] The running unit 46 has a drive source such as a motor, a transmission mechanism such as a reduction gear and a rotating shaft that transmits power from the drive source, and wheels for running. The power of the drive source is transmitted to the drive shaft of the wheels for traveling via a transmission mechanism, whereby the wheels rotate and the transport device 40 can travel. The running unit 46 has a plurality of sets of drive sources, transmission mechanisms, and wheels, and the rotation speed of each wheel is independently controlled based on a signal from the control unit 41. The transport device 40 can move forward, backward, rotate, or in other directions depending on the difference in rotational speed of its multiple wheels.

[0157] The travel assistance unit 47 has an object detection unit 471 that detects objects present within the range in which the conveying device 40 moves and prevents the conveying device 40 from colliding with the obstacles, and a position output unit 472 that notifies the outside of the current position of the conveying device 40.

[0158] The object detection unit 471 has a collision avoidance sensor that prevents the conveyance device 40 from colliding with an obstacle on the path when the conveyance device 40 travels. For example, a collision avoidance sensor measures the position of an obstacle on the path by emitting laser light or sound waves in the direction of travel and measuring the time it takes for the light or sound waves to reflect off an object in the direction of travel and return. The control unit 41 outputs a signal to the traveling unit 46 based on the measured position of the obstacle, and causes the traveling unit 46 to change the traveling direction at the position of the obstacle, thereby avoiding a collision with the obstacle.

[0159] The position output unit 472 wirelessly transmits a current position signal to the outside in order to notify the outside of the current position of the transport device 40 . The position output unit 472 includes, for example, a receiving unit that receives beacon signals transmitted by radio waves from a plurality of transmitters. The multiple transmitters are arranged at multiple locations within the range in which the transport device 40 moves. The position output unit 472 identifies the current position of the transportation device 40 based on the positions of the multiple transmitters and the received radio wave intensity of the beacon signals transmitted from the multiple transmitters. In addition to the above example, the position output unit 472 may specify the current position of the transport device 40 using a global positioning system (GPS) or the like.

[0160] The position output unit 472 transmits a current position signal indicating the current position of the transport device 40 identified as described above to the management server 20 via wireless communication from the communication unit 43. A location information receiving device installed within the range within which the conveying device 40 moves extracts current location information indicating the current location of the conveying device 40 based on the current location signal received from the location output unit 472, and transmits the current location information to the management server 20 via wired or wireless connection. The management server 20 is capable of constantly grasping the current position of the transport device 40 by referring to the current position information.

[0161] The loading section 49 is for loading containers 163 that are loaded from the delivery loading / unloading section 17 of the storage equipment 10, and the shape of the containers is not limited, and may be a platform or a box. If the loading section 49 is box-shaped, a hatch may be provided to close the opening of the box, and the hatch may be opened when the conveying device 40 arrives at the user's receiving location by the user inputting authentication information such as a password using the operation unit 45, allowing the user to remove the delivery item from the loading section 49.

[0162] The configuration of the conveying device 40 is not limited to the example in FIG. 6, but in the example shown in FIG. 6, the conveying device 40 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and wheels for running are provided on the bottom side as a running portion 46.

[0163] 6, the upper surface of the conveying device 40 is configured to be approximately parallel to the floor surface, and the upper surface of the conveying device 40 constitutes the loading section 49. In this case, the conveying device 40 conveys the container 163 placed on the upper surface to the user's receiving location. The loading section 49 may be realized by providing a shelf or a storage inside the main body of the transport device 40, in addition to the example shown in FIG.

[0164] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a database managed by the transport device 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 42 of the conveying device 40 stores a conveying device DB 424 that manages the conveying status of the conveying device 40 itself, a map DB 426 that manages map information showing a map of the building or facility within which the conveying device 40 itself moves, and a route DB 427 that manages route information showing the travel route (movement range) of the conveying device 40 itself.

[0165] The transport device DB 424 is a database that manages the status of the transport operation of the transport device 40 itself, the position information of the transport device 40 itself, and the like. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the transport device DB 424 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the conveying device DB 424 manages, in association with a "transporting device ID" assigned to identify each conveying device 40, "location information of a waiting location" near the storage device 10 where the conveying device 40 receives deliveries from the delivery entry / exit section 17, "location information of an evacuation location" where the conveying device 40 temporarily retreats from the waiting location and waits, "location information of the current location" of the conveying device 40, "work status" indicating the status of the conveying work by the conveying device 40, and a "transport history number" assigned to the conveying work by the conveying device 40.

[0166] The contents of each piece of information managed in the transport device DB 424 are similar to those in the transport device DB 124, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In principle, the transport device DB 424 manages only information about the transport device 40 itself.

[0167] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the map DB 426 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 29, the map DB 426 manages one or more pieces of map information in association with a map ID that identifies each piece of map information. The map information is information that indicates a map corresponding to the range in which the transport device 40 moves. The map information is a collection of position information such as coordinates, and includes position information on the range in which the transport device 40 can travel (range in which travel is permitted) and the range in which travel is not permitted (range in which travel is prohibited). A plurality of pieces of map information may be prepared for each floor and each area of ​​a building or the like. The control unit 41 reads out map information from the information storage unit 42 and outputs a control signal to the traveling unit 46 based on the map information, whereby the transport device 40 travels inside a building or the like.

[0168] The map information also includes information on the connecting positions of multiple areas. For example, if map DB 426 manages map information for the first floor area and the second floor area of ​​a building, elevator position information included in the map information for the first floor area and elevator position information included in the map information for the second floor area may be connected, and map DB 426 may manage the information so that movement between the first and second floor areas is possible.

[0169] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the route DB 427 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30, the route DB 427 manages one or more pieces of route information in association with a route ID for identifying each piece of route information. The route information is position information that indicates the route along which the transport device 40 travels. For example, the route DB 427 manages a plurality of individual route information indicating each route between the installation location of the storage equipment 10 and the residence location of each resident (user).

[0170] The above-mentioned route information may be generated in advance by an external device, or may be generated based on position information obtained while the conveying device 40 is actually traveling within the target building. That is, the control unit 41 may generate route information of the movement range by causing the conveyance device 40 to travel. In addition, when location information of the start point and the end point is input from an external device, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 may automatically create route information for the route connecting these start points and end points, register the information in the route DB 227, and download it to the conveying device 40.

[0171] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of the map information and route information in order to explain the map information and route information in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example in the figure, the map information indicates the locations of storage devices 10, doors, elevators, shelves, and other installed objects in each area, as well as the locations of obstacles (walls, pillars, etc.) through which the conveying device 40 cannot travel, and specifies the range within which the conveying device 40 can move.

[0172] The map information may be generated in advance by an external device, or may be generated based on the distance and position of an obstacle detected by the collision avoidance sensor of the object detection unit 471 while the conveying device 40 is traveling. That is, the control unit 41 may generate map information of the movement range by causing the transport device 40 to travel.

[0173] As indicated by the arrows in the figure, route information along which the transport device 40 transports the delivery is also shown.

[0174] (Operation of the first embodiment) (1) Application for delivery service FIG. 32 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations for applying for a delivery transportation service by the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, with reference to this figure, as an example, we will explain the operation of the delivery system, which when a delivery addressed to a user is stored in the storage equipment 10, accepts an application for a transportation service from the user to transport the delivery from the storage equipment 10 to the user's living space, etc. In addition, in the description of the operation, each section of the storage device 10 (display section 14, operation section 15, etc.) is assumed to be on the front side, as an example.

[0175] First, a delivery person from a delivery company visits the front side of the installation site of the storage equipment 10, such as an apartment building, with a delivery item addressed to the user. The display unit 14 of the storage equipment 10 displays a "user selection screen." The "user selection screen" is a screen for a person using the storage equipment 10 to select whether he / she is a "user" or a "delivery company." The delivery person then operates the operation unit 15 to select "delivery company" on the "user selection screen" displayed on the display unit 14, and inputs information for identifying the destination user (step S101). At this time, the delivery person may use operation unit 15 to input information that identifies the delivery person, such as "Post Office" or "●● Delivery Service." Further, the information for identifying the destination user is not particularly limited, but in this example, it is the room number of the user's living space.

[0176] Next, the control unit 11 refers to the storage box DB 122 of the information storage unit 12 to detect an "unused" storage box 161 in which the delivery item can be stored, and causes the display unit 14 to display information about the "unused" storage box 161 (step S102). That is, the control unit 11 restricts the entry of new deliveries into storage boxes 161 whose usage status is "in use" or "in transit."

[0177] The delivery staff member uses the operation unit 15 to select any one of the displayed "unused" storage boxes 161 (step S103), and the selected storage box 161 opens based on a control signal from the control unit 11 (step S104). The delivery person places the delivery in the open storage box 161 and closes the door 162, which is then locked. The control unit 11 changes the "usage status" item in the storage box DB 122 for the storage box 161 in which the delivery item has been received from "unused" to "in use" and registers the room number of the destination user in association with that storage box 161 (step S105). Furthermore, the control unit 11 registers the history of the delivery being stored in the storage box 161 in the usage history DB 123 (step S105).

[0178] Next, the control unit 11 generates receipt information indicating that the delivery addressed to the user has been received in the storage equipment 10, and the communication unit 13 transmits the generated receipt information to the management server 20 (step S106).

[0179] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned inventory information from the storage device 10, the control unit 21 registers the “usage status” items, etc. in the storage box DB 222, similar to the storage box DB 122 (step S107), and registers the inventory history in the usage history DB 223, similar to the usage history DB 123 (step S107). Next, the control unit 21 refers to the user DB 221 to extract the notification destination information associated with the user's room number entered by the delivery staff member, and the communication unit 23 transmits the inventory information to the user terminal 30, which is the notification destination (step S108).

[0180] The user terminal 30 includes various communication devices used by the user, but in this example, it is assumed to be an intercom installed in the user's living space, and the notification destination information is the identification information of the intercom.

[0181] When the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 receives the inventory information from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the inventory information (step S109). When the user terminal 30 receives the storage information, it may output a ringtone to notify the user that a delivery addressed to the user has been stored in the storage equipment 10.

[0182] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the receiving information includes the receiving time of the delivery, the box number of the storage box 161 in which the delivery was received, as well as an input field and a button for starting the delivery service by the delivery device 40.

[0183] The user checks the inventory information displayed on the user terminal 30, and if the user desires a delivery service, the user operates the operation unit 35 to input information indicating how the user will receive the delivery item in the delivery service (step S110).

[0184] The information input in step S110 includes, for example, "receipt method," "receipt place," and "receipt time," as shown in FIG. The "receipt method" can be selected by the user from, for example, either "face-to-face" receiving the delivery directly, or "drop-off" where the delivery is left at the entrance to the living space or the like to complete the delivery. The "receiving location" can be, for example, a location in front of the entrance of the user's residence. This "receiving location" includes a location where the user receives the delivery in person, as well as a location where the delivery is left for delivery to a designated location. The user can specify any time for the "receiving time" described above. This "receiving time" includes the desired time for the user to receive the delivery in person as well as the desired time for the delivery to be left at the delivery location.

[0185] The user uses the operation unit 35 to input the above-mentioned "receipt method," "receipt location," "receipt time," etc., and presses the "start transport" button shown in the inventory information. The communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 then transmits transport request information including the above-mentioned input "receipt method," "receipt location," "receipt time," etc. to the management server 20 (step S111).

[0186] In addition to the above input information, this transport request information includes the storage equipment ID of the storage equipment 10 in which the delivery addressed to the user is stored and the box number of the storage box 161.

[0187] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the transportation request information from the user terminal 30, the communication unit 23 registers the information included in the transportation request information in the usage history DB 223 and the transportation task DB 225 (step S112). This completes the application process for the delivery service.

[0188] As described above, when the storage equipment 10 receives a delivery addressed to a user, it generates receiving information indicating the received content and notifies the user terminal 30 via the management server 20 of the fact that the delivery has been received. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the fact that a delivery addressed to him / her has been received, and can easily request that the delivery be transported from the storage device 10 to his / her living space.

[0189] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 prohibits new delivery items from being stored in storage boxes 161 whose usage status is "in use" or "in transit." Since the "in use" storage box 161 contains deliveries addressed to other users that have already been received, if there is no restriction on receiving deliveries, multiple deliveries addressed to different users will be mixed in the same storage box 161, causing confusion in receiving the deliveries. In this embodiment, the storage equipment 10 restricts the entry of items into an "in use" storage box 161, making it possible to prevent such confusion from occurring.

[0190] The control unit 11 also prohibits the storage box 161 in the "in-transit" state from receiving new deliveries. Although the storage box 161 "in transport" does not contain any delivery items at that time and is empty, if a new delivery item is stored in the storage box 161 when the transport device 40 returns from the transport operation and returns the container 163 to the storage box 161, the delivery item may become an obstacle and the container 163 may not be able to be returned to the storage space 1611 of the storage box 161. In this embodiment, the storage device 10 regulates not only storage boxes 161 that are "in use" but also storage boxes 161 that are "in transport", so that it is possible to prevent problems that may occur when returning such containers 163.

[0191] Regarding the selection of the storage box 161 in step S103, the storage device 10 may not initially lock the “unused” storage boxes 161, and the delivery staff may select one of the unlocked storage boxes 161 and open the door.

[0192] In the above-described “(1) Application operation for delivery transportation service”, the user terminal 30 receives inventory information from the management server 20, displays the inventory information on the screen, and after the user checks the inventory information, transmits transportation request information to the management server 20 using the user terminal 30. In addition to or instead of this, the storage equipment 10 may receive inventory information from the management server 20, display the inventory information on a screen, and after the user has confirmed the inventory information, transmit transportation request information to the management server 20 using the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10. In this case, when the user operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 and inputs his / her own authentication information, etc., the display unit 14 displays the above-mentioned receiving information notifying the receiving of the delivery addressed to the user. The receiving information may be displayed by the storage equipment 10 using the information stored in the information storage unit 12, or the storage equipment 10 may request the management server 20 to obtain information based on the authentication information and display the information received from the management server 20. Next, the user operates the operation unit 15 to input the above-mentioned “receiving method,” “receiving place,” “receiving time,” etc., and the storage equipment 10 generates transport request information and transmits it to the management server 20. The other operations are similar. In this way, the user can check the inventory information that his / her delivery item has been stored in the storage equipment 10 not only on the user terminal 30 but also on the storage equipment 10, and can further send transportation request information to the management server 20 using the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10. This allows the user to have a great deal of freedom when making a delivery request for a delivery item addressed to him or her.

[0193] (2) Delivery operation As described above, when the management server 20 receives a request from the user to start a delivery service for a delivery by receiving transportation request information from the user terminal 30, the management server 20 requests the storage equipment 10 to release the delivery. FIG. 34 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a delivery operation by the delivery receiving / delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to this figure, an operation in which the storage equipment 10 takes out a delivery stored in the storage box 161 and delivers it to the transport device 40 will be described as an example.

[0194] The communication unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the transportation request information received from the user terminal 30 to the storage equipment 10 identified by the storage equipment ID included in the transportation request information (step S201).

[0195] When the communication unit 13 of the storage equipment 10 receives the above-mentioned transport request information from the management server 20, the control unit 11 refers to the transport equipment DB 124 and determines whether or not there is a transport equipment 40 whose working status is currently "waiting", i.e., whether or not there is a transport equipment 40 that is capable of transporting work (step S202). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no transport device 40 that is currently "on standby" (step S202 / No), the operation of step S202 is repeated.

[0196] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there is a conveying device 40 that is currently "on standby" (step S202 / Yes), the control unit 11 determines one of the "on standby" conveying devices 40, and outputs an outgoing signal to the delivery item entry / exit unit 17 requesting that the delivery item stored in the storage box 161 with the box number included in the above-mentioned conveying request information be released and loaded onto the above-mentioned determined conveying device 40 (step S203).

[0197] When multiple transport devices 40 are "on standby," the control unit 11 may randomly select one of them, or may select one according to other rules.

[0198] In step S203, the control unit 11 refers to the storage box DB 122 to extract the location information of the storage box 161 based on the box number included in the transport request information, and also refers to the transport device DB 124 to extract the location information of the waiting location of the transport device 40 determined above. The above-mentioned outgoing signal includes the position information of the storage box 161 and the position information of the waiting place of the above-mentioned determined conveyance device 40.

[0199] Also, in step S203, the control unit 11 changes the work status of the transport device DB 124 from "standby" to "transporting."

[0200] When the delivery loading / unloading section 17 receives a delivery signal, the moving frame 172 moves horizontally (X direction) to the position of the corresponding storage box 161 (step S204). Next, the moving unit 173 moves in the vertical direction (Z direction) to the position of the corresponding storage box 161 (step S205). The order in which the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 move may be reversed, or they may move simultaneously.

[0201] When the moving section 173 moves to the position of the storage box 161 in which the delivery item to be shipped is stored, it moves the pair of arms 1732 in the depth direction and inserts the left and right arms 1732 into the left and right arm insertion spaces 1613 in the storage box 161, respectively. Then, the moving section 173 moves the left and right arms 1732 inward to pinch both the left and right side surfaces of the notch 1632 of the container 163 from the outside, thereby pinching the container 163 (step S206).

[0202] Next, the moving unit 173 moves the arm 1732, which had been moving in the depth direction, in the forward depth direction, so that the container 163 it is holding moves in the forward depth direction, and the container 163 is placed on the base 1733 (step S207).

[0203] Next, when the control unit 11 detects that the container 163 has been placed on the platform 1733 of the moving unit 173 , it outputs a control signal to the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 . Based on the control signal, the moving unit 173 moves in the vertical direction (Z direction) to the position of the waiting place of the transport device 40 (step S208). Then, based on the control signal, the moving frame 172 moves in the horizontal direction (X direction) to the position of the waiting place of the transport device 40 (step S209). The order in which the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 move may be reversed, or they may move simultaneously.

[0204] When the moving section 173 moves to the standby position of the transport device 40, it moves the pair of arms 1732 in the depth direction. At this time, the container 163 held between the pair of arms 1732 is placed on the loading section 49 of the transport device 40 (step S210). The pair of arms 1732 move outward to release the pressure on the container 163 , and then move in the depth direction to a position on the side of the base portion 1733 . This completes the delivery operation.

[0205] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the loading section 49 on which the containers 163 are loaded in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, when container 163 is loaded on loading section 49 of conveying device 40, a pair of rectangular arm insertion spaces 491 (parts indicated by dotted circles in Figure 34) are formed in the depth direction between notches 1632 on both the left and right side surfaces of the bottom of container 163 and the loading surface of loading section 49. As will be described later, when the moving section 173 retrieves the container 163 , the arm 1732 is inserted into this arm insertion space 491 and squeezes the container 163 .

[0206] As described above, when the storage equipment 10 receives a delivery transport request from the management server 20, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 moves horizontally and vertically to the position of the storage box 161 where the delivery is stored, removes the delivery using the arm 1732, and hands it over to the transport equipment 40. This makes it possible to reduce the troublesome task of having workers go to the trouble of finding and retrieving the delivery item that is being requested to be transported. Furthermore, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 is installed parallel to the surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612 of the storage box 161, and the arm 1732 of the moving section 173 moves to the storage box 161 side (or the conveying device 40 side) when the delivery is unloaded. On the other hand, when the moving frame 172 moves horizontally or when the moving section 173 moves vertically, the arm 1732 moves to the side of the platform section 1733. Therefore, there is no need to ensure a special range of motion for the arm 1732, and the installation space of the storage device 10 can be reduced.

[0207] (3) Delivery of items As described above, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 of the storage equipment 10 unloads the delivery requested for transportation from the storage box 161 and loads the delivery onto the transport device 40. 36 and 37 are sequence charts showing the flow of a delivery transport operation by the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, referring to this figure, an example of the operation of the transport device 40 loading the delivery stored in the storage box 161 and transporting it to a receiving location designated by the user will be described.

[0208] As described above, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 of the storage equipment 10 loads the delivery together with the container 163 onto the transport device 40, and at the same time, the communication section 23 of the management server 20 transmits the transport request information received from the user terminal 30 to the transport device 40 that will transport the delivery from the storage equipment 10 identified by the storage equipment ID included in the transport request information (step S301).

[0209] When the communication unit 43 of the transport device 40 receives the transport request information from the management server 20, the control unit 41 determines whether or not it has been detected that the container 163 has been loaded onto the loading unit 49 (step S302). Here, when the control unit 41 determines that the container 163 has not yet been loaded on the loading unit 49 (step S302 / No), the control unit 41 waits as it is until the container 163 is loaded. For example, the control unit 41 subsequently determines at predetermined time intervals whether or not it has detected that a container 163 has been loaded onto the loading unit 49 (step S302).

[0210] On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the container 163 has been loaded onto the loading unit 49 (step S302 / Yes), it extracts the destination position information from the received transport request information and outputs a control signal to the running unit 46 to move to the position indicated by the position information, and the transport device 40 moves to the destination position (step S303).

[0211] The control unit 41 can identify the current position of the transport device 40 by referring to the travel information, map information, and route information. When the control unit 41 detects that the transport device 40 has reached the receiving location (e.g., in front of the entrance to the user's living space) (step S304), the communication unit 43 transmits arrival information indicating that the transport device 40 has arrived at the receiving location to the management server 20 (step S305). This arrival information includes information for directly or indirectly identifying the user terminal 30 of the user at the delivery destination. For example, the arrival information may include notification destination information of the user terminal 30 of the user at the delivery destination, or may include a delivery history number that identifies each delivery task.

[0212] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the arrival information from the transport device 40, the control unit 21 identifies the notification destination information of the user terminal 30 of the user at the transport destination based on the arrival information (by referring to the user DB 221 if necessary) (step S306).

[0213] Next, the communication unit 23 transmits an arrival notification indicating that the delivery has arrived to the user terminal 30 of the destination user specified by the contact information (step S307).

[0214] When the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 receives the arrival notification from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the message contained in the arrival notification stating that "The transport device 40 has arrived at the receiving location and the delivery item can now be received" (step S308). At this time, the user terminal 30 may output a sound to notify the user that the arrival notification has been received.

[0215] The arrival notification message also indicates whether the package will be collected in person or left at the door. When the user visually checks the message and understands that the delivery device 40 has arrived at the receiving location carrying the delivery item addressed to the user for the delivery service that the user has applied for, the user moves to the receiving location, such as the front door of the user's living space.

[0216] Next, the control unit 41 of the transport device 40 that has arrived at the receiving location refers to the transport request information already received from the management server 20, and determines whether the receiving method selected by the user is "face-to-face" (step S309). Here, when the control unit 41 determines that the receiving method is "face-to-face" (step S309 / Yes), it starts timing and waits for a predetermined time.

[0217] When the user arrives at the receiving location, he or she picks up the delivery item loaded on the loading section 49 of the transport device 40 waiting there. Here, when the user inputs receipt information indicating that the delivery has been received within a specified time from the start of the timing, for example by operating the operation unit 45 of the conveying device 40, the control unit 41 detects that the user has received the delivery and determines that the "face-to-face" conveyance has ended. The method of inputting the receiving information may be realized by the user pressing a specific key on the operation unit 45, or, when the user removes the delivery, an infrared sensor or weight sensor provided in the loading unit 49 detects the removal of the delivery, and the input of information may be automatically performed without the user having to input any information.

[0218] On the other hand, if the receiving method is "face-to-face" and the control unit 41 does not detect the user receiving the delivery even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the timing, it also determines that the "face-to-face" delivery has ended.

[0219] Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the "face-to-face" transport has ended (step S310). The end of the "face-to-face" delivery includes both a case where receipt information is entered and the user receives the delivery, and a case where the user has not received the delivery after the specified time has elapsed. When the control unit 41 determines that the transportation by "face-to-face" has not yet ended (step S310 / No), the control unit 41 repeats the process of step S310.

[0220] When the control unit 41 determines that the “face-to-face” transport has ended (step S310 / Yes), it generates transport end information indicating that fact, and the communication unit 43 transmits the transport end information to the management server 20 (step S311). This transportation completion information includes a transportation history number that identifies the transportation work that has been completed, and information indicating whether or not the delivery has been received by the user.

[0221] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned transport completion information from the transport device 40, the control unit 21 extracts the transport history number included in the transport completion information, and registers the history of delivery completion or incomplete receipt of the delivery for the transport work identified by the extracted transport history number in the transport work DB 225 stored in the information storage unit 22 (step S312).

[0222] Next, the transport device 40 returns to the standby location near the installation location of the storage equipment 10 (step S313). This completes the transport operation of the delivery when the receiving method is "face-to-face". As described above, the transport device 40 returns to the standby location near the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed, regardless of whether the user has received the delivery or not.

[0223] Here, returning to step S309, if the control unit 41 determines that the receiving method is not "face-to-face" but "drop-off" (step S309 / No), the control unit 41 causes the loading unit 49 to unload the delivery item (step S314). The mechanism for unloading the load by the loading unit 49 is not particularly limited. For example, the loading unit 49 may be provided with a loading platform, and the loading platform may be tilted to slide the delivery item from the container 163 loaded on the loading platform down to the floor of a "drop-off" receiving location designated by the user, thereby allowing the delivery item to be unloaded unmanned.

[0224] Next, when the control unit 41 detects that unloading of the delivery by the loading unit 49 has been completed in a transport where the receiving method is "leave at delivery" (step S310 / Yes), it generates transport end information indicating that the "leave at delivery" transport has ended, and the communication unit 43 transmits the transport end information to the management server 20 (step S311). There is no particular limitation on the method for detecting the completion of unloading of the delivery, but for example, the control unit 41 may detect the completion of unloading of the delivery based on the detection results of an infrared sensor or weight sensor provided in the loading unit 49, or, if the loading platform is tilted for unloading as described above, the completion of unloading may be detected by the tilting action.

[0225] The subsequent operations are omitted since the receiving method is the same as in the case of "face-to-face" delivery (steps S312, S313). This completes the transport operation of the delivery when the receiving method is "leave at door." In this way, when the receiving method is "drop-off delivery," the transport device 40 unloads the delivery without waiting for the user to receive the delivery, and automatically returns to the delivery location of the storage device 10 for the delivery.

[0226] As described above, when the transport device 40 receives transport request information from the management server 20, it moves unmanned to the delivery receiving location and transports the delivery. Therefore, the user can easily receive the delivery addressed to him / her that has been stored in the storage equipment 10 near his / her residence area without having to go and collect the delivery himself / herself.

[0227] (4) Returning the container As described above, the transport device 40 transports the delivery item removed from the storage equipment 10 to the designated receiving location, delivers it to the user, and then returns to a waiting location near the storage equipment 10. FIG. 38 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the return operation of the container 163 by the delivery receiving and transferring system in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, as an example, the operation of the storage device 10 returning the container 163 brought back by the transport device 40 to the storage box 161 will be described with reference to this figure.

[0228] When the control unit 41 of the conveying device 40 recognizes that the conveying device 40 has arrived at a waiting location (loading location) near the storage device 10, it generates return information indicating that the conveying device 40 has returned to the waiting location, and the communication unit 43 transmits the generated return information to the management server 20 (step S401). This return information includes a transport device ID that identifies the transport device 40 that has returned to the waiting location.

[0229] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the return information from the transport device 40, it registers the status of the corresponding transport device 40 in the transport device DB 224 as "standby" (step S402).

[0230] Next, the control unit 21 refers to the conveying device DB 224 to identify the storage device 10 (its storage device ID) associated with the corresponding conveying device 40, and also identifies the box number of the storage box 161 in which the container 163 loaded by the conveying device 40 was stored (step S403).

[0231] Next, the communication unit 23 transmits, to the specified storage equipment 10, collection request information requesting the collection of the container 163 from the transport device 40 (step S404). This collection request information includes the above-mentioned specified box number and the transport device ID of the transport device 40 on which the container 163 is loaded.

[0232] When the communication unit 13 of the storage equipment 10 receives the collection request information, the control unit 11 refers to the storage box DB 122 and extracts the position information of the storage box 161 based on the box number included in the collection request information. Furthermore, the control unit 11 refers to the transport device DB 124 and extracts the position information of the waiting location of the transport device 40 based on the transport device ID also included in the collection request information. Then, based on the extracted position information of the storage box 161 and the position information of the waiting location of the conveying device 40, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal to the delivery storage and unloading unit 17 to retrieve the container 163 from the conveying device 40 (step S405). This control signal includes position information of the storage box 161 to which the container 163 is to be returned, and position information of the waiting location of the transport device 40.

[0233] When the control signal is input, the delivery loading / unloading unit 17 moves the moving frame 172 horizontally and the moving unit 173 vertically based on the position information contained in the control signal, and the moving unit 173 moves to the position of the waiting area for the conveying device 40 (step S406).

[0234] As described above, when the container 163 is loaded on the loading section 49 of the conveying device 40, a pair of rectangular arm insertion spaces 491 are formed in the depth direction between the cutouts 1632 on both the left and right side surfaces of the bottom of the container 163 and the loading surface of the loading section 49.

[0235] When the moving section 173 moves to the standby position of the transport device 40, it moves the pair of arms 1732 in the depth direction, and inserts the left and right arms 1732 into the left and right arm insertion spaces 491, respectively. Then, the moving section 173 moves the left and right arms 1732 inward to pinch both the left and right side surfaces of the notch 1632 of the container 163 from the outside, thereby pinching the container 163 (step S407).

[0236] Next, the moving unit 173 moves the arm 1732, which had been moving toward the front depth, toward the rear depth to a position to the side of the base 1733, and the container 163 that it is holding moves toward the rear depth, and the container 163 moves from the loading unit 49 onto the base 1733 and is placed thereon (step S408).

[0237] Next, when control unit 11 detects that container 163 has been placed on moving unit 173 , it outputs a control signal to moving unit 173 and moving frame 172 . The moving unit 173 moves in the vertical direction (Z direction) to the position of the storage box 161 to be returned, based on the position information of the storage box 161 included in the control signal (step S409). Then, based on the position information of the storage box 161, the moving frame 172 moves horizontally (X direction) to the position of the storage box 161 to be returned (step S410). The order in which the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 move may be reversed, or they may move simultaneously.

[0238] When the moving section 173 moves to the position of the storage box 161 to be returned, the pair of arms 1732 move in the depth direction while still holding the container 163, and stores the container 163 in the corresponding storage box 161 (step S411). Then, the moving section 173 moves the left and right arms 1732 outward to release the pressure on the container 163, and moves the arms 1732 in the depth direction toward the front to a position to the side of the base section 1733 while leaving the container 163 in the corresponding storage box 161. This completes the return operation of the container 163.

[0239] In the delivery service, when the receiving method is "face-to-face" and the user removes the delivery from the delivery device 40, or when the receiving method is "drop-off," the delivery delivery system returns the empty container 163 with no delivery contained therein to the storage box 161. When the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 recognizes through the placement sensor of the moving unit 173 and the storage detection unit 164 that an empty container 163 has been returned to the storage box 161 in this manner, it sets the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to “unused” and permits the entry of deliveries into the storage box 161 thereafter.

[0240] On the other hand, in the delivery service, if the receiving method is "face-to-face" and the user does not receive the delivery, the delivery receiving and delivering system returns the container 163 to the storage box 161 with the delivery still contained therein. When the control unit 11 of the storage equipment 10 recognizes through the placement sensor of the moving unit 173 and the storage detection unit 164 that the container 163 with the delivery item still stored therein has been returned to the storage box 161, the control unit 11 does not change the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to "in use" and prohibits any further entry of deliveries into the storage box 161. Thereafter, the user can use the user terminal 30 to request a delivery service again, or go to the storage equipment 10 to pick up the delivery item. Furthermore, the management server 20 may transmit a notification to the user terminal 30 to prompt the user to receive the delivery addressed to the user.

[0241] As described above, when storage equipment 10 receives collection request information for container 163 from management server 20, delivery item loading / unloading section 17 moves horizontally and vertically to the position of the waiting area for conveying device 40 that will load container 163, receives container 163 from conveying device 40 using arm 1732, moves to the position of the corresponding storage box 161, and again uses arm 1732 to return container 163 to said storage box 161. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for a worker to take the trouble to search for the storage box 161 in which the container 163 was originally stored, and then to re-store (return) the container 163 in the storage box 161.

[0242] (5) Delivery of the item to the user As described above, a user can use the delivery service to have a delivery item that is stored in the storage equipment 10 and addressed to the user delivered to his / her living space to receive the delivery item. In addition, the user can also travel to the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed and receive the delivery item there.

[0243] 39 and 40 are sequence charts showing the flow of the delivery operation of the delivery receiving and delivering system when a user receives a delivery at the installation location of the storage equipment 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to this figure, an example of the operation of the storage equipment 10 to take out a delivery stored in the storage box 161 and hand it over to the user will be described.

[0244] In order to receive a delivery addressed to the user, the user visits the location of the storage equipment 10 in which the delivery is stored. The user operates the operation unit 15 on the rear side of the storage equipment 10 to input information requesting the delivery of a delivery addressed to the user, as well as authentication information for identifying the user (step S501). The authentication information to be input here is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one's own unique ID, or a combination of an ID and a secret code such as a password. As the unique ID of the user, the user may input a user ID or information about the space in which the user resides (or uses), such as a room number. In the following description of the present embodiment, it is assumed, as an example, that a room number and a password are input. The method of inputting the authentication information is also not particularly limited, and for example, the authentication information may be input by operating keys or buttons provided on the operation unit 15, or the authentication information may be input wirelessly to the storage device 10 from a medium on which the authentication information is stored (e.g., an IC card or a mobile terminal).

[0245] When the authentication information is input by the user, the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 compares the input authentication information with the authentication information registered in the user DB 121, executes the authentication process, and determines whether the authentication is successful or not (step S502). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S502 / No), it does not permit the delivery of the delivery to the user, and ends the operation.

[0246] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S502 / Yes), it refers to the storage box DB 122 and, based on the room number entered above, identifies the storage box 161 (box number) in which the delivery item addressed to the user of that room number is stored (step S503).

[0247] Next, the control unit 11 extracts the "receiving location location information" stored in the information storage unit 12, and also refers to the conveying device DB 124 to extract the "waiting location location information" of the conveying device 40 that is currently "waiting," and determines whether there is a conveying device 40 that is currently waiting in a position that overlaps with the "receiving location location information" (step S504).

[0248] If the control unit 11 determines that there is a conveying device 40 currently waiting at a position that overlaps with the "receiving location location information" (step S504 / Yes), it generates evacuation request information to evacuate the conveying device 40 waiting at that position, and the communication unit 13 transmits the generated evacuation request information to the corresponding conveying device 40 (step S505).

[0249] When the communication unit 43 of the conveying device 40 receives the above-mentioned evacuation request information from the storage device 10, the control unit 41 refers to the conveying device DB 424 to extract the location information of the evacuation location of the conveying device 40, and the running unit 46 drives the conveying device 40 to move to the evacuation location based on the extracted location information of the evacuation location (step S506).

[0250] When the control unit 41 of the transport device 40 recognizes that the transport device 40 itself has moved from the standby location to the evacuation location, the communication unit 43 transmits information to that effect to the storage equipment 10 (step S507).

[0251] When the communication unit 13 of the storage device 10 receives information from the transporting device 40 that the transporting device 40 has moved from a waiting location to an evacuation location, the control unit 11 changes the work status of the transporting device 40 in the transporting device DB 124 from "waiting" to "evacuating" (step S508).

[0252] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a receiving location of a user and a waiting location of the transport device 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the positional relationship between the waiting locations of the two conveying devices 40A and 40B and the receiving location of the user is shown. Since the standby location of the transport device 40A overlaps with the receiving location (area), when the user receives the delivery at the storage equipment 10, the transport device 40A retreats to the retreat location shown in the figure. On the other hand, the waiting location of the transport device 40B does not overlap with the receiving location (area). Therefore, even when the user receives the delivery at the storage equipment 10, the transport device 40B does not retreat and waits at the waiting location.

[0253] Next, the control unit 11 outputs a delivery signal to the delivery receiving / receiving unit 17 to request the delivery of the delivery stored in the storage box 161 having the specified box number (step S509). This delivery signal includes the location information of the storage box 161 and the location information of the user's pick-up location. The user's receiving location is preferably near the delivery loading / unloading area 17, and is preferably on the loading / unloading entrance 1612 side of the storage box 161.

[0254] When the delivery loading / unloading section 17 receives a delivery signal, the moving frame 172 moves horizontally (X direction) to the position of the corresponding storage box 161 (step S510). Next, the moving unit 173 moves in the vertical direction (Z direction) to the position of the corresponding storage box 161 (step S511). The order in which the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 move may be reversed, or they may move simultaneously.

[0255] When the moving section 173 moves to the position of the storage box 161 in which the delivery item to be shipped is stored, it moves the pair of arms 1732 in the depth direction and inserts the left and right arms 1732 into the left and right arm insertion spaces 1613 in the storage box 161, respectively. Then, the moving section 173 moves the left and right arms 1732 inward to pinch both the left and right side surfaces of the notch 1632 of the container 163 from the outside, thereby pinching the container 163 (step S512).

[0256] Next, the moving unit 173 moves the arm 1732, which had been moving in the depth direction, in the forward depth direction, so that the container 163 that it is holding moves in the depth direction, and the container 163 is placed on the base 1733 (step S513).

[0257] Next, when control unit 11 detects that container 163 has been placed on moving unit 173 , it outputs a control signal to moving unit 173 and moving frame 172 . Based on the control signal, the moving unit 173 moves vertically (Z direction) to a position where the user will receive the delivery (step S514). Then, based on the control signal, the moving frame 172 moves horizontally (X direction) to the position where the user will receive the delivery (step S515). The order in which the moving unit 173 and the moving frame 172 move may be reversed, or they may move simultaneously.

[0258] When the moving unit 173 moves to a location where the user can receive the delivery, it stops and waits for the user to remove the delivery from the container 163. Here, the moving unit 173 may wait for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes), or may wait until a placement sensor or the like provided on the platform 1733 detects that the delivery items have been removed from the container 163 on the platform 1733, leaving only the container 163 on the platform 1733, and the total weight of the objects on the platform 1733 has decreased. In addition, the moving unit 173 may not simply wait to hand over the delivery to the user, but may also move toward the front depth while the pair of arms 1732 hold the container 163, moving the container 163 to a position in front of the base 1733 to make it easier for the user to receive the delivery. In this case, when the standby state of the moving section 173 ends, the pair of arms 1732 move in the depth direction while still holding the container 163, and place the container 163 on the base section 1733 again.

[0259] Thereafter, the moving section 173 and the moving frame 172 move and return the container 163 to the corresponding storage box 161 (step S516). The operation of returning the container 163 in step S516 is similar to the operations in steps S409 to S411, and therefore the details thereof will be omitted.

[0260] Next, the control unit 11 detects, by means of a placement sensor or the like of the moving unit 173, that the delivery item has been removed from the returned container 163, and changes and registers the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to "unused" (step S517). The storage box 161 from which the delivery was removed can thereafter receive another delivery.

[0261] After receiving the delivery from the delivery receiving / unloading section 17, the user operates the keys on the operation section 15 on the rear side, etc., to input receipt completion information indicating receipt completion (step S518).

[0262] When the control unit 11 recognizes the input of the above-mentioned receipt completion information, the communication unit 13 transmits the receipt completion information to the transport device 40 being evacuated (step S519).

[0263] When the communication unit 43 of the transport device 40 receives the receipt completion information from the storage equipment 10, the control unit 41 controls the traveling unit 46 so that the transport device 40 returns from the current evacuation location to the standby location (step S520).

[0264] When the control unit 41 of the transport device 40 recognizes that the transport device 40 itself has returned to the waiting place, the communication unit 43 transmits information to that effect to the storage equipment 10 (step S521).

[0265] When the communication unit 13 of the storage device 10 receives information from the transporting device 40 that the transporting device 40 has returned to the waiting location, the control unit 11 changes the work status of the transporting device 40 in the transporting device DB 124 from "evacuating" to "waiting" (step S522). This completes the process of delivering the delivery to the user.

[0266] As described above, when a user operates the operation unit 15 to request the storage device 10 to release a delivery item, the delivery loading / unloading unit 17 removes the delivery item from the corresponding storage box 161 and hands it over to the user near the installation location of the storage device 10. Therefore, the user can receive the delivery delivered by the transport device 40 to a receiving location such as the front door of his / her living space, or can visit the location where the storage device 10 is installed to receive the delivery without bothering workers, etc., and can freely select the receiving location for the delivery according to his / her own convenience.

[0267] The delivery loading / unloading section 17 is installed parallel to the surface of the loading / unloading entrance 1612 of the storage box 161, and the arm 1732 of the moving section 173 moves to the storage box 161 side (or the user side) when a delivery is unloaded. On the other hand, when the moving frame 172 moves horizontally or when the moving section 173 moves vertically, the arm 1732 moves to the side of the platform section 1733. Therefore, there is no need to ensure a special range of motion for the arm 1732, and the installation space of the storage device 10 can be reduced.

[0268] (6) Modification of the operation of handing over the delivery item to the user In the example described above, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 moves the delivery to a receiving location where the conveying device 40 is not waiting and hands over the delivery to the user on the spot, but instead, a container 163 may be loaded onto the loading section 49 of the conveying device 40 waiting at a waiting location, and the user may receive the delivery addressed to him / her that is stored in the container 163.

[0269] FIG. 42 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a delivery outgoing operation by the delivery delivery system when a user receives a delivery at the installation location of the storage equipment 10 in the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, with reference to this diagram, we will explain the operation of the delivery receiving and delivering system when a user directly receives a delivery addressed to him / her that is stored in the storage device 10 and the delivery receiving and delivering section 17 loads the delivery onto a waiting conveying device 40. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that the operation of this modified example is the same as the above-mentioned "(5) Operation of Handing Over Delivery Item to User."

[0270] In order to receive a delivery addressed to the user, the user visits the location of the storage equipment 10 in which the delivery is stored. The user operates the operation unit 15 on the rear side of the storage equipment 10 to input authentication information for identifying the user (step S551).

[0271] When the user inputs the authentication information, the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 compares the input authentication information with the authentication information registered in the user DB 121, executes the authentication process, and determines whether the authentication is successful (step S552). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S552 / No), it does not permit the delivery of the delivery to the user, and ends the operation.

[0272] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S552 / Yes), it refers to the storage box DB 122 and, based on the room number entered above, identifies the storage box 161 (box number) in which the delivery item addressed to the user of that room number is stored (step S553).

[0273] Next, the control unit 11 extracts the "location information of the receiving location" near the storage device 10 stored in the information storage unit 12, and refers to the transport device DB 124 to determine whether or not there is a transport device 40 that is currently "on standby" (step S554).

[0274] When the control unit 11 determines that there is a "waiting" conveying device 40 (step S554 / Yes), it selects one of the "waiting" conveying devices 40, refers to each database, extracts location information of the waiting location of the selected conveying device 40 and location information of the identified storage box 161, generates an outgoing signal including this location information and requesting the outgoing of the delivery item stored in the storage box 161 with the identified box number, and outputs it to the delivery ingoing / outgoing unit 17.

[0275] In response to the delivery signal, the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 take out the delivery together with the container 163, and load the container 163 containing the delivery onto the loading section 49 of the transport device 40 determined above (step S555). The operation in step S555 is similar to the operations in steps S202 to S209. At this time, the control unit 11 may change the working status of the transport device 40 in the transport device DB 124 from "standby" to "transporting."

[0276] The user removes the delivery item loaded on the loading section 49 of the transport device 40 and receives the delivery item. Here, for example, the user operates the operation unit 15 on the rear side to input that receipt of the delivery has been completed.

[0277] When the control unit 11 recognizes that the user has completed receipt of the delivery, for example through the user's operation of the operation unit 15, it outputs a control signal to the delivery storage unit 17, and the movement unit 173 and the movement frame 172 move in accordance with the control signal and return the container 163 to the corresponding storage box 161 (step S557). The returning operation of the container 163 in step S557 is similar to the operation in step S516.

[0278] Next, the control unit 11 detects through the placement sensor of the moving unit 173 that the delivery item has been removed from the returned container 163, and changes and registers the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to "unused" (step S558). The storage box 161 from which the delivery was removed can thereafter receive another delivery. At this time, if the working status of the transport device 40 in the transport device DB 124 is "transporting", the control unit 11 changes the working status from "transporting" to "standby".

[0279] Returning to the operation of step S554, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no "waiting" conveying device 40 (step S554 / No), it refers to the storage box DB 122 to extract the location information of the identified storage box 161, and outputs an outgoing signal to the delivery ingoing / outgoing unit 17, which includes the location information of the storage box 161 and the "location information of the receiving location" near the extracted storage device 10, and requests the outgoing of the delivery stored in the storage box 161 with the identified box number.

[0280] In response to the delivery signal, the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 take out the delivery item together with the container 163, and transport the container 163 containing the delivery item to the location of the receiving location near the storage device 10 based on the location information of the receiving location included in the delivery signal (step S556). The operation in step S556 is similar to the operations in steps S509 to S515. At this time, the control unit 11 may change the working status of the transport device 40 in the transport device DB 124 from "standby" to "transporting."

[0281] The user receives the delivery placed on the moving unit 173. Here, for example, the user operates the operation unit 15 on the rear side to input that receipt of the delivery has been completed.

[0282] When the control unit 11 recognizes that the user has completed receipt of the delivery item, for example through the user's operation of the operation unit 15, the movement unit 173 and the movement frame 172 move in accordance with the control signal and return the container 163 to the corresponding storage box 161 (step S557).

[0283] Next, the control unit 11 detects through the placement sensor of the moving unit 173 that the delivery item has been removed from the returned container 163, and changes and registers the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to "unused" (step S558). At this time, if the working status of the transport device 40 in the transport device DB 124 is "transporting", the control unit 11 changes the working status from "transporting" to "standby". This completes the process of delivering the delivery to the user.

[0284] As described above, in a modified embodiment of the present invention, when the conveying device 40 is waiting near the storage device 10, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 loads the container 163 containing the delivery onto the loading section 49 of the conveying device 40, and delivers the delivery to the user. Therefore, there is no need for the transport device 40 to retreat from the receiving location, which simplifies the operation and enables the delivery item to be efficiently handed over to the user.

[0285] (Summary of the first embodiment) As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a user uses the user terminal 30 to request transportation of a delivery item addressed to him / her that is stored in the storage equipment 10, the delivery entry / exit section 17, which is installed in a position approximately parallel to the entry / exit opening 1612 on the rear side of the storage box 161, removes the delivery item from the corresponding storage box 161 and loads it onto the transport device 40 waiting near the storage equipment 10. The transport device 40 transports the loaded delivery to a receiving location designated by the user and delivers it. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to smoothly carry out the transport of deliveries and to reduce the costs involved. More specifically, in this embodiment, when a user requests the transportation of a delivery item, there is no need to position a worker near the storage equipment 10 to remove the delivery item from the storage equipment 10, and the delivery transportation work can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide each of the conveying devices 40 that convey the deliveries with a special configuration for handling the loading and unloading of deliveries, which makes it possible to prevent the configuration of each of the conveying devices 40 from becoming too complicated and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0286] In addition, according to this embodiment, the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 constituting the delivery loading / unloading section 17 move along paths that are perpendicular to each other on a plane that is approximately parallel to the loading / unloading entrance 1612 of the storage box 161 to load and unload deliveries. Therefore, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 can load and unload deliveries in a minimum operating space, and it is not necessary to secure a large installation space for the delivery loading / unloading section 17. Furthermore, since the moving frame 172 and the moving section 173 each move only linearly, the drive mechanisms for each can be realized with simple configurations.

[0287] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the delivery item is stored in the storage box 161 while being contained in the container 163, and the delivery item receiving / receiving section 17 receives and delivers the delivery item while being contained in the container 163. Therefore, the delivery storage / receiving section 17 can smoothly store and retrieve the delivery regardless of the shape of the delivery.

[0288] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit 173 is provided with a pair of arms 1732, which are moved toward the rear or toward the front in the depth direction to grip the delivery item and store or retrieve the delivery item, and while the moving frame 172 or the moving unit 173 is moving, the arms 1732 are stored so as to be positioned to the side of the main body of the moving unit 173. Therefore, the delivery loading / unloading section 17 can load and unload deliveries in a minimum operating space, and it is not necessary to secure a large installation space for the delivery loading / unloading section 17.

[0289] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage equipment 10 restricts the storage of deliveries to the storage box 161 not only while the delivery is stored in the storage box 161, but also while the transport device 40 is transporting the delivery. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem from occurring in which, when the conveying device 40 returns from a conveying operation, the container 163 cannot be returned to the storage box 161 because a new delivery item has been stored in the storage box 161.

[0290] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment of the present invention, a part of the operations performed by the storage equipment 10 can be executed by an external device of the storage equipment 10, for example, the management server 20, instead of the storage equipment 10, as described below.

[0291] In steps S310 and S311, the transport device 40 transmits the receipt completion information to the management server 20, but other devices may transmit the information. For example, if the receipt method is “face-to-face,” the user may input receipt information by operating the operation unit 35 of the user terminal 30, and the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 may transmit receipt completion information to the management server 20.

[0292] In this embodiment, when authentication information is input, the storage equipment 10 performs authentication processing. Alternatively, the storage equipment 10 may transmit the authentication information to the management server 20, and the control unit 21 of the management server 20 may perform authentication by referring to user information in the user DB 221 stored in the information storage unit 22, and transmit the authentication result to the storage equipment 10.

[0293] Some of the functions of the storage equipment 10, management server 20, user terminal 30 and transport device 40 are realized mainly by the CPU and programs loaded into memory. However, it is also possible to configure these devices or servers using any other combination of hardware and software, and the high degree of design freedom will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0294] Furthermore, when some of the functions of the storage device 10, management server 20, user terminal 30 or transport device 40 are configured as a group of software modules, this program may be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor, and may be loaded from the above-mentioned recording medium, or may be loaded from an external device connected via a specified network.

[0295] The above embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0296] <Second embodiment> (Overview of the second embodiment) The delivery delivery system in the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration and operation that enable the delivery of a delivery to a user even if some kind of malfunction occurs, added to the delivery delivery system in the first embodiment. The following problems may occur in the delivery system: (1) to (3). (1) Inability to deliver deliveries due to excessive delivery requests (2) Inability to receive deliveries directly in the event of a malfunction in the delivery storage and retrieval section 17 (3) Inability to transport deliveries in the event of a malfunction in the delivery loading / unloading section 17 Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the configuration and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the method for solving the above problems (1) to (3) will be described.

[0297] (Configuration and Operation of the Second Embodiment) (1) Inability to deliver deliveries due to excessive delivery requests As described above, when the management server 20 receives the transport request information from the user terminal 30 or the storage equipment 10, the management server 20 registers the information included in the transport request information in the usage history DB 223 and the transport operation DB 225. In the transport job DB 225, transport jobs that have not yet started are managed as "on hold."

[0298] The transport device 40 performs transport operations in the order in which the transport request information is registered. The greater the number of "waiting" transport operations, the longer it will take for the transport device 40 to start a transport operation. For this reason, if the delivery receiving and delivering system is overloaded with transportation requests concentrated in a short period of time, the transport device 40 will be unable to transport the delivery during the time period designated by the user. In this case, the management server 20 sends receipt request information to the user terminal 30 that sent the transportation request information, requesting that "the user come to the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed to pick up the delivery item because transportation by the transportation equipment 40 is not possible."

[0299] When the user terminal 30 receives the receipt request information, it displays the receipt request information. After that, the user visits the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed and picks up the delivery addressed to him / her. In this manner, in this embodiment, even if the number of transport requests exceeds the transport operation capacity of the delivery receiving and delivering system and it is impossible to transport the delivery under the conditions specified by the user, the user is notified of this and requested to receive the delivery directly at the storage device 10, thereby making it possible to eliminate the inconvenience of the user being unable to receive the delivery.

[0300] As described in the first embodiment, when the management server 20 receives the transportation request information from the user terminal 30 or the storage equipment 10, it registers the information contained in the transportation request information in the usage history DB 223 and the transportation work DB 225 (step S112). Then, the management server 20 transmits the transport request information to the storage equipment 10, and causes the storage equipment 10 and the transport equipment 40 to execute the warehousing operation and transport operation of the delivery item (steps S201 to S210, S301 to S313, S401 to S411, etc.). In the second embodiment, when the management server 20 receives the transportation request information, if there are a predetermined number or more of uncompleted transportation tasks remaining, the management server 20 prompts the user to cancel the transportation of the delivery item and change it to direct delivery.

[0301] FIG. 43 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the delivery receiving / delivery system when there are an excessive number of transportation requests in the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation will be explained below with reference to this figure.

[0302] When the control unit 21 of the management server 20 receives the transportation request information from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 registers the information included in the transportation request information in the usage history DB 223 and the transportation task DB 225 (step S601). The operation in step S601 is similar to the operation in step S112 described above.

[0303] Next, the control unit 21 refers to the transport task DB 225 and judges whether the number of transport tasks currently "on standby" for each storage device 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S602).

[0304] In step S602, if the control unit 21 determines that the number of transport operations currently "on hold" for each storage device 10 is less than the predetermined number, that is, if it determines that it will not take long to start the transport operation for the transport request information registered in step S601 (step S602 / No), the communication unit 23, under the control of the control unit 21, transmits the transport request information to the corresponding storage device 10 (step S603). The operation of step S603 is similar to the operation of step S201 described above. The subsequent operations of unloading and transporting the delivery are similar to those of steps S202 to S210 and S301 to S313 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0305] On the other hand, in step S602, if the control unit 21 determines that the number of transport operations currently "on hold" for each storage device 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, that is, if it determines that it will take a significant amount of time to start the transport operations for the transport request information registered in step S601 (step S602 / Yes), the control unit 21 generates receipt request information requesting the user to come directly to the location of the storage device 10 to receive the delivery (step S604).

[0306] The receipt request information includes, for example, a message requesting the user to come to the location of the storage equipment 10 to pick up the delivery, since it will take a long time before the delivery operation can be completed and the delivery cannot be delivered.

[0307] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may calculate a transport operation time, which is the operation time required for the currently "waiting" transport operation, and include the calculated transport operation time in the receipt request information. There are no particular limitations on the method of calculating the transport operation time, but for example, the control unit 21 may refer to the route DB 227, etc., and calculate the round-trip work time for each ``waiting'' transport operation based on the distance of the route of the ``waiting'' transport operation and / or the number of floors traveled by elevator, the traveling speed of the transport device 40, etc., and calculate the transport operation time by adding up the round-trip work times for one or more applicable ``waiting'' transport operations.

[0308] Next, the control unit 21 deletes the registration of the transport request information registered in the transport job DB 225 in step S601 (step S605). The transport operation for the transport request information for which the registration has been deleted will not be carried out.

[0309] Next, under the control of the control unit 21, the communication unit 23 transmits the generated receipt request information to the corresponding user terminal 30 (step S606).

[0310] When the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 receives the receipt request information, the display unit 34 displays the receipt request information (step S607). The user checks the displayed contents of the receipt request information, and then proceeds to the location of the storage equipment 10 and picks up the delivery addressed to him / her. This completes the operation when there are excessive transport requests.

[0311] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the transport device 40 is unable to transport the delivery by the time specified by the user due to an excessive number of transport requests, the management server 20 notifies the user terminal 30 of this fact, so that the user can be sure to receive the delivery at the time he or she desires.

[0312] In the above-mentioned step S602, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 judges whether or not there are an excessive number of transport requests by judging whether or not the number of transport operations currently "on hold" for each storage device 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, but it may also be possible to judge whether or not there are an excessive number of transport requests by other methods. For example, the control unit 21 may calculate the transport operation time, and if the calculated transport operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, determine that the transport requests are excessive, and if the calculated transport operation time is less than the predetermined time, determine that the transport requests are not excessive.

[0313] In addition, the control unit 21 may calculate the above-mentioned transport work time, and if the time when the calculated transport work time has elapsed from the current time is less than a predetermined time before the time when the user specified the transport, it may determine that the transport request is excessive, and if it is more than the predetermined time before, it may determine that the transport request is not excessive.

[0314] Further, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 judges whether there is an excess of transport requests for each "storage device 10", but it may be configured to judge this for each "transport device 40".

[0315] In addition, in this embodiment, the management server 20 sends receipt request information to the user terminal 30, cancels the delivery of the delivery item, and requests direct receipt at the storage equipment 10. However, instead of canceling the delivery operation, the control unit 21 may generate a delay notice including a message to the effect that the actual delivery time will be later than the time specified by the user, and the communication unit 23 may send the delay notice to the user terminal 30. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates the transport operation time and generates the delay notice including the "scheduled start time of transport of the delivery addressed to the user" obtained by adding the transport operation time to the current time. In this case, the control unit 21 does not delete the registered transport request information. When the user terminal 30 receives the delay notice, it displays the contents of the delay notice. The user can confirm that the transport will be delayed until the "scheduled start time of transport" displayed in the delay notice.

[0316] (2) Inability to receive deliveries directly in the event of a malfunction in the delivery storage and retrieval section 17 As explained in the first embodiment, the user can operate the operation unit 15 on the rear side of the storage device 10 to have the delivery addressed to him / her sent to the delivery receiving / unloading unit 17 and receive the delivery on the spot. However, if the delivery receiving / unloading section 17 does not operate normally due to a malfunction or the like, the delivery cannot be unloaded from the storage section 16 and the delivery cannot be received. In the second embodiment of the present invention, if a fault occurs in the delivery loading / unloading section 17, the user can retrieve the delivery addressed to him / her from the front side where the delivery loading / unloading section 17 is not installed.

[0317] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 of the storage equipment 10 determines whether or not a fault has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading unit 17, but the configuration for making this determination may be a method commonly used in electronic devices and is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal to the delivery item loading / unloading unit 17, and if a response signal is returned from the delivery item loading / unloading unit 17, it determines that the delivery item loading / unloading unit 17 is able to operate normally, and if a normal response signal is not returned, it determines that a fault has occurred in the delivery item loading / unloading unit 17.

[0318] In addition, if the storage detection unit 164 of the storage box 161 does not detect a delivery item in the storage space 1611 after a predetermined time has elapsed since outputting a control signal to the delivery entry / exit unit 17 to remove the delivery item from the storage box 161, the control unit 11 may determine that the delivery entry / exit unit 17 has removed the delivery item normally, and if the storage detection unit 164 of the storage box 161 detects a delivery item in the storage space 1611 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it may determine that the delivery item that would have been removed normally is still left in the storage space 1611 and a fault has occurred in the delivery entry / exit unit 17.

[0319] FIG. 44 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the delivery delivery system in the second embodiment of the present invention when a failure occurs in the delivery storage / receiving unit 17 during direct delivery of the delivery to the user. The operation will be explained below with reference to this figure.

[0320] First, the user visits the location of the storage equipment 10 in which the delivery is stored in order to receive the delivery addressed to the user. The user operates the operation unit 15 on the rear side of the storage equipment 10 to input information requesting the delivery of a delivery addressed to the user, as well as authentication information for identifying the user (step S701). The operation of step S701 is similar to the operation of step S501 described above.

[0321] When the above authentication information is input by the user, the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 compares the input authentication information with the authentication information registered in the user DB 121, executes the authentication process, and determines whether the authentication is successful or not (step S702). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S702 / No), it does not permit the delivery of the delivery to the user, and ends the operation.

[0322] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has been successful (Yes in step S702), it determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the delivery warehousing unit 17 (step S703). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that no fault has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading unit 17 (step S703 / No), it performs an operation similar to the normal unloading operation (steps S202 to S210) shown in the first embodiment (step S704).

[0323] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a fault has occurred in the delivery storage and unloading unit 17 (step S703 / Yes), the display unit 14 on the rear side displays information indicating that receipt is not possible (step S705). For example, the unacceptable receipt information may include a message stating that "due to a malfunction in the delivery entry / exit section 17, delivery cannot be received at the rear side of the storage device 10" and a message stating that "you are urged to receive the delivery at the front side of the storage device 10." The user confirms from the non-receipt information that "delivery addressed to him / her cannot be received from the rear side" and moves to the front side of the storage equipment 10.

[0324] Next, the user operates the operation unit 15 on the front side of the storage equipment 10 to input information requesting the delivery of the delivery addressed to the user, as well as authentication information for identifying the user (step S706). The operation in step S706 is similar to the operation in step S501 described above.

[0325] When the user inputs the authentication information, the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 compares the input authentication information with the authentication information registered in the user DB 121, executes the authentication process, and determines whether the authentication is successful (step S707). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S707 / No), it does not permit the delivery of the delivery to the user, and ends the operation.

[0326] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S707 / Yes), it refers to the storage box DB 122 and, based on the room number entered above, identifies the storage box 161 (box number) in which the delivery item addressed to the user of that room number is stored (step S708).

[0327] Next, the control unit 11 unlocks the door 162 of the storage box 161 having the specified box number (step S709). The user opens the door 162 of the unlocked storage box 161 and takes out the delivery item addressed to him / her that is stored in the storage space 1611.

[0328] Next, the control unit 11 detects, by means of a placement sensor or the like of the moving unit 173, that the delivery item has been removed from the returned container 163, and changes and registers the usage status of the storage box 161 in the storage box DB 122 to "unused" (step S710). The storage box 161 from which the delivery was removed can thereafter receive another delivery. This completes the operation of delivering the delivery to the user when a fault occurs in the delivery receiving / unloading unit 17.

[0329] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when storage device 10 detects that a fault has occurred in delivery loading / unloading section 17, it prompts the user to receive the delivery at the front side and unlocks storage box 161 at the front side. Therefore, even if the user is unable to receive a delivery addressed to him / her via delivery loading / unloading section 17 at the rear side, he / she can reliably receive the delivery at the front side.

[0330] In the second embodiment described above, the storage equipment 10 displays a message urging the delivery to be removed from the front side. However, another entrance / exit of the storage box 161 may be provided at a location other than the front side, and a message urging the delivery to be removed from the other entrance / exit may be displayed.

[0331] (3) Inability to transport deliveries in the event of a malfunction in the delivery loading / unloading section 17 As described above, when the storage equipment 10 receives a delivery request from the user terminal 30 via the management server 20, the delivery receiving and delivering section 17 causes the storage section 16 to take out the delivery and delivers it to the transport device 40. Then, the transport device 40 transports the delivery to a receiving location designated by the user. However, if the delivery loading / unloading section 17 does not operate normally due to a malfunction or the like, the delivery cannot be unloaded from the storage section 16, and the transport operation cannot be performed. In the second embodiment of the present invention, when a delivery cannot be transported because a malfunction has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading section 17, the user is notified of this and can easily understand that transport is not possible. The user can then move to the location where the storage device 10 is installed and retrieve the delivery addressed to him / her from the front side where the delivery loading / unloading section 17 is not installed.

[0332] FIG. 45 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the delivery receiving and delivering system in the second embodiment of the present invention when a failure occurs in the delivery loading and unloading section 17 when transportation of a delivery is requested by a user. The operation will be explained below with reference to this figure.

[0333] When a delivery person puts a delivery addressed to a user into the storage equipment 10, the control unit 11 detects this (step S801). Up to this point, the operation is the same as that in the first embodiment (steps S101 to S105).

[0334] After detecting the receipt of the delivery, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a failure has occurred in the delivery receiving / unreceiving unit 17 (step S802). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that no fault has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading unit 17 (step S802 / No), it performs operations similar to those of the normal transportation request (steps S106 to S112) shown in the first embodiment (step S803).

[0335] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading unit 17 (step S802 / Yes), it generates receiving information indicating that "a delivery addressed to the user has been received in the storage device 10" and "transportation by the transport device 40 is impossible due to a malfunction in the delivery loading / unloading unit 17", and the communication unit 13 transmits the generated receiving information to the management server 20 (step S804).

[0336] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned inventory information from the storage device 10, the control unit 21 registers the “usage status” items, etc. in the storage box DB 222, similar to the storage box DB 122 (step S805), and registers the inventory history in the usage history DB 223, similar to the usage history DB 123 (step S805). Next, the control unit 21 refers to the user DB 221 to extract the notification destination information associated with the user's room number entered by the delivery staff member, and the communication unit 23 transmits the inventory information to the user terminal 30, which is the notification destination (step S806).

[0337] When the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 receives the inventory information from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the inventory information (step S807). When the user terminal 30 receives the storage information, it may output a ringtone to notify the user that a delivery addressed to the user has been stored in the storage equipment 10.

[0338] The user checks the inventory information displayed on the user terminal 30 and understands that the delivery item addressed to him / her has been stored in the storage equipment 10, but that the transport device 40 cannot transport the delivery item from the storage equipment 10. Thereafter, the user moves to the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed and removes the delivery addressed to him / her from the front side of the storage equipment 10. The operation for picking up this delivery is similar to the operations in steps S706 to S710 described above. This completes the operation of notifying that delivery is not possible when a fault occurs in the delivery storage and unloading section 17.

[0339] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the storage equipment 10 detects a malfunction in the delivery loading / unloading section 17, it transmits receiving information to the user terminal 30 via the management server 20, indicating that a delivery addressed to the user has been received in the storage equipment 10 and that transport by the transport equipment 40 is impossible. Therefore, even if the user is unable to make a transport request for a delivery addressed to him / her, the user can reliably receive the delivery at the front of the storage equipment 10.

[0340] (Summary of the second embodiment) As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the delivery receiving and delivering system is designed to allow users to reliably receive deliveries addressed to them even if the delivery or transportation of the deliveries from the storage box 161 cannot be normally performed.

[0341] When the management server 20 determines that the number of "waiting" transport jobs is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, it sends a message to the user terminal 30 of the user who requested the transport of the delivery that "transport is not possible, so urge the user to come directly to the storage device 10 to receive the delivery." Therefore, even if the transport request from the user cannot be fulfilled due to an excessive number of transport jobs, the user can reliably receive the delivery addressed to him / her.

[0342] When a failure occurs in the delivery loading / unloading section 17 and it is impossible to unload the delivery from the rear side of the storage device 10, a display is displayed urging the user to unload the delivery from the front side, so that the user can reliably receive the delivery addressed to him / her even when a failure occurs in the delivery loading / unloading section 17.

[0343] If the storage equipment 10 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the delivery receiving / unloading section 17 when a delivery is received, it transmits receiving information including a message to the user terminal 30 via the management server 20 to the effect that the delivery cannot be transported by the transporting equipment 40 due to the malfunction, so that the user can visit the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed and reliably receive the delivery addressed to him / her. [Explanation of symbols]

[0344] 10 Storage device 11, 21, 31, 41 Control section 12, 22, 32, 42 Information storage section 13, 23, 33, 43 Communications Department 14,34,44 Display section 15,35,45 Operation section 16 Storage area 17 Delivery warehouse department 20 Management Server 30 User terminal 40 Transport device 100 Network 121,221 User DB 122,222 Storage Box DB 123,223 Usage history DB 124,224,424 Transport equipment DB 125,225 Transport work DB 226,426 Map DB 227,427 Route DB 161 Storage Box 1611 Storage space 1612 Entrance / exit 1613,491 Arm insertion space 162 Door 163 Container 1631,1631a,1631b wall 1632 Notch 164 Storage detection unit 171 Support Frame 1711,1721 Frame body 1712,1722 Drive unit 1713,1723 Guide rail 172 Moving Frame 173 Mobile Division 1731 Moving unit body 1732 Arm 1733 Daibu 40 Transport device 46 Running part 47 Driving Support Unit 471 Object detection unit 472 Position output unit 49 Loading section

Claims

1. A storage device for temporarily storing items including deliveries, A storage unit including one or more storage boxes for storing the items; a delivery item loading / unloading section disposed on the open loading / unloading port side of the storage box and approximately parallel to a surface of the loading / unloading port, for loading / unloading the item through the loading / unloading port of the storage box; The storage device is characterized in that the delivery item loading / unloading section removes the item from the storage box, moves while holding the removed item to the position of a conveying device that transports the item to its destination, and loads the item onto the conveying device.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery loading / unloading section moves along two moving paths arranged perpendicular to each other on a plane approximately parallel to the loading / unloading opening of the storage box, and reaches a position opposite the opening side of the loading / unloading opening of the storage box to load and unload the items.

3. The delivery item receiving and retrieving section includes: A support frame installed approximately parallel to a surface of the opening side of the entrance / exit of the storage box; A moving frame that moves horizontally within the support frame; 3. The storage device according to claim 2, further comprising a moving section which moves vertically within said moving frame.

4. The moving unit has a pair of arms that can move in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the entrance of the storage box, The storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pair of arms move in a depth direction until they enter the storage box, grip the item in the storage box, and then move in a depth direction opposite to the depth direction while holding the item, thereby removing the item from the storage box.

5. the moving frame moves horizontally to a position opposite to a standby location of the conveying device, the moving unit moves vertically to a position facing a standby location of the conveying device, 5. The storage device according to claim 4, wherein the pair of arms move in a forward depth direction while holding the article therebetween, and load the delivery onto the conveying device.

6. The article includes a container that is disposed within the storage box and that contains the delivery item; 6. The storage device according to claim 5, wherein the pair of arms move in a depth direction until they enter the storage box, and press against the sides of the container from outside to hold the container.

7. The container is formed in a box shape, and a pair of notches are provided in a bottom portion of the box-shaped container along a depth direction, 7. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the pair of arms press against side surfaces of the pair of notches from outside to hold the container.

8. 7. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the container has a wall for preventing the delivery items from flying out, the wall being provided at least on the open entrance side of the storage box.

9. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery item loading / unloading section holds the items loaded by the transport device when the transport device completes its transport work and returns to the waiting area, and re-stores the items in the storage box in which they were stored.

10. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that regulates the entry of new deliveries from other entry / exit ports of the storage box after the delivery item entry / exit unit has removed the container from the storage box and returned the container to the storage box for entry.

11. When a request for retrieval of an item including the delivery is input in order to receive the delivery near the installation location of the storage device, The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the delivery item receiving / unloading section receives the item for which the unloading request has been input from the storage box, and moves to a predetermined receiving location while holding the received item.

12. a control unit which, when a request for retrieval of an item including the delivery item is input in order to receive the delivery item in the vicinity of an installation location of the storage device, generates evacuation request information which requests the transport device to evacuate from the standby location if the transport device is currently waiting at a predetermined receiving location for the item requested to be retrieved; a communication unit that transmits the generated evacuation request information to the transport device; 12. The storage device of claim 11, further comprising:

13. A display unit that displays information about the storage device is further provided. The storage box includes an entrance / exit for the delivery item loading / unloading unit and another entrance / exit for the delivery item loading / unloading unit, 13. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein if the control unit determines that a fault has occurred in the delivery loading / unloading unit after the delivery request is input, the display unit displays a message urging the user to unload the delivery from another loading / unloading port of the storage box.

14. When a request for retrieval of an item including the delivery is input in order to receive the delivery near the installation location of the storage device, 11. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, when the transport device is currently waiting at a predetermined receiving location for the item requested to be removed, the delivery item receiving / unloading section removes the item for which the removal request was input from the storage box, moves while holding the removed item to the position of a transport device that will transport the item to its destination, and loads the item onto the transport device.

15. A delivery delivery system having a storage device that temporarily stores items including delivery items, and a transport device that transports the items to a destination, The storage device includes: A storage unit including one or more storage boxes for storing the delivery items; a delivery item loading / unloading section disposed on the open loading / unloading port side of the storage box and approximately parallel to a surface of the loading / unloading port, for loading / unloading the item through the loading / unloading port of the storage box; The delivery receiving and delivering system is characterized in that the delivery item receiving and delivering section takes the item out of the storage box, moves while holding the taken-out item to the position of a conveying device that transports the item to its destination, and loads the item onto the conveying device.

16. The delivery apparatus further includes a user terminal that is operated by a user who receives the delivery item and is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the storage device, The delivery delivery system according to claim 15, characterized in that the user terminal receives a message indicating that transportation by the transport device is impossible when the number of transportation requests by the transport device accepted by the storage device or the working time is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value.

17. The delivery apparatus further includes a user terminal that is operated by a user who receives the delivery item and is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the storage device, 16. The delivery delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the user terminal receives a message indicating that transportation by the transport device is impossible when a failure occurs in the delivery loading / unloading section of the storage device.

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