Entrance unit

Abstract

To provide an entrance unit that can improve usability and improve external aesthetic appearance.SOLUTION: An entrance unit includes: a post part 1 for housing mails so as to be put-in / taken out; and an interphone housing part 2 for housing an interphone IF. The interphone housing part 2 is provided in a state of being connected next to the top side of the post part 1, and the interphone housing part 2 and the post part 1 have the same lateral width. The post part 1 includes: a mailing port into which mails are posted; a post body part 21 in which mails are housed and which has a take-out port enabling taking out mails at the front side; and a door part 22 for opening / closing the take-out port. The door part 22 can open / close the take-out port by swinging around a horizontal shaft core X along the lower side of the take-out port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an entrance unit provided with a post part for accommodating incoming and outgoing items and an intercom accommodation part for accommodating an intercom.

Background Art

[0002] Such an entrance unit is provided beside the door or entrance of a house. Conventionally, the post part and the intercom accommodation part have a separate configuration with different outer shapes, and each is supported by a support member such as a gatepost or a column beside the entrance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The entrance unit is used when a visitor visits a house equipped with the entrance unit, or when an item such as a postal item is posted. It is desired that it is convenient for the user. In addition to improving the usability in this way, it is required to satisfy the demand for improving the appearance. However, in the conventional configuration, the intercom accommodation part is separated from the post part and is provided in a deep position, which makes it difficult to operate. In addition, the post part and the intercom accommodation part have a separate configuration with different outer shapes, and since they are attached separately, it cannot be said that it is sufficient from the viewpoint of improving the appearance and giving a unified feeling to the exterior design.

[0005] Therefore, there has been a demand for an entrance unit that balances design and usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A characteristic configuration of the present invention is an entrance unit provided with a post part for accommodating incoming and outgoing items and an intercom accommodation part for accommodating an intercom, wherein the intercom accommodation part is provided in a state of being continuous with the upper adjacent side of the post part, the intercom accommodation part and the post part have the same width in the left-right direction, the post part is provided with a mail slot into which incoming items are inserted, a post main body part that accommodates incoming items and has an outlet through which incoming items can be taken out on the front side, and a door part that opens and closes the outlet, and the door part is capable of opening and closing the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower side of the outlet.

[0007] In the present invention, since the intercom accommodation part and the post part are provided integrally side by side vertically, and moreover, in the entrance unit assumed to be used in a state of standing in front, the left-right widths of the intercom accommodation part and the post part are the same width, compared with a case where the two are provided separately, the overall entrance unit has a sleek and unified design, and the appearance looks better.

[0008] By the way, in industrial products, generally, when pursuing design, the usability tends to deteriorate. However, according to the present invention, since there is an outlet on the front side of the post main body part, it is easy to take out incoming items. Also, in the present invention, since the intercom is for people to talk to and the post part is for inserting / taking out with hands, the intercom part is at a high position close to the face, and the post part is at a low position close to the hand (arm) on the body, which is lower than the face, so it is possible to reduce the need to take unreasonable postures such as bending the waist or stretching the back. Also, since there is an outlet on the front side of the post main body part, it is easy to take out incoming items.

[0009] Also, as a configuration for swinging the door portion, for example, a configuration in which the door portion swings around the upper horizontal axis center, or a configuration in which the door portion swings around the vertical axis on the lateral side, etc. can be considered. In the case of adopting a configuration in which the door portion swings around the upper horizontal axis center, there are inconveniences such as the need to support the door portion with one hand while taking out the mailed item with the other hand when the door portion is open. Also, in the case of a configuration in which the door portion swings around the vertical axis on the lateral side, there is a risk that the mailed item may spill out and fall outside when the door portion is open. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the door portion swings around the lower horizontal axis center, it is not necessary to support the door portion by hand when taking out the mailed item, and there is also little risk that the mailed item will spill out from the take-out port. Moreover, the intercom unit is installed while taking into account the face heights of all people, regardless of age or gender, and is usually installed at a position lower than the face height of an adult. Naturally, the post portion will be located at an even lower position. And since the door portion opens and closes and swings with a lower hinge at the post portion, when the door portion is opened, the mail slot will inevitably be opened upward at a position lower than the face. As a result, when the sender mails an item, it becomes possible to accurately mail the item while visually observing the mail slot, and it is reduced that the mailed item contacts the peripheral portion of the mail slot and bends or dents.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to provide an entrance unit that combines design and usability.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door portion is configured to be able to switch postures to a closed position in which the door portion closes the take-out port by swinging around the axis center, a first swing position that is a position on the open side from the closed position and in which the mail slot appears between the upper portion of the door portion and the post main body portion, and a second swing position that is a position on the open side from the first swing position and in which access to the take-out port by hand becomes possible due to the widening of the gap between the door portion and the post portion through the widening of the gap between the door portion and the post main body portion.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the door portion swings from the closed position to the first swing position, a mail slot appears between the door portion and the post main body portion, and mail can be inserted into the interior of the post main body portion through this mail slot. After the mail is inserted, the mail slot is closed by returning the door portion to the closed position.

[0013] When taking out the inserted mail, the door portion is swung more towards the open side than when inserting the mail. By doing so, the gap between the door portion and the post main body portion becomes wider than when inserting the mail, enabling hand access to the outlet. As a result, the mail can be taken out through the outlet.

[0014] That is, just by changing the swing angle of the door portion, such as opening the door portion slightly when inserting mail and opening the door portion widely when taking out, the two actions of inserting and taking out mail can be achieved. Therefore, with this configuration, compared to the case where the mail slot and the outlet are separately formed at different locations, it is simpler and can have a structure that is easy for the user to understand.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door portion includes a door main body portion that covers the outlet, and a bottom surface portion that is located inside the lower portion of the door main body portion and receives and supports the inserted mail. It is preferable that the door main body portion and the bottom surface portion swing integrally around the axis.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the mail is inserted, the door portion is in the first swing position, so the door main body portion is in a slightly inclined posture as it swings. The mail is guided along the inner surface of the inclined door portion and then received and supported by the bottom surface portion. When taking out the inserted mail, the door portion swings to the second swing position. At that time, since the mail is stably supported by the bottom surface portion that swings integrally and the inner surface of the door main body portion, it is easy to take out without being disturbed in its posture.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door portion includes a door main body portion that covers the outlet, and a closing portion provided on the left and right lateral sides of the door main body portion that closes the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion in a state where it is switched to the first swing position.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the door portion is in the first swing position, in the left and right lateral portions of the door main body portion, the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion is blocked by the closing portion. Even if the door portion is switched to the first swing position after the item is inserted and before it is taken out, since the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion is blocked by the closing portion, it is possible to prevent a third party from taking out the inserted item.

[0019] In the present invention, when the door portion is in the second swing position, it is preferable that the closing portion is separated from the post main body portion and a gap is formed between the closing portion and the post main body portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the door portion is in the second swing position, since a gap is formed between the closing portion and the post main body portion, not only can the inserted item be taken out upward and outward, but also the inserted item can be taken out laterally to the left and right and outward, so the taking-out operation is easy to perform.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that a manually operable locking mechanism is provided that can be switched between a locked state in which further swinging of the door portion to the open side is restricted when the door portion swings from the closed position to the first swing position, and an unlocked state in which further swinging of the door portion to the open side is allowed.

[0022] According to this configuration, after the door portion is swung to the first swing position and an item is inserted through the insertion opening, if the locking mechanism maintains the locked state, further swinging of the door portion to the open side is restricted. As a result, for example, even if a third party tries to swing it in the direction of intentional opening, it cannot swing, so it is possible to prevent a third party from taking out the inserted item.

[0023] When the user takes out the inserted item, by switching the locking mechanism to the unlocked state, the door portion can swing to the open side. The user can take out the internal inserted item through the outlet by switching the door portion to the second swing position.

[0024] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the door portion is in the closed position, the lock mechanism is in a state of being housed inside the post main body portion, and when the door portion is switched to the first swing position, it is in a state of being exposed to the outside.

[0025] According to this configuration, when the door portion is in the closed position, the lock mechanism is housed inside the post main body portion and hidden, so it does not impair the good appearance. When the door portion is switched to the first swing position, the lock mechanism is exposed to the outside, so the unlocking operation can be easily performed.

[0026] In the present invention, it is preferable that a stopper portion for restricting further swinging of the door portion to the open side when the door portion swings to the second swing position is removably provided, and the door portion is configured to be able to switch its posture to a third swing position which is a position on the open side rather than the second swing position when the stopper portion is removed.

[0027] According to this configuration, the mail can be inserted by switching the door portion to the first swing position, and the inserted mail can be taken out by switching the door portion to the second swing position. In the second swing position, further swinging of the door portion is restricted by the stopper portion. In the normal use state, it can be handled by switching among the closed position, the first swing position, and the second swing position.

[0028] And, the stopper portion is removable, and when the stopper portion is removed, the door portion can be swung to the third swing position. In this third swing position, the door portion is in a state of swinging widely and being opened, so maintenance work such as cleaning the inside of the post main body portion can be easily performed. With this configuration, by simply changing the swing angle of the door portion, three actions of inserting mail, taking out mail, and maintenance can be achieved, and it can be made into a simple and easy-to-understand structure for the user.

[0029] In the present invention, it is preferable that the stopper portion is attached to the bottom plate of the post main body portion, and the bottom plate is configured to be integrally detachable from the stopper portion.

[0030] Dust generated when putting in and taking out the mailed items or dust floating in the air may accumulate on the bottom plate of the post main body portion. Therefore, in this configuration, the bottom plate is integrally detachable from the stopper portion. By configuring in this way, by removing the bottom plate from the post main body portion and swinging the door portion greatly to the maintenance position, it is easy to clean the inside of the post main body portion, and moreover, by removing the bottom plate, it is easy to perform the cleaning work of the bottom plate.

[0031] In the present invention, it is preferable that an opening for exposing the operation surface of the intercom so that it can be operated from the outside and a nameplate attachment portion for attaching a nameplate are provided on the front portion of the intercom housing portion.

[0032] According to this configuration, since a nameplate attachment portion is provided on the front portion of the intercom housing portion separately from the operation surface of the intercom, when operating the intercom, it is easy to visually confirm the nameplate and it is easy to use. Also, since the entrance unit is provided with a nameplate attachment portion, there is a sense of unity in the exterior design around the entrance compared to the case where the nameplate is attached to a place different from this entrance unit, and the appearance can be further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Embodiments of the entrance unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of arrow F shown in the drawings is the front side (front face side), the direction of arrow B is the rear side (back face side), the direction of arrow R is the right side, the direction of arrow L is the left side, the direction of arrow U is the upper side, and the direction of arrow D is the lower side.

[0035] Figs. 1 to 3 show the entrance unit according to the present invention. This entrance unit includes a post portion 1 for accommodating incoming and outgoing items such as mail, and an intercom housing portion 2 for accommodating an intercom IF. The intercom housing portion 2 is provided in a state of being continuous with the upper adjacent portion of the post portion 1. The entrance unit is used by being attached to the outer wall of a house or a dedicated support column or the like at the door or beside the entrance of the house. The intercom housing portion 2 is located above the post portion 1, and the intercom housing portion 2 and the post portion 1 have the same left - right width and depth, and are formed so that the front portion of the intercom housing portion 2 and the post portion 1 are flush.

[0036] 〔Intercom housing portion〕 The intercom housing portion 2 houses a commercially available intercom IF inside. On the front portion located on the front side of the intercom housing portion 2, there are provided an opening 4 for exposing the operation surface 3 of the intercom IF so that it can be operated from the outside, and a nameplate attachment portion 5 to which a nameplate can be attached.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the intercom housing portion 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open toward the rear side, and the front, left and right side surfaces, upper surface, and bottom surface are covered with a casing 6. Inside the casing 6, the intercom IF is supported. The casing 6 includes a casing body 9 formed in a rectangular frame shape with a bottom portion, side wall portions on both left and right sides, and a ceiling portion, and a front wall portion 10 that covers the front and is removably supported with respect to the casing body 9.

[0038] In the internal space of the casing 6, in a position located on the left side in a front view, a storage space S for housing the interphone IF is formed. An intermediate support 11 extending vertically is provided at a position closer to the left side than the middle part in the left-right direction of the casing body 9, spanning the bottom and the ceiling. Also, a left support 12 is provided on the inner surface side of the left side portion of the casing 6, and a right support 13 is provided on the inner surface side of the right side portion of the casing 6. And a storage space S is formed between the intermediate support 11 and the left support 12. A mounting member Z having a substantially U-shaped configuration in a plan view provided on the interphone IF is screwed through elongated holes N formed along the front-rear direction formed in the intermediate support 11 and the left support 12. The interphone IF can be adjusted in the front-rear position within the range of the elongated holes N, and the interphone IF can be mounted with the operation surface 3 flush with the front wall portion 10.

[0039] The rear side portion of the casing 6 is open, and electrical wiring for connecting the interphone IF and a main body unit (not shown) for indoor response provided inside the house can pass through. The casing 6 is fixed by screwing at four locations, for example, to mounting locations on the outer wall of the house via mounting portions 12a and 13a provided at the rear portions of the left support 12 and the right support 13.

[0040] In a normal use state, the front wall portion 10 has few gaps with the peripheral edge portion of the open portion on the front side of the casing body 9 and cannot be easily removed. However, it can be removed when performing maintenance work such as repair and replacement of the interphone IF.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the front wall portion 10 is bent in a substantially U-shaped configuration at both upper and lower end portions in a side view to enhance the support strength, and is fixed to the casing body 9 by a position holding mechanism 14 that can elastically fit and engage at the left and right central portions on the inner surface side. The position holding mechanism 14 is a well-known configuration and is generally referred to as a catcher mechanism.

[0042] The position holding mechanism 14 includes an engaging member 15 provided on the front wall portion 10 and a leaf spring type holder 16 provided on the casing main body 9. As the front wall portion 10 is attached to the casing main body 9, the engaging member 15 elastically fits and engages with the holder 16. As a result, in the state where the front wall portion 10 is attached, it is configured to be fixed to the casing main body 9 by the position holding mechanism 14.

[0043] The position holding mechanism 14 is configured such that the engaging member 15 fits and engages with the holder 16 and cannot be easily removed in the state where the front wall portion 10 is attached. However, during maintenance, it can be removed by using a dedicated tool for the gap between the peripheral edge of the open portion of the casing main body 9 and the front wall portion 10.

[0044] 〔Post portion〕 The post portion 1 is provided with a mail slot 19 into which a mailed item is inserted, a post main body portion 21 that houses the mailed item and has an outlet 20 through which the mailed item can be taken out on the front side, and a door portion 22 that opens and closes the outlet 20. The door portion 22 can open and close the outlet 20 by swinging around a horizontal axis X along the lower side of the outlet 20.

[0045] And, as shown in FIG. 6, the door portion 22 can be switched between a closed position P0 where the door portion 22 swings around a horizontal axis X along the lower side of the outlet 20 to close the outlet 20, a first swing position P1 that is on the open side from the closed position P0 and where the mail slot 19 appears between the upper portion of the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21, and a second swing position P2 that is on the open side from the first swing position P1 and where access by hand from the gap between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21 to the outlet 20 becomes possible due to the widening of the gap between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21.

[0046] The door portion 22 is provided with a plate-shaped door main body portion 23 that covers the take-out port 20, and a bottom surface portion 24 that is located at the lower inner side of the door main body portion 23 and receives and supports the deposited item. The door main body portion 23 and the bottom surface portion 24 are integrally configured to swing around the axis X. Further, on the left and right lateral sides of the door main body portion 23, there is provided a closing wall portion 25 as a closing portion that closes the gap between the door main body portion 23 and the post main body portion 21 in a state where the door portion 22 is switched to the first swing position P1. When the door portion 22 is in the second swing position P2, the closing wall portion 25 is configured to be separated from the post main body portion 21, and a gap is formed between the closing wall portion 25 and the post main body portion 21.

[0047] Hereinafter, the configuration of the post portion 1 will be specifically described. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the post main body portion 21 is configured in a substantially rectangular box shape with left and right side surfaces, an upper surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface, and an accommodation space K for accommodating deposited items is formed inside thereof. The front side, that is, the front side of the post main body portion 21 is largely open, and a take-out port 20 is formed. The post main body portion 21 is configured such that the left and right plate-shaped side wall portions 26 that constitute the left and right side surfaces, the plate-shaped upper side wall portion 27 that constitutes the upper surface, and the plate-shaped rear side wall portion 28 that constitutes the rear surface are integrally connected by welding to form a peripheral wall portion 29. Then, the rear side wall portion 28 is fixed by screwing at a plurality of locations with appropriate intervals to the mounting locations of the outer wall of the house, etc.

[0048] With the entrance unit installed, each of the left and right side wall portions 26 is continuous with and forms the same plane as the left and right side wall portions (see FIG. 4) of the casing main body 9 in the intercom housing portion 2. That is, the left and right widths of the intercom housing portion 2 and the left and right widths of the post portion 1 are the same. Therefore, the entrance unit, which is assumed to be used standing in the front, can have a clean design with the same left and right width throughout the vertical direction. Further, the depth of the left and right side wall portions 26 is the same as the depth of the left and right side wall portions (see FIG. 4) of the casing main body 9, that is, the depth of the intercom housing portion 2 and the depth of the post portion 1 are the same. Also, when the door portion 22 is in the closed position P0, the front portion of the door portion 22 is flush with the front wall portion 10, which is the front portion in the intercom housing portion 2. That is, the front portions of the intercom housing portion 2 and the post portion 1 are flush. Therefore, not only the designability when viewed from the front obtained from the above-described same left and right width configuration, but also the designability (simple and beautiful) when viewed from any direction is improved.

[0049] The bottom plate 30 that constitutes the bottom surface is detachably attached to the peripheral wall portion 29. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, a horizontally folded-back portion 26a is formed at the lower part of the left and right side wall portions 26, and a horizontally folded-back portion 28a is formed at the lower part of the rear side wall portion 28. The bottom plate 30 is connected to each of the folded-back portions 26a, 28a by screwing in a state where the bottom plate 30 is applied to each of the folded-back portions 26a, 28a from below. By releasing the connection by these screws, the bottom plate 30 can be removed from the peripheral wall portion 29. With this configuration, maintenance work such as removing dust deposited on the bottom surface due to long-term use can be easily performed.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15, support frame portions 31 having a rectangular tubular cross-section are provided on the inner sides of the left and right side wall portions 26. The support frame portions 31 are provided at the front side portions of the side wall portions 26 and are provided in a state of extending in the vertical direction over substantially the entire vertical width of the side wall portions 26. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, an upper receiving member 32 is connected between the upper end portions of the left and right support frame portions 31. The upper receiving member 32 has a receiving surface 32a in a vertical posture facing the door portion 22 in a state facing the outlet 20, and receives and supports the upper end portion of the door portion 22 at the closed position P0 as will be described later.

[0051] The door portion 22 has a flat plate-shaped door main body portion 23 that can cover substantially the entire outlet 20 of the post main body portion 21. The left and right side portions of the door main body portion 23 are bent in a substantially U-shape to form a reinforcing frame 34. The upper side portion of the door main body portion 23 has an upper frame body 35 having a rectangular cross-section extending along the left-right direction. The upper frame body 35 is integrally connected to the door main body portion 23 by welding.

[0052] The upper frame body 35 is provided with a plate-shaped receiving plate 36 that extends upward along the plate surface direction of the door main body portion 23. The receiving plate 36 has a lateral width that extends over substantially the entire left-right width of the door portion 22 and is integrally connected to the upper portion of the upper frame body 35 on the side of the post main body portion 21.

[0053] The door main body portion 23 has an upward protruding portion 37 that protrudes upward from the upper frame body 35. The door main body portion 23 is connected to the side of the upper frame body 35 opposite to the side of the post main body portion 21. The receiving plate 36 and the upward protruding portion 37 extend in parallel in a side view toward the upper side of the upper frame body 35. The protruding amount of the upward protruding portion 37 of the door main body portion 23 is smaller than the protruding amount of the receiving plate 36.

[0054] On the side of the accommodation space K of the door body portion 23, a closing wall portion 25 having a substantially triangular shape in side view is provided at a position inside the left and right reinforcing frames 34. A bottom surface portion 24 that connects the lower end portions of the left and right closing wall portions 25 and is connected to the lower end portion of the door body portion 23, and a lateral protrusion portion 38 that connects the lower end portions of the left and right closing wall portions 25 and extends toward the accommodation space K along a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface of the door body portion 23 are provided. A guide portion 39 in an inclined posture is provided at a corner portion of the bottom surface portion 24 on the door body portion 23 side.

[0055] The lateral protrusion portion 38 includes a top plate portion 38a in which a mail slot 19, which is a rectangular opening, is formed, and a front end vertical plate portion 38b located at the protruding side end portion. When the door portion 22 is in the closed position, the lateral protrusion portion 38 enters the inside of the post main body portion 21 and becomes invisible from the outside.

[0056] A magnet 40 capable of exerting an adsorption action on the rear side wall portion 28 of the post main body portion 21 in a state where the door portion 22 is closed is provided on the front end vertical plate portion 38b of the lateral protrusion portion 38. By the magnet 40 being adsorbed to the rear side wall portion 28 by magnetic force, the door portion 22 can be held in the closed state (closed position P0). Further, the lateral protrusion portion 38 is provided with a lock mechanism 41 capable of restricting further swinging to the open side from that position in a state where the door portion 22 is swung to such an extent that a mail item can be mailed (first swing position P1). The lock mechanism 41 will be described later.

[0057] The swing support structure of the door portion 22 will be described. The door portion 22 is supported so as to be swingable around a horizontal axis X with respect to the left and right support frame portions 31. The lower portions of the left and right sides of the door portion 22 are pivotally connected to the lower portions of the left and right support frame portions 31 via support brackets so as to be swingable around the horizontal axis X.

[0058] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the door portion 22 is supported so as to be swingable between a closed state (corresponding to the closed position P0) in which the door portion 22 closes the outlet 20 of the post main body portion 21 and an open state (the third swing position) in which the outlet 20 is largely opened and the posture is changed by approximately 90 degrees in a side view with respect to the post main body portion 21 as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 10.

[0059] In the closed state, as shown in FIG. 9, the receiving plate 36 of the door portion 22 contacts the upper receiving member 32 of the post main body portion 21, and the reinforcing frames 34 on both the left and right sides of the door portion 22 contact the support frame portions 31 on both the left and right sides of the post main body portion 21 (see FIG. 8), and further swinging toward the storage space K side is restricted. Further, the magnet 40 adsorbs to the rear side wall portion 28, whereby the door portion 22 is held in position. In the open state, the lower end portion of the door main body portion 23 contacts the support frame portion 31, and further swinging is mechanically restricted, reaching the swing limit (see FIG. 16).

[0060] In a state where the door portion 22 swings to the first swing position P1 that swings approximately 10 degrees outward from the closed position P0, the insertion of the inserted object is configured to be possible. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, when the door portion 22 swings to the first swing position P1, the insertion opening 19 formed in the top plate portion 38a of the laterally protruding portion 38 is exposed outward. As a result, the insertion opening 19 appears between the upper portion of the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21. The inserted object can be inserted through the insertion opening 19.

[0061] When the inserted object is inserted through the insertion opening 19, the inserted object is guided while sliding along the door main body portion 23 in an inclined posture. Further, when the inserted object is guided to the lower end portion of the door main body portion 23, it is smoothly guided toward the bottom surface portion 24 by the inclined guide portion 39, and there is no disadvantage such as the inserted objects being stacked in a vertical posture.

[0062] When the door portion 22 swings from the closed position P0 to the second swing position P2, it swings outward about 55 degrees, creating a large space between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21 side. That is, the gap between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21 widens, enabling hand access from the mail slot 19 to the outlet 20. Also, at this time, the closing wall portion 25 is separated from the post main body portion 21, and a large gap is formed between the closing wall portion 25 and the post main body portion 21. Through the wide space formed between the door portion 22 and the left and right side portions of the post main body portion 21 including this large gap, it is possible to access from above, obliquely upward, and horizontally to retrieve the mail items deposited in the storage space K.

[0063] A manually operable locking mechanism 41 is provided that can be switched between a locked state that restricts further swinging of the door portion 22 when the door portion 22 swings from the closed position P0 to the first swing position P1, and an unlocked state that allows the door portion 22 to swing from the first swing position P1 to the second swing position P2.

[0064] The locking mechanism 41 is provided on the laterally protruding portion 38 and is in a state of being housed in the inner space of the post main body portion 21 when the door portion 22 is in the closed position P0, and is in a state of being exposed outward when the door portion 22 switches to the first swing position P1.

[0065] Next, the locking mechanism 41 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the post main body portion 21 is provided with a main body side protruding portion 42 in a state of being located below the laterally protruding portion 38 when the door portion 22 is in the closed position P0. The main body side protruding portion 42 is composed of a plate-like body extending horizontally, and the rear side portion is fixed to the rear wall portion 28 of the post main body portion 21 with screws.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a substantially U-shaped folding portion 43 is formed at the end of the main body side protrusion 42 on the door portion 22 side in a side view. A passing recess 44 is formed by partially cutting into the central portion of the folding portion 43 in the left-right direction. The recess 44 is provided at a position overlapping with a lock mechanism 41 described later in a front view. A leaf spring type locking member 45 is provided in the recess 44.

[0067] The lock mechanism 41 includes a rotation operation tool 46 protruding upward from the top plate portion 38a of the laterally protruding portion 38, a rotation shaft portion 47 protruding downward from the top plate portion 38a and rotating around a vertical axis along with the operation of the rotation operation tool 46, a locking arm 48 integrally and rotatably connected to the rotation shaft portion 47, a dial lock 49 protruding upward from the top plate portion 38a and capable of switching between a state allowing the rotation operation of the rotation operation tool 46 and a state restricting the rotation operation, and the like.

[0068] The dial lock 49 has a well-known configuration and is unlocked by aligning the numbers displayed on the four-digit dial with the preset numbers, and switches to a state where the rotation operation tool 46 can be rotated. When the numbers displayed on the four-digit dial do not match the preset numbers, it is locked and the rotation operation tool 46 cannot be operated.

[0069] When the deposited item is deposited, the deposited item is deposited from the deposit opening 19 in a state where the door portion 22 is swung from the closed position P0 to the first swing position P1 by manual operation. At that time, the dial lock 49 is locked and the rotation operation tool 46 is maintained in a locked state. In this locked state, the locking arm 48 is in a locking position where it locks to the locking member 45 and restricts swinging to the open side, and it is restricted to further swing the door portion 22 from the first swing position P1.

[0070] When the dial lock 49 is unlocked, it switches to a state where the rotation operation tool 46 can be rotated. When the rotation operation tool 46 is rotated so that the locking arm 48 does not engage with the locking member 45, the lock is released and the door portion 22 can be further swung to the open side from the first swing position P1.

[0071] 〔Stopper portion〕 A stopper portion 50 is provided to restrict further swinging of the door portion 22 when the door portion 22 swings to the second swing position P2. The stopper portion 50 is made of hard rubber. The stopper portion 50 is detachably provided, and the door portion 22 is configured to be able to switch its posture to a third swing position P3 where it swings in a direction further away from the post main body portion 21 than the second swing position P2 with the stopper portion 50 removed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, the stopper portion 50 is attached to the bottom plate 30 of the post main body portion 21 by bolt connection. A bolt 51 is provided in a state where its head is downward and passes through the bottom plate 30 and the stopper portion 50 vertically, and is tightened and fixed with a nut 53 via a washer 52 at the upper part. When the bottom plate 30 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 29, the stopper portion 50 enters the inside of the support frame portion 31. The lower end portion of the support frame portion 31 is in a state slightly separated upward from the bottom plate 30. When the door portion 22 swings to the second swing position P2, the lower end portion of the door main body portion 23 contacts the stopper portion 50 to restrict further swinging. Since the stopper portion 50 is provided at a low position close to the bottom plate 30 of the post main body portion 21 (a position close to the hinge) in this way, unlike the case of a regulation structure using a chain or the like extending from the upper and lower intermediate portions of the side portion of the door portion 22 to the upper and lower intermediate portions of the post main body portion 21, there are no obstacles in the three-way gap between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21, and it is easy to take out the mailed item.

[0073] And, as shown in FIG. 16, when the bottom plate 30 is removed from the peripheral wall portion 29 of the post main body portion 21, the stopper portion 50 is detached from the peripheral wall portion 29 integrally with the bottom plate 30. As a result, the restriction by the stopper portion 50 is eliminated, and the door portion 22 can swing to the third swing position P3 which is the mechanical swing limit. When the door portion 22 swings to the third swing position P3, it is widely opened and it becomes easy to perform cleaning of the bottom surface portion 24 and the like. When the stopper portion 50 deteriorates, such as wearing due to use, it can be removed from the bottom plate 30 by releasing the bolt connection and replaced with a new one.

[0074] Note that the swing opening and closing structure of the door portion 22 in the post portion 1 described above is a very advantageous configuration in a single post product.

[0075] 〔Alternative Embodiment〕 (1) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is configured to be able to switch its posture to a second swing position P2 which is on the open side of the first swing position P1 and where the mail slot 19 widens so that manual access from the mail slot 19 to the outlet 20 is possible. However, instead of this configuration, the mail slot may be provided at a location different from the outlet 20.

[0076] (2) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is configured to be provided with the bottom surface portion 24. However, instead of this configuration, the door portion 22 may be configured to include only the door main body portion 23 without the bottom surface portion 24.

[0077] (3) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is configured to be provided with a closing portion (closing wall portion 25) that closes the gap between the door main body portion 23 and the post main body portion 21. However, instead of this configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which no closing portion is provided and a gap is formed between the door main body portion 23 and the post main body portion 21 at the first swing position P1.

[0078] (4) In the above embodiment, when the door portion 22 is in the closed position P0, the locking mechanism 41 is in a state of being housed inside the post main body portion 21, and when it switches to the first swing position P1, the locking mechanism 41 is in a state of being exposed to the outside. However, instead of this configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which the locking mechanism 41 can be arbitrarily switched between a state of being housed inside and a state of being exposed to the outside regardless of the posture change of the door portion 22. Also, a configuration without the locking mechanism 41 may be adopted.

[0079] (5) In the above embodiment, the stopper portion 50 is made of hard rubber and is attached to the bottom plate 30 of the post main body portion 21. However, instead of this configuration, various configurations as follows can be adopted. (5-1) The stopper portion 50 may be made of resin or metal instead of hard rubber. (5-2) As the stopper portion, a highly rigid regulating member is detachably attached to the door portion 22. When the door portion 22 is in the second swing position, the regulating member contacts the support frame portion 31 of the post main body portion 21 or the like to regulate the swing of the door portion 22 to the open side. When the regulating member is removed from the door portion 22, the door portion 22 can be swung to the third swing position side. (5-3) As the stopper portion, a highly rigid regulating member is detachably attached to the post main body portion 21. When the door portion 22 is in the second swing position, the regulating member contacts the reinforcing frame 34 of the door portion 22 or the like to regulate the swing of the door portion 22 to the open side. When the regulating member is removed from the door portion 22, the door portion 22 can be swung to the third swing position side. (5-4) As the stopper portion, a chain or a flexible link mechanism or the like is detachably spanned between the upper and lower intermediate portions or the upper end portion of the door portion 22 and the corresponding portion of the post main body portion 21 to regulate the swing of the door portion 22 to the open side. When one end of the chain or the link mechanism is removed from the door portion 22 or the post main body portion 21, the door portion 22 can be swung to the third swing position side.

[0080] (6) In the above embodiment, the stopper portion 50 that regulates further swinging of the door portion 22 to the open side when the door portion 22 swings to the second swing position P2 is provided in a removable configuration. Instead of this configuration, it may be configured such that the stopper portion 50 cannot be removed, or the door portion 22 may be configured such that it cannot be switched to the third swing position P3.

[0081] (7) In the above embodiment, the nameplate attachment portion 5 to which a nameplate can be attached is provided on the front portion of the intercom housing portion 2, but it may be configured not to include such a nameplate attachment portion 5.

[0082] (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the interphone housing portion 2 and the post portion 1 have the same left-right width and depth, and the front portions of both are flush. However, at least if the left-right width is the same, the depth may be different, or the front portions of both may be stepped. For example, the interphone housing portion 2 may protrude slightly forward of the post portion 1.

[0083] (9) In the above-described embodiment, the lateral protrusion 38 is provided on the door portion 22 and the mail slot 19 is formed in the lateral protrusion 38. However, the lateral protrusion 38 may not be provided. When the door portion 22 is opened, the distance between the upper portion of the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21 increases, and as a result, a mail slot may appear (be formed) as a space where mail can be inserted. In this case, when the door portion 22 is further opened, the distance between the upper portion of the door portion 22 and the post main body portion 21 further increases (the mail slot widens), and access to the outlet by hand through the gap between the door portion 22 and the post main body portion becomes possible.

[0084] (10) In the above-described embodiment, when the door portion 22 is in the first swing position P1, it is set as a position that swings outward about 10 degrees from the closed position P0, and when the door portion 22 is in the second swing position P2, it is set as a position that swings outward about 55 degrees from the closed position P0. However, such angles can be appropriately changed according to the size and shape of the door portion 22, etc.

Industrial Applicability

[0085] The present invention can be applied to an entrance unit provided with a post portion for accommodating mail in and out, and an interphone housing portion for accommodating an interphone.

Explanation of Signs

[0086] 1 Post portion 2 Interphone housing portion 3 Operation surface 4 Opening 5 Nameplate attachment portion 19 Mail slot 20 Outlet 21 Post main body portion 22 Door part 23 Door body part 24 Bottom face part 25 Closing wall part (closing part) 30 Bottom plate 41 Lock mechanism 50 Stopper part P0 Closed position P1 First swing position P2 Second swing position P3 Third swing position X-axis center

Claims

1. An entrance unit comprising a post section for accommodating mail items in a removable manner and an interphone accommodating section for accommodating an interphone, The interphone receiving section is provided adjacent to and above the post section, The interphone housing section and the post section have the same left and right widths, The post section is provided with a mail slot through which mail items are inserted, a post body section in which mail items are received and which has an outlet on the front side through which mail items can be removed, and a door section for opening and closing the outlet; The door portion is an entrance unit capable of opening and closing the outlet by swinging about a horizontal axis along the lower side of the outlet.

2. The entrance unit as described in claim 1, wherein the door section is configured to be able to switch its position between a closed position in which the collection outlet is closed by swinging around the axis, a first swing position which is a position more open than the closed position and in which the mail slot appears between the upper part of the door section and the post main body section, and a second swing position which is a position more open than the first swing position and in which the gap between the door section and the post main body section widens, allowing manual access to the collection outlet through the gap between the door section and the post main body section.

3. The door section is provided with a door main body section that covers the outlet and a bottom surface section that is located at the inner lower part of the door main body section and receives and supports the posted items, 2. The entrance unit according to claim 1, wherein the door body and the bottom surface swing integrally about the axis.

4. The entrance unit of claim 2, wherein the door section is provided with a door main body section that covers the removal opening, and a blocking section that is provided on the left and right sides of the door main body section and blocks the gap between the door main body section and the post main body section when the door is switched to the first swing position.

5. An entrance unit as described in claim 4, wherein when the door portion is in the second pivot position, the blocking portion is separated from the post main body portion, forming a gap between the blocking portion and the post main body portion.

6. The entrance unit as described in claim 2 is provided with a manually operated locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state that restricts further swinging of the door portion in the open direction when the door portion swings from the closed position to the first swing position, and an unlocked state that allows further swinging of the door portion in the open direction.

7. An entrance unit as described in claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is stored inside the post main body when the door portion is in the closed position, and is exposed to the outside when the door portion is switched to the first swing position.

8. A stopper portion is provided in a removable manner to restrict further swinging of the door portion to the opening side when the door portion swings to the second swing position, The entrance unit according to claim 2, wherein the door portion is configured so that its posture can be switched to a third swing position, which is a position closer to the open side than the second swing position, when the stopper portion is removed.

9. The stopper portion is attached to a bottom plate of the post body portion, The entrance unit according to claim 8, wherein the bottom plate is configured to be removable integrally with the stopper portion.

10. An entrance unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the front portion of the intercom accommodating section is provided with an opening which exposes the operating surface of the intercom so that it can be operated from the outside, and a nameplate mounting section to which a nameplate can be attached.

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