Home delivery locker

Abstract

To allow the number of packages stored to increase without increasing the number of storage sections, so as to decrease the number of times of re-delivery of packages.SOLUTION: A home delivery locker 1 includes: identification information storage means which stores identification information for identifying a receiving person of packages P1 and P2 to be stored in any of a plurality of storage sections 3, and specification information for specifying any of the storage sections in association with each other; identification information determination means which compares identification information for identifying the receiving person of a first package P1 having been already stored in any of the storage sections with identification information for identifying the receiving person of a second package P2 to be stored next, and determines whether both pieces of identification information are identical or not; specification means which specifies, on the basis of the specification information, the storage section in which the first package P1 has been stored if both the pieces of identification information are identical; and lock operation means which locks or unlocks a door 4a of a take-in / out port 4 of the storage section. The lock operation means unlocks the door of the storage section specified by the specification means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parcel locker. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the volume of parcel delivery has increased, and the demand for parcel receiving facilities, such as parcel boxes or parcel lockers, is on the rise. Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel locker that is installed in an apartment building and has multiple storage compartments, and that can be shared among the residents of the apartment building by enabling personal authentication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-236797 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in conventional parcel lockers, each storage section has security issues even if there is sufficient space, so it is customary to store one parcel per storage section. Therefore, when the parcel locker is full, the delivery person has to take the parcel back and redeliver it. However, if the number of redeliveries increases, not only will delivery efficiency decrease and delivery costs increase, but carbon dioxide emissions will also increase. For this reason, it is an urgent task to increase the number of parcels that can be stored in parcel lockers. On the other hand, simply increasing the number of storage sections is likely to increase the size of the parcel locker, which is undesirable as it will lead to a new problem of securing space to install the parcel lockers.

[0005] To provide a system for increasing the number of packages that can be stored without increasing the number of storage compartments for storing the packages, thereby reducing the number of times the packages need to be redelivered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 to 8, a parcel locker 1 having a plurality of storage compartments 3 for storing delivered parcels P, an identification information storage means (2) for storing, in association with each other, identification information for identifying a recipient of a package P (P1, P2) stored in any one of the storage sections 3, and identification information for identifying any one of the storage sections 3; an identification information determination means (2) for comparing identification information for identifying a recipient of a first package P1, which is a package P already stored in any one of the storage sections 3, with identification information for identifying a recipient of a second package P2, which is a package P to be stored in the future, and determining whether these pieces of identification information are identical; an identification means (2) for identifying the storage section (3) in which the first baggage P1 is stored based on the identification information when the identification information is identical as a result of the determination by the identification information determination means (2); and a lock operation means (2) for locking or unlocking doors (4a, 5a) for opening and closing openings (4, 5) for loading and unloading luggage (P) in the storage sections (3), The lock operation means (2) is characterized in that it unlocks the doors 4a, 5a of the storage section 3 identified by the identification means (2).

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, the identification information for identifying the recipient of the first parcel P1 already stored in any of the storage sections 3 is compared with the identification information for identifying the recipient of the second parcel P2 to be stored, and if the identification information is identical, it is determined that the recipient of the first parcel P1 and the recipient of the second parcel P2 are the same. Furthermore, since the identification information for identifying the recipient of the parcel P (P1, P2) stored in any of the storage sections 3 among the multiple storage sections 3 and the identification information for identifying any of the storage sections 3 are stored in correspondence with each other, the storage section 3 in which the first parcel P1 is stored can be identified based on the identification information. Then, since the doors 4a, 5a of the storage section 3 identified in this way can be unlocked, the identified storage section 3 can store the first parcel P1 and the second parcel P2, which are parcels P for the same recipient. This allows the number of parcels P to be stored to be increased without increasing the number of storage sections 3 in which the parcels P are stored, and therefore the number of redeliveries of the parcels P can be reduced.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 1, The inside dimension information of each of the plurality of storage sections 3 is registered in advance, A first dimension information acquisition means (2) for acquiring external dimension information of the first package P1; The device is further characterized by comprising an inside dimension calculation means (2) for calculating inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, based on inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, among the multiple storage sections 3, and external dimension information of the first luggage P1.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, the inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored is calculated based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored and the acquired external dimension information of the first luggage P1. Therefore, it is possible to store the second luggage P2 after understanding the inside dimension information of the free space, and the interior of the storage section 3 can be utilized without waste.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 2, A second dimension information acquisition means (2) for acquiring external dimension information of the second baggage P2 before it is accommodated; and an accommodation feasibility determination means (2) for determining whether the second luggage P2 can be accommodated in the accommodation section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is accommodated, based on the inside dimension information of the empty space calculated by the inside dimension calculation means (2), the outside dimension information of the first luggage P1, and the outside dimension information of the second luggage P2, The lock operation means (2) is characterized in that it unlocks the door 4a when the determination result by the accommodation feasibility determination means (2) is that the item can be accommodated, and maintains the locked state of the door 4a when the determination result by the accommodation feasibility determination means (2) is that the item cannot be accommodated.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, whether the second luggage P2 can be accommodated in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored is determined based on the calculated interior dimension information of the empty space, the acquired external dimension information of the first luggage P1, and the external dimension information of the second luggage P2 acquired before storage, and if the result is that the second luggage P2 can be accommodated, the door 4a is unlocked, and if the result is that the second luggage P2 cannot be accommodated, the door 4a is kept locked, so that depending on the external dimension information of the second luggage P2, the door 4a of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored will not open in the first place. In other words, it is possible to know whether the second luggage P2 can be accommodated in the empty space of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored before storing the second luggage P2, which is highly convenient.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 3, The facility is characterized in that it further comprises an alert issuing means (2) for issuing an alert when the result of the determination by the accommodation feasibility determining means (2) is that accommodation is not possible.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, if the result of determining whether the second package P2 can be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored is that it cannot be stored, an alert can be issued, so that the delivery person D can recognize that the second package P2 cannot be stored in the available space in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 3, The system further includes an empty storage section selection means (2) for automatically extracting a storage section 3 in which no baggage P is stored from among the plurality of storage sections 3.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 5, a storage section 3 in which no luggage P is stored is automatically extracted from among a plurality of storage sections 3. Therefore, when a luggage for the same recipient is not stored in any of the storage sections 3, and further when the storage eligibility determination means determines that the luggage cannot be stored, a storage section 3 in which no luggage P is stored and which is empty can be automatically extracted, thereby making it possible to secure a storage section 3 in which the luggage P can be stored.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 2, The present invention is characterized in that it further comprises an inside dimension display means 2c for displaying the inside dimension information of the empty space calculated by the inside dimension calculation means (2).

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 6, by displaying the interior dimensions information of the calculated available space, the delivery person D can himself determine whether the second package P2 can be accommodated in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is accommodated.

[0018] The invention described in claim 7 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 1, The system further includes a history information acquiring means (2) for acquiring storage history information which is information indicating that luggage P (P1, P2) has been stored in the storage sections 3.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 7, by acquiring storage history information, which is information indicating that luggage P (P1, P2) has been stored in multiple storage sections 3, it is possible to grasp information such as whether the luggage P has been securely stored in the storage section 3 and whether the luggage P has been securely removed by the recipient, thereby improving crime prevention.

[0020] The invention described in claim 8 is, for example, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, in the parcel locker 1 described in claim 1, The plurality of storage sections 3 each have a partition device 6 for dividing the interior into a plurality of spaces, The partition device 6 is characterized by comprising a partition body 6a that divides and closes the inside of the storage section 3, and a partition body locking means 13 for locking and unlocking the partition body 6a.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 8, the partition device 6 for dividing the inside of each storage section 3 into a plurality of spaces includes a partition body 6a for dividing and closing the inside of the storage section 3, and a partition body locking means 13 for locking and unlocking the partition body 6a, so that the first baggage P1 previously stored in the storage section 3 can be shielded by the partition body 6a, and the partition body 6a can be locked by the partition body locking means 13. This improves crime prevention when the second baggage P2 is stored in the storage section 3 in which the first baggage P1 is stored, and also protects the baggage when one or both of the first baggage P1 and the second baggage P2 are prohibited from stacking. Furthermore, since the first baggage P1 is not visible when the second baggage P2 is stored, privacy is also protected. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, the number of packages that can be stored can be increased without increasing the number of storage sections in which the packages are stored, and the number of redeliveries of packages can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2A] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of the storage unit. [Figure 2B] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of the storage unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a control system that controls the operation of delivery lockers. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of how to use a delivery locker. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a reservation system for making reservations for delivery lockers. [Figure 6A] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of a storage section of a modified example. [Figure 6B] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of a storage section of a modified example. [Figure 6C] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of a storage section of a modified example. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system that controls the operation of the storage unit. FIG. [Figure 8A] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of a storage section of a modified example. [Figure 8B] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and usage example of a storage section of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment and illustrated examples. Note that the directions in the following embodiment and illustrated examples are set solely for the convenience of explanation.

[0025] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a parcel locker. This parcel locker 1 includes a plurality of storage units 3 for storing parcels P to be delivered by a delivery person D of a delivery company. The delivery locker 1 of this embodiment is installed in a collective housing such as an apartment building, an office building, etc. When delivery locker 1 is installed in a collective housing such as an apartment building, it is preferable to install it adjacent to a space where a collective mailbox is located, for example. Furthermore, delivery locker 1 may be provided within the grounds of a detached house, in which case delivery locker 1 can be used jointly with neighboring residents.

[0026] 1, the delivery locker 1 of this embodiment has a control device 2 provided in the center with a number of storage units 3 arranged in a row around it, and each storage unit 3 is capable of storing a package P. Note that in this embodiment, eight storage units 3 are provided around the control device 2, but the number of storage units 3 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0027] The central control device 2 is mainly for controlling the opening and closing of the loading / unloading openings 4 for luggage P in each of the multiple storage sections 3. More specifically, the control device 2 is a computer device that controls the operation of each section in the storage section 3, and has control programs required for controlling the door lock section 17a, the display device 2c, and the alert issuing section 2d, as shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the control device 2 is connected to various sensors so as to be able to communicate with them, and is able to receive signals or data of the detection results from the various sensors.

[0028] The control device 2 is also connected to a communication unit 11 configured by a communication module and the like, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data, signals, and the like to and from external information terminals 24-27 via a communication network N. The external information terminals 24-27 include user information terminals 24, 25 used by a user U, and delivery person information terminals 26, 27 used by a delivery company. The user information terminals 24, 25 include a mobile information terminal 24 carried by the user U, and the delivery person information terminals 26, 27 include a mobile information terminal 26 carried by a delivery person D.

[0029] Here, as long as the recipient is the same (a resident living in the same dwelling unit), multiple packages P delivered by a delivery person D of a delivery company can be stored in one storage section 3 even if the dates, times, and timing of storage are different. In this embodiment, the package P stored first in one storage section 3 is referred to as the first package P1, and the package P stored later in the same storage section 3 is referred to as the second package P2. In this embodiment, the first parcel P1 and the second parcel P2 are each described as a single parcel, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the first parcel P1 and the second parcel P2 may include multiple parcels. In other words, multiple parcels delivered at an earlier time may be the first parcel P1, and parcels delivered at a later time may be the second parcel P2. Furthermore, the delivery company that delivers the first package P1 and the delivery company that delivers the second package P2 may be the same company or different companies.

[0030] [Regarding the configuration of the storage section] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the storage section 3 has an opening 4 for inserting and removing luggage P on one side in the depth direction, and luggage P can be inserted and removed only through this opening 4. The storage unit 3 is a rectangular parallelepiped box made of metal and has a bottom panel 3a, a top panel 3b, a side panel 3c, a front panel 3d, and a back panel 3e, and is longer in the front-to-back direction than in the height and width directions. The above-mentioned loading and unloading opening 4 is formed in the front panel 3d.

[0031] The loading / unloading opening 4 is opened and closed by a door 4a. As shown in Fig. 3, the door 4a is provided with a door lock portion 17a for locking and unlocking the door 4a. The door lock unit 17a receives power from a power supply device (not shown). The front plate 3d is provided with a strike on which the door lock unit 17a hooks. That is, the door lock unit 17a is an electric lock that electrically locks and unlocks the door, and can be locked or unlocked by accepting the operation of the control device 2 by the user U or the delivery person D.

[0032] The door 4a of the loading / unloading opening 4 of each storage section 3 is marked with an alphabet A to H indicating identification information for identifying the storage section 3. This identification information is also stored as data in the memory section of the control device 2, and is used to identify the position of the storage section 3 in which the baggage P has been stored. In this embodiment, the alphabets A to H are used as the specific information, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0033] The storage unit 3 is further equipped with various sensors for detecting the internal conditions. The operations of the delivery locker 1 are centrally controlled by a central control device 2. The various sensors include a baggage detection sensor 15a and a dimension measurement sensor 16a. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs, such as when the door cannot be locked due to a foreign object being caught or when the door cannot be unlocked due to a malfunction, the door lock unit 17a can transmit an abnormality detection signal (foreign object detection signal) to the control device 2. For this reason, the door lock unit 17a may be included in various sensors. In addition, when the door lock unit 17a detects an abnormality (foreign object), an alert may be issued by the alert issuing unit 2d, or an alert may be issued via the communication network N to the user information terminals 24, 25 or the delivery person information terminals 26, 27 described later.

[0034] In this embodiment, a weight sensor is used as the baggage detection sensor 15a, and when the weight of the baggage P is detected, the sensor can output a detection signal to the control device 2. The baggage detection sensor 15a is disposed on the bottom panel portion 3a. Therefore, when a baggage P (P1) is stored in the storage portion 3, a detection signal is transmitted from the baggage detection sensor 15a to the control device 2. When an additional baggage P (P2) is stored, a detection signal for the additional baggage is transmitted from the baggage detection sensor 15a to the control device 2. In other words, the baggage detection sensor 15a is also capable of detecting the number of bags P. In this embodiment, a weight sensor is adopted as the luggage detection sensor 15a, but this is not limited to this, and other sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a camera (image analysis), etc. may be adopted, or these sensors may be used in combination.

[0035] Furthermore, since the baggage detection sensor 15a is a weight sensor in this embodiment, it may be configured not only to detect the weight of the baggage P but also to measure the specific weight of the baggage P. The weight measurement data of the luggage P by the luggage detection sensor 15a is transmitted to the control device 2. The control device 2 includes a storage unit (not shown) and is capable of storing the signals and data received from the baggage detection sensor 15a in the storage unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, the dimension measuring sensor 16a is a length measuring sensor, which measures the outer dimensions of the luggage P after the luggage detection sensor 15a detects the weight of the luggage P. Then, the outer dimension information indicating the dimension measurement result can be transmitted to the control device 2. The dimension measuring sensor 16a is disposed in the center of the lower surface of the top panel portion 3b so as to have an overall view of the luggage P placed on the bottom panel portion 3a inside the storage portion 3, but is not limited to this and may be disposed in any position that allows measurement of the length of the luggage P placed on the bottom panel portion 3a. Also, a plurality of dimension measuring sensors 16a may be used, and the length of the luggage P may be measured more accurately by using these plurality of dimension measuring sensors 16a. External dimension information of the package P obtained by the dimension measuring sensor 16a is output to the control device 2 and stored in the memory unit of the control device 2. In the present embodiment, a length measuring sensor is used as the dimension measuring sensor 16a, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed by, for example, image analysis using a camera.

[0037] [Control device configuration] The control device 2 receives instruction signals input from the keypad 2a and the reading unit 2b, which are input devices, and outputs instruction signals to the display device 2c and the alert issuing unit 2d, which are output devices. Furthermore, the control device 2 performs locking and unlocking operations in the door lock unit 17a based on the detection results of the above-mentioned sensors 15a, 16a and the signal input from the above-mentioned input devices 2a, 2b, and as a result, the loading / unloading openings 4 of each of the multiple storage units 3 can be made openable or closed.

[0038] The keypad 2a, which is an input device, is a device for inputting the room number of the user U to the control device 2, and in this embodiment, a numeric keypad consisting of numeric keys from 0 to 9, a delete key, and an enter key is adopted. The room number of the user U is information for identifying the user U who is the recipient of the package P.

[0039] The reader 2b, which is an input device, is a device for reading a one-time two-dimensional code issued to, for example, an external information terminal, and in this embodiment, a camera is used. The external information terminals refer to a portable information terminal 24 used by a user U who receives the package P, and a portable information terminal 26 used by a delivery person D who delivers the package P. The one-time two-dimensional code is a key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a, and may be issued by the information terminal 27 of the delivery company or an information terminal of a shopping site. Also, the one-time two-dimensional code may be issued by the control device 2 and transmitted to the mobile information terminals 24 and 26 that have been authenticated in advance. In this embodiment, the one-time two-dimensional code contains not only information as a key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a, but also information on the weight, external dimensions, and upside-down orientation of the package P. Therefore, the control device 2 can obtain information as a key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a and information on the size of the package P simply by reading the information in the one-time two-dimensional code with the reading unit 2b.

[0040] The one-time two-dimensional code may include information on the room number of the user U. In that case, the control device 2 does not need to be provided with the keypad 2a. Moreover, the information treated as the key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a is not limited to the one-time two-dimensional code, and can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, a password input from the keypad 2a may be used as the key information. In that case, the reading unit 2b does not need to be provided in the control device 2. The password may be a one-time password transmitted to the mobile information terminals 24, 26 of the user U and the deliveryman D, or a unique password assigned to each user U and each deliveryman D. Alternatively, the door lock unit 17a may be unlocked by reading a card key (e.g., using RFID: Radio Frequency Identification) distributed to the user U and the deliveryman D. In other words, the means for inputting identification information to the control device 2 and the means for unlocking the door lock unit 17a are not limited to this embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the door lock unit 17a is to be set to an unlocked state, the room number of the user U is first entered from the keypad 2a to identify the recipient of the package P, and then the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the mobile information terminal 24, 26 is read by the reading unit 2b. In this way, after identifying the recipient of the package P, the door 4a can be opened or closed.

[0042] The control device 2 can temporarily store in the memory unit identification information input from the keypad 2a, temporarily store information on luggage detection by the luggage detection sensor 15a, and temporarily store information on luggage length measurement by the dimension measurement sensor 16a. The temporarily stored information is erased by an identification information erasure program described later when all luggage P is removed from the storage section 3 in which the luggage P is stored. In other words, when the luggage P is no longer detected by the luggage detection sensor 15a provided for each storage section 3, the temporarily stored information related to the luggage P is erased from the memory unit.

[0043] The display device 2c, which is an output device, is arranged alongside the keypad 2a and the reading unit 2b, and can display the room number entered via the keypad 2a, as well as messages for the user U and the delivery person D. This allows the user U or the delivery person D to input the room number while looking at the display device 2c, and therefore allows the user U or the delivery person D to input the room number accurately. In addition, the display device 2c can display messages for the user U and the delivery person D, for example, instructions on the procedure for unlocking the door lock unit 17a or an explanation of the content of the alert issued by the alert issuing unit 2d.

[0044] The alert issuing unit 2d, which is an output device, is arranged alongside the display device 2c. In this embodiment, the alert issuing unit 2d issues an alarm based on an instruction signal output from the control device 2. The alarm is issued when the storage unit 3 cannot store the luggage P, but may also be issued when the door lock unit 17a detects an abnormality (foreign object) as described above. In addition, multiple alarms may be provided, and different alarms may be issued for different situations. In this embodiment, the alert is only an alarm sound (audio output), but the alert may be issued by emitting light using a lamp or the like, or may be a combination of sound and light. Also, the display device 2c may be used.

[0045] The inside dimension information of each of the multiple storage sections 3 is registered in advance in the memory section of the control device 2. Here, the inside dimension information refers to the inside dimensions of the storage section 3 (the width dimension, height dimension, and depth dimension of the inner surface of the storage section 3). In this embodiment, the multiple storage sections 3 have the same inside dimensions, but they may include storage sections capable of accommodating large-sized luggage P and storage sections capable of accommodating small-sized luggage P, in which case the inside dimensions of each storage section 3 will be different.

[0046] As described above, the storage unit of the control device 2 has control programs necessary for controlling the door lock unit 17a, the display device 2c, and the alert issuing unit 2d. In this embodiment, for example, an identification information storage program, an identification information erasing program, an identification information determination program, a specification program, a lock operation program, a first dimension information acquisition program, an inside dimension calculation program, a second dimension information acquisition program, a storage feasibility determination program, an empty storage section selection program, an alert issuing program, and a history information acquisition program are stored in the storage unit. These various programs work in cooperation with the computer of the control device 2 to function as one means of the system.

[0047] The identification information storage program is a program for acquiring identification information (room number) that identifies the recipient (user U) of a package P (P1, P2) stored in one of the multiple storage sections 3, and temporarily storing this identification information in association with specific information (alphabet A to H) that identifies one of the storage sections 3 in which the package P (P1, P2) is stored. That is, such an identification information storage program is executed by the computer of the control device 2, and when the deliveryman D inputs identification information (e.g., a room number) from an input device such as the keypad 2a or his / her own mobile information terminal 24, 26, the input identification information is acquired. At that time, the identification information that identifies the storage unit 3 in which the package P is stored is also linked and stored in the memory unit. This makes it possible to identify the storage unit 3 in which the package P is stored by inputting the identification information from an input device or the like.

[0048] The identification information erasing program is a program for erasing from the storage unit the identification information and the specific information acquired by executing the identification information storage program, and is executed by the computer of the control device 2 at the timing when the luggage P is removed from the storage unit 3 to which the specific information corresponds. Therefore, this identification information erasing program is linked to the luggage detection sensor 15a and the door lock unit 17a, and is executed after the luggage P is removed from the storage unit 3, making the storage unit 3 empty, and the door 4a is locked by the door lock unit 17a.

[0049] The identification information judgment program is a program for comparing the identification information obtained when the identification information storage program is executed with the identification information identifying the recipient of the first package P1, which is a package that has already been stored, and the identification information of the second package P2, which is a package that is to be stored, and determining whether these pieces of identification information are identical. That is, such an identification information determination program is executed by the computer of the control device 2 when the delivery person D inputs identification information from an input device or the like to store the later delivered package P2 in the storage section 3 while the package P1 is stored in one of the multiple storage sections 3. Then, it is determined whether the identification information input by the delivery person D when storing the later delivered second package P2 in the storage section 3 and any of the multiple storage sections 3 in which the package P is stored contain identification information that is the same as the identification information input. This makes it possible to know whether the storage section 3 in which the package P1 for the same recipient is stored is included among the multiple storage sections 3.

[0050] The identification program is a program for identifying the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is being stored based on the above-mentioned identification information associated with the identification information when the identification information identifying the recipient of a first package P1, which is a package already stored, is identical to the identification information of a second package P2, which is a package to be stored, as a result of the judgment obtained by executing the identification information judgment program. In other words, such an identification program can be executed by the computer of the control device 2 after the identification information judgment program is executed to determine whether the identification information corresponding to the previous and next luggage P1, P2 is identical, to identify the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored. In addition, if the same identification information is not stored in the memory unit, i.e., if the previously delivered package P has already been removed by the user U and the identification information temporarily stored in the memory unit has been erased by the identification information erasure program, the specific program is not executed.

[0051] The lock operation program is a program for controlling the door lock unit 17a that locks or unlocks the door 4a that opens and closes the loading and unloading opening 4 for the luggage P in the multiple storage sections 3. Such a lock operation program is executed to operate the door lock unit 17a when the package P is stored in the storage unit 3 and when the package P is removed from the storage unit 3. More specifically, the lock is released when the user U or the delivery person D reads the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on his / her mobile information terminal 24, 26 with the reading unit 2b. The door is also locked when the package P is stored in the storage unit 3 and the door 4a is closed. The door 4a is also unlocked when the control device 2 automatically selects an empty storage unit 3.

[0052] The first dimension information acquisition program is a program that acquires external dimension information of a first package P1 stored in any one of the storage sections 3 that is in an empty state among the multiple storage sections 3. That is, such a first dimension information acquisition program is linked to the lock operation program and the dimension measurement sensor 16a, and is executed by the computer of the control device 2 when the first package P1 is stored in any of the empty storage sections 3 and the door 4a is locked by the lock operation program. Then, the dimension measurement sensor 16a starts measuring the dimension of the first package P1, and further, the external dimension information of the first package P1, which is the result of the dimension measurement, is output to the memory section of the control device 2, thereby acquiring the external dimension information. However, the first dimension information acquisition program is not limited to this configuration. That is, as described above, a one-time two-dimensional code is issued to the mobile information terminal 24, 26 of the user U or the delivery person D as a key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a, and this one-time two-dimensional code contains information on the weight and external dimensions of the package P. Therefore, the external dimension information of the first package P1 is also included in the one-time two-dimensional code. Therefore, by reading the one-time two-dimensional code with the reading unit 2b, the reading unit 2b can obtain the external dimension information of the first package P1, and the external dimension information is output to a temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit. That is, the first dimension information acquisition program is linked to the reading unit 2b, and the one-time two-dimensional code can be read by the reading unit 2b to obtain the external dimension information of the first package P1. In other words, when the external dimension information contained in the one-time two-dimensional code is used, the dimension measurement sensor 16a may be omitted or may be used in combination.

[0053] The inside dimension calculation program is a program that calculates the inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored among multiple storage sections 3, and the external dimension information of the first luggage P1. That is, such an inside dimension calculation program is executed by the computer of the control device 2 after the external dimension information of the first baggage P1 is acquired by the first dimension information acquisition program. Then, based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 registered in advance and the acquired external dimension information of the first baggage P1, the inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first baggage P1 is stored is calculated. That is, it calculates how much free space there is in the storage section 3 in which the first baggage P1 is stored.

[0054] The second dimension information acquisition program is a program for acquiring outside dimension information of a second package P2 that is delivered after the first package P1. In this embodiment, a one-time two-dimensional code is issued to the mobile information terminal 24, 26 of the user U or the delivery person D as a key for unlocking the door lock unit 17a, and this one-time two-dimensional code contains information on the weight and external dimensions of the package P. Therefore, the external dimension information of the second package P2, which was delivered after the first package P1, is also included in the one-time two-dimensional code. Therefore, by reading the one-time two-dimensional code with the reading unit 2b, the reading unit 2b can obtain the external dimension information of the second package P2, and the external dimension information is output to a temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit. In other words, the second dimension information acquisition program is linked to the reading unit 2b, and obtains the external dimension information of the second package P2 obtained by reading the one-time two-dimensional code with the reading unit 2b.

[0055] The storage feasibility determination program is a program that determines whether a second luggage P2 can be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, based on the inside dimension information of the available space calculated by the inside dimension calculation program, the outside dimension information of a first luggage P1 that has already been stored in the storage section 3, and the outside dimension information of a second luggage P2. That is, such a storage possibility determination program is executed by the computer of the control device 2 immediately after the external dimension information of the second luggage P2 is acquired by the second dimension information acquisition program. When the storage possibility determination program is executed, a calculation is performed as to whether the second luggage P2 can be stored in the free space of the storage section 3. The storage possibility determination program is set so that it can perform calculations taking into account the volume of the free space of the storage section 3 and the volumes of the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2, and can determine, for example, that the second luggage P2 can be stored by changing the orientation (placement) of the first luggage P1 or the second luggage P2. Even if the sum of the depth dimension of the first luggage P1 and the depth dimension of the second luggage P2 exceeds the depth dimension of the inside dimensions of the storage section 3, if one of the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 is not a top-bottom luggage, there is a possibility that the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 can be stored at the same time by placing the luggage that is not top-bottom luggage vertically, and there is a possibility that the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 can be stored at the same time. That is, in the judgment by the storage possibility judgment program, such points can be taken into consideration to judge whether or not the luggage P1, P2 can be stored in the storage section 3. This accommodability determination program is linked to the lock operation program, and when the accommodability determination program is executed and the determination result obtained is accommodability, the lock operation program is executed to unlock the door 4a of the storage unit 3. When the accommodability determination program is executed and the determination result obtained is accommodability, the lock operation program is executed to maintain the door 4a of the storage unit 3 in the locked state.

[0056] The vacant storage section selection program is a program for extracting a storage section that does not contain a package P from among a plurality of storage sections 3. In this embodiment, when a package P for the same recipient is not contained in the storage section 3 (first pattern) and when the storage availability determination program is executed and the determination result obtained is that the package cannot be stored (second pattern), a vacant storage section 3 can be automatically selected. In this embodiment, for both the first and second patterns, the one-time two-dimensional code is read in advance by the reader 2b to obtain the external dimension information of the package P. Therefore, when the vacant storage section selection program is executed by the computer of the control device 2, it extracts a storage section 3 of an appropriate size capable of storing the package P (P1, P2) from among the multiple storage sections 3 that do not store the package P, based on the external dimension information of the package P (P1, P2) and the interior dimension information of each storage section 3 that has been registered in advance. This vacant storage section selection program is linked to the lock operation program, and when a storage section 3 of an appropriate size capable of storing the package P (P1, P2) is extracted, the lock operation program is executed to unlock the door 4a of the storage section 3. This allows the deliveryman D to store the package P (P1, P2) in the storage section 3. Furthermore, when storing the baggage P in the storage section 3, the identification information is input from an input device or the like before the one-time two-dimensional code is read by the reading section 2b. Therefore, in both the first and second patterns, the identification information acquisition process is performed in advance by the identification information storage program. Therefore, the storage section 3 extracted by the empty storage section selection program can be identified by the identification information.

[0057] The alert issuing program is a program for issuing an alert by the alert issuing unit 2d. There are several patterns for issuing an alert, and in this embodiment, as described above, an alert is issued when the door lock unit 17a detects an abnormality (foreign object) and when the determination result by the accommodation feasibility determination program is that accommodation is not possible. The type of alert is not particularly limited and may be an alarm sound, light emission, a display on the display device 2c, a display on the mobile information terminals 24, 26 via the communication unit 11, etc. The issued alert is terminated when the cause of the alert is eliminated. In other words, the alert is terminated when the abnormality (foreign object) detected by the door lock unit 17a is removed, the determination result by the storage possibility determination program is that storage is not possible, and the storage unit 3 is extracted by the vacant storage unit selection program and the door 4a is unlocked. However, if the storage unit 3 cannot be extracted by the vacant storage unit selection program (if there is no vacant storage unit), a message to that effect is displayed on the display device 2c or transmitted to the mobile information terminal 26 of the delivery person D, and the alert is terminated when the delivery person D reads the message.

[0058] The history information acquisition program is a program for acquiring storage history information, which is information indicating that packages P (P1, P2) have been stored in multiple storage sections 3. The storage history information acquired by the history information acquisition program is for all packages P (P1, P2), and the acquired storage history information is stored in the storage section. The storage history information acquired by such a history information acquisition program includes identification information and specific information, but these are copies of the identification information and specific information acquired by the identification information storage program. Furthermore, the storage history information acquired by the history information acquisition program and the identification information and specific information acquired by the identification information storage program are set to be stored in different areas of the memory unit. In other words, the storage history information is stored in the memory unit and is not erased by the identification information erasure program. On the other hand, the identification information and specific information acquired by the identification information storage program are stored in a temporary storage area of ​​the memory unit and are erased by the identification information erasure program. The storage history information acquired by the history information acquisition program includes, in addition to the identification information and specific information, at least information on the date and time when the package P was stored in the storage section 3 and the date and time when the package P was removed from the storage section 3. This makes it possible to confirm information on the recipient, information on the storage section 3 in which the package P was stored, information on the date and time when the package P was stored, and information on the date and time when the package P was removed from the storage history information, thereby improving crime prevention. In addition, in this embodiment, the security is improved by acquiring the storage history information using the history information acquisition program. Alternatively, the security may be improved by installing a security camera. In addition, the storage history information may also include, for example, information related to the contents of the package P, the dimensional information of the package P measured in dimensions, information for identifying the delivery company, and the like.

[0059] 〔Regarding the operation flow of the home delivery locker〕 Each storage unit 3 of the home delivery locker 1 operates as shown in FIG. 4 (see also FIGS. 2A and 2B). That is, first, a package P (the first package P1 or the second package P2) is delivered by the delivery person D. The delivery person D uses the keypad 2a to input the room number, which is the identification information. The room number used is the one described on the delivery note attached to the package P. At this time, the control device 2 receives the identification information input by the delivery person D (step S1).

[0060] When the control device 2 receives the room number as the identification information, it executes an identification information determination program to determine whether there is a storage unit 3 in which the same identification information (room number) is registered among the plurality of storage units 3 (step S2). If there is no storage unit 3 with the same room number registered, the process proceeds to step S3. If there is a storage unit 3 with the same room number registered, the process proceeds to step S10. When proceeding to step S3, the package P delivered by the delivery person D is the first package P1. When proceeding to step S10, the package P delivered by the delivery person D is the second package P2.

[0061] In step S3, the delivery person D holds the first package P1 brought and holds the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on his / her portable information terminal 26 in front of the reading unit 2b so as to store it in any one of the plurality of storage units 3, and the reading unit 2b reads the one-time two-dimensional code and performs authentication. If the one-time two-dimensional code is not authenticated, the lock operation program is not executed and the locked state of the door 4a is maintained. As described above, the one-time two-dimensional code includes information on the weight and external dimensions of the first package P1. Therefore, when the one-time two-dimensional code is held up to the reader 2b, the control device 2 can obtain the weight and external dimension information of the first package P1.

[0062] Next, in step S4, the control device 2 executes an empty storage section selection program to determine whether or not there is an empty storage section 3 that is not being used among the multiple storage sections 3. Then, when the empty storage section selection program is executed in this manner and an empty storage section 3 that is an appropriate size for storing the first baggage P1 is extracted from the multiple storage sections 3, the door 4a of that storage section 3 is unlocked (step S5). The door 4a is unlocked by the control device 2 executing a lock operation program to operate the door lock unit 17a. On the other hand, in step S4, if no storage section 3 of an appropriate size capable of storing the first package P1 is selected from among the multiple storage sections 3, the door 4a of none of the storage sections 3 is unlocked. In other words, the control device 2 does not execute the lock operation program. In this case, redelivery or leaving the package by the delivery person D is confirmed.

[0063] When the door 4a of the storage unit 3 is unlocked, the loading / unloading opening 4 can be opened, and the delivery person D stores the first package P1 in the storage unit 3 through the loading / unloading opening 4. Then, when the first package P1 is stored in the storage section 3, the first package P1 is detected by the package detection sensor 15a (step S6). When the delivery person D stores the first package P1 in the storage section 3, the delivery person D closes the door 4a to block the loading / unloading opening 4.

[0064] When the loading / unloading opening 4 is blocked, the control device 2 executes the lock operation program to operate the door lock unit 17a and lock the door 4a (step S7). At this point, the delivery person D has completed his delivery and leaves the delivery locker 1. If the door 4a is closed to block the loading / unloading opening 4 and the door lock unit 17a detects an abnormality (foreign object) when attempting to lock the door 4a, the control device 2 executes an alert issuing program and issues an alert from the alert issuing unit 2d. When the alert is issued, the delivery person D opens the door 4a and immediately removes the abnormality, and then closes the door 4a again to block the loading / unloading opening 4. If the door 4a is locked by the door lock unit 17a, the alert issuance ends, but if the abnormality is not removed, the alert issuance continues.

[0065] When the door 4a is locked and the storage of the first luggage P1 is completed, the control device 2 executes the identification information storage program and stores the identification information input in step S1 and the identification information identifying the storage section 3 extracted in step S4 in a temporary storage area of ​​the memory unit (step S8). At the same time, the control device 2 executes a history information acquisition program and stores in the memory unit the identification information input in step S1, the specific information identifying the storage section 3 extracted in step S4, and the date and time when the first luggage P1 was stored in the storage section 3 (step S8).

[0066] Next, the control device 2 executes a first dimension information acquisition program, measures the dimensions of the first package P1 stored in the storage section 3 using the dimension measurement sensor 16a, and acquires external dimension information of the first package P1. However, this is not limited to this, and the external dimension information of the first package P1 included in the one-time two-dimensional code may be used. Then, the control device 2 executes an inside dimension calculation program, and calculates inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first baggage P1 is stored, based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first baggage P1 is stored, and the acquired external dimension information of the first baggage P1 (step S9). The calculated inside dimension information of the empty space is stored in a temporary storage area of ​​the storage section.

[0067] After step S9, the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored enters a state of waiting for the first package P1 to be removed by the user U. Note that, at the timing when the storage section 3 enters this standby state for removal, a package reception completion notification including the number and weight of the packages P may be transmitted from the control device 2 to the information terminals 24, 25 of the user U via the communication section 11.

[0068] When the user U takes out the first baggage P1, he / she first inputs his / her own room number, which is identification information, using the keypad 2a. At this time, the control device 2 accepts the identification information input by the user U. When the control device 2 receives the room number as the identification information, it executes an identification information judgment program and judges whether or not there is a container unit 3 among the multiple container units 3 in which the same room number is registered. If there is no storage unit 3 with the same room number registered, the door 4a of none of the storage units 3 is unlocked. In this case, the control device 2 may execute an alert issuing program to issue an alert from the alert issuing unit 2d. If there is a storage section 3 with the same room number registered, the control device 2 executes an identification program and identifies the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored based on the identification information associated with the identification information. Next, the user U holds the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on his / her mobile information terminal 24 over the reader 2b, and when the reader 2b reads the one-time two-dimensional code and is authenticated, the control device 2 executes the lock operation program to operate the door lock unit 17a of the specified storage unit 3 and unlock the door 4a. This allows the loading / unloading opening 4 to be opened, so that the user U can take out the first baggage P1 from the loading / unloading opening 4.

[0069] Next, a case where it is determined in step S2 that there is a storage unit 3 in which the same identification information as the identification information input by the delivery person D is registered will be described. If it is determined that there is a storage unit 3 with the same identification information registered, then the first package P1 for the same recipient (user U) has already been stored in that storage unit 3. Therefore, the package P to be stored in the storage unit 3 here is the second package P2 that was delivered after the first package P1 that has already been stored. After accepting the room number, which is the identification information, in step S2, the control device 2 executes an identification information judgment program, and if it is determined that among the multiple storage units 3, there is a storage unit 3 in which the same identification information as the identification information entered by delivery person D is registered, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0070] In step S10, the control device 2 executes the identification program, and identifies, from among the multiple storage units 3, a storage unit 3 in which the same identification information as the identification information entered by the deliveryman D who delivered the second package P2 is registered, based on the identification information associated with the identification information already stored in the temporary storage area when the first package P1 was stored. In other words, the first package P1 is already stored in that storage unit 3. The identification information of the storage unit 3 identified by the identification program (the alphabet in this embodiment) may be displayed on the display device 2c. Also, the display device 2c may display a message urging the delivery person D to hold the one-time two-dimensional code over the reading unit 2b together with the identification information of the storage unit 3.

[0071] Once the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is being stored has been identified, the delivery person D holds the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on his / her mobile information terminal 26 up to the reading unit 2b in order to store the second package P2 he / she has brought in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is being stored, and the reading unit 2b reads the one-time two-dimensional code and performs authentication (step S11). If the one-time two-dimensional code is not authenticated, the lock operation program is not executed and the door 4a remains locked. As described above, the one-time two-dimensional code includes information on the weight and external dimensions of the second package P2. Therefore, when the one-time two-dimensional code is held up to the reading unit 2b, the control device 2 executes a second dimension information acquisition program and outputs the weight and external dimension information of the second package P2 to the storage unit, thereby acquiring the weight and external dimension information of the second package P2.

[0072] Next, the control device 2 executes a storage feasibility determination program and determines whether the second luggage P2 can be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, based on the interior dimension information of the available space in the storage section 3 calculated when the first luggage P1 is stored, the external dimension information of the first luggage P1, and the external dimension information of the second luggage P2 (step S12).

[0073] As a result of determining whether the second luggage P2 can be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, if the second luggage P2 can be stored, a lock operation program is executed to operate the door lock section 17a and unlock the door 4a in the corresponding storage section 3 (step S13). On the other hand, if, as a result of determining whether the second luggage P2 can be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, it is determined that the second luggage P2 cannot be stored, the door 4a of the corresponding storage section 3 is maintained in a locked state. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S4 to find a new storage section 3 to store the second luggage P2, and the control device 2 executes an empty storage section selection program to determine whether or not there is an unused empty storage section 3 among the multiple storage sections 3. Then, when the vacant storage section selection program is executed in this manner and a storage section 3 that is vacant and of an appropriate size to accommodate the second luggage P2 is selected from the multiple storage sections 3, the door 4a of that storage section 3 is unlocked (step S5), and then, after steps S6 to S9, the process goes into a waiting state for the luggage to be removed. Furthermore, if no storage section 3 capable of storing the second package P2 is extracted, the door 4a of none of the storage sections 3 is unlocked, and redelivery or leaving of the package by the delivery person D is confirmed.

[0074] If the result of determining whether the second package P2 can be accommodated in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored is that the second package P2 cannot be accommodated, the process proceeds to step S4 as described above, and the second package P2 is recognized as the first package P1 and processed. Therefore, the parcel locker 1 includes a first storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored, and a second storage section 3 in which the second package P2 (recognized as another first package P1) is stored. The first receiving section 3 and the second receiving section 3 have the same identification information for identifying the recipient, but the specific information is different because the positions of the receiving sections 3 are different. Since the available space in the first storage section 3 and the second storage section 3 is calculated in step S9, if a third package is delivered, a determination is made as to whether or not it can be accommodated in both the first storage section 3 and the second storage section 3 (step S12).

[0075] When the door 4a of the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored is unlocked in step S13, the delivery person D opens the door 4a to open the access opening 4, and stores the second package P2 through the access opening 4 into the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is already stored. Then, when the second package P2 is stored in the storage unit 3, the package detection sensor 15a detects the first package P1 and the second package P2 (step S14). After storing the second package P2 in the storage section 3, the delivery person D closes the door 4a to block the loading / unloading opening 4.

[0076] When the loading / unloading opening 4 is blocked, the control device 2 executes the lock operation program to operate the door lock unit 17a and lock the door 4a (step S15). At this point, the delivery person D has completed his delivery and leaves the delivery locker 1. If the door lock unit 17a detects an abnormality (foreign object), an alert is issued from the alert issuing unit 2d, and the delivery person D takes the same action as in step S7.

[0077] When the door 4a is locked and the storage of the second luggage P2 is completed, the control device 2 executes the history information acquisition program and stores in the memory unit the identification information input in step S1, the specific information of the storage section 3 identified in step S10, and the date and time when the second luggage P2 was stored in the storage section 3 (step S16).

[0078] Next, the control device 2 executes an inside dimension calculation program, and calculates the inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 are stored, based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 are stored, the external dimension information of the first luggage P1, and the external dimension information of the second luggage P2 (step S17). That is, in step S17, the inside dimension information of the free space required to calculate whether the second luggage P2 can be additionally stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored and further luggage P (third luggage) can be added is calculated. The calculated inside dimension information of the free space is stored in a temporary storage area of ​​the storage section.

[0079] After step S17, the storage section 3 storing the first package P1 and the second package P2 enters a state of waiting for the user U to remove the first package P1 and the second package P2. At the timing of entering this waiting state for removal, a receipt completion notification including the number and weight of the packages P may be transmitted from the control device 2 to the information terminals 24, 25 of the user U via the communication unit 11. The procedure by which the user U picks up the first package P1 and the second package P2 is similar to the procedure for picking up the first package P1 described above.

[0080] After the second luggage P2 has been stored, if additional luggage P (the third luggage or subsequent luggage) is to be stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 are stored, the procedure is repeated from step S1 each time.

[0081] [About the effects] According to this embodiment, the following excellent effects are obtained. That is, by comparing the identification information for identifying the recipient of the first parcel P1 already stored in one of the storage sections 3 with the identification information for identifying the recipient of the second parcel P2 to be stored, and judging whether these identification information are the same, if the identification information is the same, it is determined that the recipient of the first parcel P1 and the recipient of the second parcel P2 are the same. Furthermore, since the identification information for identifying the recipient of the parcel P (P1, P2) stored in one of the storage sections 3 among the multiple storage sections 3 and the identification information for identifying one of the storage sections 3 are stored in correspondence with each other, the storage section 3 in which the first parcel P1 is stored can be identified based on the identification information. Then, since the door 4a of the storage section 3 identified in this way can be unlocked, the identified storage section 3 can store the first parcel P1 and the second parcel P2, which are parcels P for the same recipient. This allows the number of parcels P to be stored to be increased without increasing the number of storage sections 3 in which the parcels P are stored, thereby reducing the number of redeliveries of the parcels P.

[0082] In addition, the inside dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored is calculated based on the inside dimension information of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored and the acquired external dimension information of the first luggage P1. This makes it possible to store the second luggage P2 after understanding the inside dimension information of the free space, and the interior of the storage section 3 can be utilized without waste.

[0083] In addition, based on the calculated information on the inside dimensions of the empty space, the acquired information on the outer dimensions of the first luggage P1, and the acquired information on the outer dimensions of the second luggage P2 before the luggage P2 is accommodated, it is determined whether the second luggage P2 can be accommodated in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is accommodated, and if the result is that the second luggage P2 can be accommodated, the door 4a is unlocked, and if the result is that the second luggage P2 cannot be accommodated, the door 4a is kept locked, so that depending on the information on the outer dimensions of the second luggage P2, the door 4a of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is accommodated may not be opened in the first place. In other words, it is possible to know whether the second luggage P2 can be accommodated in the empty space of the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is accommodated before the second luggage P2 is accommodated, which is highly convenient.

[0084] In addition, when the result of determining whether the second package P2 can be stored in the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored is that storage is not possible, an alert can be issued. Therefore, the delivery person D can recognize that the second package P2 cannot be stored in the empty space of the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored.

[0085] In addition, since the storage unit 3 in which the package P is not stored is automatically extracted from among the plurality of storage units 3, when the packages with the same recipient are not stored in any of the storage units 3, and further when the determination result by the storage availability determination program is that storage is not possible, the storage unit 3 that is not storing the package P and is in an empty state can be automatically extracted, and the storage unit 3 in which the package P will be stored can be secured.

[0086] In addition, by acquiring the storage history information, which is information indicating that the packages P (P1, P2) are stored in the plurality of storage units 3, information such as whether the package P has been reliably stored in the storage unit 3 or whether the package P has been reliably taken out by the recipient can be grasped, so that the crime prevention performance can be improved.

[0087] In recent years, the realization of a decarbonized society by promoting carbon neutrality, which reduces the carbon dioxide emissions to substantially zero, and the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) have been demanded, and various efforts have been made in the construction industry as well. As described above, the delivery locker 1 of the present embodiment can increase the number of packages P stored without increasing the number of storage units 3 in which the package P is stored, and can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the re-delivery of the package P. Therefore, it can contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by promoting carbon neutrality and the achievement of the SDGs.

[0088] 〔Modification Example〕 The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications are described below. The following modifications may be combined as far as possible. In each of the following modifications, elements common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified.

[0089] [Variation 1] The delivery locker 1 of this modified example is installed in a collective housing unit such as an apartment building, an office building, or the like. That is, for example, if the delivery locker 1 is installed in an apartment building, the users U of the delivery locker 1 include the residents of each dwelling unit in the apartment building, and these multiple users U will use the delivery locker 1 randomly. Therefore, in order to facilitate smooth use of the delivery locker 1, a reservation system is introduced in this modified example. In other words, the delivery locker 1 is incorporated into the reservation system, and multiple users U can make reservations for use of multiple storage units 3 by using such a reservation system. Delivery locker 1 may be provided on the grounds of a detached house, in which case multiple users U, including the resident of the house and neighbors, will use delivery locker 1 randomly.

[0090] 5, the reservation system of this modified example comprises a reservation server 20 that comprehensively manages the reservation system, a delivery locker 1 equipped with a plurality of storage compartments 3, user information terminals 24, 25, and delivery staff information terminals 26, 27. The delivery locker 1, user information terminals 24, 25, and delivery staff information terminals 26, 27 are communicatively connected to the reservation server 20 via a communication network N.

[0091] The communication network N in this modification may include various communication networks such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, optical fibers, mobile communication networks, communication satellite lines, CATV lines, and other dedicated lines, as well as an Internet service provider (i.e., the Internet) that connects them. It may also be a collective communication network in which various communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and NFC (Near Field Communication) are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The connection form may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0092] The reservation server 20 is a central management device made up of a PC, a dedicated device, a terminal, etc., and includes a calculation unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The calculation unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are electrically connected via a bus or the like. The reservation server 20 is for allowing a user U, when wishing to use a parcel locker 1, to make a reservation in advance to secure the storage section 3 of the parcel locker 1. By reserving the storage section 3 in advance, it is possible to prevent the storage section 3 from being used by other users, thereby reducing the number of redeliveries of package P by delivery person D.

[0093] The calculation unit 21 of the reservation server 20 is composed of a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU. The CPU of the calculation unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the memory unit 22, expands them in the RAM, executes various processes in accordance with the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operation of each means in the reservation system.

[0094] The storage unit 22 of the reservation server 20 is composed of a non-volatile memory, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the calculation unit 21, various data required for executing the programs, and the like.

[0095] The various programs include a reservation program that reserves a storage section 3 of a parcel locker 1 based on reservation information transmitted from a user information terminal 24, 25, and a reservation cancellation program that cancels the reservation when a package P is removed from the reserved storage section 3. Furthermore, each of the storage sections 3 in the delivery locker 1 is assigned specific information (for example, the alphabets A to H), and the various data stored in the memory section 22 includes data on the specific information assigned to the storage sections 3. This specific information is common to the specific information stored in the memory section of the control device 2. In addition, specific information is assigned to the delivery locker 1 itself, and the reservation system can manage reservations for delivery lockers 1 placed in multiple locations. The various data stored in the storage unit 22 also includes data of a confirmation table for confirming the reservation status of a plurality of storage units 3.

[0096] The communication unit 23 of the reservation server 20 is composed of a communication module and the like. The communication unit 23 is configured to transmit and receive various signals and various data to and from other devices (user information terminals 24, 25, delivery person information terminals 26, 27) connected via the communication network N in a wired or wireless manner.

[0097] The reservation server 20 of this modified example operates as follows. The reservation server 20 executes a reservation program when it receives a request for reserving use of the accommodation unit 3 from a user U who is accessing the reservation server 20. When the reservation program is executed, first, data of a confirmation table displaying the current reservation status is transmitted to the user information terminal 24, 25. The user information terminal 24, 25 is a mobile information terminal 24 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or an information terminal 25 such as a PC, and the confirmation table is displayed on the display unit of the user information terminal 24, 25.

[0098] The user U checks the confirmation table on the user information terminal 24, 25 to confirm which storage units 3 are available for reservation, selects any one of the storage units 3 that are available for reservation, and transmits the reservation information to the reservation server 20 via the user information terminal 24, 25. The reservation information includes user information about the user U himself / herself, specific information about the delivery locker 1 and storage unit 3 to be reserved, and information about the desired date and time of reservation.

[0099] The reservation server 20 receives the reservation information transmitted from the user information terminals 24, 25 via the communication unit 23 and stores it in the storage unit 22. Then, the data in the confirmation table is updated based on each piece of information included in the reservation information. In the confirmation table with the updated data, the accommodation unit 3 reserved by the user U will be shown as reserved for the date and time when the user U made the reservation, and it will be possible to confirm that the unit is in a state where reservations cannot be made by other users. Even if a reservation is made by another user, it will be rejected.

[0100] The reservation server 20 can also be accessed from the delivery person information terminals 26, 27 used by the delivery person D, and the delivery person D can check which storage units 3 have reservations by looking at the confirmation list. Furthermore, the reservation server 20 may be configured to transmit a notification informing the delivery person information terminal 26, 27 of the reservation details at the time when a reservation is made from the user U. In this case, the reservation information includes information specifying the delivery company that will deliver the package P, and information (e.g., an email address) of the delivery person information terminal 26, 27 to which the notification is to be sent. The delivery person information terminals 26, 27 are mobile information terminals 26 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or information terminals 27 such as a PC. The mobile information terminal 26 is used by delivery person D, and the information terminal 27 is managed by the delivery company to which delivery person D belongs. The mobile information terminal 26 and the information terminal 27 are connected to be able to communicate with each other, and share information.

[0101] Furthermore, when the user U removes the luggage P stored in the reserved storage section 3, the luggage detection sensor 15a provided in the storage section 3 no longer detects the luggage P. When the luggage detection sensor 15a no longer detects the luggage P, the reservation server 20 executes a reservation cancellation program. When the reservation cancellation program is executed, the data in the confirmation table is updated and the reservation of the accommodation unit 3 that was reserved up until that point is cancelled. On the confirmation table, it becomes possible to confirm that the accommodation unit 3 is now available for reservation.

[0102] It should be noted that the user U is not necessarily aware of the delivery of the package P. For example, there may be packages that the user U is not aware of, such as midyear and year-end gifts, presents, etc. The delivery person D is aware that the package P is a package P that the user U is not aware of, so when delivering such a package P, the delivery person D notifies the user U's user information terminal 24, 25 of the delivery schedule of the package P in advance. Upon receiving the notification of the delivery schedule, the user U accesses the reservation server 20 to make a reservation for the accommodation unit 3. The reservation server 20 then receives the reservation for the accommodation unit 3 by the user U and updates the confirmation table. The delivery person D can check which storage section 3 has been reserved by looking at the updated confirmation sheet or by receiving a notification informing him of the reservation details, and then delivers the package P according to the reservation details.

[0103] The reservation information may also include information on the outer dimensions of the luggage P to be stored in the storage section 3. In this case, the control device 2 executes an inner dimension calculation program to calculate the inner dimension information of the free space in the storage section 3 based on the preregistered inner dimension information of the storage section 3 and the outer dimension information of the luggage P to be stored. This makes it possible to make a reservation for storing a subsequent luggage P (second luggage P2) in a storage section 3 that has a reservation for storing a previous luggage P (first luggage P1). That is, when making a reservation for storing the subsequent luggage P (second luggage P2), the control device 2 executes a storage feasibility determination program to determine whether the subsequent luggage P (second luggage P2) can be stored. Furthermore, it is possible to make a reservation for storing the subsequent luggage P (second luggage P2) in a storage section 3 that already contains the first luggage P1. In addition, the control device 2 may execute an available storage section selection program and extract a storage section 3 of an appropriate size capable of accommodating the reserved luggage P from among the multiple storage sections 3 that do not accommodate luggage P, based on the external dimension information of the luggage P included in the reservation information and the interior dimension information of each storage section 3 that has been registered in advance. In other words, as long as the external dimension information of the luggage P (P1, P2) can be obtained in advance, the functions of the various programs stored in the memory unit of the control device 2 make it possible to make arrangements to store multiple luggage P in the same storage unit 3 even at the reservation stage.

[0104] In this manner, the container 3 can be reserved.

[0105] [Modification 2] In the above-described embodiment, the control device 2 calculates the internal dimension information of the empty space in the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored, and further, based on the internal dimension information of the empty space, the external dimension information of the first package P1, and the external dimension information of the second package P2, determines whether the second package P2 can be stored in the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored. In contrast, in this modified example, the control device 2 calculates the internal dimension information of the empty space in the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored, and displays the calculated internal dimension information of the empty space on the display device 2c. That is, the home delivery locker 1 of this modified example includes the display device 2c of the control device 2 as internal dimension display means for displaying the internal dimension information of the empty space of the storage unit 3 calculated by executing the internal dimension calculation program.

[0106] Also, in this modified example, it is assumed that the determination as to whether the second package P2 can be stored in the empty space of the storage unit 3 is made by the delivery person D. That is, the delivery person D who has come to deliver the second package P2 first inputs identification information to store the second package P2. Here, when it is determined that there is a storage unit 3 in which the same identification information as the identification information input by the delivery person D is registered, the internal dimension information of the empty space in that storage unit 3 is displayed on the display device 2c.

[0107] Subsequently, the delivery person D checks the internal dimension information of the empty space displayed on the display device 2c and determines whether the second package P2 he / she is carrying can be stored. If the determination result by the delivery person D is that it can be stored, the delivery person D holds the one-time two-dimensional code displayed on his / her portable information terminal 26 in front of the reading unit 2b to store the second package P2 he / she has brought into the storage unit 3 in which the first package P1 is stored, and the reading unit 2b reads the one-time two-dimensional code for authentication. As a result, the access opening 4 of the storage unit 3 can be opened, and the second package P2 can be stored in the storage unit 3.

[0108] If the result of the determination made by the delivery person D is that the parcel cannot be stored, the control device 2 must execute an available storage section selection program to extract a storage section 3 that can store the second package P2. In this modified example, the available storage section selection program can be executed by, for example, entering a predetermined password from the keypad 2a. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, a one-time two-dimensional code requesting the execution of the available storage section selection program may be displayed on the display unit of the mobile information terminal 26, and the available storage section selection program may be executed by reading this code with the reading unit 2b.

[0109] According to this modification, by displaying the calculated information on the inside dimensions of the available space on the display device 2c, the delivery person D can determine whether the second package P2 can be accommodated in the storage section 3 in which the first package P1 is stored. As a result, even if the package P has a size that is determined to be mathematically impossible to accommodate, the delivery person D can accommodate the package P in the storage section 3 by devising a way to put the package P into the storage section 3 or by appropriately changing the orientation of the package P based on his or her experience.

[0110] [Modification 3] In the above embodiment, the inside of the storage section 3 is not partitioned, so that when the second luggage P2 is stored, the first luggage P1 can be seen and immediately picked up. In contrast, each of the multiple storage units 3 in the delivery locker 1 of this modified example has a partition device 6 for dividing the interior into multiple spaces, as shown in Fig. 6. In this modified example, the partition device 6 can divide the storage unit 3 into a space on the front side and a space on the rear side in the depth direction. In addition, a first loading / unloading opening 4 for loading and unloading luggage P is formed on the front panel portion 3d of each storage section 3, and a second loading / unloading opening 5 for loading and unloading luggage P is formed on the rear panel portion 3e.

[0111] The first loading / unloading opening 4 is opened and closed by a first door 4a. As shown in Fig. 7, the first door 4a is provided with a first door locking portion 17a for locking and unlocking the first door 4a. The first door locking unit 17a receives power from a power supply device (not shown). The front panel 3d is provided with a strike on which the first door locking unit 17a hooks. That is, the first door locking unit 17a is an electric lock that electrically locks and unlocks the door, and can be locked and unlocked by accepting an operation by the user U or the delivery person D.

[0112] The second access opening 5 is opened and closed by a second door 5a. As shown in Fig. 7, the second door 5a is provided with a second door locking portion 17b for locking and unlocking the second door 5a. The second door locking unit 17b receives power from a power supply device (not shown). The back panel 3e is provided with a strike on which the second door locking unit 17b hooks. In other words, the second door locking unit 17b is an electric lock that electrically locks and unlocks the door, and can be locked or unlocked by accepting an operation by the user U or the delivery person D.

[0113] The first door lock section 17a for locking and unlocking the first door 4a and the second door lock section 17b for locking and unlocking the second door 5a can be operated by the control device 2 executing a lock operation program.

[0114] The partition device 6 is attached to the lower surface of the top panel portion 3b of the storage section 3, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. Such a partition device 6 includes a shutter 6a serving as a partition, a shutter storage section 6b, a rotating roller 6c, and a guide rail 6d.

[0115] The shutter 6a is for dividing the inside of the storage section 3 into a front side and a rear side from the center in the depth direction, and is made of a plurality of metal plates connected together in a blind shape. 3, the shutter 6a of this modified example can be operated by the shutter drive unit 12, and deploys downward when dividing the inside of the storage unit 3, and returns to its original position when not dividing the inside of the storage unit 3. The shutter drive unit 12 receives power from a power supply device (not shown).

[0116] As shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the shutter 6a, which is located at the lowest end when it divides the inside of the storage section 3, is provided with a shutter lock section 13 for locking and unlocking the shutter 6a. Although not shown, the shutter lock section 13 of this modified example is a hook-type lock, and a striker for receiving the lock is provided on the bottom plate section 3a of the storage section 3. The shutter lock section 13 receives power from a power supply device (not shown). The shutter lock section 13 and the control device 2 constitute the partition body locking means.

[0117] The shutter storage section 6b is a housing for storing the shutter 6a inside, and a shutter entrance through which the shutter 6a is inserted and removed is formed at the rear end. The shutter storage section 6b is disposed close to the front end of the top panel section 3b. The shutter entrance is located exactly in the center of the storage section 3 in the depth direction. The shutter entrance opens downward, and the shutter 6a is deployed downward when the partition is closed.

[0118] A rotating roller 6c is provided inside the shutter storage section 6b, and the shutter 6a is guided by this rotating roller 6c. The rotating roller 6c is provided from one end to the other end in the width direction of the shutter storage section 6b, and the shutter 6a is placed on top of the rotating roller 6c. More specifically, the shutter 6a is arranged horizontally inside the shutter storage section 6b, and needs to be turned vertically when deployed downward. Therefore, a rotating roller 6c is provided inside the shutter storage section 6b to change the orientation of the shutter 6a from the horizontal state to the vertical state. Inside the shutter storage section 6b, a guide rail is provided to hold the shutter 6a in a horizontal state and to guide the movement of the shutter 6a when it is deployed.

[0119] In addition, a guide rail 6d for guiding the up and down movement of the shutter 6a is provided directly below the shutter entrance of the shutter 6a. The guide rails 6d are attached to the inner surfaces of the side plate portions 3c located on both sides in the width direction of the storage section 3. That is, the guide rails 6d are provided on both sides in the width direction of the storage section 3, and the shutter 6a is positioned between both the guide rails 6d.

[0120] The storage unit 3 configured as above further includes various sensors for detecting the internal conditions. The operation of the storage unit 3 is centrally controlled by a control device 2 shown in Fig. 3. Although not shown, the control device 2 further includes a keypad 2a, a reading unit 2b, a display device 2c, and an alert issuing unit 2d, similar to the above embodiment.

[0121] The control device 2 is communicatively connected to the shutter drive unit 12, the shutter lock unit 13, the first door lock unit 17a, and the second door lock unit 17b in the partition device 6, and is capable of transmitting control signals. Furthermore, the control device 2 is communicatively connected to various sensors, and is capable of receiving signals or data of the detection results from the various sensors. That is, the control device 2 can control the shutter drive unit 12, the shutter lock unit 13, the first door lock unit 17a, and the second door lock unit 17b based on the detection results of the various sensors. Moreover, the control device 2 stores various programs and various data required for controlling the operation of the partition device 6 in a storage unit.

[0122] The various sensors include a first luggage detection sensor 15a, a second luggage detection sensor 15b, a first dimension measurement sensor 16a, and a second dimension measurement sensor 16b. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs, such as when a foreign object is caught and the lock cannot be performed, or when the lock cannot be released due to a malfunction, the shutter lock unit 13, the first door lock unit 17a, and the second door lock unit 17b can transmit an abnormality detection signal (foreign object detection signal) to the control device 2. For this reason, the shutter lock unit 13, the first door lock unit 17a, and the second door lock unit 17b may also be included in the various sensors.

[0123] In this modification, weight sensors are employed as the first baggage detection sensor 15a and the second baggage detection sensor 15b, and when the weight of the baggage P is detected, the detection signal can be transmitted to the control device 2. Note that the information transmitted to the control device 2 may include weight measurement data indicating a specific weight value. The first luggage detection sensor 15a is positioned on the front side of the bottom panel portion 3a relative to the center in the depth direction, and the second luggage detection sensor 15b is positioned on the rear side of the bottom panel portion 3a relative to the center in the depth direction. Therefore, when the baggage P is stored in the storage section 3 on the front side rather than the center in the depth direction, a detection signal is transmitted from the first baggage detection sensor 15a to the control device 2. When the baggage P is stored in the storage section 3 on the rear side rather than the center in the depth direction, a detection signal is transmitted from the second baggage detection sensor 15b to the control device 2. In addition, there may be cases where the size of the stored luggage P is large and the interior of the storage section 3 is filled with one luggage P. In the case of such a large-sized luggage P, the first luggage detection sensor 15a and the second luggage detection sensor 15b detect the luggage P simultaneously.

[0124] In this modification, the first dimension measuring sensor 16a and the second dimension measuring sensor 16b are length measuring sensors, and after the weight of the luggage P is detected by the first baggage detection sensor 15a and the second baggage detection sensor 15b, the dimensions of the luggage P are measured. Then, dimensional data indicating the dimensional measurement results can be transmitted to the control device 2. The first dimension measuring sensor 16a is disposed on the front side of the center of the storage section 3 in the depth direction, and the second dimension measuring sensor 16b is disposed on the rear side of the center of the storage section 3 in the depth direction. Therefore, when the package P is stored in the storage section 3 on the front side rather than the center in the depth direction, the first dimension measuring sensor 16a transmits dimensional data to the control device 2. When the package P is stored in the storage section 3 on the rear side rather than the center in the depth direction, the second dimension measuring sensor 16b transmits dimensional data to the control device 2. The signal data received from the first dimension measuring sensor 16 a and the second dimension measuring sensor 16 b are stored in the memory unit of the control device 2 . In addition, when a large-sized piece of luggage P is stored inside the storage section 3, the dimensional data from the first dimension measuring sensor 16a and the dimensional data from the second dimension measuring sensor 16b may be added together to form a single dimensional data. Further, in this modified example, length measuring sensors are used for the first dimension measuring sensor 16a and the second dimension measuring sensor 16b, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, image analysis using camera photography may be used.

[0125] The control device 2 is connected to a communication unit 11 constituted by a communication module or the like, and can control the first door 4a and the second door 5a based on an operation signal from an external information terminal via the communication unit 11. The external information terminals refer to a portable information terminal 24 used by a user U who receives the package P, and a portable information terminal 26 used by a delivery person D who delivers the package P.

[0126] The operations of the shutter drive unit 12 and the shutter lock unit 13 are all performed automatically under the control of the control device 2. That is, the shutter 6a divides the inside of the storage unit 3 into a front side and a rear side in the depth direction. Therefore, after a baggage P is stored on the front side or rear side in the depth direction inside the storage unit 3 and the first baggage detection sensor 15a or the second baggage detection sensor 15b detects it, the closing operation of the shutter 6a is started. Alternatively, when the luggage P stored inside the storage section 3 is removed and there is nothing inside, the first luggage detection sensor 15a and the second luggage detection sensor 15b no longer detect the luggage P, which triggers the shutter 6a to start opening. Furthermore, if the shutter lock unit 13 is unable to lock after the shutter 6a has been closed, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the control device 2. If the shutter lock unit 13 cannot lock and the shutter 6a does not close, the second package P cannot be accommodated, and therefore the unlocking operation of the first door lock unit 17a or the second door lock unit 17b from the mobile information terminal 26 of the delivery person D can be rejected. In addition, when the size of the stored luggage P is large and the inside of the storage section 3 is filled with one luggage P, the shutter 6a is controlled not to lower. In other words, when the first luggage detection sensor 15a and the second luggage detection sensor 15b simultaneously detect the luggage P, the control device 2 controls so that the shutter 6a does not lower.

[0127] The storage of the luggage P (P1, P2) in the storage section 3 configured as above is performed in the same procedure as in the above embodiment (see FIG. 4). The partition device 6 of this modified example is set to operate following step S7. That is, in step S6, the first package P1 is stored in the storage section 3 and detected by the first package detection sensor 15a (or the second package detection sensor 15b). Then, in step S7, the delivery person D closes the door 4a to block the loading / unloading opening 4, and when the door 4a is locked, the control device 2 controls the shutter drive unit 12 to start the closing operation of the shutter 6a. Then, when the shutter 6a is completely closed, the control device 2 controls the shutter lock unit 13 to lock the shutter 6a.

[0128] The first luggage P1 may be stored on the front side or the back side in the depth direction of the storage section 3. Since luggage detection sensors 15a, 15b are provided in both sides, no matter which side the first luggage P1 is stored in, the inside is divided by the shutter 6a, and the side not storing the first luggage P1 becomes the storage space for the second luggage P2. In addition, the loading / unloading opening through which the first luggage P1 is accommodated may be the first loading / unloading opening 4 or the second loading / unloading opening 5.

[0129] Since the storage space for the second luggage P2 is determined when the inside of the storage section 3 is partitioned by the shutter 6a, the inside dimension calculation program is not executed in this modified example. That is, in this modified example, steps S9 and S17 are omitted from the flow shown in FIG.

[0130] According to this modification, the first luggage P1, which has already been stored in the storage section 3, can be shielded by the shutter 6a, and the shutter 6a can be locked by the shutter lock section 13. This improves crime prevention when the second luggage P2 is stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, and also protects the luggage when one or both of the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 are luggage that cannot be stacked. Furthermore, since the first luggage P1 is not visible when the second luggage P2 is stored, privacy is also protected.

[0131] [Modification 4] Each of the multiple storage sections 3 in the delivery locker 1 of this modified example has a partition device 7 for dividing the interior into multiple spaces, as shown in Fig. 8. In this modified example, the partition device 7 can divide the storage section 3 into upper and lower spaces. Moreover, in the storage section 3 of this modified example, the loading / unloading opening 4 is formed only in the front plate portion 3d. The partition device 7 includes a movable shelf board 8 serving as a partition, and a shutter 9 serving as a closing body provided on the lower surface of the movable shelf board 8 for partially closing the loading / unloading opening 4.

[0132] The movable shelf board 8 has a shelf board main body, a rack rail 8a, a pinion gear (not shown), and a gear drive section (not shown). The shutter 9 also has a shutter main body, a shutter storage section 9a, a rotating roller 9b, a shutter drive section (not shown), and a shutter lock section.

[0133] The shelf body is a plate that moves up and down within the storage section 3 by a lifting means such as rack rails 8a, and is disposed horizontally between the bottom panel 3a and the top panel 3b. When no luggage P is stored therein, this shelf body is disposed in a state where it is pressed up against the lower surface of the top panel 3b. When luggage P (P1) is placed on the bottom panel 3a, it descends to near the center in the vertical direction, and can divide the storage section 3 into upper and lower sections.

[0134] The rack rail 8a, the pinion gear, and the gear drive unit that constitute the lifting means constitute a so-called rack and pinion system. That is, the pinion gear is configured to be rotationally driven by the gear drive unit, and is provided on the movable shelf board 8 side. On the other hand, the rack rails 8a with which the pinion gears engage are attached to the inner surfaces of the side plate portions 3c located on both sides of the storage section 3 in the width direction. The gear drive unit is connected to the control device 2 so as to be able to communicate with it, and the gear drive unit can be operated to rotate the pinion gear by operating the control device 2. The pinion gear can rotate forward and backward, which allows the movable shelf 8 to move up and down. The mechanism for raising and lowering the movable shelf 8 is not limited to such a rack and pinion system, and other mechanisms may be used.

[0135] The rack rails 8a are provided between the upper ends and the vertical center of the side plate portions 3c located on both sides in the width direction of the storage unit 3. In other words, the movable range of the shelf body is from the lower surface of the top plate portion 3b to near the vertical center of the storage unit 3. In this modified example, the shelf body has a basic position when it is brought close to the underside of the top panel portion 3b, and when dividing the storage section 3, it descends to near the vertical center of the storage section 3. However, this is not limited to this, and the basic position may be when it is brought close to the upper surface of the bottom panel portion 3a, and after the cargo P (P1) is placed on the upper surface of the shelf body, it may rise to near the vertical center of the storage section 3 to divide the storage section 3 into upper and lower sections.

[0136] The shutter body can be operated by the shutter drive unit, and deploys downward when blocking part of the loading / unloading opening 4, and returns to its original position when not dividing the inside of the storage unit 3. The shutter drive unit receives power from a power supply unit (not shown). The tip portion located at the lowest end of the shutter body is equipped with a shutter lock portion for locking and unlocking the shutter body. Although not shown, the shutter lock portion of this modified example is a hook-type lock, and a strike for receiving the lock is provided on the bottom plate portion 3a of the storage portion 3. The shutter lock portion receives power from a power supply device not shown.

[0137] The shutter storage section 9a is a housing for storing the shutter body inside, and a shutter entrance through which the shutter body is inserted and removed is formed at the front end. The shutter storage section 9a is disposed close to the front end of the shelf body of the movable shelf 8. The shutter entrance is located just at the front side of the storage section 3 in the depth direction. The shutter entrance opens downward, and the shutter body is deployed downward when the loading / unloading opening 4 is closed.

[0138] A rotating roller 9b is provided inside the shutter storage section 9a, and the shutter body is guided from a horizontal state to a vertical state by this rotating roller 9b. The rotating roller 9b is provided from one end to the other end in the width direction of the shutter storage section 9a, and the shutter body is placed on top of the rotating roller 9b. Inside the shutter storage section 9a, a guide rail is provided to hold the shutter body in a horizontal state and to guide the movement of the shutter body when it is deployed.

[0139] The storage of the luggage P (P1, P2) in the storage section 3 configured as above is performed in the same procedure as in the above embodiment (see FIG. 4). The partition device 7 of this modified example is set to operate following step S7. That is, in step S6, the first package P1 is stored in the storage section 3 and detected by the package detection sensor 15a, and then, in step S7, when the delivery person D closes the door 4a to block the loading / unloading opening 4 and the door 4a is locked, the control device 2 controls the movable shelf 8 to lower the shelf body to near the center in the vertical direction of the storage section 3. Next, the control device 2 controls the shutter drive unit to start the closing operation of the shutter body of the shutter 9. That is, the shutter body is deployed downward. Then, when the shutter body is completely closed, the control device 2 controls the shutter lock unit to lock the shutter body.

[0140] The storage space for the second luggage P2 is the space between the shelf body and the top panel portion 3b, and since the storage space is determined when the interior of the storage section 3 is divided into upper and lower parts by the movable shelf 8, the inside dimension calculation program is not executed in this modified example. That is, in this modified example, steps S9 and S17 are omitted from the flow shown in Fig. 4. However, this is not the case when control is performed to vary the height position of the shelf body according to the height dimension of the first luggage P1.

[0141] According to this modification, the first luggage P1, which has already been stored in the storage section 3, can be shielded by the shutter 9, and the shutter 9 can be locked by the shutter lock section. This improves crime prevention when the second luggage P2 is stored in the storage section 3 in which the first luggage P1 is stored, and also protects the luggage when one or both of the first luggage P1 and the second luggage P2 are luggage that cannot be stacked. Furthermore, since the first luggage P1 is not visible when the second luggage P2 is stored, privacy is also protected.

[0142] [Modification 5] The delivery locker 1 of this modified example is used as a receiving facility for receiving packages P delivered by a delivery company, but is not limited to this and may also be used when a user U requests a delivery company to collect a package. In that case, the positions of the user U and the delivery person D are reversed in the procedure for using the delivery locker 1 as described above.

[0143] [Modification 6] The storage unit 3 in the delivery locker 1 of this modified example has thin vacuum insulation panels built into its housing and door. In other words, the storage unit 3 has high insulation performance and can maintain the internal temperature within a constant range for a long period of time even without a power source. This makes it possible for the storage unit 3 to receive parcels that require temperature control, such as fresh foods, industrial products, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the storage unit 3 may have ice packs built into its housing and door. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1. Delivery Locker 2. Control device 2a Keypad 2b Reading section 2c display device 2d Alert section 3. Storage section 4 Access port 4a Door 15a Luggage detection sensor 16a Dimensional measurement sensor 17a Door lock section

Claims

1. In a parcel locker having a plurality of storage compartments for storing delivered parcels, an identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying a recipient of a package stored in any one of the storage sections and identification information for identifying any one of the storage sections in association with each other; an identification information determination means for comparing identification information for identifying a recipient of a first package, which is a package already stored in any of the storage sections, with identification information for identifying a recipient of a second package, which is a package to be stored in the future, and determining whether these pieces of identification information are identical; an identification means for identifying a storage section in which the first piece of luggage is stored based on the identification information when the identification information is identical as a result of the determination by the identification information determination means; and a lock operation means for locking or unlocking doors for opening and closing the baggage loading and unloading openings of the plurality of storage compartments, A parcel locker, characterized in that the lock operation means unlocks the door of the storage unit identified by the identification means.

2. The parcel locker according to claim 1, The inside dimension information of each of the plurality of storage sections is registered in advance, A first dimension information acquisition means for acquiring external dimension information of the first package; A parcel locker further comprising an interior dimension calculation means for calculating interior dimension information of the free space in the storage section in which the first package is stored, based on interior dimension information of the storage section in which the first package is stored and external dimension information of the first package.

3. The parcel locker according to claim 2, A second dimension information acquisition means for acquiring external dimension information of the second baggage before it is accommodated; and an accommodation feasibility determination means for determining whether the second item can be accommodated in the accommodation section in which the first item is accommodated, based on the inside dimension information of the empty space calculated by the inside dimension calculation means, the outside dimension information of the first item, and the outside dimension information of the second item, The lock operation means unlocks the door when the determination result by the storage feasibility determination means is that storage is possible, and maintains the door in a locked state when the determination result by the storage feasibility determination means is that storage is not possible.

4. The parcel locker according to claim 3, The parcel locker further comprises an alert issuing means for issuing an alert when the determination result by the storage possibility determination means is that storage is impossible.

5. The parcel locker according to claim 3, This parcel locker is characterized in that it further comprises an empty storage section selection means for automatically extracting an empty storage section that does not contain any parcels from among the plurality of storage sections.

6. The parcel locker according to claim 2, A parcel locker further comprising an inside dimension display means for displaying the inside dimension information of the available space calculated by the inside dimension calculation means.

7. The parcel locker according to claim 1, This parcel locker is characterized by further comprising a history information acquisition means for acquiring storage history information which is information indicating that parcels have been stored in the multiple storage sections.

8. The parcel locker according to claim 1, The plurality of storage sections each have a partition device for dividing the interior into a plurality of spaces, The partition device of this parcel locker is characterized in that it comprises a partition body that divides and closes the inside of the storage section, and a partition body locking means for locking and unlocking the partition body.

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