Locking device and storage device

Abstract

To provide a locking device and a storage apparatus that can be easily unlocked even when luggage is excessively packed into a storage section.SOLUTION: The locking device comprises: a lever lock plate 25 that, in a locked state, restricts a first switching operation (first restriction); a first solenoid 22 that drives first restriction means in order to implement or release the first restriction; a hook 26 that is operable between a closed position at which a door 12 is held in a closed state, and an open position at which the hold is released; a locking lever 27 that, in a locked state, restricts operation of the hook 26 from the closed position to the open position (second restriction); a second solenoid 23 that drives the locking lever 27 in order to implement or release the second restriction; and a switching lever 24 that can forcibly drive the first switching operation and second restriction means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device capable of performing a first switching operation of switching from a locked state in which a door of a storage unit capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation of switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, and a storage device including such a locking device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a storage device for temporarily storing and storing a user's luggage, a locker device installed in a station building of a railway vehicle and a delivery box installed in an apartment house or the like are widely used. The storage device includes a storage unit capable of storing luggage, a door for opening and closing the storage unit, and a locking device for locking or unlocking the door. As the locking device, for example, an electric locking device described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] The electric locking device includes a lock portion rotatable between a locking angle for locking the door of the storage unit and an unlocking angle for unlocking the door, a regulating means for regulating the rotation of the lock member from the locking angle to the unlocking angle, and a solenoid for operating the regulating means. In a state where the door is locked, the solenoid is not energized, and the regulating means restricts the rotation of the lock member. On the other hand, when the solenoid is energized, the restriction is released, and the lock member can rotate from the locking angle to the unlocking angle. That is, the door is in an unlocked state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally known locking devices had the following problems. When the storage section was overloaded with luggage, the door was pressed in the opening direction. As a result, the hook of the door applied a load to the regulating means and the solenoid via the locking member, which might inhibit the operation of the regulating means and thus the operation of the solenoid. If the operation of the solenoid was inhibited, the regulation of the locking member by the regulating means was not released, and there was a risk that the user of the storage device could not open the door.

[0006] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a locking device and a storage device that can be easily unlocked even when the storage section is overloaded with luggage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the locking device of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] (1) In a locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which a door of a storage section capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, a first regulating means for regulating (first regulation) the first switching operation in the locked state, a first driving means for driving the first regulating means to implement or release the first regulation, a locking member operable between a closed position for holding the door in a closed state and an open position for releasing the holding, a second regulating means for regulating (second regulation) the movement of the locking member from the closed position to the open position in the locked state, a second driving means for driving the second regulating means to implement or release the second regulation, and a manual lever capable of forcibly driving the first switching operation and the second regulating means.

[0009] (2) In the locking device described in (1), it is preferable to include detection means for detecting the release of the second regulation, a control device for controlling the locking device, the control device issues a command to release the second regulation by operating the second driving means after releasing the first regulation by operating the first driving means, and when the detection means does not detect the release of the second regulation even after a predetermined time has elapsed after releasing the first regulation, a control program is provided to notify the manual lever to forcibly perform the first switching operation.

[0010] Also, in order to solve the above problems, the storage device of the present invention has the following configuration. (3) It is characterized by including the locking device described in (1) or (2).

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the locking device or storage device of the present invention, even when the storage unit is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The locker device 1 (an example of a storage device) according to an embodiment of the storage device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the locker device 1. FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the locker device 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of part A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3, showing the state where the door 12 is in the locked state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of the locking device 20, showing the state where the restriction of the switching lever 24 is released. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of the locking device 20, showing the state where the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position and the door 12 is in the unlocked state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of the locking device 20, showing the state where the door 12 is opened.

[0014] (Regarding the configuration of the locker device) The locker device 1 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, within a railway station building and is used to temporarily store and preserve luggage. As shown in FIG. 1, the locker device 1 includes a plurality of storage units 10 capable of accommodating the luggage of users. Specifically, for example, two sets of structures each having a total of 10 storage units 10 arranged in 5 rows and 2 columns are disposed with an operation unit 30 interposed therebetween. Note that the number of the storage units 10 is merely an example and can be increased or decreased as required. Also, in the present embodiment, the widths of the frontages of the plurality of storage units 10 are all the same, but this is also merely an example, and different widths of the frontages may be provided.

[0015] On the front surface of each storage unit 10, a door 12 that can be independently opened and closed for each storage unit 10 is provided. The door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the left side with respect to the operation unit 30 is configured to open to the left side in the drawing by pulling a handle 122, and the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the right side with respect to the operation unit 30 is configured to open to the right side in the drawing by pulling the handle 122. Also, for the left-opening door 12, a locking device 20 for setting the door 12 in a locked state or an unlocked state is provided on the right-side frame 11 of the door 12. On the other hand, for the left side of the right-opening door 12, the locking device 20 is provided on the left-side frame of the door 12. Note that the configuration of the locking device 20 will be described later.

[0016] Also, in the locker device 1, an operation unit 30 is provided between a pair of left and right two sets of locker assemblies, and a user can deposit, retrieve, and perform settlement processing of luggage in each storage unit 10 by operating this operation unit 30. Note that in the present embodiment, a storage unit 10 is also provided below the operation unit 30, and it may be used as a space for storing maintenance tools for administrators or the like.

[0017] The operation unit 30 is provided with, for example, a display unit 32 composed of a touch panel or the like, a printer 38 for printing receipts for usage certification, an IC card reader 40 capable of reading an IC tag built in an IC card, and the like. Here, the IC card is, for example, one capable of performing electronic money settlement such as a transportation IC card.

[0018] (Regarding the locking device) The locking device 20 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 21. Inside the case 21, mainly, a first solenoid 22 (an example of a first driving means), a second solenoid 23 (an example of a second driving means), a switching lever 24 (an example of a manual lever), a lever lock plate 25 (an example of a first regulating means), a hook 26 (an example of a locking member), a locking lever 27 (an example of a second regulating means), an opening / closing switch lever 28, a first switch 41, a second switch 42 (an example of a detecting means), and a third switch 43 are incorporated. In FIGS. 4 to 7, the second switch 42 and the third switch 43 are located overlapping in the depth direction in the drawing.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking device 20 includes a green LED 45 that emits green light and an orange LED 46 that emits orange light in order to display the usage state of the storage unit 10. In FIG. 2, what is visible on the exterior is a lens member that covers the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is built inside the lens member.

[0020] The first solenoid 22 is configured such that the plunger 221 protrudes from the frame 222 when the energization is stopped, and the plunger 221 retracts into the frame 222 when energized. A lever lock plate 25 is connected to the tip of the plunger 221, and the lever lock plate 25 is rotated about the rotation axis 251 as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts.

[0021] The lever lock plate 25 is provided with a regulating portion 252 for regulating the operation of the switching lever 24, and is rotated between a regulating position for regulating the operation of the switching lever 24 by the regulating portion 252 and a releasing position for releasing the regulation by the regulating portion 252. The lever lock plate 25 shown in FIG. 4 is in a state of being located at the regulating position, and the lever lock plate 25 shown in FIGS. 5 - 7 is in a state of being located at the releasing position.

[0022] A third switch 43 is provided in the vicinity of the lever lock plate 25. When the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the regulating position to the releasing position, the regulating portion 252 presses the lever 431 of the third switch 43 to turn on the third switch 43. On the other hand, when the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the releasing position to the regulating position, the regulating portion 252 separates from the third switch 43 and turns it off. By the ON / OFF operation of this third switch 43, it is possible to detect whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the regulating position or the releasing position.

[0023] The switching lever 24 is a lever for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state of the door 12, and is rotatable between a locking position for locking the door 12 and an unlocking position for unlocking the door 12 about the rotation axis 241. Note that the switching lever 24 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is in a state of being located at the locking position, and the switching lever 24 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is in a state of being located at the unlocking position.

[0024] The switching lever 24 is provided with a lock pin 244. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the switching lever 24 is at the locking position and the lever lock plate 25 is at the regulating position, even if an attempt is made to rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocking position, the regulating portion 252 of the lever lock plate 25 is located on the advancing path of the lock pin 244, so the switching lever 24 cannot be rotated to the unlocking position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the lever lock plate 25 is at the releasing position, the regulating portion 252 retracts from the advancing path of the lock pin 244, so that the switching lever 24 can be rotated to the unlocking position.

[0025] Further, the switching lever 24 is provided with a convex portion 243 for turning on the second switch 42. When the switching lever 24 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position, the convex portion 243 approaches the second switch 42, pressing the lever 421 of the second switch 42 to turn on the second switch 42. On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the convex portion 243 moves away from the second switch 42, turning it off. By the ON / OFF operation of this second switch 42, it is possible to detect whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0026] Of the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the switching lever 24, the end that protrudes from the case is a knob portion 242 used for manually operating the switching lever 24. In the locking device 20 according to the present embodiment, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, the user can grasp the knob portion 242 and rotate it to the locked position. Then, with the rotation axis 241 interposed therebetween, the end on the side opposite to the knob portion 242 is connected to the plunger 231 of the second solenoid 23 located below via a connecting bar 44.

[0027] The second solenoid 23 is configured such that the plunger 231 protrudes from the frame 232 when the energization is stopped, and the plunger 231 retracts into the frame 232 when energized. Since the switching lever 24 is connected to the plunger 221 by the connecting bar 44, the switching lever 24 rotates between the locked position and the unlocked position around the rotation axis 251 as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts.

[0028] The hook 26 is provided with an engaging portion 261 that engages with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12. Further, the hook 26 is provided with a rotation axis 262 above the engaging portion 261, and the hook 26 rotates between a closed position where the engaging portion 261 and the door-side hook 121 are engaged and an open position where the engaging portion 261 releases the door-side hook 121. The hook 26 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is in the closed position, and the hook 26 shown in FIG. 7 is in the open position. When the door 12 is opened with the hook 26 in the closed position, the door-side hook 121 moves to the right side in the figure. The moving door-side hook 121 rotates the hook 26 counterclockwise in the figure to the open position. When in the open position, if the door 12 is further opened, the door-side hook 121 disengages from the engaging portion 261 of the hook 26. On the other hand, when the door 12 is closed with the hook 26 in the open position, the door-side hook 121 enters the engaging portion 261 of the hook 26 again. As the door 12 is further closed, the door-side hook 121 moving to the left side in the figure rotates the hook 26 clockwise in the figure to the closed position.

[0029] The rotation of the hook 26 from the closed position to the open position cannot be performed when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, and can be performed when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0030] The hook 26 is provided with a locking pin 263. When the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking lever 27 is positioned on the path of the locking pin 244 of the hook 26 that attempts to rotate, restricting the rotation of the hook 26. For this reason, the hook 26 cannot be rotated to the open position (that is, it is in the locked state where the door 12 cannot be opened). On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing portion 441 of the connecting bar 44 rotates the locking lever 27 about the rotation axis 271, retracting the locking lever 27 from the path of the locking pin 263. Thereby, the above restriction is released, and the hook 26 can be rotated to the open position (that is, it becomes the unlocked state where the door 12 can be opened). Since the release of the restriction by the locking lever 27 is performed simultaneously with the switching lever 24 being in the unlocked position, the second switch 42 detecting that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position is synonymous with detecting that the restriction by the locking lever 27 has been released.

[0031] Next, after closing the door 12 to rotate the hook 26 to the closed position, when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, the spring causes the locking lever 27 to return to its original position, and the hook 26 can no longer be rotated (i.e., the door 12 is in a locked state where it cannot be opened). That is, the state where the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position is the unlocked state of the door 12, and the state where the switching lever 24 is in the locked position is the locked state of the door 12. The rotation of the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position means switching the door 12 from the locked state to the unlocked state (the first switching operation), and the rotation of the switching lever 24 from the unlocked position to the locked position means switching the door 12 from the unlocked state to the locked state (the second switching operation).

[0032] Also, when the hook 26 is in the open position, the lock pin 263 rotates the opening / closing switch lever 28 about the rotation axis 271. When the opening / closing switch lever 28 rotates, the end portion (convex portion 281) of the opening / closing switch lever 28 on the opposite side of the rotation axis 271 across from the portion in contact with the lock pin 263 approaches the first switch 41, pressing the lever 411 of the first switch 41 and turning on the first switch 41. On the other hand, when the hook 26 is in the closed position, the opening / closing switch lever 28 returns to its original position by a spring. That is, the convex portion 281 moves away from the first switch 41. As a result, the first switch 41 turns off. By the ON / OFF operation of this first switch 41, it is possible to detect whether the hook 26 is in the open position or the closed position (i.e., whether the door 12 is in the opened state or the closed state).

[0033] (Regarding the control device) Furthermore, the locker device 1 includes a control device 51 that controls the locking device 20 according to the operation of the operation unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 51 includes a CPU 511 and a memory 512. In the memory 512, for example, a storage program 512a for controlling when storing luggage in the storage unit 10 and a retrieval program 512b for controlling when retrieving luggage from the storage unit 10 are stored. The control device 51 is electrically connected to the locking device 20 and the operation unit 30, and controls the locking device 20 and displays images on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30 according to the operation of the storage program 512a or the retrieval program 512b. In addition, a communication unit 52 is connected to the control device 51, and the locker device 1 can communicate with a management device (not shown) via the communication unit 52. The management device is a device superior to the locker device 1 installed in the station premises or any other arbitrary location.

[0034] (Regarding the operation of depositing luggage) In the locker device 1 configured as described above, the user deposits luggage as follows.

[0035] Among the plurality of storage units 10, the state where no luggage is stored (the state where the user can deposit luggage) is the standby mode. At this time, the storage unit 10 in the standby mode is in the locked state. That is, the locking device 20 is in the state shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 is lit, and the orange LED 46 is extinguished. Since the green LED 45 is lit, the user can know that the storage unit 10 is available.

[0036] To deposit luggage, the user first accepts the start of use on the operation unit 30. Specifically, for example, a virtual button "Start of Use" is displayed on the display unit 32, and when the user touches the virtual button, the acceptance starts.

[0037] Thereafter, the usage fee is displayed on the display unit 32, and the user who agrees to the fee holds the transportation IC card over the IC card reader 40 to perform the settlement. At the time of this settlement, the unique number of the IC tag of the IC card read by the IC card reader 40 is stored in the memory 512 and used for authentication when picking up the luggage. When the settlement is made, the printer 38 prints a receipt as a certificate of use. Note that the settlement is not limited to the form using an IC card, and it may be in other forms such as credit card settlement or QR code settlement, or it may be possible to select a plurality of forms. When performing QR code settlement, a reading device for reading the QR code (registered trademark) is required in the operation unit 30. In addition, when settling with something other than an IC card, it is conceivable that a token such as a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking is printed on the receipt and authentication is performed by reading the printed token. Further, in the locker device 1 according to the present embodiment, the widths of the fronts of the plurality of storage units 10 are all the same, but a plurality of front widths may be provided, and the user may select the front width according to the size of his or her luggage and then perform the settlement.

[0038] After the receipt is printed by the printer 38, the following storage program 512a operates. FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts of the storage program 512a.

[0039] First, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 into which the user deposits the luggage among the plurality of storage units 10 is blinked (step S11 in FIG. 8A). Thereby, the position of the storage unit 10 into which the user deposits the luggage is indicated. Note that the orange LED 46 maintains the off state.

[0040] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S12 in FIG. 8A), and the lever lock plate 25 is rotated from the restricted position (the position shown in FIG. 4) to the released position (the position shown in FIG. 5). Whether or not the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S13 in FIG. 8A).

[0041] When the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position (step S13 in FIG. 8A: NO), since there may be a problem with the locking device 20, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S131 in FIG. 8A), an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S132 in FIG. 8A). The error can be released by the management device.

[0042] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position (step S13 in FIG. 8A: YES), after waiting for 0.5 seconds after the detection (step S14 in FIG. 8A), the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S15 in FIG. 8A), and the switching lever 24 is rotated from the locking position (the position shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocking position (the position shown in FIG. 6). The waiting time of 0.5 seconds is just an example.

[0043] Whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position (whether the first switching operation has been performed) is detected by the second switch 42 (step S16 in FIG. 8A). When the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position (step S16 in FIG. 8A: NO), since there may be a problem with the locking device 20, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S161 in FIG. 8A), an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S162 in FIG. 8A). The error can be released by the management device.

[0044] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position (step S16 in FIG. 8A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (that is, whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position (the position shown in FIG. 6) to the open position (the position shown in FIG. 7)) (step S17 in FIG. 8A).

[0045] When the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been opened (step S17 in FIG. 8A: NO), it waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S16 in FIG. 8A) (step S171 in FIG. 8A: NO). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S171 in FIG. 8A: YES), the energization of the second solenoid 23 is stopped (step S172 in FIG. 8A), the switching lever 24 is positioned at the locked position, and then the energization of the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the restricted position.

[0046] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S17 in FIG. 8A: YES), next, it is detected whether the user has closed the door 12 by the first switch 41 (that is, whether the hook 26 has rotated from the open position (the position shown in FIG. 7) to the closed position (the position shown in FIG. 6)) (step S18 in FIG. 8A).

[0047] When the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S18 in FIG. 8A: NO), it waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S17 in FIG. 8A) as the time for the user to store the luggage in the storage section 10 (step S181 in FIG. 8A: NO).

[0048] When the door 12 cannot be closed even after 60 seconds have elapsed (step S181 in FIG. 8A: YES), the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S182 in FIG. 8A), and an error display is performed on the display section 32 of the operation section 30 to prompt the user to close the door 12 (step S183 in FIG. 8A). In the present embodiment, after performing the error display on the display section 32 of the operation section 30, the process returns to step S18 and further waits, but it may also be possible to take measures to stop the use.

[0049] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been closed (step S18 in FIG. 8A: YES), next, the second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (that is, detects whether the user has manually performed the second switching operation) (step S19 in FIG. 8B).

[0050] For example, if the user forgets to rotate the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19 in FIG. 8B: NO), wait until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S18 in FIG. 8B) (step S191 in FIG. 8B: NO). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S191 in FIG. 8B: YES), stop energizing the second solenoid 23 (step S192 in FIG. 8B), and forcibly operate the switching lever 24 to move it from the unlocked position (the position shown in FIG. 6) to the locked position (the position shown in FIG. 5). By providing a 60-second waiting time (step S191 in FIG. 8B), a grace period is provided for the user to load and unload luggage, and by forcibly setting the switching lever 24 to the locked position (by forcibly performing the second switching operation), it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to lock.

[0051] Whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position after forcibly operating the switching lever 24 is detected by the second switch 42 (step S193 in FIG. 8B).

[0052] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S193 in FIG. 8B: NO), there may be a problem with the locking device 20. Therefore, blink the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 (step S194 in FIG. 8B), display an error on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and notify the management device of the error via the communication unit 52 (step S195 in FIG. 8B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0053] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16: YES in FIG. 8B), the energization of the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S20), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned from the release position (the position shown in FIG. 5) to the restriction position (the position shown in FIG. 4).

[0054] Even when the user rotates the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19: YES in FIG. 8B), the energization of the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the restriction position.

[0055] Next, the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S21 in FIG. 8B), and the system waits for 900 seconds (step S22 in FIG. 8B). These 900 seconds are the waiting time for accepting a re-locking operation to change the door 12 from the locked state to the unlocked state again, for example, when the user forgets to put luggage in the storage unit 10. Also, by turning on the orange LED 46, the user is notified that the re-locking operation is possible. And this re-locking operation can be accepted by the operation unit 30.

[0056] During the 900-second wait (step S22: NO in FIG. 8B), when the operation unit 30 accepts a re-locking operation (step S221: YES in FIG. 8B), the orange LED 46 blinks (step S223 in FIG. 8B) to notify the user of the storage unit 10 for which re-locking is to be performed. After that, it returns to step S12 of energizing the first solenoid 22, and the same processing as the flow when storing luggage (steps S12 - S21) is performed. Note that when the operation unit 30 accepts an operation, it is desirable to authenticate the user so that an unrelated third party cannot unlock the door 12 arbitrarily. Specifically, for example, authentication is performed using the IC card used for settlement.

[0057] When 900 seconds have elapsed without the unlocking operation being performed (step S221 in FIG. 8B: NO) and step S22 in FIG. 8B is YES, the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S23 in FIG. 8B). Then, the storage unit 10 is set to the holding mode in which it waits with the luggage stored (step S24 in FIG. 8B), and the storage program ends. The locking device 20 of the storage unit 10 in the holding mode indicates that other users cannot use it by turning off both the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46.

[0058] (Regarding the operation of taking out luggage) Next, the operation of taking out luggage will be described. To take out luggage from the storage unit 10 by the user, first, the operation unit 30 accepts the take-out operation. Specifically, for example, a virtual button "Take Out" is displayed on the display unit 32, and when the user touches the virtual button, the acceptance starts.

[0059] Thereafter, for example, authentication of the IC card used for settlement is performed, and when the authentication is successful, the take-out program 512b starts operating as follows. FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts of the take-out program 512b.

[0060] First, among the plurality of storage units 10, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 in which the user has deposited luggage is blinked (step S31 in FIG. 9A). This indicates the position of the storage unit 10 in which the user has deposited luggage. Note that the orange LED 46 remains off.

[0061] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S32 in FIG. 9A), and the lever lock plate 25 is rotated from the restricted position to the released position. Whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S33 in FIG. 9A).

[0062] When the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position (step S33 in Fig. 9A: NO), since there may be a problem with the locking device 20, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S331 in Fig. 9A), an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S332 in Fig. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0063] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position (step S33 in Fig. 9A: YES), after waiting for 0.5 seconds after the detection (step S34 in Fig. 9A), the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35 in Fig. 9A), and the switching lever 24 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. Note that the waiting time of 0.5 seconds is just an example.

[0064] Whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position is detected by the second switch 42 (step S36 in Fig. 9A). When the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in Fig. 9A: NO), since there may be a problem with the locking device 20, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S361 in Fig. 9A), an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S362 in Fig. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0065] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in Fig. 9A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (that is, whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position to the open position) (step S37 in Fig. 9A).

[0066] When the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been opened (step S37 in Fig. 9A: NO), it waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S36 in Fig. 9A) (step S371 in Fig. 9A: NO). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S371 in Fig. 9A: YES), the green LED 45 is turned off, the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in Fig. 9B), the energization of the second solenoid 23 is stopped (step S40 in Fig. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0067] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S37 in Fig. 9A: YES), next, it detects whether the user has closed the door 12 with the first switch 41 (that is, whether the hook 26 has rotated from the open position to the closed position) (step S38 in Fig. 9A).

[0068] When the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S38 in Fig. 9A: NO), it waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S37 in Fig. 9A) as the time for the user to take out the luggage from the storage unit 10 (step S381 in Fig. 9A: NO).

[0069] When the door 12 cannot be closed even after 60 seconds have elapsed (step S381 in Fig. 9A: YES), the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S382 in Fig. 9A), and an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30 to prompt the user to close the door 12 (step S383 in Fig. 9A). In this embodiment, after an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, the process returns to step S38 and further waits, but measures to stop the use may also be taken.

[0070] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been closed (step S38 in Fig. 9A: YES), the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in Fig. 9B). Then, the energization of the second solenoid 23 is stopped (step S40 in Fig. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0071] Whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position is detected by the second switch 42 (step S41 in FIG. 9B).

[0072] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S41 in FIG. 9B: NO), there may be a problem with the locking device 20. Therefore, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S411 in FIG. 9B), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S412 in FIG. 9B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0073] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S41 in FIG. 9B: YES), it waits for 30 seconds (step S42 in FIG. 9B). This waiting time is the time during which the user can manually position the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position to unlock the door 12 in case of forgetting to take out the luggage.

[0074] During the 30 - second waiting time (step S42 in FIG. 9B: NO), when the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, that is, when the user manually positions the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position (step S43 in FIG. 9B: YES), it returns to step S37.

[0075] When the 30 - second waiting time has elapsed (step S42 in FIG. 9B: YES), the energization of the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S44 in FIG. 9B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the restricted position. As a result, it becomes impossible to manually position the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position.

[0076] Whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S45 in FIG. 9B).

[0077] When the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the regulated position (step S45 in Fig. 9B: NO), since there may be a malfunction in the locking device 20, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are blinked (step S451 in Fig. 9B), an error display is made on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and an error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S452 in Fig. 9B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0078] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position (step S45 in Fig. 9B: YES), it waits for 60 seconds (step S46 in Fig. 9B). These 60 seconds are a waiting time for accepting a relocking operation to change the door 12 from the locked state to the unlocked state again, for example, when the user forgets to take out the luggage from the storage unit 10. This relocking operation can be accepted by the operation unit 30.

[0079] During the 60 - second waiting period (step S46 in Fig. 9B: NO), when the operation unit 30 accepts a relocking operation (step S461 in Fig. 9B: YES), it returns to step S31, and the same processing as the flow for taking out the luggage (steps S31 - S45) is performed. In order to prevent an unrelated third party from unlocking the door 12 arbitrarily, it is desirable to authenticate the user when the operation unit 30 accepts an operation. Specifically, for example, it is conceivable to authenticate using the IC card used for settlement.

[0080] When 60 seconds have elapsed without a relocking operation (step S461 in Fig. 9B: NO) (step S46 in Fig. 9B: YES), the green LED 45 is turned on and the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S47 in Fig. 9B). Then, the storage unit 10 is set to the standby mode of waiting in a state where no luggage is stored (step S48 in Fig. 9B), and the take - out program ends.

[0081] (Regarding unlocking malfunction) Describe a specific example of the unlocking problem, that is, in step S36 of FIG. 9A, when the second switch 42 fails to detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position (step S36 in FIG. 9A: NO).

[0082] Even though the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35), the situation where the switching lever 24 is not in the unlocking position may occur, for example, when the user overfills the storage unit 10 with luggage. The mechanism is as follows.

[0083] When the storage unit 10 is overfilled with luggage, the luggage presses the door 12 in the opening direction (for example, the right direction in FIG. 5). When the door 12 is pressed in the opening direction, the door-side hook 121 applies a load to the hook 26 to rotate the hook 26 counterclockwise. When such a load is applied to the hook 26, the locking pin 263 of the hook 26 presses down the locking lever 27 at the position shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] Then, even if the second solenoid 23 is energized to pull the connecting bar 44 to the side of the second solenoid 23 (the lower side in FIG. 5) and try to rotate the locking lever 27 with the pressing portion 441, the force of the locking pin 263 pressing down may be stronger, and there is a risk that the locking lever 27 cannot be rotated. That is, there is a risk that the locking lever 27 cannot be retracted from the path of the locking pin 263, which means that the locking device 20 cannot be unlocked and the door 12 cannot be opened.

[0085] However, the locking device 20 can be manually unlocked by using the switching lever 24. Specifically, in step S32 in FIG. 9A, since the lever lock plate 25 is located at the release position (the position shown in FIG. 5), the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. By manually rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the second solenoid 23 can be forcibly driven. That is, by rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the connecting bar 44 can be forcibly pushed downward toward the side of the second solenoid 23 (the lower side in FIG. 5), and the pressing portion 441 of the connecting bar 44 retracts the locking lever 27 from the path of the locking pin 263 (the locking device 20 assumes the state shown in FIG. 6). As a result, the locking device 20 is in the unlocked state, and the door 12 can be opened.

[0086] Since the locking device 20 separately includes a driving means (i.e., the first solenoid 22) for releasing the regulation of the switching lever 24 and a driving means (i.e., the second solenoid 23) for operating the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position, even if the storage portion 10 is overloaded with luggage and unlocking failure occurs, it is possible to easily unlock manually as described above.

[0087] In addition, since the length from the knob portion 242 to the rotating shaft 241 is set to be larger than the length from the connecting portion of the connecting bar 44 and the switching lever 24 to the rotating shaft 241, the switching lever 24 can be easily rotated manually based on the lever principle.

[0088] In addition, when the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in Fig. 9A: NO), the display unit 32 may guide the user to manually rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position. As the timing for guidance, it is conceivable that after energizing the second solenoid 23 (step S35), the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position within, for example, 60 seconds (an example of a predetermined time). However, the time of 60 seconds is merely an example and can be adjusted as appropriate within a range where the user does not feel unnatural.

[0089] (Regarding the emergency unlocking of the locking device) When the housing unit 10 is in the standby mode, the locking device 20 always keeps the door 12 locked. However, in case of emergency, unlocking can be achieved by using the emergency key 61 (see Fig. 10). Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to Fig. 4, showing the state where emergency unlocking has been performed. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of Fig. 10. (a) shows the normal use state of the locking device 20, (b) shows the state where emergency unlocking of the locking device 20 has been performed, and (c) shows the state where the locking device can be taken out from the frame 11.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 4, the locking device 20 is provided with a cylinder cam 62 at the upper part of the case 21, which can be rotated by the emergency key 61. Also, inside the case 21, an emergency unlocking cam 63 is provided adjacent to the first solenoid 22.

[0091] The cylinder cam 62 is rotatable between a first position which is the normal position (the position shown in Fig. 11(a)), a second position for performing emergency unlocking (the position shown in Fig. 11(b)), and a third position for taking out the locking device 20 from the frame 11 (the position shown in Fig. 11(c)).

[0092] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylinder cam 62 is provided with a retaining portion 621 for preventing the locking device 20 from coming out of the frame 11. When the cylinder cam 62 is in the first position, since the retaining portion 621 protrudes above the upper end surface of the case 21 (see Fig. 4 or Fig. 11(a)), even if an attempt is made to remove the locking device 20 from the frame 11, the retaining portion 621 abuts against the back side of the frame 11. Thereby, the locking device 20 is prevented from coming out of the frame 11.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylinder cam 62 includes an extending portion 622 extending from the retaining portion 621 into the case 21, and the tip of the extending portion 622 is a cam portion 622a for operating the emergency unlocking cam 63. The cam portion 622a is inclined toward the right rear side in Fig. 4 (the left rear side in Fig. 11).

[0094] The emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotatable within the case 21 about the central axis 631 between the normal position shown in Fig. 4 and the emergency unlocking position shown in Fig. 10. The emergency unlocking cam 63 is provided with a contact portion 632 that can contact the cam portion 622a. This contact portion 632 is composed of a surface inclined in the same direction as the cam portion 622a. Further, the emergency unlocking cam 63 is provided with a pressing portion 633 that can contact a convex portion 253 provided at the upper end of the lever lock plate 25 at the end opposite to the contact portion 632 across the central axis 631.

[0095] In the above configuration, emergency unlocking is performed as follows. When the emergency key 61 is inserted into the keyhole 60 and rotated counterclockwise (clockwise in FIG. 11) by 45 degrees, the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 45 degrees from the first position to the second position. At this time, the cam portion 622a of the cylinder cam 62 contacts the contact portion 632 of the emergency unlocking cam 63. Since both the cam portion 622a and the contact portion 632 are inclined, as the cylinder cam 62 rotates, the emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotated from the normal position toward the emergency unlocking position. When the emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotated to the emergency unlocking position, the pressing portion 633 presses the convex portion 253 of the lever lock plate 25, and the lever lock plate 25 can be rotated from the restricted position to the released position. If the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the released position, the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated to the unlocked position, so that the door 12 can be opened.

[0096] When the emergency key 61 is rotated clockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) by 90 degrees in the state where emergency unlocking has been performed, the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 90 degrees from the second position to the third position. Then, since the retaining portion 621 of the cylinder cam 62 is positioned below the upper end surface of the case 21 in FIG. 11(c), the locking device 20 can be taken out of the frame 11. It should be noted that the removal of the locking device 20 from the frame 11 is always performed after emergency unlocking. This is because unless emergency unlocking is performed, the hook 26 is engaged with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12, and the locking device 20 cannot be taken out.

[0097] (Regarding the opening and closing direction of the door) The locking device 20 can be used for both the left-opening door 12 and the right-opening door 12 according to the orientation of the freely replaceable piece 47 attached to the front of the case 21. FIG. 12 is a front view of the locking device 20 corresponding to the right-opening door 12.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 12, the arbitrary replacement piece 47 is a substantially rectangular member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction when the case 21 is viewed from the front. The arbitrary replacement piece 47 is provided with an opening 47a at one end of both ends in the longitudinal direction to allow the door-side hook 121 to enter the case 21. As shown in FIG. 3, when the arbitrary replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the left side in the front view, it can correspond to the left-opening door 12 (for example, the door 12 of the storage portion 10 located on the left side of the operation portion 30 in FIG. 1). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the arbitrary replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the right side in the front view, it can correspond to the left-opening door 12 (for example, the door 12 of the storage portion 10 located on the right side of the operation portion 30 in FIG. 1).

[0099] As described above, the fact that it can be used for both the left-opening door 12 and the right-opening door 12 according to the orientation of the arbitrary replacement piece 47 is due to the hook 26 having the following shape. FIG. 13 will be used for detailed description. Note that FIG. 13(a) is a left side view of the hook 26, FIG. 13(b) is a front view of the hook 26, and FIG. 13(c) is a right side view of the hook 26.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 13, the hook 26 includes a first hook portion 264 located on the right side in the front view, a second hook portion 265 located on the left side, and a connecting portion 266 that horizontally bridges the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265. Since the connecting portion 266 horizontally bridges the end portions on the back side in the front view of the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265, the hook 26 is formed in a substantially U shape in the plan view. Further, the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265 each include an engaging portion 261.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the hook 26 as described above is built into the case 21 so that the first hook portion 264 is located on the left side in the front view of the case 21 and the second hook portion 265 is located on the right side in the front view of the case 21. On top of that, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detachable replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 such that the opening 47a is located on the left side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the left-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 from the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the first hook portion 264. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the detachable replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 such that the opening 47a is located on the right side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the right-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 from the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the second hook portion 265.

[0102] As described above, the locking device 20 according to the present embodiment is a locking device 20 capable of performing a first switching operation of switching from a locked state of locking the door 12 of the accommodating portion 10 capable of accommodating luggage to an unlocked state of unlocking the door 12, and a second switching operation of switching from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the locked state, a first regulating means (for example, a lever lock plate 25) for regulating the first switching operation (first regulation), a first driving means (for example, a first solenoid 22) for driving the first regulating means to implement or release the first regulation, a locking member (hook 26) operable between a closed position for holding the door 12 in a closed state and an open position for releasing the holding, a second regulating means (for example, a locking lever 27) for regulating the operation of the locking member (hook 26) from the closed position to the open position (second regulation) in the locked state, a second driving means (for example, a second solenoid 23) for driving the second regulating means (for example, the locking lever 27) to implement or release the second regulation, and a manual lever (for example, a switching lever 24) capable of forcibly performing the first switching operation and driving of the second regulating means.

[0103] (2) In the locking device 20 described in (1), it is provided with detection means (for example, the second switch 42) for detecting the release of the second regulation, and is provided with a control device 51 for controlling the locking device 20. After the control device 51 releases the first regulation by operating the first driving means (the first solenoid 22) (steps S32 - S33), it issues a command to release the second regulation by operating the second driving means (the second solenoid 23) (step S35). After the first regulation is released, when the detection means (the second switch 42) does not detect the release of the second regulation even after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed (step S36: NO), it is preferable to be provided with a control program (for example, the take-out program 512b) that notifies to forcibly perform the first switching operation by means of a manual lever (the switching lever 24).

[0104] Also, as described above, the storage device (for example, the locker device 1) according to the present embodiment is characterized by including the locking device 20 described in (3)(1) or (2).

[0105] According to the above locking device 20 or storage device (locker device 1), even when the storage section is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked.

[0106] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from the gist thereof.

[0107] For example, in the locker device 1, the user who deposits luggage and the user who retrieves luggage are not necessarily the same person. Specifically, in recent years, since the idea of using railway stations as logistics bases has been spreading, a transportation company that delivers goods ordered by general consumers becomes the user who deposits luggage, and the general consumer who ordered the goods becomes the user who retrieves luggage. In this case, for example, a specific transportation company is enabled to use the locker device 1. After authenticating the transportation company at the operation unit 30, the deposit program is operated. For authentication at the time of retrieving luggage, for example, an authentication token such as a QR code (registered trademark) for authentication is transmitted to a mobile terminal or the like of the general consumer, and after authenticating the token, the retrieval program is operated.

[0108] Also, for example, as an example of the storage device, a locker device installed in the station premises is mentioned, but it is not limited to this. For example, a delivery box installed in an apartment building or the like may be used.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] 1 Locker device (an example of a storage device) 10 Storage section 12 Door 20 Locking device 22 First solenoid (an example of a first driving means) 23 Second solenoid (an example of a second driving means) 24 Switching lever (an example of a manual lever) 25 Lever lock plate (an example of a first restricting means) 26 Hook (an example of a locking member) 27 Locking lever (an example of a second restricting means)

Claims

1. A first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which a door of a storage section capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, in a locking device capable of performing: a first restricting means for performing a first restriction which is a restriction of the first switching operation in the locked state; a first driving means for driving the first restricting means to perform or release the first restriction; a locking member operable between a closed position for holding the door in a closed state and an open position for releasing the holding; a second restricting means for performing a second restriction which is a restriction of the movement of the locking member from the closed position to the open position in the locked state; a second driving means for driving the second restricting means to perform or release the second restriction; a manual lever capable of forcibly driving the first switching operation and the second restricting means; characterized by comprising a locking device.

2. In the locking device according to Claim 1, characterized by comprising a detecting means for detecting the release of the second restriction, characterized by comprising a control device for controlling the locking device, wherein the control device after releasing the first restriction by operating the first driving means, issues a command to release the second restriction by operating the second driving means, and when the detecting means does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the release of the first restriction, notifies the manual lever to forcibly perform the first switching operation; characterized by comprising a control program a locking device.

3. A storage device characterized by comprising the locking device according to Claim 1 or 2.

Images