Storage box

Abstract

To provide a cargo receiving storage box capable of receiving delivered cargoes a plurality of times.SOLUTION: In delivery box 10, the inside of delivery box 10 is partitioned by partition portion 20 into a plurality of spaces including first space 13 and second space 15 adjacent to each other, and partition portion 20 includes first partition member 22 that partitions first space 13 and second space 15. The first partition member 22 is movable between a first use position at an end of the first space 13 inside the delivery box 10 and a retreat position away from the inside of the delivery box 10, and in a state where the first partition member 22 is at the retreat position, the first space 13 and the second space 15 are continuous.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage box, and more particularly to a storage box for receiving luggage. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, due to reasons such as an increase in online shopping opportunities, there has been an increase in the number of cases where delivery lockers are installed on residential premises for the purpose of receiving packages when people are not at home. In addition, in recent years, in addition to conventional delivery methods using people or vehicles (hereinafter also referred to as ground delivery), new delivery services using unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones have also been launched. For this reason, as shown in Patent Document 1, a delivery locker that can receive packages delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles has been developed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-115457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, there may be cases where a package is delivered multiple times to the same delivery destination. In such a case, for example, if a delivery locker has only one package storage space and that space is already occupied by a package, the presence of that package makes it difficult for a new package to enter the locker. As a result, it becomes difficult to receive multiple packages delivered in multiple deliveries in the delivery locker.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide a storage box for receiving parcels that can receive delivered parcels multiple times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the storage box of the present invention, which is a storage box for receiving luggage, the interior of which is divided by a partition section into a plurality of spaces including a first space and a second space adjacent to each other, the partition section having a first partition member that separates the first space from the second space, the first partition member being movable between a first use position at the end of the first space inside the storage box and a retracted position outside the interior of the storage box, and when the first partition member is in the retracted position the first space and the second space are continuous. With the storage box of the present invention having the above configuration, for example, it is possible to move packages already stored in the second space to the first space, making the second space available to store new packages. This makes it possible to receive delivered packages multiple times.

[0007] In the storage box of the present invention, the partition section may have a second partition member that partitions the second space on the opposite side to the first partition member. In this case, the second partition member may be movable between a second use position at an end of the second space opposite to the first space and the first use position, and may move from the second use position to the first use position after the first partition member has moved to the retracted position. According to the above configuration, the luggage stored in the second space can be moved to the first space by moving the second partition member.

[0008] Furthermore, in the storage box of the present invention, after the second partition member moves to the first use position, the first partition member moves from the retracted position to the first use position and is positioned at the end of the first space together with the second partition member, and after the first partition member moves from the retracted position to the first use position, the second partition member moves from the first use position to the second use position. According to the above configuration, after the luggage stored in the second space is moved to the first space, the first space and the second space are separated by the first partition member. This prevents a person from reaching out from the second space to remove the luggage moved to the first space when storing new luggage in the second space, i.e., prevents theft of luggage.

[0009] Furthermore, in the storage box of the present invention, when the first partition member and the second partition member are both in the first use position, it is preferable that the second partition member be adjacent to the first partition member and be positioned in a space other than the space occupied by the first partition member within the space inside the storage box in the first use position. According to the above configuration, the second partition member and the first partition member can be appropriately disposed in the first use position without interfering with each other.

[0010] In the storage box of the present invention, the plurality of spaces may be arranged vertically, and the first space may be the uppermost space among the plurality of spaces. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the storage box of the present invention may include a first door that opens and closes the top opening of the storage box, and a second door that opens and closes a first side opening provided in a side wall of the storage box. In this case, when the first door is opened, the first space communicates with the outer space of the storage box via the top opening, and when the second door is opened, the second space communicates with the outer space via the first side opening. According to the above configuration, it is possible to receive both packages delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles and packages delivered by ground delivery in the storage box.

[0011] The storage box of the present invention may further include a drive mechanism for opening and closing the first door, and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism. In this case, while the unmanned aerial vehicle flying while holding a load is located above the closed first door, the controller may communicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle and, upon receiving a control signal from the unmanned aerial vehicle, control the drive mechanism to open the first door. According to the above configuration, when an unmanned aerial vehicle flying while carrying cargo is positioned above the storage box, the first door is automatically opened to expose the first space, allowing the cargo delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle to be received smoothly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a receiving storage box that can receive delivered packages multiple times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system for a storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the first door opening and closing, with the diagram on the left showing the first door in a fully closed position and the diagram on the right showing the first door in a fully open position. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the opening and closing of the third door, with the diagram on the left showing the third door in a fully closed position and the diagram on the right showing the third door in a fully open position. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the opening and closing of the second door, the diagram on the left showing the second door in a fully closed position, and the diagram on the right showing the second door in a fully open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first partition member. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second partition member. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the partition moves inside the storage box. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first partition member and the second partition member when they are placed in the first use position. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a first operation example of a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a second operation example of the storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a third operation example of the storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a fourth operation example of the storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a fifth operation example of the storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the internal structure of a storage box according to a modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <<Regarding a storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, a storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, each part of the storage box is shown somewhat simplified or schematic to make the explanation easier to understand. Furthermore, the size (dimensions) of each part of the storage box shown in the drawings and the spacing between parts may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, when describing the position, orientation, and posture of each part of the storage box, the description will be of the position, orientation, and posture when the storage box is installed in the correct position.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, the meanings of "same," "identical," "equal," "even," "equally divided," and "equally spaced" may include the range of error generally accepted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. In addition, in this specification, the meanings of "vertical," "orthogonal," and "parallel" each include the range of error generally accepted in the field to which the present invention belongs, and may include cases where the deviation is less than a few degrees (e.g., 2 to 3 degrees) from the strict vertical, orthogonal, and parallel.

[0016] The storage box according to this embodiment is a so-called delivery box (hereinafter referred to as delivery box 10), which is installed near the entrance or gate of a building and is used, for example, to receive packages delivered while the building user is not at home. The following description will be given assuming that the building is a residence. Here, the residence may be a detached house or an individual room (dwelling unit) in a multi-family housing complex such as an apartment or condominium. The storage box of the present invention can also be used in buildings other than houses, such as stores, offices, buildings, office buildings, commercial facilities, and public facilities.

[0017] Delivery box 10 is a storage box for receiving parcels, and is a vertically long box as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, delivery box 10 is capable of receiving delivered parcels multiple times. More specifically, the interior of delivery box 10 is divided into multiple levels, and each level can accommodate a delivered parcel.

[0018] Furthermore, the delivery locker 10 is capable of accepting parcels delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones. However, parcels that can be delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles are often limited to relatively small and lightweight items, and large parcels and heavy items are often delivered by people or automated delivery robots on the ground. In light of this situation, the delivery locker 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to accept both parcels delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles and parcels delivered by ground delivery.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the delivery box 10 includes a box body 12, a partition 20, a sensor group 30, a drive mechanism 40, and a controller 50. The box body 12 is a hollow body having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and is disposed with its long sides aligned in the vertical direction. The interior of the box body 12 forms a receiving space (storage space) for the delivered package P. The material of the box body 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, wood, metal, paper material treated with a water-repellent coating, resin material, or a combination of these. The height (length in the vertical direction) of the box body 12 is also not particularly limited, and may be set within a range of 500 mm to 2000 mm, for example.

[0020] 1, an opening (hereinafter referred to as upper end opening 11a) that is rectangular in plan view is provided at the upper end of box body 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a first side opening 11b and a second side opening 11c are provided on the side wall of box body 12, more specifically, on the side wall portion located on the front of box body 12. First side opening 11b is a rectangular opening provided in the middle portion of delivery box 10 in the vertical direction. Second side opening 11c is a rectangular opening located lower than first side opening 11b in the vertical direction, has a larger opening area than second side opening 11c, and occupies the lower 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 range of the front of box body 12.

[0021] The front side of box body 12 refers to the side of the four sides of box body 12 that faces a person when the person places (puts) a package P in or takes out a package P from delivery box 10. The side opposite the front side of box body 12 corresponds to the back side of box body 12, and the direction in which the front and back sides of box body 12 are aligned corresponds to the depth direction of delivery box 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the depth direction). In other words, the front side and back side of box body 12 correspond to the end faces of box body 12 in the depth direction.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the box body 12 is fitted with a first door 14 for opening and closing the top opening 11a, a second door 16 for opening and closing the first side opening 11b, and a third door 18 for opening and closing the second side opening 11c. The first door 14 is a plate-shaped lid that slides horizontally between a fully closed position and a fully open position, as shown in FIG. 5. The first door 14 is normally in the fully closed position, and when the first door 14 is in the fully closed position, the top opening 11a is completely closed. On the other hand, when the first door 14 is in the fully open position, almost the entire top opening 11a is exposed. When sliding, the first door 14 passes through a slit-shaped hole formed in the side wall of the box body 12, so that the first door 14 can move between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

[0023] The second door 16 and the third door 18 are both single-leaf doors that rotate (swing) around an axis extending in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, to move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The second door 16 is normally in the fully closed position, and when the second door 16 is in the fully closed position, the first side opening 11b is completely closed, and when the second door 16 is in the fully open position, the first side opening 11b is almost entirely open. Similarly, the third door 18 is normally in the fully closed position, and when the third door 18 is in the fully closed position, the second side opening 11c is completely closed, and when the third door 18 is in the fully open position, the second side opening 11c is almost entirely open.

[0024] Partition unit 20 divides the interior of delivery box 10 (more precisely, the interior of box body 12) into multiple spaces arranged vertically, and in this embodiment includes multiple partition members as shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the multiple partition members are three partition members, specifically including first partition member 22 located at the top, second partition member 24 located in the second position from the top, and third partition member 26 located at the bottom. These three partition members divide the interior of delivery box 10 into three spaces as shown in Fig. 3.

[0025] More specifically, inside delivery box 10, first space 13, second space 15, and third space 17 are arranged in this order from top to bottom. First space 13 is the uppermost space of the three spaces, and as can be seen from FIG. 5, it is a space for receiving packages delivered by unmanned aerial vehicle U. In other words, when first door 14 is opened, first space 13 is connected to the space outside delivery box 10 via upper end opening 11a of box body 12, making it possible to access first space 13 from above delivery box 10.

[0026] The second space 15 is located directly below the first space 13 and is adjacent to the first space 13 in the vertical direction. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the second space 15 is at the same height as the first side opening 11b of the box body 12. More specifically, the upper end of the second space 15 and the upper end of the first side opening 11b are at approximately the same height, and the lower end of the second space 15 and the lower end of the first side opening 11b are at approximately the same height. This second space 15 corresponds to a space for receiving packages delivered by, for example, a person or an automated delivery robot. In other words, when the second door 16 is opened, the second space 15 is connected to the space outside the delivery box 10 via the first side opening 11b, making the inside of the second space 15 accessible from the front of the delivery box 10.

[0027] The third space 17 is the lowest of the three spaces and is adjacent to the second space 15 on the opposite side of the first space 13 in the vertical direction. As can be seen in FIG. 6, at least a portion of the third space 17 is at the same height as the second side opening 11c of the box body 12. More specifically, the upper end of the third space 17 is at approximately the same height as the upper end of the second side opening 11c, and the lower end of the third space 17 is at approximately the same height as the lower end of the second side opening 11c. This third space 17 corresponds to a space for receiving packages delivered by, for example, a person or an automated delivery robot. In other words, when the third door 18 is opened, the third space 17 is connected to the space outside the delivery box 10 via the second side opening 11c, making the third space 17 accessible from the front of the delivery box 10.

[0028] The number of spaces formed by dividing the interior of delivery box 10 with partitions 20, i.e., the number of parcel storage spaces, is not limited to three, but may be two, or four or more. In this embodiment, the second space 15 has a smaller volume than the first space 13 and the third space 17 and can accommodate small and lightweight luggage, while the third space 17 has a volume that can accommodate large and heavy luggage. However, the volumes (sizes) of the first space 13, the second space 15, and the third space 17 are not particularly limited, and for example, the three spaces may have the same volume (size).

[0029] Each partition member of the partition section 20 is disposed at the lower end of the space located directly above it. The first partition member 22 is a member that separates the first space 13 from the second space 15, and is a shelf board that forms the bottom of the first space 13. The cargo P that enters the first space 13 through the upper end opening 11a of the box body 12 is placed on the first partition member 22.

[0030] In this embodiment, first partition member 22 is a member with a concave-convex shape, and more specifically, is configured from a plate material formed to have a comb-tooth shape in a plan view, as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, first partition member 22 has convex portions (hereinafter referred to as first partition member convex portions 23) and concave portions that are arranged alternately in the width direction of delivery box 10, and each first partition member convex portion 23 extends from the back side toward the front side in the depth direction. The width direction of delivery box 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the width direction) intersects with both the up-down direction and the depth direction, and strictly speaking, is a direction perpendicular to these directions, and corresponds to the left-right direction of delivery box 10 when delivery box 10 is viewed from the front.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , first partition member 22 is slidable in the depth direction. Specifically, first partition member 22 can move between a first use position, which is a normal position, and a retracted position, which is a temporary placement position. The first use position is a position when first partition member 22 is at the lower end (corresponding to the edge) of first space 13 inside delivery box 10, that is, a position where first partition member 22 separates first space 13 from second space 15. The retracted position is a position when first partition member 22 is removed from the interior of delivery box 10 (strictly speaking, the interior of box body 12) and protrudes outside delivery box 10. When first partition member 22 is in the retracted position, first space 13 and second space 15 are continuous, as shown in FIG. 10 . In other words, package P can be moved between first space 13 and second space 15. During sliding movement, the first partition member 22 passes through a slit-shaped hole formed in the side wall of the box body 12, thereby being able to move between the first use position and the retracted position.

[0032] The second partition member 24 is a member that separates the second space 15 on the opposite side to the first partition member 22 (strictly speaking, a member that separates the second space 15 from the third space 17), and is specifically a shelf that forms the bottom of the second space 15. The luggage P that enters the second space 15 through the first side opening 11b of the box body 12 is placed on the second partition member 24.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second partition member 24 is slidable in the depth direction while the second door 16 is open, and can be pulled out from the second space 15 to the front when receiving or removing luggage P, and then pushed back from the pulled-out position to the rear side (into the second space 15). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second partition member 24 may be configured not to be slidable in the depth direction.

[0034] The second partition member 24 is an uneven member, and more specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, is formed from a plate material shaped to have a comb-tooth shape in a plan view. In other words, the second partition member 24 has convex portions (hereinafter referred to as second partition member convex portions 25) and concave portions arranged alternately in the width direction, and each second partition member convex portion 25 extends from the front side to the back side in the depth direction (i.e., in the opposite direction from the first partition member convex portions 23). Each second partition member convex portion 25 is located at a different position in the width direction from each first partition member convex portion 23, and specifically, is located between two adjacent first partition member convex portions 23 (i.e., in the concave portions of the first partition member 22) (see Fig. 11).

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, second partition member 24 can move vertically, i.e., rise and fall, inside delivery box 10 (strictly speaking, inside box body 12). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, second partition member 24 can move vertically between a second use position, which is its normal position, and the first use position described above. The second use position is the position when second partition member 24 is at the lower end of second space 15 inside delivery box 10 (corresponding to the end of second space 15 opposite first space 13), i.e., the position where second partition member 24 separates second space 15 from third space 17.

[0036] 10, the second partition member 24 rises from the second use position to the first use position after the first partition member 22 has moved to the retracted position. At this time, if a baggage P is placed on the second partition member 24 (i.e., if the baggage P is stored in the second space 15), the baggage P is lifted into the first space 13 as the second partition member 24 rises.

[0037] On the other hand, first partition member 22 slides from the retracted position to the first use position while second partition member 24 moves to the first use position, as shown in Fig. 10, for example. As a result, first partition member 22 and second partition member 24 are both positioned in the first use position, i.e., at the lower end of first space 13. In this state, second partition member 24 is adjacent to first partition member 22 and is positioned in a space other than the space occupied by first partition member 22 within the space inside delivery box 10 that is in the first use position.

[0038] More specifically, when both the first partition member 22 and the second partition member 24 are in the first use position, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second partition member protrusion 25 fits between (in the recessed portion) two adjacent first partition member protrusions 23. Similarly, the first partition member protrusion 23 fits between (in the recessed portion) two adjacent second partition member protrusions 25. As a result, the first partition member 22 and the second partition member 24 are adjacent to each other without interfering with each other, and the upper end surfaces of the respective partition members (i.e., the luggage placement surfaces formed by the upper end surfaces of the respective partition members) are aligned on the same plane. In other words, luggage P stored in the first space 13 and luggage P lifted into the first space 13 by the lifting of the second partition member 24 are placed on both the first partition member 22 and the second partition member 24.

[0039] 10, after the first partition member 22 moves from the retracted position to the first use position, the second partition member 24 descends from the first use position to the second use position, thereby positioning the second partition member 24 at the lower end of the second space 15 again and separating the second space 15.

[0040] The third partition member 26 is a member that separates the third space 17 on the side opposite to the second partition member 24, and is specifically a flat plate that forms the bottom of the third space 17. Luggage that enters the third space 17 through the second side opening 11c of the box body 12 is placed on the third partition member 26.

[0041] Furthermore, the third partition member 26 can be slid in the depth direction when the third door 18 is open, and can be pulled out from the third space 17 to the front when receiving or removing luggage, and then pushed back again from the pulled-out position to the back side (into the third space 17). The third partition member 26 may be configured so as not to be able to slide in the depth direction.

[0042] The sensor group 30 is composed of multiple detection sensors, and specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, has a first detection sensor 32, a second detection sensor 34, and a third detection sensor 36. The first detection sensor 32 is disposed in the first space 13 and detects luggage P placed into the first space 13 through the top end opening 11a of the box body 12. The second detection sensor 34 is disposed in the second space 15 and detects luggage P placed into the second space 15 through the first side opening 11b of the box body 12. The third detection sensor 36 is disposed in the third space 17 and detects luggage P placed into the third space 17 through the second side opening 11c of the box body 12.

[0043] When each detection sensor included in the sensor group 30 detects a detected object, the detection sensor outputs a detection signal to the controller 50. The type and model of each detection sensor are not particularly limited as long as they can appropriately detect the detection object of each detection sensor, and for example, each detection sensor may be configured as an infrared sensor. Furthermore, the placement position of each detection sensor is not particularly limited as long as it is a position where the target luggage P can be properly detected in each of the first space 13, the second space 15, and the third space 17, but for example, the first detection sensor 32 may be installed at the upper end of the first space 13 (specifically, near the upper end opening 11a), as shown in Figure 5.

[0044] Drive mechanism 40 is a mechanism that moves each movable part of delivery box 10, and as shown in FIG. 4, includes first opening / closing mechanism 41, second opening / closing mechanism 42, third opening / closing mechanism 43, first sliding mechanism 44, second sliding mechanism 45, third sliding mechanism 46, and lifting mechanism 47. Each mechanism has a motor (not shown) and uses the rotation of the motor to move the corresponding movable part. Specifically, first opening / closing mechanism 41 moves first door 14 to open and close, second opening / closing mechanism 42 moves second door 16 to open and close, and third opening / closing mechanism 43 moves third door 18 to open and close. The specific configuration of each opening / closing mechanism is not particularly limited, and a known mechanical mechanism that automatically opens and closes a door can be used.

[0045] The first slide mechanism 44 slides the first partition member 22 between the first use position and the retracted position, the second slide mechanism 45 slides the second partition member 24 in the depth direction, and the third slide mechanism 46 slides the third partition member 26 in the depth direction. The specific configuration of each slide mechanism is not particularly limited, and a known mechanical mechanism that automatically slides a partition member (plate) can be used.

[0046] The lifting mechanism 47 moves (lifts) the second partition member 24 in the up and down direction. The specific configuration of the lifting mechanism is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a configuration including a ball screw that extends from the upper end to the lower end of the box body 12 inside the box body 12, and a nut that is fixed to the end of the second partition member 24 and into which the ball screw is inserted. In such a configuration, the ball screw rotates about its axis due to rotation of the motor, and the nut moves integrally with the second partition member 24 in the axial direction of the ball screw, i.e., in the up and down direction.

[0047] The controller 50 is a device that controls the drive mechanism 40, and is configured with a microprocessor and a control circuit. The controller 50 controls the first opening and closing mechanism 41, the second opening and closing mechanism 42, the third opening and closing mechanism 43, the first sliding mechanism 44, the second sliding mechanism 45, the third sliding mechanism 46, and the lifting mechanism 47, based on detection signals from the respective detection sensors included in the sensor group 30, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, the controller 50 communicates with a control device (not shown) provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle U, for example, while the unmanned aerial vehicle U holding a package is flying (hovering) above the delivery locker 10, more specifically, directly above the first door 14 in the closed state. This control device outputs a control signal to the controller 50. At this time, if the unmanned aerial vehicle U is within a predetermined distance from the delivery locker 10, the controller 50 receives the above control signal. In this case, the controller 50 controls the first opening / closing mechanism 41 to open the first door 14. This causes the first door 14 to move from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0049] The controller 50 is also capable of communicating with an operation terminal 52 used by the parcel delivery person or recipient (specifically, a resident of the house), and controls the drive mechanism 40 in accordance with an input operation received by the operation terminal 52. For example, when the parcel delivery person or recipient operates the operation terminal 52 to input predetermined information (specifically, the address of the parcel delivery destination, identification information of the parcel recipient, etc.), data indicating the input information is transmitted from the operation terminal 52 to the controller 50. The controller 50 compares the information (input information) indicated by the data transmitted from the operation terminal 52 with the information stored in the memory of the controller 50, and if both pieces of information match, controls the second opening / closing mechanism 42 or the third opening / closing mechanism 43 to open the second door 16 or the third door 18. The operation terminal 52 is configured as a communication terminal owned by the parcel delivery person or the parcel recipient, specifically a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. Furthermore, if the delivery person is an automatic delivery robot, the robot itself may be equipped with the functions of the operation terminal 52.

[0050] Next, how to use the delivery box 10 will be described, and specifically, examples of the operation of the delivery box 10 when receiving and removing the package P will be described. Examples of the operation of the delivery box 10 may include a first package receiving flow shown in Fig. 12, a second package receiving flow shown in Fig. 13, a third package receiving flow shown in Fig. 14, a package moving flow shown in Fig. 15, and a package removal flow shown in Fig. 16. Each flow will be explained below.

[0051] (First baggage collection flow) The first package receiving flow is a flow for receiving a package delivered by unmanned aerial vehicle U. This flow begins with the controller 50 receiving a control signal output from the unmanned aerial vehicle U (more specifically, the control device of the unmanned aerial vehicle U) (S001). The controller 50 analyzes the control signal to identify the address of the delivery destination of the package, and compares the identified delivery destination address with the address of the residence where the delivery box 10 is installed (S002). The address of the residence is stored in the memory of the controller 50.

[0052] If the result of the comparison shows that the two addresses match (Yes in S003), the controller 50 determines whether the package P can be placed in the first space 13 of the delivery locker 10 (S004). In this step, if the controller 50 has received a detection signal from the first detection sensor 32, it determines that the first space 13 already contains more than the specified amount of packages P, and therefore cannot accept a new package P into the first space 13. In this case, the controller 50 transmits information to the unmanned aerial vehicle U notifying that it cannot accept the package P (S005). When the unmanned aerial vehicle U receives this notification information, it returns to the delivery center to return the undelivered package P.

[0053] On the other hand, if a detection signal has not been received from the first detection sensor 32, the controller 50 determines that new luggage can be accepted and controls the first opening / closing mechanism 41 to open the first door 14 (S006), and transmits information to the unmanned aerial vehicle U instructing it to drop the luggage (S007). Upon receiving this instruction information, the unmanned aerial vehicle U releases the luggage P that it was holding, which is then dropped into the first space 13 through the upper end opening 11a of the box body 12. At this time, the first detection sensor 32 detects the luggage P being dropped into the first space 13, and accordingly transmits a detection signal to the controller 50. Upon receiving the detection signal from the first detection sensor 32 (S008), the controller 50 controls the first opening / closing mechanism 41 to close the first door 14 (S009). When the above series of steps are completed, the first package receiving flow ends.

[0054] (Second baggage collection flow) The second package receiving flow is a flow for receiving a package P delivered by a deliverer such as a person or an automatic delivery robot, and more specifically, a flow for storing the delivered package P in the third space 17 of the delivery locker 10. This flow begins when the deliverer operates the operation terminal 52, and the controller 50 receives a signal corresponding to the operation (hereinafter, operation signal) from the operation terminal 52 (S011). The controller 50 analyzes the operation signal to identify the address of the delivery destination of the package, and compares the identified delivery address with the address of the residence where the delivery locker 10 is installed (S012).

[0055] If the comparison shows that the two addresses match (Yes in S013), the controller 50 determines whether the package P can be placed in the third space 17 (S014). In this step, if the controller 50 has received a detection signal from the third detection sensor 36, it determines that a package P is already stored in the third space 17 and therefore that a new package P cannot be accepted into the third space 17. In this case, the controller 50 transmits information to the operation terminal 52 notifying that the package cannot be accepted (S015). When the delivery person receives this notification information at the operation terminal 52, the delivery person returns to the delivery base to return the package P that was not delivered.

[0056] On the other hand, if a detection signal has not been received from the third detection sensor 36, the controller 50 determines that a new package P can be received, and controls the third opening / closing mechanism 43 to open the third door 18 (S016), and controls the third sliding mechanism 46 to slide the third partition member 26 toward the front in the depth direction (S017). The controller 50 also transmits information to the operation terminal 52 instructing the delivery person to place the package (S018). When the delivery person receives this instruction information via the operation terminal 52, the delivery person places the package P that he or she has been holding on the third partition member 26. At this time, the third detection sensor 36 detects the package on the third partition member 26, and accordingly transmits a detection signal to the controller 50. When the controller 50 receives a detection signal from the third detection sensor 36 (S019), it controls the third slide mechanism 46 to slide the third partition member 26 toward the rear in the depth direction (S020), and then controls the third opening / closing mechanism 43 to close the third door 18 (S021). As a result, the luggage P is accommodated in the third space 17 through the second side opening 11c of the box body 12. When the above series of steps are completed, the second package receiving flow ends.

[0057] (Third baggage collection flow) The third parcel receiving flow is a flow for receiving a parcel P delivered by a deliverer, such as a person or an automatic delivery robot, and more specifically, a flow for storing the delivered parcel P in the second space 15 of the home delivery locker 10. This flow begins when the deliverer operates the operation terminal 52 and the controller 50 receives a signal corresponding to the operation (hereinafter, the operation signal) from the operation terminal 52 (S031). The subsequent steps S032 to S039 are generally similar to the second parcel receiving flow. Then, when the series of steps shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the parcel P delivered by the deliverer is stored in the second space 15 through the first side opening 11b of the box body 12, and the third parcel receiving flow ends.

[0058] (Baggage movement flow) The luggage movement flow is a flow for moving luggage P stored in the second space 15 to the first space 13, thereby opening up the second space 15 and making it possible to receive new luggage P into the second space 15. The luggage movement flow is performed, for example, in conjunction with the third luggage reception flow, that is, when luggage P is stored in the second space 15.

[0059] In the luggage movement flow, first, the controller 50 determines whether the luggage P in the second space 15 can be moved into the first space 13 (S041). In this step, if the controller 50 has received a detection signal from the first detection sensor 32, the controller 50 determines that the luggage P in the second space 15 cannot be moved into the first space 13 because the first space 13 already contains more than the specified amount of luggage P.

[0060] On the other hand, if the controller 50 has not received a detection signal from the first detection sensor 32, the controller 50 determines that it is possible to move the luggage in the second space 15 into the first space 13, and controls the first slide mechanism 44 to move the first partition member 22 from the first use position to the retracted position (S042). As a result, the first space 13 and the second space 15 become continuous (see FIG. 10). At this time, if a luggage P is stored in the first space 13, the luggage P will drop and enter the second space 15, and will be placed on top of the luggage P stored in the second space 15, for example (see FIG. 10).

[0061] After the first partition member 22 has moved to the retracted position, the controller 50 controls the lifting mechanism 47 to lift the second partition member 24 from the second use position to the first use position (S043). As a result, any luggage in the second space 15 (including luggage that has fallen from the first space 13) is lifted into the first space 13. Thereafter, the controller 50 controls the first slide mechanism 44 to move the first partition member 22 from the retracted position to the first use position (S044). The first partition member 22 that has reached the first use position is adjacent to the second partition member 24 so as not to interfere with the second partition member 24, as shown in FIG. 11 . As a result, the luggage P that has been lifted to the first use position by the lifting of the second partition member 24 is placed on both the first partition member 22 and the second partition member 24.

[0062] Thereafter, the controller 50 controls the lifting mechanism 47 to lower the second partition member 24 from the first use position to the second use position (S045). As a result, the second partition member 24 returns to the position where it separates the second space 15 from the third space 17. At this point, the second space 15 becomes an empty space with no baggage P inside. When the above series of steps are completed, the luggage movement flow ends.

[0063] Then, by carrying out the above-described luggage movement flow, the luggage P stored in the second space 15 can be moved to the first space 13, and as a result, new luggage P can be received in the second space 15. Furthermore, the luggage movement flow is carried out each time a luggage P is stored (put into) the second space 15 until the amount of luggage P stored in the first space 13 reaches a specified amount. As a result, when the third luggage receiving flow is carried out multiple times, the luggage P stored in the second space 15 each time can be collected in the first space 13. This makes it possible to accommodate multiple deliveries (strictly speaking, ground deliveries), and therefore the delivered luggage P can be received multiple times.

[0064] Furthermore, after the luggage P in the second space 15 has been moved into the first space 13, the first space 13 and the second space 15 are separated by the first partition member 22, and the second space 15 and the third space 17 are separated by the second partition member 24. This prevents theft, i.e., the act of reaching out from the second space 15 side to take the luggage P that has been moved into the first space 13 when storing (putting) new luggage P into the second space 15.

[0065] (Baggage removal flow) The package retrieval flow is a flow for a package recipient, more specifically, a resident of a residence where delivery box 10 is installed, to retrieve a package from delivery box 10. This flow begins when the recipient operates operation terminal 52 and controller 50 receives a signal corresponding to the operation (operation signal) from operation terminal 52 (S051). Controller 50 analyzes the operation signal to identify the operator of operation terminal 52, and compares the identified operator with the resident of the residence where delivery box 10 is installed (S052).

[0066] If the operator and the resident match (Yes in S053), the controller 50 controls the third opening / closing mechanism 43 to open the third door 18 (S054). As a result, if a package P is stored in the third space 17, the recipient can remove the package P from the third space 17.

[0067] The controller 50 also determines whether a package P is stored in the second space 15 (S055). In this step, if the controller 50 receives a detection signal from the second detection sensor 34, it determines that a package P is stored in the second space 15, and controls the second opening / closing mechanism 42 to open the second door 16 (S056). This allows the recipient to remove the package P from the second space 15. At this time, the second detection sensor 34 detects the package P being removed from the second space 15, and accordingly outputs a detection signal to the controller 50. When the controller 50 receives the detection signal (S057), the controller 50 controls the second opening / closing mechanism 42 to close the second door 16 (S058) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal was received, and proceeds to step S059. In addition, in step S055, if the controller 50 does not receive a detection signal from the second detection sensor 34, that is, if no package P is accommodated in the second space 15, the process also proceeds to step S059.

[0068] In step S059, the controller 50 controls the lifting mechanism 47 to lift the second partition member 24 from the second use position to the first use position. As a result, the luggage P stored in the first space 13 is placed on both the first partition member 22 and the second partition member 24. Thereafter, the controller 50 controls the first slide mechanism 44 to move the first partition member 22 from the first use position to the retracted position (S060). As a result, the luggage P stored in the first space 13 is placed only on the second partition member 24.

[0069] Thereafter, the controller 50 controls the lifting mechanism 47 to lower the second partition member 24 from the first use position to the second use position (S061), and controls the second opening / closing mechanism 42 to open the second door 16 (S062). As a result, the package P stored in the first space 13 is lowered into the second space 15, and the recipient can take the package P out of the second space 15.

[0070] When the recipient removes the package P from the second space 15 and closes the second door 16 by hand (S063), the controller 50 recognizes the closing operation of the second door 16 and uses this as an opportunity to control the first slide mechanism 44 to return the first partition member 22 from the retracted position to the first use position (S064). As a result, the first space 13 and the second space 15 are again separated by the first partition member 22, and each space within the delivery box 10 becomes empty, i.e., is able to store packages. When the above series of steps are completed, the baggage unloading flow ends.

[0071] <<Other embodiments>> While one embodiment of the storage box for receiving parcels and its method of use of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the movable parts of delivery box 10, specifically first door 14, second door 16, third door 18, first partition member 22, second partition member 24, and third partition member 26, are automatically moved (transferred) using the driving force of drive mechanism 40. However, this is not limited to this, and at least some of the movable parts may be moved manually; for example, second door 16 and third door 18 may be opened and closed manually by the delivery person.

[0073] In the above embodiment, delivery box 10 is a vertically elongated box, and the interior of delivery box 10 is divided into multiple spaces arranged vertically by partitions 20. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , delivery box 10X may be horizontally elongated, and its interior may be divided into multiple spaces arranged horizontally by partitions. In this case, first partition member 22, which separates adjacent first space 13 and second space 15, may move from a first use position (the position of first partition member 22 shown by solid lines in the figure) to a retracted position (the position of first partition member 22 shown by dashed lines in the figure). This movement of first partition member 22 makes first space 13 and second space 15 continuous. Furthermore, second partition member 24 may move horizontally within delivery box 10X, for example, between a second use position separating second space 15 and a position near the first use position. This allows the luggage P stored in the second space 15 to be moved into the first space 13, making the second space 15 empty, i.e., ready to store (accept) new luggage P. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10,10X Delivery Box (Storage Box) 11a Top opening 11b 1st side opening 11c 2nd side opening 12 Box body 13 1st space 14 Door 1 15 Second space 16 Door 2 17 Third space 18 Door 3 20 Partition 22 First partition member 23 First partition member side convex portion 24 Second partition member 25 Second partition member side convex portion 26 Third partition member 30 sensors 32 First detection sensor 34 Second detection sensor 36 Third detection sensor 40 Drive mechanism 41 1st opening / closing mechanism 42 Second opening / closing mechanism 43 Third opening / closing mechanism 44 First slide mechanism 45 Second slide mechanism 46 Third slide mechanism 47 Lifting mechanism 50 Controllers 52 Operation terminal P Luggage U unmanned aerial vehicle

Claims

1. A storage box for receiving luggage, The interior of the storage box is divided by partitions into a plurality of spaces including a first space and a second space adjacent to each other, the partition portion has a first partition member that separates the first space and the second space, the first partition member is movable between a first use position at an end of the first space inside the storage box and a retracted position outside the storage box, When the first partition member is in the retracted position, the first space and the second space are continuous with each other.

2. the partition portion has a second partition member that partitions the second space on the opposite side to the first partition member, 2. The storage box of claim 1, wherein the second partition member is movable between a second use position at an end of the second space opposite the first space and the first use position, and the first partition member moves from the second use position to the first use position after moving to the retracted position.

3. After the second partition member has moved to the first use position, the first partition member moves from the retracted position to the first use position and is disposed at an end of the first space together with the second partition member, The storage box according to claim 2 , wherein the second partition member moves from the first use position to the second use position after the first partition member moves from the retracted position to the first use position.

4. 4. The storage box of claim 3, wherein when the first partition member and the second partition member are both in the first use position, the second partition member is adjacent to the first partition member and is positioned in a space inside the storage box in the first use position other than the space occupied by the first partition member.

5. The plurality of spaces are arranged vertically, The storage box according to claim 1 , wherein the first space is an uppermost space among the plurality of spaces.

6. a first door for opening and closing an upper end opening of the storage box; a second door for opening and closing a first side opening provided on a side wall portion of the storage box, When the first door is opened, the first space is connected to an outer space of the storage box through the upper end opening, The storage box according to claim 5 , wherein when the second door is opened, the second space communicates with the outer space via the first side opening.

7. Further comprising: a drive mechanism for opening and closing the first door; and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism; The storage box described in claim 6, wherein while an unmanned aerial vehicle flying while holding cargo is above the first door in a closed state, the controller communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle and, when a control signal is received from the unmanned aerial vehicle, controls the drive mechanism to open the first door.

Images