Electronic lock unit and home delivery box

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient electronic lock unit capable of easily performing unlocking and resetting of a password or the like, and a convenient home delivery box in which such an electronic lock unit is suitably used.SOLUTION: The locking / unlocking device includes a key operation part 11 for performing locking / unlocking using a pass code, a main lock 12 for performing locking / unlocking using a substantial key, and a reset lock 21 for resetting the pass code using the substantial key, and the main lock 12 and the reset lock 21 can be operated independently of each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery box used for temporary storage of deliveries and an electronic lock unit suitable for use in such a delivery box. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, locking devices that can be locked and unlocked without a physical key by using a personal identification number or the like, and lockers and the like equipped with such locking devices have been widely used.

[0003] Such locking devices are convenient because they eliminate the hassle of carrying around or losing a physical key, but once you forget your PIN, it can be difficult to unlock the door.

[0004] In view of this situation, various locking devices have been proposed that allow the user to reset a set personal identification number or the like by using a separate physical key.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a locking device that includes a reset switch that resets a personal identification number stored in a storage unit in conjunction with the rotation of a master key.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an electronic lock device that can erase a registered personal identification number by using a master key to forcibly unlock the door and key operation in combination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-129144 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-333927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the locking device described in Patent Document 1, the rotation of the master key is linked to the reset switch, so that the PIN code must be reset every time the master key is used to unlock the door, which is time-consuming.

[0009] In addition, the electronic lock device described in Patent Document 2 requires the use of a master key and key operations in combination to erase a registered PIN, which requires the user to memorize specific key operations and perform this each time the PIN is erased, which is also time-consuming.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to solve the problem of providing a highly convenient electronic lock unit that makes it easier to unlock and reset PIN numbers, etc., and a user-friendly delivery box that can be suitably used with such an electronic lock unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is based on the technical ideas set forth in the following [1] to [6].

[0012] [1] An electronic lock unit comprising a key operation unit for locking and unlocking using a passcode, a master lock for locking and unlocking using a physical key, and a reset lock for resetting the passcode using the physical key, wherein the master lock and the reset lock are configured to be operable independently of each other.

[0013] [2] The electronic lock unit described in [1] further comprises an operator that can perform locking operations independently of whether or not the physical key is inserted into the main lock.

[0014] [3] An electronic lock unit as described in [2], further comprising a power supply unit, wherein the key operation unit, the main lock and the operator are integrally configured, and the reset lock and the power supply unit are integrally configured.

[0015] [4] The electronic lock unit described in [1], in which the master lock and the reset lock correspond to the same physical key.

[0016] [5] A delivery box comprising a storage section and a door for opening and closing the storage section, wherein the door has an electronic lock unit described in any one of [1] to [4].

[0017] [6] A delivery box as described in [5], wherein the main lock is provided on the outer surface of the door and the reset lock is provided on the inner surface of the door.

[0018] [1] The user of the electronic lock unit described in [1] can easily lock and unlock the main lock and reset the PIN number etc. using the reset lock by independent operations using the physical key.

[0019] The electronic lock unit described in [2] can be used suitably for delivery boxes, etc., because it allows even those who do not have the actual key, such as delivery people, to lock the door.

[0020] The electronic lock unit described in [3] is easy to use when attached to a delivery box, etc., because it separates the parts that are used frequently on a daily basis from the parts that are used less frequently for maintenance or in emergencies.

[0021] The electronic lock unit described in [4] can use the same physical key to lock and unlock the main lock and to reset the PIN number, etc., using the reset lock, thereby reducing the complexity of key storage and management.

[0022] [5] Users of the delivery box described in [5] can easily lock and unlock the main lock and reset the PIN number etc. using the reset lock with independent operations using the physical key.

[0023] The delivery box described in [6] not only eliminates the risk of confusing the main lock with the reset lock, but also protects the reset lock from wind, rain, etc., and prevents the reset lock from malfunctioning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient electronic lock unit that allows for easier unlocking and resetting of PIN numbers, etc., and a user-friendly delivery box that can be suitably used with such an electronic lock unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic lock unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an operator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of using a reset lock according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a delivery box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a delivery box according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an electronic lock unit and a delivery box according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Moreover, the electronic lock unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is indicated by the symbol X, and the delivery box according to the embodiment of the present invention is indicated by the symbol Y.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic lock unit X includes a first unit 1 and a second unit 2. The first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are electrically connected by a connecting wire (not shown), and can mutually transmit and receive operation signals, power, etc.

[0028] 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are a front view, a side view, a rear view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the first unit 1. FIG.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the first unit 1 has a key operation section 11, a main lock 12, and an operation element 13, which are integrally configured.

[0030] The key operation unit 11 can accept input of alphanumeric characters or any other code for locking and unlocking using a passcode. For example, a numeric keypad including the numbers 0 to 9, a correction button, a confirmation button, etc. is preferably used as the key operation unit 11. As the key operation unit 11, a keyboard, a touch panel display, a dial, or any other input format can be used depending on design requirements, etc.

[0031] The master lock 12 can use a corresponding physical key (not shown) to lock and unlock the location where the electronic lock unit X is attached. For example, a lock that allows rotational operation by inserting a corresponding physical key, a so-called cylinder lock, is preferably used as the master lock 12. The main lock 12 can be any lock that requires a physical key to lock and unlock.

[0032] If the master lock 12 can be operated with the same entity key as that which enables the reset lock 21 described below, it is convenient in terms of key storage and management.

[0033] The operating element 13 can lock the location where the electronic lock unit X is attached, regardless of whether or not an actual key is inserted into the main lock 12.

[0034] Such an operator 13 is suitable for use in situations where a person who has a physical key or passcode and a person who does not have a physical key or passcode mutually use the installation location of the electronic lock unit X, typically in situations where a delivery box equipped with the electronic lock unit X is used by a delivery recipient and a delivery company.

[0035] For example, by using a cylinder lock as shown in Figure 3 as the main lock 12, the operating element 13 can lock the installation location of the electronic lock unit X regardless of whether or not a physical key is inserted into the main lock 12.

[0036] 3A and 3B show (a) a partial cross-sectional view from the side and (b) a front view of the area around the main lock 12 when unlocked, and (c) a partial cross-sectional view from the side and (d) a front view of the area around the main lock 12 when locked. For ease of explanation, the operating element 13 is shown in perspective in FIGS. 3B and 3D.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), when unlocked, the outer pin op on the outer tube os side of the main lock 12 is not inserted into the inner tube is, and the inner tube is can rotate independently of the outer tube os. That is, the operating element 13 can rotate the inner cylinder is to rotate the locking element L interlocked with the inner cylinder is.

[0038] Then, as shown in Figures 3(c) and 3(d), the outer pin op on the outer cylinder os side of the main lock 12 is inserted into the inner cylinder is by the spring sp and abuts against the inner pin ip. In this state, the inner cylinder is cannot rotate independently of the outer cylinder os without the actual key, that is, the state is locked.

[0039] In this way, the operating element 13 enables locking of the location where the electronic lock unit X is attached, regardless of whether or not an actual key is inserted into the master lock 12.

[0040] The key operation unit 11, the master lock 12 and the operating element 13 can independently operate the locking element L electrically or mechanically through their respective operations. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the locking element L corresponds to the locked / unlocked state of the electronic lock unit X, but any locking element L can be used, not limited to this type.

[0041] The first unit 1 also has a first connection part C1 that is connected to a second connection part C2 of the second unit 2 (described later) to enable operation signals, power, etc. to be exchanged between the units.

[0042] The first unit 1 may further include a display unit D that can display the locking / unlocking operation or the locked / unlocked state of the electronic lock unit X. For example, the display unit D may be configured to have a lamp that lights up in response to the locking / unlocking operation or the locked / unlocked state.

[0043] 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are a front view, a side view, a rear view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the second unit 2. FIG.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the second unit 2 has a reset lock 21 and a power supply unit 22, which are integrally configured.

[0045] The reset lock 21 can reset the passcode for locking and unlocking registered in the electronic lock unit X using the corresponding physical key. For example, by inserting and rotating the physical key corresponding to the reset lock 21, a reset signal is sent to the internal passcode memory section, thereby resetting the passcode for locking and unlocking. As the reset lock 21, a lock that allows rotational operation by inserting a corresponding physical key, that is, a so-called cylinder lock, is preferably used.

[0046] If the reset lock 21 can be operated with the same entity key as that which enables the master lock 12 to be operated, it is convenient in terms of storing and managing the key.

[0047] The power supply unit 22 can supply power to each part for various electrical signals and electronic operations, such as the passcode input signal from the key operation unit 11 mentioned above and the electronic unlocking operation of the operator 13 based on this, the reset signal from the reset lock 21, and the lamp of the display unit D mentioned above. A battery case can be suitably used as the power supply unit 22 for reasons such as a simplified configuration and ease of maintenance.

[0048] The second unit 2 further includes a second connection part C2 that is connected to the first connection part C1 of the first unit 1 and enables operation signals, power, and the like to be exchanged between the units. That is, the power of the power supply part 22 is sent to the first unit 1 via the second connection part C2.

[0049] The second unit 2 may further have a mounting hole H. This makes it possible to easily mount the electronic lock unit X at any desired location.

[0050] Using FIG. 5, a method of using the reset lock 21 will be described. First, the user inserts the actual key K into the keyhole of the reset lock 21 as shown in FIG. 5(a). Next, the user rotates the entity key K by 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 5(b). At this point, the registered passcode is reset. Finally, the user returns the entity key K to its original angle and removes it, as shown in FIG. 5(a). This completes the reset operation.

[0051] Since the electronic lock unit X has a main lock 12 and a reset lock 21 provided separately, the passcode can be reset with a simple operation as described above, and the unit can be used conveniently even if the passcode is forgotten.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows the delivery locker Y when the door is closed, and Fig. 7 shows the delivery locker Y when the door is open. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the delivery locker Y includes a door Y1 and a storage section Y2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, a first unit 1 having a main lock 12 is provided on the outer surface of the door Y1, and as shown in Figure 7, a second unit 2 having a reset lock 21 is provided on the inner surface of the door Y1.

[0054] In addition, the delivery box Y may further include a stamp holder S provided on the inner surface of the door Y1 and a mailbox P provided above the storage section Y2. By storing a seal in the seal holder S, delivery of parcels between the delivery company using the delivery box Y and the recipient can be carried out smoothly. The mailbox P allows mail and regular parcels to be posted separately, improving safety.

[0055] According to the electronic lock unit X, the main lock 12 and the reset lock 21 are provided separately and configured to be operable independently of each other, so that locking and unlocking using the main lock 12 and resetting of PIN numbers, etc. using the reset lock 21 can be easily performed by independent operations using physical keys.

[0056] Furthermore, by further providing an operating element 13 that allows locking operation independent of whether or not the actual key is inserted into the main lock 12, even those who do not have the actual key, such as delivery personnel, can lock the door, making it suitable for use in delivery boxes, etc.

[0057] Furthermore, the key operation unit 11, main lock 12 and operator 13 are configured as a single unit, and the reset lock 21 and power supply unit 22 are configured as a single unit, so that the parts that are operated frequently and the parts that are operated less frequently are separated and grouped together, making it easy to use when attached to a delivery box or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, since the main lock 12 and the reset lock 21 correspond to the same physical key, the same physical key can be used to lock and unlock the main lock 12 and to reset the PIN number, etc., using the reset lock 21, thereby reducing the complexity of key storage and management.

[0059] According to the delivery box Y, locking and unlocking with the main lock 12 and resetting of the PIN number etc. with the reset lock 21 can be easily performed by independent operations using the physical key.

[0060] Furthermore, since the main lock 12 is provided on the outer surface of the door Y1 and the reset lock 21 is provided on the inner surface of the door Y1, there is no need to worry about confusing the main lock 12 and the reset lock 21. In addition, the reset lock 21 is protected from wind, rain, etc., and malfunction of the reset lock 21 can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] X Electronic Lock Unit 1. First Unit 11 Key operation section 12 Main lock 13 Controls C1 First connection part 2. Second Unit 21 Reset Lock 22 Power supply section C2 Second connection part Y delivery box Y1 Door Y2 storage section

Claims

1. a key operation unit for locking and unlocking using a passcode; A master lock for locking and unlocking using a physical key; a reset lock for resetting the passcode using the entity key; An electronic lock unit in which the main lock and the reset lock are configured to be operable independently of each other.

2. The electronic lock unit according to claim 1, further comprising an operator that can perform locking operations independently of whether or not the physical key is inserted into the master lock.

3. Further comprising a power supply unit, The key operation unit, the main lock, and the operation element are integrally configured, The reset lock and the power supply unit are integrally configured. The electronic lock unit according to claim 2.

4. The electronic lock unit according to claim 1 , wherein the master lock and the reset lock correspond to the same physical key.

5. A delivery box comprising a storage unit and a door for opening and closing the storage unit, A delivery box, wherein the door has an electronic lock unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The main lock is provided on the outer surface of the door, The reset lock is provided on the inner surface of the door. The delivery box according to claim 5.

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