delivery box

Abstract

To easily operate a delivery box exclusively for receiving without suspending the operation of all storage boxes. [Solution] The delivery box 12 includes a storage box 14 which includes a storage space, a door, and an electric lock 20, and a box management device 30 which controls the unlocking of the electric lock 20. The box management device 30 is capable of performing a delivery mode in which packages 60 are delivered to the storage box 14 and a receiving mode in which packages 60 are received, and is switchable to prohibit the use of at least the delivery mode of the box management device 30.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a delivery box having a storage box capable of receiving and delivering packages. [Background technology]

[0002] A delivery box equipped with multiple storage boxes has been known for some time (Patent Document 1). In the delivery box described in Patent Document 1, a delivery person such as a delivery company inputs information into the input unit, and when the CPU (control device) of the delivery box recognizes that a storage box has been selected in the input unit, it generates unlocking information based on the input information. The recipient inputs recipient information and unlocking information using the input unit, and when the CPU receives the unlocking information, it controls the electric lock to unlock the door of the storage box that matches the unlocking information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-225768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there are times when the manager of a delivery locker system may want to temporarily prohibit the delivery of packages, or depending on the time of day, and allow only the receipt of packages. In this case, with conventional delivery lockers, prohibiting the delivery of packages would require shutting down all storage boxes, making it difficult to operate them as a receipt-only system.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to make it easy to operate a delivery locker system as a receiving-only system without having to shut down all storage boxes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The delivery box disclosed herein is a delivery box having a storage box in which packages can be delivered and received, and is equipped with a storage box including a storage space in which packages can be stored, a door for opening and closing the storage space, and an electric lock for locking the door, and a box management device for controlling the unlocking of the electric lock, wherein the box management device is capable of executing a delivery mode in which packages are delivered to the storage box and a receiving mode in which packages are received, and is switchable to prohibit use of at least the delivery mode of the box management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the delivery box of the present disclosure, the box management device that controls the unlocking of the electric lock of the storage box can be switched to prohibit the use of delivery mode, thereby preventing new deliveries to the storage box without shutting down all of the storage boxes. This makes it easy to operate the storage box exclusively for receiving. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a delivery box according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the delivery box. [Figure 3] In one embodiment, this is a flowchart showing the processing of the delivery mode. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the top screen, which is the delivery mode selection screen, of the operation display unit of the electronic terminal for the delivery box shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the camera operation screen when taking a photo on an electronic device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the luggage storage confirmation screen of an electronic device. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the screen that appears when you select to place items in a storage box. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing delivery completion information sent to a recipient by email when delivery is completed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in a package receiving mode in an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a top screen, which is a receiving mode selection screen, on the operation display unit of the electronic terminal of the delivery box shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an authentication screen for a two-dimensional code that is an unlocking code in the receiving mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a package removal confirmation screen of the electronic terminal. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for activating a terminal idle mode in an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection screen in the initial setting of the management mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that is displayed when the setting of terminal non-use mode (tablet non-use mode) is selected in the management mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen that is displayed when OK is selected on the screen of FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shapes, materials, and quantities described below are illustrative examples for illustrative purposes and can be modified as appropriate according to the specifications of the delivery box. In all drawings below, equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in the descriptions within the text, previously mentioned reference numerals will be used as necessary.

[0010] In the following explanations and drawings, R is the right side when looking at the delivery box, L is the left side, F is the front side of the delivery box, and B is the back side of the delivery box. The direction connecting R and L and the direction connecting F and B are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a delivery locker 12 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the delivery locker 12. The delivery locker 12 is placed, for example, in an office or store in a building, and allows unattended receipt of a package 60 (FIG. 2) delivered by a deliverer 1 (FIG. 2). The delivery locker 12 is used to perform delivery as a type of delivery of the package 60 by locking the door after the deliverer 1 places the package 60 therein, and also allows a recipient 2 (FIG. 2) of the package 60 who has been notified of the delivery of the package 60 to unlock the door and remove the package 60 from the delivery locker 12. An administrator 3 of the delivery locker 12 monitors the usage status of the delivery locker 12, such as whether or not a package has been removed from the delivery locker 12 for a long period of time, and takes any necessary action.

[0012] Delivery box 12 includes box body 13, which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped exterior body and the delivery box body itself, multiple storage boxes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d provided inside box body 13, and electronic terminal 30, which is a box management device. Each of the multiple storage boxes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d includes storage spaces 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d, which are substantially rectangular parallelepiped and capable of storing packages, doors 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d provided in front of storage spaces 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d for opening and closing storage spaces 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d, and electric locks 20 (FIG. 2) provided on doors 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d for locking and unlocking the doors. The multiple storage boxes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are roughly rectangular box-shaped luggage compartments that accommodate luggage in and out, and include multiple storage boxes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of different sizes. Correspondingly, the multiple doors 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d also include multiple doors 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d of different sizes. Hereinafter, the doors 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d and the storage boxes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d will be collectively referred to as doors 16 and storage boxes 14, respectively.

[0013] Door 16 closes the opening on the front side F of storage box 14. Door 16 is a single-door type attached to delivery box 12, and can open and close the opening of storage box 14 by swinging about a vertical axis (not shown) on the right R end. Door 16 can be opened by grabbing and pulling a handle provided on door 16 when electric lock 20 is in the unlocked state.

[0014] The electric lock 20 is provided on each door 16 of the multiple storage boxes 14 and locks and unlocks the doors 16. Each of the multiple storage boxes 14 has a box-side communication unit 21 that can communicate wirelessly with an electronic terminal 30.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic terminal 30 is detachably attached to the box body 13 at the front end of the portion of the box body 13 surrounded by multiple storage boxes 14. As a result, the electronic terminal 30 is installed on the front of the delivery box 12.

[0016] The electronic terminal 30 is comprised of, for example, a portable terminal with communication capabilities and a touch-panel display. As a result, the electronic terminal 30 and the communication unit of each storage box 14 communicate wirelessly. Therefore, a wired connection between the electronic terminal 30 and the storage box 14 is unnecessary.

[0017] The electronic terminal 30 is comprised of a control device 31 that manages and controls the locking and unlocking of each electric lock 20 via the box-side communication unit 21 of each storage box 14, and a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to the electronic terminal 30.

[0018] The electronic terminal 30 has an operation display unit 32, which is a liquid crystal display unit that displays various information, a camera 33, an email sending unit 34, and a management side communication unit 35. The operation display unit 32 has a touch panel and accepts input by touch operation from the user. The information represented by the input accepted by the operation display unit 32 is received by the control device 31.

[0019] The electric lock 20 is powered by an electric lock power supply unit, which is the power supply unit for the electric lock 20. The electric lock power supply unit includes dry batteries (not shown) installed in a battery box (not shown) attached to each door 16. The remaining battery power of this electric lock power supply unit is transmitted to the control device 31. The control device 31 monitors the remaining battery power of each electric lock power supply unit and may display the remaining battery power of each electric lock power supply unit on the operation and display unit 32 when a predetermined condition is met, such as when the manager 3 of the delivery box 12 enters a password using the operation and display unit 32 to log in to the management mode. This allows the manager 3 to easily identify electric lock power supplies with low battery power and easily replace the dry batteries before the electric lock 20 cannot be unlocked due to insufficient battery power. In this case, if the remaining battery power of any electric lock power supply unit falls below a predetermined value, the operation and display unit 32 may be configured to warn the manager 3 that there is a storage box 14 with low battery power, by displaying a message or illuminating a light, etc., when logging in to the management mode.

[0020] The email sending unit 34 can send emails to pre-configured recipients via a communication network.

[0021] Each door 16 is also provided with a lock unit 18 (Fig. 1) including an electric lock 20 and an electric lock power supply unit. At this time, the lock unit 18 is provided with a numeric keypad operation unit 18a (Fig. 1) that can be operated by a user from outside the door 16. The numeric keypad operation unit 18a is used to enable the electric lock 20 to be unlocked by entering a password, as will be described later. The numeric keypad operation unit 18a corresponds to an unlocking means that enables the electric lock 20 to be unlocked directly, without going through the electronic terminal 30.

[0022] The camera 33 is attached to the electronic terminal 30 with its lens facing forward or diagonally downward toward the front so that it can take pictures. The camera 33 is controlled by the control device 31 of the electronic terminal 30 to take pictures of the package 60 to be delivered before the delivery person 1 delivers the package. The images taken by the camera 33 are stored in the memory unit of the electronic terminal 30.

[0023] The management-side communication unit 35 can communicate wirelessly with the box-side communication unit 21 of each storage box 14. As a result, the electronic terminal 30 and each storage box 14 communicate wirelessly.

[0024] The control device 31 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit composed of an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) and a storage unit. The storage unit may be RAM, ROM, etc. The arithmetic processing unit has the function of reading and executing programs, etc., that are pre-stored in the storage unit. The storage unit has the function of temporarily storing the read programs and processing data, and the function of pre-storing control programs, etc.

[0025] The control device 31 executes a program to realize the functions of the main body of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure. The arithmetic processing unit can be of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing a program. For example, the arithmetic processing unit may be a CPU. The arithmetic processing unit may consist of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided in multiple devices. Non-temporary recording media such as optical discs and hard disk drives may be used as storage units. External storage devices may be connected to the control device as storage units.

[0026] The memory unit stores images captured by the camera 33. The memory unit also stores administrator 3 and user information that has been previously entered in the operation display unit 32. Administrator and user information includes their respective identification numbers and email addresses. Users include those who may be the delivery person 1 or recipient 2 of the package. The memory unit also stores delivery person information that has been previously entered in the operation display unit 32. For example, user information such as the user's mobile phone number and name is stored in the memory unit as delivery person information. The memory unit also stores the identification number of each storage box 14, the two-dimensional code used as the unlocking code described later, passwords, etc.

[0027] The control device 31 performs the following processes: a delivery information reception process which receives delivery information; a process which takes a photograph of the package 60 to be delivered and saves the image; a process which stores the identification information of the selected storage box 14 when a storage box 14 for storing the package 60 is selected; and a process which stores the identification information of the selected recipient 2 when a recipient 2 for receiving the package 60 is selected. The control device 31 also performs the following processes: unlocking the electric lock 20 for the selected storage box 14; confirming that the package 60 has been placed in the storage box 14 and locking the electric lock 20; and setting a two-dimensional code and a password as an unlocking code to unlock the electric lock 20. The two-dimensional code may be set as the unlocking code for the electric lock 20 by extracting one two-dimensional code from a plurality of two-dimensional codes previously stored in the storage unit.

[0028] The two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, etc. The password is a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, etc., and one password extracted from multiple passwords stored in the memory unit in advance may be set as the unlocking code for the electric lock 20. The password is an unlocking code that can unlock the electric lock 20 of the storage box 14 by entering it into the keypad operation unit provided on the storage box 14. On the other hand, the two-dimensional code can be read by the code reading unit including the camera 33 of the electronic terminal 30, and the electric lock 20 of the corresponding storage box 14 can be unlocked when the read two-dimensional code matches the two-dimensional code set as the unlocking code.

[0029] The control device 31 also executes a process of sending the captured image stored in the memory unit, the identification information of the storage box 14 containing the luggage 60, the two-dimensional code and the password by email as delivery completion information, which is delivery completion information.

[0030] Furthermore, the control device 31 can execute a delivery mode in which the package 60 is delivered to the selected storage box 14, and a receiving mode in which the package 60 is received from the storage box 14. The control device 31 can also be switched to prohibit the use of at least the delivery mode of the electronic terminal 30.

[0031] Specifically, the control device 31 has a terminal non-use mode setting unit 36. When the execution of the terminal non-use mode is instructed by an operation on the operation display unit 32 of the electronic terminal 30, the terminal non-use mode setting unit 36 ​​prohibits the use of both the delivery mode and the receiving mode of the electronic terminal 30. When the terminal non-use mode is in operation, the electronic terminal 30 cannot be used to unlock the electric lock 20 of the storage box 14. In this case, the electric lock 20 of the storage box 14 containing the package 60 can be unlocked directly using the keypad operation unit 18a of the storage box 14, without using the electronic terminal 30, thereby allowing the package 60 to be retrieved.

[0032] With the above configuration, delivery box 12 can prevent new deliveries from being made to storage boxes 14 without shutting down the operation of all storage boxes 14. This makes it easy to operate storage boxes 14 exclusively for receiving.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the delivery mode processing in the delivery locker 12 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation display unit 32 of the electronic terminal 30 displays a top screen, which is an initial screen and a delivery mode selection acceptance screen (S10 in FIG. 3). This executes the delivery mode selection acceptance. The deliverer 1 carrying the package 60 stands in front of the delivery locker 12 and taps, i.e., lightly taps with a finger, the "Put package in" display area on this top screen. This causes the control device 31 to execute a deliverer information acceptance process that accepts deliverer information (S11 in FIG. 3). At this time, the control device 31 switches the operation display unit 32 to a deliverer information acceptance screen (not shown).

[0034] 4, the language of the operation display unit 32 can be switched between Japanese and English using the display language switching units 32a and 32b. Also, in FIG. 4, by tapping the display of the management mode, the operation display unit 32 can be switched to a login screen of the management mode.

[0035] On the deliverer information reception screen, the delivery person 1 is required to input identification information such as a mobile phone number as deliverer information on the operation display unit 32. The deliverer 1 inputs his / her identification information such as his / her mobile phone number using the operation display unit 32 and taps OK. As a result, the control device 31 stores the input deliverer information in the memory unit as part of the delivery completion information to be sent after delivery is completed.

[0036] The control device 31 also executes a process of taking a photo of the package 60 to be delivered and saving the captured image in a memory unit (S12 in FIG. 3). At this time, the control device 31 switches the operation display unit 32 to a photography operation screen for taking a photo, as shown in FIG. 5. This screen displays a message requesting that a photo of the package 60 be taken. It also displays a message requesting that a photo of the package 60 be taken so that the waybill 61 affixed to the package 60 is visible. In this case, a photo button is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The delivery person 1 taps the photo button while holding the package 60 in front of the operation display unit 32 with the waybill 61 of the package 60 facing up. The control device 31 then controls the camera 33 to take a photo of the package 60 from above a predetermined time after the tap, for example, three seconds later. The control device 31 then saves the captured image in a memory unit as part of the delivery completion information to be sent after delivery is completed.

[0037] After the photographing is completed, the display on the operation display unit 32 is switched to the luggage storage confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6, and a process for storing the identification information of the selected storage box 14 is executed (S13 in FIG. 3).

[0038] The operation display unit 32 may be switched to a photo confirmation screen before transitioning from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6. On this photo confirmation screen, the captured image is displayed in a mirrored state. This screen displays a message requesting confirmation of the captured photo. If the delivery person 1 is satisfied with the displayed photo, he or she taps the OK button displayed on the operation display unit 32. In this case, after the photo confirmation is completed, the control device 31 stores the captured image in the memory unit as part of the delivery completion information to be sent after delivery is completed.

[0039] In the package storage confirmation screen shown in Figure 6, the control device 31 displays a selection screen for a storage box 14 to store the package 60 carried by the delivery person 1 on the operation display unit 32. In Figure 6, a list 32d of multiple storage boxes 14 that are empty and can be delivered, i.e., empty, is displayed. In the list 32d, the size and a selection button are displayed for each identification number of the storage box 14. The delivery person 1 taps the selection button for the desired storage box 14 from the list. As a result, the control device 31 executes a process to store the identification information of the selected storage box 14 in the memory unit. Note that in the screens of Figures 5 and 6, a return selection button 32e is displayed, which allows the user to return to the top screen of Figure 4.

[0040] Next, the control device 31 switches the operation display unit 32 to the recipient information reception screen (not shown) and executes the recipient information reception process to store the recipient's identification information (S14 in Figure 3). On the recipient information reception screen, a list of user information stored in the memory unit is displayed on the operation display unit 32 as a selection screen for recipient 2 to receive the package 60. This list displays multiple users and identification information such as an identification number corresponding to each user.

[0041] Then, the deliverer 1 taps the desired identification information in the list of user information and then taps the OK button, causing the control device 31 to execute a process to store the identification information of the selected recipient 2 in the memory unit.

[0042] Next, the control device 31 performs the process of unlocking the electric lock 20 for the storage box 14 selected on the screen in Figure 6 (S15 in Figure 3). At the same time, the control device 31 displays a luggage storage confirmation screen on the operation display unit 32, as shown in Figure 7. On the screen in Figure 7, a selection button 32h indicating that luggage 60 has been placed and a selection button 32i indicating that luggage 60 has not been placed are displayed. On the screen in Figure 7, a message is displayed requesting that luggage 60 be placed in the storage box 14 and the door be closed. At this time, the electric lock 20 on the door 16 of the selected storage box 14 is unlocked, so the delivery person 1 can open the door 16 by grasping and pulling the handle provided on the unlocked door 16. The unlocking of the electric lock 20 may also cause the door 16 to pop up and move slightly forward from the closed position. Therefore, the delivery person 1 opens the door 16 of the storage box 14, places the luggage 60 in the storage box 14, and then closes the door 16. Then, the deliverer 1 taps the selection button 32h, which indicates that the package 60 has been placed.

[0043] When the selection button 32h is tapped, the control device 31 confirms that the package 60 has been placed in the storage box 14 and executes the process of locking the electric lock 20 on the door of the storage box 14 in which the package 60 is placed (S16 in Figure 3). After this, the control device 31 displays a confirmation screen on the operation display unit 32, showing the captured image and the recipient's identification information. If the delivery person 1 confirms that there are no problems with the displayed content, they tap the "Show receipt" selection button. As a result, the control device 31 displays a delivery completion screen on the operation display unit 32 and sets a two-dimensional code, which is the unlock code, and a password (S17 in Figure 3).

[0044] Next, the control device 31 executes a process of sending the photographed image of the luggage 60 stored in the memory unit, the identification information of the storage box 14 containing the luggage 60, and the set two-dimensional code and password via the email sending unit 34 to the recipient 2 as delivery completion information (S18 in Figure 3), and then completes the delivery process.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying delivery completion information sent to the recipient 2 by email when delivery to the delivery box 12 is completed. In Fig. 8, the delivery completion information displays information indicating that the package 60 has arrived at the delivery box 12, as well as the name of the delivery box, the delivery date and time, the storage date and time which is the date and time of the storage period, the name of the deliverer, the name of the recipient, the box number corresponding to the identification information of the storage box 14, the password (PW), etc.

[0046] At this time, the two-dimensional code and an image of the package 60 taken by the camera 33 are attached to the e-mail sent to the recipient 2.

[0047] Next, the receiving mode for the package 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the receiving mode for the package 60. As shown in FIG. 10, a top screen that also serves as a receiving mode selection acceptance screen is displayed in advance on the operation and display unit 32 of the electronic terminal 30 (S20 in FIG. 9). This executes the receiving mode selection acceptance. When receiving the package 60, the recipient 2 of the package 60 stands in front of the delivery box 12 and taps and selects the "Receive package" display section on the top screen of FIG. 10 on the operation and display unit 32. This causes the control device 31 to switch the operation and display unit 32 to the two-dimensional code authentication screen shown in FIG. 11 (S21 in FIG. 9).

[0048] The screen in FIG. 11 displays a request to hold a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) over the camera 33 and photograph it. The recipient 2 then holds the two-dimensional code attached to the mobile device, such as a smartphone, that received the delivery completion information over the camera 33. The code reader, which includes the camera 33, then reads the two-dimensional code. The control device 31 compares the two-dimensional code read by the code reader with a two-dimensional code previously stored in the memory. If the control device 31 determines that the two two-dimensional codes match, the operation display unit 32 switches to the screen in FIG. 12 and unlocks the electric lock 20 of the storage box 14 that corresponds to the identification information stored in the memory for the two-dimensional code (S22 in FIG. 9).

[0049] The screen in FIG. 12 displays a message requesting the recipient 2 to remove the package 60 and close the door 16. The recipient 2 then opens the door 16 of the storage box 14, removes the package 60 from the storage box 14, closes the door 16, and taps the OK button. This causes the control device 31 to display a message such as "Thank you for using our service" on the operation display unit 32. This causes the control device 31 to confirm receipt of the package 60 (S23 in FIG. 9). At this time, the control device 31 sends information indicating that receipt of the package 60 has been completed to the recipient 2 and the manager 3 of the package 60 by email, and the process of receiving the package 60 is completed.

[0050] On the other hand, there are cases where the administrator 3 only wants to allow the delivery box 12 to receive packages 60 during a predetermined time, such as at night, or for a predetermined period spanning multiple days. In this case, in this example, the terminal non-use mode is executed. The terminal non-use mode will be described below with reference to Figs. 13 to 16.

[0051] 13 is a flowchart showing the process for activating the terminal non-use mode. First, the top screen shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 is displayed in advance on the operation display unit 32. This top screen also serves as a management mode selection acceptance screen. Therefore, the process for accepting the management mode selection is executed (S30 in FIG. 13).

[0052] 4 and 10, the administrator 3 taps the display section for "management mode" to select it. As a result, the control device 31 switches the operation display section 32 to a selection screen in the initial setting of the management mode, as shown in Fig. 14, thereby executing the process of accepting the selection of the terminal non-use mode (S31 in Fig. 13).

[0053] 14, the administrator 3 taps on the display section for "tablet unused mode setting," which is for setting the terminal unused mode, from among predetermined display sections that can be selected by tapping, such as the display section for setting the storage box 14 and the display section for setting the language, on the operation display section 32. This causes the control device 31 to switch the operation display section 32 to the screen shown in FIG.

[0054] The screen in Fig. 15 displays that the tablet non-use mode has been activated and that the door 16 can be opened only by directly entering a password into the numeric keypad operation unit 18a provided on the lock unit 18 of the pre-delivered storage box 14. On the screen in Fig. 15, even while the tablet non-use mode is active, it is possible to return to the normal mode by logging in to the administration mode.

[0055] When the administrator 3 taps the "OK" display on the screen of FIG. 15, the control device activates the terminal non-use mode by switching the operation display unit 32 to the screen showing the terminal non-use mode in operation as shown in FIG. 16 (S32 of FIG. 13).

[0056] The screen in Fig. 16 shows that for the storage box 14 with the box number notified by email, the electric lock 20 can be unlocked by entering a four-digit number representing the password into the numeric keypad operation unit 18a (keypad) and pressing the unlock display key 18b included in the numeric keypad operation unit 18a. The screen in Fig. 16 also shows that the door must be closed after use, and that if the password is entered incorrectly, the password can be re-entered by pressing the clear key, which displays the letter "C."

[0057] As a result, when the recipient 2 receives the package 60 from the storage box 14, he or she enters the password into the numeric keypad operation unit 18a and presses the unlock display key 18b in accordance with the instructions on the screen of Fig. 16 in the storage box 14 corresponding to the box number notified by email. This causes the control device 31 to unlock the door 16 of the storage box 14, allowing the recipient 2 to receive the package 60 from the storage box 14.

[0058] According to the above-mentioned delivery box 12, it is easy to operate all storage boxes 14 solely for receiving packages without having to shut them down.

[0059] Furthermore, the use of both the delivery mode and the receiving mode of the electronic terminal 30 is prohibited, and the storage box 14 containing the package 60 can be unlocked directly without using the electronic terminal, allowing the package 60 to be retrieved. This eliminates the need to operate the electronic terminal 30 to retrieve the package 60.

[0060] Furthermore, since the storage box 14 can be unlocked by entering a password, the theft of the contents 60 inside the storage box 14 can be more reliably prevented.

[0061] Furthermore, the box management device for controlling the unlocking of the electric lock 20 is an electronic terminal 30 installed on the front of the box body 13. This allows for easy inspection and repair work by removing the electronic terminal 30 from the box body 13 if a malfunction occurs in the unlocking operation of the electric lock 20.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the box management device is configured with an electronic terminal 30 that is removably fixed to the box body 13 and is portable when removed. On the other hand, a box management device that has the functions of the control device 31, operation display unit 32, and camera 33, controls the locking and unlocking of the electric lock 20, and can set a two-dimensional code and password may be integrally provided in the delivery box by being built in or otherwise configured so as not to be removable from the delivery box. In this case, the box management device and each storage box 14 may be configured to be able to communicate via wired communication.

[0063] Furthermore, the box management device, such as the electronic terminal 30, may be configured to be able to execute both a first mode, which enables both delivery mode and receiving mode, and a second mode, which enables only receiving mode, and to be able to switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0064] For example, the operation display unit 32 may be provided with a mode selection display that allows the user to select either the first mode or the second mode when the management mode is selected. In this case, when the administrator selects the second mode, the electronic terminal 30 will only be able to execute the receiving mode out of the delivery mode and receiving mode. As a result, for example, the "Put in luggage" display may not be displayed on the top screen of the operation display unit 32, or the "Put in luggage" display may be displayed, but tapping that display will invalidate the input resulting from that tap.

[0065] With the above configuration, unlike the case where both an electronic terminal capable of executing only the first mode and an electronic terminal capable of executing only the second mode are prepared and the mode is switched by exchanging these electronic terminals, only one electronic terminal 30 is required. In this case, it is not necessary to set a password and directly unlock the electric lock 20 of the storage box 14 by entering the password, so only a two-dimensional code can be set as the unlocking code.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the photographed image of the package 60 is saved and sent to the recipient 2 of the package 60 by email, but the photographing of the package 60 and the sending of the photographed image may be omitted as a process required for the delivery of the package.

[0067] The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following embodiments. Configuration 1: A delivery box having a storage box that can deliver and receive packages, a storage space capable of storing the luggage; a door for opening and closing the storage space; the storage box including an electric lock for locking the door; a box management device that controls the unlocking of the electric lock, The box management device is capable of executing a delivery mode for delivering the package to the storage box and a receiving mode for receiving the package, and is switchable so as to prohibit use of at least the delivery mode of the box management device. Delivery box. Configuration 2: The storage box further includes an unlocking means that enables the electric lock to be unlocked directly, without going through the box management device. The box management device prohibits the use of both the delivery mode and the receiving mode of the box management device. The storage box in which the luggage is stored can be directly unlocked without going through the box management device, thereby allowing the luggage to be removed. The delivery box according to configuration 1. Configuration 3: The storage box can be unlocked by entering a password. The delivery box according to configuration 2. Configuration 4: the box management device is capable of executing a first mode that enables both the delivery mode and the receiving mode, and a second mode that enables only the receiving mode, The above-mentioned first mode and the above-mentioned second mode can be switched. The delivery box according to configuration 1. Configuration 5: The box management device and the storage box are communicating via wireless communication. A delivery box according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Configuration 6: The aforementioned box management device is an electronic terminal installed on the front of the delivery box itself. The delivery box according to configuration 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 deliverer, 2 recipient, 3 administrator, 12 delivery box, 13 box body, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d storage boxes, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d storage spaces, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d doors, 18 lock unit, 18a numeric keypad operation unit, 18b unlock display key, 20 electric lock, 21 box side communication unit, 30 electronic terminal, 30 box management device, 31 control device, 32 operation display unit, 32a, 32b display language switching unit, 32d list, 32e return selection button, 32h, 32i selection button, 33 camera, 34 email sending unit, 35 management side communication unit, 36 terminal non-use mode setting unit, 60 package, 61 waybill.

Claims

1. A delivery box having a storage box that can deliver and receive packages, a storage space capable of storing the luggage; a door for opening and closing the storage space; the storage box including an electric lock for locking the door; a box management device that controls the unlocking of the electric lock, The box management device is capable of executing a delivery mode for delivering the package to the storage box and a receiving mode for receiving the package, and is switchable so as to prohibit use of at least the delivery mode of the box management device. Delivery box.

2. The storage box further includes an unlocking means that enables the electric lock to be unlocked directly, without going through the box management device. The box management device prohibits the use of both the delivery mode and the receiving mode of the box management device. The storage box in which the luggage is stored can be directly unlocked without going through the box management device, thereby allowing the luggage to be removed. The delivery box according to claim 1.

3. The storage box can be unlocked by entering a password. The delivery box according to claim 2.

4. The box management device is capable of executing both a first mode that enables both the delivery mode and the receiving mode, and a second mode that enables only the receiving mode. The first mode and the second mode can be switched. The delivery box according to claim 1.

5. The box management device and the storage box are communicating via wireless communication. A delivery box according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned box management device is an electronic terminal installed on the front of the delivery box itself. The delivery box according to claim 5.

Images