vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle capable of loading containers that can hold goods, accessible from the passenger compartment. [Solution] The vehicle 1 has a passenger compartment 9 and a storage space 16 located adjacent to the passenger compartment and capable of accommodating a container 18, and a connecting passage 22 is provided to connect the passenger compartment and the storage space. The storage space is preferably located in front of the passenger compartment. The container also comprises a container body 62 with an opening 60, a lid 64 that can be displaced between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, and a locking device 66 that can maintain the lid in the closed position. The locking device comprises a locking device body 75 for restricting the movement of the lid from the closed position and maintaining it in the closed position, and a user authentication unit 76 that receives input to release the restriction of the locking device body. The user authentication unit is preferably positioned to face the passenger compartment when the container is housed in the storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a loading body unit for a vehicle cargo bed provided on the cargo bed of a vehicle having a cargo bed behind a cab having a driver's seat. The vehicle cargo bed unit includes a loading body for storing disaster relief materials and equipment. The cab has a substantially rectangular box shape, and a wall is provided between the cargo bed and the driver's seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2\1]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle of Patent Document 1, since a wall is provided between the cargo bed and the driver's seat, in order to access the loading body (container) from the passenger compartment, it is necessary to once stop the vehicle and get off.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of loading a container capable of accommodating articles so as to be accessible from the passenger compartment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention is a vehicle (1) having a passenger compartment (9) and a storage space (16) provided adjacent to the passenger compartment and capable of accommodating a container (18), and a communication passage (22) for communicating the passenger compartment and the storage space is provided.

[0007] According to this embodiment, it is possible to access the container from the passenger compartment via a connecting passage that links the passenger compartment and the storage space. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can load a container capable of storing goods in a manner that is accessible from the passenger compartment.

[0008] In the above embodiment, preferably, the accommodation space is located in front of the vehicle compartment.

[0009] According to this embodiment, a container can be placed in the space at the front of the vehicle body.

[0010] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container comprises a container body (62) having an opening (60), a lid (64) that is displaceable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, and a locking device (66) that can maintain the lid in the closed position, wherein the locking device comprises a locking device body (75) for restricting the movement of the lid from the closed position and maintaining it in the closed position, and a user authentication unit (76) that receives input for releasing the restriction of the locking device body, wherein the user authentication unit is positioned to face the vehicle compartment when the container is housed in the storage space.

[0011] In this configuration, the user authentication unit is positioned to face the vehicle compartment. This facilitates input from the vehicle compartment to the user authentication unit, improving the convenience of unlocking the container.

[0012] In the above embodiment, preferably, the connecting passage is formed so that the container can pass through, and a door (24) for opening and closing the connecting passage is provided between the vehicle compartment and the storage space.

[0013] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent containers from unintentionally moving into the vehicle compartment via the connecting passageway.

[0014] In the above embodiment, preferably, the passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, and the vehicle compartment and the storage space are connected by rails (27) for moving the container between the vehicle compartment and the storage space.

[0015] According to this embodiment, movement between the container's storage space and the vehicle compartment becomes easier.

[0016] In the above embodiment, preferably, the passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, and a flat surface (90) is provided on the upper surface of the container.

[0017] In this embodiment, the container can be used as a table.

[0018] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container further comprises a sheet (11) provided inside the vehicle compartment, the container having a storage section (101) capable of accommodating articles inside, and a top plate section (103) coupled to the upper surface of the storage section and extending toward the vehicle compartment from the storage section in a top view, the top plate section having the flat surface on its upper surface, and the container is configured to move from the storage space into the vehicle compartment to a position where the top plate section overlaps the sheet in a top view.

[0019] According to this embodiment, the container can be configured to have a shape more suitable for use as a table.

[0020] In the above embodiment, preferably, the lower surface of the top plate portion is provided with ribs (107) that extend radially from the housing portion when viewed from above.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the tabletop can be increased.

[0022] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container and the sheet are slidably connected to the rail, with the sheet further comprising a seat (11) provided inside the vehicle compartment.

[0023] According to this aspect, since there is no need to separately provide a rail for sliding the sheet, the configuration of the vehicle can be simplified.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, it has a front trunk (13) having the accommodation space inside, and a front lid (46) for opening and closing the accommodation space from the front side is provided on the front trunk.

[0025] [[ID=,8]]According to this aspect, a container can be loaded onto the vehicle from the front.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle (1), which has a passenger compartment (9) and an accommodation space (16) provided adjacent to the passenger compartment and capable of accommodating a container (18), and a communication passage (22) for communicating the passenger compartment and the accommodation space is provided.

[0027] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to access the container from the passenger compartment through the communication passage connecting the passenger compartment and the accommodation space. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle in which a container capable of accommodating articles can be loaded so as to be accessible from the passenger compartment.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, the accommodation space is arranged in front of the passenger compartment.

[0029] According to this aspect, a container can be arranged in the space at the front part of the vehicle body.

[0030] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container comprises a container body (62) having an opening (60), a lid (64) that is displaceable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, and a locking device (66) that can maintain the lid in the closed position, wherein the locking device comprises a locking device body (75) for restricting the movement of the lid from the closed position and maintaining it in the closed position, and a user authentication unit (76) that receives input for releasing the restriction of the locking device body, wherein the user authentication unit is positioned to face the vehicle compartment when the container is housed in the storage space.

[0031] In this configuration, the user authentication unit is positioned to face the vehicle compartment. This facilitates input from the vehicle compartment to the user authentication unit, improving the convenience of unlocking the container.

[0032] In the above embodiment, preferably, the connecting passage is formed so that the container can pass through, and a door (24) for opening and closing the connecting passage is provided between the vehicle compartment and the storage space.

[0033] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent containers from unintentionally moving into the vehicle compartment via the connecting passageway.

[0034] In the above embodiment, preferably, the passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, and the vehicle compartment and the storage space are connected by rails (27) for moving the container between the vehicle compartment and the storage space.

[0035] According to this embodiment, movement between the container's storage space and the vehicle compartment becomes easier.

[0036] In the above embodiment, preferably, the passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, and a flat surface (90) is provided on the upper surface of the container.

[0037] In this embodiment, the container can be used as a table.

[0038] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container further comprises a sheet (11) provided inside the vehicle compartment, the container having a storage section (101) capable of accommodating articles inside, and a top plate section (103) coupled to the upper surface of the storage section and extending toward the vehicle compartment from the storage section in a top view, the top plate section having the flat surface on its upper surface, and the container is configured to move from the storage space into the vehicle compartment to a position where the top plate section overlaps the sheet in a top view.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the container can be configured to have a shape more suitable for use as a table.

[0040] In the above embodiment, preferably, the lower surface of the top plate portion is provided with ribs (107) that extend radially from the housing portion when viewed from above.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the tabletop can be increased.

[0042] In the above embodiment, preferably, the container and the sheet are slidably connected to the rail, with the sheet further comprising a seat (11) provided inside the vehicle compartment.

[0043] According to this embodiment, there is no need to provide separate rails for sliding the seats, thus simplifying the vehicle's configuration.

[0044] In the above embodiment, preferably, there is a front trunk (13) having the storage space inside, and the front trunk is provided with a front lid (46) for opening and closing the storage space from the front.

[0045] According to this embodiment, containers can be loaded onto the vehicle from the front. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] A schematic side view showing the interior of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic top view showing the front of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic top view showing the front of a vehicle equipped with a misload prevention structure. [Figure 4] schematic diagrams of (A) side view and (B) front view of a container with an extension. [Figure 5] An example of a container, including (A) a side view, (B) a top view, and (C) a front view thereof. [Figure 6] Top view of a container illustrating a modified example of the door opening and closing mechanism. [Figure 7] An example of a container with partition walls, shown as a cross-sectional view illustrating its structure. [Figure 8] A schematic side view showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with a container according to the first modified example. [Figure 9] A schematic top view showing the front of a vehicle equipped with a container according to the first modified example. [Figure 10] A schematic side view showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with a container and door according to the second modified example. [Figure 11] A schematic side view showing the interior of the vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Front view of a vehicle according to the second embodiment [Figure 13] (A) Side view and (B) Front view of the vehicle according to the second embodiment with the door open. [Figure 14] (A) Front view and (B) Side view when the door is open, in the second embodiment in which one ladder is fixed to each front of the door body. [Figure 15] Front view illustrating a modified example in the second embodiment, in which each door body is provided with a display indicating the usage status of the container. [Figure 16] Side view illustrating the case where a guide device is provided in the vehicle of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] A schematic side view showing the interior of a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the third embodiment. [Figure 18]A schematic side view showing the interior of a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] (A) Flowchart of the pre-transfer process, and (B) Flowchart of the post-transfer process [Figure 20] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the front of the vehicle in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] Perspective view showing the housing and support columns with the upper wall removed. [Figure 22] A schematic diagram showing the dashboard as seen from inside the vehicle (A) before opening the container lid, and (B) after opening the container lid. [Figure 23] A schematic diagram showing a modified arrangement of the housing unit in a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] A perspective view of the vehicle in the fifth embodiment, showing (A) before the pull-out section is pulled out, (B) after the pull-out section is pulled out, and (C) after the pull-out section has been rotated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle according to the present invention applied to an automobile will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] <<First Embodiment>> Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the interior of the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, viewed from the left and right sides. The vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is an autonomous driving vehicle capable of autonomous driving, and constitutes a shared vehicle for so-called ride-sharing, where multiple people share the vehicle 1.

[0049] <Overall Structure> As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 comprises a pair of front wheels 2, a pair of rear wheels 3, and a lower chassis 4 that supports the front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3. The lower chassis 4 constitutes the lower part of the vehicle body 5.

[0050] An upper chassis 7, which forms the upper part of the vehicle body 5, is provided above the lower chassis 4. A cabin 8 is provided at the rear of the upper chassis 7. The lower chassis 4 and the cabin 8 define a passenger compartment 9. The lower chassis 4 defines the floor that forms the lower edge of the passenger compartment 9 on its upper surface, and a vehicle seat 11 is placed inside the passenger compartment 9.

[0051] In this embodiment, the interior of the vehicle compartment 9 is provided with a pair of left and right vehicle seats 11 that constitute the front seats and a pair of left and right vehicle seats 11 that constitute the rear seats. Of the vehicle seats 11 that constitute the front seats, the vehicle seat 11 located on the right constitutes the driver's seat, and the vehicle seat 11 located on the left constitutes the passenger seat.

[0052] A front trunk 13 is provided at the front of the upper chassis 7. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the front trunk 13 is connected to the front of the cabin 8. A front window 14 is provided at the upper front of the cabin 8. The front trunk 13 is located below the front window 14 in a front view.

[0053] A storage space 16 is provided inside the front trunk 13. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the storage space 16 is located in front of the vehicle seat 11 that constitutes the passenger seat. The lower chassis 4 defines the lower edge of the storage space 16 on its upper surface, and a container 18 for storing items is placed inside the storage space 16.

[0054] Since the front trunk 13 is attached to the front of the cabin 8, the passenger compartment 9 and the storage space 16 in which the container 18 is housed are located adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, since the front trunk 13 is attached to the front of the cabin 8, the storage space 16 is located in front of the passenger compartment 9. This allows the container 18 to be placed in the front of the vehicle body 5.

[0055] The passenger compartment 9 and the storage space 16 are separated by a wall 20 that defines the front edge of the cabin 8. The wall 20 may also constitute part of the so-called dashboard. The wall 20 is provided with through-holes 21 that penetrate from front to back. The through-holes 21 form a connecting passage 22 that links the passenger compartment 9 and the storage space 16.

[0056] The through-hole 21 should be sized to allow the container 18 to pass through. This allows the container 18 to move back and forth between the vehicle compartment 9 and the storage space 16.

[0057] A door body 24 is provided in the wall body 20. The door body 24 is positioned between the passenger compartment 9 and the storage space 16 and opens and closes the connecting passage 22 (see the double arrow in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the door body 24 is hinged to the wall body 20 from the passenger compartment 9 side at the upper edge of the through hole 21.

[0058] The container 18 is roughly rectangular in shape and has a storage compartment 25 inside for storing goods. The container 18 is placed in the storage space 16. Preferably, at least a portion of the top surface of the container 18 is flat.

[0059] <Slide mechanism> To facilitate the movement of the container 18 between the storage space 16 and the vehicle compartment 9, the vehicle 1 is provided with a sliding mechanism 26 for sliding the container 18 relative to the lower chassis 4.

[0060] In this embodiment, the slide mechanism 26 is provided on the upper surface of the lower chassis 4. The slide mechanism 26 includes a pair of left and right rails 27 fixed to the upper surface of the lower chassis 4, a pair of left and right sliders 28 coupled to each of the rails 27, and a plate 30 stretched across the left and right sliders 28.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, each rail 27 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower chassis 4. Each rail 27 connects the storage space 16 and the passenger compartment 9, extending from the front of the storage space 16 to the front of the passenger compartment 9. Each slider 28 is slidably coupled to the corresponding rail 27.

[0062] The plate 30 is connected to the slider 28 on its underside. This allows the plate 30 to slide between the storage space 16 and the vehicle compartment 9.

[0063] The plate 30 has a flat mounting surface 30A on its upper surface that faces vertically. The container 18 is placed on the mounting surface 30A of the plate 30. This allows the container 18 to move between the storage space 16 and the vehicle compartment 9. The container 18 may be fixed to the plate 30 by known fastening means such as fasteners.

[0064] In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 26 was composed of rails 27 and a slider 28, but the sliding mechanism 26 may be configured in any way that moves the container 18 between the storage space 16 and the interior of the vehicle compartment 9. The sliding mechanism 26 may be composed of, for example, a belt conveyor provided on the upper surface of the lower chassis 4.

[0065] Each of the left and right rails 27 is provided with a seat slider 32 that can slide along the corresponding rail 27, and a vehicle seat 11 constituting the passenger seat may be connected to the seat slider 32. This allows the container 18 and the vehicle seat 11 to be connected to the rail 27 in a slidable manner, eliminating the need to provide a separate rail 27 for sliding the vehicle seat 11, thus simplifying the configuration of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, each of the left and right rails 27 is provided with two seat sliders 32, front and rear, and the two vehicle seats 11 located on the left side of the passenger compartment 9 are each connected to the corresponding seat slider 32.

[0066] <Front Trunk> Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, the internal structure of the left half of vehicle 1 is schematically shown. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front trunk 13 comprises a pair of left and right side walls 34 (see Figure 2) that define the left and right side edges of the storage space 16, an upper wall 36 (see Figure 1) that defines the upper edge of the storage space 16, and a front wall 38 (see Figure 2) that defines the front edge of the storage space 16. As shown in Figure 1, the lower edge of the storage space 16 is defined by the upper surface of the lower chassis 4, and the rear edge of the storage space 16 is defined by the wall 20 that defines the front edge of the cabin 8.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, the upper wall 36 of the front trunk 13 is provided with an upper opening 40 that penetrates vertically, and an upper rod 42 (also called a bonnet) for opening and closing the upper opening 40. The upper rod 42 is hinged to the edge that defines the rear edge of the upper opening 40 at its rear edge, and is configured to open upward (see the double arrow in Figure 1).

[0068] Container 18 is positioned so that it overlaps the upper opening 40 when viewed from above. This allows the user to access container 18 from above by opening the upper opening 42.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, the front wall 38 of the front trunk 13 is provided with a front opening 44 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction and a front lid 46 for opening and closing the front opening 44. As shown in Figure 1, the front lid 46 is preferably hinged to an edge that defines the upper edge of the front opening 44 at its upper edge, and is configured to open forward (see the double arrow in Figure 1).

[0070] The container 18 is positioned so as to overlap the front opening 44 when viewed from the front or rear. This allows the user to load the container 18 onto the vehicle 1 from the front by opening the front lid 46, and also allows access to the container 18 from the front of the vehicle 1.

[0071] In this embodiment, by opening the front lid 46 and releasing the fixing means, the user can separate the container 18 from the plate 30 and remove the container 18 from the storage space 16 to the outside of the vehicle. Alternatively, after opening the front lid 46 and inserting the container 18 into the storage space 16, the user can load the container 18 onto the vehicle 1 by fixing the container 18 to the plate 30 with the fixing means.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with a misloading prevention structure 48 to prevent the container 18 from being loaded in the wrong direction.

[0073] The misloading prevention structure 48 may consist of a projection 50 provided on either the rear surface of the container 18 or the front surface of the door body 24, and a notch 52 provided on the other.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 3, a notch 52 is provided at the lower rear of the container 18, and a projection 50 is provided on the front of the door body 24. The notch 52 is located on the rear of the container 18 and is positioned off-center to the left, right, and up and down. The projection 50 protrudes forward from the front of the door body 24 and enters the notch 52. With this configuration, the container 18 can be prevented from being stored in the storage space 16 when it is inverted front to back, inverted up to down, or rotated around the vertical axis. In order to prevent the container 18 from being stored in the storage space 16 when it is rotated around the vertical axis, the container 18 may be configured so that its front-to-back width is longer than its left-to-right width.

[0075] To prevent containers 18 from being loaded in the wrong direction, letters 53 (for example, front, back, left, right, up, down, etc.) or various symbols indicating the loading direction may be marked on the outer surface of container 18.

[0076] In addition, to facilitate loading the container 18 onto the vehicle 1, a pair of left and right extensions 54 extending outward to the left and right may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the container 18. Figure 4(A) shows a side view of the container 18 with the extensions 54, and Figure 4(B) shows a front view of the container 18 with the extensions 54. The container 18 shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B) has letters 53 that constitute the misloading prevention structure 48 written on the left, right, and front sides.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4(A), the forks of a forklift (see dashed line) can be hooked onto the extension portion 54 and lifted, making it easy to load the container 18 onto the vehicle 1. The extension portion 54 is preferably in the shape of a plate extending outward from the upper edges of the left and right sides.

[0078] <container> Figures 5(A) to 5(C) show examples of container 18, with side views, top views, and front views, respectively.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5(A), the container 18 comprises a container body 62 with an opening 60, a lid 64 (see double arrow in Figure 5(A)) that can be displaced between a closed position that closes the opening 60 and an open position that opens the opening 60, and a locking device 66 that can maintain the lid 64 in the closed position. The container body 62 is shaped like a rectangular box. The storage compartment 25 is located inside the container body 62. By closing the lid 64, the opening 60 is closed. On the other hand, by opening the lid 64, the storage compartment 25 communicates with the outside through the opening 60. This allows the user to access the storage compartment 25 through the corresponding opening 60, and the articles stored in the storage compartment 25 can be retrieved. The lid 64 may be provided with a handle 65 for the user to grasp.

[0080] The container body 62 may have multiple openings 60. In that case, the container body 62 may be provided with lids 64 corresponding to each of the openings 60. However, at least one of the openings 60 is provided on the rear (back) side of the container body 62.

[0081] In this embodiment, the container body 62 has openings 60 on the rear, top, and front surfaces of the container body 62. Hereinafter, the opening 60 on the rear surface of the container body 62 will be referred to as the rear opening 60R, the opening 60 on the top surface of the container body 62 as the top opening 60U, and the opening 60 on the front surface of the container body 62 as the front opening 60F. Furthermore, the lid 64 that opens and closes the rear opening 60R will be referred to as the rear lid 64R, the lid 64 that opens and closes the top opening 60U will be referred to as the top lid 64U, and the lid 64 that opens and closes the front opening 60F will be referred to as the front lid 64F.

[0082] The front opening 60F is preferably positioned to overlap the front opening 44 of the front trunk 13 in a front-to-rear view. This allows the user to easily access the inside of the container 18 from outside the vehicle by opening the front lid 46 and front cover 64F. The upper opening 60U is preferably positioned to overlap the upper opening 40 of the front trunk 13 in a vertical view. This allows the user to easily access the storage compartment 25 inside the container 18 from outside the vehicle by opening the upper lid 42 and upper cover 64U. Similarly, the rear opening 60R is also preferably positioned to overlap the through hole 21 in a front-to-rear view.

[0083] Furthermore, the opening and closing mode of the lid 64 is not limited as long as it opens and closes the corresponding opening 60. The lid 64 may have a single door portion 70 hinged to the edge of the corresponding opening 60, and the door portion 70 may be configured to form a single-opening structure that opens and closes the opening 60 integrally.

[0084] In the example shown in Figures 5(A) to (C), the rear cover 64R is configured to have a single-opening structure with one door section 70 hinged to the upper edge of the rear opening 60R. The upper cover 64U is also configured to have a single-opening structure with one door section 70 hinged to the rear edge of the upper opening 60U, and the front cover 64F is also configured to have a single-opening structure with one door section 70 hinged to the upper edge of the front opening 60F. Handles 65 may be provided on each door section 70.

[0085] In addition, the lid 64 may have a pair of door sections 71 that are hinged to the edges of the corresponding openings 60, and these door sections 71 may be opened and closed to form a double-opening structure (also called a double-door structure) that opens and closes the openings 60.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a top view of a container 18 illustrating a modified example of the opening and closing structure of the door section 71. In the example shown in Figure 6, the top lid 64U is configured to have a double-opening structure with a pair of door sections 71 hinged to the left and right edges of the top opening 60U. The front lid 64F is also configured to have a double-opening structure with a pair of door sections 71 hinged to the left and right edges of the front opening 60F. The rear lid 64R is also configured to have a double-opening structure with a pair of door sections 71 hinged to the left and right edges of the rear opening 60R. Handles 65 may be provided on each of the door sections 71.

[0087] As shown in Figures 5(A) to (C), the locking device 66 comprises a locking device body 75 and a user authentication unit 76, and is provided for each lid 64. The locking device body 75 is provided between the corresponding lid 64 and the container body 62, restricting the movement of the corresponding lid 64 from the closed position to the open position and maintaining the corresponding lid 64 in the closed position.

[0088] The locking device body 75 includes a latch (not shown) provided on the corresponding lid 64, and a striker (not shown) and a locking device (not shown) provided on the container body 62, respectively. The locking device is configured to be displaceable between a locked state in which the latch engages with the striker and an unlocked state in which the latch can be released from the striker. The locking device displaces from the locked state to the unlocked state when the user authentication unit 76 authenticates the user as legitimate (user authentication is performed).

[0089] The user authentication unit 76 performs user authentication by comparing information obtained from the user (hereinafter referred to as "obtained information") with authentication information stored in advance. For example, the user authentication unit 76 is provided on the outer surface of the container 18 and includes an input receiving unit 80 that receives input of obtained information from the user (see Figures 5(B) and 5(C)). The user authentication unit 76 may be configured to perform user authentication based on the obtained information received by its input receiving unit 80. The input receiving unit 80 may consist of a keypad that receives input of a PIN consisting of numbers, letters, etc. When the user is authenticated by the user authentication unit 76, the locking device is unlocked and the lid 64 can be opened and closed. After the lid 64 is closed (or after a predetermined input is made in the input receiving unit 80), after a predetermined time has elapsed, the locking device is locked and the lid 64 is maintained in the closed position.

[0090] As shown in Figure 5(C), the user authentication unit 76 may also include a fingerprint authentication unit 82 that acquires information for fingerprint authentication as acquired information for user authentication, and a facial authentication unit 84 that captures a user image for facial authentication and performs user authentication based on the captured facial image. The user authentication unit 76 may also include a display unit that displays the operation status and a notification unit that emits a sound in response to input.

[0091] The user authentication unit 76 is preferably provided to correspond to each of the lids 64. In this embodiment, the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the rear lid 64R is provided on the rear surface of the container 18 (the rear surface of the container body 62 or the rear surface of the rear lid 64R), and is positioned to face the passenger compartment 9 when the container 18 is housed in the storage space 16. The user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the rear lid 64R is preferably positioned so that it can be accessed from the inside of the vehicle via a through hole 21.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1, the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the top lid 64U is located on the top surface of the container 18 and is accessible through the upper opening 40 of the front trunk 13. In the example shown in Figure 1, the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the top lid 64U is located on the top surface of the top lid 64U, but the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the top lid 64U may also be located on the top surface of the container body 62.

[0093] The user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the front cover 64F is located on the front of the container 18 and is accessible through the front opening 44 of the front trunk 13. In the example shown in Figure 1, the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the front cover 64F is located on the upper surface of the front cover 64F, but the user authentication unit 76 for opening and closing the front cover 64F may also be located on the front of the container body 62.

[0094] When the container 18 is provided with multiple openings 60, the container 18 may be provided with partition walls 88 that divide the storage compartment 25 into areas accessible from each opening 60. Figure 7 shows an example of a container 18 provided with partition walls 88, and a cross-sectional view illustrating its structure. In the example shown in Figure 7, the container 18 is provided with an upper opening 60U, a front opening 60F, and a rear opening 60R, and the partition walls 88 divide the storage compartment 25 into areas accessible from the upper opening 60U, an area accessible from the front opening 60F, and an area accessible from the rear opening 60R.

[0095] Next, we will explain the effects of vehicle 1 configured in this way.

[0096] Vehicle 1 has a passenger compartment 9 and a storage space 16 capable of accommodating a container 18, with the storage space 16 located adjacent to the front of the passenger compartment 9. Vehicle 1 is provided with a connecting passage 22 that connects the passenger compartment 9 and the storage space 16.

[0097] This allows access from the passenger compartment 9 to the container 18 via the connecting passage 22. Thus, a vehicle 1 can be provided that can load a container 18 capable of holding goods in a manner accessible from the passenger compartment 9.

[0098] The through-hole 21 is configured to be large enough for the container 18 to pass through. This allows the container 18 to move back and forth between the vehicle compartment 9 and the storage space 16, and to move the container 18 from the storage space 16 to the vehicle compartment 9 side.

[0099] A door 24 is provided between the vehicle compartment 9 and the storage space 16 for opening and closing the connecting passage 22. The provision of the door 24 prevents the container 18 from unintentionally moving into the vehicle compartment 9 via the connecting passage 22.

[0100] The vehicle compartment 9 and the storage space 16 are connected by rails 27 for moving the container 18 between the vehicle compartment 9 and the storage space 16. This allows the container 18 to be easily moved between the storage space 16 and the vehicle compartment 9 by sliding it along the rails 27.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when the container 18 is housed in the storage space 16, the user authentication unit 76 for unlocking the rear cover 64R is positioned to face the side of the vehicle compartment 9. This allows the user to access the user authentication unit 76 from the vehicle compartment 9 via the connecting passage 22, thereby improving the convenience of unlocking the container 18.

[0102] As shown in Figures 1 and 5(A), if a flat surface 90 is provided on the top surface of the container 18, the container 18 can be used as a table after being moved from the storage space 16 to the vehicle compartment 9.

[0103] <First variation of the first embodiment> Figures 8 and 9 show a cross-section and a top view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a container 18 according to a modification of the first embodiment, respectively. The container 18 shown in Figure 8 has a storage section 101 with a storage compartment 25 for storing articles inside, and a top plate section 103 attached to the upper surface of the storage section 101. The top plate section 103 has an upward-facing flat surface 90 on its upper surface and extends toward the vehicle compartment 9 (i.e., the rear side) than the storage section 101 in a top view. As a result, a recessed section 105 that is recessed forward is formed on the rear surface of the container 18, below the top plate section 103. In this embodiment, the container 18 is not provided with an upper opening and an upper lid, but a front opening 60F and a front lid 64F are provided on the front surface of the storage section 101, and a rear opening 60R and a rear lid 64R are provided on the rear surface of the storage section 101, respectively.

[0104] In the modified examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the container 18 is configured to move from the storage space 16 into the vehicle compartment 9, and to a position where the top plate 103 overlaps vertically with the vehicle seat 11 that constitutes the passenger seat. At this time, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 8 and 9, by extending the top plate 103 behind the storage section 101, the legs of the passenger seat occupant can be placed under the top plate 103, thus configuring the container 18 to have a shape more suitable for use as a table. In addition, a part of the top plate 103 may be configured to extend to the right of the storage section 101. This allows the occupant of the driver's seat to also use the container 18 as a table by rotating the vehicle seat 11 that constitutes the driver's seat when the vehicle 1 is driving autonomously. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the top plate 103 may also extend forward or to the right of the storage section 101 when viewed from above. However, as shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the top plate portion 103 extends more to the rear than to the front, and more to the right (driver's side) than to the left (outside the vehicle).

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is preferable that one or more ribs 107 be provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion 103. The ribs 107 are protruding ridges. Providing the ribs 107 can increase the rigidity of the top plate. When multiple ribs 107 are provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion 103, as shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the ribs 107 are formed to extend radially from the housing portion 101 when viewed from above. This effectively increases the rigidity of the top plate portion 103.

[0106] <Second variation of the first embodiment> Figure 10 shows a modified example of the container 18 and door 24 according to the first embodiment. The modified example of the container 18 shown in Figure 10 is for housing animals such as pets, and a speaker 151 that emits sound is installed in the storage compartment 25 of the container 18. In addition, the rear cover 64R of the container 18 and the door 24 that opens and closes the connecting passage 22 are each made of transparent resin. This allows animals such as pets to be seen from inside the vehicle compartment 9.

[0107] This allows the speaker 151 to emit calming sounds (music or the owner's voice) when an animal is placed in the storage compartment 25 of the container 18. Furthermore, since the rear cover 64R and the door 24 are made of transparent resin, the inside of the storage compartment 25 of the container 18 can be seen from the vehicle compartment 9. In this case, the container 18 may also be equipped with an air conditioning system to regulate the temperature inside the storage compartment 25.

[0108] <<Second Embodiment>> Figure 11 shows a side view of the vehicle 201 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 12 shows a front view of the vehicle 201 according to the second embodiment. The vehicle 201 according to the second embodiment constitutes a so-called autonomous vehicle that drives autonomously without requiring a driver. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the front half of the vehicle 201.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11, the vehicle 201 comprises a pair of left and right front wheels 202, a pair of left and right rear wheels 203, and a body 204 extending in the longitudinal direction. The body 204 comprises a lower chassis 205 that supports the front wheels 202 and rear wheels 203, and an upper chassis 206 coupled to the upper side of the lower chassis 205. The lower chassis 205 constitutes the lower part of the body 204, and the upper chassis 206 constitutes the upper part of the body 204. The lower chassis 205 may be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0110] The upper chassis 206 has a cabin section 208 that forms its rear and a trunk section 209 that forms its front.

[0111] The cabin section 208 works in cooperation with the lower chassis 205 to form the passenger compartment 210. The cabin section 208 has left and right side walls 212, an upper wall 213, and a rear wall 214. The left and right edges of the passenger compartment 210 are defined by the left and right side walls 212 of the cabin section 208, the upper edge of the passenger compartment 210 is defined by the upper wall 213 of the cabin section 208, and the rear edge of the passenger compartment 210 is defined by the rear wall 214 of the cabin section 208. The lower edge of the passenger compartment 210 is defined by the upper surface of the lower chassis 205. In other words, the floor 215 that defines the lower edge of the passenger compartment 210 is formed by the upper surface of the lower chassis 205.

[0112] The left and right side walls 212 of the cabin section 208 are provided with entrances and exits 217 for passengers to get in and out of the passenger compartment 210. Doors 218 are provided in the entrances and exits 217 so as to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, the door 218 is a plug door and may be configured as a swing door that swings by a link mechanism or a sliding door that slides along a rail.

[0113] A vehicle seat 220 for occupants is placed on the floor 215. Rails (not shown) extending from front to back are provided on the floor 215, and the vehicle seat 220 may be configured to slide forward and backward relative to the floor 215 along these rails.

[0114] The trunk section 209 constitutes an internal space 224 for accommodating the container 223. In this embodiment, the trunk section 209 includes an upper wall 209U defining the upper edge of the internal space 224, a lower wall 209D defining the lower edge of the internal space 224, a front wall 209F defining the front edge of the internal space 224, and edge walls (not shown) defining the left and right edges.

[0115] The interior space 224 is provided with a partition wall 227 that divides the interior space 224 into upper and lower sections. The partition wall 227 has a main surface facing the vertical direction and is a flat plate shape extending in the front-to-back direction. By dividing the interior space 224 into upper and lower sections with the partition wall 227, two storage spaces 228 are formed, arranged vertically side by side inside the trunk section 209. A container 223 is placed in each of the storage spaces 228.

[0116] The trunk section 209 further has a vertical wall 230 that defines the rear edge of the internal space 224. The vertical wall 230 is wall-shaped and oriented in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the upper wall 209U at its upper end and to the lower wall 209D at its lower end. The vertical wall 230 separates the vehicle compartment 210 from the internal space 224 that houses the container 223. In this embodiment, the vertical wall 230 is provided in the trunk section 209, but it may also be provided in the cabin section 208. It may also be composed of a different member from the trunk section 209 and the cabin section 208. The partition wall 227 may be connected to the central part of the vertical wall 230 at its rear end.

[0117] The vertical wall 230 is provided with vertical wall openings 232 that penetrate in the front-to-back direction at positions corresponding to each of the accommodation spaces 228. Each vertical wall opening 232 is provided with a vertical wall door body 234, which is a door for opening and closing the corresponding vertical wall opening 232.

[0118] As shown in Figure 11, vertical wall openings 232 are provided in the vertical wall 230, arranged vertically. In the example shown in Figure 11, each vertical wall door 234 is configured as a single-leaf door hinged to the upper edge of the vertical wall opening 232 (see arrows and dashed lines in Figure 11). The vertical wall door 234 may be made of a transparent resin material. This allows the interior of the storage space 228 to be seen from inside the vehicle compartment 210.

[0119] The container 223 loaded onto the vehicle 201 according to the second embodiment is also for storing goods and may be the same as that of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 11, the container 223 does not have a top lid, and the container 223 can be opened and closed from the front and rear by a front lid 225F and a rear lid 225R, respectively. When the vertical wall door 234 is made of a transparent resin material, the rear lid 225R may also be made of a transparent resin material. This allows the interior of the container 223 to be seen from the vehicle compartment 210.

[0120] The vertical wall 230 may be provided with a locking device 250 for each vertical wall door 234, for locking the corresponding vertical wall door 234 and maintaining that vertical wall door 234 in the closed position. The locking device 250 is configured to communicate wirelessly or via wired connection with an externally located computer. The locking device 250 can lock the corresponding vertical wall door 234 and unlock the corresponding vertical wall door 234 in response to an external signal.

[0121] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the front wall 209F of the trunk section 209 is provided with two front openings 252 arranged vertically. Each front opening 252 is located in front of the corresponding storage space 228 and penetrates the front wall 209F of the trunk section 209 in the front-to-back direction. Each front opening 252 is provided with a door body 254 that can open and close the front opening 252.

[0122] The door body 254 may have a single-opening structure hinged to the upper or lower edge of the corresponding front opening 252, or it may have a double-opening structure with a pair of door sections (not shown) hinged to the left and right side edges of the corresponding front opening 252. The door body 254 may also be of the roll-up type, or it may be an over-slide type composed of multiple panels that slide upward or downward to be housed inside the trunk section 209.

[0123] In this embodiment, each door body 254 is of the overhead sliding type, and an upper door housing section 258 for housing the upper door body 254 is provided at the top of the partition wall 227, and a lower door housing section 260 for housing the lower door body 254 is provided at the bottom of the partition wall 227.

[0124] Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show a side view and a front view of vehicle 201 with the door 254 open, respectively. In Figure 13(A), the front half of vehicle 201 is shown in a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 11.

[0125] As shown in Figure 13(A), by sliding the upper door body 254 downward, the upper door body 254 is housed in the upper door housing 258, and as shown in Figure 13(B), the upper front opening 252 is opened. By sliding the lower door body 254 upward, the lower door body 254 is housed in the lower door housing 260, and the lower front opening 252 is opened.

[0126] Furthermore, by pulling out the upper door body 254 housed in the upper door housing 258 and sliding it upward, the upper front opening 252 can be closed by the upper door body 254. Similarly, by pulling out the lower door body 254 housed in the lower door housing 260 and sliding it downward, the lower front opening 252 can be closed by the lower door body 254.

[0127] The front of the trunk section 209 is provided with one or more ladders 262 for the user to access the upper container 223. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, one ladder 262A is fixed to the front wall 209F of the trunk section 209, excluding the front opening 252, and to the lower chassis 205.

[0128] Alternatively, one ladder 262B may be fixed to the front of each door body 254. Figure 14(A) shows a front view of the second embodiment in which ladders 262B are fixed to the front of the door body 254. In this case, as shown in Figure 14(B), each door body 254 may be hinged to the upper edge of the corresponding front opening 252. In Figure 14(B), the state in which each door body 254 rotates on the hinge axis and is opened is indicated by a dashed line.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, each door panel 254 may be provided with a display 264 (also called a monitor) that indicates the usage status of the container 223. Specifically, the display 264 may be configured to indicate the usage status of the container 223, that is, whether or not goods are stored inside the container 223. In the example shown in Figure 15, when goods are stored in the container 223, the display 264 displays "In Use". When goods are not stored in the container 223, the display 264 displays "Empty". To detect whether or not goods are stored in the container 223, the trunk section 209 may be equipped with a weighing device for measuring the weight of each container 223, an imaging device for imaging the inside of the container 223, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, when the container 223 is configured to be removable from the storage space 228, the display 264 may be configured to show whether or not the container 223 is stored in the storage space 228.

[0131] The vehicle 201 may be equipped with a guide device 270 that guides the user to a container 223 suitable for storing luggage. Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of the interior of the passenger compartment 210 of the vehicle 201 according to the second embodiment, in which the guide device 270 is provided.

[0132] As shown in Figure 16, the guidance device 270 includes a weighing device 272 installed inside the vehicle compartment 210, a calculation processing device 274 that determines a container 223 suitable for storing luggage based on the weight obtained by the weighing device 272, and a notification device 276 that provides various notifications to the user.

[0133] The weighing device 272 is a device for measuring the weight of luggage by placing it on a platform placed inside the vehicle compartment 210, and is composed of a so-called platform scale. The weighing device 272 outputs the acquired weight to the arithmetic processing unit 274. The weighing device 272 may also be equipped with a display device 272A (monitor) and configured to display the measured weight on the display device 272A.

[0134] The arithmetic processing unit 274 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, and storage, and stores the total weight of the items contained in each container 223 in its storage. The arithmetic processing unit 274 is connected by wire or wireless to the weighing device 272, the notification device 276, and two locking devices 250 for locking the corresponding vertical wall door 234.

[0135] The notification device 276 consists of a speaker that emits sound into the vehicle compartment 210, a display that shows various information, and the like. The notification device 276 can notify the user of the location and number of the container 223 determined by the processing unit 274. The notification device 276 may also consist of the display device 272A of the weighing instrument 272.

[0136] When a user places an item on the platform of the weighing scale 272, the weighing scale 272 measures the weight of the item. The weighing scale 272 outputs the measured weight to the processing unit 274 and also displays the measured weight on the display device 272A.

[0137] The arithmetic processing unit 274 obtains the total weight of the items contained in each of the containers 223 stored in the storage, and the weight of the luggage measured by the weighing device 272. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 274 uses the obtained total weight of the contents of each container 223 and the weight of the luggage to determine the container 223 suitable for storing the luggage. The arithmetic processing unit 274 should consider the weight balance of the luggage in each container 223 to determine the container 223 suitable for storing the luggage so that there is no imbalance in the weight of the luggage.

[0138] Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 274 issues an instruction to the locking device 250 of the vertical wall door 234 that locks the storage space 228 where the determined container 223 is housed, to release the lock. The arithmetic processing unit also instructs the notification device 276 to notify the user of the location and number of the determined container 223. In this way, the lock on the vertical wall door 234 corresponding to the determined container 223 is released by the arithmetic processing unit 274, allowing the user to easily store items in the container 223 determined by the arithmetic processing unit 274.

[0139] <<Third Embodiment>> The vehicle 301 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a removal mechanism 304 for moving (also called discharging) articles stored inside the container 302 into the vehicle compartment 9. However, other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0140] <First Example> Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle 301 equipped with an extraction mechanism 304 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the extraction mechanism 304 according to the first embodiment includes a support base 310 placed on the storage compartment 25. The upper surface of the support base 310 is inclined downward toward the rear. Articles stored in the container 302 are placed on the support base 310 and move along the upper surface of the support base 310, positioned in a rearward-biased position.

[0141] Since the items stored in container 302 are positioned towards the rear, in the vehicle 301 of the first embodiment, when the user opens the door 24 and the rear cover 64R, the items stored in the storage compartment 25 of container 302 move towards the passenger compartment 9. Therefore, the user in the passenger compartment 9 can easily take out the items in container 302. In this case, it is preferable that the door 24 and the rear cover 64R are made of transparent resin. The door 24 and the rear cover 64R may open and close by rotating around a hinge axis, or they may open and close by sliding in the vertical direction.

[0142] <Second Example> Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle 301 equipped with a retrieval mechanism 304 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the retrieval mechanism 304 according to the second embodiment includes a transport device 320, an imaging device 321, a transport switch 322, an opening / closing device 323, a notification device 324, and a control device 325. As shown in Figure 18, the container 302 in the second embodiment is provided only with a front cover 64F and a rear cover 64R, and the upper wall 36 is not provided with an upper opening 60U and an upper cover 64U.

[0143] The transfer device 320 is a device for transferring articles within the container 302, and comprises a base portion 330 coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall 36, an extendable portion 331 that is extendable and retractable and coupled to the base portion 330 at its base end, and an extrusion portion 332 provided at the free end of the extendable portion 331. The base portion 330 rotatably connects the extendable portion 331 to a first axis X extending in the front-rear direction and a second axis Y extending in the left-right direction relative to the lower surface of the upper wall. The control device 325 is configured to control the rotation angle of the extendable portion 331 around the first axis X, the rotation angle around the second axis Y, and its length (collectively referred to as the posture of the extendable portion 331). The control device 325 controls the posture of the extendable portion 331 and pushes it out with the extrusion portion 332, thereby transferring articles within the container 302 to the front or rear end of the container 302.

[0144] The imaging device 321 is a device for imaging the inside of the container 302 and acquiring the captured image, and in this embodiment, it is provided on the lower surface of the upper wall. The imaging device 321 is preferably composed of a camera (preferably an omnidirectional camera) that images the inside of the container 302 (i.e., the storage compartment 25).

[0145] The transfer switch 322 (also called the retrieval switch) receives input related to instructions for transferring items within the container 302. In this embodiment, the transfer switch 322 includes a forward transfer switch 322F, which is located on the front of the vehicle 301 and receives input for instructions to transfer items forward, and a rear transfer switch 322R, which is located on the wall 20 (or door 24) and receives input for instructions to transfer items toward the vehicle compartment 9.

[0146] The opening / closing device 323 independently opens and closes the lid 64, the front lid 46, and the door 24 provided on the container 302, based on instructions from the control device 325. In this embodiment, the opening / closing device 323 can independently open and close the front lid 64F, the front lid 46, the rear lid 64R, and the door 24. The opening / closing device 323 is preferably composed of an actuator 323A for opening and closing the front lid 64F, an actuator 323B for opening and closing the front lid 46, an actuator 323C for opening and closing the rear lid 64R, and an actuator 323D for opening and closing the door 24.

[0147] The notification device 324 is a device for notifying the user, and in this embodiment, it includes a front speaker 324F that emits sound towards the front of the vehicle 301 and an in-cabin speaker 324R that emits sound inside the passenger compartment 9. The front speaker 324F may be provided inside the accommodation space 16. The in-cabin speaker 324R may be a known type provided on the door trim.

[0148] The control device 325 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, storage, etc. The processor performs a transfer process to transfer the items in the container 302 according to the transfer program stored in the memory, and implements a transfer method for transferring the items in the container 302.

[0149] In this embodiment, the transfer process includes a forward transfer process that transfers the items in the container 302 forward, and a backward transfer process that transfers the items in the container 302 backward. The control device 325 (specifically the processor) executes the forward transfer process when the forward transfer switch 322F is turned on (when a forward transfer instruction is input), and executes the backward transfer process when the backward transfer switch 322R is turned on (when a backward transfer instruction is input).

[0150] Figure 19(A) shows a flowchart of the pre-transfer process, and Figure 19(B) shows a flowchart of the post-transfer process. Below, we will first explain the details of the pre-transfer process with reference to Figure 19(A).

[0151] When input is received at the forward transfer switch 322F, the control device 325 acquires the image captured by the imaging device 321 and detects the items contained in the container 302 based on the image (ST1). Once the detection of the items is complete, the control device 325 controls the transfer device 320 to transfer the detected items forward (ST2). After that, the control device 325 determines whether the transfer is complete (ST3). The control device 325 may also determine whether the transfer is complete when the items to be transferred are stationary. Alternatively, the control device 325 may determine whether the transfer is complete based on the position of the items to be transferred.

[0152] If the control device 325 determines that the transfer is complete (Yes in ST3), it uses the notification device 324 (specifically, the front speaker 324F) to notify the user that the front lid 46 and front cover 64F will be opened (i.e., that the opening operation will be performed) (ST4). If the control device 325 determines that the transfer is not complete (No in ST3), it controls the transfer device 320 again to transfer the detected item forward (ST2).

[0153] Once notification to open the front lid 46 and front cover 64F is complete, the control device 325 controls the opening / closing device 323 to open the front lid 46 and front cover 64F (ST5).

[0154] Once both the front lid 46 and the front cover 64F have finished opening, the control device 325 determines whether or not the item that was moved forward has been removed (ST6). At this time, the control device 325 may also determine whether or not the item that was moved forward has been removed by acquiring an image from the imaging device 321 and determining whether or not the item that was moved forward is visible in the acquired image.

[0155] If the control device 325 determines that the item transferred forward has been removed (Yes in ST6), it uses the notification device 324 (specifically, the front speaker 324F) to notify the user that the front lid 46 and front cover 64F will be closed (i.e., that the closing operation will be performed) (ST7). If the control device determines that the item transferred forward has not been removed (No in ST6), it waits until the item transferred forward is removed by determining again whether or not the item transferred forward has been removed.

[0156] Once notification to close the front lid 46 and front cover 64F is complete, the control device 325 controls the opening / closing device 323 to close the front lid 46 and front cover 64F (ST8). Once the closing operation of the front lid 46 and front cover 64F is complete, the control device 325 finishes the pre-transfer process.

[0157] Next, we will explain the details of the post-transfer process with reference to Figure 19(B).

[0158] When input is received at the rear transfer switch 322R, the control device 325 detects the items contained in the container 302, similar to the front transfer process (ST11). Once item detection is complete, the control device 325 controls the transfer device 320 to transfer the detected items to the rear (ST12). Subsequently, the control device 325 determines whether the transfer is complete, similar to the front transfer process (ST13).

[0159] If the control device 325 determines that the transfer is complete (Yes in ST13), it uses the notification device 324 (specifically, the in-vehicle speaker 324R) to notify the user that the door body 24 and the rear cover body 64R will be opened (i.e., that the opening operation will be performed) (ST14). If the control device 325 determines that the transfer is not complete (No in ST13), it controls the transfer device 320 again to transfer the detected item to the rear (ST12).

[0160] Once both the door 24 and the rear cover 64R have finished opening, the control device 325 determines whether or not the item that was moved to the rear has been removed, in the same manner as in the previous transfer process (ST16).

[0161] If the control device 325 determines that the item transferred to the rear has been removed (Yes in ST16), it uses the notification device 324 (specifically, the in-vehicle speaker 324R) to notify the user that the door body 24 and the rear cover body 64R will be closed (i.e., that the closing operation will be performed) (ST17). If the control device 325 determines that the item transferred to the rear has not been removed (No in ST16), it determines again, in the same way as the forward transfer process, whether or not the item transferred to the rear has been removed, and waits until the item transferred to the rear is removed.

[0162] Once notification to close the door 24 and rear cover 64R is complete, the control device 325 controls the opening / closing device 323 to close the door 24 and rear cover 64R (ST18). Once the closing operation of the door 24 and rear cover 64R is complete, the control device 325 finishes the post-transfer process.

[0163] Thus, in the vehicle 301 of the second embodiment, the items in the container 302 are transported to a position that is easily accessible to users both outside and inside the vehicle, allowing users to easily retrieve the items from the container 302.

[0164] <<Fourth Embodiment>> In the fourth embodiment, the vehicle 401 is a four-wheeled vehicle used for car sharing shared by multiple users, and constitutes an autonomous driving vehicle capable of autonomous driving, similar to the first embodiment. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the vehicle 401 in the fourth embodiment may constitute a four-wheeled vehicle that can only be driven by manual driving.

[0165] Figure 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the front of the vehicle 401 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, the vehicle 401 comprises a body 403 with a passenger compartment 402, and front wheels 404 and rear wheels (not shown) supported by the body 403. At the front of the body 403 is a dashboard 408 that separates the passenger compartment 402 from the accommodation space 407 located in front of the passenger compartment 402. Above the dashboard 408 is a front windshield 409.

[0166] The storage space 407 houses an air conditioning unit 410 and a storage unit 411 for storing articles. In addition to the air conditioning unit 410 and the storage unit 411, the storage space 407 may also house a drive source such as an engine or motor. Similar to the first embodiment, the user can access the storage space 407 by opening the upper door 412.

[0167] The storage unit 411 (also called a rotary storage unit) is supported by the vehicle body 403 and comprises a support column 415 extending substantially vertically, a storage section 416 connected to the upper part of the support column 415, a drive device 417 for rotating the storage section 416, and a control device 418 for controlling the drive of the drive device 417.

[0168] The housing section 416 is cylindrical in shape with an axis Z extending in the vertical direction as its center. The housing section 416 is supported by the support column 415 so as to be rotatable about its axis Z.

[0169] The housing section 416 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 420 extending vertically around axis Z, an upper wall 421 that seals the peripheral wall 420 from above, and a lower wall 422 that seals the peripheral wall 420 from below. A cylindrical internal space 425 is formed inside the housing section 416.

[0170] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the housing section 416 and support column 415 with the upper wall 421 removed. As shown in Figure 21, the interior space 425 is provided with partition walls 430 that divide the interior space 425 into multiple regions. The partition wall 430 comprises an inner wall 431 that is cylindrical with axis Z as the center, and two or more extending walls 432 that extend radially from the outer surface of the inner wall 431 and are connected to the inner surface of the circumferential wall 420. The space between the circumferential wall 420 and the inner wall 431 is divided into multiple regions arranged in the circumferential direction by the extending walls 432, and each of these divided regions forms a housing chamber 435. The circumferential wall 420 is provided with access holes 438 for accessing each housing chamber 435 from the outside. In the example shown in Figure 21, the housing section 416 is provided with 12 extending walls 432. As a result, the housing section 416 is configured with 12 housing chambers 435. In other words, it can be said that the storage section 416 has a space equivalent to 12 containers. The number of storage rooms 435 provided in the storage section 416 is not limited to 12, but can be any number of 2 or more (for example, 11). Furthermore, it is desirable that the position of the extension wall 432 be changeable (customizable) according to the user's requests.

[0171] In this embodiment, the upper wall 421 is connected to the peripheral wall 420 so as to be openable and closable. The storage section 416 is provided with a locking device 440 for locking the upper wall 421 in the closed position that closes the peripheral wall 420. The locking device 440 may include an input section (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the storage section 416 and be configured to release the lock in response to input to the input section. This allows, for example, only the administrator who manages the vehicle 401 used for car sharing to access all storage compartments 435.

[0172] As shown in Figure 20, the dashboard 408 is provided with an access hole 445 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the storage unit 416 is positioned in front of the access hole 445. This allows items stored in the storage unit 411 to be removed when the access hole 438 and the access hole 445 overlap in the front-to-back direction.

[0173] Each access hole 438 is provided with a lid (hereinafter referred to as a container lid 446) for opening and closing the access hole 438. The container lid 446 is hinged to the lower edge of the access hole 438 (see the dashed line and double arrow in Figure 20).

[0174] In some cases, an airbag unit 450 is provided in the dashboard 408 or storage space 407 for deploying the airbag towards the rear (i.e., into the passenger compartment 402). In such cases, the airbag unit 450 is preferably positioned so as to overlap the storage unit 411 vertically. This makes it possible to position the storage unit 411 in a location where the deployment of the airbag unit 450 is not obstructed. It is even more preferable that the rear end of the airbag unit 450 overlaps the rear end of the storage section 416, or that it protrudes further rearward than the rear end of the storage section 416.

[0175] The drive unit 417 includes a motor 452 for rotationally driving the housing 416 and an encoder 453 for detecting the rotation angle (actual rotation angle) of the motor 452's rotation shaft. The motor 452 may be located inside the support column 415. The encoder 453 outputs the detected actual rotation angle of the rotation shaft to the control device 418.

[0176] The control device 418 includes a control device body 460 and an acquisition unit 462.

[0177] The control unit 460 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, and storage. The storage contains a table (hereinafter referred to as the rotation angle table) that associates an identification number (ID) corresponding to each of the housing chambers 435 with the rotation angle of the rotating shaft.

[0178] When the rotation angle of the rotating shaft matches the rotation angle stored in the rotation angle table, the access hole 438 to the corresponding identification number storage chamber 435 is positioned to overlap with the removal hole 445. This allows the user to access the corresponding identification number storage chamber 435 from the removal hole 445.

[0179] The acquisition unit 462 obtains the identification number of the corresponding accommodation room 435 from the user. The acquisition unit 462 may be configured, for example, by a touch panel or keypad provided on the dashboard 408, and may obtain the corresponding identification number through input from the user.

[0180] The processor of the control unit 460, based on the identification number of the storage compartment 435 acquired by the acquisition unit 462, refers to the rotation angle table stored in storage and acquires the rotation angle of the corresponding rotation shaft. The processor of the control unit 460 acquires the current rotation angle (actual rotation angle) of the rotation shaft from the encoder 453 and controls the drive unit 417 (motor 452) so that the actual rotation angle of the rotation shaft becomes the corresponding rotation angle recorded in the rotation angle table. As a result, the access hole 438 of the storage compartment 435 with the corresponding identification number is positioned to overlap with the removal hole 445. As shown in Figures 22(A) and 22(B), by opening the container lid 446, the user can access the storage compartment 435 with the corresponding identification number from the removal hole 445. When the container lid 446 is open and there is input to the acquisition unit 462, it is preferable that the user is guided to close the container lid 446 by a speaker or the like.

[0181] Furthermore, the rotation angle table may record a password associated with the identification number of the storage chamber 435 and the rotation angle of the rotation axis. The control device 418 may be configured to acquire the identification number and password in the acquisition unit 462, and to drive the drive device 417 when the acquired password matches the password stored in the rotation angle table. This ensures that only the corresponding user can access each storage chamber 435 by assigning a password to each user.

[0182] The housing unit 411 may be connected to the air conditioning unit 410. In the example shown in Figure 20, the downstream end of the upstream duct 468 is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit 410. The downstream end of the branch pipe 470 is connected to the upper end of the upstream duct 468. The upstream side of the branch pipe 470 branches into two, one of which is connected to the outlet 472 (also called the air conditioner outlet) of the dashboard 408, and the other is connected to the housing unit 416. A switching valve 474 is provided inside the branch pipe 470. The switching valve 474 switches between a state in which the air sent from the air conditioning unit 410 flows only to the outlet 472 of the dashboard 408, and a state in which it flows to both the outlet 472 of the dashboard 408 and the housing unit 416 (see the dashed line in Figure 20). In the example shown in Figure 20, multiple louvers 472A are provided at the outlet 472.

[0183] The branch pipe 470 and the outlet 472 of the dashboard 408 may be directly connected, or they may be connected via a duct.

[0184] The branch pipe 470 and the housing section 416 are connected by a downstream duct 476. In this embodiment, the upper wall 421 of the housing section 416 is provided with inlet holes 478 that penetrate at positions corresponding to each of the housing chambers 435. Each of the housing chambers 435 is accessible from above through the inlet holes 478. The opening at one end of the downstream duct 476 is directly connected to the branch pipe 470. The opening at the other end of the downstream duct 476 is positioned so that the access hole 438 overlaps from above with the inlet hole 478 of the housing chamber 435, which overlaps with the outlet hole 445.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner wall 431 is provided with exhaust holes 480 corresponding to each of the housing chambers 435. An exhaust duct 481 is connected to the exhaust holes 480, and the lower wall 422 is provided with a through hole 482 for guiding the exhaust duct 481 to the outside of the housing section 416. The exhaust duct 481 passes through the through hole 482 into the support column 415 and extends to the outside of the support column 415.

[0186] As a result, air sent from the air conditioning unit 410 is introduced into the containment chamber 435, where the access hole 438 is positioned to overlap with the outlet hole 445, via the branch pipe 470, the downstream duct 476, and the inlet hole 478. This allows for cooling or heating of the items inside the containment chamber 435. The air introduced into the containment chamber 435, where the access hole 438 is positioned to overlap with the outlet hole 445, is discharged to the outside of the containment unit 411 through the exhaust hole 480 and the exhaust duct 481 (see the arrows in Figure 20 extending from the air conditioning unit 410 and reaching the containment chamber 435, and the arrows entering the exhaust duct 481 from the containment chamber 435).

[0187] <Variation> In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the storage unit 411 is located in a storage space 407 provided in front of the passenger compartment 402. However, the storage unit 411 may be provided in any location as long as it is accessible from the passenger compartment 402 to any of the storage compartments 435. For example, as shown in Figure 23, the storage unit 411 may be provided on the roof 490 that defines the upper edge of the passenger compartment 402. If the vehicle 401 is provided with a vehicle seat 491 that constitutes the front seat and a vehicle seat 492 located behind it that constitutes the rear seat, the storage unit 411 should be positioned in a side view of the vehicle 401 behind the front end of the vehicle seat 491 and in front of the rear end of the vehicle seat 492. In this case as well, the storage unit 411 should be positioned to avoid the airbag unit 450 provided on the roof 490 so as not to obstruct the deployment of the airbag.

[0188] In addition, while Figures 20 and 22(B) show an example in which one access hole 438 of a storage chamber 435 overlaps with the removal hole 445, multiple (for example, two) access holes 438 of storage chambers 435 may be configured to overlap with the removal hole 445. Furthermore, one or more plate members extending radially and dividing the storage chamber 435 may be provided.

[0189] <<Fifth Embodiment>> The vehicle 501 according to the fifth embodiment is a four-wheeled vehicle used for car sharing shared by multiple users, and constitutes an autonomous driving vehicle capable of autonomous driving, similar to the first embodiment. However, it is not limited to this embodiment, and the vehicle 501 according to the fifth embodiment may constitute a four-wheeled vehicle that can only be driven by manual driving.

[0190] The vehicle 501 according to the fifth embodiment has a body 503 that defines a passenger compartment 502, and front wheels 505 and rear wheels 506 supported by the body 503. As shown in Figure 24(A), the upper part of the body 503 is provided with a roof box 512 having a pull-out recess 510 that is recessed forward, and a pull-out section 514 housed in the pull-out recess 510 of the roof box 512.

[0191] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 24(A), the vehicle 501 is provided with one roof box 512, and the roof box 512 is provided with drawer recesses 510 arranged on the left and right, with one drawer section 514 housed in each drawer recess 510. Alternatively, the roof box 512 may be provided with a recess that is recessed in the front, and this recess may be divided into left and right sections by a partition wall to form two drawer recesses 510 arranged on the left and right.

[0192] However, the roof box 512 may have one drawer recess 510, or it may have three or more drawer recesses 510. Also, one drawer recess 510 may house multiple drawer sections 514. The vehicle 501 may have two or more roof boxes 512.

[0193] As shown in Figure 24(B), each drawer unit 514 is housed so as to be slidable rearward within the drawer recess 510 (see arrow in Figure 24(B)). Each drawer unit 514 may also be configured to be removable from the roof box 512. This allows the user to replace the drawer unit 514 by removing it from the roof box 512. Furthermore, the roof box 512 itself may be configured to be detachable from the vehicle body 503.

[0194] The vehicle 501 is provided with a locking device 520 for locking the drawer section 514 and preventing it from being drawn. The locking device 520 comprises a locking device body 522 provided in the roof box 512 to correspond to each drawer section 514, an input receiving section 526 provided on the outer surface of the vehicle 501, and a control device 528 provided in the roof box 512. In this embodiment, the control device 528 is provided in the roof box 512, but it may also be provided in the vehicle body 503.

[0195] The locking device body 522 is configured to be displaceable between a locked position, which prevents the corresponding drawer 514 from being pulled out of the drawer recess 510, and an unlocked position, which allows the corresponding drawer 514 to be pulled out of the drawer recess 510, in accordance with the control device 528. The input receiving unit 526 is configured as a touch panel or keypad, and accepts the input of an identification number and a password from the user.

[0196] The control device 528 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, storage, etc. Based on the input received by the input receiving unit 526, the control device 528 determines whether the password is valid, and if it is valid, it displaces the locking device body 522 of the drawer unit 514 corresponding to the identification number from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0197] The locking device 520 is not limited to this embodiment and may, for example, be configured as a mechanical device that is unlocked by a key held by the user. Furthermore, the locking device 520 may be provided for each drawer section 514.

[0198] As shown in Figure 24(C), each drawer section 514 is provided with a recessed storage area 530 that is recessed downwards, and a partition plate 532 is provided in an appropriate location within the storage area 530. This creates multiple storage compartments 534 in the drawer section 514 that can be accessed from above. Preferably, the partition plates 532 can be positioned at any location within the storage area 530. This allows users to customize the size and arrangement of the storage compartments 534 by changing the position of the partition plates 532.

[0199] In the example shown in Figure 24(C), the drawer section 514 is configured to become unable to be pulled out once it is extended to a predetermined position, and to be rotatable about axis A extending in the left-right direction relative to the roof box 512 (see arrow in Figure 24(C)). This allows the user to easily access the storage compartment 534 by pulling the drawer section 514 backward and then rotating it downward.

[0200] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented.

[0201] In the third embodiment described above, the vehicle 301 may be provided with a control system for controlling the inclination direction of the upper surface of the support base 310. The control system may consist of, for example, an actuator provided at the front or rear end of the lower surface of the support base 310 that changes the inclination direction of the upper surface of the support base 310 by lifting the support base 310, a spirit level that acquires the inclination angle of the vehicle 301 with respect to the horizontal plane, and a control device that controls the actuator so that an item placed on the support base 310 moves toward the passenger compartment 9 based on the inclination angle acquired by the spirit level. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0202] 1: Vehicle according to the first embodiment 9: Vehicle interior 11: Vehicle seats (seats) 13: Front Trunk 16: Containment space 18: Container 22:Communication path 24: Door Body 27: Rail 46: Front lid 60:Aperture 62: Container body 64: Lid 66: Locking device 75: Locking device body 76: User Authentication Department 90: Flat surface 101: Containment Unit 103: Top panel 107: Rib

Claims

1. The car interior, It is provided in a location adjacent to the aforementioned vehicle compartment and has a storage space capable of accommodating a container, A vehicle provided with a connecting passage that links the passenger compartment and the accommodation space.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned storage space is located in front of the passenger compartment.

3. The container comprises a container body having an opening, a lid that can be displaced between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, and a locking device that can maintain the lid in the closed position. The locking device comprises a locking device body for restricting the movement of the lid from the closed position and maintaining it in the closed position, and a user authentication unit for receiving input to release the restriction of the locking device body. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the user authentication unit is positioned to face the passenger compartment when the container is housed in the storage space.

4. The aforementioned passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a door body for opening and closing the connecting passage is provided between the passenger compartment and the storage space.

5. The aforementioned passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the passenger compartment and the storage space are connected by rails for moving the container between the passenger compartment and the storage space.

6. The aforementioned passageway is formed so that the container can pass through, The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a flat surface is provided on the upper surface of the container.

7. The vehicle further includes seats provided inside the aforementioned passenger compartment. The container comprises a storage section capable of accommodating articles, and a top plate section attached to the upper surface of the storage section, which extends from the storage section toward the vehicle compartment when viewed from above. The top plate portion has the flat surface on its upper surface, The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the container is configured to move from the storage space into the vehicle interior and to a position where the top plate overlaps the seat in a top view.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the lower surface of the top plate portion is provided with ribs that, when viewed from above, extend radially from the housing portion.

9. The vehicle further includes seats provided inside the aforementioned passenger compartment. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the container and the seat are slidably connected to the rail.

10. It has a front trunk with the aforementioned storage space inside, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the front trunk is provided with a front lid for opening and closing the storage space from the front.

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